2014-2015 Myrtle Cooper Elementary

Handbook

“Anchored in Excellence”

Mission Statement:

The students at Myrtle Cooper will excel in all academic areas and will be prepared to

become productive citizens for the 21st century.

Handbook Acknowledgment

2

Absences

(Teacher/Staff)................................... 3

Announcements................................. 17

Attendance

Committee.......................................... 20

Calendar.............................................17

Care of our

Building..............................................17

Classroom

Supervision.........................................5

Conduct and Discipline

(Student).....................................14 - 16

Curriculum &

Instruction..........................................3

Daily Bell

Schedule.............................................1

E-mail.................................................17

Expenditures......................................13

Teacher Support

Team (RTI).......................................22

Field Trip..........................................18

Field Trip Checklist .........................19

Financial Procedures.........................13

Fund Raising.................................... 13

Grading...............................................6

Homework..........................................7

Instructional Materials and

Equipment..........................................6

Instructional

Supplies..............................................6

Instructional Time..............................5

L.P.A.C. Committee..........................20

Lesson Plans......................................4

Library................................................5

Lunch..................................................1

Notices................................................17

Parent Communication.......................5

Partners in Education.........................20

Parent /Teacher )................................20

Permanent Record Folders.................12

Plan Development

(Discipline).........................................15

Progress

Reports...............................................12

Promotions, Retention and

Placement...........................................12

Pupil

Attendance.........................................13

Records and

Reports...............................................12

Reporting Student

Absences............................................13

Request for to Leave Campus

Early.....................................................3

School Safety ..................................... 20

School Calendars.................................17

School Discipline Plan........................16

School Improvement Team.................22

Sponsorship and Public

Relations.............................................17

Staff Development.............................18

Standardized Tests.............................4

Stipends (Extra-Curricular

Positions)...........................................20

Student Portfolios..............................6

Substitute Folder................................4

Teacher’s Regular Duty

Hours.................................................1

Teachers’ Lounge..............................17

TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge

Skills).................................................3

Textbooks.......................................7-11

Time Management.............................2

Video .................................................6

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GENERAL INFORMATION

School Day

The Socorro Independent School District has designated the school day for Myrtle Cooper

students as follows:

Prekindergarten

Morning Session (AM): 7:40 am to 10:45 am

Afternoon Session (PM): 11:30 am to 2:30 pm

Kindergarten 7:40 am to 2:30pm

First through fifth grade: 7:40 am to 3:15 pm

Daily Bell Schedule

7:40 - 1st Bell

7:45 - Tardy Bell

10:45 - A.M. Prek Dismissal

11:30 - P.M. Prek Begin

8:00 & 8:45 - Super School

2:30 - Kinder Dismissal

3:15 - Dismissal

Teacher's Regular Duty Hours

Regular duty hours for the professional staff are from 7:25am until 3:30pm. Additional time

will be required for ground duty and faculty meetings. Ground duty will be from 7:25am

until 7:45am and 3:15pm - 3:30pm. A duty schedule will be included in your faculty

handbook. Faculty meetings will be scheduled as far in advance as possible. There will be at

least one faculty meeting per month and you must meet with your grade level to plan for

instruction as needed.

PDAS procedures will be followed as per district and state policy if you qualify for a waiver

please submit it ASAP (Waiver). The list of PDAS appraisers is attached.

Lunch

Lunch periods are assigned by grade level and are 40 minutes. Please adhere to the schedule

below. Afternoon instruction begins at the time designated at the end of the lunch period.

Lunch Schedule:

Kinder 10:10-10:50

1st 10:20-11:00

2nd

10:30-11:10

Pre-K Time_________________________

3rd

11:15-11:55

4th

11:25-12:05

5th

11:35-12:15

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Teacher Conference Period (P.E)

Coach Schedule

2nd Grade 9:40 to 10:25 8:00 – 8:45 Super School

1st Grade 8:50 to 9:35 10:30 – 11:00 Lunch

3rd Grade 12:50 to 1:35 11:00 to 11:45 Conference

4th Grade 1:40 to 2:25 11:45 to 12:45 Intervention

5th Grade 2:25 to 3:10

PreK Kinder Conf. 2:30 to 3:15

Time Management It is important to set a good example for the students by being on time to class. Instruction

begins promptly at 7:40am. In addition, afternoon instruction should begin at the time

designated at the end of the lunch period. Please expect your students to be on time and set

the example for them with your promptness. Instruction should end no sooner than 3:15.

Absences (Teacher / Staff)

All teachers and staff members are required to call the District's ASEOP Sub System no later

than 5:00a.m. when reporting an absence for that day. It is, however, recommended that you

call the System as much in advance as possible. This will ensure that you procure the sub of

your choice if desired.

**Remember that on the fourth consecutive absence, a doctor's note is required before

returning to work. If you know in advance that you will be absent for two or more days,

please let an administrator know as a courtesy so that they can monitor your classroom for

quality control.

Should the Sub System be inoperable, please continue trying to get through until 6:00

am of that day. If you still cannot get through, then please call Ms. Tenison or Mrs.

Gonzalez as soon as possible. If you cannot get through then, please call Mr. Garcia.

All school-related business (everything with the exception of illness, family

emergency and court subpoena) for which you are intending to call the sub-finder must be

cleared from an administrator prior to calling the sub-finder (Even if it is a District

Sponsored event).

