Faculty Handbook 11-12w Table of Contents

SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL
LATHAM, NEW YORK 12110
F-A-C-U-L-T-Y
H-A-N-D-B-O-O-K
BOARD OF EDUCATION NORTH COLONIE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWTONVILLE, NEW YORK 12128
2011 - 2012
Mrs. Mary Nardolillo President
Mrs. Linda Harrison Vice President
Dr. Siren Chudgar Mrs. Paula DOrazio Mrs. Ann Foster Mr. C. David Gaynor
Mrs. Joan Hart Ms. Sandy Pangburn Mrs. Mary-Ellen Raup Mr. Thomas Rybaltowski, Clerk
Mr. D. Joseph Corr Superintendent of Schools
Ms. Kathleen Skeals Assistant Superintendent
SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY HANDBOOK 2011 - 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page I. INTRODUCTION A. B. C. D. E. F. II. Shaker High School Vision The Philosophy and Objectives of Shaker High School District Code of Ethics Brief History of the North Colonie Central School District District Map - see back of book School Map - see back of book 1 2 3 6
FACULTY AND PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION A. Faculty List B. Credit Union C. Public Relations and Information D. Teacher Absences E. Teachers School Day F. Lesson Plans G. Teacher Office H. Faculty Lounge I. Inclement Weather 8 8 10 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 13
J. Teacher Evaluation K. General Rules Governing Expense Allowance for Attendance at Conferences L. Leave of Absence M. Role of the Teacher
III.
SCHEDULES A. B. C. D. E. Class Schedules Daily Time Schedule Time Schedule for School When Opening One Hour Late Time Schedule for School When Opening Two Hours Late Emergency School Closing
Page 13 14 16 16 16
IV.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS A. B. C. D. E. F. Homeroom Periods Homeroom and Classroom Procedures Attendance and Tardiness to Class Public Address Announcements Video Morning Announcements In the Event of the Death of a Student or His/Her Parents 17 17 18 24 24 24
V.
STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTING A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. Philosophy of Grading Interim Progress Reports Commendation and Warning Notice Progress Reporting Infinite Campus Entering Progress Reports Infinite Campus Grade Reporting Some Basic Considerations General Grading Information Grade Verification Process Infinite Campus Mid-Term/Final Exam Grading Infinite Campus Incomplete Marks Grade Distributions 25 27 28 30 30 31 36 39 41 41
V.
STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTING (contd) K. L. M. N. O. P. Frequently Asked Grading Questions Infinite Campus Levels of Instruction Promotion Policy High Honor, Honor, and Merit Roll Home Instruction for Students Course and Regents Examination Failure Notification
Page 41 43 43 43 43 45
VI.
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Component Services Counseling Services Health Services Psychological Services Remedial Reading Speech Therapy Pupil Personnel Service Team 45 45 46 47 47 48 48
VII.
MEDIA CENTER A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. General Structure Resources Circulation Facilities and Services Use of Center by Students and Teachers Computer Workstations Overdue Materials and Equipment Security Measures 48 49 49 50 51 52 52 52
VIII.
DISCIPLINE A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Philosophy Students Rights and Responsibilities Why Do Students Misbehave? What Can You Do To Lessen Disciplinary Problems? Referral for Disciplinary Reasons Disciplinary Procedures Detention Ladies and Gentlemens Rooms General Responsibilities for Teachers on Supervision Supervision Responsibilities Sixth Period Supervision Study Hall Conduct LaFollette Hall Senior and Junior Preparation Periods Guiding Principles for Student Dress After School Guidelines Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices
Page 52 52 53 53 53 54 57 57 57 59 59 60 60 61 63 66
IX.
EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAM A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. Philosophy Suburban Scholastic Council Eligibility Extracurricular Organizations Use of Passive Alcohol Devices Procedures for Assemblies Field Trips The Student Board of Finance 69 70 74 65 65 66 66
IX.
EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAM (contd) I. J. K. L. M. N. O. Sales by School Organizations Dances Parties Fraternities and Sororities Use of Teachers Cars for the Transportation of Students Chaperone Responsibilities Supervision of Athletic Events
Page 74 75 76 76 76 76 76
X.
POLICIES A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Promotion Policy Smoking and Tobacco Products Students Controlled Substances and Alcohol Policy Concerning Alcohol and Other Substances for Adults Administrative Regulations Concerning Alcohol and Other Substances for Adults Students Possession, Use or Threatened Use of Weapons Student Release from Class Controversial Issues and Guest Speakers Guidelines for Handling Requests for Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional Projects Mid-Year and Final Examinations Homework Policy and Regulations Class Attendance Policy Procedure for Remediating Senior Course Failures The Final Quarter Grade Below 50 Guidelines for Make-up of Class Work and Tests During Absences Ethical Guidelines for Student Leaders 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 84 85 864 88 88 89 90 90
X.
POLICIES (contd) Q. R. S. T. U. Prohibition of Sexual Harassment Use of Technology and Networks Plagiarism Administrative Attendance Waivers Assignments for Part-Time Teachers
Page 93 95 96 97 99 99
XI. XII.
SCHOOL CALENDAR SCHOOL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. Care of Rooms School Keys Requisitions Audio Visual Exhibit Cases Telephones Use of Building Regulations for the Use of Shaker High School Auditorium by School Organizations Equipment Maintenance
100 100 100 101 101 101 102 104 105
XIII.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS A. B. C. D. E. Emergency Procedures and Approved First Aid Methods Fire Drills Disaster Preparedness (Severe Weather) Shelter-in-Place Drill Lockdown Drill 105 113 117 118 119
XIV.
MISCELLANEOUS A. B. C. D. E. Fees and Handling of Funds Computer Center Title IX Sex Discrimination Equal Opportunity Information Evaluation Instrument
Page 121 121 121 121 122
XV.
NEW POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Protocol for Teacher Removal of a Student From a Classroom A. B. Therapeutic Removals Removal for Disciplinary Reasons 123 123
FORMS Announcement Form Examination Conduct Warning Form Field Trip Request Form Field Trip Request Beyond 50 Miles Guest Speaker Form Non-Numeric Grade Input Notice of Teacher Removal of Student Plagiarism Form Request for Grade Below 50 Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint Form Teacher Evaluation Form Video Morning Announcement Form
MASTER SCHEDULES (Blue Pages) Lunch Schedule Master Schedule (Supervisors) Guidance Counselor Assignments LaFollette Teacher Class Assignments Taft Teacher Class Assignments Hall Assignments Attendance Periods
125 126 127 128 129 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 141
A.
Shaker High School Vision
Our enduring vision is and will continue to be, to maintain a safe and wholesome school environment - one that constantly improves our comprehensive educational system, providing opportunities, services, and instruction of the highest quality and value to all children. Therefore, we have developed programs designed to enable our students to succeed academically and socially and prepare them for the demands of the global work place. To that end, students need to understand the fundamental principles of economics and economic systems. They must acquire this necessary knowledge in order to be contributing and successful citizens in a democratic society. To achieve these goals, they must become independent learners, mastering core academic and technological skills. This mastery will enable them to solve problems and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. We must also encourage Shaker students to foster life-long reading and critical thinking habits, as well as to gain knowledge of a foreign language and the fine arts. Lastly, they should learn to embrace healthy life styles and activities, exercise civility and self-discipline, demonstrate respect for others, make good decisions, and take reasonable responsibility for their education.
B.
The Philosophy and Objectives of Shaker High School As a part of our evaluations by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the faculty has prepared and unanimously subscribed to the following philosophy and objectives. Philosophy We in the United States live in a dynamic, democratic society - a society with unique political, social, economic and cultural characteristics - existing in a world of many cultures. In this context, we at Shaker High School believe we have the responsibility for providing equal educational opportunities for the students of our community, for encouraging maximum development, and for providing leadership in an environment of growth so that our students will be prepared to live harmoniously and to contribute effectively to our society. We believe that learning is a personal process for the acquisition of knowledge as a tool that will enable the students to grow, to evaluate, and to make choices beneficial to themselves and our society. We believe that we must strive to inspire an affinity for learning, which will bring continuing enjoyment and enrichment to the individual. We believe that the role of the school must be one of providing, in its instruction and programs, the examples of high quality that will create a climate for learning and will engender in the student the motivation necessary to develop these attributes. Above all, we so firmly believe in the dignity and the worth of each individual that we aspire to develop students potential beyond their own awareness and instill the confidence that they need in order to view their world with reality and hope. Objectives To implement this philosophy of Shaker High School, we believe the following objectives are vital. Therefore, to carry out beliefs, we strive: 1. to use planned sequences of instruction, relevant to each discipline built upon carefully selected solid material which will challenge students to succeed to the limit of their abilities; to provide close, continuous and consistent guidance to help students make sound vocational and educational plans to achieve to the level of their own capacity and to gain personal satisfaction in as many aspects of their lives as possible; to identify and develop those fundamental skills that can be used as a basis for future understanding and action; to stress students understanding of concepts and reasoning processes, thus enabling students to transfer knowledge to new but similar situations:
2.
3. 4.
5. 6. 7.
to encourage logical, critical, and creative thought in the use of discipline relative to any program; to develop skills of communications which will enable students to speak, to read, to write, and to listen with facility; to transmit a knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the literary, historical, and artistic traditions and forces which have shaped our culture and which will give students a sense of pride in their heritage; to develop an understanding of, and an appreciation for, the cultures, motivations, and aspirations of other people; to develop an appreciation for creative forms of self-expression and the potentiality for human achievement; to encourage the student to look beyond the classroom situation and to explore independently new areas of interest; to encourage students to adopt attitudes of self-disciplined, responsible citizens, and to avail themselves of the opportunity for self-expression in all activities; to develop simultaneously the resources of body and mind and to encourage students to understand so thoroughly the concepts involved in good physical and mental health that they will recognize the necessity for their continuing development.
8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
C.
District Code of Ethics A resolution establishing standards of conduct for officers and employees of the Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District: Be it resolved by the Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District: 1. Ethical Conduct Pursuant to the provisions of Section 806 of the General Municipal Law, the Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District recognizes that there are rules of ethical conduct for public officers and employees which must be observed if a high degree of moral conduct is to be obtained and if public confidence is to be maintained in our unit of local government. It is the purpose of this local law to promulgate these rules of ethical conduct for the officers and employees of the Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District. These rules shall serve as a guide for official conduct of the officers and employees of the Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District. The rules of ethical conduct of this local law as adopted, shall not conflict with, but shall be in addition to, any prohibition of Article 18 of the General Municipal Law or any other general or special law relating to ethical conduct and interest in contracts of municipal officers and employees.
2.
Definition Officer or Employee means an officer or employee of the Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District whether paid or unpaid, including members of any administrative board, commission or other agency thereof. a. Interest means a pecuniary or material benefit accruing to a municipal officer or employee unless the context otherwise requires
3.
Standards of Conduct Every officer or employee of the Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District shall be subject to, and abide by, the following standards of conduct: a. Gifts - He/she shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit any gift; or accept or receive any gift having a value of $75.00 or more, whether in the form of money, services, loan, travel, entertainment, hospitality, thing or promise, or any other form, under circumstances in which it could reasonably be inferred that the gift was intended to influence him/her, or could reasonably be expected to influence him/her, in the performance of his/her official duties or was intended as a reward for any official action on his/her part. (BOE Policy No. 2160) SOURCE: This provision is part of the statutory code, applicable to all municipalities - General Municipal Law, 805-a, (1). b. Confidential Information - He/she shall not disclose confidential information acquired by him/her in the course of his/her official duties or use such information to further his/her personal interest. SOURCE: This provision is part of the statutory code, applicable to all municipalities - General Municipal Law, 805-a, (1). c. Representation Before Ones Own Agency - He/she shall not receive, or enter into any agreement, express or implied, for compensation for services to be rendered in relation to any matter before any municipal agency of which he/she is an officer, member or employee of any municipal agency over which he/she has jurisdiction to which he/she has the power to appoint any member, officer or employee. SOURCE: This provision is part of the statutory code, applicable to all municipalities - General Municipal Law, 805-a, (1). d. Representation Before Any Agency for a Contingent Fee - He/she shall not receive, or enter into any agreement, express or implied for compensation for services to be rendered in relation to any matter before any agency of his/her municipality, whereby his/her compensation is to be dependent or contingent upon any action by such agency with respect to such matter, provided that this paragraph shall not prohibit the fixing at any time of fees based upon the reasonable value of the services rendered. SOURCE: This provision is part of the statutory code, applicable to all municipalities - General Municipal Law, 805-a (1)
e.
Disclosure of Interest in Legislation - To the extent that he/she knows thereof, a member of the Board of Education and any officer or employee of the North Colonie Central School District, whether paid or unpaid, who participates in the discussion or gives official opinion to the Board of Education on any legislation before the Board of Education shall publicly disclose on the official record the nature and extent of any direct or indirect financial or other private interest he/she has in such legislation. SOURCE: Administrative Code of the City of New York 898.1-0.
f.
Investments in Conflict with Official Duties - He/she shall not invest or hold any investment, directly or indirectly, in any financial, business, commercial or other private transaction, which creates a conflict with his/her official duties. SOURCE: The subject matter of this provision is a required part of a local code, when adopted - General Municipal Law, 806. The language has been patterned after the existing provision in Public Officers Law, 74 (2).
g.
Special Privileges or Exceptions - He/she shall not seek to secure special privileges or exceptions for himself/herself or others by interceding in public or private with any municipal agency. Nepotism - The appointment of officers and employees shall be on the basis of merit. The employment of relatives of members of the appointing Board or of the appointing officer shall be prohibited. Private Employment - He/she shall not engage in, solicit, negotiate for, or promise to accept private employment or render services for private interests when such employment or service creates a conflict with or impairs the proper discharge of his/her official duties. SOURCE: The subject matter of this provision is a required part of a local code, when adopted - General Municipal Law, 806. The language has been patterned after the existing provision in Public Officers Law, 74-3 (a).
h.
i.
j.
Future Employment - He/she shall not, after the termination of service or employment with such municipality, appear before any board or agency of the Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District in relation to any case, proceeding or application in which he/she personally participated during the period of his/her service or employment or which was under his/her active consideration. . SOURCE: The subject matter of this provision is a required part of a local code, when adopted - General Municipal Law, 806. The language has been patterned after the existing provision in Public Officers Law, 73 (7).
4.
Filing of Claim Nothing herein shall be deemed to bar or prevent the timely filing by a present or former municipal officer or employee of any claim, account, demand or suit against the Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District, or any agency thereof on behalf of
himself/herself or any member of his/her family arising out of any personal injury or property damage or for any lawful benefit authorized or permitted by law. 5. Distribution of Code of Ethics The Superintendent of Schools of the North Colonie Central School District distributed copies of this code of ethics to every officer and employee of the School District prior to September 10, 1970. Each officer and employee elected or appointed thereafter shall be furnished a copy before entering upon the duties of his/her office or employment. 6. Penalties In addition to any penalty contained in any other provision of law, any person who shall knowingly and intentionally violate any of the provisions of this code may be fined, suspended or removed from office or employment as the case may be, in the manner provided by law. 7. Effective Date This resolution shall take effect immediately. D. Brief History of the North Colonie Central School District The North Colonie Central School District was formed on June 22, 1950 by the merger of ten former common and union free school districts. With its geographical center located approximately at the Latham traffic circle, the district forms the rough shape of a kite. The north and south axis is Route 7, from the Watervliet city line nearly to that of Schenectady County. At the time of centralization, four of the former districts had already closed their one-room schools and were sending their children to neighboring districts on a contract basis. Of the six districts maintaining their own elementary schools, only two, Loudonville and Latham, had sufficient children and large enough buildings to maintain a graded program. The others (one, two, and three-room schools) operated multiple grades. They were Newtonville, Goodrich, Airport, and Boght. In the spring of 1952, the Blue Creek and Forts Ferry Schools, and an addition to the Loudonville School were approved. Upon completion of these facilities, the Airport School was sold and moved in order to develop the former school bus garage location, the Newtonville School converted into the administrative office for the District, and the old Boght School was closed. Mounting enrollments emphasized the need for still more facilities. The educational consulting firm of Engelhardt, Engelhardt and Cornell were retained to conduct a survey of the needs of our District. Upon their recommendations a planned long-range program of development was begun. In the spring of 1954, sites were selected for two additional elementary schools and for a future junior-senior high school as well. In the fall of that year construction of the present Southgate School and Boght Hills School was approved. At the same time, an addition to the Goodrich School was begun. Early in 1956 the voters approved construction of the Shaker Junior-Senior High School, which was opened to students in September, 1958.
A re-survey by the educational consultants determined our continuing goals. School population had increased at such a rate that additions to the Southgate, Forts Ferry, and Goodrich Schools were authorized in June, 1957. By 1960 the need for a separate junior high school was apparent, and a referendum was approved by the voters. Construction began in the spring of 1962 and the building was opened to students in September, 1963. At this time Shaker High School became a three-year secondary school. In 1961 the Board of Education adopted the Hall names of Taft, LaFollette, Webster, Clay, and Calhoun. These famous US Senators had been honored by a bipartisan Senate Committee, headed by John F. Kennedy for their outstanding service to their country. The long-range projection of a doubled school population during the next decade led to the purchase, in 1965, of additional property sites. Sites were designated for elementary school needs, an additional junior high school building, and a new administrative office building. The firm of Engelhardt, Engelhardt and Cornell was retained again in 1965 to conduct a survey of present and future needs. Part of the firms recommendation was that sites be acquired immediately for expansion of the Senior High School, construction of another Junior High School sometime in the future, and construction of an additional elementary school on Latham Ridge, as well as increasing the capacity of Blue Creek School. Such action was approved by the voters of the District in the Spring of 1966. In the spring of 1968 Latham Ridge School was opened. Plans for an addition to our building were formulated by faculty committees known as the Shaker 70 and the Shaker 71 committees. The Shaker 71 committee was a continuation of the Shaker 70 committee and served through the successful completion of the Shaker 71 bond issue vote in January, 1969. Construction of the addition to and the renovation of Shaker High School was completed during the 1971-72 school year. Prior to the passage of the bond issue for Shaker 71 the Board of Education decided that beginning September, 1969 Shaker High School would be a four-year high school with Grades 9 12, and the junior high school would be composed of Grades 7 and 8 with selected sections of Grade 6. Since 1976 enrollments at Shaker gradually declined and continued to do so throughout the 1980s. An enrollment increase trend started in 1991. The North Colonie Central School District continues to periodically review enrollment trends.
In 1985, Shaker High School was designated an Exemplary School by the United States
Department of Education as an outgrowth of the Secondary School Recognition Program. This honor reflects directly on the high ability and professional efforts of the faculty and staff. In 1991 supervisors, teachers, and administrators determined that the learning needs of Shaker School students enrolled in general level programs required the creation of instructional and support programs designed to meet their specific needs. Therefore, general level programs were phased out and replaced with the expanded Regents Program in English and social studies. As a result of the adoption of this program, the majority of Shaker High School students were enrolled in Regents classes in English and social studies. This was the first step in the creation of an all Regents High School.
In 1995 step two was completed with the introduction of the Integrated Regents Program in mathematics, science, technology, business, and family and consumer science. I.R.P. is a fouryear program. The combination of the expanded and Integrated Regents Programs enables students to fulfill the graduation requirements for a Regents diploma. Throughout its history Shaker High School has received many awards for academic excellence and its students have been recognized for superior achievement on local, regional, state, national, and international examinations. In 1998 Shaker High School celebrated its fortieth anniversary. In addition, it was identified as the top public and private high school in the Capital District and ranked in the 98th percentile in New York State. It is important to note that Shaker High Schools dynamic engine of teacher effectiveness is the single most significant factor in the academic growth, maturation, and scholastic achievement of its students. During the 2000-2001 school year Shaker High School joined the other seven schools in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the North Colonie Central School District. The schedule of activities focused on respect, wellness, and the history of each school. These events gave all members of the North Colonie Educational Community an opportunity to not only celebrate but also to reflect on fifty years of sustainable achievement. II. FACULTY AND PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION A. Faculty List A complete list of faculty members with home addresses and telephone numbers will be distributed in October. B. Credit Union SCHOOL SYSTEMS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 325 Washington Avenue Extension Albany, New York 12205 (5l8) 456-1611 or 125 Defreest Drive-Rensselaer Technology Park Troy, New York 12180 (518) 286-1611 WELCOME School Systems Federal Credit Union is a unique, not-for-profit and member owned financial institution. Unlike banks that are strictly profit-driven, we return excess earnings to our members in the form of personal friendly service, lower interest rates for loans, higher yields on savings and investment accounts, and by adding new financial products and services. A LONG STANDING TRADITION Our credit union was originally chartered in 1954 and included the school districts of Guilderland, Bethlehem, and North and South Colonie. Tired of the poor service offered by local banks and other financial institutions, they formed the credit union to provide better loan and savings rates, as well as the personal financial attention they felt everyone deserved. The credit union later merged with Sandkill FCU and expanded to include many important Select Employer Groups. We now serve more than 6,000 credit unions.
MEMBERSHIP IS EASY To join the credit union, you must open a Share Savings Account. This is your share in the credit union. Deposit and maintain $5.00 in this account, and youre immediately eligible for the many benefits of membership. Once you become a member, your family members by blood or marriage are eligible to join, including your parents, children, grandparents, and other relatives. Additional applications are available at the credit union office. A LIFETIME OF BENEFITS You are welcome to remain a credit union member for life, regardless of whether you change jobs, move or retire. You can access credit union financial products and services by mail, fax, phone, a 24-hour Automated Teller and at nationwide ATMs. If your lifestyle changes, call or visit the credit union. We will be glad to show you how you can continue to enjoy a lifetime of money-saving financial benefits. WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU All of School Systems financial products and services are designed to save you money and provide convenient advantages hard to find anywhere else. SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS We offer a variety of savings and investment accounts designed to help you accomplish your financial goals. Savings at the credit union are called shares, and a dividend (interest) is earned on all accounts. Contact the credit union for current rates and account details. * * * * * * * * * * Share Draft Checking Account (No minimum balance. No monthly service. No per-check charge. Visa Check Card available) Share Savings Accounts Summer Shares Holiday Club Money Market Accounts Share Certificates IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) IRA Share Certificate Roth and Educational IRAs We can also provide the services of an outside certified financial planner
LOANS FOR ALL REASONS We offer full-service, low-interest loans with flexible repayment terms. For your convenience, loan applications are taken in person, by phone, mail, and fax. * * * * * * * * First and Second Mortgage Loans Fixed Rate Home Equity Loans Variable Rate Home Equity Line of Credit Loans New and Used Vehicle Loans Motorcycle, Boat and RV Loans Personal Loans Secured Loans (Share and Share Certificates) Education Loans
You can make your loan payments more convenient and automatic using Payroll Deduction, at no cost to you! We also have Loan Protection Insurance available at minimal cost. OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 4:30 Friday 9:00 - 6:00 Saturday 9:00 - 1:00 24 Hour, 7 Days/Week Account Access 456-1611, Option 6 Website www.school-systems.com C. Public Relations and Information 1. The Teacher and Public Relations Nothing is more important to parents and taxpayers than the education of their children. Generally speaking, parents will accept the successes and failures of their children providing there is reasonable assurance that each teacher has been fair, honest and, above all, communicative concerning the progress of their children. Pupils are a teachers most important public: 2000 public relations agents leave Shaker High School daily, each with a story to tell about the happenings in school that day. To each of these young people, school means their teacher with whom they come in contact daily. Every teacher must remember the worth and dignity of each individual student. Deal with them honestly and with an understanding that causes them to place their confidence in you. Friendliness and personal interest in each student will create an educational atmosphere from which almost every student will find some success. In order to create the proper relationship with each student, teachers must remember the individual personality involved. Praise will get far better results than constant censure. Education needs the confidence of the public and this is developed largely through children. In order for a school to develop worthwhile educational programs, the support of the public is essential. 2. Relations with the Press It is most important that accomplishments of both students and faculty are made known to the public. Teachers who are class advisors, or sponsors of clubs or other organizations, who wish to advertise their organizations activities or publicize the accomplishments of students or faculty, should submit their typed news release to the Public Relations Coordinators, Mrs. Skeals and Mr. Stephen King, Webmaster.
10
D.
Teacher Absences The secondary schools of the North Colonie Central School District have arranged for the coordination of substitutes through the Capital Region BOCES Substitute Coordination Service using the SmartFind Express system. It is the responsibility of the teacher to complete a one time registration process by calling 464-3920, entering your Access ID, voicing your name and selecting a PIN. Once registered, absences can then be reported 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by calling 464-3920, or online at www.capregboces.org/SubCoordination.
Absences can be reported for the entire school year. Name, school and subject are stored in
the SmartFind Express database as default information. The teacher will select a reason, date and time for the absence. A job number will be assigned. Please write down the job number, it is your confirmation that the absence has been recorded.
It is extremely important, that requests for substitutes be placed as early as possible. Any call made after 6:30 AM will be interpreted as an emergency.
When teachers know in advance they will be absent on a particular day, or days, they should discuss this with their Department Supervisor before notifying the hiring agent. In all cases involving a faculty member who must leave the school building during the school day, the decision as to whether or not a substitute is called rests with the administration; thus, no telephone call to the hiring agent is made under those circumstances. If the Hall Principal determines that a substitute is to be employed, the call will be made by the Building Principals secretary. As per the Agreement: All teachers will at all times have prepared at least three days special substitute plans, relatively easy to follow, providing worthwhile experience for pupils and filed with their Hall Principal. Substitutes will be expected to follow these plans and no other plans will be accepted. Any questions concerning this section should be referred to your Hall Principal. REMEMBER: THE ONLY PERSON TO CONTACT THE SUBSTITUTE- HIRING AGENT FOR A SUBSTITUTE IS THE TEACHER. TEACHERS MAY NOT HIRE THEIR OWN SUBSTITUTES. E. Teachers School Day 1. 2. F. The official school day is from 7:30 AM until 3:00 PM on Monday, 7:30 AM until 3:08 PM Tuesday through Thursday, and 7:30 AM until 2:30 PM on Friday. Teachers may leave the building during the school day with the approval of their Hall Principal or Building Principal.
Lesson Plans Sound planning is essential to effective teaching. Therefore, the responsibility to plan carefully for each class rests with each teacher. In order to help teachers with their planning, the following policy will be followed: 1. Lesson plans are to be written and prepared a week in advance. Teachers will submit these plans to their Department Supervisor on days designated by the Supervisor.
11
2.
Teachers are to have on file, accessible to the Hall Principal, a special set of substitute lesson plans which have been approved by the Department Supervisor and which will provide for at least three class sessions. These will be used in the event of absence. After each use, this file must be updated. PLEASE INCLUDE CLASS LISTS.
G.
Teacher Office The teacher office is the heart of the Hall System. Teachers should remember that their office is a place of work. Meetings between teachers and students parents, or other school personnel should be held in the hall conference rooms at any time with confidence that a professional atmosphere will exist. Note: Smoking is not permitted at Shaker High School.
H.
Faculty Lounge The faculty lounge is the responsibility of the Shaker High School Faculty Lounge Committee. Although regular cleaning takes place, it is expected those who eat lunch there will return their dishes to the kitchen.
I.
Inclement Weather In the event of heavy snow or impassable roads necessitating the closing of our schools, an announcement to this effect will be made over local radio stations, and will be posted on the Website: www.northcolonie.org.
J.
Teacher Evaluation 1. 2. Please refer to the Agreement between the North Colonie Teachers Association and the North Colonie Board of Education. All teachers are evaluated by their Department Supervisor with input from their Hall Principal or the Building Principal. Teachers going on tenure are evaluated by December Teachers scheduled for formal evaluation are evaluated prior to the closing of school.
The EVALUATION INSTRUMENT can be found in the FORMS section of this book. K. General Rules Governing Expense Allowance for Attendance at Conferences Application for conference attendance must be forwarded through the Department Supervisor to the Building Principal. The Superintendent will act on all requests. Required forms may be obtained in the Main Office. L. Leave of Absence Leave of absence may be granted to teachers on tenure. Application should be submitted to the High School Principal through the teachers Hall Principal.
12
M.
Role of the Teacher The primary role of the teacher is to present well-organized instruction following the established course outline which includes a variety of teaching techniques and periodic evaluation of student progress. While fulfilling this role, teachers shall be expected to remain up-to-date on all aspects of their subject field and shall conduct themselves as follows: reflect a personal enthusiasm toward teaching and learning with a genuine concern for the individual student; guide learning activities so students learn to think and reason, assume responsibility for their actions, and respect the rights of others; interpret, explain, and enforce school rules and regulations regarding student behavior; be firm, fair and consistent in enforcing rules in the classrooms, hallways, restrooms, on the school campus, and at school-sponsored activities; give positive reinforcement for acceptable behavior; demonstrate, by word and personal example, respect for law and order and selfdiscipline; refer to administrator or counselor any student whose behavior requires special attention; and, inform parents regarding student achievement and behavior while consulting with parents whenever necessary.
III.
SCHEDULES A. Class Schedule The master schedule consists of eight periods. A normal school day will have seven teaching periods. Periods 1 - 7 will occur at the same time each day they meet. Period 8 rotates through the schedule changing each day in sequential order. Each period will occur seven times in eight days as illustrated below. SUBJECT PERIODS 1ST Day 1st Class 2nd Class 3rd Class 4th Class 5th Class 6th Class 7th Class 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2ND Day (8) 2 3 4 5 6 7 3RD Day 1 (8) 3 4 5 6 7 4TH Day 1 2 (8) 4 5 6 7 5TH Day 1 2 3 (8) 5 6 7 6TH Day 1 2 3 4 (8) 6 7 7TH Day 1 2 3 4 5 (8) 7 8TH Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 (8)
Each subject meets seven times every eight school days as the notations on Period 1 illustrates. Physical Education classes meet every other time a subject period occurs. Science laboratories meet every fourth time a subject period occurs. Since Physical Education classes and science laboratories are scheduled for the same period each eight period segment is assigned a letter A, B, C or D, to identify these classes.
13
Each student is assigned to either A and C rotation or the B and D rotation for Physical Education. Science labs, Study Hall and Preparation periods are assigned during the alternate rotations. Illustration: Rachel Carson, Grade 9, takes Biology and is assigned to a laboratory first period. Rachels program for first period might be as follows: Bio Lab Physical Education A B Study Hall Physical Education C D
Following an eight-day period schedule, she would take the classes as shown below: 1st Class 1A(lab) (8A) 1B(PE) 1C(SH) 1D(PE) 1A(lab) 1B(PE) 1C(SH)
2nd Class 3rd Class 4th Class 5th Class 6th Class 7th Class
2A 3A 4A 5A 6A 7A
2B 3B 4B 5B 6B 7B
(8B) 3C 4C 5C 6C 7C
2C (8C) 4D 5D 6D 7D
2D 3D (8D) 5A 6A 7A
2A 3A 4A (8A) 6B 7B
2B 3B 4B 5B (8B) 7C
2C 3C 4C 5C 6C (8C)
If Rachel were not taking Biology, her program for first period might be shown below: Study Hall Phys Ed 9 Study Hall Phys Ed 9 A B C D
Copies of the daily schedule will be prepared in advance and made available to faculty and students. The official school day for all students begins at 7:34 AM with homeroom and concludes at 2:17 PM. If students have no obligations to faculty or activities, they must leave the building after the last class period at 2:17 PM. B. Daily Time Schedule ** 7:30 * 7:34 7:40 * 7:45 * * 7:34 7:40 7:45 8:31 Pass to Homeroom Homeroom Pass to First Class First Class
14
Daily Time Schedule (contd) 8:31 * 8:36 9:22 * 9:27 10:13 ** * 10:23 10:28 11:14 * 11:19 12:05 * 12:10 * * * * * 8:36 9:22 9:27 10:13 10:23 10:28 11:14 11:19 12:05 12:10 1:26 12:40 1:26 Pass to Second Class Second Class Pass to Third Class Third Class Mid-Morning Pass to Fourth Class Fourth Class Pass to Fifth Class Fifth Class Pass to Sixth Class Sixth Class (Lunch Period) 30 Minutes Lunch 46 Minutes Class 23 Minutes Class 30 Minutes Lunch 23 Minutes Class 46 Minutes Class 30 Minutes Lunch Pass to Seventh Class Seventh Class Extra Help/Teach Prep/Class Activities
Lunch Group A: 12:10 12:40 Lunch Group B: 12:10 - 12:33 12:33 1:30 Lunch Group C: 12:10 12:56 1:26 * 1:31 2:17 2:25 4:05 5:00 -
1:03 1:26 12:56 1:26 1:31 * 2:17 3:08
Buses Depart from Shaker High School Activity Buses Depart from Shaker High School Activity Buses Depart from Shaker High School
* Chimes ring at the beginning and end of each class period ** Chimes will ring at 7:30 AM and 10:23 AM
15
C.
Time Schedule for School When Opening One Hour Late Mid-morning will be available from 8:15 - 8:30 AM 8:34 - 8:40(06) Homeroom 8:45 9:26 10:07 10:48 11:29 12:10 1:31 2:25 9:21(36) First Class Second Class Third Class Fourth Class (36) Fifth Class
- 10:02 (36) - 10:43(36) - 11:24(36) - 12:05 1:26 (76) 2:17(46)
Sixth Class (Lunch Period) Seventh Class Buses Depart
D.
Time Schedule When Opening Two Hours Late Mid-morning will be available from 9:15 - 9:30 AM 9:34 - 9:40 (06) Homeroom 9:45 - 10:09 10:14 - 10:38 10:43 - 11:07 11:12 - 11:36 11:41 - 12:05 12:10 - 1:26 1:31 2:17 2:25 (24) (24) (24) (24) (24) (76) (46) First Class Second Class Third Class Fourth Class Fifth Class Sixth Class (Lunch Period) Seventh Class
Buses Depart
E.
Emergency School Closing If school closes early due to an emergency situation, the next days schedule will be in effect. A new calendar will be produced by the Main Office for distribution to the faculty.
16
IV.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS This information is designed to help teachers keep accurate attendance using the Infinite Campus Student Management System. The procedures for taking attendance must be followed to insure uniformity and accurate attendance of our students. Please refer to this information when questions arise. A. Homeroom Periods Homeroom period will occur between 7:34 AM 7:40 AM. A serious and attentive atmosphere shall prevail. The purposes of the homeroom period are the taking of attendance, announcements, guidance activities and other activities, approved by the Hall Principal or Building Principal. B. Homeroom and Classroom Procedures Homeroom and classroom attendance must be completed by the end of the period. This information will be used as the basis for the Infinite Campus Daily Planner. Homeroom teachers should pickup passes and other information in their hall offices in the homeroom packet prior to the start of homeroom. The daily homeroom and classroom attendance will be found in the Infinite Campus data base. Teachers will have access to their homeroom and class rosters. For guidelines on homeroom and classroom attendance refer to the following: Appendix A (Homeroom and Classroom Attendance Step-By-Step Procedures) and Appendix B (Attendance Responsibilities). In homeroom, if a student enters late the student should be marked as tardy. The third and all subsequent tardies should be referred to the Hall Principal on a discipline referral form. Attendance Events can be found on the Infinite Campus Daily Planner. Parent/guardian contact information can be found in the class roster. A call home should be made on the third tardy indicating to parents that detention will be assigned on the fourth and all subsequent tardies to homeroom. Parent/Guardian notes are required for all tardies and absences. Such notes may not excuse an absence or tardy, but acknowledge a students absence.
17
C.
Attendance and Tardiness to Class To determine the attendance procedure, refer to Appendix B see Student returns to class. 1. Unknown Absences (Yellow As) Unknown absences (yellow As) must be adjudicated within a day or two of the absence. If this is not possible, a hall principal must be contacted by the teacher. The yellow As are adjudicated in two ways: by the teacher notifying the attendance secretaries in the students hall office if a mistake has been made, or by turning in an Irregular Absence Form to the hall principal indicating that the teacher was not able to determine the reason for the absence after calling the parent. 2. Tardy to Class or School A student who enters his/her classroom after the class has begun is tardy. Follow the procedure outlined in Appendix B (Attendance Responsibilities) see Student returns to class. In the event a student is tardy to school, he/she will be expected to present a pink tardy slip to the teacher of the class he/she is entering. If a student is present in class but grayed out in the roster, the student must be sent to the hall office to verify their attendance.
18
HOMEROOM AND CLASSROOM ATTENDANCE STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES Login to Infinite Campus Click on icon for Infinite Campus (available on computer) Other Options for Login Open the following internet browser MAC OSX open Safari Windows XP open Internet Explorer o Enter the following address from work or home https://nccsic.ncolonie.org
APPENDIX A
North Colonie Live Site Login Page Displays Enter assigned User Name Enter Password (created by user) Strong Password (>8 characters longmust include at least 1 number and 1 letter) Click on OK Welcome to Infinite Campus screen displays Access the Attendance screens Teachers can access the attendance screens two ways, by using the quick link under the Process Inbox on the initial Infinite Campus screen or by navigating to the attendance module, Option 1 Click on the quick link on the initial Infinite Campus screen located in the teachers Process Inbox. The Attendance screen will display for the period you selected. Option 2 Navigate to Instruction>Attendance (use the index menu). The Attendance screen will display with tabs to separate the classes by period. Click the tab for the period that you wish to take (or edit) attendance for. Taking Attendance Navigate to the Attendance screen using one of the methods listed previously. There are three Attendance radio buttons (P=Present, A=Absent, T=Tardy). Students will default to Present For all absences, click on the A radio button next to the appropriate student. For all tardies, click on the T radio button. If all students are present for class, teachers must navigate to the period attendance for that class and click save. Enter comments in the Comments box if appropriate. This box is not available when a student is marked Present. Click on the <Save> button.
Special Note: If a students radio buttons are gray, the attendance staff has already resolved this students attendance for this period. Teachers cannot override the attendance staffs code. Examples could include: Student is out Sick for the day Student is on a Field Trip
19
Viewing Attendance Events Navigate to the Daily Planner Instruction > Daily Planner (use index menu) Attendance Events are displayed weekly. To view a different week, input the date (any date in the week needed) in the Date field and click on the <Refresh> button. Attendance Events are displayed by day and course section. Events are color Coded o White = Excused, Red = Unexcused, Green = Exempt, Yellow = Unknown (unresolved) Report to Assist with Adjudication of Unknown Absences Teachers may view and/or print a report entitled Section Roster Attendance Summary which will allow teachers to review absences for each teaching or study hall section for the school year. The report will assist you with identifying students with unknown absences. The report delineates the attendance code for student absence and includes a column for Absent Unknown. The report is organized by (1) student and by (2) quarter, and includes the number of absences for each attendance code. Please follow the directions below to generate the report. Click on Instruction Click on Reports Click on Attendance Summary The screen will display Generate Report Use drop-down menu to select Section Click on Generate Report Review attendance and/or print to review Course/Section Roster Navigate to the Roster Instruction>Roster (use index menu) Click on Section drop down to view students in different course/sections Student data will display in alphabetical order. This report will also allow the teacher to view other information regarding the student; i.e, 504, IEP, etc. Clicking on the student name will provide a link to the Student Information General screen for that student. To view a flag, hover over the students flag. (e.g. Medical, PE Excuse, Document(IEP)) To view a students IEP, click on the students name to link to the Student Information General screen. Select the Document tab and click on the Open IEP Document icon. This is a view only version of the IEP. Print a Class/Section Roster for the Class/Section that is displayed Click on the Print button on the Roster Tab
20
SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CODES Code AAW ABE ABU CUT EDE EDU ESC ESCA ESNC FT GUID HI HOV INTR LE LTE LTU LU MOV MUS NOA NOV PIIP PPV PSYC RE REL RISE RTE RTU RU SAS SBA SBER SBT SC TCWD TDYE TDYU TRNT Description Administrative Approved Waiver Absence Excused Absence Unexcused Class Cut Early Dismissal Excused Early Dismissal Unexcused External Suspension Compulsory External Suspension Compulsory Absent External Suspension Non-Compulsory Field Trip Guidance Office Visit Home Instruction Hall Office Visit Internal Restriction Late to School Excused Late to School (Tardy Excused) Late to School (Tardy Unexcused) Late to School Unexcused Main Office Visit Music Lesson Nurses Office Appointment Nurses Office Visit Personal Improvement Intervention Program Pupil Personnel Visit School Psychologist Visit Return to School Excused Religious Observance Response to Intervention for Successful Education Return to School (Tardy Excused) Return to School (Tardy Unexcused) Return to School Unexcused Student Assistance Counselor Appointment School Business Absence School Business Early Release School Business Tardy Self-Contained Take Child to Work Day Exempt Tardy Excused Tardy Unexcused Truant Status A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A T T A A A A A A A A A A A T T A A A E T A A T T A Excuse X E U U E U X U U X X X X X E E U U X X X E X X X E E X E U U X X X X X X X U U
Status: A = Absence E = Early Dismissal T = Tardy
Excuse: E = Excused (counts toward loss of credit) U = Unexcused (counts toward loss of credit) X = Exempt (does not count as class absence for loss of credit)
21
APPENDIX B SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
EVENT Homeroom Attendance
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
TASK Record in IC - attendance choices: Present, Absent or Tardy Record in IC - attendance choices: Present, Absent or Tardy Student reports to classroom teacher first. Classroom teacher marks Absent in IC. Type in notes section, ML. Follow regular attendance procedures. Check daily planner to resolve reason and location of absences. Verify the time. See note below on students arriving to class with or without a pass.
Homeroom teacher - taken by end of homeroom Class Attendance Classroom teacher taken by end of the period Student not present in class due to the following: 1. Music lesson* Classroom teacher Music teacher confirms student(s) attend lesson 2. Principal/Hall Office Main, Taft or LF hall office staff appointment/visit* 3. Guidance Office Guidance counselor or guidance appointment/visit* office staff 4. School Psychologist Psychologist or psychology intern appointment/visit* 5. Student Assistance Student Assistance Counselor Counselor appt./visit* 6. Nurses Office Health office clerical staff appointment for required health updates such as height/weight or physicals 7. Nurses Office visit** 8. Special Education (Student remains with Special Ed teacher) 9. Student arriving late for school 10. Media Center visit (LF Hall Students) Health office clerical staff Classroom teacher Special Education teacher
Hall office attendance secretary Classroom teacher
Sp Ed teacher communicates with Gen Ed teacher. Classroom teacher records absence. Special Ed teacher informs the hall office if the absence is excused or unexcused. Record in IC time of arrival, and adjudicate absence Student reports to study hall class first. Teacher marks student absent in IC. Student returns to study hall with stamped pass, absent changed to present.
22
EVENT
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
TASK If more than half of the period remains, in IC change Absent to Present. If less than half of the period remains, in IC attendance secretary will assign appropriate attendance code. If more than half of the period remains, record Tardy in IC & follow standard attendance discipline procedures. If less than half of the period remains, record Absent in IC & follow standard attendance discipline procedures. Send student to Hall Office to check in. Class roster printed & placed in Sub Folder update roster periodically Substitute teacher instructed to take attendance using roster in Sub Folder & return it to hall office attendance secretary as soon as possible after the class. View yellow unresolved absences through the Infinite Campus Daily Planner. Refer to Class Roster for contact information. Yellow As need to be adjucated within a day or two. For specific directions see: IV. Attendance and Tardiness, C. Attendance and Tardiness to Class.
Student returns to class: Student enters class late Classroom teacher with a pass
Student enters class late without a pass
Classroom teacher
Late arriving student who has not reported to the Hall Office Teacher Absent
Classroom teacher Teacher
Adjudication of unresolved absences
Classroom teacher
* School activity does not count against a students class attendance student recorded in these out of class activities should still receive paper pass when returning to class ** School activity does count against a students class attendance * 8/06 Rev. 8/07
23
D.
Public Address Announcements The public address system will be used to start each school day and to make announcements approved by the Building or Hall Principal. In general, the P.A. system will be used to maintain quiet and control during fire and shelter drills, explain new regulations and procedures, and to announce priority sources of information deemed necessary by the administration. However, if you feel that an announcement for a particular hall should be read, it must be submitted by 7:30 AM to the Hall Principal for his/her approval. General school announcements, if appropriate, must be submitted to the main office by 7:30 AM the day before the announcement is to be made, and must be approved by the Building Principal. All announcements must be signed by the responsible faculty member. Announcements must be typed or printed and indicate the day they are to be read. Announcements will be read only during homeroom. If an announcement is to be given for more than one day, it must be rewritten and submitted each day to avoid repetition. Clarity and brevity are most important. Club meetings and athletic practices should be posted. The form can be found on the last page of this Handbook. The ANNOUNCEMENT FORM can be found in the FORMS section of this book.
E.
Video Morning Announcements (Broadcasting Club) Video morning announcements will take place each morning of the week. A Wiki page (located on the Shaker Home website page) has been developed to enable faculty and staff to submit announcements so that a script for the next morning can be compiled in a timely manner. To access this information go to www.ncolonie.com, click on the SHS Resources link, then click on the SHS 75 image (Welcome to SHS 75 Bison Broadcasting). You will find the option Submit/Edit Announcements on the menu at the top of the website. Here you can access daily announcements and past announcements for the week. This page also contains a web link that provides an area to insert an announcement to be broadcast the next day and/or next few days. This link requires an ID name and password. The password is strictly for faculty, staff and students who absolutely require it, and it is not to be shared with others. The announcement information will be distributed into a database then processed into a script. All announcements must be inserted by 7:00 a.m. the morning of the announcement. All ID names and passwords will be emailed to club advisors, coaches and administrators. If anyone does not receive an ID name and password, and requires access to the site, please email Kevin Smith at kesmith@ncolonie.org.
F.
In the Event of the Death of a Student or His/Her Parents Faculty members should call to the attention of the Hall Principals and Counselors all information concerning serious illness or death in the families of our students.
24
V.
STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTING A. Philosophy of Grading 1. Marks are a means of evaluating each students academic progress and achievement. A grade should be relative to the objectives of each course of study and are designed to inform the student and his parents of the teachers evaluation in relation to the stated objectives. Each student then must be evaluated on an individual basis always keeping in mind the ability he/she possesses. The concept of Relative Grading should be followed within each expected range of achievement. Grades falling out of the expected range are a recommendation for transfer to another level of instruction. Care should be taken to insure that grade distributions follow some pattern that can be identified and that a level of understanding is reached in each area or unit before the next one is undertaken. Teachers should remember that a grade rests ultimately on teacher judgment. Tests are constructed on judgment. Credit is given on judgment; recommendations are given to parents, employers, and colleges on judgment. In the final analysis, good judgment and high standards cannot be separated. Please remember teachers are human and so are students. ALL MATERIALS USED TO RECORD DAILY GRADES AND TESTS AND TO DETERMINE QUARTERLY GRADES ARE TO BE RETAINED IN THE SCHOOL AS PART OF THE SCHOOLS PERMANENT RECORDS. In compliance with this requirement, all such materials must be neatly wrapped and turned in to the Department Supervisors Office before the close of school each June faculty members leaving Shaker before this time should turn this material in at the time of leaving. This material will be kept on file for a minimum of 20 years.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Interim Progress Reports Commendation and Warning Notice As part of the total student evaluation procedure, Interim Progress Reports are sent home mid-way through each marking period. The necessity of maintaining regular and close contact with students and parents is partially met through the Interim Progress Report.
25
The Interim Progress Report notifies students and parents of the students current status in a particular class, from exceptional achievement to failing. Teachers should not give students failing quarterly grades without first having notified the student of the potential through the Interim Progress Report. If, after the interim notice is sent, a student falls into the failing category, an immediate telephone contact should be made to the parents by the teacher. Parental reaction to the issuance of these reports will be determined by the follow-up which occurs through the direct contact between teachers and parent. Teachers should make parental contact by telephone/email whenever possible. However, the importance of each written notification cannot be underestimated. When discussing students work with parents, please follow the guidelines below: 1. 2. 3. 4. Be honest and sincere. Describe your evaluation completely. Make positive suggestions for correction. Stress the need for cooperative effort between school and home.
All fourth quarter warning notices for seniors who are failing, or potential failures, must be followed up by a verbal communication with the students parent. If no warning notice is sent and a senior subsequently falls in the failing range, a call must be made as soon as possible.
26
B.
Progress Reporting Infinite Campus

