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P a g e | 1 2019 – 2020 Eastwood Academy High School Faculty and Staff Handbook Houston Independent School District, Revised July 20, 2019

Eastwood Academy High School

Houston Independent School District

1315 Dumble Street

Houston, Texas 77023

713-924-1697

www.eastwoodacademy.org

Principal Brandi Lira

2019-2020

Faculty and Staff

Handbook

http://www.eastwoodacademy.org/

P a g e | 2 2019-2020 Eastwood Academy High School Faculty and Staff Handbook Houston Independent School District, Revised July 20, 2019

Houston Independent School District Board of Education

2019

Diana Davila, President

Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca, 1st Vice President

Elizabeth Santos, 2nd Vice President

Sergio Lira, Secretary

Sue Deigaard, Assistant Secretary

Rhonda Skillern-Jones, District II

Jolanda Jones, District IV

Anne Sung, District VII

Wanda Adams, IX

Grenita Lathan, Interim Superintendent of Schools

It is the policy of the Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, marital status, religion, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by law in its educational or employment programs and activities. The HISD Five Core Initiatives

• Effective Teacher In Every Classroom

• Effective Principal In Every School

• Rigorous Instructional Standards and Supports

• Data Driven Accountability

• Culture of Trust Through Action

HISD Mission

The Board of Education’s mission is to equitably educate the whole child so that every student graduates with the tools to reach their full potential.

HISD Vision

Every child shall have equitable opportunities and equal access to an effective and personalized education in a nurturing and safe environment. Our students will graduate as critical thinkers and problem solvers; they will know and understand how to be successful in a global society.


T.

Eastwood Academy High School Est. 1999

Vision

Every Eastwood graduate will meet the eligibility requirements for entrance into a four-year Texas university system.

Mission

At Eastwood Academy, we commit to:

• Provide experiences and opportunities that empower students to discover and engage their passions.

• Exposing students to the content and context needed to become discerning consumers and creators of information.

• Nurture a safe and inviting educational community that embraces diversity and freedom of thought.

Core Values

• Practice perseverance

• Exhibit integrity

• Take care of yourself and others

School Mascot: Boxer (dog) School Colors: Royal Blue & Grey


Table of Contents

Vision ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Mission .................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Core Values .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Administration & Staff ......................................................................................................................... 6

ATTENDANCE-TEACHERS ................................................................................................................... 8 Signing In and Out ............................................................................................................................................. 8 Extra Duty Pay .................................................................................................................................................... 8 Reporting Late to Duty ..................................................................................................................................... 8 Absences ............................................................................................................................................................... 8 Planned Absence ................................................................................................................................................ 8 Unscheduled Absence ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Lesson Plans – Unplanned Absence ............................................................................................................ 8 Lesson Plans - Planned Absence................................................................................................................... 8

COMMUNICATION.................................................................................................................................. 9 Email ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Lesson Plans ........................................................................................................................................................ 9 Teacher Mail Boxes ........................................................................................................................................... 9 School Communication Platform ................................................................................................................. 9 Mail to Parents/Guardians ............................................................................................................................. 9 Translation Services ......................................................................................................................................... 9 Announcements ................................................................................................................................................. 9 Cell Phone Usage .......................................................................................................................................... 10

GRADING POLICY ................................................................................................................................. 10 Grade Reporting .............................................................................................................................................. 10 Cycle Grades ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 Failure Notices to Students ......................................................................................................................... 10 Final Exam Exemptions ................................................................................................................................ 10 Teacher Grading Responsibilities ............................................................................................................ 11 Grading Regulations ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Impact of Absences on Grades ................................................................................................................... 11 Appealing NGs .................................................................................................................................................. 11 Excessive Student Absences........................................................................................................................ 11 Grade Changes ................................................................................................................................................. 11 Impact of Cheating on Grades .................................................................................................................... 12 What Does Not Impact a Grade ........................................................................................................................ 12 UIL Eligibility .................................................................................................................................................... 12 ‘Incomplete’ Grades ....................................................................................................................................... 12

MEETING THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS ........................................................................................... 13 Accommodations ............................................................................................................................................ 13 Advanced Placement Initiative ................................................................................................................. 13 Differentiation ................................................................................................................................................ 13 Academic and Behavioral Notices - Growth Plan ................................................................................ 13 Bullying .............................................................................................................................................................. 15 Child Abuse ....................................................................................................................................................... 15 Death ................................................................................................................................................................... 15


Discipline/Referrals ...................................................................................................................................... 16 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 16 In-School Suspension .................................................................................................................................... 16 Suspected Suicide Ideation ......................................................................................................................... 16 Tardy Policy ...................................................................................................................................................... 17 Response to Intervention ............................................................................................................................ 18

Tier I Interventions ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 Tier II Interventions .................................................................................................................................................... 18 Tier III Interventions ................................................................................................................................................... 19

Title I Documentation ................................................................................................................................... 19

SAFETY AND SECURITY ..................................................................................................................... 19 Fire Drills ........................................................................................................................................................... 19 Lockdown Procedures .................................................................................................................................. 19 Shelter in Place ................................................................................................................................................ 20 Supervision of Students ................................................................................................................................ 20 Medical Emergencies ..................................................................................................................................... 20 Food in the Classroom................................................................................................................................... 20

SCHEDULING ......................................................................................................................................... 20 Field Trips ......................................................................................................................................................... 20 Events/Fundraisers ....................................................................................................................................... 21

Class Activities ............................................................................................................................................................... 21 Class Sponsors................................................................................................................................................................ 21

Room Usage ...................................................................................................................................................... 22

SUPPLIES AND COPIES ....................................................................................................................... 22

