Upload
msarran
View
221
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
complete revised staff handbook
Citation preview
1 Revised 8-20-13
Sun Valley Elementary
Staff Handbook
2013-2014
Mission: The Sun Valley community will work
together to build strong, educated LEADERS.
Vision: We are LEADERS creating legacies!
Vision: We are leaders creating legacies!
2 Revised 8-20-13
SUN VALLEY STAFF 2013-2014
Teacher Room Number
PK
Maria Martinez 309
Lori Verastegui 301
Imelda Lemos 302
Kindergarten
*Karen Kotzur 306
Rosalinda Alexander (Bil) 303
Judy Beauchamp 305
Janeice Martinez 307
First
*Vanessa Orandy-McDonald 400
Gina Fernandez 403
Christina Ruiz 402
Graciela Rios (Bil) 401
Lauren Sumerlin 404
Second
*Mary Alice Sarran 408
Niurka Agnoly-Terry (Bil) 409
Katie Harvuot 407
3 Revised 8-20-13
Jennifer Lopez 410
Amanda Sullivan 406
Third
*Janice Smith 105
Kimberlee Benson 102
Carolina Trevino (Bil) 208
Zulma Vasquez 104
Jaimie Wimer 103
Fourth
*Kayla Gonzales 100
Adrianna Botello 107
Lori Haby 106
Lindsey Heckman 101
Rudolfo Natera (Bil) 202
Fifth
*Kristy Pais 204
Monica Aguilar 205
Marissa Hernandez (Bil) 204
JoAnn Lujan 207
Javier Soles 206
Special Education Specials
Donna Burell 201 Fine Arts
Gail Deeley 305 Marilee Bowling
Bonnie Clark 300 P. E.
Jose Ortega 310 Tena Engelhardt
4 Revised 8-20-13
Accelerated Reading Specialist Instructional Assistants:
Jessica Tobleman PK-
Jessica Casiano
STEM Rosemary Gonzalez
Courtney Somerville Stephanie Ramirez
Librarian
Cynthia Molinar Special Ed.-
Victor Menjares
Counselor Lorraine Shanahan
Jack Murchison
Nurse Secretary-
Shanna Davenport Diana Gutierrez
Social Worker PIEMS Clerk-
Nelda Castellanos Jeanette Rodriguez
Assistant Principal Administrative Clerk-
Veronica Cuenca-Wilson Nayeli Diaz DeLeon
Principal Custodians-
Julie Verstuyft Issa Chavez
Rosa Linda Campos
Anita Mello
Samuel Soto
Cafeteria
Sylvia Sanchez
Ester Flores
Blanca Contreras
5 Revised 8-20-13
Lupe Gonzalez
Imelda Rocha
School Hours:
Counselor 7:30-4:00
Teachers/Nurse 7:30-4:00
Instructional Assistants 7:00-3:30
Students 8:00-3:30
Each member of the faculty and staff MUST use the Kronos machine when they arrive in the morning
and sign out when they leave. If you have morning duty, you will need to be on duty at 7:20.
All faculty and staff are expected to be on time to work daily. Punctuality is important to model for
students and each other. Punctuality also applies to duty stations, district meetings and professional
development. Everywhere you go as a teacher, you represent the entire staff of Sun Valley. We will
meet on the blacktop at 7:45. If you are running late, please call the office at 645-7570.
SCHOOL CLIMATE
Each of us must do our part to ensure that our school is a warm and welcoming environment for
learning. This begins with our students and expands to include our parents and community and each
other. The tone of voice we use and our demeanor towards the students and each other speaks
volumes. Every adult who works in our building must wear their SWISD badge at all times. All other
adults must wear a visitor badge from the office. If you see someone in our halls without a visitor
badge, please redirect them to the office. If you have curtains on the windows in your room, please
keep them open, show them what you got!
A well maintained and organized campus contributes to student learning. Your classroom should be
comfortable and functional. It is important to organize your furniture, materials and supplies
accordingly. Classroom bulletin boards, both in and outside of your room, should reflect original
student work and be changed often. Encourage students to take pride in the classroom. Desks, tables
and floors should be clear of trash and chairs should be stacked in the corner at the end of each day. It
is everyone’s responsibility to keep our school clean.
ABSENCE FROM DUTY
Please notify the Principal or the Asst. Principal at least one day in advance if you plan to be absent (Dr.
Appointment, Personal, Staff Development, etc.) In the case of emergencies, please call Mrs. Verstuyft,
6 Revised 8-20-13
at 445-7911 or Mrs. Wilson at 831-1459 on the evening prior to the day of your absence or the school at
645-7570, before 7:00 a.m. on the day of your absence. If possible, let your Team Leader know, after
6:30 am.