1. Navigating Grading By Task STEP 1 Choose your class using the dropdown box.
STEP 2 Expand the Instruction module by clicking on the word or the + sign (which becomes a -sign when expanded). STEP 3 Select Grading By Task by clicking on the words to reveal a drop-down menu.
STEP 4 Use the drop-down menu to select Q1 Progress Report. For other quarters, select the appropriate Progress Report task.
After STEP 4, a new field will show where you may now enter information about each student in the class.
Rev. 8/07; Screen shots taken 6/07 Rev. 8/10; Screen shots taken 8/10
27
C.
Entering Progress Reports Before entering Progress Reports, Canned Comments must be turned on for each course taught. These directions as well as the Interim Progress Report Comments Bank will be posted in Infinite Campus when the grading window opens for Progress Reports. STEP 1 In the Score column, use the drop-down box to choose Progress RPT for the student you wish to comment on. STEP 2 To bring up the comment list, click on the small picture of the paper and pencil next to the large comment field.
NOTE: Steps 3 through 6 correspond to the picture at the bottom of the page. STEP 3 If you choose to comment on a student, you MUST check at least one of the choices between 1 and 6. Check off all comments you wish to include by clicking in the small box to the left of each comment. You will likely need to use the scroll bar on the right hand side of the comment window to reveal additional comments. STEP 4 Click on the Update Comment button to accept all of the comments that you checked off. The comments will now appear in the comment field for that student. STEP 5 OPTIONAL After you have updated your comments, if you discover an error and wish to delete the comments, simply click on the X to erase all chosen comments. STEP 6 Save your work frequently by clicking the Save button.
6
28
After comments are complete, your comment screen may look something like this:
IMPORTANT NOTES 1. If Progress RPT does not appear in the Score column for a given student (in other words, STEP 1 was not completed), none of the comments you choose will be printed to the actual progress report. The comments will show on the screen, but they will NOT print. 2. 3. Remember to SAVE often. It is NOT necessary to save after each student, but you must save before switching to a different class or all data will be lost. Please remember to verify your comments to minimize mistakes.
Should questions arise, please feel free to contact the Information Services office at ext. 3756.
29
D.
Grade Reporting
All grades are reported directly into the current student management system. The reports are mailed to parents and are not returned to the school. The reports are cumulative and are constructed entirely by machine from grades input by each teacher. All grades are numerical. Grades should include the following: 1. Quarterly teacher judgment grades based upon the grades found in the teacher class book. Teachers must weigh their grades in a manner which is consistent for all students in the class and which can be defended when necessary. A mid-year test and a final test, each of which is departmentally constructed, will be given. In some courses, semester tests and final examinations may not be given. These courses will be identified to students early in the semester. Semester averages are computed from the two quarterly grades and the semester examination when one is given. The Final School Mark (FSM) is the average of the first and second semester averages. Any semester average or FSM, which computes a .5 or higher, will be raised to the next higher whole digit. Any FSM which computes as 63 or 64 will automatically be raised to a passing 65.
2.
3. 4.
E.
Some Basic Considerations 1. 2. Each quarterly mark is reported in terms of a one-point differential. The lowest mark that may be given as a quarter mark is 50. This is due to our emphasis on class work. With our system, which rewards consistent class work, a student who does poorly during any one quarter may make it mathematically impossible to pass the course. For example, a student who, for unknown reasons, starts poorly might earn a 20 as his first quarter mark. If he were to find himself and earn 70s for each quarter the rest of the year and receive 70 on his final semester test, he would fail with a final school average of 61. Thus, all quarterly marks below 50 are marked as 50. Semester tests, final tests, semester averages and final school averages are recorded as they are earned. In order to prevent a student failing as the result of a low mark on a semester or final test, a teacher may raise the actual grade from below 50 to 50. This should be done only if it is felt that the students best interest would be served. Students who work at or beyond their expected level of achievement should be marked according to their ability. The lowest mark to be recorded is 65 for any student working at his capacity. It is assumed that most students will score in excess of this mark. The passing mark is 65.
3.
4.
5.
30
6.
Expected ranges of achievement are as follows: Subject Level AP Advanced Placement H - Honors R - Regents E - Elective B - Basic I - Independent Study Adherence to these ranges is most important. Expected Range of Achievement 85 100 85 100 75 100 75 100 65 100 Contract
F.
General Grading Information 1. Effort Grade In the appropriate column, record the Effort grade to indicate the following: 1 Outstanding 2 Satisfactory 3 Needs Improvement 4 Not Evident Teachers must record in their grade books the information upon which the Effort grade is based in the event parents should raise questions about the determination of this grade. 2. Citizenship In the appropriate column, record the Citizenship grade to indicate the following: 1 Excellent Citizen (superior, actively a good citizen) 2 Good Citizen (normal, average citizen) 3 Fair Citizen (below average) 4 Poor Citizen (see note below) NOTE: A mark of 4 MUST be discussed with your Hall Principal. Citizenship should reflect an attitude. Citizenship includes the way in which students conduct themselves when associating with others whether it be students or teachers. Specifically, it should indicate a students response to basic rules, policies and regulations of the school, community and society. Contact with the parents must have been made prior to a grade of 4 being assigned.
31
3.
Quarter Grading Infinite Campus a. Navigating Grading By Task
STEP 1 Choose your class using the drop-down box. STEP 2 Expand the Instruction module by clicking on the word or the + sign (which becomes a -" sign when expanded). STEP 3 Select Grading By Task by clicking on the words.
STEP 4 Use the drop-down menu to select Q1 - Quarter Grade.
32
After STEP 4, a new field will show where you may now enter information about each student in the class.
IMPORTANT The remaining pages walk through steps to enter grades. Entering numeric grades is SLIGHTLY different than entering other non-numeric grade types. MOST teachers will need to enter numeric grades, however, there will be times when SOME teachers will enter non-numeric grade (Pass/Fail, for example). Any other non-numeric grades must be approved by the Supervisor and Hall Principal.
33
b.
Entering Numeric Grades (picture below corresponds with the following steps). STEP 1 Type in the grade the student earned in the Percent field. STEP 2 Use the drop-down menu in the Score column to enter the SAME NUMBER you typed in the Percent field. This seems repetitive, but is necessary for the computer to correctly calculate final marks in courses. STEP 3 Use the drop-down box to enter a Citizenship comment. STEP 4 Use the drop-down box to enter an Effort comment. Make sure all other fields remain blank. ONLY those fields indicated above should have information in them. Therefore, NONE of the Comments fields should have information in them and the boxes immediately to the right of the Effort and Citizenship fields should remain empty just like the picture below. STEP 5 Use the Save button to save your work. You do not need to save after each student, however it is always a good idea to save frequently. If you do not save before moving to another class, you may lose your work.
1 5
3 4
Please note the blank fields. They MUST remain blank.
34
c.
Entering Non-Numeric Grades
Non-Numeric grades may only be entered for Science lab students and/or Special Education students taking a course Pass/Fail. All other non-numeric grades should be entered by the respective hall office. A NonNumeric Grade Input form must be completed and returned to the Academic Supervisor or Director. Entering non-numeric grades is almost identical to the above with the exception that the Percent column should NEVER have information in it. Please follow the steps below. The picture below these steps shows which fields should contain information. STEP 1 Use the drop-down box under the Score column to find the non-numeric grade. PLEASE NOTE that all non-numeric grades are at the bottom of the drop-down list. STEP 2 Use the drop-down box to enter a Citizenship comment. STEP 3 Use the drop-down box to enter an Effort comment. STEP 4 Use the Save button to save your work. You do not need to save after each student, however it is always a good idea to save frequently. If you do not save before moving to another class, you may lose your work.
Please note that none of the Percent column boxes or Comments boxes have information in them. Verifications Please be sure to verify your grades. For specific instructions regarding the verification process, please refer to document G. Grade Verification Process. Should questions arise, please feel free to contact the Information Services office at ext. 3756.
35
G.
Grade Verification Process Infinite Campus This document is designed to outline the grade verification process for all four quarters throughout the regular school year. The process is NOT the same for all four quarters. Task verification is directly linked to specific courses and therefore grading tasks may differ from course to course. QUARTER 1 Grading window opens; teachers may begin inputting quarter grades, effort and citizenship. o o o For numeric quarter grades, make sure Percent and Score fields are populated and match. For non-numeric grades (Pass/Fail), effort and citizenship, ONLY populate the Score field using the drop-down box. Comment fields should NOT be populated. (They are only used for progress reporting.)
Prior to close of grading window, error reports will be printed and distributed to all faculty. o Quarter 1 grades, effort and citizenship can be viewed on the Grades Report in Infinite Campus. Directions to print the Grades Report will be posted in Infinite Campus when the grading window opens. The grading window will remain open for a brief time to allow teachers to make any final changes.
o -
Grading window closes. o All changes must now be given to the appropriate Hall Office.
Report cards mailed home.
QUARTER 2 Grading window opens; teachers may begin inputting grades, effort and citizenship. Below outlines possible grading tasks: Semester Courses o Quarter 2 Quarter Grade o Effort o Citizenship o Final Exam (if applicable) o Final Mark (enter if you want to override the calculation) o Full Year Courses o Quarter 2 Quarter Grade o Effort o Citizenship o Mid-Term Exam o Regents Exam (if applicable)
For numeric quarter grades, ME and RE, make sure Score and Percent fields are populated and match. o For non-numeric grades (Pass/Fail), FM, effort and citizenship, ONLY populate the Score field. o Comment fields should NOT be populated. (They are only used for progress reporting.) Prior to the close of the grading window, verification sheets will be printed and distributed to faculty. o S1s will be calculated and shown on the 1st set of verification sheets in addition to applicable grading tasks (Q2, ME, FE, RE, or FMs).
36
o o -
FMs will not be calculated for the 1st set of verification sheets. They will only show if they have been populated by the teacher. The grading window will remain open for a brief time to allow teachers to make any final changes.
Grading window closes. Final Verification sheets will be printed and distributed to faculty. o o o Verifications will include recalculated S1s and calculated FMs. All changes must now be given to the appropriate Hall Office. Please note that any changes at this time will require the hall office to manually recalculate S1 or the FM.
QUARTER 3 Grading window opens; teachers may begin inputting quarter grades, effort and citizenship. o o o For numeric quarter grades, make sure Score and Percent fields are populated and match. For non-numeric grades (Pass/Fail), effort and citizenship, ONLY populate the Score field. Comment fields should NOT be populated. (They are only used for progress reporting.)
Prior to close of grading window, error reports will be printed and distributed to all faculty. o Quarter 3 grades, effort and citizenship can be viewed on the Grades Report in Infinite Campus. Directions to print the Grades Report will be posted in Infinite Campus when the grading window opens. The grading window will remain open for a brief time to allow teachers to make any final changes.
o -
Grading window closes. o All changes must now be given to the appropriate Hall Office.
37
QUARTER 4 Grading window opens; teachers may begin inputting grades, effort and citizenship. Below outlines possible grading tasks: Semester Courses o Quarter 4 Quarter Grade o Effort o Citizenship o Final Exam (if applicable) o Final Mark (enter if you want to override the calculation) Full Year Courses o Quarter 4 Quarter Grade o Effort o Citizenship o Final Exam o Regents Exam (if applicable) o Final Mark (enter if you want to override the calculation
o o o -
For numeric quarter grades, ME and RE, make sure Score and Percent fields are populated and match. For non-numeric grades (Pass/Fail), FM, effort and citizenship, ONLY populate the Score field. Comment fields should NOT be populated. (They are only used for progress reporting.)
Prior to the close of the grading window, verification sheets will be printed and distributed to faculty. o o o S2s will be calculated and shown on the 1st set of verification sheets in addition to applicable grading tasks (Q4, FE, RE, or FMs). FMs will not be calculated for the 1st set of verification sheets. They will only show if they have been populated by the teacher. The grading window will remain open for a brief time to allow teachers to make any final changes.
Grading window closes. Final Verification sheets will be printed and distributed to faculty. o o o Verifications will include recalculated S2s and calculated FMs. All changes must now be given to the appropriate Hall Office. Please note that any changes at this time will require the hall office to manually recalculate S2 and the FM.
Should questions arise, please feel free to contact the Information Services office at ext. 3756.
38
H.
MID-TERM/FINAL EXAM GRADING Infinite Campus Quarter 2 and 4 Addendum Quarter 2 is somewhat unique in that many of our courses require Mid-Term grades or, for half year courses, Final Exam grades. Again in quarter 4, many courses require Final Exam grades. The following steps will help to clarify how to enter ANY Mid-Term and/or Final Exam/Regents grades for any course which may require them. In this example, we will enter Mid-Term grades for a Math course. PLEASE NOTE: Entering regular Quarter grades for quarters 2 and 4 is not different than before. Please refer to the previous QUARTER GRADING hand-out for step by step instructions. a. Navigating Grading By Task
STEP 1 Choose your class using the drop-down box.
STEP 2 Expand the Instruction module by clicking on the word or the + sign.
STEP 3 Select Grading By Task by clicking on the words.
STEP 4 Use the drop-down menu to select the task you wish to grade.
NOTE: When you drop this box down, you will notice that you have a variety of tasks available to select from. The tasks for your course are specific to your course and therefore may NOT be the same tasks available for other courses. For example, if your full year course culminated in a Regents Exam, you should see a task called Q4 Regents. If your full year course culminates in a school final, you might find a task that will say Q4 Final Exam.
39
You will notice that all tasks are associated with a particular quarter. This is necessary for the computer to make a FSM calculation. This picture shows all tasks available for a full year Math course. Remember, your tasks may vary.
We will select Q2 Mid-Term Exam.
Other tasks may be chosen at various times during the year (based on which quarter we are presently grading in) and will depend on your specific course.
b.
Entering a score (same process as any numeric grading).
STEP 1 Type in the score in the Percent field. STEP 2 Use the drop-down box to enter the same score in the Score field. STEP 3 Repeat for each student. STEP 4 Save.
4 3 1 2
NOTE: Make sure to leave the Comments field blank for all students. Also, be sure to check that the score assigned in the Percent field matches the Score field as above. FINAL NOTE: It may seem redundant to have to enter Quarter Grades separately from Mid-Terms or Finals, but the computer needs to treat them as separate tasks in order to calculate Final School Marks. Should questions arise, please feel free to contact the Information Services office at ext. 3756.
40
I.
Incomplete Marks 1. Incomplete marks should not be a problem with our marking system. In extreme circumstances it might be necessary to mark a student incomplete. When this situation presents itself, first discuss it with your Department Supervisor. If it is agreed that an incomplete should be given, inform the student of the reason and record an I in the Grade Column on the Grade Collection Sheet. All incompletes must be made up before the close of the next warning period. If a student fails to make up an incomplete, the teacher must record a mark for that quarter. Any exception to this rule must be discussed with your Hall Principal. When an incomplete is made up, the teacher will complete the Interim Report Card and return it to the Hall Office.
2.
3. J.
Grade Distributions Teachers must constantly be aware of the degree of success being attained by each class. Since we operate with a tracking system, the distribution of marks for each class is expected to follow within the anticipated range of achievement for that particular level. Exceptions may occur in either the high range or the low range. When any student constantly falls out of the anticipated range of achievement, he would then be considered for the movement into the next higher or next lower level.
A review of all grade distributions should be done regularly by each teacher. With teacher judgment as a basis for our entire marking system, we must never forget the possibility of human error. K. Infinite Campus Frequently Asked Grading Questions
Many questions about grading have arisen since we went live in September of 2006. This FAQ is designed to answer some of those questions with the latest information we have available. It is anticipated that this document will need frequent revision, so be sure to pay attention to the revised date located at the bottom of each page. Also, please note that this document does NOT cover any attendance based questions. Q Does the system have the ability to automatically place certain grades in field or do we have to enter everything manually? A In some instances, the system can autofill certain information into specific fields. In the Grade by Task section after a particular task is selected, a field now exists at the top of the list of students. Teachers may select a score and then push fill all or fill empty to have that score instantly populate fields. This feature will be particularly helpful for pass/fail classes (labs) and may be used for classes that do not have a wide variety of grades and/or progress reporting. Q Why do we have to enter the same grade in both the score column and the percent column? A Infinite campus uses both columns, but for two very different reasons. The score column is used to print marks for students. This is the mark that appears on the report card. The percent column is used to calculate Semester 1 (S1), Semester 2 (S2) and Final School Marks (FSMs) for students. If the two columns are different, it is possible that the grades indicated on the report card will not properly calculate to the students FSM. To avoid this, we must match the two columns.
41
Q How are we supposed to know when and how to use all of the different non-numeric grades in Infinite Campus? A We are going to handle non-numeric grading predominantly through the Hall Offices from now on. An enormous amount of confusion occurred towards to the end of the year trying to figure out what all the different nonnumeric codes meant and when to use them. From now on teachers are only responsible for assigning Pass/ Fail non-numeric grades for their students. This will predominantly be used in science laboratories, however, we Do have other examples of Pass/Fail students in various classes around the building (CEIP and ASC students, for example). This means that teachers will NOT be asked to input any other non-numeric grades (NC, EX, IN, AB, etc) directly. Instead, teachers must fill out the non-numeric grade form and have it signed by their supervisor. Q Can we override a computer calculation if we wish? A Yes, but only if you put in the score before the computer makes its calculation, and no, its not a race. The computer only calculates Semester 1, Semester 2, and Final School Marks once each for a particular course. For example, if a teacher wishes to award an FSM that is different than how the computer would calculate, then the teacher must enter that number PRIOR to when the FSM is calculated (meaning before the grading window closes). In the Grade by Task window, look for the grading task that indicates Final School Mark and enter the grade in both the score and percent columns. The computer will skip the formal calculation for that student if it sees these fields populated already. Q What happens if we accidentally error when entering data? How will we know about the error? A It definitely requires a team effort to be sure we catch some of the little mistakes. First and foremost, teachers must be familiar with which fields to populate. It is impossible to know a mistake is made if there is confusion about how to enter the information. The previous documents clarify the grade entry process, but if you are still in doubt, PLEASE speak to your supervisor of respective principal. Next, the verifications sheets or Grades Report are designed to show you all of your data entries for a given marking period. Please review the reports carefully, being sure to verify that all appropriate fields are populated and correct. Finally, we have a way to generate background reports which look for mistakes. These reports will be given to teachers to review. Teachers will then either correct the mistake(s), or communicate with the supervisor about an appropriate solution. Q Is the Grading Window firm and how will I know when it opens and closes? A The grading window time frames are designed to provide a large amount of time to enter grades, but also fall\ within the normal times when we prepare report cards and progress reports. The opening of the window will be set well in advance of when grades are due. The closing of the window is firm and any entries that need to be made after the window closes must be done through Hall Offices. The time frames will be posted in the halls, announced in meetings, and also added to the Infinite Campus banner (title screen) for all to see. Q How do we grade students who have lost credit (NCd) a course? A You dont. After the student NCs, report the NC to the hall office. No grades should be entered for that student beyond this point. The only mark that should appear is NC for that student. The hall office enters the NC after notification by the teacher. It is still a good idea to verify that the NC is in the system when verification sheets are distributed. Q Do failure notices still need to be filled out if a student fails a course, final or Regents exam? A Yes. The notices are what we use to help plan summer school, report problems to guidance counselors and determine if prerequisites were met. Failure notices are not related to Infinite Campus, but are still vital to our communication chain with numerous offices, as well as students and parents.
42
L.
Levels of Instruction Students at Shaker High School are assigned to one of five tracks based upon their academic ability and their individual desire. Below are the designations for our five tracks: H-Advanced Placement, accelerated or enriched programs. R-Classes which offer Regents Examinations some time during the sequential study in that particular subject. B-Special assignment, on a par with the R program, for students who have a special need to be in small classes. E-The letter E after a course indicates the course is an elective and the expected range of achievement is 65-100.
M.
Promotion Policy Promotion is based upon the number of academic units earned by a student each year. A complete description of our policy is found in the Guide to Program Planning.
N.
High Honor, Honor, and Merit Roll There will be a High Honor, Honor, and Merit Roll Committee in each hall. A high honor, honor, and merit roll will be compiled at the close of each marking period. They are based upon the grades for that quarter. The material will be reviewed by the Hall Principal, who will publish the rolls. To qualify for the high honor roll a student must have an average of 93 in all courses with no grade less than 90. To qualify for the honor roll a student must have an average of 90 in all courses with no grade less than 85. To qualify for merit roll a student must have an average of 85 in all courses with no grade less than 80. To qualify for high honor, honor or merit roll, a student must have a citizenship grade of 1 or 2.
O.
Home Instruction for Students 1. Home instruction shall be provided (with parental consent) to pupils whose physical condition necessitates absence from school for more than 10 school days. North Colonie form, Application for Approval of Special Educational Services, shall be completed for such students. Completion of the form will be coordinated by the students counselor. If there is a lack of agreement regarding the need for home instruction, final determination rests with the Districts school physician. For absences longer than two weeks beyond the time of notification, tutorial home instruction will be used. When tutors are unavailable, telephone instruction may be used although this decision will be made on an individual basis depending upon the subjects involved and the nature of the students disability.
2.
43
In order to provide the most meaningful experience for both the student and the tutor, coordination of tutorial teaching will be the responsibility of the Department Supervisors who will coordinate the efforts of tutors within their departments. It is expected that a student on tutorial instruction will take the departmental final examination. The objective of the guidelines below is to provide continuous instruction and evaluation during the period of time a student is incapable of attending school. Parents will be apprised of progress and will be kept aware of expectations and work due so that they may add assistance and support to the total tutorial process. a. Counselors will notify Hall Principals, Supervisors, and involved faculty, in writing, whenever a request for home instruction has been approved. Notification will specify the anticipated duration of tutorial instruction. Counselors will be responsible for obtaining tutors and, once the tutors have been identified, they will be directed to contact the Supervisor of the particular subject for further instruction and coordination. The Counselor will concurrently send the tutors name and telephone number to the Hall Principal, Supervisor, and to the teacher. Supervisors will meet with tutors to coordinate efforts in the areas of curriculum, textbook usage, and grading. As a minimum, two hours of tutorial instruction or student contact per week shall be considered the equivalent of the four-fifths periods of instruction normally taken by a student in regular class attendance. The Supervisor will work with the tutor to ensure that quarterly, mid-year, and/or final grades are reported for forwarding to the Hall Principal consistent with the regularly established school deadlines for grade reporting. Meetings of review between the teacher (Supervisor) and tutor may be scheduled to provide closer and continued coordination of home instruction. d. The parent should notify the Counselor when the student is able to return to school.
Request approved by Hall Principal and/or Dir of PPS approval Hall Principal arranges for some supervision coverage for each teacher to develop an instructional plan which includes topics to be covered, quizzes, tests, etc., to be administered, submission dates, and other necessary info. Guidance Counselor and Supervisors analyze student schedule in terms of tutor needs(Background# hrs/wk*) *max of 10 hours per week Plan submitted to Supervisors for approval (copies to student, teacher, tutor, and Supervisor.
b.
c.
Home Instruction Training

