Las Colinas Middle School

Staff Handbook 2013-2014

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Staff Handbook 2013-2014

Introduction:

Welcome to Los Colinas Middle School! The Faculty Handbook is a guide to

assist you through the school year. It is a starting place and resource for knowing

the basic operation of campus life. Please use the Student Planner (Handbook) as

an important compendium of LCMS procedures and processes.

Our Vision:

As a collaborative community, Las Colinas Middle school provides a supportive,

caring environment and teaches students through a variety of educational

opportunities to reach their full potential as responsible, productive citizens for

the 21st century.

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Table of Contents

General Information

Map……………………………………………………….. pg. 5

Phone Directory and Room Numbers……………………. pg. 6

Bell Schedule…………………………………………….. pg. 7

Calendar………………………………………………….. pg. 8

Duty Schedule…………………………………………… pg. 9

Emergency Drill Schedule………………………………. pg. 10

Administrative Office Responsibilities ………………… pg. 11-12

Nuts and Bolts

Master Calendar………………………………………….. pg. 13

Meetings…………………………………………………. pg. 13

Lesson Plans……………………………………………… pg. 13

Seating Charts …………………………………………… pg. 13

Supplies ………………………………………………….. pg. 13

Textbooks………………………………………………… pg. 14

Keys …………………………………………………….. pg. 14

Accidents………………………………………………… pg. 14

Custodial Matter and Requests…………………………. pg. 14

Faculty Lounge…………………………………………… pg. 14

Office Machines…………………………………………. pg. 14-15

Bulletin and Morning Announcement…………………... pg. 15

Teacher Mailboxes………………………………………. pg. 15

Staff Phone Use …………………………………………. pg. 15-16

Assemblies………………………………………………. pg. 16

Patriotic Observance …………………………………….. pg. 16

Safety Drills ……………………………………………... pg. 16

Teaching and Learning

Grading Periods…………………………………………… pg. 17

Zangle Grade Book……………………………………….. pg. 17

Grading…………………………………………………… pg. 17-18

Cumulative Grading……………………………………... pg. 18

Behavior Marks ………………………………………….. pg. 18

English Learner Grading Guidelines …………………….. pg. 19

Progress Reports …………………………………………. pg. 19

Progress and Grade Reporting Dates …………………….. pg. 20

Parent Conference/Communication ……………………… pg. 20

Absent Students ………………………………………….. pg. 20

Homework Requests ……………………………………... pg. 20-21

Student Supervision ……………………………………… pg. 21

Classroom Supervision …………………………………... pg. 21

Campus Supervision ……………………………………... pg. 21

Make Up Tests……………………………………………. pg. 21

Program Changes ………………………………………… pg. 21-22

Transfers …………………………………………………. pg. 22

SST……………………………………………………….. pg. 22

IEP/ 504 Plans……………………………………………. pg. 22

Learning Objectives ……………………………………… pg. 22

Homework ……………………………………………… . pg. 22-23

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Substitute Teachers………………………………………. pg.23-24

Teacher Observations …………………………………… pg. 24

Getting Involved at LCS

Adjunct Duties and Stipend Positions……………………… pg. 25

School Site Council………………………………………… pg. 25

Data/Leadership Team ……………………………………... pg. 25

Collaboration ……………………………………………… pg. 25

Social Committee …………………………………………. pg. 25

Parent/Teacher/Student Association (PTSA) ……………… pg. 26

Policies and Procedures

Attendance………………………………………………… pg. 27

Roll Book …………………………………………………. pg. 27- 28

Tardy Policy……………………………………………….. pg. 28

Withdrawals and Transfers………………………………... pg. 28

Enrolling New Students…………………………………… pg.28

Independent Study…………………………………………. pg. 28-29

Homework Requests………………………………………. pg. 29

Discipline………………………………………………….. pg. 29

School Rules………………………………………………. pg. 29

Progressive Discipline…………………………………….. pg. 29-30

Sending Students Outside………………………………… pg. 30

Office Referrals…………………………………………… pg. 30

Teacher-Assigned Detention …………………………….. pg. 30-31

Saturday School………………………………………….. pg. 31

Dress Code………………………………………………. pg. 31-33

Security …………………………………………………. pg. 34

Confidentiality…………………………………………… pg. 34

Harassment………………………………………………. pg. 34

Work Day Defined ………………………………………. pg. 34

Fundraising ………………………………………………. pg. 34

ASB Funds ………………………………………………. pg. 34

Student Passes……………………………………………. pg. 35

Substance Abuse in classroom…………………………… pg. 35

Student Phone Use……………………………………….. pg. 36

Media Restrictions ………………………………………. pg. 36

B workroom Room ……………………………………… pg. 36

Suspected Child Abuse ………………………………….. pg. 36-37

Cumulative Records……………………………………… pg. 37

Student Activities

Field Trips…………………………………………………… pg. 37-38

Counseling Services ………………………………………… pg. 38

Support Services ……………………………………………. pg. 38

Library ………………………………………………………. pg. 38

FAPE……………………………………………………….... pg. 39

Stay in the H……………………………………………….. . pg. 39

Champs……………………………………………………… pg. 39

Renaissance…………………………………………………… pg.39

Student of the Month………………………………………… pg.39-41

Las Colinas Middle School Map 2013-2014

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G-5

Empty

G-4

County

G-3

Empty

G-2

YMCA

G-1

Empty

C-6

Brockett

C-3

TRobbin

C-5

Ackerma

n

C-2

DeSouz

C-4

Blackmer

C-1

Belveder

C-9

Klin

e

B-6

Bolten

B-3

Corwin

A-6

Bridges

A-3

McCook

Library A-7

Staff

B-5

Borchard

B-2

Thayer

A-5

Betzel

A-2

Johnson

B-4

Hill

B-1

Tech Lab

A-4

Kaupp

A-1

ERobbins

Bath

Boys

Bath

Girls

Gym

PE

Offic

es

Lo

ng, G

arc

ia

Schle

pp

enb

ach K

iech

Boys Locker

Room

Staff

Lounge

AP

Goldman

Abrahamson

Pettigrew

Wilson

Wong

Richmond

Conference

Speech Pizzano

Principal

Gonzalez

Bath

room

s

Girls

Locker R

m

F-3 Science

Sanderson

F-1 Science

Hookstadt

F-2

Scie

nce

Keeslin

g

E-4

Locken

E-5

Whittington

nnn

E-6

Portillo

E-1

Phelan

E-2

Reeve

E-3

Chambers

E-7

Hart

Lunch

Shack

Harrison

Lunch Area

D-4

Kaio

D-1

Rydberg

D-5

Spiker

D-2

Miller

D-6

Kaspar

D-3

Saltee

D-7

Copsey

Band

Bike Rack

Bathrooms

Storage

Emergency

PE Storage

PE Storage

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Phone Extension Directory 2013-2014

Name Ext. Room Name Ext. Room

Administrators Teachers Cont.

