STAFF POLICY MANUAL

2007– 2008

EDWARD “POP” COLLINS

P.S. 146

968 Cauldwell AvenueAvenue

Bronx, NY 10456

Telephone (718) 378-9664

Fax (718) 328-5858

PRINCIPAL

Janet-Ann Sanderson-Brown

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Cynthia Carter

PARENT COORDINATOR

Yvette Johnson

Staff members are responsible for following all items of policy and procedures as set forth in this handbook as well as all addendums that will be incorporated throughout the school year.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page #

P.S. 146 Mission Statement                                                                              3

School Calendar                                                                                  

SECTION 1- ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS                                         Page #

Official School Hours                                                                                        7

Bell Schedule                                                                                                    6

Homeroom                                                                                                     10

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures                                                                      9

Yellow Bus Program                                                                                         10

Flow of Hallway Traffic                                                                                    10

Staff Attendance and Punctuality                                                                       10

Per Session Attendance                                                                                    11

Absences                                                                                                         11

Emergency Coverage                                                                                        11-12

Volunteer Coverages                                                                                        13       

Medical Emergency Plan                                                                                   13

Traveling Time Between Classes                                                                       13

Preparation Periods                                                                                          13

Smoking                                                                                                           13

Daily Pupil Attendance Procedures                                                                   14

TS Procedures                                                                                                 16-17

Staff Conferences                                                                                             18

Dress Code (Staff and Students)                                                                       18

Telephones                                                                                                       18

Mailboxes                                                                                                        19

PA Announcements                                                                                          19

School Keys                                                                                                     19

Copy Machines                                                                                                20

Field Trip Procedures                                                                                       20-21

            Weekly Calendars                                                                                            20

            Collection of Money                                                                                         20

SECTION 2-ACADEMIC PROGRAM                                                      Page #

Professional Development                                                                                 25

Lesson Plans                                                                                                    23,26,&29

The Classroom Environment                                                                             26

Teacher’s Choice                                                                                             18

Classroom Library                                                                                            29

Student Generated Work                                                                                  25

Bulletin Boards                                                                                     25

Progress Reports                                                                                              31

      Student Work Folders                                                                                      20       

Parent/Teacher Conferences                                                                             31

Observation Policies                                                                                         34

Homework Policy                                                                                             32

SECTION 3- SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY                                   Page #

School Safety Plan                                                                                            48

Accidents and Incidents                                                                                    48

Reporting Student Behavior                                                                              48

Child Abuse and Neglect                                                                                  48

Corporal Punishment                                                                                        48       

Hallway Movement and Restroom Procedures                                      24

Fire Drills/Shelter Drills                                                                         49

Rapid Dismissal                                                                                                49

Security, Safety and Dismissal Procedures                                                         48

Medication                                                                                                       35

Classroom Windows                                                                                        50

Ladder of Discipline                                                                                          50

Classroom Management                                                                                   51

Winning Respect                                                                                               51

Code of Discipline                                                                                            37-43

            School Forms List                                                                                            53                    Chancellor’s Regulations**                                                                           54

            Arrest Notification                                                                                            55                    Staff Manual Receipt                                                                                     56                    Notes                                                                                                               57        **As we receive them during the year

SECTION 4- SCHOOL FORMS                                                                 Page #

See Index                                                                                                         53

Edward “POP” Collins P.S. 146 School

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create a literate, nurturing, and safe learning environment that will maximize the potential of each student. We believe that all children can learn and if needed are to be provided with academic interventions and enrichment so that they all can reach their optimal level of learning. We also seek to promote a learning environment that encourages love, respect, sharing, caring, honesty, and the appreciation and acceptance of cultural differences.  With the cooperation and involvement of school staff, parents, students, and the community at large we will work together to promote and foster academic success for all students. We want our students to become well rounded, responsible, and ethical human beings which will be an asset to themselves, their family, and community.

The Edward “POP” Collins P.S. 146  School Creed

The best is all that I can give.

I owe it to myself

Respect and honor my talents

and teachers,

I owe it to myself.

I’ll push and push, do,

Not just try

I owe it to myself.

I’ll represent P.S. 146

And make my parents proud.

I owe it to myself.

My Professionalism will

Always show

I owe it to myself

I’ll treat my peers as I would

like to be treated.

I owe it to myself.

I am an intelligent

Beautiful / Handsome

Obedient young

lady / man

I’ll be the exception,

The leader and the follower.

I owe it to myself.

Every student in P.S. 146 is to memorize the  Edward “POP’ Collins P.S. 146 School Creed. Students should recite it every morning after the Pledge of Allegiance.

Building Administrators

Janet-Ann Sanderson-Brown - Principal

                   Cynthia Carter – Assistant Principal

Chain Of Command

Janet-Ann Sanderson-Brown – Principal

Cynthia Carter – Assistant Principal

Lisanne Schatz – Literacy Coach

Geraldine Hilson – IEP Teacher

Ellen Nelson-Peterkin – Math Staff Developer

P.S. 146

Bell Schedule 2007-2008

AM HOMEROOM	8:10AM	8:25AM
PERIOD 1	8:25AM	9:15AM
PERIOD 2	9:15AM	10:05AM
PERIOD 3 Grade K & 1 Lunch	10:05AM	10:55AM
PERIOD 4 Grades 4 & 5 Lunch	10:55AM	11:45AM
PERIOD 5 Grades 2 & 3 Lunch	11: 45AM	12:35PM
PERIOD 6 H.S. Lunch	12:35PM	1:25PM
PERIOD 7	1:25PM	2:15PM
PM HOMEROOM	2:15PM	2:25PM
DISMISSAL	2:25PM	2:30PM

Teachers please get your students ready 2 minutes before the lunch period so they will be on time.  Please pick up your students on time from the cafeteria.  Extended time is Tuesday through Thursday and dismissal time is at 3:20pm.

SECTION ONE – ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

Official School Hours

The official school hours for P.S. 146 are as follows:

Teachers – 8:10AM – 3:20PM

· Monday & Friday 8:10AM – 2:30PM

· Tuesday-Thursday  8:10AM –3:20PM

All staff must utilize the main entrance for entering and leaving the building.

The building is available to staff between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 As per UFT contract, all staff members are required to be at their assignment on time. Homeroom class begins promptly at 8:10AM.  Please refrain from having conferences with colleagues at this time.

Students:

· Official school hours are 8:10AM – 3:20PM (including extended time)

· After-school hours Tuesday – Thursday are 3:20PM - 6:00PM

Please note that all students attending the after-school programs must go immediately to the cafeteria at dismissal. Students who leave the building at dismissal will not be allowed re-enter the building.

The morning breakfast program for students will run from 7:30AM to 8:00AM.  Students are to enter through the Main Entrance Exit A, 163^rd Street and Cauldwell Avenue. Once the students enter the building for breakfast, they will not be allowed to leave the building until dismissal time

Students having breakfast in the cafeteria will be sent to the following designated areas for morning pickup:

Grades Pre-K - 1 – Gym

Grades 2 and 5 - Auditorium

Students will remain at the designated area until the teachers pick them up.

Guidance Counselor, Social Worker, Cluster Teachers, AIS Teachers, Staff Developers,

and School Aides will supervise entrance doors and corridors as students move to

 their homeroom assignments.

Staff Attendance and Punctuality

The following procedures for recording staff attendance will be followed by all faculty members:

· Upon arrival all staff members must move their time card from the OUT Rack and place them in the IN rack this must be done by 8:10 a.m. Staff members should not move their time card to the IN position and then leave the building.

NB: The UFT contract requires staff to be in their assigned positions ready to   begin the school day by 8:10AM.

· Staff members reporting to school after 8:10AM must pick up time cards from Delores Chisolm, Payroll Secretary and clock in.

· Any time card not moved by 8:10 a.m. will be held by the School Secretary.

· At dismissal time the reverse procedure will occur and all staff members will move their time cards from the IN Rack to the OUT Rack.

· Under no circumstances may any staff member move or punch the card of another employee.

· The School Secretary will note in red all lateness or absences, or any staff member leaving early. It is the responsibility of the payroll secretary to maintain a daily attendance log noting lateness, absence, or any staff member leaving early.

· All staff members are reminded that they are not to leave the school building at any time without notifying the Principal.  Staff leaving the building must sign out in the Main Office and move their time card to the out rack.  Upon returning, they must sign in and move their time card to the in rack.

· Personnel occasionally shorten the work day must use the time card to record early departure.  Any staff member leaving the building (lunch, conferences, or school business) must move their time card to the out rack and move it back to the in rack when they return.

· Staff wishing to stay after 3:30pm must notify the Principal in writing daily.  Please use the school form.

· All personnel who are late 5 times in a month will use the time clock to record their work day after the five latenesses are recorded on the time card. The staff member will punch his or her time card in and out until further notice from the Principal.  Any staff member who exhibits a pattern of lateness (more than ten latenesses during one school term) will receive an unsatisfactory rating.

· Staff members are not allowed to move their time cards in the morning and then exit the building.

Per Session Attendance

· All staff must obtain Principal approval before working per-session.