For all absences, it is imperative that you call Aesop before 6:30a.m. You must enter your ID/Social
Security number, dates(s) out, the time if you are requesting half day, and the reason. Please state if
you are on duty for the day(s) and what and where the duty is. You must tell the substitute your duty
place and time in the comments section for directions.
When you know you will require a substitute or when you will be absent from work:
1. Have lesson plans that are easily understood and up-to-date and sufficient work for your
students.
Half-day A.M. is 7:00-11:45. Half-day P.M. is 11:45-4:00 pm. If you record a different start or end time,
you may be charged a full day.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance will be made during “Blazer Blast Off” on the blacktop (in
the gym if weather does not allow us to be on blacktop). We will begin at 7:55. Each class will take turns
leading pledges. Any afternoon announcements will be made at approximately 2:30 p.m. All
announcements must have prior approval from the principal. Teach your students how to behave
during announcements. Everyone is to stand and remain silent during the moment of silence. Please
teach and model this behavior.
ARD MEETINGS
All regular education teachers are expected to attend ARD meetings on their students. Be prepared to
discuss your student's progress in the classroom. Parents and teachers have a right to request an ARD
meeting at any time. The teacher representing the grade level must gather data from ALL teachers that
child might have. Bring work samples. Be prepared!
ATTENDANCE REPORTING
Attendance will be reported through Gradebook at 10:00 daily. Students who arrive after 8:00 am will
be counted tardy by the teacher in Gradebook. It is your responsibility to call parents when students
accumulate 3 tardies. A written note must be sent home and signed at 4 tardies and a loss of recess
for every tardy thereafter in a nine-week period. All written excuses must be maintained in the
attendance office. Send notes to the office with the student the day you receive them. Parents have 3
days to send notes for the absence to count as excused. After that time the absence is coded
Unexcused. Teachers will be notified of children’s physical limitations, if necessary. The teacher should
provide necessary information to the PE coach, and any other teachers needing the information.
7 Revised 8-20-13
Students who leave school after 10:00 a.m., are to be counted present for the day. If you have
questions about a student being counted as absent or present, please see Mrs. Rodriguez immediately. .
You will need to call parents when a child has 3 absences in a 4 week period. We will send warning
letters at 3 unexcused absences and Truancy court at 5.
Each teacher is responsible for accurately reporting the attendance status of his or her students.
Understandably, errors will be made from time to time. It is imperative that these errors be corrected
as soon as possible. Please be sure to check attendance carefully after you’re at absent!!
Special Program teachers, please be aware that the PAC office must have an accurate listing of each
student that you are serving every nine weeks. If you add or drop a student during the period, it is
extremely important that you notify the Special Education Department. (DO NOT WAIT FOR THE END
OF A REPORTING PERIOD TO MAKE CHANGES. NOTIFY MS. RODRIGUEZ AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.)
ATTENDANCE, PERFECT
A student is considered for perfect attendance if:
1. He/She has no absences according to the official attendance record in the
Attendance Office. Has less than 6 tardies in a grading period.
2. He/She has no recorded absences from a prior school, if a transfer is applicable.
CAFETERIA
Please notify the cafeteria of the lunch count by 9:00. Students may pre-pay for their lunch in the
cafeteria between 7:15-7:55 a.m. or on-line through the NutriKids system. Teachers must order their
own lunches or salads before 9:00 a.m. Staff will be charged this year for cups, napkins, condiments and
utensils.
Students purchasing milk and/or lunch on a daily basis may pay during the lunch line.
Students without lunch will be provided a ham sandwich and a carton of milk.
Please have your class lined up in alphabetical order to go to lunch. Teachers are to escort their class to
the serving line door at the designated time and pick them up from the blacktop or hallway to escort
them back to the classroom at the time designated. In an effort to help the cafeteria monitors, teachers
should reinforce the rules and teach the procedures. Students should practice cafeteria routines and
behavior MANY, MANY times the first few weeks of school and after holidays.
CLASSROOM PARTIES
Three classroom parties are allowed at Sun Valley. A Christmas, Valentine's Day and last day of school
party will be held during the last 45 min. of school. If special activities are going to be celebrated in the
classroom, please do not encourage parents and/or students to identify it as a "Party" (i.e. Easter Egg
8 Revised 8-20-13
Hunt). Please be cognizant of religious beliefs and parent requests to not participate in some activities.
Birthday parties are allowed the last 10 minutes of the day, only.
COMMUNICATION
In order for any system to work well, there has to be open communication and respect among all of its
members. There are several ways of resolving disagreements. The first is to always speak with the
person involved. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Assistant Principal, then Principal should be
contacted. If there are instructional issues that arise, please discuss them at the grade level first, then
the administration. We will have weekly Team meetings with the administration when issues about
Curriculum may be discussed. If any issue cannot be resolved at the campus level, there is a formal
procedure for district grievances in the Employee Handbook. Check your email at least TWICE daily. We
will use the SVE calendar to schedule activities and announce the Pledge schedule. Please check it daily.
