Moravia Park Elementary School Staff Handbook

2013-2014

Be PROFESSIONAL

Be PROMPT

Be POLITE

Be PERSONAL

Most of all,

Be PROUD

Leave your mark on your work!

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GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

Name of School: Moravia Park Elementary, #105 (PreK-5 Campus)(Moravia Park is a school-wide Title I school)

Address: 6001 Frankford Avenue - Upper BuildingBaltimore, Maryland 21206

6201 Frankford Avenue - Lower BuildingBaltimore, Maryland 21206

Telephone Numbers: Upper Building: 410-396-9096Lower Building: 410-396-9294

Fax Numbers Upper Building: 410-396-8075Lower Building: 410-545-7872

School Uniform: Navy blue shirts or blouses and khaki pants/skirts/rompers

School Mascot: Lion

School Motto: The Heart of the Community, the Home of Excellence!

Instructional Program Overview Grades PreK-5 Special Education Programs: ED PRIDE, PreK PAL, Early Therapeutic Education (ETE) Common Core Visual Art, Vocal Music, Physical Education, Library/Media, and Technology

Support Services Student Support Team (SST) Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) Special Education Resource/Inclusion Social Worker Psychologist School Counselor IEP Team ESOL Department

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Table of ContentsVISION STATEMENT...........................................................................................................5MISSION STATEMENT........................................................................................................5LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL DAY........................................................................................6ASSEMBLIES / SPECIAL PROGRAMS.............................................................................11CONFIDENTIALITY...........................................................................................................12BUS SUPERVISION.............................................................................................................13COMMUNICATION............................................................................................................13COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS..............................................................................14CLASSROOM / PARENT NEWSLETTER.........................................................................14DRESS AND APPEARANCE..............................................................................................14DRUG & ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE.......................................................................15DETENTION-LUNCH..........................................................................................................17ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages).................................................................20ESOL ACCOMMODATIONS, NEWCOMER PROGRAM DETAILS, WIDA CAN DO DESCRIPTORS AND LANGUAGE LINK.........................................................................22EVALUATION (Faculty)......................................................................................................22TEACHER REFLECTIONS.................................................................................................29HOMEWORK (Daily Instructional Practice)........................................................................30E-MAIL.................................................................................................................................32EMERGENCY PROCEDURES...........................................................................................32GRADING.............................................................................................................................33HALLWAY SUPERVISION................................................................................................33HARASSMENT....................................................................................................................33HOUSEKEEPING.................................................................................................................33INVENTORY / SUPPLIES...................................................................................................34MAILBOXES........................................................................................................................34MAINTENANCE..................................................................................................................34MEDICATION AT SCHOOL...............................................................................................34NURSE/NURSE'S OFFICE..................................................................................................34PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK.....................................................................................35PARTIES...............................................................................................................................35PERSONAL LEAVE.............................................................................................................36PETS......................................................................................................................................36PLAYGROUND RULES......................................................................................................36PREP (PREPARATION) TIME............................................................................................36PURCHASE ORDERS..........................................................................................................37REPORT OF THEFT............................................................................................................37RESTROOMS.......................................................................................................................37RETENTION AND OR REMEDIATION............................................................................37RtI (RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION)..............................................................................37SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRALS...............................................................................38STAFF LUNCH AREAS......................................................................................................39STUDENT RECORDS..........................................................................................................39SUBSTITUTE FOLDERS.....................................................................................................40SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS..........................................................................................40

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TECHNOLOGY....................................................................................................................40TRANSPORTING STUDENTS...........................................................................................40VISITORS.............................................................................................................................41VOLUNTEER FORMS.........................................................................................................41

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VISION STATEMENT

Accelerating the academic achievement of all students, in partnership with the entire community, to ensure that students have the attitudes, skills, and proficiencies needed to succeed in college

and the 21st century global workforce.

MISSION STATEMENT

To accelerate student progress through effective implementation of the Master Plan, focusing on quality instruction, managing systems efficiently, and sustaining a culture of excellence.

This handbook has been developed for the staff of Moravia Park Elementary School #105 as a quick reference guide. Although procedures and routines are important, please remember that our dedication, time, and effort are essential as we endeavor to accomplish our mission and objectives.

School staff is expected to be results-oriented, holding one another accountable for providing quality instruction for all. Staff will measure its success in terms of positive outcomes for all scholars. To increase student achievement we must remember: Rigor; Engagement; and Differentiation.

The Five (5) Essentials

Essential 1: Curriculum and instruction that supports high achievement for every student.

Essential 2: Transformational leadership that supports high achievement for every student.

Essential 3: Family and community engagement that supports high achievement for every student.

Essential 4: Safe and supportive learning environment that supports high achievement for every student.

Essential 5: Resources that promote and support high achievement for every student.

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LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL DAY

The length of the school day for teachers and paraprofessionals is seven (7) hours and five (5) minutes inclusive of arrival/departure time and lunch. The length of the school day for students is six (6) hours and forty (40) minutes including lunch.

ARRIVAL TIME DEPARTURE TIME8:45 AM Staff 3:50 PM Staff

9:00 AM Students 3:50 PM Students

ENTRY AND DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS

All staff are responsible for assisting students to their designated homerooms during entry. School-wide opening exercises will begin at 9:00 AM daily.

At the end of each day teachers are to escort their students to the appropriate exits/bus area. Please be sure to dismiss students by class, not as individuals, using the same exit used for entry. Non-homeroom staff will assist in clearing the building of all students not involved in extra curricula programs.

No child may be sent from the building before dismissal unless authorized by the office. Teachers may not give children directions to remain at home (except system-wide closings) at any time especially for class trips.

Students are not to be dismissed from the playground. Classes on the playground at the end of the day must be brought back inside prior to dismissal. (All classes should be inside by 2:00 PM)

The cooperation of the total staff is crucial to the implementation of appropriate entry and dismissal procedures for the students of Moravia Park Elementary. It is important that proper routines be established and maintained throughout the school year.

BREAKFAST PROGRAM

All students are entitled to eat breakfast free of cost. Breakfast will be served from 8:40 – 8:55 AM. Breakfast will not be served after 8:55 AM.

LUNCH

Lunch periods are scheduled for 45 minutes for students and staff. Teachers are asked to report to the cafeteria promptly at the end of the lunch period to assist in preparing students for leaving the area. Classes will be dismissed after they have cleaned their area and are quiet. They are expected to form a line upon the paraprofessional’s directions and leave the cafeteria in an orderly manner.

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OPENING DAY

Procedures and Guidelines

The opening days of school can be hectic. The primary focus during the first week of school will be on establishing procedures and expectations. In addition, a safe and orderly entry and dismissal will be a primary task for all staff members.

All teachers are expected to plan carefully for the opening days. Plans should include an intensive review of school-wide PBIS expectations and routines. It is important to mindful of the transition period for students and to know that not all students are returning. For some, Moravia Park is a new school with many new behavioral expectations and guidelines. Regardless of whether the students are new or returning, adjustments are being made for new personalities and new routines/procedures.

A few items to be covered with students during the first days of school:

Where to line up before school Procedures for fire drills (A drill will be scheduled. Please see Emergency Maps for

directions) Procedures for moving to and from resource classes, as well as for changing classes Procedures for going to and returning from lunch (see PBIS Matrix) Lunchroom procedures and expectations (see PBIS Matrix) Routines for use of lockers, storage of materials, sharpening pencils, etc. Dismissal procedures

What do teachers do before school on the first day?

Lower Building

Opening Day Arrival Procedures:Resource staff and non-classroom teachers will assist in transitioning the students from the school bus to the school building. As part of the transition, Resource staff will assist in compiling student bus assignments. Classroom teachers will gather in the lower building in pre-designated areas. Students will be directed to each common area, divided according to classroom assignment, and then taken to the classroom for formal attendance procedures. Resource staff will assist the office staff in compiling classroom transportation lists.

Children enrolling on day one will be given an entry slip.

Daily Arrival Procedures: The Lower Building’s breakfast rate is near 100%. Therefore, students will be dismissed from the café after breakfast. Teachers should plan to greet their students in the café and then walk them directly to class.