Request submitted to PPS
Guidance Counselor, in conjunction with PPS staff, engages tutor and notifies teachers, Supervisors, and Hall Principal.
44
Plan implemented and benchmarks monitored by Supervisors.
At completion of tutoring, sign-off by tutor, teacher, and Supervisor.
P.
Course and Regents Examination Failure Notification All classroom teachers will be supplied with a form to notify parents and students who have failed an SED examination and/or a course. A separate form will be provided to teachers to notify Department Supervisors of students who have failed to attain the necessary prerequisite for a course they have elected to take next year. School and Regents Examination papers of seniors who are potential failures should be corrected first. These forms are available in the Department Supervisors office. 1. Notification of Failure This form is due in the Department Supervisors office as soon as possible, but NO LATER than 48 hours following the examination. 2. Notification of Failure to Attain Necessary Prerequisite - Pink-Blue Form This form is due in the Hall Principals office as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours following the examination. Please review these names carefully since this is the only immediate method for recognizing those students whose schedules must be changed. 3. The Hall office will forward the above forms to the Supervisors as soon as possible.
VI.
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES A. Component Services Incorporated in the Pupil Personnel Services Department are counseling services, health services, psychological services, speech therapy, remedial reading, home instruction, attendance, pupil services classes, and census enumeration. B. Counseling Services Counseling provides assistance to students in understanding their educational strengths, in making realistic career choices, and in making decisions in areas of personal concerns such as school adjustment, relationships with peers, and other social situations confronting teenagers. While Counselors may invite specific students to join in particular group counseling activities, participants in all such groups may wish to meet individually with their Counselors to discuss how various issues relate personally to them. Through evening parent meetings, and individual conferences, Counselors attempt to involve parents in the educational and vocational planning of students. Counselors are assigned to students on an alphabetical basis, although when a specific student or parent feels a change of Counselor would be helpful, such requests may be honored. Students meet with their Counselors in the Counseling Center that is located at the east end of the LibraryMedia Center. A Counselor is always on duty to assist students during the time their Counselors may be meeting with other students, parents, teachers or representatives from colleges and
45
industries. All Counselors are available to students in the Counseling Center during mid-morning. Other than during mid-morning, students should make appointments to see their Counselors. In order to assist students in the educational process, it is important that teachers and Counselors work closely together. In the Guidance Office, students cumulative records are maintained. Teachers are encouraged to avail themselves of these records. An area is provided in the Guidance Office where teachers may review a students cumulative record. Among other data, the folder includes a record of the students academic progress, standardized ability, and achievement test scores, and a record of attendance and relative correspondence between home and school. Counselors will be happy to assist teachers in interpreting any of the data included in the record. Teachers are urged to become well acquainted with the relevant material regarding each student, and should accept the responsibility for insuring that any additional appropriate information of which they may be aware is included in the record. Frequently, teachers will also be invited to attend parent conferences. Should teachers be directly contacted by parents, counselors will be happy to participate in requested conferences. COUNSELING STAFF
Grade 9 Mrs. Patricia Russelll Ms. Linda Camara Mr. Craig Collins Ms. Pamela Birnbach Ms. Stacy Galarneau Mrs. Sharon Anderson Ms. Robyn Hayes A Bus Dum He Man Pil Stu Bur Dul Ha Mam Pik Str Z Grade 10 A Ce Ch Fe Fi J K Mar Mas Pes Pet Si Sj Z Grade 11 A C F J Mao Ph Sm B E I Mab Pf Sl Z Grade 12 A Caq Car Er Es Hi Ho Man Mao Pe Ph Sp Sq Z
C.
Health Services At the beginning of each year, each teachers class list indicates those students having serious health problems. An asterisk before the names of students indicates those having serious health problems. It is the responsibility of the teacher having a student with a serious health problem to contact the school nurse in the Health Office within the first week of school. To publish a list of all students names has not been found to be appropriate and, in fact, constitutes an invasion of a students right to privacy. An experienced health staff consisting of a school physician and nurse is available to students. A physical examination is required for all tenth grade students. In addition, students competing in athletics or seeking working papers must receive a physical examination by the school physician. Teachers who have specific concerns about their students physical health are encouraged to meet with a member of the health services staff. It should be noted that school health personnel are prevented by law from diagnosing or treating health problems, other than in emergency situations. Thus, whenever defects or irregularities are noted, parents receive notification of the problem in order that they may seek private, professional assistance. Occasionally, a pupil is able to attend school only if medication can be administered during school hours. In such cases, the school nurse or another member of the school staff who has been properly instructed, may administer the medication as long as all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. A written request from the family physician must be on file in the school indicating the medication, its frequency and dosage, observable symptoms indicating an emergency, and the duration of the order.
46
2.
A written request must also be on file in the school from the person in parental relationship to the child requesting the administration of the medication as specified by the family physician. An adequate supply of medication, syringes, and needles must be delivered directly to the school nurse by the person in parental relationship to the child. The medication must be kept in the Health Office, in a locked drawer or file, completely separated from supplies used in emergency care. A periodic evaluation of procedures must be made regarding the administration of medications in general and a periodic evaluation must be made of the specific procedure for each individual pupil receiving medication.
3. 4. 5.
While these procedures may appear unduly rigid, in view of the misuse and abuse of drugs by young people today, it is essential that home and school cooperate in this important health area. Health Staff Dr. Thomas Duff Mrs. Patricia Connolly Mrs. Nancy Lindsay Mrs. Peg Coyle D. Psychological Services Teachers wishing to confer with the school psychologist may make an appointment in the Pupil Personnel Services Office or may ask the students counselor to arrange for an appointment. The primary function of the school psychologist is to act as an advocate-friend of the student in regard to psychological aspects of the educational and social adjustment of individual pupils. Psychological Staff Dr. Charles Horowitz Mrs. Tracey Carangelo Ms. Amy Hefley E. Remedial Reading A full-time and part-time reading specialist is available to work with students who desire to improve their speed or comprehension in reading. Such service is offered on an individual or group basis. In order to help the greatest number of students, the reading specialists work closely with the English Department, which emphasizes reading skills as a major part of the English curriculum. The reading specialists will be happy to assist teachers who wish to develop techniques and procedures for stressing reading within the academic classroom. At the beginning of each year, class lists are annotated indicating those students who have very serious reading problems. It is the responsibility of the teacher having a student with a serious reading problem to contact the reading specialist within the first full week of school. Mrs. Felice Clauder Ms. Jessica Torrisi -Reading Specialist -Reading Specialist -School Psychologist -School Psychologist -PT School Psychologist -District School Physician -Shaker High School Nurse -Shaker High School Nurse -Health Office Assistant
47
F.
Speech Therapy Students who wish help in improving their speech may wish to take advantage of this service. Meeting on a regular basis with a speech therapist provides the opportunity to gain selfconfidence, and to correct problems that may make it difficult for the student to communicate clearly with others. Teachers are encouraged to refer students about whose speech they are concerned to the speech therapist. At the beginning of each year, class lists are annotated indicating those students who have very serious speech problems. It is the responsibility of the teacher having a student with a serious speech problem to contact the speech therapist within the first full week of school. Ms. Heather Daniels -Speech Therapist
G.
Pupil Personnel Service Team The North Colonie School District, in accordance with the Commissioners regulations, has established District committees for handicapped and gifted students. At each school within the District, a Pupil Personnel Services team exists in order to recommend appropriate labeling and program placement to the District Committee while also periodically reviewing progress of labeled students. The Shaker High School Pupil Personnel Services team is co-chaired by Mrs. Julia Gold and Mr. Leo Taggart, while membership on the team includes representatives from special education teachers, faculty, Supervisors, and building administrators. Questions and recommendations regarding handicapped and gifted students should be forwarded through the PPS team chairpersons.
VII.
MEDIA CENTER A. General Structure Our Media Center is the instructional center of the school. Effective education must include the use of the Media Center and its many sources of information. The needs of each individual student may be met through some resource found within the total Media Center complex. The members of the Library-Audio-Visual Services staff are: Mrs. Colleen (Kelly) Wetherbee Mrs. Frances Royo -Library-Media Specialist -Library-Media Specialist
The Shaker High School Media Center hours are: 7:15 AM to 3:45 PM - Monday through Thursday 7:15 AM to 3:30 PM - Friday
48
B.
Resources The book collection of 25,275 volumes includes a large reference section, and a guidance collection. There are 230 periodicals available for student and professional use. The periodicals, current and back files, are stored in the periodical reading section. Many are also available online. All pertinent information about the periodical collection is stored on the visible file at the Periodical Charge Desk including whether it is in electronic or print format. The New York Times Index online is a guide to the New York Times, which is also online. Several years of back issues which predate the electronic databases are available on microfilm in the periodical section. There is a microfilm reader-printer in the periodical section for use with the New York Times, and numerous magazine back issues that are available on microfilm. Many of our 12 microfilm back files pre-date the 25 electronic databases. Students wishing to use the microfilm reader must sign at the Periodical Desk. Copies of material on microfilm will be printed upon request at the Periodical Desk. Students are charged a nominal fee. Newspapers are available behind the periodical desk and may be borrowed by request. Picture and pamphlet materials and clippings are stored in vertical files. These materials may be borrowed by students by signing at the periodical charge desk. The District collection of professional books and periodicals, and audio-visual materials (K-8) is located in the Shaker High School Media Center. Faculty members are welcome to use these materials and are especially encouraged to acquaint themselves with the professional journals and books. Scheduling the use of audio visual equipment for use in the classroom may be done either at the main charge desk or in L203. All requests for service and reports of audio/visual equipment malfunctions should be reported to the Media Center. Faculty suggestions for the purchase of any materials or equipment may be made in the Media Center at any time.
C.
Circulation A computerized circulation system is used to charge out books and audio-visual equipment to faculty. There are three charge stations in the Media Center. Books, audio-visual materials, and audio-visual equipment for downstairs classrooms are charged out at the Main Desk. Periodicals, file materials, guidance materials, and professional materials are charged from the Periodical Desk. Audio-visual equipment for classroom use is also charged from L-203, the media production and processing room adjacent to Taft Hall teacher office. 1. Current periodicals and reference books are to be used in the Media Center during the day, and may be borrowed after 2:15 p.m. for overnight use. All overnight loans are to be returned before first period the following day. Faculty may arrange a longer loan period for back issues of periodicals.
49
2.
Teachers may place books on reserve to be used only by students they specify. Reserve books are loaned for a single period during the day or overnight at the close of school. They are to be returned before homeroom period the following day. The classroom teacher who places the books on reserve may change the loan regulations for that collection.
3. 4. D.
All other resources are loaned for two weeks with renewal privileges if there are no reserves on the materials. Loan privileges are revoked for students with overdue materials.
Facilities and Services 1. A classroom is located on the mezzanine level of the Media Center for use by teachers with classes. It is equipped with a teacher presentation station, including a smartboard, for instruction. Use of the Media Center classroom is scheduled at the Main Charge Desk on a firstcome basis. 2. 3. 4. 5. Use of a computer lab on the mezzanine level is scheduled by the computer room aide. A television studio, also on the mezzanine level, is scheduled at the main charge desk, telephone extension 3436. College catalogs and other guidance related materials are housed in the periodical area and may be borrowed by students. Each library-media specialist has been assigned specific subject areas for liaison with a department , including selection and purchase of materials and bibliography preparation as follows: Mrs. Wetherbee -Literature, Fiction, Biography, Philosophy, Mathematics, Science, Occupational Education, and Periodicals. Mrs. Royo 6. 7. 8. 9. -Social Studies, Foreign Language, Guidance, Art and Music, Health, and Physical Education.
Requests for the preparation of visuals, video tapes or DVDs, laminated materials and other graphics may be made either at the Charge Desk in the Media Center or in L-203. Teachers are encouraged to use inter-library loan service by making requests at the Main Charge Desk. Librarians are available to do class presentations related to books and research skills. They regularly schedule orientation for all 9th graders in September. Collections of books and other materials may be placed on reserve by any teacher to be used by class members. Appropriate request forms and assistance in selection can be provided by any library-media specialist.
50
10.
Audio-visual equipment is available to be signed out by a teacher. It should be signed back in at the end of each period unless the teacher will be using it for successive periods. Observance of this regulation is necessary for security of equipment and to ensure availability for other teachers. TV/VCR-DVD units are available from the downstairs Charge Desk and from L-203. Teachers are urged to place them on reserve well in advance and to check in the morning before school to be sure the unit is in operating condition.
E.
Use of Center by Students and Teachers Since the Media Center is intended to be used for study/research purposes or for individual reading, it is requested that teachers observe the same rules the students must observe. 1. It is helpful if the teacher will sign at the Main Desk when a class will be in. It allows the staff to be prepared to offer better service. The telephone extension is 3436 for teachers who find it more convenient to call. At all times the classroom teacher is expected to keep the class in control and to maintain the same study atmosphere expected of other students. It is embarrassing to the media staff and the teacher when the media staff take disciplinary action only to find that students involved are with a class. Students from Taft Hall may enter the Media Center freely when they are not in class as long as there are seats available. Those whose individual behavior is disruptive will be requested to leave or will be disciplined according to the established Taft Hall procedure. LaFollette Hall students must have a pass obtained in the Media Center in order to use it during school hours. Open times are mid-morning and after close of classes. Students who intend to use the Media Center should go there to request a pass during one of the following times before their Study Hall period: a. b. c. After school the day before they would like to use the Media Center. Before homeroom of the day the student wishes to use the Media Center. Any time during the day before the pass is needed.
2.
3.
4.
Students must exchange their ID card for a pass. They will report to the Media Center by the beginning of their Study Hall period on the date noted on their pass. The pass should be deposited in the designated box on the Main Desk. Students are permitted only one pass per day. Please note that the student ID card will be returned and a time-stamped pass will be given to the student for return to Study Hall. All students must be in Study Hall for attendance five minutes before the period ends. 5. After-School Use of the Media Center a. All students must sign in and are expected to stay until 3:40 p.m. unless there are extenuating circumstances such as sports team practice. b. Bus passes will be issued to students who arrive promptly by 2:30 p.m., request a pass, and remain in the library until the passes are issued at 3:40 p.m.
51
F.
Computer Workstations All computers are available student use. Students sign in at the charge desk, leave their I.D. card and are assigned to a specific station. The only exception is when a teacher is with a class.
G.
Overdue Materials and Equipment Lists of students with overdue materials are sent to homeroom twice a month. Cooperation of homeroom teachers is requested. Telephone calls are placed placed weekly and bills are sent home once a month for long overdue materials. Failure to return overdue materials will result in a loss of borrowing privileges. There is, however, no excuse for failure to complete class assignments as students may continue to use the materials in the Media Center during open hours.
H.
Security Measures 1. The book collection is protected by a 3M Tattle Tape System. The gates at the entrance, which are used as attendance counters, will sound a buzzer alarm when uncharged books are being taken from the Media Center. The Media Center is protected by an intrusion alarm tied directly to the police department during non-school hours. It is important that teachers who are in the building during these times do not enter the Media Center unless arrangements have been made in advance.
2.
VIII.
DISCIPLINE A. Philosophy At the heart of all student-teacher relationships are various disciplinary problems which arise throughout the school year. Personalities are largely responsible for the development of antagonisms and unhealthy relationships between human beings. There is no harder job we have as teachers than dealing with other human beings and especially with students both in and out of the classroom. As teachers, we must always recognize the worth of each individual student and remember that through the development of self-respect, compassion and a personal understanding, we can create a very healthy atmosphere for ourselves and the students with whom we work. B. Students Rights and Responsibilities The school has an obligation to educate students in the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. As part of their education, students should be made aware of, and should exercise, those rights and responsibilities, as they exist within the school environment. Students should strive for academic excellence. In doing so, students should: -show respect for themselves and others; -be regular and punctual in attendance; -be considerate of other students, be self-controlled, participatory, reasonable, quiet and non-disruptive in classrooms, buildings, school buses, and at school activities;
52
-be neat and clean in appearance while dressing in a fashion that will not be distractive or disrupt classroom procedure; -strive for mutually respectful relationships with teachers and comply with directives of teachers and administrators; -keep their language and gestures respectful and free of profanity or obscenities; -respect private, public, and school property; -be knowledgeable about and abide by rules and regulations of the district and school. C. Why Do Students Misbehave? There are various reasons that cause students to act the way they do. The items listed below are merely a few of the more important reasons that influence a student and help to develop his/her own individual personality. Some of these items are controllable from within the school and some are not. We must never forget that the home environment will be a key to the understanding of each students individual problems. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. D. Lack of interest in schoolwork. No motivation. Does not associate his/her needs and desires with class or teacher. Problems at home. Peer pressure. Lack of variation in teaching techniques. A need for attention. Lack of healthy communication between teacher and student.
What Can You Do To Lessen Disciplinary Problems? Every teacher must develop his own relationship with students through close work and his own personality. Teachers should never hesitate to make a parental contact by telephone. If a parental telephone contact is made, notify your Hall Principal and Supervisor. The suggestions listed below will be of help in developing a healthy environment and warm relationship with students. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Know your students personally. Show an interest in them and their problems. Be friendly. Do not place yourself on a pedestal above your students. Do not demand - ask. If necessary, meet students half way (give and take is most important). Have a sense of humor. Laugh with them. Develop a trust, confidence and consistency that they can count on. Establish class rules that are reasonable and can be understood.
E.
Referral for Disciplinary Reasons It is expected that teachers will be able to handle most discipline problems themselves. However, in situations where a teacher feels he has not made satisfactory progress in gaining the cooperation of the student, he should not hesitate to refer the problems. A classroom teachers primary resource in referring a disciplinary problem is the Hall Principal. Teachers should inform the Hall Principal of anticipated difficulties and not wait until a crisis arises!
53
No one can deal effectively with a problem unless he/she has the full background and time immediately available; the Hall Principal can give the most help if he/she is fully informed by the teacher and can, at his/her own convenience, call upon the involved student . Whenever possible, a teacher should avoid sending a student from the room. Students must be instructed not to stand outside a classroom. To make a discipline referral, the teacher should complete a Discipline Referral Form with a specific description of the problem. Quotes and exact description of actions are desirable. The form is to be forwarded to the Hall Principal who will take the necessary action. Teachers can expect to be notified of the action taken. If our disciplinary action is to be coordinated and effective, this procedure must be followed. F. Disciplinary Procedures 1. 2. 3. TEACHER REMOVALS DISCIPLINARY REFERRALS PREPARATION PERIOD - Preparation period is a privilege and must be earned. At the beginning of each school year certain 11th and 12th grade students, identified by the Hall Principals, will be placed on probation and will be notified of this probation prior to the beginning of school. One violation of the guidelines established for proper student conduct will necessitate the immediate placement of a probationary student in to the Taft Study Hall (minimum five weeks). Other students previously identified and notified will be denied a Preparation period at the beginning of the school year based upon their past disciplinary record. AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION - (Assigned by Hall Principal) a. b. c. 5. Detention will extend from 2:30 until 3:50 PM. Detention will be supervised by one teacher from each hall. Organization each day will be determined by the teachers on duty and the administrator coordinator. Detention will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each school week.
4.
INTERNAL RESTRICTION a. b. Internal restrictions take place in the Internal Restriction Room daily during regular school hours. The duration of an internal restriction is determined by the Hall Principal. Students also lose mid-morning and Preparation privileges for the duration of the restriction.
6. 7. 8.
EXTERNAL SUSPENSION - External suspension may extend from three to five days. SUPERINTENDENTS HEARING - Recommended by the Building Principal. BOARD OF EDUCATION HEARING - Recommended by the Building Principal.
54
CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE Disciplinary Overview: The consequences listed are options, and not necessarily sequential, depending on the seriousness of the offense. They will be applied at the discretion of the administrator. Discipline may result in any one, or combination of, consequences, depending upon the seriousness of the act. Additional athletic penalties will be determined by the District Director of Physical Education and Athletics. Due Process: Due process requires that the student be given oral or written notice of the charges against him/her. If he/she denies them, the authorities must provide an explanation presenting the evidence, and then provide the student an opportunity to present his/her side of the story. There need not be a delay between the time notice is given and the time of the hearing. The school administrator may informally discuss the alleged misconduct with the student minutes after it has occurred. In being given an opportunity to explain his/her version of the facts at this discussion, the student must first be told what he/she is accused of doing and the basis of the accusation. (Goss vs. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565, 1975) Student Misbehavior
Academic Fraud and Cheating Threat of/or Assault of School Personnel or Other Students Attendance/Truancy
Rule Violation
Admin Regulation/Regents/Regulation BOE Policy #1520 Admin. Regulations
Possible Consequences
Grade of 0: parental contact, detention, internal restriction, suspension Superintendent hearing, suspension, internal restriction, parental contact, warning, probation, police involvement Family court, internal restriction, detention, loss of course credit, loss of participation in school activities, parental contact Suspension, internal restriction, loss of bus privileges, detention, parental contact, warning Suspension, detention, parental contact, internal restriction Internal restriction, detention, parental contact, warning Family court, police involvement, Superintendent hearing, suspension, internal restriction, detention, parent contact, warning, probation Suspension, internal restriction, detention, parental contact, warning, probation Suspension, removal from class, parental contact, warning, internal restriction Superintendent hearing, suspension, internal restriction, detention, parental contact, probation
BOE Policy #5100 Commissioners Regulation Extension of all school rules
Bus Discipline
Class Cutting Tardy Conduct Endangering Safety, Morals, or Welfare of Self or Others
Admin. Regulation Admin. Regulation Admin. Regulation BOE Policy #5300
Disruptive Action Dress Inappropriate Discrimination and/or Slurs Based on Race, Religion, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, National Origin, Age, Marital Status, Disability, Genetic Status, HIV or Hepatitis Carrier Status
Admin. Regulation Commissioners Decisions BOE Policies #5010 or #5020.1
55
Student Misbehavior
Electronic Devices Field Trips Misconduct
Rule Violation
Admin. Regulation Admin. Regulation BOE Policy #5300
Possible Consequences
Suspension, internal restriction, detention, parental contact, warning Superintendent hearing, automatic suspension, internal restriction, probation, parental contact Superintendent hearing, suspension, internal restriction, detention, parental contact, warning, probation Grade reduction, detention, deny privileges, parental contact, warning Superintendent hearing, suspension, internal restriction, detention, parental contact, warning, probation Superintendent hearing, suspension, internal restriction, detention, parental contact, warning, probation Superintendent hearing, police involvement, suspension, loss of use of technology, detention, warning, probation Suspension, internal restriction, detention, parental contact, warning, verbal explanation, loss of future privileged activities Suspension, internal restriction, detention, parental contact, warning Superintendent hearing, suspension, internal restriction, detention, parental contact, warning probation Superintendent hearing, suspension, probation Superintendent hearing, policy involvement, suspension Police involvement, restitution, suspension, Superintendent hearing, parental contact, probation Restitution, pol;ice involvement, suspension, internal restriction, detention, parental contact Police involvement, Superintendent hearing, suspension
Harassment
BOE Policies #5010 and #5020.1
Homework Failure to Complete Inappropriate Language
BOE Policy #4730 Admin. Regulation
Insubordination
Admin. Regulation
Misuse of Technology
BOE Policy #5300
Privileged Activities Violations
BOE Policy #5210.1 Admin. Regulation Admin. Regulation BOE Policy #5020.1
Public Display of Affection Sexual Harassment
Smoking/Tobacco Products Substance Abuse: Under the Influence of, Use, Sale, Possession, Possession of Paraphernalia Theft
BOE Policy #5312.3 BOE Policy #5312.1
Admin. Regulation
Vandalism
Admin. Regulation
Weapons
BOE Policy #5312.2
56
G.
Detention The official school day for students concludes at 3:08 PM. Students who have no disciplinary or extracurricular obligations will be dismissed at 2:17 PM. Students may be required to remain in school but it is most important that ample notice be given. Students who remain after school for disciplinary reasons must be supervised directly by that teacher. The period of detention for students is 2:30 PM until 3:40 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, except when one of these days falls prior to a holiday. Teachers who are assigned to detention are expected to report at 2:30 PM and remain until 3:40 PM. Teachers may assign students their own detention under their direct supervision, Monday through Friday (2:17 PM until 3:08 PM). Students may not be signed-out and removed from the detention room. Teachers will arrange to meet students in the respective Hall office. Student must request to be removed from detention for academic assistance prior to serving the detention and removal is predicated upon teacher approval. If approved by the teacher: The teacher writes the students name on a sign-out sheet in the respective Hall office prior to the assigned detention Student reports directly to the respective Hall office by 2:25PM on the agreed upon date o If the student fails to arrive by 2:25PM, the Hall secretary will note the absence o If the teacher does not arrive by 2:25PM the student will be sent to the detention room by the Hall secretary Detention begins at 2:27PM and this will allow students time to arrive at the detention room on time Academic support is provided by the teacher and, upon completion, the teacher returns the student to the detention room supervisor for attendance and seating
H.
Ladies and Gentlemens Rooms The ladies and gentlemens rooms are available at all times. Entrance doors will remain open and students will be expected to conduct themselves properly when using these facilities. It is of utmost importance that teachers use good judgment in allowing students to leave class in order to use the rest rooms. Those who misuse this time should be restricted.
I.
General Responsibilities for Teachers on Supervision Supervision of students outside the classroom is the responsibility of all faculty. Whenever a staff member is in the building, he/she is expected to enforce Board of Education and School Policy, as well as maintain student decorum. Teachers will be assigned a supervisory responsibility during one of the teaching periods. Teachers will be assigned supervision for Periods 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Supervision assignments during periods 6 and 8 (when it replaces period 6), will be for 46 minutes and will include dining room and corridor supervision. All faculty assigned to supervision will be on duty each period and
57
the specific responsibility will be determined by the Supervisor or Hall Principal in charge. Supervision guidelines are listed below: a. Each teacher on supervision must continually move through his/her assigned area. The sole responsibility of teachers on supervision is to maintain decorum in the building and to focus on student movement and activity. In order to achieve this end, there will be no reading or correcting of papers, and no sitting in one location. Active and continuous supervision is absolutely essential. Be alert for unusual noise which would be a disturbance to classes in the immediate vicinity. Do not permit students to gather in unauthorized areas. Taft Hall students may move between the front courtyard, Taft Dining Room, the Media Center, using the J and lower L corridors, the south M stairwell and upper M lobby without passes. Restrooms in lower and upper M wings may be used. Taft and LaFollette students in all other areas of the building must have passes. Greet visitors and direct them to the Main Entrance Desk. All visitors must sign in and pick up a visitors badge. Upon leaving the building every visitor must sign out and return the badge to the Main Entrance Desk. Be alert for improper activities in unsupervised classrooms, as well as the ladies and gentlemens rooms in the assigned area. Front Desk Protocol May I have your name please? Do you have an appointment? If the answer is no- please give them the schools phone number and ask them to call and make an appointment. If they have an appointment, confirm this by reviewing the sign in sheet. If they are not on it, call the office to which the person is going to confirm. i.e. Guidance, Health Office, Main Office, Hall Offices. For individuals whose appointments are not in these offices, call the main office and they will do further calling to confirm. (Music, Art, Business, Supervisors, Phys Ed, F.A.C.S., Special Ed, Foreign Language, Technology, Custodial, Assistant Superintendents Office. If they dont have an appointment, visitors may not enter. Former students may not visit without an appointment. Please ask them to call prior to visiting to visit in the future. If a parent/visitor insists that they are coming in or becomes disrespectful, call the Main Office or Hall Office to get a principal or dean to come to the front desk for assistance (Taft: 3411, LaFollette: 3399, Main Office: 0) or use the walkie talkie for hall monitor assistance. Traveling faculty members must show their badge to you and sign in and out.