· Failure to obtain Principal approval before working per-session will result in non-payment.

· All staff involved in per-session activities must clock in and out on a separate time card which will be provided.

Absences

· In case of illness, all teachers and paraprofessionals must call the school between 7:30a.m.-7:45 a.m. on the day they are going to be absent so that coverage for your classes may be arranged  and for notification of your absence.  Absences should be called into the school at the following number (718)378-9664 on the morning of your absence or notify Ms. Chisolm, payroll secretary the day before if you know in advance. Besides calling the school, you must call subcentral to report your absence.  Subcentral can be reached www.subcentral.nycenet.edu or at (718) 935-4401 (Live Help Desk) Monday-Friday from 6am to 5pm.  In order to use the SubCentral System, you will need to register with the system using your file number as your Access ID and PIN.  You must change your PIN number as part of completing the registration process.  You can register and change your PIN Number by calling (718) 935-6740.  The Start date to report any absence to  SubCentral is December1, 2007

· Medical documentation is required for absences of three consecutive days or more.  If a pattern of absence develops, such as absences on the day before or after a weekend or holiday, written notification will be sent to the staff member in question.  Good staff attendance provides for instructional continuity and the meaningful education of our students.  It is for this reason that all staff members are encouraged to come to work every day.

· The number of self-treated absences may not exceed ten for the school year.  Staff members who exceed ten absences in any school year may be subject to an unsatisfactory rating. A warning letter will be sent to staff members after six absences.

· All staff members are required to submit 5 substitute lessons within the first week of school.  These lessons must be submitted to the Assistant Principal.  Lesson plans must be replenished immediately upon your return from absence. 

· All staff members are entitled to three of their ten sick days to be designated as “personal days” for personal business that cannot be conducted during other than school hours.  A minimum of one week’s advance notice is requested for administrative approval of such days.  Staff members are to fill out a Request for Personal Day (see Appendix A) and submit it with appropriate documentation to the Payroll Secretary for the Principal’s approval.

· Should you be absent due to attendance at a professional meeting, funeral, jury duty, or graduation you may be eligible for a non-attendance day with pay.  An OP-201 must be completed and given to Ms. Chisolm payroll secretary with appropriate documentation for the date of absence.

· Please keep in mind that a teacher may be rated a “U” for excessive lateness or a pattern of excessive single absences.  Absences before or after a weekend, or holiday is particularly suspect.  A monthly pedagogical report in this area is submitted to the Region 2 Superintendent.

A.M. Homeroom: 8:10Am - 8:20AM

• Teachers are to pick up their students from the designated and escort them to the homeroom class.
•  Non-official class teachers will be given special assignments during the homeroom period.  They are to make sure that students go directly to their class.
• Assistant Principal will be on duty at this time.
• Once in the room students must hang up all their outer clothing. Please allow students to wear a sweater if the room is cold. No student is to leave the official room with their outer clothing, including hats, with them.
• Students must take down all the chairs in the room.  Please do not engage in instruction with the chairs on the desk.
• Attendance must be taken during this time.
• Students must be seated during homeroom and may talk in a low voice.  All talking must stop during the morning announcements.
• Students are not permitted to visit other classes.  Students must not leave the room without a pass.

P.M. HOMEROOM:  2:15PM – 2:25PM

• Attendance must be taken. Notify an administrator if there are any students missing.
• Students must remain seated once they have collected all outer garments and necessary books.
• Students may talk in a low voice, but must remain silent during announcements.
• Students must place all chairs on top of the desks before exiting the room.
• All windows are to be closed.

DISMISSAL: 2:25PM – 2:30PM

The teacher must escort students down the assigned staircase in an orderly manner to outside where they will wait until the children are picked up.  Children that are not picked must be brought to the auditorium where they will wait for their families.

• Grade Pre-K – Right side of Exit H out to the Pre-K Playground
• Grade K – Left side of Exit H out into the School Yard Next to the Parking Lot.
• Grade 1 -  Exit F/G out into the School Yard
• Grade 2  – Exit G out into the School Yard
• Class 121 – Exit G to the auditorium or out to Exit A (Main Entrance)
• Grade 3  – Exit L/M to Exit E out into the School Yard
• Class 229 – Exit L/M to the auditorium or out to Exit A
• Grade 4 -  Exit K out to Cauldwell Avenue
• Grade 5 -  Exit J out Cauldwell Avenue

StaircaseL/M can only a be used by P.S. 146 staff and students  during the following times:

1. Homeroom – Classes 301,302, 303, and 229

2. Lunch – Classes 301, 302, 303, and 229

3. Dismissal – Classes 301, 302, 303, and 229

 P.S. 146 staff members and teachers are not allowed to use staircase L/M other than the designated times to use.  Staircase L/M is the designated Exit and Entrance for the International High School Students and we must respect their space.

Yellow Bus Program

Some students in the Special Education program may travel to school by yellow bus.  The classroom teachers will be made aware of which students travel by bus.  The matrons will escort the arriving students to the cafeteria and Ms. Baez and the school aides will welcome the students.

At 2:25 p.m.or 3:15 pm bus students will be picked up from their classrooms and escorted to the auditorium. The School Aides will supervise the dismissal of the bus students.  

Flow of Hallway Traffic

Staff is to train students to walk on the right side of the hallway at all times.  Model this behavior by making certain that this occurs when you escort your class.  Please stress to your students that they must open the designated door to prevent injury to themselves and others.

When the class is being escorted through the halls, the teacher is to supervise the line at all times.

Staff is to supervise the movement of students during the changes.  Keep the students from congregating and move them along to their classes.

Teachers or students are not allowed to use staircase L/M other than the designated times.  This staircase is to be used only by the International High School Teachers and Students.

Grade 4 and 5 Students are only allowed to use Staircase J/K

Grade 3 students can use Staircase F/G and Staircase J/K

P.S. 146 Staff and Students must respect The International High School space.

COVERAGES

On occasions you may be asked to teach a class for an absent colleague.

 Even though coverages are an inconvenience, they are necessary due to absenteeism.  You will be notified in writing as early on the day as possible.  A coverage form will be placed on your time card, or delivered to you in person.  Please report to the coverage class on time, as lateness of any kind affects the entire school community.

Teachers must understand that they will be responsible for having the necessary work for the students to complete in the subject area of the absentee teacher.  They must also understand that they will be responsible for reviewing the work assignments with the students, take attendance and see to it that the absentee teacher receives the attendance for each student of the class that they cover. Please complete the appropriate form located in the School Forms section of this manual.

Coverage Plan

1. Teachers will receive compensation (payment) for coverages involving the instruction of students during their preparation periods.
2. Coverages are to be accepted regardless of the class or period.
3. Coverages will be conducted in the assigned room and subject area.
4. Coverages for physical education will be held in the official classrooms.
5. Teachers are responsible for providing instruction in the subject area of the class to be taught. However, all teachers will be directed to have absentee lesson plans (in the appropriate subject area) as well as resource guides in place in their classrooms in the event that teachers are asked to cover their classes without the opportunity to prepare a detailed assignment.
6. Supervisors will monitor assignments on their respective grades to insure appropriate procedures are followed.
7. Teachers who fail to appear for a coverage will not be paid and will face disciplinary action.
8. Every attempt will be made to keep the cost of coverages to a minimum.
9. The school program and daily coverage sheet will be available in the main office.

Medical Emergency Plan

If an emergency occurs (life threatening):

1. Stay with the student/staff or designate another

2. Notify an administrator immediately

3. Call the school nurse at ext. 105

4. State who you are

5. State your location

6. State the problem (choking, not breathing, etc)

7. Call the main office ext. 0,

8. 2121, 3121, or 4121

Itinerate Teachers:  Please make every effort to report to class on time.  Lateness of any kind affects student instruction and negatively impedes upon the teacher who is awaiting your arrival.

Preparation Periods

· Preparation periods are for the sole purpose of planning. Teachers are not allowed to leave the building during these periods.

No Smoking Policy

In accordance with Chancellor’s Regulation C/D 810 (issued 6/23/93), smoking is prohibited in all areas within the school buildings, office buildings, structures and facilities under the jurisdiction of the Board of Education, except as otherwise indicated in the Chancellor’s Regulation. 

In addition, it sets a very unprofessional tone to smoke in front of the school building; therefore, you are refrained from smoking anywhere in the vicinity of the school.

Smoking is prohibited at least 100 feet from the school.

 School Yard Parking

1. Teachers are only allowed to park in the school yard given permission by the Principal only!!!!!

2. Parking in the school yard creates a safety problem when the children have recess.

3. It is your responsibility to find parking when you arrived to work and not the school’s responsibility to find you parking.

4. Do not park your car for a short time to move it.  Teachers are not allowed the leave the building during their prep.

Refrigerators, Microwaves, Toaster Ovens, Coffee Pots, and Tea Pots are banned from the classroom.  They are draining the school’s electricity and it is also unsafe to have these items in the classroom.

Daily Pupil Attendance Procedures

· If you have a coverage first period, you are responsible to pick up the class ATS roster.  If a school aide does not collect the ATS scan sheet by 10:00am, please send it to the attendance office, room 104.

