Faculty Handbook 2017-2018

Home of the Diamondbacks 2017-2018



Lorene Bazan Instructional & Assessment Strategist Hector Limas Raquel Adame7th Grade Assistant Principal 8th Grade Assistant Principal Norma Salazar Christi Maldonado7th Grade Counselor 8th Grade Counselor Donna Garza Instructional & Assessment Strategist

Table of Contents 1 2Principal’s Welcome Letter…………………………………….………………………………………………. 3Sharyland ISD Employee Handbook…………………………………………………………………………Campus Information……………………………………………………………………………………………….  Announcements  Assembly and Pep Rallies  Attendance Procedures/Policy (Students)  Attendance Slips/Admits  Bell Schedule  Bulletin Boards  Campus Instruction Leadership Team (CILT)  Care of School Property  Classroom Environment and Care  Committees  Conference Period  Copier  Counseling Services  Department Head  Duty  Email  Emergencies  Faculty Meetings  Field Trips  Fire Drills  Fundraising  Grade Level/Department Meetings  Grading Procedures  Grading Reporting  Hall Duty  Hall Passes  Health Clinic  Homework Guidelines  Inventory of Room Equipment  Lesson Plans-Teacher Preparation  Library Services  Mailboxes  Mentor Program (Students)  Newsletter

 Office Referrals/Reports Public Relations Student Schedules Supervision of Students Supply Money Talk Shop Tardy Policy Telephone Calls Textbooks Tutorial Program UIL Visitors to School Walkthroughs WebpageClassroom Management Plan………………………………………………………………………………… 4Staff Duty Obligations……………………………………………………………………………………………. 5Grading Guidelines………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6Electronic Use Guidelines…………………….………………………………………………………………… 7Campus Forms………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

Sharyland North Junior HighLorene Bazan, Principal Christi Maldonado, CounselorRaquel Adame, Assistant Principal Norma Salazar, CounselorHector Limas, Assistant Principal Donna Garza, I & A StrategistAugust 1, 2017North Jr. High Staff,Welcome to the 2017 – 2018 school year at North Jr. High School! We hope that you had a restfulbreak and enjoyed the time off with your loved ones. The administrative team is excited and lookingforward to the upcoming school year with each and every one of you! We will continue with lastyear’s theme of “Strength In Unity” to help reach the campus and district goals: “Excellence is ourTradition” and the Mission to “inspire, educate and empower all students to reach their fullpotential and become leaders of the highest moral character.”In efforts for you to get a glimpse of what is planned for Professional Development August 16th –25th, an agenda is also attached. We realize the importance of planning time and working withyour colleagues, so we have embedded as much time as possible into the schedule. In addition, wehave partnered with BL Gray on some trainings as well. On August 18th, we will be traveling as astaff by bus to Pioneer High School for the District Convocation and then heading to the MainEvent in the afternoon. The purpose is to continue to build strong relationships with our teams aswell as with our sister school. Please wear your new staff shirt with black pants or slacks. Theshirts will be available to pick from Patty Ramirez at the front office any day before the 18th.Those of you wishing to get a jump start on preparations for your classroom are welcome to comeby any day of the week between 8:00 and 4:00. If you have questions or concerns about thebeginning of the school year, please come by or call. My cell phone number is (956) 624 – 8250and my extension is 3408 if you need to reach me. Enjoy the remainder of your time off, and Ilook forward to seeing you soon.Lorene BazanSNJH Principal5100 Dove Ave, McAllen, TX 78504 * 956.686.1415 (Office) * 668.0425 (Fax)

2017-2018 EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKhttp://www.sharylandisd.org/departments/human_resources/2017-2018_employee_handbook/

Campus InformationAnnouncementsMorning announcements will be made daily at -+the beginning of 2 nd block via ourDiamondback News Network and can be seen on the classroom TV. Afternoonannouncements, when needed, will be done through the intercom system at the end of 8thperiod.A state mandated Moment of Silence will be part of our announcements. All staff andstudents should adhere and respect this moment. You may choose to reflect, pray,meditate, or engage in any other silent activity during this time as long as the silentactivity does not interfere with or distract others.Project Wisdom will be implemented during Morning Announcements. It consists ofmessages that inspire and teach. The program encourages students to reflect upon themeaning of civic and personal values and the application of those values in their dailylives.They are rich in biography and history, plus multicultural and social skills studies. Thesemessages will be broadcast on a daily basis.We will continue to have “Silent Messages” to alleviate the number of morning andafternoon announcements. T.V. units should be on throughout the day for new messages.Silent Messages contain information of interest to both students and staff. Please emailMr. Koenig any “’silent messages” you need displayed.Assembly and Pep RalliesAssemblies and pep rallies are events where the students show their spirit and support tothe school. Student behavior should be refined and courteous at all times. A student’sconduct in assemblies must meet the same standard as in the classroom. We will haveassemblies and pep rallies throughout the school year. These gatherings are a privilege soproper behavior is mandatory. All teachers should sit with their students.