CHILD ABUSE
Staff members who have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is an abused or maltreated child shall
report the abuse to the Department of Child Protective Services. Please notify the principal, assistant
principals or counselor, as well. If you need assistance in filing the report, let one of these people know.
It is your responsibility to report suspected abuse.
CIT (Campus Improvement Team)
The CIT will meet at least 3 times a year. If you have concerns, please let Mrs. Verstuyft know, one week
before the meeting, so the items can be put on the agenda. The minutes will be posted on line.
CONFERENCE/PLANNING PERIOD
A forty five minute planning period is provided for teachers, daily. This time is for Team planning, data
disaggregation, parent conferences, lesson planning and professional development. There is precious,
little time on planning days. You are expected to report to Team meetings immediately after dropping
your students off at rotations. Team meeting with the administration will be Wednesdays in the
Conference room. Team planning meetings will be Thursdays. Minutes of these meetings will be turned
in to Mrs. Verstuyft and Mrs. Wilson.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Information regarding students is confidential. Pertinent matters regarding a student should be
discussed privately and only with those staff members who are involved with that child.
COPYRIGHT LAW
Follow it.
9 Revised 8-20-13
COPY MACHINE
The copy machine is connected to your computer. You will be allotted 2000 per month. See Mrs. Wilson
for your copy codes. Please use both sides of the paper. Try to limit copying, especially when students
can write the assignment. Remember, worksheets tend to be at the lower level of Bloom’s. Take care
of copying needs during your planning period. Priority will be given to those on conference. The office
staff will not make copies for you. Please report any problems to Ms. Guiterrez immediately. The Office
copier is used for Office Staff Only. Paper will be in the cabinets in the workroom.
CRISIS MANUAL
The district has developed a Crisis Manual giving procedures to use in handling certain situations. The
manual is located in the office. This manual has guidelines which must be followed in reporting
Kidnapping, Death, Intruders, Etc.
Fire Drills and Lock down Drills will be held monthly. We will have 2 Fire Drills within the first 2 weeks of
school. You will need to follow the evacuation maps posted at the doorways of your rooms during a fire
drill. You will need to post a roster and red/green paper in a folder by the door to take with you or
assign to a student, during the drill. If all of your students are accounted for, you will show the green
side of the “sign”, if you are missing students, you will show the red side and an administrator will know
to come see you immediately.
It is very important that the faculty and staff keep the principal informed on any crisis or potential crisis.
Through a cooperative effort, we will be able to handle any situation.
Staff trained in CPR is: The Nurse- Shanna Davenport, Coach Engelhardt, and the Assistant
Principal- Veronica Cunca-Wilson.
Digital Citizenship
We are expected to promote and model responsible social interactions related to the use of technology
and information. Be careful of social network messages and images.
DISCIPLINE- The Sun Valley School Behavior and Discipline Plan (separate document) is to be used as a
guide to promote consistency of practices among all SVE teachers and students. Please refer to this
document (SVE Discipline Plan) for information on school expectations and discipline.
All grade levels need to submit grade level expectations and consequences to Mrs. Verstuyft by
August 23rd.
Detention—We will implement After School Detention on Fridays from 3:00-5:30. Every teacher is
expected to sign up for ONE day. We will assign students to detention as a level of consequence. We
are trying to reduce the time that students are out of the classroom (ISS/OSS). We will have ISS on
Fridays. If students are out of the room, they are not learning. If you have a student assigned to
10 Revised 8-20-13
detention, you will need to provide work for them. Only Administration will assign Detention. Sign up
for Detention with Mrs. Wilson by August 23. If you do not sign up, you will be assigned a day.
DRESS AND GROOMING - STUDENTS
All students are expected to follow the dress code in the S.W.I.S.D. Student Handbook.
Teachers are expected to enforce the dress code. No Flip/Flops, No Spaghetti Straps, No baggy pants.
No unnatural colored hair. Shorts should not be shorter than fingertip length. Students violating dress
code need to be sent to the office to call home for a change of clothes.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
All faculty and staff should be completely familiar with the school emergency evacuation plan. A copy of
this plan will be posted in each classroom as well as throughout the school.
In the event of a natural disaster such as hurricane, tornado, violent thunderstorm, fire, or a bomb
threat, the administrator shall be responsible for initiating procedures for the protection of students,
faculty, and staff, and any other personnel on the campus at the time.
During drills and/or emergencies teachers should bring grade book/attendance, and conduct a head
count. Teachers need to immediately notify an administrator if a student is unaccounted for. Use the
“red/green” cards.
EXCUSED SCHOOL BUSINESS
When a staff member is absent due to staff development, testing, observations or meetings, a
substitute will be provided by the administration. Please code “ESB” in ASEOP. Staff Development is
coded differently. You will be responsible for securing your own substitute for Staff Development. Use
the “Staff Development” code.
