Introduction - Newark Public Schools€¦ · Web viewAcademic rigor is maintained in all curriculum areas, to lay a solid foundation of knowledge upon which thinking and problem solving

SPEEDWAYACADEMIES

SOARS TO SUCCESS

School Policy Handbook2014-2015

Atiba Buckman, Principal701 South Orange Avenue, Newark,, New Jersey 07106

SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES |NEWARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 1

Office: (973) 374-2740 Fax: (973) 374-2152 School Website: www.nps.k12.nj.us/spd

ContentsIntroduction.......................................................................................................................5School Vision......................................................................................................................5School Mission...................................................................................................................5Law Refresher: “It Goes Without Saying”..........................................................................5ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES (AIS).................................................................6AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS............................................................................................6ANECDOTAL RECORDS (See Attachment).................................................................6ASSEMBLIES.....................................................................................................................6ASSESSMENT (See Attachment)..................................................................................6ATTENDANCE POLICY...................................................................................................7BOOK OF THE MONTH (See Attachment)..................................................................7BREAKFAST PROGRAM.................................................................................................7BUILDING HOURS..........................................................................................................7BULLETIN BOARDS (See Attachment)........................................................................7CHAIN OF COMMAND (See Attachment)...................................................................7CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBER.........................................................8CHANGE OF SCHEDULE................................................................................................8CHILD ABUSE (See Attachment)..................................................................................8CHILD STUDY TEAM (CST)...........................................................................................8CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS......................................................................................9CLASSROOM AND HALLWAY DISPLAYS.....................................................................9CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE.............................................................................................9CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TIPS..............................................................................9COMMITTEE MEETINGS.............................................................................................10COMMON PLANNING PERIOD...................................................................................10DISCIPLINE....................................................................................................................10DISMISSAL.....................................................................................................................10DRESS CODE..................................................................................................................11DUPLICATION...............................................................................................................11E-MAIL............................................................................................................................11EMERGENCY HOME CONTACT FORM......................................................................11FACULTY CONFERENCES............................................................................................12FAX MACHINES.............................................................................................................12FIRE DRILLS..................................................................................................................12FIRST AID.......................................................................................................................12FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS SEPTEMBER 4, 2014....................................................12ALL OTHER SCHOOL DAYS.........................................................................................13FLOW OF THE DAY PROCEDURES / LESSON PLANS.............................................13FOOD/BEVERAGES.......................................................................................................13FRONT DOOR SECURITY.............................................................................................13FURNITURE...................................................................................................................14GLOVES...........................................................................................................................14


http://www.nps.k12.nj.us/spd

GUIDANCE REFERRALS...............................................................................................14GUM CHEWING.............................................................................................................14HALL PASSES/STUDENT HALL TRAFFIC/USE OF RESTROOM............................14HOMEWORK POLICY...................................................................................................14INCIDENT REPORTS....................................................................................................15In case of an incident or accident, whether to a child, staff member or visitor, an incident report is to be completed immediately following the occurrence. File an incident report for all school incidents no matter how minor. Indicate all details and statements from adults (teaches, aides present, etc.).....................................................15INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP)....................................................16INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING PLAN (ILP)................................................................17INTERNET (See Attachment)......................................................................................17INTRUDER ALERT........................................................................................................17KEYS................................................................................................................................19LATE PICK UP OF CHILDREN.....................................................................................19LATE PICK UP OF FACULTY........................................................................................19LETTERS TO BE SENT HOME.....................................................................................19LETTER TO THE FILE PROCEDURES........................................................................19LUNCH PERIODS..........................................................................................................19LUNCHROOM PROCEDURES......................................................................................19MAILBOX PROCEDURES.............................................................................................21MAINTENANCE COPY REQUEST................................................................................21MEDICATION PROCEDURES......................................................................................21MEET YOUR TEACHER................................................................................................21TEACHER’S AIDES, 1-1 AIDES, PARAPROFESSIONALS, CLASS ASSIGNED NURSES..........................................................................................................................22PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)..............................................................22PARENT CONFERENCES.............................................................................................22PARENT/TEACHER AFTERNOON CONFERENCES..................................................22PARENT LIAISON..........................................................................................................23PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.....................................................................................23PERSONAL PROPERTY.................................................................................................23PHOTOS OF STUDENTS (Media Consent Form Attached).....................................23POTENTIAL HOLDOVERS............................................................................................23PREPARATION PERIODS.............................................................................................24PRINCIPAL’S MONTHLY CALENDAR........................................................................24PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING (For Effort-Based Education)....................................24PROFESSIONAL SPACE................................................................................................27PROGRAM CARDS.........................................................................................................27PROMOTION POLICY (See Attachment)...................................................................27PUBLISHING CELEBRATIONS PROCEDURES.........................................................27READING RESPONSES.................................................................................................27REPORTING OF INCIDENT.........................................................................................27RESERVING SPACE......................................................................................................27ROOM DECOR................................................................................................................27SCHOOL BULLETINS/TEACHING BULLETINS ETC. (See Attachment)...............28SCHOOL-WIDE ROUTINE TEACHING PROCEDURES.............................................28SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES ONLINE..............................................................................29SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRALS / SST.................................................................29


SST COMMITTEE (Intervention and Referral Service)...........................................29STAFF ABSENCE POLICY (See NTU Handbook)......................................................29STAFF EMERGENCY CONTACT FORMS....................................................................29STAFF LATENESS POLICY...........................................................................................30STAFF WORKROOM......................................................................................................30STORM DAY PROCEDURES.........................................................................................30STUDENT ABSENCE/ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES................................................30STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS (See Attached)................................................................30STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK................................................................................30SUBSTITUTE TEACHER PLANS..................................................................................30SUPERVISORY VISITS..................................................................................................31TEACHER EVALUATION / NEW FRAMEWORK (See Attachment)........................31TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT.............................................................................................31TELEPHONE / CELLULAR PHONE USAGE................................................................31TELEVISION...................................................................................................................32TIME-ON TASK..............................................................................................................32TRIPS..............................................................................................................................32VIDEO AND AUDIO IMAGE RELASE..........................................................................33WINDOWS/DOORS........................................................................................................33WORK FOLDERS...........................................................................................................33

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Welcome back to another year of teaching and learning. As we revisit the intent of this handbook, it is important that you utilize its contents for effective daily functioning at Speedway Academies. In most cases, the guide lists policies and procedures that have been in place for many years. However, there are some changes to these policies and procedures, and they should be noted. Some of the policies and procedures will be modified as the school year progresses. Please refer to the handbook when necessary and direct all questions to the Vice Principals or the Principal.

In closing, I would like to wish each and every staff member a healthy, active and successful year of teaching and learning. As part of the SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES community, we all know that our students can achieve success and go on to become productive citizens in our community and society.

In Service with Kids,

Atiba BuckmanPrincipal


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Introduction The SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES Staff Handbook has been prepared to acquaint you with important policies, procedures, rules, and activities of SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES. It has been made as inclusive as possible. You are encouraged to read the entire handbook. Please take time to read the book & retain it for future reference, since it is important that you follow the procedures & rules that have been established.

School Vision To cultivate a school community that honors the talent and differences of each student, culminating in lifelong learners and productive citizens, competitive in a global economy.

School Mission Speedway Academies will collaborate with our parents, community members, staff, and students to create a safe, supportive, and diverse environment, promoting high expectations and standards through professional development, workshops and rigorous tasks, ensuring that all students meet their potential.

Law Refresher: “It Goes Without Saying” Please review the online Discipline and Policy PDF documents outlined as follows:

Discipline Code P. 16-21Discipline Policy P. 34-36Weapons Policy P. 41Student Rights & Responsibilities P. 74-85Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illegal Substances Policy P. 89-95Cell phone Agreement (Students) P. 104Student Attendance Policy P. 105

In addition, please review the following documents, which are attached:

Safety and Security Professional Decorum Student Discipline Code Absent/Lateness Policies Student Bill of Rights Trip Regulations Harassment Policy

These entire documents are available for your review in the Main Office.


ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES ( AIS) Academic Intervention Services must be provided for all students not meeting the standards for the grade.

Remember: All students can learn, but not at the same rate.

It is the teacher’s responsibility to maintain the evidence of providing a differentiated curriculum for students who are below grade level and in need of academic intervention services. All work done with assistance is to be marked “AIS”.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS Often classrooms are used for an after school activity. If a classroom is used for a program, the teacher assigned to the room for the day school program will be unable to remain in the room after the class is dismissed.

ANECDOTAL RECORDS (See Attachment)An anecdotal record documents incidents of behavior. It tells what the child did or said, describes concretely the situation in which the action or comment occurred, and tells clearly what other persons did or said.