Attendance Procedures/Policy (Students)When a student is absent from school, he/she must bring an excuse signed by the parent.A student absent for more than 3 consecutive days because of a personal illness mustbring a doctor’s excuse verifying the illness.In order to be counted present on the day of a doctor’s visit, a student must commenceclass or return to school on the same day as the appointment. Upon returning to school,the student should present a doctor’s excuse. The student has 3 days to bring the excusein.Teachers need to post attendance the first ten minutes of each period and by 9:30 a.m.for 2 nd period. Attendance is reported to the PEIMS Coordinator before 10:00 a.m. so itis crucial that teachers post attendance in a timely manner. In addition, our assistantprincipals and attendance clerk will make parent contact on excessive absences. We willfollow through with truancy charges to the court.Attendance Slips- AdmitsStudents should report to the front office between 7:15 a.m. and 7:55 a.m. the day afteran absence (no more than three days after) and present a written excuse from parent orguardian. Be sure and send students to the office if they do not have an admittance slipafter any absence.Excused Absences -approved) -arranged absences (limit 2 per semester)*Students are permitted to make up all class work when it is excused absence. If at allpossible, work should be made up prior to the absence. If this is not possible, studentsare responsible for making up the work within 3 days of their return to school.An unexcused absence is defined as an absence which is known and approved by parentsbut which cannot be classified as excused under the aforementioned designations of“excused absence”.Unexcused Absences

A student may not make up work with an unexcused absence. However, if theadministrator determines the unexcused absence is due to extenuating circumstances;make up work may be allowed.Students are required by law to attend class 90% of the designated school calendar days.To exceed the number of designated absences may result in no credit being issued in theclass or classes missed. Each case will be reviewed individually by the CampusAttendance Committee.Truancy is defined as an absence without prior knowledge of the student’s parent orguardian. This absence can be considered skipping, but there are other absences that canbe considered truant. Students who are consistently checked out of school early, skippingafter school or Saturday tutorials is also considered truancy. The penalty for truancy is aminimum of one day in-school suspension for each offense. If truancy continues, a parentconference will be scheduled, and charges will be initiated.Bell ScheduleIn order to maximize learning in all classrooms, we will have a three minute passingperiod. Students are expected to quickly transition from one class to another withoutcongregating in the hallways or the corridors. Teachers are expected to assist withstudent supervision during passing periods by standing outside their doors andhelping with traffic control. The regular bell, early release, incentive and pep rallyschedules are in your Staff Calendar.Bulletin BoardsBulletin boards are important teaching devices and should be planned with care. Thepositive attitude demonstrated and created by a creative bulletin board is engaging. Theimpact is immediate and lasting for all visitors. Bulletin boards that consist of studentwork and projects are the most desirable. Do not display graded papers.Hallway bulletin boards or displays should also consist of creative student work. All workshould be displayed without a grade.Campus Instructional Leadership TeamThe Sharyland North Campus Instructional Leadership Team (CILT) is our curriculumcollaborative committee. This team is comprised of administration, Instruction andAssessment Strategist, ESL Strategist, librarian, counselors and department chairs.

They will represent our school throughout the school year at all campus and districtcurriculum vertical meetings. (See Staff Calendar for team members)Care of School PropertyTeachers are responsible for the care of equipment and school property in theirclassrooms.It is important that equipment be properly handled and stored. Students caughtvandalizing school property should be sent to the office with a referral. Staff memberswho lose equipment from their rooms will be expected to compensate the district for theloss. Please do not place yourselves in this predicament and lock all valuables.Classroom Environment and CareThe most influential part of a school is the classroom. It is a place where the studentlearns, creates, and eventually succeeds. Together with the teacher, it has a directimpact on the student. Therefore, a classroom should be set up with the student in mindand be conducive to learning. It should allow for learning styles, centers and studentresources. It should be open for a variety of movement and rich in print. In addition, itshould be clean, neat and completely free of all items not being utilized. Theseunnecessary items take up “student space”. Teachers are encouraged to celebratestudent work by posting their work and highlighting the “great things” that are happeningin class.Staff is encouraged to do the following:walls as they chip paint off the walls - alwaysclean off tape residue after items are pulled off the wallsPlease do not cover windows on classroom doors. Students who see administrators in thehall are less likely to misbehave. Open windows help prevent allegations made againstteachers by students or parents. Open windows also allow principals to look in withoutinterrupting classes.If your room is in need of custodial upkeep, please fill out the Custodian DepartmentSurvey and specify area needing assistance. Housekeeping should extend to the lounge aswell. Please leave your eating area and microwave oven clean after each use. All loungerefrigerators will be cleared and cleaned every other Friday. Our custodians are notresponsible for empty containers that are left in the lounge.CommitteesCommittees are an integral part of our school’s success. All committees will be formed by

the first two weeks of school. This year our committees will consist of the following:ARD – Admissions, Review and Dismissal Committee is comprised of the diagnostician,administrator, special education teacher and grade level teacher. This committee willreview all data to determine if a student is placed, renewed or exited from the specialeducation program.SBDM -This committee is comprised of staff members elected by campus personnel.They primarily serve as an advisory council to the principal. Members serve a three yearstaggered term. Two-thirds of this committee is teachers in addition to community,administration and parent representatives.CPI – Crisis Prevention Team is necessary when a student’s behavior escalates and losescontrol. The crisis prevention team will respond and assist in deescalating the situation.LPAC – The Language Proficiency Assessment Committee will consist of the FederalPrograms counselor, assistant principal, ESL Strategist, parent and two ESL teachers.This committee’s primary responsibility is to place students with English as a secondlanguage in the best academic setting. By law, the committee must meet within 20 days ofthe ESL student’s first day of school.Safety/Discipline – This committee will review the school’s crisis intervention plan’spolicies and procedures to ensure the safety of all students and staff. In addition, theywill assist in the implementation of school-wide rules to establish a well-disciplinedstudent body.Response to Intervention (RTI)/504 – This committee will meet at the end of each sixweeks to discuss the academic progress of students. They will create academic anddiscipline plans for students as needed. Response to Intervention (RTI) will beimplemented to assure students have received the necessary intervention before beingreferred. After a 6 weeks period the SAT will determine if the student is referred to504 or Special Education.Attendance Committee – This committee will meet monthly to establish guidelines andincentives for student and staff attendance. Our goal is to meet at least 97% attendancerate and be the District Attendance Champs every 6 weeks.Technology Committee – This committee will assess and determine our campustechnology needs. In addition, they will work closely with the campus principal to assureour students and staff is provided with quality technology.Courtesy Committee - A courtesy committee will be comprised of staff members. Thiscommittee affords our school to recognize and celebrate our personal and professionalcommendations. The dues will be $60.00 for professionals and $30.00 forparaprofessionals. These dues can be deducted from your payroll check.