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS ..................................................................................................... 22 Dress Code ......................................................................................................................................................... 22 Parent Communication ................................................................................................................................. 22 Professional Development .......................................................................................................................... 23

EASTWOOD ACADEMY ACTIVITIES/TRADITIONS ................................................................... 23

BELL SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................................... 24 Monday Bell Schedule ................................................................................................................................... 24 Regular Bell Schedule ................................................................................................................................... 24 Early Release Bell Schedule ........................................................................................................................ 25


Eastwood Academy 2019-2020 Administration & Staff

Eastwood Academy Administration

Brandi M. Lira Principal

Ricardo Mena Administrator (M-Z)

Dixie Morales Administrator (A – L)

Administrative Staff Yulber Beronque Registrar Daisy Bueno Main Office Receptionist Natalie Guajardo Power Up CSR Brenda Morales School Secretary Jermeka Pierott Data Entry Clerk Claudia Valenzuela College & Career Clerk

School & Student Services

Edward Rendon HISD Master Police Officer Elizabeth Stanley College Career Military Counselor Linda Trendell Librarian Omid Soltani School Nurse

Department Chairs

Donald Diehl Mathematics Sara Epp Science Louanne Harvey CTE

Christopher Williams Social Studies Cecilia Michel English Language Arts & Reading

Technology Celeste Conflitti Engineering Design & Problem Solving, SRD, Robotics Louanne Harvey Web Tech, Networking, Foundations of Cyber Forensics Gene Platt AP Computer Science Principles, Computer Programming English Language Arts Teachers Rhett Martinez AP English Lang., AP English Lit., AP Seminar, Mark Mendelsohn AP English Lang., AP English Lit., Eng. III, Eng. IV, Theatre Arts Cecilia Michel Pre-AP English 10, English 10, Reading 10 Tess Vestal Pre-AP English I, English I, Reading 9 Math Department Yulber Beronque College Algebra, Algebraic Reasoning Donald Diehl Algebra I, Algebra 2, STAAR Math, One Goal YR 1 Marlyn Eloja PAP Algebra 2, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics Justin Martin PAP Algebra 1, Geometry, PAP Geometry Science Department Sara Epp Biology, PAP Biology, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science Alex Gary Physics, AP Physics, PAP Pre-Cal LeVar Lewis Anatomy & Physiology, STAAR Science Adrienne Rodenberger Physics, PAP Chemistry, Chemistry, AP Chemistry


Social Studies Jeffrey Hebert AP Government & Economics, Govt. & Eco, AP Psychology Dave McMurchy AP Human Geography Tim Warden World History, AP World History, AP European History Christopher Williams U.S. History, AP US History, Philosophy, Reel History Electives Amanda Brodsack Physical Education Francisco Duron Spanish I, Spanish II, AP Spanish Literature, AP Span Language Thea Golden-Smith Student Leadership Luiz Perez Art 1, Pre-AP Art 2, Art 3, Photography, AP Drawing Custodial Staff Rogelio Medrano Plant Operator Aida Muniz Custodian Rosa Ruiz Custodian


ATTENDANCE-TEACHERS

Signing In and Out

Administrators, teachers, and staff must sign in on the clipboard in Ms. Morales’ office each school day no later than 8:20 AM and sign out in the afternoon no earlier than 4:05 PM. You must be signed in on the sign-in sheet to be counted present each morning. Be sure to initial beneath your times each day. Be accurate with your sign in and sign out times due to requirements of the fire marshal, workmen’s compensation, and legal liabilities.

Extra Duty Pay

If you are providing tutorials outside of the school day, you must provide a student sign-in sheet daily for Title I purposes. These sign in sheets must be turned in to Mrs. Morales as you sign out for the day. Without these sign-in sheets and the extra duty time sheet, teachers will not be paid extra duty for tutorials. Depending on the amount of available funds, the amount to be paid out might be capped. All other extra duty pay must be approved, in advance and in writing, by the principal.

Reporting Late to Duty

In case of an emergency, which might result in a delay to school, call Ms. Morales at school 713-924-1697. If you are going to be later than 8:35 AM, you must notify your appraiser through text or e-mail and then sign in on the Sign-In Sheet with your actual time of arrival.

Absences

There are two steps to reporting and handling any type of absence. These two steps must be followed no matter the circumstance unless explicitly told otherwise by an administrator.

1. Report the absence according to district policy by submitting the date (whether planned or spontaneous) in OneSource for principal acknowledgement (

2. Request a substitute in Aesop Online (www.aesoponline.com) ASAP before the absence occurs.

Planned Absence

If the absence is planned, enter the date(s) in OneSource at least 72 hours prior to the planned day of absence for Manager approval. Once the Manager responds, the staff member will receive an automatic email from the OneSource system. Staff members should consult their Human Resources representative concerning any potential rights under the Family Medical Leave Act if the staff members anticipate an extended leave time.

Unscheduled Absence

If a teacher becomes ill, has an emergency, or situation that requires a spontaneous absence, he or she must still register the absence on Aesop Online (https://www.aesoponline.com) as soon as possible in order to ensure that a substitute will be available to cover the class. Ms. Morales should also be notified, but it is the teacher’s responsibility to make sure the job has been selected by an associate teacher before school starts. If possible, it is recommended that you register the absence the night before.

All unplanned absences must be recorded in One Source by the staff member upon return.

Lesson Plans – Unplanned Absence

By the first day of each school semester, every teacher is required to have a folder/binder clearly labeled within the classroom which contains emergency lesson plans that may be used in the event weekly lesson plans are not accessible. On the day of any absence, it is imperative that instructional time is preserved.

