homestead middle school faculty handbook 2012 -...

HOMESTEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY HANDBOOK

2012 - 2013

Rachelle A. Surrancy, Principal

650 N.W. 2nd

Avenue Homestead, Florida 33030 305-247-4221 (ofc) 305-247-1098 (fax)

http://homesteadmiddle.dadeschools.net/

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida

Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman, Chair

Dr. Lawrence S. Feldman, Vice Chair

Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall

Mr. Carlos L. Curbelo

Mr. Renier Diaz de la Portilla

Dr. Wilbert "Tee" Holloway

Dr. Martin Karp

Dr. Marta Pérez

Ms. Raquel A. Regalado

Ms. Hope Wilcox, Student Advisor

Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Alberto M. Carvalho

Deputy Superintendent of Schools

District/School Operations

Mr. Freddie Woodson

2012 – 2013 Faculty Handbook

HOMESTEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL 650 N.W. 2nd



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TABLE OF CONTENTS Vision and Mission Statements ....................................................................................... 6 Administrative Responsibilities ....................................................................................... 7 Instructional Personnel .................................................................................................... 9

Instructional Council Student Services Department Department Chairpersons Team Leaders Paraprofessionals Media Staff

Non-Instructional Personnel .......................................................................................... 10 Office Staff Cafeteria Staff Custodial Staff Security Staff Technology Staff

Faculty Contact List ....................................................................................................... 11 Daily Bell Schedule ....................................................................................................... 12 Early Release Bell Schedule ......................................................................................... 13 Daily Lunch Schedule .................................................................................................... 14 Early Release Lunch Schedule ..................................................................................... 15 Weekly Meeting Schedule ............................................................................................. 16 Secondary School Calendar .......................................................................................... 17 Important Dates to Remember ...................................................................................... 18 Faculty Organizations .................................................................................................... 19

Educational Excellence School Advisory Council United Teachers Dade Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) Faculty Club/Social Committee

Department Chairperson Responsibilities .................................................................... 20 Team Leader Responsibilities ...................................................................................... 21 Professional Responsibilities of the Teacher ................................................................ 22 Substitute Teacher Procedures ..................................................................................... 23 Instructional Responsibilities ........................................................................................ 23

Work Hours Teacher Absences

Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 24 Emergency Lesson Plans Early Departure / Late Arrival Procedures Faculty Meetings Copy Machine Employee Accidents or Injuries

Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 25 Telephone Use





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Parking Smoking Employee Assistance Program School Plant Security Against Theft and Vandalism Keys Visitors

Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 26 Building Maintenance No Eating or Drinking, Food or Beverages in Classrooms Access to Student Records Audio-Visual Materials Lesson Plans

Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 27 Examinations Home Learning

Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 28 Student Folders Textbooks

Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 30 Grades Academic Grades Effort Grades Conduct Grades

Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 31 Teacher Overrides Makeup Work Incomplete Grades Interim Progress Reports Unsatisfactory Progress Reports Teacher- Parent Communication

Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 32 Report Cards Homeroom/Class Attendance Verification of Daily Attendance Bulletin

Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 33 Class Absence Report Attendance Procedures Tardy Procedures Attendance Bulletin

Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 34 Homebound, Home/Hospital Instructional Program School Philosophy Regarding Student Behavior Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Positive Reinforcement

Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 35





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Discipline Improvement Plan Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 36

Daily Security Operation Procedures Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 37

School Center for Specialized Instruction (SCSI) Instructional Responsibilities (cont.) .............................................................................. 38

Search and Seizure Procedures Student Activities ........................................................................................................... 38

Sponsors’ Organizational Responsibilities Sales of Food Extracurricular Activities

Athletics ......................................................................................................................... 39 Coaching Supplements Sports Team Requirements

Media Program .............................................................................................................. 39 Media Programs Library/Media Center No Food or Drink Permitted in the Media Center Circulation Audio-Visual

Copyright Basics ........................................................................................................... 41 Fair Use

Money Matters .............................................................................................................. 42 Important Rules to Remember

Fund Raising Guidelines ............................................................................................... 43 General Information Field Trips

Homestead Middle School’s Emergency Plan ............................................................... 46

Personnel Responsibilities Emergency Evacuation Procedures (Turkey Point) ....................................................... 50 School-Based Critical Incident Response Team ........................................................... 52 Appendix ...................................................................................................................... 53

Calendar Request Form Field Trip Procedures Request for Field Trip Permission Field Trip Education Plan Field Trip Lunch Request Form Field Trip Roster Request for Approval to Use Private Car for Transportation Employee Leave Request Form Temporary Duty Request Form





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VISION:

Homestead Middle School will provide all of its students with engaging, relevant,

and rigorous instruction in every classroom, every day, from bell to bell, in order

to develop life-long learners, global awareness, respect for diversity, and healthy,

loving, and responsible citizens.

MISSION:

The mission of Homestead Middle School is to provide a rigorous and engaging

curriculum in a safe, nurturing, collaborative environment, where reflective,

knowledgeable practitioners welcome and address students’ diverse needs. Our

school community is committed to equipping our students with the intellectual,

social, and emotional skills to succeed in a global, telematic world as we

challenge them to rise to their potential.





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HOMESTEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIGNMENTS

2012-2013

Mrs. Isabel Tamayo-Oramas Assistant Principal for Curriculum

Curriculum IPEGS

Mathematics

Reading

Science Co-chair of Curriculum Leadership Team Assist w/ facilitating bi-weekly meetings Receive and maintain Department Meeting Agendas and Sign-in Sheets Member of Literacy Team Member of Curriculum Cabinet Master Schedule Textbooks – Ordering Articulation/Subject Selection Staff Development School Improvement Plan Department Chairs PMP’s TUTORING PROGRAMS Afterschool and Saturday FCAT tutoring Programs SES Tutoring Programs BUSINESS OPERATIONS Payroll Back-up

BUDGET Assists with developing the budgets for:

SBBS

Title

Magnet Program NON-INSTRUCTIONAL Clerical (except for Principal’s Secretary) Paraprofessionals SCHOOL COMMUNITY PTSA Parent Resource Center

Maintain and update if Parent Resource Center

Develop and monitor log for Resource Center

Parent Academy Bilingual Parent Academy STUDENT SERVICES SUBSTITUTES TITLE I TESTING AND ASSESSMENT

all other duties designated and assigned by the Principal





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HOMESTEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIGNMENTS

2012-2013

Mr. Harold Ford Assistant Principal for Operations

CURRICULUM IPEGS

Social Studies

Language Arts

SPED Member of Literacy Leadership Team Member of Curriculum Cabinet Co-Chair of Team Leaders’ Cadre

Facilitate Monthly meetings

Receive and maintain Team Meeting Agendas and Sign-in Sheets

Textbooks – Inventory ATTENDANCE & TARDIES Responsible for implementation of School-wide Attendance Plan BUSINESS OPERATIONS Activities Oversee and monitor all school sponsored activities including, but not limited to: classes and clubs, field trips and athletics BUDGET Assists with developing the budgets for: SBBS Title I Magnet Program DISCIPLINE All Grades SCSI

PHYSICAL PLANT Emergency Procedures Property Control Hurricane Preparedness Facilities Usage Agreements NON-INSTRUCTIONAL Security Oversee Security Personnel Emergency Procedures Custodial SCHOOL COMMUNITY School Volunteers Designate staff to input volunteer forms Monitor the Volunteer Log Monitor the Volunteers Supply Principal with Volunteer list on a monthly basis United Way – Employee Campaign Dade Partners LUNCH APPLICATIONS TRANSPORTATION WEB SITE

all other duties designated and assigned by the Principal





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Instructional Personnel

Instructional Council

Rachelle A. Surrancy, Principal Katori Wisdom, Reading Coach

Harold Ford, Assistant Principal Ronda Cobb, Science Coach

Isabel Tamayo-Oramas, Asst. Prin. TBA, Math Coach

Keisha McIntyre-McCullough, IB Lead Teacher

Student Services Department

Shirley Jean-Felix Andre Guidance Counselor 6th, 7th and 8th Grade

Irahima Montoya ESE Program Specialist

Alva Bowen Social Worker

Alyna Bello School Psychologist

Rebecca Livingstone Speech/Language Pathologist

Connie Vindigni Staffing Specialist

Departmental Chairpersons Language Arts

Reading Katori Wisdom

Mathematics

Science Ronda Cobb

Social Studies Lynn Scott

ESOL/Foreign Languages

Special Education Irahima Montoya

Workforce Development Sue Underwood

Student Services

Team Leaders IB/Gifted

Grade 6

Grade 7 Chiffon Dorsey

Grade 8 Cynthia Cooper

E.B.D. Artisa Bush

E.S.E. Sherry Herndon

Paraprofessionals Catherine Newland Lissette Rivera

Media Staff TBA Media Specialist

Daniel Jones Audio Visual Tech





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Non-Instructional Personnel

Office Staff Lisa Burke Principal’s Secretary

Terisa Carroll Secretary/Treasurer

Carletha Davis Registrar

Dominique Taylor Discipline Clerk

Elsa Orama Data Input Specialist

Cafeteria Staff Maria Quila Manager Cynthia Harper Satellite Assistant

Magaly Acosta Worker Lourdes Perez Worker

Alvah Raymond III Worker Zaida Alvarez Worker

Maria Clemente Worker Berta Licea Worker

Fermina Santana Worker Eva Guzman Worker

Oraida Hernandez Worker Primitiva Hernandez Worker

Margarita Torres Worker Hildelisa Perez Worker

Custodial Staff

Michael Birts Head Custodian

Teddie O’Connor Lead Custodian

Luis Cruz Custodian

Latoya Graham Custodian

Jesus Martinez Custodian

Timothy Taylor Custodian

Security Staff

Phyllis Anderson Security Monitor

Sammy Keen Security Monitor

Willie Mae Perry Security Monitor

Technology Staff Oscar Dominguez Microsystems Computer Technician

Daniel Jones Audio Visual Tech.