FACULTY/INSERVICE MEETINGS
Faculty meetings will be held on Thursdays. All staff members are expected to attend. If you are unable
to attend, you must inform the principal in writing, prior to the meeting. Meetings will begin at 3:50
pm. Plan for the meetings to last approximately one hour. Please make appointments for other days of
the week.
FIELD TRIPS
Each grade level will be allowed one field trip. Field trips are to be scheduled through the office with
prior approval from Mrs. Verstuyft. Check the school calendar for appropriate dates. PURCHASE
ORDERS, BUS APPROVAL and CAFETERIA NOTICE MUST BE SECURED A MINIMUM OF TWO WEEKS
before THE TRIP. The grade level leader is responsible for all paperwork associated with the trip.
11 Revised 8-20-13
Field trip permission slips must be signed by parents and returned before the field trip. Students may
not attend a field trip without a signed permission form. Telephone permission is not acceptable.
A list of names to include all parents, teachers and students must be turned into the office before the
bus leaves campus. (A copy of your attendance sheet works well for this list since it includes each
student and their telephone number.) This list must also be given to the cafeteria by 8:00 the day of
the trip. This list must be broken down by bus and indicate the bus number and driver's name.
This/these list(s) will be faxed to transportation in case of an accident. It is important that individuals
ride the same bus departing and returning to the school for this reason. Students must return on the
bus, unless taken by a PARENT ONLY with written notification. Ask parents to complete the Winocular
Volunteer forms at Open House. Waiting until the Field Trip is too late.
FUND RAISERS
A fund raiser form must be signed by the principal at least 2 weeks prior to the fund raiser. ALL MONEY
collected must be turned in DAILY to Ms. Gutierrez or Ms. Rodriguez.
GRADING
A student's grade indicates his/her progress in the classroom. It is the teacher's responsibility to
accurately maintain and report grades to the student and parent; following the district calendar. Grades
must be posted in Gradespeed every two weeks.
GRADE BOOK (Minimums)
1. Two grades per week will be recorded for Math and Reading, two for
Language Arts, Science and Social Studies and Physical Education.
2. One grade per week will be recorded for Fine Arts.
3. Dates will be written in the appropriate blanks for the nine weeks period.
4. Indicate the assignment name or title in the space provided.
5. Re-teaching should be documented.
6. Extra points may be awarded for extra credit work.
7. At the end of each nine weeks period, averages will be reported as numerical
and letter grades.
12 Revised 8-20-13
GRADING: REPORTS TO PARENTS
Kindergarten: Achievement or progress in kindergarten shall be reported as:
E, S, N, and U.
Grades 1-5: In elementary grades 1-5, achievement shall be reported as number
grades for Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies and as letter grades
for Music and PE
No Is
GRADE CONVERSION
SCALE:
BEHAVIORAL/CONDUCT
E = Excellent
S = Satisfactory
N = Needs Improvement
U = Unsatisfactory
SPECIAL EDUCATION:
Special Education students excluded from specific TEKS
by their IEPs shall not be assessed on, nor have
promoted/ retention based on those elements. A passing
grade shall be based on criteria stated in the IEP as criteria
for mastery. Minimum mastery level for a handicapped
student shall be 70% mastery of the essential elements
specified in the student's IEP.
Special Education teachers will distribute IEPs. They must be used for planning lessons.
PROGRESS REPORT: At the 3rd and 6th week’s points of the nine weeks grading periods, teachers are
required to send home a PROGRESS REPORT. Teachers should contact parents’ of students who do not
return the original signed copy.
Teachers should ALWAYS keep a copy of the report sent home in the student's classroom file.
13 Revised 8-20-13
A copy of the Progress Report of Special Education students must be given to the Special Ed. Teacher
and Speech teacher (failing only).
REPORT CARDS: Report cards are sent home according to the district calendar. Each report card will be
placed in an envelope and sent home to be signed by the parent. The signed report card is to be
returned to the classroom teacher. The first report card will be distributed at a parent conference.
The "Comments” section is a vital part of the reporting process. Please note this section when
completing progress reports and report cards. This section applies to each reporting and grading period.
If, in any class or subject, a student receives a grade equal to or less than a 70, the grade notice shall be
sent. STATE THE NEED FOR A CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE TEACHER AND THE PARENT. Remember,
everyone likes to hear something positive about themselves. How powerful the written word is to a
child’s self esteem. Tutoring must be provided for students receiving a 75 or below in math or reading.
PROMOTION/RETENTION:
Rule: 1. The school shall not grant social promotions. Students shall be promoted only
based on academic achievement. A student will be promoted if he/she has
passing grades.