· The attendance scan sheet is a legal document.  It is only to be completed by a school staff member.  Students are not to take attendance on the scan sheets!

· Student attendance is to be taken daily in the morning-homeroom and recorded on the ATS scan sheets, and the ATS working class list that is provided at the beginning of every month.  This working class list functions as a backup to the ATS system and will be collected and checked periodically.  Please make sure that you keep them together and in order inside your attendance folder.  These lists will assist you in reconciling days with the ATS system, recording attendance for progress reports and year-end functions. 

· Attendance folders will be placed on the counter in the main office by 8:00.  Make sure that you pick up your attendance folder daily when you come into school.

· It is the responsibility of the Homeroom Teacher to alert the attendance aide of any recurring attendance problems (i.e. frequent absences, pattern of absences, absences lasting longer than 3 consecutive days, are to be reported immediately).  The Family Assistant and Guidance Counselor will follow up on all attendance concerns.

· All students must bring in a signed note from their parent or guardian explaining the reason for every absence.  Make sure that you follow up with parents if they do not send in written notes for absences.  All absence notes must be placed in the attendance folder until the end of the school year.

· Students are expected to be in school promptly at 8:10am.  Any student that comes in after the official start of school must be marked late on the ATS daily scan sheet.  Place late passes in the attendance folder.

ATS PROCEDURES

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFICIAL CLASS TEACHERS FOR

COMPLETING THE ATTENDANCE ROSTER FORM

**This is a legal document**

1. Rosters will be available for pick up by 8:00AM

2. Attendance must be taken prior to 10:00AM

3. Use #2 pencil to bubble in the attendance.  DO NOT USE INK ON ROSTERS!

4. Mark attendance for absent students only.

5. Be sure to bubble in the section marked “attendance taken”.

6. Sign the attendance roster in ink at the top of the page.

7. Erasures must be done thoroughly.

8. If students who arrive in class late, but prior to attendance are being taken, carefully erase the “absent” bubble and bubble in “late”.

9. Students that arrive late will receive a late pass.  The attendance staff will correct their attendance.

10. Do not add names on the scan forms; add names to the working class list and indicate the first day of attendance.  If a new students enters your class and the name does not appear after 2 days please notify the Pupil Accounting Secretary and Assistant Principal.

11. The working class list MUST BE COMPLETED IN ADDITION TO THE SCAN SHEET.  THE WORKING CLASS LIST MUST BE FILLED OUT DAILY.  Use this form when the rosters are not printed.  This is your backup for your students’ attendance.

12. The attendance should be send down to the Main Office by 10:00AM .

13. Attendance rosters will be scanned before 11:00AM as per the Regional Office

14. To correct a student attendance record, the official Change Attendance Form must be completed and entered on ATS.

15. The Students Medical notes are to be collected and placed in the attendance folder. 

16.   ATS will report you as being in non-compliance if an assigned teacher fails to complete an attendance roster for the day. If you are covering a class you will be held accountable for the attendance.

Monthly Faculty Conferences

The Monthly Faculty Conference is the first Monday of every month.   The Faculty Conference is 40 minutes long. 

Dress Code

· While there is no specific dress code, staff members are reminded that they are role models for our students and parents, and as such, are expected to dress in a professional manner. 

· P.S. 146 is a uniform school.  If a student is dressed inappropriately or suggestively, please notify an administrator immediately.  Inappropriate dress includes, short pants, short skirts, midriff tops (exposing the navel), tank tops, halter-tops and spaghetti strap tops (exposing shoulders and undergarments).

Telephones

· School telephones are to be used for school business only.  Do not use the school number to receive personal calls, which are not of an emergency nature.

· Pay phones are available in the lobby for all personal calls.

· The use of cellular phones is prohibited during instructional sessions. Teachers should have cellular phones off and out of sight during instruction.

Staff members who violate this rule will face disciplinary action.

· Calls to the main office will be written on a message pad and placed on your time card, unless the person calling specifies that it is an emergency.

Supplies

We have a variety of educational material available from either the supply room or the Literacy Coach or Math Staff Developer.  Teachers are to submit a list a needed supplies such as paper, markers, stapler, borders, etc. to Ms. Vargas.

Supplies such as textbooks, workbooks, maps, and charts are available from the Curriculum Leaders.

All teachers are eligible for Teacher Choice funding.  General Education teachers will receive an allotment of $250.  Special Education teachers will receive $200.  Please save the receipts from 8/1/05 to 2/1/05.  Purchase material that would normally not be made available in the school.

Mailboxes

Every staff member has a mailbox located in the main office.  Please check your mailbox at least twice a day, as this is one of our main ways of communicating within the school.  The staff member’s mailbox slot is UNDER the name.  If the wrong mail is in your box, please place it in the correct box, or notify the secretary.

School Notices

· Official notices are posted above the time clock.  Teachers are responsible for reading these notices

· Parent letters are to be distributed to the children on the same day they are received.  Teachers are responsible for distributing notices to absent children when they return. 

· Notices are not to be circulated throughout the school unless they have the approval o the principal.

Building Appearance and Cleanliness

· Close windows at the end of the day.

· Lock classroom doors upon leaving.

· Lights out when the rooms are not in use.

· Elevate chairs, erase, and wash chalk boards at the end of the day.

· Adjust shades and arrange materials.

· Note condition and appearance of the classroom.

Announcements

We will make every effort to limit the number of individual announcements that are made to the classrooms as they can disrupt classroom activities.

School Keys

Every teacher will receive a set of keys for their classroom as well as a key to the restroom.  To gain access into a classroom for a teaching assignment, please notify the Assistant Principal. The last person leaving the classroom must be sure to lock the door.  Please do not leave your keys lying around for a student to pick up.  The security of the building and your personal belongings rely on securing your keys.

Copy Machines

The use of worksheets and copied materials should be kept at a minimum.  If you have bulk copying to do, please put in your request two days in advance. School Aides will make every effort to accommodate all requests. There are request forms in the main office to request copies.  The copy machine in the main office is not to be used by teachers; it is for the sole use of office staff.  This machine cannot handle a great deal of copying.

Weekly Calendars

A weekly calendar will be distributed to all staff every Friday.  It is intended to keep faculty informed about the school and special events, important meetings, class trips, visitors to the school and memoranda to staff.  Copies of the weekly calendar will be placed in your mailboxes.  Read it carefully so you are prepared for the events of the upcoming month. 

Staff members wishing to have information appear in the weekly calendar should submit the information on the Weekly Calendar Form (Appendix A) to Ms. Johnson, parent coordinator.

Collection of Money

No money is to be collected from staff or students without the authorization of the Principal.  Staff members are reminded that a sale of any merchandise for personal profit during school hours or in the school building is strictly prohibited.  Staff members violating this regulation are subject to disciplinary action as per Chancellor’s Regulations.

Monies that have been collected should not be kept in a desk drawer or be left in a classroom.  All valuable should be kept in a locked, secure place)

Trip Procedures

Teachers are encouraged to take their classes on trips.  Grades 3-5 trips are to be schedule after the reading and math tests.  Trips should be relevant to the material being studied in the classroom.  Trips give students first hand experiences and make learning come alive.  Class trips should include all students in the class.

It is recognized that occasionally a student may have to remain back in the school for safety reasons.  This should be the exception; not the rule and the decision should be made after discussions with the Assistant Principal.  In the event that a student is not attending a trip, arrangements must be made to continue his/her educational program for the day. There must be 95% student attendance attending all field trips or the trip will be cancelled.

For every school trip there must be a ratio of one adult per ten students.  It is suggested that parental participation may assist you in meeting that requirement.  However, keep in mind that the classroom teacher is responsible for safety of all students attending the trip.

Please follow the procedure outlined below when planning a trip:

1. Make your reservation with the place you plan to attend.

2. Complete the “Trip Request Form” ( see section 3) and submit to Ms. Lopez

      six weeks prior to your trip if you are in need of a yellow bus transportation.

3. Submit the form at least two weeks in advance if you are renting a private bus or    

      going by subway.

4. The School Trip Coordinator will make necessary arrangements for school buses or subway voucher.  All trips must have the approval of the Principal and will be published in the weekly calendar.

5. All students attending the trip must submit a signed consent form (see section 3).  The signed consent form must be kept on file in the school.  The consent form must have an emergency phone number of an adult who can be reached during the day.  Verbal consent is not acceptable.

6. Staff members must arrange to cover their classes.  When possible, the administration will assist with the assignment of coverages.

7. If the trip will extend through the students’ lunch hour, it is suggested that arrangements be made with the school Dietician to provide bag lunches.  Please make these arrangements at least one week in advance of the trip.

8. Three days prior to your trip you should confirm the following:

* Confirm the trip with the place you are going.

            * Confirm the bus with the Trip Coordinator.

            * Have consent forms from all students attending the trip.

            * Confirm the lunch arrangements with the cafeteria staff.

9. All students must be accounted for before departing the trip site and before leaving the trip site.  In the event that one or more students cannot be accounted for at the trip site, the authorities of the trip site should be notified immediately.  If following a search the students cannot be located, the staff member in charge must contact the Principal.  The local Police must also be called.