Lesson Plans - Planned Absence

If an absence is planned, the teacher must leave rosters and lesson plans, including materials, clearly labeled on the teacher’s desk. It is best practice to notify the appraiser of plans left for the substitute in case a substitute is not secured in time for the absence.

http://www.aesoponline.com/

https://www.aesoponline.com/


COMMUNICATION

Email

Email is the primary method used to communicate important and timely information to teachers and staff. Thus, every staff member is expected to check his or her e-mail before and after school each day (at a minimum). The administrative team is committed to preparing and sending out by email a schoolwide Boxer Bulletin on the Friday of each week, which outlines upcoming events and calendar scheduled events for the following work week.

Lesson Plans

Each teacher is responsible for submitting daily lesson plans on a weekly basis for each course taught. Lesson plans must be submitted no later than 8:30 a.m. on the Monday of the week during which the lessons will be delivered to students. Lesson plans are required to be uploaded onto the HUB inside the “Eastwood Academy Teachers” course and then placed into the “Lesson Plans 2019-2020” folder corresponding to the teacher. Although the district and campus does not require a certain format be followed, lesson plans should contain (at a minimum) the daily objective or learning goal for the day (curriculum), lesson activities (instruction), and assessments.

Teacher Mail Boxes

Any mail received from the USPS, district mail or hard copies of documents received will be placed in the teacher mail boxes located in the main office hallway. Please check your mailbox at least twice a day. Letters or important information for students may be placed in your boxes to be distributed to students.

School Communication Platform

Each teacher has a Living Tree account, which should be used as the primary means of communication with students and parents. Remember, this is a third-party application, and only generic, non-identifying information should be shared through the app. All teachers are expected to have the Living Tree application accessible either by computer or mobile phone; whichever is most convenient for the teacher.

Mail to Parents/Guardians

All letters, permission slips, and announcements must be approved by the principal before they are sent home. In addition, all letters and announcements must be on the approved school letterhead. Whenever possible, all notifications sent home to parents should also be provided in two languages (English and Spanish).

Translation Services

Translation services for written, phone call, and face-to-face communication with Spanish-speaking parents is available at Eastwood Academy. Ms. Valenzuela and Ms. Bueno are both available for translation services and can be requested via email with at least a two-day notice. Please be sure to verify the services are needed by attempting to communicate with the parent before assuming the need or scheduling translation services.

Announcements

The sponsor or teacher must write all announcements on announcement forms located in the front office. The form must be signed by the teacher/sponsor and must be approved by an administrator prior to the announcement being made. To focus on student learning, announcements will only be made once per day at the designated time. Teachers must make sure students are quiet and listening during announcements, so they do not miss crucial information.


Cell Phone Usage

At Eastwood Academy, we want to model the behaviors that we expect our students to uphold. Thus, cell phone usage should be reserved for emergency situations except during conference and lunch periods. Personal phone calls should not be made during class time. During emergencies, however, personal cell phones may be used to deliver important information.

GRADING POLICY

Grade Reporting

HISD Board Policy (Local EIA):

Assignments, tests, projects, classroom activities, and other instructional activities shall be designed so that each student’s performance indicates the level of mastery of the designated District standards. A classroom teacher shall be required to assign a grade that reflects the student’s relative mastery of an assignment.

Missing assignments will be given a zero after teacher-led interventions have been exhausted and documented in Chancery under RTI.

Cycle Grades

Eastwood is on a six-week grading cycle. Grade categories and their corresponding weights MUST be approved by the teacher’s appraiser. Homework should never represent more than 10% of the total class grade.

According to HISD policy,

1. A classroom teacher shall be required to assign a grade that reflects the student's relative mastery of an assignment;

2. A classroom teacher shall not be required to assign a minimum grade for an assignment without regard to the student's quality of work; and

3. A student shall be allowed a reasonable opportunity to make up or redo a class assignment or examination for which the student received a failing grade.

Failure Notices to Students

It is important that students and parents are in constant communication with the teacher regarding progress or lack thereof. Once the teacher notices a student is in danger of failing or is currently failing, the teacher must intervene using the following efforts.

1. Contact the parent (phone or email). 2. Face-to-face conference with parent and the student. 3. Referral to administrator for growth plan meeting.

Additionally, teachers must provide a list of all students who receive a failing grade at the end of the semester. Lists of failing students should be sent to the appropriate administrator (Morales = A – L and Mena = M – Z) by email.

Final Exam Exemptions

In HISD, a final examination will be required in all state and local credit courses, including PE and electives, except second semester seniors who qualify for an exemption. To be exempt from final examinations, second semester senior students must have:

• Senior classification

• 85 average or better in the course

• S or E conduct average

• No more than three (3) total absences and no unexcused absences


Teacher Grading Responsibilities

Teachers are responsible for:

▪ Having fair, valid, and consistent grading procedures;

▪ Ensuring that conduct grades are maintained separately from academic grades;

▪ Using those procedures to encourage students’ success;

▪ Exercising a high degree of professional judgment in evaluating student achievement;

▪ Documenting responses to intervention (RTI) for students in Chancery;

▪ Documenting instructional accommodations for students with disabilities or ELL students must be recorded in their grade books on GradeSpeed to document implementation of the modifications;

▪ Documenting the resulting grades in GradeSpeed at least on a weekly basis, and

▪ Notify the parent/guardian of any student, in writing, at least once every three weeks, if a student’s progress in any one of the foundation areas is unsatisfactory, as required by TEA. HISD further requires that the parent/guardian must be notified if a student’s grade is below 70 in any course. This notice must provide for the signature of the parent/guardian and must be returned to the school. For each subject that a student is failing, the notice must provide for a conference between the appropriate teacher and the parent/guardian.

Grading Regulations

Under no circumstances shall students grade test papers or record grades of other students because of student privacy laws. Students shall not be allowed to handle any documents on which another student’s grades are recorded. This includes grade books, report cards, notice of progress forms, permanent report cards, academic achievement records, etc. The computation of a student’s grade average or grade point average by another student is also prohibited.

