Thomas J. McCann Woodside Intermediate School

I.S. 125 Q

Teacher Handbook

2013-2014

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSENCE, TEACHER ................................................................................. 4 JURY DUTY ................................................................................................... 5 ACCIDENT REPORTS, STAFF .................................................................... 5 ADMISSIONS AND DISCHARGES OF STUDENTS .................................... 5 ADMISSIONS ............................................................................................. 5 DISCHARGES ............................................................................................ 5 ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES ................................................................... 5 AUDIO-VISUAL ............................................................................................ 6 AUTOMOBILES ............................................................................................ 6 BELL SCHEDULE ........................................................................................ 6 LOCKDOWN/BOMB SCARE PROCEDURE ............................................... 7 INTRUDER ALERT/SHELTER-IN ................................................................. 8 BULLETIN BOARDS ..................................................................................... 8 CLASSROOM MAINTENANCE ................................................................... 9 COLLECTION OF MONEY ........................................................................... 9 CONFERENCES ........................................................................................... 9 COVERAGES ............................................................................................... 10 COVERAGES, GYM ...................................................................................... 11 EMERGENCY LARGE GROUP COVERAGES ............................................. 11 DETAINING CHILDREN AFTER DISMISSAL ............................................... 11 DISCIPLINE .................................................................................................. 11 Minor Infractions ....................................................................................... 12 Major Infractions ....................................................................................... 12 DUPLICATION .............................................................................................. 12 FIRE DRILL REGULATIONS ....................................................................... 12

I. SIGNALS (Gong is synonymous with Buzzer sound) .................. 12 II. ROUTES ........................................................................................... 12 III. ASSIGNMENT OF TEACHER WITHOUT OFFICIAL CLASSES ..... 15 IV. SHELTER AREA DRILLS ................................................................ 15

1. SPACE ASSIGNED ............................................................... 15 2. UNASSIGNED TEACHERS ................................................... 15

GRADING POLICY ....................................................................................... 15 HOMEROOM PROCEDURES ...................................................................... 16 Duties during homeroom period ............................................................. 16 HOMEWORK ................................................................................................ 16 LEAVING THE BUILDING DURING PREP PERIODS ................................. 16 MAILBOXES/EMAIL ..................................................................................... 17 MASTER CALENDAR ................................................................................... 17 NOTICES ...................................................................................................... 17 PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION ........................................................... 17 PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY PERIOD(S) ...................................................... 18 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT ........................................................................ 18 RELEASE TIME ............................................................................................ 18 REPAIRS ...................................................................................................... 18 SCHOOL COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION PLAN (CEP) ............................ 18

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SCHOOL PLANT CONCERNS ..................................................................... 19 FURNITURE .................................................................................................. 19 KEYS ............................................................................................................. 19 SECTION SHEETS ....................................................................................... 19 DETENTION .................................................................................................. 19 TELEPHONE CALLS ................................................................................... 20 TEXTBOOKS ................................................................................................ 20 TIME CARDS ................................................................................................ 20 TRIPS ............................................................................................................ 20 SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES……………………………………………………21

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ABSENCE, TEACHER In order to allow for a continuity of instruction, each teacher must maintain an updated supply of three generic lesson plans for each of your classes by Monday, September 23, 2013. This supply will be kept on file in the General Office for distribution to substitute teachers in the event of your absence. As per Chancellor’s regulation C-601 and C 603: Please remember all personal business absences must be approved (for each day of your absence) by the principal. Please call 718/937-0320 ext. 2124 and leave a message no later than 7:15 AM of the morning you will be absent. Because of the difficulty in obtaining reliable substitutes, we will try to give the subs as much advance notice as possible. Documentation of extenuating circumstances will be considered when determining whether a staff member is excessively absent. Be aware, faculty have a total of 10 days, of which three may be used for personal business, or can be considered “self-treated”. The principal will notify staff members who are deemed excessively absent in writing. Continued excessive absence could result in disciplinary procedures and may contribute to an unsatisfactory rating. A series of absences primarily on Monday, or Friday, before or after holidays, will be investigated and, if not corrected, may result in disciplinary action or an unsatisfactory rating. Teachers may accumulate up to 200 days in their sick bank (10 per year). Teachers are expected to be in the building a total of 6 hours and 50 minutes Monday through Friday and on professional development days. The Department of Education regulations state that a teacher is considered late up to 20 minutes after their scheduled arrival time. Arriving after 20 minutes past the scheduled arrival time is considered partial absence. A pattern of lateness may also result in a staff member clocking in on a daily basis. Lateness is cumulative and may result in a loss of a day(s) from the CAR. Lateness due to an extreme transportation delay may be excused by filling out the appropriate form accompanied by the proper documentation. See the payroll secretary for the necessary forms. Any staff member who leaves early must have the principal's permission, must notify the payroll secretary and punch and move his/her time card to the "out" side when leaving, and sign out in the sign-out book. Since an employee seeking approval of actual absence on account of illness or physical disability must be available for examination by the Medical Bureau, no such employee may either relocate permanently or temporarily to any place remote from the employee’s home of record without the express, written permission of the Chancellor or School Medical Director. For this purpose: a. “Home of Record” means the last home address filed, as prescribed by regulations, with the school or office payroll secretary prior to the absence; and b. “Remote Location” means a place which is more than one hour of travel time from New York City. However, and provided the school or office is notified of the change in writing and in accordance with regulations, permission is not required for relocation from one New York City address to another within the City.