A staff member must remain at the site until all of the students are accounted for.

The staff member in charge shall determine whether other students and adults should leave the trip site.  All decisions shall be made in consultation with the principal.

Parents should be informed as to the status of the search for their child.  (See Chancellor’s Special Circular No. 4, 1994-5).

Student Monitors

Children should not be out of the classroom for unnecessary reasons.  Therefore children should be used as monitors only when scheduled for a school service or when there is an immediate necessity.  Students may not be excused from an assigned class without written permission from the subject teacher.

Pull-Out Programs

Any student participating in a pull-out program (AIS, Counseling, ESL, Resource,  and Speech) must be escorted by the service provider.  The service provider should give subject teachers an approved schedule for all students receiving services.  The Principal must approve deviations from this schedule.

Lunch Procedures

· The official classroom teacher must escort their children to their assigned tables.

· Teachers are to remain with the children until a supervisor or the supervising school aide on duty is present.

· Students are to display proper manners in the cafeteria.

· Students are to remain seated until their class is called to be served

· No child is permitted to leave the lunchroom without permission.

· The official classroom teacher must pick up the children on time and escort them to class.

· Teachers may not keep students in their room without permission of administration.

If a pattern of lateness develops in picking up the children from the cafeteria, written notification will be sent to the staff member in question.

All parents will be notified either by phone or letter concerning their child’s unsatisfactory lunchroom behavior.  If the behavior does not improve, the child will be suspended from the lunchroom.

Conferences

All faculty are mandated to attend faculty and department conferences.  Make up faculty conferences will be held the following Monday afternoon.

Inter-class Transfers

· Inter-class transfer can only be made with the approval of the Principal

· All records are to be exchanged immediately

Classroom Door

Only Teacher and Student schedules are to be posted on the inside glass of the door window.  The door window must remain unobstructed.

Classroom doors must be kept unlocked when class is in session and locked when a teacher leaves his/her room.

Communication with Parents

· Keep a copy of all written communications between you and parents.

· Keep a record of all telephone communications between you and parents

· Keep a log of all conferences with parents

Lesson Plans

a. (Chancellor’s Special Circular No. 28,2999-91)

“Planning by teachers is a critical element in the education of our students.  This planning provides a blue print for such educational priorities as the implementation of curriculum, the development of long and short-term expectations for student learning, the integration of subject areas, monitoring of pupil progress and modifications of strategies and objectives based upon student performance and need.”

b. Teachers are responsible to maintain a plan book reflective of this circular.

c. School administrators are responsible to review teachers’ lesson plans and observe the teaching/learning process for the purpose of ensuring teacher compliance and student progress.

Chalkboard Planning

· The focus must be located on the chalkboard or chart paper in a question form.

· Board work should progress from left to right.  Homework Assignments should be written on the chalkboard.

Each class instructional period must have a specific focus point of entry.

Teacher Generated Form Letters

Letter/notices to parents must be approved in writing by the principal or assistant principal.

Reimbursement

Staff must obtain prior authorization from the Principal before purchasing school related items.  A voucher must be completed and forward with the original bill to Ms. Nelson.

SECTION 2 - ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Professional Development

On-going professional development is an important part of your job.  It is incumbent on all professionals to keep up with developments within our profession.  As per the UFT Contract thirty hours of professional duty is required during the school year.  There will be many opportunities for staff development at the school level, from consultants, colleges and the UFT.  Professional development activities include the exchange of information with colleagues, attending conferences and/or workshops, college courses, school and classroom visitations, distribution of written materials, and in-class support by school based Staff Developers, Region Staff Developers, and consultants.  Staff members attending staff development opportunities sponsored by the school will be expected to turnkey the information to the staff.  Teachers will be required to fill out a professional development evaluation at the end of every workshop.

Mainstreaming

P.S. 146 are committed to the integration of our Special Education students into the General Education Program through the Mainstreaming Committee.  All general Education teachers are expected to participate in this initiative to help make a smooth transition for the Special Education students.

Student Generated Work

Student generated work must be visible and current throughout the entire classroom.  Displaying worksheets is discouraged.  If worksheets must be displayed they must be accompanied by a student-writing piece.  Computer generated work is also important.  If there are computers in your room, use them to generate exemplary student work.  Work must be updated monthly.

Bulletin Boards

Teachers are expected to maintain attractive, student centered bulletin boards in their classrooms.  Bulletin boards should reflect current class work and should provide an opportunity for very child to display his/her work.

Children’s work should be displayed throughout the classroom.  Mount the work attractively.  Do not display papers which have been folded and torn.  Work should be display all student in a positive manner.

Every classroom teacher is also expected to provide and maintain an attractive display of current student work outside his/ her classroom.  Outside bulletin boards are to be updated the 5^th of every month.  A memo will specifically assign bulletin boards to staff members.

If you are not familiar with how to prepare a proper bulletin board, ask the literacy coach, math staff developer, or a fellow teacher.  Store bought materials are not to be used on bulletin boards. Bulletin boards must be kept neat.  The final draft of the students’ work is to be placed on all bulletin boards.  Work that has spelling or grammatical errors is unacceptable for display.  Bulletin boards must have a title, the teacher’s name, class, the task explaining the assignment, rubrics with given information of how to move to the next level (feed forward), NYS standards and exemplary student work from at least 90% of the students in the classroom if not all students.

Lesson Plan

“If you fail to plan, then plan to fail” (author unknown). Every teacher is expected to have some type of plan for the day.  On any given day, a building administrator can ask to see your lesson plan for that day.  Lesson plans that are well organized and interesting can cut down on classroom management problems.  Children know when a teacher is “winging it”.  If you need help with lesson planning, please feel free to ask the Assistant Principal, Literacy Coach, Math Staff Developer, and Experienced Teachers can be helpful.

The Classroom Environment

Rooms that are neat and attractive help to create a good learning environment.  Although each room should reflect the personality and teaching style of the teacher, there are certain minimum requirements that every classroom should meet.  The guidelines are in the form of checklists and are meant to help guide your thinking in the development and management of your overall classroom program.  They will also give you a very clear and concise idea of the essentials that should be present daily in every classroom.

The Room

_______                Does the appearance of the room reflect a functional sense of order and arrangement.

_______                Is the room aesthetically pleasing?

_______                Is the room print rich, interesting, and inviting?

_______                Is there a meeting area

________             Are the desks and chairs arranged for cooperative or group work ?

_______                Are the activity centers clearly defined?

______                  If this is your homeroom class, is each child assigned a hook in the closet?

Materials

______                  Do the students know where the classroom materials they use are kept?

______                  If using computers or audiovisual equipment, are they being kept clean and in good repair?

______                  Are clear simple directions posted for the use of classroom computers?

______                  Are there materials for centers or  creative activities?

_____                    Are there reference materials available to extend learning developed in a particular area?

______                  Are materials and visual aids changed often to maintain interest?

______                  Are materials provided for individualized work?

Children and Program

______                  Are the children aware of their responsibility for the appearance of the room?

______                  Are the children’s experiences use as the basis for oral discussion

______                  Is current children’s work attractively displayed?

______                  Are there opportunities around the room for reading?  Are pictures and charts attractive and at students eye level?  Is the writing on the charts clear and legible?

______                  Are their opportunities for language development?

______                  Are there opportunities for the students to make specific choices?

______                  Are children encouraged and given the opportunity to work cooperatively?

______                  Do your lessons have a balance of individual, small group, and whole class activities.

______                  Are there teacher generated charts that the children can refer to or  used to apply the skills?

Teacher Made Materials

______                  Daily Schedule/Class and Student Programs

______                  Weekly or Monthly Calendar

______                  Class Rules

______                  Chart of Grading System for Your Class

______                  Note to Parents

______                  Interest Area Signs and Instructions

______                  News of the Day

______                  Directions for Activities

______                  Lesson Charts

Classroom Library

Just as your classroom in general, the library area should be a place where children can make choices and follow through on those choices.  This can be a focal point of your classroom literacy program and should reflect school goals philosophy.  The library should meet the following guidelines:

______                  Set apart from the rest of the classroom.

______ Establish rituals such as recommended reading lists complied by students.

______                  Books are accessible.

______                  Books are attractively displayed showing covers and characters.

______                  Have appropriate reference materials, such as dictionaries, atlases, thesaurus.

______                  Multiple copies of books

______                  Organize books by levels, genre, theme, author etc.     

Lesson Planning

                        All teachers are expected to maintain cumulative up to date lessons.  While plan books are the property of the teacher and will not be collected on a regular basis, they are expected to be available to the supervisor at all times.

                        Planning by all teachers is a critical element in the education of our students.  Planning provides a blueprint for educational priorities in the implementation of curriculum, the development of long and short term expectations for student learning, the integration of subject areas, monitoring of student progress and modifications of strategies and objectives base upon student performance and need.  A student oriented, sequential and self-evaluative approach to lesson planning provides a solid foundation for effective teaching.  While format is optional, good instruction dictates that certain basic elements should be integral parts of your planning process:

· Focus/point of entry

· Instructional materials (text page number, follow-up activity, etc).