Dismissal Procedures:

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3:25 PM Office announcements will be made and bus dismissal will begin. Students will remain in the classroom until their bus is called at which point non-classroom staff will escort students to the bus boarding area.

3:40 PM Students who walk home or are picked up will be dismissed at 3:40 PM, upon an announcement from the office.

Upper Building

Opening Day Procedures

Teachers will meet students on the black top in the back of the building at 8:45 AM. Teachers will bring placards displaying their name, room number and grade/section. Teachers should carry class lists available to redirect students that are not sure of their class/section. Teachers will lead students to their rooms. Staff members that do not have homeroom classes will be available to assist students and parents.

Daily Arrival Procedures

1. Teachers will greet their students at their lockers2. On the first day, students will go into the classroom first so that they can receive their

locker assignments from their homeroom teacher.3. Teachers will monitor students in the hallway (as well as the classroom) as the students

are going to and from their lockers. The instructional day begins at 9:00 AM. At 9:00 AM all students are expected to be in their classrooms ready to begin the instructional day.

Dismissal Procedures

1. Students will go to their lockers at 3:35 PM. Students should be encouraged to get all of their belongings because they will not be allowed to go back in the building. In the case of an emergency the student will need to speak to an administrator for permission to enter the building.

2. Teachers will lead students in a line to the appropriate exits when the bell rings at 3:50 PM. No student is allowed to come out of the building before this time. Students being picked up early by parents will be called by the office.

PLEASE NOTE: Arrival and dismissal procedures are subject to change. Adjustments will be made, as needed.

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STAFF ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES

The teacher workday begins at 8:45 AM and ends at 3:50 PM. Teachers are expected to be available during this time unless prior arrangements have been made with a building administrator. It is important to note, that professional duties begin promptly at 8:45 AM. Staff must sign out at the office if they leave the building during work hours. Teachers must be in their rooms to greet students when students begin arriving. Retrieval of information from the office/mail area must be completed prior to this time.

All staff members are to initial by his/her name upon arrival in the Payroll Book/Weekly Sign-In sheets located in the main offices. Please stay within your block in the Payroll Book. No one should record the attendance of another staff member.

A staff member will be considered late if he/she arrives after 8:45 AM. (See Attendance & Reliability Policy) Staff reporting late must sign the late book. The half day cut-off time is 12:30 PM. Staff members must inform the school administrator if they are going to be late. Expected arrival time must be given.

Each staff person should review the attendance markings each Friday and sign only on Friday if the attendance is accurate. Inform the payroll contact (Ms. Jones) if there is a discrepancy in the recording on the attendance sheet and actual time worked.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE

Each staff member is entitled to leave based on those conditions identified by the respective Union Agreements. In order to submit a request for leave, the employee must obtain a Request for Leave form. This Form is to be filled out completely and provided to Ms. Jones at least three days in advance. The Principal will approve/deny all requests for leave.

Personal illnesses, which necessitate absences of more than four days require a medical slip, signed by a physician. Personal leave days cannot be taken on both, the day before and after a holiday.

STAFF ABSENCES

It is expected that every staff member is in regular attendance in order to provide a continuous instructional program and to help set an example for students. When it is necessary, however, to be absent because of personal illness or an emergency, the appropriate contacts should be made for payroll markings and classroom coverage.

Need a substitute?

The sooner we know a substitute is needed, the better our chances are of finding the most qualified person to fill the position. If you know in advance of a day you will need a sub (doctor's appointment, personal day, professional day) complete the Leave Form as soon as possible. Please provide this Leave Request Form to Ms. Jones. Refer to current contractual language regarding the use of authorized paid and unpaid leave days for more detailed information.

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In the event you need to be absent from school and arrangements have not been made ahead of time, please do the following:

In the case of an unexpected illness, please make every attempt to call for a substitute the night before.

Please make every attempt to call before 6PM; however calls will be taken until 8PM. AM calls should occur between 6AM and 7AM. Do not leave a message.  Evening Calls: Principal Dukes at 443.255.5035

Morning Calls: If calling in the morning, please call Principal Dukes at 443.255.5035 between the hours of 6:00 and 7:00 AM.

Do not leave messages on answering machines for an absence.

Unless the return date has been previously established, staff are to call the school prior to 2:00 PM to indicate if their plan to return to work the next day. This allows substitute arrangements to be made. Remember! Morning calls to the main office place a great strain on the school’s operation and substitutes are nearly impossible to obtain in the mornings. Please reserve the morning calls for true emergencies.

Please note, it is expected that you will provide the reason for your absence and to verify that materials are prepared for the next instructional day. Should the absence be an emergency and plans are not available, the substitute will be given your Emergency Substitute Plan. (See SUBSTITUTE FILE section)

For all other absences plans and materials should be ready and prepared. Please share your substitute procedures with team members so that he/she can assist the substitute on the day you are gone. Please identify all duties for substitutes with specific details. Substitutes are expected to take all regular duties of the teacher.

REQUIRED ATTENDANCE FOR ALL STAFF INCLUDE:

(See calendar for specific dates) 1. All Staff Meetings2. Open House3. Teacher Institute / School Improvement Days4. Parent / Teacher / Students Conferences

STUDENT ATTENDANCE AND TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES

A concerted effort is needed on the part of all staff members to improve student attendance. Students should be encouraged to attend school and to report on time daily. Special recognition will be given to students who have outstanding attendance.

Complete attendance by 9:15 AM daily ! Please be sure to make changes when students are

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tardy. All students must stop at the office to receive an admission slip if his/her arrival is after 9:00 AM. If your student does not present one to you, send him or her to the office so the attendance record for the day can be corrected if necessary. Keep these slips for your record of habitual tardiness.

Each teacher should keep attendance daily for each class. This is not just the responsibility of the homeroom teacher.

Parents should be contacted by the teacher when students have three (3) absences, irregular attendance or unexplained absences. An attendance telephone log should be filled in documenting the teacher’s attempt to call parents. Additional monitoring of student attendance will include the attendance monitor and committee for investigation.

ASSEMBLIES / SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Student expectations should be discussed by the classroom teacher prior to each assembly along with potential consequences for student misbehavior. Absolutely no whistling or booing should be tolerated. Teachers are to sit with their students so they can demonstrate appropriate assembly behavior for students. Students are to use the restroom before the assembly and are not to leave the assembly unless it is an emergency.

If a class has a resource class (Art, Music, Library, P.E.) during a scheduled assembly, the resource class teacher will supervise the students during his or her normally scheduled time. Please make every effort to schedule special programs (speech, resource time) around instructional resource times as legal issues can arise. Communication with all involved personnel is essential.

AWARDS AND ASSEMBLIES (additional details in Student Handbook)

Moravia Park Elementary will have Celebrations. Awards will be given for the following:1. Quarterly Perfect Attendance (no tardies/absences)2. Quarterly Certificate of Attendance (allows for a medical appointment – doctor’s note must

be provided) 3. Quarterly Honor Roll (1st-5th)4. End of 4th Quarter Academic Certificates (Kindergarten students who have shown constant

achievement of key indicators)5. Super Citizens Award (Prek-5) 6. Quarterly Good Citizenship (Prek-5) 7. PBIS (TBD)

Teachers will be asked to submit student names and awards one week prior to the assembly. The PBIS Team will generate the certificates. The PBIS team will brainstorm celebration themes/ideas.

B ULLETIN BOARDS

Bulletin boards and displays in the lobby, cafeteria and other common areas are to be changed regularly. At minimum, updates must occur by the first school day of each month. Staff persons

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will be assigned areas to display student work.

It is expected that correct student work (anchor papers) with appropriate comments be displayed in the classroom and throughout the hallway of the school monthly in an attractive manner.

Posted work will identify the main idea, objective or purpose of the assignment. Posted work will have a scoring rubric, Posted work will have teacher written comments provided, and Posted work will identify the student, grade level and date.

CELL PHONES

STUDENT CELL PHONE USE (BOARD RULE 506.09)

An individual’s use, activation or display of any personal electronic communication device is prohibited on public school property or while riding to and from school or school-sponsored activities on a school bus or school-chartered vehicle.

VIOLATION OF POLICY: The communication device (cell phones, beepers, pagers) may be confiscated by

school personnel. The employee who confiscates the item should take reasonable steps to secure the item, and then as soon as feasible, take the item to the school’s main office where it can be logged in and stored in a secure location.