Please fill out the Anecdotal Record at: http://bit.ly/1ohjw8E

ASSEMBLIES Monthly assemblies will be held throughout the school year. Teachers are

expected to actively supervise their students during an assembly. Each class or combined classes on a grade will be scheduled to perform a

literature-based assembly program. Parents will be invited to these presentations. Classes are to be seated as they arrive in the auditorium. They are to use seats

from the end of the row and continue using seats until the entire class is seated. Classes are to sit in their designated seats unless directed otherwise.

Children are not to be permitted to leave the auditorium during an assembly program unless it is an absolute emergency.

Teachers are required to situate themselves with the class and are expected to constantly enforce and review proper auditorium behavior with their class. Remind the students that we show our appreciation for something we like by applauding or clapping our hands; we do not use our voices. Also, remind students that if we do not like something they are to sit quietly and not boo.

ASSESSMENT (See Attachment)Assessment measures how well students are doing in school. In addition to giving actionable feedback on students’ progress, assessment provides important information to school staff and parents to guide them in helping students meet promotion standards and earn promotion to the net grade. Assessments are provided in English and/or the student’s native language where appropriate and available.

What Types of Assessments are Used?


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Across the different grade levels various types of assessments are used:Data binders, portfolio assessment, Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Assessment, Running Records, Benchmark, SRI, MAP, and A-NET are some of the assessment tools used at different grade levels to monitor student progress towards mastery. Instructionally targeted Assessments are all essential to effective instruction. Each assessment focuses on individual performance standards and gauges student progress and achievement.

ATTENDANCE POLICY Daily attendance must be completed by 9:00 AM Grades 5 - 8 must do “in–room” daily attendance per period in a log book. If a

student is cutting class, notify security.

BOOK OF THE MONTH (See Attachment)

BREAKFAST PROGRAMBreakfast is served in the Cafeteria daily from 7:45– 8:10 AM. Students enter the cafeteria from the side entrance and are picked up by their teachers promptly at 8:05 from their assigned places on the playground at the side of the building (grades K-2) and in the back of the building (grades 3-8). In the event of inclement weather, K-2 students will eat and remain in the cafeteria while students in Grades 3-8 will pick up their breakfast from the cafeteria and take it up to the gym where they will remain until their teacher picks them up at 8:05. At no time should breakfast be served in the classroom.

BUILDING HOURSThe building is open from 7 AM to 4 PM daily for staff. Entry is ONLY through the main doors at the front of the building.

BULLETIN BOARDS (See Attachment)Bulletin Boards are an opportunity to promote the school program and your classroom progress and accomplishments through an advertising medium – the parents and the children. It is advised that the principles set forth below be applied to classroom and hallway bulletin boards.

A good color scheme provides eye appeal. It is attractive and artistically harmonious.

Bulletin boards are to be well arranged so content can be easily viewed. Hallway bulletin boards are to be changed monthly – no later than the 5th of each

month. Incomplete bulletin boards on the 5th must be labeled as “under construction.”

Mount work on colored construction paper. Use a smart title with some punch to it. Titles and subtitles make each part stand

out. Make sure to label the bulletin board with the appropriate performance standard. (e.g. a response to literature).

Use letters that are large enough to be seen by viewers at a distance.


Bulletin boards should reflect your present instructional program. Use students’ work as the main subject. A bulletin board is an invitation to read and look. It should be attractive and hold

children’s interest. Label hallway bulletin boards with classroom number and teacher responsible for

the work posted. All children’s work is to be current. Papers on display should not be more than

three weeks old. To prevent damage to walls, use sticky tack or blue painter’s tape when attaching

items directly to wall.

CHAIN OF COMMAND (See Attachment)In emergency situations, it is of the utmost importance that there be a smooth decision making process if the principal is not present in the building. The absence of clear direction could lead to confusion and panic, which could endanger life. Activation of security measures is based upon the decision of the principal. If the principal is not present in the building, the alternate assumes responsibility i.e. the Vice Principal. In the event that they are absent, you will be informed of the assumption of responsibility. The chain of command is posted in the Main Office and in the school safety plan.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBERPlease notify the School Operations Manager, Mr. Cruz, or his delegate, if you learn a student has changed address or phone number.

CHANGE OF SCHEDULEAny change in the daily schedule will be posted on the office bulletin board each morning.

CHILD ABUSE (See Attachment)

CHILD STUDY TEAM (CST)The Child Study Team (CST) consists of a social worker and a school psychologist. The CST Team evaluates a student who has been referred to Special Education and makes a recommendation regarding the best possible program for the students.


CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONSThe Main Office and the Principal must be notified in writing of scheduled celebrations with a minimum of one week’s notice. Birthday parties are not allowed without permission of the Principal in writing.

CLASSROOM AND HALLWAY DISPLAYSAll work displayed must meet the standards. Work that has errors in it should indicate the process, along with the revised artifact in order to display growth.

CLASSROOM DISCIPLINEDiscipline plays an important part in classroom management and procedures. It is the teacher’s responsibility to teach discipline. Teachers will only be as successful as their classroom procedures allow them to be. If a teacher cannot handle their students, they will not be effective as a classroom teacher. Behavior in or around school is an extension of classroom discipline. Discipline and the handling of students are very important during the entire year, but it is essential during the first few months of the school year.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TIPSa. Desks must be cleared before each lesson and only pertinent material should

remain on the children’s desks.b. Instruct the children to line up appropriately.c. Instruct the children to begin to work promptly upon arrival. d. Instruct the children to use the uniform heading:

Speedway Academies NameClass Date

Develop sound routines and good work habits in maintaining notebooks. Remember parents usually review their child’s notebooks daily. Please remember to make actionable feedback comments regularly. Comments should be written in full sentences in order to model proper sentence structure.

Line-Up Routines aka ‘HALLS’ 1. Establish where in the room the children will line up. There should always be only

1 line with the teacher walking/monitoring from the back of the line2. Set up an orderly procedure for getting on line. (e.g., leaving space for those who

line up in front of you; way to walk on line, etc.)3. No talking, pushing, etc. on line.4. Establish a routine with the class that will allow you or another adult to pass your

line on the staircase or in the hall.5. Establish a routine for standing on the staircase (e.g. one child per step).

Encourage children to use the banisters.6. Establish a walking routine that includes designated stopping points, i.e., a

doorway, a corner, a tier in the stairwell.


7. Grades 3-8 teachers should always be in the hallway with their class when locker logistics are taking place during the school day.


Establish Classroom Standards Develop a code of behavior. Display the rules in the classroom. Establish consequences for breaking an established rule. Included may be the

following: Raise hands in class – no calling out. No talking during class or on line. Establish a procedure for leaving the room.

COMMITTEE MEETINGSTo avoid conflict, all dates and times for committee meetings are to be cleared with the principal. The principal will enter them on the master calendar and place them on the bi-weekly bulletin. All committee meetings are open meetings and must be posted on the daily notice bulletin board.

COMMON PLANNING PERIODGrade conferences will be held weekly during a common preparation period. These are professional conferences and all teachers are required to attend on time.

DISCIPLINETeaching cannot take place unless children are interested and attentive. Children must be taught to be attentive. Children are not to be sent on errands except in an emergency. Establish definite classroom rules.

Do not send for a supervisor for a minor infraction. THIS SHOULD BE YOUR LAST RESORT.

Do not blow whistles in classrooms, hallways, and/or on staircases.Document all serious offenses or recurring incidents. Don’t wait – keep anecdotal record if you suspect a problem. (See Section on Anecdotal Records).

Do not use the lunchroom or gym as punishment. The behavior took place in your classroom and discipline is your responsibility;

not the responsibility of the person in charge of the lunchroom or gym. A teacher is never permitted to place a child in the hallway or the corner of the

room for discipline purposes. Establish an in-classroom reflection or cool down area.

Teachers are responsible for addressing behavior issues in all school areas. Student behavior is an extension of classroom discipline. Teachers may not call parents to pick up their students, as a discipline measure,

without administrator approval.

To refer a student to after-school detention, please contact the Dean of Students (Mr. Johnson). After-school detention is offered three times a week, separated by grade level.

DISMISSALNO CHILD IS TO BE DISMISSED ALONE

Line up your class only 1-2 minutes before dismissal time. Longer waiting periods reduce disaster.


Never dismiss your class prior to scheduled dismissal time. Bus students will be escorted to their specified dismissal area at 3:30 pm. Dismissal is at 3:30 PM. K through grade 2 will dismiss through the cafeteria

doors. Grade 3 will dismiss through Stairway 5. Grade 4 will dismiss through Stairway 4. Grades 6 – 8 will dismiss through Stairway 3 to the gym to Stairway 2.

Teachers are to escort the class to the exit during dismissals, using standard “Line-Up Routines / HALLS” procedure.