· Group designations where applicable

· Small learning communities, groups or individual activities

· Homework assignments

· Emphasis on thematic curriculum planning

· Use of  Curriculum Materials provided by the school.

Plan books must be sufficiently detailed to help a substitute teacher.  All teachers are required to maintain substitute lesson plans (5 per class) in the Main Office.

Example Lesson Plan

Focus:______________________

“Do Now”:___________________

Vocabulary:___________________

Materials:_____________________

Motivation:____________________

Development:__________________

Applications:___________________

Summary:_____________________

Homework:____________________

Students Performance  and Assessment

Throughout the school year we will implement assessment methodologies to evaluate our students.  Keep in mind some of the attributes of good assessment which are critical in determining student achievement.

· Assessment must be aligned with the curriculum

· Assessment must be authentic (authentic tasks, texts, and contexts)

· Assessment must be a continuous on-going process

· Assessment must be multi-dimensional.  A wide range of cognitive processes, affective responses should be sampled.

· Assessment should provide for active, collaborative reflection by both teacher and student and teacher and supervisor.

· Assessment must be understood as an important and useful component of the whole instructional process.

· Assessment results should be used to drive instruction.

All Students are required to read 25 books each school year.

Progress Reports/Interim Reports

Report of student progress to parents should be done on an ongoing basis.  It is the classroom teacher responsibility to keep parents informed of their child’s work in their class.

Formal Interim Reports are to be issue in the middle of each marking period.  Reports are to be mailed home and not given to the individual students.  If the form is not returned to you within a week, follow up with a phone call to the home.  Inform the Assistant Principal of any difficulty in reaching parent or guardian.

Signed Interim Reports are to be kept on file by the classroom teacher.  They should be readily available when parent-teacher conferences are held.

Honor Roll

P.S. 146 will have an extensive honor roll recognition program.  Students are recognized if they have good citizenship, character, service, and meet the following academic standards on the report card.

Honorable Mentioned                       Level 3

            Honor Roll List                                  Level 3 and Level 4

            Principal’s List                                   Level 4  

Student Assessment Conferences

All classroom teachers will meet with their grade assistant principal each month to review the progress of their classes and discuss individual concerns.  During these meetings teachers should be able to provide supporting documentation to assist in devising an educational program which best meets the needs of the student.  Every child must have an assessment portfolio for data analysis.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

 Mandatory Parent/teacher conferences will be held twice per year.   For each of the conferences an afternoon as well as an evening session will take place. Please prepare your classroom with student work for parents to review.  Also make sure that your room is neat and presentable.  Make sure that you have all of your documents to support the grade given.  If you have a problem with a parent, call the Assistant Principal or Principal immediately.  Limit your conferences to 10 minutes per parent.  This will ensure that you will have enough time to conference with all parents. Please encourage parents to come to the conferences by calling them and reminding them of the date and time.

Parent-Teacher conferences should be constructive.  The primary goal of the conference is to build a relationship with the parent/guardian in which we all work together to create a viable educational program for the child.

Other conferences with parents are to be scheduled before 8:10AM or after 3:20PM, during your lunch hour, or during your prep period.  Parents will not be allowed in the classroom for a conference during teaching time.

DO NOT SEE ANY PARENTS IF THEY DO NOT HAVE A PASS FROM THE MAIN OFFICE.

Preparation Periods

Teachers are asked to follow their assigned programs.  There is no changing of Preparation Periods unless specifically approved by the Principal.  Teachers are not to leave the building during Prep Periods unless they follow the procedures outlined in the section entitled, “School Safety and Security”

“Preparation periods shall be used for unassigned professional work.  Teachers are expected to utilize their professional preparation time in such a manner as to enable them to further their professional work for the purpose of their greater classroom effectiveness.  Preparation periods shall be used for professional, job related work which may include but is not limited to preparation for classes, preparation of teaching material, preparation of, or attendance at demonstration lessons, participation in teacher training and conferences with the Principal, other teachers, guidance counselors and parents.” UFT Contract; Article 7B4h)

Homework Policy

Value:  Learning is life long. 

Homework teaches that learning also takes place outside of school.  It should be a fun extension of school.  Students must be given homework every day.  Each teacher must devise a sheet listing the homework assignments given to students for that week.  Weekly homework assignments must be submitted to Cynthia Carter, assistant principal for grades Pre-K- 2 and Janet-Ann Sanderson-Brown, principal for grades

 3-5 on Thursday for the upcoming week.

Guidelines for Time Spent on Homework

1.  Kindergarten           10-15 minutes daily      15 minutes reading (100 Book Challenge)

2.  Grade 1                   20-30 minutes daily      15 minutes reading (100 Book Challenge)

3.  Grade 2                   20-30 minutes daily      30 minutes reading (100 Book Challenge)                    

4.  Grade 3                   30-40 minutes daily      45 minutes reading (100 Book Challenge)

5.  Grade 4                   30- 40 minutes daily     60 minutes reading (100 Book Challenge)                    

6.  Grade 5                   40-50 minutes daily      60 minutes reading (100 Book Challenge)        

To insure a successful elementary school experience, homework responsibility must be shared by the teacher, the student, and the parent.

1. Teacher Responsibilities:

            Be excited, motivated and creative.

            Set realistic goals and time frames.

            Give daily assignments and vary them from day to day.

            Give clear instructions.

            Integrate assignments in various subject areas.

            Make assignments an outgrowth of the lesson.

            Check homework every day.

            Include homework as part of the evaluation process.

            Assign quarterly projects.

            Allow for spiraling:

a. Review – past learning

b. Reinforcement – day’s lesson

c. Remediation – particular student/student problems

d. Research – enrichment, study, projects, and etc

e. Record – review, check, and grade

f. Reward – intrinsic or extrinsic.

2. Student Responsibilities:

a. Copy assignment.

b. Understand assignment (ask questions before and after).

c. Complete tasks on time.

d. Request and complete missed assignments

3. Parent Responsibilities:

a. Support P.S. 146 Homework Policy

b. Assist and review Homework assignments.

c. Respond to notes or phone calls from teachers and confer with teachers when necessary.

The Educational Assistant Role and Responsibilities

The Educational Assistant is assigned to the classroom to support the teaching/learning process by providing for:

· additional small group activities

· individual attention; observing a child’s behavior pattern

· preparation of materials assisting in and overseeing learning centers

· other activities according to individual skills and interest

While the teacher is the educational leader in the classroom, both the teacher and the educational assistant can work together to guide children’s developments in a climate of mutual respect, purposeful cooperation, and support for one another.

Educational Assistants and classroom teachers are expected to meet on a weekly basis to plan together.  Educational Assistants are to attend the grade common planning meetings.

Educational Assistants are required to maintain cumulative daily Logs of their lessons, activities and individual interactions with students.  These logs will be collected and reviewed monthly by the Principal.

When the class is assigned to Art, Computer, Music, Physical Education or Science, the Educational Assistant must accompany the class and assist the subject teacher for the whole period.  The Principal will make the only exceptions.

The teacher and the educational assistant are to walk the students to different locations throughout the building during the day as specified on the children’s program.

Staff Performance Evaluation

Formal and informal observations will be given to every teacher by the Principal and the Assistant Principal.  Teachers will be notified in advance regarding the formal observation date.  The administrator will explain what they are looking for in the lesson.  Feel free to ask!

Minimum Formal Observations Yearly

· One observation for tenured teacher

· Two observations all probationary teachers

The number of observations can change if there is an unsatisfactory rating of a formal observation.

Medication Administered at School

If a student must take medication during school, it must be administered by or under

the supervision of the school nurse.  A note from a parent or doctor is required and must be signed by the Assistant Principal.  Part A 504 medical form must be on file in the school for students who take medication on a daily basis.  This includes those students who have asthma and carry pumps.

Lost and Found

The storage closet in room 122 is where lost items are turned in.  Students may ask to see lost items are in this area during A.M. or P.M. homeroom only.  A school aide will let you look for and identify your lost property.  Students are discouraged from wearing jewelry to school.

Lunch Program

Each student will receive and must return the lunch form given out by their homeroom teachers.  Once processed, a determination whether the student receives a free or reduced lunch will be made.  The Cafeteria coordinator will issue a special set of Cafeteria Rules – these rules cover basic behavior requirements in a large group situation.

Student Cafeteria Rules and Regulations

Students must be escorted to the cafeteria by their homeroom teacher to their assigned area.  Lunch and breakfast will be served daily.  Applications will be sent home with your child at the beginning of the school year for free and reduced lunch.   All students in the school are required to return a completed lunch form to their official teacher.

Students are expected to behave in a certain manner so the cafeteria will run effectively and efficiently.

Students are expected to obey the following rules:

1.   Escorted and pick up by homeroom teacher

2.   Students are to report to their assigned tables and sit down

            3.   When the whistle is blown, all students are to be silent

            4.   Students will get on line for lunch only when their class is called.

            5.   Only two students are allowed to go to the bathroom at a time.

            6.   Students may not leave the cafeteria without a signed pass from the dean or

                  school aide

7.   After students are finished eating, they must wait for the signal to empty their   

      tray.