The school may return the device to the student at the end of the school day, with instructions not to bring it back again. For repeated offenses, you may consider holding on to the device until the parents come to retrieve it, which would allow you the opportunity to conduct a quick, impromptu conference with the parent.

STAFF CELL PHONE USE

Staff cell phones should not be disruptive to the classroom environment. Cell phones are to be on silent mode while students are under your direct supervision in order to not interrupt instruction. Cell phones may be used during breaks and emergencies.

CHILD ABUSE

It is the responsibility of every teacher to be constantly aware of suspected cases of child abuseand neglect. *Child Abuse Policy

COLLECTION OF FUNDS

All monies collected from students must be recorded and secured daily. Students must receive a receipt when monies are paid. Money should be turned in to the office and a receipt will be given. Staff persons will be responsible for lost or stolen money if proper procedures are not followed.

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CONFIDENTIALITY

As education professionals we need to be committed to promoting a respectful environment that retains the full trust and confidence of students and staff. The conduct of the staff shall be guided by integrity, discretion and dignity, and he/she shall expect and encourage such conduct by others. In our daily work we are in the unique and responsible position of having access to and being aware of an array of highly sensitive personal and medical information. This information comes to us directly from individuals or third parties associated with them. Information we have received of a personal nature will be disclosed to other parties or colleagues only when it is legally required or on a strict need-to-know basis.

Personal information or information that an individual requests be kept confidential and private will not be released unless there is compelling legal or operational reason for its release. When individuals ask for assistance with given matters, we will first inform them before sharing their name or information about them with others.

Personal information about faculty, students, and staff, including information in databases and hard copy files, shall be kept secure and shall not be readily accessible to others. Discussion of a student or staff member's personal information will be conducted only when necessary and appropriate with other faculty, on a strictly need-to-know basis, and with the utmost privacy. Information regarding students or staff should not be shared with other students. Discretion should be used when information is communicated orally, both in person, by phone, and in writing. Always be aware of your surroundings; others may overhear a conversation, for example, in hallways, offices, classrooms, restaurants and other public places, such as sporting events or community gatherings.

BUILDING KEYS and SECURITYIn any building housing valuable materials and equipment, the problem of security becomes very complex. No person should have access to the building but authorized personnel. Building keys are NOT to be used by anyone but the authorized user. If any keys are lost, please inform the office immediately.

Keys will be issued to employees no later than the beginning of each school year and may be collected at the termination of each school year. Please keep in mind that if you work in the building after hours unlock and lock doors immediately behind you. When leaving the building, please check to see that the door completely closes behind you.

BUS SUPERVISION

A duty schedule will be provided to staff during the first week of school. All staff members are expected to be on bus duty during the first two weeks of school.

COMMUNICATION Open communication is essential in all aspects of the operation of our building. This includes communication between classroom teachers, special teachers, office staff, resource personnel, kitchen staff, custodians, etc. Before you plan an activity, ask yourself, "Whose work schedule may I be affecting by carrying out this schedule?" Please make sure all involved individuals are notified. If a teacher chooses to take his or her class to an alternate location during the school

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day other than what is listed on the master schedule, a note or call to the office noting this information should be provided to the office indicating leave and return times as well as destination. (i.e. taking a class outside for a nature or weather study).

Intercom usage should be used for emergency situations only. The office will contact classrooms regarding changes in recess or other schedules. All other issues needing the attention of the office should be handled by sending a student to the office with a note.

The office distributes a monthly calendar. Please inform the office of any special events that you wish to include on the school calendar at least five days prior to the end of the previous month.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENT S Teachers are expected to communicate with parents as much as possible. A phone call, note home, or e-mail can make a difference in student attitude and performance in many cases. Many times serious difficulties can be avoided by letting parents know what their son/daughter is/isn’t doing in class. Check e-mail daily and return parent/guardian phone calls as soon as possible. Staff members must document all parental contacts. All teachers must keep a communication log of parent contacts in regard to discipline issues; this should be available for administration. Discipline and behavior issues can be dealt with more efficiently and effectively if interventions that have taken place previously within the classroom can be noted.

CLASSROOM / PARENT NEWSLETTER Classroom newsletters are an important method of providing information to parents about classroom activities. PreK-3 teachers should provide a newsletter to families weekly, grades 4-5 monthly. The newsletter should briefly describe current academic activities and supplemental or extracurricular activities that are planned. Grades 4 and 5 are encouraged to involve students in the development of newsletters.

Please be sure you carefully proofread notes sent home to families. It is easy to make mistakes, but it is very important that we as professionals set a good example with our written correspondence home. All copies of notes should be clear and readable. Because Moravia Park has a large ESOL population, multiple translators are on staff to assist classroom teachers with translating home communication. (See ESOL section for more details and contact information.)

Any written classroom communication must be approved by a building administrator before sending home. A final electronic copy should be emailed to administration. Teachers are responsible for placing copies of correspondence being mailed home in the Office Home Communication binder. This binder is checked daily by ESOL staff and is often referred to by office personnel when parents call with inquiries.

DISTRICT INFORMATION / REFERENCES

The district has a comprehensive website at: baltimorecityschools.org. This website contains information including, but not limited to, board policies, procedures, employment opportunities, curriculum, and happenings.

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DRESS AND APPEARANCE Staff members are expected to dress in a manner befitting their positions as professionals. Wear clothing appropriate to your teaching area that fits properly and is in good repair. Field trips, which logically require casual dress such as a trip to a park, are an exception. Professional dress standards should be observed on field trip days to such things as a play, musical, historical site, or museum. "Jeans" and shorts are not viewed as being professional attire. Fridays are designated as “casual days” and staff is encouraged to wear spirit wear on these days. Additional “casual” or “spirit” days may be implemented with administrative approval.

DRUG & ALCOHOL - FREE WORKPLACE Baltimore City Public Schools are drug and alcohol free workplaces. Definitions and procedures are explained in the Board Policy Manual.

DISCIPLINE & SCHOOL SAFETY

It cannot be assumed that students at any grade level are practicing sound safety habits. Therefore, it is a requirement that all teachers teach safety lessons during the first week of school and periodically throughout the school year.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES/PBIS

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) will be utilized at Moravia Park to enhance and provide consistent expectations and procedures. All classroom management plans should fall under these expectations and procedures. When student behavior is positive, motivated and appropriate, learning is successful and teaching is rewarding. Many events determine student behavior. Our school must provide a positive and safe place in which children can grow emotionally and academically; remember this is something that all children need.

Remind students what is expected of them in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, and playground during special programs, etc. Your expectations should be stated firmly and enforced consistently and fairly. Moravia Park Elementary School’s expectations include: 1. I am responsible; 2. I am respectful; 3. I am ready. Refer to the PBIS manual for more detailed information.

Teachers are to design classroom rules that will facilitate learning. Teachers must provide clearly posted behavioral expectations that align to the PBIS system. Copies should be provided and given to parents to discuss with their child. Students must be instructed in these expectations and reminded of them frequently. Parents must return a signed copy of the classroom management plan indicating discussion of the plan with their child has occurred. Teachers are to keep this information in his/her files.

Student discipline is vital to creating a positive learning atmosphere in which students are physically and emotionally safe and able to learn. A positive approach to learning self-discipline is most effective and should be used whenever possible. Please discuss issues with students with administration whenever necessary. If we are successful in meeting the needs of children before problems occur, they may not develop into discipline issues.

SCHOOL WIDE RULES

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Students are expected to behave appropriately at all times. When a child displays inappropriate behavior he/she must be addressed and redirected. We expect our students to follow the 3 R’s to help them maintain acceptable behavior.

Moravia Park is a PBIS School (Positive Behaviors Intervention Supports) where positive behaviors are rewarded. All classrooms will use and post the school wide rules. A classroom poster will be provided by the PBIS Team. Please note: Moravia is a PBIS school. One of the primary foundations of a PBIS school is the commitment to school wide defined expectations for each area of the school building, as well as for special events. Teachers do not develop individual classroom rules. The intent is for all staff to communicate and hold students accountable for the same behavioral expectations. Rules/expectations should not change based on individual teacher preferences.

