Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Pms Faculty Handbook 2016-17
Pms Faculty Handbook 2016-17
Welcome to Plymouth Middle School. This book has been prepared to provide you with as much
information as possible regarding the operation of Plymouth Middle School. Please take time to
familiarize yourself with the handbook at the beginning of the school year it is designed to be a
valuable resource at your fingertips.
The PMS Staff Handbook contains valuable information which is helpful in dealing with policies
regarding students and school issues. Please refer to this handbook regarding school policies.
Other helpful information can be found on the Plymouth Middle School website. Through the Plymouth
website you can access calendars, forms, course syllabi, testing dates, policies, etc. plus other district
schools and websites. Go to: www.pms.rdale.org. Please take advantage of this valuable tool!
Thank you for your attention to this handbook it is our hope that it will be a helpful tool in your
everyday functions at Plymouth Middle School.
Have a great year!
The Plymouth Middle School Administration
Climate: We believe:
that differences contribute to the richness of the school;
in the importance of mutual respect and a sense of unity among students, families, and staff;
that school should be relevant and meaningful to students present and future needs;
that students, families, and staff will listen, share, and interact to help make important decisions about
each students educational experiences.
Program: We believe:
that students are most successful in an active learning environment with a wide range of materials and
media;
that curriculum should be flexible, adaptable, and take the needs of the learner into account;
in providing personalized and varied performance expectations, and in recognizing our students and staff
for their accomplishments;
in encouraging students to be enthusiastic about learning and feel pride in themselves and in their school
http://www.rdale.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_230078/File/About%20Us/District%
20Calendar%202016.17%20(2).pdf
Refer to RMS
F. A teacher shall delegate authority for teaching responsibilities only to licensed personnel.
G. A teacher shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter.
H. A teacher shall not knowingly falsify or misrepresent records or facts relating to that teacher's own
qualifications or to other teachers' qualifications.
I. A teacher shall not knowingly make false or malicious statements about students or colleagues.
J. A teacher shall accept a contract for a teaching position that requires licensing only if properly or
provisionally licensed for that position.
Subp. 3. Statutory enforcement of code: complaints, investigation, and hearing.
A. The enforcement of the provisions of the code of ethics for Minnesota teachers shall
be in accord with Minnesota Statutes, section 214.10:
"Minnesota Statutes, section 214.10, complaints; investigation and hearing.
Subd. 1. Receipt of complaint. The executive secretary of a board, a board member or
any other person who performs services for the board who receives a complaint or other
communication, whether oral or written, which complaint or communication alleges or
implies a violation of a statute or rule which the board is empowered to enforce, shall
promptly forward the substance of the communication on a form prepared by the
attorney general to the designee of the attorney general responsible for providing legal
services to the board. Before proceeding further with the communication, the designee
of the attorney general may require the complaining party to state the complaint in
writing on a form prepared by the attorney general. Complaints which relate to matters
within the jurisdiction of another governmental agency shall be forwarded to that agency
by the executive secretary. An officer of that agency shall advise the executive
secretary of the disposition of that complaint. A complaint received by another agency
which relates to a statute or rule which a licensing board is empowered to enforce shall
be forwarded to the executive secretary of the board to be processed in accordance
with this section.
Subd. 2. Investigation and hearing. The designee of the attorney general providing legal services to a
board shall evaluate the communications forwarded by the board or its members or staff. If the
communication alleges a violation of statute or rule which the board is to enforce, the designee is
empowered to investigate the facts alleged in the communication. In the process of evaluation and
investigation, the designee shall consult with or seek the assistance of the executive secretary or, if the
board determines, a member of the board who has been designated by the board to assist the designee.
The designee may also consult with or seek the assistance of any other qualified persons who are not
members of the board who the designee believes will materially aid in the process of evaluation or
investigation. The executive secretary or the consulted board member may attempt to correct improper
activities and redress grievances through education, conference, conciliation, and persuasion, and in these
attempts may be assisted by the designee of the attorney general. If the attempts at correction or redress
do not produce satisfactory results in the opinion of the executive secretary or the consulted board
member, or if after investigation the designee providing legal services to the board, the executive
secretary or the consulted board member believes that the communication and the investigation suggest
illegal or unauthorized activities warranting board action, the designee shall inform the executive
secretary of the board who shall schedule a disciplinary hearing in accordance with Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 14. Before the holding of a disciplinary hearing may be directed, the designee or executive
secretary shall have considered the recommendations of the consulted board member. Before scheduling a
disciplinary hearing, the executive secretary must have received a verified written complaint from the
complaining party. A board member who was consulted during the course of an investigation may
participate at the hearing but may not vote on any matter pertaining to the case. The executive secretary of
the board shall promptly inform the complaining party of the final disposition of the complaint. Nothing
in this section shall preclude the board from scheduling, on its own motion, a disciplinary hearing based
upon the findings or report of the board's executive secretary, a board member or the designee of the
attorney general assigned to the board. Nothing in this section shall preclude a member of the board or its
executive secretary from initiating a complaint.
Subd. 3. Discovery; subpoenas. In all matters pending before it relating to its lawful regulation activities,
a board may issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of all necessary
papers, books, records, documents, and other evidentiary material. Any person failing or refusing to
appear or testify regarding any matter about which the person may be lawfully questioned or produce any
papers, books, records, documents, or other evidentiary materials in the matter to be heard, after having
been required by order to the board or by a subpoena of the board to do so may, upon application to the
district court in any district, be ordered to comply therewith. The chair of the board acting on behalf of the
board may issue subpoenas and any board member may administer oaths to witnesses, or take their
affirmation. Depositions may be taken within or without the state in the manner provided by law for the
taking of depositions in civil actions. A subpoena or other process or paper may be served upon any
person named therein, anywhere within the state by any officer authorized to serve subpoenas or other
process or paper in civil actions, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed by
law for service of process issued out of the district court of this state. Fees and mileage and other costs
shall be paid as the board directs."
Subp. 4. Complaints handled by board. When oral complaints alleging violations of the code of ethics are
received, the executive secretary of the Board of Teaching shall request the complaining party to submit
the complaint in writing within ten days.
Upon the receipt of a complaint in writing alleging violations of the code of ethics, the teacher named in
the complaint shall be notified in writing within ten days of the receipt of the complaint.
The teacher shall be entitled to be represented by the teacher's own counsel or representative at each stage
of the investigation and hearing.
Subp. 5. Enforcement procedures. The Board of Teaching may impose one or more of the following
penalties when it has found a violation of the code of ethics. These actions shall be taken only after all
previous efforts at remediation have been exhausted.
A. The Board of Teaching may enter into agreements with teachers accused of violating the code of ethics
which would suspend or terminate proceedings against the teacher on conditions agreeable to both parties.
B. A letter of censure from the Board of Teaching may be sent to the person determined to be in violation
of the standards of the code of ethics. A copy of the letter shall be filed with the Board of Teaching. Such
letters shall be kept on file for a period of time not to exceed one calendar year.
C. A teacher who has been found to have violated the code of ethics may be placed on probationary
licensure status for a period of time to be determined by the Board of Teaching. The board may impose
conditions on the teacher during the probationary period which are to be directed toward improving the
teacher's performance in the area of the violation. During this period, the teacher's performance or
conduct will be subject to review by the Board of Teaching or its designee. Such review will be directed
toward monitoring the teacher's activities or performance with regard to whatever conditions may be
placed on the teacher during the probationary period. Before the end of the probationary period the Board
of Teaching shall decide to extend or terminate the probationary licensure status or to take further
disciplinary actions as are consistent with this rule.
D. The license to teach of the person determined to be in violation of the standards of the code of ethics
may be suspended for a period of time determined by the Board of Teaching.
E. The license to teach of the person determined to be in violation of the standards of the code of ethics
may be revoked by the Board of Teaching.
WHOS WHO?
NAME
TITLE
PHONE EXT.
Cheri Kulland
Principal
7101
Joseph Purvis
Assistant Principal
& Grade 8 Administrator
7102
Krista Range
Assistant Principal
& Grade 7 Administrator
7125
Michael Sullivan
Assistant Principal
& Grade 6 Administrator
7127
Dana Anderson
Building Secretary
7105
Andrea Omodt
Bookkeeper
7107
Kris Combs
Media Clerk
7111
Paula Trulen
Media EA
7187
7104
7104
Shelly Hughes
Grade 6 Counselor
7123
Trent Thompson
Grade 7 Counselor
7121
Deb Dragseth
Grade 8 Counselor
7122
Wanda Heglund
7119
Sharon Cassidy
Nurse
7109
9
Linda Krickle
Rod Virnig
Nurses Assistant
Activities Coordinator
7108
7167
Patricia Brumitt
PC/LAN Tech
7151
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Board Members:
Co-Presidents:
Debbie Fitzsimmons
debbiefitz17@comcast.net
763-521-7121
Nichol Sutton
sutton.nichol@gmail.com
763-545-6169
Molly Lopez
molly_lopez@yahoo.net
612-618-1555
Debra Anderson
kentanddebra@comcast.net
763-553-9662
Lisa Horner
garlishorner@comcast.net
763-509-1846
Jodi Massman
jmassmann@yahoo.com
612-991-6649
Treasurer:
Anne Saffert
amschotts@comcast.net
763-521-4172
Principal, ex-officio:
Cheri Kulland
cheri_kulland@rdale.org
763-504-7101
Joseph D. Purvis
joesph_purvis@rdale.org
763-504-7102
Krista Range
krista_range@rdale.org
763-504-7125
Michael Sullivan
michael_sullivan@rdale.or
g
763-504-7127
Co-Vice Presidents:
Co-Secretaries:
Grade 7
Administrator &
Facebook Admin:
Grade 6
Administrator:
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PMS Secretary
Dana Anderson
dana_anderson@rdale.org
763-504-7105
PMS Bookkeeper
(financials)
Andrea Omodt
andrea_omodt@rdale.org
763-504-7107
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The department chair will be elected in the spring and the name given to the principal by May 1.
Plan and conduct meetings bimonthly with all department members.
Attend district level meetings and share information with all department members.
Prepare an agenda for bimonthly meetings and minutes of the meeting and distribute them to the
department members and give the principal, assistant principal, and grade level administrators.
Review the budget bimonthly and share with other department members.
Review and sign all requests for use of department funds.
Give input as to teaching assignments for the department members.
Be a part of the selection process for new department members.
