Mirabeau B. Lamar High SchoolAn International Baccalaureate World School

2012-2013 Teacher Handbook

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Table of Contents

Mission Statement ........................................................................................................................................................4

Teacher Handbook Expectations ............................................................................................................................5

Curriculum and Instruction ......................................................................................................................................6

Grade Books ....................................................................................................................................................................7

Late Work Policy, Final Exams .................................................................................................................................8

Technology in the Classroom ....................................................................................................................................9

Teacher Attendance & Dress Code ......................................................................................................................10

Student Discipline .......................................................................................................................................................11

Safety and Security .....................................................................................................................................................12

Security Before Class ..................................................................................................................................................13

Clinic, Medication, Closed Campus .....................................................................................................................14

Emergency Procedures ..............................................................................................................................................15

Communication ...........................................................................................................................................................16

Bulletin Board Postings .............................................................................................................................................17

Special Education Referrals, Confidentiality .....................................................................................................18

Work Related Injuries, Smoking ............................................................................................................................19

Fundraising & Financial Procedures ....................................................................................................................20

General Information ..................................................................................................................................................21

Personal Information .................................................................................................................................................22

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Mission Statement

Mirabeau B. Lamar High School encourages all students to be inquiring and knowledgeable individuals who can achieve their highest potential within an atmosphere of shared of responsibility, academic challenge intercultural understanding, and mutual respect.

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Teacher Handbook ExpectationsThis handbook is prepared to provide valuable information regarding Lamar High school and staff expectations. Each staff member is required to become knowledgeable with all its contents and follow all expectations.

HISD High School GuidelinesIn addition to the Lamar High School Faculty handbook, the HISD Secondary Guidelines 2012-2013 are on the HISD portal under the Federal and State Compliance department. All teachers should read and be familiar with the information contained therein.

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Curriculum and Instruction

Lesson Plans

Core Teachers: Core subjects will use Master Teacher Academy Lesson plans. Lesson plans are located on the MTA website at www.houstonisd.org/mta. Subject Area Teams are to review lesson plans collaboratively during the SAT meeting prior to implementation. All teachers teaching the same course will use the same lesson plans.

Core-Support Teachers: Core support teachers will use the Core Support Lesson Plan Template. Lesson plans will be posted weekly to the appropriate SAT folder on the common drive. All teachers teaching the same course will use the same lesson plans.

Instructional Expectations

• Begininstructionimmediatelywhenclassbeginsandusetimeproductivelythroughouttheentireninety- minute period.

• GradestudentworkandpostgradesinGradeSpeedwithinoneweekoftheassignmentduedate.

• SupportandcooperatewiththemembersofyourSATandthegeneralfaculty.

• Beavailabletostudentsforindividualacademicassistance.

Assessment Policy

It is HISD policy to have at least 2 grades per week within a grading cycle. The chart below reflects these minimum requirements taking into consideration actual instructional days. Cycle 1 10 grades Cycle 2 10 grades Cycle 3 8 gradesCycle 4 12 grades Cycle 5 11 grades Cycle 6 12 grades

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All assessment will be criterion related and graded utilizing a “best-fit” approach on subject-specific rubrics. In addition:

• RubricsusedwillcomefromtheappropriateIBMYPorIBDPsubjectguidesandmodifiedbySATssothat they are task specific and age-appropriate• RubricsMUSTbeprovidedtostudentsbeforetheassessmentisgiven.• StudentsMUSThavetheopportunitytoself-assessusingtherubrics• PercentagegradesMUSTbedeterminedusingtheappropriateIBMYPorIBDPconversionchart.• PercentagegradesANDrubricgradesmustbothbereportedbacktostudentsonassignments.

EverycriterionMUSTbeassessedat leastoncepercycle.SATswilldeterminehowmanytimeseachcriterionisassessed and recorded in the grade book. The expectation is to achieve a balance of criteria throughout the grading period.

Rubrics should be chosen based on the nature of the assignment. Careful attention should be paid to which criteria are assessed for each assignment so that assignments are not disproportionately weighted in the grade book. The expectation is to achieve an appropriate balance of criteria throughout each grading cycle.

Any and all criteria used on an assessment task must be connected to the task in a meaningful way (i.e. do not use the “KnowledgeandUnderstanding”criteriaonavocabularyquizunlessitcanjustifiablybeassessedusingtheassociatedgrading rubric)

All grading categories and their corresponding weights must adhere to those adopted by the school for the current year.

Where two or more teachers are instructing the same course, the grade book set up must be the same.

Grade Books

Teachers must establish and maintain a computerized grade book using the Grade Speed on-line grade book program.

Teachers must update grade books on a daily basis.

Teachers must present a printed copy of the Grade Speed grade book to the Registrar at the end of the fall semester and again at the end of the spring semester. This grade book must contain the individual assignments and grades for each student for each marking period.

Students are prohibited from accessing a teacher’s grade book.

Students are prohibited from accessing the computer while the teacher’s log-on is active.