I am Respectful. I am Responsible. I am Ready.

Students should know what the rules mean. Please consult the PBIS Matrix for specifics.

Approaches to student discipline may vary from one student situation to another. These thoughts should normally be used as guidelines:

1. Say what you mean and mean what you say.2. Be positive when correcting inappropriate behavior. 3. Have a reason for what you ask a student to do and when possible, take time to give a

reason.4. Be honest in what you say and do. A student’s faith in you is a great help.5. Be fair. It isn’t punishment but perceived injustice that makes a student rebel against

authority.6. Be friendly. Always show an interest in what the students are doing. SMILE!7. Praise and commend good qualities and actions.8. Always try to be constructive when dealing with students.9. Remember that a sense of humor is extremely important in teaching.10. Do not impose your personal feelings or prejudices on students.11. Maintain poise at all times. Try not to lose your temper.12. Really listen to what students say.13. Have high expectations for ALL students and yourself. 14. Be sincere in your work with students.15. Demonstrate good character traits.16. Never hold a student up to public ridicule or use sarcasm. It is the surest way to

create a discipline problem.17. Let students know what is expected of them. Distribute the classroom management

plans and post them.18. Expect all students to follow rules – BE CONSISTENT!19. Keep students on task the entire class period. This is an extremely important element

in classroom management and discipline.

All teachers, including all special class teachers, will post a written a “Classroom Management Plan” in the classroom. Classroom Management Plans are to follow the PBIS Matrix. The

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Administration has the authority to amend or change a classroom management plan.

Take time to DISCUSS with and LISTEN to the students. Decide if the incident and/or inappropriate behavior can be resolved within the classroom or needs further intervention by an administrator through a thorough investigation. If it is decided that administrative action is not required; contact parent, send to Buddy Teacher for time out or send to the guidance counselor for mediation. If the incident demands further attention use the school wide Office Referral Form to refer the student to the office. The Principal, Assistant Principal or designee will handle the referral by conferencing with student(s), teacher, and parent if needed. Teachers will be informed of the outcome and students may be returned to the classroom. Teachers should keep an anecdotal record on students who have consistent problems. Teachers should make parent contacts as needed.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT (CODE OF MARYLAND S 7-306) BOARD RULE 506-05

State Law prohibits corporal punishment and provides: A principal, assistant principal or other employee may not administer corporal

punishment to discipline a student in a public school in the state.

THE FOLLOWING CONSEQUENCES ARE NOT PERMITTED

Standing a child in the hallway Aggressively touching a child Putting tape on a child’s mouth Making a child stand for a long period of time Isolating a student by making them face a wall Leaving a child or a class in a room unsupervised by an adult Keeping a child after 3:50 PM without prior parent notification/permission Being verbally or physically abusive

DETENTION-LUNCH Students may be issued lunch detentions during their lunch recess. However, students remaining inside from recess for any teacher-initiated reason must be under the direct supervision of the teacher who assigned the detention. Arrangements may be made between classroom teachers to share this responsibility. Students are not to be directed to sit in the office or cafeteria for a detention assigned by a classroom teacher. Lunch detentions should be used very sparingly for any particular child.

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MORAVIA PARK ELEMENTARY

Classrooms Hallways Cafeteria Bathroo

mOutside

Bus

I am respectful.

Raise hand and wait to be called on Use encouraging words Ask permission to use things Listen politely when speaking to others

Keep your voice at a whisper Move your feet quietly Use your eyes to enjoy our walls, tables, and displays Keep hallways neat and clean

Speak kindly to and about others Wait patiently in line and speak politely Respect others by keeping food and trash to yourself

Request the Hall/Bathroom pass to leave the room Be quiet and do not disturb classes going to or coming back from the bathroom

Respect others by playing outside games Handle outdoor equipment appropriately Listen politely to teachers and others

Speak kindly to and about others Keep your bottom on the seat and arms away from the windows Listen politely when bus driver and bus aide are speaking

I am responsible.

Follow directions the first time Accept consequences without arguing or complaining Participate in class activities to the best of your ability Complete your work and do your best

Follow directions the first time Accept consequences without arguing or complaining Participate in class activities to the best of your ability Raise your hand if you need assistance Pass through halls and stairways on the right

Help clean up your area Return trays and throw away all trash or uneaten food Follow directions of Cafeteria Workers and Monitors

Flush the toilet Wash hands and put paper towels in trash can Make sure to turn off the water at the sink Report any damage, vandalism, or any inappropriate use of the bathroom immediately

Clean up outdoor equipment when you are done using it Report any mishandling of outdoor equipment Participate in outdoor activities Work cooperatively with others during outside games

Gather all of your items when getting off of bus Report any damage, vandalism or any inappropriate use of bus immediately to driver or school personnel Clean up any left over paper or trash on bus

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I am ready.

Enter the classroom quietly Unpack backpack and materials Use locker at appropriate times Follow morning routine to prepare for class

Face forward Keep your eyes on the line leader Follow the directions of the teacher or other staff

Sit at your assigned table Choose your seat wisely and remain there Use an “inside” voice

Walk back to class immediately and return to class Return the Hall Pass Return to your seat and get back to your work

Line up when time is called to go inside Return to class and enter class quietly Follow the directions of the teacher or other staff

Face forward in your seat Choose your seat wisely and remain in there Use an “inside” voice when talking to others on the bus

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CITY SCHOOLS CODE OF CONDUCT

The BCPS Code of Conduct provides guidelines for students to help reduce the number of violent and disruptive behavior in BCPS schools. The Code of Conduct Chart will be posted in all classrooms. Teachers will conduct Code of Conduct Lessons throughout the school year.

DELAYED OPENING OF SCHOOL

In the event of a delayed opening of school:1. All essential staff will report to work at the regularly scheduled time.2. Provisions will be made to receive children who report at the regular time.3. Lunch and instructional schedules will be altered to accommodate delayed opening of

school.

EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL

There are times throughout the school year when extreme conditions may force the closing of school. In the event of severe conditions schools may be closed. Please adhere to the announcements made via BCPS e-mail, radio and television prior to 6:00 AM. All administrators and essential employees are expected to report to work on time.

In the event that the school closing occurs after school has been opened for the day, all students must be dismissed to the home of their parents, or the parents designated choice before the staff person to whom they are assigned for attendance leaves the premises. When school is closed, the principal will give dismissal directions. System-wide decisions will be made prior to 11:00 AM for a 12:30 PM dismissal. All students must be served lunch before leaving. Moravia Park will follow a shortened modified lunch schedule and all staff will help facilitate the transitional schedule.

EMERGENCY CARDS

Please collect two emergency cards from each student. All cards should be collected by the second week of school. Teachers should send one to the office and keep one for their records. Emergency cards should be reviewed for completeness and placed in alphabetical order.

EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIPS

Field trips to approved sites and neighborhood-walking trips can serve as excellent resources to enhance the instructional program. All trips must be fully planned and approved by the principal in advance. A trip request form is to be submitted at least 30-days prior to the trip. Check master schedule with the principal to avoid scheduling conflicts. Forms requesting parent permission for neighborhood walks throughout the year may be sent home in September. However, permission for bus trips must be secured through permission forms, which detail all of the particulars. There will be a standard trip permission form for teachers to use. Letters must be reviewed and approved by the principal in advance. Arrangement for lunch with Cafeteria

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Manager must be made 2 weeks in advance. A Field Trip Accountability Form must be completed and left in the office for the principal the day of the trip.

ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Why ESOL?

Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 provides Federal financial support to state and local educational agencies to supplement English language instruction in order to ensure that all English Language Learners, including immigrant children and youth, attain English proficiency, develop high levels of academic language proficiency in English, and meet the same challenging State academic achievement standards as all Maryland students are expected to meet.

U.S.563 (1974) Lau v. Nichols requires that districts take necessary actions to provide students who do not speak English the ability to overcome the educational barriers associated with not being able to properly comprehend what is being taught to them.

ESOL Programs

ESOL Pull-Out Program

Provides language development using a variety of methods, builds progressive skills in English listening, speaking, reading and writing. Instruction includes content based reading to ensure that students are exposed to academic language skills as soon as possible. Students have a standalone ESOL classroom which allows them a risk free environment to express themselves.