Facilitate continuity and alignment of curriculum between teams, grade levels, and departments,
promoting interdisciplinary curricular cooperation and encouraging experimentation in
instructional methods.
Work with and assist curriculum associate in the continuing evaluation of the curriculum and
methods of instruction.
Disseminate information from the principal and assistant principal and give feedback when
requested.
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Committees
Equity Committee
Meets once a month to discuss, prepare and staff for cultural growth. The committee goal is to develop
strategies in our building to close the achievement gap.
Recognition
Recognition ceremonies will be held at the end of quarters 1, 2 and 3. We recognize our students with
high academic and extracurricular achievements.
ROAR Advisory
Communications
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PBIS
RTI
Professional Learning
KEEP??? Not on the emailed list from Dana School Improvement/Staff Development Committee
(Labor Management Committee headed by the staff development chair and administration.)
Plan staff development days
Cooperatively work on the district staff development report
Oversee on-going staff development for the building
Plan workshop week schedule in the spring/summer
Facilitate mentorship program and buddies for people new to the building
Facilitate use of staff development budget by staff
Do school improvement planning and reporting as directed by the district
Keep track of student honors received during the year and meets monthly to do this
The student recognitions will be collected and shared at grade level recognition events three times
per year
The committee plans and organizes the student recognition events including making a PowerPoint
presentation for each recognition event and each grade level
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SUPERVISION
ADC Room
OFFICE DETENTION PROCEDURES
CHAPERONING EVENING EVENTS
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS
HALLWAY SUPERVISION
BREAKFAST SUPERVISION
LUNCH SUPERVISION
BUS DUTY
SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES
STUDY HALL SUPERVISION OR ROAR ROOM??
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The study hall is a time for independent study. Students are expected to spend their time in study hall
productively. A quiet, orderly environment is expected in study hall to provide an atmosphere
conductive to learning and study. The goal of every student in study hall should be to complete his or
her assigned schoolwork. Please do not allow students to leave study hall without a pass. Only
ONE student at a time to the bathroom or locker. Do not send more than 4 students to the
media center to work at any time. This is also a time for staff to provide content specific
support for students.
CHAPERONING SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENING EVENTS
All teachers are required to supervise at least two after school activities. Teachers need to supervise
Volleyball, Girls and Boys Basketball, Wrestling, School Musicals, Choir/Orchestra/Band Concerts,
and Grade Level Activity Nights.
All teachers are expected to sign up during the first few weeks of school. If not administration will
assign by need.
Contact Dana Anderson in the main office if you have questions about activity dates.
Please report to Plymouth Middle School or the event site approximately 15-30 minutes prior to
starting time of the scheduled event. Check in with the person in charge to see what responsibilities
they would like you to assist with. Be present and available to ensure student safety and adult
supervision. Stay for the duration of the event, and before you leave the event, check with the person
in charge to see when you are no longer needed.
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS
Prior to the event, check with the coach to see what time you need to be present. Once you have
arrived, check in with the coach to see if there are any specific responsibilities for you at that time.
During the event it is your responsibility to ensure student safety. Students who are watching the
sport must be accompanied by HIS/HER OWN PARENT, not the parent of a friend. Please keep
your attention focused on the students and the crowd and stay the entire length of the game. Please
check in with the coach before you leave to see when you are no longer needed.
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PMS staff and teachers are always responsible for making a reasonable effort to protect students from
conditions harmful to health and safety. From 7:50 to 8:10 each morning, and from 2:55 until
students leave each day, we are responsible for providing a safe environment. Although you are not
expected to be posted at your classroom door, we each have a responsibility to respond when we
believe that there may be an unsafe situation occurring.
During the 4 minute passing times throughout the day, you are expected to be at your door welcoming
students as they arrive. Active supervision should be practice by all staff during passing time.
Students demonstrating ROAR behavior should be acknowledged and affirmed for their excellence.
Students not demonstrating ROAR behavior should have their behavior addressed, and re-teaching
and documenting the behavior should occur when appropriate. It is understood that a teacher may
need to use passing time to prepare for their next class, travel to their next classroom or to take
care of personal needs, but whenever possible the students need our attention. Please check
bathrooms periodically if one is near your classroom.
Recognize and affirm appropriate behavior and address or document inappropriate behavior,
particularly in the areas of:
Inappropriate physical and verbal conduct- including horseplay, fights, running, chasing,
use of profanity, and screaming.
Loitering-including clumping, gathering without purpose, and unexcused tardies.
Insubordination-including refusing to follow an adults direction and refusing to identify
oneself to an adult.
Unless a true emergency or major referral infraction occurs, the following steps should be implemented:
1. Recognizing and acknowledging non ROAR behavior by the adult witness
2. Re-teaching and documenting minor non roar behavior infractions when appropriate
3. Intervention by parent phone call by witness, team, or grade-level team member
4. Major referral documentation
This is an excellent chance for you to engage with students. Please do so.
Breakfast is from 7:45-8:05 am. The line will close at 8:05 am.
Students must come right from the bus and not go to their lockers.
Dress code applies hats, headphones, and doo rags must be removed before students are allowed
to go through the food line.
All students are to be finished and excused by 8:05 am.
Students are not allowed to bring any food or drink out of the cafeteria check for this.
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Each student is responsible for cleaning their place before leaving for Advisory.
Please do a final wipe of the tables after the students leave.
If the garbage cans and buckets with towels are not out, please get them from the kitchen.
Phone use???
Chromebook use???
This is an excellent chance for you to engage with students. Please do so.
Please make sure you are in the cafeteria during your assigned time. If you cannot be there, you
must find a replacement. Everyone counts on your support during lunch supervision. We need to
all work together to make this work. Please walk around the tables during this time.
All students are responsible for keeping their tables clean. This includes the floor around the
table as well. Towels are available for students and they should wipe down their tables each day.
The lunch area should be completely clean before students are excused.
Students are not allowed to take food or drink from the cafeteria. Please check each student
as they leave.
Students displaying inappropriate behavior should be reminded that they need to behave in an
appropriate way in the lunchroom. Lunch detention may be used as an intervention.
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High school students may not enter the building and must be on a bus, not standing around.
High school students must remain in the tennis court parking lot until 2:50.
School
One teacher on sidewalk by allied doors
One teacher in foyer area
One teacher on sidewalk by gym door
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Guidance Counselors:
Administrator:
Guidance Counselors:
Administrator:
Guidance Counselors:
Administrator:
Shelly Hughes
Michael Sullivan
Trent Thompson
Krista Range
Deb Dragseth
Joseph Purvis
763-504-7123
763-504-7127
763-504-7121
763-504-7125
763-504-7122
763-504-7102
As members of the educational team, we support students, teachers, and families to enhance academic
success. We are here for all students. There is one counselor assigned to each grade level. We work
with students individually and in groups on a wide variety of issues, including academic planning,
goal-setting, and problem-solving. Students who are in need of greater levels of support are referred to
outside organizations. In addition to working directly with students, counselors are responsible for grade
reviews to identify students who need more assistance, student registration, program placement, and
coordination of standardized testing. Counselors also work closely with the grade level teams to begin
interventions for special education and the WINGS program. We work closely with parents to facilitate
communication (i.e. student/parent, teacher/parent).
Social Worker
Cindy Pearson-Cater
7120
Julie Dahl
7184
The School Social Worker is involved in Special Education referral, assessment and support services.
She is available to all students, families, and staff for general support related to school, family, and
personal problems and to provide referrals to community resources. She is also responsible for
monitoring attendance and following up on truancy.
Psychologist
Dave Peterson
7076
The school psychologist collaborates with parents and staff to facilitate student achievement.
Psychologist duties include: assisting staff in developing classroom interventions, performing academic
and/or behavioral assessments for eligibility in special education, and communicates/interprets findings to
parents and staff. The psychologist facilitates an understanding for staff and parents about how the
special education process works and works with students with more severe behavioral and emotional
issues to help them be more successful.
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Equity Specialist
7081
This individual acts as a liaison between home and school, facilitating communication and building
relationships. As a consultant to teachers and staff on issues of culture, heritage, and background, the
Equity Specialist ensures that students and families are treated equitably. This
person works with students individually and in classroom settings to teach them to be more successful in
school.
Nurse
Sharon Cassidy
7109 or 7108
The Health Office services students needing first aid, medication, and/or other treatments. The school
nurse coordinates vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings. Students must be in class and see the
health office staff only if they are vomiting, bleeding, possible fever, needing medication, or injured.
The health office does not provide any medication or treatments. These must be provided by the
parent/guardian with written doctors orders, and written parent permission. The medication must be in
the pharmacy bottle or store bottle (over the counter medication) for the health office to accept it.
Parents are responsible for obtaining this information.
Any students who will not participate in physical education class will need a written doctors note
for it to be an excused absence.
All students immunization (shot) records must be compliant with Minnesota state law throughout the
entire school year. Written notification will be sent to the students parent/guardian if the records are not
compliant throughout the school year. Exclusion from school will occur if records are not compliant.
All phone numbers for parents/guardians must be kept current so the school health office may reach
family or an emergency contact in case of illness or injury.
School Resource Officer
David Groth
7117
The Officer is in the building full time. He assists in classrooms by presenting information to students
and teachers. She investigates any criminal activity that occurs on the school grounds (thefts, assaults,
etc.) The Officer acts as resource for students and parents.
The SAT Team (Student Assistance Team):
The entire support staff, including administration and representatives from the Special Education
Department, meets weekly to discuss individual student and programming needs. Teachers are welcome
to join the meeting when they have insight regarding a student concern. The SAT meeting is where we
coordinate student services and initiate interventions, assessments, and referrals. The SAT team is one
link in the referral process to: Special Education, WINGS, and other support services and programs.
Teachers will decide as a team to present a student/issue to the SAT team after they have done
documented their own interventions.
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763-504-7078
763-504-7100
763-533-9667
763-561-0033
612-490-0726
612-338-8800
763-504-7100
How to Contact Us: Any of the Plymouth Middle School support staff can be reached by calling the
Guidance Office at 763-504-7119.
A. STAFF MEETING
Administrators will review the facts of the situation.
A written announcement should be distributed for staff to read to students.
Staff will begin to identify additional at-risk students.
Teachers should be encouraged to handle any expressions of grief or loss in their
classrooms to the extent that they are comfortable.
