Miami Edison Senior High School

Faculty Handbook

2OO7~2OO8

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Dr. Jean Teal, Principal

Mrs. Ann Gary, Vice Principal

Mrs. Sandra Pelham, Vice Principal

Mr. Bernard Edwards, Assistant Principal

Mr. Ernesto Mantilla, Assistant Principal

Mr. Javier Perez, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Crystal Spence, Assistant Principal

A new beginning .... building monuments of excellence!

“sustaining and improving”

MIAMI EDISON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

FACULTY HANDBOOK

2007 - 2008

EXPECTATIONS OF STAFF

A. RESPECT FOR THE PROFESSION IS EVIDENT

1. Teachers convey the belief that all students can learn.

2. Teachers, students and parents have a joint responsibility for learning to occur.

3. High standards are set, communicated and modeled.

4. Teachers model the behavior expected of students by:

· Listening to announcements and presentations

· Meeting time commitments

· Following directions as outlined in the handbook and bulletin

· Dressing appropriately

· Showing respect for each other

· Maintaining an attractive and neat classroom

B. RESPECT FOR THE STUDENT IS EVIDENT

1. The Discipline Plan delineates teacher expectations of student behavior. It is developed with positive as well as negative consequences and must be followed.

2. Verbal abuse, e.g. sarcasm, derogatory statements or threats of physical abuse will not be tolerated.

3. Physical restraint of students can only be defended when the safety of a student is at stake.

C. SHARING AND EXPLORING STRATEGIES, IDEAS AND RESEARCH

1. Common planning time is valued and observed.

2. Opportunity is taken to learn from each other through discussion, interclass visitation, and staff development meetings.

3. One weekly collaborative planning meeting is required and minutes submitted to the designated administrator.

D. PARENT COMMUNICATION IS HANDLED PROFESSIONALLY

1. Pre-planning for a conference includes having data available, having a specific purpose for the conference, and having solutions in mind.

2. Conference should include gaining information from the parent, and providing follow up, if necessary.

3. All written communication is carefully proofread. An administrator must approve all written communication to be sent home. Whenever possible, communicate to your parents as a department.

ABSENCES

A. STAFF ATTENDANCE

If you are going to be absent, you must notify Ms. Rose Cullins at (305) 995-3510 before 9:00 P.M. the night before or by 6:00 A.M. on the day of an absence. Please adhere to your professional responsibilities with regard to PACES Category VII and the MDCPS/UTD Labor Contract, Article XIV, Section 2A.

Excessive absences/more than ten (10) in one school year or excessive tardies will result in a meeting with the principal, an attendance directive and/or a potential Conference-for-the-Record.

1. LATE ARRIVAL

There may be a rare instance when a teacher will arrive to school late. He/she is to call the school so that coverage and supervision may be arranged for the students. Excessive lateness will require a conference with the administrator.

2. EARLY DEPARTURE

a. Secure and complete a Permission to Leave slip.

b. With the approval of the Principal, inform the main office when you depart.

c. Sign out, on your sheet, in the sign out book located in the main office.

Page 132, Article XX, Section 3C of the Contract between the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the United Teachers of Dade reads as follows on procedure for late arrival and early departure.

“In the case of late arrival or early departure from the work location, an employee present more than one fourth (1/4) and less that three fourths (3/4) of the work day is considered as having worked half-day (1/2) and an employee present three fourths (3/4) or more of the day is considered as having worked a full day”.

3. JURY DUTY

Notify the office when summoned to Jury Duty. A substitute will be hired for the week; however, if you are excused after a day, notify the office and the substitute will be canceled. At the end of the week, present signed proof of time. This form must be attached to the payroll.

Teachers are asked to sign in personally by 7:20 A.M. on the payroll roster in the office and sign out upon departure.

If you need to leave the work location (aside from your duty free lunch), you must secure prior authorization from the principal or assistant principal in the absence of the principal. FOR WHATEVER REASON, WHEN YOU LEAVE THE BUILDING, YOU MUST SIGN OUT AND SIGN IN UPON YOUR RETURN.

