larkdale handbook 2015-16€¦ · of contract or recommendation for dismissal. staying informed...

STEM-‐ulating Minds for the Future

Larkdale Elementary “Soaring Towards Excellence”


Carla D. Hart, Principal Mrs. Nicole B. Williams, Intern Principal

School Mascot - Lark School Colors - Green and Yellow

Our phone number is 754-322-6600 and Fax # is 754-322-6640.

This list will help direct you to the proper people. Principal's Secretary - Mrs. Marilyn Laramore-Bozeman

Guidance Counselor - Ms. Allegra Marshall ESE Specialist - Ms. Anquanita Johnson

Title I Liaison – Mr. Bernard Golden Reading Coach-Bridgette Harden-Howard

Math Specialist – Ms. Tamala Vaughn Science Specialist – Ms. Tamala Vaughn

Media Center Specialist - Ms. Barbara Merle Cafeteria Manager - Ms. Cathy Porrazo

YMCA After School Program (YMCA) -Ms. Tresca Webb Bus Transportation – TBA

Volunteer Coordinator - Mrs. Francine Mitchell P.T.A. President - TBA

P.T.A. Vice President - TBA School Advisory Forum Chairperson - Mrs. Francine Mitchell & TBA

School Advisory Council Chairperson - TBA


August 17, 2015 Dear Faculty and Staff, The Larkdale Elementary faculty and staff handbook is designed to be a ready reference for all Larkdale Elementary employees. It is conveniently housed on the school’s computer email system, CAB conference, to facilitate easy access to school policy, procedures and other important information on many topics. Refer to it when questions arise. This handbook is designed and organized in an alphabetized format to facilitate ease of utility for all. In addition to the information contained in this handbook, read and become familiar with the information in the following resources: Code of Ethics and Professional Standards School Board Policies - available on the district’s website Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Book It is the responsibility of each staff member to read and be familiar with the contents of ALL the above-mentioned resources. In addition to following the directives contained herein, each teacher and staff member is expected to adhere to the provisions of the Federal Laws, Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules, and School Board Polices. Deviation from the directives contained herein as well as deviations from the provisions of the Federal Laws, Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules, and School Board Policies will be considered an act of insubordination accompanied by the appropriate disciplinary action. Disciplinary action taken may include, but is not limited to non-renewal of contract or recommendation for dismissal. Staying informed about procedures and operations is necessary for the school to run smoothly. Therefore this handbook is provided to all employees to assist our staff members in the execution of their responsibilities in the most enjoyable and efficient professional way possible. This handbook is respectfully dedicated to my Larkdale Elementary staff. I wish you all many successes throughout the year, as we will be STEM-ulating minds for the future. Administration


“ Our core business is teaching and learning.” Larkdale is committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential! OUR THREE GOALS

1 High-Quality Instruction • Curriculum rigor • Superior teaching capacity • Superior principal leadership • Data-driven decision making • Proactive intervention and remediation • Integration of 21st-century skills • Quality educational choice

2 Continuous Improvement • Effective business and support services • Data-driven decision making • Alignment of activities and goals • Effective system of accountability

3 Effective Communication • Family and community engagement • Student engagement • Proactively engaged staff • Enriching external partnerships • Superior customer service • Effective use of technology


21st Century Skills

• If our students are to be well prepared for their futures, they must become active learners who can collaborate, communicate and problem solve.

• We should look to change the traditional role of teacher and student in the classroom. Problem Based Learning enables the teacher to act as a coach and have the students interact with experts in the field.

• Technology is a powerful lever for change when combined with other factors and can support more rigorous, relevant instruction when designed to do so.

Florida Standards Create, identify, and/ or modify model lessons specific to their content area and

aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects (CCSS)

Identify research-based instruction and evidence-based practices that are

differentiated to ensure success for All students (including those with disabilities, English Language Learners, and others identified as Gifted).

Create and /or identify formative assessments/performance tasks for model

lessons to inform instruction and monitor student progress. Incorporate differentiated instruction into model lessons at Tier 1 of a Multi-Tier

System of Supports (MTSS)

Incorporate into model lessons opportunities for students to utilize technology as a tool for learning.

Use course descriptions to create or modify existing Learning Goals with Scales

(rubrics) for model lessons. Identify differences and appropriate use of interim and summative assessments.

Identify appropriate ways to monitor and record students progress/success. Describe the “Blended” course requirements for 2015-2016

and state where to find these requirements for specific courses.


FLORIDA EDUCATOR ACCOMPLISHED PRACTICES (FEAPS)

6A-‐5.065 The Educator Accomplished Practices. (1) Purpose and Foundational Principles. (a) Purpose. The Educator Accomplished Practices are set forth in rule as Florida’s core standards for

effective educators. The Accomplished Practices form the foundation for the state’s teacher preparation programs, educator certification requirements and school district instructional personnel appraisal systems.

(b) Foundational Principles. The Accomplished Practices are based upon and further describe three (3) essential principles:

1. The effective educator creates a culture of high expectations for all students by promoting the importance of education and each student’s capacity for academic achievement.

2. The effective educator demonstrates deep and comprehensive knowledge of the subject taught. 3. The effective educator exemplifies the standards of the profession. (2) The Educator Accomplished Practices. Each effective educator applies the foundational principles through six

(6) Educator Accomplished Practices. Each of the practices is clearly defined to promote a common language and statewide understanding of the expectations for the quality of instruction and professional responsibility.

(a) Quality of Instruction. 1. Instructional Design and Lesson Planning. Applying concepts from human development and learning theories,

the effective educator consistently: a. Aligns instruction with state-‐adopted standards at the appropriate level of rigor; b. Sequences lessons and concepts to ensure coherence and required prior knowledge; c. Designs instruction for students to achieve mastery; d. Selects appropriate formative assessments to monitor learning; e. Uses diagnostic student data to plan lessons; and f. Develops learning experiences that require students to demonstrate a variety of applicable skills and

competencies. 2. The Learning Environment. To maintain a student-‐centered learning environment that is safe, organized,

equitable, flexible, inclusive, and collaborative, the effective educator consistently: a. Organizes, allocates, and manages the resources of time, space, and attention; b. Manages individual and class behaviors through a well-‐planned management system; c. Conveys high expectations to all students; d. Respects students’ cultural linguistic and family background; e. Models clear, acceptable oral and written communication skills; f. Maintains a climate of openness, inquiry, fairness and support; g. Integrates current information and communication technologies; h. Adapts the learning environment to accommodate the differing needs and diversity of students; and i. Utilizes current and emerging assistive technologies that enable students to participate in high-‐quality

communication interactions and achieve their educational goals. 3. Instructional Delivery and Facilitation. The effective educator consistently utilizes a deep and comprehensive

knowledge of the subject taught to: a. Deliver engaging and challenging lessons; b. Deepen and enrich students’ understanding through content area literacy strategies, verbalization of thought,

and application of the subject matter; c. Identify gaps in students’ subject matter knowledge; d. Modify instruction to respond to preconceptions or misconceptions; e. Relate and integrate the subject matter with other disciplines and life experiences; f. Employ higher-‐order questioning techniques;


g. Apply varied instructional strategies and resources, including appropriate technology, to provide comprehensible instruction, and to teach for student understanding;

h. Differentiate instruction based on an assessment of student learning needs and recognition of individual differences in students;

i. Support, encourage, and provide immediate and specific feedback to students to promote student achievement; and

j. Utilize student feedback to monitor instructional needs and to adjust instruction. 4. Assessment. The effective educator consistently: a. Analyzes and applies data from multiple assessments and measures to diagnose students’ learning needs,

informs instruction based on those needs, and drives the learning process; b. Designs and aligns formative and summative assessments that match learning objectives and lead to mastery; c. Uses a variety of assessment tools to monitor student progress, achievement and learning gains; d. Modifies assessments and testing conditions to accommodate learning styles and varying levels of knowledge; e. Shares the importance and outcomes of student assessment data with the student and the student’s

parent/caregiver(s); and f. Applies technology to organize and integrate assessment information. (b) Continuous Improvement, Responsibility and Ethics. 1. Continuous Professional Improvement. The effective educator consistently: a. Designs purposeful professional goals to strengthen the effectiveness of instruction based on students’ needs; b. Examines and uses data-‐informed research to improve instruction and student achievement; c. Uses a variety of data, independently, and in collaboration with colleagues, to evaluate learning outcomes,

adjust planning and continuously improve the effectiveness of the lessons; d. Collaborates with the home, school and larger communities to foster communication and to support student

learning and continuous improvement; e. Engages in targeted professional growth opportunities and reflective practices; and f. Implements knowledge and skills learned in professional development in the teaching and learning process. 2. Professional Responsibilities and Ethical Conduct. Understanding that educators are held to a high moral

standard in a community, the effective educator adheres to the Code of Ethics and the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession of Florida, pursuant to Rules 6B-‐1.001 and 6B-‐1.006, F.A.C., and fulfills the expected obligations to students, the public and the education profession. Rulemaking Authority 1004.04, 1004.85, 1012.225, 1012.34, 1012.56 FS. Law Implemented 1004.04, 1004.85, 1012.225, 1012.34, 1012.56 FS. History–New 7-‐2-‐98, Amended 2-‐13-‐11.


Chain of Command 1. Principal 2. Intern Principal 3. Support Staff designated by Administration 4. Team Leader 5. Office Manager

School Day Schedule Arrival & Dismissal Hours • Teacher’s work hours 7:45 -4:15 p.m. • PK-Student’s day school schedule 7:55a.m. - 1:55p.m. (Monday-Friday)

• K-Student’s day school schedule 7:55a.m. - 2:55p.m. (Monday-Friday) • YMCA Aftercare 2:00 – 6:00 P.M. (Monday–Friday) • Morning Duty 7:45 - 7:55 a.m. Afternoon duty 2:50 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. • Recess: Required 30 minutes of supervised physical activity (if there is no PE) – notify the office of your schedule and location.