b. c.
d. e. f.
58
J.
Supervision Responsibilities During each period, there are four general areas of supervision. Teachers on duty are expected to move continuously through their area of responsibility. Faculty in classrooms are expected to be aware of conditions in their wings and assist in directing students to appropriate areas should the need arise. Noise in the corridors should never be at a level that is disturbing to classes. During Period 6, each supervisory area will be covered for 46 minutes. When Period 8 replaces Period 6, the four regular supervisory areas will be covered as well as the two dining room areas.
SUPERVISION AREAS A: B: C: D: L: Lower C: FE: Upper/ Lower J: F/H: B213: PL: K. A/B Lobby, upper/lower A. Keep students out of A & B wings, courtyard. B/K corridor, upper/lower K, B wing. Keep students out of B & K wings, courtyard. C/D Lobby, upper C & D wings. Keep students out of C & D wings; watch bathrooms, courtyard. D/M lobby, upper/lower M, D wing. Keep students out of D & M wings, courtyard. Intersection of corridors in front of Media Center. Assist with traffic in/out of Taft Dining Room, problems in Media Center. Intersection near custodian office. Watch LaFollette Dining Room, Lower C. Front Entrance, lower A, LaFollette Dining Room. Only adults/students with official business and an appointment should be admitted. Keep students out of hallway, rear of school. Watch bathrooms at either end of hallway. Corridors from F gym to H gym. Be sure locker room doors are closed and locked. Assist with the supervision of students in computer lab. Lower G corridor (music) to outside (if nice weather) Taft parking areas, Handicap ramp area.
Sixth Period Supervision 1. Arrangements of specific responsibilities will be coordinated by the supervisor in charge. The supervision schedule for sixth period is as follows: GROUP I GROUP II Supervision Lunch Lunch Supervision 12:10 - 12:56 12:56 - 1:26 12:10 - 12:40 12:40 - 1:26
59
2.
Noon-time Aides The North Colonie Board of Education has approved the hiring of four noon-time aides to assist teachers in the supervision of the dining rooms at Shaker High School. Noon-time aides will be present in the dining room from 11:45 AM to 1:45 PM.
L.
Study Hall Conduct - LaFollette Hall The study hall is a regular part of each students schedule in LaFollette Hall. It should be spent in a way which makes maximum use of time. In order to insure this, certain rules and regulations must be followed by all students assigned to Study Hall in LaFollette Hall. On the opening day of school, the following topics are to be discussed in LaFollette Hall Study Hall: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Purposes of Study Halls. Values gained from proper use of Study Hall time. The conditions that make for an ideal Study Hall situation, e.g. quiet. The rules that are in effect to guarantee optimum use of Study Hall time. The concept that the Study Hall teachers are in charge and have the prerogative to honor or deny passes for that period depending on student conduct in Study Hall.
LaFollette Hall students must have a pass obtained in the Media Center in order to use it during school hours. Mid-morning and after classes are open times. Students who intend to use the Media Center should go there to request a pass during one of the following times before their Study Hall period: 1. 2. 3. After school the day before they would like to use the Media Center. Before homeroom of the day the student wishes to use the Media Center. During mid-morning for any remaining periods of that day or for one of the first three periods of the following day.
Students must exchange their ID card for a pass. They will report to the Media Center by the beginning of their Study Hall period on the date noted on their pass. The pass should be deposited in the designated box on the Main Desk. Students are permitted only one pass per day. Please note that the student ID card will be returned and a time-stamped pass will be given to the student for return to Study Hall. All students must be in Study Hall for attendance five minutes before the period ends. M. Senior and Junior Preparation Periods Preparation periods for seniors and juniors allow students to determine for themselves how unscheduled time may best be utilized. If high school seniors and juniors are to be prepared for further education at a post high school level they must also be self-disciplined in the proper use of unscheduled time. How well a student uses his unscheduled time will determine how long he will be permitted to enjoy this privilege.
60
Students who display an inability to properly utilize their unscheduled time may be taken directly to the formal study room located in Taft Hall. The student will remain in this room for the duration of the period. A written report of the incident should be forwarded to the Hall Principal and will become a part of the students record. Assignments of a longer duration may be made by the Hall Principal. Guidelines Governing Students During Preparation Period in Taft Hall 1. 2. 3. All students must carry ID cards at all times and produce them upon the request of a staff member. Students are qualified for Prep unless they have been notified prior to the start of the school year by the Taft Hall Principal. A student on internal suspension will lose all Preparation periods consistent with the current guidelines established for internal suspension. A student will forfeit Prep for any disciplinary referral that warrants the loss of Prep as determined by the Taft Hall Principal. Areas of Prep are the Taft Dining Room and the Media Center.
4. 5.
Students on Prep period are not to be loitering in the halls. Traffic in areas of the building other than those outlined as designated Prep areas will not be permitted without a pass signed by a staff member. N. Guiding Principles for Student Dress The Board of Education agrees strongly with the State Commissioner of Education that school boards of education have the power and obligation to make reasonable rules concerning the dress and appearance of children while in school. The board believes that among its educational responsibilities is included that of guiding pupils in the matter of appropriate dress and appearance. Defiance of rules regarding dress, or of other reasonable rules, is detrimental to the overall discipline of the school, to the morale of the student body and faculty, and to the educational process in general. Student Dress Code BOE Policy 5311.5
While the Board of Education does not establish a specific dress code, students will be expected to maintain dress and appearance that is appropriate for school in this community. Students are required to attend school in appropriate dress that meets health and safety standards, and does not interfere with their or others education. The use of any attire bearing an expression (phrase, word or words) or insignia (picture, symbol, patch or pin) that can be interpreted to be in any of the following categories is forbidden: is obscene or libelous, contains objectionable message, graphic, or language, including insults, whether directed to themselves or others; advocates prejudice towards race, color, religion, national origin, disability or any group; is sexually harassing; displays or advocates the use of alcohol, tobacco or controlled substances, or displays known gang colors or identification.
61
Certain categories of clothing have been held to be impermissible by the Commissioner of Education on the basis of factors other than appropriateness of style, fashion or taste. These categories constitute: 1. 2. 3. 4. Health and safety to the wearer and others (e.g., long-haired sweaters worn near open flames and heating elements, or loose parts of clothing worn near machinery). Possibility of damage to school property (e.g., metal cleats or shoes, long chains or straps, or clothing containing hardware which may scratch or gouge furniture). Indecency. Distraction so as to interfere with the learning and teaching process (e.g., noise producing adornment or appearance or clothing so bizarre or revealing to be distracting to other students).
Students will be asked to change their appearance to conform to these regulations. A student may be barred from regular classroom attendance until the matter has been resolved. Classroom teachers have an educational obligation to encourage neat, clean, appropriate dress. Students may be prohibited from wearing hats or sunglasses in the classroom. Students shall be asked to wear appropriate protective gear in certain classes (i.e., Family and Consumer Science, Technology Education, Science, Art, P.E.). Students also may be excluded from field trips and extracurricular activities and programs due to inappropriate dress or appearance as determined by school administrators. School Regulation All students are expected to dress in a safe, appropriate manner that does not disrupt or interfere with the educational process as determined by teachers and administration. Students not dressed appropriately will be asked to modify their appearance by covering the offending item or replacing it with an acceptable item. Students may be asked to return home for a change of clothing or have a parent/guardian bring alternative clothing to school. A student may be barred from regular class attendance until the matter is resolved. Continued violation of the student dress code will result in more serious disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by administration. Visitors are expected to abide by the school dress code; those who do not may be asked to leave the premises. Examples of prohibited articles of clothing include (but are not limited to) items that promote alcohol or drugs, jewelry that contains comments or illustrations that are sexual in nature, obscene or pornographic; e.g., Johnson, Coed Naked, Hooters shirts, Cock hats. Clothing that contains messages, suggestive or otherwise, or illustrations depicting violence, hate and denigration of a particular race, ethnic or religious group are prohibited. Garments that are extremely brief, such as (but not limited to) tube tops, net or mesh tops, plunging necklines (front and/or back), cutoff shorts or short shorts, extremely short skirts or dresses, low-rider pants, sleeveless athletic shirts, garments that expose the midriff or undergarments and see-through garments are prohibited. Messages of any kind across the rear end are prohibited. Items that digitally display messages (LCD belt buckles, etc) are prohibited. Sunglasses and hoods worn on the head are prohibited.
62
Items of clothing such as (but not limited to) chains longer than 6, spiked bracelets or necklaces or sharp items protruding from the skin are prohibited. All coats and jackets must be put away in the lockers upon entering school and may not be worn during the school day. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times. Revised 8/06 Students are reminded that the wearing of body jewelry (brow, lip, tongue, belly, etc.) during sports and physical education classes is a safety hazard. Students are reminded to either remove or tape down the jewelry. This is to protect the student wearing the jewelry and others. Students refusing to comply with this procedure will be prevented from participating in the activity and will be marked unprepared. In the event that a teacher finds a student uncooperative concerning the matter of IMPERMISSIBLE dress, the student will be removed from class by the teacher. Once this issue has been raised, the student may be barred from regular classroom attendance by the Hall Principal until the matter has been resolved. If the teacher finds a students appearance and dress INAPPROPRIATE the teacher should contact his Hall Principal and discuss the matter with him/her. The teacher should then communicate with the parents of the involved student. Reasonable and concerned parents should cooperate in this aspect of the total education of their children. O. After School Guidelines The following guidelines are for students in the building between 2:30 and 3:08 PM daily. 1. 2. 3. The Activity Period (2:30 - 3:08 PM) will be considered part of the regular school day. Daily rules of conduct will be in effect during this period of time. All corridors and lobby areas must be free of students unless they are moving to a scheduled activity or are leaving the building.
Student Responsibilities 1. No student is to remain in Shaker High School after the buses leave EXCEPT those students who have a valid responsibility involving an after school activity. No students are to loiter in any wing of Shaker High School after 2:17 PM. All students who have legitimate reasons for staying after school must go to their assigned wing locker to get the clothing and books necessary and then go directly to the designated area of activity, or dining room. All students who participate in late practice must go directly to the LaFollette Dining Room until it is time for their scheduled activity.
2. 3.
4.
63
5.
Those students who begin an activity immediately after school but whose participation in such an activity ends prior to their actual leaving time from Shaker must report to the LaFollette Dining Room until they leave the building to go home, to go out to their cars, to walk home. Students waiting to attend an athletic event must remain in the LaFollette Dining Room until 3:30 PM. After-School Bus Pass System Students who intend to ride a orth Colonie Central School District bus must secure a bus pass from a staff member. Those students who have no valid reason for staying after school, but need a ride home will be issued an administrative bus pass and will receive a disciplinary referral.
6. 7.
Faculty and Staff 1. Teachers should issue an after-school bus pass to students staying after school for instructional purposes and/or detentions. Teachers should issue passes for every student who will be taking the late bus. a. b. c. Teacher discretion should be used when providing passes for students. (Students should be staying at least 15 minutes to obtain a pass.) Students staying after school with a teacher must be provided a pass and then report to LaFollette Dining Room immediately. Students staying after school in the library need to sign in and out of the library and be issued a pass from the librarian. Students should remain in the library until 3:15pm to receive a pass. Detention students would be issued passes from the teachers/hall monitors on detention duty. Athletes would be issued a sticker FALL/WINTER/SPRING for their student IDs that would allow them to ride the late bus. Club advisors should write passes individually to their students or laminate passes for the school year. 2. Students staying after school to use the weight room would obtain a pass from the weight room advisor.
d. e. f.
The passes will be used by students to: Show to PM monitors and faculty/administrators to validate their reason for being after school Be admitted to ride on the 4:05pm late bus or 5:00pm late bus. There will be no 5:00pm late bus run on Fridays. Students without passes would be deemed after school without permission and would be required to obtain an administrative pass to ride the bus. These students would also receive a progressive disciplinary consequence.
3.
64
Faculty Responsibilities 1. 2. Each day faculty will be expected to assist in reminding students to go directly to the bus, to LaFollette Dining Room, or to the area where such students have valid responsibilities. Faculty who detain students after school for make-up tests, extra help or for discipline will be expected to remind the students they are to leave the building immediately or go directly to the LaFollette Dining Room. Any faculty who keep students after school must issue after-school bus passes for those receiving after-school transportation. Students remaining in school for additional reasons (parent pickup, library, another teacher) must be reminded to remain in the building in the LaFollette Hall Dining Room to await their personal transportation. Faculty who find a student in the halls after 2:30 PM should direct the student to the LaFollette cafeteria.
3.
4.
Media Center Media Specialists will be expected to remind students who are leaving the Media Center they are to leave the building immediately or go directly to LaFollette Dining Room. Students must obtain a pass from the librarian. Media specialists must issue passes for students remaining in the building or awaiting transportation. The Media Center will be open daily as per the following schedule: EACH SCHOOL DAY UNTIL 3:45 PM WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FRIDAY UNTIL 3:30 PM.
Revised 8/06
Physical Education Responsibilities 1. 2. All coaches will be expected to announce the policy of after school sports participation. Students participating in Physical Education-sponsored activities will be expected to carry an identification card indicating the activity in which the student is a participant. Students are not to report to the gym locker room until it is time for their specific activity. All students who complete an activity and must wait for transportation home are to go directly to LaFollette Dining Room until such transportation is available.
3. 4.
Non-Instructional Staff Responsibilities Non-instructional staff are encouraged to notify teachers regarding areas where loitering after school is occurring.
65
Penalties Students who ignore these guidelines or fail to carry out their responsibilities as defined will forfeit privileges for five school days e.g., mid-morning, Prep period or the privilege of regular dismissal. Continued violation of after-school rules will result in parental notification and/or suspension. P. STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES At the Shaker High School, priority is given to provision of a teaching/learning environment free of distractions. Therefore, cell phones/electronic devices are strictly prohibited from being used during a students assigned instructional time. Moreover, the use of any cell phone/electronic device is strictly prohibited in the Media Center, locker rooms and bathrooms at any time. Students are not permitted to use cell phones/electronic devices in the hallways except for midmorning. Between 7:30 a.m. and 2:17 p.m. students may only use their cell phones/electronic devices in the following designated areas: During mid-morning students may use cell phones/electronic devices in the hallway and dining rooms. This time period is from 10:13 a.m. 10:28 a.m. Taft and Lafollette dining rooms: Prep period for upperclassmen Gold card release time for underclassmen Mid-morning Lunchtime Dining rooms may not be used by students for cell phone/electronic device use any time during their instructional time
Proper and acceptable use of cell phones/electronic devices must always be followed. Cell phones/electronic devices used for inappropriate communication or behavior will subject the student to the consequences found in the student handbook. Students are expected to comply with any adult requests concerning improper use of cell phones/electronic devices. Failure to follow adult directives will result in student disciplinary consequences. DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES FOR IMPROPER USE OF CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES 1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense Student will receive one detention. The cell phone/electronic device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. Student will receive two detentions. The cell phone/electronic device will be returned to the parent/guardian of the student. Student will receive a full day of internal restriction. The cell phone/electronic Device will be returned to the parent/guardian of the student. The parent guardian at that time will be asked to sign a form acknowledging that according to the regulation, a suspension from school will occur for a fourth offense. Student will receive an out-of-school suspension and the cell phone/electronic device will be returned to the parent/guardian of the student. Discipline is treated as a second offense and progresses as before.
4th Offense 5th Offense
66
IX.
EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAM A. Philosophy We, at Shaker High School, believe that recognized extracurricular activities have educational value, separate from the regular curriculum of studies. We believe, therefore, that the student engaging in activities voluntarily accepts the responsibility and that the activity advisor has the same educational responsibilities toward a student in that activity as in the classroom. B. Suburban Scholastic Council Our school is a charter member of the Suburban Scholastic Council, an organization of twelve schools in the Capital District area. It is an organization through which these schools have close association in such extracurricular activities as: music, honor society, debate, public speaking, student council, exchange assemblies, dramatics, science fairs, play days, chess, baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling. The twelve members have been drawn together because they are similar in size, are in the same geographic area, have like interests, believe in competition, and believe that a strong extracurricular program will result when there is cooperative planning. The members of the council are: Averill Park Ballston Spa Bethlehem Central Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Colonie Central Columbia C. Eligibility All rules relating to inter-school athletics will conform to those which have been established by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and those rules deemed just and necessary by the administration. Students participating in extracurricular activities who are failing academic work from causes which show lack of effort, poor citizenship or undesirable attitudes, may be asked to appear before a faculty committee of review. This committee will consist of the students Hall Principal, Principal, Guidance Counselor, academic teachers and coach or activity advisor. Parents may also be invited to sit with the committee. The determining factor in this consideration will be what is best for the student involved. Eligibility meetings may be called by the Hall Principals, Guidance Counselors or the Principal. D. Extracurricular Organizations There is a definite procedure for the formation of extracurricular organizations. When a group of students wishes to form a club, and has secured an advisor, they must obtain approval from the Building Principal. It is expected that all members of the staff participate in some phase of the extracurricular program. Students should know their teachers both in and out of the classroom. Guilderland Central Mohonasen Central Niskayuna Central North Colonie Central Saratoga Springs Shenendehowa Central
67
The extracurricular program is the responsibility of the Hall Principals. Problems concerning the program should be referred to them. It is our hope that every student have an opportunity to join at least one activity in which he/she is sincerely interested. The club program offers an excellent opportunity for many students to receive recognition they might normally not receive in an academic classroom. The sponsor should encourage active student participation and student leadership. Each advisor must accept the responsibility for seeing that proper accounting is maintained on a monthly basis. All extracurricular activities will take place after school hours. As far as attendance, absences, and disciplinary problems are concerned, extracurricular organizations should be treated in the same manner as a regular class. No regular evening meetings are to be scheduled. Bus transportation for activities is available at 3:55 and 5:00 PM. There will be no 5:00pm bus run on Fridays. Advisors must assume responsibility for students for the full interim between 2:30 PM and 3:08 PM. E. Use of Passive Alcohol Devices Chaperones/administrators will use passive alcohol devices prior to and /or during selected Shaker High School student events (included but not limited to dances, and after-school social activities) to better determine whether or not a student has consumed alcohol. This device will be used to check all students when they enter a student event and periodically during the event. If a student is determined to be under the influence of alcohol, parents/guardians will be called and disciplinary consequences will be administered according to Board of Education Policy #5312.1. If at any time a chaperone or monitor suspects a student may be under the influence of alcohol the student will be removed from the activity and referred to the administrator in charge for assessment and passive alcohol screening. For school day alcohol-related discipline investigations, this device will be used. The following procedures will be used. All students entering selected after-school events, as determined by administration, will be checked with the passive alcohol device as they enter the school event. If a positive indication occurs, the student will be asked if they were drinking alcohol. Student belongings and the person will be searched. If a student admits to consuming alcohol, he/she will be subject to the discipline procedures outlined by the Board of Education Policy #5312.1, if reasonable suspicion exists. If the student denies consuming alcohol and consents, the police may be contacted and asked to administer a breathalyzer test to the student. In all cases parents will be contacted and informed of the schools concern for their child. If a student refuses to be screened and/or breathalyzed, they will be sent home with a parent. The student will be picked up by the parent or designee, with parental permission.
68
F.
Procedures for Assemblies Assemblies programs are considered an integral part of a students educational program at Shaker High School. So that such activities may be introduced into the regular ongoing school program with the maximum educational benefit being realized, the following procedures have been established. 1. Mandatory Assemblies a. When a particular program is deemed by the Principal to be of sufficient importance to a definable part of the student body, attendance shall be made mandatory. Mandated assemblies may be scheduled for a particular hall or department or part thereof. The hall or department who is sponsoring the program will be responsible for the distribution and collection of tickets. When part of a class is absent due to a mandatory assembly, the teacher should organize meaningful learning activity for those remaining in class and use discretion in introducing new work. Since teacher supervision is required of those students who are not included in the assembly, teachers may, with the approval of the Principal, combine classes so that some teachers may be in attendance at the program. A teacher whose class is absent due to an assembly program is expected to attend and assist in the supervision of the assembly.
b.
c.
d. 2.
Voluntary Assemblies a. On other occasions where the type of program may be of value to individual students within a particular grade, course, class, etc., the assembly will be designated as voluntary in nature and open to interested students within the physical capacity of the assembly room. Such audiences will not necessarily be inclusive of all students within that designated group. Where assemblies are voluntary, tickets of admission will be made available either through the Hall Office or Department who is sponsoring the program. In such instances it shall be the responsibility of the student to: - Place his signature on the ticket at the time it is issued. - Present the ticket to the teacher from whose class he will be absent. (Teachers must sign ticket denoting approval.) - Present the ticket for admittance to the assembly. Collected tickets will be returned to the classroom teacher to verify attendance at the assembly. d. The decision as to whether the student may be excused in order to attend a voluntary assembly shall rest with the teacher from whose class the student requests to be absent.
b. c.
69
e.
Students must understand that where request is being made for permission to be absent from class, that make-up work may be necessary since the teacher may elect to proceed with class work for those who remain in class. Teachers are obligated to see that such students are adequately supervised in the classroom during the time when others may be absent for assemblies. Students who avail themselves of the opportunity to attend a voluntary assembly must bear responsibility for their attendance and adhere to established policy. Students should be advised that they must be punctual in arriving for the program, fully cooperative and attentive toward those presenting the program, and courteous in remaining until the program has been concluded. Initiation of either type of program may be made by students and/or teachers working in conjunction with the Hall or Building Principal as appropriate. Whenever possible prior notification of at least five school days will be made to classroom teachers where students will or may be absent, in order to attend an assembly.
f.
g. h.
G.
Field Trips 1. Field trips may be described as group activities involving an entire class activity or sport which would leave the school property for a function and return to school property. During the field trip the teacher must have students permission slips and health forms, if appropriate. Teachers should be aware of students who may have pre-existing health conditions. When a group of Shaker High School students leaves our building, they are to be properly supervised and their conduct must always reflect the attitudes and discipline which we expect of our students at all times. 2. For planned field trips that will include financial participation by students, the information must be given in writing to each student and his/her parents, only after administrative permission has been granted. When students from Taft and LaFollette Halls are included, permission must be granted by the Building Principal. The Field Trip Request Beyond 50 Miles form must be used. 3. 4. No field trips will be permitted after the period of Intensive Study has begun. Overnight Field Trips a. b. At the earliest possible time, discuss ideas concerning overnight field trips with the students Hall Principal and Department Supervisor. The Hall Principal should receive, in writing, all proposals, no matter how general. These should be accompanied by the Field Trip Request Beyond 50 Miles form. Completed forms are to be submitted to the Building Principal.
70
c.
Following the Building Principals approval, the request will be forwarded to the Board of Education for action. It is only after Board approval that final arrangements may be made. All such requests should be submitted in writing before final dates and arrangements have been completed. Students must be supervised at all times. Consumption of alcohol is forbidden. This directive includes students, chaperones, and all school personnel (faculty, coaches and staff).
d. e. f. 5.
Field Trip Guidelines For Student Conduct A school-sponsored field trip is an extension of the classroom and all school rules apply both on and off the campus. The guidelines below more specifically define the expected levels of conduct for all participants. a. There will be no use of drugs, in any form, unless prescribed by a physician and accompanied by written parental permission. Prescribed use of all medication must be verified through the school nurse preceding the day of the trip. Students are expected to remain with the school group. Students are responsible to ensure that chaperones are aware, and have approved, of their whereabouts at all times. Students are responsible for their conduct in regard to public property, such as hotel rooms and transportation vehicles. Individual students and/or the entire group may be held financially responsible for damages they incur. On overnight trips hotel rooms will be inspected by the chaperones prior to the nights stay and again before checkout. Any damage incurred will be the responsibility of the occupants. d. Students participating in any field trip are expected to remain with the group and must return with the group unless a written parental request is obtained and approved by the trip/department supervisor. Dress for all trips should be neat, clean, and socially acceptable. Students violating field trip rules or the general level of conduct expected on the school campus shall be subject to consequences per schools disciplinary guidelines.
b.
c.
e. f.
6.
Field Trip Guidelines Teachers Responsibilities a. b. Review written guidelines for student conduct with students prior to going on the field trip. Be sure that parents also have reviewed the guidelines. Students must be appropriately supervised at all times. Small groups, maximum often, are permissible providing an adult chaperone is responsible for each group.
71
c.
Be responsible for students from departure until the trip is completed. After returning, remain with students until they have been met by their parents or a designated adult. Students must return to school with the group unless a written parental request is obtained and approved by the trip/department supervisor. Only release students to an identified adult. For all trips prepare a list of students on the trip and their home telephone numbers. Prepare a detailed itinerary to be approved in advance by the principal or his/her designee and then distribute it to parents, students and chaperones prior to receiving permission slips from parents. When feasible, list telephone numbers of hotels, restaurants or rest areas where you may be reached in the event of an emergency at home. Enforce guidelines for student conduct, responding to violators in a timely manner. Report problems to administrators as soon as possible and submit a written report at the conclusion of the field trip. All parental permission slips must include emergency numbers, signed by a parent/guardian, and should be kept with you at all times. No unauthorized adults or students are to be part of any field trip. On overnight trips, inspect each hotel room before occupancy and just prior to checkout with occupants. Any damage will be the responsibility of the occupants of the room. If an emergency should arise: contact the students parent/guardian immediately contact your building principal or designee have a chaperone remain with the student at all times If a student must be transported to a hospital in an ambulance, have a chaperone ride with the student and remain with him/her at all times, if possible. When in doubt, follow a reasonable course of action. The school administration remains ready and willing to assist you at any time. Please do not hesitate to call if advice or guidance is needed.
d. e.
f.
g. h. i.
j.
7.
Teacher Procedures a. Obtain the Field Trip Request Form from the forms button on the District Intranet or the Main Office next to the Windows. (`The Main office staff can help you locate the forms.) If transportation is to be provided by the District, obtain a copy of the NCCS Field/Extra-Curricular Trip Request Form for transportation from the same location.
b.
72
c.
Complete the forms in their entirety paying particular attention to the statements: 1. Under number 10 a-i 2 Under Emergency Procedures A-E 3. #13 Mode of Transportation school or other under other please be specific If transportation is not being provided by the District, but instead by a private (charter) company, call and notify the bus garage of the date, company name, and arrival time so appropriate arrangements can be made to have the bus inspected at the Transportation Department before departure. Attach two copies of the list of students and chaperones attending the trip. Please include the grade level of each student. Any changes to the list must be provided to the department supervisor ten days prior to the trip. Attach a blank copy of The Parental Permission Slip being used for the trip. Forward the completed form with attachments to your department supervisor. Check with the school nurse to find out if any students have medical needs to ensure all medical supplies and instructions required have been provided. Take all permission slips with emergency contact information on the trip with you. Provide your supervisor with a trip itinerary and a list of emergency contact numbers.