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JURY DUTY If notified for jury duty, you must inform your supervisor and you will be expected to bring the “Notice of Jury Duty” to school several days in advance of your scheduled date of service. We will provide you with a letter. ACCIDENT REPORTS, STAFF Any accident, injury or incident to a staff member must be reported to a supervisor immediately, both verbally and in writing. In addition, you should notify your chapter leader. Notification to the payroll secretary is only to secure an accident report, which the staff member must complete within 24 hours – this does not constitute notification to a supervisor. The Department of Education requires all schools to file accident report forms on the same day the accident occurs. Statements must be written by the injured party and by witnesses if available. Statements should be dated, with proper identification of time place and incident, and signed by the writer. Forms should be obtained from the payroll secretary and returned to her when completed.

ADMISSIONS AND DISCHARGES OF STUDENTS ADMISSIONS A parent or legal guardian must be present to provide exact name and emergency contact information. A transfer slip from the sending school must be presented to the admissions secretary. After initial processing, the student and parent are sent to the guidance office and grade assistant principal for proper class placement. The homeroom teacher cannot accept any child (interclass transfer or new admission) without an official admissions slip or interclass transfer slip. DISCHARGES A parent or guardian must be present to request a discharge or transfer. If it is granted, the secretary collects all textbooks and returns the books to the subject teacher. No transfer will be issued until the student's book account is clear. In the event that the referred to the subject supervisor. ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES: Each morning, the daily attendance sheet is placed in the official class folder. Changes in attendance information must be noted on the change form, which is in the folder. Attendance is taken during A.M. homeroom and the folder is brought to the attendance office (Room 250). Since this is an official document, the teacher must take attendance,

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not a student. The form must be returned immediately after A.M. Homeroom. Students are not permitted to carry ATS documents. The daily attendance must be noted on the section sheet. The section sheet must be used to take attendance each period, those students who are not present are reported to the dean and the assistant principal immediately. If you do not speak to a dean or assistant principal directly, you must contact the main office. Attendance is taken again in P.M. homeroom, and those students who are not present are reported to the dean and the assistant principal. The P.M. attendance sheet must be brought to the main office and placed in the attendance box before the teacher leaves for the day or goes to an after school program. Attendance must be recorded and reported for both AM and PM homeroom.

Attendance must be taken during A.M. & P.M. homerooms. It is imperative that you take the time to perform this important function. Attendance must also be taken during each class of the day. Please be advised that during the event of a fire drill or other evacuation you must take your attendance roster with you to check student attendance during the fire drill/evacuation. AUDIO-VISUAL There are various types of audio-visual equipment in our school available to use for classroom teaching. The school technology coach and AVI assistant provide for the efficient utilization of equipment and materials. They render assistance in the selection, preparation, maintenance, and storage of materials. It is desirable that requests for such equipment be forwarded to the coach sufficiently in advance. Forms for this purpose are provided by the coach. Mr. D’Angelo is the coach and requests may be placed in his mailbox. Any damages or loss must be reported immediately, in writing, to Ms. Mittler. AUTOMOBILES Parking permits are distributed annually for off street parking in designated areas and are only available to staff by application. Staff is cautioned to observe the alternate side parking rules on the blocks surrounding the school so that they will avoid parking tickets. Teachers may not leave the building to move their cars parked on the street during any period except their scheduled lunch period. BELL SCHEDULE Period  Enter  Late  Change 

A.M. Tutoring  8:00  8:30 

A. M. H. R.  8:30  8:33  8:45 

1  8:45  8:49  9:30 

2  9:30  9:34  10:15 

3  10:15  10:19  11:00 

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4  11:00  11:04  11:45 

5  11:45  11:49  12:30 

6  12:30  12:34  1:15 

7  1:15  1:19  2:00 

8  2:00  2:04  2:45 P.M. H.R.  2:45  2:50

LOCKDOWN: In the event of a lockdown, administrative teams, Building Response Teams and School Safety agents will mobilize at the designated command post for further direction. The following announcement will be made: Attention: We are now in lockdown. Take proper action. All individuals will take appropriate action and wait for first responders. Students will:

• Move out of sight and maintain silence Teachers will, in order:

1. Check the hallway outside of their classrooms for students, lock classroom doors (a key to each room is located in the top drawer of the teacher’s desk), and turn the lights off.