*It is your responsibility to ensure coverage for duty and other responsibilities in the event of

your absence.

*Detailed lesson plans must be ready for subs in the case of an emergency and absence.

*Please be sure your sub-folder is on your desk.

REMEMBER: "THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A GOOD TEACHER!"

Request To Leave Campus Early

Please try to schedule doctor and all appointments at times other than school hours. If you

need to leave campus early, you will need to submit a "Request To Leave Campus Early

Form" to an administrator (at least 24 hours in advance unless it is an emergency). If your

request is approved, you will then need to sign out in the office.

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*Please keep in mind that one hour is the maximum amount of time that can be granted for

an early release (As per District policy). Any early release requests exceeding one hour must

be called in as a half a day absence where upon your remaining days in your absence bank

will be debited.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Myrtle Cooper has high academic standards and expectations of its students. The entire team

of professional and support personnel are responsible for the success of the instructional

program.

TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)

The foundation of the instructional program is based upon the State's Texas Essential

Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). For accountability purposes, you must note the TEKS

covered in each lesson in your lesson plan book. A copy of the TEKS for your grade level

will be provided for you and access through the TEA homepage will keep you current on

curriculum updates. Nine week curriculum guides are provided to you which contain

objectives and activities based on these TEKS.

INTERVENTION TUTORIALS (After School/Saturday Camps/Intersession)

Teachers at each grade level will be expected to provide intervention tutorials to students in

need of assistance throughout the year.

STANDARDIZED TESTS

Students in grades 3, 4, & 5 will be tested in spring '15 on the State of Texas Assessment of

Academic Readiness (STAAR). A plan to prepare students for this test will be discussed

with all staff members in various forums. Although test mastery is not the basis of our

curriculum, we do recognize that the tests are part of our "campus report card" to the

community and school AEIS Report. Knowledge of the test objectives should be integrated

as a natural part of the curriculum. Test taking skills will be part of our study skills program

to prepare students to do their best in all phases of their education.

LESSON PLANS

A copy of lesson plans are to be completed on a weekly basis. (A list of PDAS supervisors

are contained in this faculty handbook). Plans need to be kept in the classroom where they

can be viewed during walkthroughs. Computer generated lesson plans are mandatory.

Teachers with less than three years teaching experience or new to the campus should turn in

lesson plans to your PDAS supervisor on a weekly basis.

Lesson Plans Should Include At Least The Following:

1. TEKS Citation: Or the textbook page where the TEKS is noted

2. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the lesson

3. METHOD OR ACTIVITIES: How the lesson will be presented

4. MATERIALS: Titles of books, manipulatives, pages, games, etc.

5. EVALUATION: Method used when appropriate

Remember, lesson plans serve two purposes: First, they provide a detailed plan for the

teacher to follow. Second, they provide the instructional plan for a substitute to follow if you

are absent. Remember we have to be able to find the materials when you are absent.

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SUBSTITUTE FOLDER

In addition to your lesson plans, please have a clearly labeled folder in an accessible area by

the end of the third week of school with information for a substitute. Please make sure that

your plans are updated periodically. Please write in non-permanent marker. Your substitute

folder should include the following:

1. A copy of the daily instructional schedule including a schedule of

special pullout activities such as library, computer lab, etc.

2. Seating chart

3. Schedules for special students with times they go to resource,

speech, etc.

4. Modifications for students with special needs

5. Lunch and duty schedules

6. Discipline plan and forms to be used

7. Calendar of special activities

8. Supplementary activities to be used if time allows

9. Other pertinent Student information such as a food allergy.

INSTRUCTIONAL TIME

Instruction begins promptly at 7:40am and ends at 3:15pm. Your first activity of the day

should be ready as students enter class each morning. Routines established the first two

weeks of school can be the basis of a very successful year! Remember that afternoon

instruction begins promptly after the lunch period.

Instructional time is a precious and limited commodity. Students cannot afford to waste any

of it. Learning is exciting! Relevant, integrated, hands-on learning activities should fill the

school day to overflowing. A well planned lesson and a well managed, student focused

classroom is the best deterrent to discipline problems.

Please note: All phone use including cell phones must be limited to emergencies only!

Nurse/Restroom/Office Passes

All classrooms will be provided with a Nurse pass to help students with time management.

Any students out of the class will need to have a pass with them; this includes but is not

limited to restroom, nurse, UIL practice and lunch detention.

CLASSROOM SUPERVISION

Teachers must supervise students in classrooms at all times. If an emergency arises and you

must leave the classroom while students are there, please call the office so we can cover the

class for you.

Please do not leave your class unattended for any reason.

Do not ask students to return to your classroom during lunch or after school unless you are

there to monitor them and have issued a hall pass.

Library/Computers Attendance

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Teachers will be required to stay with their classes during scheduled library time and teachers

will be required to conduct computer lessons.

DO NOT ASK STUDENTS TO MONITOR OTHER STUDENTS.

Unattended students are an invitation for trouble, even if the students are your most

trustworthy ones. Don't put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation!

We encourage you to use your emergency procedures plan should you need assistance from

the administrative team.

Teachers must supervise and account for each of their student’s whereabouts at all times.

CLASSROOM VISITS

In an effort to understand how we are impacted by the instruction of others please plan on

making 3 classroom visits of other teachers. Choose one teacher at your grade level, one

teacher above your grade level, and one teacher below your grade level. Please fill out the

classroom visit observation form and include it in your portfolio. Visits must be made prior

to the end of the 1st semester and coverage will not be provided for these observations.