Discourage glorification only serious, frank, and supportive discussion of
depression, loss, and grief not suicide per se.
2. All classes should return to their normal routine as soon as possible.
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3. Students identified as high risk should be referred to the crisis team for intervention.
4. Another staff meeting could be held at the end of the day for staff support and coordination of
the days experiences and identification of high-risk students.
5. Crisis team should meet at the end of the day to discuss high-risk students, follow up, and
referrals to community resources.
6. In the event of a death, an announcement may be given to staff informing them of the funeral
arrangements. Students wishing to attend the funeral should be reminded of the need for
written parental permission to leave school.
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All staff will be provided with bandages and gloves. Please ask for more of these items whenever
necessary. Never expose students or staff to blood borne pathogens. NEVER send a profusely bleeding
student to the office alone. A teacher with gloves should accompany the student, or call the health office
at 7108 or 7109 for an escort with a wheelchair. IF YOU CALL 911 YOU MUST NOTIFY THE
OFFICE (7100) IMMEDIATELY AND STATE WHERE YOU NEED HELP AND WHY. There
are first aid kits available in the tech ed, art, and science rooms.
Certain students in the school may have medical conditions where an emergency situation could develop.
These are students with diabetes, severe allergies, severe asthma, heart conditions, bleeding tendencies,
and seizures. The health office will, at the beginning of each quarter, give the students teachers a copy of
an emergency care plan for each student. PLEASE MAKE SURE A COPY IS IN THE SUBSTITUTE
FOLDER AS WELL.
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Students without ID cards will be the last through the lunch line.
Students must not deface their ID cards. ID cards must be easy to read and students
faces easily seen.
It is recommended that students keep their ID cards in a safe place at home (in a
backpack) where it will not be forgotten.
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COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW Minnesota statutes state that all children between eight and
eighteen years of age must attend a public or private school during the entire time school is in session.
Students who are absent from school without an acceptable excuse are considered truant. Good attendance
is mandatory under the No Child Left Behind Act. Schools are penalized for poor attendance. Students
must make every effort to be at school and in class on time. Responsibility for completing make-up work
lies with the student.
*TEACHERS RESPONSIBILITY PER DISTRICT POLICY It is the teachers responsibility to take
daily attendance and to maintain accurate attendance records in advisory and each assigned class. It
is also the teachers responsibility to work cooperatively with the students parent or guardian and the
student to solve any attendance problems that may arise.
ATTENDANCE In all cases of absence, a parent/guardian must call the school. The phone number to
report an absence is 763-504-7110 (24 hrs). State the students name, grade, and reason for absence. In
the event of an extended absence from school because of an illness, which a physician feels may last three
or more weeks, a parent/guardian should notify the school nurse (763-504-7109) to initiate homebound
instruction.
SCHOOL HOURS Because staff supervision is not available, students are only allowed in the school
building from 7:45 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Students are allowed in the building after 3:00 p.m. only if they
are under the direct supervision of a staff member. Staff must stay with those students after school
until they are picked up or have boarded the activity bus.
MAKE-UP WORK Students are responsible for making up time and/or assignments missed due to an
absence, In-School suspensions (ISS), Out-of-School suspensions (OSS), or tardiness as determined by
the teachers or administration. Parents can call the guidance secretary at 763-504-7119 to request
homework if a student has been absent 2 or more school days. If suspended, by law we must provide
work equal to a class period of instruction per day of suspension. This goes beyond homework. We must
send work to the front office with their name and grade level on it for each subject. Teachers must create
work equal to the number of days of ISS or OSS. Homework may be picked up in the front office. If a
student has been absent from school he/she will be given a minimum of two days for each day absent to
make up class work. Bring work to the office the same day you receive the request so when parents
stop by there is work to be picked up. If a student receives an I (incomplete) on his/her report card
for quarter I, II, or III, two weeks will be given to make up missing work. ALL work must be turned in by
the last day of school quarter IV. If the student fails to make up all required assignments during this
period of time, the incomplete will be changed to NC (no credit).
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TARDY TO SCHOOL Students tardy to school will sign in with the person at the front door and
receive a pass to home-base. These tardies will be entered into Infinite Campus by the attendance EA.
The teacher does not need to take action with these students.
TARDY TO ADVISORY Students without a pass should be marked tardy (TAU) in Infinite Campus
by the their advisory teacher. Teachers should then follow the tardy to class policy below:
TARDY TO CLASS (Frequently remind students what tardy to your class means)
Consequences for tardy to class: (always mark tardies in Infinite Campus)
First tardy = Verbal warning by teacher.
Second tardy = Phone call home by teacher.
Third tardy = phone call home by teacher or assign Team detention.
Fourth = referral to grade level principal using the referral form.
Fifth and subsequent tardies are dealt with by team interventions and team
consequences.
When a student arrives tardy to class, change the absence to tardy in Infinite Campus.
We encourage you to start class on time and have a clearly communicated expectation of
what tardy to class means. Consistency within a team and across grade levels is critical.
Students will be on time if they perceive the need to be there. Staff who choose to hold
students after class for whatever reason must provide a pass for the students to their
next class.
STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY A parent/guardian must sign a
student out in the office in order for the student to leave school. No student will be excused without the
signature indicating permission. Notes for excused absences should be brought to the main office by 7:55
am.
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4. When describing the incident, use facts only No opinions, editorializing, or suggestions about
how to handle a situation. These forms are sent to parents. Please feel free to attach personal ideas
or statements on a separate sheet of paper.
5. If you need to reference the participation of another person in an incident, a witness, or teacher,
please do not use his or her name. Refer to him/her as another student, witness number 1, etc.
These referrals are sent home and we need to respect data privacy laws.
6. Only the principal may record information below the bold black line.
7. Please try to include as much background information as you feel is needed in order for the
principal to make a sound decision. This may be attached to the referral on a separate sheet of
paper if the appropriate space on the form is full.
8. Referrals for students not sent to ISS can be put in the principals folders outside their offices.
These students will be seen at a later time.
9. Please leave all copies of the referral together. The individual who wrote the referral, the Team
Leader or the students Case Manager will receive a copy of the referral after the principal has
dealt with the situation and the referral has been entered into Campus. Remember, entering
referrals takes time. Teams will keep referrals so behavior can be discussed at team meetings.
10. Remember, a referral is your highest form of discipline. It should be reserved for serious
infractions, or used after other teacher/team strategies and interventions have failed.
11. When a student posses a physical danger to themselves or others, they should be sent
directly to the office. Call the office to obtain an immediate escort. A referral should be
sent to the principal as soon as possible after the student is removed.
12. Questions? Contact your grade-level principal.
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH THE WAY A REFERRAL IS HANDLED, PLEASE
CONTACT THE PRINCIPAL INVOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO YOUR CONCERNS
CAN BE ADDRESSED. IF YOU ARE DISPLEASED WITH THE WAY WE HANDLE A
DISCIPLINE SITUATION, WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT.
DISCIPLINE ASSIGNMENTS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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At times, when one of the principals is out of the building or busy with other responsibilities, students
may be seen by one of the other principals. Our goal is to see students as quickly as possible.
Referral Refresher
Make your signature easily readable or print your name under the signature. (This saves a lot of
time).
Please describe the behavior using facts, not emotional adjectives.
Use the exact words the student said. We think we have read them all you will not hurt our
eyes.
Only one name per referral, first and last name and grade level.
Do not use any other student names on the referral on a separate paper list the other names
and witnesses are MOST helpful.
Dont tell us the policy that was violated describe the behavior as succinctly as you can.
If the student comes to class without a pencil give the student a pencil, please do not refer.
Please make sure that parent contact has been made when writing a referral for chronic
behaviors.
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By state law we must provide education for all students. Students sent to ISS by a teacher MUST have
work to do from the teacher. If the student refuses to take work from the teacher, notify the ISS EA. If
a student is sent to ISS by a principal, a hall monitor will gather the students work.
Work done in ISS must count toward a students grade.
Principals will email teachers when they need to get work ready for an ISS student.
The ISS EA will collect a textbook from each class to have available in the ISS room if needed.
Students who are assigned to ISS for multiple days must report to the office right from the bus or from
breakfast.
Students assigned for multiple days to ISS will eat lunch as arranged by the ISS EA.
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Parent Name_________________________________
Home# Mom________________Dad______________
Comments:
Work# Mom________________Dad______________
Call Completed______________________________
Message Left_________________________________
No Answer____________________ No
Phone_______
Date________________________________________
Signature____________________________________
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Suspended Student:
You may be excused from in-school suspension only if you follow the procedures listed
below:
1. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ASSIGNED TIME.
2. YOUR BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE MUST BE ACCEPTABLE.
3. YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE I SS ROOM WITHOUT THE
PERMISSION OF THE I SS TEACHER AND A PASS
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES COULD RESULT IN ADDITIONAL ASSIGNED
TIME AND AN OFFICE REFERRAL
Obligation Satisfied
( )
Referral to Principal
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_____________________________________________
ISS EA Signature
Come prepared!! Visit the bathroom and your locker between classes.
No passes out of this classroom for the first 20 minutes.
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students charge their Chromebook overnight. The media center has had several situations dealing with
lost/stolen chargers. Students have to pay $36 (to the Media Center) for a new charger. On the rare
occasion a student needs their Chromebook charged during the school day, the Media Center has a
charging station. Send the student to the Media Center.
- Loaner Chromebooks are for those students that have a Chromebook in repair. If a student forgets their
Chromebook at home, the district does not provide Loaners for this situation.
- Remind students to leave stickers on their Chromebook and in their Chromebook Bag. There will be a
charge to replace stickers. All student Chromebooks MUST have stickers for proper ID in the building
and for repairs.
- Any Chromebook issues should be reported to the Media Center staff as quickly as possible. We are
open all day, every day for any Chromebook issue.
- Students should write down their login/password information and keep it in a safe spot in their binder.
The media center does not keep this information and if a student forgets his/her password, the media
center will have to reset it to a generic password that can then be changed.
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CORRIDOR PASSES
Sending students to lockers or the bathroom should be avoided whenever possible.
1. Students should be kept in class, but when an emergency arises use the yellow corridor
pass.
2. When a student arrives tardy to class, change the absence to tardy in Infinite Campus.
3. The pass should be filled out completely (students first and last name) and signed in
ink by the teacher.
4. Only one students name per pass.
5. Passes to the media center should be made out by the teacher assigning the work.
ASSAULT FIGHT
1.