2. Move away from sight and maintain silence 3. Take silent attendance. 4. Wait for first responders to open door or the “All Clear” message “As

per NYPD, the Lockdown has been lifted” 5. Take attendance and account for missing students by contacting the

main office. Fire alarm bells do NOT release a lockdown. BOMB SCARE PROCEDURE All bomb threats or any other potential security problems (fights, intruder, etc.) must be reported immediately to the principal or designee. The principal or designee, or first responders, are the only one authorized to make the decision to take follow up action. Should notification of the staff become necessary, we will go into a lockdown. Teachers will take proper action and follow lockdown procedures. If the proper authorities determine an evacuation of the building is required, you will be notified by the Building Response Team. Fire alarm bells do not release a lockdown.

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INTRUDER ALERT In the event there is an intruder (or intruders) in the building, the following will take place: 1. The principal (or Main Office) is to be notified. 2. The following announcement is to be made: We are now in Lockdown, take proper action. 3. Teachers will take proper action and follow lockdown procedures.

After the building is secured, another announcement will be made: As per NYPD, The Lockdown is Over.

Fire alarm bells do not release a lockdown. SHELTER-IN In the event of a Shelter-In, the following announcement will be made: “Attention, this is a shelter-in. Secure the exit doors. Students will:

1. Remain inside the building 2. Conduct business as usual 3. Respond to specific staff directions

Teachers will: 1. Remain inside the building 2. Increase situational awareness 3. Conduct business as usual 4. The Shelter-In directive will remain in effect until hearing the “All Clear” message

“The Shelter-In has been lifted” 5. Teachers that are outside of the building during a Shelter-In will not be able to re-

enter. Teachers will report to the nearest NYC Public School (P.S. 199, 39-20 48th Ave)

BULLETIN BOARDS In a standards-based school, bulletin boards must be updated monthly, by the first Friday of each month, and include certain key elements. Please review bulletin boards, both inside and outside your classrooms, to make certain they contain the following: 1. Teacher name 2. Class designation 3. Title or theme of the work 4. Rubric 5. Assignment (Task), (no HW’s, no tests or quizzes) 6. Outside bulletin boards for final copy only. (Include teacher evaluation and please

refer to the schedule provided comments on Post-It Notes.) 7. Common Core State Standards in English (Not e.g. 7.RP.1) 8. Highlight successful inclusion of criteria (e.g. “Introduction engages the reader.”) 9. Backing paper and trim

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Bulletin boards display representations of work done in the classroom. They are a visitor’s first impression of the quality of learning being stressed. They are a celebration of students’ acquisition of knowledge. Therefore, it is imperative that these boards are organized, neat, attractive, and include the above-mentioned criteria and are updated on a monthly basis with standards-based evaluations and comments. Classroom (inside) bulletin boards must have last month’s or current work. CLASSROOM MAINTENANCE All teachers should see to it that the room is kept as clean and neat as possible on a daily basis. Check desks for graffiti, obscene language, etc. Debris left inside of the desks should be removed and placed in waste receptacles. Gum chewing is not to be allowed. If found, please remove gum from furniture or floor as quickly as possible. Waste receptacles or plastic bags should be used for the disposal of all debris. Water used to clean chalkboards should be emptied in the toilet, not in the sink or water fountain, to avoid clogging. All paper materials must be placed in the appropriate recycling container. At the end of AM Homeroom all wardrobes must be locked. If you are covering a homeroom contact the floor supervisor to have the closets locked. If you do not speak to a floor supervisor directly, you must contact the main office. At the end of the day, chairs are to be placed on top of the desks, wardrobes are to be emptied and left open, windows are to be closed by the teacher, lights are to be shut off, and wastebaskets are to be placed near the door. Please refrain from eating and drinking in the classroom because it attracts insects and rodents. Instruct students to do the same. There are to be NO PARTIES in classrooms. COLLECTION OF MONEY All monies collected for school sanctioned activities must be given to the principal EACH DAY. No monies may be kept after the school day ends. The school cannot accept responsibility for any lost money unless proper guidelines are followed. Prior to collection of money from students or teachers, authorization must be obtained from the principal. Forms are available from Christine Gail.