PARENT COMMUNICATION LOGS

Keeping parents informed is crucial to the success of the school. Please make every effort to

contact parents when merited. Be sure to document all parent communications as this is part

of your appraisal. Submit a copy of letters to office prior to sending home. If ever a question

arises about parental contact, ask yourself. Please use the following form to document parent

communication.

"If this were my child what would I like to have done."

GRADING

Myrtle Cooper has a developmental report card; assigning grades will be done in accordance

with SISD Policy EIE. A copy of that policy is included in this manual. Please review it. If

you have any questions, feel free to talk to an administrator about specific problems.

STUDENT PORTFOLIOS & ARMS Input

In addition to school report cards, monitoring student progress can also be accomplished

through the use of student portfolios. Teachers must also identify and document students who

are at-risk through the use of ARMS. To begin the process, a folder should be maintained for

each student. It should contain the following:

1. A writing sample from each nine weeks grading period

2. One or more Reading Inventory to determine reading level

3. Samples of student projects

4. Checklists of achievements

The portfolios are mandatory for special program recommendations such as RTI team and

LPAC. Teachers and students should keep portfolios current with quality work. They should

be updated every month at a minimum. Remember to Document, document, document...

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES

Supplies are centrally stored and are requested by completing a "Supplies Request" form.

The campus clerk fills the order and delivers them to your classroom in the afternoon. Please

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order materials 24 hours in advance to allow the clerk time to fill the order. Students should

not be sent to the office to request materials.

*A list of available supplies is included in this manual. If you would like some materials that

are not on the list, ask the clerk if it can be ordered. If it is not available in the warehouse,

see an administrator to request that the item be purchased by the school (See "FINANCIAL

PROCEDURES" regarding the purchase of materials).

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Supplementary instructional materials are available in the library and in the book room. The

Librarian will be happy to help you find extra materials on a variety of topics. Support

teachers can provide math manipulatives, reading, science material etc. from the book room

if available (When planning lessons they are great resource people to contact).

Additional instructional materials will be ordered throughout the school year. See Al Garcia

to request the purchase of particular items. The highest priorities will go to items that are

purchased for a grade level rather that for just one teacher. Additional math and science

materials will be purchased to enhance the new programs in these subjects.

USE OF VIDEO-Clips

Please choose video-tapes used during instruction time with great care. Videos should

enhance classroom instruction and directly relate to the lesson being taught. Research shows

that students who watch six hours of television a day perform significantly lower on

academic tests. The school should not contribute to that viewing time without a strong

educational reason. Often videos are used as positive reinforcements, but other options such

as instructional games could reward students and be a learning experience at the same time.

Please also note that should you get permission via email to show a "G" - rated movie, prior

parental approval is not required. Any movie carrying a rating stronger than a G must get

parental approval. Please be prepared to send home a permission slip, well in advance,

stating the content of the movie to parents as well as the opportunity for the parent to having

their child "opt out" of the viewing. All videos should be broadcast out of the library as

available. A video presentation requisition is available in this handbook. Please make sure

all video presentations have had administrative approval prior to showing any movie.

LIBRARY

All classes should be scheduled to visit the library on a regular basis. Classes will be

scheduled for forty-five minutes every other week. Additional time may be scheduled by the

teacher for class projects or programs. Special arrangements for changes in this procedure

may be made with the Librarian. For the 14-15 school year we will observe a flex schedule

during library time.

The Librarian will present a lesson to each class during the 45 minute visit. Students may

check out books not only during the class visit, but also before school, after school and at

lunch time for research purposes only (teacher pass). See the Librarian to schedule your

class as soon as possible.

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Don't forget to ask the Librarian for help with supplementary material for your teaching

units. Let her know about themes you plan to use so her lessons can compliment classroom

instruction. The librarian will attend grade level meetings (at least once a month) to

coordinate the library program with instruction.

HOMELEARNING

Consistent homework provides the student with additional practice in the skills learned in

class as well as develops responsibility and independence. Learning the skills and self-

discipline required to complete homework is an important part of each child's education.

Please be sure homework is easily understood and utilizes materials available to all children.

A maximum of 60 minutes of homework should be given Monday - Thursday. This is to

include the twenty minutes of daily reading. Please adhere to this campus policy.

The SISD Homework Organizer is available in the office for each child in your class. It

contains a variety of calendars for writing down assignments. It often provides an effective

tool for parents and teachers to monitor a student's work. Please request them for your class

if desired.

Please remember homework should never be graded.

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Myrtle Cooper

Textbook Administrative Guidelines

2014-2015

A. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES/INVENTORY Teachers:

1. Keep a record of the book number of all books issued to each pupil. (TEC 31.104 (C)) 2. Ensure book covers are available and textbooks are kept covered at all times. 3. Conduct periodic textbook checks (1 per 9 weeks) as directed by the

assistant principal. 4. Notify the parent when a textbook is lost, destroyed, or damaged by a

student. (see notification procedures) 5. Return surplus books to the book room. 6. Verify the textbook number and condition of the textbooks when they are

returned by the student. 7. Return all books to the book room at the end of the year or end of the course

(including student books checked out to the teacher). Pupil, Parent, or Guardian:

1. Keep textbooks covered at all times. (TEC 12.65 (b)) 2. Return textbooks at the close of the session or when the student withdraws

from school. (TEC 12.65 (b)) 3. Write the student’s name inside the front cover of the textbook in ink. 4. Keep the textbook in good condition. Any misuse of the textbooks due to

carelessness or neglect may be considered cause to charge the student a fine for that textbook.