When a teacher for whom an emergency substitute is employed is absent from work, he/she shall notify Ms. Rose Cullins no later than thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled student dismissal time as to whether or not he/she will report to work on the next work day. If no notification is received, the substitute will be retained. Where an emergency substitute has been retained for the next day and an absent teacher has not notified Ms. Cullins thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled student dismissal time, the emergency substitute shall be entitled to work on the next work day and the absent teacher shall have the option to utilize personal leave or leave without pay. A complete and updated substitute folder must be available at all times.

B. STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Accurate record keeping of student attendance is the legal responsibility of each teacher. It is imperative that reporting of student absences be consistent with board policy and applied consistently within each school by all staff members. Student attendance procedures are subject to review as part of the district’s FTE review conducted by the Division of Attendance and Support Services.

The following information is provided as a review of the procedures presently in practice in all Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

TEACHER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The presence or absence of each student shall be officially checked once daily during homeroom. The attendance of students shall be reported as follows during the first block:

1. Each student who is scheduled at a school center, and who is present or tardy, shall be considered present one day. Tardiness is the absence of a student at the time the regularly scheduled session begins, provided that the student is in attendance before the close of that school day.

A student shall be deemed to be in attendance if away from school on a school day and engaged in an educational activity, which constitutes a part of the school-approved instructional program for that student.

2. Students are to be counted in attendance if they are physically present in class or have been excused by the teacher on a class-related assignment, or have been requested by a member of the school support staff.

a. Excused Class Absence

(1) Student illness

(2) Medical appointment

(3) Death in the family

(4) Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all members of a faith that such a holiday or service is observed

(5) School-sponsored event or activity previously approved

(6) Other individual student absence beyond the control of the parent or student, as determined and approved by the principal or the principal’s designee.

A student granted an excused absence has the right to make up all class-work within a reasonable length of time. After successful completion of all make-up assignments, the student cannot be penalized for that absence.

b. Unexcused Class Absence

Any absence that does not fall into one of the above excused absence categories are to be considered unexcused. All unexcused absences will result in a failing grade being issued for any work missed on the day in question. A student accumulating ten (10) or more unexcused class absences in an annual course or five (5) or more unexcused class absences in a designated semester course will be subject to the withholding of passing final grade(s) pending a student/parent-request administrative screening and/or review of all absences by the attendance review committee.

Each student who is scheduled at a school center for instructional purposes

for a partial day and at a vocational-technical center, a vocational school,

or a community college for a partial day shall be reported as present, if

present at either location. After the teacher completes attendance check,

attendance cards for students absent at that time will be sent to the office. If

no students are absent, a “NO ABSENTEES” card with the teacher’s name

will be sent to the school’s attendance office.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY/MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

http://www2.dadeschools.net/technology/Acceptable_Use_Policy.htm

ACCIDENTS

A. STUDENTS

When a child under your supervision is injured, notify the office immediately. An accident report will be issued. This form must be filled in within 24 hours. All employees are responsible for the supervision of students and they are to take precautions to protect the life, health, and safety of every student. Employees must notify a building administrator of any unsafe conditions.

The supervising teacher is responsible for:

1. Filling out the accident report at the time of the accident;

2. Notifying the main office immediately;

3. Requesting assistance for coverage if necessary;

4. Informing the administrator in charge of the accident or injury; and

ensuring that the injured student is made as comfortable as possible (medication may NOT be administered).

B. STAFF

Inform the office immediately if an injury occurs. Report even minor incidents for your protection and for insurance purposes. If medical attention is required, check the list of authorized physicians. Worker’s Compensation will cover only authorized physicians.

TEACHER AND EMPLOYEE SAFETY

1. Inform an office representative that a teacher or other employee will be alone in a specified classroom during a specified time.

2. Request that the public address communication system be energized in the monitor mode for the specified classroom.

3. Upon arrival in a specified classroom, announce that the teacher or other employee is in the classroom with the door locked.

4. Upon leaving the classroom, the teacher or other employee should request that monitoring be discontinued.

5. If an emergency occurs, the teacher or other employee should use the emergency call button.

ACTIVITIES

Extra-curricular activities are an integral part of Miami Edison Senior High School. Teachers are encouraged to sponsor activities. All requests should be made to the principal. A monthly activity calendar will be distributed to school personnel and parents. Any and all activities must be cleared through the activities director and/or principal prior to being recorded on the school calendar. Students may not be removed from class for an activity without prior authorization from the principal.