Conference PeriodOne of the most important professional responsibilities we have is proper use of schooltime. We are most successful when we maximize planning time. The conference period ispart of the instructional program. Use it wisely. If a staff member leaves during the day,the campus administration must be informed. Teachers are expected to sign out if leavingthe school grounds prior to the end of our work day. Teachers with conference at thebeginning of the day are expected to be on campus by 7:45 a.m. Teachers withconference periods at the end of the day are expected to remain on campus until 4:15 p.m.All Sharyland I.S.D. personnel are expected to utilize the work day to the fullest.CopierWe have a new Xerox copier. Codes will now be issued to each individual employee inorder to access the copier. Each code will enable you to make a set number of copies forthe year. You should not share your code with anyone. This may lead to someone elseusing your code and max out your copies for the year. Use it wisely.Counseling ServicesStudents should be referred to the counselors for preventative measures rather thandisciplinary reasons. Counselors will provide services to students using a number ofdifferent methods listed below: - A student may visit the counselor on a regular weekly schedule for aslong as necessary. These sessions are from 10 to 30 minutes. - Students will be grouped to discuss a common problem or need. The groupsession lasts 30 to 45 minutes and may continue from 5 to 10 sessions. - Forty-five minute classroom guidance sessions will be held. Teachersshould stay with the classroom.In addition, we will have assemblies on bullying, drugs, and career choices throughout theschool year. We will implement the Assembly Schedule that is in your calendar for thesepresentations.Department HeadCampus department heads play a crucial role in assisting the campus principal to makedecisions on instruction and the purchase of instructional materials. Department headswill oversee the general instructional functions of their departments and will coordinateall department meetings held during the year. The following staff members have beendesignated Department Head this school year.

Department TeacherMath M. Garcia/_________ELA K. Valdez/J. CavazosScience K. BhattiSocial Studies C. TamezElectives N. GandariaSpecial Education C. GreenmanDutyMorning DutyMorning duty assignments begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. and end at 7:55 a.m. for allprofessional staff members. It is necessary for all staff to be at their designatedstations on time to ensure the safety of our students. Teachers are responsible tosecure their own coverage on days when they will be out. The map and schedule isdetailed in the Staff Calendar.After School DutyAfter school duty assignments begin promptly after school. The map and schedule isdetailed in the Staff Calendar.E-MailAll staff is expected to check their e-mail 2 to 3 times a day during team planning,conference, before and after school. No spam mail should be sent by any employee at anytime. Refrain from sending e-mail to entire entities without authorization from thecampus principal. Your e-mail can be monitored by the District Technology Departmentat any time for any reason. Technology reports are provided to campus principalsdepicting computer use for all campus employees. This report details all computersearches, e-mails, transactions utilized by district staff in the school setting.EmergenciesIn all emergencies, the Emergency Procedures Members will be called and the belowmentioned procedures will be followed. The members include: Nurse, Principal, AssistantPrincipals, Counselors, Trainer, Officer and custodians.Procedures:1. Teacher or school personnel who encounter an emergency will utilize the phonesystem to call the office and say “Injured Person” in room ____ and state injured

person’s name.2. The person answering the phone will call Team Members beginning with the nurse byradio and ask them to report to the specific room.3. Members report to location.4. Teacher or aide removes all students and personnel from site immediately aftercalling in the emergency. Please keep students calm and reassure them thesituation is under control. Only team members will be permitted to be with theinjured/ill.5. The nurse will assess the emergency and use her judgment in calling an ambulance.If the nurse is not available, the trainer, principal or assistant principals will assessthe condition of the injured and determine whether EMS should be called.6. If an ambulance is needed, the nurse or administrator will radio in to the office theneed for EMS. The secretary or designee will call 911 for an ambulance. At thatpoint, parents will be contacted by an administrator or the nurse describing thecircumstances of the situation. Parents will also be told of the hospital their childwas taken to.7. Emergency team members will remain with injured party at all times. The nurse ordesignee will accompany sick/ injured to hospital in the ambulance.Accident reports will be completed by the person witnessing the accident/injury. Reportwill be completed by the nurse as to treatment and disposition of injured and/or ill person.This will include what the problem was, how the nurse assessed the problem, what thenurse did, and how the student responded. A copy of this report will be forwarded to theSuperintendent’s office.Life Threatening Situations e spleen, lung, liver or kidney injury

Immediate Professional Care Situations ing 5 minutes or longer -1116Crisis Team - Discipline Issue/Enraged StudentPrincipal Officer CustodiansAssistant Principals Counselors NursePurposeThe purpose of the Crisis Team is to lend support to a teacher who is having difficultywith a child who is exhibiting open defiance or who is exhibiting behavior that couldinflict bodily harm to themselves or others.others, etc. Student is exhibiting behavior that could inflict bodily harm to themselves orothers.setting.ProcessWhen any of the above behaviors is noted, the following will be followed: door for student.his/her students.This plan has been put into effect to help you and the students who lose control. Thesituation will be handled quietly and professionally. Situations of this nature need to bekept as confidential as possible, and it should not be discussed with anyone. In cases ofintruders who refuse to report to the office, an all school alert will be made and police willbe called.Faculty Meetings