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HOMESTEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Faculty Contact List

2012-2013

Teacher’s Name Room # Email Address

Alonge, Adewale 112 [email protected]

Bess, Justin 300 [email protected]

Bishop, Bryce 110 [email protected]

Brid, Patricia 120 [email protected]

Bush, Artisa 111A [email protected]

Carasco-Inman, Michelle 118 [email protected]

Castillo, Lorena 201 [email protected]

Cobb, Ronda Main [email protected]

Cooper, Cynthia 7 [email protected]

Dorsey, Chiffion 103 [email protected]

Edwards, Alicia 101 [email protected]

Foster, Richard 104 [email protected]

Gonzalez, Marisela 100 [email protected]

Hammett, Cynthia 204 [email protected]

Herndon, Sherry 302 [email protected]

Jean-Felix Andre, Shirley Main [email protected]

Johnson, Jennifer 220 [email protected]

Jones, Shulanda 303 [email protected]

Juste, Marie 123 [email protected]

Lewis, Benita 3 [email protected]

Madrigal, Nancy 222 [email protected]

Malvestuto, George PE [email protected]

McIntyre-McCullough, Keisha 102 [email protected]

Montoya, Irahima 102 [email protected]

Nelson, Valarie 221 [email protected]

Nix, Ronnica 105 [email protected]

O’Brien, Maureen 223 [email protected]

Perez-Varela, Bruce 121 [email protected]

Porter, Kylah 304 [email protected]

Pratt-Lordeus, TeMia 1 [email protected]

Reid, Isabel 305 [email protected]

Remming, Laura Collins 200 [email protected]

Rosales, Dalgis 301 [email protected]

Scott, Lynn 122 [email protected]

Smith, Samuel 5 [email protected]

Tennial, Marhonte 203 [email protected]

Tomlinson, Charlie 109 [email protected]

Underwood, Minnie S. 113 [email protected]

Watts, Sheleathia 111B [email protected]

Wisdom, Katori Main [email protected]





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DAILY BELL SCHEDULE

2012-2013

Period Start Time End Time # of Minutes

Block I 7:40 am 9:25 am 105 minutes

Passing 9:25 am 9:30 am 5 minutes

Homeroom 9:30 am 9:40 am 10 minutes


Block 2 9:45 am 12:30 pm 165 minutes

Literacy 9:45 am 10:15 am 30 minutes

Lunch I 10:20 am 10:50 am 30 minutes

Lunch II 11:10 am 11:40 am 30 minutes

Lunch III 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 30 minutes

Passing 12:30 pm 12:35 pm 5 minutes

Block 3 12:35 pm 2:20 pm 105 minutes





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EARLY RELEASE BELL SCHEDULE

2012-2013

Period Start Time End Time # of Minutes

Block I 7:40 am 8:40 am 60 minutes


Homeroom 8:45 am 9:00 am 15 minutes


Block 2 9:05 am 10:05 pm 60 minutes


Block 3 10:10 am 12:20 am 130 minutes

Literacy 10:10 am 10:40 am 30 minutes

Lunch I 10:40 am 11:10 am 30 minutes

Lunch II 11:15 am 11:45 am 30 minutes

Lunch III 11:50 am 12:20 pm 30 minutes

Dismissal 12:20 pm


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DAILY LUNCH SCHEDULE

2012-2013

Table Seats Session I Session II Session III Session IV

# 9:50 am – 10:20 am 10:20 am – 10:50 am 11:10 am – 11:40 am 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm

1 36 SCSI Gonzalez Porter Alonge

2 36 Bush* Nix Jones Underwood

3 36 Watts* McIntyre/Montoya Herndon O’Brien

4 36 Bishop* Foster Bess Johnson

5 36 Dorsey Rosales Nelson

6 36 Edwards Reid Madrigal

7 48 Castillo Tomlinson Scott

8 48 Hammett Carasco-Inman Perez-Varela

9 48 Remmen Cooper Brid/Juste

10 36 Tennial Pratt-Lordeus Malvestuto (PE)

11 36 Lewis Malvestuto (PE)

Travel time to and from the cafeteria should be estimated at 2 minutes. Therefore, no classes should be arriving at the cafeteria prior

to 3 minutes before their scheduled lunch time and students should be picked up within 2 minutes after their lunch time.

The students will be monitored in the cafeteria by Mr. Bishop. Ms. Bush and Ms. Watts will take lunch from 9:50 am – 10:20 am. Mr.

Bishop will take lunch from 10:30 am – 11:00 am.


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EARLY RELEASE LUNCH SCHEDULE

2012-2013

Table Seats Session I Session II Session III Session IV

# 10:10 am – 10:40 am 10:40 am – 11:10 am 11:15 am – 11:45 am 11:50 pm – 12:20 pm

1 36 SCSI Gonzalez Porter Alonge

2 36 Bush* Nix Jones Underwood

3 36 Watts* McIntyre/Montoya Herndon O’Brien

4 36 Bishop* Foster Bess Johnson

5 36 Dorsey Rosales Nelson

6 36 Edwards Reid Madrigal

7 48 Castillo Tomlinson Scott

8 48 Hammett Carasco-Inman Perez-Varela

9 48 Remmen Cooper Brid/Juste

10 36 Tennial Pratt-Lordeus Malvestuto (PE)

11 36 Lewis Malvestuto (PE)

Travel time to and from the cafeteria should be estimated at 2 minutes. Therefore, no classes should be arriving at the cafeteria prior

to 3 minutes before their scheduled lunch time and students should be picked up within 2 minutes after their lunch time.

The students will be monitored in the cafeteria by Mr. Bishop. Ms. Bush and Ms. Watts will take lunch from 10:10 am – 10:40 am.

Mr. Bishop will take lunch from 10:50 am – 11:20 am.





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Weekly Meeting Schedule

Meeting Dates

A.M. P.M. Meetings/Responsibilities Meeting Place

Monday n/a

2:25 p.m.

Department Meetings

Department Chair Meetings (1st Monday of the Month)

Team Leader Meetings (2nd Monday of the Month)

Literacy Leadership Team Meetings (3rd Monday of the Month)

Department Chair’s Rooms Conference Room Conference Room

Media Center

Tuesday n/a

2:25 p.m.

Level 1 Student Team Meetings or Parent Conferences

EESAC Meetings (1st

Tuesday of the Month)

Faculty Meetings (2nd & 4th

Tuesdays of the Month)

Team Leader Rooms

Media Center

Media Center

Wednesday n/a

2:25 p.m.

Grade Level Curriculum Meetings every other week

Department Curriculum Meetings every other week

Grade 6, Room 103 Grade 7, Room 304 Grade 8, Room 223 Dept. Chair Rooms

Thursday n/a

2:25 p.m.

Level 1 Student Team Meetings or Parent Conferences

Team Leader Rooms

Friday n/a

2:25 p.m.

New Teacher Support

IB Area of Interaction Meetings

Room 304 Room 103




http://homesteadmiddle.dadeschools.net/ 17

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2012-2013 SCHOOL CALENDAR

ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY

FLORIDA COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT TEST® FCAT SUNSHINE STATE STANDARDS (SSS) / FCAT 2.0 NEXT GENERATION SSS

OCTOBER 8 – 19, 2012 GRADES 11–ADULT FCAT MATHEMATICS/ 2.0 READING/ RETAKES

DECEMBER 4 – 5, 2012 GRADES 4, 8, AND 10 FCAT 2.0 WRITING PROMPT FIELD TEST

FEBRUARY 26 –28, 2013 GRADES 4, 8, AND 10 FCAT 2.0 WRITING APRIL 8 – 19, 2013 GRADES 11–ADULT FCAT MATHEMATICS /2.0 READING/

RETAKES

APRIL 15 – 26, 2013 GRADES 3–10 FCAT 2.0 READING APRIL 15 – 26, 2013 GRADES 3–8 FCAT 2.0 MATHEMATICS APRIL 15 – 26, 2013 GRADES 5 AND 8 FCAT 2.0 SCIENCE

For information on employee opt days, please refer to back of calendar.

New Teachers Report

Teacher Planning Day

* Teacher Planning Day No Opt

Legal Holiday

Recess Day

Beg/End of Grading Period

Secondary Early Release

End of Grading Period/Secondary

Early Release Day

Days in Grading

Period

1-46

2-45

3-41

4-48




http://homesteadmiddle.dadeschools.net/ 18

2012-2013 SCHOOL CALENDAR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS MIAMI, FLORIDA

August 16, 17, 2012 Teacher planning days; no students in school August 20 First Day of School; begin first semester September 3 Labor Day; holiday for students and employees September 17*+# Teacher planning day; no students in school September 26*+# Teacher planning day; no students in school October 25 Secondary early release day and end of first grading period; first semester October 26*+# Teacher planning day; no students in school

October 29 Begin second grading period; first semester November 6 Teacher planning day; Professional Development Day-not available to opt; no

students in school November 12 Observation of Veterans’ Day; holiday for students and employees November 22 Thanksgiving; Board-approved holiday for students and employees November 23 Recess Day

December 13 Secondary early release day December 24- Winter recess for students and all employees with the exception of Fraternal Order of

January 4, 2013 Police Employees; January 17 Secondary early release day and end first semester and second grading period

January 18 *+# Teacher planning day; no students in school January 21 Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday; holiday for students and employees January 22 Begin second semester; third grading period February 1 Teacher planning day; Professional Development Day-not available to opt; no

students in school February 14 Secondary early release day February 18 All Presidents Day; holiday for students and employees March 21 End third grading period; second semester March 22 *+# Teacher planning day, no students in school March 25 - 29 Spring recess for students and all employees with the exception of Fraternal Order of

Police Employees April 1 Begin fourth grading period; second semester May 2 Secondary early release day May 27 Observance of Memorial Day; holiday for students and employees June 6 Last Day of School; end fourth grading period; second semester June 7 Teacher planning day; no students in school

NOTE: Every Wednesday – Students (Grades 2-8) in elementary and K-8 Centers are released one (1) hour early

Job Category Beginning Date Ending Date

Teachers new to the system August 9, 2012 June 7, 2013 Assistant Principals and 10-month clerical August 9, 2012 June 14, 2013 Cafeteria Managers August 13, 2012 June 7, 2013 Satellite Cafeteria Managers August 15, 2012 June 6, 2013 All Instructional Staff, Paraprofessionals & Security August 16, 2012 June 7, 2013 Assistant to Cafeteria Managers/MAT Specialists August 17, 2012 June 6, 2013 Cafeteria Workers (part-time) August 20, 2012 June 6, 2013

*Teachers/paraprofessionals and school support personnel may opt to work one or two days, August 14, 15,

2012, or June 10, 11, 2013, in lieu of any one or two of the following days: September 17, 2012, September 26, 2012, October 26, 2012, January 18, 2013, and March 22, 2013. November 6, 2012, and February 1, 2013, are Professional Development Days and are not available to opt. +Teachers new to Miami-Dade County Public Schools may opt to work one or two days, June 10, 11, 2013, in

lieu of any one or two of the following days: September 17, 2012, September 26, 2012, October 26, 2012, January 18, 2013, and March 22, 2013. November 6, 2012, and February 1, 2013, are Professional Development Days and are not available to opt. #Ten-month secretarial and clerical employees may opt to work one or two days, August 7, 8, 2012, or June 17,

18, 2013, in lieu of any one or two of the following days: September 17, 2012, September 26, 2012, October 26, 2012, January 18, 2013, and March 22, 2013. November 6, 2012, and February 1, 2013, are Professional Development Days and are not available to opt.





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FACULTY ORGANIZATIONS EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (EESAC) As stipulated in Blueprint 2000, Florida’s system for school improvement and educational accountability, each school must establish a school advisory council, which shall be named an Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC) in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Each Miami Dade County Public School’s “council” must be composed of the principal, and an appropriately balanced number of teachers, educational support employees, students, parents, and other business and community citizens who are representative of the ethnic, racial, linguistic and economic community served by the school. A roster of the 2012 – 2013 EESAC will be included as soon as the council is selected and all vacant positions filled. All EESAC meetings will take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 2:25 p.m. in the Media Center. UNITED TEACHERS OF DADE

Cynthia Cooper – Union Stewart Bruce Perez-Varela – Union Stewart Alternate

PARENT TEACHER STUDENT ASSOCIATION (PTSA) Membership to the Parent Teacher Student Association is open and is strongly recommended to all. The association provides much instructional, community and financial support to the school. The PTSA has a mailbox in the mailroom. A roster of the 2012 – 2013 PTSA Board will be included as soon as all vacant positions are filled. FACULTY CLUB/SOCIAL COMMITTEE The Faculty Club functions as the support group to the staff. Their activities include:

Birthday Acknowledgements

Bereavement Condolences

Social Fellowship Activities

Retirement Salutation

Wedding Congratulations.





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DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the development of the Instructional Focus Calendar and use Department Meetings to offer

strategies to ensure its implementation and effectiveness.

Promote and model the Literacy across the Curriculum Plan.

Use Department Meetings and Curriculum Department Meetings to promote best practices.

Continue to work with colleagues in analyzing data to identify strengths and weaknesses of the FCAT benchmarks.

Ensure the completion of Progress Monitoring Plans for all FCAT Level 1 students.

Serve as the instructional leader of your department and lead with superb professionalism.

Ensure Department Meetings are well-organized and relevant to teachers.