Do not line up on the staircase before dismissal time waiting to dismiss your class. Keep a list of children who are picked up by parents, baby-sitters, siblings, etc. Children who are not picked up by an adult or older sibling are to be brought to

the cafeteria and left under the supervision of the staff member on duty. The staff will contact the parents of the child and only release the child to a

parent/guardian who is listed on the emergency record. If the parent/guardian is not listed on the emergency form, a supervisor must be

notified for approval to dismiss students.

Teachers are not to allow unauthorized adults to enter the school through the side or rear entrances. Instruct them to enter the building via the main entrance on South Orange Avenue.

DRESS CODEStaff should refer to the attachment regarding the NPS dress code policy.

DUPLICATION All material to be duplicated must be approved by the appropriate supervisor with

a “copy request” form completed and attached. Main Office staff will accept completed copy requests, together with materials to

be duplicated. Only assigned staff members may make duplications in the Main Office. Maintain your own professional standards on material to be duplicated, neat

writing, accuracy, etc. Allow for at least a 48-hour turn-around time.

E-MAILIn order to protect the privacy of our staff members, only Newark Public Schools e-mail will be used for electronic communications. Please indicate in writing if you need assistance in accessing your NPS e-mail. To stay abreast of school business, activities and events, e-mails should be checked twice daily. NPS e-mail is only be used for school business.

EMERGENCY HOME CONTACT FORM The Emergency Home Contact Forms are to be given to each child on the first day

of school. The child must return them the next day. Keep insisting that the child return the forms. Check the record for accuracy.

Return incomplete forms to the child. It is important that all items be completed. It must include at least three different phone numbers.


Hand in class set of emergency forms to the Main Office when completed. Each form must be labeled with an identifying classroom number in the top right-hand corner.

In the event that a new form has not been submitted, the last updated form will be used for emergency contact purposes. In addition, forms may be updated at any point throughout the year.


FACULTY CONFERENCES Faculty conferences will be held on a bimonthly basis on the second & last

Thursday of the month with the exception of November & December’s dates, which will be rescheduled via vote.

These are professional conferences and will last one hour. All teachers are required to attend the conferences.

The conference will begin promptly at 3:35 PM. Please be on time! Therefore, please ensure that dismissal is done on time.

Parent meetings are not allowed to be scheduled during these times.

FAX MACHINESUse of Fax Machine: a fax that is sent outside the 973, 201 and 862 area coded is considered a long distance phone call. All long distance fax and phone calls must be recorded in the logbook located in the Main Office. We must account for and pay for all long distance calls that are not school related.

THE FAX MACHINE IS ONLY TO BE USED FOR OFFICIAL SCHOOL BUSINESS.

FIRE DRILLSTeachers should have fire drill map and procedures posted at the door in their classroom. Teachers should teach fire drill procedures to their students at the start of the year and review them periodically. During fire drills, teachers will follow their classroom evacuation plan and carry with them their classroom register, which accounts for all students in their care at that time. Further specifics regarding the evacuation for the building in an emergency are located in School Safety Plan located in the Main Office. Whenever you exit the building during an emergency, ensure that you have your daily attendance or roll book.

FIRST AID In most cases, school nurses are expected to follow a protocol. However, Newark

Public Schools prohibits staff members from administering first aid in school. Should a child injure himself/herself seriously in school, 911 will be called and the

parent contacted by administrative staff or designee. If a child suffers a minor cut, the wound may be cleaned with soap and water only (no antiseptic such as peroxide may be used) and a Band-Aid may be applied to the area.

Ice may be applied to a bruise. In all cases of injury the parent must be contacted. Injured children are brought

to the nurse’s office if the nurse or health aide is in. Seriously injured children should not be moved; send/call for assistance. All staff

members are to use rubber gloves when blood or bodily fluids are present.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS SEPTEMBER 4, 201 4

PREPARING FOR THE FIRST DAY: Get all your records from the Main Office Organize and decorate your room Organize supplies and books


Check availability of all needed materials Post Program card and “Out of the Room Sign” inside of door, showing through

window. The office must always know where you are; Plan first day’s work: Introduction, classroom rules, routines. Familiarize yourself with the fire drill route for your classroom and the school.

MORNING OF THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 4, 201 4 Arrive early to class line up area. Class signs should include class and room number and teacher’s name. Line

leader holds sign. Make children welcome. Establish the tone on the first day. Teach the class your name and room number. Set up all routines on the first day (getting on line, arrival, dismissal, clothing,

passing papers, sharpening pencils etc.). Invest the time to do it properly and you will receive the dividends all year long.

Some suggestions for routines are listed below:o Teach Fire Drill and other safety procedures.o Get acquainted with the children: call the roll, check addresses and

telephone numbers.o Assign homework. It will help set the tone.

ALL OTHER SCHOOL DAYSPlease be at your Class Line up area at 8:05 AM. It is very important that you are prompt this year. Please take your classes to your respective classroom immediately.

MORNING LINEUP:8:05AM. K-2 line up outside of the cafeteria; grades 3-8 will line up in the rear of the school building. During inclement weather, K-2 will line up inside the cafeteria, and grades 3-8 will line up in the gymnasium.

FLOW OF THE DAY PROCEDURES / LESSON PLANS The plan for the day is to appear on the board. The plan should be revised each

day. The flow of the day should indicate all of the days’ activities, such as: Lessons,

workshops, preps, and independent work. The times of each activity must also be posted. Teaching points are to be posted next to each activity and should be printed so

that they are easily viewed by students. There may be several teaching points during one period. Refer to the plan as the day progresses.

Make the children aware of what they are learning during the school day. Program cards should be in your plan book and affixed to your door. Math routines should be posted in the math center area, or where ever the math

routines take place. Weekly lesson plans, which must follow the given template, must be

placed outside of your classroom door by close of business Friday, for the following week.


FOOD/BEVERAGES Food should only be eaten in the designated staff areas. For safety reasons, no one is permitted to walk through the school carrying trays

of food and especially hot beverages. Coffee, tea, soup or other hot liquids are not permitted in classrooms when students are present, and is considered to be a serious safety concern.

FRONT DOOR SECURITY No one is to congregate at the front door security desk. In addition, no one is to sit by the security desk conversing with our Security

Guards or school aide assigned to this location. Security guards must inform all visitors that they must sign the Visitor’s Log in

the Main Office During school hours, all doors should remain closed at all times. Opening back or

side doors for anyone is prohibited. The main entrance located at 701 South Orange Avenue is the only permissible entry to the building.

For the safety, security and well-being of everyone at Speedway Academies, please abide by this regulation and notify the Main Office and security in you find an open door anywhere in the building.

FURNITUREIf you are in need of desks or chairs, please place a letter or request in the custodian’s mailbox. Furniture may not be moved into the hallways. (Refer to the school law refresher).

GLOVES All persons administering first aid should wear disposable gloves when treating

bleeding wounds. Gloves are available in the Main Office and in the nurse’s office.

GUIDANCE REFERRALS Students who are having difficulty adjusting to school and school routines should

be referred to the school guidance counselor. Referral forms are available from the guidance counselor. All referrals are to be reviewed by the SST, which will meet on a bi-weekly basis

with administration.

GUM CHEWINGChildren are never permitted to chew gum. All staff members should set the example. Please do not chew gum in front of the children.

HALL PASSES/STUDENT HALL TRAFFIC/USE OF RESTROOMStudents must be kept in the room unless it is an absolute necessity. If a teacher feels it necessary to allow a student to leave the room, the pupil must have a classroom pass and be accompanied by another student in grades K – 4. (Students visiting the nurse


must have a completed nurse referral form. Referral forms are provided by the nurse.)

Supervisors and other staff members will question students seen in the hall. Those with unacceptable reasons or those without hall passes will be escorted back to class. Ordinarily, students are not to be allowed to abuse the privilege of leaving the classroom to go to the restroom. However, we must understand that there will be times that students will need to be excused from class to go to the restroom. It is up to the teacher to determine when a student is abusing this privilege. Use professional judgment as well as common sense. Always issue a pass.

HOMEWORK POLICY Homework is a means of giving a child the chance to practice

independently the skills learned in school. Please follow the guidelines outlined below:

o Assigned weekly and distributed to students on Mondays.o Presented as an outgrowth of every lesson/unit –never as a punishmento Clearly explained in language for parents and students to understando Always timely checked.o Appropriate for age and level of the childreno Varied – Engaging

Homework is our link with parents. They compare homework of siblings and neighbors. In addition to its educational value, it is public relations.

BEGIN by teaching homework “How To” skills such as how to locate information, how to complete, how to organize, how to watch a TV program, how to listen, how to write a response.

PROVIDE a purpose for each assignment by saying, “Doing this homework should help you to…,”

ESTABLISH a homework policy, including procedures for turning in make-up and late assignments and the consequences for failing to complete homework. Be fair, consistent and flexible but establish definite standards.

SOLICIT student feedback by asking how long the assignment took to complete and the like or dislike of assignments.

VARY assignments to maximize interest.

