OPENING BULLETIN

2017-2018

Mrs. Shelly Umphrey, Principal

Ms. Linda Simmons, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Angela Ascencio-Mindlin

Durant Tuuri Mott Mission Statement

The Durant Tuuri Mott staff, students, parents and community are committed to

a quality education in a productive environment for all students to become

lifelong learners and responsible individuals.

Our Shared Vision

The vision for Durant Tuuri Mott Community School is to increase student

achievement and continue parental satisfaction in a safe and orderly

environment.

DTM MOTTO

I AM SOMEBODY

I WILL DO GREAT THINGS

I WILL LEARN AND SUCCEED

I AM A DTM STUDENT

OPENING BULLETIN

1. EMPLOYEE ABSENCES

All absences must be recorded in Aesop.

2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ABSENCES

Teachers must provide Ms. Madison with a copy of ALL APPROVED Professional

Development Travel Request forms. This will insure that your subs are charged to the

correct budget and that you are not charged sick days for work time.

3. PROLONGED ILLNESS

If an absence extends beyond 3 days, the district will make contact to see if the absence

qualifies for FMLA. If you know in advance that you will be absent beyond 3 days, you

will need to contact Human Resources.

4. MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS/PERSONAL BUSINESS

Make every effort to schedule medical and other personal business appointments after

the school day ends or use one of your 2 personal business days. You can get a Personal

Business Day form from Ms. Madison in the office. Forms must be given to Ms. Madison

at least two (2) days in advance of the absence.

5. PAYROLL/DIRECT DEPOSIT During the 2017/2018 school year the District will put in place a 1 year pay schedule adjustment

in order to get UTF and Congress members (less than 235 day) payroll better aligned with actual

start dates. The District has done this in the past and is a common practice for school districts

that are on a 26 pay cycle. The following scenarios will be used:

Teachers will have their 2017-18 base contract paid out over 22 or 27 pays, instead of the

normal 21 and 26 pays. Based on this scenario the final pay for the 21 pay group would be

6/22/18 and 8/31/18 for the 26 pay group. The District would then return to a 21 and 26 pay

cycles for 2018-19. The first pay of the 2017-18 school year will be August 31, 2017.

6. DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION BADGES

All school staff is required to wear FCS identification badges at all times while in the

building.

7. PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE

School staff is expected to dress in a professional manner. This is especially important

now that students wear uniforms. Staff is encouraged to occasionally wear uniform

colors as a show of support for students. We will designate “school pride” days for staff

and students.

8. STAFF MEETINGS

Staff members are expected to attend all staff meetings and stay until they conclude.

Staff meetings begin promptly at 4 p.m.

School Committees

All staff members are expected to be active participants on our committees. One must

be a core curriculum committee. Committee chairs will be nominated by the content

committee. These individuals will be the designated content leads.

School Improvement Committee

The DTM School Improvement team will meet monthly. All meetings will focus on

implementation and monitoring of the school improvement plan. The committee chair

will represent staff on the school improvement team.

9. PUBLIC ADDRESS (P.A.) ANNOUNCEMENTS

Morning announcements will be made each day. Every effort will be made to minimize

interruptions during instruction. It is important that children are quiet and attentive

during announcements. Announcements will be made at 9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 3:30

p.m. After 3:30 p.m. kindergarteners can make their way to the library for parent pick-

up. LSS students can begin as well.

10. ENTERING AND EXITING THE BUILDING

Staff must enter and exit the building through the main entrance doors on University

Ave. (Includes leaving the buildings for lunch and breaks). Staff ID badges are coded to

bypass the door lock and allow access to the building. Please give Ms. Madison your ID

badge to program at this door. Be sure to report any lost or misplaced IDs so we can

delete them from our system.

11. EVALUATIONS

All staff will be evaluated. The process will begin in mid-September.