Teachers will adhere to the prescribed grading system and assessment policy as established by Lamar and HISD policy.

Grade changes may only be done with the approval of the Principal or Dean of Instruction. Grade changes may be processed if there is an error in the computation of the grade, or an error was made on the grade report sheet. The Grade Change Form is available in the main office from the secretaries to the Principal or Dean of Instruction. The form must be filled out completely prior to submitting it for approval.

All incomplete grades must be changed to a numerical grade before the end of the next grading cycle. If an incomplete is not made-up, then the incomplete grade must be changed to the actual numeric grade the student has earned. A

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grade change form must be submitted for the incomplete to be removed. Teachers may not give incomplete grades during the last six week grading period of a semester.

Late Work Policy

Teachers must accept late work within the grading cycle in which it was assigned with no more than a 20 point deduction penalty.

Make Up Work

A student will be given the opportunity to make up missed work due to an absence. However, it is the responsibility of the student to request and complete any assignments or tests missed.

Re-teach Tutorials

Students will have the opportunity for re-teach and rework of previously graded daily assignments which resulted in a grade of 75 – 50. The purpose of this program is to provide each student the opportunity to increase their mastery of specific required skills and concepts. The following circumstances apply:

Student Eligibility Process• Assignmentsmustbeoriginallyturnedinontimewithagradeof75–50.• Nolateassignmentswillbeconsideredunderthispolicy.• Tests,quizzes,formal/informalpapersorlongtermprojectsformajorgradesdonotqualify.• Toqualifyforresubmission,assignmentsmustbedoneinafterschooltutorials,inthelibraryandunder tutorial teacher oversight and guidance. • QualifyingassignmentsmustbereworkedwithinthreeweeksoftheoriginalduedateinGradeSpeed/PS Connect. • Noassignmentsmaybereworkedwithinthreedaysoftheendofeachgradingperiod.

Teacher Process and Responsibility• LibrarytutorialteacherswillcheckPSConnectfortheeligibilityofanassignment.• AllassignmentsmustbeonthecontentareaMoodlesiteandwillbedownloadedinthelibrary.• TheduedateinGradeSpeedmustreflectthedatetheassignmentwasdue.• Assignmentswillbecompletedonlyduringtutorialsessionsandunderthesupervisionofthetutorial teacher and the tutorial administrator/supervisor. • Completedassignmentswillbescannedbythetutorialteacherandemailedtotheclassroomteachertobe graded. • Teachersmustgradetheresubmittedassignmentandadjustthestudent’sgradewithinthreedaysof resubmission and record the new grade in GradeSpeed. • Penaltypointsmaynotbedeductedfromanyoftheseresubmittedassignments.• Thegradeonthere-taughtassignmentwillreplacetheoriginalgrade.

Final Exams

Teachers will administer a final examination in every class they teach. The final exam should reflect material covered during the semester. Final exams represent 25% of a student’s semester grade. All final exam periods are two hours long, so teachers should plan accordingly. Students are not to be released from an exam early. All students must take their final exams on the days designated for final exams.

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All fall and spring semester exams will be submitted electronically to the Dean of Instruction. All exams will be created in Exam View Pro and each answer on the answer key will be coded by the student expectation and/or TEKS that is being assessed. Where two or more teachers are instructing the same course, the final exam must be the same.

Technology in the Classroom

Videos and Films All video material must be approved by the SAT for use with the common lesson design for which there is a correlation between the content of the video and the student expectation taught. The correlation must be documented in your lesson plans. Teachers may use only G-rated videotapes/DVDs.

Cell phones usageTeachers: Teachers may use cell phones only during non-instructional time. Please keep your phone on vibrate as you are expected to honor instructional time as well as professional development time.

Students: Student cell phones can be used for instructional purposes while in the classroom if approved by the teacher. All other use of cell phones in the classroom is not permitted. The same applies for all other electronic devices.

Professional DevelopmentProfessional development is held on campus through Subject Area Team (SAT) meetings and Interdisciplinary Cluster (IDC) meetings. Both SATs and IDCs meet weekly for one hour each. Attendance and participation in both SATs and IDCs is mandatory. SATs meet every Wednesday from 3:45 until 4:45 p.m. in the SAT leaders’ classrooms. IDCs meet during a designated planning period each week in the library. All teachers are expected to attend meetings unless otherwise excused in advance by the principal.

Off-campus professional development must be pre-approved through the Professional Development Office in W100 andwillconsistmostlyofIBMYP/DPtrainingandKiloinstructionalconferences.

Professional Expectations

Teacher Work DayThe teacher workday is 8:15 until 4:00. Teachers must sign in by 8:15 a.m. in the workroom, near the main office. This includes teachers who have 1st or 5th periods as planning periods. The end of the normal workday is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. except on Wednesdays for Subject Area Teams (SAT) meetings; SAT meetings are scheduled for one hour. Please do not schedule personal business (i.e. doctor appointments, etc.) for Wednesdays.

