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Elementary Faculty Handbook 2011 – 2012 Inspiring Today’s Learners for Tomorrow’s Challenges Strategic Plan In the spring of 2007, work began in the development of a long range Strategic Plan, as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The leadership group that designed the Plan was comprised of BASD parents, students, community representatives, board members, teachers, staff members and administrators. With the adoption of the Strategic Plan in September 2007, this Plan guides our district for the next 6 years. The information included in this manual must reflect the initiatives and/or changes in the Strategic Plan, the guiding document. Beliefs Beliefs, what we believe, what we think is important, what we honor and therefore how we do things. About Students and Learning, the
About Teachers and Teaching, the
About Learning Communities, the
Table of Contents Topic Page Number Academic Integrity 5 Attendance for Students /Attendance for Teachers 5-6 Accident Reports 6 Acceptable Use/E-mail Policies 6 Bullying and Cyberbullying 6-7 Bus and Safety Education 7 Cafeteria 8 Cell Phone Use by Teachers and Staff 8 Classroom Parties 8-9 Copy Machines and the Child Study Team and Referrals 9 Cumulative/Permanent Student Records 9 Daily Classroom Schedules 9 Differentiated Supervision 10 Discipline/Behavior Management 10 Dress Policy for Students and Professional Staff 11-12 Electronic Equipment Policy for Students 12 Electronic Device Searches 12 Emergency/Crisis Plans 12 Family/Educational Trips 12-13 Field Trips 13 Fire Drills 13 Food in the Classrooms 14 Forms 14 Harassment/Unlawful Harassment 14 Homework 14 ID Badges 14 Instructional Time Allotments 15 Instrumental Music Lessons 15 Lesson Plans 15 Personal Days 15 Playground/Recess 15 Professionalism 16 Progress Reports 16 PTO/PTA 16 Public Relations 16 Punctuality 16 School Rules and In Loco Parentis 17 Severe Weather Drills 17 Student Advisory Councils 17 Student Searches 17-18 Student Supervision 18 Student Teachers 18 Substitute Teacher Folders 18 Testing Schedules 18 Tobacco Use 19 Tutoring 19 Use of Media in the Classroom 19 Volunteers 19 Weapons Policy 20 Wellness Policy 20 Appendices Assessment Calendar Classroom Visitation Guidelines BASD Elementary Discipline Infractions Matrix BASD Elementary Discipline Referral Form Additional Parent/Student Information can be found in the BASD Parent/Student Handbook BASD Forms and a plethora of information are available at the following websites: Academic Integrity (Revised Policy May 2010) Cheating - Cheating includes, but is not limited to, a student copying an assignment or tests and submitting it as his/her own; allowing someone to copy an assignment or test and submit it as her/her own; unauthorized use of or communication with notes, calculates, computers, text books, cell phones, etc during an exam or project; telling other students what is on a test or quiz or providing specific questions or answers. Plagiarism – Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, a student intentionally or negligently uses someone else’s ideas, words or artistic creations without crediting the source. Fabrication or Forgery – Fabrication/forgery includes, but is not limited to, a student using invented information in assignments; using imitations or copies of images, documents, signatures, etc. Obstruction – Obstruction includes, but is not limited to, a student preventing other students from getting their work done or limiting their access to educational resources. Multiple Submissions – Multiple submissions includes, but is not limited to, a student submitting the same work in two or more courses without permission from the teacher(s). Consequences for Academic Integrity Violations are listed in the disciplinary chart/guidelines of this handbook. Attendance Procedures and Regulations for Students Section 1327 of the PA Public School Code establishes a compulsory attendance law. Under this section, all students of compulsory age are required to attend school. Additionally, the NCLB legislation outlines attendance requirements for our schools. Student Attendance is addressed in BASD Policy #204. This policy was updated and revised in the summer of 2007 and again during the summer of 2009. Please encourage regular attendance and punctuality of your students in reporting to school in the morning. The BASD Board considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school: a. Illness b. Quarantine c. Recovery from an accident d. Death in the family e. Impassable roads and/or natural disasters f. Family emergencies g. Educational/Vacation The Board shall permit a student to be excused for participation in a project sponsored statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA, or combined 4-H and FFA group upon written request. The Board will recognize other justifiable absences for part of the school day. These shall include medical or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day, court appearances, family emergencies and other urgent reasons. Specific procedures for attendance violations are outlined in Policy #204. Additional information is also available from Mr. Kris Vancas, the Attendance Officer for the BASD (ext. 2158). Increasing student attendance continues to be an ongoing goal of the BASD. Each elementary school has a slightly different procedure for reporting and documenting daily student attendance. More information is available from the school secretaries or from the attendance information link on the district website. Accident Reports All injuries that occur at