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Student Schedules
Pledge of Allegiance
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should check one out through the media center. The media center will scan the students ID card and the
bar code on the textbook. Students will be charged for lost or damaged books. Quarterly checks of
student textbook possession is recommended.
LUNCH PRICES
Lunch credits can be purchased in the cafeteria before school.
Student Lunch
$2.60 includes milk or juice
Reduced Lunch
Free
Breakfast
$1.30 includes milk or juice
Milk/Juice
.50
Milk
.50
Faculty Lunch
Breakfast
Juice
Milk
$3.70
$1.80
.50
.50
Lunches for staff are available in the cafeteria during all lunches. Teachers may proceed to the head of
the line. You are welcome to eat in the faculty lounge or with the students.
Bus Information
Bus information will be sent home prior to the start of school. Students not riding the bus may be dropped
off in the parking lot after 7:45 a.m. Between 7:30 and 8:10 a.m. and 2:35 and 3:00 p.m. please use the
east parking lot near the tennis courts. Students may enter or exit the building during these times through
door #11, adjacent to the boys locker room. Dropping off students at the front door during these times
interferes with the arrival and departure of the school buses. Student pick-up must occur at the front door
(main parking lot) at all other times. There will be one set of activity busses this year at 4:00 p.m.
Students riding an activity bus must present an activity bus pass to be allowed on the bus. Passes are
obtained from the staff member supervising the after school activity. All students must ride the activity
bus or be picked up by 4:30 p.m.
Application for Education Benefits
District 281 Food Services has mailed information to all households in the district regarding Application
for Educational Benefits (free/reduced-priced meal applications). If you think you may qualify, please
complete the form and return it to school. A new application must be completed at the start of each
school year, even if you qualified the previous year. It is important for all that may qualify to fill out this
information because it provides extra money for the education of our students. We appreciate your help
with this.
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meetings, visiting our website at http://pms.rdale.org/ and checking Schoology, helps to keep you
informed of what is going on at Plymouth Middle School. Taking an active role in monitoring your
childs assignments and homework will assist in a successful school year. All students need to spend an
hour at home after school doing homework or quiet reading. Please help us make this happen! In
addition, students should arrive to school well rested, with homework and supplies, and prepared to learn.
Please remind your child of the following:
1. School is social, but the classroom is not the place for personal social time.
2. Effective learning cannot occur in the face of conflict.*
3. Students must be activity engaged in class by participating in classroom discussions and activities.
4. Seek out extra help during study hall or after school when you have a question or are falling behind.
*Students are encouraged to seek out adult support in settling conflicts when their own efforts have failed.
These resources are provided to all students at Plymouth Middle School.
Please check the student/parent handbook for more valuable information about Plymouth Middle School.
We are excited that you chose Plymouth Middle School for your child. We look forward to a successful
partnership in the educating of your student over the next school year!
STUDENT SCHEDULES
1. Review schedules with students. Make sure that each student has a class every period of every
day.
2. Students showing a study hall the same period as a class have an error in their schedules students
should attend the class.
3. Students without a schedule should be sent to the guidance office following Advisory.
4. Students with an unassigned period in their schedule should see their counselor during the period
in question on that schedule.
5. Students with general complaints regarding their schedule will not be seen in guidance until later
in the week.
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6. Any schedule related questions should be directed to the Guidance Office at 7119.
7. Schedules for students who do not report to Advisory by Friday should be returned to the grade
level counselor:
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Shelly Hughes
Trent Thompson
Deb Dragseth
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
http://pms.rdale.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_230078/Image/Schools/Plymouth%20Middle%20School/PMS%20School%20Sup
ply%20List%202016-17.pdf
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TORNADO DRILL
FIRE DRILL
BOMB THREAT
CRISIS TEAM
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911
763-525-6210
763-503-5160
763-509-5120
763-509-5050
952-924-2618
763-593-8080
763-593-8000
763-531-5171
763-531-5170
763-531-5100
763-525-6215
763-525-6215
763-531-1000
612-348-3552
612-347-3141
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VISITORS
All visitors must sign in and out in the main office and obtain a visitors badge.
If you plan on having a visitor or speaker in your class, please let the office know and
have the person sign in and out in the office and obtain a visitors badge.
If you see someone in the hall you do not recognize and the person does not have a
visitors badge, tactfully ask if you can help them. Ask the person to report to the office
to get a badge, and let the office know they are coming.
If someone does not have a legitimate reason to be in the building, notify the office
immediately.
LOCKED ROOMS
All rooms should be locked when not occupied by a staff member.
The locker rooms will be locked after students have changed and the class period has begun. They
will remain locked until the end of the class period.
EXTERIOR DOORS
The exterior doors, throughout the building, are locked after 8:10 a.m.
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
REPORTING
Report observations that may predict violence:
1. Weapons, guns, knives, etc.
2. Unusual behavior
3. Self-isolating behavior
4. Verbal/written comments
5. Threats or violent plans
_____________________________________________________________________________
Drills
Evacuation (Fire)
1. Exit building via closest and safest route.
Take class roster, emergency kit and cell
phone.
2. Do not stop for belongings.
3. Go to designated area.
4. Check for injuries.
5. Take attendance.
6. Wait for signal from principal to return to
building.
10.
Tornado
1. Move to designated tornado shelter area.
Take a class roster.
11.
2. Get into tuck position.
12.
3. Take attendance.
13.
4. Remain in shelter until all-clear signal is 14.
given by principal.
15.
16.
17.
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Lockdown
1. Go to nearest room.
2. Close windows and lock doors.
3. Cover windows; pull shades.
4. Turn off lights.
5. Sit on floor, under desks, away from
windows and doors.
6. Be quiet and stay calm.
7. Do not leave room.
8. Make a list of room occupants.
9. Wait for further instructions.
Reverse Evacuation
1. Use a whistle to get attention.
2. Move inside quickly.
3. Go to designated area.
4. Take attendance.
5. Wait for further instructions.
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Buddy System: Have a backup identified in advance, someone who can take your students and your
attendance sheet in case you become unavailable.
Attendance Sheets: In all emergencies, you must have an attendance list with you so students can be
accounted for. Up to date attendance sheets should be kept in the emergency procedures envelope found
on the wall near your classroom door.
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Room #: _________________________
Present:
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Absent:
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Additional students:
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___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
___________________________________
__________________________________
TEACHERS:
CODE YELLOW
but school continues
Cautionary,
TEACHERS:
Lock doors. Students may be admitted to class if they have an administrative escort
Continue instruction, but do NOT allow students to leave the classroom. If a student must leave
a classroom, call O (front office) for an administrative escort
Make a list of absent students
Passing time will continue as scheduled unless we instruct you otherwise.
Students who are tardy to class will be taken to ISS for the duration of the code
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Administrators will be located throughout the building and will be highly visible. We will
remain on Code Yellow until further notification.
CODE GREEN
return to class; continue school
All clear;
SHELTER AREA
Girls Locker Room
Stay in room
Stay in room
Room 116
7th grade boys bathroom
Corridor between boys and girls bathroom
7th grade girls bathroom
Stay in room
Corridor between 104 and 108
Corridor between 118 and 119
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109
110
111
112
116, 117, 118, 119, 116A, 117A
232
233
234
235
237
238
239
240
241
242
ROOM
246, 247, 248, 249, 246A, 247A
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363 and 363A
364
365
366, 367, 368, 369, 366A, 367A
480,
481
SHELTER AREA
Stay in room
Corridor across hall adjacent to 366
Corridor between 352 and 353
Corridor between 353 and 354, and adjacent to366
Corridor between 368 and 369
Corridor between 355 and 356
Corridor between 357 and 360
Stay in room
Stay in room
6th grade girls bathroom
Corridor 360 and 361
Corridor between boys and girls bathroom
Stay in room
Stay in room
Stay in room
Stay in room
Teachers Lounge
Corridor outside cafeteria from ramp to 491
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482
483, 484, 485, 496
491
492
493
494
494A, 494B,
495
506, 507, 508, 509, 512, 513, 515,
931
937
Cafeteria
Guidance and main office
Gym and pool
Kitchen
Locker Room
Media Center
TORNADO DRILL
The statewide tornado drill is scheduled for April. Shelter areas are assigned by the rooms students are in
at the time of the alert. Close doors and windows. When the sirens sound at 1:45, an announcement will
be made for you to move to your shelter areas.
INSTRUCTIONS:
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1. Students are to sit on the floor against a wall away from windows (except in lavatories where
they may stand).
2. Attendance must be taken upon arrival in the designated shelter area. During the drill,
administration will pick up your attendance. Please list all students who are absent and
unaccounted for.
3. Students are to remain quiet to hear further instructions regarding the drill or watch.
If a tornado warning occurs before school: clear the halls immediately. Students should go
to Advisory and follow instructions. Attendance should include students present and students
missing.
If a tornado warning occurs after school: coaches, teachers, and any students report to the
locker rooms. Attendance should include students present and missing from the activity.
In case of a real tornado, students and teachers will have very little warning. During the month of
April, please take the time at the end of EVERY class period to review the procedures and
LOCATION of the proper shelter area assigned for that classroom. You dont want to try to
explain this for the first time during a real take cover situation.
Any questions, contact Joseph Purvis at ext. 7102.
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3. Classes should proceed quickly out the door, turn as directed, and proceed to the proper
exit. If the exit is jammed up, take your group to another exit. You are encouraged to
make such a decision. Students present in a classroom wing will vary from class period
to class period.
4. Teachers are in charge of the groups going out and returning. All must leave the
building. Deal with students who do not stay with your class.
5. Occupants of each room must understand
6. Remind students:
To walk briskly, but not to push or run.
To keep together as a group and to remain quiet,
To move away from the building,
To remain outside until the all clear bell is heard.
7. Take attendance once outside the building this is mandatory!
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BOMB THREATS
BOMBS AND BOMB THREATS
Bomb threats should be taken seriously. In case of a bomb threat, try to attract attention (without tipping
off caller) in an attempt to have the call traced. Additionally, the following procedures should be
followed:
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1. If a search is made, the police will organize it. They may ask for assistance from
the custodial staff and other employees. If necessary, the instructional staff will be
alerted and asked to report any items in their areas that do not seem to belong
there.
2. Building administrator or (designee)
Contact Police Department 911
Determine, after consultation with police, the advisability of building
evacuation.