If you are leaving the campus during the school day, you must seek administrative approval for times other than your “duty-free” lunch . Administrative approval is not required if you are leaving campus during your duty-free lunch, but you are required to use the appropriate check-out and check-in sheets on the counter in the main office so the school can locate you in case of an emergency. This form is to be used at all times during the normal workday when you are leaving and returning to campus. Teaches must sign in and out each day.

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Teacher Attendance and Substitute RequestsTeachers are to place the Classroom Information Sheet and Attendance Roster in their box for the sub. Most of the time teachers know when they will be absent and should have this information available once the sub arrives on campus. Having the attendance roster alleviates the subs having to go to the Attendance Office for a copy of it.

When an absence is planned, leave lesson plans in your box for the substitute. Leave emergency lesson plans with your SAT leader.

Teachers must include their room number and parking spot when reporting their absences in AESOP.

Teachers must report absences in the AESOP online system or telephone system. If the teacher cannot access the system they should notify Ms. Simpson and Pilar Martinez. Teachers should not call another teacher or an administrator on campus to report an absence or request coverage for their class.

Subs are not to be switched from assigned positions unless pre-approved by the Business Office.

Teachers must fill out an Absence from Duty Report immediately returning from an absence, or if they know in advance, the report should be filled out before the absence occurs.

Dress CodeStaff members are to wear appropriate, professional dress at all times. Men have the option of wearing a Lamar High Schoolshirt,purchasedthroughtheLamarBusinessOfficeorstandardprofessionalattire(shirtandtie).Youareexpected to present an appearance appropriate to the high standards of our school. Read and commit to memory the student dress code. Please remember that, as educators, we must set a positive example for our students to follow.Neatness,cleanliness,andgoodgroomingareimportantfactorsincreatingaprofessional,productivelearningenvironment.

Note: Coaches must utilize warm-ups and/or professional attire at all times other than their specific coaching periods. Shorts are not permitted in the classroom.

Student AttendanceAll student attendance rules are dictated by state law. Both campus and district level budget allocations are based on student daily attendance. Official daily attendance is recorded at 10:30 a.m. each day. Teachers must submit attendance on time each day with no exceptions. Attendance must also be taken for all other class periods within the first 30 minutes of class.

Attendance changes must be made on the appropriate form and submitted to the attendance office within two weeks of the marked absence or attendance error.

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Student Discipline and Management

Class Rules & ExpectationsTeachers are expected to establish procedures for classroom discipline and make them known to students. Students must be in the Lamar uniform in order to enter the classroom.

Student SupervisionTeachers must supervise the halls and patios during the passing time between classes. Be at your doors and visible during all passing periods beginning at the 8:20 bell. Teachers must also closely supervise their own classes. Classes and/orstudentsarenottobeleftunattended.Youarelegallyresponsibleforyourstudents.Studentsarenottobesent out of class and put in the hall unsupervised.

Hall Supervision DutyInterdisciplinaryClusterhallsweepteamswillmonitorhallwaysandtheoutsideareas.YourIDCsweepteamwillbedetermined during our August professional development module presentations. The sweep teams must be diligent in order to maintain an orderly and secure school environment. Supervision should be friendly, businesslike, and encourage responsible student behavior. Disrespectful and/or abusive student responses to your reasonable directives should be reported immediately to an assistant principal or to the HISD police.

Supervision of Before/After-School ActivitiesSponsors and coaches of student clubs or activities should be especially diligent in supervising students during non-school hours when security is often not available. Sponsors must provide direct supervision of students involved in school related/sponsored activities. If your students are practicing or meeting, you must be present to supervise them.

Code of Student ConductEach member of the staff will be given a copy of the HISD Student Code of Conduct for review and reference. This document gives very specific information related to policies and procedures for all levels of misconduct and the related consequences. It also provides a guide for insuring due process for all students. Please adhere to the requirements of due process, documentation, and appeal procedures when dealing with disorderly and/or disruptive students.

Please pay particular attention to Level I offenses. The classroom teacher is expected to handle these offenses. After unsuccessful attempts by the teacher to deal with the student’s behavior, the student is then to be referred to an administrator. In such cases, teachers should provide the administrator with written documentation of the previous actions and the resulting student behaviors. Level II, III, and IV offenses should be referred to the Family Offices as prescribed in the Student Code of Conduct.

Student PropertyAll electronic devices taken from the student by the teacher must be turned in to the Business Office by the end of the school day in which it was taken from the student.

Student Dress CodeStudents must be in the Lamar uniform at all times while on campus. Students are not to be allowed in classroom if they are not in dress code. Students out of dress code are to be sent to Family 1 immediately.

Assessing & Documenting Student ConductConductgradesaregiventoeachstudentattheendofeachgradingcycle.WhenconductgradesreflectaP(Needs

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Improvement, requires administrative approval) or aU (Unsatisfactory requires administrative approval), youmusthaveappropriateandrelevantdocumentation.Youmustbeabletoexplaintoeachstudentandhisorherparentthespecificreasonsforindividualconductgrades,justasyouwoulddoforacademicgrades.Undernocircumstancesmay conduct be used by a teacher to impact a student’s academic grade.