2. To be promoted from one grade level to the next, a student shall attain, for the
year, an overall average of 70 or above. The overall average shall be derived by
averaging the final numeric grade for language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. In
addition, a student shall attain and average of 70 (on grade level) or above in language arts and
in mathematics.
3. Retention will be considered for any student who is not reading/working at the
appropriate grade level for the end of the school year. A student portfolio shall be part of
his/her documentation and show evidence of what was done to help the student be successful.
Students MUST be referred through the RtI committee and parents MUST be notified if
retention is considered.
4. Students eligible for and receiving instruction through Southwest I.S.D. Special Education
Program are promoted to the next grade level according to their I.E.P. No student served by this
program may be retained without a Failure ARD meeting to determine specific reasons and
alternatives (student portfolio). If a special education student is failing, notify the special
education teacher immediately.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
14 Revised 8-20-13
Grievances need to be addressed according to district policy.
GUM CHEWING
Gum chewing is not allowed. Please model this expectation. This is not a Discipline Referral offense.
HOMEWORK
Homework should be given as a reinforcement or practice of a concept already taught. Teachers should
grade homework. You should at the least check to be sure the student is practicing correctly. All
students should have reading homework every night. K-2 should not have more than 30-45 minutes of
homework, including reading for 20 minutes and 3-5 60 minutes.
INSURANCE AND INJURIES
STUDENT
The school takes every precaution necessary to prevent the injury of any student while at school. The
school, under the law, cannot assume responsibility for any injury resulting from accidents on the school
property or in the participation of any school activity. Through the school district, a major insurance
company makes available to each student an accident insurance policy. Students and faculty members
having no family coverage are urged to take out a policy. Insurance envelopes are sent home with the
children at the beginning of the school year. Each child is to return an insurance envelope marked YES
or NO and SIGNED by a parent. Teachers should encourage the student to immediately report any
illness or injury occurring during school hours. We will be unable to verify for insurance purposes that
an accident occurred at school if it has not been reported and/or recorded in the Nurse's Office. We
must keep a record of every accident and the circumstances surrounding it. In the event, an accident
has occurred at school, an accident report must be filled out immediately stating all particulars and type
of medical assistance provided. Teachers who are on duty when the accident occurs will need to sign the
report.
STAFF
Any employee injured on school property or in the participation of any school activity should notify the
office immediately. An Accident Report is to be completed as soon as possible, will be signed by the
principal, and forwarded to Central Office. It is extremely important that the school office have the
name and phone number of the individual that you would wish us to contact in case of emergency as
well as other pertinent information regarding your health, physician, and medical facility.
LESSON PLANS
Lesson plans will be written by each classroom teacher on a bi-weekly basis, using Forethought. TEKS
and STAAR objectives need to be included. Higher Order Activities need to be highlighted in yellow.
15 Revised 8-20-13
Lesson Plans are due in Forethought every other Friday outlining lessons for the following 2 weeks.
Differentiated instruction for Bilingual (ESL time), Special Education and G/T students must be included.
Lesson Plans for August 26-Sept. 13 are due September 6th.
Substitute lesson plans (and materials) must be available in the classroom at all times. Your Team
Leader should know where they are located. Emergency sub plans will be turned in by grade level in a
binder and labeled ”EMERGENCY LESSON PLANS” and turned in to Mrs. Wilson.
LIBRARY
Library time is scheduled as a rotation of special classes. Each class will visit the library at least once a
week. Additional library time, if needed, will need to be scheduled with the Librarian. Books checked
out by students are their responsibility.
Please do not forget when a student withdraws from Sun Valley to have that child "clear the library". A
missing library book can hold up processing of a departing student.
LOUNGE/WORKROOM
These areas are used for eating or for working on classroom activities. Please keep the workroom clean.
Dispose of unwanted mail and paper in the trashcans.
Employees are asked to use discretion in discussing personnel, students, or personal problems in the
lounge/workroom areas. Remember to speak positively about staff & students.
Please keep these areas neat and clean by picking up after yourself. The refrigerator will be cleaned
out every Friday. Items such as catsup, dressing, salsa. etc., may remain. Other items will be discarded
by the custodian every Friday, including containers. Please label all personal items. Please be
considerate of others' personal food items.
Students are not allowed in the lounge or workroom. Snacks or drinks are not allowed to be
purchased as rewards for students.
MAILBOXES
Each faculty and staff member has been provided with a "mailbox". Please check the contents of your
mailbox upon arrival each morning, at lunch, and again before leaving in the afternoon. If there is an
emergency call the office will notify you immediately. Please do not send students to pick up your mail.
MEDICATION
All medications are to be dispensed to students from the Nurse's Office. STUDENTS ARE NOT
PERMITTED TO KEEP ANY TYPE OF MEDICATION IN THEIR LUNCHBOXES, DESKS, OR CLASSROOM. All
medication should be properly packaged, contain the child's name and have written instructions from
parents. This includes cough drops, Tylenol or aspirin, etc. The nurse has forms for parents to complete
16 Revised 8-20-13
when sending medication to school. Reminders to students to take medication should be given
privately, respecting their right to confidentiality.
