EMPLOYEE
HANDBOOK
2008-2009
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The mission of McLean ISD, a total educational system committed
to excellence, is to graduate students who will develop self-esteem,
higher-order thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication
skills which will prepare them to become responsible, productive citizens.
The mission shall involve parents, community, and school in order to promote
life long learning. |
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District Vision |
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McLean ISD will provide all students with a quality education
that allows them to achieve their full potential and participate now and in
the future with the social, economic, and educational opportunities of our
nation. |
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ARRIVAL AND DUTIES AT SCHOOL
The Working Hours
The school day begins at 7:45 A.M. and ends at 3:55 P.M. for all staff members. Teachers are to leave no earlier than 3:55 P.M. unless prior approval has been given by the principal. If you must leave school during the school day, please inform the principal.
Things To Do Each Morning
Below is a list of items to do each morning before school begins.
1. Be at school no later than 7:45 A.M..
2. Check Email before and after school.
3. Check and clear personal mail box located in the office.
Duty Assignments
Report at 7:45 A.M. on duty days to the proper duty station. The responsibility for being on time for morning, afternoon, or restroom duty lies with the individual teacher as a professional person. (Note: The teacher bears the legal responsibility for whatever takes place while he or she is not at an assigned area.) If a teacher is to be away from school, he or she must advise the substitute of assigned duties so that the substitute covers that duty. This can be accomplished through the teacher’s instructions to the substitute.
In addition to assigned duties throughout the school year, each teacher is to be at his/her doorway supervising the changing of classes until the tardy bell rings.
During the School year, nearly all teachers are expected to work in various capacities as gate keepers and/or supervisors at the athletic events and other student activities that are held after school hours. These activities will be scheduled ahead of time and, as much as possible, on an equitable basis. Although attendance at school functions is not always mandatory, it is appreciated by the students and administration.
Teachers shall be professional at all times. There is to be no open criticism of co-workers. If criticism is due, it should be through proper channels of the administration. Teachers should remain loyal to the profession and to other teachers. This is professionalism.
Teachers will not send or allow students in the teachers’ workroom or lounge (except students representing organizations who must use the copy machine). This exception will be made only under direct supervision of a staff member in charge of their activity.
Lesson Plan Books
An effective teacher is one who plans in advance what he/she intends to accomplish. Thus, it is imperative that each teacher prepares lesson plans.
The plans are to:
1. Contain enough detail to allow maximum benefit to a substitute.
2. Be legible.
3. Be altered or revised when necessary to keep them up-to-date.
TEACHER ABSENCES--SUBSTITUTES
Sick and Personal Leaves
To summarize, teachers are allowed 5 State Personal Leave Days. In addition, the local District gives each teacher 4 Personal Leave Days, of which prior notice is required. The unused State days can accumulate over the years indefinitely, but the local days do not accumulate from one year to the next. Teachers will be paid $ 50 per day for a maximum of 3 unused local personal leave days at the end of the year. The policy on sick and personal leave is found in the Policy Manual under Section D on page DEC. The manual is located in the Superintendent’s office or on line at www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/090903 . Teachers are encouraged to review this section of the Manual.
Substitutes
If a teacher is sick or for some reason is unable to be at school to perform his or her duties, then the teacher should call the school secretary at his or her home by 7:00 A.M. on the day of the absence. Local leave will be used first since employees are being paid for unused days. Once local leave has been expended, State days will then be used. In the event that the secretary cannot be reached then call the school principal at his or her home.
The teacher is to have the following ready for the substitute:
1. The class roll.
2. Current lesson plan.
3. Assignments for the students.
4. Detailed instructions which include possible extra duties the substitute is to perform.
All of the above items are to be left on or in the teacher’s desk at the end of the school day.
Training for Certified
Professional Education
Attendance for CPE training must be approved through the principal.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbook Numbers
Textbooks will be checked out to each teacher by total number of students. The teacher will check out the books by number to the students, and hold the individual student responsible for the return of the book in a reasonable condition at the end of the course.
Student Textbooks
All classroom textbooks issued to teachers are the direct responsibility of the teacher. Books not turned in at the close of the school year are paid for by the parent. The teacher must make sure he/she gets all books back from the students.
Textbooks At The End Of A Semester
If a student is not going to remain in the teacher’s class at the end of the semester, it is the responsibility of the teacher to make sure he/she takes up the book. No teacher is to allow a student to keep a book at the end of a semester if the student is going to another class.