Conduct MarksThe following criteria should be used as a guideline in determining conduct grades at the close of each grading cycle:

• E(Excellent):Thestudenthasanexemplaryattitude.Thestudentiscooperativeandconformstoallschooland classroom rules.• S (Satisfactory): The student occasionally violates a school or classroom rule, but behavior is generallyacceptable. The student is generally cooperative and usually conforms to classroom and school rules.• P(Needs Improvement):Thestudentcommits frequent infractionsofeither school orclassroomrules.The student frequently violates the Student Code of Conduct. The student has been referred to the assistant principal• U(Unsatisfactory):Thestudenthasapoorattitude,isuncooperativeanddisruptstheschooland/orclassroomactivities. The student shows little respect for school or classroom rules. The student has been referred to the assistant principal more than once during a grading cycle, or has been suspended from school attendance as a result of behaviors exhibited in your classroom.

TheUclassconductgrademayonlybegivenwithadministrativeapproval.

Discipline Referral ProcessIt is expected that the individual classroom teacher will handle Level I discipline issues. Level II, III, and IV require a Discipline Referral Form be used when referring a student to the appropriate Family Office. It must include a specific description of the student’s behavior that prompted the referral. After the assistant principal has had an opportunity to work with a referred student, the pink copy of the Discipline Referral Form will be returned to the teacher to provide feedback.

Panic ButtonThereisapanicbuttonlocatedineachroomoftheLamarcampusconnectedtothemainoffice.Youshouldbecomefamiliar with the location of the button when you receive your room assignment. The button should be used in emergencies only, not for routine disciplinary matters. If you feel threatened by a student, parent, or other visitor to the campus, use the button to receive immediate administrative and/or security assistance.

Corporal PunishmentNostaffmemberatLamarHighSchoolmayusecorporalpunishmenttodisciplineastudent.Everyattemptshouldbe made to refrain from physically handling any student. When physical restraint is required for the safety of other students and/or staff, or for self-defense, the minimum restraint required should be your guide.

Safety and Security

Campus Security CommitteeThe Lamar security committee will meet once a month (or as needed). Campus activities and facilities will be reviewed for safety and security. The committee consists of:PrincipalDean of StudentsAssistant PrincipalsHISD PoliceAthletic Director

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NurseAcademic Advisor (1)Teachers (2)

Security Before Classes BeginSecurity at the bus drop-off area next to the theater is maintained by an administrator and HISD police, from 7:50 to 8:20 a.m. Entrance into the building is restricted to staff. A teacher is on duty at each entrance to monitor students with appropriate passes.

Student parking is limited to students displaying authorized permits and in the west lot only. Teachers are not to issue permits to students to go to the parking lot at any time. The parking lots are off limits to student during the instructional day without administrative approval.

Security During Regular ClassesAs students change classes, all assistant principals, HISD Police officers, and the HISD substance abuse monitor (SAM) maintain assigned surveillance in the halls and courtyards. Teachers have been directed to stand at their classroom doors to monitor students’ passage and classroom entry. The HISD Police officer(s) and SAM rove the campus during class periods and passing times.

Security During LunchDuring the lunch periods, assistant principals are on duty in the cafeteria/courtyard area at all times. HISD Police and security personnel patrol the cafeteria/courtyard and student parking areas.

Security After SchoolWhen classes are dismissed for the day, all available administrative and security personnel supervise primary campus exits, the front lawn, the Metro bus stop on Westheimer, the HISD bus-loading area, and the student parking lots until 4:15 p.m., or until the campus is cleared by the vast majority of students. Once again, two-way radio contact is maintained by all administrative and HISD Police and security personnel. Teachers maintain supervision of classrooms and hallways at the end of the school day.

Extracurricular SecurityAn administrative duty schedule is established, posted, and distributed to sponsors/coaches each month for all scheduled activities on campus and at HISD stadium locations. At least one administrator is present at each scheduled activity. Administrative assignments are increased with increased student and/or public participation. Lamar Police officers are scheduled for each major campus and/or stadium event. Security/administrative personnel return with students to the campus after stadium events, and remain until all students are picked up.

Security Monitoring SystemAn electronic security monitoring system has been implemented throughout the school to help deter any problems.

Child Abuse ReportingSection 34.01 of the Texas Family Code provides that anyone having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect shall report the case to any state or local law enforcement agency and to the Department of Human Services. Moreover, Section 34.02(d) of the Family Code provides that, if a professional has cause to believe that a child has or may be abused or neglected, that person has 48 hours after first suspecting the abuse or neglect to make an oral report. A written report is to be filed within five days. Failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect is punishable by imprisonment of up to 180 days and/or a fine up to $1000.

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If you have questions or concerns, contact the school nurse, a counselor or an administrator immediately to clarify the situation so that reporting can take place in a timely manner.