Notify the Superintendents Office.
3. In the event an evacuation is ordered, an announcement will be made from the
school office and fire exit evacuation rules will be followed.
The building will not automatically be evacuated. Any decision to evacuate the building will be
based on the amount/characteristics of information received and any additional information
received from the police department.
Fire alarms can be used to evacuate the building.
BOMB DISCOVERY
IN BUILDING OR ON GROUNDS
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Date of Call:
Time of Call:
Time Caller Hung Up:
QUESTIONS TO ASK CALLER
When is bomb going to explode?
Female
Young
Tone of Voice
Middle Age
Old
Accent
Background Noise
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Crisis Team
The purpose of the Crisis Response Plan is to provide Plymouth Middle School staff with a concise
resource to use before and during school crisis situations. Planning for prompt and systematic response to
a potential crisis is essential to ensure protection of staff and students at Plymouth Middle School. The
Student Assistance Team (SAT) will be responsible for the implementation, review, and revision of the
crisis response plan. All crisis and potential crisis situations should be reported to the head principal. In
the event of an emergency, a crisis team code may be employed over the PA system, i.e. C-team report
to the principals office. The team will respond.
CRISIS TEAM
Principal
Grade 8 Assistant Principal
Grade 7 Assistant Principal
Grade 6 Assistant Principal
Guidance Counselors
Nurse
Social Worker
Head Secretary
Psychologist
Special Education
Police Liaison
Equity Specialist
Team Leaders (see rosters)
7101
7102
7125
7127
7121, 7122, 7123
7109
7120
7105
7076
7186
7117
7081
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Do not report
REPORT
Report ASAP
EA
Do not report
Do not report
Report ASAP
Adventure Club EA
Report ASAP
Office/Clerical
Do not report
REPORT
Report ASAP
Child Nutrition
Report ASAP
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Custodian/Bus
Report ASAP to
respective building
Report ASAP to
respective building
Report ASAP
Principal
Report to building
Report to building
Report to building
Program Assistants
May be expected to
report at supervisors
request
May be expected to
report at supervisors
request
Report ASAP
Program Directors
All report
Report ASAP
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COMMUNICATION
STAFF COMMUNICATION
E-MAIL COMMUNICATION
COMMUNICATION TOOLS
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STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
The communication of information regarding Plymouth Middle School will be disseminated to staff and
students by the following means:
Weekly Bulletin Shared via google doc to all staff every Monday morning. Staff members are
welcome to place announcements in the weekly bulletin. Please email the announcement, state
what dates you would like the announcement to run, and your name in case there are questions,
and send it to the head secretary in the office.
Email Please check your e-mail daily, it is a primary tool for communication between staff
members as well as parents and other district employees. Remember, your 281 email box is
monitored and retrievable by other district employees. Limit the sharing of spam to the entire
staff. Be sure you review your email groups to be sure they are all willing participants.
Phones Please make sure your phone is ON to receive calls from within the building at all
times. The office staff will make every effort to keep phone interruptions during class time to a
minimum. Should a student need to receive an important message, the office will try to contact
the student within the first or last 5 minutes of class. If a student needs to use the phone, please
allow him/her to use the phone in your classroom. Do not send students to the office to use the
phone.
Phone Logs These are a good tool to document calls you may make as interventions and good
records for parent meetings. These are available in the front office. Use Infinite Campus to enter
all parent phone calls, emails, or meetings that you have with parents. Click on the teacher
contact log when viewing the student information summary page. Then enter factual data.
Voice Mail All teachers need to reprogram their voice mail at the beginning of the school year.
Make sure you de-activate the Do Not Disturb setting for the phone. You need to be able to
receive communication from the office if necessary. To change your voice mail greeting:
o Dial 8100
o Enter your security code
o Enter 7 for set up options
o Enter 4 for greetings and follow the instructions
Daily Announcements Announcements are made each morning during Advisory and again in
the afternoon at the end of 7th period. If you have an announcement you wish to have read over
the PA system, please email it to the head secretary in the office to be read in the morning and/or
in the afternoon. Please specify the date(s) and time(s) you want this read.
Schoology - this will be used to post announcements to students and staff. Please remind students
to check Schoology on a daily basis.
FACULTY MEETINGS
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Fridays are reserved for faculty meetings which are held in the media center at 7:10 a.m. Please refer to
your master calendar for the dates of these meetings. They will alternate being mandatory meetings,
non-mandatory meetings, and grade level meetings. It is really important that staff attend these meetings.
Please do not schedule activities during these meeting times (7:00 7:40 am).
District name badge, prominently displaying staff name, is worn at all times.
Staff is intentional and purposeful about greeting and welcoming people
Staff greets visitors with a smile and welcoming non-verbal communications
Staff shakes hands and makes eye contact when appropriate
Staff is mindful of an appropriate social distance including touch and tone of voice
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I see you dont have a visitors badge. May I help you find the office?
Escort visitor to office
E-MAIL COMMUNICATIONS
Customer Expectations
Because we are in an education institution, our customers have the highest expectations with regards to
proper and professionally written communications
Customers expect accurate and prompt information professionally written without grammatical errors
Customers expect accurate and prompt information professionally written without grammatical errors
Customers want to be assisted and their needs to be addressed
Customers expect us to be inclusive of all people
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E-MAIL COMMUNICATIONS
-ContinuedGuidelines for Standard E-mail Formats
*Standards for E-mail Auto Signature:
Open Gmail, click on Settings > Signature > type in standard auto signature as:
Name, title, school/building, district name, address, phone, fax >
**Standard E-mail Format for Writing E-mails:
Welcome/Greeting
Use formal name (Mr./Ms.) when possible. Be respectful when using first names
Provide information requested or make request for information
Close with thank you
*Standard auto signature
***Standard Auto Reply for Extended Absences:
Open Gmail, click on Settings > Vacation Responder
Enter in the dates you want the auto reply to respond to your emails. Enter in the subject,
message and click done.
To turn off the auto reply when you return to the office:
Open Gmail > click on Settings > and then check the Vacation Responder Off box.
Remove check mark next to the rule by clicking on it > Close
Standard Format for Forwarding E-mails:
Inform customer who you are forwarding their e-mail to
When necessary, include prefacing statements that will provide the context of the e-mail
message that you are forwarding.
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enlist their help in working with students. Phone calls to parents are the best tool we have in working with
students. Make calls early in the school year and often after that.
Support Staff
Parents may contact any support staff member and discuss any concerns over the phone or set up an
individual meeting. Support staff and teachers may bring up students at the weekly Student Assistance
Team (SAT) meeting.
Progress Report Sheets
These are available in the guidance department. The sheets are kept by the parent and sent to school with
the student on the day set up with the team of teachers. There is space available for missing assignments
and grades.
Scheduled Contact with Parents
Staff may arrange a scheduled time to communicate with parents using e-mail, fax, phone, or Schoology
as needed.
Make-up Work for Student Absences
Make-up work may be requested via the students or parents through the Guidance office. Please allow a
full 24 hours for this to be compiled.
Make-up work for Student Suspensions
By law, we must provide work equal to a class period of instruction per day of suspension. This goes
beyond homework. We must send the work to the front office with the students name and grade level on
it for each subject per day of class missed.
Website
To access the Plymouth Middle School website, enter the following on your browser:
www.rdale.k12.mn.us/pms
E-mail
Parents and teachers/staff are encouraged to communicate via e-mail.
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Schoology :
Assignment data and grades received on assignments will be posted by teachers at a minimum every two
weeks.
To login to Schoology, parents must use their username and password. Check with the guidance office or
main office if you are unsure of your username and password.
We are very excited about these programs and the access it gives parents to stay up to day with their
childrens academic progress. We hope that you enjoy using the parent Portal.
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DISTRICT LOGIN
HELPDESK/TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Welcome to Plymouth Middle School Information Systems! This document will help yo
navigate the ISD281 Computer network. This is a basic overview for getting started on utilizing all the
technological tools available to you. If you have questions regarding your user account or you are having
problems you can contact your building PC/LAN Admin who will be glad to assist you with whatever
questions you have. Methods for contacting your building technician will be discussed later in this
document.
District Login
When first logging into your PC, you will be prompted to enter your username and password.
Your username is your first name, underscore (_), last name. For new users the first time password is
assigned by the PC/LAN Admin. After entering your assigned password you will be prompted to change
it. Once you have changed your password, write it down and keep it in a safe place. Passwords are to be
a combination of at least five characters or more using numbers and letters. Every 90 days you will be
prompted to change your password for security purposes.
District Applications
One you have logged in the first thing you will see is the Applications window.
Within this window you will find icons to launch applications such as Microsoft Word, Gmail, Schoology
and Infinite Campus. Simply click on the icon within the window to launch the desired application. For
applications that do not appear in the application launcher simply go to the Windows start menu. It is
recommended that you save all of your documents in your google drive. Create folders in your drive to
stay organized google docs are easy to share with others when needed.
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District Email
Gmail is the e-mail for the district. Your e-mail address will appear as firstname_lastname@rdale.org.
Gmail can also handle all of your scheduling, calendars and document needs in one place.
More than one window can be opened which is useful if you are responsible for managing more than one
client (mailbox, calendar, etc.).
You can also access your e-mail from home by going to www.gmail.com
You can access your e-mail from any computer connected to the internet. A link for your email can also
be found on the ISD281 home page at http://www.rdale.org . The Gmail application can also be found in
the windows launcher at the bottom left corner of your computer screen.
Using printers
To install a printer to your computer click on the Rdale Printers icon in your application launcher and
you will have the option of adding printers.
From the list of printers simply select the printer you want to install by clicking on the printer name.
Follow the prompts and you have installed your printer. To view printers already installed click on the
Rdale Printers icon in the application launcher and you can see which printers are installed on your PC.
To set a default printer (the printer you want to use most often) right click on the printer you want and
choose set as default from the menu. A checkmark will appear on the printer you select as your default. If
youre experiencing issues with printing, contact Patricia Brumit at 7151.
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Helpdesk/Technical Support
Whether you are experiencing a problem with your PC or you have a question regarding building
technology you can contact your building technician via the Helpdesk icon in your application launcher.
After opening the Helpdesk application you will be prompted to enter your location, category and a brief
description of what is happening and that will be forwarded to the building PC/LAN technician. The
building PC/LAN Technician will receive the request and answer according to severity/priority.