Textbooks Of Withdrawing Students
When a student withdraws from school, the teacher must get the book before signing the student’s withdrawal forms.
Textbook Checks
It is state law that all textbooks are to be covered. It is recommended that each six weeks, the
teacher has a book check to make sure that the students still have the books issued to them and that they are covered. If a student has lost his/her book, the student needs to pay for it as soon as possible so another one can be issued. The office will collect payment from the parent.
RECORD BOOKS
The Class Record Book
(The Roll Book) (Grade Book)
The Class Record Book, which contains the class roll and student grades shall be kept current at all times. Teachers are responsible for the documentation of student grades and absences.
E-class attendance and grade book will be used to provide teachers with a time saving resource for attendance accounting and grade documentation.
Grades
A teacher is to:
1. Maintain grades in his/her grade book.
2. Record all grades.
3. Give no grade lower than 50 for a six weeks average, semester average, or final average. (This does not apply to dual credit courses.)
The State requires that we adopt the following number grades:
90 - 100 A Excellent
80 - 89 B Good
75 - 79 C Average
70 - 74 D Poor
0 - 69 F Failing
For the six weeks grade, teachers are to use a grading system that will attain an appropriate balance between daily assignments and assessments (tests) of student progress. Then, if six weeks tests are used, that grade up to that point is worth 75% and the six weeks test is worth 25%.
Semester averages will be obtained by averaging the six weeks grades and the semester exam grade so that the semester exam grade counts for 25% of the semester grade. In courses where no semester exam is given, the three six-weeks grades will be averaged together for the semester grade.
Teachers are required to provide to the office deficiency reports at the 3-week point in each six-week grading period. Teachers may obtain the forms from the School secretary. Any student earning less than a 75% will receive a deficiency report. The School secretary will mail the deficiency reports.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES
Taking Attendance
Check roll during the first ten (10) minutes of the class period. Teachers will use RSCCC attendance to submit absences to the office electronically. Teachers should also show the student absent in their grade book. DURING ANY CLASS PERIOD, IF A STUDENT IS NOT PRESENT AT THE TIME ATTENDANCE IS TAKEN, THEY SHOULD BE COUNTED ABSENT. IT WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO CLEAR THE ABSENCE WITH THE ATTENDANCE SECRETARY PRIOR TO ENTERING THE TEACHER'S CLASS. IN ADDITION, STUDENTS ARE HERE FOR SECOND HOUR (OFFICIALLY ON THE PIEMS RECORD) IF THEY LEAVE AND/OR RETURN FROM A DOCTOR’S VISIT WITH A PROOF OF THEIR DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENT. Teachers should not allow students to check roll or mark in the attendance record, as it is a legal document and must be accurate.
It is the responsibility of the student to request his/her make-up work from the teacher; however, a teacher should remind the student. Make-up work must be within and not to exceed the number of days absent. A student with an unexcused absence will be allowed to make up all work missed.
Student Absences
Any student who has been absent shall obtain an admittance form from the school secretary, who will consult with the Principal to determine if the absence is excused or unexcused. The secretary will provide the student with a pass to enter the scheduled classroom.
Students will not be permitted to leave the School campus during school hours except for reasons approved by the Principal. Students are required to come by the office to make arrangements for leaving the campus if they must leave before the school day is over. A letter from home about the reason for the absences will sometimes help determine the status of the absence. Absences for School activities (field trips, athletic events, etc.) are treated as though the student was present, but the student will be required to make up the work. In case of illness or visit to the doctor, the student will be required to bring a note from the physician.
Make-up Assignment
When a student is absent from school more than one day, his/her parent (s) may request an assignment sheet to be passed around to all of his/her teachers so that the student will be able to keep up with his/her work. It is requested that all teachers fill out the assignment sheet as soon as possible so that it can be picked up at 3:30 P.M.
Excessive Absences/ Attendance Committee
A student may not be given credit for a class if he/she has been in attendance fewer than 90% of the days in a semester without completion of a plan approved by the principal, OR unless an Attendance Committee gives credit because there were SIGNIFICANT extenuating circumstances for the absences. The Board shall establish guidelines for determining what constitutes significant extenuating circumstance and shall establish alternative ways for students to make up work or regain credit lost because of absences for extenuating circumstance. The Board or Attendance Committee may establish alternative ways for students with excused absences to make up work or regain credit. This policy does not affect a student’s right to excused absence to observe religious holy days. If a student is denied credit for a class by an Attendance Committee, the student may appeal the decision to the Board. [See Attendance for Credit in the Student Handbook and the policies at FEC.]