work must be reported. Accident Report forms are available in each school office and must be completed at the time of the injury. More information can be obtained from Karla Brown. Attendance Procedures for Teachers The Aesop system will be used again this year. More information about the AESOP system is available through the Human Resources Office. Absence Request forms must be completed, also. These forms are available online and can be accessed only while logged on to the network. Teachers who will have an expected leave lasting more than 10 consecutive days must submit their requests through their building principals before entering the information into Aesop. Increasing teacher attendance is an ongoing goal. An emphasis may be placed on establishing and maintaining good attendance habits this year. Acceptable Use/E-mail Policies and Computers Information about the Acceptable Use Policy for Technology and E-mail is available in the Technology Reference Guide and on the BASD website. Violations of the Acceptable Use Policy may result in disciplinary action. Additional information can be obtained through Rick Knepp or through the technology trainers and specialists. Please note that the computers, the peripheral supports, and available technology resources are properties of the district. Teachers are responsible for the care. Computer labs, printer areas, and copy areas must be kept neat and orderly. In addition, teachers are reminded that the printers are not copy machines and should not be used to print many multiple copies. Please be advised that printers and copiers are not be used for personal printing or copying. Bullying and Cyberbullying Over the past 4 years, all 4 elementary schools have incorporated the Olweus Bullying Program. The Parent/Student Handbook includes information about Bullying and Cyberbullying as such: Bullying shall be defined as when a student is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more students. This could include unwelcome verbal, written, electronic, or physical conduct directed at a student by another student or students, or by an adult. Cyber Bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology during the school day: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another student, teacher, or employee of the District by sending or posting inappropriate or derogatory email messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or web site postings. The Bellefonte Area School District will not tolerate known acts of harassment or bullying occurring on school district property, at school-sponsored activities scheduled on or off school grounds or during the time students necessarily spend traveling to and from school or school –sponsored activities. Complaints of harassment, bullying or cyber bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when a complaint is verified. Neither reprisals nor retaliations shall occur as a result of the submission of a complaint. The District shall annually inform students that harassment, bullying and cyber bullying of students will not be tolerated. A Bullying/Cyber-Bullying Parent Guide is available on our website to help parents/guardians handle bullying situations with their children. Bus and Safety Information A continual emphasis on safety must become a responsibility of everyone in the schools. Please make use of every opportunity to impress the need for safe living at home, school, on the bus or at play. During the first weeks of school, please incorporate a lesson on Bus Safety into your lesson plans. This unit is required in the Chapter 4 Curriculum regulations for all elementary school students. Regarding changes in routine transportation for students, the following is included in the Student/Parent Handbook: It is understood that emergencies arise creating a need to change a child’s normal transportation assignment. Frequent changes can be stressful for a child especially at dismissal. Please maintain a routine for the student so that leaving school each day is a pleasant experience. To ensure the safety of the children, please be advised of the following: Necessary emergency changes must be submitted to the classroom teacher in writing as soon as the child arrives in the morning. The note should contain the following information: -Parent contact information for that day -The reason for the bus change -The address where your child is going -What bus number you wish your child to ride Teachers must send all notes to the office in the morning. Cafeteria Cafeteria, Classroom Assistants, Building Assistants, professional personnel and others will be used to supervise the lunch periods in each elementary school. Procedures and rules vary slightly from elementary school to elementary school. Please see your building principal for more information. The Point of Sale procedure is now utilized in all elementary cafeterias. Information about student or staff accounts can be obtained from the head cooks in each school or from Mrs. Barbara Eckley, Director of Food Services. This year, faculty/staff will not be permitted to charge meals. Questions regarding the breakfast or lunch program can be directed to Mrs. Eckley. Parents are invited to eat lunch with their children. The following is included in the Student/Parent Handbook: If you would like to eat lunch with your child please notify the school cafeteria of your order before 9:00 am. If you wish to join your child more than one time throughout the school year, please contact your building principal to ensure there are no space limitations. Keep in mind some buildings are very limited in space and one