            8.   Tables must be cleaned before students are allowed to go out for recess.

9.   The Supervising School Aide will instruct dismissal from the cafeteria or

playground.

         10.   Students that have any problems during lunch should notify the School Aide,

     Security Agent, or the Assistant Principal.

Early Release of Student

A Parent/Guardian (listed on the emergency card must be 18 years old or older) must come into the main office and request that the child be released.  Once the child is brought to the office, the parent/guardian is required to sign the student out.  At no time is a student permitted to leave the building alone before dismissal.

The Student Code of Behavior and School Wide Contract

Attendance Procedures

1.  Entry to School

Students are expected to report to school at 8:10AM.  At a signal, students will enter the building carefully and quietly.  The cafeteria is open for breakfast from 7:30AM to 8:00AM for breakfast.

2.  Daily Attendance

            Good attendance is important for good grades.  Students who are absent must

present a note from a parent/guardian explaining the absence.  Homeroom teachers will keep notes from parents on file.  Except for illness, if you are not present, you cannot learn and your absence will be reflective in your grades.  An absence will be considered unexcused unless a note is submitted from a parent/guardian, doctor or other official source.  After a student submits an acceptable note, the absence is considered explained, s/he must make up all work missed within a reasonable time (no more than a week).  A student with explained absences who does not make up the work may still receive a failing grade.  More than 10% days of unexcused absence for the school year 2007-2008 is failure of the attendance criteria for promotion.

          3.  Lateness to School

Student arriving after 8:20AM must get a late pass to be admitted to class from the attendance aide.  Teachers will not admit students without a pass, but will send them back to the main office. More than 20% unexcused lateness for the school year 2007-2008 is failure of the attendance criteria for promotion.  Two lateness equal one absence.

4. Cutting

There are two types of cuts.  A full period cut and a partial cut.  Students who are not present for the full period and arrive without a pass will be marked as a partial cut.  Every two unexcused partial cuts will be considered as an unexcused absence.  Students are considered cutting a full period if they are present in school and absent from a subject class.  Each full period cut is an unexcused absence.  This illegal behavior is serious and will affect your academic performance.  This could also lead to detention, suspension or placement in an alternative educational setting.

Student Responsibilities

Closet

Students will be allowed to go to the closet only once in the morning

during Homeroom period and once at the end of the day prior to dismissal. 

No hats or coats will be permitted to be worn in school.

Change of Periods

            Students are expected to observe the following rules during passing:

a. Running is not allowed in the hallways.

b. Use the Up and Down Stairwell that you use for Morning Entrance to escort the children back and forth to lunch.

c.  Keep to the right while passing

d. Visiting teachers or guidance counselor is not permitted without a written pass.  Any student who needs to see the nurse or any adult in the building must report to class first and request a pass from the classroom teacher.

e. No yelling and screaming.

f. Cursing or use of inappropriate language is not allowed.

Out of Room Passes

No student is allowed out of the room for ANY REASON without a

pass.  This includes bathroom, guidance, library, nurse, assistant principal,

principal, and etc.

Care of School Property

a. Textbooks must be covered at all times.  Follow the directions of your

teachers.

b. Students will be responsible for damage or lost of all school property. 

Example: textbooks, musical instruments, and etc.

c. We expect students to bring pencils, pens paper and notebooks.  We

appreciate each parent’s assistance in making sure the student is properly equipped for school.

The Basic Code for Student Behavior

1. Any student who is found to be carrying a weapon or dangerous object in school will be automatically suspended from school under a Superintendent’s Suspension. The police will be called and they will take further action.  The principal no longer has any discretionary powers in regards to what action the police take.  Any item, which is dangerous and does not belong in school, can be considered to be a weapon.  We are cautioning our students and parents to be sure that these items are not found in school book bags, books lockers, or pockets of students in our school.  This is for the protection for all students and adults in the school.  If there are any questions, please call the main office.

2. Any students fighting in school or on school property or in the vicinity of the school will be suspended with the approval of the Principal.

3. Any student involved in stealing any property from other students, teachers, or anyone else will be responsible for returning the property and face suspension or transfer upon the approval of the Principal.

4. Any student involved in vandalizing school property (magic marker, bulletin boards, etc.) will be responsible for paying for the repairs involved, face possible arrest and suspension with approval of the Principal.  Vandalism of personnel property is subject to Police action.

5. Any student involved in pulling the fire alarm will face the Fire Marshall, face arrest and suspension and/or transfer with the approval of the Principal.

6. Any student involved in taking money or any other personal property or making any kind of threat to another student’s safety or welfare will be arrested and face suspension and or transfer with the approval of the Principal.

7. Students are not allowed to eat or drink any food in the building during school hours except in the cafeteria during lunch periods.  Student found eating or drinking soda will have items taken from them.  The same rules apply for chewing gum.

8. Students are warned not to bring cell phones, radios, electronic games, sports equipment, toys or other extraneous items to school.  If brought to school these items will be taken and held for the day.  If the occurrence is repeated, the parent will have to come to school and pick up the items.

9. Smoking on or near school property is prohibited.  Students may be suspended for such activity.

10. Throwing food or other items in the lunchroom may result in a five day suspension or detention.

11. Clothing with gang symbols, studs, and etc are prohibited.

12. Detention will be initiated for students who do not follow school rules.  A specific program of instruction will be provided and follow-up taken.  Parents will be notified via a written notice, prior to the detention.

13. Homework is given every night in all subjects and is 10% of the report card grade.  Homework is due the following day.  If absent, homework may be obtained by contacting fellow students.

14. Citizenship – all students are expected to follow rules and regulations of the school.  Proper class behavior is expected and support from the home is needed to reinforce the school rules.  The following marks are given each marking period and place on the report card.

O = Outstanding                        S= Satisfactory           I = Improving            

U = Unsatisfactory

  15. Students who exhibit inappropriate behavior in class may be subject to In-House

        Suspension or detention until such behavior is adjusted.  An alternative education

        program may be recommended if the behavior does not improve.

Guidance and Discipline

General Guidelines

Student discipline is primary the role of the classroom teacher.  Teaching children appropriate behavior is as much as part of the job as teaching reading and math.  You are less likely to become frustrated by children’s misbehavior if you view appropriate behavior as another area to be taught and approach it in that way.

All students will be given a copy of the “Citywide Standards of Discipline and Intervention Measures” (The Discipline Code).  Each child will take a copy home and have it signed by their parent/guardian.  This copy will have a tear-off which will be returned by the student Official Class Teacher.  If the tear-off is not returned promptly, the official teacher is to call the home. If unsuccessful, notify the principal secretary who will follow up with home contact. Considerable classroom time should be spent going over this document in order to make sure that every child understands what it means.  Situations should be discussed before and after they occur and related to the Code of Behavior.  The official class teacher until the end of the school year will maintain the signed copy of the Code of Behavior.  It is essential that the teacher expect the best of each child.  All teachers are to insist on good behavior – no shouting, no running, and no pushing in the halls, stairways, lunchroom, and gym and no fighting.  Every teacher must consider himself or herself a guidance teacher.  Children must be provided with guidance and direction.  Guidance lessons should be given periodically, or when a situation calls for it.  The Guidance Counselor will be available to assist you in planning these lessons or to come to your class and conduct a lesson.

Behavior modification, stressing appropriate behavior, must be utilized as a means to meet the needs of all children in their class.  Use a positive approach in dealing with your students.  Be generous with your praise.  Emphasize mutual respect and good manners.  Develop your own strategies for handling minor discipline problems within the classroom.

This approach strengthens the teacher’s authority.  Do not send students from your classroom for minor situations such as coming late, talking, or unprepared without a pencil or a notebook.  The Assistant Principal and Principal are to only deal with serious behavioral problems.  The classroom teacher should handle routine situations.

If an emergency situation occurs, do not leave your class unattended. Call the main office or security for assistance or send a monitor to the main office with a note.

Children are not to be sent to stand or sit in the hallway as punishment.  Students are not to be asked to stand during a period.  This constitutes corporal punishment.  Remember that comprehensive planning and good teaching techniques are essential to maintaining good classroom discipline.

Classroom Discipline Plans

Development of classroom rules and consequences for infractions should be an outgrowth of the School Code Behavior.  Students should be included in this process for best results.  Be sure that you have identified the areas for yourself that are non-negotiable – what you can live and what you cannot.  Sometimes negotiation of classroom rules and consequences is appropriate.  Consequences are directly related to the rule.  They are both logical and natural and they help the rule breaker learn acceptable behavior from the experience.

Fair and consistent enforcement of class rules assures better compliance.  It is not fair to create a new rule after a situation has occurred.  Once rules and consequences have been developed, children should be specifically taught them and role play the situations if necessary.

The Process of Effective Discipline Begins with the Following:

a. Cooperatively establish class rules with your students.

b. Post them on a chart and hang in the classroom.

c. Rules should be a few in number and consistently enforced.

Before Making a referral to the Assistant Principal

a. Confer with the child, the parent, and guidance counselor

b. Set up a daily behavior progress report with the child and parent.

c. Maintain an Anecdotal Record – record date, time, and an objective statement of the incident or unusual behavior.  These records are most important for justifying later action by the Assistant Principal or Principal.

d. Make recommendations if necessary to the Child Study Team for the review of the child’s placement.