Tardiness Policy
Students are expected to be in their classes on time. If a student is detained by a member of the staff he/she will need to secure a note from that person. A student at McLean Schools will be considered tardy when he or she enters the classroom door after the bell. When a student receives three tardies during a six-week period, he/she is to be sent to the office.
TEST: SIX WEEKS AND SEMESTER
Six Weeks or Semester Exams
Six weeks exams and semester exams are mandatory. The tests are to be given according to the schedule provided by the principal. No tests will be given before the scheduled time, except by special permission from the Principal. For students who are absent on the day of the test, copies of the test with the student’s name and the teacher’s name, along with copies of the test keys, will need to be submitted to the office for all make-up exams.
The Semester Average
The semester average is calculated by adding the first six-weeks grade, the second six-weeks grade, the third six-weeks grade, and the semester exam. The sum is divided by four. For example:
First Six-Weeks 83 326 / 4 = 81 1/2 or 82
Second Six-Weeks 82
Third Six-Weeks 81 The Semester Grade is 82.
Semester Exam 80 (Note: Remainders of 1/2 or
326 over are rounded up.)
A minimum grade of 50 should be given for six weeks grading periods and for semester grades. Post semester averages in your grade book when you verify grades. Student promotions are based on yearly averages. Teachers are reminded that students who are ARDed into the mainstream modified program shall not receive a failing grade unless the Principal was made aware of the problem with the student’s lack of cooperation, it has been approved by the ARD committee, there was a violation of the attendance rules, or the student was expelled.
Deficiency Reports
Notice is to be sent to parents of failing students at the end of the third week of each six-weeks.
PROMOTION
For high school students, promotion to the next grade is dependent upon the total accumulation or credits. Grade level is defined as:
0 - 5 credits Grade 9
6 - 10 credits Grade 10
11 - 15 credits Grade 11
16+ credits Grade 12
For students below the 9th grade level, students whose grades have fallen below a 70 average should be considered for retention. The Principal, teacher, and parent shall meet to discuss what is best for the child and make a decision with majority vote carrying the decision. [See Promotion and Retention in the Student Handbook and policies EIE and EIF.]
REPORTING OF GRADES ON PERMANENT RECORDS
Grade Sheets (Computer Scanning)
Each six-week period, a teacher will submit the students’ grades to the appropriate secretary electronically. Instructions will accompany all grade sheets. Teachers should read instructions and consult a campus RSCCC trainer. The secretary will then provide the teacher with a verification sheet to ensure students receive the correct grade.
Report Cards
Numerical grades are used for subjects. Within 3 days after report cards have gone out, the students are expected to return a signed copy. In general, all incompletes given as grades need to be completed as soon as possible after the new six weeks begins. Teachers shall discuss with the Principal a deadline for a student if there is an unusual wait, and set a deadline. After all make-up work has been completed and a grade given, go to the office and let the secretary assist you in clearing your incompletes. Incompletes make students ineligible for UIL until the grade is replaced with a passing grade.
Honor Roll
In order to encourage a higher standards of excellence, the school will publish in the local paper and post on bulletin boards a list of honor students for each six-week period. If the student has no grade below a 90, he/she will be a member of the “A” Honor Roll. If students otherwise have no grade below an 80, they shall be on the “B” Honor Roll. Note: Non-academic courses are not included when figuring Honor Roll (which includes, Music, P.E., and Teachers Aid).
DISCIPLINE
An Overview on McLean School’s Discipline Policy
As professional staff committed to best serving the educational and developmental
needs of our students, our classrooms will reflect a genuine interest in all students
by communicating clear expectations coupled with a
willingness to confront the individual student for disruptive behavior.
The Teacher’s Responsibility for Handling Classroom Discipline
Assertive discipline supports the teacher by showing the students that the entire school staff shares basic expectations for student behavior whether in the classroom, halls, cafeteria, restrooms, or at School sponsored events. Classroom rules are to be posted or communicated in some other definite way and enforced in each teacher’s classroom. The teacher is encouraged to try a variety of strategies (including contacting and working with parents) to maintain an effective teaching atmosphere within the classroom.