INCIDENT REPORTSIn case of an incident or accident, whether to a child, staff member or visitor, an incident report is to be completed immediately following the occurrence. File an incident report for all school incidents no matter how minor. Indicate all details and statements from adults (teaches, aides present, etc.)

If the incident is serious, call for help. Do not leave the child. If the incident is not serious, send the child to the nurse’s office with their blue

card. Make sure someone – two children or an adult – accompanies the child. Blank Incident Report forms are available in the Main Office. Send all statements and completed reports to the Main Office staff on the same

day. An incident must be reported and recorded within 24 hours after the


occurrence. (Please note if you do not fill out the report completely it will not be accepted.)

We must notify a parent in every case. Notify the Main Office of an incident immediately. Call the student’s home or request a secretary or school aide to call the home. Indicate on the bottom of the report that the child’s home was called, the name of

the person with whom you spoke, and the time of the incident. If you are unable to contact the child’s home, indicate this on the bottom of the

report –e.g. 2:15 PM all emergency contact numbers called – “no answer”. Then, give the child a letter and write on the report “letter sent home with child.”

An incident report must be filled out by the person in charge for every incident that results in an injury to a child under the supervision of that person.

Even if the person in charge of the activity did not actually see the incident, the individual’s statement should clearly indicate that they took the steps that provided all the necessary care for the injured person.

The language of the statements of the witnesses should be objectively factual and should be confined solely to the injured person and how the injury was sustained.

Incident reports must be completed and sent to the Main Office before dismissal time on the day of the incident.

Please note in particular that every incident report requires statements from:

The injured party – if a child is not capable of writing their own statement, it should be dictated to the person in charge and state “as reported to ______________ by ________________.”

Two witnesses The person on duty The aide in the area (if at lunch) Any other individuals who have knowledge or information

Responsibility of the Teacher/Staff The Teacher/Staff in charge in the classroom or the VP at lunch fills out the

incident form immediately. The Teacher/VP identifies the witnesses and sees to it that statements are

obtained. The Teacher/VP identifies the aide who is assigned to the area in which the

incident occurred and sees to it that the aide’s statement is included in the incident report.

The person makes a statement. The individual’s statement should begin: o On … (date), I was on duty in … (lunchroom, yard, etc.): The statement

should then continue with the details of what the person saw and/or what one was told and by whom.

Assigned teacher must be notified if an incident occurs during lunch and is responsible for following up with the nurse or parent(s).

Be aware that we are employees of Newark Public Schools. This school maintains adequate assignment of personnel for supervision of children at all times. The incident report must include the necessary information from all personnel assigned so that the adequacy of supervision is apparent.


INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP)The following procedures must be in place to ensure that all teachers and paraprofessionals have received a copy of each student’s IEP and are able to implement the IEP appropriately.

1. The central file in our school building is organized by the IEP teacher and each IEP is reviewed to ensure they are not expired, missing or out of place.

2. Copies of each IEP from the central file are made and distributed to students’ classroom teachers.

3. Copies are also made for related service providers.4. The IEP teacher meets with each classroom teacher to discuss any modifications

that may need to be implemented.5. The supervisor discusses standard/modified promotional criteria with each

teacher.6. Classroom teachers explain IEP implementations with their paraprofessionals.7. The supervisor is available to review an IEP with any teacher, paraprofessional or

parent.8. The CST periodically reviews IEP’s of students who are not meeting the goals and

objectives recommended by the SST.9. IEP’s are changed with a Type 2 or 3 referral. The Principal reviews these

referrals and approves them when appropriate.10. CST apprises teachers and support staff on the content of all new IEP as

they are initiated.

In brief summary, All teachers must have copies of their students’ IEPs. All paraprofessionals must have access to review a copy of students’ IEPs. All teachers must be informed of how to implement each IEP.

If you do not have a copy or access to a copy of a student’s IEP, please notify the Vice Principals or Guidance Counselor immediately. Anyone of these staff members can help you have access to a student’s IEP.

If you are not clear on how to read or implement an IEP, please notify a supervisor.

Contact administration with any additional questions you may have regarding IEPs, students with IEPs or the implementation of an IEP.

INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING PLAN (ILP)The Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) serves to help students set goals and measurable objectives; practice time-management skills; and track progress towards grade promotion. Each student will have an ILP that is created by their teachers and support team members.

The ILP provides a personal pathway to chart individual progress made and things learned in order to pass to the next grade or graduate. In short, it enables students to articulate:

What did I learn? Why was the experience important to me?


How can I show my learning? How does this plan help me become a self-directed learner? How does my learning connect to the real world?

INTERNET (See Attachment)Disclaimer: Limitation of Liability

1) Newark Public Schools makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, that the functions or the services provided by or through Newark Public Schools System will be error-free or without defect. Newark Public Schools will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. Newark Public Schools is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. Newark Public Schools will not be responsible for financial obligations arising from a user’s unauthorized use of the system.

2) Users will indemnify and hold Newark Public Schools and its respective districts harmless from any losses sustained by Newark Public Schools a result of intentional misuse of the system by user.

Please be advised that the information contained here is accurate as of April 2001. Since rules and policies of Newark Public Schools change from time to time, it is suggested that the accuracy of the information contained herein be verified. Please consult the Internet Acceptable Use Policy for further information. Newark Public Schools reserves the right to change this policy without notice.

Selection of Material for Class ActivitiesWhen using the Internet for class activities, teachers should:

1. Select material that is appropriate in light of the age of the students and that is relevant to the course objectives.

2. Preview the materials and sites they require students to access to determine the appropriateness of the material contained on or accessed through the site.

3. Provide guidelines and list of resources to assist their students in channeling their research activities effectively and properly

4. Assist their students in developing the skills to ascertain the truthfulness of information, distinguish fact from opinion, and engage in discussions about controversial issues while demonstrating tolerance and respect from those who hold divergent views.

5. Discuss the importance of protecting identities when using online communications with students.

6. Discuss appropriate language, manners and respect when students are communicating online.

INTRUDER ALERT If an intruder is in the building, a PA system message will be announced alerting

staff.

In response to the announcement the following steps will be taken immediately:


1. Any students in the hallway will be taken to the nearest classroom by school personnel.

2. All teachers will lock their classroom doors, shut their lights and will not issue any passes.

3. Teachers will instruct students to move to an area away from the windows and door and remain there silently until given further directions.

4. Office personnel will call the police.5. The proper authorities will conduct a building sweep to locate the intruder.

If the intruder is found and the situation is again stable or no intruder is found within the building an “All Clear” message will be made over the PA system.

Please consult the School Safety Plan for further information.


KEYS In order to ensure that all classrooms are secure, keys are to be returned

to the Main Office key box by 4:00 PM daily. Keys are never to be copied. Teachers are responsible for the safety of keys

signed out to them. Teachers will sign as having received the key to their room at the commencement

of the school year. In the event that a key is lost or stolen, a report must be made immediately to a

supervisor.

LATE PICK UP OF CHILDREN Often a child is not picked up on time. It is important that we document these

occurrences. If a child is not picked up on time, please indicate in the sign out book, the date

and time the child is actually picked up. The parent will be asked to sign the book next to the time.

LATE PICK UP OF FACULTY In the event that a faculty member is tardy and the class is provided coverage,

this coverage will serve as the teacher’s preparation period for the day. The teacher will begin instruction period two and is required to stay with their class during their regularly scheduled preparation period.

LETTERS TO BE SENT HOME All letters to be sent home, formal, class, etc. must be approved by the

administration and be on the correct letterhead.

LETTER TO THE FILE PROCEDURES After receiving a letter for their file, a staff member must return the letter,

signed, to the School Operations Manager within three days of receipt of the letter. If the letter is not signed, it will be placed in the file with an explanation specific to lack of signature.

LUNCH PERIODSRefer to lunch schedule for assigned table and lunch period for your class. Lunch period will be adjusted on half days.

LUNCHROOM PROCEDURESA.INTRODUCTIONThe VP/School Aide/Principal’s designee is in charge of the lunchroom. A sound and healthful lunchroom affects each child and teacher throughout the day. Effective lunchroom procedures begin in each classroom and are the responsibility of each teacher. Therefore, please review the following and adhere to these procedures for the benefit of the entire school community.


Classroom teachers will tell the children the rules to be followed in the lunchroom.

Classroom teachers will continue to reinforce these rules throughout the school year.

Staff will be given their lunchroom class assignments on the first day of school.


B. CLASSROOM TEACHERS Grades 1-8 It is the teacher’s responsibility to make sure that students are seated at their

assigned tables. Once children are seated, the classroom teacher may leave, and the school aide will take over.

Teachers are not to leave the lunchroom until each student is properly seated and the individual on duty is present.

Teachers who are responsible for picking up their classes must do so promptly at the end of the lunch period.

Teachers are to bathroom their student before their lunch period. Teachers who want to keep their students in for the lunch period must supervise

those students during the lunch period.