Impact of Absences on Grades

If a student exceeds 8 absences (excused/unexcused) for a semester or for the year on an annual promotion course, an NG will appear where the grade should show on the report card for the appropriate cycle. Credit Recovery will have to happen for the NG to change to an actual grade. Otherwise the student could fail and/or not receive credit for the class.

Appealing NGs

A school may not adjust the excessive absence limit used to deny credit. The NG will continue to appear at each succeeding grading cycle.

If the student has exceeded the absence limit, the student will not receive credit for the course unless the passing average is appealed. If the School Attendance Committee decides to award credit for a passing average with an NG, then school personnel should remove the NG, allowing the credit to be awarded to the student.

Excessive Student Absences

The attendance committee will track the absences of students on a weekly basis. Students with excessive absences (more than 3) will be placed on an attendance contract by the appropriate administrator. Any student in grades 11 and 12 who accumulates more than 3 absences will have their off-campus lunch pass revoked.

Grade Changes

Texas Education Code Section 28.0212 provides that an examination or course grade issued by a

teacher is final and may not be changed unless the grade is arbitrary, erroneous, or not consistent with

HISD grading policy, as determined by the board of trustees. The Board’s decision may not be

appealed.


The teacher of record must initiate all grade changes and principals must approve any changes. Principals, counselors, or other administrators may not arbitrarily change grades issued by teachers. Grades may only be changed at the school where they were issued. Grade appeals may be addressed to the teacher and the principal. If the parent believes that the teacher has violated HISD or school policies and procedures regarding grading, and the teacher and/or principal do not settle the appeal, the parent may appeal to the appropriate school support officer (SSO).

The only reasons for changing a student’s grade after it has been recorded are:

• If there was an error in the computation of the student's grade; or

• If an error was made entering grades into Chancery/GradeSpeed Grade Files

All such changes must be initiated by the teacher assigning the grade and must be approved in writing by the principal and the rationale for the change kept on file. A principal may not arbitrarily change a grade. All changes must be made before the end of the next grading period.

After a cycle grade has been recorded, no additional class work may be accepted to improve a student's grade. If work assigned during the cycle was not completed, the student should receive an "INC," and the grade changed when the work is completed within the next grading cycle.

Impact of Cheating on Grades

The HISD Code of Student Conduct indicates that it is a level II disciplinary infraction to cheat or copy another student’s work in class. Therefore, students who are found to be cheating should be referred to the appropriate administrator for disciplinary action. The results of the cheating need to be very carefully explained to the student. Present guidelines mandate the computation of the final exam grade into the final grade. If a student is found to be cheating on the assignment, the student will be given a “0” and this grade will be averaged into the final grade as such and will have a significant impact on the final grade in the course. Additionally, a conduct cut will be given.

What Does Not Impact a Grade

Non-academic considerations such as attendance or participation in extracurricular activities should not be used in determining grades.

Conduct "cuts" in a class should be recorded in the Conduct section of the grade sheets. Under no circumstance may conduct infractions be used to affect the student's academic grade.

UIL Eligibility

In order for a student to qualify for a grade and UIL eligibility, the student must complete a body of work equal to 1/3 of the semester, to represent the six-week grading period, with a grade of 70 or above. If a student has not completed the appropriate amount of course work, the student will earn an “INC.” “Incomplete" grades will make the student ineligible for UIL participation until the "INC" is removed.

‘Incomplete’ Grades

HISD policy states that a student who makes an "Incomplete" grade has until the end of the next grading period to make up the "INC." A student who makes an "INC" on the last grading cycle has until the end of the summer session to remove his incomplete grade. This applies to both cycle grades and final exams.

If an "Incomplete" cycle grade is not made up within the prescribed time frame, a grade of zero (0) should be given for each missing assignment and then all grades should be averaged to determine that cycle grade.

If an "Incomplete" final exam grade is not made up within the prescribed time frame, the grade reverts to a "0" and is averaged as such along with the cycle grades to determine the semester average.


MEETING THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS

Accommodations

Teachers are required, by law and HISD policy, to provide accommodations to students as required by a student’s IEP or 504 Accommodation Plan. These accommodations must be noted in the grade book and lesson plans. Accommodations may also be used with students who do not have an IEP or 504 Accommodation plan, but these accommodations must be noted in the RTI section of Chancery. If these accommodations are used regularly in the classroom and noted in RTI, the student may use them during STAAR test administration

Advanced Placement Initiative

The philosophy of HISD is based on excellence and equity and offers open enrollment to all motivated students who choose to participate in Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

The goal of the Pre-AP courses is to build a firm academic foundation that prepares students for AP college-level courses. Teachers, who are already proficient in their understanding of the TEKS, will complete the College Board and/or Advanced Placement Strategies, Inc. Laying the Foundations training, which will prepare them to go beyond the TEKS and to incorporate challenging activities in their classrooms and raise the level of education for all students.

Teachers will closely monitor Pre-AP/AP students to provide support for their success. Intervention strategies for additional support may include tutorials, guided study, parent/guardian conferences, and others defined on a student-by-student basis. To further support the students, if a student’s progress in any one of the foundation areas is unsatisfactory, it is mandated that a conference be conducted with the parent/guardian and student regarding the student’s performance and it may be determined that the student would benefit from being placed on a growth plan.

If the student continues to have trouble achieving success in Pre-AP/AP courses, it may be requested by the teacher, parent/guardian or student to complete the Request for Change of Level form and move to a regular class for Pre-AP courses or drop the applicable AP course.