Faculty meetings will be scheduled on a needed basis. Prior notice will be given to allowyou to make all necessary arrangements to attend. Please refrain from bringing yourchildren or family member to any staff meetings or faculty gatherings.Field TripsAll field trips must be approved by the principal. A school representative must accompanythe students on every school sponsored activity and an eight to one ratio must bemaintained. Parents must sign a permission slip before each trip taken. Students who failto bring a permission form will need to remain in school. If you plan to use a school bus,all bus requisitions must be submitted to the Transportation Department at least two weeksin advance of the trip. School approved field trips are exempt from the Foods of MinimalNutritional Value law.Fire DrillsWe are mandated to have obstructed and unobstructed fire drills throughout the schoolyear. Every classroom must clearly display an evacuation chart which shows a primaryescape route to an outside area which is a safe distance from the building. Students areto move to this designated area in a safe, quiet and orderly manner. The State FireMarshal’s report requires fire prevention education throughout the year for all students.Please refer to the Fire Exit Evacuation in this handbook for procedures.FundraisingAll fundraising activities must be approved two months in advance. Application forpermission must be made to the principal for approval. The secretary is required tocollect all monies generated the day of any activity, and under no circumstances will staffbe permitted to keep “petty cash.” This is a violation of board policy, and no staffmember is authorized to do this. All organizations, clubs, or school sponsored groupsmust deposit any money collected that is in excess of $50 at the end of each day. Clubsand organizations are also not permitted to open a separate checking account with a bank.You must see our secretary for any questions or concerns.All school sponsored groups are required to maintain accurate deposit slips and receiptsfor monies collected and turned in. Overall, it must be understood that: -making projects must be approved by the principal.left in the classroom overnight. activity fund requisitions and back up information beforepayment is made.

must be followed.Grade Level/Department MeetingsWe will work with grade level teams to ensure what meeting times work best.Grading ProceduresGrade books will be kept on the computer using Skyward Software. See Junior HighGrading Policies section for additional information.Grade ReportingProgress ReportsBy the end of the 3rd week of each six weeks grading period, teachers must notify theparents of students who are failing or who are achieving below their ability level.Teachers must also arrange to have these students attend tutorials and/or receiveacademic coaching. Also, the student should be referred to the counselor for academiccounseling. Please notify administration if students are not attending tutorials. Tutoringis mandated and students will be held accountable through the Compulsory AttendanceLaw.Incomplete Grades for Students Who are AbsentStudents, who have not had sufficient time to make up missed work due to illness, shouldbe given an “INC” (incomplete) on their report card. This “INC” is not to remain on thereport for more than one week into the next six-week period. After this time, allincomplete grades must be changed to indicate six weeks average. All students with anexcused absence have to be provided the opportunity to make up missed assignments.Students are expected to turn in work no later than three days after they return toschool from the day of their absence.Academic Grades / Percentage of FailureStudents shall not have points taken off for conduct in any content area. Campusadministration will address any problems teachers have if behavior is an issue in theclassroom. Students who fail multiple classes in a grading period will have his/her parentsscheduled for a team meeting. These students must also be referred to the counselor.School administration will monitor failure rates by teachers, so staff is encouraged towork with parents and students throughout the year. In planning for these students,teachers are encouraged to ask themselves:-- How does this student learn best?-- What does the student need to do differently?-- Have I considered all school programs for this student?

Mrs. Bazan will receive a failure by teacher each reporting period. Therefore highlyrecommended that parent contract is made and documented throughout the school year toassure students receive the appropriate intervention needed.Hall DutyIt is the responsibility of all staff to assist monitoring the halls. This supervision willassist in curtailing problems between students and provide you the opportunity towelcome your students. During passing periods, all teachers are expected to standoutside their classroom for the duration of the 3 minute passing period and monitorand acknowledge students. (Refer to Duty Obligations in Handbook)Hall PassesIn order to maintain a safe and secure school environment, students will not bepermitted to walk around the school without a hall pass. In addition, all teachers mustmaintain a restroom log that documents each student’s whereabouts.Teachers should always send students to the office or nurse with a pass. There will be noexceptions. By documenting when and where students go during the day, we willminimize incidences which may occur in the hallway or restrooms. Office personnel andthe nurse will not permit students without a pass. Students who are being sent to the officefor disciplinary reasons must have an office referral with them. Students will be returnedto class if they arrive without any documentation.Health ClinicThe school nurse will be on campus daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Students sent to theclinic must have a pass. First aid boxes will be provided for each classroom for minor cutsand bruises. Classroom teachers should not leave the class to bring students to the clinicunless it is an emergency.In extreme emergency cases, contact the office immediately. If a child is seizing,choking, or having another emergency, clear the child’s surrounding area and verify thereare no items that can further injure him/her. Do not try to restrain the patient becauseyou might get hurt, so ask your neighbor to assist you with supervising your class. Thiswill allow you to tend to the child inside your class.No medication, including aspirin, will be administered by any staff member without theproper authorization. All medication should be taken by the adult immediately to thenurse. At no time should a student be in possession of any medication; this includesaspirin, cough medicine and Tylenol.All staff members as well, should not have any medication visible or within reach of anystudent. This includes your desk area, open purse, or closet. Always store your personal

medication in a secure and locked area away from students.Homework GuidelinesHomework is an essential part of the educational process. It serves a two-fold purpose:andHowever, this will not occur if the teacher does not review the work the following day. Itis essential students and teachers review homework assignments regularly, to betteradjust the instruction to meet their needs. Immediate and appropriate feedback on theirwork will only make them better students. This will help clarify any questions andpossible gaps that appear from one day to the next. Homework assignments should:aware of the outcome of their work; habits;Homework on WednesdayIt has been our general practice not to schedule school activities and homework onWednesday evenings due to various church related services. Please respect this practiceand limit the amount of homework students take home. In some cases, parents indicatetheir children also go to church classes on Tuesdays. This is a separation of church andstate, so we are not required to adhere to any of these requests, but you should beinformed this has been a concern in the past.Inventory of Room EquipmentAn inventory of each classroom and all materials within that classroom will be taken atthe beginning and end of the school year. Teachers must do all they can to keep equipmentand materials issued to them in a safe place, or they may be required to compensate thecampus for the loss. All technology items issued to teachers will be inventoried at the endof the year. Remember, you are the administrator of your classroom and have fullresponsibility.Lesson Plans- Teacher Preparation