A-Z at Larkdale Elementary

ACCIDENTS When a student appears to be injured outside on the playground or has been involved in any type of accident in your classroom, make the child comfortable, then notify the office. After the situation is resolved, you are required to complete the Student Accident Report Form (available from the office) and you are required to call the parent to explain what happened. This report must be completed to protect you in the event of any future legal action. ACTIVITIES All student activities (celebrations, assemblies, field trips, etc.) must receive administrative approval. A written plan must be provided a minimum of three weeks (15 working days) before the event. It is the responsibility of the teacher coordinating the activity to get administrative approval prior to planning the event and to verify that no other activities are scheduled which would conflict. On approval admin. will post information on the master calendar, and you will notify other staff members and departments that could be affected (speech, ESE, cafeteria, custodial, specials, counseling, PTA etc.).

ANIMALS IN THE CLASSROOM Animals must not be kept in the classroom. The potential liability incurred when pets bite children or cause allergic a reaction is of great concern. Fish, baby chicks (Grade 3), caterpillars and ant farms are exceptions. Please check with administration and updated district policies and call the Health Department for current update.


ART PROGRAM All students will have the opportunity to attend art class on a weekly basis. The art teacher will plan lessons to address the 5 Florida Standards (K-5). The annual art program will culminate with an Art Showcase to be coordinated by the Art Teacher.

ASSEMBLIES Assemblies will be presented to the student body periodically throughout the school year. All assemblies must have administrative approval. A master calendar will be maintained by the leadership team and other designees. Check it to prevent any conflicts. Please check the CAB calendar and place dates in your lesson plan book. All assemblies requiring the cafeteria must be held between 8:20 and 10:15 a.m. Any grade level interested in presenting an assembly program should see the Administration at least one (1) month prior to performance for content approval. The assembly themes will be developed in conjunction with curriculum and learning objectives. Grade level staff is encouraged to integrate instruction and participate with appropriate assembly programs. Please bring these to the attention of the principal, with completed flyer for approval, content to posted on website, parent link, and newsletter a month in advance. Student behavior at assemblies will be discussed by classroom and specials teacher and practiced with each class by the teacher prior to each assembly. It will be the responsibility of each classroom teacher to maintain student conduct at assemblies. Walk your class to the assembly on time and in an orderly manner. Teachers are required to sit with their class and not on the perimeter of the room in order to model appropriate expected behavior. Younger students will sit in the front. All children are to sit quietly, closely supervised by the teacher. Teacher will model expected behaviors; it is not appropriate for teachers to do paperwork or talk during an assembly. The person in charge of the assembly will dismiss each class.

ATTENDANCE (Staff) Please refer to your contract with regard to sick and personal leave. If you are going to be absent, you MUST notify the school and administration, meaning the principal or principal’s secretary, even if no sub is required. Contact sub finder. If the system does not give you a number call the help desk at 754-321-2340. You can also go on-line to book a sub at https://sems.browardschools.com. In the event the system is totally out, the school’s sub coordinator should be called at 954-773-1010. Calls should be made before 9:00 P.M. the day prior to the absence. The school’s main office number is 754-322-6600, and will be answered at 7:15am. It is requested that arrangements be made as far in advance as possible when an absence is necessary. Lesson plans should be kept on your desk in order for them to be easily located. Five (5) days of lesson plans should be available in case of an unexpected illness. Plans will include: a seating chart, medical alert list, mode of dismissal, schedules for Special Ed and support skills students. Grade chairpersons should have copies of team's classroom schedules and procedures. If lesson plans are not available, it will be the team leader’s responsibility to provide lesson plans for the day. HALF- DAY ABSENCES: It is always difficult to secure a substitute for a half-day. Thus, to the extent possible, make these arrangements in advance. A half-day in the morning would be from 7:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. In the afternoon the time would be from 11:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.


Paraprofessionals: Pre-kindergarten and Head Start paraprofessionals contact the sub coordinator before 9:00 p.m. or between 5:30-6:15a.m. All other paraprofessionals need to call Larkdale Elementary between 7:15am-7:30 am. In case the answering machine is on, contact the principal’s office at 754-322-6600.

ATTENDANCE (Students) It is the responsibility of the instructional staff to maintain accurate attendance records. Larkdale implemented the use of Pinnacle, a computerized means of recording attendance. Attendance should be completed by 8:30 a.m. Students arriving after the 8:00 a.m. bell must sign in at the office. Pinnacle is a legal document and must be recorded accurately. See back up information should we have technical issues. 1. Mark the attendance according to the coding information found on the directions. Students coming from breakfast with a yellow laminated card and students riding buses that have arrived late are not marked tardy. (E1- entry, T- tardy, U- unexcused absence, F excused absence) 2. Permitted absence (one approved by the principal) should be treated in same manner as excused absence. Larkdale Elementary is a Broward Truancy Intervention Program (BTIP) site. The intent of the program is to prevent unexcused absences. Attendance is monitored on a daily basis. Administration will conduct parent conferences with the family of a child who is showing early signs of truancy, a pattern of non-attendance by accumulating three or more unexcused absences (SB Policy 5.5). The State Attorney's and administration will hold a joint meeting after the tenth unexcused absence. The State Attorney’s Office will take appropriate action up to and including criminal prosecution of the parent of the truant child (Florida Statute 1003.27). All attendance records will be given to the State Attorney’s, therefore accuracy in completing the documents is crucial. Children are required to bring a note from home or a parent / guardian must call office notifying school of an absence. These notes are to be forwarded to the office to document corrections made to the district computer with your attendance. Notes will be kept on file in the office for the remainder of the year. Teachers will send letters or interims home regarding tardiness or excessive absences. Please notify the guidance counselor and forward a file copy to the office. These interventions will be added to the district computer. Any suspicious or irregular student absences should be referred to administration immediately by email. Teachers of ESE and special programs (Speech, P.E., Art, Science, Math, or Music) shall maintain accurate daily attendance records.

BELL SCHEDULE Bell schedules are as follows for K-5: First bell 7:50 A.M. & Tardy bell 7:55 A.M Pre-K students are dismissed at 1:55 p.m. K-5-2:50 p.m. Bus Dismissal K-5-2:55 p.m. Walkers & Car Dismissal


BREAKFAST The Breakfast Program begins at 7:15 a.m. and ends at 7:50 a.m. (except for late buses). BULLETIN BOARDS The maintenance of hallway bulletin boards will be the responsibility of the adjacent classroom teacher. Please follow these guidelines when designing hallway and classroom bulletin boards. 1. Proofread for spelling, grammar and punctuation. 2. Design simple, uncluttered boards. 3. Reflect the academic or character building curriculum. 4. Maintain current information aligned to lessons. Post standard next to the board to show the relevance of the information being posted. 5. Utilize student or teacher made materials. 6. Include titles and borders. 7. Display holiday theme items (non-religious) 8. Displays should be neat and attractive. 9. Student work is a most. All boards should show student authentic work. The State Fire Code for Educational Facilities prohibits the covering of wall space more that 20% of the classroom or corridor with artwork or other flammable materials. If flame retardant paper is used the 40% rule applies. If flame retardant paper is used, the label must be in the bottom left corner of the board. These guidelines are for buildings without a sprinkler system. In areas with a sprinkler system, 50% may be covered. Do not cover any electrical outlets, fire alarm pull stations, exit signs, emergency lights, and/or fire extinguishers.

BUS DUTY Bus duty is a serious responsibility and is required by Florida State Law. The law requires that bus supervision be provided when the first busload of students arrive in the morning and until students are dismissed to classrooms. Staff members assigned to bus duty should be on time, please follow duty schedule provided by administration. Buses will pick-up and drop-off students on the east side of the building staff should collect bus referrals and confer with drivers as needed. Referrals should be turned in to administration daily. No teacher is permitted to delay a class or student once a bus has been called to be boarded.

CAFETERIA Students will have the daily option of purchasing a hot lunch or salad from the school cafeteria or bring a bag lunch. Nutrition and the effects of a balanced diet is an integral part of the daily curriculum. They may also purchase milk daily and ice cream on a selected day of the week. Use lunchtime to teach and reinforce social skills and table manners. Please refer parents to the Cafeteria Manager to transact arrangements and method of payment. TEACHER’s NOTE THE FOLLOWING: 1. Pick up your class on time. 2. Teachers are responsible for supervising the students in line after they have emptied their tray and trash in appropriate area.


3. Those who are assigned to café duty will assume the responsibility for dismissing students from each table, one side at a time. 4. Teachers should provide a restroom break BEFORE lunch. Children will not be allowed to leave the cafeteria to use the restroom during their lunch period except in extreme emergencies. 5. Post the CHAMPS-cafeteria rules in your classroom. Review them frequently (see discipline plan) also remind students to SOAR. S set goals

O own your actions

A accountability

R respectful

Only cafeteria staff is allowed behind the serving counter. Each staff member will receive a numbered account like the children. Please do not ask for the staff to charge your meals. Payment is due at time of service. Note cafeteria prices for 2015-16 Adult Prices Student Prices Breakfast $ 1.65 Breakfast $ 1.20 Reduced Breakfast $0.30 Lunch $2.85 Lunch $2.00 Reduced Lunch $0.40 Milk Only $0.70 Milk Only $0.50

CAREER EDUCATION Career Education is an on-going program that shall be implemented as part of the routine daily basic curriculum. A Career Education Coordinator will be appointed to provide a Career Day Program as enrichment each year. Representatives from school partnerships and various facets of the business community will be invited to share pertinent knowledge about areas of expertise.

CELEBRATIONS (Parties) The primary goal of Larkdale Elementary is to provide a rigorous and challenging curriculum to our students at all times. Since instructional time is so valuable, it will not be used for parties for any reason. Teachers may plan earned celebrations in class to reinforce learning gains. Such celebrations will occur the day before Winter Break and on the last day of school. Parents with teacher approval, may want to provide cupcakes or cookies (sealed and wrapped, store bought items only), for a child’s birthday as a treat to be shared by the teacher in class (5-10 minutes) after lunch or during recess.