ESOL Push-In Program

Classroom teachers modify materials, team teach and use peer tutors along with instructional aides to provide ESOL instruction. Specialized ESOL staff work closely with classroom teachers to implement lessons.

ESOL Newcomer Program

ESOL teachers and ESOL para-educators provide extended support daily for students with no English language proficiency. Language development is approached using a variety of methods to build English survival skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students have a standalone ESOL classroom which allows them a risk free environment to express themselves. As students strengthen their English language proficiency skills they will progress into the ESOL pull-out program.

*Refer to newcomer document for more information*

Description of Duties

ESOL Department Head

School/Department:

- Plan and deliver professional development for school staff- Lead ESOL team meeting

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- Facilitate completion of administrative tasks- Audit Documentation (as needed)- Enter and manage ELL data and accommodations in LEP application- Complete documentation for RELLs I & II - Liaison for ESOL to school community- Represent ESOL on school leadership team - Serve as site test coordinator for ELPT (WIDA)- Manage translators and interpreters

Teachers:

- Provide instructional support to teachers- Mentor new or struggling ESOL teachers- Facilitate collaboration between ESOL teachers and general education teachers- Serve as liaison for ESOL and SpEd - Attend ESOL student’s CST and SST meetings (as needed)- Train new teachers on site (applicable to those teachers hired after NTI)

Students:

- Teach one class period a day (1st & 2nd newcomer program)- Assist with grade placement & scheduling of ESOL students

ESOL Teacher

- Assess students for English proficiency upon school enrollment- Provide quality ESOL instruction, follow state curriculum and curriculum guides- Complete state mandated documents for active ELLs- Maintain ELL student data- Collaborate with general and special educators- Aid teachers in accommodations and differentiation for ELLs - Attend weekly ESOL team meetings- Attend weekly grade level or content meetings

ESOL Para-educators/Translators

Teachers/Students:

- Work with small groups or one-on-one- Work collaboratively with teacher to aid in implementation of lesson plans,

assessment, student interactions, behavioral issues, and student growth with ESOL students

- Assist teachers with lesson plan modificationso Act as a liaison for Teachers and ESOL Dept

- Translate student teacher conferences (when necessary)- Assist ESOL students emotional/social growth- Attend weekly grade level/content meetings

Department/School:

- Attend weekly ESOL meeting

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- Translate documents during daily translation period (verbal and/or written)o Weekly/Monthly Notes Homeo Flyers/Noticeso Permission Slipso Calls Home

- Aid parents as needed- Home-visits as needed- Assist ESOL newcomer program (as needed)- Maintain weekly log of all duties and translations- Translate Meetings

o SST/CST o Parent/student conferenceso PTCO/After School Meetings (optional)

- Aid with student enrollmento Assist with translation for parentso Meet students & family for school tour

- Lunch Duty and/or Bus Duty

ESOL ACCOMMODATIONS, NEWCOMER PROGRAM DETAILS, WIDA CAN DO DESCRIPTORS AND LANGUAGE LINK

Need more assistance with your ESOL students or parents? The complete ESOL Resource file is located on Dashboard under ESOL Documents.

EVALUATION (Faculty)

The purpose of the evaluation process is to provide supervisory and staff assistance to all teachers in the district and to assure continued high quality instruction. Through evaluations, strengths can be recognized and areas of needed improvement can be identified. The evaluation instrument and procedure is designed to provide for both teacher and administrative involvement throughout the evaluation process.

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FIRE DRILLS

See Emergency Map/Fire Drill Safety Folder for Details) turn off lights carry emergency book with procedures and students’ names close door if you have one lead class out maintain order

FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

Teachers may handle minor first aid in the classroom. Please notify the office of any child whom appears very ill. Send ill children with a note and a partner when appropriate to the Health Center. Parents should be informed of all injuries no matter how minor. Teachers may not administer medication to students. The school nurse is the only person qualified to administer medication with the proper documentation on file.

SECURITY

Security is everyone’s responsibility. Handbags and keys should not be left exposed. Doors left open to the building should be reported immediately to the office. All students should receive instructions on how to avoid suspicious and strange persons as they come to/from school. Passes are to be used and teachers must know the whereabouts of all students at all times. Students must travel with a pass and a partner when appropriate. All students are to be escorted and picked up as a class to and from lunch and resources by the teachers and/or para professionals.

All exit doors are to remain closed once school is in session. Teachers will be notified when a visitor (parent) is coming to their classroom. Please alert the office if persons are without a pass and direct the visitor/parent to the main office.

SCHOOL CRISIS PLAN ( See Critical Incident Plan for detailed procedures)

In anticipation of an emergency or a crisis, codes will be used. The code will be made over the public address system, the telephone or by word-of-mouth by an administrator or principal designee.

EMERGENCY QUICK REFERENCE

1. Lockdown Announcement CODE RED*: The principal or the next highest ranking person in succession order

will make the announcement – Will MR. RED report to the office. This announcement means that there is an intruder in the building.

Close and lock all classroom, office, gym, and cafeteria doors. Students should sit under their desk and remain quiet ( upper building)

Crisis Team members will do hallway and lavatory sweeps to escort students to the nearest classrooms

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Close and lock all self contained classroom, art room, gym, cafeteria and music room doors (lower building)

Teachers and students in open space sit under the desk and remain quiet Account for all students by taking attendance (upper building) The all clear signal will be the cancellation code

2. Evacuation Announcement CODE BLUE*: The principal or the next highest ranking person in succession order

will make the announcement – We are looking for MR. BLUE. This announcement means that we need to evacuate the building.

Evacuate the building following Fire Drill procedures Designated personnel should go to assigned areas to assist with the evacuation

3. Caution Announcement CODE YELLOW*: The principal or the next highest ranking person in succession

order will make the announcement – Will MR. YELLOW report to the office. Crisis Team members should report to the office for assistance with an emergency

situation such as a student fight, riot and/or irate student/parent Classroom teachers should account for all students, stay in their classrooms and

continue instruction Do not allow any student to leave your classroom until the cancellation code

4. Life-Threatening Announcement CODE PURPLE*: The principal or the next highest ranking person in succession

order will make the announcement – Will MR. PURPLE report to the office. Crisis Team members should report to the office immediately Classroom teachers should secure all students in their classrooms Do not allow any student to leave your classroom until the cancellation code

5. Cancellation of a Code CODE GREEN*: The principal or the next highest ranking person in succession

order will make the announcement – Will MR.GREEN report to the office.

COMMUNICATION

Remember when communicating an emergency, relay “just the facts” Do not speculate or convey rumors In the event that there is information that must be given, be direct, brief and accurate Do not leave your student unattended to find out what’s going on All staff will be notified/updated as promptly as possible Only a spokesperson from the School District’s Public Relations Office is allowed to

speak to media. Unless given authorization, please do not speak to or allow your

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students to speak to media. Parents may allow their child to speak but the parent must be present to supervise.

*Code consistent with BCPSS Emergency codes

take attendance at designated spot, prepare to report attendance to administration/designee

return to the building upon signal from administration/designee

Make certain children know which exit to use and practice exiting the building.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONLESSON PLANS

Each teacher is to have daily written lesson plans available on the desk at all times. These plans should be legible, in a binder, and in chronological order. Do not destroy any of the plan book pages after they have been taught. When you are observed, your plan book will be checked for continuity of skill and sequence. Plans are to be detailed to ensure evidence of rigor, engagement, intervention, differentiation, accommodations, and modifications.

The minimal components of the plan should include subject area, unit/theme time allotment, objective, activities (whole group and small group), reference(s), connection to State Maryland Curriculum and/or Common Core Standards (CCS), accommodations/modifications, assessments, homework, vocabulary, and skill development. Non-elected teachers are expected to write detailed lesson plans, which include the previously listed components and the following: motivation and procedures.

Please note the following Lesson Plan Look-fors:

Classroom, subjects, times and dates provided in a neat and easy to follow format. (Guest Teachers can follow plans with confidence.)

Plan includes notes about specific student schedules. Example: 10-10:30 Speech: John, Joe, Sue

Class activities and strategies such as “Class Meeting, Math Meeting, or Turn-Pair- Share,” etc. have procedural descriptions to assist a guest teacher.