C. BATHROOM REGULATIONS (during the lunch period) No child is to be permitted to go to the bathroom until food service is complete

(except in the case of emergency). If a student is gone too long, report it to the VP/School Aide in charge of the

lunchroom, who will go after the child. Special Needs Classes have bathrooms in their classroom. Therefore, they should

not need to use the bathroom when in the cafeteria, unless absolutely necessary.

D. LEAVING LUNCHROOM – TO YARD OR CLASSROOMo When all students have emptied trays, get ready to leaveo The VP/School Aides/Staff in charge of the lunchroom will call each class.o Children must stand on line with designated partners. VP/School Aides will

enforce “No Talking” rule at this time.o Walk behind or in the middle of the line, where you can observe all the children.o Have leaders stop at convenient midpoints for several seconds, and then tell them

to go ahead.o If going to yard, children must remain in double line.

E. DISCIPLINE (in lunchroom) Rules are to be clearly stated to students by both classroom teacher and aide and

enforced by all. Please note: Do not ask lunchroom aides to discipline a child for an offense committed in the classroom.

Children are permitted to talk in low voices only when they are seated at their tables. They may speak to the person across the table or next to them, but may not shout or call out down the tables or to children passing by.

There is to be no throwing of paper, food, etc. in the lunchroom, or bathrooms. Children must observe the “No Talking” rules during the time they are being lined

up. There is to be no running at any time in the lunchroom. There is no hitting, kicking or fighting at any time. Children must be trained to

report any incident to the Staff immediately, so appropriate action may be taken. There is to be no playing or climbing in the bathroom.

F. ENFORCEMENT OF DISCIPLINE Inappropriate lunchroom behavior is to be corrected in a consistent and effective

manner.


Children may be deprived of playtime by having to remain in a segregated designated area during that activity.

If chronic offenders persist in unacceptable behavior, a letter from the assistant principal will be sent home advising the parents of the difficulty and informing them that, if such behavior persists, the child will not be permitted to eat with their class in the lunchroom.

If the letter brings no improvement, parent will be contacted. Classroom teachers must pick up their classes promptly. The vice principals and

security have other duties and assignments at that time. Teachers are to be at their assigned places promptly at the end of the 30 minute

lunch.

MAILBOX PROCEDURESAll members of the full-time professional staff have their own mailbox in the Main Office. They are in alphabetical order. Each staff member should check their mailbox at least twice a day--upon arrival, at lunchtime and at the end of the day. Mailboxes are to be emptied daily. Children are not allowed to retrieve mail from a teacher’s mailbox.

MAINTENANCE COPY REQUESTIf you need repairs in your room, please fill out the Equipment/Repair/Supply form (http://bit.ly/1nSar6T) or e-mail the school operations manager with a detailed description of the problem. The Main Office should be notified immediately of urgent/emergency problems, such as water leaks, etc.

MEDICATION PROCEDURES A student may not bring medication of any kind, including Tylenol, to school. If it

is necessary for a child to receive medication in school, the parent/guardian and the student’s physician must complete and sign the “Authorization to Administer Oral Medication” form for Special Education students or the “504 Form” for general education students.

All oral medication to be administered or stored in school must be hand delivered to school by the parent/guardian in the original container received from the pharmacist and be kept in the original container. All medications must be in clearly marked prescription bottles, indicating the name of the student, dosage of medication and the time of the day it should be administered. All inhalers must be clearly marked indicating the name of the student and the dosage.

Asthmatic students may carry inhalers with parental consent. Proper forms must be completed. If a staff member sees a change in a child’s condition, he/she should report it to the school nurse, the vice principal and the principal.

All medication (staff members & students) is to be kept in a secure location and out of the reach of children.

Should you receive a note from a parent requesting that a child take medication during school hours, please bring this to the immediate attention of a supervisor.

If you discover that any of the children has brought medication with them to school, please notify a supervisor immediately.

Do not permit the child to self-administer the medication or give the child the medicine without first obtaining the approval of a supervisor.


http://bit.ly/1nSar6T

MEET YOUR TEACHER The entire staff of SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES has the goal of establishing an

atmosphere throughout the school in which children will feel safe, secure, and happy and have a maximum opportunity to learn.

There is much to gain when parents, teachers and staff meet face to face to discuss the educational program.

Parents are, therefore, given an opportunity to meet their child’s teachers during the school open access event in September. This meeting is a group meeting that will allow the parents to see the school day in progress. It is not a time to discuss individual students.


TEACHER’S AIDES, 1-1 AIDES, PARAPROFESSIONALS, CLASS ASSIGNED NURSES

Teacher’s Aides, 1-1 Aides, Paraprofessionals, and Class Assigned Nurses, work under the guidance of the teacher.

If a teacher is fortunate enough to have a teacher’s aide, 1-1 aide, paraprofessional or class assigned nurse assigned to a class, it is the teacher’s responsibility to provide direction to these assistants.

The teachers should furnish these individuals with appropriate material to meet the needs of the student(s) assigned to these assistants. Ongoing communication between the teacher and these assistants needs to take place.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)Our school has a Parent Teacher Organization. Teachers are invited and encouraged to participate in meetings.

PARENT CONFERENCES Schedule conferences during your prep period. In addition, try to reach parents

by scheduling conferences before the start of the school day. Parent conferences may not be scheduled during staff meetings or professional

development. Please schedule all parent conferences inside the school building, not in the schoolyard.

If you schedule an appointment with a parent between 9:00 AM – 3:30PM, please inform the School Security Guards, so that they will permit the parent to enter the building and sign the visitor’s log in the Main Office. For security reasons, and for your own safety, kindly meet with the parent in the conference room located in the Guidance Suite. Never meet with a parent in your room alone.

Suggestions for Parent Conferences: Greet the parent warmly and seat them in a manner that is appropriate to

conduct a professional conference. Begin with something positive. Indicate genuine interest, sincerity and a professional demeanor at all times. Don’t lecture! Listen closely and sympathetically. Let the parent talk too. Avoid taking in generalities. Suggestions should be specific and to the point.

Share samples of the child’s work with the parent and the standards for the grade.

Remember that typical parents want to know the facts. “Glossing over” the facts probably develops very little insight on the part of parents; at the same time, when you present the fact be circumspect in your manner and tone.

Avoid comparisons with other children, particularly siblings. Do not cover too many topics in one interview. Don’t extend the conference beyond the point of having covered the topics

satisfactorily, even if the time is not all taken. Present to parents a few helpful tips they can easily achieve with students at

home.

PARENT/TEACHER AFTERNOON CONFERENCESSPEEDWAY ACADEMIES |NEWARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 27

Parent/Teacher afternoon conferences are held twice a year, once in December and in February.

Official dates and times will be announced a few weeks prior to each event.


PARENT LIAISONThe parent liaison is responsible for communicating with parents and informing parents of school events and happenings. Parents are encouraged to contact the parent liaison in regard to any and all concerns. Lastly, the parent liaison will provide workshops and informational lectures in order to inform and educate parents in various capacities.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDSNext Generation Science: http://www.nextgenscience.org/next-generation-science-standardsNew Jersey State Standards: http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/COMMON CORE STATES STANDARDS (“CCSS”) Website: www.nps.k12.nj.us/CCSS

The Common Core State Standards (“CCSS”) define a student’s academic responsibility. They establish high standards for each student. Student achievement is assessed by standardized test results, teacher observation and collection of student work samples.

The English Language Arts Standards include Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Viewing, Conventional Grammar and Usage. Each child from kindergarten through fifth grade is required to read 25 books each year. Kindergarten children may be read to at home.

Math Standards include Number and Operation Concepts, Geometry and Measurement Concepts, Function and Algebra Concepts and Problem Solving and Reasoning.

There are also performance standards for Science, Social Studies, Music and Technology.

PERSONAL PROPERTYNewark Public Schools is not responsible for personal property. Make sure all personal property is placed in a secure place. Never leave wallets or purses out in sight; keep them with you or lock in a closet.

PHOTOS OF STUDENTS (Media Consent Form Attached)Newark Public Schools requires parents to give written permission for their child to be photographed. Each year a photo permission slip is distributed to each student. Make sure the form is returned. It must be kept on file for the entire year. At no time should teachers use their phones or cameras of any kind to record or video tape students as an anecdotal record.

POTENTIAL HOLDOVERS Newark Public Schools policy requires that schools notify parents if there is a

possibility that their child may be retained in the current grade in June and the specific nature of the problem(s) affecting their child’s progress in school.