visit per year may be necessary to ensure other parents can also visit. When joining your child, we ask you to assist us by modeling positive communication skills and table manners. We welcome the additional support in the cafeteria during the lunch period. Cell Phone Use by Teachers and Staff Members Cell phones are not to be used to receive or make personal calls during class or while students are being supervised during the school day. All ringers on cell phones should be turned off so that the education of the children is not interrupted. Classroom Parties It is recognized that classroom parties are scheduled during Halloween, Christmas and Valentines Day. Any other parties beyond these are at the complete responsibility of that teacher and must be scheduled during a recess, during or after lunch, or during the last thirty minutes of the school day. All other parties should be discussed with the building principal. All classroom parties must be in alignment with the BASD Wellness Policy. The following is included in the Student/Parent Handbook: Classroom parties are held throughout the year for special themes or events. You may be asked to contribute items for these parties. Children truly look forward to these occasions, so if you are able to donate items, when asked, your cooperation would be greatly appreciated. A suggested list of appropriate food items will be provided to you by the classroom teacher. Parents may request that their child not participate in a party if it conflicts with beliefs at home. Such a request should be sent to the child’s teacher. The teacher will make other arrangements for the child by consulting with the school principal. These arrangements will not penalize your child in any way. At times, parents wish to send in food to celebrate a child’s birthday. These recognitions must be coordinated with the classroom teacher. Food items should be limited to one per child and adhere to the district Wellness Policy. Please do not send in treat bags, favors, hats, balloons or small gifts. In order to prevent hurt feelings, please do not send private party invitations to be distributed at school unless you are including the entire class. Student home addresses or phone numbers are not allowed to be given out by the school. Copy Machines and the Please send materials to the Child Study Team and Referrals Concerns about the academic, social, or emotional progress of individual students may be addressed by the Child Study Teams. Meetings are held monthly and on an as-needed basis. Referrals for formal evaluation by the school psychologist are a part of the intervention process. They are not the initial implementation, but rather occur after a series of interventions are implemented and assessed by the CST team. Students who are recommended for retention should be referred through the CST process. More information can be obtained through the school counselors, building principals, or from Dr. Gina MacFalls, the Director of Special Education. Cumulative/Permanent Student Records Records are maintained on each student as an aid to the educational process. Parents may review the records by contacting the guidance counselor or principal at each school. As needed, please keep cumulative records up to date. Permanent Record Folders contain confidential information and may not be taken from the building under any circumstances. Release of records or information to outside agencies will not occur without written permission from the parent. When parents are divorced, both adults have access to medical, dental, and school records of their children, the residence address of those children and of the other parent, and any other information that the court deems necessary, unless there is a written court order denying such access. If additional official reports (ie: report cards) are desired, the parent must make this request in writing. Daily Classroom Schedules Please submit a copy of your classroom schedule to your building principal by Friday, September 23, 2011. Also, each teacher should place a copy of his/her schedule in the Substitute Teacher folder. Schedules may be printed neatly in blue or black ink or may be produced through a computer program. Differentiated Supervision In it anticipated that the Differentiated Supervision plan for professional evaluations will be in effect again this year. A committee was established to review our program and to bring it into compliance with state regulations. Forms and information can be found on the BASD website under the topic of “Professional Development.” It is the responsibility of the teacher to complete and submit the correct forms according to the guidelines and timelines. Also, more information about specific aspects of the Differentiated Supervision plan can be obtained through the building principals or Dr. Cathy Brachbill. This area may be explored or a committee established this year to review and/or revise the plan. If so, more information will be given to teachers. Discipline/Behavior Management During the 2003 – 04 school year, an elementary discipline code and referral form for all elementary schools was created. The discipline matrix was developed using the existing policies for the Bellefonte and DISCIPLINARY CODE Observance of the rules and regulations that govern all phases of school life is expected of all students attending the Bellefonte Area Elementary Schools. Some of the most common types of disciplinary problems and the procedures for dealing with them are described in the following section. It’s understood that the disciplinary actions described herein represent minimal penalties and are intended to only act as a guide for administrative action. In all cases, the student's past record, attitude, and willingness to cooperate in correcting behavior problems will be considered. This disciplinary code has been approved by the Bellefonte Board of Education and will be implemented by the administration.Please Note: **Students/individuals who incite a disciplinary incident are also subject to disciplinary consequences.