Lead and/or organize professional development sessions during Wednesday’s curriculum meetings.

Lead and/or organize professional development from your department at selected school-wide faculty meetings.

Organize, call, and chair departmental business meetings.

Organize, call, and chair departmental curriculum meetings.

Provide agenda for department meetings to Principal by 5:00 P.M. on the Friday prior to the subsequent week for approval.

Provide minutes from all department meetings to the Principal.

Ensure members of the department attend meetings and are punctual.

Provide monthly reports of parental attendance to any department functions to the Title I coordinator.

Provide supplies and materials as needed to department members.

Maintain department inventories of all instructional materials.

Assist your department in matters related to curriculum and classroom management.

Circulate relevant information to department members.

Complete departmental administrative reports, forms, surveys, etc.

Plan and facilitate your department’s Family Curriculum Night.

Serve as “master teacher” in your area – curriculum, classroom organization and management.

Attend department chair meetings when scheduled with the administration.

Attend meetings such as the Department Chairpersons, EESAC, etc. to relay relevant information to department members and stay current on school matters.

Help coordinate department textbook ordering by selecting appropriate instructional materials.

Ensure that the school-wide textbook distribution procedure is implemented within your department with fidelity.

Ensure that students are properly placed within the department – make recommendations, advise students, communicate with counselors.

Conduct periodic evaluations of the department and then provide leadership necessary to correct perceived needs and opportunities for improvement.

Complete inventory and property control reports.

Requisition materials, supplies and equipment as needed.

Assist in interviewing perspective teachers.

Inform the Principal and/or the Career Specialist of any information worthy of print to share with the community.

Schedule all field trips, in-services, guest speakers, competitions, extracurricular meetings, etc. through the Principal so they may maintain an accurate school calendar of events.

Monitor through review of lesson plans and observation, the use of technology within the department, including computers, TV’s, VCR’s, etc.

Assist substitutes with lesson plans and follow through on assisting substitutes throughout the day.





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TEAM LEADER RESPONSIBLITIES

Continue to work with colleagues in analyzing data to identify strengths and weaknesses of the student performance.

Conduct focused and strategic meetings on Level 1 students in both reading and mathematics.

Help the team to devise strategies to facilitate teaching and learning.

Review, revise, and evaluate the team’s instructional program.

Develop a Team Action Plan for the lowest quartile and advanced academic students.

Organize, call, and chair team meetings.

Provide minutes from team meetings to the Principal.

Provide monthly reports to the Title I coordinator indicating the number of parents attending

team meetings/and or functions. Lead the team in decisions of effective organization for instruction.

Help the team to analyze, evaluate and integrate selected aspects of the curriculum.

Set a good example by his/her own teaching and assist other teachers in improving their teaching skills.

Work with team members and recommend special resources, experiences, and audio-visual aids that can improve the instructional program.

Reach out to parents to schedule parent conferences.

Reach out to students to conduct student conferences.

Be responsible for seeing that the team members meet for planning at appropriate times and each member assumes their fair share of responsibility to the team.

Organize agendas for daily team meetings. Maintain weekly team minutes including teacher attendance.

Attend monthly team leader meetings with Principal.

Keep a master list of teachers and their preparation periods so that when coverage is needed for emergencies the assignments are made equitably and fairly.

Coordinate team coverage when needed.

Monitor and assist substitutes for team absences including discipline intervention.

Maintain accurate conference logs.

Assist the administration in monitoring students’ movement through the building before/after school and during class changes.

Recognize all awards of outstanding performance by students on your team (announcements, school newspapers, community newspapers).

Inform Principal of all field trips, guest speakers, team activities, etc. to maintain an accurate school calendar.

Assist substitutes with lesson plans and follow through during the day.





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PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TEACHER Plan individually or cooperatively as a member of the department for a program of study that

meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.

Assist in the establishment of departmental and/or grade level curriculum objectives and the development of the comprehensive plan for the implementation and evaluation of the objectives.

Implement all parts of the Literacy Across the Curriculum Plan and follow through on all activities during the Comprehensive Reading Block.

Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest levels of the student.

Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals, and – in harmony with the goals – establishing clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, and other assignments so that the scope and sequence is clear to the students.

Employ instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated objectives.

Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and adhering to district and administrative policies related to the issuance of progress and final grades.

Diagnose the strengths and weaknesses of students as related to learning on a regular basis, and seek, through the utilization of the department chairperson as facilitator, the assistance of district and area specialists as deemed appropriate.

Confer with administrators, counselors, students, and parents on a regular basis.

Assist the administration in the implementation of all policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct, development of reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedures with the CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT and school policies, and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.

Develop a written set of rules for classroom behavior and procedures that should be distributed to the students within the first ten days of class.

Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for auxiliary personnel and cooperatively with department head, for evaluation of their effectiveness.

Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by Florida statue, school board policy, and administrative regulation.

Provide for his/her own professional growth through an ongoing program of reading, workshops, seminars, conference and/or advanced coursework at institutions of higher learning.

Attend staff meetings (faculty and departmental meetings) and serve on staff committees as deemed necessary.

Establish and maintain cooperative interpersonal relations with others.

Maintain compliance with the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida and the Principles of Professional Conduct for Education Profession in Florida.

Supervise and monitor student behavior during school and at all school-sponsored activities.

Fulfill all professional obligations as delineated in the Contract between the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the United Teachers of Dade and its Addendum.

Perform any other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Principal.





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SUBSTITUTE TEACHER PROCEDURES

Supervision of Students: Classes may not be left unsupervised. An administrator must be

notified in an emergency.

Accident Reports: If a student is injured, an accident report must be filed in the Attendance

Office.

Discipline: It is the professional responsibility of the substitute to handle routine discipline

problems. Teachers should follow up on substitutes and write referrals or discipline students accordingly. For emergency situations substitutes should call for security. No student is to be removed from the classroom and left unsupervised.

Attendance: Attendance is to be checked during homeroom through the Grade book.

Withdrawals: Do not sign any withdrawal cards or collect any textbooks from students.

Lesson Plans: If substitute lesson plans are not available, then use the emergency lesson

plans found in the Discipline Office.

Authority: Substitutes have the same authority as regular teachers.

Passes: Do not issue passes to a student unless there is an emergency to the restroom; only

one student is allowed out of the room at one time.

INSTRUCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

WORK HOURS Teacher work hours are from 7:25 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Upon arrival, teachers must sign in and pick up their mail.

TEACHER ABSENCES Please use these procedures for securing substitutes:

Any teachers who will be absent from school and know in advance must fill out a substitute request form from Ms. Orama. The form must be completely filled out, showing type of absence and funding structure if it is for a workshop, etc.

If there is a need for an emergency substitute and a request form has not been completed, the teacher must notify Ms. Orama via the school’s automated phone system before 9:00 p.m. of the night before or between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. of the required morning. The phone number to the automated system is (305) 242-8511.

Once a substitute has been secured, attendance will be appropriately noted: sickness, personal, temporary duty, etc.





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Notification should be made to Ms. Orama each day before 2:00 p.m. so that the school can make proper arrangements for additional substitute days, if necessary. (M-DCPS/UTD Contract, page 125, Section 1, Paragraph C – “Where an emergency substitute has been retained for the next workday and an absent teacher has not notified the supervising administrator (or designee) 30 minutes prior to the scheduled student dismissal time, the emergency substitute shall be the employee entitled to work on the next workday.”)

Upon return, a leave card must be signed stating the appropriate information for absence. This card may be obtained from Ms. Burke who is located in the main office.

Substitute’s plans must be available for each class where there is a substitute so that there is continuity of the classes’ educational goals and objectives. Each teacher must have an additional five sets of lesson plans and worksheets available in his/her substitute file for emergency use.

EMERGENCY LESSON PLANS Emergency Lesson Plans are for Emergencies ONLY! Teachers expecting to be out

should leave a substitute folder with current lesson plans & seating charts for their substitutes.

EARLY DEPARTURE / LATE ARRIVAL PROCEDURES For a staff member to leave early or arrive late during their working day, he/she is required to complete the request to leave and obtain permission from the principal or his identified designee for the day. Faculty and staff are expected to sign-out using the sign-out book in the Main Office

prior to leaving the building and upon arrival, if applicable.

FACULTY MEETINGS Scheduled Faculty Meetings will be held in the Media Center the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise notified). Emergency meetings will be called as needed with as much advance notice given as possible. Please do not schedule appointments on these dates. PLEASE SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONES DURING FACULTY MEETINGS and arrive ON TIME.

COPY MACHINE Copy services are provided in the Media Center, teachers are to provide the material to be copied 48 hours prior to being required. A small form explaining the specifics and quantity of requested materials is available in the copy room.

EMPLOYEE ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES All employee injuries or accidents should be reported immediately to the principal’s secretary. Proper paperwork will be initiated to record the injury or accident and to secure proper medical attention if needed. It is important to remember that if an injury or accident is not reported in a timely manner, the employee may not be covered under the state’s Workman’s Compensation Plan.





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TELEPHONE USE Do not use your cell phone in class or in the hallways near students. There are telephones available in the Media Center and Main Office. If a long distance call needs to be made, teachers must get approval and sign in on the telephone log located in the Main Office.

PARKING All staff is to park in the parking lot on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is to be no parking on the grass or in any reserved spaces.

SMOKING In keeping with School Board policy, there is to be no smoking on school grounds at any time.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Employee Assistance Program is intended to help employees and their families who are suffering from persistent problems that may jeopardize an employee’s health and continued employment. The problems may include alcoholism, drug abuse, emotional, or other concerns, such as health, family, financial, legal, or vocational difficulties. Those needing assistance from EAP may call (305) 995-3683. All information given to EAP is confidential.

SCHOOL PLANT The Security Department requires that Plant Security Reports MUST be submitted within 24 hours of the time of discovery of the loss, vandalism, or theft of school board property. A Plant Security Report Information Sheet is included in the Forms section of this handbook for your convenience. The report will be given to the principal’s secretary for processing within 24 hours of the time of discovery.

SECURITY AGAINST THEFT AND VANDALISM The following are presented as general suggestions for establishing and improving security against loss by theft:

All rooms should be locked when not in use by an employee.

Certain items of equipment are more subject to theft because they are more valuable, portable, personally useful, or are easily disposed of. Such items should be most carefully treated. To the extent that it is possible, do not leave such items unattended or unsecured.

DO NOT GIVE KEYS TO STUDENTS!

All equipment loans require permission of the principal or designee, as well as completion of the appropriate forms (see Forms section of this handbook), before equipment can be taken from the building.

KEYS Lost keys should be reported promptly to the Principal’s Secretary. A lost key seriously jeopardizes school security. Do not lend your keys to other staff members. Students are never to be given your school keys for any reason. All duplicates are to be made by the School Board Lock and Key Service. Do not duplicate any school keys. All personnel must turn in all keys at the close of the school year.

VISITORS All visitors must sign the visitor’s log prior to admittance elsewhere in the building. If someone approaches your classroom without a visitor’s tag, please direct that person to the Main Office or notify security if needed.





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BUILDING MAINTENANCE Our custodial staff and the zone mechanic work hard to maintain the building and the grounds. If anything in your classroom is in need of repair or if it is not being properly cleaned, then notify Mr. Ford, Mr. Birts, or the Principal. Keep a clean and orderly classroom. At the conclusion of each period students should enter a neat clean room free of litter and clutter, with desks free of graffiti, and seats free of gum. Lights are to be turned off at the end of the day.

Furniture is not to be moved from one room to another without permission from Mr. Ford, Mr. Birts, or the Principal. If you need additional furniture for your classroom, notify your department chairperson.