APPROVAL OF OFF-CAMPUS USE OF SCHOOL BOARD PROPERTY

Any school equipment leaving the building must be signed out on the official equipment sign-out form. Permission to sign out equipment must be obtained from the principal. Forms are available from Mr. Edwards in the main office.

ASSESSMENTS

Assessments are application-based and authentic. Assessments will be administered for all students as outlined in the assessment calendar. The results of each assessment should be disaggregated and used to drive instruction.

BRINGING RELATIVES/FRIENDS TO SCHOOL

Bringing relatives/friends to school is a liability to the school system if something should happen to your loved ones. Please do not bring relatives/friends to school at any time during the school year, including teacher workdays.

CALENDARS/M-DCPS

http://www2.dadeschools.net/calendars/

CELL PHONES

The use of cell phones is strictly prohibited while teaching or performing your required duties. All messages will be placed in your mailboxes. If an emergency shall happen, you will be notified by the administration immediately.

CHILD ABUSE

Child abuse is defined to include harm or threat to harm a child’s health or welfare and/or willful or negligent acts which results in neglect; malnutrition; sexual abuse; physical injury; mental injury or failure to provide substance, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment.

Any person, including, but not limited to, physician, nurse, teacher, social worker, or employee of a public or private facility serving children, who has reason to believe that a child has been a subject of child abuse, shall report or shall cause the report to be made to the Department of Children and Family Services.

It is suggested that once a report is made, the principal or appropriate school administrator be notified. (Florida Statute 827.07)

CLASSROOM CARE

Bulletin boards should reflect students’ work, which is current and attractive. However, the 20% paper reduction as indicated by the Fire Marshall is still in effect.

The way the room looks sets the tone for instruction. An attractive, uncluttered room inspires children to learn. Students should be encouraged and trained to develop an attitude of personal responsibility for careful use of their “home” at school. It is important to stop working sufficiently before the end of the school day not only to evaluate the day’s work, but also to tidy up the instructional areas and to prepare for the next day. Instructional materials must be removed from the floors to enable daily cleaning. Each child is responsible for his/her immediate seating area. Furniture must not be written on or defaced in any way. Cleanliness of classroom computers is also important. Teachers should conduct a daily check of all computer equipment, including headphones and computer parts. Students need to periodically clean their desks. When decorating your classroom, please refrain from using tape on the walls or doors.

Check your room for conditions that are unsafe and/or inoperable and report them on paper to the head custodian/zone mechanic. Room arrangements should be designed in such a way that easy access to the door is available. A fire diagram showing two plans for evacuation should be displayed by the door. Rooms should be locked when you leave them. Do not store spray cans, refrigerators, or microwaves in your room.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

Under no circumstances should the classroom teacher leave his/her students

unattended. The teacher is responsible for those students enrolled in his/her class. Students should not be permitted to walk the halls. A school hall pass must be used whenever a student leaves the classroom without the teacher. The teacher should make every effort to prevent a situation where the student is in the building unattended.

Any teacher desiring class coverage must clear this with the principal. The lunch period is forty-five minutes.

To make it possible to know what is expected, it is necessary that each teacher hold certain standards in regard to class procedures and discipline. Good discipline is required for good teaching. Good discipline can usually be obtained without difficulty; one teacher who departs from the requirements makes it harder for the rest of the faculty. Therefore it is necessary that every teacher establishes and enforce from the first meeting of the class exactly what he/she expects later.

Each teacher is expected to handle the discipline problems, which occur within the classroom. If a disciplinary situation arises that a teacher cannot resolve, the teacher should seek assistance from the administration or guidance counselor. Every teacher and staff member is expected to correct any breach of discipline he/she may observe, providing no other teacher is directly in charge of the situation. If we all work together, united we can ensure proper student behavior.

COLLECTION OF MONEY FROM STUDENTS

The principal must approve all activities requiring the collection of monies from students or parents. Once the activity has been approved and money is being collected, a Recap of Collections Form must be completed for each day’s collection. All monies and Recap of Collections Forms are to be submitted to the secretary/treasurer or the principal in his/her absence before 1:00 p.m. on the day of the collection. It is the teacher’s responsibility to make sure that the money goes to one of the above-mentioned persons only. The office personnel or the administration will not be responsible for money turned in to any one else.