** (This has been added to the Discipline Code) Dress Policy The following guidelines have been adopted by the BASD School Board and are copied from the Middle School policies. Because our elementary children may not be physically similar to adolescents and are often dressed by their parents, some administrative discretion may prevail. In addition, open-toed shoes and flip flops may present a safety risk for students. Students will not be permitted to wear these types of shoes in areas that could have inherited safety risks, such as the playground, or during physical education classes. Students are not permitted to wear clothing that might cause a disruption of the educational process or that might send an inappropriate message to others. Good judgment should prevail on a student’s part by not wearing clothing that: · calls a great deal of attention to the student · displays obscene or suggestive words · promotes the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs · constitutes a health or safety hazard Specifically, the following parameters must be met regarding school apparel: · Footwear must be secured to the foot. Closed-toe shoes are preferred. Open-toe shoes must have a wide band across the heel or across the instep (the area right in front of the ankle). Flip-flops and sports slides are permitted. · Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be below the individual student’s fingertips when arms are hanging down the student’s sides. · NO clothing is permitted to be worn that has: o Cigarette or alcohol logos o Depictions of drugs, drug use, or drug innuendo o Inappropriate words, pictures, language, or sexual connotations o Advertisements for establishments that contain alcohol or sexual innuendo (i.e., Hooters) o The words bar, lounge, or tavern on it · Shirt length must allow for the raising of a student’s arms over one’s head with no bare skin visible around the midriff (back or front). · No tank tops, shirts with spaghetti straps, muscle shirts, or halter tops are permitted. A “sleeveless” shirt must have a collar. · Pants or jeans must be worn so that no skin or underwear is exposed. · Headwear, to include hats, hoods, and bandanas, is not permitted in the building. Bandanas are not accepted as “headbands” for female students. The dress policy will be enforced throughout the school day and at all school functions, including dances and field trips. Students will be required to change inappropriate clothing. Disciplinary action will be taken against those who repeatedly violate this policy. Professional Dress – According to Board policy #425, professional employees set an example for their students to follow in dress and grooming and should present an image of dignity and encourage respect for authority. These factors act in a positive manner towards the maintenance of school and classroom discipline. When assigned to district duties, professional staff members should be physically clean, neat, well-groomed and dressed in a manner reflecting professional assignment. More information is available in Board policy #425. Electronic Equipment Policy for Students Students are not permitted to bring iPods, radios, walkmans, portable CD players, MP3 players or tape recorders to school unless the equipment is part of a classroom presentation. In addition, laser light pointers and electronic games, such as Nintendo Game Boys, are not permitted in school. Students may possess cellular telephones on school district property and at school district events provided; however, that such phone shall be turned off when students enter the building and/or event. They shall be used only in a manner that is not disruptive to the school and its educational activities. Principals may, in addition, adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations thereto, and as situations may warrant, including but not being limited to revoking such privileges for any and all students. The district shall not be liable for the loss, damage or misuse of any electronic device brought to school by a student. Electronic Device Searches Electronic Device searches must be justified at their inception by reasonable suspicion that policy or law has been violated or is being violated and that evidence of the violation will be disclosed by the search, and the search actually conducted must be reasonable related in scope to the circumstances which justified the search at its inception. School district administrators are authorized, under circumstances justifying such a search as described above, to require students or other persons under the administrator’s jurisdiction to submit to a thorough search of their electronic device. Electronic Devices are defined in Board Policy 237. Emergency/Crisis Plans Under the direction of Mr. Aaron Barto, emergency/crisis plans were created for all of our elementary schools over the past few years. A review of the plans and specific concerns may be addressed during the faculty meetings this school year. More information is available through building principals. Family/Educational Trips According to School Board Policy #204 on pupil attendance, children may be excused from school