Procedures specific to the classroom are listed and detailed. Examples: restroom breaks, lining up procedures, etc.

Teacher’s plans and practices reflect understanding of prerequisite relationships among topics and concepts.

Plans reflect an understanding of individual student’s skills and a strategy is used to maintain such information (running records, anecdotal notes, etc.) *These documents are maintained in the Guided Reading Lesson Plans.

Outcomes are clear and written in the form of student learning. Example: I (the student) can… or Target Goal/Lion Goal:____)

Teacher plans regular use of technology resources that are available through the school.

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In addition to detailed plans for language arts, math, science and social students, the teacher has developed guided reading plans. Lessons are differentiated to meet student needs.

Student groups, level, book titles, teaching points, key vocabulary, strategies and follow up activities are included in the guided reading lesson plans.

Plans are in place to assess instructional outcomes. Assessment results are used to plan for future instruction.

EXPLICIT TEACHING MODEL (FOLLOW THIS PROCESS) I Do Teacher Models We Do Teacher with Student/ Student with Teacher

Developing, practicing together, small group instruction, intervention, differentiation, review and re-teaching

You Do Student aloneIndependent practice, enrichment and skill maintenance

CURRICULUM

The Baltimore City Public School’s Units of Study, Common Core Standards and the Maryland State Curriculum and Indicators are used for the implementation of the instructional program in all grades. Teachers will meet in grade-level teams and/or content specific teams weekly for staff development, to discuss instructional strategies, plan lessons, examine student work and analyze student data. All staff should know the skills in the curriculum that will be tested for PARRC, MSA and Stanford 10 (Teach, Practice and Review).

TIPS

LESSON OBJECTIVES

A. When writing objectives/I can statements, the main questions to ask yourself are:1. What do I want my students to be able to do by the end of today’s lesson?2. Why is it important for students to learn this?3. How will I know when they have achieved this?

B. An objective is made up of four parts:

Example: While reading for literary experience students will be able to state figurative languages’ influence on mood by identifying and analyzing at least 3 examples of figurative. 1. Conditions under which the behavior(s) will occur (example: While reading for

literary experience…2. Observable student behaviors (example: Students will be able to identify and

analyze…examples of figurative language)3. Reason(s) for the lesson (example: in order to state figurative language’s influence

on mood)4. Measurable level of quality for the performance (at least three)

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C. Display objectives/I can statements in language which students understand.

TEACHER REFLECTIONS

1. What are students to learn?2. Why and/or how will students be motivated to learn, and how is the learning relevant to

them?3. How will you present students with a reasonable opportunity to learn?4. What behaviors will students exhibit to demonstrate their learning?

GRADE BOOKS

Each teacher is required to maintain a daily grade book that contains numerical grades, skills assessed and dates for each student. The book should be divided to reflect the following:

Grades for every content and/or skill reflected on the report card Must be divided into marking periods Skill specified and dated clearly Grades for all skills Formative and summative tests recorded Unit quizzes, class work, homework, projects

Grade books and student folders will be used to justify grades. Documentation of student progress will be reviewed. Benchmarks are not averaged into the report card grades. Parent Portal will be used by all staff to allow parents and students regular access to current grades.

STUDENT WORK FOLDERS

Samples of student progress must be maintained in content specific folders. (See Below) ALL PAPERS must be dated and have a title to indicate the skill taught. Comments on student work should give specific feedback to students. Papers in each folder must be stapled according to the report card quarter. Students in grades 1-5 will have a personal Writing Journal and a Mathematics Journal. Folders will be reviewed by administrators.

Each student will have a work folder for: Reading/Language Arts Folder Mathematics Folder Social Living/Social Studies Science

PROGRESS REPORTS

It is important to continuously assess student performance and inform parents of their child’s progress. Teachers are encouraged to make positive telephone contact with all parents each quarter. The telephone conference should be utilized to discuss student’s strengths and

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weaknesses and ways the parent and teacher can work together to help the child. Additionally, teachers are to send Progress Reports home for each student on systemic identified.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are completed quarterly. Comments must be written and conferences scheduled for all students who receive an unsatisfactory grade in any subject. Comments must be consistent with earned grades. However, you are encouraged to write a comment for all students. Special education teachers and ESOL teachers will collaborate with the general education teacher on grades for the subjects that they work with the students. IEP report cards will be distributed with the regular report card. Resource and ESOL teachers must submit their grades 3 days prior to the completion due date, to the homeroom teacher of the students serviced.

HOMEWORK (Daily Instructional Practice)

Objective: To establish and support the Board of Education’s belief that daily instructional practice is an essential part of the learning process.

Definition: Daily instructional practice (at times referred to as “homework”) can be an in-class learning experience or an out-of-class learning experience assigned by a teacher to further a student’s educational development. These assignments are adaptations or applications of the classroom instruction used by the teacher to monitor student learning and how to better direct student understanding of designated learning goals. In alignment with the Common Core Standards, classroom teachers will be assessing primarily in the classroom as they look for evidence of skill and concept mastery by students.

There are typically 4 types of daily instructional practice, each with a specific purpose and outcome.Types of Daily Practice (Beyond the classroom)

What is it? Purpose Application Examples

Practice Assigned work that reinforces skills and concepts taught in the classroom.

Develops fluency and moves learning from short-term memory to long-term memory.

Effective practice will require students to be able to independently perform required skills.

3-10 math problems that reinforce the day’s learning or reading with an adult.

Completion Any assigned work not completed during class time.

Keeps students within the pacing of the designed curriculum.

Completing assignments will secure that students are current with classroom learning targets.

Complete math assignment.Revise an essay.Complete a group project survey.

Preparation Work that prepares student for upcoming learning.

Encourages students to acquire background knowledge and prior experiences to upcoming units of study.

Providing resources to secure students have a cognitive framework to support the grade level learning.

Interview a family member about family traditions prior to a writing assignment. Read a book about a historical time period.

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Extension Any work that refines, explores, or expands on classroom learning.

Encourages students to problem solve, think creatively, or think critically.

Student learning is not independent of classroom instruction. Instead, deepens understanding and relates learning to the real world.

Science project that requires students to take home seeds in soil, tend the plant, and report the growth in a chart format.Chart is returned to school for discussion purposes.

Effective Daily Instructional Practice:While the District Policy does not require practice to be assigned daily, the characteristics of effective daily practice are that it be:

curriculum-based and meet the developmental needs of students through differentiation, modifications, and accommodations

purposely planned to support student learning and avoid student overload reviewed and discussed with students in a timely manner mindful of resources available to students outside of the classroom non-punitive in nature

Daily Instructional Practice and Time ManagementDaily practice can be assigned at any time. Teachers are asked to collaborate will other relevant subject teachers to ensure that students have ample time to prepare for workloads relating to the grade level curriculum. Whenever possible, teachers are encouraged to provide students and their family with advance notice of major projects/assigned work to allow for flexible time management. Teachers are encouraged to have a heightened awareness of holidays and extended breaks from the classroom.

SUGGESTED AMOUNT OF TIME TO BE SPENT ON DAILY INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICE OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM

Prekindergarten & Kindergarten Up to 20 minutes daily1st Grade Up to 30 minutes daily 2nd Grade Up to 40 minutes daily3rd – 5th Grades Up to 60 minutes daily* Parents with students who continually need extended time to complete the assigned daily practice should request a parent-teacher conference at the earliest convenience of the parent.

Responsibilities Relating to Assigned Instructional Daily Practice/HomeworkStudent

Makes effective use of class time. Seeks clarity with directions. Records assignment in planner. Plans to complete assignments on time and returns assignments to the teacher. Transports materials to and from school. Contacts teacher regarding assignments when absent from school.

Teacher Understands and complies with Daily Practice Guidelines. Reflects on purpose, assessment, and feedback necessary to support student learning. Posts assignments in a variety of locations for student and parent reference. Communicates type, purpose, and objective of assigned daily practice. Secures that daily practice is meaningful and supports currently taught curriculum and learning targets.

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Considers the developmental stages, learning styles, and skills of individual students. Corrects daily practice quickly and provides feedback to students. Uses daily practice as a formative tool and record progress in Skyward.