d.
e.
f. g. h. i. j. 8.
Supervisor Procedures a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Review forms to ensure they are complete. If the trip is approved, sign and forward the completed Field Trip Request Form and one copy of the student/chaperone roster to the hall principal. If the trip is a new trip, review the proposed trip with the Principals Council. Sign and forward the NCCS Field/Extra-Curricular Trip Request Form for transportation to building principal. Forward the third copy of the student/chaperone roster to the health office. Have the teacher take all permission slips with emergency contact information on the trip with them. Obtain your teachers trip itinerary and a list of emergency contact numbers. Provide the teacher with your emergency contact information.
73
9.
Hall Principal Procedures a. b. c. Review the forms and determine if the trip will be approved. If the trip is approved, sign and forward the completed Field Trip Request Form and one copy of the student/chaperone roster to the building principal. If the students participating in the field trip are exclusively from your hall, send a memo to the faculty and school nurse (include a listing of the students and chaperones who will be taking part in the trip).
10.
Building Principal Procedures a. b) Review the forms and determine if the trip will be approved. Sign and forward the NCCS Field/Extra-Curricular Trip Request Form for transportation to the Transportation Department. They will forward the approved form with transportation details back to Mrs. Stearns and the teacher requesting the trip. If the trip is approved, sign and forward copies of the completed Field Trip Request Form to the requesting teacher, department supervisor, school nurse, and hall principal. If the trip includes students from both halls, send a memo out informing the faculty.
c)
d)
The FIELD TRIP REQUEST FORM and the FIELD TRIP REQUEST BEYOND 50 MILES form can be found in the FORMS section of this book. (For additional information regarding Field Trips refer to Board Policy 4531) H. The Student Board of Finance The Student Board of Finance is a standing committee and is responsible for the expenditure of monies in the Student Activity Fund. Members are selected as Freshmen and remain on the Student Board of Finance for the duration of their high school careers. Positions on the Board are as follows: Chairperson Senior Vice Chairperson Junior Secretary Freshman Treasurer Sophomore The Building Principal is an ex officio member of the Board. I. Sales by School Organizations All money raising activities of our school must be of direct benefit to some portion of the school program. The purpose of each fund raising activity, as well as the name of the sponsoring organization, must be clearly publicized.
74
Foods offered for sale must be prepared either by a licensed manufacturer or under the direct supervision of qualified school personnel. Bake sales are not permitted. Under no circumstances will lotteries, or other games of chance, be permitted. All fund raising requests must be approved by the Building Principal. J. Dances General Responsibilities 1. Before any school organization may use the schools facilities, the proper building requests must be obtained from the Main Office, filled out and returned to the main office. Final approval is made by the Building Principal. Building request forms must be submitted seven days prior to the date requested. 2. 3. Informal dances will be held in H (new) Gym and must conclude no later that 10:30 PM. Formal and semi-formal dances must conclude by 12 midnight. Guidelines for Sponsoring a Dance in the Gym 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Center doors to F Lobby are the only doors to be used as the entrance. One exit door must be identified. If students leave, they may not return and must leave the school property. Types of music should be varied; take five-minute breaks every 30 minutes or 10 minute breaks every hour. Three security people must be hired to assist in supervising inside and outside the building. At least one security person should be outside at all times.
At the conclusion of the dance, members of the sponsoring organization will report to the advisor in charge of the dance. All decorations and other allied materials must be removed. The custodian on duty will rearrange the chairs and tables and will make other final adjustments. Specific Responsibilities a. The advisor in charge and all chaperones are responsible for the health and safety of all persons using the building during an activity. It is their responsibility to be well aware and conscious of good safety practices, fire drill regulations and emergency telephone numbers. Chaperones should know appropriate emergency procedures. Chaperones should report to the advisor of the sponsoring organization 30 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the dance. They are responsible to the advisor at all times. A minimum of six chaperones is required for each dance. School Administrators are not considered formal chaperones. Parents should be included as chaperones.
b.
c.
75
d.
Chaperones should supervise actively by frequently moving around to include such places as the lobby, the appropriate ladies and gentlemens rooms, stairways, etc. Potential problems should be reported to the advisor in charge. In the event unforeseen circumstances prevent chaperones from meeting their obligations, it is their responsibility to provide replacements. Students are not to use other areas of the building without permission. At the conclusion of the dance, chaperones should report to the advisor in charge to assist in any duties necessary. At the discretion of the advisor, chaperones will be dismissed.
e. f. g. h. K. Parties
NO PARTIES MAY BE HELD DURING CLASS TIME. Permission for parties after school must be obtained from your Hall Principal before planning begins. It should be noted that District policy prohibits the consumption of food or beverages in school, which are not prepared under the direction of school personnel or purchased commercially. L. Fraternities and Sororities No fraternities or sororities will be sponsored by Shaker High School. Therefore, no part of a fraternitys or sororitys activities should take place in school or on school grounds. The use of Greek letters to identify extracurricular organizations is to be discouraged. M. Use of Teachers Cars for the Transportation of Students Please refer to the agreement between the North Colonie Teachers Association and the North Colonie Board of Education. N. Chaperone Responsibilities No specific chaperone assignments are made for any events during the school year. It is expected, however, that faculty members will involve themselves in the extracurricular program of the school. O. Supervision of Athletic Events Please refer to the agreement between the North Colonie Teachers Association and the North Colonie Board of Education. During the present school year, the following games will be chaperoned by teachers: Varsity Football JV & Varsity Basketball All Home Games All Home Games
If chaperons for away football and basketball games are needed, they will be selected from the existing substitute list following the normal rotation.
76
X.
POLICIES A. Promotion Policy To be eligible for promotion at the elementary and junior high school levels, a pupil shall be expected to demonstrate sufficient competency in the basic academic skills of reading and mathematics to permit functioning at the next grade level. The final decision regarding promotion of individual students shall be delegated to the Building Principal. Student promotion at the high school level will be determined by the number of units earned and by the highest grade level of English or Social Studies in which the student is enrolled. To be assigned to a Grade 10 homeroom a student must have earned four units of credit, including one unit in English 9 or Social Studies 9. Assignment to a Grade 11 homeroom requires eight units of credit and successful completion of either English 10 or Social Studies 10. Eligibility for placement in a Grade 12 homeroom requires a minimum of twelve academic units and credit for English 11 or Social Studies 11. (Students designated by the Building Principal as early graduates will be placed in Grade 12 homerooms.) Because of the importance of daily class participation to achievement, high school credit will be granted only to students who are in attendance for at least 80% of the classes offered in a given subject. Formal administrative procedures shall be established whereby a person in parental authority to the pupil may challenge the decision regarding promotion or retention. Administrative Regulations The process of education requires a continuity of instruction including classroom participation, student interaction, and well planned instructional activity. In order to gain the maximum benefit from their educational experience, students must attend class regularly. The prerequisite for earning course credit toward graduation will be attendance in each scheduled class in addition to earning a passing grade. Students are expected to be in school daily and attend all classes without exception. The awarding of academic credit will be based, in part, on class attendance. Students who do not attend a minimum of 80% of the classes offered in a given subject, regardless of the reasons, will be denied academic credit. Students must attend a minimum of 60% of all classes in order to qualify for summer school or tutorial remediation of a subject in which credit is lost due to violation of Board of Education Policy #5123. Information concerning the attendance requirement will be distributed to students and parents at the beginning of the school year. Teachers will take attendance each period and inform the Hall Principal according to the reporting schedule. All absences from class must be recorded, except for school sponsored or authorized activities. Tardiness becomes a reported absence if more than half of the instruction time in a class is missed. Teachers will submit attendance referrals to the students Hall Principal according to the reporting schedule. This procedure will lead to the loss of course credit due to excessive absenteeism.
77
Class Attendance Students lose credit for courses due to excessive absences. The following chart indicates the number of absences at which students lose credit and points at which parents/guardians receive written notices concerning class attendance. Students who NC will not be eligible to take the corresponding Regents or Final Examination(s). Students missing sixty (60) or more days will not qualify for summer school. Loss of Credit: Full Year Course Semester Course (not P.E.) Physical Education Full-Year Lifeguarding Parental Notification: Full Year Course 15 20 25 30 (NC) 45 60 Semester Course (not P.E.) 6 8 10 15 (NC) Physical Education 4 6 8 10 (NC) Action to be taken Hall offices will generate attendance letters for parents/guardians at the absentee points listed on the chart. Copies of the letters will be sent to the students teacher, guidance counselor, department supervisor, and hall principal. Guidance counselors are requested to schedule conferences with students, to discuss the continuing absentee problem, after the second attendance letter has been received. The Building Principal will receive copies of the third attendance letter and the final letter indicating loss of credit. On both occasions, the Building Principal will hold conferences with the student to inform him/her of the imminent loss of credit and loss of credit.
Revised 8/06
30 15 10 15
B.
Smoking and Tobacco Products (BOE Policy #5312.3) The Board of Education, recognizing health hazards associated with smoking, prohibits possession of tobacco products, smoking, or any other use of other tobacco products on school premises. For the purpose of this policy, school premises shall mean any building, structure, and surrounding grounds contained within the Districts legally defined property boundaries, and vehicles used to transport children or school personnel.
First Violation 1. 2.
Three-day external suspension; Reinstatement conference with student, parent(s), and student assistance counselor, Hall Principal, and Guidance Counselor;
78
3. 4.
Mandatory one-hour instruction session with Student Assistance Counselor to discuss the harmful effects of using tobacco; and Recommend counseling sessions with Student Assistance Counselor.
Second Violation (same school year) 1. Five-day external suspension; 2. Reinstatement conference with student, parent(s), Building Principal/ Hall Principal, Guidance Counselor, and Student Assistance Counselor; 3. Probation - conditions set by Building Principal; and 4. Mandatory weekly counseling sessions with Student Assistance Counselor. Third Violation (same school year) OR Violation of Probation Conditions Disciplinary hearing before the Superintendent. Cross-ref: Ref: 1530, Smoking on School Premises 9330, Smoking on School Premises by Staff Members The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. Para. 6081 et seq. Public Health Law Article 13-E Para. 1399-n et seq.
Note: Replaces prior policy, 5131.8(b) Adopted November 10, 2960 Amended: November 25, 2985, June 22, 1987, July 11, 1988, February 27, 2989, April 25, 2994, August 22, 2994, January 26, 2998, January 23, 2006 C. Students - Controlled Substances* and Alcohol (BOE Policy #5312.1) Shaker High School is designated as a Drug Free Zone. Possession, use or sale of alcoholic beverages, marijuana or its derivatives, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances or prescription drugs by students on school premises and school sponsored activities is prohibited. Medication prescribed by the students physician must be kept in the nurses office except that students who are asthmatic or have allergic reactions may self-administer medication so long as Board policy conditions are satisfied. The sale of drugs on school property or within 1,000 feet of school property will result in increased criminal penalties. Sale or Distribution The sale or distribution of controlled substances, imitation controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, marijuana or its derivatives, or prescription drugs on school premises by a student shall subject the offender to immediate suspension from school, pending a disciplinary hearing before the Board of Education which could result in a long-term suspension. Use or Possession The first offense for use, under the influence of, or possession of controlled substances, imitation controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, marijuana or its derivatives, or prescription drugs (except when taken as directed by a physician) by a student on school premises shall subject the offender to an immediate suspension from school for a five day period, mandatory counseling with the Student Assistance Counselor followed by a reinstatement conference with the student and parent(s).
79
Subsequent offenses for use, under the influence of, or possession of controlled substances, imitation controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, marijuana or its derivatives, or prescription drugs (except when taken as directed by a physician) by a student on school premises shall subject the offender to immediate suspension from school, pending a disciplinary hearing before the Board of Education which could result in a long-term suspension. The police will be contacted in all drug related cases. * Definition of controlled substances, or imitation controlled substances - (See Sec. 220.00NYS Penal Law). Any narcotic drug, depressant or stimulant drug or hallucinogenic drug. Note: Prior Policy, 5131.9 Adopted: June 11, 1973 Amended: June 25, 1984, November 25, 1985, November 21, 1988, January 26, 1998 D. Policy Concerning Alcohol and Other Substances for Adults (BOE Policy # 5312.22) Introduction The Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District is committed to the prevention of use and/or abuse of alcohol and illegal chemical substances in schools and on District property. Throughout this Policy and Administrative Regulations, the terms chemical abuse and substance abuse refer to alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, steroids, and all controlled or imitation controlled substances according to the laws of New York State. The District is committed to the goal of eliminating alcohol and other substance use/abuse in schools and on District property. In the development of its substance use/abuse prevention efforts, and for any disciplinary measure related to alcohol and other controlled substances, the District will be guided by the following principles: - Substance use/abuse is preventable and treatable. -The abuse of alcohol and other controlled substances inhibits the District from carrying out its primary purpose of educating students. -The goal of substance use/abuse prevention efforts will be accomplished only through coordinated, collaborative efforts with parents, students, staff, and the community as a whole. The District will have zero tolerance for alcohol and/or substance use/abuse during teaching hours for instructional employees and/or work schedules for non-instructional employees. Therefore, no staff member acting within the scope of his or her employment and/or on any District property may posses, sell, distribute or have imbibed alcohol or other drugs (except medication prescribed by a physician), nor may they use or possess drug paraphernalia during teaching hours and/or work hours for non-instructional employees. Any employee of the District who is found to have violated terms of this policy may be subject to a range of penalties up to and including dismissal. Such an employee may be required to participate in an alcohol or substance abuse rehabilitation program in lieu of, or in addition to, disciplinary action. Adopted: June 23, 1997
80
E.
Administrative Regulations Concerning Alcohol and Other Substances for Adults (BOE Policy #5312.22-R) Intervention The goal of all District Intervention Programs is to provide services to staff that will assist them to avoid involvement with alcohol and other substances and assist those already involved with such substances to eliminate their use. The components of the Intervention Program shall include: 1. The District Pupil Personnel Services Department will provide a current resource list of District and community alcohol and substance abuse services to assist staff in need of intervention and treatment services. The Employee Assistance Program shall serve as a resource to staff. Any employee who wants assistance regarding substance abuse problems will receive a referral to the Employee Assistance Program. The laws of confidentiality will be maintained.
2.
Disciplinary Measures Any staff member in violation of this comprehensive policy shall be subject to disciplinary action. Each case will be considered on an individual basis with the goal of identifying the problem at the earliest possible point, so that an appropriate referral for assessment and treatment can be provided. Those found in violation shall receive disciplinary action and shall be subject to a range of penalties up to and including dismissal. Such an employee may be required to participate in a substance abuse program in lieu of, or in addition to, disciplinary action. The local law enforcement agency will be notified by the District in those instances when a staff member is found in violation of New York State Law regarding use and/or possession of a controlled substance. Other disciplinary measures regarding the use, possession, selling or distributing of alcohol and/or other substances, and for those possessing drug paraphernalia are outlined in District Policies #4312.1, 5312.11, and 8414.5. Individual civil and legal rights shall be maintained. Except as may be otherwise required by law or applicable regulation, the Board of Education shall not subject an employee to urinalysis or other form of drug or alcohol testing unless there is a reasonable suspicion that the employee has been using alcohol or other substances. An employees failure to submit to required drug or alcohol testing based upon reasonable suspicion that the employee has been using alcohol or other substances shall be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. The District will disseminate a summary of this Policy and Administrative Regulations to all staff at the commencement of each school year. Adopted: June 23, 1997
81
F.
Students - Possession, Use or Threatened Use of Weapons (BOE Policy #5312.2) No person shall bring, possess, or use on school premises, any rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, other firearm, knife, dangerous or defensive chemical sprays, explosive, or any object which is not necessary for school activities and which could be used as a weapon. A weapon is defined as any instrument capable of firing a projectile, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a firearm muffler or silencer, any explosive device, or any other instrument capable of inflicting bodily harm or which might be used or threatened to be used to cause physical injury in offensive or defensive conduct against another person. Firearms No student shall bring a firearm on any portion of the premises of a school owned or controlled by this school District. A firearm is defined, consistent with 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of such weapon, any firearm muffler or silencer, or any destructive device. Any student found guilty of bringing or possessing a firearm, as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code onto school property after a hearing has been provided pursuant to Section 3214 of the Education Law will be subject to a one-year suspension or expulsion from school. However, after the student has been found guilty, the Superintendent may review the penalty and may modify such suspension on a case-by-case basis. If the Superintendent believes a one-year suspension penalty to be excessive, the Superintendent may modify the penalty based on criteria including but not limited to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. the age of the student; the students grade in school; the students prior disciplinary record; the Superintendents belief that other forms of discipline may be more effective; input from parents, teachers and/or others; and other extenuating circumstances.
The Superintendent shall refer any student, under the age of 16, who has been determined to have brought or possessed a firearm to school to the Colonie Police and Family Court; students over the age of 16 will be referred to the Colonie Police. Other Weapons Bringing or possessing a weapon other than a firearm on the person of a student or on the premises of a school but not on the person shall subject the offender to a minimum of an immediate suspension from school for a five day period for grades 7-12 and two to five days for grades K-6. The Superintendent of Schools will review the matter and determine whether to refer the student for a disciplinary hearing with the Superintendent which could result in a long-term suspension. Reinstatement will occur only after a reinstatement conference with the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) is held. The Family Court or Colonie Police will be notified, if appropriate, so that criminal proceedings may be instituted. Subsequent offenses for bringing or possessing a weapon shall subject the offender to immediate suspension from school, pending a disciplinary hearing before the Superintendent, which could
82
result in a long-term suspension or expulsion. The Colonie Police will be notified so that criminal proceedings, if appropriate, may be instituted. The use or threat of use of any weapon other than a firearm shall subject the offender to immediate suspension from school, pending a disciplinary hearing before the Superintendent, which could result in a long-term suspension or expulsion. The Colonie Police will be notified, so that criminal proceedings, if appropriate, may be instituted. Students with disabilities can be suspended consistent with the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Article 89 of the Education Law. Unless approved by the Board of Education, authorized law enforcement officers are the only people permitted to have a weapon in their possession while on school property. Policy Adopted: June 29, 1992 Amended: August 1994, May 18, 1998, Jan. 23, 2006 G. Student Release from Class (SHS) The regularly scheduled class period is the basis for each students program of learning and all educational activities should begin in the classroom under the direction of the classroom teacher. While most teaching is expected to take place within this structure, it is important to recognize the need for a variety of learning experiences and methods. Special topics and circumstances might even require a combination of both small group interaction and individualized study, which would necessitate students leaving the classroom during the class period. While any teaching procedure requires adequate planning to be effective, the releasing of students from class to work on their own requires even more careful preparation and follow up. Since this technique also involves other teachers and school personnel, a certain amount of communication is also essential. As a result, the following policy has been established. Policy for Student Release From Class 1. Release for any given class period. a. Any learning procedure which involves the release of one or more students from any part of the scheduled class period for individual research or activity should be discussed with, and approved by, the Department Supervisor. When a teacher plans to initiate a change in the classroom activities and release students, the Department Supervisor will inform the Hall Principal. Under no circumstances should students be released from class prior to the end of the regularly scheduled class period for unplanned activities. Media Center staff should be notified in advance when students are to be released from class to do assigned work in the Media Center.
b. c. d.
83
2.
More than one class period. a. All students should have daily contact with their classroom teacher. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the Department Supervisor. In the event students are to be released from class for an extended period of time, mutual agreement of the Hall Principal and Department Supervisor is necessary prior to implementation. Parents will be notified of any extended individualized study.
b. H.
Controversial Issues and Guest Speakers (BOE Policy # 6144) We believe that it is the responsibility of the school to assist students in the critical examination of the various issues and points of view facing society today. Such investigation and evaluation of controversial issues is deemed essential if the school is to achieve its objective of educating students as thinking and discriminating individuals. To this end, the school provides opportunity for such discussion and critique through the planned academic program, extracurricular clubs and activities, guest speakers, and forums. In this process it is, however, incumbent upon the school and its staff to insure a balanced and objective presentation of such controversial issues, and to present and review not only the positions of extreme, but those of the moderate point of view as well. It is further expected that all such discussions and presentations will be conducted within the bounds of good judgment and proper decorum, and with full consideration of the rights and sensibilities of others. Profanity, obscenity, libel, slander, disruption of advocating breaking of the law are not considered legitimate means of implementing the intent of this policy. Those with a past history of such conduct shall not be considered speakers to school groups. THIS POLICY STATEMENT SHALL APPLY TO GUEST SPEAKERS INVITED TO ADDRESS ANY SCHOOL GROUP. ALL INVITATIONS TO OUTSIDE SPEAKERS SHALL BE CLEARED THROUGH, AND APPROVED BY, THE BUILDING PRINCIPAL. The Guest Speaker Request Form (see the FORMS section of this book) must be filled out at least five days prior to the time a guest speaker is scheduled to visit Shaker High School. These forms are available in the Hall Office and from the Department Supervisor.
I.
Guidelines for Handling Requests for Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional Projects Upon receipt of a request to use Shaker High School faculty and/or students or a research project, the individual should be advised. 1. 2. 3. Request must be submitted in writing to the Building Principal and forwarded through the Department Supervisor. Included on the request must be the individuals name, course title, college represented, and professors name. Written requests must be countersigned by the professor responsible.
84
4.
All requests must specify: a. b. c. d. e. Purpose of project Objectives of project Methodology to be employed Copies of all materials, questionnaires, and procedures to be used. Duration and time of project.
5. J.
Final approval must be granted by the Building Principal.
Mid-Year and Final Examinations 1. The scheduling of personal appointments, vacations or meeting obligations other than those of an emergency nature shall not constitute a valid reason for missing an examination and will result in a grade of zero. Valid reasons include illness or injury confirmed by a physicians note; death in family; court appearance confirmed by court documentation; or placement in a facility. Notification to hall principal and/or supervisor is mandatory. Students and parents must make every effort to schedule mandatory college orientation/placement exams during non-testing periods. If a student is going to attend a mandatory college orientation/placement exam during a testing period, the parents and college must provide documentation explaining the reason(s) for this request. Eligibility for make-up examinations will be determined by the Hall Principal and Department Supervisor. Once the absence has been approved, it is the students responsibility to contact the department supervisor and reschedule the exam. Regents examinations and RCTs distributed by the State cannot be rescheduled. These exams must be given at the designated times. If arrangements for make-up examinations have not been made prior to the conclusion of the examination schedule, those unscheduled students shall receive an examination grade of zero. Students who arrive late to an examination should report to their scheduled exam room. Their exam will end at the normally scheduled ending time. No additional time will be allowed.
Revised 8/06 2. Guidelines for Student Conduct in Examinations a. b. c. d. e. 3. Students must follow all directions given in the examination testing room. Students may not talk while test papers are in their possession. Students may not leave the testing area without proper supervision or until dismissed by the head proctor. During school examinations, students must stay the entire time. No student may give aid to or receive aid from other students. Students may have only prescribed materials in their possession.
The following three areas of negative student conduct are noted and accompanied by procedures to be followed by proctors who observe these actions. Obvious Cheating (written and/or oral communication concerning subject matter of that specific test) a. If a student is observed providing or receiving unauthorized information or using cheat sheets, etc., the proctor should immediately remove the student, and materials, from the testing area and notify the head proctor. (Have a second proctor verify the act, if possible).
85
b. c. d. e.
Stay with the student at all times. If more than one student is involved, keep them separated and under the direct observation and supervision of another proctor. Turn the accused student and confiscated materials over to the principal. Parents will be notified by the Hall Principal of the penalty for cheating. (A zero and no make up.) If a student has been found guilty of committing, or of attempting to commit, fraud in a Regents examination, the Building Principal is authorized to cancel the students examination and to exclude the student from subsequent Regents examinations until such time as the student has demonstrated by exemplary conduct and citizenship that he/she is entitled to restoration of this privilege.
Suspected Cheating (talking, looking on another paper, signals, etc.) a. b. c. Take student outside of the testing area and tell him that written documentation signed by the proctor and student will be forwarded to his hall principal. If a second incident occurs, the student is to be removed from the examination room and the test is to be invalidated with a score of zero. No make-up will be permitted and parents will be notified by the Hall Principal.
Improper Conduct (leaving seat or room without permission, pencil passing, etc.) a. On any occasion when an examination is in progress, warn the student by removing him/her from the testing area and tell him/her that written documentation signed by the proctor and student will be forwarded to his Hall Principal. On a second occasion, or one occurring at the conclusion of the testing period, the student is to be removed from the testing room and turned over to the Hall Principal. The penalty will be determined by the Hall Principal, after consultation with the proctors involved, and the Department Supervisor.
a. b.
The EXAMINATION CONDUCT WARNING form can be found in the FORMS section of this book. K. Homework Policy and Regulations (BOE Policy #4730) Homework is an important part of the educational program contributing to the educational development of each student in the classroom. It gives pupils an opportunity to apply the skills learned in class, develops the habit of effectively organizing the use of time, provides an opportunity to find practical applications of knowledge learned in school, and assists in preparation for further learning. It is therefore expected that appropriate homework will be assigned to North Colonie students as set forth in the administrative regulations developed under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools. Regulations Homework 1. Homework shall be defined as that activity which is intended to extend beyond the time of the instructional period, and which is to be completed in the Study Hall or out of school.
86
2.
Teachers should assign homework with the following purposes in mind: a. Practice and drill on work recently learned b. Review of work learned over longer periods c. Research and discovery d. Creativity e. Preparation of class activities f. Adherence to form g. Promptness h. Neatness and orderliness of work i. Planning of time j. Development of good study habits k. Development of responsibility. Assigned homework shall involve material that ultimately will be reviewed by the teacher. Attention should be paid to quality and usefulness of assignments. Attention to individual differences among pupils is to be considered in making assignments. The concept of homework will be introduced as early as kindergarten, with proper planning, communication, and involvement of parents. Throughout the primary grades (K-3), assignments to be done out of school are to be gradually increased in frequency and length of time required. In order to avoid overload situations when assigning homework, teachers should adhere to the following minimums and maximums: Grades 4 through 6-30 to 60 minutes daily; Grades 7 and 8-60 to 120 minutes daily; homework will be assigned in mathematics, English, science, social studies, and foreign language and may be assigned in other areas when coordinated through the Building Principal; Grades 9 through 12; homework will be assigned in English, social studies, mathematics, science, language, and business with a maximum of 45 minutes per class lesson. Other departments may assign homework where appropriate within this guideline. It is desirable to make some homework assignments on a long-range basis to give students experience in scheduling their own time. Homework assigned for a weekend will equal no more than that which would normally be considered for a nights work. Homework assigned for a vacation period will equal no more than one normal nights work. Students may be expected to utilize time during vacation periods for review and long-range assignments. The Principal and/or Department Supervisor shall monitor the implementation of the policy and regulations governing homework to insure full compliance by all teachers. A copy of the homework policy and regulations shall be forwarded to all parents at the beginning of each school year via a special notice or the student handbook.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9. 10. 11.