Pam Gonzalez 1007 Phelan, Matthew 1501 E1

Erik Goldman 1006 Pizzano, Theresa 1501 Speech

Counselor Portillo, Brittney 1506 E6

Jeff Kline 1308 C8 Reeve, Doug 1502 E2

1309 C9 Robbins, Edie 1101 A1

Teachers Robbins, Thad 1303 C3

Ackerman, Michelle 1305 C5 Rydberg, Susan 1401 D1

Belvedere, Robin 1301 C1 Saltee, Cathy 1403 D3

Betzel, Kayce 1105 A5 Sanderson, Marie 1603 F3

Blackmer, Kathleen 1304 C4 Schleppenbach, Maureen 1702 PE

Bolten, Deanne 1206 B6 Spiker, Ron 1405 D5

Borchard, Matt 1205 B5 Thayer, Linda 1202 B2

Bridges, Darcia 1106 A6 Whittington, Laura 1505 E5

Brockett, Elizabeth 1306 C6

Chambers, Andrew 1503 E3 Office

Copsey, Reese 1097 D7 Cindy Richmond 1000 SSAA

Corwin, Pat 1203 B3 Jill Abrahamson 1005

Student

Window

DeSouza, Kris 1302 C2 JoAnne Wong 1004 SOA

Garcia, Joy 1701 PE Wendy Wilson 1020 SOA

Hart, Jessica 1096 E7 Eleanor Pettigrew 1016

Health

Office

Hill, Aubree 1204 B4

Hookstadt, Lynne 1601 F1 Special Numbers

Johnson, Eric 1102 A2 Library 1014

Kaio, Clint 1404 D4 Tech Lab 1201 B1

Kaspar, Becky 1406 D6 Library Tech Lab 1021

Kaupp, Shirleen 1104 A4 Staff Lounge 1010

Keesling, Jim 1602 F2 B Workroom 1013

Kiech, Kevin 1703 PE Office Conf. Rm. 1017

Locken, David 1504 E4 Health - Student Phone 1015

Long, John 1704 PE Office - Student Phone 1029

McCook, Melanie 1103 A3 CUM Phone 1008

Miller, Debi 1402 D2 SIP Room 1011

G Wing Server Room 1111

Fitzpatrick, Jerry 1054 G4 Kitchen - Denise 1043

YMCA 1100 G2 ASB 1098 A7

Empty 1099 G1

Empty 1001 G3

Empty 1003 G5

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Las Colinas Middle School

Regular Bell Schedule (A)

Period Grade 6 Grades 7/8 Length in Minutes

1 8:30-9:28 8:30-9:28 58

2 9:32-10:25 9:32-10:25 53

Nutrition 10:25-10:40 10:25-10:40 15

3 10:45-11:38 10:45-11:38 53

Lunch A 11:38-12:14 36

4 12:18-1:11 11:42-12:35 53

Lunch B 12:35-1:11 36

5 1:15- 2:08 1:15- 2:08 53

6 2:12 -3:05 2:12- 3:05 53

Early Dismissal (2:05) (Schedule B)

Back To School Night - September 12, 2013 Open House- May 22, 2014

Period Grade 6 Grades 7/8 Length in Minutes

1 8:30-9:20 8:30-9:20 50

2 9:24-10:09 9:24-10:09 45

Nutrition 10:09-10:19 10:09-10:19 10

3 10:23-11:08 10:23- 11:08 45

Lunch A 11:08-11:38 30

4 11:42-12:27 11:12-11:57 45

Lunch B 11:57-12:27 30

5 12:31-1:16 12:31-1:16 45

6 1:20-2:05 1:20- 2:05 45

Noon Dismissal (12:05) (Schedule C)

Promotional Ceremony- June, 2014 Last day of School - June, 2014

Period Grades 6/7/8 Length in Minutes

1 8:30-9:05 35

2 9:09-9:39 30

3 9:43-10:13 30

Nutrition 10:13-10:23 10

4 10:27-10:57 30

5 11:01-11:31 30

6 11:35-12:05 30

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Las Colinas DUTY SCHEDULE 2013-2014

BLDG

Location

Week A

Week B

Week C

8:20-8:30 A A Quad/ Library Johnson Kaupp Betzel

8:20-8:30 B B Quad Borchard Hill T. Robbins

8:20-8:30 C Basketball Ct/ Blacktop Belvedere Ackerman Garcia

8:20-8:30 D BUS DUTY Chambers Portillo Saltee

8:20-8:30 E E Quad Whittington Locken Miller

8:20-8:30 F Parking Curb Phelan DeSouza Kaio

3:10-3:20 A A Quad/ Library McCook Schleppenbach Brockett

3:10-3:20 B B Quad Bridges Corwin Bolten

3:10-3:20 C Basketball Ct/ Blacktop Blackmer Long Kiech

3:10-3:20 D BUS DUTY Kaspar Sanderson Reeve

3:10-3:20 E E Quad E Robbins Keesling Spiker

3:10-3:20 F Parking Curb Hookstadt Thayer Campus Sup

3:10-3:20 D Bus Assistance for SPED

Hart Rydberg Pizzano

** Rainy day morning schedule- Teachers assigned to bus duty or basketball Ct/ blacktop duty will report to the gym. All other morning duty teachers will supervise students under the building eaves.

Week A Week B Week C Aug 26 Sept 2 Sept 9

Sept 16 Sept 23 Sept 30

Oct 7 Oct 14 Oct 21

Oct 28 Nov 4 Nov 11

Nov 18 Dec 2 Dec 9

Dec 16 Jan 6 Jan 13

Jan 20 Jan 27 Feb 3

Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24

March 3 March 10 March 17

March 24 March 31 April 17

April 21 April 28 May 5

May 12 May 19 May 26

June 2 June 9-10 June 11-12

June 13 X X

Weeks scheduled in bold font illustrate partial weeks

Last week of school is split into two duty groups

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Las Colinas Schedule of Emergency Drills

2013-2014

Date Period Type of Drill September 24th First Fire October 24th Second Earthquake

November 18th Third Lock Down December 11th Fifth Fire January 17th Sixth Earthquake

February 10th First Lock Down March 13th Second Fire April 22nd Third Earthquake May 16th Fifth Lock Down

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Administrative/ Support Staff Responsibilities

Principal: Pam Gonzalez

Supervision of campus

School plan

Budget

Liaison with PTSA and Site Council

GATE

EL students

Instructional delivery system

support:

Team teaching, (teachers with

aides.)

Teacher goal setting, observations,

and evaluations

Classified evaluations

Graduation

Library and textbooks

Parent education

Data Analysis

Yearbook

ASB

Master schedule

IEP’s

Facilitator of Leadership Team/Data

team

Facility use

Staff development

New teacher support

Facilities/Maintenance

At-Risk

Awards

Assistant Principal: Erik

Goldman

Acting Principal in Principal's

absence

Supervision of campus

School Site Council

Red Ribbon Week

Faculty Handbook and Student

Handbook

Attendance and SARB process

Teacher Goal Setting, Observations,

and Evaluations

Approval and Scheduling of Events

Master Schedule

ELAC

+IEP’s

504’s

LAT’s

Supervision Scheduling

Data Analysis

Emergency Preparedness

Staff Development

New Teacher Support

Discipline

Detention Program

Student Recognition

Management of Web Site

Saturday School

At-Risk

Awards

Library

Counselor: Jeff Kline

Mediation

SARB support

Crisis intervention and personal

counseling

Academic counseling

Scheduling of classes

Peer counseling program

State testing make-ups

Special education referrals

504 and SST referrals

Weekly progress reports

Student Study Team

Graduation eligibility

High school preparation

Standardized/diagnostic assessments

At-Risk

Awards

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Office Duties Cindy Eleanor JoAnne Wendy Jill Pam and Erik

Hours: 7:30-4:00 Hours: 8:30-

3:00

Hours: 7:45-

1:35

Hours: 10:00-3:50 Hours: 8:00-1:50

Lunch: 12:15-12:45 Lunch: 11:00-

11:30

Lunch: 10:45-11:15 Lunch: 1:15-1:45 Lunch: 11:10-11:40

Secretarial duties to

assist the Principal

Student Health ASB Bookkeeper

ASB Budget Records, deposits,

Grade bookkeeping

Quarter and Progress scanning and

reporting

Attendance

Daily, weekly and monthly reports

Textbook

distribution and collection

Coordinate office activities

First Aid ASB Purchase requisitions

All Supply orders Instructional

materials, custodial,

office

Student needs at Student Window

Library check-out

Payroll Medications Field Trip Coordinator

Transportation

arrangements

All Purchase orders (except ASB)

Student book lockers Management of teacher curriculum

resources

Enrollment

Records and reports

Health Screenings STAR Coordinator Supply distribution Mail Distribution Campus

Supervisors

Coordinate Subs for

teachers and classified, SST and IEP’s

Health records:

Immunizations Emergency Care

Plans

Renaissance

coordination

Accounting Supply

budgets (teacher, office,

custodial)

Drop off counter

management

RtI Registration

and lists

Keys organization Organize Cums Magic Mountain SIP and SSC accounting

Independent Study CJSF membership

Student “Q” Records Transcripts and

Cum records

Printing student

awards and promotion

certificates

Maintain Office and

Workroom Machines Quarterly usage

reports

Coordinate

collection/distribution of all student forms

County Class liaison Work Orders Yearbook records CELDT letters

Textbook “re-unification”

First back-up for health

office

Head of

Disaster Medical

Team

Special grade

reports:

GPA Renaissance etc

Suspension

documentation/notification

Campus Supervisor

coordination

Mustanger:

“Health Matters”

Presidential Awards

list pins and medals Coordinate Room

reservations

Office Laptop//projector

equipment checkout

Court Orders Crime Reports Vandalism reports

Front office response to parents/phones

etc.