No money should be left in your classroom overnight. Do not lock money in the desks or closets/cabinets overnight. All monies collected must be submitted with a Recap of Collections Form listing the student’s name to cover the amount reported.

COMPREHENSIVE READING PLAN

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is committed to the teaching of reading and the beliefs that every child should be reading at grade level entering high school. Each student will read independently for thirty minutes daily and have thirty minutes of reading for home learning.

Every student will:

1. Receive reading instruction which reflects the best teaching practices; be assessed regularly in order to plan for instruction;

2. Receive appropriate intervention and tutoring services;

3. Independently read a required minimum number of books each grading period;

4. Learn strategies for reading content area texts;

5. Improve in performance in reading and state mandated tests; and

receive guided reading instruction on a pullout basis as required by the Comprehensive Reading Plan.

CONDUCT--STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

http://www2.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/rules/Chapt5/5c-1.02.pdf

Standards of behavior for school premises, classroom, or school bus should be understood and accepted by students and faculty. Any revision of standards should be cooperatively established. All standards should be reasonable and attainable and should be carefully maintained. Students whose behavior is such that it hinders the progress of or endangers the wellbeing of other students shall be suspended or expelled from school until such time as school authorities can be assured that the student is willing to cooperate in the school program. (See Board Rule 6Gx13- 5A-1.062). In each instance in which an employee acts to help a student with proper conduct, emphasis shall be placed upon the growth of the student in the ability to self-discipline.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT – PROHIBITED

http://www2.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/rules/Chapt5/5d-1.07.pdf

The administration of corporal punishment in Miami-Dade County Public Schools is strictly prohibited. Miami-Dade County Public Schools has implemented comprehensive programs for the alternative control of discipline. These programs include, but are not limited to, counseling, timeout rooms, in-school suspension centers, student mediation and conflict resolution, parental involvement, alternative education programs, and other forms of positive reinforcement. In addition, suspensions and/or expulsions are available as administrative disciplinary actions depending upon the severity of the misconduct. Procedures are in place for students to make up any work missed while on suspension, or to participate in an alternative program if recommended for expulsion.

CUSTODIAL SERVICES

If cleaning tasks are not completed daily, please complete the custodian request form that is located in the mail room. If during the course of the school day you identify areas that are not properly cleaned, please notify, Mrs. Spence, Assistant Principal immediately. The custodians should notify the administration if classes are not cooperating and keeping floors free of unnecessary trash.

DAILY ATTENDANCE BULLETIN

The daily attendance bulletin will be delivered during the last block on a daily basis. Any discrepancies in student attendance must be brought to Ms. Griffin, Attendance Clerk, attention. It is the responsibility of all teachers to check and initial the attendance bulletin each day. The daily attendance bulletin must be carefully reviewed an initialed daily for accuracy.

DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON

Chairpersons report directly to Dr. Teal, Principal and work with Mrs. Gary, Vice Principal, on a regular basis. They are members of the Leadership Team and facilitate all department meetings. In addition, Department Chairpersons secure appropriate textbooks and materials, produce assembly programs, and coordinate all activities as so designated by the principal. Chairpersons are encouraged to take the initiative and create programs and develop curriculum.

DESIGNATED EATING PLACES

The cafeteria and the faculty lounge area are designated eating-places in the school. School personnel may not eat in their classrooms. Classes are not permitted to eat in their rooms, with the exception of special occasions as determined and approved by the administration. No personnel are to walk the building/outside with food or drink.

DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT: COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

http://www2.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/rules/Chapt4/4a-1.32.pdf

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN

http://osp.dadeschools.net/districtstrategicplan/

DONATIONS & GIFTS OF PROPERTY

http://www2.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/rules/Chapt3/3b-1.111.pdf

DRESS CODE FOR STUDENTS

http://www2.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/rules/Chapt5/5c-1.031.pdf

A pilot program that implements a mandatory school uniform was approved by the School Board on August 17, 2005 per a request made by the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Rudolph F. Crew. Miami Edison Senior High School will continue to implement a mandatory school uniform policy during the 2007 – 2008 school year.