If a student has an IEP, be sure to review and address all modified promotional criteria.


http://www.nps.k12.nj.us/CCSS

http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/

http://www.nextgenscience.org/next-generation-science-standards

http://www.nextgenscience.org/next-generation-science-standards

PREPARATION PERIODS At the beginning of each school year, a permanent prep schedule will be

established once the organization has stabilized (approximately by October 15th). Special Education teacher’s aides, 1-1 aides, paraprofessionals and class assigned

nurses are to remain in the classroom with the children and the cluster teacher. Preparation periods are not to be changed/switched without approval of a

supervisor. Preparation periods are for professional work and meeting. Teachers are not permitted to leave the building on preparation periods. All personal appointments are to be made for after school hours. Classroom teachers are not to remain in their classroom during preparation

periods when cluster teachers are in the room. Refer to FIRE DRILLS for procedures concerning a fire drill during a preparation

period. Teachers should not work in their rooms after 5:00 PM. unless a supervisor is

notified.

PRINCIPAL’S MONTHLY CALENDAR1. On the first week of each month, a monthly school calendar will be issued. This

calendar will contain events, meeting announcements, reminders of due dates and anticipated schedule changes for the week.

2. Anyone wishing to submit a meeting announcement or other item for inclusion in the monthly calendar is asked to submit it in writing to the School Operations Manager by Thursday prior to Calendar publication.

PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING (For Effort-Based Education)An effort-based educational system of schools is one that is actively and continually working to get better at educating all of its children to high levels of knowledge, skills and reasoning. It is an educational system premised on the view that students and educators alike can become smarter through sustained and targeted effort and that certain school environments-environments that embody the Principles of Learning-foster the kind of effort that builds ability.

Principle 1: Organize for EffortSPEEDWAY ACADEMIES strives to maintain its vision to provide effective, high-quality instruction for all students by directing instruction through meaningful data. There is a strong focus on assessing students through periodic formative assessments in Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies and Science. Data driven intervention programs are in place during the school day on all grade levels. Emphasis is placed on strategies to best address the needs of level 2 students, in order to move them into the level 3 category. Maintaining or increasing the achievement of low-level 3 students is an additional high-priority consideration. Ongoing assessment of Special Education students monitors their progress towards achieving their Individual Educational Plan (IEP) goals, and drive differentiated instruction and intervention. Several extensive, data-driven after-school programs are in place. The ESL program targets reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills for English Language Learners (ELL). Additional programs focus on


reading and writing, math, special needs. In all cases, instruction is structured to support test strategies, minimize test anxiety and maximize test performance.

Principle 2: Clear ExpectationsIn order to accomplish our school mission of providing high-quality instruction to all students, SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES strives to set clear expectations for students, parents and staff. The Parent Handbook is distributed to all parents in September and to new parents throughout the year. It provides a clear and concise overview of the policies and expectations for students at SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES. Through the parent coordinator, “What you should know” materials are made available to all parents. Throughout the year regularly scheduled workshops support parent understanding of the Standards and expectations in each content area, as well as the assessment regimen for each grade. A school-wide homework policy is in place. In September and regularly throughout the school year teachers receive support files that include school policies, procedures and calendars, the school vision and mission, and city and state directives. Teachers are supported in their academic planning through clearly designed curriculum maps and pacing guides for all areas. Ongoing collaborative planning and coaching facilitate progress toward expected academic goals throughout the year. All students are made aware of the focus and goals for each unit of study in all areas, and culminating assignments are defined early in the cycle. Instruction is differentiated to meet student needs and conform to IEP specifications, but all students are required to work within the parameters and expectations of grade appropriate units of study.

Principle 3: Fair and Credible EvaluationsOur students generate and apply rubrics to serve as self-assessments in the different subject areas. The rubrics are standards-based and specific to the area of study. They are clear and visual tools students utilize to monitor their own progress and learning. Expectations for each unit are defined in the planning stage and shared with students as they develop their rubrics. Teachers employ a variety of standards-based assessment strategies. Ongoing annotated assessment of student performance is in place during reading, writing and math workshops. Conference notes, checklists and teacher observation during independent and group work chart progress towards the goals. Files of student work are accumulated across the school year to provide visible evidence of progress and achievement. Student review of work folders is encouraged to provide opportunities for students to assess their own progress towards the standards over time. Math inventories, diagnostic testing, Interim Assessments and Periodic Assessments are used to provide benchmark assessments, identify students who are at-risk, and provide data to drive differentiated instruction. In addition to these purposes, state assessment results are used to evaluate programs across grades and demographic groups and drive school-wide planning accordingly.

Principle 4: Recognition of AccomplishmentAccomplishment at SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES is recognized throughout the year and across all curriculum areas. Celebrations include:

Displays to celebrate students’ work in all curriculum areas in classrooms and hallways;

Publishing parties to celebrate written work in all grades; Science Fair; Multicultural Celebrations; and


Theatrical Performances

Principle 5: Academic Rigor in a Thinking CurriculumAcademic rigor is maintained in all curriculum areas, to lay a solid foundation of knowledge upon which thinking and problem solving skills can be built. Consideration for all the Principles of learning is built into the planning process. Data driven instruction presented with clear expectations and viable assessments forms the core of the academic program at SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES. Content-based curriculum, organized around major concepts, drives planning for instructional units, and knowledge of content is basic to the student and teacher constructed rubrics. Great attention is paid to developing and implementing reading and writing units and that move students toward the Standards, incrementally developing knowledge across the grades, and fostering higher order thinking skills. Content area reading and writing is incorporated into the reading and writing workshops to push students towards greater capacity and achievement in Social Studies, Science and Math. Games and problem solving are incorporated into the Math workshop to develop independent applications of Mathematical principles. The science program combines classroom instruction and content-related hands-on lab work to develop both knowledge and problem solving skills. Social Studies materials are leveled for differentiation to support the accumulation of knowledge and foster individual thinking skills. Arts/Literacy connections add an academic dimension to these creative endeavors. In all areas of the curriculum, accountable talk is nurtured and expected. Communal sharing of knowledge of all components of the school community has developed a learning community whose goal is to develop life-long learners. Professional Development supports academic rigor. A literacy coach supports collaborative planning for all units with standards-based support and extension material. All teachers participate in professional study groups and have opportunities to attend grade specific, as well as content specific, professional development. Attendees share their deepened understanding with their colleagues at collaborative grade meetings and through structured classroom inter-visitations.

Principle 6: Accountable TalkStudents at SPEEDWAY SCHOOL are encouraged to engage in accountable conversation with peers and adults within the school community. These conversations focus on the sharing of academic ideas through analysis, synthesis and evaluation of information. Accountable talk is an expectation in all areas of the curriculum, not just in Literacy. Staff members intentionally and systematically establish norms of accountable talk from the earliest grades on. Modeling, structured active engagement and coaching develop the tools necessary for students to engage in meaningful accountable talk across the curriculum, communicating their ideas in intelligent language. Partnerships, small and large groups, and peer tutoring provides venues for accountable talk across the school day.

Principal 7: Socializing IntelligenceIntelligent habits of mind are developed at SPEEDWAY SCHOOL through motivation, modeling, active engagement, and independent and small group experiences in collaborative, shared knowledge environments. Schema and new information are blended into a body of knowledge appropriate to the units studied. Goals, objectives and teaching points are expressed explicitly to focus all students on the task at hand.


Staff members develop the students’ belief in their right to understand, apply and analyze problems through their inclusion of all students in the thinking and learning process during workshop as teachers press students for clarification, explanation and justification. Through modeling and active participation, students are scaffold as they develop confidence in their ability to think and communicate on higher levels. Meta-cognitive skills necessary for problem solving, effective inquiry, and investigation are developed through strategy mini-lessons and small group work. This support coupled with ongoing, school-wide celebration of students’ accomplishment develops the disposition necessary for continuous inquiry, analysis and research.

Principle 8: Self-management of LearningSelf-management of learning is fostered across the grades. Large and small learning communities are created where students are able to take risks. Teachers foster this concept by serving as facilitators to tap into student’s natural curiosity. From the early grades, children are prompted to examine their prior knowledge at the beginning of a lesson or unit of study and anticipate their learning needs. Teachers organize children to maximize effort. The skill of monitoring for meaning is developed throughout the year through the teaching and use of a variety of strategies in workshop and conference mini-lessons. Graphic aides and charts are posted at every level to support this self-monitoring. Work folders are managed and maintained by the students. Through organization, modeling, explicit instruction and cooperative learning experiences teachers help students understand their inner mental processes and develop the tools that will enable them to become lifelong learner.

Principal 9: Learning as ApprenticeStudents are immersed in a learning environment that values authentic accomplishments. Every year students should do the following:

Produce products and projects that meet standards-based rubrics. Perform for authentic audiences in music, theatre and dance performances. Evaluate, revise, edit and publish their work. Share their written work through displays and publishing events. Display their work in an annual Literacy Fair. Participate in student government to obtain understanding of citizenship and

government. Reach out to the community through neighborhood visits and performances. Learn the value and responsibility of charitable works through participation in the

Penny Harvest. Complete and display authentic science fair projects, which reflect grade-

appropriate curriculum. Celebrate their work in displays posted throughout the building.