Procedures for
Sending Student to the Office on a Disciplinary Referral
Students may be sent to the office when the student’s behavior is disrupting the teacher’s efforts to teach or the students’ efforts to learn. It is imperative that the student know why he/she is being sent to the office and that the teacher follow up with a visit to the Principal just as soon as possible after the incident.
What to Expect Upon
Sending a Student to the Office
All students sent to the office will be disciplined. The student will remain in the office until the matter can be handled and may or may not return to the teacher’s classroom.
Students will be given the opportunity to tell their version of the incident.
The principal will discuss the incident, suggest ways of improving the
behavior, and share ways to avoid the recurrence of the situation.
The student’s parent or guardian may be contacted by the principal.
The student’s discipline will be handled by the Principal, at his/her sole discretion. Consequences for repeat misbehavior may be more severe.
If the student returns to class during the same period, the teacher should
require an orderly and non-disruptive entrance.
The Principal may use corporal punishment, detention, exclusion from extra- curricular programs, or other appropriate forms of discipline as part of his discipline program.
Once the student has been
referred to the principal by the teacher, the method of discipline is at the
sole discretion of the principal.
Corporal Punishment
Reasonable corporal punishment is permitted in order to preserve an effective educational environment, free from disruption. Corporal punishment shall be administered in the Principal’s office or Superintendent’s office. Teachers will take corporal punishment problems to the principal. The principal shall decide who will administer the corporal punishment and to what degree. All corporal punishment will be administered in the presence of a witness. Any deviation from this policy will be grounds for revoking teacher contracts and immediate dismissal of said teacher.
The use of force against a student is justified if the teacher or administrator believes that the restraint will eliminate bodily harm to the teacher or other students, or to further the purpose of education or to maintain discipline in a group. Disciplinary records shall be made available to parents or students upon request.
A teacher may remove a student from class in order to maintain effective discipline in the classroom. The Principal shall respond by investigating the situation and making recommendations to the teacher. If the teacher insists that the student is an ongoing deterrent to learning in the classroom or a threat, the teacher may insist that the student not be returned to class. In such cases, the Principal shall find another class or program for the student.
Other Information about Discipline
* Teacher concerns about students’ attire and grooming should be referred
to the office for determination.
* Gum chewing is not allowed on
campus. Food and drink are not allowed
in the classrooms except for parties approved
by the principal.
The Teacher’s Responsibility for Students Within the Classroom
Teachers are legally responsible for the supervision and well-being of students within the classroom. Teachers shall not say things that tend to “put students down” or demean them in any way. Teachers shall not dismiss students early.
The Teacher’s Responsibility for Students Outside of the Classroom
It is the responsibility of the teachers and staff to help maintain the discipline of students when they are not in a classroom situation. The teachers are to stand in the hallway outside of their classroom doors. If a student’s misbehavior is observed in areas other than in the teacher’s classroom (i.e.; the cafeteria, the lunch line, the play ground, the halls etc.), the student is under the jurisdiction of that teacher or other staff member and he or she should take appropriate steps.
COMPUTERS AND AUDIO-VISUAL
It is the responsibility of each teacher to help care for the equipment that is located in his/her classrooms and for equipment they otherwise use. Some computer labs and machines will need to be reserved ahead of time. If equipment is not operating correctly, please notify the office or equipment coordinator. A person will be assigned responsibility for opening and closing the computer lab.
Films, Videos, and Books
Many schools throughout the Panhandle are served by
All videos and films used in a classroom situation must be educationally sound and age-appropriate, and linked to TEKS and district curriculum. Teachers must be informed of video and film use before they are shown to the students.
Absolutely no movies with higher ratings than the PG-13 rating will be shown without parents’ permission.
Any book containing profanity or sexually explicit language must have parent approval.
THE AUDITORIUM
The auditorium is available only on reserved basis. No one is to use the auditorium without first having reserved it with the office.
It is important to note that the auditorium is on a first-come-first served basis. Thus, it is best to reserve it as far in advance as possible.
THE LIBRARY
The library is open from 8:05 A.M. to 3:45 P.M. daily. The library contains a wide variety of books and magazines for reference, research, and recreational reading. The librarian will help the students find the material needed, as well as instruct him/her in the use of the library.