To receive authorization from the College Board to label a course “AP” , each AP teacher must submit two documents related to the course: a syllabus and the subject-specific AP Course Audit form to the College Board via the College Board website. Courses not approved through this process may not be labeled as “AP” courses.

Differentiation

Teachers are to provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Teachers should plan a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students. The progress of the students should be assessed on a regular basis and interventions provided as needed to ensure mastery of content. Differentiating Instruction means modifying instruction (i.e., content, process and/or product) to meet the differing needs of students in a classroom based on students’ readiness, interests, and/or learning profiles.

Academic and Behavioral Notices - Growth Plan

After students are put on a growth plan and fail to meet the goals set in the initial parent/guardian and teacher conferences and/or with the principal or dean, and/or if students have excessive unexcused absences, a letter will be mailed out in early April to the student’s home stating that they are under review for transfer to their zoned “home” school. By the end of April, the Faculty Review Committee will have reviewed each student’s progress since the letter was mailed and will vote on whom should be permitted to re-enroll at Eastwood Academy for the subsequent school year. This is very critical for students- excessive failures, behavioral issues, absences, tardiness, and any other grave issue can lead to a possible non-renewal of the student’s enrollment at Eastwood Academy. Likewise, it is important that


teachers keep documentation necessary to support the decisions made for renewal/non-renewal. Documentation may include but not limited to: Phone logs, parent signatures for conferences, e-mails, RtI and IAT.

The following chart outlines the process for placing students on Growth Plans.


Bullying

Bullying and cyber bullying are very serious offenses, and HISD takes action on all reports of bullying.

The HISD Code of Student Conduct considers bullying a Level III offense, subject to suspension, or optional removal to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program. Please refer to the 2019-2020 HISD Code of Student Conduct for more information.

To effectively address bullying, students and parents can report incidents of bullying or cyber bullying to a teacher or the administration. Also, HISD has a 24-hour hotline available to parents and students who want to report incidents of bullying or cyber bullying. The phone number is 713-641-7446. Eastwood also has an email address to which any incidents can be reported: [email protected].

Child Abuse

A professional who “has cause to believe that a child has been or will be abused or neglected” must report the case as abuse to the appropriate agency. Teacher/staff member may not rely on or delegate this responsibility to another person. For confidentiality reasons the name of the individual making the report will be kept confidential. The person making the report without malice is immune from civil or criminal liability. The following steps should be taken:

• Notify the counselor.

• Notify Children’s Protective Services (CPS) within 48 hours at 1-800-252-5400 or at http://www.txabusehotline.org.

• When notified of suspected child abuse, call the HISD Police Department at (713) 892-7777.

• Notify the principal.

• Make a written report within 5 days to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. (DFPS).

Death

NO GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE. To maintain a calm and respectful environment, announcements should not be made over the PA system regarding the death of the individual. Teachers/Staff will be given a written script to be read to students. Inform the students of the counseling opportunities available. Identify students severely affected by the death. Restore the school to its daily routine as quickly as possible. Administrator in charge will meet with Crisis Management Team to debrief.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www,txabusehotline.org/


Discipline/Referrals

The following flow chart was developed to condense the information that can be found in the HISD Code of Student Conduct for ease of reference. Student discipline referrals/incidents should be reported to the Assistant Principal.

In-School Suspension

When a student is assigned to In-School Suspension (ISS), teachers will be notified by the assigning administrator via e-mail. Whenever possible, the ISS assignment will be served the following school day. Teachers are required to send course assignments to the administrator before the beginning of the following school day. Course assignments should either be emailed or handed to the administrator at the main office. In the event that the assignment must be served immediately, lessons will be provided by the administration for the first day of the ISS assignment only.

Suspected Suicide Ideation

Take threat seriously and never leave student unsupervised by an adult. Inform the principal and counselor immediately. Tell the student that you are concerned and must notify the counselor to ensure his/her safety. Talk to the student and tell him/her “I can see that you are upset, and I want to help you.” Offer to arrange an opportunity for the student to talk to the counselor to see what can be done. Continue to express interest in the student after the crisis is over, but respect boundaries. Maintain student


confidentiality, except as permitted to access services. Do not, under any circumstances, discuss the situation with other students or parents. Only discuss with staff as it relates with providing support services. Watch for signs of ongoing emotional issues:

• Appearing depressed or sad most of the time (untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.)

• Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as purchasing a handgun.

• Talking or writing about- - Death and suicide.

- Feeling hopeless or having no reason to live. - Feeling trapped or unbearable pain. - Being a burden to others.

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs.

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.

• Sleeping too little or too much.

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.

• Displaying mood swings.

• Giving away prized possessions.

Tardy Policy

First Period Tardies

• Student will sign in with the front office and receive a tardy pass every time he/she arrives late to first period.

• The Main Office will record and keep track of all first period tardies.

• Teachers will not allow a tardy student to enter without a tardy pass from the Main Office.

• The following are actions to be taken by the Main Office for first period tardies and no action steps are required on the teacher’s part.

1st Tardy: Documented warning 2nd Tardy: Parent/Guardian contact 3rd Tardy: Friday after school detention 4th Tardy: Administrative parent conference and revocation of off-campus lunch pass

Third Period Tardies Tardies to third period (the period immediately following lunch) will be handled differently from others.

1st Tardy: Friday after school detention (send name to appropriate administrator). 2nd Tardy: Send student name, via email, to appropriate administrator who will

remove off-campus pass (11th and 12th grade) or other appropriate disciplinary consequence (9th and 10th grade) and make parent contact.

3rd Tardy: Discipline Referral sent to appropriate administrator for a parent conference and further disciplinary action.