Clinic, Emergency Illnesses, & AccidentsA certified nurse staffs the clinic. She will assist you with the care of students who are ill during the school day. There may be a few students during the school year who do not let you know when they are ill. Be sensitive to your students and their needs. Students sent to the clinic during class time must have a clinic permit.

MedicationThe school nurse is the only member of the staff who is permitted to administer medication to students, and this is to be done only with written physician authorization and parent approval. This restriction includes over-the-counter medications that can be purchased without a physician’s prescription.

Accidents, Sudden Illnesses, & CrisesAccidents involving students should be reported to the school nurse. Injury may not be immediately observable. Therefore, report any incident that you suspect might have caused injury to a student. Likewise, if a student complains about an injury, it is better to be safe and have the nurse check the student.

In the absence of a school nurse, an administrator should be notified. In emergencies, the school nurse or an administrator should call parents or guardians.

If the emergency involves a member of the Lamar Staff, an Emergency Information Card is on file with the Principal’s secretary in the main office.

Health ScreeningsThe nurse will also conduct required health screenings throughout the year and may need your cooperation in sending students for checks, immunization reviews, and so on. Immunizations are especially critical and require immediate attention; therefore, please send requested students immediately to the nurse.

Closed CampusLamar is a closed campus. Students may not leave during the school day unless they have administrative authorization and an appropriate permit, this includes lunch periods. Visitors to campus must have permission from the main office to remain on campus. Visitors to the campus who have not checked-in with the School Information office—N110shouldbeaskedtodosoinapoliteandnon-threateningmanner.Thisincludesformerstudents,parents,guestspeakers, the press, and volunteer.

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Emergency Procedures

Fire & Evacuation ProceduresFollow evacuation route which is posted in each classroom. Teacher must keep students orderly and quiet at all times. Teachers must take the attendance roster and gradebook before exiting the building. Do not lock classroom doors

Fire Evacuation

Evacuate when you hear 3 bells ring.o Be aware of pre-designated primary and alternate evacuation routes.o Take roster sheet and grade book with you.

Close and do not lock classroom door as students leave.Leave the building in an orderly manner without rushing or crowding.If the situation warrants, vehicle evacuation will be used to transport students to another site. Please assemble your class in a line outside.

If the emergency calls for the evacuation without the use of vehicles, walk from the building in the stated course.o Always evacuate crosswind and/or upwind away from any emergency by a safe route.o Students should be evacuated at least 300 feet from building and out of the way of emergency vehicles.

Reassemble the students and check roll so that all students are accounted for: Hold up red folder and report any missing students immediately to an administrator.

Return to your room when you hear 2 bells or are instructed that it is safe to do so. Emergency Signals

3 Bells or 1 extended bell or alarm (Evacuate the building)2 Bells (Return to class)1 Bell (Halt! Remain where you are until you are given additional instructions.

EVACUATION DUE TO DANGEROUS CAMPUS CONDITIONSCODE 1Early warning: Stand by for Information

Teachers must keep students orderly and quiet at all times.A potentially dangerous situation exists (Hazardous chemicals/Toxic fumes, etc.); therefore, stand by for further information.

Teachers must take the attendance roster and gradebook before exiting the building.

CODE 2Bus Evacuation from the Campus:

Teachers must keep students orderly and quiet at all times. Wait for detailed instructions.Students will evacuate the building under the direction of the classroom teacher.Buses will load on the Eastside circle drive, in front of the school on Westheimer and in the West student parking lot or at a designated alternate location.

Teachers must take the attendance roster and gradebook before exiting the building.

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CODE 3Immediate Evacuation from the building:Teachers must keep students orderly and quiet at all times. Wait for detailed instructions.Students shall be moved quickly out of the building to a designated area.

Teachers must take the attendance roster and gradebook before exiting the building.

LOCKDOWN / CODE STAY (Intruder in the building)

**Move all students from hallways into the nearest lockable room**

Close and lock door(s). Cover Windows.Teachers must keep students orderly and quiet at all times. Turn off lights.Stay in place until there is an all clear message from the PA system.

SHELTER IN PLACE — Duck & Cover

Teachers must keep students orderly and quiet at all times. Move students into to hallways away from glass.Have students to kneel down on knees facing wall and cover head.

** Gymnasiums Students will move to locker rooms.** Cafeteria/Patio Students will be locked inside of cafeteria.** Natatorium/Pool Students will be locked inside of locker room.** Library Students will move to hallway between library and textbook room.** Theatre Students will move out of lobby area into main theatre.

Weather EmergenciesWeather emergencies during the school day may require students to remain at school beyond the normal school day. The principal will notify all students and teachers of the nature of the emergency and the actions to be taken. Students will remain with the teacher they are with at the time of the notification of an emergency. Students are to remain in that classroom until the notified by the principal that the emergency has passed.

Communication

Parents It is critical that teachers return parent calls and confer with parents in a timely manner. As a general rule, teachers shouldreturnparentcallsore-mailswithin24hours.Undernocircumstancesshouldaparenthavetowaitmorethan two days for a teacher to respond.