Family Establishes household routines to support a time, place, and resources for completing daily practice. Assists students in organizing tasks, information, and record-keeping. Communicates with teacher regarding misunderstandings, progress, or other questions. Communicate with teacher if family responsibilities cannot be met. Communicates with teacher if student consistently unable to complete work within the suggested time

frame or struggles to work independently.

Principal Ensures that all staff and parents are familiar with the Daily Practice Guidelines. Monitors effectiveness, compliance, and strategies. Coordinates school-wide resources for teachers, students, and families to use for the completion of daily

practice. Monitors how teachers assess daily practice for the purpose of grades. Mediates situations that relate to student learning, assignments, and work-outside of the classroom.

Grading of Daily PracticeDaily practice can be an out-of-class learning experience assigned by a teacher to further a student’s educational development. These assignments are adaptations or applications of the classroom instruction used by the teacher to monitor student learning and determine how to better direct student understanding of designated learning goals.

Teachers will monitor the completion of daily practice through classroom goal charts, student data binders, or Parent Portal. At the end of each quarter the teacher will calculate the number of out-of class learning assignments completed to formulate a class/course grade. The out-of-class daily practice grade cannot reflect more than 10% of the student’s overall grade in a subject area. The remaining 90% of the grade for subject area will be based on mastery the student exhibits in the classroom.

Daily Instructional Practice during Extended AbsencesTeachers shall not be expected to provide detailed classroom work and daily practice assignments for students who are away for extended periods of time as a result of family-or parent-initiated absences. Parents may use the communication sources listed above to acquire the needed information. Depending on the nature of the time period and the timing of the school year, assignments will be made available before or after the absence.

E-MAIL E-mail should be checked throughout each day for information. Paper correspondence will be utilized sparingly.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Staff members need to be familiar with all procedures for emergency situations. Teachers should talk to their student about these procedures during the first days of school. Teachers will need to practice procedures with students as there will be drills during the first week of school.

Directions and a map indicating emergency exits from the building must be clearly posted by the exit door of each classroom. Emergency bags must be kept up to date at all times. All emergency plans must be readily available to teachers and substitutes.

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GRADING

City Schools is currently on four nine-week grading periods. Further information regarding training and requirements will be distributed at the beginning of the school year. Teachers should update grades in an ongoing basis to ensure that students and their families are kept informed and up-to-date about their student’s progress. Parent Portal is an online grade book accessible to parents and students. It will be utilized by all Moravia Park staff.

The schedule for inputting quarterly grades is determined at the start of each school year. Any changes to this calendar will be sent to teachers in advance of the due date. Final grades are to be calculated and recorded for every class.

Personal communication should be utilized anytime there is a significant change in academic progress/behavior impacting performance

HALLWAY SUPERVISION

All staff members are to be present in the halls during students’ arrival and departure times. Classroom teachers should be directly outside their classrooms and special teachers should be visible in the hallways to help maintain order. It is imperative that all teachers help monitor behavior and greet students as they begin and end their day.

HARASSMENT

Moravia Park should be a workplace that is conducive to the teaching and learning of all who enter our doors. Moravia Park Elementary School will be free from any form of harassment that creates a hostile work environment in which an individual is not able to function in a manner for which he or she is employed. If at any time you feel you are in a harassment situation, notify a building administrator immediately.

HOUSEKEEPING

Teachers are responsible for the appearance of their classrooms at the end of each school day. 1. Students' and teachers' desks should be in order.2. Large papers, gym shoes, and other materials should be picked up from the floor.

Chairs should be placed on top of desks at the end of the day. 3. Maps should be rolled up; bookcases and reading tables should be left in good order.4. Any equipment repairs should be submitted to the office.

INTERCOM ANNOUNCEMENTS

The purpose of the intercom announcements is to begin the day in a familiar, orderly manner and to provide necessary information for students and staff. Announcements will be made at 9:10 AM daily. It is important that all staff and students pause from their activities and listen to the announcements. Wednesdays will be Children’s Corner and classes will be assigned to participate. An announcement form should be completed and turned in the day before for any person who has an announcement to make during the morning program.

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INVENTORY / SUPPLIES

Teachers must keep an electronic record of items purchased for their classrooms on an official inventory sheet. Personally purchased items should be kept on a separate inventory; teachers should label these items appropriately to distinguish between personal and district property. Items purchased with district funds, school funds or items donated by parents are the property of the school district. These items are to remain in the building should teachers leave the district or building for any reason.

No items may be purchased without a purchase order that has been approved by the administration. There will be no personal reimbursement for items unless it has received prior approval. Receipts are required for reimbursement.

MAILBOXES

Staff mailboxes are located in the office area. Check your mailbox at least twice each day (morning and afternoon) to be certain that you receive all information.

MAINTENANCE

If you have a concern or need of maintenance in your classroom, or you observe a need in the building, either complete the custodial checklist or see Mr. Allen.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

Our school district has developed a clear policy for medications at school. Please read and follow it closely in relation to medication at school. (See Student Handbook)

NURSE/NURSE'S OFFICE

If a child is ill, he/she may want to see the school nurse. The nurse/administration will make all medical-related decisions including contacting parents and determining if the child should remain at school.

PARKING FACILITIES

Street parking is located on Frankford Avenue. The Lower Building Parking Lot is located in front of the school with limited parking space. There is additional parking on the blacktop located in the rear of the building. Parking restrictions should be observed and caution should be exercised at all times to avoid being ticketed and/or towed. Car doors should be locked and items of interest should not be visible within the car. Do not park cars in the bus loop (Lower Building) during school hours. Do not park in the loading zones in rear of buildings.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parent conferences should be scheduled before or after school. Conferences should not be held during the instructional day unless teachers have scheduled a time during their individual team

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planning time. Parents must be received in the office and given a visitor’s pass when visiting the school building.

WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE WITH PARENTS

Letters should not be sent to groups of parents regarding student’s progress, assignments, behavior, etc. unless the letter has been approved by the principal. Once the letter is approved, a copy should be given to the principal. Individual letters or notes to parents should be given careful thought. If a note addresses a sensitive or personal issue, you should seek advice from the administrators before sending it home. Statements in writing constitute permanent records. This direction is for your protection. Please address any questions concerning this directly to the principal.

PARENT TEACHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION (PTCO) MEETINGS

This is the organized parent group for Moravia Park. Three meetings will be held in which teacher attendance is required by BTU contract. These meetings will include Back to School Night and Parent-Teacher Conferences on report card distribution night. Teachers are encouraged to attend more than the required meetings. There will also be early release days held each quarter for progress report conferences. There will also be a Parent Annual Public Meeting held at the beginning of the year that staff are asked to attend.

PARENT-COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Parents and community members should be encouraged to visit the classrooms, work with individual students who need help, attend special programs, participate in workshops, assist with class and school projects, accompany classes on trips, etc. Parents, community members and teachers must work in partnership in the educational process. It is our responsibility to provide means whereby parental involvement will be continuous. Teachers will be required to maintain written documentation of parent/community involvement activities during the school year. A designated school form will be provided and submitted at the end of each month to the principal with the total number of volunteers. All parent volunteers must complete a volunteer screening form located on-line in the Lower Building main office

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

Moravia Park’s Parent/Student Handbook is located on the school website and within Dashboard with other Staff Handbook items. It is very important to be completely familiar with its contents that outline procedures, guidelines and rules.

PARTIES

Moravia Park has four classroom parties throughout the school year: fall holiday, winter holiday, Valentine’s Day and an end of the year party. Our parties are not to exceed one hour in length, unless administrative approval has been received.

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PERSONAL LEAVE

Every staff member is granted personal days each school year in accordance with the current contractual language. Each employee is responsible for verifying personal leave availability prior to requesting any paid leave time. If no leave is available, leave will not be granted. In the event that a maximum number of personal days are not used during the year they become additional sick days the following year. The building principal must approve personal leave days. Personal days before or after a holiday or on the first and/or last week of school may be granted only for emergency situations or events beyond the employee’s control, with prior approval.

PETS

For children and staff members with allergies and asthma, the classroom environment can pose many challenges. These challenges range from symptoms that make it hard to concentrate to life threatening reactions. As part of our ongoing effort to make the school environment healthier for our students and staff members, no pets are to be in classrooms nor will pets be brought to school. Exceptions to this guideline, for educational purposes only, may be approved by the principal.