5. Reimburse the school for any lost, destroyed, or damaged textbooks issued to that student. Any student failing to return all books shall forfeit his right to free textbooks until the books previously issued, but not returned are paid for by the parent or guardian.

Each student , or his parent or guardian, shall be responsible to the teacher for all textbooks not returned by the student, and any student failing to return all books shall forfeit his right to free textbooks until the textbooks previously issued but not returned are paid for by the parent or guardian. If a student loses a textbook(s) and fails to return or pay for it, the school shall allow the student to use the textbook(s) at school during each school day but not be assigned a textbook for out of class use. (TEC 31.104 (d))

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B. ORDERING, DISTRIBUTION, AND USE Consumable/Hardcover Textbooks

Consumable textbooks, textbooks in workbook format designed to be completely used and written in throughout the year, are to be sent with school records when a student transfer from one school to another within the district. Consumable textbooks are not to be sent with student records when a student transfers out of district. If a campus is in need of additional consumable textbooks during the school year contact the Campus Assistant Principal via e-mail. Hardcover Textbooks, if a student is in need of textbooks during the school year contact the Campus Assistant Principal via e-mail requesting an order of needed textbooks.

D. LOST TEXTBOOKS Campus Administrative Guidelines

1. The campus shall ensure that all required accounting procedures are followed for monies collected for all lost, destroyed, or damaged textbooks.

2. The campus shall send all money collected from student for sales (including payments for lost and destroyed textbooks) to the Finance Department.

3. The campus shall report all textbooks needing to be replaced due to destruction or wear.

4. If a textbook is not returned or paid for the district or school may withhold the student’s records. (TEC 31.104 d) destroyed, or damaged textbooks.

5. The campus shall notify the parent or guardian when a textbook is lost or damaged.

6. When a student remits payment for a 100% damaged textbook the damaged textbook becomes property of the student.

7. Only the campus textbook coordinator may waive or reduce payment requirement if a student is from a family of low income (CMD Legal) (TEC 31.104 d) Low income in this instance is defined as student eligible for free or reduced lunch. Not more than 2 % of the schools current population may be waived on any campus.

8. Each student, or the student’s parent or guardian, is responsible for each textbook not returned by the student. A student who fails to return all textbooks forfeits the right to free textbooks until each textbook previously issued but not returned is paid for by the student. (TEC 31.104 d)

9. The campus may provide for a method of payment other than a lump sum payment of the full price of the book. (CMD Legal Policy). Two equal payments must be made. Final payment must be received no later than the last day of semester.

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10. District personnel are responsible for lost or damaged textbooks or teacher’s editions that have been issued to them for their use. Teachers that check out class set of textbooks are accountable for loss or destruction of books. Payment responsibility for lost or destroyed books, Teacher Edition or ancillary materials should be passed on to the individual or department who is accountable for the book. Teachers that check out a class set of textbooks are accountable for loss or destruction of these books. Loss or destruction by an individual student should be paid for by that student or parent. If the losses are caused by accounting errors or failure to maintain control, the funds should be collected from the teacher, department, grade level, or campus administration depending on where the error occurred. When the error cannot be traced to one of the above categories, the campus administration is responsible for locating funds within their control to pay for the losses. ( TEC 31.104 d)

11. The campus may withhold the issuing of textbooks to students who have not returned or made payment for lost, destroyed or damaged textbooks. Students’ use of the textbook in the classroom is required. (CMD Legal Policy) (TEC 31.104 d).

12. Reimbursement for paid lost textbooks returned to the book room may only be given with in the scholastic year of payment. Prior receipt must accompany reimbursement. ( No Exceptions)

CAMPUS PROCEDURES

1. The campus must collect full replacement cost from students for lost textbooks and destroyed textbooks, which are no longer in useable condition.

2. The campus must collect fines for textbooks which have been damaged. (Refer to textbook fine schedule) 3. Teachers shall make three documented attempts to notify the parent or

guardian when a textbook is lost or damaged and payment is required. A notice shall be sent home with student. A notice shall be sent by regular mail. A phone call shall be made and documented.

4. If payment is not made, then the campus administration shall intervene and make contact with the parent or guardian.

5. If payment is not made, then the campus may attempt to collect reimbursement for lost textbooks through local small claims court. (Campus Option).

6. If a textbook is worn out and no longer in usable condition, return the book to the Campus Textbook Officer using the textbook form. Be sure to box and label all damaged books as such. Whenever possible, the book will be replaced by the District Textbook Office with another one in usable condition.

7. The campus shall send all monies collected for lost and paid textbooks and destroyed and paid -for textbooks to the District Textbook Office by April 1st

or as requested.

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TEXTBOOK FINE SCHEDULE Fine will be assessed for any textbooks which have been damaged but are still in usable condition. Any textbooks, which have been damaged or defaced beyond usable condition, are to be considered destroyed and full price for the textbook will be assessed. See the Current Adoption Bulletin for the correct price of the book. FINE SCHEDULE: No Book Cover $1.00+ Markings in book $1.00 per page Marking on the edge of book $1.00 per edge Excessive markings / Profanity, Drawings Full Price of Book Torn Pages $1.00 per page Missing pages Full Price of Book Binding damage, Broken or bent cover Half Price of Book Broken Spine Full Price of Book Water damage Full Price of book Lost Book Full Price of book If charges for the damage to a textbook exceed 50% of the cost of the book, then the book is to be considered destroyed and full price will be assessed for the book. Any textbooks that have been paid in full by a student become the property of the student.