STAFF COMMUNICATIONS

12. STAFF BULLETINS/MEMOS/EMAILS

To help facilitate a continuous flow of information and important notifications, staff

bulletins and memos will be published as needed and distributed via email or staff

mailboxes. All staff members are responsible for the information once it is distributed.

Some information will be in lieu of meetings. Check district email and school mailboxes

daily. If a response is required, do so in a timely manner. An events calendar will be

posted on the staff bulletin board. All field trips and classroom events must be posted.

13. TELEPHONE CALLS FOR STAFF

Non-emergency phone messages will be placed in your mailboxes. Staff will be

contacted immediately for emergencies. Board policy prohibits the use of cell phones

during the instructional day by staff. Personal calls, whether on school phones or

personal cell phones should be made and/or received during planning time, break time,

lunch time or after dismissal.

14. COMMUNICATING WITH ADMINSTRATION

Continuous communication is important whether it is via email, in person or in writing.

All written communication to the principal must be given to school secretary or you may

email me directly. Feel free to share a concern, challenge, point of pride etc. Please be

understanding of times when it may not be convenient for face-to-face communication

or a conference.

15. STAFF BULLETIN BOARDS

Professional Development opportunities and flyers will be placed on the bulletin boards

in the main office.

OPENING DAY INSTRUCTIONS

16. OPENING DAY

a. All children who were enrolled in June of the previous year should report directly

to the classroom.

b. Check names of students listed on class lists as they report.

c. Add the names of new students who have entered, if they do appear on your

class list.

d. New students will be enrolled at Centralized Enrollment and Special Education.

On membership count days, a count sheet will be placed in your mailbox to be completed

and returned to the office by 9:30 a.m. Count only those students who have actually

appeared in your classroom. Remember we are asking for membership not attendance.

Membership identifies students who have shown up at least once in your classroom.

17. NEW STUDENTS

When new students enroll, the office staff will use current enrollment information as a

factor for classroom assignments. The final decision for classroom placement will be

made by the principal.

When a student is assigned to your classroom, greet the student and parent with the

warmth you would like to receive if you were new to a school.

Don’t worry about who received the last student or how many students you have versus

another staff. We keep track in the office. If an error is made, the student will remain in

place and adjustments will be made with the next enrollee.

Discuss such issues in private, NEVER in the presence of the student and parent. Most

concerns regarding class loads arise regarding students who have not officially moved.

School records do not reflect changes in class numbers until the move becomes official.

18. ON-LINE ATTENDANCE

We are required by law to enter attendance online. Attendance MUST be taken Even if

you have perfect attendance you MUST sign in and save the attendance or it will be

marked as not posted.

Once a child enters your class, make sure to select an “E” from the drop down menu in

Synergy on the day the child enters. Once a child is entered with an “E” they remain

entered until you get an official check out from the office. When a child checks out,

office staff will make necessary changes in Synergy.

19. STATE FUNDING

Information entered on-line determines state funding dollars. Funding may be lost if

errors are found. Please make a special effort to keep accurate UPDATED information

ONLINE at ALL times!

PARENT COMMUNICATIONS

20. NEWSLETTERS/FLYERS

School newsletters will be sent home monthly or as needed. Please review the

newsletter with students and stress the importance of giving the newsletters and flyers

to their parents.

a. CLASSROOM/GRADE LEVEL NEWSLETTERS

Parents love newsletters from the classroom that give information about

happenings in the classroom. Classroom teachers and grade level teams should

consider weekly/monthly newsletters.

b. INDIVIDUAL COMMUNICATIONS

Keep copies of notes you send home and record dates of other communications

with parents. Copies or your notes should include communications accumulated

over time that document concerns shared with parents regarding homework,

behavior and student progress. This is especially important for students who

have ongoing discipline and academic issues. Keep track of positive notes too!

c. PARENT CONTACT LOG PA25

Maintain a log of parents you communicate with during schools events,

conferences, phone calls etc. Additional forms will be passed out for school-

wide events.