PARENT CONFERENCES
At the time of each, Parent Conference (or Phone Conference) complete a "Parent Conference Record".
(See Mrs. Gutierrez for a copy) Also, please tell the office staff when you are expecting a visitor so that
we can direct him/her to your room. In accordance with Title I, a parent conference is required each
semester. Telephone messages will be sent via email. We will tell parents that you will return calls
within 24 hours, either during your planning period, before or after school. We will not interrupt class
time for telephone calls or visiting parents. Please do not tell parents they can “call or visit any time”.
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION
The purpose of the PTA is to promote the welfare of youth in home, school, and community. To
accomplish this, the PTA sponsors activities on campus during the school year such as: Open House in
the fall and spring, programs on subjects of timely interest, and other activities that benefit the
community, parents, teachers, and students at Sun Valley. Your active support is greatly encouraged
and appreciated.
PRC'S-STUDENT RECORDS
PRCs are kept in alphabetical order in the Office. Student records are not to be removed from the office
without signing for each record removed with Mr. Murchison. The following pertinent information
should be in the folder:
- home language survey (state law)
- language proficiency tests
- parent permission/denial letters (Bilingual Program)
- test results (TAKS, Standardized Tests)
- immunization information
- birth certificate information
- court orders
-attendance
-student's photo
-semester grades for each year
17 Revised 8-20-13
At the end of each semester, the homeroom teacher is responsible for placing grades & attendance
information in the PRCs. Pictures should be added yearly. Teachers are responsible for checking the
PRCs each semester and notifying Ms. Rodriguez of any missing information. All students have PRCs.
PROFESSIONAL DECORUM
Be professional in your attitude, language, attire, and tone of voice.
1. Your attire should be a model for all students. Dresses and skirts should not be significantly above the knees. No shorts or tight or revealing clothing, (e.g.: bare midriffs, low-cut back or neckline, see-through materials, spaghetti straps, etc.) Capri pants are fine on Fridays. Jeans and staff shirts on Fridays are fine. Please cover tattoos.
2. No flip-flops. Tennis shoes will be allowed only during spirit day (Fridays) or when appropriate, (i.e. scheduled to go on a field trip).
3. If you want respect, you have to give it and model it. Tone of voice and comments set the tone for
your classroom. Please speak in a normal tone of voice and refrain from sarcastic, punitive, or "off-
color" remarks.
4. Please refrain from consuming beverages or food during instructional time unless all students are
participating in a lesson that includes the consumption of food items and/or drinks. (Water is the
exception)
PURCHASE ORDERS
Purchase order requests must be made as soon as possible. Items are to be purchased for use during
the current school year. NO checks will be issued. This year’s budget begins September 3. All funds
must be spent by December 20, 2013.
Turn in a completed Purchase Order Request Form to Mrs. Gutierrez. These forms are on the bookcase
in the office. The following information must be included:
1. Name, Address, and Telephone/Fax numbers of company
2. Your name should be placed under "School Requisition No."
3. Number of items required
4. Complete description to include order numbers and colors
5 Price of each item
6. Shipping cost
7. Total cost
18 Revised 8-20-13
REGION XX SERVICE CENTER
Teachers may order items from Region XX. Delivery is on Mondays of each week. It is the teacher's
responsibility to check out and return them on time to the Region XX drop box located in the office.
Catalogs and order blanks are available from the librarian. Videos may be ordered on line. Other items
such as plants, fish, fertilized eggs, etc., may be ordered as well. We pay for the services offered by
Region XX - so please use it to benefit our students.
SCHOOL DAY HOURS
STUDENTS:
The school day begins at 8:00 AM. Breakfast is served from 7:15 AM-7:55 AM. Students will be allowed
on blacktop at 7:20 AM. Blazer Blast Off will begin at 7:55 AM. Check the calendar for your class’s
assignment for pledges. Walkers will be released at 3:25, Bus at 3:25, Pick-ups at 3:30. Dismissal Bell
rings at 3:30 PM. PLEASE let Ms. Gutierrez know if you have changed plans for after school activities
by 12:00.
TEACHERS WILL ALWAYS WALK THEIR STUDENTS INTO THE CLASSROOMS IN THE MORNING AND
WALK THEIR STUDENTS OUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, AS WELL AS TO/FROM ANY TYPE OF ACTIVITY
DURING THE DAY. You are expected to remain with your STUDENTS until all students leave. If all of
your students are not picked up by 3:45, please bring them to the office.
Please sign out when leaving campus. For emergency reasons, it is important that you indicate where
you are going.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
All professional development must be aligned with the CIP and District Goals and approved by the
principal. Forms must be completed at least two weeks before the occasion. And a description of the
session must accompany the form.