All lesson plans will be used in determining the outcome of data reports, so spendingample time planning and organizing lessons, whether individually or with othercolleagues, is productive. Lesson planning give teachers direction on what will happenthroughout the week, and also helps substitute teachers reinforce what is being taught inthe class in your absence. A well thought out lesson plan helps maximize studentachievement and reduces the chance for off task behavior by students, so teachers areencouraged to elaborate as much as possible in their plans. Each lesson plan must havemeasurable objectives that state what the students will learn each day and activities thatstate how they will learn it. The more creative you are with your lessons the better youreach students. The instructional objectives must be aligned to TEKS objectives.Therefore, you should indicate what objectives you are targeting. All modifications forour special populations should also be denoted in the lesson plans. Lesson plans need tobe submitted each Friday by 4:15 p.m. to the assistant principal. If you know you aregoing to be absent, it is always better to send a more detailed lesson plan that outlinesyour recommendations for the substitute.All videos must be approved by Mrs. Bazan before becoming part of the lesson plan.Videos need to conform to copyright standards.Library ServicesOur library will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. each day. All students must have apass to go to the library. We want to make sure all books are being properly checked out,so please remind your students to have their ID ready for check out. Teachers are alsoencouraged to sign up with our school librarian for independent research and special classprojects. The library will be reserved on a first come first serve basis. All students willbe allowed to visit the library before and after school.The library is an integral part of the daily activity of our school. Our library personnelwill be more than glad to assist you in selecting materials suited for a particular unit ofinstruction. Faculty and staff are encouraged to suggest materials for consideration andplacement in our library collection.Special AssignmentsWhen planning an assignment that involves the use of library resources, you can notify thelibrarian. Some of the services provided include placing materials on reserve, sendingmaterials to the classroom, and helping prepare bibliographies in subject areas.Professional CollectionA collection of professional books and periodicals is also available for staff use. Staff

members are urged to use these resources and may suggest other professional titleswhich may be helpful to them. A laminating machine and a lettering machine are locatedin the AV Room. These machines are for staff use only. Students are not permitted in ouraudio-visual room.AV-EquipmentPlease do not send students to the library for equipment, especially televisions. Districtpolicy prohibits students from transporting equipment unless supervised by an adult. Youare responsible for equipment borrowed in your name no matter who loses, borrows, ordamages it.VideosAll video programs must be approved by Mrs. Bazan. All movies and clips must bedocumented on lesson plans before having them approved. Video programs must be partof the lesson taught and not outside of your teaching area. No video programs rented fromlocal video stores may be shown on campus. Please follow copyright laws at all times.All staff is responsible for any resources checked out from the library. You will beresponsible for charges of lost, damaged or misplaced materials.MailboxesPlease check your mailbox box in the morning and afternoon for important informationwhich may require immediate action. Teachers who want to place forms and informationin staff mailboxes must get principal approval before. We want to keep all letters andinformation appropriate for school. It is not permitted to distribute chain letters orpolitical and/or religious ads. All staff is expected to respect each teacher’s mailbox.Mentor Program (Students)The Diamondback Mentor Program provides a support system for at-risk students toachieve their individual academic goals. The mentors will consist of all staff and helpstudents achieve academic success and provide support. The assistant principals andcounselors will be in charge of their respective grade level students. Mentor Minglers willbe scheduled for all mentors and their students.Office Referrals/ReportsReferrals must be factual and should include the specific language that the student used.For instance, when writing a referral you should write:Robert continues to talk back to me when redirected. He told me to “Shut the HellUp” when told to do his work.

Citing the specific bad language is good documentation because it allows others who donot know him and his character to determine that he is a severe case, and the most extremeconsequence is now justified. On the other hand, teachers should never writestatements like: “I am fed up with his lack of respect, and refuse to take it anymore. He is always pushing all my buttons. I think it’s time for swats.”Planning on Wednesday (POW WOW)We will have POW WOWs twice a semester for a total of 4 for the year. POW WOWsare for “Planning On Wednesday” with your departments. Administration will securesubstitutes to allow you to meet, plan, and collaborate with your department for a 3 hourblock. It will be either from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. This will befor the four core subject areas: Math, Science, ELA and Social Studies. The POW WOWdates are in the Staff Calendar.Public RelationsThe teaching profession is consistently involved with the general public. It is our aim toalways seek and maintain good positive relations with those we serve. The following is alist of recommendations we need to follow: mpression. Students and parents should alwaysbe welcome. Make it a point to report the good, not just the bad.personality issues, gossiping and/or criticism. is the key for your public relations. He/she judges you primarily onfairness, approachability and your ability to command his/her respect.you are simply adding to the discredit of all staff. Never recommend or notrecommend staff members to parents. This will reflect badly on those you do notrecommend.cannot be overemphasized. All letters or notices sent home must be approved bythe principal before sending out.Student SchedulesStudents will be permitted to make a schedule change the first two weeks of school inorder to accommodate their educational plan. The form should be signed by parent andteacher. Any other schedule change after the first 2 weeks has to be approved by Mrs.Bazan. Class counts will be monitored and schedule changes will require administrationapproval.