CERTIFICATE A current copy of each teacher's Florida Teaching Certificate is required to be kept on file in the school office. New teachers must bring their certificate to the office to be copied. Returning teachers who have changes or additions to their certificates must also submit a copy of their new certificate to the office manager. It is the teacher’s responsibility to maintain and to update the school and the district, instructional staffing and certification office of any changes in a timely manner since the State no longer notifies the district. (Teachers with expired certificates will not be allowed to work after the expiration date of their certificate, June 30th.)


CHANGE OF ADDRESS If you have any changes in your name, address, etc., please access the Employee Self Service (ESS) online. This information must be kept current to ensure that your district employee information / benefits and financial accounts function smoothly. All employees are responsible to maintain their information current and accurate.

Child Abuse Reporting In compliance with School Board Policy and Florida Statutes, any suspicion of child abuse must be reported. The guidance counselor is our child abuse contact person. This can be done by calling (1-800-96-ABUSE (22873), you may notify the guidance counselor if you need assistance in tis matter. You can lose your teaching certificate, and or be charged criminally if you fail to report a suspected child abuse. Likewise, you can be charged with child abuse if you touch a student inappropriately. Be careful when dealing with students. Do not grab, tug, or use any other method of physical restraint or persuasion that can be misinterpreted as corporal punishment.

CHILDREN OF STAFF MEMBERS Staff members who have children attending Larkdale Elementary School are asked to be responsible for the supervision of their children before and after school. Children should not be given free access to the school. In the morning before school, all children are to be in the area where their grade level classmates assemble. They are not permitted in the building and must not sit in the office areas during employees’ work hours. They must follow all rules that all Larkdale students follow. All rules and regulations that apply to the student body are applicable. On workdays, due to concerns regarding liability, children and all other family members will not be permitted on campus unless they have an approved volunteer application on file. If emergency determines employees’ children must be on campus, they are to remain with the parent with direct supervision before, during and after school but their presence must not interfere with effective work practices, location or expectations.

CLASS INTERRUPTIONS All efforts will be made to limit all announcements to the scheduled morning updates or just prior to dismissal. Under no circumstances should a teacher send a child out of the classroom without a proper pass indicating a particular designation, such as the clinic, principal’s office, media center or restroom. Use of student messengers should be restricted to urgent needs only. No student should ever be out of class for any reason without a buddy. Cleaning Solutions/Bug Sprays/Deodorizers Staff members are not to bring cleaning solutions, bug sprays, deodorizers, Lysol, etc. to school for use in the classroom. Only those cleaning supplies, pesticides, etc. approved by the School Board of Broward County Risk Management Department may be used in the school. The custodial staff will remove any solutions not approved by the SBBC and found in the classroom.

CLINIC Procedures The school clinic shall be operated as a temporary area where sick or injured students may rest for a brief time until parents can pick them up. Any unusual event requiring emergency response or 911 will be reported immediately to the Principal/Assistant Principal. The Principal will direct clerical staff to notify the area office. Basic first aid will be applied to minor injuries. On arrival to the clinic the nurse


will call parents to notify them of their child’s concern. Clinic forms must be used (available in the workroom). A copy of the clinic form will be returned to the teacher with the results of the visit. In addition, a copy will be sent home with the child. A log will be used in the office for keeping track of frequent illness. Students with frequent occurrences will be referred to the guidance counselor and if necessary the social worker. Please refrain from removing staples, splinters, or teeth from students.

CODE OF ETHICS A copy of the Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct written by the Florida Department of Education is provided to all staff (electronically) annually. All employees will be required to sign verifying receipt of this document and expected to comply with all the standards contained within the document.

COMMITTEES (staff) Committees will be formed on an as needed basis throughout the school year to align with the schools mission and School Advisory Council-school improvement plan. Committees shall select a chairperson, as needed and report any recommendations to administration. In certain instances, selected committees may be requested to develop procedures related to emerging issues. All committees will submit the minutes to administration documenting discussions, recommendations, questions, etc.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES/INFESTATIONS School Board Policy states that students infected with any communicable disease or infestation or suspected of being infected with a communicable disease or infestation shall not be permitted to attend school. This policy includes outbreaks of pediculosis, lice infestation, impetigo, scabies or ringworm. Students having such communicable diseases or infestations shall be excluded from school according to the rules of this policy until shown by examination to be free of infection or infestation. A complete explanation of the rules can be found in the policy handbook located on the district website www.browardschools.com or from the schools office. COMMUNICATIONS (home/community) A newsletter will be available to parents monthly to inform them of calendar, planned events and happenings around the school. The newsletter will be published on our website at http://larkdale.browardschools.com. The assistant principal and the newsletter committee are responsible for publishing the newsletter each month. All submissions for the upcoming newsletter is due to the committee on the 25th of each month via email. PTA Flyers Any communication sent home to parents by PTA and or staff must FIRST be proofread by SAC Chair and must be approved and initialed by administration before it is published or sent home. Teacher Letters At the beginning of the school year with administrative approval, each teacher/ grade level team is required to send home a letter to their parents specifying the following: Teachers on grade level teams must BE CONSISTENT. * grading policy * homework policy * discipline plan * general philosophy * field trip rules * use of Agenda books


* conferencing schedule * classroom celebrations plans Any other information deemed important may be included. Teachers are encouraged to prepare these letters as a grade level team. All staff members must prepare a letter including special and exceptional teachers. Teachers are encouraged to build an effective two way relationship by sending home regular communications, notes in the planner informing parents of their child’s progress and or needs in addition to classroom activities.

COMMUNICATIONS (Staff) Informational bulletins, updates will be published for the staff from administration as needed. They will be sent via email. It is important to read and highlight those items that apply specifically to you. Year round and monthly calendars are available on Larkdale Conference under “Calendar”. The Larkdale calendar should be reviewed frequently for updates and changes. Larkdale schedules can also be found in the Larkdale Conference under “Schedules”. Check your email before 8 AM, before lunch, planning and again before dismissal. You are cautioned not to post or use district system for personal communication via CAB. CAB is intended for district related business ONLY. Many "in-house" items are included for staff information only; such information need not be shared with the community. Caution*** remember all published communication via CAB are available for the district to oversee. Please refrain from having conversations about student behaviors, concerns etc. with parents unless you are the student’s classroom teachers.

COMPUTERS / SOFTWARE / HARDWARE Teacher assigned laptops are issued for District and Larkdale related functions to be used by and for the assigned duties of instruction ONLY. Use or misuse including employee, family members or other persons may result in consequence to the employee. The district has developed an Internet access and acceptable usage policy for all technology in place in our school (appendix section). It is necessary for all staff to review and comply with this policy at all times. All software, data entered on school board purchased computers are subject to review by the school board at anytime. Classroom technology equipment, Promethean Boards, computers or printers that are not working properly, need to be reported immediately to the Micro-Technology Specialist using the computer repair request form in CAB. All computers need to be covered when not in use and cleaned on a weekly basis in order to maintain their proper functioning. County licensed and approved software is available for instructional use. Computer software must be used to support your instructional program. Computer Network DOʼS and DONʼTS: DOʼs • Do check your email three times per day (especially at 2:45 p.m. for dismissal changes). • Do keep your password confidential, share ONLY with Principals secretary. • Do leave your laptop set up on your teacher’s desk when you are not in the room. This computer will be your CAB (email) station. • Do place your laptop in a locked area for security at the end of the day or when your


are not in the room. • Do sign on to the server using the NT Server log provided by the Technology Specialist. • Do use computers to store student data, grades, draft lesson plans, and to deliver instruction. • Do use your computers in the class to publish quality work, motivate, make interesting, enrich, integrate across core content areas and to provide purposeful, meaningful, relevant lessons for your students. DONʼTʼs DO NOT MOVE ANY COMPUTER EQUIPMENT OUT OF YOUR ROOM without prior approval in WRITING signed by the Micro-Technology Specialist ! • Do not re-label or name your hard drive. The server will not recognize names without the correct format. • Do not move plugs from the assigned ports. Each port has a specific job. The blue port is strictly limited for phone connectivity. Electricity runs through the port and can damage the computer. • Do not move computers from their location. One computer must be set up next to the television for classroom instruction. • Do not use school board computers to visit personal unapproved sites. • Do not install personal software on school board computers. The District policy states that they become the property of the school. They also may not be compatible with existing programs and district tech. support will not be provided. • Do not allow non-employees to use computers or laptops assigned to you.

CONFERENCES Conferences with parents are extremely important ways of reporting pupil progress and or needs and to maintain an effective home school connection. School board policy requires a minimum of two conferences per year with the parents of each child in your class (all students---includes Title 1, ESOL and Special Education). It is recommended that the first conference be conducted prior to December and the second be held prior to May 1st. A conference record form must be utilized by all teachers to document the information shared in the conference. If you have difficulty contacting parents, inform support staff and or administration for assistance. Administration or support staff is available on request to sit in on conferences when discussion of delicate matters is apparent. Although an in-person conference is the recommended method of conferencing, it is not always feasible. A telephone conference may be utilized as a secondary method. Parent signatures must be secured. Conference forms will be collected and reviewed by administration at the designated interim and report card periods. In keeping with school board policy, anytime a parent is desirous of tape recording a teacher conference, the teacher must first advise the Principal of the parents request before the conference takes place. If administration is not available to sit in on the conference, it will need to be rescheduled. DO NOT HOLD A TAPED CONFERENCE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WITHOUT AN ADMINSTRATOR PRESENT.