Tardies to All Other Periods Each time a student arrives late to class, the teacher will document the tardy and the following steps will be taken:

1st Tardy: Documented warning 2nd Tardy: Parent/Guardian contact 3rd Tardy: Teacher detention 4th Tardy: Friday after school detention (send name to appropriate administrator)

and a P in conduct 5th and consecutive Tardy: Discipline Referral sent to appropriate administrator

for parent conference and further disciplinary action.


Response to Intervention

It is imperative that Eastwood Academy’s teachers monitor the academic and behavioral success of students. An established system of constant and consistent monitoring of student progress involving the collection of data is the first step. If a student is not being successful in a class, the teacher is initiator of the intervention. However, some students need additional support, or more structured interventions. Therefore, HISD has implemented a three-tiered monitoring system for all students.Teachers are required to document these tiered interventions under the RtI tab in Chancery when they occur.

Tier I Interventions

These are the interventions performed in the classroom by the teacher. Tier I is quality classroom instruction and classroom management based on Texas curriculum standards. All interventions start at Tier I before progressing to Tier II.

Tier I interventions document:

• Differentiated instruction

• Flexible grouping of students

• Peer tutoring

• Frequent monitoring

• Graphic organizers / thought maps

• Using assessment data to drive lessons

• Opportunities to re-test

• Preferential seating

• Student conference regarding behavior or academic performance

• Parent contact—phone call or email

Student behaviors which require Tier I interventions:

• Not bringing materials to class

• Tardy

• Absences

• Incomplete or late homework

• Missing classroom deadlines

• Missing assigned detention/tutorial

• Talking in class

• Mild class disruption

Tier II Interventions

The Tier II interventions are more strategic and intensive. Tier II includes programs, strategies, and procedures designed and employed to supplement, enhance, and support Tier I instructions. These interventions focus on helping students who are not responding to Tier I interventions.

Tier II interventions to document:

• Parent conference—face-to-face parent-teacher conference

• Afternoon/morning tutorials

• Additional small group instruction based upon specific targeted objectives

• Teacher-generated academic or behavioral action plans

Student behaviors which require Tier II interventions:

• Always attending tutorials, but still failing

• Leaving class for long periods of time

• Repeated tardies


• Excessive absences / attendance issues

• Repeated classroom disruption

• Never turning in homework

• Not attending tutorials

Tier III Interventions

A small percentage of students who have received Tier II supplemental instruction will continue to have marked difficulty in acquiring necessary skills. Intervention at this level is more intensive, and usually more people become involved. Tier III interventions go beyond the classroom after teachers have already tried Tier I and Tier II interventions, and the student is still not being successful. During a Tier III intervention, the counselor/dean will involve the Intervention Assistance Team (IAT) to assess the student’s academic and behavioral success. The IAT includes all of the student’s teachers, counselor, dean, parents, and other professionals as necessary. They are designed to serve struggling students who are not currently receiving services under the Special Education or Section 504 (disability) codes and laws.

Title I Documentation

If tutorials are held before or after school, regardless of the number of students present, student sign-in sheets must be maintained and turned in to Ms. Morales weekly. Ms. Morales will ensure a copy is given to Ms. Pierott for coding the parent contact appropriately in Chancery to ensure Federal and State Compliance and provide copies to the Title I Coordinator. Parent conferences must always be documented. Face-to-face conferences require a sign in sheet to be signed by the parent and phone calls to parents must be recorded on a phone log. A template is provided on the HUB. This document should also be turned in to Ms. Pierott for coding.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Fire Drills

Review the evacuation route posted on or near the classroom door. Notify students which route will be taken to evacuate the building. Close the door (but do not lock) and turn off lights after ensuring all students have exited the room. Take clipboard roster of students and all students with you to the designated location outside of the building. Take roll and account for all students after arriving at the designated area. Wait for instructions from an administrator or the announcements for “All Clear”. Principal or designee will shut off HVAC system (located in the principal’s office) to prevent the spread of smoke. Administrators will meet with the Crisis Management Team to debrief.

Lockdown Procedures

Principal or designee will come over the PA system to announce, “We are now on LOCK- DOWN.” (Teachers will consult “Teacher Lockdown Flow Chart”). Everyone must vacate the halls within 30 seconds. All staff members will escort students into the nearest classroom. Designated staff members will be responsible for checking bathrooms and ensuring students within the area are taken into the nearest classroom.

• 1st floor Grey Wing near restroom: Mr. Warden/Ms. Epp

• 1st floor Grey Wing near 103: Mr. Duron/Mr. Perez

• 2nd floor Grey Wing near 203: Mr. McMurchy/Mr. Mendelsohn

• 2nd floor Grey Wing near 210: Ms. Rodenberger/Ms. Vestal

• Outside Building: Ms. Brodsack Campus Police Officer will be notified. Plant Operator will meet campus police officer. All class bells will be disengaged. Direct all students to turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices. Instruct teachers and staff to keep cell phones on, but ensure they are on silent with no vibration setting. Remain in lockdown mode until principal or designee announces “All Clear” over the PA system.


Shelter in Place

Shelter in place (SIP) procedures will be enacted for either a hazardous material release or in the event of severe inclement weather.

1. Principal or designee will come over the PA system to announce, “We will now SHELTER IN PLACE.” (Teachers will consult “Teacher Shelter in Place Flow Chart”)

2. All students and staff in outside areas must enter the building immediately. 3. All exterior windows and doors must be closed and locked. 4. Students and staff should stay clear of windows throughout the SIP. 5. Signage will be posted on the main entrance doors indicating, “Shelter in place is in effect.

Students will not be released until after the emergency.” 6. Remain in place until the principal or designee announces, “All clear” over the PA system.

Supervision of Students

Students should never be left unsupervised. To ensure the safety of all our students, teachers will:

• Stand by their doors to monitor students as they pass from one class to the next.