Teacher planning periods are appropriate for conferences if parents are available to meet during the school day. Early morning or after-school conferences, when possible, may offer a way to accommodate parents who can meet at no other time. When parents request a conference through the office, the staff will leave a message for teachers to call and arrange a conference time with the parents. From time to time, a parent will just drop in for a conference unannounced. In such cases, the office staff will ask the parents to schedule a conference with the teacher. Should you have a conference period at the same time a parent has paid an unannounced visit and you wish to meet with that parent immediately, then you are, of course, welcome to do so.

Should you find a parent constantly unavailable when you try to call, then leave a message, if possible, or write a note or send an e-mail to the parent stating your attempts to call and offering any other pertinent information.

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Progress ReportingBeginning with the 3rd week and continuing through the 5th and 6th weeks of each grading cycle, state law requires that the teachermust sendhomeaNoticeofProgress to informparentsof failinggradesandotherdeficiencies.Lamar sends progress reports home to every student at the end of the third week of a six-week grading period.AstudentmustreceiveaprogressreportwarningthatheorshecouldfailbeforeanFappearsonareportcard.Undercertain circumstances, however, it is possible that a student could have been passing until just before the end of the six-week grading period when poor performance on a major assignment caused the student’s average to fall below 70. Such a possibility makes the reporting of poor progress all the more critical. When in doubt, contact the parents.Progress reports are distributed in Advocacy period. It is the responsibility of the student to take the progress report home and give it to his or her parents. Students who miss the Advocacy period when progress reports are distributed should see the Registrar for a copy.

Class Rules & Other Written CommunicationTeachers should make their expectations of students clear from the very first day.

All written communication of a general nature that is sent home to all your students should be cleared with the administration. A copy of all such correspondence should be left on file in the main office for review and reference so that you can be supported through administrative awareness.

AnnouncementsIf you wish to make a school-wide announcement, forms are available in the copy center. Teachers are reminded thattheirsignatureofapprovalforanannouncementsignifiestheappropriatenessofthecontent.Undernormalcircumstances, the morning announcements will be televised on the closed circuit system at Lamar.

Teachers, without exception, must have the TV in their classroom turned on at the beginning at 11:30 to the hear the daily Lamar announcements. On the Advocacy bell schedule, the announcements will be given at the beginning of the period. Intercom announcements will be held to a minimum. Interruptions during instructional time will be kept to an absolute minimum.

Bulletin Board Postings

Classroom NoticesThere are several items of importance that need to be readily available to students in your classroom. Make sure you have posted emergency exit plans and routes (required by city ordinance), your class rules, the student dress code, the weekly calendar, the scholarship bulletin, and any other information that you have been asked to post or that you feel may be beneficial to your students.

Posters & LeafletsThe Assistant Principal for student organizations must approve posters and leaflets of any kind for posting in hallways and classrooms, or for distribution among students. If you are sponsoring a club or organization, be sure to have your students secure this approval. All notices should be posted with masking tape on non-painted surfaces. Other kinds of tape (e.g., scotch tape, duct tape, electrician’s tape, double-sided tape, etc.) are too difficult to remove from the walls. Sponsors should also arrange for speedy removal of posters after an event is over.

Internet UsageInternet usage while on campus is to be for instructional purposes only.

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Do not fraternize with students at any time, including internet and social media.

Special Education ReferralsIf you feel that the student may have a learning difficulty, discuss the situation with the student’s counselor immediately. Counselors are responsible for the Intervention Assistance Team (IAT) meeting, which is one of the first steps in the Special Education referral process.

An IAT meeting will be held with the counselor, student, parents and all of the student’s general education teachers to discuss the student’s progress. The IAT will recommend modifications for the student. The modifications are implemented in the classroom for six weeks. After six weeks, the IAT meets again to discuss the student’s progress and determine if the instructional modifications were successful. At this time, the IAT determines whether or not the student will be referred for 504 or special education testing. After the student has been tested by the district’s educational diagnostician an initial ARD (Admission Review Dismissal) committee meeting will be held to discuss the student’s eligibility.

Admission, Review, and Dismissal MeetingsAn annual meeting will be held once a year for all Special Education students. The committee members include parents, student, special education teacher, general education teacher, counselor, and an administrator. The general education teacher assigned to attend the ARD meeting should be prepared to discuss the student’s attendance, progress, and grades.

ConfidentialityAs a reminder, there are several areas of our profession that require confidentiality, both from a legal and an ethical standpoint. Personal matters, teacher assessment, student grades and student records are critical areas where breeches in trust can be very harmful. It is the responsibility of each member of the staff to maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality within the scope of his or her position. Student records are to be discussed and/or released on a need to know basis. This includes teacher records. In this regard, teacher records should not be visible to other students.