CUMULATIVE FOLDER It is the responsibility of each classroom teacher to review students’ information and to maintain up-to-date cumulative folders for each child enrolled in his/her class. When a cum folder is requested to leave school your grade chairperson must review and return folder to the Registrar who will make arrangements for the cum folder to leave the school. All cum folders must be kept in the locked file cabinets in the main office. When ever a teacher or staff member requires to review or check out a cum folder (s)he MUST sign out and sign back in on the cum log (available at registrars desk). Under no circumstances are cum folders to be left unattended, overnight not returned to registrar. Should it be necessary to pull a folder for the nurse, the principal or a child study team meeting, a sign out sheet entry must be completed. Please see the registrar in the office to check out a cum. When cum folders come in, place the registration and other pertinent information (vision, hearing, etc.) in the folder immediately. Do not delay... Requests for outgoing cum folders must be ready within 24 hours.

CURRICULUM REPRESENTATIVES During each school year, team leaders and support staff will assume responsibility in their leadership role for an assigned school wide or vertical curriculum area. Team leaders shall receive, review and disseminate all communications related to assigned area. Including required attendance and participation in scheduled meetings pertaining to that curriculum area on a regular basis. Ms. MJohnson – ESE, Hospital Homebound Mrs. Marshall- ESOL, Guidance Groups, Child Abuse, Substance Abuse, Suicide Prevention, Truancy, Test Admin, JIF, Character Education, Volunteers, Transportation, Anti-bullying Prevention, Health / Sex education Mrs. Howard – Reading K-5, ,LLI K-5, Writing K-5 Ms. Vaughn – Math K-5, Science K-5, STEM Mr. Ragin – Health & Wellness Mrs. S Ingram-Sngletary – School WideTechnology and School Wide Inventory Nicole B. Williams Intern Principal – Schedules, Discipline, Safety, Technology Cafeteria, and Anti-bullying Prevention Mrs. Mitchell – BTIP, Partnerships, Community Relations, Field Trips, Volunteer Program

CUSTODIAL SERVICES The services of four full-time facilities service persons are available to meet the needs of the school. Every effort will be made to maintain high quality levels of safety and cleanliness throughout the facility. It is a well-known fact that a clean and orderly physical environment is conducive to learning. Classrooms will be cleaned daily. Form for reporting custodial concerns needs to be completed and turned in to head custodian. Concerns will be reviewed by head custodian and discussed with administration. The Principal will conduct periodic surveys to ascertain the quality of cleaning services. Staff members are requested to participate honestly and frankly in this process. We are striving to improve the appearance of our facility. All staff members should encourage children to appreciate and show respect for their school by helping to maintain a clean campus. This is especially important when using restroom facilities. Teachers must model organization and cleanliness and monitor the daily cleanliness of their classrooms. Students are to clean up their area before time for dismissal. This practice will be part of our character-building program. Particular care is to be taken when using supplies such as water, paints, glue and other substances, which may stain walls


and furnishings. Encourage students to pick up trash in and outside the building. Sessions should be held on the way we walk on sidewalks and paths. Chairs should be stacked at the close of each school day. Students should clean out their desks each Friday. The refrigerators in the faculty lounge and office areas will be cleaned out the last Friday every month. Staff members need to remove all belongings before leaving. All items that remain in the refrigerator will be thrown out. • The head facilities serviceperson is also designated as an on-site repair person to complete minor repairs. • The head or lead facilities persons will notify district for any required work order request.

DISCIPLINE Maintaining discipline in the classroom is ultimately the responsibility of the classroom teacher. Referring students to the office should be a last resort consequence once all other means have been unsuccessful. Certain behaviors require immediate referral (serious fighting, disruptive behavior - possession of drugs or weapons). Larkdale Elementary will annually review and implement a school wide discipline plan including the need for an alternative placement and anti-bullying strategies as designed by our discipline committee and staff input. A copy of the plan is located via CAB Conference and in the appendix section of this manual. All disciplinary responses from administration will be aligned to the District Discipline Matrix. Teachers, teams are encouraged to use proactive consistent interventions to promote appropriate behaviors among students. As well as to ask for assistance to develop their skills in classroom management or in developing social skills if needed. For complete plan see LE Discipline Plan on Cab conference. The basic rules from our school-wide discipline: “SOAR” rules S set goals

O own your actions

A accoutability

R respectful

Remember, if we CHAMP what we want our students to accomplish they will follow our school wide

rules and expectations. CHAMPS and the School Wide Behavior Plan (SWBP).

Teachers and staff consider these tips for maintaining sound classroom management: • Always be FAIR, CONSISTENT, CARING and OBJECTIVE. • Never leave children unsupervised. • Never send a student to the office before you address the concern. • Only write referrals when you have exhausted your classroom rules.


As a staff we can make a big difference in the effectiveness of our individual and collective management of student's behavior by assuming a proactive role in the process. Improving student achievement is dependent upon good classroom management. It is recommended that each teacher develop activities designed to motivate students toward positive on-task behavior. The goals should be to accentuate the positive and to give students a desirable consequence for which to strive. Classroom and school rules should be developed in detail with your class at the beginning of the school year and reviewed periodically thereafter. Teachers must share consistent expectations at each grade level. All rules, consequences and rewards must be posted in the classroom. When misbehaviors are reported by a student, objectively pursue the facts before considering a consequence. Investigate the report to determine the facts from both sides. Then model the use of consistent and FAIR application of the rules and school wide discipline plan. Do not automatically send a student to the office. TIPS that will reduce discipline concerns: Doʼs • Do Circulate around the classroom when children are working. • Do Twenty minutes spent on seat work, no more for every instructional hour. • Do Direct instruction and/or hands-on activities that engage students actively these strategies are the most conducive to learning. • Do Select consequences that can be feasibly implemented. • Do Treat all students equally. • Do Take pride in your classroom and instill that pride in the students by encouraging them to take part in decision making. • Do Use rewards more frequently than punishment. • Do Praise three times for every correction procedure. (Utilize the Solutions Book – check its table of contents for ideas - book in guidance). • Do Contact parents often, let them know when plans ARE working as well as when changes need to be made. • Do remember that consistent referral of a child to the office will result in the loss of your authority in the eyes of the child or children. • Do remember you are the role model, the teacher, the professional who wants to set high expectations for learning and performance. DONʼTʼs • NEVER touch a child in anger. • NEVER argue with a child. Make your reprimands direct and to the point. • NEVER use sarcasm, insults or name-calling. • NEVER model bullying. • NEVER leave a student unattended, you CAN NOT send them in the hallway! • NEVER use corporal punishment as a consequence. After you have followed the Larkdale Elementary School-wide Discipline Plan and exhausted all of your resources for correcting behaviors without result, if you feel it is necessary to refer a student to the office, please follow this procedure:


• Send the referral to the office via the DMS system. Please be brief, specific explaining the incident when writing referrals. Include the class activity when the misbehavior occurred or inappropriate words used (i.e., during reading group, one student child pushed another student and called him a "dog"). • If there is more than one student involved in incident receiving a referral, write another referral for the second student. (Do not included other childʼs / studentsʼ names on referral. • Administration may need to talk to the teacher to get a more detailed picture in order to effectively respond to referral and to call parents. • In extreme or discipline emergencies when immediate student removal from your class is required, do not hesitate to call over the public address system for an escort. • Do not send an angry, out of control child with another student to the office with a referral. Please call for adult escort. Keep parents informed regarding incidents involving students in your care. A phone call, a note in the planner or a conference will help you, and Larkdale keep the home school connection running smoothly, demonstrating our goal of “Disney” quality customer focus.

DISMISSAL Children are NEVER to be dismissed early without clearance and approval through the front office / administration. Parents must report to the office to officially sign out their child(ren). Do not permit parents to come directly to your classroom to pick up children. Students will not be released on the basis of a phone call or note unless the office can verify the information. Notes received by the classroom teacher should be forwarded to the office in the morning with your attendance. ALWAYS check your email at 2:45 p.m. to find out if there are any last minute dismissal changes to insure that all students go home safely. NO STUDENT MAY BE DETAINED IN CLASS FOR ANY REASON WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PARENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL. The bell signals the teacher to escort their students to the designated dismissal areas. Each grade level will have a team member who will accompany children to the bus area, car pick-up area, walkers and aftercare. Grade level teachers will supervise and monitor their areas until all students are gone from campus. Grade K-5 walkers will exit through the northwest side of the building adjacent to West Ken Lark Park doors at 3:00 p.m. Car riders will exit through the northwest side of the building adjacent to West Ken Lark Park. Bus riders will be released to go to the bus area in the front of the school building. Students riding day care buses will be in the front of the school building behind the busses. Each team leader will provide to Administration a copy of their teamʼs dismissal plan (which teacher. including teacher assigned to escort students to dismissal areas and or bus supervision). Please make sure that a written copy is available in each room in the event that a teacher is absent or need to share with a sub teacher. This plan is due by Thursday of the preplanning week. No future changes can be made without prior administrative approval.


Student may NOT ride a different bus without administrative / NA transportation approval. All letters regarding changes in transportation home must be sent to the office each morning with attendance.

DRESS CODE Students Students are encouraged to dress in Green and Yellow. Closed toe shoes are required. No flip flops! See Code of conduct book for detailed policy. Dressed Code Staff Teachers are also expected to dress appropriately to meet safety requirements and professional standards. Remember, we are role models for our students. Speech and dress are important when working with children. Teachers who represent high standards of education and culture neither dress inappropriately nor speak poorly. Therefore, it is expected that teachers will set a good example for the children to follow. Teachers are judged as role models in the eyes of their students and public, in part, by what they wear; clothing and foot wear. Be conservative, professional and keep safety in mind when dressing for work. Professional dress is expected daily, Larkdale school tee shirts may be worn to increase comfort while working. A casual dress down day may be observed on Fridays only.

DRUGS/WEAPONS The Broward County School Board Policies and the Student Conduct and Discipline Code contain specific rules and consequences dealing with drugs and weapons. In the first week of school, please review with your students, in detail, the specifics of the policy stated in the Student Conduct and Discipline Code book. You must collect the signed acknowledgment forms from each child. Offering students encouragement through positive incentives will promote 100% return of all forms. Periodic review is required throughout the year to encourage and reinforce assimilation of rules by all students including new students.