When the money is to be paid out, an EXCHANGE OF FUNDS FORM must be completed before a check can be issued. Whenever a money order is received instead of cash, it must be made out to WOODSIDE I.S. 125Q. Personal checks will not be accepted. Do not use your own personal check to exchange money collected to pay for an item. Do not collect money with personal checks made out to you or to cash. Do not endorse or cash any check for money collected for school sanctioned activities. Sales tax cannot be collected by a vendor or reimbursed by the school. Prior to a purchase, obtain a Tax Exempt Authorization Letter. This should be presented to a vendor at the time of purchase.

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CONFERENCES All teachers must attend faculty and departmental conferences. They are held on the first (departmental) and third (faculty) Monday of each month. Attendance sheets must be signed or teachers will be considered absent. Absences from conferences will be made up the day following an absence. Teachers must see their supervisor the following day.

Faculty Conference Dates Monday  October 7, 2013    Monday  October 21, 2013    Monday  November 4, 2013    Monday  November 18, 2013    Monday  December 2, 2013    Monday  December 16, 2013    Monday  January 6, 2014    Monday  February 3, 2014  * Exchange for Curriculum Night Attendance Monday  March 3, 2014    Monday  March 17, 2014    Monday  April 7, 2014    Monday  May 5, 2014    Monday  May 19, 2014  * Exchange for Curriculum Night Attendance 

Professional Development Half Days 

Thursday, October 31, 2013Friday, December 20, 2013

Wednesday, January 15, 2014Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Monday, March 24, 2014Tuesday, May 13, 2014

COVERAGES The coverage policy will comply with the School Based Option, which was approved by the staff. Coverages will be assigned as follows: Teachers who volunteer for one class coverage will be assigned first, before any non-volunteer. Then teachers who volunteer for a second class coverage, one on their “P” and one on their “U” periods, even if resulting in 4 classes in a row, will be assigned a second coverage after all available volunteers have been assigned one class coverage. Then, if needed, non-volunteers will be assigned a coverage. Coverages will be given out in the morning, whenever possible. The teacher is to sign one copy and return it to the General Office immediately. Teachers are to report to their coverage in time to meet the class. Teachers will provide a lesson for the class. It may be a reinforcement of previously learned material or a lesson in the teacher's subject area. Attendance must be taken and placed in the covered teacher's mailbox. Teacher and students are to remain in their assigned classroom. For purposes of coverage, each teacher must maintain a folder of three updated generic lesson plans, which can be given to the substitute. Provide your subject supervisor with

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this folder of Lesson Plans by Monday, September 23, 2013. If not used, lessons still must be updated quarterly. Each Teacher is asked to replace the plan used immediately after an absence, upon signing for their absence. COVERAGES, GYM If a gym teacher is present, he/she will act as the lead teacher. Covering teachers must supervise the locker room at the beginning and end of the period. Do not leave the locker room area until it is totally empty. You are mandated to remain in the gym until all students have exited the area. The lead teacher will provide ample time for the students to change. Do not allow the students to loiter in the area, or be dismissed before the end of period bell. If a gym teacher is not present, you are to maintain supervision on the gym floor. The students are not to change or enter the locker room area. Do not leave until the gym area is empty. As in regular classroom coverages, it is imperative that you get to your assignment by the beginning of the period. Food and drink may not be consumed in the gym or anywhere at I.S. 125 except designated areas. EMERGENCY LARGE GROUP COVERAGES A lead teacher will be assigned for each period. Teachers must work cooperatively in maintaining a safe atmosphere. Teachers will verify that all classes that should be there are present. Teachers will take attendance by class and place the attendance in the covered teacher’s mailbox. Teachers are to ensure that classes assigned to them are present and engaged in an instructional activity for the entire period. DETAINING CHILDREN AFTER DISMISSAL Children are not be detained after school for more than 10 minutes. If you wish to hold a class detention for longer than 10 minutes, you must have approval from your house supervisor, and distribute and collect an approved permission slip. Please keep a file of all returned permission slips. Students that take a school bus may not be held after school. DISCIPLINE The goal of our policy is to ensure that all students in attendance at I.S. 125 may learn in a safe and healthy educational environment, understand what acceptable behavior is and what disciplinary measures they may expect for prohibited behavior. The teacher is the single most important person in providing the safe, pleasant atmosphere in which their students can learn. The "School Discipline Code" is updated annually. It lists infractions and their possible consequences. This code is taken directly from the “Citywide Standards of Conduct and Uniform Disciplinary Measures.” It is essential that infractions be dealt with as soon as possible, so that the students realize the seriousness of negative behavior.