BUILDING ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES

21. ENTERING/EXITING THE BUILDING (STUDENTS)

Entrance doors will be open at 8:40 am and students will go directly to their respective

classrooms.

Dismissal is as follow: LSS bus students exit from the auditorium, general education bus

students will dismiss from the gymnasium, walkers will dismiss from the front of the

school and all parent pick up students will be dismissed from the canopy.

22. RESTROOM BREAKS

Establish routine restroom breaks and restroom procedures for individual student

emergencies. Closely monitor students who go alone to ensure a timely return to class.

23. RECESS

Recess periods give students two short breaks from class work each day. Teachers may

take students outside for recess once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Please

include the recess periods in your daily class schedule. Recess periods may not be

combined. The 15 minute period includes walk time to the playground etc. All recess

periods must be concluded by 2:30 p.m. each day!

24. BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM

Breakfast and lunch will be served beginning September 5, 2017.

a. LUNCH APPLICATIONS

We will be asking for your assistance in getting all students to fill out a free and

reduced lunch application. Title I funding depends on the applications being

processed. This is especially important now that all students receive free lunch.

25. MEDICATIONS

Appropriate consent forms must be completed by the parents and a physician. Students

may not take over the counter medication of any kind at school. If a child has

medication in his/her possession, please send the student to the main office

immediately.

26. STUDENT EMERGENCY FORMS

Emergency forms will be provided the first week of school. Send them home with

students and remind them to return the cards. Submit copies of the forms as soon as

they are returned. After the 2nd or 3rd weeks of school, give names of students who

have not returned to the Family Engagement Facilitator for follow-up.

27. FIELD TRIPS

When planning a field trip you should clear the dates and transportation arrangements

with Ms. Simmons. Transportation forms are available through Ms. Madison and we

will send one for your electronic files. We have no field trip funds so please look for

sponsors and grants. Please make sure you use the updated field trip form.

SAFE AND ORDERLY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

28. CLASSROOM CARE

A neat and orderly classroom environment is important to the overall school culture.

Students should be taught to take pride in their classroom and its appearance. Each

student should be responsible for keeping his/her desk, locker and coat area neat. To

ensure that rooms are cleaned properly, the floors should be kept free of crayons,

paper, clay etc. Student chairs should be placed on the desk at the end of each day to

assist maintenance staff.

29. EXCESS MATERIALS AND STORAGE

Classrooms should be furnished sparingly and include adequate space for students,

centers and the implementation of all components of the district curriculum. Therefore,

to use space effectively, remove all personal materials and/or teaching materials that

are not needed for your current teaching assignment and store them away from the

building. Materials that are required for your current assignment should be organized

and stored neatly. This process requires daily attention!

30. SCHOOL SAFETY PLAN (FIRE/DISASTER DRILLS)

All staff is expected to know school safety procedures as outlined in the DTM School

Safety Plan. Keep the plan in a readily available location. Review the plan often and

respond appropriately. Several drills are required throughout the school year, including

two lockdown drills. If you were not at DTM last year, we will provide a safety plan.

31. VISITOR PASSES

All visitors and guests to DTM must report to the main office after entering the building.

They will be given and must wear a visitor pass. Ask visitors/guests/parents you

observe without a pass to return to the main office. This procedure must be followed

by all staff in order to be effective.

32. EARLY DISMISSALS

Parents and guardians may only check students out of school from the office. The office

staff will call the children to the main office. Please do not release students to parents

at the classroom door unless they have clearance from the office. Make no

assumptions nor any exceptions to this procedure. This procedure eliminates as many

interruptions to instruction as possible and is a safety precaution as well.

33. HALL PASSES

Students must have a pass to leave the classroom. Students in the hall without a pass

will be sent back to class.

34. SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITY FOR STUDENTS

We are responsible for students during school hours. Do not dismiss students to anyone

without permission from the office. A student who leaves the campus without

permission or without being signed out according to district policy must be reported to

the office immediately. Pupil Personnel and parents must be notified immediately.

a. CLOSED CAMPUS

Students may not leave school for lunch (for any reason), unless they have been

released through the office to a parent or guardian.

b. STUDENT SUPERVISON

Do not leave students unsupervised. This includes inside and out of the building.

Injuries and mishaps are difficult to explain when children are left unattended.

Students who have forfeited recess must stay with the teacher or an adult staff

member. Please remember to close and lock your classroom door when

everyone is leaving the room.

35. FOOD/GUM/CANDY

Food is allowed for designated building wide classroom parties or during snack time or

as an out the door treat. (Specific types of candy/gum may be allowed for formal

situations). Teachers are strongly encouraged to avoid giving students candy as rewards

and incentives.

36. State Mandated Seclusion and Restraint Awareness Training

The Michigan Legislature recently amended the Revised School Code to address the use of

seclusion and restraint in Michigan's public schools. The revised school code, as amended,

requires that before the start of the 2017-2018 school year, public school districts must provide

"awareness training" on the new seclusion and physical restraint requirements to all personnel

and contracted staff who are likely to have contact with students.

In order to comply with the Revised School Code and, more importantly, to ensure that our

students are in a safe learning environment, please be advised that all Flint Community Schools

staff, including central office administrators and support staff, are required to watch the

following Thrun Law Firm/SET SEG "awareness training" module on the use of seclusion and

restraint in its entirety. You may download the module as either an .mp4 or .wmv file by clicking

the links below:

MP4

- https://fileshare.setseg.org/?linkid=KZi4zr6VWWVvf9vGun+0kp4lmx8dpbdX84DODS6ncAGbV

D1eeDxQ8A

WMV- https://fileshare.setseg.org/?linkid=KZi4zr6VWWW056qVaAJckpLSPkld5Pnr84DODS6ncA

GbVD1ethF+zg

37. ACTUAL OR SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT

Act No. 1 238 Public Act of 1975, requires the reporting of all suspected and/or actual

cases of child abuse or neglect by school officials. The act further requires that the

school person makes an oral report or causes an oral report to be made within 24 hours.

In addition, the DDS 3200 – reporting form must be submitted to Protective Services,

125 E. Union St. Flint, MI 48502 within 72 hours. Calls can be made to 1-855-444-3911.

The law applies to each staff member individually. Permission from an administrator is

not required to make an abuse report.

38. ACCIDENT PROCEDURES

ALL accidents that occur at school must be reported to the nurse’s office in room 34.

Accident forms are located in the nurse’s office and documentation must be completed

immediately. The form requires a brief description of the incident. It is the

responsibility of the school staff to complete the form for an accident involving a

student you are supervising, even if you did not see it happen. The nurses will inform

the main office, Mrs. Umphrey and call home. As the child’s teacher, please feel free to

call home also, communication and compassion are the key here. The completed form

must be sent to Risk Management and Pupil Personnel, (after the principal sign), as soon

as possible after the occurrence. The office staff will make the necessary home

contacts.

a. Student Injuries

The office must be informed immediately when students receive injuries at

school. NEVER assume an injury is minor, especially those involving the head or

injured limbs. Parents will be contacted and given the opportunity to make a

decision regarding next steps.

CLIMATE/CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT/DISCIPLINE

39. COURTESY

Students are expected to treat their peers and adults with respect and courtesy at all times.

Therefore, it is necessary that staff models courtesy toward students, one another and building

guests at ALL times!

40. DISCIPLINE

We can no longer assume that students “know how to behave”. Therefore, we must teach

expectations, model and provide opportunities to practice expected behaviors and procedures.

Continue until positive expectations are understood and are routinely practiced; “a positive

habit”. Reinforce positive behavior or expectations that have been met by recognizing students’

efforts. Please do not place students in the hallway as a measure for discipline.

41. CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES

Determine routines and procedures for your class, that will help produce a positive and

cooperative learning environment. Teach, Model, Practice and Review. Appropriate

expectations for student behavior as well as fair and consistent rewards and consequences are

critical to effective classroom management and a positive learning environment. Please submit

your routines and procedures to Mrs. Umphrey by Friday, September 22, 2017.

42. COMMUNICATING CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

Outline your classroom expectations for students and parents in a brief written format. Be sure

to include expectations for interactions with you and your classmates. Include procedures,

homework guidelines etc.

43. STUDENT DRESS CODE

It is important that all staff encourage students to wear the adopted district uniform. Provide

classroom incentives that encourage students to wear uniforms. Express the importance of

keeping uniforms clean as well. Students will not be suspended if they do not follow the

policy. Our goal is to continually encourage them to do so by providing incentives.

44. CODE FOR STUDENT CONDUCT

A copy of the FCS Student Code for Student Conduct will be provided for each student. Plan a

time to review the booklet with the students when it arrives.

45. POSSESSION OF WEAPONS (Information from Pupil Personnel)

ALL staff is required to immediately report (to the principal or office staff) any knowledge or

suspicion of student possession of weapons (guns, knives or any instrument that can be

construed as a weapon). This includes observation of a weapon in the school or on the school

grounds by ANY person or left/found in any location on or near the school. You are required by

law to follow these guidelines.

46. STUDENT BEHAVIORAL FORM

A referral form describing the student’s behavior and actions you have taken must accompany

the student except in emergency cases. In emergencies, however, a referral must be completed

and sent to the office as soon as possible. The student will be sent back to the classroom with

the teacher’s copy of the referral as well as a copy for the parent if appropriate.

47. “SNAP” SUSPENSION

Classroom teachers have the right to issue a one day suspension from class. The administrator

must be informed and provide a signature for this suspension to be valid. The teacher issuing

the suspension is responsible for contacting the parent/guardian concerning the suspension, as

well as arranging and conducting a parent conference before the student returns to class.

The contact must be made and the conference must be scheduled before an administrator will

sign the form. DO NOT send incomplete SNAP Suspension Referrals to the office.

If you are unable to contact the parent or guardian use the regular discipline form and the

referral will be handled by the administrators.

NOTE: Staff may not request that parents pick up disruptive students without administrator

approval and appropriate documentation.

48. DETENTION/ KEEPING STUDENTS AFTER SCHOOL

Teachers must make advance arrangements with parents to keep students after school longer

than five (5) minutes. If a child must be kept after school it is best to make arrangements with

the parent or guardian to keep the child the following day. This is especially important for

students who ride the bus or are responsible for siblings after school.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM – Teaching and Learning

49. COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS

FCS core content subjects, ELA and Math curriculum are

being aligned to the Common Core State Standards. They guide our teaching and learning

focus. DTM’s School improvement Plan goals and strategies identify our primary focus and

areas of weakness as identified by M-STEP and local assessment results.

50. LESSON PLANS REVIEWS

Lesson plans will be reviewed using the Lesson Plan Guidelines. Guided reading lesson plans will

be reviewed as part of the regular lesson plan reviews. All teachers are responsible for

documenting accommodations/modifications made for students with disabilities in their lesson

plan book.

51. WALKTHROUGHS

Walkthroughs will take place on a regular basis to monitor the effectiveness of teaching and

learning. Staff will be given individual and whole school feed-back in collaboration meeting,

staff meetings and professional development sessions. Please make sure the following items

are on the teacher’s desk at all times: Lesson Plans, Seating Chart, Daily/Weekly Schedule.

52. GUEST TEACHER PLANS

Prepare a substitute folder for emergency use during your unexpected absence. Plans should

include enough materials for three days. These folders are due in the office by Friday, Sept. 22.

53. Professional Learning Communities

We will continue to hold weekly collaboration/planning meetings. A schedule for collaboration

meetings will be developed based on the scheduling of ancillary classes.