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RECORDS AND REPORTS

Grading

Grade books will be maintained electronically and grading will be in accordance with

Socorro ISD policy EIE. A copy of this policy will be included at the end of this handbook.

Grade books will be monitored as part of the PDAS Appraisal process through the Tyler

Student Program. Grade books should include:

*Assignment name

*A minimum of 2 grades per content area per week

***IMPORTANT: Electronic Grade book must be kept current as the IPR are live and will

be processed from the gradebook.

Report Cards and Progress Reports

Electronic Report cards will be completed for each student by his/her homeroom teacher.

PLEASE READ THE GRADING POLICY CAREFULLY! Grades must be assigned in

accordance with district policy Report cards must be sent home on the dates indicated on the

district/campus calendar. The cards are to be signed by parents/guardians and returned within

a reasonable amount of time. If a report card is not returned within 10 days, please report

this to the office.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports are to be sent home for all students at the end of the third and sixth week of

each grading period (See campus calendar for specific dates). In addition, progress reports

are to be sent home and signed by parents whenever a student's grades drop significantly or

the student is not performing up to his/her potential. The office copy of this form is to be

turned in to the principal at the time the report is sent home. Keep the copy signed by the

parent in your files (See attached schedule).

Although progress reports must be sent home when student work is declining, here at Cooper

every student will receive a progress report on scheduled dates. There is no reason why

progress reports shouldn't be sent home for improvement or outstanding student work.

Remember, you can never "over-communicate" to parents what their children are doing

(good or bad)! Report cards and progress reports may be picked up in the office as needed.

PROMOTIONS, RETENTION AND PLACING IN THE NEXT GRADE

The promotion or retention of any student will be based on Socorro I.S.D. policy as

interpreted jointly by the principal and the teacher. Policy EIE is included in this handbook.

A continuing effort will be made to monitor and remediate students throughout the year.

Please be familiar with Policy EIE regarding grading requirements, minimum grades and

requirements for promotion or placement. A form including a record of parent contacts will

be completed on all students.

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PERMANENT RECORD FOLDERS

Each student's Cumulative Record Folder is stored in the office and is maintained by the

Attendance Clerk. You may check out folders for one child or your entire class from Annais

or Laura for use in the office only. These are official records which must be accurately

maintained. Please treat them with care making sure no records slip out. Once signed out,

they may not leave the office perimeter. Cums must be viewed by teacher by the end of the

3rd week to familiarize yourself with your students.

PUPIL ATTENDANCE

Keeping accurate records of pupil attendance is extremely important. Funding is based on

these reports. Your records are included in the school attendance reports which are part of

the district report to the state. Students are required to be in attendance a minimum of 90%

days per year or they risk losing credit for the year. An attendance committee will review all

absence records and make recommendations concerning those students with excessive

absences.

Procedure for Reporting Student Absences:

Please post your attendance electronically daily after first period (9:30 am).

A phone call from a teacher can do a lot to encourage good attendance.

TARDIES: Students who enter class after 7:45am are to be coded as tardy through the Tyler

Minis. On the fourth tardy and/or consecutive tardy, teachers are to treat the occurrence(s) as

if it were a discipline issue. Teachers are to complete a Discipline Referral and send the

child along with the referral to the assistant principal's office. Parents will be contacted if

tardiness is chronic. Tardies within the school day will be considered a discipline problem.

At the end of each week a Cumulative Absence Report will be sent to you to verify absences.

Please check to see that the Attendance Cards and the Cumulative report match. If they do,

please sign and return the report. If there are any discrepancies, see a PEIMS Clerk to make

corrections.

FINANCIAL PROCEDURES

The campus secretary is in charge of all financial activities at Myrtle Cooper. She writes all

receipts and checks. For the 14-15 school year Socorro district will be auditing the checking

account. Some changes for the coming school year will include principal approval for all

checks in excess of $100 and district approval for any check in excess of $400. See Christy

Flores if you have any questions regarding the following procedures.

FUND RAISING

Opportunities for grade levels, clubs or special groups to raise money are available

throughout the school year. ALL FUND RAISING MUST BE APPROVED BY THE

PRINCIPAL (SISD Policy FJ). See Mr. Garcia for the required form (a sample is enclosed)

to discuss the reason for fund raising and to place the fund raising activity on the school

calendar. This is important to avoid two groups raising money at the same time!

When groups raise money, an account will be set up with the name of the group by the

school secretary. Any money collected must be turned in on the day it is received.

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(Warning: Do not leave money in your classroom or desk drawer. Turn it in to the office

immediately: You are responsible for money left unsecured in your classroom.)

EXPENDITURES

All expenditures of group or club funds must have prior permission from the principal.

THE SCHOOL WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING BILLS OR FOR

REIMBURSING INDIVIDUALS FOR PURCHASES THAT DO NOT HAVE PRIOR

APPROVAL.

If prior approval is not obtained, that individual will assume personal responsibility for any

unapproved financial activities.