Meeting notifications: SSC

Keep office work tables and mail box area clean

Petty Cash Parent Connect PINS and PW

back-up

CJSF input Special projects as assigned by Principal

or AP

Coordinate SARB with Erik

School message and

Voicemail

Check-in and

Check-out Keys back-up

Special projects as

assigned by Principal or AP

Front office

responsibilities to parents, phones, etc.

Confirm room reservations

Telephone problems Confirm room

reservations

ELAC/EIA Donations

Public Relations 6th period Attendance

Zangle PINS and PW back-up

Student of the Month

Coordinate Staff forms

and records

Seating Chart

Promotion

Confirm room

reservations

2nd Health Office

Back-up

Work permits Daily Keys (morning)

Daily Keys( Check-in/out)

First to respond to

parents/phones

Daily Beat

Parent connect

authorizations

Mustanger:

“Office Offerings”

Office Aides

Marquee

Graduation Program

13 13

Nuts and Bolts

CALENDAR:

The LCMS calendar of events is posted on our school’s Website. The Principal, Assistant

Principal and office manager maintain a Master Calendar of all LCMS activities/events. If

you wish to schedule an event, you must have the event approved by the Principal or

Assistant Principal, who will schedule it on the Master Calendar. Once the event is

approved, obtain an Activity Scheduling Form, which you will complete, from the Assistant

Principal. This will help to insure that the event is a success and does not conflict with

another activity.

MEETINGS

Faculty meetings will take place on Tuesdays between 3:25pm and 4:25pm with the

exception of holiday breaks. The meeting structure will consist of faculty, grade level, and

department meetings. The staff will receive advance notice of all meetings. These meetings

are mandatory. If you are unable to attend, please let the Principal or Assistant Principal

know one day prior to the meeting date.

LESSON PLANS

Well thought out lesson plans are an essential factor in good classroom management and

student achievement; they also are even more necessary when a substitute is required to teach

your c1asses. Weekly lesson plans will be collected in the front office each Monday morning.

You may email plans directly to Mrs. Gonzalez, with a CC’d to Jill Abrahamson or file them

in the file box next to Jill’s attendance window. You will initial the check off each week.

Lesson plans should include the lesson objective(s); standard(s) covered, class

work/homework, instructional and assessment strategies. This will be valuable in maintaining

continuity with the curriculum and other classes. Lesson plans are a professional requirement

and expectation at Las Colinas.

SEATING CHARTS

Please maintain accurate and updated seating charts. Keep them available for substitutes and

for anyone having to cover your classes. Accurate seating charts with student pictures can be

generated through the Student Information System (SIS). If you need assistance with this,

please see the Assistant Principal.

SUPPLIES

Teachers are given a yearly allowance for classroom needs. The budget changes from year to

year depending on district budgetary constraints. Please see Wendy Wilson for ordering

procedures.

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TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks distribution and collection will be conducted according to procedures set up by

the administration. Books issued to students should be covered as a class requirement.

Occasional book checks will be helpful. Students must pay for lost or damaged books. The

student's name and condition of the book should appear in the proper location. Textbooks

found around campus are to be turned into the student window for reunification.

KEYS

Room keys will be issued at the beginning of the year and collected during end of year

check-out. Rooms should be locked when not in use, even if you know another teacher is on

their way to the room. Keys must not be given to students for any reason. If a key is lost,

please report it immediately to the Office.

ACCIDENTS

Report any teacher or student accident to the office immediately. An accident report must be

completed and kept on file at the school and district offices. Reports must be completed by

the teacher in charge and turned in to the Attendance Office.

CUSTODIAL MATTERS AND REQUESTS

Teachers are expected to keep their rooms clean and neat.

Students should pick up papers and objects prior to leaving at the end of the period.

Please turn off all lights and put chairs on desks when leaving for the day.

Lock your room every time you leave.

Please do not leave doors open with the air conditioning or heater running.

Utilize Recycling Bins

For custodial requests, e.g., out of paper towels and repairs contact the office and leave a

note on the item that needs attention; for custodial emergencies (a child has thrown-up

etc.), and for repairs, contact the Main Office.

Requests for the custodian should be left on the clipboard in Tony’s mailbox.

FACULTY LOUNGE

The lounge is a safety zone for teachers and is not available for students during school hours.

Efforts should be made to keep the room clean, and free of old lunches, etc. Conversations

about students should not take place in the teacher lounge. Often, parents or guest teachers

are on campus and are in earshot of conversations. Please keep things positive and

professional.

OFFICE MACHINES

Copying machines are available in the teacher B-Workroom. Student aides may not use

copy machines. Photocopy machines are available for document copying, duplication of non-

15 15

consumable class sets of materials, etc.

The scanner for Datawise is located in the B Workwroom (Students should not be sent to

correct tests). For additional support on using Datawise, please see the Principal or Assistant

Principal.

In addition, a laminator is available for use in the teacher workroom. If the copy machine

jams and is not able to be cleared, please set the printer offline and report it immediately to

Wendy Wilson. Please remember to check your printing queue to be sure your jobs have

printed. Often, if the machine is down jobs are backed up in the queue and if the same job is

replicated without checking the status in the queue, a large quantity of paper is wasted. If the

laminator requires service, please contact Wendy Wilson.

For copying requests, fill out a “Las Colinas T.A.P. Work Request Form” in the B-

Workroom.

Communication

BULLETIN & MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS

The bulletins and announcements are the main way to communicate with students. They

contain important information regarding academics, co-curricular activities, deadlines, bell

schedules, dismissal times, etc. This information is critical for the students and often for the

teachers. The office manager will produce a copy to post on the office student window as

well as email a copy to each teacher. The announcements will be read by designated students

over the intercom each morning. If you have a message that must appear in the bulletin,

please email Cindy no later than l2:00 p.m. the previous day.

TEACHER MAILBOXES

These are located in the Main Office. Check for mail and messages daily before and after

school and at lunch. Students and student aides are not permitted in the teacher mailboxes

due to the personal and confidential nature of school information.

STAFF PHONE USE

There are direct phone lines in each classroom. This creates high expectations for good

communication between faculty and parents. To access, set up, and use the functions of your

voice mail, please see the separate instructions for that service (Cindy keeps the list of

instructions at her desk in the main office). Please ask if you have problems using the phone

system after you have read and tried these directions. All staff is expected to review voice

mail daily. Calls should be returned within 24 hours or by the next teacher prep period

if over a weekend or holiday.

For emergencies: call the office – 1000

To call another classroom - pick up the phone and use the four digit extension assigned to

each room. You should have a class schedule chart that shows these extensions.

To make an outside dial eight (8) for an outside line and then make your call.

16

To make a call to the district office, dial eight (8 and #) and them dial the extension.

To make a call to a location that has caller I.D. block: Dial 8*827 then the number.

To make a school business long distance call: use an office phone and record the phone

call in the logbook (see Cindy for more information)

LCS FAX for school business or emergency (805) 482-2443

ASSEMBLIES

When assemblies are held, special bell schedules will be announced the previous week in the

weekly bulletin. Teachers will accompany their class to the assembly and sit with their class

to help monitor student behavior during the entire duration of the assembly. Please review

behavior expectations prior to leaving the classroom for each assembly.