DUPLICATING SERVICES (paper reduction-budget crisis) All materials to be duplicated require administrative approval by Howard K-5 & Vaughn K-5, • Team leaders will carefully examine teams materials before turned in for admin approval to be duplicated. • If it can be put on the white/chalkboard, a transparency, ELMO, document camera, or projected via computer do so instead of duplicating. • Students benefit more from producing their own pictures to illustrate a concept, as compared with coloring one. (Such as, turkey, Pilgrim, etc. When they draw their own pictures, they must focus on the relevant features for their drawing, based upon what they have learned. This activity requires more thinking than coloring does.) • Follow this general rule of thumb: dittos that donʼt require the application level of problem solving, critical thinking or higher rigor levels will not be approved, including homework practice. • Limit the number of pages of math computation assigned for homework. Less is more select sample problems to promote and demonstrate mastery. • Plan on using both sides of paper by submitting two sided items to be duplicated. • Place all materials for approval in the boxes located in the faculty mailroom by the end of the day as indicated below. Administration will sign their approval and leave for the paraprofessional to run off.


Grade level copy schedule: Monday PK and K Tuesday 1st , 2nd Wednesday 3rd , 4th Thursday 5th Friday ESE and Specials Only authorized personnel may operate the copier. Please realize that items of questionable value or which are educationally unsound will not be duplicated. Materials that violate copyright law will not be copied.

EMERGENCY FORMS Teachers must maintain an updated and current listing of their students (class roster), student names, phone numbers and addresses. In case of emergency, this information must be readily at hand to share with a sub teacher and to contact parents or guardians in emergencies. Make every effort to continue to sending home a student demographic data form until you receive one from each student. Forms will be sent home twice a year to keep the school records up to date. Take your class roster with you routinely during fire or evacuation drills in order to verify, check that all students are out of the building and will return to class with you.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help employees solve personal problems that may or may not affect job performance. The School Board recognizes that employees experience problems such as marital or family conflict, abuse of alcohol and/or drugs, stress and many other difficulties. Any employee may call EAP for assistance at any time. The administration need not be consulted or advised of such calls. With help, most employees can solve their problems and lead happier, more productive lives. Supervisors are encouraged to refer employees to the EAP for humanitarian reasons and when work performance problems arise that do not seem to be caused by the work situation itself. The EAP offices are located at Medical II 4100 South Hospital Drive Suite 205 in Plantation, FL 33317. The phone number is 754-322-9900. All referrals are in the strictest confidence. There will not be any reference to an EAP referral on an Employee Evaluation or Record of Counseling.

EQUIPMENT SIGN-OUT (Staff) Staff members are permitted to check out selected school equipment during the school year and over the summer with appropriate signed district property passes. Each person is responsible for the safe return of this equipment. A Property Pass Form must be completed with signatures and approved by the Principal. School Board insurance will not pay for items lost, damaged or stolen while signed out to you. Be sure that your homeowners insurance policy will cover such loss or be prepared to pay for the repairs or replacement up to half the cost yourself (If you are negligent example liquid spilled on the hard drive) Do not loan another teacher materials or equipment that have been signed out by you. Any equipment including radios assigned for duty while on campus will also require a property pass.


EVALUATION Evaluation is a part of the process to improve and promote effective teaching and delivery of instruction. Larkdale Elementary School utilizes Marzanoʼs Professional Growth and Evaluation model as an assessment system for instructional staff approved by the State, Broward County School Board and Broward Teachers Union (BTU). A short review of the Marzano iObservation process will be conducted with instructional staff early in the school year. Categories of exemplary instructional behaviors are identified as crucial to student achievement. Related instruments will be utilized during observations by administration.

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION The following exceptional programs are available to the students at Larkdale Elementary: 1. Speech and Language 2. Varying Exceptionalities (inclusion model) may include Specific Learning Disabilities, Physically Handicapped, Emotionally Handicapped, Educable Mentally Handicapped, Autistic). 3. Gifted 4. Other Health Impaired Staff concerns related to students in these programs (or with students who may qualify for these programs) should be directed to the Exceptional Education Specialist/ Guidance Counselor. Students referred to ESE program will require the teacher to participate in the MTSS/RTi process and provide data documenting the student’s special needs via a complete data packet to be returned to the ESE Specialist/Guidance Counselor. The process is documented in BASIS. • Classroom teachers will attend all CPST meetings and or ESE staffing’s for there students. • A brief pre-staffing meeting may be needed for students who have Academic Intervention Plans (PMP). • Initial staffing will be held with the psychologist present. • Begin the CPST process immediately completing RTI documents needed to monitor your students progress and to help us review and implement academic interventions. • ESE referral forms and related data sheets MUST also be completed in BASIS in a timely manner to expedite further psycho-educational evaluation. Teachers of students not identified as ESE but showing academic or behavioral concerns should follow the following procedures for obtaining needed assistance.

1. • Meet with your team leader, peers, curriculum coach, guidance, and administration to solicit assistance.

2. • Complete a student records review including a cum review form to assist with assessing student study.

3. • After exhausting suggestions without success, then a child study, CPST meeting is recommended.

4. • Meet with the coordinator, the Guidance Counselor informally prior to the scheduled Comprehensive Problem Solving Team (CPST) MTSS meetings will be scheduled every week from 8:00 am to 3:00 p.m. (See master calendar on CAB or email for notice). Teachers with completed documentation needed for student review will be scheduled and notified of schedule time.


Educational Interventions are strategies teachers use to assist the student in the targeted areas of academic or behavioral concern. These strategies are monitored frequently by the teacher, assessing for change, desired improvement in targeted concern. Interventions include but are not limited to: Curricular Modifications 1) Modifications of Materials - Supplement reading series with additional practice materials - Use an alternative approach to reading - Reduce readability level of materials - Highlight main ideas for student - Present outline of material to be covered before introduction of lesson - Reduce distractions 2) Instructional Strategies - Allow an alternative to written responses such as oral responses, tape recorded answers, peer helper, or require students to write the answers only - Use visual or auditory cueing - Color Coding - Mnemonics - Picture associations/rebus - Match to sample (sort to a model) 3) Modify time factors - reduce length of tasks/Number of tasks - Adjust time in various settings/centers - Have students time their own performance 4) Modify Factors in Space - Placement of desk, provide preferential seating - Organization of workspace - Use of Study Carrel - Use of "time out" areas 5) Utilize peer partners in instruction/group work 6) Reinforce appropriate academic responses with motivational strategies - Record-Keeping/ Graphs - Contracts - Positive Reinforcement - Reinforce with computer software lessons - Precision Teaching 7) Effective use of School Support Services - Involve student in small group instruction with teacher, paraprofessional , or volunteer. - Provide individual/group counseling with school social worker or outside counseling agency - After school academic camps Behavioral Interventions An example of an appropriate behavioral intervention for a child who continually calls out in class


would be the specific teaching of the appropriate behavior. • The teacher then implements and monitors an individualized behavior modification program to target behaviors. • Use of a behavior chart to provide teacher, parent and student with a visual picture of progress is encouraged. • Daily anecdotal records would also be helpful to review at the meeting to include information regarding results from one or more of the following interventions: • Consultation with school behavioral core team • Provide recognition of student on a ratio of 3:1 positive interactions to one corrective procedure • Contact parent with at least three positives for every one negative and enlist the parentʼs cooperation for follow through. • Use log or checklist to determine frequency, time of day, day of week, and length of time the behavior occurs • School behavior contract (include student in goal setting and monitoring of progress • Home behavior contract • Listener Program FACULTY COUNCIL Faculty Council members meet to discuss and resolve staff concerns. If committee is unable to come to a resolution then the need to involve administration is approached and resolution drafted and shared with staff. Selected faculty council members will participate with a staff development committee to draft a staff development plan based on school and student achievement data and adult needs assessment survey. Profits from the beverage and snack machines will be placed in the faculty council fund to support staff or school needs determined by staff and administration. This fund is not a part of SUNSHINE. FACULTY MEETINGS Tuesdays shall be reserved for Faculty meetings and In-service. Additional Faculty Meetings may be called only when necessary and attendance is required. Faculty Meetings will be used as training opportunities. Attendance will be taken at all regularly scheduled and called meetings. In-service points will be earned by attending these training sessions. When there is no scheduled staff meeting, trainings for professional growth will be held. No parent conferences, workshops, etc. are to be scheduled on that day. All teachers, support staff and paraprofessionals are to attend the meetings. A representative from the cafeteria, custodial and office staff are to attend if possible.

FIELD TRIPS The purpose of field trips is to enhance the instructional program. Larkdale Elementary encourages field trip experiences, as an outgrowth of classroom activities, units of study and therefore all students must be given the opportunity to attend. Teachers should avoid duplication of field trips between grade levels (such as all grade levels going to the zoo in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades). Before the field trip, the teacher will conduct activities to stimulate student’s background knowledge. Students should be prompted to list questions intended to stimulate inquire for information on the trip. Upon completion, information learned from field trips should be discussed in


class and summarized by students to be evaluated for completeness, accuracy and effectiveness of trip by teachers. Please use the following information in planning all field trips. The Field Trip Coordinator will review with teacher the completed field trip packet before obtaining the Principals signature on ALL field trips requests. This must be done in a timely manner to meet district timelines and teacher deadlines for trip. Chaperones • Per district policy and procedures: All field trips must include a male chaperone. Larkdale staff will act as chaperones on all field trips. The school nurse will attend some field trips as a chaperone for students with medical concerns.