Receipts, invoices, statements or other supporting documentation are required for every

check that is issued. In addition, Tax Exempt forms are available since no taxes are paid on

school purchases.

STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

Students at Myrtle Cooper are expected to be well behaved and respectful of all adults and

each other. It is our philosophy, that we are producing future law-abiding citizens, that are

self-disciplined, and caring towards others. Students are aware that they are growing toward

the goal of internalized self-discipline.

If a teacher feels he/she needs help in this area it is imperative that he/she speak to an

experienced colleague or visit with an administrator as soon as possible. Remember, that

foundational norms and classroom culture must be laid within the first few weeks of school --

- you cannot obtain this without establishing disciplinary expectations.

Teachers must develop a formal written plan. Every plan must be submitted and approved by

an administrator prior to usage. After a plan is approved it is to be sent home and signed by a

parent to acknowledge receipt, after which it is to be discussed with the students and

conspicuously posted in the classroom. Please turn in a copy of your discipline plan which

will be kept on file in the front office.

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Plan Development

The plan must include the expected behavior (rules), the specific negative consequences and

specific positive consequences.

Expectations (Rules):

Rules should be clearly stated in a positive tone (i.e. "Raise your hand to speak" rather than

"Don't speak without permission.") Choose your rules carefully and limit them to no more

than five. BE CLEAR! BE POSITIVE!

Negative Consequences

When planning negative consequences for your discipline plan, parental contact should be

part of the second or third consequence and each subsequent consequence. Remember to

treat children the way you would want your own children to be treated. Keep parents

informed!!! Remember that after a discipline plan receives administrative approval and

parental signatures, it in essence becomes a "bilateral contract". That means that both parties

(you and the student) are held responsible and accountable for obeying the plan. No

punitive consequences outside of what is written in the plan should ever be used!!!

Use discretion when sending students to the office. If you handle your own discipline, you

will strengthen your position and fewer problems will arise.("Wait ‘til your father comes

home") When referring a student to the office, use an In-house Discipline or Discipline

Referral Form (referral forms may be obtained in the front office) stating the reason for the

referral in detail immediately after an incident. Parents must be called prior to referring

students to the office.

When a teacher sends a student to the office, an administrator, by law, must give each student

"due process". Due process entails the administrator restating the infraction to the referred

student and asking if his/her teacher followed the posted discipline plan. If due process has

been given, the administrator then works with the child in a positive fashion seeking to obtain

student self-responsibility for his/her actions and exploring alternative choices. The final

stage of the office referral entails deliberation of consequences (Please note that if the

administrator determines that the teacher did not follow his/her classroom discipline plan and

was inconsistent in his/her classroom management, a conference will be held accordingly).

Finally, once a child is sent to the office, you have fully turned over the problem to

administration who will determine subsequent action.

Positive Consequences

Just as a parent phone call is part of the negative consequences of the discipline plan, they

should also be a part of the positive consequences. Contact the parents of each child during

the first two weeks of school with a positive comment. This will establish positive rapport

with parents and get them "on your side." Please limit the use of videotapes as behavior

rewards to those videos that directly enhance the curriculum.

Discipline must be modeled, taught and re-taught to students. Do not assume that they will

remember the rules after one discussion. Remember that the social dynamics at home are

quite different from those at a school. Review and adjustment of the discipline plan should

be an ongoing process. When significant changes in the discipline plan need to be made,

administrative approval is again needed. A copy, again, must be on file in the front office so

that the plan may be referenced should a parent have concerns.

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Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct will be distributed to all students. A signed copy of the

acknowledgment page must be kept on file by the classroom teacher for each student. Should

new students enter after the distribution date please make sure they obtain a booklet. As per

district policy the classroom teacher is responsible for providing an overview of the Code of

Conduct Booklet.

ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE PLAN

GENERAL RULES:

1. FOLLOW CLASSROOM RULES

2. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS THE FIRST TIME THEY ARE GIVEN

3. KEEP HANDS, FEET AND OBJECTS TO YOURSELF

4. BE COURTEOUS AND RESPECTFUL

5. STAY IN ASSIGNED AREAS

CAFETERIA RULES:

1. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS THE FIRST TIME THEY ARE GIVEN

2. WALK IN THE CAFETERIA AT ALL TIMES

3. KEEP HANDS, FEET AND OBJECTS TO YOURSELF

4. DISPOSE OF UNEATEN FOOD AND REPLACE TRAYS

PROPERLY

5. SPEAK QUIETLY AND COURTEOUSLY

HALLWAY RULES:

1. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS THE FIRST TIME THEY ARE GIVEN

2. WALK QUIETLY IN THE HALLS

3. STAY IN DESIGNATED AREAS

4. KEEP HANDS, FEET AND OBJECTS TO YOURSELF

5. BE COURTEOUS AND RESPECTFUL AT ALL TIMES

PLAYGROUND RULES:

1. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS THE FIRST TIME THEY ARE GIVEN

2. USE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT PROPERLY

3. PLAY IN DESIGNATED AREAS

4. BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS

5. KEEP HANDS, FEET AND OTHER OBJECTS TO YOURSELF

6. NO ACCESS BEYOND FENCE AT ANY TIME

7. DO NOT THROW ROCKS OR OTHER HARMFUL OBJECT.

What Happens when a child is sent to the office? ( To be used as a guide only)