Ladder of Discipline

Children are not to be sent to the Dean, the Assistant Principal  for minor infractions.  In addition under no circumstances are you to have students standing in the halls unsupervised for behavior difficulties.  Teachers are to use the Referral Forms to communicate behavioral difficulties with the Dean’s Office.  In an emergency situation (example a fight in the classroom), a monitor may be sent to the Dean or Assistant Principal’s for assistance.  In addition, there is a phone in your room which you can use for immediate assistance.  You should have a key for the phone and if you don’t contact the Principal.

The Ladder of Discipline illustrates how behavioral problems should be handled:

                        Teacher  ~~   Guidance Counselor   ~~  Dean

                            !                        !                                   !

                        Child                Child                            Parent

                            !                      !                                   !

                        Parent              Parent                     Child/Parent/Teacher

                                                                                         !

                                                                             Assistant Principal

                                                                                         !

Principal

Remember the Following:

a. More severe problems are to be written and submitted on Referral forms

b. Document behavior incidents for future reference

c. Bring continuing problems to the Child Study Team

Ladder of Referral

The following procedures are to be complied and are effective upon the receipt of this bulletin.  They are designed to standardize the referral procedures in dealing with pupils requiring discipline for guidance attention.

1.         Minor Offense

The subject teacher who finds it necessary to report a student for a minor infraction such as gum chewing, lack of preparation and homework, no class work, etc is to phone the parent.

2.         Major Offenses

The Assistant Principal will be apprised by the Dean, the Guidance Counselor and IEP Teacher of students who show consistent patterns of deviant behavior.

Retaining Pupils After School

If students are to be kept after school for disciplinary measures or for any other reason a notification must be sent to the main office indicating class, room, and teacher.  If students are to be kept for longer than 10 minutes, written notification must be made to the parents

a day in advance.

Disciplinary Procedures

Step 1 – THE TEACHER

Every teacher is responsible for the discipline in his her own classroom.  The teacher should recognize that discipline should be preventive and therapeutic whenever possible.  In addition to the usual form of a quiet admonition, the teacher has available other forms of censure.  The teacher for example, may want to speak to the student privately after class or after school or may contact the parents by phone or letter.  More than one phone call may be necessary.  Should all of this fail and the student behaves in such a way that the teacher cannot carry on instruction, the teacher should complete the referral forms to be provided and send them to the AP.  Under no circumstances should a troublesome student be left in the hall. (This is an example of corporal punishment or sent from the classroom unless escorted by an adult.

Step 2 – The Dean

The Deans should consult the entire record of the student before taking any further steps.  When a student is consistently referred to the dean and disciplinary actions are being considered, parents will be invited to the school for a conference with the teacher, dean, AP, and Guidance Counselor.  The student disciplinary history will be reviewed, parents will be encouraged to offer suggestions and the problems will be studied cooperatively.  At this time referrals outside agencies may be made.

Step 3 – GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

The Guidance Counselor should consult the entire record of the student before taking any further steps.  When a student is consistently referred and disciplinary actions are being considered, parents will be invited to the school for a conference with the teacher, AP and Guidance Counselor.  The student’s history will be reviewed, parents will be encouraged to offer suggestions and the problems will be studied cooperatively.  At this time referrals to outside agencies may be made.

Step 4 – THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

The Assistant Principal after seeing the nature of the referral, may want to remove the student from the classroom, or may arrange for a conference between student and teacher, or with the parents.  When all possibilities have been exhausted, the Assistant Principal may refer the matter to the Principal.

Step 5 – THE PRINCIPAL

When all courses of actions have failed or when an act of misconduct is of a very serious nature, the Guidance Counselor or Assistant Principal may refer to the Principal for appropriate disciplinary action which may include a principal suspension or a superintendent suspension.

Discipline

1.       TEACHER

Every teacher is responsible for the discipline in his/her classroom.  Good discipline involves many factors not least of which are the teachers’ own attitudes and understanding.

 Some of these factors are:

a. be business like but also friendly

b. hold students accountable for lateness, absence, homework, and other responsibilities

c. maintain your dignity but don’t be pompous

d. treat minor infractions calmly

e. learn the difference between “minor” and “major” offenses

f. avoid making threats.  However, carry out those you do make.

Many discipline problems can be handled in the classroom.  Often times inattention, calling out, bothering a neighbor can be cured with talking to the student calmly.

Sometimes discipline problems cannot be settled in class.  Steps to be used (Ladder of Discipline) are:

1. one to one talk with the student
2. letter to home
3. telephone call home
4. parent interview
5. Guidance Counselor
6. Assistant Principal
7. Principal

2.       Offenses

            It is very important that complete anecdotal records be kept by all teachers.  Too

            often due to a teacher’s own strength in the classroom, (handling his or her own             discipline problems) he or she tends not to  keep records which makes it impossible          for the assistant principal to help should a problem arise.  Therefore, it is imperative          that all teachers keep up to date records available to the guidance counselor, assistant             principal and/or principal.

            The Ladder of Referral Documentation

a. PHONE CALL: Minor offenses

b. CUMULATIVE DEPORTMENT FOLDER: Compilation of charges on referrals, letters home, telephone calls, and etc.

c. REFERRAL TO Dean/Assistant Principal: Major offenses such as fighting, stealing, potentially dangerous situations etc.

One of the most important steps in the process is the Cumulative Department Folder.  The Dean/Assistant Principal  will not act on any infraction without a referral except in an emergency situation.  DO NOT SEND A CHILD OUT AT ANY TIME.

3.         Cutting

            Due to the nature of the offense, cutting will be treated separately.  A special referral      for “cutting” will be sent to the Dean/Assistant Principal immediately for his/her         

            follow-up.  Because of the seriousness be sure that the student was actually cutting

            and not being    “kept by another teacher”.  If the student did in fact cut class, then

            make the appropriate referral to the Guidance Counselor/ Assistant Principal for

            his/her follow-up.  Also make the appropriate entry on the cumulative deportment

            folder.  The Guidance Counselor/ Assistant Principal will investigate the incident,

            inform the home and report back to the teacher.

GUIDELINES FOR DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS

1.       PARENT NOTIFICATION

            Excessive Lateness

            Discourtesy

            Inattentive in class

            Leaving the classroom without permission.

            Throwing objects

            Cutting

            Unpreparedness

            Smoking in school.

2.       SUSPENSIONS   (all suspensions are to be approved by the principal before                                                         parent or district office notification is made).

Assault of a teacher or another student

            Vandalism

            Excessive cutting

            Extortion, shakedown, stealing,…..

            Fighting

            Throwing chairs

            Threatening teachers

            Repeated smoking violation

            Carrying weapons

3.       IN-HOUSE SUSPENSION PROGRAM

            This is not a “babysitting service” nor is it a dumping ground for students.  This is a         program to assist those students who have displayed a severe and /or chronic inability    to behave appropriately in class.  The following process will be used in the in-house detention room.

a. Students must be given prior warnings and remediation steps by the teacher prior to submitting a referral to the In House Suspension Room.  These must be delineated on the referral form.

b. The Assistant Principal will review the request and make the determination as to whether or not a student will serve in-house and for how long a period. 

c. Teachers are free to make recommendations as to the length of time to be served.

d. Teachers must provide work for the students to do that corresponds directly to what is being done in the class.  This is not a room for “busy work”.  This is a program to address problematic behaviors with the student and to work directly on current or missing assignments.  This is done so that when the student is returned to class he/she is not already behind and thus, likely to repeat inappropriate/disruptive behavior.

e. A review will be made by the AP and sending teacher as to progress shown by the student before s/he is considered to have completed the assignments in the In-House Room.

4.         Arrests

            Assault                         Intruders in the building

            Vandalism                                Ringing the fire alarms

            Possession of a weapon            Starting fires

            Possession of drugs                  Inciting a riot

            Pushing drugs                           Carrying weapons

            Extortion, stealing, or shakedown

5.         FOLLOW THE CHANCELLOR’S REGULATION

SECTION 3 – SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY

School Safety Plan

A committee will be formed to implement the 2005-2006 school safety plan.  It will be found in the main office.

 Accidents and Incidents

All accidents or incidents must be reported to the Assistant Principal or Principal immediately. The staff member(s) who witnesses the accident or incident, must complete the required form(s). Parents must be informed of all accidents or incidents no matter how insignificant you may deem them.

Reporting Student Behavior

Student behavioral issues or concerns must be recorded on an Anecdotal Form. You must complete a Telephone Log when calling a parent/guardian. If you are conducting a parental conference, you must complete a Parental Conference Form. A copy of these forms must be submitted to the Assistant Principal on the day of the occurrence. (See attached forms)

Child Abuse and Neglect

All staff members are reminded that they are mandated reporters of any suspected child abuse or neglect. If you suspect that any child is suffering from abuse or neglect you are to report it immediately to the Guidance Counselor, and the Assistant Principal. You are not to investigate or determine if abuse or neglect is warranted. (See Appendix B for Chancellor’s Regulations A-750 and the chart detailing physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse and neglect).