PATRIOTIC OBSERVANCE

It is required that a patriotic observance, such as the Pledge of Allegiance, be made every

day. Please have your c1ass participate in the pledge before the morning announcements.

SAFETY DRILLS

Monthly drills including fire, lockdown, earthquake, and basic evacuation drills will be

scheduled. Please maintain current class rosters on your emergency clipboards. In addition,

please assign a 1-35 number to each student in your homeroom class and practice that

number with your students. In the event that a drill or emergency during an unstructured

period, students are to be instructed to meet with their period one class. Teachers may not

have rosters available to them during an emergency and the 1-35 system will help with

accounting for all students. During drills follow procedures outlined in your Pleasant Valley

School District Emergency Procedures Handbook.

17 17

Teaching and Learning

GRADING PERIODS

LCMS uses a Quarterly grading system in which each term is an independent grading period.

Final grades are issued at the close of each quarter. When a student enters during a quarter, a

student's grade can be determined by averaging both the old/new teacher's grades together.

No grades will be required for a student who has been enrolled for less than 20 days prior to

the end of a grading period if there are no previous grades to average.

REPORT CARDS are issued every quarter. Please adhere to the due dates and

directions.

Per California educational 49066a, a failing grade “F” may not appear on the report card

unless parents have received prior notification of poor performance. The regular progress

report will serve this purpose. If a student slips to a failing grade after the progress report

has been issued, parents must receive notification before a student can receive a failing

mark on the report card.

No grades will be required for a student who has been enrolled for less than 20 days prior

to the end of a grading period.

Report Cards will be sent home with students approximately 5 days after the quarter

reporting date.

“Q” GRADE BOOK

Our online student information system, contains an online grading program that is available to

parents via the internet. This tool serves to keep parents informed of their student’s academic

progress in a given class. For teachers not using the SIS grade book or those who have

disabled the online display of the SIS grade book, please keep in mind that parents may

request up to date grade progress.

GRADING (A - F Scale)

The determination of what an academic grade represents is an important consideration from

the standpoint of evaluation. An estimate of the work that any student has done is both

qualitative and quantitative. The former is often more difficult to measure than the latter.

Your individual grading procedure should be clearly understood by parents and students.

This should be given to the students the first day of class on a sheet with your class standards

and expectations, as well as to the parents at Back-to-School Night.

Grades are individually determined by teachers. There is no school-wide grading system that

requires teachers to standardize grades; however, departments should come to an agreement

on a standard of quality. This quality should be determined through a variety of assessment

measures. These standards of quality should be communicated, in advance, to both students

18

and parents. .

When considering giving a non-passing grade to a student, parents must receive prior

notification either through progress reports or other means of parent communication.

'Pass-Fail' - This grade is available in selected circumstances. Final approval by the

Principal is necessary.

'Incomplete' - Because of illness or special circumstances, class requirements must be

completed at a later date. Please clear these with the Principal.

'Modified Grade'* - Students who have to have assignments modified may also have the

grade modified. The SST would make-the recommendations for modification.

*These must be noted on report cards.

CUMULATIVE GRADING

Whenever a grade is reported on a progress report and/or report card, it must be cumulative

for that grading period. Grades are very important and should be communicated clearly and

accurately. Final grades are issued at the close of each quarter. BEHAVIOR MARKS (O, S, N, U SCALE)

Students in all classes will receive an academic grade and a citizenship grade. Behavior

marks (citizenship and work habits are both considered to be behaviors) can be a powerful

tool in assisting students to learn to improve their habits that will allow for success in school.

A basic expectation at LCMS is that before a student is assigned an unsatisfactory mark on a

progress report or report card there will have been a parent contact by the teacher. That

contact may take the form of verbal or written notification, but should be documented and

clear that a grade is in jeopardy. Parents expect to have an opportunity to assist their child to

improve. Outstanding Satisfactory Needs Improvement Unsatisfactory

Student consistently:

Is prompt to class

Is prepared for class with all materials and work

Participates

Obeys class rules

Demonstrates a positive attitude

Is responsible

Is respectful to others and the learning environment

Uses appropriate language

Makes good use of class time

Student generally:

Is prompt to class

Is prepared for class with all materials and work

Participates

Obeys class rules

Is responsible

Is respectful to others and the learning environment

Uses appropriate language

Makes good use of class time

Student occasionally has difficulty :

Being prompt to class

Arriving prepared for class with all materials and work

Participating

Obeying class rules

Being responsible

Being respectful to others and the learning environment

Using appropriate language

Makes good use of class time

Student has difficulty :

Being prompt to class

Arriving prepared for class with all materials and work

Participating

Obeying class rules

Being responsible

Being respectful to others and the learning environment

Using appropriate language

Making good use of class time

19 19

English Learner Grading Guidelines

Grades 6-8 EL Grading Guidelines Matrix

Number of Years Student has been in English Language Development Program

*Use non-EL report card grading scale in conjunction with appropriate ELD standards

Students not meeting minimum language levels in ALL domains (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) MUST be provided with intensive intervention and LAT review. LATs can be arranged through the assistant principal and the Language Acquisition Office 445-8665

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports must be issued for students in danger of receiving an "F" or "D"

grade, it is strongly advised that teachers send progress reports for "D" and "N" or

when a student has dropped one full letter grade. They may also be written for any

student performing below expected levels of achievement. Positive progress reports should

also be written to acknowledge outstanding student progress. Teachers will be informed of

due dates. The school office will collect, collate and prepare for a school-wide distribution

according to the published dates. Please adhere to the time schedule. The SIS allows for

written comments to be inserted by the teacher. Such comments are helpful and appreciated

for a student who is failing. Be careful about spelling, grammar, etc, and remember that

comments will form a part of the student’s permanent school record.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

Minimum language

level acquired**

B B EI *I *EA *EA

Additional EI EI I *EA *A *A

possible I I *EA *A RFEP RFEP

levels *EA *A RFEP

EL Grading

Scale

P = met or exceeded standards at ELD level NP = standards not met at ELD level

P = met or exceeded standards at ELD level NP = standards not met at ELD level

P = met or exceeded standards at ELD level NP = standards not met at ELD level

Non-EL Grading

scale

Non-EL Grading scale

Non-EL Grading scale

20

PROGRESS AND GRADE REPORTING DATES

Below are the dates for both progress reports and grade reports. LCMS uses the SIS to enter grades.

Please note the open and close dates for timely academic reporting.

PARENT CONFERENCES/COMMUNICATION

Teachers are encouraged to communicate with parents by telephone, letter, email or personal

contact. Consistent, timely communication is one of the best techniques to maintain parent support

for instructional activities. Parents are especially interested in the progress of their children thus

early contact is encouraged, especially for poor progress or poor student behavior. It is required that

teachers communicate with parents of students who have fallen to an “F” after the progress report

(E.C 49066a)

ABSENT STUDENTS (HOMEWORK AND TESTS)

Teachers do not need to allow make-ups on any assignment or test for truancies. A grade of zero can

automatically be entered. For excused absences, a student must be allowed to make up all homework

or tests. With clearly written out and publicized classroom procedures and standards given to

students, teachers may require students to take tests on the day they return. Please make certain this

has been c1early established beforehand. For long term absences, the teacher must work out a

reasonable length of time for make-ups with the student. (Usually equal to the number of days the

student was absent)

***It is highly recommended that teachers allow students who are suspended to make up work, as it

will prevent them from falling behind and needing additional remediation. Ultimately, teachers are

responsible for ensuring students have access to all standards instructed.

HOMEWORK REQUESTS

If a student is going to be absent for a more extended period of time, a request for assignments must

be given to the office. No new assignment requests will be required until the previous assignments

have been turned in. Please be prompt as possible with the requests from the office. If no

21 21

assignments will be made, please reply indicating no homework.

STUDENT SUPERVISION

The key to providing a properly supervised campus is through the establishments of clear school and

classroom rules which are consistently and humanely applied by all staff members. Students need

constant reminders about the rules of courtesy and good conduct toward fellow students and adults.