Instructions for Infinite Campus can be found in the Teachers Procedural Guide for Plymouth Middle
School. On-line learning for Schoology, Infinite Campus and Windows Applications tutorials can be
found on-line at http://intra.rdale.org/.
During Workshop week before school starts every year, Technical services will come to each building in
the district and give an in-service presentation for new and returning users. If you have any questions
regarding district technology you can go to http://intra.rdale.org and review the district technology plan.
District Technical Services and your building PC/LAN Technician look forward to serving you.
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PHONE TECHNOLOGY
PHONE USE
VOICE MAIL
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3. To return to a held call, restore handset can call will recall immediately
-Multi-Line1. Press HOLD button once
2. To return to caller, press flashing phone line button
PHONE USE
Customer Expectations
The number one hope for our customers is that they talk to a live person
Customers expect their call will be received in a welcoming and engaging manner
Customers expect their phone inquiry will result in prompt and accurate information
Customers expect us to be inclusive of all people
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VOICE MAIL
Customer Expectations
Customer expect voice mail messages to be acknowledged in an appropriate amount of time
Customers expect an option to talk to a live person instead of leaving a message when calling
Customers expect us to be inclusive of all people
Guidelines for Voice Mail
a. The rollover to voice mail option remains turned off while working at desk
b. When staff is absent, phones are forwarded to rollover option that goes directly to voicemail
where the caller is greeted with a welcoming message and instructed to either leave a message or
press a specific extension to reach a live person
c. All unanswered phones will rollover to voice mail in 5 rings
d. Voice mail is checked the same day that the red notification light comes on
e. All internal and external messages are returned as soon as possible and not later than the end of
the next business day
f. Voice mail messages are kept current, friendly and welcoming
g. A standard voice mail message is used*
h. A standard message, if absent for an extended time, is used**
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ENVIRONMENT/EVENTS
SITE/PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
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SITE/PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Customer Expectations
Customers expect a clean, safe and inviting environment
Customers expect a user friendly site
Customers expect the building to be visually stimulating and welcoming
Customers, feel most welcome in environments where they see others, live and/or pictured, who look
like they look
Customers expect us to be inclusive of all people
Guidelines for the Parking Lots
1. Parking lots provide proper and well lit street signage
2. Ample handicapped and visitor parking, with proper signage, is available near entrance
3. Sites may need outside directional signs directing people to most appropriate entrance for specific
activity
Guidelines for the Foyers and Hall
1. Foyers and halls are maintained, clean and safe
2. Foyers and halls have effective internal signage/maps clearly communication location and visible
to visitors throughout building
3. Welcome signs are prominently displayed in foyers
4. The foyer and halls instill and reflect a sense of belonging
5. Colorful artwork by students, as well as photos and posters, are displayed
6. Buildings reflect multicultural, multigenerational and youth populations
7. Building rules are stated in a welcoming manner:
We welcome everyone. Please remove hats.
8. The districts mission/vision statement is displayed; individual program statements are displayed
if applicable
9. Signs identifying handicap accessible doors, bathrooms and elevators are prominently displayed
Guidelines for the Main Office
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1. District information packets are displayed and available in several languages for new families
2. Separate areas for receiving visitors and for managing discipline issues are provided
3. Frontline staff has nameplates prominently displayed on desks
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each school location. Applications and notifications for use of space are completed on-line and paper is
virtually eliminated.
Schedulers
Activity Scheduler: One person at each school is the designated activity scheduler for each school
building. It will usually be the school secretary. In the high schools it will be the activities director.
These individuals are trained to schedule school activities. School activities can take place during the
school day and when the regular day school is not in session.
Facilities Scheduler: Jennifer Bridgeman is the district wide facilities scheduler. She will schedule all
activities not considered school activities. Contact Jennifer at 763-504-4917 or
Jennifer_bridgeman@rdale.org.
Applications for Use of Facilities
All Facilities request forms can be found at w
ww.rdalecalendars.org. The left side of the page is for
district staff and the right side is for the general public.
Staff Requests for Use of Home School Space:
When district staff would like to reserve school space for school sponsored activities that take place in
their home school they will complete the facilities request form for the building they want to use which
can be accessed at www.rdale.calendars.org. Click on the name of your home school and fill out the
on-line form. The form will automatically route to the correct person for that building.
The descriptions below indicate the type of activities included here.
- The activity is a school sponsored activity initiated by a staff person at their home school
and held in their home school. Exception when internal organization activities require
billing see Other below.
- The applying organization is a booster or other school club.
Staff Requests for use of Other District Space:
If district staff would like to reserve space that is not in their home school, click on the form called Staff
Requests for Use of Other District Space. These forms will be routed to Jennifer Bridgemen, Facilities
scheduler.
The descriptions below indicate the type of activities included here.
- School staff requesting space for a home school activity; however, it will require billing
an internal organization (booster or other clubs etc.) for charges (i.e. custodial overtime,
etc.). Contact Jennifer Bridgeman if clarification is needed.
- School staff requesting space in a school/building other than their home school during or
outside of school hours.
- Robbinsdale Area Schools staff who are not considered on site staff at K-12 buildings (do
not have a home school) scheduling any activities (meetings, trainings, forums, etc.) in
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district buildings during or outside of school hours. This includes ESC staff unless they
are scheduling the ESC building which will continue usual scheduling procedures.
All community education staff at all locations requesting any district space.
All district staff requesting space at Cavanagh, New Hope, Hosterman and Winnetka.
Community use of Facilities: When individuals who are not employees of the district request use of
district facilities they will complete a Public Facilities Request form which can be accessed at
www.rdaelcalendars.org, click on the form on the right side of the page and it will be sent to Jennifer
Bridgeman, facilities scheduler. Community activities are scheduled only when the regular day school is
not in session.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Pick up a field trip packet from the bookkeeper at least 4 weeks in advance of the trip.
Submit plans to the principal with expected outcomes. Have the head secretary in the office
put the event on the master calendar and confirm that there are no conflicts.
Order buses at least 4 weeks prior to the trip.
Parental approval must be obtained for each student going on a field trip. You MUST use the
district-wide permission form found on the district intranet.
Tell students to make arrangements with teachers for make-up work in classes they will miss.
Give ample prior notice (two weeks) of a field trip to the rest of the staff. Please give a list of
students in your group to the attendance secretary two days before the trip. *ALL staff must be
notified of the date, departure, and arrival back at school times for the activity.
Communicate schedule changes to allied arts, guidance and other affected staff when adjusting
schedules for field trips.
Tell the head cook when you are going on field trips over the lunch period so they know when to
cut back on lunch preparation or rearrange the lunch schedule. Free and reduced lunch students
may have bag lunches. If you are planning to eat lunch at a different time in the cafeteria, please
see a principal to make arrangements.
Take attendance on each bus when departing and again upon returning.
Tell the students the field trip procedures and behavior expectations prior to the field trip.
Teachers must provide an alternative instruction plan to reach the outcomes for students not
participating in the field trips.
All teachers or teams need to fill out a field trip packet when taking students out of classes. This
packet is available from the bookkeeper. All allied arts teachers need to be informed of the
date/time and names of students who will not be in attendance in their classes.
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If you are a teacher who splits his/her time at another school within the district, in addition to entering
it into the substitute calling system - please call Catherine at 763-504-7105. This will ensure that we
are prepared for your substitute when he/she arrives.
Staff requesting a substitute for an absence due to professional leave should check Professional as
the reason why they are going to be gone. In the Notes to Administrator box, state the event that
you are going to and who is organizing it. Administration will need to approve the absence. Staff
should enter the date in the substitute system as soon as possible. Substitutes may always be
canceled if the request for professional leave is denied.
Leaving the Building
If licensed staff must leave during non-teaching time you must sign out in the main office on the
clipboard located on the counter. Contact a principal whenever an emergency requires you to be
gone during your instructional time. Circumstances permitting, you are responsible to secure
someone to cover your classes before you leave. In the event that you need a class period covered
for a meeting, appointment, etc. y ou are responsible for finding coverage for that period. Please
do not ask the office to find a sub for you. Most of your colleagues are willing to help out.
Sending an all-staff email requesting help is very effective. You are expected to receive prior
approval from a principal if you need to be gone during instructional time for non-emergency reasons.
NOTE: Teachers who cover a class during their prep time for an absent teacher will be compensated
for ONE hour, according to the contract, and need to fill out a timecard to request that pay.
PTO (Paid Time Off Days- see teacher bargaining agreement for specific language)
In the event that it is necessary for a teacher to be absent from school to conduct personal business
which cannot be attended to outside of the workday, the teacher will be granted 12 PTO days per year
without salary deduction. The following situations are NOT covered under PTO days:
1. Absence connected with a second income
2. To engage in a strike, picketing, bantering, or any other concerted activity
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LOCKER CLEAN-OUTS
Each quarter, your Advisory students need to clean out their lockers to rid them of all non-school
items such as clothing and nuisance objects. Bring a list of your Advisory students and their locker
numbers with your entire class to the lockers and have each of them open their locker for you to
check.
Locker clean out dates: These will be scheduled quarterly and you will be notified on the weekly
bulletin.
ALL-SCHOOL locker clean out will happen within the last 2 days of the school year. NO lockers are
available to students on the last day of school.
LOCKER DECORATIONS
Students who wish to decorate a friends locker before or after school need to get a pass from A
TEACHER the day before. The teacher needs to be responsible to supervise these students. This does
not mean the teacher needs to stand and watch over them, but make sure they can hear the students
and check in with the students often.
MONEY COLLECTION
When collecting money from students for school functions, be sure you keep an accurate record of the
money collected in the envelope provided and deposit the money to the bookkeeper in the office as
early in the day as possible every day. DO NOT LEAVE MONEY IN YOUR DESK
OVERNIGHT.
HALL PASSES - Each student will receive a hall pass. The students are given 2 passes per week. It
is their responsibility to keep the pass in a safe place. They have to request permission from their
teacher before using the pass. The teacher makes sure the date, time and their signature is on it before
the student may leave the classroom. IF a student loses their pass, they have to check in with the
guidance counselor to get a new one (we do not mention this to the students and do not encourage
this). These passes are only used for bathroom and locker visits. If a student needs to go to the office,
media center or other location in the building, the teacher would write a yellow hall pass.