Academics: • Failure to do classwork, homework, assignments, etc. is not a reason to deny a field trip. Medical student needs … Teacher will: • Determine if any student with medical needs on trip • Plan for medication storage, travel and administration, if needed • Emergency phone numbers and access to cell phone (charged battery) • Phone designee plus contact back at school and parent All paperwork MUST be COMPLETED and turned in to the Field Trip Coordinator at least four (4) weeks in advance for a local trip (3 months for out of County trips). Before the trip is confirmed: Teacher will: • Planning trip…first step, get administrative approval • Destination and purpose of the trip (must align to Common Core / Sunshine State Standards) • Possible dates for the trip can not conflict with Team Leader Release Days. Consult with the field trip coordinator to verify the master calendar to avoid conflicts. • Establish cost of buses, admission for each child/adult, and pay schedules for students • Make sure that the contact person understands that money will not be paid until after the trip. Company / Venue must submit a bill. • Notify ALL parents of coming event with follow up details in order to get participation. Lunch arrangements must be made: Remember that the students receiving free/reduced priced meals must be provided a lunch by the school. • If student(s) will be missing lunch, notify the cafeteria manager in writing at least four (4) weeks in advance. • Make sure ALL students (buy or bring) will have lunch that day. Buses to schedule • All buses (Company) must be on the approved safety list. • If Chaperones are necessary (10:1 ratio, check policy, one male) secure parent volunteers


• All chaperones must be cleared by volunteer procedures and STAR system Team member will be in charge of the paperwork. • Obtain "Sponsor" and the teacher field trip packets from bookkeeper representative. Packets includes all needed forms and required procedural steps • Set date(s) with bookkeeper representative for money collection • Notify specials teachers (speech, music, PE, office staff, café, etc) of missing classes. • Notify cafeteria manager in advance (4 weeks)

***NOTE: (Team leaders must proof read and sign all paperwork before it is submitted to Field Trip Coordinator) For ALL trips outside the tri-county area, see bookkeeper representative for the appropriate authorization form with a MINIMUM of 4 month(s) (16 weeks) in advance planning timeline. This trip is best planned from the beginning of the school year because the following factors will affect approval. Other school possible make similar trip, may need a charter bus, and WILL need authorization forms approved and signed by Area Superintendent. • Submit to field trip coordinator-20 weeks in advance Temporary Duty Authorization (TDA) (see Field Trip packet checklist) • All school board personnel going on the trip must have TDA form completed and turned in for approval 8 week (40 school days) before trip date. • Paraprofessionals are not to be used as chaperones without consent from the administration. Complete the following: • TDAʼs will be included in the Sponsor/Teacher Field trip packets. If extras are needed, get from the forms rack in the workroom. • Fill in ALL necessary information. • Be sure to have two (2) team member signatures at the bottom. • Be sure that each team leader who is affected gets a copy of the form. • Have everyone sign their own TDA copy. Request for other transportation • See the bookkeeper representative for transportation companies approved by the school board • Teachers must provide the bookkeeper representative at least three (3) different companies. We are required to take the lowest bid. (Name of the company, telephone number, cost and other pertinent information) • NOTE** THE BOOKKEEPER Representative, must and will confirm all information using the Quote form that you completed and returned to Bookkeeper Representative. (quote form is included in the field trip packet). Permission Slip for Students • Fill in all necessary information • IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS- Parents/Students must be given at least two (2) weeks to return the signed form. • Forms and money should be collected at the same time (when planning payment timeline - parents may be given ample time for partial payments to encourage 100%


student participation). • Be sure to tell students the importance of returning this form. No child may go on the trip without a permission slip signed by parent or legal custodian. • Handwritten notes will not be accepted in place of permission slip. • Make sure all permission slips have a signature, date; at least 2 emergency numbers and insurance information completed. • Give permission slips to the Field Trip Coordinator, paper clipped in alphabetical order with a computerized class roster on top. With students attending highlighted. The roster can be obtained from the Field Trip Coordinator • All official permission slips must be returned to the bookkeeper representative at least ten (10) days before the trip. • KEEP TWO COPIES OF THE COMPUTERIZED CLASS ROSTER OF WHO IS GOING ON THE FIELD TRIP. One copy for you, one is for the bus driver. The bookkeeper representative will NOT give or make copies. • TEACHER- If you know a student is absent, call the parent about the trip. Not having a signed permission slip due to a known absence is the teacher's responsibility to follow up and advise parent of planned trip. The teacher in charge of the field trip is responsible for making decisions and to determine if a student needs to have a personal parent chaperone. Students who are required to have their parent(s) go with them as a chaperone should be told in writing on the permission slip itself. (Same timeline as first trip notice that you sent home) It should NOT be a surprise. The teacher must share this concern with administration and will include concerns during parent conferences prior to the field trip information. All information shared with the parent/guardian must be documented in writing confirming the studentsʼ inappropriate behaviors and supporting the teachers concern regarding possible safety hazards off campus. The teacher must have documentation indicating support for the need for a parent chaperone during an off-campus trips. A teacher may write asking for parent participation (see sample letter below) on the front or on back of permission form to get parent support before denying student access to a trip. Report of Monies -See Field Trip information to be used when amount is less than < $15.00. • Any monies collected must be recorded on the money collection envelope. • Obtain and sign for the envelope with Budget/Book keeper. • All monies are due to the bookkeeper representative during your planning period or by 12 noon daily. • All monies are due at latest two (2) weeks before the trip. Fill out all necessary information and follow guidelines in packet: • DO NOT use Students to deliver money to the bookkeeper representative. If your planning or lunch times comes after noon, then arrange to have your money picked up by the bookkeeper representative or an administrator before noon. • You will receive a receipt envelope daily from the bookkeeper representative. • ALL collected monies MUST be given to the bookkeeper representative on a daily basis during your planning period. DO NOT LEAVE ANY MONEY ON THE BOOKKEEPER Representatives DESK. If you can not locate the bookkeeper representative, please see administration. No other office personnel may receive the money.


• Follow Deadlines For collections over $15, obtain BC40P Receipt book and instructions from the bookkeeper representative. Only team members in charge will collect money from students and issue a receipt. Complete the Chaperones and Permission Slips Checklist, • Submit to the bookkeeper representative with class roster 10 days before the trip. If paperwork is not completed and turned in 10 days in advance the trip may be cancelled by Administration. Cafeteria Notice The cafeteria manager must be informed of all field trips at least three (3) weeks in advance so that she may plan food orders accordingly. This means she must be aware of the trip in advance. Trips must be planned to accommodate reguired time frame. (Form provided in packet. Bookkeeper representative must also have copy of the form. Donʼt forget to check to verify the length of time time you will be gone. If your class returns in time for their scheduled lunch, nothing has to be done. If your class will return during the time school is serving lunch, but not during their regular lunchtime, please make arrangements for your class to eat. Possible arrangements may include: • Switch your assigned lunch time with another grade (Admin. approval required) • Pre arrange with Café Mgr. (in advance) to get lunches on arrival and eat in your classroom. DO NOT JUST RETURN TO CAMPUS AND GET IN LINE!! This disrupts everyone's lunch. • If your class trip will include bag lunches from home, ALL students must be given the opportunity to purchase a school lunch. • Obtain a lunch roster with lunch numbers for each class. Mark on the roster if the student will need a lunch from the cafeteria. (This includes full pay, free or reduced lunches). • Get a count of the number of lunches that will be needed. • Turn in the list to the cafeteria manager at least two (2) weeks before the trip. • PAYMENT MUST MATCH NUMBER OF LUNCHES ORDERED. • Money for the lunches must be given to the cafeteria manager on the day you get the lunches. Master Field Trip Checklist Once the paperwork is completed and signed by (AP and/or Principal ) it will be returned to the teacher in charge of the trip. Teachers in charge should have copies made of all the forms, give originals to the bookkeeper representative and make sure the deadlines are met. The team leader will check to see that all items on the Master Field Trip Checklist (MFT) have been completed properly, then sign as testament to completion. On the day of the trip the bookkeeper representative will give the sponsor teacher one MFT checklist so the trip evaluation can be completed. It must be returned to the bookkeeper representative by the next day. Check to see that all items on the Master Field Trip Checklist have been completed properly by each teacher and signed as documentation of completion.

FILMS / VIDEOS / ITV (see district media policy) Teachers must obtain approval from administration before films, videos and ITV are


ordered or used. Only County approved videos can be utilized in the classroom. See District Media Policy for "instructional materials" with important information and procedures to be followed when you plan to use of films and videos. See Media Section of Faculty Handbook.

FINANCIAL PROCEDURES Please follow the procedures below when handling any type of financial transaction for Larkdale Elementary School. Each faculty and staff member should confer with the Principal before planning “any activity” that could require the expenditure of school funds or money collection so that proper financial procedures may be followed. 1. No employee or student shall commit the school to a financial obligation (all purchases or expenditures) without prior written approval of the school principal. If prior written approval is not obtained, that obligation shall be the responsibility of the person making the commitment. 2. For ordering supplies/equipment, a purchase order must be initiated through the team leader who in turn will give these to the Bookkeeper representative. Teachers and staff members do not call vendors to place or change orders. There are specified procedures to follow for ordering supplies. Please work closely with the bookkeeper representative to follow district procedures for placing orders. 3. A check requisition will be used to initiate every payment from internal funds. Checks will not be written unless the original invoice or paid receipt is available. A notice of one week is required for all checks to be written. 4. Receipts must be issued for all monies collected. When money is collected, it must be turned in to the bookkeeper representative by noon of the same day it is collected. Before collecting money for anything, please see the bookkeeper representative for proper procedures to be followed. All monies must be turned in directly to the bookkeeper representative. No other office personnel may receive the money. If the bookkeeper representative is unavailable, or if the teacher is not able to come before noon, please arrange for pick up with the administrator. You are required to follow all procedures as stated in the standard practice bulletin and have all documents and background information available for an audit trail.

FIRE DRILLS Fire drills shall be conducted monthly as directed by the School Board Policy. The signal for a fire drill is a loud continuous buzzing that will continue until all student and adults are evacuated. Students must be evacuated under the supervision of their teacher, according to the posted evacuation map. Evacuation routes must be prominently displayed in each classroom and revisited annually. If an Evacuation map is missing from your room, please notify the AP or the Campus Monitor to request a replacement map. All teachers are required to review and to practice fire drill procedures starting the first week of school with students. ***A copy of the school map with detailed directions MUST be included in your sub folder. Follow the evacuation procedures as listed: 1. Alarm rings 2. Students line up and teacher takes plan-book with class roster. 3. Teacher checks door to insure that it is safe to exit. 4. Teacher chooses whether primary or secondary route is appropriate. 5. Teacher verify that all children exit classroom to nearest, safest exit.