The total school staff (teachers, administrators and classified staff) is responsible for providing a safe

and controlled environment in class and on campus. It is expected that all adults will respond

accordingly to inappropriate student behavior. Failure to provide proper supervision of students may

result in a case of negligence.

CLASSROOM SUPERVISION

Students are to be properly supervised at all times. Do NOT allow students to be alone in a

classroom at any time. Do not leave students in your room unsupervised at any time (including

Nutrition and Lunch breaks). Teachers can be held personally liable for what occurs in their

classes when students are left unattended. If an emergency arises which requires a teacher to leave a

class, inform your neighboring teacher to look in on your class and request assistance from the

Office.

CAMPUS SUPERVISION

All staff members are requested to stand outside their classrooms, in order to assist with supervision

during passing periods, before and after schoo1. All classes are to start and end on time according to

the bell schedule. Students are not to be released early from class for any reason unless special prior

permission has been given by an administrator. This is a particular problem prior to lunch, at the end

of P.E. periods, and the end of school. To alleviate this, PE students must be dismissed from the

blacktop area when the bell rings. PE teachers must ensure that locker rooms are consistently

monitored during changing periods. Teachers may be held liable for what occurs during instructional

time when students are under their direct supervision.

Teachers will be assigned to before or after school supervision approximately every three weeks.

Please refer to the duty schedule for teacher assignments regarding before and after school

supervision. Teachers may be held liable for what occurs during instructional time when students are

under their direct supervision.

MAKE UP TESTS

Please find two other teachers with whom you can exchange test make up responsibilities. Students

will be unable to take make up tests in the office due to supervision restrictions. The library is

no longer available for test make-ups.

PROGRAM CHANGES

Requests for program changes are handled by an administrator or counselor. A program change is

made, other than for placement purposes, only after all other means of resolving problems have

been explored. The concept of 'personality clash' is not a reason for a program change. Program

22

changes are made to balance classes during the first week of the year.

Class changes occurring during the year will be done on a form issued through the Counseling

Office (See Jeff Kline). Students are to check out of their old classes and check into new classes

with this form. When a change occurs during the semester, a student's grade can be determined by

averaging both the old/new teacher's grades together.

TRANSFERS

If a student transfers in from a different type of class or comes in from a different school without a

grade because it's early in the year, the new teacher should not hold the new student responsible

for tests and assignments already graded. The student must get the notes and information and can

be held responsible on the final.

SST

The purpose of the Student Study/Success team is to gather as a team to discuss ways to help a

student who is struggling emotionally, behaviorally or academically. This is a formal process which

requires several preliminary steps prior to its inception: including teacher classroom interventions,

working with the family to collaborate on ways to help the student, as well as brainstorming with

other teachers to find ways to help the student succeed.

IEP/ 504 PLANS

Las Colinas has a diverse student population. With this diversity often come certain legal

requirements. As legally required to, teachers must become familiar with and implement the

accommodations/ modifications as delineated on student IEP and 504 plans. Teachers will be

provided with a red binder in which all IEP, 504, and emergency care plan information should be

contained. At the end of the year IEPs must be given to the case managers and 504’s must be given

to the counselor. This will ensure compliance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy

Act).

Teachers should become familiar with the language acquisition levels of their English language

learners and provide necessary support and scaffolding in order to facilitate learning.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Instructional activities are to be offered in accordance with the state standards that are outlined for

each specific program. Teachers are to articulate standards being addressed to students as well as

posting them in their classrooms. Students should be able to articulate learning objectives.

HOMEWORK

Homework should be part of the regular instructional program. Each teacher should require a certain

amount of homework activities to support and reinforce classroom instruction. Assignments should

23 23

be well planned, clearly explained and their purposes and objectives known in advance by both

teacher and students. Homework should not be assigned containing concepts that have not

previously been instructed.

All students should be held to certain standards: legibility, accuracy in grammar and spelling and

accuracy following instructions. Parents must be notified if a student ignores homework

assignments. Timely—as soon as possible—feedback on homework is essential to reinforce

classroom instruction

SUBSTITUTE (GUEST) TEACHERS

Use the following guidelines when requesting a guest teacher:

.

Please use the instructions below on how to access WebConnect via the internet. We strongly

suggest that you view the Employee PowerPoint presentation and Employee User Guide before

starting. You may then use the Employee WebConnect Link to log in

1. You will need to access Pleasant Valley School District’s home page:

http://www.pvsd.k12.ca.us

2. On the right hand side of the screen find “Links for Staff”

3. Select SubFinder

4. Type in your Last Name and in Password : type in the last four numbers of your

Social Security number without hyphens

5. Hit the Submit button and it is just that easy to log in.

6. You may review the Teacher Guide Manual Link as a reference from PVSD home page.

Click on the Administration yellow tab, then Certificated Human Resource and

SubFinder.

7. You may review Teacher Presentation (Power Point) as a reference.

Key Points to Remember When Reporting A Job: (Illness, PN, PD , Jury Duty,

Bereavement)

1. Enter the correct date

2. Enter the correct time

3. Enter the correct Reason Code: (ONLY select from reason code list) Please remember the

following teaching positions have different reason codes for Illness, CPI, and Bereavement

than general teachers: Special Ed: Non-Severe, Severe and RSP; and Preschool – PEEP,

DCS, EDS, LPS)

4. Always select a Misc. Code: Even if there is only 1 listed in drop box: Highlight and select

24

5. Options for selecting a substitute in drop window: (You cannot do prearranged, see your

SSAA)

No Substitute Required

Requested Substitute (Will call this substitute first if she is not blocked in Subfinder,

releases to general 24 hours prior to job if requested sub cannot be reached)

Substitute Required (Will call substitutes first on your preference, then school sites

preference and then to general pool)

6. If you choose “Requested Sub” – you will be able to select the sub by the substitutes I.D.

number, usually a 3 to 4 digit number in the first bullet. Or, you can use the third bullet and

select from the name list. If there is a conflict on the sub you selected, either they are

working already, does not work at that school site or position, or that day. (Exception:

Student teachers and retirees usually have a “Do Not Disturb” on their schedule. They will

only work pre-arranged and do not want the machine to call them. Please contact your

school site for all pre-arranged jobs)

7. The last step will confirm if your job was successful and give you a job number.

Please review the information to make sure it is correct. Hopefully having a visual will allow you to

review your jobs easier. And, having internet access available to the employees and substitutes will

allow jobs to be filled easier. Important: The sooner jobs are reported, the better chances of getting

a substitute. The SubFinder only has 3 outgoing lines to call out. Please remember if you do not

have internet access, you can still use the phone system 1-866-625-0644. Both options are available.

IMPORTANT: If you need to update your personal information (example; address change,

name change, phone number, etc.), you must continue to notify the Certificated Human

Resource office in writing. Do not make any changes in SubFinder/WebConnect. Our office

will update the SubFinder/WebConnect, your personnel files, and payroll.

Always leave good lesson plans, seating charts, and clear explanations of your attendance and

classroom procedures. Have some emergency lesson plans ready for situations that require you to

ca11 for a substitute at the last minute. File one of these with the Office Manager at the beginning

of each school year.

TEACHER OBSERVATIONS

Teacher supervision and observation will be conducted on a regular basis by the Principal and the Assistant

Principal. This will include formal observation of teachers on the evaluation cycle as well as informal

walkthroughs of all staff.

25 25

GETTING INVOLVED AT LAS COLINAS

ADJUNCT DUTIES AND STIPEND POSITIONS

All teachers are expected to be part of the team effort to create the school culture and working

conditions to allow us to succeed in our mission. Site and district level committees perform

important functions and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Please indicate

your interest in committees or functions so that assignments can be made by the leadership team or

the person designated to make the decision. New teachers should be careful to not over commit, but

taking on a responsibility in each category is a good guideline for the minimum involvement level

for full time teachers. Additionally, stipend positions pay a stipend based on performance of the job

described in the full job description.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC)

The role of the School Site Council has been greatly expanded in recent years statewide to where it

now holds great power over all aspects of the school program. Teachers are highly encouraged to

run for a place on the council. SSC meetings are open to anyone who is interested in attending.