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The teacher will maintain an anecdotal record of student infractions, including dates and dispositions, as well as a parent-contact log. Minor Infractions (Those that do not endanger a person's health, safety or property): First offense should, at a minimum, require a meeting with the student. Second offense requires a parental contact. Third offense requires a meeting with the parent, student, teacher and house supervisor. Major Infractions (Those, which can potentially or actually endanger a person's health, safety or property): All major infractions must be reported immediately to the dean or house supervisor. Disciplinary referral forms are available in the dean’s office of each house. They must be filled out in their entirety. Reports must be as accurate and explicit as possible. An acknowledgement (disposition) will be returned to the sending teacher. DUPLICATION In order to have material duplicated, a Duplication Request Form must be filled out and approved by the appropriate subject supervisor. There should be at least a two-day lead-time for any duplication. Staff duplicators are available in rooms 263 and 460. FIRE DRILL REGULATIONS Every room should have an Emergency Drill Card posted in the room. Each card should contain information indicating the procedures for Fire Drills, Rapid Dismissals, and Shelter Drills. If your room does not have an Emergency Drill Card, please notify your house supervisor. All teachers are responsible for knowing thoroughly the information contained below. Classroom teachers must take the class section sheet in order to take attendance outside the building, if necessary. If there is an evacuation during a cafeteria or assembly period, we ask that all teachers in the building that are not covering a class to report to the cafeteria or auditorium to assist. All teachers leading a class during a fire drill must carry an evacuation card. Each card can be folded to indicate an emergency (red), medical emergency (red cross), or that everything is fine (green). Please hold these cards high so that an administrator or responder can see it. Evacuation cards are stored on the inner portion of each teacher desk (the area where the chair fits). I. SIGNALS (Gong is synonymous with Buzzer sound)

2 GONGS - Prepare for a Drill. Pupils and teachers return to official classrooms for outer clothing. Wait quietly for next signal.

3 GONGS - (In Series) Fire Drill Signals. Leave the building immediately. Follow specific instructions outlined below. Any teacher who does not have a class, report to Supervisor on the floor.

1 GONG - The Fire Drill is over. This is the passing signal. II. ROUTES

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During a fire evacuation, the following egress will be utilized: ROOMS EXITS ALTERNATE ROUTES 101 2 1 107 3 1 111 1 3 Caf. 2 & 4 4 & 2 Aud. 5 & 8 8 & 5 201 4 2 202 4 2 203 4 2 204 4 2 205 4 2 206 2 4 207 2 1 208 2 1 209 2 1 211 1 3 213 3 1 214 3 1 301 4 2 302 4 2 303 4 2 304 4 2 305 4 2 306 2 4 307 2 3 308 2 3 309 2 3 310 3 2 311 3 2 313 3 2 Boys gym 5 3 401 4 2 402 4 2 404 4 2 405 4 2 406 2 4 407 2 3 409 2 3 410 2 3 411 2 3 412 3 2 413 3 2 414 3 2 415 3 5 416 3 5 459 3 2 417 5 3 418 5 3

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419 5 3 420 5 3 501 4 2 502 4 2 503 4 2 504A 4 2 504B 4 2 505A 4 2 505B 4 2 506A 4 2 506B 4 2 507 2 3 508A 2 3 508B 2 3 509 2 3 510 2 3 511 3 2 513 3 2 513B 3 2 Girls Gym 5 3 131 6 7 132 6 7 133 6 7 134 6 7 135 7 6 136 7 6 138 7 6 231 6 7 232 6 7 233 6 7 234 6 7 235 7 6 236 7 6 237 7 6 238 7 6 A. -Staircase 7 to main floor. Use corridor to 46th Street exit. Turn left on 46th

Street. Walk towards 48th Avenue next to the curb. First class lead line to 48th Avenue.

B. - Staircase 6 to main floor. Use corridor to 46th Street exit. Turn right. Walk to corner. Cross 46th Street. Walk on 47th Avenue next to building line. First class lead line to 45th Street.