RELIGION IN THE SCHOOL POLICY
According to the Robbinsdale Area School Districts policy on religion in the schools, the proper role of
religion in public schools is in its education value, not in religious endorsement or celebration. It is
acceptable to use religious texts, music, and symbols as instructional aides, and our goal is to teach
students about the role of religion in a cultural, historical, and economic context.
The school district will not schedule or introduce new information, testing, assemblies, field trips,
graduation exercises or other special events on major holy days for Christianity, Islam, and
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Judaism. Our data suggests that these three world religions are followed by the largest number of
district families.
Beyond that, we make every attempt to honor the holy days of other faiths practiced by our students and
staff. Schools should plan activities to avoid or minimize religious conflict whenever possible. Students
should not be placed in situations requiring them to choose between participating fully in a religious or
spiritual/cultural observance and meeting academic or extracurricular requirements. Our schools will
always respect a familys request for an excused absence to observe a religious holy day.
WHEN YOU MOVE STUDENTS FROM YOUR ASSIGNED CLASSROOM
Please get permission from an administrator to take your classes outside. The office staff needs to know
that you are outside so they can find you if they need a student.
*If you should take your class to the media center, computer labs, another classroom, or change the
time for your students to eat lunch, please notify the office at 7100 so we know where students are
at all times.
STUDENT SUPERVISION
All students in classrooms or phy ed areas are to be supervised by teachers. NO students are permitted to
occupy school rooms without supervision.
COPY ROOM USE
The copy room has two machines:
1. The large machine is used by the copy room educational assistant to run copies requested by
staff. Please plan ahead and allow 3 working days for copying to be completed. Copy work
that involves special binding, paper, or extremely large amounts of copying should be sent to
Publications at Central Office. Ask the copy room EA if you are unsure whether she is able to
run your job on the large copier or not. Items sent to Publications need approximately 10
working days to complete. The head secretary will assist you in requesting Publications
copying.
2. The smaller machine is available for teachers and EAs who have been trained in its use with a
code. Please do not run more than 50 copies on this smaller machine it is not designed for
high volume copying. Please see the copy room EA for assistance.
3. Due to the rising costs of copying, the numbers of copies run by each department will be
shared with department chairs each month.
Do not send students to the copy room to run copies unless you call first and get an okay from the
copy room EA.
AFTER-SCHOOL POLICY
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Students are allowed to stay after school ONLY if they are in a supervised activity (including one to one
help with a teacher). Students must report to their activity or teacher at 2:55 p.m. with their coats and
backpacks. The building is closed to unsupervised students at 3:00 p.m. A pass to ride the activity bus
home will be issued by the supervising coach or teacher. Teacher/coach MUST remain with their
student(s) until the students ride or activity bus comes. NOTE: Students not participating in a
supervised activity cannot receive bus passes.
If you are keeping a student after school for any reason please ask if the student lives in the Robbinsdale
School District. We have students from outside the school district that may need to be picked up by a
parent or who are in the Choice Is Yours Program and would need a cab. Call Linda Freeman at
612-290-0925 at least one day ahead to arrange for a cab to pick up the student. Not all Minneapolis
students are in the Choice Is Yours Program and entitled to a cab.
TOBACCO POLICY
1. State law mandates that schools maintain a smoke free environment. Smoking is not allowed in
the school or on school grounds, including the parking lots.
2. No district employee may smoke or use tobacco products in any building or on any grounds
owned or leased by the district or during any school sponsored activities, regardless of location,
or in any vehicle owned or leased by the school district.
CUSTODIAL WORK ORDERS
All work that needs to be done by a custodial staff member, no matter how small the request, needs to
sent on a TMA work order. The TMA icon is found on your Windows Application Launcher. It is a
maroon box labeled Facilities Helpdesk. Open the icon, and begin by clicking on Submit a Request
and follow the prompts. This use this district-wide system so there is a record of everything our custodians
do for us. This should be used for all requests such as move orders, maintenance, clean up, phone work,
locker jams, etc. If you have questions on using the system or need some training contact either Head
Custodian X-7114, or Head Secretary X-7105 in the office.
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are asked to follow these recommendations commencing with the 2001 - 2002 school year in all District
281 buildings. Variances may be granted. Please contact your principal or supervisor if you have any
questions.
1.
No animals (mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and insects) are allowed except for those housed in
secondary laboratory science classrooms. Food for animals must be stored in tightly sealed
containers. Cages and areas around cages must be cleaned daily by the teacher.
2.
Food preparation, as well as food and beverage consumption should, whenever possible, be
limited to cafeterias and staff lounges and Foods labs in the secondary schools. Any food
(crackers, candy, etc.) kept in a building over night or longer must be stored in rigid plastic
containers which have a tight seal. If there is a need for a student snack, please try to schedule
that with the principal in the cafeteria.
3.
Plants should be limited to less than three per classroom or office. Each pot must have a water
collection saucer to prevent water spillage. Plants cannot be placed on unit ventilators.
4.
Appliances such as microwaves, toasters, refrigerators, toaster ovens, coffee pots, hot plates,
portable heaters etc. are allowed in staff lounges and kitchens. Coffee makers will be allowed in
certain conferences rooms and other designated areas with a variance.
5.
The State Fire Marshall does not allow household type floor and table lamps.
6.
Extension cords should only be used for portable equipment such projectors on carts, DVD
players, etc. Extension cords must be grounded 14 gauge cords. One power strip (up to 20 foot
long) with surge protection can be used per computer station.
7.
Exit doors, aisles and corridors should be kept clear at all times. Windows in doors should not be
covered with any decorations.
8.
The State Fire Marshall requires that all flammable and combustible liquids (spray paints,
solvents, gum removers, etc.) be stored in an approved flammable cabinet.
9.
Combustible artwork, teaching materials, posters, etc. should not exceed 20 percent of the wall
area. (State Fire Marshal - Life Safety Code 31-3.9) Non-flammable materials are acceptable.
Nothing should be hung from the ceiling. The committee and the district administration realize
that this may be a problem in some elementary classrooms, but every effort should be made to
meet the Fire Marshal regulation.
10.
In renovated buildings, all furniture must be ordered through the purchasing department. No
bookcases, shelving units, displays cases, etc. may be brought in from outside the district.
11.
Sofas, love seats, easy chairs, bean bag chairs, etc. brought in from outside the district should be
removed from the building.
12.
Carpet squares, carpet pieces, or rugs should be purchased through the district.
13.
Cleaning products, art chemicals, paints, pesticides, etc. may not be brought in from home.
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14.
Air freshener products such as spray, sticks and plug-ins, and air purifiers should be ordered
through the District.
15.
Unit ventilators should be clear and free from any obstructions to within three feet to allow for air
passage.
16.
Louvers/grills that allow air to pass into the halls should be kept clear.
17.
In renovated schools all materials should be stored in the storage compartments provided.
Materials should not be stored on the floor.
18.
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Teachers are trained by a national organization, The College Board, and plan content and the process for
learning across grade levels in what is known as the Vertical Team approach. This group is interested in
using strategies which teach students how to learn. Students will use these important strategies throughout
their educational life.
Characteristics of a Successful Pre-AP student:
Excellent study and organizational skills
Ability to work well with others
Persistence in pursuing goals
A strong sense of responsibility
Ability to become an independent learner
CHOICE IS YOURS (CIY) PROGRAM
The Choice is Yours Program was established as a result of a desegregation case filed by the NAACP and
a number of minority parents. It provides an urban to suburban transfer program for low-income students.
TRANSPORTATION FOR CHOICE IS YOURS STUDENTS
If possible please arrange transportation for Choice is Yours (CIY) students at least a day in advance with
Linda Freeman at ext. 7081.
After school taxi transportation for CIY is only available to students in a supervised after-school activity.
If a CIY student becomes ill during the school day and needs to go home, a taxi may also be called. Under
some circumstances taxis can be provided for students being suspended from school.
In the event that Linda is unavailable, all administrators are authorized to order a taxi under the CIY
account. If a taxi has already been ordered and has not arrived, contact Town Taxi at 612-331-8294 and
give them the students name.
**There is a CIY activity bus M-TH at 4:30 pm. Please have the students use the bus if possible before
requesting a taxi.
OTHER CONCERNS REGARDING CHOICE IS YOURS STUDENTS
If you have any other concerns that pertain to the CIY students such as, attendance, behavior,
personal/family issues, please share that information with Linda Freeman,
x-7081 or 612-290-0925 (cell). Linda works closely with the CIY students and their families and may be
able to assist you in resolving these issues.
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FALL CONFERENCES
Tuesday, October 09, 2016 3:10 8:20 pm
Thursday, October 13, 2016 3:10 8:20 pm
Monday, October 15, 2016 3:10 8:20 pm
SPRING CONFERENCES AND BOOK FAIR
Tuesday, February 5, 2017 3:10 8:20 pm
Thursday, February 7 , 2017 3:10 8:20 pm
Monday, February 11, 2017 3:10 8:10 pm
*A 30 minute staff dinner break will be scheduled each night
All teachers are expected to be at conferences. Please have your syllabus available for parents
Be sure to get updated parent information especially cell phone numbers. Report any
changes to the guidance secretary
Offer parents a conference evaluation sheet. They will be available at the front doors also
Feel free to hand out your business card to parents
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GRADING GUIDELINES
Please follow this guide as you do mid-quarter and quarter grades:
If you have had a student for 2 weeks or less, give the student a NM for your class.
If you have had a student for 2 4 weeks, you can use grades if you have had enough
assignments to warrant a grade. If not, give a NM for your class.
When you have had a student for at least 4 weeks, give the student a grade for your class.
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A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
D-
Honor Roll:
Students who achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher are placed on the B Honor Roll
Students who achieve a GPA of 3.8 or higher are placed on the High Honor Roll
There are computer labs, laptop carts, plus the media center for your use. Please reserve the
media center and labs early they book up quickly.
2. Do not send students down to the media center with one of their Hallway Pass Sheets. The Media
Center requires a yellow corridor pass. Teachers wishing to send students to the Media Center
from class should write the pass for the student and sign it.
3. Please indicate on the pass what the student should be doing in the media center. If they are
checking out books, write it on the pass. If students are doing internet research please include the
topic on the pass.
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4. Dont forget to let the Media Center staff know which specific web sites you are asking the
students to use. It is the policy of this district that students are not permitted to just browse the
internet without specific educational purpose. These sites should be added as a link on your
Schoology page. If the web site is not accessible via the sites on your Schoology page, students
will be asked to log off and return to class. This is for the protection of the students.