DATA/LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Leadership Team is comprised of department chairs who

work to increase student achievement as well as toward the betterment of Las Colinas as a whole.

The team will lead staff in the sharing and implementation of best practices as well as leading data

sessions that will focus on areas of student need.

COLLABORATION

One of the most rewarding and beneficial practices teachers can implement is consistent

collaboration. This research-proven strategy has been demonstrated to positively impact student

growth. By sharing assessments, lessons, data, and best practices, teachers lighten their individual

loads and build cohesion as a team.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Faculty/staff member(s) coordinates dues collection for thoughtful recognition of benchmark

occasions (births, deaths, retirements, etc.) in the lives of the LCMS staff.

26

PARENT/TEACHER/STUDENT/ASSOCIATION (PTSA)

The PTSA is the parent support group for the school that accomplishes much in the way of

beneficial projects, volunteer service and fund-raising. Thousands of dollars have been donated to

the school as a result of its efforts. Teachers are encouraged to join the PTSA to offer support for this

organization.

27 27

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE

The importance of accurate attendance records cannot be over-stressed. It is mandatory that

each teacher's attendance record be correct for each class at all times. The taking of attendance

is the responsibility of the teacher. Our attendance procedures have been adopted in order that

uniform and accurate pupil accounting may be maintained.

ROLL BOOK

A court of law can subpoena a roll book as evidence in legal actions and trials. For these reasons,

uniform and orderly record-keeping are essential.

Below are mandatory guidelines for maintaining accurate attendance reporting.

Roll books should contain and clearly indicate:

Student grades and daily attendance for each student in each period that you teach.

Teachers must input all period attendance into the SIS; this includes tardies that are less

than 10 minutes.

For students who enter (enroll) after the first day of school, or leave (check-out) before

the last day of school: mark an “E” on the day the student entered or an “L” on the day

the student left (and to where, if known, e.g., L to El Camino M.S. LAUSD or L to

Seattle, WA.

Here are the attendance accounting steps...

1. Mark your personal attendance records accurately. The first thing you do every period is to

take and mark attendance in SIS. These records, along with your grade records, are legal

documents, that must be turned into the office.

2. At the beginning of each period, enter attendance into the SIS. Any student who enters late

(after 8:45) during FIRST period should come to class with a pass from the Office personnel

to ensure that they have checked in properly. If the student is tardy less than 10 minutes,

mark them tardy onto the SIS as they will not receive a tardy slip from the attendance office.

3. If you have a student arrive late to class with an excuse that they were kept late by another

teacher, they should have a timed and dated pass, or they are to be marked tardy. Teachers

should only keep students late for academic reasons.

Accurate attendance is an important safeguard to your personal liability. Several

court cases have held teachers personally liable when students who had not been

reported as absent were injured while off campus.

Special attention must be paid to attendance on days with field trips. Please review

the field trip section of this handbook.

Students are marked tardy on your roll whenever they are not ready for instruction

according to the standards of your class. A tardy may be cleared and treated as

28

excused only on the authority of school personnel- a teacher sending a child late with

a written excuse, an excuse from the office, but not based on a parent note to the

teacher (the note should be processed through the office).

TARDY POLICY

As the tardiness of students disturbs the process of instruction, it is the responsibility of all staff members to actively work with the students and their parents to minimize such behavior:

1st tardy - Make student aware of the tardy 2nd tardy - Teacher/student conference 3rd tardy - Teacher/student conference, parent contact and issue a consequence (not

central office lunch detention) 4th tardy – Referral to Office for central office lunch detention 5th tardy - Referral to Office for one hour after school detention (student will be given 24

hours notice) 5th tardy- Referral to Office for School on Saturday 6th tardy and up - Continue referral to Office; Office conference with parents to discuss

consequences

WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS

1. Students withdrawing from school will report to class with a check-out clearance card.

Please indicate the grade earned to date of withdrawal, sign and mark roll sheet

"dropped".

2. Students transferring from one class to another should have a program change form

properly signed by the counselor. An ADD/DROP REPORT will be placed in the teacher’s

mailbox.

ENROLLING NEW STUDENTS

1. A new student will be programmed through the Office and sent to classes with a student

schedule.

2. An ADD/DROP REPORT will be placed in the teacher’s mailbox.

3. If you have questions about class size, ability level, etc., admit the student to your class

and then see the Counselor after schoo1 or during your conference period.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent study provides students with access to work during a planned absence of five days or

more and allows the district to recoup a level of funding during an extended absence. Students and

their families may request independent study for extended absences. Jill Abrahamson will email

teachers with names of students who are going on independent study. Teachers will provide

independent study work directly to Jill Abrahamson. Teachers are required by law to provide work

to students who are on independent study. Upon a student’s return from independent study, the

student will return the completed work to Jill Abrahamson. She will photocopy the work and

provide teachers with the original to grade. Please provide Jill with the final grade for independent

study. Before being approved for independent study, parents must meet with the Assistant Principal

to discuss the implications of not completing independent study work. In order for the school to be

funded of the independent study, all four core teachers must provide and assess assignments.

29 29

HOMEWORK REQUESTS

If a student is going to be absent for a more extended period of time, a request for assignments must

be given to the office. No new assignment requests will be required until the previous assignments

have been turned in. Please be prompt as possible with the requests from the office. If no

assignments will be made, please reply indicating no homework.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline enforcement begins by setting a good example, by communicating and revisiting

expectations, modeling respectful behavior and by demonstrating consistency and good habits.

SCHOOL RULES

The school rules are printed in the student assignment notebook. Please review the Student

Handbook careful1y to be familiar with all school policies. School rules are subject to review on a

regular basis. They can be changed, but once established, there is an expectation that all LCMS

faculty and staff will enforce them.

Be polite and helpful.

Be in assigned seat, ready to work with all materials and books when the bell rings.

Arrive on time for school.

No littering

Remain seated at the passing bell until dismissed by the teacher.

Conform to all school rules and regulations.

Follow directions the first time they are given.

Keep hands, feet and objects to themselves; no hitting, shoving, running, or horseplay.

Refrain from eating in the classroom.

Refrain from the use of profane and vulgar language.

Carry agenda book at all times (If lost, student will need to purchase replacement Agenda for $5.00).

Carry I.D. card at all times (Required for buying lunch and borrowing books from the library).

Have respect for all adults on campus.

No public displays of affection including but not limited to hand holding, hugging and kissing.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE

Progressive discipline is increasing levels of disciplinary action taken by teachers or

administrators. Disciplinary consequences should begin with student counseling and verbal

reprimands, parent contact, changing seating, teacher assigned and administered detentions,

office referrals, class exclusion, school suspensions, etc., applied in an increasing order of

misbehaviors which may occur through the course of a semester or year. Do not refer a student

to the office until parents have been contacted (email is quick and easy and maintains a paper

trail) and a detention has been assigned. Students who are involved with serious infractions of

school rules or state laws should be referred to the office immediately.

Anecdotal records should be maintained for any student whose behavior indicates any

30

maladjustment in social, emotional, physical or intellectual maturity. These will prove

invaluable for use in parent conferences and use by the School Study Team.

Please file a copy of your classroom management plan with the Assistant Principal by the

end of the first week of school. The classroom management plan should delineate

classroom policies for progressive discipline. Sample classroom management plans are

available in the Assistant Principal’s office.

SENDING STUDENTS OUTSIDE

Students are not to be removed for a cool off period outside the room for more than five

minutes. Teachers are responsible for students’ behavior and safety while they are outside.

OFFICE REFERRALS

Students are to be referred to the Assistant Principal or Counselor for re-occurring and/or

persistent classroom misbehavior. This should only be done after all measures, as outlined in

the progressive system of discipline, have been exhausted. Students should be referred on a

referral form that must accompany the student being sent to the office. Sending students to the

office without the proper referral delays the discipline process as students are often less than

forthcoming about why they have been referred. Teachers will be notified of the action taken.