Once your request has been approved, you are responsible for calling for a substitute. Be sure to
indicate Staff Development as the reason for the absence, NOT Excused School Business. You are
expected to attend the entire session and complete the Professional Development form on line. You
may be asked to share your new learnings with the staff upon your return. If you need to cancel a
session at Region 20, you must make a copy of the Cancellation screen in the registration system and
submit it to Ms. Gutierrez.
STUDENT SIGN OUT
A sign-out sheet will be kept in the office for parents who pick up their children between 8:00 A.M. and
3:00 P.M. Teachers are not to release students to parents or any other adult without proper ID and
approval from the office.
19 Revised 8-20-13
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Teachers need to provide detailed instructions, lesson plans and notes for substitutes. The substitute's
workday will be the same as other teachers: 7:30-4:00 PM. If you have duty, please be sure to include
this information for the substitute.
Have a substitute folder on file on your desk. This folder will contain emergency procedures, a seating
chart, schedule, names of helpers, location of special items and some extra time work for students.
Include information about students with special needs. (i.e. Resource times, Inclusion times)
Team Leaders are expected to "lend a hand" to substitutes throughout the day...especially getting
started in the morning.
SUPPLIES
Teachers will have an open supply closet. Please let Ms. Gutierrez know when we are low on supplies.
PLEASE do not take more than you need. There is plenty. We do not need to hoard. Paper will be kept
in the cabinet in the workroom.
TEACHER, CLASSROOM RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher to give information about their students to the
appropriate personnel (Mary can not participate in PE today; John will leave early today, etc.).
Teachers may keep students after school with prior written permission from parents. Please notify the
office. You must monitor any child you are keeping.
Any notes, newsletters, etc. that are sent home to parents need to have prior principal
approval if they affect the entire class. Communication that pertains only to a few students does
not need prior approval. Always use good judgment. In doubtful situations, it is better to check with
the principal. Keep a copy of everything you send home. An office copy of class communications is
necessary so that we can answer questions.
Teachers should never leave their students unattended. When a teacher must leave the classroom,
notify your neighboring teacher and have them keep an "ear open" and check on your students. If you
are leaving the classroom due to illness, notify the office via the intercom as well as your neighboring
teacher. Do not leave your students unattended to bring one student to the office for discipline,
telephone use or nurse.
TECHNOLOGY/REQUIRED COURSES
Any technology equipment checked out by a teacher, must be returned in the same condition,
otherwise, the teacher is responsible for replacement or repair. There are several on-line “courses” we
need to complete this year. The SWISD Employee Handbook, Ethnicity Survey (new staff), Sexual
20 Revised 8-20-13
Harassment and Blood Borne Pathogens Courses must be completed by August 23. Please give a copy
of your certificate showing completion to Mrs. Wilson.
TELEPHONE
A telephone for teacher use is located in the Teacher's Workroom. This telephone is to be used for contacting
parents and school business. Personal calls are to be kept to five (5) minutes or less. Please do not make long
distance calls without permission from an Administrator.
Remind family and friends that we cannot take you out of your class to answer a telephone call unless it
is an emergency. Messages will be left via email. Please return your telephone calls during your
conference, lunchtime, or after school. Teachers are to refrain from using cell phones during
instructional time. Unusual circumstances will occur when a cell phone may be necessary (a sick child
at home, expecting an urgent call from the doctor…), but this should not be the norm.
TEXTBOOKS
Every student will receive textbooks. Students must pay for a lost textbook before another text is
issued. WE WILL NOT ISSUE ANOTHER BOOK UNTIL THE LOST ONE (S) IS/ARE PAID FOR OR FOUND.
Do not switch books among grade level. Any unused books should be returned to the textbook
custodian. You are accountable for textbooks issued to you.
The textbook custodian or Mrs. Wilson will handle book requests before or after school. Requests
should be in writing on the Textbook Request Form.
ALL TEXTBOOKS ARE NUMBERED. STUDENTS' NAMES AND CLASSROOM NUMBERS MUST BE WRITTEN
ON THE INSIDE COVER OF EACH BOOK, IN INK. It is the teacher's responsibility to maintain an up-to-
date accounting of their class sets as well as books issued to students. Book numbers are to be listed for
each child and kept by the teacher.
If a student withdraws from school, please pick up the textbooks and indicate, with your initials,
"textbooks cleared" on the withdrawal form.
TOYS AT SCHOOL
Toys are NOT to be brought to school. If a student has a toy, pick it up, tag the item (name of owner and
date) and lock it up until it is claimed at the end of the day or year.
If there is a learning activity, which you have written into your lesson plans that involve toys, then the
toys, may be brought to school for that purpose. (Notify the office and the parents in writing before the
activity) The school is not responsible for any loss or damage to these items.