NO EATING OR DRINKING OF FOOD OR BEVERAGES IN CLASSROOMS In order to avoid any pest or rodent problem at Homestead Middle School, there is to be no eating and/or drinking in the classrooms by students. No food or drinks (except water) are to be brought or stored in classrooms.

ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS Each teacher may study the permanent records of his/her students. These records are available for study in the student service area but may not be taken from the area. The following is the Miami-Dade County School Board policy regarding records: Records of students’ past achievements in courses of study and on standardized tests are used:

To aid teachers in understanding their students’ past achievements and future potential.

To screen students for remedial and advanced courses.

To aid in educational and vocational counseling.

To identify areas of special concerns.

Utilize student performance indicator (SPI’s) to identify strengths and weaknesses of student performance.

Additional information concerning interpretation of test scores or any other phase of the testing program may be obtained from counselors.

AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS We encourage teachers to use AV materials to enhance the educational program when appropriate. Therefore, use of specific films, television programs, etc. must be reflected in the daily lesson plan with a brief rationale for its purpose in your educational program. Please secure approval from the principal prior to using the audio-visual materials for instructional use.

LESSON PLANS Instructional planning is essential for effective instruction. In order to support the instructional program, the principal or supervising administrator has the authority to determine whether or not instructional objectives and related content with Board Educational policy decisions and established instructional guidelines.

Classroom teachers are required to develop weekly lesson plans that shall reflect one or more objectives, school-wide initiatives, activities, homework learning, and a way of monitoring student progress.

Classroom teachers will utilize curriculum map to develop their lesson plans.





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Only where a principal has documented deficiencies through classroom observation using the Professional Assessment and Comprehensive Evaluation System (PACES) instrument may be required to use a set form in preparation of lesson plans.

Teachers shall not be prohibited from reflecting lesson plan components through abbreviated notation and/or referencing techniques.

Annual contract teachers will submit their weekly lesson plans to Ms. Riera every Monday morning.

Continuing contract and professional service contract teachers shall not be required to submit lesson plans on a weekly basis to the principal or his/her designee except as stipulated below:

Lesson plans shall be available to the principal or designee during classroom visit(s) and/or immediately prior to an official observation.

Where performance deficiencies have been documented through classroom observation using the indicators in PACES, the teacher may be required to use a specific format in preparation of lesson plans and to submit such plans for review on a weekly basis.

To ensure that the appropriate scope and sequence of the instructional program are maintained, all teachers shall retain their lesson plans for the current school year for review by the principal or designee upon request.

Emergency lesson plans for use by substitute teachers shall be prepared in accordance with reasonable procedures established by the principal or supervising administrator.

Teachers of exceptional students shall be permitted to meet the requirements of this Article through regular lesson plans or written IEP implementation plan(s). For purposes of this Article, “classroom teachers” shall exclude support personnel such as counselors, media specialists, school psychologists and visiting teachers when not engaged in instructional activities. EXAMINATIONS The following are Miami-Dade County School Board guidelines for the administration of secondary semester examinations:

A written examination should be administered to all students at the close of the semester and may be accompanied by an oral or a performance examination.

Semester exams should be thorough in nature and should cover a significant amount of the content of the course.

No more than two semester exams should be administered to the same students within a single day except under unusual circumstances.

Essay questions should be included on the exams for courses where activities are involved as part of the instructional program.

In no case should a midterm or final examination be given a weight greater than 10% of the yearly credit or 20% of a semester credit.

Refer to the appropriate memorandum for specific instructions.

HOME LEARNING Regular home learning is an essential and integral part of the curriculum at Homestead Middle School. We believe that regular home learning is an excellent reinforcement of the basic skills and also serves to inform parents of what the student is doing in school. Home learning assignments should be meaningful and relevant, reinforcing and/or extending classroom





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instruction. We believe that one of the most valuable aspects of home learning is that it encourages responsibility and self-discipline while developing a habit of independent study. In academic classes a minimum of two home learning assignments are given each week in each class. These assignments are reflective in the student’s class grade. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the school if home learning assignments are excessive or not sufficiently challenging to the student, according to the parents’ views. We believe that parents should be involved in the educational process of their children, and home learning serves as a valuable means of conveying information about a class. Parents can expect students at HMS to bring home class assignments such as:

Studying for a test and/or lesson.

Reading and preparing for a lesson. A textbook should be made available upon request for students to take home in all academic areas.

Completing daily assignments that reinforce skills learned in class, and class projects.

Completing extended assignments involving a longer periods of time (for example, research assignments).

Writing assignments – writing is a priority of the State. Students will often be asked to complete composition assignments.

Please refer to School Board Rule 6Gx13-6A-1.23 for frequency and quantity of home learning assignment requirements.

STUDENT FOLDERS A folder should be kept for each student in all subjects. Each folder should be marked with the student’s name and the subject. The contents of students’ folders should, in general, reflect the nature and quality of teaching and planning. They should reveal student progress to the teacher, the student and the parent. The contents of the folder should be carefully planned and should include a representative sample of the student’s work. All student folders should be kept until the beginning of the next school year.

TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are issued to teachers by department chairs or their designees. Each teacher is accountable at the end of the school year for textbooks issued to him/her. A textbook check is required to be conducted every nine weeks. Any student who has lost his textbook or cannot produce it, must be issued a lost textbook slip and notice must be sent to Ms. Carroll. Department Chairs and teachers are accountable for all books distributed to them.

Ordering Textbooks Teachers’ textbook requests should be submitted to the department chairperson who will complete the necessary requisition forms and forward them to Ms. Riera. All requisition forms must be filled out completely before the textbook can be ordered. Final approval on all textbook orders must come from the principal or his designee.

Distribution Procedures Procure the number of texts necessary for your students from your department chair. Report this number on the textbook inventory for the department chair.





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Sign out books as soon as possible; do not leave books around where students have easy access.

To distribute texts, have students print their names, the teacher’s name and the book condition on the inside cover of the book in ink. If students are in doubt as to the condition, teachers should make the judgment. This should prevent questions at the time the books are collected. Teachers should maintain a list of books issued to students noting book number and condition.

Return Procedures Students are expected to return their books in satisfactory condition.

If a book is lost or damaged more than one letter grade or condition, notify the treasurer.

Students are expected to pay for lost or damaged books.

Additional Procedures Each student in an academic course is to be issued a textbook.

Textbooks distributed to students should be covered.

Class sets of textbooks must be carefully accounted.

Teachers should periodically check the textbooks issued to students to determine if each student has his/her own book and is taking proper care of that book. To allow sufficient time for the fines to be paid, a textbook check should be one month before the final examination.

Teachers must report lost or damaged texts to the treasurer’s office on the proper form.

Procedures for Lost Textbooks If a student loses a textbook, teachers are to issue a financial obligation form to the student.

Teachers are to keep a copy and give a copy to the treasurer.

Teachers should then issue the student a new book.

Receipt of Textbooks All new textbooks must be processed through the main office. Books will then be sent to the department chairperson. Any discrepancies in the order must immediately be reported to the treasurer.

Guidelines for Determining the Condition of Books “A” Condition

1. Brand new or 2. Used but still as good as new

“B” Condition

1. In good condition, but not as good as new 2. Cover and pages almost intact

“C” Condition

1. Binding tight and pages intact but cover and edges of pages soiled 2. Marked up with pencil 3. Corner(s) of cover bent or worn a little 4. Edges of cover worn but not completely worn away so that the cardboard is

exposed 5. Top and bottom of back binding somewhat worn.





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“D” Condition

1. Cover loose 2. Pages loose

3. Cloth worn away on the edges of cover 4. Cloth cover torn or loose from cardboard 5. Corner of cover badly worn or torn 6. Fly leaves torn, or pages defaced

“F” Condition

1. Pages missing or entirely loose 2. Pages mutilated, torn, defaced with ink, or otherwise illegible 3. Obscenities written or drawn on pages or cover 4. Cover completely off or missing, 5. Cover broken, or torn, or back binding 6. Pages warped from moisture, or smeared with ink or mud or any other condition

which renders a book unfit for use and not repairable * - Textbooks are allowed one letter of deterioration without charge for damages.

GRADES The teacher’s grading policy must be stated in writing and should be distributed to students at the beginning of each semester. A copy of this grading policy must also be submitted to the department head, who will review and forward to Ms. Riera.

ACADEMIC GRADES Grades should reflect a student’s achievement within a given grade and subject in relation to school goals and his/her own potential. Students should understand the performance goals and the criteria for judging the degree of achievement. Academic grades must be based solely on actual student achievement and demonstrate mastery of instructional objectives. Effort and conduct must not be reflected in academic grades. The full range of grades, A through F, may be used in all classes.

A 90% - 100% 3.50 – 4.00 Outstanding B 80% - 89% 2.50 – 3.49 Good C 70% - 79% 1.50 – 2.49 Satisfactory D 60% - 69% 1.00 – 1.49 Minimal Progress F 0% - 59% 0.00 – 0.99 Unsatisfactory Progress, Failing * - Assignment weights should be noted.

EFFORT GRADES Effort grades reflect the student’s effort to learn in relation to his/her potential as revealed by test scores and teacher observation.

1. Puts forth maximum effort 2. More effort is needed 3. Unsatisfactory effort

CONDUCT GRADES Conduct grades are based upon the student’s behavior while he/she is in the presence of the teacher. The class record book should show sufficient poor conduct marks in daily behavior to explain any unsatisfactory conduct grades.





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A Excellent B Good C Satisfactory D Minimal, improvement needed F Unsatisfactory

TEACHER OVERRIDES A teacher has the right to override a computer-averaged grade as long as there is documentation to support the change and as long as the grade is changed in a positive direction.

MAKE UP WORK It is the student’s responsibility to request makeup work from the teacher upon his/her return to school. Teachers may set reasonable written assignments to make up for missed lectures and other classroom activities. Students should be allowed a reasonable amount of time to complete makeup assignments. Students returning from an outdoor suspension are entitled to make up work missed.

INCOMPLETE GRADES All incomplete grades must be converted to an academic grade before the end of the semester for a term course and before the end of the school year for an annual course. Students who have makeup work pending at the end of a grading period and any authorized incomplete grades will be recorded as F’s.

INTERIM PROGRESS REPORTS In compliance with the most recent contract between M-DCPS and the UTD, an Interim Progress Report will be sent to all parents of students who are doing satisfactory or unsatisfactory (below a C average) work midway into each grading period.

UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESS REPORTS Parents of all pupils should be notified at any time during the grading period when it is apparent that the pupil may fail or is doing unsatisfactory work. If a formal failure notice in writing is not sent home by the end of the sixth week of any grading period, it is assumed that the student is passing the course. It is understood that there are those rare cases when a student stops work entirely or is excessively absent after the six week deadline. Parents should be informed immediately of the pending failure and the notice should be recorded. Teachers must contact

the parent by mailing a letter home. NO FAILING GRADE MAY BE ISSUED UNLESS THERE IS A RECORD OF SUCH NOTIFICATION.

Unsatisfactory Progress Reports must be given to students whose academic performance falls below passing after Interim Progress Reports have been issued. These forms are available from Ms. Riera. Students are required to sign the progress notice and then take it home for a parent’s signature. The forms should then be returned to the teacher to file in the student’s folder. When the student receives a failure notice, he/she should sign a teacher’s log to acknowledge receipt. This should be placed in the teacher’s grade book for future reference.