• Supervise all students assigned to the course every class period and on field trips.

• Arrange for another neighboring teacher to supervise their class before leaving the classroom. No students may be left unsupervised at any time.

• Allow only one student at a time to leave the classroom and only with a pass signed by the teacher. No student will be called to the office without a staff member or aide presenting an appropriate pass.

Medical Emergencies

If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. If not life-threatening, notify the main office and an administrator will make the call to 911 if necessary. Control the scene for safety and protect the victim’s dignity. Notify the main office (in the most efficient method possible) and provide student name, illness, and/or injury information. Keep the student stable and provide first aid treatment and/or monitor for shock until medical assistance arrives. Retrieve AED and activate the AED and/or begin CPR if heart stops beating. If blood is present, use the gloves provided.

Food in the Classroom

Due to food contact allergies, students are not permitted to consume food or snacks of any kind inside classrooms during the instructional periods. Teachers may elect to allow students to eat breakfast (before 8:25 a.m.), lunch, or after school snacks inside their individual classrooms, but if choosing to do so, it is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure all desk/tabletops are wiped down thoroughly to remove all possible allergens from the area.

SCHEDULING

Field Trips

• See Ms. Morales for a field trip request packet; the documents will be sent electronically.

• If the trip is in district, the packet must be submitted four weeks in advance.

• If the trip is NOT in district, the packet must be submitted eight weeks in advance.

• NOTE: o ALL forms must be completed and typed, NOT handwritten. o If forms are not submitted within the aforementioned timeframe, they will not be

considered, NO EXCEPTIONS. o Submit the forms to Ms. Morales for administrative approval.

• See Ms. Morales in 1-2 weeks for the status of your request.

• If approved, you MUST ensure that ALL students have a permission slip on file.


• A week before the scheduled trip, you must submit a tentative roster of students attending to Ms. Pierott, so she can notify all teachers.

• The day before the field trip, you are required to send an updated roster to Ms. Pierott.

• On the day of your trip, attendance must be taken, and all permission slips must be on your person. This is a safety measure to ensure that (1) the student is allowed to attend, and (2) if a parent needs to be contacted, an emergency number is readily available.

o This attendance roster must be turned in to Ms. Pierott PRIOR to your departure for official attendance documentation.

Events/Fundraisers

Event/fundraising Request forms can be obtained from the administration or downloaded from the HUB. Event/Fundraising Forms should be submitted to administration who will obtain approval from the principal. Forms must be submitted for approval at least two weeks prior to the event date. When collecting money from students/participants, a supervising adult (sponsor, parent, or other school personnel) must be present. Under no circumstances may a student be responsible for funds collected by the club or class. Per district policy, all funds collected must be documented using an AF-104 form. As students/participants make a payment, he/she must write their name and the amount paid on the AF-104 form. It is the responsibility of the club or class sponsor to count the funds collected and ensure the cash on hand matches the funds documented on the AF-104 form. Once tallied, all funds and the form must be dropped into the safe located in Ms. B. Morales’ office at the end of the event, but no later than the following school day. Sponsors must keep a copy of all documents submitted for their own records.

Class Activities

Traditionally, Eastwood Academy students partake in a variety of fundraising and extracurricular activities as a graduating class. All activities must be led and supervised by a sponsor who is either an employee or a parent who has been approved through the district volunteer system (VIPS). Teachers and staff members have been assigned to each grade level. These assignments can be found below. All activities MUST be submitted on behalf of the class or club sponsor for administrative approval two weeks before the event can be held. The following rules will be in effect for all school-sponsored activities:

• All school rules are in effect at both on and off campus activities.

• Each student may invite only one guest to a dance, and the guest must be between 14 and 19 years of age.

• Each guest must be registered with the supervising sponsor of the dance or event before the activity. The registration information includes the name, age, home address, and working telephone number of the guest. Once a guest is registered, no substitution will be accepted.

• The guest must have a school ID or Texas ID to participate.

• The supervising sponsor or administrator has the right to deny entrance to any guest or student attending the school-sponsored activity.

• Any student who leaves campus during the school-sponsored activity will not be allowed to return to the campus.

• Eastwood Academy students and their guests will be asked to leave the school sponsored activity if they violate any school rules or conduct themselves in an inappropriate manner. Parents will be contacted, and disciplinary actions will be taken. Money will also not be refunded.

Class Sponsors

Class of 2023 Mr. McMurchy & TBD Class of 2022 Mr. Diehl & TBD Class of 2021 Ms. Michel & TBD Class of 2020 Mr. Warden & TBD


Room Usage

To request the usage of a common-use room (library, Lecture Hall, etc.), email the request complete with date, time, and reasons for use to the appraiser. Notifications of approval will be sent via email and then placed onto the Eastwood Master Calendar on Outlook. A list of rooms for which usage must be requested can be found below: (1) Community Room (2) Library (3) Lecture Hall (4) Cafeteria (5) Gymnasium

SUPPLIES AND COPIES

Supplies All requests for supplies must be submitted in advance unless the requested supplies are kept on-hand regularly (paper, sticky notes, pens, etc.). Staff members requesting supplies must fill out the Supply order forms, which can be found on the HUB. The completed form will be submitted to Ms. B. Morales for approval. If approved, your order will be placed within 1-2 weeks. Once your order arrives, you will be notified via e-mail. Under no circumstances should ProCards be borrowed or used by any staff member other than the person to whom the ProCard was issued by the district. Campus personnel with ProCards: Ricardo Mena (Assistant Principal), and Brenda Morales (School Secretary). NOTE: If your materials are needed immediately, see your appraiser or Ms. B. Morales for EMERGENCY orders. Copies Teachers are responsible for completing their own copying. You may also submit copy requests with the main office 48 hours in advance. The faculty copier is located in the teachers’ lounge. Your Employee ID number will serve as your copy code. If you would like your TA to make copies for you, he/she must be trained by Ms. Velez. Please notify the main office as soon as possible so that your students may be authorized to copy. Note: Your TA will need to use your copy code. If the copier is damaged, notify the main office IMMEDIATELY AND DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX. Copy paper is available in the teacher’s lounge. Please consider using digital platforms to minimize the need for copying.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Dress Code