6. DO NOT have children hold the doors for your entire class. 7. If you see a student on their own, take him/her with you and report it to the administrative personnel on radio ASAP. 8. Teacher and children will exit school in an orderly and quiet fashion. 9. Teacher takes attendance to insure that all students are present. Continually take a head count while you are out of the building to insure that no student strays from your supervision. 10. If children are at "specials", then the regular classroom teacher should report to the "safe area" where their class would be taken. This may be accomplished by using the outside perimeter or the building. 11. Teacher reports to personnel on radio any missing children or confirm all children are present. 12. Teacher supervises children until the all clear is given or further instructions are given. 13. Upon an all clear, teacher and children will re-enter the building. 14. If any problems occurred during the event, notify personnel via radio. ( i.e. horns did not sound, etc.) Common sense and good judgment must be used in the event of a real fire or emergency. There is no way that all scenarios can be predetermined. It is the teacher’s and staff member’s responsibility to make sure that students are safe and secure during any emergency. If you are the first person to see a fire, sound fire alarm, evacuate children, close immediate doors, and notify the office/administration of the location of the fire as soon as possible.

FREE OR REDUCED PRICE MEALS The Application for Free or Reduced Price Meals shall be provided to all student households and is available to all families online. Any student who qualifies economically will be able to participate in the program. (Please see an example of F/R form in appendix section of this handbook. Check students forms verifying examples of what areas should be completed before sending the your studentʼs application to the free and reduced designee Ms. Duchemin 2015-16

Fundraisers Clubs or grade groups who wish to raise funds for an activity must submit a written request for such an activity to the school principal for approval. The request must include what group wishes to raise monies, how the monies are to be utilized, and the person in charge of the fundraiser. A form for this request is available from the bookkeeper representative.

GRADES and GRADING PAPERS Only papers that are recorded in the teacher's grade book are to be marked with letter grades. However, when checking daily assignments, mistakes are to be identified and notes or conferences with student are used to redirect performance. Teachers should use discretion as to whether their instructional feedback promotes learning by giving the correct answers or the process needed to get to the correct answer and to always indicate this feedback action in writing on the papers for students. A brief comment or mark, etc. of approval or disapproval must be noted on daily work papers. Teachers should always keep in mind that if they assign a paper to be completed by students, it is important that it meets the needs of the individual student, high standards of rigor, that the teacher will


review, make corrective feedback through their recommendations, and return it to the student. Never send unchecked papers home. Only teachers should grade papers. It is appropriate, at times, for students to check their own papers under teacher supervision. However, only teachers, have the authority to affix letter grades.

GRADING POLICY A student must be in attendance twenty-five (25) days in a Broward County School during any marking period to receive a grade. In reporting student progress the symbols A, B, C, D and F are used in grades three through five. ALL teachers in grades 3,4 and 5 will report grades using PINNACLE-grade book to record all grades. If grades are available from a previous Broward County School (within the said 25 days) teachers may calculate and determine grade. These symbols represent the equivalent numerical grades as shown below. A 90-100, superior progress B 80-89, above average progress C 70-79, average progress D 60-69, below average progress F 59 and below, failing Plus or minus shall not be used in marking at any level. ALL report cards are produced electronically. Copies of each child’s report card will be sent home with students determined by District calendar. Kindergarten through Second (2nd) grade students will use a modified alternative report card. Kindergarten students will receive a report card starting with the second (2nd) quarter of the school year. A conference MUST be held with ALL parents to share students’ progress/concerns during the first quarter. It is mandatory that a conference is held during the first nine (9) weeks for each kindergarten student in lieu of report cards. There should be a minimum of one grade recorded per subject per week for each student.

HEALTH Children who become ill or injured should be sent or taken to the office/clinic. The parents will be called and the student will either be sent home or back to class. In case of accident, parents must be notified and an accident report completed. The teacher in charge of the student at the time of the incident MUST complete an accident report for insurance and legal reasons. Turn this form in to the nurse if medical attention is necessary if not give form to the IMT to record incident in TERMS after notifying principal. All accidents MUST be reported to Principal immediately, the day of occurrence, if not possible, then ASAP. Teachers/staff should attempt to recognize symptoms of skin disease or other communicable disorders. Lice is contagious and should be reported to the Principal if it is suspected. Any chronic conditions should be reported to the school nurse. A mailbox is located in the mailroom for the nurse. Under no circumstances should a teacher or anyone administer medication to a student. See medications for further information. If a student brings medication to school, please confiscate it and contact office Immediately. Audiometric and vision screenings are conducted for kindergarten, first and fifth grade students. Students are measured and weighed once per school year. Health forms are to be kept current and filed in health folders. Health folders should be filed in the cum folder and updated when a child transfers and/or at the end of the school year.


HOMEBOUND SERVICES Homebound services are provided by the district for those students who have an illness or disability that would prohibit his or her attendance at school. Once the teacher has been notified or becomes aware that a student will be absent from school for an extended period, the office should be notified so that these services can be arranged. Parents are responsible for initiating the process. Contact the ESE Specialist for packets pertaining to this.

HOMEWORK Each team should develop differentiated homework plan based on the data. All teachers are to maintain a homework system indicating whether students have turned in homework; if the work was complete; and, if it contained a parental signature. A school-wide policy letter will go home to parents with the first week packet. The districtʼs homework policy and the following guidelines will assure that homework activities will result in productive opportunities for teachers to reinforce daily lessons learned by students and help parent be more involved in school learning: • Assignments are given based on the student's independent level of performance and aligned to skills taught in class. • Assignments are no longer than 30-45 minutes for each evening, Monday through Friday. • Grade level teachers will coordinate homework assignments per subject areas to avoid student over load • Directions should be clear and concise • Copies should be clear and readable • Homework emphasis strengthening basic and daily skills taught in the classroom • Homework is checked by the teacher or with students in class the following day • Each child is expected to read independently nightly for a minimum of 10 minutes per grade level: K gr= 10, 1gr = 10, 2gr = 20, 3 gr = 30, 4 gr = 40, 5 gr = 50 minutes. (parents will verify by signing the Agenda daily and return for teacher signature) parents may add more time reading to or with their children. AR books are appropriate for this activity. • Teachers will explain homework requirements in: team / class welcome letter, Open House and in parent-teacher conferences and if necessary a reminder note in the studentʼs planner. • Parents must be informed about your policy for collecting and grading homework as soon as the student enters your class. Interim Reports Interim reports are issued half way through each marking period. Interim reports shall be sent to parents of students who are experiencing difficulty including, but not limited to, the following, failing, a drop of two or more grade, unacceptable behavior and excessive absences. Interims are issued 9/18, 11/20, 2/10, 4/30 during the 2015-16 school year. Please submit to your team leader for review. Grade Chairperson Responsibilities Grade chairpersons are a vital and irreplaceable part of Larkdale SUCCESS Plan. The duties and responsibilities of the chairpersons is to assist administration in providing a safe and positive learning environment.


• Review interims and report cards for compliance before they are handed in to the office. • Monitor compliance with faculty handbook; especially regarding lesson planning. • Hold weekly grade meetings to promote consistency in planning. • Submit grade level duplication requests. • Compliance with recess schedules. • Advise administration of any concerns related to grade group. • Assist teachers in supervising paraprofessionals, when necessary. • Submit minutes of the weekly grade meeting by Friday or the last day of the school week. • Submit custodial checklists if necessary. • Assist substitute of absent team member. • Attend monthly leadership meetings and share information with grade level. • Submit grade level materials/supplies lists and distribute materials equitably. • Monitor textbook inventories. • Review cumulative folders:

• When student withdraws mid-year. • When student enters mid-year. • At end of school year.

• Prepare (with grade level) class lists at end of year. • Check rooms at end of the year. • Maintain and distribute forms to grade level. • All other responsibilities assigned by the principal/assistant principal. Grade Groups/Teams Grade groups are established to ensure consistency in the curriculum provided for the students. Teachers in the grade group are to meet on Thursday of each week to team plan; PLEASE do not schedule anything else during your team planning time. These meetings are to take place after school and/or during specials. Administration and other school support persons will periodically attend meetings. Teachers are to order supplies and duplicated materials as a grade group. The grade chairperson must approve all requests for material duplication being submitted to the Instructional Coaches. Laminating is also to be approved by the grade chairperson. Grade chairpersons are to submit a written report of weekly meetings to the principal by 2:45 p.m. each Friday or last day of the instructional week. Reports must also include custodial concerns and duplication requests. The grade chairperson is to make arrangements in advance if there is a need for curriculum support teachers to periodically meet with each grade group to discuss concerns and make curriculum changes.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS The use of a variety of instructional materials and activities within the framework of appropriate curriculum is encouraged. The administration of Larkdale Elementary will assist you in the development of viable and appropriate innovative strategies, methods and materials for curriculum delivery. The teaching staff is encouraged to provide alternatives to and limit the use of dittos, worksheets and workbooks. Research shows that methods and materials which incorporate "hands on, child-centered activities stressing critical thinking skills and application of knowledge are the most effective. The use of dittos, worksheets and workbooks must have Instructional Coaches approval prior to use in the classroom. The administration strongly discourages the use of films and videos used solely for entertainment. The rationale for this decision includes but is not limited to the following: 1. Research shows that learning is enhanced by "active participation" in the learning process.” 2. As educators, we support activities in which our students are thinking critically and solving real-world problems at the application level.


3. When viewing a film, video, or BECON broadcast is approved, students must be instructed led by a preview discussion and a follow-up activity included to maximize the learning experience. Guided pre and post viewing activities must be included in the lesson plan book.