Meeting expectations include the following each month:

a. One meeting focused on data, student work including formative assessment,

benchmarks, exit slips and writing as it pertains to grade level expectations.

b. One meeting focused on data review and intervention in collaboration with LSS,

Interventions and general education teachers.

c. One meeting focused on grade level collaboration and professional learning. This

meeting may be done with individual teachers.

d. One meeting focused on LSI instructional strategies and conditions.

A professional development calendar will be developed and shared with staff.

54. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parents who wish to have a conference with teachers may not do so during instruction. It is

unfair to students to have their day disrupted in this manner. If a situation is urgent,

arrangements will be made, if possible, to release the teacher. As part of your opening letter

express whether you prefer to handle parent visits before or after school. Be clear on this from

the beginning. Parents also have the right to visit classroom however, teachers have some

control over when that happens.

ASSESSMENTS

55. SYNERGY/RECORD KEEPINGS

Record grades from assignments and assessments using the appropriate tool designated by the

district. Grades should reflect progress on grade level objectives. Record a minimum of 8-10

grades for each content area, each marking period. Be sure all grades are properly labeled,

identifying concept/benchmark and date of assignment/assessment. Keep all of the actual

assignments and assessments in the instructional folder or portfolio.

56. PROGRESS REPORTS and REPORT CARDS

Parents must be informed when students are making satisfactory progress, or are struggling

with particular grade level expectations. Progress reports will be sent home near mid-point of

each marking period. See the district calendar for due dates. Place a copy of all progress

reports in the student’s instructional folder.

Report Cards – All student Progress Reports and Report Cards must be generated using the

designated district process.

57. CORRECTIVE ACTION PLANS

It is FBE policy that a corrective action plan be developed for students who are struggling

academically and in danger of being retained. The plan should be developed in collaboration

with the student and parent/guardian. Their signatures are required. Start the process as soon

as possible after the first marking period. It is difficult to retain students if this plan is not in

place by mid-year.

58. TRANSFER OF STUDENTS WITHIN THE SYSTEM

Timely completion of student transfer records is important. Complete and turn in records

requested within one week of the request. Please note a report card must be completed if

students have been in class at least 5 weeks in a given marking period.

59. CA-60

A file containing the individual cumulative records for each room is kept in the office. Grades,

attendance, health records and standardized assessment results may be found on them. Special

health problems are also noted. Be sure all address, 5-digit student numbers and phone

numbers are check and written on CA-60 in pencil. It is the teacher’s responsibility to keep the

CA60 up to date.

Instructional Folders will be organized by grade level materials. Each folder will contain end of

the year report card for each grade completed, standardized test reports, end of the year DRA

report and corrective action forms.

60. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Records and information regarding students and staff is confidential. Do not discuss confidential

information in the presence of students, parents or unauthorized persons. See the principals if

you have any questions or concerns regarding confidential information.

SUPPLIES-TEXTBOOKS

61. SUPPLIES – The process and timeline for orders will be shared when it is received.

62. TEXTBOOKS – The process is being established.

AR Books and Library Books

Students with outstanding Library and AR Book fines will not be allowed to check out books until

either the books are returned or the fines are cleared.

IMC/TECHONOLGY POLICIES/PROCEDURES

63. LIBRARY/IMC PROCEDURES

A weekly library schedule will be established for the year.

Teachers must stay with the class during the library period. Discuss proper handling of books

with students. Books are treasures and should be treated as such. Stress the importance of

returning library books on time.

Inform the IMC Clerk if you plan to miss your scheduled library period. The time may be used by

students in other classes for individual or group research projects.

64. COMPUTER LAB – A schedule will be developed.

65. COPYRIGHT/LICENSE POLICY

We must follow copyright laws when copying printed materials, placing software programs on

computers, and showing videos or movies. Videos shown in the classroom must be approved by

the district, GISD or the principal. They should enrich and support learning in the classroom. No

commercial rentals or personal tapes should be viewed at school.