1st Referral

a) Conference with the student

b) Warning given to student (consequences of future behavior discussed)

c) Parent contacted

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2nd Referral

a) Conference with student

b) Parent contacted

c) Detention (Lunch)

3rd Referral

a) Conference with student

b) Parent conference

c) Detention (AM, Lunch, PM)

d) Counselor referral

4th Referral

a) Conference with student

b) Parent conference

c) Detention (AM, Lunch, PM)

d) Individual discipline plan

e) Special Assignment Class

5th Referral

a) Conference with student

b) Parent conference

c) Removal from school

d) Special Assignment Class

6th Referral

a) Conference with student

b) Parent conference

c) Removal from school

d) Special Assignment Class

7th Referral

a) Conference with student

b) Parent conference

c) Alternative Program Recommendation

Positive Consequences *

1. Recognition through the "Terrific Kids" Program

2. Recognition through the awards program

3. Membership in the Principal's Advisory Council

4. Classes recognized by the cafeteria staff for good behavior in the

Cafeteria

5. Classes recognized by the custodians for keeping classrooms and

Grounds clean

* The administration reserves the right to use any disciplinary action consistent with school /

district policies.

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TEACHERS' LOUNGE

The teachers' lounge is available for lunch and small meetings. Mailboxes are located across

the lounge and should be checked daily for memos and mail.

The telephone in the lounge is for faculty use. Please limit calls to three minutes in length.

(Long distance calls must be made in the Principal or Assistant Principal's office and logged

by the secretary.) Please help us keep the lounge, the refrigerator and the microwave oven

clean. Refrigerator will be cleaned and empted each Friday.

COMMUNICATION

Announcements

Announcements will usually be made daily by 7:45. Administration will take announcement

requests provided they are turned into Mr. Von Twistern’s Mail box prior to 2:45pm a day

before and that they are clearly written on our school announcement form (forms may be

obtained in the front office & in this handbook). All written announcements will be filed at

the end of the month and archived for one year.

Notices

Administration will announce and post notices from the Education Center, TEA, Region

XIX, etc. on the bulletin board in the teacher's lounge or copy center as they are made

available to us. Please check the board frequently for important information.

E-mail

Also, please check your e-mail daily and regularly because 99% of administrator's written

communications will appear in this format.

School Calendars

You will be able to access a rough draft e-calendar of important school / district dates for the

entire school year on our website. This calendar is only a preview of the year and is given to

you so that you can make tentative future personal and professional plans. Because dates

often change and are subject to SIT and administrative approval, you will always receive an

updated calendar mail box/via e-mail. Please submit all calendar items to Mrs. Gonzalez.

Sponsorships and Public Relations

If you are sponsoring a school-wide or individual classroom activity that affects our school, it

is imperative that you communicate what you are doing to administration. If we know the

dates and purpose of these activities we can better facilitate resources for that cause and be

better informed to communicate to outside entities (ie. Education Center, the Press, etc.).

Our public relations liaison for our school this year will be Rosa Solórzano, our school

counselor.

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CARE OF OUR BUILDING

Our excellent custodial staff takes a great deal of pride in maintaining this facility. They

often work extra hours to help with after-school events, evening programs and special

requests during the school day. You can help them by teaching our students to clean up the

classroom at the end of the day and putting chairs on top of the desks. A weekly cleaning of

desks and counters will keep rooms looking orderly and ready for learning.

Vandalism is rare. Myrtle Cooper students caught defacing school property will be

considered a severe infraction of the Assertive Discipline Plan and dealt with in accordance

with the full extent of District Policy and the code of conduct.

Anyone wishing to use the school facility after regular school hours must have the

permission of the school principal. All activities must be scheduled as early as possible to

avoid conflicts with other activities. Fees for building use for some activities have been

established by SISD policy and campus. All approved building usage will require user to

provide and pay for security and custodial staff.

Field Trips

SISD students are allowed to take one field trip per semester. (No Exceptions) Transportation

costs are paid from school budgets, therefore, funds are limited. Field trips should be

planned at least one month in advance and should be designed to enhance the curriculum.

Return time is 2:30 P.M (No Exceptions).

PROCEDURES:

PLANNING THE FIELD TRIP:

1. Teachers must call the site to be visited to schedule a day and time for the field trip.

2. A bus request form must be completed and approval obtained from the transportation

department. See an administrator or secretary for the form.

BEFORE LEAVING ON THE FIELD TRIP:

1. All students must have turned in a signed parent permission form.

2. A copy of the class roster must be turned into the office along with the permission slips

before leaving on the field trip.

3. The roster must be marked showing:

a. Who is attending the field trip

b. Any students present, but not going on the trip and where they are placed for

the day

c. Any students who are absent.

4. A minimum of one adult chaperone (preferably a parent) for every 10 students is required

by District policy. If a teacher has fifteen students the teacher plus a chaperone, who is a

registered volunteer, must ride the bus with students and accompany students.

5. Bus Assertive Discipline Plans are to be enforced.

6. Roll is to be checked each time the students get on the bus.

7. No student is to leave by other transportation.

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Field trips are not only fun but should be a learning experience. Follow up activities should

integrate what is learned on the field trip with what is being learned in the classroom. (An

Expeditionary Learning premise) A good writing activity after a field trip is having the

students write thank you letters to the host or organization visited.

***A Teacher Field Trip Checklist has been included in the handbook for your use when

planning a trip.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

A variety of in-service workshops are held throughout the school year to provide

opportunities for the professional staff to update their teaching skills. The following are

ongoing staff development projects provided by the Socorro District.