Please do not allow any student to enter your classroom without the proper uniform.

Uniforms top: Red, black or white polo shirt (with a collar). Shirts purchased from the vendor will have the school’s logo with the student’s specific academy embroidered on it. The shirts are made with high quality fabric and are very appealing. Students will not be allowed to wear T – shirts of any kind.

Uniform Bottom: Black or khaki long pants worn at the waist. No shorts, capri pants or jeans of any color, on any day, will be allowed.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT

http://www2.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/rules/Chapt4/4-1.05.pdf

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida recognizes that substance abuse in our nation and our community exacts staggering costs in both human and

economic terms. Substance abuse can be reasonably expected to produce

impaired job performance, lost productivity, absenteeism, accidents, wasted

materials, lowered morale, rising health care costs, and diminished interpersonal

relationship skills. Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and its employee unions share a commitment to solve this problem and to create and maintain a drug-free work environment. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is responsible for the instruction and well-being of the students entrusted to its care. A consistent message needs to be communicated to Miami-Dade County Public Schools students; the use of illegal drugs, the abuse of alcohol, and the misuse of prescription drugs is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC) serves as a communication link between the administration, staff, students, parents, business organizations and community of Miami Edison Senior High School. The EESAC assists in the preparation and evaluation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP). Additionally, the council is responsible for addressing all state and district goals and has the authority to periodically review the SIP and amend as needed. They may address issues that include curriculum, student discipline and safety, professional development and budget, as it applies to the SIP. The advisory council members are selected through a voting process within each department or employment such as teachers/school support, etc. The advisory council meets monthly to discuss various topics. Meetings are announced in advance.

The Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC) will meet on the second Wednesday of every month. Each meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. on the scheduled dates. Please refer to the schedule of meetings:

Scheduled EESAC Meetings

August 8, 2007

September 12, 2007

October 10, 2007

November 14, 2007

December 12, 2007

January 9, 2008

February 13, 2008

March 12, 2008

April 9, 2008

May 14, 2008

School Board Rule 6Gx13- 1B-1.031

http://www2.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/rules/Chapt1/1b-1.031.pdf

(Guidelines for the Establishment of Educational Excellence School Advisory Councils (EESAC) as required by State Statute)

ELECTRONIC GRADEBOOK

http://gradebooksupport.dadeschools.net/

ELECTRONIC STAFF REFERENCE GUIDE/SCHOOL OPERATIONS

This guide is a user-friendly staff reference guide that contains pertinent information that can be utilized throughout the school year.

http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/29.pdf

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

A. EMERGENCY ALERT

In case of an emergency and if it is necessary to make sure all students are in the classroom with the door locked, the following announcement will be given over the P.A.:

“CODE RED, CODE RED, CODE RED.”

At this time, teachers will:

1. lock classroom doors;

2. bring students into the building if classes are outside;

3. keep students in classrooms and in their seats-DO NOT change classrooms;

4. listen for additional information.

Custodians will:

1. lock all doors and gates leading into the building;

2. lock bathrooms and

3. report to office for further instructions.

Secretary will:

1. answer the phone.

Cafeteria workers will:

1. close and lock all doors and secure cafeteria against outsiders;

2. remain inside cafeteria until emergency is over.

Routine Security When School is in Session

All staff members should advise visitors (including relatives) to check with security at the front door. Visitors will sign in and be issued a visitor’s badge and/or escorted by a staff member. All staff members share the responsibility of questioning strangers in the building. The office is to be notified if a problem arises.

B. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (EVACUATION PLAN)

The fire alarm signal shall be used for the following when an evacuation is required:

1. fire

2. bomb threat (runners will be used to announce evacuation)

3. evacuation drills

4. any other needs

Responsibilities when the fire alarm sounds:

1. Teachers will:

a. signal the students to prepare to evacuate;

b. secure the grade book;

c. proceed immediately to the room exit and initiate room evacuation;

d. check to insure that everyone has departed the room;

e. close the classroom door- DO NOT LOCK:

f. follow the assigned evacuation route to the assembly area- routes must be