Supervision of StudentsIt is imperative our students be supervised AT ALL TIMES. Teachers leaving theirclasses unsupervised do so at your own risk. Teachers are personally liable under thesecircumstances. You should only leave your classroom when an emergency arises. Yourneighbor may assist you in monitoring your class. Teachers should not leave their studentsto make copies, make personal phone calls, or work on any other special event during ascheduled class period. In addition, staff members should not call the front office for asubstitute or aide without clearance from an administrator. A classroom teacher’sprimary responsibility is with the student. Working on other extracurricular school orpersonal activities during class time should never be at the expense of student learning.This includes being on your personal phone during class time.In addition, staff children should be supervised by their parents after school. Theyshould not be walking through the halls, outside in the common area, the gym, lounge, orlibrary without adult supervision. Please make sure they are in an area that is monitoredby an adult. In addition, staff children, non-employee spouses, significant others shouldrefrain from attending staff luncheons and staff meetings including beginning of year,faculty meetings, teacher workday or end-of- year.Never forget, Supervision is for Safety!Supply MoneyAll classroom teachers will receive $150 each semester for instructional supplies. Thismoney should be used for additional materials that are needed for your students orclassroom. Please request the purchase order from Nora by October 30. 2017.“Talk Shop”It is unprofessional, unethical and poor policy to talk shop away from the building todiscuss confidential student matters. Discussion with teachers and staff personnel aboutstudents is confidential. In addition, it is illegal to discuss these matters on a personalbasis. We must be professional at all times and refrain from gossip that can beconstrued as slander.Tardy PolicyStudents who arrive to their first period after 8:00 a.m. should be coded tardy. Thesestudents are expected to get an admittance slip from the front office. After three (3)tardies the student should be referred to the office and a detention will be issued. Youshould contact Karina Canales of students with excessive tardies. Our truant officer willmake home visits to all students with this problem. Students who have 15 or more tardiesin a year will be referred to a municipal judge.Telephone Calls

Staff will not be called out of the classroom to accept personal telephone calls except foremergencies. Messages will be taken and placed in the teacher mailboxes located in theteacher’s lounge. Staff members are expected to refrain from using the telephone duringclass time. All cell phones must be turned off during class time and may be used onlyduring the conference period and lunch. This includes text messaging, Twitter andFacebook.TextbooksClassroom teachers need to go directly to their assigned assistant principal to request thebooks. They will keep an inventory on all books/materials assigned to you. Each teacherand student is responsible for textbooks issued to them.Tutorial ProgramTutorials for students will be done throughout the school day. Any student needingadditional intervention should be assigned to Diamondback Den Monday throughThursday. There will be Saturday tutorials will be provided.U.I.L.Students are not allowed to participate in school-sponsored UIL, club trips and schoolsponsored activities unless they are eligible to participate. The eligibility standard forUIL competitors is as follows: Eligibility is determined at the beginning of each sixweeks. A student must be passing all classes to be eligible during a six week period.The UIL standard represents the minimum requirement for students engaged in anyextra-curricular activities which require absence from school (this does not apply tostudents scheduled to participate in approved class field trips). Depending upon thepurpose of the club or organization and its constitutional provisions; organizations arefree to adopt a stronger eligibility rule. Sponsors will determine eligibility from students’report cards. Sponsors are also responsible for enforcing the particular standard of theirclub or organization.Visitors to the SchoolAll visitors must report to the principal’s office and must comply with all applicabledistrict policies and procedures. Visitors will receive a visitor’s badge before going to anypart of the school. Every staff member has the responsibility to escort any individualwithout these documents to the front office.Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with approvalof the principal and teacher. The duration or frequency should not interfere with thedelivery of instruction or disrupt the normal school environment.

WalkthroughsAdministrators will conduct walkthroughs. Feedback will be provided after eachwalkthrough utilizing the new teacher evaluation system: T-TESS. The ESL Strategistand Instruction and Assessment Strategist will conduct academic walkthroughs using theSIOP evaluation tool.WebpageAll staff should have their web page done by September 14. This includes all classroomteachers, support staff and administration. Your web page should be current and containall pertinent information for students, parents and community.

Sharyland North Junior High Staff Duty Obligations 2017-2018It is imperative that each staff member attends to his/her duty obligations to create anorderly school environment. This contributes to good student discipline and safety.Below are some procedures that need to be followed:  Make sure you have a current copy of the duty schedules.  If you have any questions regarding duty, see an assistant principal.  Be on time to your duty assignment and stay for the duration.  Staff members are not to read, text, or grade papers while on duty.  Be sure to position yourself so that you can see as many students as possible. Avoid a location in which your view is obstructed. Many problems can be prevented when students KNOW you are actively watching their behavior.  YOU are responsible for your duty assignment. If you are unable to attend, you are responsible to secure a replacement.  Make sure to circulate the area to which you have been assigned. Be as visible as possible.  Be proactive in supervising student behavior. Intervene and redirect student behavior as soon as you see a need. It is easier to deal with a potential fight situation than it is to deal with an actual fight.  If you are assigned to a duty area where other staff is assigned, do not congregate and visit with other staff members on duty. Also, do not engage in lengthy conversations with students. When this happens, it results in poor supervision.  Make eye contact with students while you are on duty. Scan the group at all times and proactively watch for potential problems.  Pay special attention to situations when stationary groups of students tend to form and/or when the student volume level is above normal. Break up and disperse these groups. This prevents potentially serious situations.