PROFESSIONAL SPACE Professional space is intended for lesson planning, curriculum development and

class organization/paperwork. Professional space is to be used during preparation periods, before and after

school. Students should not congregate within the confines of that professional space.

This includes individual conferences (which are to be conducted at the students’ desk).


Teachers should not facilitate instruction from their professional space.

PROGRAM CARDS Each staff member is required to complete a program card each September once

the permanent schedule has been published. Should an individual’s schedule change at any time during the year, a new

program card must be submitted. Program cards must be posted on your door and a copy given to your supervisors.

PROMOTION POLICY (See Attachment)Specifics included in Grading and Promotion Policy. (Attached)Note: A student’s final grade for a marking period cannot be lower than a 55%.

PUBLISHING CELEBRATIONS PROCEDURESClassroom teachers are expected to invite parents to visit the classroom regularly for a literacy celebration, a.k.a. publishing party. Teachers will celebrate literacy by allowing students to share writing and other oral presentations. Teachers may be creative when varying celebrations each month. Celebrations should be in alignment with the balanced literacy curriculum. Serving snacks at publishing parties is optional.

READING RESPONSESIt is the responsibility of each classroom teacher to ensure that each student writes formal responses to literature. This work must be checked and corrected by the teacher with actionable feedback. A supervisor will review student portfolios periodically.

REPORTING OF INCIDENTAll incidents must be reported to a supervisor verbally and in writing to the Principal immediately. The Principal will advise you how to proceed.

RESERVING SPACETo reserve spaces for classroom or event use, please fill out this form: http://bit.ly/WZ8zhD. The School Operations Manager will be in touch with you shortly to

ROOM DECOR All instructional/support rooms must be visually appealing, print rich and student

centered. Tables and chairs should be neatly arranged. Bulletin boards should represent current on-going, up-to-date class programs.

Model printing, neat and attractive. Rooms must contain teacher/student produced resource charts. Centers of interest, such as Library and Science corner should be well organized

and appropriately labeled. Remember you live in your room for more than six hours per day. Use only fun-tack or blue painter’s tape to place items on walls, cinder block, etc.


Under no circumstance is regular tape or duct tape to be used on the walls. Stapling work or posters directly into the wall is not permitted.

SCHOOL BULLETINS/TEACHING BULLETINS ETC. (See Attachment) All memorandums will be placed in your mailbox as they are issued. Please read

them carefully. Please keep them in a professional file. You are responsible for all material, information, due dates etc. contained in these

bulletins and e-mails. Implement suggestions and observe all dates and deadlines. It is a good idea to maintain separate sections for School Bulletins, Teaching

Bulletins, Student consents, professional development materials, etc. No written memorandums may be distributed without prior approval by the

principal by any staff member. No class-wide correspondence should be sent home to a parent without

prior approval and initial of the Principal. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

SCHOOL-WIDE ROUTINE TEACHING PROCEDURES Children must be instructed to wait for recognition from the teacher before

answering. Instruct children to use a signal such as a raised hand to gain recognition. Do not accept the answers of children who call out. Do not permit children to talk to each other unless instructed to. Give your directions briefly and clearly. Write out directions so students may refer

them back to them.

Problem StudentsEach teacher SHOULD handle disciplinary cases to the extent that he/she thinks he/she is capable. The following steps need to be taken to insure that students are disciplined accordingly:

Keep accurate records (documentation) to determine patterns. Note the nature of the problem, dates, and steps you have taken to correct the situation. Refer to Anecdotal Records for additional information.

Contact parents concerning problems you are having with their children. This is usually the best way to correct student misconduct. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone; this will pay large dividends for you.

Ensure a disciplinary measure is fitting for a specific incident. Treat each incident separately. Avoid using class trips as a disciplinary consequence. You must have a

conversation with the principal if you are thinking along these lines. It is always suggested that written statements be collected by all parties, teachers

included, for every incident. Details often get foggy as days pass.

Teacher’s Responsibilities Prior to Student Removal Establish class rules – make sure students know them and they are posted. They are to be posted in a positive manner.


Please refer to the Ladder Referral, which is attached. A Discipline Guide and Discipline Policy are attached.

Administrative TeamWill monitor the students being removed and the teachers doing the removal.

Sending Students to the Main Office as a Form of DisciplineSupervisors will be more than happy at any time to assist you with any discipline problems. Please take care of all trivial problems. In addition, do not send children to the office to wait for you or a supervisor. If a situation arises that becomes escalated, school security guards should be immediately contacted to defuse situation and the Principal must be notified as well. Maintain an “Out of the Room Book” for all children leaving the room. This book should contain the date, time of leaving, as well as, return. These books will be checked if the need arises.

SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES ONLINEOur school website is www.nps.k12.nj.us/spdTwitter: @speedway_acadInstagram: @speedway_academies

SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRALS / SSTA Special Education referral should only occur when all other means of helping the student have been exhausted. Confer with the Principal before initiating a discussion with the parent about the referral process. Please note that due to the change in regulations only the parent and the principal can initiate the special education referral process.

SST COMMITTEE (Intervention and Referral Service)The purpose of this committee is to discuss students who are experiencing difficulty in school. The Intervention and Referral Service team meets twice a month to discuss students who have been referred to them. As a result of this conference, the team may make recommendations for the child. If the at-risk services do not work, a referral may be made for a formal evaluation. See the Attachment for further details on this process.

STAFF ABSENCE POLICY (See NTU Handbook) Each teacher, teacher’s aide, 1-1 aide, and class assigned nurse is required to

contact Mrs. Buckman at (917) 808-2665 at or before 6:30 AM to report an absence.

Do not send a message with a colleague since the message often arrives late and causes problems with programming the day’s schedule.

This procedure is necessary so that we may make changes in the day’s schedule and are alerted to potential coverage problems.

YOU MUST NOTIFY SUBFINDER. All coverage assignments are subject to change by the administration due to

absenteeism.



Excessive absence may lead to a letter in the file and an Unfavorable end-year rating.

Staff using a personal day must notify the principal at least 48 hours prior to the anticipated absence. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

All teachers are required to have up to date lesson plans on file in the Main Office.

Refer to NTU Handbook for further details regarding staff absenteeism

Sub Finder SystemSub Finder: (973) 621-1260Main Office: (973) 374-2740, (973) 374-2749

STAFF EMERGENCY CONTACT FORMSEach staff member is requested to complete a new Staff Emergency Form at the beginning of each school year. These forms are confidential and are filed in the Principal’s Office. They are used by the office staff in the event a staff member becomes ill in school or has a severe accident.

STAFF LATENESS POLICY All staff members are required to KRONOS in by 8:00AM. Extraordinary circumstances, such as weather, traffic delays, will be dealt with

separately, on an individual basis, at the principal’s discretion. Excessive lateness will lead to a letter in the file and an Unfavorable end-year

rating.

STAFF WORKROOMThere is one Staff Room per floor. This room is for staff only, teachers, teacher’s aides, 1-1 aides, paraprofessionals, class assigned nurses, parent liaison, secretary, school aides, custodial staff and supervisors. Students are not allowed inside staff rooms under any circumstances.

STORM DAY PROCEDURESIn the event of citywide emergency conditions or a major storm day, the State Superintendent will make an announcement to all public schools in the city on whether to close schools or delay their opening. This announcement is made in consultation with other city officials. Always check the Newark Public Schools home page for up-to-date information.

STUDENT ABSENCE/ATTENDANCE PROCEDURESAfter a child is absent more than 3 days, the teacher must file a report with the Parent Liaison and the Student Support Team (SST).

STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS (See Attached)Preamble


A sense of mutual respect among students, parents, and staff for the good of all concerned is a goal of the Newark Public Schools. Another goal is the involvement of students in activities and programs, within and outside the school community, which stress a commitment to civic responsibility and community service. The cooperation of all members of the school community will ensure that a rich learning experience and educational excellence can be achieved for every student. This document will serve as a guide for students as they strive to become productive citizens in a diverse society.

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOKStudents in grades K – 8 will receive a parent handbook during the first month of school.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER PLANS It is a teacher’s responsibility to plan effectively for all classroom lessons.

Planning precedes all purposeful activities. Substitute teacher lesson plans should consist of three days of work. Carefully thought out plans based on an analysis of student data will enable you to help your students meet the standards. Therefore, the following are suggestions for your review:

Plan for all curriculum areas. READING. Indicate text, lesson number, pages, and reading groups. Where

applicable, indicate phonics, reading in the content area, and purpose of reading.

LITERATURE/STORYTIME including poetry and prose selections. These should be selected based on a theme or to supplement other curriculum areas.

WRITTEN COMMUMICATION: grammar usage, creative writing, and response to literature.

ORAL COMMUNICATION: observing listening, speaking, discussing, and choral speaking.