12. 13. (Approved 1/15/75)
87
L.
Class Attendance Policy (BOE Policy #103) Regular and daily attendance in each class is essential for successful completion of all courses. The evaluation of student progress includes class attendance and participation, examinations, completion of required work, and the attainment of course objectives. Therefore, Shaker High School students are required to attend every class each day they are in attendance. Absence from class will be permitted only for school-sponsored or sanctioned activities. Administrative Guidelines 1. 2. All faculty will take attendance at the beginning of each class period. On the first class cut, the teacher will contact the students parent or guardian and notify them that their son or daughter was absent from the specific class. The student will be referred to the Hall Principal, and will also be assigned two days after-school detention. On the second class cut, the teacher will contact the students parent or guardian and notify them that their son or daughter was absent from the specific class. The student will be referred to the Hall Principal and be assigned three after-school detentions. A parent conference will be conducted regarding the restriction. On the third class cut, the teacher will contact the students parent or guardian and notify them that their son or daughter was absent from the specific class. The student will be referred to the Hall Principal and will be assigned one day of internal restriction. The parent/guardian will be notified that the next cut will result in out-of-school suspension. A case conference including the Hall Principal, Counselor, and other school personnel, as deemed necessary, will be held. On the fourth class cut, the teacher will contact the students parent or guardian and notify them that their son or daughter was absent from the specific class. The student will be referred to the Hall Principal and will be assigned one day of internal restriction. A case conference including the Building Principal, Hall Principal, Counselor, and other school personnel will be held. The fifth cut will result in out-of-school suspension. Conditions of reinstatement may include, but are not limited to, case conferences, psychological evaluation, referral to the Superintendent and/or Board of Education, and other community agencies.
3.
4.
5.
6.
6/75 Adopted, Revised 11/75, 7/78, 5/84, 11/91, 11/93, 9/97 M. Procedure for Remediating Senior Course Failures (BOE Policy #206) First Semester A senior failing a first semester course that directly affects his graduation shall have the opportunity to add to his second semester schedule in order to meet graduation requirements. The only opportunity to substitute one course for another will occur when the second semester schedule does not permit adding a course. Seniors who lack one-half credit at the end of the first semester may pursue a tutorial study during the second semester if the schedule will not allow the addition of another course. The tutorial program must be reviewed by the Department Supervisor
88
and approved by the Building Principal. During the school year, tutors shall not be Shaker faculty. At no time may a tutor be related to the student involved. Courses required for graduation may not be taken as independent study. The students Counselor will notify parents of the students decision. Second Semester A senior who has failed a subject required for graduation in June will be denied graduation with his class. The student may seek to earn a diploma by the following September through an approved remedial program. The student must receive approval for a make-up program no later than the Friday following the graduation of his class. Failure to meet this deadline will prevent the student from consideration for remediation. Required course credit (Approval by Department Supervisor of the subject unsuccessfully completed) When an appropriate course is offered, the student will attend summer school as a means of earning make-up credit. If, in the opinion of the Supervisor, summer school is neither possible nor appropriate, the Supervisor will assign the student a remedial program to be completed and submitted no later than 9:00 AM on the Thursday before Labor Day. The Supervisor will notify the Hall Principal and Guidance Counselor upon successful or unsuccessful completion of such a program. Elective course credit (Approval by Guidance Counselor)
Elective credit can be taken in any subject area. It should be recognized that area summer school offerings will meet the needs of students requiring elective credit. Adopted: 3/76 Revised: 3/78, 2/81, 7/85 N. The Final Quarter Grade Below 50 A final quarter grade below 50 may be awarded in any course. The procedure for awarding a grade below 50 will be as follows: 1. A teacher may submit to his Supervisor a specific grade request for a final quarter grade below 50. This grade must be submitted no later than the last class period preceding the final examination. Preliminary notification must be given to the Supervisor no later than seven days prior to the end of the final quarter of each course. The Supervisor will hold this request until all marks are available. The Supervisor will review this request and, if he feels it has merit, he will then review it with the students Hall Principal. Once the request has been reviewed by both the Supervisor and Hall Principal, the request will then be submitted to the Building Principal for approval. The request will be submitted to the Building Principal on the Special Request Form for Grades Below 50.
2. 3.
89
It is expected that adequate notification and communication will have taken place with both the student and the parent so that such a request will not come as a total surprise. The REQUEST FOR GRADE BELOW 50 can be found in the FORMS section of this book.
5/74 6/75 Revised 6/77 Finalized
O.
Guidelines for Make-up of Class Work and Tests During Absences Legal Absence In the event of a legal absence, the student will be provided with the opportunity to make up any work and/or tests missed during the absence. Class Cut The student will not be given the opportunity to make up work and/or tests missed during the absence. For this type of absence, the student will be awarded a grade of 0 for all class activities that day. Illegal Absence If the student initiates the effort, time will be provided, outside of class time, to make up any tests missed during the absence. Suspension The student will not be provided with work while suspended. The student is responsible to make up all work missed during the suspension. After returning, if the student initiates the effort, time will be provided, outside of class time, to make up tests missed during the suspension.
P.
Ethical Guidelines for Student Leaders (SHS Policy #109) Statement of Ethics for Student Leaders A student leader occupies a position of responsibility and high visibility in Shaker High School and the community. It is their responsibility to act as role models, setting a good example for their peers while acting in the best interest of the student body, the faculty, and the administration, without fear of loss of popularity or peer approval. Any act that would bring discredit to the office, the organization or the school should carry with it the penalty of removal from office. In recognition of this, all student leaders accept this Code of Ethics for Student Leaders, and subscribe to the following standards of exemplary behavior and conduct. The Leader 1. 2. 3. Avoids infractions of the rules of conduct of Shaker High School as stated in the Student Handbook. Avoids infractions of local, state, and federal laws. Carries out responsibilities of his/her office in a conscientious manner. For example: a. Is punctual and reliable in his/her obligations to attend meetings, conferences, etc.
90
b. c. d. 4.
Fulfills the stated and/or implied duties of his/her position. Is courteous, honest, and respectful of his/her dealings with members of the school community and the community as a whole. Does not ask for or accept special treatment, consideration or favors because of his/her position.
Behaves with integrity and honesty in his/her academic performance. For example: a. b. Student does not give or receive assistance on tests. Student does not plagiarize.
5. 6.
Makes every effort to successfully meet academic expectations. Behaves with courtesy, integrity, and honesty in all extracurricular athletic and school related activities.
ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL ETHICS COMMITTEE The Shaker High School Ethics Committee is dedicated to promoting high standards of ethical conduct among all student leaders. It shall have the additional responsibility to insure just and fair implementation of ethical standards. All business shall remain confidential. 1. The Shaker High School Ethics Committee shall be comprised of three students and three faculty members serving overlapping terms of three years. The Building Principal will serve as permanent chairperson as well as a voting member of the Ethics Committee. There will be one designated alternate student and faculty member. The committee will conduct business each school year from July 1, to June 30. Appointment of faculty members to membership on the Committee shall be by the hall representatives. Appointment of students to the Committee shall be by the Shaker High School Student Government. Annually new Committee members will be appointed no later than June 30. No person shall be appointed to serve on the Ethics Committee for a second consecutive three year-term. Meetings will not be conducted without the Committee present. A majority vote of the committee shall prevail. Each of the Committee members shall have the right to claim personal disqualification in any case. An accused student has the right to challenge a member of the Committee for cause. The merit of the challenge will be determined by the chairperson. The primary function of the Shaker High School Ethics Committee shall be: a. b. c. d. e. To promote understanding of and adherence to the Shaker High School Statement of Ethics for Student Leaders. To investigate cases referred to it. To issue findings within 30 days of the receipt of each complaint. Where necessary, to issue warnings to those whose ethical behavior warrants such action or to determine the penalty to be invoked. To meet at least once a year and, in addition, as often as its duties and responsibilities demand.
2.
3. 4. 5.
6.
91
PROCEDURES FOR INITIATING ACTIONS: COMPLAINTS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND HEARINGS The initiation of action related to implementation of the Shaker High School Code of Ethics shall be consistent with democratic traditions and, at the same time, shall demonstrate the alertness and concern of the Committee for maintaining high standards of ethical behavior of student leaders. 1. 2. Problems involving the ethical conduct of any student leader should be referred to the Shaker High School Ethics Committee. Complaints concerning a violation of the Ethical Guidelines for Student leaders must be in writing and delivered in person to the Building Principal or his/her designee. Anonymous e-mails, photographs, letters or phone calls will not be considered sufficient evidence to warrant an investigation. Written and signed complaints received by the Ethics Committee should be disposed of after due deliberation or investigation by the entire committee, by voting to: a. b. c. d. e.
Rev. 9/23/08
3.
Drop the complaint for lack of reliable evidence or because the charges are inconsequential. Drop the complaint on the grounds that it involves a question of administrative judgment rather than ethical behavior. Institute a special investigation or hearing. Issue a warning. Determine if and what disciplinary action should be assessed.
JUDGMENTS RENDERED BY THE ETHICS COMMITTEE AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Judgments rendered by the Shaker High School Ethics Committee should be based on careful investigation of the validity of charges, after any necessary hearings have been held. This judgment should be recorded in the official minutes of the Committee.
When it becomes necessary to institute disciplinary measures for conduct judged to be unethical, the following penalties may be used at the discretion of the Ethics Committee.
1. Warnings and/or Reprimands Written warnings or reprimands shall not be released by the Committee but shall be considered a confidential exchange between the student leaders and the Ethics Committee. Warnings or reprimands shall insist that unethical behavior cease or more severe disciplinary action may be taken. 2. Removal from Office The Ethics Committee may determine that removal from office is the appropriate action. The Ethics committee shall make no determination regarding the students continued membership in the organization.
92
RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUAL STUDENT LEADERS AND APPEALS Every student leader shall be presumed to be innocent of ethical transgressions until evidence proves to the contrary. Every student leader has the following rights and avenues of appeal whenever ethical conduct is questioned: 1. 2. Any student leader whose ethical conduct is under question is entitled to written notice of specific charges which have been lodged and to know the identity of the accuser(s). Any student leader whose ethical conduct is questioned shall have the right to appear with his/her parents before the Ethics Committee in order to defend himself/herself and present witnesses on his/her own behalf. Every student leader has the right to appeal a penalty by submitting a letter of appeal within five school days of the Ethics Committees decision. The North Colonie Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee will act as the appeal office. SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL Latham, New York 12110 STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT I have received and read the document entitled Ethical Guidelines for Student Leaders.
3.
Student Signature
Date Q. Prohibition of Sexual Harassment (BOE Policy #5020.1) Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and stands in direct opposition to District policy. The Board of Education, therefore, prohibits all forms of sexual harassment by employees and students on school district premises or during school district-related activities. Sexual harassment is any unwanted or unwelcome verbal, non-verbal or physical sexual advance, sexually explicit derogatory statements or sexually discriminatory remarks made to or about a person by another person in the school district which a reasonable person would find to meet any of the following conditions: 1. 2. 3. is offensive or objectionable to the person who is the object of the advance, statement or remark, causes that person discomfort or humiliation or interferes with his/her academic or professional performance, or creates a hostile educational or employment environment.
93
Sexual harassment can be initiated by persons of either sex, by peers as well as by Supervisors, and can be directed towards a person of either the opposite or the same sex. The confidentiality of the reporting party will be observed provided it does not interfere with the institutions ability to investigate or take corrective action or the due process rights of the accused. Any student or adult who believes that he/she has been subject to sexual harassment or who believes that sexual harassment has occurred shall be encouraged to report all incidents of such conduct to the Building Principal. In the event that the District complaint officer is the offender, the complainant shall report his/her complaint to the next level of supervisory authority. Upon receipt of a formal complaint (Level II), the District will conduct a thorough investigation of the charges. If the District has knowledge of or has reason to know of any incidents or allegations of sexual harassment, however, the District is obligated, even in the absence of a complaint, to investigate such conduct promptly and thoroughly. The Board prohibits any retaliatory behavior directed against complainant, accused and/or witnesses. If through investigation, a charge of sexual harassment is determined to be false or fabricated, it will be treated as a serious offense. Charges may be brought against the person who has made the false or fabricated accusation. If the Districts investigation concludes that harassment has occurred, immediate corrective action will be taken. Although the first goal shall be to stop the offending behavior and educate the harasser, depending upon the severity of the charges, the administrator will impose appropriate sanctions in a manner consistent with the North Colonie discipline code. Should the offending individual be a student, appropriate disciplinary measures will be applied, up to and including suspension subject to the provisions of Section 3214 of the Education Law. Students with disabilities are not exempt from discipline if they have engaged in sexual harassment. If the sanctions would potentially involve a suspension of more than five days, the Superintendent will recommend that the Board of Education hold a student disciplinary hearing to determine the findings of guilt and the recommended punishment. Should the offending individual be a school employee, appropriate disciplinary measures will be applied, up to and including termination of the offenders employment in accordance with contractual and legal guidelines. Adopted 10/24/88 Amended 8/24/94 Amended 6/23/97 THIS POLICY IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING LAWS: TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF 1964, AS AMENDED TITLE IX OF EDUCATIONAL AMENDMENTS OF 1972.
94
Procedure for Filing Complaints Related to Sexual Harassment Students may bring any concerns about sexual harassment to the school Psychologists and Counselors who are prepared to advise the student about the procedures to follow and to provide counseling and support. Sexual harassment complaints can be handled informally as an option. However, any student can use the formal hearing process at any time. A student who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment or has observed an incident of sexual harassment should report the incident to the Principal. A Counselor or other resource person can accompany the student making the complaint during the process. If the student is uncomfortable making the informal complaint to the Principal, he/she may make a formal complaint to the Title IX Officer. All complaints are taken very seriously and all statements and conversations rendered during the (Level I) informal complaint procedure will be handled confidentially to the fullest extent permitted by law with only those persons who have a need to know being informed of the conversation. Student complainants will be told that their parents or guardians will be notified and invited to attend all interviews related to the complaints. An informal meeting will be held between the student complainant and the Principal or a school district administrator of the same sex if the student prefers. The purpose will be to discuss the allegations and what redress the student complainant would want. Parents or guardians of the student complainant and of the alleged harasser will be notified of their right to attend the meeting(s) with their child. The complaint will then be discussed with the alleged harasser in an attempt to resolve the problem. Should the alleged harasser acknowledge the inappropriate behavior, written assurances that such conduct will stop will be obtained. Other appropriate corrective/disciplinary action may also be taken. Should the student (or his/her parents or guardians) be dissatisfied with attempts to resolve the complaint at Level I, a Level II (formal) written complaint may be filed with the District Title IX Compliance Officer. The SEXUAL HARASSMENT FORMAL COMPLAINT FORM can be found in the FORMS section of this book. R. Use of Technology and Networks 1. Student use of school computers is for school related and curriculum use only. Foreign or home software is permitted on school computers only with the express permission of a computer room aide, teacher or librarian. The District reserves the right to review the contents of disks and E-mail of any users. Network etiquette, consistent with expected school behavior should be observed, e.g. no abusive language, inappropriate behavior or illegal activities. Students may not misrepresent themselves or North Colonie Central Schools. Real time conference uses must be approved and supervised by an adult. Students should never give out personal identifying information or arrange a face to face meeting with the Internet user without parental permission or respond to E-mail messages that are threatening or obscene and should seek the supervising adult if any inappropriate messages are received. Students may engage in electronic searches if supervised by a responsible adult. Use of on-line services should be preceded by a search plan defining the problem or study and reflecting efforts to use other available sources.
2. 3. 4.
5.
95
6.
All materials over the Internet should be assumed to be copyrighted for citation purposes. Prohibited Activities Prohibited use of the computers and computer services includes: a. Subscriptions to listservs using school accounts without authorization. b. Housing of usernet groups and listservs without authorization. c. Lending or selling of software copies without express written permission from the copyright holder with the exception of shareware of public domain software. d. Unauthorized downloading of information onto district owned hard drives. e. Unauthorized attempts to access passwords of others, to access the systems programs and/or computer equipment of the District or others, to harass others by E-mail and other such actions. f. Any malicious attempt to destroy material of another user including the uploading or creation of computer viruses. g. Unauthorized copying of software. h. Revealing student account numbers to other students. i. Harassment of others by E-mail or any other means. Consequences of Inappropriate Use of District Hardware and/or Software Failure to comply with any of the rules about use of technology and networks will result in disciplinary action including but not limited to loss of school privileges including computer privileges, detention, suspension from school and where warranted other civil or criminal proceedings. (Reference: Board of Education Policy #5300)
S.
Plagiarism Procedure Over the past several years, English teachers have become increasingly concerned about the amount of plagiarism occurring in student work. Much of the plagiarism has developed because of extensive access to the internet. As a result of our concerns, the department has developed a plagiarism procedure. This plan, which was adopted by the Principals Council, recognizes that there are different degrees of plagiarism, and as a result, assigns different consequences. At Shaker High School, we promote an atmosphere of academic integrity. As such, we think it is important to define plagiarism and its consequences. According to the Modern Language Association, plagiarism in student writing is often unintentional, as when an elementary pupil, assigned to do a report on a certain topic, goes home and copies down, word for word, everything on the subject in an encyclopedia. Unfortunately, some students continue to use such research methods in high school and even in college without realizing that these practices constitute plagiarism (Gibaldi 26). Level One occasionally missing parenthetical documentation improper citations sources in works cited but not in paper relies too heavily on original language in a paraphrase uses a direct quote without proper punctuation Consequences teacher intervention and remediation conference within seven days opportunity to rewrite and the paper will be regraded teacher records the conference on form submitted to English Supervisor original grade will stand if the student refuses to attend conference and make corrections
96
phone call home (prior to the conference with student) record in discipline file Level Two frequently missing parenthetical documentation failure to acknowledge sources for longer paragraph-length sections failure to acknowledge the source of a major idea using the exact thesis/argument from a source as the basis of the paper repeated level one offence interspersing exact language from sources throughout the paper with no acknowledgement Level Three purchased paper paper taken from another student/family member, etc. paper pieced together that is primarily from other sources repeated level two offences to the English Supervisor Level Four a second level three offense Consequences remediation conference within seven school days the teacher regrades the paper averages the two grades the final grade should be no lower than a 65 student who refuses to attend conference and make corrections gets a zero phone call home (prior to the conference) teacher records the conference on form submitted to the English Supervisor record in discipline file Consequences teacher gives the paper an automatic grade of zero conference with teacher, English Supervisor, supervisor in area where paper was written, hall principal, parents phone call home (prior to conference) teacher records the conference on form submitted record in discipline file Consequences teacher gives the paper an automatic grade of zero conference with teacher, English Supervisor, supervisor in area where paper was written, hall principal, parents phone call home (prior to conference) the student is suspended for three days record in discipline file
The PLAGIARISM FORM can be found in the FORMS section of this book. T. ADMINISTRATIVE ATTENDANCE WAIVERS AAW USE: 1. Hospitalizations: When the school is made aware of a hospitalization due to accidents or other medical emergencies, the hall principal may direct the attendance secretary to put AAW in the attendance record. If the administration is aware of the hospitalization through the news, newspaper etc. a doctors note will not be requested at that time. AAW will be used for other hospitalizations when a doctors note has been received. A request for discharge papers will be made upon re-entry. Note: With advance notice of a hospitalization, we will begin the process of securing tutors and a memo will be sent to faculty. A student must be out for 10 days before a tutor may provide instruction. A script from an MD, PhD., EdD or MSW must accompany the request for home instruction. Even if tutors have not been secured for every subject, tutoring should start as soon as the student is able to receive instruction.
97
2. Chronic Illnesses: Upon receipt of a doctors note indicating a chronic illness e.g. asthma, Crohns disease; diabetes; mental health issues such as anxiety, bi-polar disorder etc., the Pupil Services Team will first determine to what extent the illness affects the students ability to attend school. (For example, the family may request a waiver of the policy for the first period or two of the day.) Secondly, the PST will determine if the student should have a 504 Plan. Upon return of the student to school, AAW will be entered in the attendance record as determined by the PST. Note: The Hall Principals are not always aware of who has a 504 Plan. It will be important for the counselors/ PST chair to communicate this to the Hall Principals at the beginning of each new school year. 3. Medical/Psychological Illnesses of 5 or more consecutive days. Within 5 school days of the onset of an extended illness of five or more school days, the parent/guardian should submit a doctors note to the school. Single days will not be excused unless the illness is related to a chronic condition that has been reviewed and excused by the PST and a 504 Plan written (see number 2 above). When a student has been out for a 5 day period and a doctors note has been received, AAW will be entered in the students attendance record. At 10 days absence, a doctor may request home instruction and the attendance policy would be interrupted until the student is back in regular attendance. 4. Death in family or circumstances of a family member dying: Whenever the school is notified in writing of a death in family or circumstances of a family member dying that causes a student to be absent for several days/weeks, the Pupil Services Team will be notified by the hall principal and asked to consider waiving the absences due to these unfortunate circumstances. 5. Superintendents hearings may take longer than 5 school days to schedule. Since we are not able to suspend students longer than 5 days, some students may return to us; others may not due to the reason for suspension. In that case, we will continue tutoring those students or collecting work for them, but we will not count those absences against them. The hall principals will enter AAW if that situation occurs. Communication If the counselor has received information on a hospitalization or doctors note stating there is a chronic or extended illness or hospitalization, he/she will notify the teachers, nurses, attendance secretary, director of pupil services and hall principal via e-mail or telephone call. A copy of the doctors note will be forwarded to the hall principal and nurses. If the attendance secretary or nurse receives this information, she will inform the counselor and hall principal. The counselor will inform the parties listed above and contact the parent for more information. The nurses will inform their supervisor. Depending upon the situation, the hall principal may send a memo to the teachers saying that we are reviewing the students attendance and have sent documentation on to the Pupil Services Team for their review. The teachers will be asked to hold any attendance notices until the review is completed. After the review by the Pupil Services Team, the Chair will send a memo to the teachers, guidance counselor and hall principal indicating whether the Team has approved a waiver and for which dates the waiver has been granted.
June 9, 2009
98
U.
Assignments for Part-Time Teachers
FTE
.8
After School*
Three days per week, including 1 meeting day per week Two days per week, including 1 meeting day per week One day per week After school help will be provided as needed, as determined by the teacher
Supervision*
1 period of scheduled supervision .5 period of scheduled supervision No scheduled supervision No scheduled supervision
Exam Proctoring*
6 hours
.6
4 hours
.4 .2
No assignment No assignment
* Expectations will change if full time teacher responsibilities change 1. Part time teachers will have no after school detention duties.
2. Every effort will be made for .8 and .6 FTE teachers to be scheduled later and at the end of the regular teaching day. This will take into account the teachers particular assignment, needs of the program, requests of the teacher, and requests of the full time staff. XI. SCHOOL CALENDAR Calendar Policy and Procedure The school calendar for the current school year will be determined by the Building Principal. Annually, initial calendar requests are submitted and approved in May preceding the school year. Requests for calendar dates not already submitted must be completed and approved at least one week prior to the scheduled event. Each request should be submitted on a single sheet of 8-1/2 x 11 paper. Each request should include a description of the activity requested and purposes the activity is expected to serve. Questions concerning the school calendar should be referred to the Building Principals secretary. Important The main purpose of the activity program is to provide an interesting, balanced array of activities that serve an educational purpose. Faculty advisors should realize that this criteria will ultimately determine the decisions made by the administration. XII. SCHOOL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES The residents of the North Colonie School District have furnished us with a well-equipped building. They have every right to expect us to keep it that way.
99
A.
Care of Rooms In order to secure the maximum utilization of our classrooms, it will be necessary for rooms to be used by more than one teacher. Therefore, it is your responsibility to see that rooms are neat and orderly at the beginning and the close of each period. Any signs of damage should be reported to the Hall Principal immediately. Special efforts should be made to see that desks are not used as wastebaskets and that no marks are made in or on desks or chairs. Materials should not be fastened to the walls except where tack board or peg board is provided. Do not use scotch tape or adhesive tape on painted surfaces. Venetian blinds should be adjusted to insure that they will not be damaged by the wind when windows are open. At the close of the school day all blinds should be left open. All windows are to be closed at the end of the school day. Rooms must be kept in such a manner as to allow the custodian to clean them daily in an effective and time saving manner. Most teachers are cooperative in this respect, and their efforts are not only appreciated by the custodians, but are noticed and appreciated by all who enter their rooms.
B.
School Keys The following rules in regard to the use of school keys must be adhered to strictly: 1. 2. 3. KEYS ARE NOT TO BE LOANED TO STUDENTS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. When it is absolutely necessary for a student to enter a locked room over which you have control, you are to let him/her in and then lock the room again after he/she has left. Teachers are expected to sign for all keys issued in September and will be required to turn them in the following June.
C.
Requisitions It is the policy of this District to supply each class with books, supplies, and other educational equipment which will best provide the goals the teacher wishes to use in the educational program. Teachers may differ in their opinions as to what materials are most valuable but it is the responsibility of the Department Supervisor to finally decide what equipment and supplies are most essential. Department Supervisors place basic orders for instructional supplies and textbooks in the spring of the year. Unforeseen needs should be discussed with your Hall Principal or Department Supervisor. Instructional materials should be selected on the basis of merit and should continue in use as long as the service rendered is efficient and economical. Materials and supplies should be determined when spring orders are being processed. Requisitions, both spring and during the year, should specify both catalog number and net price.
100
NOTE: No purchase shall be made in the name of Shaker High School, unless such purchase is approved by the Principal on an official purchase order. Any purchases made contrary to this regulation will be the personal responsibility of the individual involved. D. Audio Visual Audio visual equipment will be located primarily in the Auto Visual area located between the Taft and LaFollette Teacher offices. Regulations pertaining to the use of this equipment will be provided by the Audio Visual Coordinator. E. Exhibit Cases Exhibit cases and bulletin boards located in school corridors and lobbies will be seen by all visitors to our school. We are judged by what they see. Therefore, it is expected that all exhibit cases and bulletin boards so located will be maintained in an up-to-date and neat fashion by the responsible departments. GYM LOBBY TROPHY CASE AND BULLETIN BOARDS
September through June