C. - Staircase 4 to main floor. Use corridor to 47th Street exit. Turn left. Cross 47th Avenue. Walk on 47th Street next to building line. First class lead line to 48th Street. D. - Staircase 5 to main floor. Use corridor to 47th Street Exit. Turn left. Cross 47th Avenue. Walk on 47th Street next to building line. First class lead line to Greenpoint Avenue. E. - Staircase 3 to Exit 3. Turn left. Walk towards 48th avenue next to curb. F. - Staircase 2 to Exit 2. Turn right. Walk toward 48th Avenue next to curb. G. - Main staircase out Main entrance. Turn left. Cross 47th Avenue. Walk on

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46th Street next to building line. H. - Staircase 8 to Exit 8. Turn right. Walk on 46th Street next to schoolyard. I. - To Mini school link. Exit on left into the schoolyard. Walk to 46th Street

and walk on 46th Street to 48th Avenue. J. - Rear exit of mini school. Turn right on 47th Street and walk to 48th Avenue.

III. ASSIGNMENT OF TEACHERS WITHOUT OFFICIAL CLASSES

Will be made annually to cover specified areas. IV. SHELTER AREA DRILLS Room 501 - Exit 4 - between door 406 and Exit 4 502 - Exit 4 - to wall opposite 309 503 - Exit 4 - to wall opposite 309 504 - Exit 2 - between doors 407 and 409 505 - Exit 2 - between doors 310 and 309 506 - Exit 2 - between doors 310 and 313

507 - Exit 2 - between doors 313 and boys' locker 508 - Exit 2 - to main floor opposite room 107 511 - Exit 3 - to wall opposite 313 from Exit 7 to end of hall 513 - Exit 3 - along side of room 107 GG - Exit 5 - stand in staircase beginning on first floor 313 - Exit 7 - along solid wall on main floor 111 - Along wall between room 111 and room 160 102 - Outside room 111 Caf - line wall in main corridor between Exit 4 and Room 101

1. SPACE ASSIGNED All classes on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors line up in the hall against walls that form their room, except as noted above. 2. UNASSIGNED TEACHERS All unassigned teachers report to floor supervisor for assignment.

GRADING POLICY The chancellor has required each school to establish uniform grading criteria. Individual teachers are responsible for evaluating each student's academic achievement based on the established grading criteria and issuing a grade reflective of that assessment. Grades should be an evaluative instrument and not a disciplinary device. Excessive absences must be considered when calculating grades. Though grades may not be reduced solely based on attendance, attendance is a factor in the grading process to the extent that attendance in class directly relates to performance and participation. When students are absent, they must be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Students may receive a numerical grade of “55” for excessive absence and no work.

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There are four marking periods each school year, and a computerized report card is issued at the end of each one. The marking periods are separate from each other (grades are not cumulative). At the end of the school year, the teacher averages the four grades for a "Final Mark" for the year. In determining grades, grades are recorded in units of one above 65. Failing grades are below 65. In an accelerated or special progress class, a passing grade is 75 or above. Students who have been recently admitted and where there is not enough data to evaluate the students may receive an alpha mark "R" for recent admit. The numerical value is equal to grade of 65. In addition to a numerical grade, subject teachers should include one or two comments for each student. Failing grades are listed in increments of 5, from 55. It is school policy that every student has a “work-in-progress” folder for each subject. This folder must contain representative samples of each genre of writing that is compiled throughout the entire year. This folder should be used to assess a student’s performance along with other assessments.

Marking Period Dates  Progress Report Due Dates 1  9/9/13 ‐ 11/4/13  10/7/2013 2  11/5/13 ‐ 1/16/14  12/13/2013 3  1/17/14 ‐ 3/24/14  2/10/2014 4  3/25/14 ‐ 5/30/14  5/12/2014 

HOMEROOM PROCEDURES The A.M. homeroom period is from 8:30 to 8:45 A.M. During this time, students are encouraged to settle down, hang up their outer clothing, sit quietly and listen to the announcements. The atmosphere of the homeroom period, one of calmness and order, sets the tone for the entire day. For this reason, the teacher should follow a well-established routine. Teachers must lock wardrobes. Duties during homeroom period: 1. Take attendance. 2. Collect absentee notes. 3. Collect signed notices from parents. 4. Distribute notices. 5. Make announcements particular to the class 6. Be available for student concerns. 7. Encourage the class to stand and recite the “Pledge of Allegiance” and to remain

silent while listening to the daily announcements. 8. Teachers must lock wardrobes.

* If you are covering a homeroom contact the floor supervisor to have the closets locked. If you do not speak to a floor supervisor directly, you must contact the main office.