for trips or vacations for educational purposes. Parents who are planning to take their children on an educational trip during the time that school is in session may request an excused absence for their children. Forms are available at the school offices. As outlined in the policy, certain conditions apply and approval must be obtained from the school principal. The students are expected to complete all school work that is assigned during the approved absence. Requests for educational trips during the PSSA testing windows will not be approved. This year, the PSSA testing windows are from March 12 – 23, 2012 and April 16 – 27, 2012. No educational trips, regardless of the student’s grade level, will be granted during the PSSA testing windows. Field Trips Any field trip beyond 50 miles from the school or overnight trips must now be approved by the Board of Education. Because the Board normally meets the third Tuesday of every month, teachers will need to have their requests processed ten days in advance of the Board meeting before the departure date. The following information is included in the Parent/Student Handbook: In an effort to expand on classroom instruction, teachers, at times, offer a chance for students to partake in educational field trips. These trips are truly worthwhile trips for the youngsters, as they receive first-hand experiences that relate to concepts they have been learning about in school. Parents will be notified in advance of any trip, and will be asked to complete permission slips in order for their child to go on the trip. Children not permitted to go on field trips, for whatever reason, should still report to school. These children will be sent, with assignments, to another classroom in the school. When planning for field trips, teachers will use the guideline of 1 adult for every 10 primary students (K-3) and 1 adult for every 15 intermediate students (4-5). In some situations other school employees will act as chaperones on field trips. When this occurs other adults may not be invited as chaperones. This will be at the discretion of the building principal. Occasionally, parents may also be asked to chaperone field trips. Any individual who acts as a chaperone for a field trip must be a “registered volunteer” in the district. There will be no exceptions. (Please refer to the Volunteer Policy Guidelines located in the appendix for more information) If you are asked, your cooperation will be appreciated so that we can have a better adult/child ratio on the trip. If you are able to chaperone, please make arrangements for younger siblings to stay at home. Your undivided attention is needed for our students. Field trips provide enrichment and extension activities for the classroom. Students must maintain both academic and behavioral standards to be able to participate in the field trips. Teachers will communicate with both students and parents if there is a concern about a student not being able to participate in a field trip. NOTE: Administration can permit or deny a student the field trip based on individual circumstances. Fire Drills In accordance with PA law, 9 fire drills will be held in each school each year. Basic procedures for all buildings include: a. EVERYONE must leave the building. b. Absolute silence is essential so that emergency directions may be heard if they must be given by school or official personnel. c. All room windows and doors must be closed. Lights should be turned off. d. The teacher should take a class roll and/or plan book. e. A signal, such as a bell or horn, will be given for the return to classrooms. f. Occasionally, an exit will be blocked. In such an event, the teacher will instruct students to reverse direction and leave the building by means of the nearest exit. g. Fire exit maps should be clearly posted in each classroom and information should be included in the Substitute Teacher Folder. Food in the Classrooms While it is recognized that classes may have a daily snack or a special event, such as a party, teachers are asked to limit the consumption of other foods in the classrooms and to maintain an environment clean of food wastes. This request is made to discourage the infestation of ants, mice and other pests. In addition, all classroom activities must be in alignment with the BASD Wellness Policy. Both children and adults may have water bottles at school to drink water as needed. Food, soda, coffee and other beverages should not be consumed while teaching or supervising students. Forms Teachers must complete all required forms in a timely manner. Forms, such as payment reimbursement, mileage, extra duty/extra pay, IEP reimbursement, conference reimbursement, etc., must be submitted monthly or within the month of the meeting or event. The Conference Summary forms must be completed and submitted to the building principal after the event. Harassment/Unlawful Harassment Unlawful Harassment is addressed in Board Policy #248, #348, #448, and #548 and in the elementary student discipline code. The Board strives to provide a safe, positive learning and working climate for its students and employees. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the district to maintain an environment in which harassment in any form is not tolerated. The Board prohibits all forms of unlawful harassment of students and employees by all district students and staff members, contracted individuals and vendors, and volunteers in the school. The Board encourages students and employees who have been harassed to report promptly such incidents to the designated administrators. Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the district’s legal and investigative obligations. The complete Unlawful Harassment Policy is located in the BASD Policy Manual and is also available from the Human Resources Office. At this time, Dr. Cathy Brachbill will be serving as the Title IX Coordinator for the BASD. Homework The ID Badges As outlined in Board Policy #445, Identification cards will be utilized in BASD for identification purposes in all district buildings by all employees to ensure a safe school environment. All employees will be issued Bellefonte Area School District ID cards that will contain the individual’s picture, name, job title, and building assignment. BASD ID cards must be visibly worn during normal school hours while on school property. The ID card is the property of the BASD. In the event the card is lost, a replacement card will be issued at the employee’s expense. Instructional Time Allotments The research suggests that to increase achievement, we must increase instructional time. With the incorporation of the PA Standards, specific time requirements in each subject area were eliminated at the state level. Teachers are encouraged to focus the instructional time on Instrumental Music Lessons Any fourth or fifth grade student may participate in the instrumental music program. The instrumental music teachers will contact each teacher to schedule students. Your encouragement is needed to get students to participate. If you feel a child is not able to participate in instrumental music because of the financial responsibility, please contact your instrumental music teacher or building principal. Lesson Plans Lesson Plans are addressed in Board Policy #111. No lesson can be taught well unless the teacher is thoroughly prepared. At the time of this printing, some changes were being considered for the format and the submission of lesson plans. Any new requirements will be discussed with teachers prior to the beginning of school. However, each plan must include the Learning Objectives, PA Standards to be addressed, the Content and/or Skills to be learned, Learning Activities/Methodology, Assessments, and any Resources/Materials that may be used. Lesson plans must be submitted by 8:00 AM on Monday or on the first day of each instructional week if Monday is a day off. Personal Days Personal leave is governed by the contractual language with BAEA. Please refer to the contract for specific guidelines. Playground/Recess Procedures and rules for the playground and recess vary slightly from building to building. Please see your building principal for more information or specific guidelines. Please submit a copy of your playground/recess schedule to your building principal by Friday, September 23, 2011. The following information is included in the Parent/Student Handbook: It is important for students to have the opportunity to participate in some form of physical activity during the school day. A twenty minute outdoor recess is provided to the students when the actual or real feel temperature is 20 degrees or above. When additional inclement weather conditions exist students may have indoor recess. Professionalism There are bound to be differences among professional employees. This is as it should be. However, disagreements among teachers must be settled in privacy and never in the presence of children or other adults. No professional employee has the right to criticize other professional and non-professional employees in the presence of pupils or parents. For the good of all, we must work together as a team, smoothly and cooperatively. Showing professionalism is essential at all times. Confidentiality is of utmost importance in our schools. Teachers should not publicly or openly discuss particular children, specific incidents, or general school observations except with appropriate school personnel. Additional attributes of exemplary professionalism include contributing to the school and to the district and growing and developing professionally. As an example in the first area, teachers, administrators and staff members are accountable for the implementation of the educational initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan. And, accordingly, attendance and appropriate participation in district professional development opportunities are imperative. Progress Reports Between the nine-week reporting periods, any exceptional growth or diminishing effort on the student’s part should be reported to the parents by the teacher. If a child is having difficulty, please make the parent(s) and the building principal, if applicable, aware of the situation. If a child is in danger of failing a subject, a progress report must be sent to the parents indicating the possibility of failure. PTO/PTA All elementary schools have a parent-teacher organization or association. These organizations ardently support the schools, teachers and students. Active participation and support from the teachers are encouraged. Public Relations Communications with parents is a major role of the teacher. Parents are interested in the educational progress of their children. We should welcome this interest and use it for our assistance. Teachers are encouraged to communicate with parents regularly. Punctuality According to Board policy #418, school programs cannot commence and students cannot be taught at prescribed times without the punctual attendance of the professional staff. Timely attendance by district employees is a matter of concern to the Board. More information can be found in the Board policy. Punctuality is also imperative during the school day. Teachers must be punctual during