The media center will send students back to class at 2:45 pm to allow passing time to help the
students be in class before the end of the day. Please expect them.
5. If you have one of the labs checked out, please remind students that they may not cut through the
media center. They must use the doors in the hallway to access the labs.
6. If you do not come with your students for a scheduled book check-out, the students you send
must have a pass stating that they are there for book check-out.
7. Teacher resource materials are available for check-out through the media center.
8. Media center staff will assist you in compiling books for research in your classroom. Please give
the media center 1-2 weeks notice if you would like a cart of books pulled for your classroom use.
9. The media center has many different types of technology equipment available for your use.
DVDs, camcorders, digital cameras, Digital Video Recorders, DVD Players and LCD projectors
can be checked out by contacting media center staff for a reservation and training if necessary.
10. DVDs are ordered from District 281 Media Services using WebMax on the intranet. You can
also download videos through United Streaming/Discovery Education. See media Specialist for
assistance and passwords.
11. All materials purchased must be processed through the media center. All books MUST be
bar-coded for check-out and tracking if lost.
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District staff may apply for a variance to the rating requirements. All requests for variance are approved
by the District wide Curriculum Council and must be received by the director of teaching and learning:
-
By October 1st for high school elective courses (beginning with the 2005-06 registration guide).
At least 6 weeks prior to the intended showing for all other requests.
Application forms are available on the districts Intranet, from the media specialists and from the director
of teaching and learning. A video title that has received a variance does not have blanket approval for
another purpose. The approval is based on the context in which the video is shown.
When a variance has been granted the staff member presenting the video must ensure that:
For high school elective courses
1. The video titles are included in the high school registration course guide and
2. The families of the enrolled students are notified at the beginning of the course of the video
titles and the educational merit of each title.
3. The families of the enrolled students are notified of the exact showing date for any videos that
contain highly sensitive or objectionable material and are informed of the manner in which
the students will be prepared and supported for the emotional experience that the film may
elicit.
For all other courses/subjects
1. The families of the enrolled students are notified at the beginning of the course (or semester
or unit of study as applicable) of the video titles and their educational merit and
2. The families of enrolled students are informed that they may request alternative instruction
provided by the teacher that is equal in credit and rigor to the regular classroom lesson.
3. Describe how the video supports the lesson design and the intended student outcomes.
4. Describe the measures that would be taken before, during and after the presentation to ensure that
proper attention is given to the developmental stage of the students.
5. List any alternative materials available to demonstrate the concepts included in the lesson. See
media specialist for assistance.
6. Optional: Provide any additional comments for the DWCC that are germane to the variance
request.
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3. Off-air recordings may be made only at the request of individual teachers and may not be
recorded regularly in anticipation of requests. No broadcast program may be recorded off-air
more than once at the request of the same teacher, regardless of the number of times the program
may be broadcast.
4. After the first 10 consecutive school days, off-air recording may be used up to the end of the
45-calendar-day retention period only for teacher evaluation purposes, i.e. to determine whether
or not to include the broadcast program in the teaching curriculum, and may not be used in the
recording institution for any non-evaluation purpose without authorization from the producer.
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5. A limited number of copies may be reproduced from each off-air recording to meet legitimate
needs of teachers under these guidelines. Each additional copy shall be subject to all provisions
governing the original recording.
6. All copies of off-air recordings must include the copyright notice on the broadcast program as
recorded.
7. Off-air recordings need not be used in their entirety, but the recorded programs may not be altered
from their original content. Off-air recordings may not be physically or electronically combined
or merged to constitute anthologies or compilations without written or purchased permission.
8. The following control procedures have been established to maintain the integrity of these
guidelines:
a. Independent School District 281 equipment may not be used for making illegal
DVDs.
b. The use of illegally copied DVDs in District 281 classrooms is prohibited.
c. The copyright reminder label will be attached to each DVD Player.
Legal copies of videotapes must meet one of the following criteria:
1. They have been purchased by or for the school district.
2. They have been purchased by the user.
3. They are being shown with the written consent of the copyright holder.
4. They are legal copies being evaluated for purchase.
5. They have been recorded off the air and are in compliance with fair-use of the guidelines put
forth by the copyright holders.
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3. Make a copy for a friend, even though the teacher has purchased the program.
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1.
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These materials are housed in or accessed from a district media center, a building media center, a
computer lab, a classroom or a department, resources centers, and are used by students, teachers,
and other staff members of the district.
2. Responsibility for Selection of Instruction Materials
The school board of independent School District 281 is responsible for providing instructional
materials for the education of the youth in the district. The board recognizes the right of the
superintendent and his/her administrators to work through licensed staff to select books and other
materials in accordance with current trends in education and the education goals of the district.
3. General Criteria for Selection
A. Authenticity
The materials should be produced or written by a recognized authority in the field, and
the materials should be reliable in terms of information presented.
B. Appropriateness
The materials should be appropriate to the needs of the students, the curriculum and the
total education program of the district.
C. Quality
The materials should be well organized in the presentation of information and should
achieve their stated purpose. They should have a superior print or non-print format.
Responsibilities for instructional materials used in the classroom but not purchased by the
district.
The district media collection does not include any materials with an R rating or beyond,
nor will they be considered for purchase at the district or building level. When
previewing video materials from other sources, potential selections having ratings of R
or PG13 require special consideration by teachers. When such selections merit use in
the classroom, staff must inform the building principal of its pending use and secure
parental permission as necessary, prior to classroom viewing.
D. Cost
The cost of the material should be justified considering the relative costs of satisfactory
substitutes and the money available for new materials.
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3. Responsibilities for instructional materials used in the classroom but not purchased by the
district.
A. The teacher has the right to use materials that he or she believes will increase the
effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the course taught.
B. The teacher recognizes his or her responsibility to use good judgment in the selection of
materials in accordance with district policy. The teacher who is in doubt concerning the
advisability of using certain materials in the classroom should consult with the principal.
C. The district media collection does not include any materials with an R rating or beyond, nor
will they be considered for purchase at the district or building level. When previewing
film/video materials from other sources, potential selections having ratings of R or PG13
require special consideration by teachers. When such selections merit use in the classroom,
staff must inform the building principal of its pending use and secure parental permission as
necessary, prior to classroom viewing.
D. Donated materials are accepted on the condition that the district makes no promise about
using them. Donated materials, to be used, must meet the same criteria that would be applied
to purchased materials.
4. The term selection also implies the process of weeding or removal of materials.
When materials become dated, worn, or no longer relevant to the school program, they are
discarded. In this condition they are a hindrance to, rather than an enhancement of, the
curriculum.
5. Networked Information Resource
Telecommunications, electronic information sources and networked services open classrooms to a
broad array of resources. As much as possible, access will be designed in ways that point
students to those resources which have been reviewed and evaluated prior to use. However,
because these resources may lead to any publicly available file server in the world, classrooms are
open to electronic information resources which may not have been screened by educators for use
by students. To ensure understanding of their responsibility, staff will provide guidance and
instruction to all students in the appropriate and ethical use of telecommunications resources.
Acknowledgment of these responsibilities should be obtained from both the student and
parent/guarding by using the Internet/Telecommunications Responsibilities Appendix.
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In order to participate in a staff development activity that requires a substitute, please do the
following at least 2 weeks before the event:
1. Fill out an Application for Professional Leave from found in the office. Make sure
this form is filled out completely and signed.
2. If applicable, fill out the Application for Building Funds,also found in the office.
3. Turn the completed forms into the head secretary. She will turn them into the the
Principal for approval.
4. Enter the date in the substitute system as soon as you turn in your form. The sub can
always be canceled if the application is not approved.
5. If, on the day of your professional leave, a substitute has not picked up your job,
you will be required to come into work and cancel your leave. Check with the head
secretary the day before your scheduled leave to see if a substitute has picked up
your job.
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____________ _________________________________________________
Date Budget Authorization
Pink-Payroll Copy White-Principal/Approved Copy
Yellow-District Department Copy Gold-Building Professional Development Copy
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ERMA (Employee Resource Management Assistant) is available on the district Intranet page under other
web sited. ERMA allows you to login and check your individual clock hour records. Please contact
Human Resources for help with your ERMA account.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Negative Impact If Not Funded_____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Longevity (Years)____________
Proposed Building Capital Contribution $____________________________________________________________
Requested District Capital Contribution $____________________________________________________________
Proposed Gift Account Funding:
What portion, if any, would likely be funded by fundraising/gift $________________________________________
Date Account Money would be available________________
B&G Response:
__________ Acceptable ________ Acceptable with the following actions:
__________ No Facility Negative Impacts _____________________________________________
__________ No Code/Policy/Standard Conflicts _____________________________________________
B&G Recommendations:
Recommend for FY08______________________________ Date ______________________________
Recommend for Future Year_________________________ Date_______________________________
Recommend for Denial to Funding____________________ Date_______________________________
Recommend for Denial Due to District Policy___________ Date_______________________________
If Approved TMA Work Order No.__________________
District Business Services Response:
Approved for FY08_________________________________ Date_______________________________
Denied for FY08 ___________________________________ Date _______________________________
Page 2 of 2
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Design_____________________________ Construction________________________________
Contingency________________________ Related FFE________________________________
Other_________________________________________________________________________________
FUNDING MECHANISM
Gift Account: Yes ______ No ______ If yes, date money is available ________________________________
Gift amount (dollars)________________________________________
Gift Organization/Donatee___________________________________
Health & Safety: Yes_____ No _____ If yes, state project no._______________________________________
Amount (dollars) ___________________________________________
Building
Program Capital: Yes_____ No _____ If yes, amount available (dollars)_______________________________
Date money is available______________________________________
District Capital: Yes ____ No _____ If yes, amount available (dollars)_______________________________
Date money is available______________________________________
Alternative
Facilities: Yes____ No_____ If yes, state project no._______________________________________
Amount (dollars) ___________________________________________
Project in
5 Year Plan: Yes_____ No_____ Plan Year_________________________________________________
Project needed earlier than or later than requested: Yes_____ No_____ If yes, reason: _______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Approval Status: Approved ______________________________________________________________________
If not approved: Not approved due to funding:_____ Not approved due to concept:_____ Deferred to Year______
Facility Committee Approved __________________________________ Date______________________________
Business Office Approved_____________________________________Date_______________________________
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