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is illegal and unacceptable in any public school. Punishing students and causing excessive fear of physical or mental distress is not allowed. This includes verbal abuse. Violation of this law may constitute grounds for dismissal. Allegations of corporal punishment by staff members must be reported. The allegations will be reviewed by that office and the principal will be instructed as to how to proceed. (See Appendix B-Chancellor’s Regulations A-420).

P.S. 146 will conduct 12 fire drills for the school year. A drill takes precedence over all other events. It is up to the classroom teacher to set an orderly and serious tone for the drill.  Make sure you have an updated Fire Drill Chart in your room, which is readily displayed.

**All Preparation Periods are suspended during the course of a fire drill.  All staff members are to report to their assigned posts.

All staff must leave the building during a fire drill.

Fire Drill- An emergency dismissal to positions on the street and a subsequent return from these positions to the school.

Rapid Dismissal- An emergency dismissal to positions on the street and a subsequent dismissal from these positions to the student’s homes.

Fire Drill/Rapid Dismissal Procedures

1. When the first set of gongs sound get all students ready with outerwear.

2. Teachers must make sure that they have the class roaster so that attendance can be

    taken once they reach the designated safe area.

3. When the second set is heard, teachers must escort students out of the appropriate

    exits, to the assigned safety zone quietly and expeditiously (school safety plan

    outlines designated exits for each floor)

4. Upon arrival at the designated safety zone, teachers must take attendance using the   

   class roaster. All students must be accounted for at the designated safety zone. If a

   student is missing you must notify the Assistant Principal or Principal

   immediately.

5. Once the all clear signal is given, teachers are to escort the students into the

    building and to their assigned classrooms. Students must remain quiet and orderly

    re-entering the school building.

Safety rules require complete silence in and out of the classroom from the moment the first bell sounds.  Students are to remain in line and move quickly to their assigned locations.  The teacher is to lead the line of students out of the building.

Any infraction of the safety rules during a drill should be followed up by the classroom teacher and reported to the, Assistant Principal or Principal.

Rapid Dismissal

If the Fire Drill bells are sounded at the regular dismissal time, teachers must instruct the students to collect all belongings and proceed quietly and expeditiously to the designated exits. Students must then proceed to the designated safety zone. Students will not return to the building, but will be led in the direction away from the school building and dismissed when given the all clear signal by an administrator.

Additional Directions

· Each teacher is responsible for posting the Exit Sign in their classroom indicating the exit to be used in the event of an emergency.  Teachers and students should know the alternative exit to be used in an emergency situation.

· Staff should familiarize themselves with the locations of the fireboxes on their floor, as well as the location of the nearest fire extinguisher.

· In the event of a fire or other emergency the teacher is to notify the Assistant Principal or School Safety Agent.

· Fire hazards are to be reported. Please use the fire hazard form when submitting your findings.

· Each teacher should explain to students at least once a month the proper procedures for a fire drill.

Security, Safety, and Dismissal Procedures

Teachers are expected to escort their class from the student’s cafeteria or the yard after lunch. Teachers are expected to escort their class out of the building during dismissal. Classroom doors should not be locked during instructional periods. Classroom door windows should not be completely covered.

Classroom Windows

Windows should be opened from the top. Teachers must not allow students to open classroom windows!  Also, students must not sit or stand near windows.  Teachers must develop a strict management plan to enforce this policy.

Ladder of Discipline

            This outline defines the order in which staff should handle disciplinary issues.  The                       teacher should address all student discipline and behavioral concerns first.  Further                    intervention may follow in the order specified below:

            1.  Teacher and Parent

            2. Dean -  Teacher, Parent, and Student

            2.  Guidance Counselor/Social Worker - Teacher, and Parent

            3.  Assistant Principal - Teacher and Parent

            4.  Principal and Parent

Classroom Management

      Effective classroom management prevents and discourages behavioral problems

before they occur. A few points to consider are:

· A behavior modification plan must be implemented and evidenced in each class.  All plans must have rewards and consequences to maintain appropriate classroom management.

· A high level of student instruction and interaction deters inappropriate behavior.

· Each student should always know exactly what to do throughout each lesson. 

· Blaming the wrong student can result in lack of trust and confidence from other students.

· Consequences for misbehaving must be enforced consistently and fairly.

· It is essential to maintain a good relationship with parents, to help monitor positive as well as negative behavior.

· Inform parents of achievements and accomplishments as well as problems.

Remember:

· Focusing on punishment instead of reward often produces to negative results.

· Punishment without reward will not be effective.

· Focus and comment on positive behavior daily.

Teachers should note that making a referral to the Guidance Counselor or the Assistant Principal is not considered handling the problem.

Winning Respect

          Be Cheerful:

      Students need to feel; the teacher is confident, competent and can solve everyday

problems. A pleasant demeanor and the ability to admit to mistakes when

wrong will go a long way towards establishing a positive rapport with your students.

          Be Helpful:

      Students expect teachers to show concern about their progress in school. Show

      interest and concern about their needs and give individual help.

          Be Fair:

            Students recognize when a situation is fair or unfair. They will admire the teacher

            who is fair in enforcing rewards and consequences.

          Be Challenging:

            Teachers should provide challenges and help students set ambitious goals.

          Be Firm:

            Students expect their teachers to specify and enforce rules as per the Code of

      Discipline. Teachers should be the role models that students use to identify

      behavioral standards.

Special Recognition

            Students who follow the rules and accept the Discipline Code, as a way of life

      must not be ignored. It is important to recognize and honor these students who set

      goals, work hard, and accomplish their tasks. They are role models and teachers by

      example. Award them with privileges such as:

· Certificates of Achievement

· Student of the Week Certificates

· Student of the Month Certificates

· Create exciting activities as rewards

· Notify parents regarding outstanding behavior

· Organize special teams for positive growth

CODE OF DISCIPLINE

      “A discipline code for student behavior setting forth prohibited student conduct

and the range of penalties which may be imposed for violation of such code, which shall be publicized and explained to all students and provided in writing to all parents on an annual basis.”

            The range of penalties, which may be imposed, must be viewed in terms of the

            individual needs of students. Behavior that endangers the health or well-being of

            any member of our school cannot be ignored but must be addressed as part of the

S.A.V.E. legislation.

All staff members will be provided with a copy of the New York City Board of Education City Wide Standards of Discipline and Intervention Measures.

Your first line of defense is your immediate supervisor, Assistant Principal. If you cannot contact your immediate supervisor, you must call the main office.

SECTION FOUR-SCHOOL FORMS

Confidential Staff Data Sheet

Request for Personal Business Day

Coverage Form

Volunteer Coverage Form

Newsletter Information Form

Trip Request Form 2005-2006

Staff Development Conference Evaluation

Authorization to Remain in School After 3:00 pm

Classroom Teachers Goals

Promotion Policy

Parental Telephone Log

Parental Conference Log

Home Contact Log

Anecdotal

Teachers Referral For Nurse

Request for Attendance Follow up

Dean’s Referral

Counseling Referral Form

PPC Referral Form

Detention-Parent Notification Form

25 Book Question Menu

Textbook Distribution Log

Requisition for Copies

Professional Assignment Log

Request for Custodial Services

Bulletin Board Layout Instructions

Chancellor’s Regulations

Section Four-Chancellor’s Regulations

A-750 Child Abuse and Neglect

            A-420 Corporal Punishment

            C/D 810 No Smoking Policy

            Arrest Notification Procedures

Edward “POP Collins School

P.S. 146

968 Cauldwell Avenue

Bronx, New York 10456

Phone (718) 378-9664 – Fax (718) 328-5858

“Aiming For Excellence”

Janet-Ann Sanderson-Brown, Principal

Cynthia Carter, Assistant Principal

TO:                  All Staff

FROM:             Janet-Ann Sanderson

DATE:             August 30, 2007

RE:                   Arrest Notification Procedures

This is to remind you that in the event you are arrested, it is your responsibility as a Department of Education employee to notify the Office of Personnel investigation in writing.  This requirement is in accordance with Chancellor’s Regulation C-105.  You must also notify your immediate supervisor if you are arrested.

The Office of Personnel Investigation is located at:

                                    65 Court Street, Room 406

                                    Brooklyn, New York 11201

It is mandatory that you comply with this requirement.  Failure to so notify may subject you to disciplinary action.

__________________________________                                        ____________________

 Staff Member’s Signature                                                                                 Date

EDWARD “POP” COLLINS SCHOOL

Public School 146X

968 Cauldwell Avenue

Bronx, New York 10456

Telephone (718) 378-9664 or Fax # (718) 328-5858

“AIMING FOR EXCELLENCE”

Mrs. Janet-Ann Sanderson-Brown, Principal

Ms. Cynthia A. Carter, Assistant Principal

STAFF MANUAL RECEIPT

I have received a copy of the staff manual for P.S. 146 and understand that I am responsible for reviewing the contents.

Teacher’s Name: (Print) _______________________________________

Teacher’s Name: (Signature) ___________________________________

Date: _____________________________________

NOTES