transitions, such as picking up or delivering students to specials, to lunch or recess, to special events, etc. School Rules and In Loco Parentis The following information is included in the Parent/Student Handbooks: During the school day, school officials are responsible for the well-being of all students. This authority is called in loco parentis, meaning “in place of the parents.” Because of in loco parentis, it is the school’s responsibility to ensure the rights and well-being of all students, as well as take measures necessary to provide a positive and safe learning environment. At the Bellefonte Area Elementary Schools, three basic guidelines prevail: · Respect others · Respect self · Respect school property These three basic guidelines encompass the many specific rules and regulations that typically are enforced in schools. The Disciplinary Code that is included in the appendix details specific infractions and their subsequent consequences. Students and parents are advised to become familiar with this code as a preventive measure against poor judgment and inappropriate behavior on the part of students. Severe Weather Drills The severe weather drills are usually held in the spring. Each building has a designated plan for severe weather, and the information should be reviewed with the students. Specific information can be obtained from your building principal. Student Advisory Councils Dr. Potteiger plans to resume the meetings with the Student Advisory Councils in each elementary school this year. The selection of students and more information will be provided in September or October. Student Searches Student searches must be justified at their inception by reasonable suspicion that policy or law has been violated or is being violated and that evidence of the violation will be disclosed by the search, and the search actually conducted must be reasonable related in scope to the circumstances which justified the search at its inception. School district administrators are authorized, under circumstances justifying such a search as described above, to require students or other persons under the administrator’s jurisdiction to submit to a thorough search of their person and personal belongings including, but not limited to, clothing, shoes, handbags, backpacks and wallets to seize any unauthorized materials. Any individual/student who refuses to comply or cooperate with these expectations will result in parent/guardian and local law enforcement contact, as well as possible suspension from school and subject other disciplinary action. If a more extensive search is required it will be conducted by local law enforcement. Lockers can also be searched based upon the above criteria and held to the same expectations. Student Supervision Because we can be open to liability, it is imperative that students are supervised at all times. Teachers must be at classrooms when students are arriving in the morning. If you must step away from your room while your students are present, please notify another teacher/aide to supervise your classroom. Classroom teachers should be located near the classroom doors when students are arriving/dismissing to assist with hall supervision as students are traveling to/from their classrooms. Itinerant teachers also should be located in the hallways to assist with supervision during transition times. Each building has specific guidelines for student supervision in addition to these guidelines. But, teachers are reminded to be punctual with students during all transitions. More information may be presented by your building principal. Student Teachers We welcome your commitment to assist new members to our profession. If you have a student teacher, please review the handbook and discuss confidentiality issues with the student teacher. Information about student teachers in the BASD can be found in Board Policy #407. Substitute Teacher Folders A Substitute Teacher’s Folder should be kept by all teachers. The following information should be included, but not limited to: a. Seating chart or class list, if name tags are used b. Daily schedule c. Fire Drill procedures d. Schedule of special student activities, such as Title I, Instrumental Lessons, etc. e. Location of lesson plans f. Special education passports Please make sure that the folders are visible and readily accessible for substitute teachers. Some elementary schools have Emergency Procedures bags. The items listed here should also be included in each teacher’s bag. Testing Schedules A Tentative Assessment Calendar is included in the appendix. The 4Sights, ISIP and PSSA testing schedules will be administered according to the schedule. The 4Sights tests will be administered for both Reading and Mathematics this year. Tobacco Use Tobacco use is strictly prohibited on school property and/or while supervising students. Please see Board policy #423 for more information. Tutoring The district has established guidelines and procedures for tutoring students. These guidelines must be followed. Please see your building principal or guidance counselor for more information. Use of Media in the Classroom The use of visual media in the classroom is another modality of introducing or reinforcing a concept within the curricular framework of teaching assignments. It is also a tool that can be over used to the extent that it detracts form other strategies that should be employed to make the most effective use of instructional time. Please use these guidelines when considering using visual media (video tapes, DVD’s, movies, video streaming, filmstrips, films, instructional television programs, etc.)