Homeroom is not free time. Students will read their personal material while the teacher performs homeroom duties. HOMEWORK The importance of a consistent homework policy cannot be over emphasized. Material

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that is not reinforced is soon forgotten and will impact negatively on the student's mastery of the subject. Homework should be assigned daily. The assignment should require approximately TWENTY minutes. The components of the assignment should contain current materials, review and reading. Homework should be reviewed the next day in class. LEAVING THE BUILDING DURING PREP PERIODS Preparation periods shall be used for unassigned professional work. Teachers are expected to utilize their professional time in such a manner as to enable them to further their professional work for the purpose of greater classroom effectiveness. Preparation periods shall be used for professional, job related work which may include but is not limited to preparation for classes, preparation of teaching material, presentation of or attendance at demonstration lessons, participation in teacher training, and conferences with the principal, assistant principal, other teachers, guidance counselors, or parents. The Department of Education Standard Operating Procedures mandates that no one is to leave the building during prep periods without prior permission from your house assistant principal and principal. Use only the main exit when leaving. Any time a staff member leaves the building he/she is to sign out/in, in the book located in the office provided for this purpose. MAILBOXES/EMAIL In order to assure that the school day begins properly, each teacher must remove the contents of his/her mailbox in the general office every morning. In addition, it is recommended that the mailbox be checked for contents at least once during the day and before you leave in the afternoon. Teachers must check their DOE email each day. We recommended that you check your email once in the morning and again before leaving the building. There are several computer stations throughout the building that you may use if you do not have a laptop. Please see a supervisor for these locations. MASTER CALENDAR The calendar outside the principal’s office is the Master Calendar for the school. Staff members should write down an event (trip, practice for an event, etc.) then give the information to Margaret Licatto to be entered on the Master Calendar so that the entire staff will know what is happening in the school. NOTICES The distribution of notices to the students will generally follow this procedure: Notices will be placed in Official Teachers' Mailboxes early on the day of distribution. An announcement will be made that day. Official Teachers should arrange for pick-up before the P.M. Homeroom Period. During the P.M. Homeroom Period, students should be seated and told that they are to place the notice in their school bags so that the notice gets home. PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION The main purpose of the Parent Teacher Association is to improve articulation and

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rapport between the home and the school. The home is an important ally in the education of the child. The school needs the cooperation of the home in carrying out its programs and policies. The Parent Teacher Association schedules regular monthly meetings. Teachers should encourage pupils to get their parents to join. Faculty members are also encouraged to join the Association and attend the meetings if possible. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY PERIOD(S) Teachers who have chosen a professional activity period(s), as outlined in Special Circular #6 1999-2000, are required to engage in that assignment and provide the supervisor the status reports, per the supervisor’s direction. All reports related to the activity must be completed as per the description of the activity. Any variation(s) in the calendar proposed for the activity, or your supervisor must approve the design scope of the activity. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Teachers are expected to dress appropriately at all times. Research shows that your appearance affects the way in which the students respond to you. As educators, we have the added responsibility of serving as role models for our students. Please consider these facts when choosing your work attire. Chancellor’s Regulation A-420 addresses the issue of corporal punishment, both physical and verbal. Physical confrontations should be avoided whenever possible. No personal business enterprise may be conducted on school property. Teachers may not tutor any student enrolled in school for pay. This also applies to any siblings of said student. This behavior constitutes a conflict of interest. If approached by a parent, a teacher must inform the parent that they cannot tutor. RELEASE TIME Students who will be attending Release Time on Wednesdays must bring a letter from the religious school and a parent must sign it. All such letters are to be sent to the house supervisor, who will then issue a pass for the student to show their Wednesday period 8 teacher and at the front door. NO STUDENT IS TO BE RELEASED WITHOUT A PASS.

REPAIRS Repairs needed in the classroom should be indicated on the "Repair" form and given to Ms. Mittler. Please be specific in writing your request. Teachers will please follow up with Ms. Caldero, Custodian Engineer, if repairs are not made within a reasonable length of time. SCHOOL COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION PLAN (CEP) Our CEP, which is written every school year, reflects our aspirations for our school community. This document serves as our instructional and professional focus for the school year. All members of the faculty are to become familiar with the details contained within this plan. You are expected to implement those activities that are

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indicated for your grade and subject. Planning is necessary to address our goals and objectives. SCHOOL PLANT CONCERNS The staff cafeteria and the staff lounges (Rooms 263 and 460) are the only designated areas for teachers to use for eating in the building. Under no circumstances should there be any food consumed in a classroom. FURNITURE Furniture may not be moved from room to room if your room has been changed. Rather, move the material only. Personal refrigerators/microwave ovens are not permitted in any classroom. KEYS Keys are distributed at the beginning of the school year. Specific keys may be obtained by submitting a “Key Request Form” to your supervisor. All keys must be returned at the end of the school day and retrieved each morning. Final returns are at the end of the year. SECTION SHEETS Section sheets are reviewed by teachers, assistant principals, deans, and occasionally by parents and the principal. They are submitted daily to the dean. There is a need for uniformity and objectivity in the comments.