TEACHER-PARENT COMMUNICATION Teacher-parent conferences contribute greatly to improving the public school’s relationship with the community that each school serves. Effective teacher-parent communication aids in





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contributing to and maintaining the public’s commitment to education. The Team Leaders shall assist in arranging teacher-parent conferences. The Board and the Union encourage all teachers and parents to continue to engage in teacher-parent conferences for all students. Written or telephone communication may be appropriate alternatives for a conference. The Board and the Union strongly urge teachers and parents to engage in teacher-parent conferences for students who are in need of academic strengthening or who appear to possess unique academic potential. Teacher-parent conferences shall occur when students begin to display a consistent pattern of disruption or when students are demonstrating unacceptable academic achievement through failure to exert sufficient effort. Team meeting times should be utilized; however, individual conferences shall be scheduled at a time and place and/or manner mutually convenient for the teacher and the parent. Administrators and teachers are encouraged to use teacher workdays for parent-teacher conferences whenever possible. The Board and the Union agree to a mutual goal of enhancing teacher-parent communication to improve the quality of education. In order to achieve that goal, it is agreed that:

Teachers and administrators will jointly develop a school-based plan to increase communication with parents through the use of written communication, telephone contacts, and parent activities in the school.

Teachers will log teacher-parent conferences on their official logs and specify whether such contacts were in person, by telephone, or through written communication.

When parent contact is not achieved, evidence of the attempts to contact the parents will be recorded and the teacher will seek assistance from the administration in making follow up attempts to contact parents.

Teachers are encouraged to communicate with parents at any time during a grading period when the teacher feels, in his/her professional judgment, that such communication may be beneficial to the student.

The number of parent conferences held should be sent by the team leader to the Title I coordinator at the end of each month.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be issued to each student at the end of every nine-week period.

HOMEROOM/CLASS ATTENDANCE The homeroom teacher must record homeroom attendance carefully and accurately. The record must be maintained to assure that for FTE purposes homeroom attendance accurately reflects a student tardy when, for example, that student missed homeroom and 1st period class, but then was present in 2nd period class.

VERIFICATION OF DAILY ATTENDANCE BULLETIN The Attendance Bulletin must be verified by all instructional personnel. The bulletin will be distributed to all teachers to verify absences. Upon reviewing your attendance bulletin, each teacher should forward all adjusted bulletins to the attendance office. These adjustments must be made daily through the discrepancy report.





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CLASS ABSENCE REPORT To check irregularities in class attendance, teachers will send to the school’s attendance office the name of any student who was absent from class and whose name did not appear on the Attendance Bulletin or by students whose name on the Attendance Bulletin and the student is in class.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES APPROVED REASONS FOR EXCUSED SCHOOL ABSENCE

Student Illness

Medical Appointment

Death in the Family

Observance of Religious Holiday

School-sponsored Event

When a student returns to school due to an absence, he/she must bring a note from his/her parents/guardians. The note should include the student’s full name, current date, date (s) of absence(s), reason(s) for absence, parent's signature, and a telephone number.

The student will present a note from home to the clerk stationed in the Attendance Office before 7:45 a.m. Based on the reason for the absence, the attendance clerk will issue an excused or unexcused admit to the student and keep his/her note on file.

If a student is continually sick, and repeatedly absent from school, (three consecutive days) the student must be under the supervision of a physician. The student must provide proper documentation upon return to school.

Students without notes are marked unexcused in your grade book and in the school computer.

When a student is on the attendance bulletin but PRESENT in your class, please make a correction on the daily correction sheet included in your bulletin and return to the attendance office. However, please give one day to allow for students who are excused early to show up on the next day’s bulletin.

When a student is NOT on the attendance bulletin and is ABSENT from class, please send a SCM to the appropriate AP.

Please keep accurate records of attendance. If there is a problem, please see the assistant principal in charge of attendance.

TARDY PROCEDURES Students who arrive to school after 7:50 a.m. will report directly to the tardy tank until the start of the Comprehensive Reading Block.

Students who arrive tardy on a M-DCPS bus will receive a late bus pass or an announcement will be made from the attendance office. Please admit these students to class without penalty.

ATTENDANCE BULLETIN The handling of the attendance bulletin will be left up to each individual teacher. The teacher will then investigate the absence from class by:

Checking with the other team members.

Checking the attendance bulletin.

Verifying with the attendance clerk.





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If the problem persists after the team interventions (student conference, parent conference, team detention, cooperative consultation, and other strategies) refer to appropriate administrator. NOTE: Any teacher, counselor, or administrator requesting a student is to issue a pass stating the time of request and the time of departure. It is then the responsibility of the student to present the pass to the teacher or teachers whose class or classes were missed. Teachers MAY NOT keep students out of another teacher’s class. If it is necessary, please ask for permission from the teacher prior to keeping the student. Please respect the wishes of the teacher in question.

HOMEBOUND, HOME/HOSPITAL INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM A student may be eligible for homebound whenever the parent knows that the student will be absent from school for 30 days. Please notify the attendance office of any student you know who may need this program. NOTE: There is no waiting period for registering students in the homebound program.

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY REGARDING STUDENT BEHAVIOR To make it possible for students to know what is expected of them, it is necessary that each teacher hold to certain standards in regard to class procedures and discipline. Good working conditions must prevail at all times, even though teachers may differ in the way they secure results. Good discipline is required for good teaching. The policy of Homestead Middle School is to require a uniform atmosphere of cordiality, courtesy, consideration, and respect in the classroom and throughout the building. Each teacher is expected to handle discipline problems that occur within their classroom. If a disciplinary situation arises that a teacher cannot resolve, the teacher should follow the procedures outlined in this handbook to secure any needed assistance from the team, student services, and the administration. The teacher should not hesitate to preserve class morale by dealing strictly and fairly with a troublesome student. Every teacher and staff member is expected to assist in the orderly movement of hall traffic during passing time by standing at their classroom doors. Only with a concerted effort will we insure proper student behavior.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT The purpose of the Positive Behavior Support Plan is to facilitate positive behavioral change in our students and staff by reducing the number of inappropriate behaviors occurring across campus through the education and reinforcement of appropriate behaviors for our students and staff.

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT Students who exhibit outstanding behavior will receive the following:

Teacher reinforcement

Team planned activities

School activities:

Special assemblies

Field trips





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Special movies

School dances NOTE: STUDENTS WHO EXHIBIT POOR BEHAVIOR WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL ACTIVITIES:

FIELD TRIPS

OTHER SCHOOL AND TEAM ACTIVITIES

DISCIPLINE IMPROVEMENT PLAN The following procedures and strategies are designed to promote a safe learning and teaching environment as well as fostering positive interpersonal relationships at Homestead Middle School. If this is to be accomplished, it is necessary that the school environment be free of disruptions, which interfere with teaching and learning activities. The contents of this plan are from the Secondary – Code of Student Conduct. The support and implementation of these procedures will ensure an atmosphere in which students and school personnel work cooperatively toward a mutually recognized and accepted goals.

Discipline Strategies Suggestions for Successful Classroom Management Please use the following strategies when implementing your discipline plan. Also, observe and adhere to the procedures for writing student referrals. It is your responsibility to maintain the proper level of classroom management. However, on

occasion, you may need assistance with individual students and the control of their behavior.

Before sending any student to the grade level administrator, each discipline level should be addressed.

Teacher Level

Speak to the student Change the student’s seat Assign written apology Issue detention Issue conduct grade cut Contact parent Hold student/parent conference

Note: Parent contact is required before a team referral can be made. Only disciplinary problems involving infractions of the Student Code of Conduct Group II or higher (fighting, stealing, gross profanity, severe vandalism, possession of drugs or weapons, being under the influence of mood modifier, direct and overt defiance of a staff member, excessive truancy, etc.) may call for the direct referral to Administration using the SCM form.

Team Level

Have team leader speak to student Hold team conference with student Ensure that the student is assigned a mentor Hold team conference with parent or student and parent (CB, C6, C7) Send team letter to parent (L1)





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Issue team detention (D2) Issue team progress report (A5) Have team members “adopt a student” Exclude student from team activities Recommend schedule adjustment

Codes are to be entered on the Student Services side of the SCM (Student Case Management) sheet. SCM forms may be retained by the team leader for reference concerning future actions.

Counselor Level Hold conference with student Hold team conference with student, or parent and student, or student, parent and

administrator Send letter to parent Place student on daily progress report Assign regular group counseling sessions Provide parent with information regarding community counseling agencies Recommend evening intervention programs

Administrator Level

Hold student conference Issue reprimand Contact parent and/or hold student conference, student/parent conference, or

student/parent/teacher (or team) conference Refer to student services Issue detention Issue work detail Assign Saturday School Issue indoor suspension (SCSI) Issue outdoor suspension Refer to Child Study Team (CST) Involve security/police Refer to Alternative Education Center (Opportunity School) Recommend expulsion from Miami-Dade County Public School System

DAILY SECURITY OPERATION PROCEDURES Secured Buildings

All classrooms will be closed to students until 7:35 a.m. except the Media Center, Auditorium, and Cafeteria. The rest rooms are open during breakfast and lunch.

Only teachers or parents may escort students in or out of a classroom before 7:35 a.m.

Bus Arrivals

A security monitor will meet the school buses upon arrival.

The security monitor will provide any assistance requested by the bus drivers.

Students may have breakfast from 7:10 a. m. to 7:35 a.m.

Cafeteria Rules The following cafeteria rules are in effect during lunch- time.

The teacher will escort students to the cafeteria.

Students will go to the lunch line assigned by security and sit at the table assigned by the security monitor.





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When students are done eating, they are to throw away their garbage and return to their seats.

Students need to use the water fountain and restrooms before or after lunch under teacher supervision.

Students should be given instructions on proper cafeteria behavior.

Students will be escorted back to class in an orderly fashion by their teachers.

SCHOOL CENTER FOR SPECIALIZED INSTRUCTION (SCSI)

SCSI Instructor The SCSI instructor is responsible for managing the center for those students who have consistently exhibited inappropriate behavior. The SCSI Center (Indoor Suspension) is designed to hold disruptive students in school without removing them from the school site. Only an administrator can place the student in SCSI and only for disciplinary actions that follow the M-DCPS Student Code of Conduct. Students may not be placed in SCSI without proper documentation. The center will not be used as a time-out area. Teachers should refer to “Discipline Strategies” for proper procedures for referring students to SCSI. Teachers WILL forward assigned students’ class work* to the SCSI instructor for distribution. Once completed, the assignments will be returned to the directing teacher for proper evaluation, input into the grade book and filing into the student’s file. * All assignments should correlate with work that is being administered in the classroom. The SCSI instructor will:

Assist the administrative staff in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the SCSI program.

Participate in the development of procedures for the program.

Implement a behavior management program designed to reduce incidents of self-defeating behavior.

Maintain accurate records regarding incidents and reasons for referral to the SCSI program.

Review all referrals submitted for SCSI.

Request assistance for students in need of additional school or community support services.

Work cooperatively with the teachers to identify specific behavioral problems of students.

Provide prescriptive and remedial instruction in the basic skills, in cooperation with classroom teachers.

Maintain contact with parents and offer assistance in the management of student behavior, as appropriate.

Utilize community resources in the implementation of the program.

Act as liaison between the school and various community programs.

Provide individual and group counseling opportunities.

Cooperate with the student services team in the delivery of services to students.