PLAYGROUND RULES

In order to make our playground a safe place to play, it is imperative that playground expectations are followed at all times. Any time that you are supervising students on the playground, please enforce our PBIS expectations. (See Student Handbook and PBIS manual) Teachers are to be active in their supervision and move around our large playground to ensure the safety of all students.

PREP (PREPARATION) TIME

Prep time is scheduled and is to be utilized for professional duties. The preparation time occurs during the regular student attendance day when the teacher is not assigned teaching or other duties. Common planning time has been incorporated into the daily schedule. Time has been designated for content meetings, grade level focused team meetings and data focused meetings. See school wide calendar for more details.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Both systemic (district-led) and school based professional development opportunities are offered throughout the year. All are encouraged to participate. Opportunities for professional book studies, or focused PD can be arranged as needed.

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PURCHASE ORDERS

No items may be purchased utilizing school funds (district, PTO, parent donation, etc.) without a purchase order approved by administration. There will be no personal reimbursement for items unless it has received prior approval. Receipts are required for reimbursement.

REPORT OF THEFT On the discovery of theft of school or personal property, teachers are to contact administration. A written report describing the time, place, and details (identifying missing or damaged materials/equipment) should be completed as soon as possible and given to the Principal.

RESTROOMS Students are to be taken to the restroom in groups escorted by the classroom teacher whenever possible. You must supervise your class during these restroom trips to prevent the opportunity for vandalism and playtime. Remind students that paper towels must be disposed of properly.

RETENTION AND OR REMEDIATION

Students who are performing at least one grade level below expected will be evaluated by administrators, teachers, resource teachers, and other school personnel. Parents will be involved in the planning of their child's educational program.

It is the teacher's responsibility to inform the principal of any student who is failing and in danger of retention. Such notification of the principal and the parents must occur no later than the end of the first semester and must be monitored for the remainder of the year. The SST process will be followed in all cases of retention recommendations.

RtI (RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION) Response to Intervention, or RtI, has been introduced by recent amendments to Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act and No Child Left Behind legislation. RtI emphasizes high quality instruction for all students, early interventions matched to student need, ongoing student assessment to monitor progress, and special education placement on the basis of the ability to learn.

RtI uses universal screening and progress monitoring to determine students’ needs. Universal screening assesses all students to distinguish those that are performing below an established benchmark. The information collected is also used to identify strengths of the core curriculum and instruction. Students are then determined to be in need of additional interventions. The figure below illustrates an example of the tiered approach to interventions proposed by Response to Intervention.

The assessment procedure is called progress monitoring. Probes, or short assessments, are administered frequently. The information guides decisions about whether or not a student is responding to the intervention. Interventions are supplemental, or in addition to, the student’s core curriculum. If a student is not responding, he or she might require more intensive interventions. Some students may require a referral to special education.

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SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRALS

Students enter our classrooms each year with many strengths and some weaknesses. It is the responsibility of the entire staff to help each child reach his or her full potential. If you, as a professional, have concerns about a child's progress emotionally, socially or academically, you must discuss those concerns with parents, administration and support staff. As a team we will strive to find ways to accommodate a child's growth so his or her time at Moravia Park Elementary School can be successful.

After exploring many avenues towards success, you may feel the child is in need of special education services. A referral to special education is recommended when a child exhibits obvious difficulties and needs which adversely affect school performance and all other intervention/remediation attempts have not been met with success. If you have questions about what can be done to help a student, please discuss with one of the administrators and/or the SST. Forms for this process are provided to assist you in this matter.

Each special education student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that is designed by the special education team, regular education teacher, and parents. The IEP is a legal agreement that must be followed as it is stated. The special education case manager and the classroom teacher are responsible for fulfilling the IEP. (Case managers are responsible for communicating needs and accommodations to all teachers working with IEP students.)

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SCHOOL HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE

Maternity, illnesses, retirements, bereavement, promotions and other usual events occurring among staff members will be provided for by the School Hospitality Committee to which all staff contributes individually. All staff whose names appear on the school payroll will be eligible for membership in the School Hospitality Committee. Membership is encouraged. Dues will be $25 per staff person. Dues are due by October 5th.

SOLICITATIONS

Solicitation for any purpose including ticket sales, dinner sales, mail order sales and any other sales where money is exchanged for goods, services or fundraisers on behalf of a staff member or outside agents, is expressly prohibited on school premises. Posters, flyers, announcements or any like advertising may not be displayed on school premises unless approved by the Principal. The only exceptions are approved school-wide fundraising activities. All other exceptions must be approved by the school principal and must be in accordance with the Rules of the Board of School Commissioners.

STAFF LUNCH AREAS

Custodians will clean the workroom each evening. In the interim, please make an effort to keep the workroom clean and enjoyable for everyone.

STAFF MEETINGS

Staff Meetings are held once a month, either before or after school. Staff Meetings are mandatory. If unable to attend a Staff Meeting on a day you are present for work, you must submit your request to the principal, in writing. If unable to attend a Staff Meeting you are responsible for obtaining the information missed.

STUDENT RECORDS

Student cumulative records are kept in the office in the upper building and are to be kept current. Records of various tests, special services, legal information, and permission forms are all important background information for good educational planning. A properly maintained file is very useful for determining a program for a student. Student files cannot be removed from the office area. Anytime the cumulative file is reviewed, the appropriate form must be signed and dated. These forms are located on top of the file cabinet and in the front of each cumulative folder indicating the individuals who have previously reviewed the contents of the file. Law dictates that these forms must be completed when reviewing a file.

When reviewing a student's records, please inform the administration and secretaries of any legal documents that pertain to the protection of the child or custody matters. Teachers need to inform the administration of any such material before it is placed in the file.

Teachers are responsible for providing duplicate report cards, conference dates, newsletters, field trip information, etc. to non-custodial parents. The office will provide stamped envelopes for

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your use, if needed.

SUBSTITUTE FOLDERS

Each teacher shall construct a substitute file with three emergency lesson plans. This folder is maintained in the office. Substitute folders should be prepared during the first week of school and submitted to the administration by the due date provided. This file should be updated regularly and emergency lesson plans must be replaced within one week’s time. This file should include but is not limited to the following:

1. Regular updated seating chart with first and last names. 2. Class list3. Fire escape map/emergency instructions4. Building Map5. Your daily schedule6. Copy of disciplinary procedures7. Copy of attendance procedures8. Classroom procedures and regulations9 Bus dismissal procedures10. Any other material you feel appropriate for carrying on your class in your absence.11. Name of a Teacher Buddy12. Transportation Information (bus rider information, pickups, walkers)13. Classroom helpers14. Attendance Procedures

SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS It is our responsibility to supervise children throughout the school day. We are held "in loco parentis" meaning "in place of the parent." Teachers are not to leave their students unsupervised in the classroom or playground. If you must leave your classroom in an emergency, arrange for another teacher to supervise your students and instruct your students as to what they must do.

Students are not to be left in the room, hallways, or any other area at lunchtime unsupervised.

TECHNOLOGY

City Schools has provided our school with many levels of technology that must be used to enhance instruction. All technology equipment is inventoried by the district. Proper check out procedures must be followed. Return items (cameras, laptops, etc.) that are needed by others as soon as they are no longer needed for instruction. At the beginning of each school year, all staff members are required to read and sign an acceptable use policy outlining the expectations for the use of district technology.

TRANSPORTING STUDENTS

Staff members are strongly encouraged to refrain from using their own personal vehicles to transport students for any reason

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VISITORS

All visitors to the school must check in at the main office and receive a visitor badge. Students from other schools will not be allowed to visit classes at Murrayville Woodson Elementary School. Parents are encouraged to call the office and make arrangements for visitations. Staff members should question any adult without a visitor badge. The principal must be informed immediately if you have concerns about a visitor at Moravia Park Elementary School. Building safety and security is everyone’s business.

VOLUNTEER FORMS

Volunteers make up an integral component of the day-to-day workings of our schools. Volunteers are used in numerous positions in all schools. They work directly with students in a variety of programs both during and after school. For the safety and welfare of our students, "volunteer forms" are necessary for individuals that work with our students in a volunteer capacity.

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