ART WING UPPER G
Physical Education Staff Art Department

Building Principal Technology Department Hall Faculties
September through June

MAIN ENTRANCE DISPLAY CASE September through June September through June September through June
TECHNOLOGY WING LOWER C BULLETIN BOARD DISPLAY CASES AND BULLETIN BOARDS IN HALLS
AUDITORIUM LOBBY AND MUSIC WING LOWER G September through June Music Department F. Telephones School phones should be used for school business and emergencies. All long distance calls pertaining to school and/or personal business must be made through the switchboard operator. Students are to use office phones for emergencies. Cell Phones: The following will be read to all students prior to all mid-term and final exams: You may not use any communications device while taking an examination. Devices include, but are not limited to CD and audiocassette players, radios, cell phones, pagers, MP3 players, Personal Digital Assistants, video devices, and associated headphones, headsets, microphones, or earplugs. If your cell phone rings, you may not look at it or answer it. If your pager beeps or vibrates, you may not look at it. You must, therefore, turn off these devices right now and secure them underneath your desk, away from you and your desktop. No cell phones or other electronic devices may remain on your person. If your cell phone should ring or your pager should beep
101
during an exam, you must raise your hand to indicate to a proctor that the phone or pager needs to be turned off by the proctor. You may not, under any circumstances, touch or look at the cell phone or electronic device. Doing so will be considered use of the device and your exam may be invalidated. G. Use of Building 1. General No person or organization, whether a school group or community sponsored group, may use the facilities of Shaker High School without prior approval. School groups or individuals desiring to use any facilities must submit a Building Request Form, at least one week before the building is to be used. This applies to all facilities. There are additional procedures for the use of the kitchen, music rooms, family and consumer science rooms, Media Center and pool. All questions should be referred to the Main Office. School activities scheduled prior to 5:00 PM need no Building Request Form with the exception of the auditorium and large group instruction areas. 2. Large Group Instruction Rooms The use of large group instruction rooms will be coordinated through the Main Office. Teachers wishing to use any of these rooms must make arrangements at least two days prior to the date desired. 3. Dining Rooms When organizations require the use of the Dining Rooms for activities, the procedure outlined should be followed: a. b. c. d. A Building Request Form must be approved. Custodians should move tables and chairs in a corridor if the Dining Room is to be cleared. When the activity has concluded, students should remove all decorations and sweep the floor. Tables and chairs should be moved back inside the Dining Room, but not arranged. It should be noted that the Building Request should include time for preparation, clean-up and decoration if necessary.
4.
Pool When organizations request the use of the pool, the procedure outlined below should be followed: Under no circumstances is anyone to be in the pool unless an adult certified WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR is present. Therefore, anyone wishing to use the pool must submit a Pool Request Form with the signature of the WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR who accepts the responsibility. This form is to accompany the Building Request Form.
102
5.
Music Rooms, Family and Consumer Science Rooms, Auditorium and Media Center When organizations request the use of the music rooms, family and consumer science rooms, auditorium, or Media Center, they must complete the special form required and secure the permission and signature of the Department Supervisor or Director responsible for the area requested.
6.
Procedure for Use of Art Room by Organizations In order that the Art Department might function to the best advantage for all organizations in the Senior High School, the following policies shall apply: a. b. c. Supplies shall be available with certain limitations for all organizations requesting assistance from the Art Department. Request for assistance must come from a bonafide organization through the publicity committee with approval from the advisor of the organizations. The publicity committee should consist of at least one Art student either presently in attendance in an Art class or having had at least one Art course at the Senior High School level. A student, especially interested in Art but unable to take an Art course, may be substituted. The Art teacher working with the organization should be notified at least two weeks in advance of the time when work is to be completed. FOR INSTANCE: If posters are to be of value, they should be displayed one to two weeks in advance of the event. Therefore, publicity should be started at least four to five weeks in advance of the event. In the event that activities should have to take place after school hours or in the absence of the Art teacher, it shall be the responsibility of the advisor to supervise activities in the Art room.
d.
e.
7.
Instructions for Completing Request Forms a. b. c. d. e. All groups wishing to use the facilities of Shaker High School must complete the appropriate forms indicated below. The use of each copy is indicated. All request forms must be submitted in triplicate. All forms must be complete before they are submitted for approval. Submit forms to the Main Office one week prior to the date requested.
There are request forms available in the Main Office for various rooms of Shaker High School as follows: 1. 2. 3. Building Request Forms Auditorium Request Form Pool Request Form
103
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. H.
Kitchen Request Form Music Rooms Request Form Family and Consumer Science Rooms Request Form Media Center Request Form School Music Group Request Form.
Regulations for the Use of Shaker High School Auditorium by School Organizations No person or organization may use the auditorium of Shaker High School without prior approval. Groups or individuals desiring to use the auditorium must submit, to the Main Office a Building Request Form in triplicate, at least seven days prior to the event. Permission must also be granted from the Director of Drama. In addition to the regulations listed below, an organization requesting the use of the Shaker High School auditorium must agree to abide by all rules and regulations contained in the North Colonie Central School District policy on Use of School Facilities. 1. ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING, FOOD OR BEVERAGES are allowed on stage, in the loft area or in the auditorium. Using groups may not sell food or beverages in the auditorium lobby. Using groups shall provide ushers and people on duty at the doors, or where the administration deems necessary. Lighting and stage equipment will be handled by the Shaker stage crew ONLY. Under no circumstances will exit lights be covered or made inoperable. Such equipment as fans, lights, other than stage lights, shall only be adjusted by authorized personnel. Any use of stage, sound and light systems shall be checked and approved by the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds. Using organizations must adhere to hours applicable to space for which permission is granted. These hours must include setting up, rehearsals and clean up. No alterations are to be made to any school property or equipment. Nailing to the stage floor is prohibited. The following equipment is available: a. b. c. 10. 11. Microphone Coat racks Lectern d. e. American Flag Ticket Tables
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
No equipment such as extension cords, hammers, saws, etc., will be provided. During the school week, Monday - Friday, the auditorium will be available from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The auditorium must be vacated by 9:45 PM Monday - Friday on days when cleaning is necessary. Saturdays and Sundays are available to user groups.
104
12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Only people participating in the program will be allowed backstage. The auditorium and the stage areas must be cleared and available for the use of Shaker High School during school hours. Students using the auditorium are to be supervised at all times. Keys to the auditorium may be signed out in the Main Office. It is the responsibility of the person in charge to lock all doors and secure the auditorium. Permission must be granted from the Director of Drama or Technical Director for the use of any equipment or supplies that are the property of Shaker Theatre. All such equipment must be returned and stored in the proper place. A small fee will be charged for the use of make up equipment. Use of Music Department Pianos The following guidelines should be followed by any person(s) or group(s) who wish to use a piano from the Music Department: a. b. All requests should be submitted through the Main Office for approval by the Music Department Supervisor. The grand piano, assigned to Room G-3, may only be used in Room G-3 or on the auditorium stage. It may not be used in the auditorium pit unless the person submitting such a request agrees in writing, to pay the cost for professional piano movers, approved by the Music Department Supervisor, to move the piano into the pit and return it to Room G-3. The upright piano, assigned to the auditorium, is the piano to be used by person(s) or group(s) requesting to use a piano, either in the auditorium or in other locations within the downstairs first floor, of Shaker High School.
17.
c.
I.
Equipment Maintenance Hall Principals or Department Supervisors who have any repairs or maintenance are to forward a request for same to the Main Office. Summer work requests must be submitted by May 15th of the current year.
XIII.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS A. Emergency Procedures and Approved First Aid Methods Emergency Telephone Numbers: Ambulance 783-2811 Police/Fire 783-2811 Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 1. The school nurse should contact parents and cooperate with them in any further care that may be indicated.
105
If neither parents nor parent designees are available, and in the opinion of the school physician, nurse-teacher, nurse, principal, or physical education teacher or coach, emergency hospitalization is indicated, first call the Main Office Operator who will call for the appropriate emergency response. If after normal school hours, dial 783-2811 or 911 for police department. In any case, where emergency hospital treatment is indicated and when neither parent nor parent designated party can be reached, an ambulance should be called to take the student to the hospital. A responsible adult from the school will accompany the student to the hospital. 2. In dealing with the following problems and procedures of first aid, it is essential that parents should be notified immediately in all cases of serious illness or injury. They should also be informed of minor problems which may be beneficial to the students well being. When in doubt, call the nurse. A students general appearance and emotional state should be noted when he/she seeks help. This can be a useful guide in determining the mode of treatment or course of action taken to relieve the students problem. Use universal precautions in cleansing wounds and abrasions, a variety of substances may be used: antibacterial soap, H2O, peroxide. Wash area and rinse well. Apply dry dressings of bandaid to wound. (Latex gloves should be used when dressing open wound or body fluids.) See attached Administrative Regulations #4190 (a)--Procedures for clean-up and Exposure to Body Fluids. Health Office should keep a daily log of all students visiting the Health Office. FIRST AID METHODS ABDOMINAL PAIN 1. 2. 3. Observe and monitor intensity and duration of abdominal pain. Check temperature and vital signs. Child may rest, return to class, or go home according to severity and circumstances. Cleanse the wound, rinse, dry. Apply Bacitracin as per standing order. Apply dressing. Control bleeding with a pressure dressing. Have someone call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance. Elevate part. For severe bleeding, use pressure points. Severed part should be put in a plastic bag and packed in ice. Check vital signs and treat for shock as necessary.
3.
4.
5.
ABRASIONS, MINOR LACERATIONS, SCRATCHES
1. 2. 3.
AMPUTATION
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
106
BITES-ANIMAL, HUMAN, INSECT
Animal Bites 1. 2. 3. Human Bites 1. 2. 3. Insect Bites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Clean and flush area well. Notify parents regarding tetanus status. Notify dog warden or local police of accident. Should be cleaned thoroughly and apply alcohol. Discuss possibility of infection of would. Contact parent and advise to consult with doctor. Cleanse area. Rub with a gauze sponge to remove stinger. Apply ice pack and check on allergies or medications. Apply sting relief. A list of those students who are allergic to insect bites with emergency treatment to be rendered should be posted in each Health Office and updated every school year. Using universal precautions apply direct pressure with dressing. Use pressure points if necessary. If bleeding is severe, call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance. Do not puncture. If punctured, treat as an open wound. Cleanse area. Apply dressing or band aid. Wrap cold pack in towel
BLEEDING
1. 2. 3.
BLISTERS
1. 2. 3. 4.
BRUISES-MINOR SWELLING
1.
2.
3. BURNS
Apply cold pack 15-20 minutes.

Do not apply directly to skin.
Severe or Extensive Burns 1. Call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance. 2. Apply cold, wet dressings to affected areas continuously if patient is able to tolerate dressing. 3. Check vital signs and treat for shock (refer to shock treatment).
107
Minor Burns 1. 2. 3. CARDIAC ARREST 1. 2. 1. 2. 3. COLD OR SORE THROAT 1. 2. 3. 4. CONVULSIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Cleanse area. Soak affected part in cold water or apply cold pack for at least 15 minutes. Apply dressing if necessary. Begin CPR. Call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance. Do abdominal thrusts and clear airway. If victim becomes unconscious, use procedure for unconscious choking victim. Call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance. Observe student. Check temperature, vital signs, and other symptoms. Child may rest, return to class or go home, according to findings. Child may gargle with warm salt water. Turn victim on side to open airway. Note time and path of seizure. Do not restrain-loosen clothing. Check pulse and breathing. Do not put any object into victims mouth. Allow victim to rest. Check BP also when able. If victim does not resume breathing, begin rescue breathing and call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance. Observe condition of student regarding frequency of diarrhea and pain involved. Call parent and send home.
CHOKING
DIARRHEA
1. 2.
DRUG ABUSE, OVERDOSE POISONING
Drug Abuse, Overdose 1. Perform CPR if necessary, and call trained help. 2. Attempt to identify drug and amount ingested. 3. Call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance and notify administration.
108
4.
Treat according to severity of reaction. If severe distress, call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance. Always call parent. Attempt to identify substance and quantity taken. Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Check ear for injury, foreign body or discharge. Check temperature. Student may rest or be sent home if pain continues. Notify parent. Remove electrical source, if no danger to yourself. Begin CPR if necessary. Check body for burns. Call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance. Irrigate with water. If unable to wash out, do not attempt to remove. Cover eye with patch. Eye patch should be a thick bandage (eye pad) and put in place securely over the eye (not loose), so that eye movement is as minimal as possible. Call parent and advise to seek medical attention. Immediately flush with water for 15 minutes. Call Poison Control number if needed: 1-800-222-1222. Call parent and advise medical attention.
Poisoning 1. 2. EARACHE 1. 2. 3. 4. ELECTRICAL SHOCK 1. 2. 3. 4. EYE INJURY Foreign Body 1. 2.
3. Chemical 1. 2. 3.
Injury, Blow to Eye A blow to the eye may result in serious injury (i.e. hyphema). Have a low threshold for calling parents about any significant blow to the eye and advise medical attention. In a hyphema injury there may or may not be symptoms.
109
1. 2. 3.
Check vision if possible. Determine visual ability and pupil reaction to light. Cold pack and rest. Notify parents of incident.
Eye Infection Advise medical attention and exclude from school (elementary). FAINTING 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. FEVER FRACTURES, DISLOCATION AND SPRAINS Check to see if victim is breathing and has a pulse. Place in horizontal position. Loosen clothing. Check vital signs. Notify parents.
If over 100 degrees, student should be sent home. 1. 2. 3. Evaluate injury. Support area: apply ice. If fracture is suspected and victim is unable to be moved, keep them warm and call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance. Check skin. Immerse part in warm (not hot) water. Do not rub area. Call parent, advise medical attention. Investigate possible cause of headache by questioning student. Check temperature and vital signs. Allow to rest with cold pack 20-30 minutes.
FROSTBITE
1. 2.
HEADACHE
1. 2. 3.
HEAD INJURY
Have a very low threshold for calling ambulance with any question of level of consciousness after head injury. 1. Ascertain level of consciousness. 2. Check pupils eyes for size, reaction to light, visual acuity, blurred or double vision. 3. Check for numbness or paralysis. 4. Is nausea, vomiting or dizziness present? 5. Check vital signs. 6. Call parent and send head injury slip home with parent.
110
7.
Advise medical consult for any sign or symptom, always best to check with family doctor with any concerns. Is life threatening if temperature is over 103 degrees and skin is dry and hot. Cool body with cool water sponges. Check temperature and vital signs. Give fluids by mouth if possible Call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance and notify parent. Skin cool and clammy. No elevated temperature. Give fluids by mouth and allow student to rest. Call parent. Check vital signs. Try to discover cause of reaction. Apply cold packs to affected areas. If hives are severe, and breathing becomes labored, call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance. School district physician will issue standing order for Epipen for anaphylaxis. Rest-assurance. Paper bag breathing if condition warrants. Check vital signs. Observe student (see nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain). Rest if student desires. School district physician has issued standing order for Mylanta or Maalox. (Check standing orders) Call parent first for approval to give this. Rest. Heating pad or hot water bottle may relieve condition.
HEAT STROKE OR EXHAUSTION
Stroke 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Exhaustion 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
HIVES
1. 2. 3.
4.
HYPERVENTILATION
1. 2. 3.
INDIGESTION
1. 2. 3.
MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
1. 2.
111
MUSCLE CRAMPS NAUSEA
Some stretching may relieve pain. 1. 2. 3. Check temperature and vital signs. Allow student to rest. See indigestion, vomiting, abdominal pain. If nausea persists, call parent. Do NOT move victim at all. Keep neck stable. Call the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance. Have student apply pressure by pinching nostrils with thumb and forefinger. Should sit in chair leaning forward until bleed stops. Advise student not to blow nose. If bleeding does not subside in 30 minutes, call parent. May apply cold pack to back of neck. Call parent.
NECK INJURY
1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
NOSE BLEED
POISONING POISON IVY
See drug abuse. 1. 2. 1. Apply cold packs. If student is uncomfortable, call parent. Assess. Call parent.
RASHES SHOCK
Description The victim may experience weakness, nausea or dizziness. Signs of Shock Sudden lower level of consciousness. Rapid, weak pulse. Breathing rapid and shallow. Skin pale and moist. 1. Lay victim on side if possible. 2. Elevate legs if not due to head injury. 3. Monitor vital signs. 4. Keep victim warm (use blanket). 5. Perform CPR if breathing or pulse cease. 6. Call parent and the Main Office Operator for emergency assistance.
112
SPLINTERS
1. 2. 3.
May remove with tweezers if possible. Do not attempt to remove with a needle. Advise child to tell parent.
TOOTHACHE OR INJURY
Toothache 1. Salt water rinse. 2. Cold pack. 3. Advise parent to make dental appointment. Tooth Injury 1. If the tooth cannot be located, be alert for the possibility the tooth was aspirated-especially in younger children. Observe for respiratory difficulty. 2. If tooth is found, rinse with water as soon as possible-place in saline or milk. Take to dentist within 2 hours maximum. 3. Try to replace tooth in socket if possible. 4. If the child is old enough and will not panic, the best place to store the tooth is under the tongue until seen by dentist. 1. 2. 3. Rinse mouth. Check temperature and vital signs if possible. Call parent and send home.
VOMITING
Students participating in interscholastic sports, including cheerleaders, are covered by a school board provided policy with the New York State High School Protection Plan. This includes accidents occurring during interscholastic sports, practice sessions, intramurals or physical education classes. A preliminary report must be filed within twenty days and the claim filed within 90 days. Claim forms are obtained from the physical education teachers or coaches. A District employee who suffers an accident on school property is covered by Workers Compensation. A form is available in the Health Office for recording the accident and notifying the insurance company. Every accident must be reported even if medical attention was not required. Send a copy of the report form to the Health and Safety Coordinator. For information concerning Protection of Teachers and Personal Injury Benefits refer to the current Agreement between North Colonie Central School District Board of Education and North Colonie Teachers Association. B. Fire Drills A fire alarm is indicated by the fire alarm bell. Fire drills will be held periodically as directed by law. Specific directions for evacuating the building are to be found in each room. These directions should be followed quickly and quietly.
113
Teachers are responsible for the conduct of their classes. There should be no talking, running or lagging. Teachers not on duty should assist where needed. When students are at least 100 feet from the building they should stop, turn around and face the school waiting for directions. The Building Principal is in charge of fire drills. Please cooperate with him at all times. 1. Upper A-Wing All rooms in Upper A Wing proceed south in A corridor, down the F gymnasium lobby stairs, and out the west doors of F Lobby to the Junior High School connecting road. Lower A-Wing (Family and Consumer Sciences) All rooms will proceed to the gymnasium lobby, out the east doors of the gymnasium lobby and proceed to the gymnasium parking lot. B-Wing All rooms in B-Wing will proceed south to A/B Lobby, turn right into corridor (A223). Left down the H gymnasium stairs (H201) and exit doors to the road toward the Junior High. Upper C-Wing All rooms in Upper C-Wing will exit north down the stairway in front of the elevator, which is located in C-D Lobby and out the east side exit and up the grass embankment. Lower C-Wing - North and Out East Receiving Entrance Rooms C101, 103, 104, 105 will proceed north to the end of lower C-Wing, exit east through the receiving doors and move up the embankment. Room C112 will use the rear door, turn left and proceed to the rear parking area. Room C108 and 109 will exit through the overhead doors and proceed up the embankment. 6. D-Wing All rooms will proceed to the north end of the wing and exit through the east doors of the connecting corridor between D and M Wings. Upper E-Wing All persons move east to the C-D Lobby, down the stairs, turn left and exit the building through the east receiving doors to the grass embankment. Upper G Area (Art) All rooms will proceed to the south end of the wing, down the stairs and exit through the south doors of the wing to the auditorium parking lot. Lower G Area (Music) All rooms will exit through the auditorium doors to the auditorium parking lot. Upper J Wing Rooms J201, J202 Left into hallway, through crash doors, left down stairs and out rear north doors to field (Alternate: out doors, turn left on path, right to Blue Creek)
2.
3.
4.
5.
7.
8.
9. 10.
114
Rooms J203, J204, J205, J206 Left into hallway, right down stairs, out rear north doors to field (Alternate: out doors, turn left on path, right to Blue Creek.) Rooms J207, J208, J209, J210 Right into hallway, left down stairs, out rear north doors to field. (Alternte: out doors, turn left on path, right to Blue Creek.) Rooms J211, J212, J213 Right into hallway, right down stairs, out rear north doors to field. (Alternate: out doors, turn left on path, right to Blue Creek.) 11. Lower J Wing Rooms J101, J102 Right into hallway, out west doors to path, right on path toward Blue Creek. Room J103 Straight across hallway out rear north doors to field. (Alternate: out doors, turn left on path right to Blue Creek.) Rooms J104, J105, J106 Left into hallway, right out rear north doors to field. (Alternate: out doors, turn left on path, right to Blue Creek.) Rooms J107, J108, J109 Right into hallway, left out rear north doors to field. (Alternate: out doors, turn left on path, right to Blue Creek.) Room J110 Straight across hallway out rear north doors to field. (Alternate: out doors, turn left on path, right to Blue Creek.) Rooms J111, J112, J113 Left into hallway, out east doors, left to rear of school and to the field. (Alternate: out doors, turn left on path, right to Blue Creek.) 12. Upper K-Wing All rooms will proceed south down the south K stairs and exit through the west door of Lower K Wing. Lower K-Wing All rooms will proceed to the south end of K Wing and exit through the west door of lower K Wing. Upper M-Wing All rooms will proceed to the south end of the wing, and exit through the east doors of the connecting corridor between D and M Wings. Lower M-Wing Rooms M103, M104, M105, M106, J107, M108, M109 Right into hallway, through J lobby doors, right out east doors, left to rear of school and field. (Alternate: left into hallway, up M/D stairs, out 2nd floor M/D corridor doors.) Counseling Center Left into hallway, through J lobby doors, right out east doors, left to rear of school and field. (Alternate: right into hallway, up M/D stairs, out 2nd floor M/D corridor doors.) Auditorium Students located in the auditorium should use all available exits east to the embankment.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
115
18.
Taft Hall Dining Room Students should exit through the south/west door (L/J) Corridor, turn left toward LaFollette Dining Room and out the lower C entrance next to the Receiving Room. Taft Hall Office Use the east exit doors of the connecting corridor between D and M Wings. LaFollette Hall Dining Room Students should exit the building through the C-Wing Receiving Room doors and proceed up the embankment. LaFollette Hall Office Use the west doors to the connecting corridor between B and K Wings. Media Center Use front Media Center doors, right into hallway, exit through west door of lower K Wing. Locker Room (F Area) Students located in the locker rooms will proceed to the gymnasium lobby, turn right out the west doors of the gymnasium lobby and proceed to the Junior High connecting road. Gymnasium (F Area) Students located in the gymnasium will exit through the east and west doors of the gymnasium, west doors to the Junior High connecting road, and east doors to the gymnasium parking lot. Locker Room (H Area) Girls Locker Room - Students should exit the locker area through the south doors and out the building through the south exit doors. Boys Locker Room - Students should exit the locker area through the west doors, turn right and out the north doors of the new gymnasium lobby.
19. 20.
21. 22. 23.
24.
25.
26. 27.
Gymnasium (H Area) Students should use all available exits. Pool Area Students located in the pool will exit through the west doors, turn right and out the north doors of the new gymnasium lobby.
GENERAL FIRE DRILL INFORMATION 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Know your FIREBOX and EXTINGUISHER locations. The EXIT ARROW SIGN denotes the general direction of travel on leaving the room. NO TALKING when leaving the building, outside or on returning. Close windows, open venetian blinds, close doors, and turn lights off before leaving. Students should be encouraged to participate. Know alternate exits. If your normal exit is not available, students should stop and wait for further instruction from their teacher.
116
6. 7. 8. 9.
Those exiting to the front of the building, upon reaching the assigned area, move as far away from the building as possible, to allow fire apparatus to enter the grounds. After you have exited, be at least 100 feet from the building. Return to the building will be by announcement over the P.A. GUIDELINES FOR HANDICAPPED STUDENTS DURING FIRE AND SHELTER EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. a. Each handicapped student must have assistance available during all emergency situations. Students with handicapping conditions affecting their legs, feet, arms, hands, sight and hearing must receive aid as described below. Handicapped students should accompany their class; however, they should use the middle of the corridor b. Handicapped students should not use the stairs. They should exit from the floor they are on, even if they must move in opposite directions from the regular flow of traffic. Use the middle of the corridor. c. Two students should be assigned as escorts for each handicapped student in each class. Wheelchair persons on ground level will leave the building with their class. Those on the second floor will move immediately to the main office or nearest outside exit in B-Wing or DWing.
Revised 9/06 C. Disaster Preparedness (Severe Weather) The National Disaster Preparedness Committee has reported that high roof areas, such as gymnasiums and auditoriums, are most susceptible to damage during weather storms such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Although the likelihood of such a storm striking this area is slight, we must be prepared for such an eventuality. With prior warning and the necessary alerts, students will be directed into the following areas. When students arrive at their designated areas they are to stand, face the wall, and remove eyeglasses. Absolute quiet must be maintained. Class Location 1. Physical Education 2. 3. Family and Consumer Sciences Upper A Wing as Follows: Rooms A204, 205, 206, 209, 210, and 211 Rooms A201, 202, 203, 212, 213, 214, and 215 4. 5. B Wing Upper C. Wing Proceed To_________________________________ Taft & LaFollette locker rooms Lower A corridor--directly outside Family and Consumer Sciences Suite B Wing Corridor Lower A Corridor--outside Family and Consumer Sciences Suite Remain in classes (move as far from windows as possible) D Wing Corridor
117
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.
Lower C. Wing D Wing Upper G (Art) Lower G (Music) Upper J Wing Lower J Wing Lower K Upper K Wing Lower M Wing Upper M. Wing Media Center Taft Dining Room Upper L Wing E Wing and Main Office D. Shelter-in-Place Drill
Remain in classrooms (move as far from windows as possible) C112 Lower C Corridor Remain in classrooms (move as far from windows as possible) Lower G Wing Corridor Lower C Corridor Remain in classrooms (move as far from windows as possible) Remain in classrooms (move as far from windows as possible) Move to Lower K Wing Corridor and Lower L Corridor (west) Remain in classrooms (move as far from windows as possible) Move to Lower M Corridor and Lower L Corridor (east) Low ceiling area and classrooms away from windows Remain in south portion of Taft Dining Room, close the east-west dividing door Low ceiling area of the Media Center J Corridor and kitchen (remain in new kitchen area)
1. An announcement will come from the main office over the PA System to IMPLEMENT SHELTER IN PLACE DRILL. 2. Check the corridor for any students in the hall. Bring students into your classroom. LOCK CLASSROOM DOORS & CLOSE ALL WINDOWS. 3. Conduct a visual scan of the room for anything new or out of place. If something is found, use the emergency call button to contact the office. 4. Conduct business as usual until the ALL CLEAR is given via the PA from the Building Principal or designee. 5. DO NOT ISSUE PASSES TO THE BATHROOM, LOCKER, OFFICE or other areas of the building.
118
6. Use the call button to contact the office for any student emergencies 7. When Sheltering in Place, IGNORE FIRE ALARMS AND CHIMES, DO NOT EXIT THE BUILDING unless directed to do so by the Building Principal or designee.
8/06
E.
Lockdown Drill 1. 2. An announcement will come from the main office over the PA system to IMPLEMENT LOCKDOWN PROCEDURE. Check the corridor for any students in the hall, bring them into your classroom and LOCK CLASSROOM DOORS. Once classroom door is CLOSED and LOCKED, do not open until told ALL CLEAR over the PA system. Turn off LIGHTS, CLOSE BLINDS/WINDOWS and LOCK ANY OPEN WINDOWS. Students and teacher should gather in a safe area away from the line of sight of the corridor. Maintain silence and stay calmly in place until you receive the ALL CLEAR announcement over the PA system. E-WING Upper E-WING offices move to corners of rooms out of the line of sight from the door or to back rooms. Main office, supervisors office, nurses office and faculty lounge move to rooms without windows and away from the line of sight. LOCKDOWN ASSIGNMENTS PER WING
3.
4.
8/06
A-WING -- ALL ROOMS in A-WING remain in their classroom, except A-201, which moves to the interior storage room; A-207 moves to the BOOK STORAGE ROOM. The Family and Consumer Science classes move to interior suites. B-WING - All rooms in B-WING remain in their classroom, except B-205, which moves to the corner of the room or storage room. C-WING - All C-WINGclasses remain in their classroom, except C-112, which moves to the corridor at the rear of the room; C- 209 moves to either C-205 or C-211. D-WING - All D-WING classes remain in their classrooms, except D-208 and D-209, which move to the interior corridor between rooms. F-AREA -- GYMNASIUM moves to the storage areas in the gym or to the bleacher walls between the doors. PE classes that are outside should remain outside and proceed, if necessary, to the Junior High or Blue Creek School. H AREA - GYM & LOCKER ROOMS - H-Gym moves to both locker rooms. PE classes that are outside should remain outside and proceed, if necessary, to the Junior High or Blue Creek School. J-WING - ALL ROOMS in J-WING remain in their classroom. K-WING - All K-WING classes remain in classrooms, except K-109, which moves to K-108, and K-115 moves to inside room. K-203 and K-205 move to the corner of the room or to the storage room in K-204. K-206 moves to the corner of the room or to the storage room.
119
LAFOLLETTE DINING ROOM - LaFollette Dining Room moves to the interior of the kitchen via food lanes, the custodians receiving room or try/dishwasher area. Front Lobby moves to Lower A classrooms, interior of kitchen or telephone room. LAFOLLETTE HALL OFFICE - LaFollette Hall Teachers Office moves to the mezzanine or to the back coffee area. LaFollette Hall Office moves to the conference rooms. MEDIA CENTER - Media Center moves to the mezzanine, interior office, and the interior corridor of the rooms leading to Lower K. MEZ LAB COMPUTER ROOM/TV STUDIO - Students in the Mez Lab and TV Studio move to the front corner of the room away from the windows and classroom entrance. G-WING - G-101, G-103, G-105 and G-106 move to between the chairs in the auditorium. G-103 and G-114 can use the storage rooms with small groups. M-WING - All rooms in M-WING remain in their classroom, except M-109, which moves to M-108 or M-111, and M-207 moves to the corner of the room or the storage room. TAFT DINING ROOM - Move to the interior of the kitchen area; close and lock doors. TAFT HALL OFFICE - Taft Hall Teachers Area moves to the Audio Visual room or coffee room. Taft Hall Offices move to the inside conference rooms. MAIN OFFICE CORRIDOR SUITES move to the corners of the room out of the line of sight from the door or to back rooms. WEIGHT ROOM - move to adapted room. POOL AREA - Students are to move to the Taft and LaFollette locker rooms. LOCKOUT PROCEDURES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. An announcement will come from the main office over the PA system IMPLEMENT LOCKOUT PROCEDURES. Close all windows, blinds and doors. All exterior doors of the building should be locked; entry to the building may only be accessed through the main entrance by authorized personnel. While in LOCKOUT PROCEDURE, the school day will continue as normal with instruction and students may pass to their next class. While in LOCKOUT, IGNORE FIRE ALARMS AND DO NOT EXIT THE BUILDING unless directed to do so by the Building Principal or designee. Wait for an announcement from the main office to END LOCKOUT. BUILDING EVACUATION PROCEDURES AND LOCATIONS Follow all procedures as if a NORMAL FIRE DRILL.
120
2.
Once students and staff have evacuated the building, all students will move to Shaker Junior High School, EXCEPT THE FOLLOWING, WHO WILL EVACUATE TO BLUE CREEK SCHOOL: LOWER K WING, LOWER M WING AND BOTH UPPER AND LOWER J WINGS. MISCELLANEOUS A. Fees and Handling of Funds 1. 2. No fees are authorized by the Board of Education. Review Books and other such materials - No review book nor any material of this type is to be purchased directly by any teacher for sale to students. All review books and other materials of this type are to be purchased through the school store. Monies - It is understood that no faculty member will have, in his possession, student funds that have been collected for any purpose whatsoever. All such funds should be included in the deposits made to the Extra Classroom account. Department Supervisors must be certain that a fund has been established for their department in the event that there are funds to be collected which should be deposited to these accounts. All questions concerning the Extra Classroom accounts should be referred to your Hall Principal.
XIV.
3.
B.
Computer Center The computer center located in Room E219B, is a District facility and under the direction of the Director of Instructional Technology. It is important that we do not interfere with this operation in any way. Please avoid all direct contact with this room. Should you be interested in seeing the facility, please make arrangements with Mr. Michael Roach, Supervisor of Computer Operations, who will be pleased to show you the installation. The Computer Center will handle all data processing previously sent to BOCES. Questions should be referred to Department Supervisors, Hall Principals or the Building Principal.
C.
Title IX - Sex Discrimination The policy of the North Colonie Central School District prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its educational program and activities, as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. This policy of non-discrimination includes the following areas: recruitment and appointment of employees, employment pay and benefits, counseling services for students, access by students to educational programs, course offerings and student activities. The District official responsible for the coordination of activities relating to compliance with Title IX is Ms. Jenna Bongermino, Director of Human Resources, North Colonie Central School District, 91 Fiddlers Land, Latham, NY 12110. This official will provide information, including compliance procedures, to any student or employee who feels that his/her rights under Title IX may have been violated by the District or its officials.
D.
Equal Opportunity Information The North Colonie Central School District hereby advises students, parents, employees, and the general public that it offers employment and educational opportunities, including vocational
121
education opportunities, without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, religion, disability or other minority group. Equality of opportunity in employment shall include hiring, firing, wages and salaries, promotion or any terms, conditions or privileges of employment. Inquiries regarding this non-discrimination policy may be directed to the Interim Title IX (Discrimination) Compliance Officer, TBD, or Section 504 (Handicapped) Compliance officer, Mr. David Semo at Shaker High School. Procedures and forms related to the established grievance procedures may be obtained from the appropriate compliance officer. E. Evaluation Instrument Procedure for use of this instrument: 1. 2. 3. Each member of the instructional staff shall have, as a part of his handbook, a copy of this instrument for use in self-evaluation. The final evaluation shall be the result of multiple observations, including at least one on a formal basis, by the evaluator or evaluators. There shall be a conference between an evaluator and the teacher at the time the final written evaluation is completed. At this time, the individual who has been evaluated may submit a copy of his self-evaluation. The teacher may submit written comment on his evaluation in the space provided before his signature. It should be noted that specific questions in each area of the instrument are guidelines designed to assist the evaluator in arriving at an over all judgment. The evaluator should omit those areas of the instrument that are not applicable to the position he is evaluating.
4. 5. 6.
Responsibility for evaluation and/or conference Level