Most books may be checked out for two weeks and then rechecked once, if necessary. Magazines may be checked out for one day, and may also be rechecked once. Encyclopedias may be checked out overnight, in which case they are due at 8:15 a.m. the next day.
Except in cases of very special needs, a student should never have more than two books or one book and one magazine checked out in his/her name. The student must ask permission from the librarian if he/she has such a need.
Fines are five cents per day for overdue books. Fines on overdue magazines and overdue encyclopedias are twenty-five cents per day. If a student is absent on the day the library book is due, no fine will be assessed provided the book is returned on the following day. Students are responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged books in their name.
No student will be allowed into the library during class time without permission from an authorized person. A student must have business in the library in order to be in there;
for instance, class assignment, checking out or returning library materials, paying a fine, etc.
For teachers, there is no definite time limit on materials checked out as long as they are considerate of others who may need the same materials. No materials will be checked out to anyone for the entire school year. Teachers should be prompt in returning all materials not being used.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Any money collected by an individual teacher is to be accounted for and turned into the office on the same day received. Receipts should be given to students when appropriate.
MISD Board Policy
Manual
A copy of the board policy manual is located in the Superintendent’s Office. It is also available on line at www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/090903
Ill Students
Students who are ill or complain of not feeling well shall be sent to the office. No staff member, under any condition, is to give a student medication of any kind. Students may be given medication by their parent at school if it is delivered personally, or students may take medication if the School has both a note from the physician and the parent requesting the type, time, and amount of the medication. In those cases, the medication will be kept in the office, and the student will come to the office to take the medication.
Conference Periods
Teachers are provided conference periods to be used in the following ways:
1. For grading papers
2. Making tests
3. Planning
4. Conferences
5. Scheduling of library, films, etc.
6. Contacting parents (discipline problems, grades, etc.)
7. Other educationally appropriate activities
Teachers must have permission from the principal to leave campus during the conference period.
Cell Phone Use
Teachers are expected to use cell phones on a limited basis only so as not to interfere with the educational process. Cell phones must be placed on “silent” during all meetings. Cell phones are not to be used while driving district vehicles.
Dress
Professional dress is required.
The Teachers’ Workroom
The teachers’ workroom is provided for your use. Please be sure to leave the work area in good condition.
Trips
All field trips need to be approved by the principal. No classroom field trip should be scheduled during semester exams or state assessments. Notice of any scheduled trips needs to be sent to the office. If a trip is to take longer than a class period, the teacher is to compile a list of those people involved and give other involved teachers a copy indicating the student's names and the times they will be out of their classes.
Faculty Meetings
Faculty meetings will be held as needed and attendance is required unless excused by the Principal.
Homework
Homework should be assigned so that the students will be able to fulfill the requirements of all their classes for the next day. Homework shall not be given on nights of School activities, except for students who, through negligence, did not complete their class assignments or were otherwise absent from class and have make-up work to do.
Keys
Keys to the individual rooms and/or main doors are to be obtained from the Principal. The keys are to be checked out for the year and checked at the end of school year in order to keep track of key inventory. Keys are the responsibility of the employee and are not to be given to non-employees for use.
Long-Distance Phone Calls
Long-Distance phone calls connected with school business can be made if you get the Principal’s permission. No personal long-distance phone calls are allowed without prior permission of the Principal.
Travel Reimbursement
McLean ISD will reimburse school employees who use their
personal vehicles for traveling on authorized school business at a rate not to exceed $0.32 per
mile. Mileage for reimbursement will be
derived from the Official State Highway Map, using the shortest reasonable
route to the destination. A
reimbursement claim form provided by the District’s Business Office must be
properly completed before payment is made, which will usually be after the
regular School Board Meeting each month.
The District will pay $35 per diem for food expenses on employee
overnight stays and will pay for overnight lodging when deemed necessary and
planned ahead of time, or if weather conditions make travel unwise.
If two or more school employees are required to perform school business simultaneously at approximately the same location, mileage will be paid for only one vehicle transporting up to 5 people. In the case of more than 5, and up to 10 people traveling together, mileage for two vehicles will be paid. If the School Administration deems it necessary to take a School vehicle, then mileage will not be paid to others who choose to drive themselves.
When an employee completes his/her official business and does not return directly back to the main work location or home, official mileage calculations end at the last location at which official duties were performed.