1. Numerical Ratings: Ratings range from 0 to 10 with 0 reflecting extremely poor

behavior, and 10 denoting excellent behavior. 2. Comments: should be objective and specific. A comment such as, "The whole class

was miserable." is not helpful since follow up with specific students is impossible. Instead, "John Smith threw paper at Mary Jones and she threw a pencil at him." is far more useful for follow up.

3. Absence and lateness: These names are to be noted on the section sheet during A.M. homeroom.

When a student arrives late to class, the late pass should be attached to the section sheet. The student's presence should be noted on the section sheet, with time of entry. If a student arrives late to class without a pass, the teacher must admit the child. Note the lateness on the section sheet and in your records. If this behavior is chronic, notify the dean and the grade assistant principal. 4. Cutting Class: If a student cuts your class, this must be noted on the section sheet

and reported to the dean on a “cutting form” (available from Deans). Your cooperation in updating and maintaining an accurate section sheet will help make it a useful tool for the administration, deans and teachers. Further, if it is used properly, it can function as an effective deterrent to disruptive behavior. DETENTION There will be one session for detention, Monday-Friday from 2:50-3:20 PM in the auditorium. Assignments will be given to those students in attendance for cutting or

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other disciplinary reasons. Only a supervisor or dean may assign detention. In All Cases, home contact must be made. Students or classes may not be kept after school for more than 10 minutes without parent notification. TELEPHONE CALLS A public pay telephone is available in the staff cafeteria. Please use this pay phone for all personal telephone calls. In an emergency, you may use a phone in the main office or one of the assistant principals' offices. Any long distance calls on the school phone must be approved in advance by the principal. Telephones are also available in staff lounges (Room 263 and Room 460). For those parents that speak Spanish only, the following sheet provides a list of most commonly used phrases. TEXTBOOKS Textbooks have become a very expensive item in the school's budget. Every effort must be taken to see that they are cared for properly. When teachers issue them, students must sign a "Textbook Receipt" and indicate the textbook's number and the date it was issued to them. When the students return the book, the date should be noted. Teachers should insist that students cover their books and remind them that if they are lost, they will be expected to pay for them. TIME CARDS Each teacher must move his/her own time card to the "in" side upon arrival each morning. The time cards are located in the Main Office. Teachers who are chronically late may be required to “punch in” on a daily basis. If the time card is not moved, the time will be clocked in when the supervisor is made aware of the teacher’s presence. TRIPS If a class trip has been scheduled and approved by the principal, all students will be expected to participate, unless other arrangements have been made with the supervisor. Students will not be permitted to participate unless they have a signed consent slip. When planning a trip, please keep in mind that the activity MUST be of educational value. The trip must be related to the subject you teach and to the theme or unit being planned or studied at the time of the trip. Trips may be limited to district and school programs only. If you would like to plan a class trip, the following procedures are to be followed:

1. Submit a trip plan itinerary via email to department supervisor and CC your house supervisor at least 3 weeks in advance.

2. Then submit plan, itinerary and authorization to collect funds (if money is to be collected) to Ms. Mittler for approval.

3. Provide copies to Ms. Taylor (if bus is required), Ms. Mittler and Mr. Marino. 4. Obtain train passes (may not be used before 9 AM and between the hours of 4

PM and 7 PM on weekdays) and ID, if needed, from Mr. Marino the day before the trip.

5. Follow procedures for collection or money on pages 7-8 of this handbook. 6. Lunch requests need to be submitted in writing to Mr. Athens, at least one week

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in advance. (See attached form.) 7. Provide a list of students going on trip, as well as students not going on trip, to

main office on day of trip and to Mr. Marino. 8. The minimum chaperone requirement is: One teacher or supervisor and two

additional adults (staff members or parents) for up to 30 students. 9. Trip coordinator should carry a copy of the permission slips, trip plan and

itinerary on the trip and leave a copy of all permission slips with Mr. Marino. Do not speak to the students or parents before receiving approval for the trip. SOCIAL MEDIA The DOE has recognized the importance of social media technology and understands that it can be a powerful tool to enhance education, communication and learning. However, sometimes the lines between professional and personal communications and endeavors can be blurred. Therefore, we have included the DOE Social Media Guidelines on the CD that you will sign for on the first day. This document does not supersede the Chancellor’s Regulations.