MATHEMATICS: indicate Everyday Mathematics unit number, module number and title. When testing indicate test number.

PROBLEM SOLVING: relating to material taught. SOCIAL STUDIES: Follow the Scope and Sequence – indicate title of

theme. Refer to Common Core States Standards (“CCSS”) when applicable. Include current events on the level of the children’s interest and maturity; be sure to include map study relating to geographic location(s) of theme.

SCIENCE: refer to science scope and sequence and questions for critical thinking.

HOMEWORK: indicate homework assignments for each day in weekly homework packets. Assignments should be a reinforcement of work already covered in the areas of reading, math, writing and spelling. Mathematics homework should reflect spiraling.

We realize that the preparation of substitute teacher plans is an additional task for each teacher, particularly the classroom teacher. However, when the classroom teacher helps the substitute you are actually helping yourself.

No teacher wants to return to a classroom in a state of chaos. Thus, the better prepared the substitute is, the greater the possibility of the regular teacher finding everything in good order.


At least five current substitute teacher lesson plans are required to be filed in the Main Office by each teacher.

It is each teacher’s responsibility to maintain and update their teacher plans on a regular basis.

*To help a substitute teacher: Attach a list of children who have who have health problems, resource room, related services, speech, counseling, take the bus and any other helpful information.

SUPERVISORY VISITSSupervisors will visit classrooms on a daily basis. Do not stop the lesson. If the supervisor wishes to speak to you or the class, they will do so in a professional manner.

TEACHER EVALUATION / NEW FRAMEWORK (See Attachment)

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTIn order to provide the most efficient means of facilitating technical support to staff and students, the following procedure is to be followed when encountering a technical problem: When problems arise with computers, or any other piece of technology, please request assistance by filling out the Equipment/Repair/Supply Request form (http://bit.ly/1nSar6T) or e-mailing the Technology Teacher (Doroteia Marino), with a cc to the School Operations Manager and Vice Principal. Please be specific in stating what the problem is, where the equipment is located, and what you have done to try and correct the problem. Requests will be addressed as soon as possible and according to priority. By following this procedure, your technical problems can be handled in the most efficient and expedient manner, based on the needs of the school as a whole. All problems will be addressed.

TELEPHONE / CELLULAR PHONE USAGE Each room is equipped with a call button to contact the Main Office in cases of

emergency. 911 should not be contacted without informing a building administrator of the emergency first.

The use of the school telephone for calls other than school business is strictly forbidden.

If a staff member should have to call a child’s home during the day, he/she should:o Make the telephone call brief as possible and not do so while class is in

session. Kindly instruct family and friends only to call you at school in emergency

situations. The secretaries will take messages for you and place it in your mailbox (e.g., your doctor’s appointment is cancelled). Kindly make sure you limit personal telephone calls.

Cellular phones and beepers must be turned off in the school. Use of cellular phones during class time, in the presence of students or while on

duty is strictly forbidden. Students may not use cellular phones to school under any circumstance. All

cellular phones belonging to students must be confiscated and turned in to a supervisor. Students whose parents want them to carry a cell phone in school


must sign a cell phone agreement form (see attached) and return it to the Main Office. All student phones must be turned off during school hours and concealed on the student or stored in their locker or book bag during the school day.

TELEVISIONRemember, it is the individual teacher’s responsibility to preview all videos/DVDs, internet sites, and video clips. No child should ever move the television/computer from one room to another.

TIME-ON TASK TIME-ON TASK is perhaps the most important factor in learning. The school day

must be organized so that learning time is maximized and disruptions are minimized. Increasing TIME-ON TASK should be a high priority for each staff member. Classroom down time should be kept to a minimum. Students should not be given “free time” to do whatever they please during class.

Attendance policy states that children must bring in sick notes and doctor’s notes to teachers after each absence. After three consecutive absences, teacher should call the parent.

TRIPS Class trips should be viewed as an extension of the learning environment, and

should be planned so that they enhance curriculum or add significantly to a student’s total school experience. School trips afford students the opportunity to observe, explore and discover, and engage in hands-on experiences. Trips can be offered as motivation, or as the culmination of an educational project. Whatever the goal, teachers must make every effort to prepare students and parents to understand that all of the experiences that take place during a school trip are a part of the learning process.

It is highly discouraged to remove individual students from a class trip as a form of punishment. It is also discouraged to hold back an entire class from a grade trip as a form of punishment.

A trip plan must be prepared by the teacher in charge of the trip specifying all pertinent information, including persons in charge, participating classes or student, and locations to be visited, etc., and must be retained in the school files for all trips, including those not sponsored by Newark Public Schools. The plan must include the names of all adults taking part, details of departure and return, method or transportation and carrier, etc. This plan must be submitted to the school aide in charge at the time the bus is requested. (Refer to trip form).

For each school trip, a teacher participating in the trip must be designated as the individual with over-all responsibility for the trip.

At least two (2) staff members, one of whom must be either a teacher plus one (1) parent volunteer are required for up to twenty (20) students. For each additional ten students participating, another adult is required.

Requests for school lunches must now be submitted in advance.

Planning for Safety on a Trip Be sure the children dress appropriately for the weather.


Arrange for class parents to accompany your class. It must be understood, however, that the teacher is in charge, and that her commands are to be obeyed at all times.

Assign partners or “buddies” so that children walk in pairs at all times. Train leaders to stop at corners and at other designated places.

VIDEO AND AUDIO IMAGE RELASEThis year, at Speedway Academies, school activities (e.g. classes, lunchroom, professional development sessions, school-sponsored events, and extracurricular activities) may be recorded.

By signing the below acknowledgment form, you agree to the following: I grant permission to Speedway Academies, its employees and agents, to take and use visual/audio images of myself. Visual/audio images are any type of recording, including but not limited to photographs, digital images, drawings, renderings, voices, sounds, video recordings, audio clips or accompanying written descriptions.

I agree that Speedway Academies owns the images and all rights related to them. The images may be used in any manner or media without notifying me, such as school-sponsored websites, publications, promotions, broadcasts, advertisements, posters and theater slides, as well as for non-academic uses. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished images or any printed or electronic matter that may be used with them, or to be compensated for them.

I release Speedway Academies and its employees and agents, including any firm authorized to publish, broadcast and/or distribute a finished product containing the images, from any claims, damages or liability which I may ever have in connection with the taking or use of the images or printed material used with the images.

I am at least 18 years of age and competent to sign this release. I have read this release before signing, I understand its contents, meaning and impact, and I freely accept the terms.

WINDOWS/DOORSFor safety reasons, windows should be closed each day by 2:30 PM and doors should be locked at all times when class is not in session.

WORK FOLDERS It is the teacher’s responsibility to make sure that each child in the class has a

work folder. Work folders are evidence of the teacher’s instructional program as well as a tool

for assessing a child’s progress over time. Folders are a reference and source of validation of your rating of each child. Work in the folder is to cover all curricula areas. It is to cover work for the entire

school year. The contents of the work folder must justify the rating you give the child. If the child is to be held over in June, the work folder will be collected and stored in the vault for one year.


Student work folders are to be available in the classrooms at all times. Supervisors may use a student’s work folder to evaluate a student. Please see below examples for the color coding for each content area:

LAST HANDBOOK CONTENT PAGE


SPEEDWAY ACADEMIES

SOARS TO SUCCESS

Atiba Buckman, Principal James Boganey, Vice PrincipalRashaan Monroe, Vice Principal

701 South Orange Avenue, Newark,, New Jersey 07106Office: (973) 374-2740 Fax: (973) 374-2152 School Website: www.nps.k12.nj.us/spd

STAFF ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORMI hereby acknowledge that I have received all items in the School Policy Handbook and copies of the materials mentioned and distributed on August 19, 2014, as follows:

Attachments(Included on CD and Available on P Drive Staff Handbook Folder)

Acceptable Usage Policy - Technology Discipline Plan and PolicyAnecdotal Records Dress CodeAssessment Calendar Field Trip Permission SlipBulletin Boards Harassment/Intimidation/BullyingBook of the Month Law RefresherCell Phone Agreement Promotion Policy HandbookChain of Command Student Bill of Rights

Teacher Evaluation Framework & IPDP

I understand that I will be responsible for adhering to the contents noted therein and will receive additional memoranda and statewide regulations that must be kept. If there are any items that are not clear to me, I will consult a supervisor for clarification.

With my support, the 2014 - 2015 school year will be a true success. I will sign this Staff Acknowledgment Form by Monday, August 25, 2014 and return it to Mrs. Buckman.

Name of Staff Member ______________________________________ Class ____________ (Print)

Staff Signature _____________________________________________ Date ____________

_______________________________________ Date Received__________________Atiba Buckman, Principal



Documents

Introduction - Newark Public Schools€¦ · Web viewAcademic rigor is maintained in all curriculum areas, to lay a solid foundation of knowledge upon which thinking and problem solving