Hallway Duty – Passing Times  Faculty and staff should be outside their classrooms/offices during the passing periods before, during and after school directing students to get to class or exit the buildings.  Teachers must be at their door (duty station) as soon as possible after the passing period bell.  The bell should not dismiss the students. You must be the first person out of your room and remain at your door throughout the entire passing time.  Do not stray away from your door and leave your students unattended at anytime for any reason. Work out a “buddy system” with your next door teacher to watch your class if you need to go to the restroom.  Encourage students to keep moving and be in class before the tardy bell rings. Do not allow students to congregate and talk to their friends in the hallways.  Do not leave your duty location for your conference period or lunch time until after the tardy bell rings. (The only exception is for those individuals who must be in the cafeteria for lunch duty before the tardy bell.) Hallways should be clear of all students.Assembly/Gym Duty  The west side of the gym is for eighth grade and the east side is for seventh grade seating.  In the event of an assembly and/or function on school premises between the times of 8:00 a.m. and 3:56 p.m. all professionals must attend and be on duty with your respective grade level students.  Supervise students as they enter your area by making them walk up into the bleachers in a single file, straight and quiet line to the next available row of seats.  Do not allow students to rearrange their seating order as they walk up. Instead they should sit in the order they walk up.  Supervise student behavior: o Have students remove their feet from seats as the row below them fills. o Do not allow students to be loud (no yelling, chanting, whistling). o Do not allow students to stomp their feet or tap/beat on the bleachers. o Students may not throw objects of any kind. o Students should keep hands/feet to themselves. o Students may not leave the bleachers once seated except for emergencies.  When the assembly is over, wait for an administrator to begin dismissing the students. Then, stand in the middle area in front of your section of bleachers and dismiss students ONE ROW AT A TIME. Do not allow students to leave until their respective rows are given permission to leave.

 Be watchful as students leave the bleachers. Do not permit them to run down the bleachers. Check for and redirect dress code violations. They are not to congregate once on the gym floor; they should keep moving as they exit.  If any student property has been left on the bleachers, please pick it up and turn it in to the receptionist area.Cafeteria DutyAll staff members are directed to be outside their classrooms/offices during the fifth andsixth passing period directing students to exit the main building and annex towards thecafeteria.  Those staff members who have lunch duty should be at your duty station before the second bell rings in order to avoid any problems in the cafeteria.  Duty Responsibilities: o Administrators – be accessible to circulate the building, exits, crosswalk, dining area, and outside seating areas. o Counselors – building exits, crosswalk, dining area, and making sure that the students finish eating, clean their areas, discard their trash, and exit the cafeteria. o Staff –cafeteria lines, monitoring restrooms, dining area, and the outside seating areas.  Lunch Duty is an obligation and YOU are responsible for your duty assignments. If you are unable to attend your duty assignment, you are responsible for finding another staff member to cover it.  Supervise all students in the cafeteria. Redirect any inappropriate behavior. Redirect students who are excessively loud and check for dress code violations.  Students should be seated at the tables or in one of the cafeteria lines. Please do not allow students to stand around or be walking from table to table.  Try to restrict students from going into the restrooms in groups.  Once students walk outside the cafeteria, they should not be allowed to walk back into the cafeteria. Students may not take food or drinks out of the cafeteria.  You are on lunch duty until all students have cleared the cafeteria and pavilion area and have entered the main buildings.

Sharyland North Junior High School 2017-2018As a staff member at Sharyland North, I, ____________________, herebyacknowledge that I will follow the policies and procedures of the Staff DutyObligation Manual as summarized below:  Recognize the importance and necessity of attending to my duty obligations.  Write my duty schedule on my substitute schedule.  Accept responsibility for finding another responsible staff member to cover me if I cannot make it to duty.  Be on time for my duty assignments and stay for the entire time.  Not engage in lengthy conversations, texting or reading materials that will distract me from actively monitoring the students.  Be proactive in supervising and redirecting student behavior.  Be the first person out of my room during passing periods and dismiss students in a neat and orderly manner.  Stand at my door for the entire passing period and greet all students coming in.  Not stray away from door and leave my students unattended.  Supervise student behavior at all assemblies. My signature verifies that I have received a copy of the “Duty Obligation Manual” and I accept the terms and responsibilities outlined above.______________________ _______________________Teacher Date

GradingGuidelines







Junior High School Semester Exam Exemption Recommendation 2017-181. 7th grade students are required to take all exams in the fall. 7th grade students will be allowed one exemption in the spring.2. 8th grade students may qualify for exemption in any class following the criteria in item 2.3. To be eligible for exemption in a class, a student must meet the following criteria: a. A 90 or better average with no more than 2 excused absences. b. An 85 or better average with no more than 1 excused absence. c. All absences must be excused to be exempt from that exam. The only absences that do not affect exemption are school sponsored activities and ISS. ALL other absences (medical, pre-arranged, illness, etc.) count against exemption. Students must be present during semester exams regardless of exemption status. Absence on semester exam days will count against exemption. d. Two tardies or less per semester (3 tardies equal one unexcused absence for the class – for exemption purposes only).

Electronic Use Guidelines



Campus Forms

Sharyland North Junior High Parent Contact Log 2017-2018Teacher: _______________________ Week of_______________________Date/Time Student’s Contact Who did you Reason for Notes Name Numbers speak with? calling08/24/18 John 555-5555 mother Positive Parent also reported the positive praise progress noticed with her child.4:00 P.M. Diamondback Pleased with the call.

Sharyland North Junior HighREQUEST TO LEAVE EARLYName: ________________________ Date: ___________________Time Leaving: _________________ Time Returning: ___________ Planning to Return: Yes NoPlease write below a brief description for this request.*Hourly personnel – The approval of this request does not allow missed time to be madeup. Prior approval must be requested and granted by Mrs. Bazan.□Make up time approved by _________________.In order for your request to be considered please follow the chain of command. Presentthis request first to the Principal for approval. If not available, the Assistant Principalwill sign. ___________________________ Principal / Designee________ Approved________ Not Approved



Emergency Procedures Quick Reference Guide Teacher EditionEvacuationFire/Explosion/Smell of Smoke/Gas Odor/Fire Alarm/Bomb ThreatLockdownIntruder/Weapon/Hostage/Active Shooter/Hostile Individual/CriminalActivity/Dangerous AnimalTornado/Severe WeatherReverse EvacuationSuspicious/threatening person or hazardous chemical spill outside buildingShelter in PlaceHazardous chemical pill outside building