On those occasions when it is not possible to deal with the problem immediately, the student

will be held in the office until the end of the period unless space limitations preclude this.

Follow-up will occur as soon as possible. Students involved with serious problems will be held

in the office until the matter can be investigated.

TEACHER-ASSIGNED DETENTION

Students may not be detained for more than one hour before or after school and only after

parents have received 24 hour notice of the assigned detention.

A Teacher Detention Notice Form is available in the office for teacher assigned and

monitored detentions.

1. Indicate on the Detention Notice the reasons the detention was assigned, the date it should

be served and the date of the incident.

2. Have the student sign the detention slip.

3. Keep all records of students who have served detention and any other action that has been

taken to stop inappropriate behavior.

IF A STUDENT DOES NOT SERVE THE DETENTION

1. Reassign the detention for the next day (be sure to inform the student) AND

2. Assign an additional day of detention for "failure to serve" AND

3. Make a parent contact informing them that their child failed to serve the first detention.

IF THE STUDENT FAILS TO SERVE EITHER OF THE TWO DETENTIONS

31 31

After the above steps have been followed, complete a referral form and attach the detention

slips to it. Be sure to note on the referral form the following information:

1. The date of the original detention which was not served.

2. The date and method you used to notify the students parents.

3. The date of the additionally missed detention.

***The assistant principal will handle the progressive discipline from here.

SATURDAY SCHOOL

This is available as an alternative to suspension from school. This represents a high level of

disciplinary action as a part of progressive discipline. Saturday school is assigned as deemed

appropriate by the school administration.

DRESS CODE

APPROPRIATE SCHOOL DRESS

The general rule of thumb "in good taste" is generally a good guide for appropriate dress for

faculty, staff and students. The adults on campus are role models and are responsible for

dressing appropriately to enhance the educational environment. Though dress codes have been

liberalized for students, a minimum code will be enforced. Please contact the office

immediately or send the student to the office if a student in your class is wearing something

that violates the dress code.

The PVSD Governing Board believes that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a

productive learning environment. The board expects students to give proper attention to

personal cleanliness and to wear clothes that are suitable for the school activities in which they

participate. Students’ clothing must not present a health or safety hazard or a distraction that

would interfere with the educational process (BP/AR 5132).

Dress Code Policies

● Clothing must not interfere with the student’s ability to perform assigned class activities or

pose a health or safety hazard.

●All clothing will be neat and clean in its appearance and in good repair.

●Clothing should cover undergarments at all times.

●Hats with brims worn correctly are allowed outside of class (brims facing forward).

●Pants/shorts must be worn at the waist at all times and be able to stay up without a belt or

other support.

●Clothing and jewelry shall be safe and free of writing, pictures or any other insignia that are

crude, vulgar, profane or offensive.

● Closed- toed shoes must be worn at all times on campus.

32

Clothing and Items NOT Allowed

Tops/dresses with spaghetti straps, (straps should be at least 2 inches in width), low cut

necklines and apparel that is tight fitting, halter tops, midriff tops/pants that expose the belly

button, off the shoulder or cutoff tops, see through or fishnet fabrics and excessively short

skirts and shorts are prohibited (mid thigh length is recommended).

Extremely baggy pants and pants that drag on the ground when standing are not allowed

(undergarments should not be exposed).

●Headgear such as sweatbands, beanies, do-rags, hairnets, bandanas, or the wearing of hoods

are not permitted on campus without special permission from the school (i.e. extremely cold

weather).

●Clothing that contains sexually suggestive language, rude comments, double meanings,

derogatory language directed at a particular gender, race, ethnic group or religion is also

prohibited.

Additionally, clothing that depicts weaponry, violence or gore is also prohibited.

●Wallet chains, chains worn as bracelets or necklaces, large or spiked rings, spiked bracelets or

necklaces, and/or objects that the school administration deems as potentially dangerous are

prohibited.

●Any dress that the school administration or the police consider to be indicative of gang attire

is prohibited; this includes all professional sports jerseys, hats, jackets, shirts or other

apparel that references gangs.

●Body piercing jewelry, except for earrings, is prohibited as it poses a safety issue.

●Belts, bracelets with sharp metal studs are not permitted.

●Pajamas may NOT be worn at school.

●Open-toed shoes, sandals and slippers are prohibited due to safety issues.

33 33

Consequences of Dress Code Violation:

1st violation – warning and change of clothes

2nd violation – detention, change of clothes, and parent contact

34

OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

SECURITY

All staff must wear badges at all times while on campus. Be on time for all assigned

supervision duties. (Legal liability). All volunteers need to fill out a volunteer form in the

office each year. The office staff will get a copy of volunteer’s driver’s license for our files.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

In accordance with FERPA, student confidentiality is of upmost importance.

Please preserve the confidentiality of others in all campus settings and community.

HARASSMENT

Harassment of any type: sexual, physical, mental and emotional must be reported. Promptly

report to Pam or Erik any concerns or problems among students or employees.

WORK DAY DEFINED

The official work day begins 15 minutes prior to instruction and ends 15 minutes after. If for

any reason you need to leave campus, sign out in the Main Office. Obtain prior approval from

the Principal or Assistant Principal when arranging for a colleague to cover a class period.

FUNDRAISING

All fundraising activities must be approved by the Principal/Assistant Principal and then ASB.

After approval, submit your written proposals to the ASB coordinator who will make certain

that there are no conflicts on the calendar with other activities.

ASB FUNDS

ASB funds can only be used for extra-curricular purposes. In order to get ASB funds for any

purpose, the following procedure must be followed:

1. Fill out Purchase Requisition form (get them from Joanne Wong) a minimum of two weeks

before check is needed.

2. ASB will authorize payment at a weekly business meeting (must be approved before

purchase is possible).

3. Purchase Order (P.O) will be drawn up and authorized signatures acquired.

4. Receipts or statement must accompany each Purchase Requisition.

35 35

STUDENT PASSES

1. Students out of class for any reason must have a signed hall pass. The pass must have the

time and destination clearly marked.

2. Limit the number of students leaving class at a time to one, if possible (especially to the

rest room or nurse's office). .

3. Under NO circumstances is a teacher to send a pupil directly home or off the school

grounds. This must be handled through the office.

4. Pupils not feeling well should be sent directly to the health office with a note.

5. Counselors and administrators will call for students. DO NOT send students at a student

request to see the counselor or administrator.

SUSPECTED SUBSTANCES IN THE CLASSROOM

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, DRUGS, OR ALCOHOL IN

THE CLASSROOM

1. Notify the administration of your suspicions IMMEDIATELY. If an administrator doesn’t

pick up their extension, CALL THE FRONT OFFICE. Ideally, an administrator will

respond right away.

2. While you are waiting for an administrator

Implement LOCKDOWN procedures

If the bell is about to ring, hold the class and DO NOT let in students from the

next period. Notify neighbor teacher to monitor incoming students gathering at

the door.

3. Document the incident

Note unusual student behavior- excessive giggling, loss of coordination, erratic

behavior, slurred speech, etc.

When did you become aware of the incident?

What details can you remember?

Identify potential witnesses

4. Classroom management during an incident

LOCKDOWN procedure

Do not allow students to wander around the room

Do not allow students to talk to neighbors

If a student needs to use the bathroom or go to the nurse, call the office and a

campus supervisor will escort the student.

Do not allow students to go to their lockers or their backpacks if backpacks are

located outside

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STUDENT PHONE USE

Students will not be called to the office to take incoming calls unless it is an emergency.

Students may not use the office phones, since these phones are reserved strictly for school

business. It is to be used for contacting parents/guardians only. All other use is inappropriate.

Students may carry cell phones and use them before 8:30 AM or after 3:10 PM. We require that

students keep cell phones turned off and out of sight during school instructional hours. If it is an

emergency students may seek permission and use their phones during break time in the office.

Students are not to text parents to inform them of illness. Students who are ill must process

through the health office. Phones that are seen and/or sound during class time will be confiscated

and may be picked up in the office after school. Repeated offenses will result in a central office

lunch detention.