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SEARCH AND SEIZURE PROCEDURES Metal Detection Searches The purpose of the program is to deter the bringing of weapons such as guns, knives or any other item, which might cause harm or injury. Therefore, under no circumstances are metal detectors to be used solely for the purpose of checking students who might be suspected of having violated other school rules. Any person found to be in possession of a gun or other dangerous weapon as prohibited by the Florida State Statutes shall be arrested. If, during the course of a search, contraband is observed that is a violation of published District or school policy and/or regulations, such items shall be confiscated and appropriate action taken in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct. Students who refuse to submit to wand searches consistent with these guidelines may be subjected to disciplinary proceedings for defiance of the valid authority of school personnel and/or searching by the school resource officer. Other persons refusing a search consistent with these guidelines will be escorted off campus. The search team shall be comprised of the Principal or designee, and four members provided by the successful vendor, and augmented with school police as required.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Student Activities The student activity program at Homestead Middle School consists of Student Council, school clubs, and all other extracurricular activities. They are under the supervision of Mr. Ford and the Principal. If a scheduled activity is to take place during school hours, students selected to participate are excused from their assigned classes. They are not excused from completing make-up assignments, taking make-up tests, etc., if such assignments are required by the teacher. When setting deadlines for work missed because of participation in a school activity, each teacher is asked to consider the complexity and scope of the assignment.

Sponsor’s Organizational Responsibilities The success of a club, activity or organization will depend on the interest and leadership of the sponsor. Enthusiasm, encouragement, and ingenuity will insure the success and make it meaningful for everyone. Sponsors must attend and supervise all meetings. This responsibility will necessitate the sponsor being informed of all business to be transacted and to have given approval. Faculty sponsors are to complete the appropriate form and submit it to the appropriate administrator for approval. If the activity is approved it will be placed on the monthly calendar. Once the activity is approved, the sponsor must make all necessary provisions and work closely with the treasurer if money is to be collected.





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Sales of Food In keeping with School Board policy, no food, drinks, candy, etc. may be sold during school hours. Sales before and after school are acceptable. These sales must be school sponsored. No sales are allowed for outside agencies.

Extracurricular Activities Extracurricular activities offer numerous opportunities for developing leadership, improving effective social interaction, gaining leisure time hobbies, and winning academic honor. Teachers can help student realize their potential, their worth, and abilities by calling these opportunities to their attention and encourage their participation.

Teachers interested in club sponsorship should meet with Mr. Ford.

ATHLETICS

Coaching Supplements The Miami-Dade County School Board issues a list of all authorized coaching supplements. The principal will assign and authorize payments for each of these positions. This is done on an annual basis. In his/her relationship with players, the coach should always be aware of the influence that he has – good or bad. The coach, through his own example, helps the athletes to be good examples to the school and the program. The safety and welfare of the players should always be uppermost in the mind of the coach and never sacrificed for personal gains. Any attempts to disregard rules and regulations or to teach unsportsmanlike conduct have no place in the athletic or school program. The sponsor’s relationship and conduct to the school and the public is on display at all times. It is important, therefore, that they conduct themselves so as to maintain the principles, integrity, and dignity of Homestead Middle School.

Sports Team Requirements Academic: 2.0 GPA

Conduct: All conduct grades must be a “C” or better, with the exception of one “D” to join a team. Absolutely no “F’s” will be accepted. The “D” grade must be raised to at least a “C” on the next report card. Failure to do so will result in expulsion from the team. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.

* Enough alternates should be selected for a team to cover player expulsions

MEDIA PROGRAM MEDIA PROGRAMS The board recognizes that an effective media program is an important and integral part of the instructional resources of each school. The school Media Center exists to reinforce and enrich the curriculum and assist teachers and students to achieve the purpose of the school itself. The school media program involves service and activity, which cover all grade levels, and every subject area. The Media Specialist helps to motivate, strengthen, and enhance the learning of students. The Media Specialist also guides the students in the selection of reading, listening, and viewing materials, which help to develop the skill of critical evaluation.





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LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER The Media Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:20 a. m. to 7:45 a.m. The Media Center will remain open after school on several days to be announced. Students may come before school, after school and during the day if they have a valid pass from their teacher to present to the Media Specialist. Only five (5) students from any class may be admitted to the center at any one time, unless the teacher is present.

NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE MEDIA CENTER! If a student is in the library to socialize, the student will be asked to leave. A schedule for the Media Center’s usage is maintained in the Media Specialist’s office. Teachers should sign up in advance for class usage of the Media Center. When special events are taking place in the Media Center, scheduling may have to be adjusted. Teachers will receive notification in these circumstances. Teachers must arrive promptly with their students, remain with them and supervise their activities. Should a teacher wish to alter the schedule (i.e. cancel or arrange for another date), cancellation should be given as soon as possible. Request(s) to reserve books should be made in advance with a written note specifying inclusive dates for the materials to be kept on reserve.

CIRCULATION All students are assigned a library barcode number. Students may check out non-reference books for a period of two (2) weeks at a time. If a student has a library fine or an overdue book to return, the fine must be paid or the book returned before checking out another book. Students will be charged a fine of ten (10) cents each day for each overdue book. Books that are lost, mutilated, or damaged must be paid for as soon as possible. All fines and payments must be cleared prior to transfers or withdrawals. Teachers may check out books for classroom use. Teachers may check out an unlimited number of books for the school year (i.e. September through June). Books are expected to be returned to circulation when not in use.

AUDIO-VISUAL Requests for films from the county library will be processed by the Media Center staff. Catalogues are available for selection of materials. Please allow five (5) school days for confirmation of bookings. Request forms for films and videotape orders are available in the Media Center. Requests for audio-visual materials and equipment should be made in advance. Request for AV materials and equipment will be met on a first-come first-serve basis. Teachers must report loss of equipment, repair, or vandalism to the Media Specialist.





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ITV (Instructional Television), WLRN (channel 17) and Cable Network Educational program schedules are available through the Media Center. Check out all the ITV programs, which can be searched on the WLRN homepage at http://www.wlrn.org.

Proper authorization must be obtained from the Principal or designee before removing equipment from the premises. Forms for off-campus usage are available from the appropriate administrator. Teachers, DO NOT attempt to repair equipment. Request for maintenance and repair should be directed to the Media Center staff. The Media Center welcomes suggestions for the purchase of print and non-print materials (books, magazines, and A.V.). Requests for orders may be submitted during the regular school year. However, deadlines require that requests should be given by the end of September of each year.

COPYRIGHT BASICS

Increased use of various audio/visual formats have promoted several legal cases dealing with Copyright (Public Law 94-517 96-517). Remember the copyright “rule of thumb” is spontaneity and brevity. They assume you have not received permission or purchased the rights to the material you wish to use. FAIR USE:

A. For class preparation or library reserve you make one copy of:

1. A chapter from a book 2. A periodical article 3. A short story, poem, or essay 4. A chart, graph, diagram, slide, or cartoon (if the individual cartoon itself is not

copyrighted).

B. You may videotape a program off-air for classroom use with proper approval, however: 1. Tapes must be used directly for instruction, not entertainment 2. You must use the tape for one time classroom instruction within the ten days

from the broadcast of the program. 3. You can use the tape a second time for reinforcement within the ten day period 4. After 45 days you must erase the tape 5. You are expected to establish appropriate control procedures in your school to

maintain integrity of these guidelines

C. In using audio recordings such as records and audio tapes: 1. You cannot tape selections from various recordings to substitute for a collection

or anthology 2. You can make a copy of an audio tape for archival purposes 3. You cannot convert formats – that is, you cannot duplicate a record onto a

cassette tape. 4. You cannot narrate an entire story onto audio tape





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D. You can make slides and transparencies from photographs in periodicals, books and encyclopedia as long as you do not exceed one (1) photograph from any one source.

MONEY MATTERS IMPORTANT RULES TO REMEMBER

1. An Internal Funds Purchase Order (FM 1012) is required for all purchases regardless of how small the amount. Purchases made without a purchase order become the SPONSOR’S private property and financial responsibility.

2. If a purchase order is on file, but the club has no funds available for payment, the responsibility for payment is the SPONSOR’S!

3. Purchase orders must be submitted at the beginning of the school day. Allow 48 hours for processing. NO EXCEPTIONS!

4. Check requisitions (FM 0992), original invoice signed by sponsor, one copy of purchase order, and addressed envelope must be turned in to the Treasurer for payment immediately after merchandise is received.

5. The invoice must be stamped with “Goods Received” stamp, signed by the faculty member receiving the merchandise, and dated before payment can be made.

6. Fund raising applications for any new activity will not be approved until all monies and reports have been submitted for all previous activities.

7. Fund raising applications are required for all sales and must be submitted AT LEAST TEN SCHOOL DAYS before the sale, or if merchandise is to be ordered, the fund raising Application must be approved prior to submitting the purchase order.

8. A student cannot issue or sign a teacher receipt. 9. Do not change or alter a receipt. If an error is made, void all three copies and leave all

copies in the book. A receipt cannot be voided unless all three copies are retained for audit. DO NOT PRE-SIGN RECEIPTS.

10. Any changes of receipt books from one person to another must be done through the School Treasurer’s Office.

11. Receipts, money, and Recap of Collection (FM 1004) must agree when making a deposit.

12. Monies collected must be deposited the same day. 13. No purchases can be made from any monies collected. All money turned in must be in

the same form as collected. Do not substitute cash with your personal check. 14. The Student Activity Operating Report (FM 0996) is due NO LATER THAN FIVE school

days after the closing date of the sale. If an activity includes items from previous sales left on inventory, attach a copy of the Operating Report from the previous sale.

15. A certificate of Loss does NOT eliminate a student’s financial obligation to his/her club or school.

16. Each Recap and Check Requisition copy must be retained and utilized in completing the Operating Report.

17. Keeping a record of all receipts and payments is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY so that the account balance is known at all times.

18. Any school system employee who exploits his/her position of sale of service or merchandise is in violation of existing Board Rules and will be subject to disciplinary action.

19. Teachers/Sponsors are responsible and accountable for all cash and checks collected from students up to the moment the Treasurer issues a receipt.





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FUND RAISING GUIDELINES

GENERAL INFORMATION The school principal is ultimately responsible for monitoring and administering the revenue generated from Internal Fund activities. All money handled by or coming into direct custody of a school employee for any such activity must be accounted for in the school’s Internal Fund. The school treasurer is the designated person for receiving, recording and depositing all funds collected, as well as maintaining records for Internal Fund financial transactions processed. Accordingly, all money collected for Internal Fund activities must be submitted to the school treasurer to be deposited in the school’s checking account.

1. All fund raising activities must be approved by the school principal. Sales which extend

to parents and community must be approved by the Region Center. 2. At the point of collection, money handled by or coming into direct custody of a school

employee must be documented, at a minimum, in a Recap of Collections (FM-1004) form and submitted to the school treasurer for deposit. All items costing $15 or more require a BPI receipt.

3. Monies collected during school hours must be deposited with the school treasurer before 3:00 p.m. daily.

4. Disbursements must be made by the treasurer. Do not use cash from the collections/sales for disbursements.

5. Expenditures must have written approval in advance by the school principal or designee. 6. Collections for services rendered (car washes) must be controlled by consecutively

numbered tickets available from the school treasurer. 7. Responsibility for control of tickets or merchandise to be sold must be established by

recording items distributed to sellers on a Distribution sheet. 8. All pre-numbered forms, receipts, and tickets used in collections must be obtained from

the school treasurer, who maintains control and inventory of all such forms. a. The school treasurer, or back-up designee, is the only authorized person to order

pre-numbered forms, receipts, and tickets for use in collections. b. Special invitations or tickets for school sponsored events (i.e., homecoming dance,

prom, banquets, etc.) must be pre-numbered by the printer when ordered and accompanied by an invoice or letter from the vendor reflecting the number sequence printed. These specialty items must be included in the school’s pre-numbered inventory listing prepared at the fiscal year-end.

c. No photocopies of tickets, official school receipts, or in-house computer generated tickets are allowed.

d. Unsold tickets must be returned to the treasurer at the end of the ticket sale. 9. Student Activity Operating Reports will be completed by the sponsor indicating profit or

loss at the conclusion of each fund raising activity. 10. A Certificate of Loss form must be completed to explain missing merchandise, tickets, or

cash. a. The Certificate of Loss statement will be completed by the student seller and signed

by the student and club sponsor. b. The club sponsor is responsible for the accuracy of the operating report.