Counseling ReferralsCounselors are available to students for a variety of personal, vocational and educational needs. As a classroom teacher, you are often the first to notice or the first to contact a student in need. Counselors are available throughout the school day to assist. Of course, crisis intervention situations are not scheduled, but there are a variety of other needs that can be attended to on a more systematic basis. The lunch periods are a perfect time for a student to seek out a counselor for career and educational information. Every attempt will be made to schedule college recruiters during the lunches so that students do not have to miss classes to visit with a representative. There may be a few situations where this is not possible. In addition to the regular counselor assignments, there is a substance abuse counselor available to students who may be experiencing difficulty in this area.

Students must have a written permit to go to the counselor during lunch or during class except in emergencies. Counselors will provide students returning to class a timed permit.

Legal Compliance

Transporting StudentsAt no time should a teacher transport a student in any motorized vehicle. State law is very specific and harsh regarding the liability factors related to a teacher transporting any student.

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TransportingofstudentstoUILeventsmustbepreapprovedbycampusadministrationandonlyprovidethroughuse of a HISD approved school vehicle.

Copyright lawsTeachers are expected to adhere to all copyright laws as printed in all books, workbooks, music, technology, etc.

Work related injuriesIf while working for the HISD, you suffer and injury, have an accident and/or become ill due to a condition or situation at your site, you are to report this to the school principal and/or school nurse as soon as practical after the accident or injury. To preserve your rights, you must report your injury, accident or illness within 30 days.

SmokingHISD maintains non-smoking facilities. Therefore, no smoking is allowed inside the school or on the surrounding school property.

Field Trips A Request for Field Trip form is available from Ms. Susan Boyd, in the main office, must be submitted to the principal for approval at least two weeks prior to the scheduled event. Field trips, whether in or out of district, must be approved by the Central Region Superintendent. Ms. Boyd sends the request forward.

A Bus Transportation Request form is available from Ms. Sharon Harling in the Lamar Business Office. Students may not travel in their cars or in teacher/sponsor’s cars.

A Request for Short Leave will be necessary for teachers missing an entire day or more of duty with pay. This form should be submitted for approval two weeks prior to the scheduled event.

Field trips that occur during the school day place a special burden on participating students and on other teachers since they take students away from other classes. In considering approval of such trips, the Principal and/or Dean of Instruction must balance the benefits of the trip with the “costs” to the students and school. If you have questions concerning field trip planning, consult with the Principal or the Dean of Instruction.

EachstudentparticipatinginthefieldtripmustbelistedonaFieldTripNotificationFormthathasbeenapprovedand submitted to the entire faculty and staff at least two entire school days prior to the event. The sponsor must collect a signed Parent Permission Form from each participating student. In collaboration with their SAT leaders, teachers will arrange for associate teachers to assist with their classes.

Students who are failing your class do not have permission to miss your class for a field trip during the school day.

Classes missed as a result of field trips should be counted as part of the five-day per semester allotment of extracurricular, excused absences permitted to each student. Work missed by students during the absence from class may be made up without penalty.

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Fundraising and Financial Procedures

FundraisersAll fundraising activities must be approved in advance by the Business Manager. The Approval of Fundraising Activity Form must be completed and submitted to the Business Manager and approved prior to any fundraising activity taking place. At the completion of all fundraisers you must complete the Approval of Fundraising Activity Form to reconcile the account and close the fundraiser. Students may not sell unauthorized items or services on campus at any time. Financial responsibility for a fundraiser lies with the faculty sponsor. Lamar’s student activity accounts are subject to HISD audit at any time, so the accounts must be kept accurate and procedures must be followed to the letter. All those involved in fundraising activities should ensure that their own conduct puts neither themselves nor others in the school in jeopardy. The Business Manager is available to advise those with questions about these policies. Fundraising activities are not confined to regular school hours but are considered an extension of the school program. When fundraising activities are in the name of the school, all funds raised become Activity Funds belonging to the school-sponsored group responsible for raising the money. When a student body or a school-sponsored group actively participates in the money-raising activity, the money must be deposited into the groups Activity Fund with the one exception of a PTO/PTA sponsored fundraising activity. Games of chance such as, but not limited to raffles, lotteries or bingos are not allowed as activities to raise funds.

Procedures for Handling Money

Collections • MoneycollectedmustbeturnedinfordeposittotheBusinessOfficeonthedayofthecollectionpriorto 4:30 p.m.• YoumaybringmoneytobeheldintheBusinessOfficesafeovernightforsafekeepingandcompletethe deposit the next • day.• Nomoneyistobestoredinclassrooms,takenhome,ordepositedinanyaccountotherthantheschool Activity Account.• Allmoneymustbecountedpriortodeposit.• Acopyofallchecks,toberetainedbytheBusinessOfficemustaccompanyalldepositscontainingchecks.• Coinsmustberolled(Partialrollsshouldhavetheamountwrittenontheoutsideoftheroll).Assistance for rolling large amounts of coinage is available in the Business Office.• Moneycollectedfromstudentsforfieldtrips,fees,insurance,etc.,mustbeaccompaniedbyaTabulationof Monies Collected Form (Form AF-104).• PersonalchecksmaynotbecashedbytheBusinessOffice.• PaymentstoLamarforgoodsandservicesshouldbemadeincashormoneyorderwhenpossible.The acceptance of personal checks is discouraged and will be taken at the risk of the depositing organization. Any returned checks will be charged back to the activity fund which accepted the check.• NofacultyorstaffmembermayhaveaseparatebankaccountrelatingtoLamaractivities