Campus level staff development activities will be planned by the School Improvement Team.

The State has mandated that teachers will be on duty an additional ten days in addition to the

required 177 student instructional days. These ten teacher days will be divided into three

teacher work days (time to be spent preparing the classroom) and seven professional

development days. (See Appendix)

PROFESSIONAL AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

School Improvement Team

Socorro ISD provides opportunities for shared planning and decision making by its

professional staff (This philosophy is also known as "Site-based Management", or

"Decentralized Decision Making".) The district also recognizes the importance of involving

parents, businesses and community members in setting educational goals and working toward

school improvement.

At Myrtle Cooper Elementary, the School Improvement Team (S.I.T.) will set educational

objectives, make recommendations on the budget, work on staff development activities,

select members to serve on the Parent Advisory Council and Educator's Professional

Advisory Council, monitor district goal implementation, provide input on rules for students

and staff, and advise on ways of gaining community involvement.

Members of the School Improvement Team consist of:

1. Principal (chairman)

2. Assistant Principal

3. One teacher per grade level who is elected by his/her peers

4. One teacher from Special Education who is elected by his/her peers

5. One teacher elected to represent special areas such as Librarian, P.E.,

Computer Literacy, Title I

6. Counselor

7. Two parents from the Parent Team Board

8. Two community members

9. One paraprofessional

SIT meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of each month or as noted on the

calendar.

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Teacher Support Team (RTI)

A team of professional staff members was formed to help teachers evaluate students with

special needs. The team will act as a "retention prevention" team to provide early

intervention strategies for students who are having learning, social or disciplinary problems.

This team is made up of the principal or designee, school psychologist, the counselor, a

special education teacher, a bilingual teacher and a regular education teacher. This team will

be responsible for screening all special education referrals.

The Teacher Support Team meets once a month or when meetings are called by the

counselor. If you have a student who is having problems, please contact the counselor to

activate the Teacher Support Team evaluation process. RTI paper work deadline is the last

week of January. Remember to Document, document, document...Even your tier 1 students

require documentation. This is the required documentation for each tier of students.

Safety Committee

The safety committee will meet once a month to discuss safety concerns and issues. It will

be comprised of an administrator, the nurse, the head custodian, counselor, one early grade

teacher, one upper grade teacher representative, and the cafeteria manager.

LPAC Committee

The Language Proficiency Assessment Committee meets monthly under the leadership of the

assistant principal to review the placement and progress of all students in the bilingual

program. This important committee has a great deal of responsibility in monitoring the

bilingual program. Two bilingual teachers and one parent will serve on this committee.

Others will be invited to attend based on the need for input.

Attendance / Discipline Committee

The purpose of the Attendance / Discipline Committee is to review the attendance records of

all students with excessive absences. The committee is made up of the principal, assistant

principal, attendance clerk, counselor and nurse, as well as the classroom teacher whose child

is being discussed. The committee determines what action is to be taken and whether credit

is lost due to excessive absences/ behavior.

Partners in Education

The Partners in Education program is an integral part of Myrtle Cooper School's outreach to

the business community. We rely heavily on our partner's resources to facilitate the running

of our school; both in tangible donation as well as in human resources. Our business

Partners in Education are listed in the appendix. The school counselor will oversee the

facilitation of the Partners In Education program by assigning vertical families to each

partner as well as the planning of school-related programs relating to the partnerships. All

teachers are expected to participate in the partners program by putting up bulletins board

displays and adopting business partners.

Wellness Program:

Many wellness activities are being planned this year. Aerobics, walking/jogging, team sports

and nutrition information as well as stress management is among the ideas being discussed.

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A school-wide team competition is planned with prizes awarded to the teams with the most

participation. Got some ideas? We need your help.

STIPENDS ARE PAID FOR THE FOLLOWING EXTRACURRICULAR

POSITIONS:

SPONSOR STIPEND SPONSOR

UIL CAMPUS COORDINATOR 500.00

SAFETY PATROL COORDINATOR 250.00

LITERARY MAGAZINE EDITOR 500.00

IMAGINATION DESTINATION 500.00

BOOK CLUB SPONSOR 250.00

SPELLING BEE COACH 250.00

ART SHOW COORDINATOR 250.00

SCIENCE FAIR COORDINATOR 250.00

YEARBOOK 500.00

Gifted and Talented Coordinator 1000

U.I.L. (University Interscholastic League)

COACHES for the following events are paid $325.00 per event: (Please make sure that you

coach outside of your regular work day.) Coaching must begin by September 1st.

STORYTELLING (2-3) SPANISH STORY TELLING (2-3)

NUMBER SENSE (4-5) PICTURE MEMORY (4-5)

READY WRITING (3-5) READY WRITING (5)

ORAL READING (4-5) SPELLING (3-5)

The job description requires U.I.L. coaches to develop a practice schedule and to utilize UIL

practice materials (as well as to attend coaches' meetings) will be available before these

coaching positions are staffed.

SCHOOL SPONSORED ORGANIZATIONS FOR STUDENTS

GREEN Team

Students will keep up with the management of our school’s recycling program and energy

management. This group of students while maintaining the program will be learning and

educating others about the importance of recycling and reducing energy consumption. Mrs.

Tenison will be responsible for this group along with a K-2 teacher.