Evacuation-Campus Teachers & Other Staff 1. When you hear the fire alarm or other emergency announcement, begin campus building evacuation and student accountability procedures.  Instruct students to calmly leave the building. If purses and backpacks are within arm length, students may take these items with them outside with them.  Check room for any suspicious items.  Take class roll, go-kit and emergency status cards with you.  Make sure classroom door is closed and preferably unlocked. 2. Assemble class at assigned evacuation location.  Take roll to account for all students.  If all students are accounted for, hold GREEN status card.  Hold RED status card if you cannot account for all students, have a medical emergency, or have noted something suspicious.  Keep students quiet and calm.  Do not let any student leave without proper authorization. 3. Follow instructions given by Principal.  Do not reenter building until directed by the Principal. 4. If relocation is necessary, account for all students before they get on the bus and again when they get to the new location. EVACUATION Fire/Explosion/Smell of Smoke/Gas Oder/Fire Alarm/Bomb Threat

LOCKDOWN-CAMPUS TEACHERS & OTHER STAFF 1. A campus administrator will announce lockdown.  If anyone hears or sees a situation* that requires lockdown, immediately begin procedures and call the front office to report emergency.  Get students out of hallways and into the classrooms.  Lock classroom door and turn off lights.  Make sure all windows are locked and blinds are closed. 2. If you cannot lock classroom door:  Take students to the neighboring classroom that can be locked  Join that class and follow teacher’s instructions. 3. Keep students quiet and out of view. If necessary, cover door window. 4. Take roll to account for all students. 5. If all students are accounted for post Green status card in door window. 6. Post RED status card in door window if you cannot account for all students, have a medical emergency, or have noted something suspicious.  If there is no door window, slide the card under the door into hallway. 7. Keep students silent and calm.  Do not let any student leave without proper authorization. 8. Phones (including cell phones) are not to be used unless communicating critical information to front office. 9. Remain in locked classrooms until campus administrator announces lockdown is over.If confronted by a suspicious person, be courteous and confident. Keep a distance between yourself andthe individual and avoid confrontation. Provide law enforcement with as much detail as possible aboutthe incident. Quickly and specifically, follow law enforcement instructions.(Note: If students are outside the building, supervising staff should move to the nearest room within thebuilding or to a portable and follow the instructions above. If students cannot be moved safely into a securearea, they should be evacuated a safe distance off campus and the police and/or principal notified of theirwhereabouts as soon possible.) LOCKDOWN *Intruder/Weapon/Hostage/Active Shooter/Hostile Individual/Criminal Activity/Dangerous Animals

TORNADO-CAMPUS TEACHERS & OTHER STAFFTORNADO WATCH or WARNING 1. Announcement will be made to initiate campus tornado/severe weather procedures.  Based on the severity of the storm and current weather conditions, portable building occupants will be instructed to move inside to the main building.  If instructed, move class to pre-designated safe areas:______________________________________________ 2. Initiate accountability procedures.  Upon reaching designated area, teachers should check class rolls.  Staff will check all areas to ensure every student has been located.  If all students are accounted for, hold up Green status card.  Hold up RED status card if you cannot account for all students or have a medical emergency. 3. Follow instructions given by campus administrator. 4. Seat students in one row whenever possible, facing the interior walls. If needed, seat students in multiple rows facing the same direction. 5. Maintain control, keeping students and staff quiet and calm. 6. Do not let any student leave without proper authorization.If you are notified that a tornado has been sighted in the immediate area---do the following:  Have students and staff assume a protective posture-kneel facing the interior wall with head down and hands protecting the back of the neck and head.  Be aware that electrical power and phone service may be disrupted. Follow campus administrator instructions until danger has passed.  Sheltered areas should be 30 feet or more away from exterior glass doors.  Avoid gyms or large areas with high walls and roofs.  The best shelter is on the first floor in a multi-floor structure, away from exterior windows. Tornado/Severe Weather

REVERSE EVACUATION-CAMPUS TEACHERS & OTHER STAFF 1. A campus administrator will initiate reverse evacuation procedures and instruct staff members to bring all people that are outside into the building.  If time and situation permits, bring portable building. If not, portable building occupants should lock portable doors and initiate lockdown procedures. 2. Check hallways and bring students into classrooms. Lock classroom doors. 3. Report the location of any suspicious person to front office. 4. Take class roll to account for all students and initiate student accountability procedures using the emergency status cards.  If all students are accounted for post GREEN status cards in door window.  Post RED status card in door window if you cannot account for all students, have a medical emergency or have noted.  If there is no door window, slide the card under the door into hallway. 5. No student or staff member should be released until student accountability is complete. 6. Do not let any student leave without proper authorization. 7. Follow instructions given by campus administrator. 8. Limit classroom and cell phone usage until campus administrator communicates that it is safe to use phones. REVERSE EVACUATIONSuspicious/threatening person or hazardous chemical spill outside building

SHELTER IN PLACE-CAMPUS TEACHERS & OTHERSTAFF 1. Announcement will be made to initiate Shelter in Place procedures. 2. Close doors and shut off air intake system for classroom if possible. 3. Find a way to seal any gaps in doors or windows that might allow air to infiltrate classroom. 4. Take class roll to account for all students and initiate student accountability procedures using the emergency student cards.  If all students are accounted for post GREEN status card in door window.  Post RED status card in door window if you cannot account for all students or have a medical emergency  If there is no door window, slide the card under the door into hallway. 5. Do not let any student leave without proper authorization. 6. Follow instructions given by campus administrator. 7. Limit classroom and cell phone usage until campus administrator communicates that it is safe to use phones. SHELTER IN PLACE Hazardous chemical spill outside building