Tape Recorders, Video Recorders, Cell Telephones, Pagers and Radios are not allowed at school without
administrative approval. Electronic devices are to be turned off during instructional time unless the
device is part of the learning activity. Cell phones are to be picked up and sent to the office. The first
21 Revised 8-20-13
time a parent will be asked to retrieve it. The subsequent times there will be a $10.00 fee. Let your
parents know.
TUTORIALS
All students in first through fifth grades who are scoring below 75 or are in jeopardy of scoring below 75
in Language Arts, Math, Science, or Social Studies or who failed STAAR will receive tutorial services. It is
the responsibility of each teacher to provide tutorial services to students in need of special help.
All students, regardless of other special programs, are eligible to receive tutorial assistance.
VIDEOS
Videos can be a great tool for enhancing student learning. Videos are to be used for instructional
purposes and written in lesson plans. In accordance with copyright policy, films brought in from home
must be approved by the administration at least two (2) weeks in advance.
VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS
To ensure building security and safety for students and staff, all visitors must sign in at the office. They
will be asked to wear a badge. If you see anyone on campus without a badge, please remind him/her to
sign in through the office. If you are uncertain of the situation contact the office immediately.
WORK REQUESTS
Notify Ms. Gutierrez of any requests for work/repairs. Equipment repair forms are on the shelf in the
office. Please complete the form and give it to Ms. Gutierrez, as well.
CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARD PROCEDURES
FOR TEXAS EDUCATORS
_______________________________________________________________________
The Texas educator should strive to create an atmosphere that will nurture to fulfillment the potential
of each student.
22 Revised 8-20-13
The educator is responsible for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional
colleagues, parents, and the community.
The Code is intended to govern the profession, and interpretations of the Code shall determined by the
Professional Practices Commission.
The educator who conducts his affairs with conscientious concern will exemplify the highest standards
of professional commitment.
__________________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPAL I
Professional Ethical Conduct
The Texas educator should endeavor to maintain the dignity of the profession by respecting and obeying
the law, demonstrating personal integrity, and exemplifying honesty.
STANDARDS
1. The educator shall not intentionally misrepresent official policies of his school district or educational
organization and shall clearly distinguish those views from his personal attitudes and opinions.
2. The educator shall honestly account for all funds committed to his charge and shall conduct his
financial business with integrity.
3. The educator shall not use institutional or professional privileges for personal or partisan advantage.
________________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPLE II
Professional Practices and Performance
23 Revised 8-20-13
The Texas educator, after qualifying in a manner established by law or regulations, shall assume
responsibilities for professional teaching practices and professional performance and shall continually
strive to demonstrate competence.
STANDARDS
1. The educator shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or a responsibility on the basis of
professional qualifications and shall adhere to the terms of a contract or appointment.
2. The educator shall possess mental health, physical stamina, and social prudence necessary to
perform
the duties of his professional assignment.
3. The educator shall organize instruction that seeks to accomplish objectives related to learning.
4. the educator shall continue professional growth.
5. The educator shall comply with written local school board policies, Texas Education Agency
regulations, and applicable state laws.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPLE III
Ethical Conduct Toward Professional Colleagues
The Texas educator, in exemplifying ethical relations with colleagues, shall accord just and equitable
treatment to all members of the profession.
STANDARDS
24 Revised 8-20-13
1. The educator shall not reveal confidential information concerning colleagues unless disclosure serves
professional purposes or is required by law.
2. The educator shall not willfully make false statements about a colleague or the school system.
3. The educator shall adhere to written local school board policies and legal; statutes
regarding dismissal.
________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPLE IV
Ethical Conduct Toward Students
The Texas educator, in accepting a position of public trust, should measure success by the progress of
each student toward realization of his potential as an effective citizen.
STANDARDS
1. The educator shall deal considerately and justly with each student and shall seek to resolve problems
including discipline according to law and school board policy.
2. The educator shall not intentionally expose the student to disparagement.
3. The educator shall not reveal confidential information concerning students unless
disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
4. The educator shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions
detrimental to learning, or health, or safety.
5. The educator shall endeavor to present facts without distortions.
_________________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPLE V
Ethical Conduct Toward Parents and Community
25 Revised 8-20-13
The Texas educator, is fulfilling citizenship responsibilities in the community, should cooperate with
parents and others to improve the public school of the community.
STANDARDS
1. The educator shall not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political and citizenship rights and
responsibilities.
2. The educator shall make reasonable effort to communicate to parents, information which should be
revealed in the interest of the student.
3. The educator shall endeavor to understand community cultures and relate the home environment of
students to the school.
4. The educator shall manifest a positive role in school public relations.
26 Revised 8-20-13
I have received the Sun Valley Staff Handbook on _____________________ and have reviewed
and understand the contents.
_________________________________ _________________________
Signature Date