11. Plan all fund raising procedures in advance of the activity. Official fund raising records must be forwarded to the school treasurer two weeks before the activity. Immediately following the completion of the fund raising activity, all official records are to be reviewed by the treasurer. (This should be completed within three days).





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12. The principal may assess 15% of fund raising net profits for general school use. The sponsor will complete the transfer of monies at the same time the operating report is completed – at the end of the fundraising activity.

13. Gambling and games of chance are prohibited. 14. Expenditures may not exceed available cash in any account. 15. If an identical item to be purchased for resale is available from more than one vendor,

three bids are required. 16. Any contest that is conducted by selling votes is prohibited. 17. No food items such as donuts, popcorn, candy, cookies, etc., are to be sold on school

grounds during regular school hours. 18. Under no circumstances should a MDCPS employee capitalize on his/her position in the

system to sell merchandise or services. 19. School sales tax exemption may not be applied to purchase fund raising materials. 20. No school representative may order any goods without prior Internal Funds purchase

order approval. He/she will be personally responsible for such purchases, if approval procedures are violated.

21. The school treasurer will retain all original fund raising records for audit by the Department of Management Audits.

22. See the school treasurer or administrator about any clarification needed.

FIELD TRIPS Trips for students are permitted which have value in meeting educational objectives, are directly related to the curriculum, or are necessary to the fulfillment of obligations to the interscholastic athletic and activity programs. In the planning of field trips, absences from school should be restricted to the least number of school days possible. The principal must approve the educational purpose and length of the field trip.

Provisions for students to make up assignments for classes missed due to participation in field trips must be in accordance with procedures outlines in Board Rule 6Gx13-5A-1.04 – Student Attendance. A signed parental permission form must be on file at the school prior to student’s participation. Students shall not be denied the privilege of participating in a field trip because of financial need. A roster is to be submitted along with the field trip application request that includes the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all students who are eligible to participate in the field trip regardless of the student’s decision to participate in said trip. Clubs and/or organizations shall provide funds from fund raising activities. Those students participating in the fund raising efforts shall receive commensurate credit toward the trip. School-sponsored trips involving students traveling by air must be with a Federal Aviation Administration-certified air carrier. School-sponsored trips involving students traveling by ship must be with a carrier certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. School-sponsored trips involving students traveling by train must be with a carrier certified by the Federal Railroad Administration.





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School-sponsored out-of-state trips involving students traveling by bus must be with a carrier certified by the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety; local and intrastate trips involving students traveling by bus must be in accordance with Florida Statutes and School Board Rules. Provisions must be made for the proper supervision of students by school employees. Parents are permitted to assist in such supervision. The adult/student ratio shall be 1:15 or less.

Guidelines for In-Building and In-County Field Trips Check with the appropriate assistant principal for open dates.

Select destination and make tentative reservations.

Complete a Field Trip Request form and submit to assistant principal.

After the field trip has been approved, arrange for transportation.

Requests for school bus transportation must be received by the transportation department ten working days prior to the planned trip. Therefore, the completed form must be returned to the appropriate administrator early enough to meet this deadline.

Private bus companies can only be used if they have been approved by the Department of Risk Management. If you are planning to use a private bus, see the Assistant Principal for a list of approved carriers.

Pro-rate the cost of transportation.

If automobiles are to be used for transportation, have each driver complete a “Request to Use Private Car for Transportation Students” form five (5) days prior to the trip and submit it to the Principal for approval.

School Board Policy prohibits the use of multi-purpose vehicles (including vans and four wheel drive vehicles) from transporting students.

Select a sufficient number of adult chaperones. The adult/student ratio must be 1:15 or less.

Complete a copy of the “Field Trip Form”. Have the form photocopied and issue a copy to each student selected to go on the field trip. The form must be signed by the student and his/her parent and returned to the sponsoring teacher before he/she can go on the field trip.

The teacher is responsible for arranging class coverage and turning in those plans to the assistant principal no later than the day before the scheduled trip.

A Field Trip Participant List must be completed or a copy of a computerized class roster can be attached to the Field Trip Participant List” and given to the Attendance Clerk by the Wednesday before the week of the field trip. ID numbers must be included.

The list of the field trip participants will be given to all teachers on the Friday before the week of the field trip.

The list of the field trip participants will also be listed on the Daily Attendance Bulletin o the day of the field trip.

Funds collected for field trips must be turned in to the treasurer by the end of each day with a recap sheet or school receipts. No funds should be kept by the teacher overnight.

If a field trip leaves school prior to homeroom, the field trip sponsor must submit the names of students who are absent to the Attendance Clerk.

Absolutely no stops can be made while on a field trip except those shown on the field trip request. This is a firm rule and must be followed.

Field Trip Procedures Obtain field trip form. Fill out and return to assistant principal.

Immediately after tentative approval see the treasurer for money collection procedures.

Order buses, if applicable. (Sponsor’s responsibility).





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Determine lunch procedures, if applicable. See cafeteria manager.

See the appropriate administrator for final approval. If not done within a reasonable amount of time, the field trip will be removed from the calendar.

Collect money, if applicable. Money collection should be completed two (2) weeks before the date of the field trip.

Lunch arrangements must be finalized two (2) weeks prior to the field trip.

Submit roster to the assistant principal one (1) week prior to the field trip. Include ID numbers.

Immediately after the trip submit invoice(s) to the treasurer for payment. Close out field trip account.

Field Trip Code of Student Conduct Knowing any organization is judged largely by the behavior of its individual members, we who attend field trips must subscribe to the following Code of Conduct:

General Discipline The students must behave like ladies and gentlemen at all times. They must refrain from actions that might bring discredit upon our school, our home, or ourselves. The individual’s manner of dress and personal grooming must be meticulous at all times. The individual must remember that every action is observed by the general public.

HOMESTEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL’S EMERGENCY PLAN

PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES I. DISTURBANCE IN THE SCHOOL, ON CAMPUS, OR IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF

THE SCHOOL During a disturbance, the responsibilities of all school personnel are to provide for the personal safety of students and staff. The primary responsibility of the administration is to isolate the problem area and defuse the situation as quickly as possible. Although it is the ultimate responsibility of the Principal and his staff to maintain a safe teaching and learning environment, if an emergency occurs, all staff members (instructional and non-instructional) could be expected to assume additional responsibilities. In the event that an emergency situation arises and/or a potentially hazardous condition exists the following procedures will be implemented.

1. The Principal or designee will announce the code over the P.A. System: “CODE RED.”

2. If the problem occurs at dismissal, do not hold students in class unless instructed to do so. If it becomes necessary to evacuate the building the fire system will be alarmed.

3. The Principal or designee will review the procedures via the P.A. System. (If the P.A. System is not functioning, communication of the required procedures will be relayed by school personnel).

Upon hearing the above-referenced announcement, the following plans and assignments will become immediately effective:





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Teachers Close and lock all doors.

Maintain calm and order within the classroom.

Do not permit students to leave the classroom for any reason.

Ignore all bells. Do not dismiss students until you receive word from the Principal or an administrator.

Listen carefully to all announcements.

Teachers who are planning should report to the Main Office for instructions.

Support personnel should also report to the Main Office for instructions.

Custodians The Head Custodian, will direct custodians to the following:

Lock all restrooms.

Move throughout the building, collecting and disposing of any instruments, which might be used as weapons (bottles, boards, pipes, tools, etc.).

Move into the cafeteria area to help cafeteria personnel secure the cafeteria against outsiders.

When the emergency is over begin clean-up of the affected areas. Cafeteria Staff (Will be alerted via Principal’s Secretary) Close and lock doors to serving lines and secure cafeteria against outsiders. All workers are to remain inside the cafeteria office until the emergency is over.

Assistant Principals The assistant principal in charge of emergencies and safety will:

Alert personnel of their assigned positions.

Direct staff to escort all news/media personnel to the Main Office (Community leaders and pressure groups should be referred to Region 6 or, if they are insistent, should be referred to the principal.)

Remain in the area of the disturbance and keep contact with the Principal or designee.

Assist members of the security department

Maintain an accurate record of events, a list of injured students, and names of violators.

Coordinate assignments of teachers who are planning and assign support personnel.

Supervise notification of injured students’ parents.

Alert classroom teachers of impending difficulty.

Principal’s Secretary Coordinate activities of the clerical staff and alert the cafeteria and PE of emergency

situation.

Direct incoming calls from the press and community to the principal.

Act as liaison between visiting news personnel and the principal.

Once a demonstration appears to be imminent, the Principal’s Secretary upon advice of the Principal, will notify the following personnel:

Assistant Principals

Counselors

School Resource Officer





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Will report to the head of the guidance department, if there are no administrators present in the Main Office, to receive directions.

Call the police, fire department, electric company, etc., if and when instructed to do so by the Principal or the designee.

Security Monitors The appropriate administrator will coordinate activities of all monitors upon receiving instructions from the Principal or his designee. All monitors will remain at their posts unless an administrator instructs them otherwise. All personnel are instructed NOT to make any outgoing calls in order to keep the switchboard lines available for emergency calls.

II. EVACUATION PROCEDURES

It is important that each staff member follow exact instructions for building evacuation. While it is desirable that the building be evacuated quickly, speed should not become a consideration to the extent that injuries occur due to tripping, shoving, etc. It is absolutely necessary that the established procedures be carried out in an orderly fashion so that each person can perform his/her duties. Evacuation routes are posted in each room of the building. Teachers should be thoroughly familiar with the evacuation route(s) for the room(s) they occupy and review primary and alternative routes with each class. Please adhere to the following exit routes when directing your classes during an evacuation.

III. Critical Incident Response Drill Homestead Middle School will conduct two Critical Incident Response Drills during the school year. These drills are conducted as part of this school’s and the district’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well being of its students and employees.

Please read carefully and follow all procedures in reference to the drill and/or subsequent emergency that could be related to this course of action. In the case of an actual emergency, these procedures must be strictly enforced.

Before the Lockdown Procedure Occurs

Each teacher should discuss LOCKDOWN PROCEDURE with class and the importance of following directions.

Have your grade book in an accessible location making it easy to secure.

During Procedure Instructions

Lockdown code, CODE RED, will be announced.

Teachers should immediately lock classroom doors, close windows and turn off lights.

All electronic devices (phones, beepers, etc.) must be turned off.

Teachers should request that students move away from windows, and if necessary sit in the crouched position away from source of danger.

Security staff and administrators will help to clear all halls and walkways.

Staff and students located in open areas should immediately report to nearest secured area. (see below)

Staff and students in bathroom facilities should lock the door, if possible, or move to nearest secured area. (see below)





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All staff and students must remain in LOCK DOWN mode until ALL CLEAR announcement is made.

Follow directions of emergency personnel and school administrator throughout emergency period.

Safe areas for students and staff to locate if not in easy access of assigned room.

Cafeteria

Media Center

Auditorium





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Emergency Evacuation Procedures in event of Nuclear Release at Turkey Point F.P.L. Plant

In the event of a nuclear release from the Turkey Point power plant, this school would be notified to implement emergency procedures for protection and well-being of our students and staff. Please read the following actions below and be prepared to demonstrate the capability and resources required to execute measures for each category. There are four (4) classifications of emergencies:

1. Unusual event – No public action required 2. Alert – No public action required 3. Site-area emergency – Sirens sound – May require public action 4. General emergency – Sirens sound – Evacuations would commence

Host school: Arvida Middle School

Before an actual emergency: Locate evacuation map and check your designated route.