Payments• AllpurchasesfromschoolActivityFundaccountsmustberequestedonaPurchaseRequisitionFormand approved by the Business Manager. • AllreimbursementstoindividualsmustberequestedonaPurchaseRequisitionFormandapprovedbythe Business Manager in advance of the purchase. For monies spent, original receipts, grocery store tickets, and cash register tapes are acceptable documents. Personal written statements are not acceptable.• Fortransmittaloffundstoanotherschoolorganization,pleaseseetheBusinessOfficeforassistance.• AllappropriateformsmaybeobtainedfromtheCopyCenterorBusinessOffice.

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Sales Tax Exemptions• Article21.023oftheUSCodeprovidestaxexemptionstotheschooldistrictforinstructionalequipment/ supplies, food and drinks, event tickets, etc.• Whenpurchasinganitemforschool,usetheExemptionCertificationFormwhichisavailableinthe Business Office.• Taxableitemsincludeyearbooks,directories,schoolpublications,itemssoldintheschoolstore,and anything sold for personal use. Sales tax will be deducted from the group’s proceeds to cover state sales tax for taxable items.

Outside Organizations (Booster Clubs)Fundraising activities of outside organizations, such as parent band boosters, football boosters, etc. must be conducted outside of school hours. In conducting their fundraising, these groups may not involve students, a student body, a school-sponsoredgrouporitssponsorascontributorsorfundraisers.Note:Ifstudentsoremployeesareinvolvedascontributors or fundraisers or if the event takes place on District property, then the funds are to be handled through the school Activity Funds accounts as a school or club function. Outside organizations should be valid, stand-alone organizations with their own identities. There should be no confusion of their identity with that of the school’s. They should never use the school’s address or tax ID or names of school employees in conducting their business. Outside organizations conducting money-raising activities shall manage their own finances and may make donations to the school or an individual student club as they elect. Such contributions may be designated either for a specific purpose or for expenditures at the discretion of the Principal. The Principal, financial clerks, sponsors, or other staff may not be involved with receiving, receipting, depositing, or accounting for activities of any outside organization. A sponsor or other District employee may not have signature authority on an outside bank account for an outside organization, nor may he/she commingle in a personal checking and/or savings account or maintain a bank account and/or savings account in which money that rightfully belongs to an outside organization is kept. Also, a sponsor or other District employee may not commingle in a personal and/or savings account or maintain a bank account and/or savings account and/or safety deposit box for any money which is related to any school project or purpose.

General Information

MailboxesEach teacher and staff member will be assigned an electronic (e-mail) and school office mailbox. Check both your e-mail box and your school mailbox at least once each day. Only faculty members are to access either mailbox. Students are not allowed in the teacher workroom at any time.

Copy CenterTwo copy machines are available for teacher use in the teacher workroom located on the second floor. A clerk is available to provide copy services for large jobs. Allow for a two-day turn around. The copy request form, located in the workroom, must be completed and submitted to the copy center clerk.

Basic school supplies are also available upon request through the copy center.

Library UseTeachers planning to bring classes to the library should make arrangements in advance with the Librarian. Students being sent to the library during class time must have a library permit signed the teacher.

Scheduling FacilitiesAll student activity events must be approved in advance by the principal, or designated administrator, and listed with the campus communication coordinator. The campus communication coordinator maintains a schedule for each

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of Lamar’s facilities and venues. Timely scheduling will minimize conflict between competing activities and allow adequate preparation for student events.

Personal Information If you have a change of address, telephone number or name, please notify the school secretary and the HISD human resource office.

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Board of Education

Michael L. Lunceford, District V, President

Anna Eastman, District I, First Vice President

Juliet K. Stipeche, District VIII, Second Vice President

Rhonda Skillern-Jones, District II, Secretary

Greg Meyers, District VI, Assistant Secretary

Paula M. Harris, District IV

Lawrence Marshall, District IX

Harvin C. Moore, District VII

Manuel Rodríguez Jr., District III

Administration

Terry B. Grier, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

Orlando Riddick, Chief High School Officer

Charles L. Hopson, Ph.D., High School Improvement Officer

James A. McSwain, Ed.D., Principal, Lamar High School

Houston Independent School DistrictHattie Mae White Educational Support Center

4400 West 18th Street • Houston, Texas 77092-8501

3325 Westheimer Road • Houston, Texas 77098-1003713-522-5960 • Fax: 713-535-3769

www.lamarhs.com

Mirabeau B. Lamar High SchoolAn International Baccalaureate World School

Produced by the Graphics Department at Lamar High School