Volunteers We encourage the use of volunteers in our schools. At this time, the procedures may vary slightly from one building to another. A new Volunteer Policy was adopted by the School Board in the Summer 2010. The Volunteer Policy is available online and in each school office and is included in the Student/Parent Handbook. Weapons Policy The PA Weapons Policy was enacted several years ago and has strict guidelines. Please briefly review the policy with your students during the first week of school. The BASD School Board made slight revisions to the stated policy in Spring 2010. The following information reflects the changes and is included in the Parent/Student Handbook: State legislation has a “zero tolerance” policy regarding the possession of weapons on school property or on the bus. In compliance with the law, the following rules and guidelines apply: · Weapons are not permitted anywhere on school grounds or on busses that transport students to school. · Examples of weapons include: any object, device or instrument designed as a weapon or through its use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflict self-injury including, but not limited to: any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; pneumatic guns, including but not limited to, pellet, BB, airsoft and paintball guns; knives; blades; clubs; metal/brass knuckles; nunchucks; throwing stars; explosive, incendiary or poisonous gas; any combustible or flammable liquid; fireworks; mace and other propellants; stun guns; ammunition; poisons; chains; arrows; objects that have been modified to serve as a weapon; or any other item which is used to threaten, strike terror, or cause bodily harm or death even though it is normally considered to not present a danger to other · Items that can be considered weapons, and subject to confiscation/discipline include: o Chains, as jewelry or on wallets o Razors and blades o Cap guns Should a knife or other implement be brought to school by mistake, the student MUST bring it to the office immediately and explain the situation. It is extremely important for students to refrain from making this mistake, as “zero tolerance” requires harsh punishment that could result in a one-year expulsion from school. Wellness Policy According to changes in federal laws, our district formulated a Wellness Policy, which was adopted by the School Board in May, 2006. The policy requires changes to many classroom practices. The policy may be reviewed at upcoming faculty meetings. Mrs. Barbara Eckley led the initiative, and more information can be obtained from her. Bellefonte Area School District 2011 – 2012 Assessment Calendar
CLASSROOM VISITATION BY NONOFFICIAL PERSONNEL These guidelines are generated to insure a more uniform and systemic method for scheduling classroom visitation during instructional hours. This does not limit or restrict teacher conferences during non-instructional periods. Visitation forms may be obtained by calling the building principal's office. Visitation requests are to be directed to the appropriate building principal. For the purpose of these guidelines, persons classified as "official" shall be any district personnel, university or college faculty working in conjunction with district programs, members of the Intermediate Unit 10 staff, or any other person(s) performing a function approved by the district. Individuals or agencies classified as "nonofficial" must use the following procedures in visiting classes and/or programs under the direction of the
· No more than two adults may visit a class at any one time. · The length of the visitation may not exceed one and one-half hours. · There may not be more than two visitations per month per classroom unless the Superintendent authorizes additional visitations. · Requests will be submitted at least three instructional days prior to the desired date of visitation.
· Requests for documents or data shall be made at the time the visitation is requested. Access to student/teacher records will be determined by District Policy.
· The
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