“Business casual” is the standard dress for teachers within the district. We understand, however, that there are certain lesson or job-specific activities that may require a more comfortable mode of dress for particular school days. Therefore, teachers are asked to dress appropriate for the activities that are planned for the lesson on any given day. Fridays are considered “Spirit Days” and all staff members are encouraged to wear school-sponsored spirit shirts or other shirts that promote a college-bound culture.

Parent Communication

Teachers should keep an open line of communication with parents, as they are partners in educating the students at Eastwood Academy.

Teachers should:

• Contact parents for celebratory/positive behaviors.

• Contact parents for all level discipline violations and record on the Title I phone log.

• Maintain an anecdotal record of discipline violations.


• Contact parents when a student misses an assignment.

• Contact parents when a student is assigned to tutorials.

• Contact parents if a student is in danger of failing a class.

• Send referrals to the office for students having academic problems only after a parental contact has been made.

• Keep a thorough and accurate account of the date, time, and parent contacted and turn in a copy of those records on a monthly basis to Ms. Pierott for Title I Coding.

Professional Development

All Eastwood Academy teachers who instruct G/T students are required to complete the initial 30 hours of G/T training within their first semester after assignment as mandated by state law and the HISD Advanced Academics guidelines. This initial professional development includes 6 hours of “Nature and Needs of G/T Students”, 6 hours of “Assessment and Identification of G/T Students”, and 18 hours of “Curriculum and Instruction for G/T Students”. Teachers receive their 18 hours of “Curriculum and Instruction” through completion of Pre-AP and AP/IB certification trainings. An additional HISD requirement is that all G/T teachers receive training in HISD’s G/T Curriculum Framework, Scholars & Knowledge which includes best practices for G/T instruction and strategies for advanced level products. In order for courses to be labeled Pre-AP/AP, the teacher must have completed Pre-AP/AP core training in the content area they are to teach. HISD G/T teachers must have Pre-AP/AP training along with their G/T training.

HISD has gained permission from TEA to combine the 30 hours G/T training requirements with the Pre-AP/AP training requirements mandated for secondary school teachers.

18 + 12 = 30 Texas and HISD core G/T training:

• 18 hours is completed through one of the following:

1. Pre-AP/AP training through the College Board (32 hours)

2. Pre-AP Laying the Foundation training (4 days within one school year)

3. IBMYP/IB certified training

• 12 hours is completed through 6 hours of Nature and Needs of G/T students and 6 hours of Identification and Assessment of G/T

After the initial 30 hours of G/T training, teachers are required to complete an additional 6 hours of additional G/T professional development each school year. All G/T 6-hour updates must be completed by the last day of the teacher’s contract.

EASTWOOD ACADEMY ACTIVITIES/TRADITIONS

In celebration of our Eastwood Academy family, we have several activities/traditions that all teachers are strongly encouraged to support and attend:

Open House Dances School Festivals Graduation PTO Meetings

Talent Show Car Washes Community Events Literacy Night Math Night


BELL SCHEDULE

Monday Bell Schedule

Time Schedule

8:20 AM TEACHERS SIGN IN

8:25 AM Students enter the building

8:30 – 9:20 AM A1 Period + Announcements

9:25 – 10:10 AM A2 Period

10:15 – 11:00 AM A3 Period

11:05 – 11:50 AM A4 Period

11:55 – 12:35 PM Lunch

12:40 – 1:25 PM B1 Period

1:30 – 2:15 PM B2 Period

2:20 – 3:05 PM B3 Period

3:10 – 4:00 PM B4 Period

4:05 PM TEACHERS SIGN OUT

Regular Bell Schedule

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday

Time A Day B Day

8:20 AM TEACHERS SIGN IN TEACHERS SIGN IN

8:25 AM Students enter the building Students enter the building

8:30 – 10:05 AM A1 Period & Announcements B1 Period & Announcements

10:10 – 11:40 AM A2 Period B2 Period

11:45 – 12:15 PM Advocacy Advocacy

12:15 – 12:50 PM Lunch Lunch

12:55 – 2:25 PM A3 Period B3 Period

2:30 – 4:00 PM A4 Period B4 Period

4:05 PM TEACHERS SIGN OUT TEACHERS SIGN OUT

For consistency, every Tuesday and Thursday will be an A Day and every Wednesday and Friday will be a B-day. During weeks in which a school holiday occurs on a Friday, Monday will become a B Day.

Advocacy

• On Tuesdays twice a month, faculty/dept. meetings will take place while students have an extended lunch.

• On Wednesdays, students will participate in extended lunch or required tutorials.

• On Thursdays, students will engage in Restorative Circles.

• On Fridays, students will participate in Study Hall, Club Meetings or Town Hall Meetings.


Early Release Bell Schedule

Time Schedule

8:25 AM TEACHERS SIGN IN

8:30 – 9:40 AM A1/B1Period

9:45 – 10:50 AM A2/B2Period

10:55 – 12:00 AM A3/B3 Period

12:05 – 1:10 PM A4/B4 Period

DISMISSAL Lunch

**Early Release: Dismissal is at 1:10 p.m. followed by a 30-minute lunch.

breakfast in the classroom€¦ · school mascot: boxer (dog) school colors: royal blue & grey...

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