Elementary Classroom Junior High School Senior High School Special
Responsibility
Principal (Hall) Principal (Coordinator advisor) Department Supervisor and/or (Hall) Principal Department Supervisor or Director
Conference
Principal (Hall) Principal and/or Coordinator Department Supervisor and/or (Hall) Principal Department Supervisor or Director
122
XV.
NEW POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (BOE Policy #5313.4) Protocol for Teacher Removal of a Student From a Classroom A. Therapeutic Removals Therapeutic removals are effective means of helping some students to gain their composure and return prepared to learn in an academic setting. In an elementary school, a student may be sent to a Counselor, Principal or time-out room for therapeutic time-out purposes. In the junior high, a teacher may send a student to the Internal Room. In the high school, a ninth or tenth grader may be sent to the LaFollette Hall Office, a Counselor, or a special education teacher. An eleventh or twelfth grade student may be sent to the Taft Hall Office, a Counselor, or a special education teacher. Each school has procedures whereby the teacher documents the reason a student was sent from the classroom. It is expected that the teacher will communicate with both the parents and Principal about why the student was sent out of class, unless it is mutually agreed between the Principal and the teacher that a call to the parent(s) is not warranted. B. Removal for Disciplinary Reasons Students Who Are Violent or Substantially Disrupt a Class Endangering the Health and Safety of Others. A teacher may remove from class a student who is violent and substantially disruptive of the educational process. Violent students are defined in the statute as elementary or secondary students under 21 years of age who: commit acts of violence against any school employee; who commit acts of violence on school property against any student or other person lawfully on school grounds; possess, on school property, a gun, knife, incendiary bomb, or other dangerous instrument capable of causing physical injury or death; threaten, on school property, to use any instrument that appears capable of causing physical injury or death; knowingly or intentionally damage or destroy the personal property of any person lawfully on school property; or knowingly or intentionally damage or destroy school property. (School property means in or within any building, structure, athletic field, playground, parking lot or land contained within the real property boundary line of a public elementary or secondary school, or in or on a school bus.) The use of call buttons should be limited to those few situations of extreme behavior, such as a student who is violent or substantially disrupts a class by endangering the health and safety of others. The office will send someone to assist the teacher and escort the student to the Principals office. The teacher will submit a written statement about what occurred to the Principal as soon as possible. After the student receives due process (see #5300R), the Principal will decide on appropriate discipline. If the student is suspended, the Principal will notify parents orally and in writing, within 24 hours of the nature of the circumstance that caused the suspension, that the parent/guardian has a right to an informal conference with the Principal, and the right to interview witnesses. One of the conditions of a students reinstatement following a suspension should be a conference attended by the Principal, the student and his/her parent/guardian, and when appropriate the teacher and Counselor. The purpose of this meeting is to develop a plan to address the behavior that caused the suspension. Students Who Have Substantially Disrupted the Class but are Non- Violent. If the teacher has decided that it is appropriate for the student to leave the classroom because the student has substantially disrupted the class and violated the North Colonie code of conduct, the teacher will need to give an immediate explanation to the student about why he or she is being asked to leave the classroom. This can be accomplished in several ways, including the following: 1) The teacher gives the student a written form on which the students behavior has been checked off, and asks
123
the student to proceed to the office where the student will write his or her own version of what occurred; or 2) The teacher asks the student to step into the hallway, describes what has occurred, and gives the student an opportunity to express his or her version of the incident. The student will then be sent to the Principals office or an alternative location. It is not recommended that the teacher enter into a dialogue with the student in front of other students. After a student is removed from the classroom, the teacher will complete a disciplinary referral form, and speak with the Principal as soon as possible regarding the incident. After this discussion, the Principal will make a determination of whether the students removal was warranted, and if so, the number of days the student would be removed from class. If the Principal does not uphold the removal, the student will attend the next scheduled class meeting. Whether or not the removal is upheld, the Principal will send a written communication to parents notifying them the child has been removed from the classroom. (The Principal has several grounds on which to overturn a student removal from class. They are: a lack of substantial evidence to support a removal, if the removal is a violation of law, or if a removal is inconsistent with the Districts code of conduct. In these cases, the Principal may return a student to class. If the students conduct warrants a suspension rather than a removal from class, the Principal will suspend the student. This last situation will not be viewed as a teachers removal of a student from class.) It is our expectation that the teacher will contact the parent or guardian within 24 hours of the students removal from class. (Parents work numbers are available in the school office.) It is understood by all parties that the most desirable situation is for the teacher and parent to have a dialogue about what occurred in class. If a teacher cannot contact the parent after making a diligent effort, the teacher will communicate with the Principal. A parent may request a conference within 48 hours of the removal from class. If the conference is held, the teacher, parent, student, Principal, and counselor when appropriate should be present. The meeting should be scheduled within the confines of the teachers contractual day, unless there are extenuating circumstances and teachers have agreed to meet otherwise. Teachers should be relieved from supervision responsibilities, whenever possible, prior to using the teachers preparation period. The student is not permitted to return to the classroom and must continue to receive educational programming for the duration of the removal or pending the outcome of a conference if one is held. It is the disciplining teachers responsibility to provide work for the student who is removed. Students with disabilities are expected to adhere to all school discipline procedures. For a student with a disability who has a chronic discipline problem, the case would be referred to the schools Pupil Service Team and the District Committee on Special Education for review. Student suspension or removal from class for more than ten days is a significant change of placement under 504 or special education regulations. A school district is required to conduct an evaluation and review of the students placement prior to any significant change of placement (34 CFE 104.35 (b)). Whenever students protected under 504 or special education regulations have cumulative suspensions or teacher removals from any class approaching ten days, the PST will review the students standing to determine whether such suspensions or removals from class constitute a significant change in placement. The NOTICE OF TEACHER REMOVAL OF STUDENT form can be found in the FORMS section of this book.
Policy Amended: May 21, 2001 TABLE OF CONTENTS
124
FORMS
Announcement Form Examination Conduct Warning Form Field Trip Request Form Field Trip Request Beyond 50 Miles Guest Speaker Form Non-Numeric Grade Input Notice of Teacher Removal of Student Plagiarism Form Request for Grade Below 50 Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint Form Teacher Evaluation Form Video Morning Announcement Form
125
SHAKER
126
EXAMINATION CONDUCT WARNING Student Name: Examination: Suspected of cheating during an examination: Description of Incident: Date Examination Room:
Improper conduct during an examination: Description of Incident
Proctor
Head Proctor TO BE FORWARDED TO THE HALL PRINCIPAL BY THE HEAD PROCTOR
Students Signature
127
SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL, Latham, New York

FIELD TRIP REQUEST NUMBER 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Date of Application Destination Name of Contact Time of departure from Shaker High School Time of departure from destination Class or group Adults supervising group: (please list names) a. Teacher(s) b. Other(s) 9. 10. Purpose of trip Telephone No. REQUESTED BY 2. Date of Trip
FIELD TRIP REQUEST FORM
Number in Group
Arrangements: (Answer yes, no, or explain) a. Have arrangements been made with all staff members affected? b. Have permission slips been prepared with all necessary information? _______________________ c. Have plans been made to collect and hold all permission slips for the day of the trip? e. Have all arrangements been made with place to be visited? f. Will substitutes be needed? If so, have arrangements been made? g. What expense will each student have? (Briefly explain) h. If bus transportation is required, has this form been submitted? i. Do any of the students attending have pre-existing health conditions? * The names of participating students must be attached to this form and submitted to the supervisor 10 school days prior to the trip.
______
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
A. B. C. D. E. In case of an accident, your administrator must be contacted. Be sure to have your administrators contact number with you. You MUST have permission slips with student emergency telephone numbers with you on the trip. You MUST provide your supervisor a trip itinerary and list of emergency contact numbers. If a student is sick or injured, you must report to the school nurse as soon as possible upon return. If the bus is involved in an accident, ask the emergency medical technician to check the students. When the bus returns to the high school, the nurse will check the students ON THE BUS before they are released to their parents.
11. 12.
Signature of Department Supervisor Signature of Hall Principal(s)
13. Mode of Transportation: School Bus_______Other(specify) Approved Disapproved CS: 7/17/06
Date Notified Bus Garage For Inspection Date Signature of Building Principal
128
SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL

Latham, New York 12110 FIELD TRIP REQUEST - BEYOND 50 MILES Date Purpose Destination
Mode of Transportation Number of students participating Student Expenses: Transportation Admission (Fees) Meals Other TOTAL ANTICIPATED COST PER STUDENT Itinerary: Please include a copy of the itinerary Chaperones:
Comments:
Requesting Teacher Department Supervisor Approved by Date
129
Release and Agreement for Trips and Exchanges I, the undersigned, agree to the following understandings:
I agree to release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the North Colonie Central School district and its travel coordinators, employees and/or volunteers from any damage resulting from events over which they exercise no control, such as an act of God, strikes or government restrictions. No responsibility is incurred by the travel coordinators, employees and/or volunteers for loss of passport, airline or train tickets, or other documents, or damage to luggage or any personal belongings, unless caused by the negligence of the travel coordinators, employees and/or volunteers. I further agree to release and indemnify said parties from any claims, liabilities, cost or expenses arising out of personal injury or property damage and I either cause or contribute to while participating in the exchange/travel and from any financial obligations which I may incur on my own behalf.
It is understood and agreed that should this trip be cancelled by circumstances beyond the control of the North Colonie Central School District, or for other reasons considered good and reasonable by the Superintendent of Schools, whose opinion shall be final and binding, that the school district shall be responsible to return only that portion of trip costs and fees which it can recover from any travel agents, airlines, hotels, etc. and will not be responsible for any other refund or recompense. If I become ill or incapacitated, the travel coordinators, employees and/or volunteers may take actions necessary for my safety and well being, including securing medical treatment and transporting me home at my own expense. I fully release the travel coordinators, employees and/or volunteers, and the school district from any liability for such action as may be taken on my behalf. The right is reserved to make changes to the trip/exchange/travel program for the safety, comfort, or convenience of the trip/exchange/travel group, whenever in the sole judgment of the travel coordinators, employees and/or volunteers such changes are deemed necessary. The right is further reserved to refuse to accept or retain any person as a member of this program either prior to departure or during the course of the exchange visit.
During a foreign language exchange trip, I understand that I will be living with a family and doing activities with the other young person and/or his/her family. While the North Colonie Central School District travel coordinators, employees and/or volunteers will provide supervision and assistance to students throughout the exchange and/or trip, I understand that I will not be under direct supervision of the North Colonie travel coordinators, employees, and/or volunteers all of the time.
This agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of New York. Date: Signature of Student:
I, the parent/legal guardian of the above student, have completely read and fully understand the foregoing Release and Agreement and agree to be bound thereby.
Date:
Date:
Signature of Parent:
Notary Public:
130
GUEST SPEAKER REQUEST FORM Requesting Teacher Guest Speaker Topic Course Date of Visit Approved by Supervisor Date c: Building Principal Hall Principal Building Principal Date of Request
131
SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL NON-NUMERIC GRADE INPUT

Students Name _________________________Gr._____Date __________ Teacher ____________________ Course Name______________________Course #/Section _____________ Marking Period____________________
Absent, can take
exam in August
Exempt
Not eligible to take Regents
AB
EX
NE
(debarred due to lab issues) hall office adds 0" in percent column & NE in score column
Audit
Incomplete
Withdraw failing
AT
Did not sit for exam
IN
No credit,
(average grade as zero) hall office adds 0" in percent column & DNS in score column
WF
not eligible to take exam
____ quarter grade ___E ___C
Withdraw passing
DNS
NC
WP
____ quarter grade ___E ___C
Entered late - after

5 weeks
EL
For Special Education students who are mainstreamed in your class who only receive a Pass/Fail. Check with Special Ed Teacher.
Quarter Grade Final Exam P F
P /
____Effort
____Citizenship
Final School Mark
No grade entered (please state the reason)
Supervisors Initials
Hall Principals Signature
132
NORTH COLONIE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Latham, New York 12110
NOTICE OF TEACHER REMOVAL OF STUDENT

Student Teacher Grade Class Date_
Reason for Student Removal:

Insubordination Disruption to class Description of Disruption (be specific)
The teacher explained the reason for the removal (orally / in writing) to the student on date Parent/Guardian Contact Mr./Mrs./Ms. A message was left for Mr./Mrs./Ms. at date Mr./Mrs./Ms. (requires teacher to contact hall principal directly) Parents have the right to request a conference about the student removal from class. The conference will be/was held on The parent did not request a conference. (date). time could not be reached. a.m./p.m. Phone Number
was/were notified on date to return my call on
Hall Principal
Building Principal
c: Building Principal, Hall Principal, Supervisor, Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Athletic Director
133
PLAGIARISM FORM
This form should be requested by the teacher from the appropriate supervisor. Once this form is completed, please forward a copy to the English Supervisor and Hall Principal. Student Name: Teacher Name: Date: Grade:
From the following items, please check those that were discussed during the conference. Discussed value of academic integrity. Reviewed parenthetical documentation. Reviewed works cited page. Reviewed the process of paraphrasing. Other (please describe). Please describe the suspected plagiarism. What is the evidence? Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Student: Provide any additional comments about the conference.
Teacher:Provide any additional comments about the conference.
(teacher signature) cc: English Supervisor Hall Principal
(student signature)
134
SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL Latham, New York 12110
REQUEST FOR GRADE BELOW 50

It is requested that the following student be awarded a grade below 50. Student: Subject: Reason for request: Class: Recommended Grade:
Parent contact: (explain)
Date: Consultation with Supervisor: GRADE RESUME 1st 2ND (Teacher) (Date) APPROVED: (Building Principal) 6/74 6/75 Revised 8/92 Revised (Date) S. TEST AVG. 3RD 4TH (Supervisor) (Date) F.TEST AVG. FM (Hall Principal) (Date)
135
NORTH COLONIE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Latham, New York 12110 SEXUAL HARASSMENT - FORMAL COMPLAINT FORM Name and position of complainant Date of complaint : Name of alleged sexual harasser: Date(s) and places of incident(s):
Description of incident:
Name of witnesses (if any):
Has the incident been reported before? If yes, when? To whom?
What was the resolution?
Reasons for dissatisfaction:
I hereby attest that the foregoing represents an accurate recital of the facts forming the basis of this complaint. Signature_______________________________________ Print Name______________________________________
136
NORTH COLONIE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Latham, New York 12110 TEACHER EVALUATION FORM Teacher: Date: A. Teaching Skills 1. Content Knowledge - considerations Demonstrates initiative and independence in developing a thorough knowledge of content Provides thoughtful and accurate responses to student questions Demonstrates current knowledge of subject including what is taught in preceding and subsequent levels Uses a variety of sources to enhance content knowledge and willingly shares with colleagues Has knowledge of NYS Standards and curriculum What evidence is there that the teacher demonstrated content knowledge? Comments: Classroom Techniques and Procedures considerations Applies and follows NYS Standards in curriculum and instruction Sets a positive tone, maintains a positive learning environment, establishes rapport, and responds constructively to students Utilizes entire instructional time effectively (time on task) Develops lesson plans that reflect evidence of thoughtful planning Includes multiple and purposeful activities that teach to the objective Uses a variety of methods and sources to differentiate instruction Regularly engages students Instruction is closely linked with assessment Monitors and adjusts instruction when necessary Uses meaningful and purposeful homework assignments when appropriate Uses novel and innovative strategies to enhance student learning School: Gr. Level/Subject:
2.
What evidence is there that classroom techniques and procedures are effective?
Comments: Pupil Success considerations Multi-year trends indicate that students regularly meet expectations on state, local, and standardized assessments 137
3.
Within their capacity, students demonstrate good study skills, problem-solving skills, and good citizenship Within their capacity, students exhibit mastery of content knowledge through daily work and multiple assessments Within their capacity, students understand both real life and interdisciplinary applications of subject matter
What evidence is there of pupil success? Comments: Classroom Management considerations Anticipates issues and concerns to facilitate learning Positively reinforces students Avoids unnecessary confrontation with students Manages classroom keeping students focused, motivated, and on task Actively listens to students Establishes clear and consistent expectations that promote good citizenship Removes student from instructional setting only when the learning environment is seriously disrupted Understands when to consult with colleagues, administrators, and parents and does so in a timely manner
4.
What evidence is there of effective classroom management? Comments:
B.
Relations with Others 1. Teacher/Pupil considerations Encourages individual student development of a positive self image Is accessible and provides extra help Uses knowledge of students background to establish rapport and to support the student Encourages students to seek extra help when appropriate Recognizes and considers students ideas and feelings Involves him/herself in the life of the school beyond the classroom
What evidence is there of positive teacher/pupil relationships? Comments:
138
2.
Teacher/Colleague considerations Professional decorum with colleagues is evident; practices and encourages mutual respect Shares materials, ideas, and information with colleagues Provides direction and assistance to support personnel, paraprofessionals, and colleagues to facilitate student success Opinion on professional matters is sought and used by colleagues
What evidence is there of professional teacher/colleague relationships? Comments: Teacher/Supervisor/Administrator considerations Communicates regularly with supervisor Professional decorum with supervisor is evident; practices and encourages mutual respect Reacts professionally to suggestions and implements accordingly Comes prepared for meetings and participates constructively Submits paperwork in a timely manner Keeps written records up to date Follows department, school, and district policies and procedures
3.
What evidence is there of professional teacher/supervisor/administrator relationships? Comments: Teacher/Parent considerations Is professional, proactive, and timely in making parental contacts Communicates effectively, is accessible, and finds ways to include parents appropriately Makes helpful, meaningful suggestions to benefit the student
4.
What evidence is there of professional teacher/parent relationships? Comments: Educational Professionalism considerations Participates in school/district curriculum or professional committees Willingness to participate in mentor or other professional programs to assist colleagues Participates in related professional organizations Participates in department, district, and school professional development activities and follows through accordingly Exhibits professional response appropriate to the situation Employs sound professional judgment regarding school-related matters 139
C.
Exhibits appropriate dress and appearance Uses professional and appropriate language and grammar Consistently represents the teaching profession in a positive manner
What evidence is there of educational professionalism? Comments:
D.
Attendance This evaluation includes attendance data for September-April of current year and May and June of previous year (includes all absences, except religious and school business). Administrators should note any extenuating circumstances.
E.
Professional Goals/Recommendations Was the teacher successful in achieving professional goals related to district/building/department instructional objectives for this year? Based on this evaluation, what are the recommendations for the teacher to include in the development of professional goal(s) for next year?
Employment Recommendation for untenured staff: Should s/he be reappointed for a second year? third year?
Overall Statement:
Teachers performance is satisfactory or above or unsatisfactory . If unsatisfactory, the administrator and the teacher will develop a Teacher Improvement Plan (T.I.P.) to address specific areas in need of improvement.
Signed Date of Conference Teachers Comments: Position
Teachers Signature
Date
140
141

Faculty Handbook 11-12w Table of Contents

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Faculty Handbook 11-12w Table of Contents

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL

LATHAM, NEW YORK 12110

Mrs. Mary Nardolillo President

Mrs. Linda Harrison Vice President

Mr. D. Joseph Corr Superintendent of Schools

Ms. Kathleen Skeals Assistant Superintendent

100 100 100 101 101 101 102 104 105

Page 121 121 121 121 122

Shaker High School Vision

8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

1:03 1:26 12:56 1:26 1:31 * 2:17 3:08

- 10:02 (36) - 10:43(36) - 11:24(36) - 12:05 1:26 (76) 2:17(46)

Sixth Class (Lunch Period) Seventh Class Buses Depart

Status: A = Absence E = Early Dismissal T = Tardy

APPENDIX B SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

EVENT Homeroom Attendance

Hall office attendance secretary Classroom teacher

Student enters class late without a pass

Classroom teacher Teacher

Adjudication of unresolved absences

Progress Reporting Infinite Campus

Quarter Grading Infinite Campus a. Navigating Grading By Task

STEP 4 Use the drop-down menu to select Q1 - Quarter Grade.

Please note the blank fields. They MUST remain blank.

Entering Non-Numeric Grades

Report cards mailed home.

Report cards mailed home.

Report cards mailed home.

Report cards mailed home.

STEP 1 Choose your class using the drop-down box.

STEP 3 Select Grading By Task by clicking on the words.

We will select Q2 Mid-Term Exam.

Entering a score (same process as any numeric grading).

Home Instruction Training

Plan implemented and benchmarks monitored by Supervisors.

At completion of tutoring, sign-off by tutor, teacher, and Supervisor.

BOE Policy #5100 Commissioners Regulation Extension of all school rules

Admin. Regulation Admin. Regulation Admin. Regulation BOE Policy #5300

Admin. Regulation Commissioners Decisions BOE Policies #5010 or #5020.1

BOE Policies #5010 and #5020.1

Homework Failure to Complete Inappropriate Language

BOE Policy #4730 Admin. Regulation

BOE Policy #5300

Privileged Activities Violations

Public Display of Affection Sexual Harassment

BOE Policy #5312.3 BOE Policy #5312.1

BOE Policy #5312.2

4th Offense 5th Offense

Final approval must be granted by the Building Principal.

12. 13. (Approved 1/15/75)

Assignments for Part-Time Teachers

September through June

Physical Education Staff Art Department

September through June

12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

ABRASIONS, MINOR LACERATIONS, SCRATCHES

BITES-ANIMAL, HUMAN, INSECT

Animal Bites 1. 2. 3. Human Bites 1. 2. 3. Insect Bites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Apply cold pack 15-20 minutes.

Minor Burns 1. 2. 3. CARDIAC ARREST 1. 2. 1. 2. 3. COLD OR SORE THROAT 1. 2. 3. 4. CONVULSIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

DRUG ABUSE, OVERDOSE POISONING

Poisoning 1. 2. EARACHE 1. 2. 3. 4. ELECTRICAL SHOCK 1. 2. 3. 4. EYE INJURY Foreign Body 1. 2.

HEAT STROKE OR EXHAUSTION

MUSCLE CRAMPS NAUSEA

__ quarter grade _E ___C

__ quarter grade _E ___C