The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken student property.

MEDIA RESTRICTIONS

FYI: the showing of or referring materials (movies, music, print, or internet sites, etc.) to

students that may be restricted or controversial by Teachers needs to be carefully thought out. All

movies, etc. shown in class must have instructional value and should be linked to an instructional

objective. Teachers should fill out the district audio-visual form prior to showing any videos

and/or DVD’s in class. Movies should be used sparingly and preferably not in their entirety.

Showing excessive movies takes valuable instructional minutes away from students. PG-13

movies are not to be shown without parental permission. Showing MTV to students during a

party offends the guidelines that some parents offer their children due to the nature of video clips

and other material. Administrative guidance and approval should be sought so that legitimate

uses of material are not jeopardized by the backlash that can occur when use is not well planned

or implemented.

B Workroom

Under NO circumstances are students allowed in the B Workroom. There are serious

liabilities involved with allowing students in the B Workroom as some of the equipment in the B

Workroom can present a safety issue for students (laminator, paper cutter, moving parts on

copiers, etc.) In addition, allowing students into the B Workroom can potentially compromise

tests and other teacher materials present in the room.

SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE

As educators, we are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. If you have any reason to

suspect child abuse, please use the following reporting procedure:

1. Inform an administrator.

2. Call Child Protected Services and make a verbal report: (805) 654-3200

3. Complete the CPS form

Go to the district website and sign in using your regular login

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Click on the staff link located at the right side of the yellow banner at

the top of the page

Click on “Forms”

Type in “Child Abuse Reporting”

Screen with the form will appear

4. Make a copy of the report for your records as the form will not save

5. Mail or fax a copy of the form to Child Protected Services.

CUMULATIVE RECORDS

The cumulative records are located in the administration building. Teachers should refer to

these records to review history, special problems, and other pertinent data. CUM folders

may not be removed from the office complex.

ACTIVITIES (STUDENT):

FIELD TRIPS

The Principal must approve all field trip requests. Start the approval process with the Assistant Principal

to clear calendar dates and to get the field trip forms well in advance of your respective trip. Whenever it

is necessary that groups of students miss part of a school day to perform or participate in school

activities on or off campus, the faculty member in charge of the activity must have all students fill out

appropriate permission slips a minimum of one week in advance of the date of the activity. Lists should

be prepared by the teacher in charge of activity and emailed and/or placed in the teacher's boxes, with a

copy also being given to the Attendance Clerk and Health Tech at least one week in advance. All lists

must be alphabetized. Teachers will be responsible for notifying the Office of students absent from the

activity or field trips. Teachers are expected to email staff with a list of all students participating in the

field trip.

The teacher will assume the following responsibilities in regard to field trips:

1. Secure permission from an administrator.

2. See administrative assistant for a detailed overview of these procedures.

3. Fill out all required forms.

4. Make transportation arrangements.

5. If a bus is needed, notify administrative assistant in the office and she will

make the necessary arrangements. This can take up to two months. Please

plan accordingly

6. Issue parent permission slips to all students.

7. Publish a list of students one week prior to the trip.

8. Make certain the Attendance Office and Health Office has a list of students

five days before the trip.

9. Check if any students require medications and/or have special needs

10. Collect field trip notices from students.

11. Take roll before leaving school and before returning from the activity.

12. Provide proper supervision of students during the trip.

13. Take emergency information (receive from front Office) with you on trip.

Please see health technician for students who may have special medical needs.

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14. Upon returning to campus, report directly to the Office. Notify the office of

any student behavior problems.

If using Parents and/or faculty/staff members as drivers on a school field

trip. Drivers must:

1. Complete the Private Vehicle Transportation Application District form

2. Provide proof of Insurance and Driver’s license

3. This entire packet must be submitted to Principal or Assistant Principal for

approval. Allow at least a week for the approval process.

4. After drivers have been selected and approved, teachers must complete

Private Vehicle Transportation List Form, which lists the students who are

assigned to each vehicle.

5. Copies of all forms, including student permission slips must be given to

the office staff prior to departing on field trip.

COUNSELING SERVICES

The Counseling Office is a resource for the faculty and student body. It serves an

important function in times of parent, student and teacher concerns. The counselor acts as

a liaison between and among all schoo1 personnel, students and parents.

SUPPORT SERVICES

The district provides additional support services of a Psychologist and Speech and

Language Specialist. Teachers are encouraged to notify the school counselor when any

serious change in performance/behavior is noticed, so that proper referrals may be made.

If a teacher suspects that a student should be tested in order to qualify for special

services (special education), the teacher should speak with the student’s counselor before

making any recommendations to parents.

LIBRARY

Las Colinas does not have a library media tech for the 2013-2014 school year.

Therefore, library services will be limited.

1. Textbooks: If a student textbook is found on campus, please send it to the

student window. Students will be issued detention for textbooks found strewn

around the campus.

2. Teacher’s Materials: All teachers’ materials (TE/TRP etc.) are checked

through the administration. These materials must be turned in when a Teacher

leaves the District or changes subjects whether at the same school or another.

All requests for missing materials or additional materials need to go through

the administration.

FAPE

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Students are all entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education. This means that we can’t

require them to have certain materials. Please keep this in mind for projects, etc. Similarly,

providing extra-credit for students based on bringing in supplies (Kleenex boxes, etc), violates

FAPE.

Stay in the H

To reduce the number of hallway incidents and to provide maximum supervision of students, Las

Colinas will continue to enforce “Stay in the H”. Please review the “H” procedures with all of

your classes.

CHAMPS

Las Colinas will continue to implement the CHAMPS program this year.

Student Reward Programs

Renaissance Program

The Renaissance Program recognizes academic success and improvement as measured by

quarterly grades. Students receive a quarterly recognition for based on their Renaissance

status.

Student of the Month Program

In an effort to promote strong character on campus, the Student of the Month program

celebrates student character. Staff members have the opportunity to nominate students

twice per year. Students who are selected for demonstrating the character trait of the

month are treated to a Student of the Month assembly and are presented with various

incentives. The new agenda book outlines each character trait and homeroom classes will

be responsible for highlighting these traits with their classes.

Las Colinas Student of the Month

Schedule for 2013-2014

We will continue to highlight solid character in our students through the Student of the

Month program. Each of you will have the opportunity two times per year to select a

student. The schedule is below. Please email the name of the student to Wendy by

the 5th

of each month. Include a 4-5 sentence blurb that underscores why the student

merits recognition for displaying that individual trait. The ceremony will take place

in G1 at 8:00am the last Thursday of each month except for the ceremonies in October

and November/December which will be on October 30th

and December 12th

. You are

welcome and strongly encouraged to attend the ceremony. Goodies will be served.

October: Respectful

October 30th

40

Belvedere

Bridges

Chambers

DeSouza

Garcia

Kaio

Kiech

Portillo

E. Robbins

Rydberg

Thayer

November/ December: Responsible

December 12th

Ackerman

Betzel

Blackmer

Bolten

Kaspar

Keesling

McCook

Miller

T. Robbins

Sanderson

Whittington

January: Optimistic

January 30th

Borchard

Chambers

Hookstadt

Johnson

Kaupp

Locken

Phelan

Reeve

Saltee

Schleppenbach

Spiker

February: Self-Motivated

February 27th

Belvedere

Brockett

Corwin

DeSouza

Hart

Hill

Kaio

41 41

Keesling

E Robbins

Saltee

Spiker

March: Kindness

March 27th

Bolten

Bridges

Copsey

Garcia

Kiech

Locken

Miller

T. Robbins

Sanderson

Schleppenbach

April: Honest

April 25th

Betzel

Hart

Hill

Hookstadt

Kaspar

Long

McCook

Portillo

Reeve

Rydberg

Thayer

May: Cooperative

May 29th

Ackerman

Blackmer

Borchard

Brockett

Copsey

Corwin

Johnson

Kaupp

Long

Phelan

Whittington