Be sure that students know their bus numbers and location.

Have your grade book in an accessible location making it easy to secure. Have it available to bring to the required loading zone.

Instruct students on proper procedures for moving to the designated area and vehicle.

Leave all materials in the classroom.

Assemble in a single file line.

Move quickly and quietly through the area and listen for further instructions over the PA or by administrators in the halls.

Keep hands and feet to oneself.

Move to the assigned location, stay in the line and listen to instructions from teacher and other authorized personnel.

During The drill: Listen for command code “Teachers, at this time we will be testing the emergency

evacuation procedures. Please follow your blue guidelines.”

At that point, instruct all students to put all materials down.

Have your grade book in hand at all times.

Remain in room until your classroom has been instructed to line up.

Have students assemble quickly and quietly in a single file, orderly line.

Move student quickly to the designated loading zone.

Keep an accurate count and record of all students assigned to your class.

Load students into buses in an organized fashion.

Monitor all students on your bus during trip to evacuation site.

Keep your class with you at all times once the bus is unloaded.

Additional information: Listen for information once alarm (sequence code) has been activated.

Follow directions of designated supervisory personnel. (i.e. administrators, security monitors, etc.)

City and county personnel may be on campus to assist with dispersal.





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The school system is aware that this would be a challenging time for us, but we will all be needed to provide for the safe and orderly evacuation of the students and staff.

Responsibilities:

Room notification: Mrs. Surrancy Emergency contact cards: Ms. Carroll Phone tree management: Ms. Burke On-site notification: Mrs. Surrancy

Critical Response – 2 You may refer to the following staff members for specific information:

Administrative Coordinator Mrs. Surrancy

Campus Security - Mr. Ford

Switchboard Control - Ms. Burke

Counseling Services - Ms. Andre

Trust Counseling - TBA

Media Liaison - Mrs. Surrancy Practice drills will be monitored by administration and other personnel to ensure appropriate response. Thank you for your cooperation. * This document should be placed in the Staff School Site manual. ** Some material in the HMS Plan has been borrowed from the M-DCPS Critical Response

Plan manual.





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MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHOOL-BASED CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM PROFILE

SCHOOL YEAR: 2012 –2013

COMPLETE AND MAIL A COPY OF THIS FORM TO: (1) ADVOCACY DIRECTOR AT YOUR ACCESS CENTER (2) DEPARTMENT OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT, MAIL CODE: 9721 (3) MIAMI-DADE SCHOOLS POLICE, MAIL CODE: 9913 School: Homestead Middle School Mail Code: 6251 Region Center ETO Principal: Ms. Rachelle A. Surrancy Asst. Principal: Mr. Harold Ford Telephone: (305) 247-4221 Advocacy Director: Ms. Janice Cruz-Sanchez SCHOOL-BASED CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM Administrator: Rachelle A. Surrancy Parent: TBA Cafeteria Manager: Maria Quila P.E. Instructor: George Malvestuto Office Manager: Lisa Burke *School Nurse: Nancy Foust Student Services Chairperson: Shirley André *School Resource Officer: Officer Brittney Hayes Head Custodian: Michael Birts Security Monitor: Willie Mae Perry SSW/School Psychologist: Alva Bowen Teacher: Ronda Cobb *where applicable

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: COORDINATORS: PRIMARY ALTERNATE Critical Incident Response Coordinator: Rachelle Surrancy Harold Ford Campus Security: Harold Ford Willie Mae Perry Classroom Support: Ronda Cobb TBA Clerical Services: Isabel Tamayo-Oramas Lisa Burke Counseling Services: Shirley André Irahima Montoya Custodial Services: Michael Birts Teddie O’Connor Family Support: Alva Bowen Elsa Orama First Aid/CPR Services: George Malvestuto Sabrina Brown Hospitality Services: Maria Quila Isabel Tamayo-Oramas Media Liaison: Rachelle Surrancy Isabel Tamayo-Oramas Memorial Services/Activities: Shirley André Irahima Montoya





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Appendix





HOMESTEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL CALENDAR REQUEST FORM

Instructions: This form is to be used to request all activities. If the activity is a field trip or fundraiser, you must also complete the additional forms. This completed form is to be submitted to the Principal to input into the calendar. Date of Application Teacher Sponsor Team/Organization Date of Activity Time of Activity Location of Activity Educational Purpose of Activity Description of Activity Equipment Needed Coverage Arranged (if applicable) Approved by Date

Treasurer (If Applicable) Approved by Date

Assistant Principal Approved by Date

Principal





FIELD TRIP PROCEDURES

Prior to making any commitments for a field trip, SECURE PERMISSION FROM THE PRINCIPAL TO CONDUCT THE FIELD TRIP.

All personnel involved with submitting or approving field trip requests must carefully review Board Rule 6Gx13-6A-1.22, Field Trips, and follow the procedures listed below. I. Sponsor’s Responsibilities:

1. Secure approval from principal to conduct the field trip. 2. Ensure that adequate funding is procured to fund the trip. For water-related field

trips, verify with the Office of Risk and Benefits Management that a current certificate of insurance is on file for the organizations/site (995-7133). Contact the Department of Safety to verify that the activity meets the requirements for water safety (995-4949).

3. Secure completed and signed parent permission form (which includes transportation information) from each student who will participate in the field trip. Emphasis should be placed on complete medical information.

4. Complete the Field Trip Permission Request Form, FM-2431 (Rev. 08-98), attach the following information, and submit to the principal for approval: a. Letter of invitation b. Objectives of the trip c. Complete itinerary including coordination of transportation d. Field Trip Roster FM-3530 (Rev. 08-98) e. Signed parent permission form for each participating student f. A list of the names of the chaperones. The maximum ratio of 15:1 applies to

chaperones aged 21 or older.

Guidelines established by travel agencies for issuing scholarships to students and gratuitous tickets to parent chaperones for approved field trips must be strictly adhered to by the sponsor, principal, and region staff.

Upon approval, ensure that the appropriate information is available and accessible to chaperones during the trip: Field Trip roster Copy of all parent permission forms which provide emergency contact information for each student Evacuation/fire protection information Any other information that will assist them in their responsibilities for students during the trip

NOTE: IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT SPONSORS REMAIN WITH THE GROUP DURING TRAVEL. ANY EXCEPTIONS ARE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE PRINCIPAL.





Homestead Middle School Request for Field Trip Permission

TEACHER: DATE: SUBJECT: PROPOSED DATE OF FIELD TRIP: PROPOSED TIMES: FROM: TO: NUMBER OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATING: LOCATION OF FIELD TRIP:

Approval Chain DEPARTMENT HEAD/TEAM LEADER: DATE: CAFETERIA MANAGER: DATE: ATTENDANCE CLERK: DATE: TREASURER: DATE: ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: DATE: PRINCIPAL: DATE:

Include all of the following documents when submitting for final approval Field Trip Educational Plan Field Trip Permission Request Form Completed Parent Permission Form Field Trip Roster Completed Free/Reduced Lunch Request Roster

* THIS PACKET SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FIELD TRIP *





FIELD TRIP EDUCATION PLAN Destination: Date of Trip: Subject: Sponsor: Objectives: Activities: Materials Needed: Assessment: Homework:





Homestead Middle School Lunch Request Form

Teacher: Trip Date: The following students are requesting lunch for the above field trip date.

Student’s Name Free Reduced Free/Reduced Id#





MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL

FIELD TRIP ROSTER

List all eligible student participants. Those eligible students who are not participating in the field trip should be indicated by an asterisk (*). Attach this form to the Field Trip Permission Request Form (FM 2431).

NAME OF SCHOOL Homestead Middle School Name of Group __________________________________________________________ DESTINATION OF TRIP ____________________ DATES OF TRIP _____________ PRINCIPAL’S SIGNATURE __________________________ DATE ______________

NAME OF STUDENT ID# GRADE STUDENT ADDRESS TELEPHONE NUMBER

Page _____ of _____




MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO USE PRIVATE CAR FOR

TRANSPORTATION

REQUESTED BY:

Name of Employee Class, Department, or Activity

HOMESTEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL School

Approval is requested to use the following car for the purpose stated: Name of car owner: Address of care owner: Car license plate number: INSURANCE COVERAGE: Name of insurance company: Coverage: Personal Liability $ Property Damage $ PROPOSED USE: For approximately students. FROM: TO:

Point of departure and return Destination FOR PARTICIPATION IN:

Description of school event DATE OF EVENT: or for period , 20 until , 20 PROPOSED RENUMERATION: cents per mile. (If applicable) APPROVED

Signature of Principal Payments for multiple use must be supported by a log of trips on the reverse side showing dates and mileage of individual trips. The Florida Department of Education prohibits the use of multi-purpose vehicles (including vans and four-wheel drive vehicles) for transporting students.

_____________________________ ________________________ _______________________ Employee Name Employee Number Today’s Date

Date(s) Requested _________________________________________________________________

Type of Request:

□ * permission to see a physician during my normal work hours. Please note approval of this nature

is at the principal’s discretion. Two or more requests within the same school year may result in

the use of sick/personal time, and/or lost time having to be made up.

(Maximum request 2 hours,

Over 2 hours = ½ day) TIME ____________________________________ From To

□ permission to arrive late due to an urgent matter. This lost time will be made up during the same

pay period. Please note approval of this nature is at the principal’s discretion. Two or more

requests within the same school year may result in the use of sick/personal time.

(Maximum request 2 hours, ____________________________________ Over 2 hours = ½ day) Anticipated Arrival Time

□ permission to depart early due to an urgent matter. This lost time will be made up during the same

pay period.

(Maximum request 2 hours, ____________________________________ Over 2 hours = ½ day) Desired Departure Time

□ Vacation Time (request 5 working days in advance so appropriate coverage may be arranged).

(for 12 month employees only)

□ Personal Time ____________________________________________________________

□ Other __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

*Physician’s verification is requested upon return to work.

_______________________________ _______________________ Employee’s Signature Supervisor’s Initials

Homestead Middle School EMPLOYEE LEAVE REQUEST FORM

To be completed by Principal/Designee:

□ Approved □ Denied

_______________________________ ___________________ Principal’s Signature Date

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

School Name

Temporary Duty Request

Use this form to request coverage for classes when working other than the regularly assigned instructional schedule. DIRECTIONS:

1. Check the appropriate item below:

⃞ A. The employee seeks approval to be off campus on school related business

⃞ B. The employee seeks approval to work at the school site on school related business and will not be performing regularly assigned duties.

⃞ C. The employee seeks approval for travel/field trip.

⃞ D. The employee seeks approval for Jury Duty

⃞ E. Other:

2. Attach any information explaining your whereabouts (agenda, invitation, registration, travel, field trip, etc.)

3. Submit this form to the Principal as far in advance as possible. (Example – 5 working days in advance of the

anticipated date of absence.)

4. The Principal will return the approved (signed) form for follow-up. (lesson plans, class coverage, payroll,

etc.)

Name Employee #

Subject(S) taught:

I request temporary duty for the following dates/times:

To attend the following meeting, conference, workshop or convention:

PROGRAM # LOCATION #

Sponsored by:

Employee’s Signature: Date:

⃞ Approved ⃞ Disapproved

Principal’s Signature: Date:

NOTE: Submission of this form does not guarantee approval. A temporary instructor will not be retained without proper approval from the Principal.

1st

Copy: Principal’s Secretary 2

nd Copy: Substitute locator

3rd

Copy: Asst. Principal Curriculum 4

th Copy: Employee FM-7433 Rev. (07-12)

homestead middle school faculty handbook 2012 -...

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