INTERIMS Per District policy, Interim reports will be issued to all students quarterly who are performing below grade level or have dropped a grade or not meeting appropriate behavioral expectations. These reports provide parents with updated information on their children’s performance, and will serve as documentation for the parent, teacher, school, when there are areas of concern.

KEYS Keys are issued to a teacher and are not to be used by anyone but the teacher, unless approved by administration. It is a violation of School Board Policy to duplicate school keys. Teachers are responsible for any key lost during the school year. Administration must be notified of all lost, stolen, misplaced keys. Our school security system is activated all weekend. No one is to enter the building unless you are informed, in advance, that administration and/or the custodial staff will be on campus. The building is opened by 6:30 a.m. every regular school day by our Head Custodian. The building is then secured by 9:30 p.m. by the night custodial staff. Please do not attempt to enter the building at any other times. The alarm will alert police. The Principal, Assistant Principal, and the Head Custodian will have to respond to the call and secure the building. Employees who retire, resign, transfer, are suspended, are on a leave of absence or otherwise are terminated will return all keys for School Board owned facilities no later than their last day of active employment.

LAMINATING MACHINE Laminating film is very expensive. Due to the cost, we must be selective of what we laminate. Please follow these guidelines:

• ONLY authorized personnel will use the laminator machine • ONLY permanent reference material for teacher, student use will be laminated. • Do not laminate student work without admin approval. • Place materials with a request form on the top of the laminator located in the back of the media

center.

LESSON PLANS Lesson plans MUST be maintained by each staff member that is responsible for any form of instruction of students. Lesson plans should be completed prior to each week's lessons and written for the entire week. Lesson plans must contain: time schedules, daily schedules for specials/lunch, daily seat work, seating arrangements, lesson objectives (developed from Next Generation Sunshine State Standards or Common Core), activities, materials needed, reference to teacher's editions, ESE and ESOL matrix codes, and any other pertinent data that would serve to describe the daily classroom activities. ESOL Matrix codes must be embedded within the lesson in which that particular ESOL strategy is being used. Emergency lesson plans will be kept in the team leaders classroom file (team leader must have a designee in his/her absence). Classroom teachers will update them after each use, when needed.


PLAN BOOKS MUST be AVAILABLE and ACCESSIBLE TO ADMINISTRATION for VIEWING daily. MAINTAIN LESSON PLAN BOOK OPEN, ON the TEACHERʼS DESK So that ADMINISTRATION CAN MATCH the WRITTEN PLAN to the ACTIVITIES being observed, WITHOUT INTERRUPTING the teacher. Planbooks are legal school documents. They must be kept in the classroom at all times (NO exceptions). Please adhere to the 2015-16 guidelines. Students must be able to see the lesson objectives written on the board and be aware of the lessonʼs purpose shared by the teacher. It is good practice to share objective, purpose of lesson: before, during and after the lesson) to ensure students are comprehending and making connections at the application level.

LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE CALLS No staff member is permitted to make long distance calls without prior approval from the administrator. All long distance calls must be pre-approved by administration and entered on the phone call log. Sending a Fax requiring a long distance number must also be pre-approved and logged in. Under no circumstances can personal long distance calls be charged to the school. Anyone needing to make an approved long distance call must see the principalʼs secretary or the book keeper for proper calling procedures and completion of the appropriate form.

MAIL - SCHOOL BOARD - PONY Mail services (pony) by the School Board provide delivery and pickup from among the schools and departments within district. Pony services arrive before 9:am Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Pony bag is located in the main office. The primary purpose of the "pony" is for school business unless approved by the school board (i.e., BCRC). The pony system is not permitted to transport Union, professional organizations or personal mail. No package over 40 pounds is permitted.

U.S. MAIL Mail is delivered daily, outgoing U.S. mail may be deposited for carrier pickup on the counter in the main office. Our school cannot sell or provide stamps for personal use.

MAILBOXES Staff mailboxes are located in the workroom adjacent to the office. Staff members are expected to check their mailbox three times a day for messages. Please discard your un-wanted mail - do not leave unwanted mail on the counter. Your phone messages will be placed on your email unless there is an authentic emergency, at which time you will be notified. Since the mailboxes are limited in size, they should be checked three times daily before school, plan time and dismissal, and not be used for storage.

MEDIA CENTER The Media Center is considered the hub of the instructional program. All school media center resources and services are available to students and teachers throughout each school day with opportunity for independent or small group study at all times. Teachers are encouraged to plan activities for students to utilize the media center at other times for independent or small group work. It is the responsibility of the Media Specialist in partnership with the classroom teacher to


provide basic instruction in using library and reference materials, locate and coordinate library resources to support the curriculum, and to cultivate the joy for reading in students. The master schedule will be developed providing each class a minimum of thirty-five minutes per week, blocked to visit the media center for instruction and to check-out books. The media center is not to be considered a time-out area for disruptive students. Students who are sent independently to the media center must have a specific assigned task written on a note to be given to the media specialist.

MEDICATIONS School Board Policy states that students are not permitted to have any type of medication in their possession. This includes Aspirin, Tylenol, cough drops and/or any over the counter or prescribed medication. Teachers are not permitted to dispense any type of medication to students unless indicated in IEP with physcianʼs authorization and district approval. If it comes to your attention that a child has medication in their possession (even cough drops, aspirin etc.), confiscate it immediately, making note of the date, time and circumstances and then immediately notify the principal or designee. There are no exceptions to this policy. Parents can access the districtʼs process for approving administration of medication to students from the office staff. Only the trained office staff designated by administration or nurse can dispense medication with a physician’s permission to a child for a short or long term illness or condition. If a parent has a question regarding dispensing medication, please refer them to the office staff and/or the nurse. MEETINGS Staff meetings are required important part of school operations. All faculty members are required to reserve the days specified and to be present at all scheduled meetings. Do not schedule conferences or other meetings on these days. Refer to the schools calendar for meeting dates to ensure you do not schedule parent conferences during school meeting dates/days. Additional meetings may be called when circumstances warrant. To the extent possible, routine staff meetings will not be scheduled on planning days in order to promote professional development and curricular planning.

MONEY COLLECTION Staff collection of any money (Under $15) for any school activities, District policy requires that each student's name and the amount collected must be recorded on the envelope provided by the bookkeeper representative. The teacher, staff member must sing out the envelope titled, "monies collected". Only one envelope may be used per event and must be returned daily. When the envelope is returned with the final collection, it must be initialed and dated by the teacher on a log kept by the bookkeeper representative. DO NOT SEND money envelopes TO THE BOOKKEEPER Representative WITH A STUDENT. Money and the amounts listed on the collection envelope and an order form total must all equal. Field trip monies must be turned in daily. Daily amounts exceeding $100.00 should be given to the bookkeeper representative immediately. Money collected must be turned in during planning or lunch by 12 Noon. If you do not have planning or lunch before noon, arrange with an administrator to pick up the money. DO NOT LEAVE MONEY ON ANY DESK IN THE OFFICE. All monies, envelopes must be HANDED DIRECTLY TO THE BOOKKEEPER Representative OR ADMINISTRATION prior to 12 noon


*Note: Money collected over $15 will require a BC40P receipt book issued by the bookkeeper representative along with instructions.

OPENING EXERCISES (When we get our equipment working) Opening exercises will be viewed by all and produced by students each day, at 8:05 a.m. via closed circuit television or morning announcements. Administrators will participate making announcements as needed. The Media Specialist / Micro Tech will coordinate this activity. Fourth grade students will audition for cast positions in the spring for the following year. Teachers may make student recommendations based upon good communication skills and responsible behavior to the media specialist for students to participate in audition, training and practice. The opening exercises are an important part of the school day. Students are expected to be in their seats, quiet and attentive. It is the teacher's responsibility to model appropriate expectations and to maintain order in the classroom during announcements. Many of the announcements will be directed to the staff. Please set a good example by actively listening (not talking or working) during the announcements.

OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES All materials and supplies purchased with school or PTA funds become the property of the school. Teachers transferring to different grade levels or locations are to leave all materials and supplies in the room they occupied. Teachers purchasing materials with their own funds, (without prior authorization) must assume financial responsibility for the purchase. If materials are needed, please see the Instructional Coaches to checkout materials.

PARAPROFESSIONALS Paraprofessionals at Larkdale play a critical role toward achieving our Schoolʼs mission. They work closely with students who are identified as ELL, ESE or needing additional academic assistance. In the cafeteria, paraprofessionals insure a safe environment where students are encouraged to socialize in a pleasant manner. They work in partnership with instructional staff to promote the development of good character traits. Each Pre-K, Headstart and PLACE teacher is required to have a full time paraprofessional working with them. The paraʼs role is to assist during specials, small group classroom activities, meal times, support student needs and translating (when possible). These paraʼs work in the cafeteria each morning during breakfast with their class and in the afternoon assisting with dismissal. Paras are assigned to classrooms based on the greatest number of students in need of academic assistance. Before instruction begins, the teacher will provide directions to the para detailing expectations to work with assigned student, small group, or circulation required to target assistance to support need. The teacher will conduct whole and small group instruction assisted by the para. If students go to specials without the para, then the para may correct papers or engage in clerical tasks assigned by the teacher or administration during the school day. After paras complete their afternoon duty post assignment, they will work on school projects or translations directed by administration. The procedure to request the assistance for a project is as follows:


PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE) A full-time physical education teacher provides each student a minimum of thirty minutes of physical education instruction to each student on a weekly basis. The Physical Education curriculum addresses the Florida Sunshine State Standards. A scope and sequence of physical education activities shall be utilized to insure an integrated, comprehensive program for all students. The physical education teacher will coordinate activities with the classroom teacher to integrate reading, language arts and math instruction. Florida State mandates require 30 minutes of Physical Educational activity including nutrition information shared daily. The physical education teacher can recommend grade level appropriate activities. Active supervision of students demand the teacherʼs attention. Supervising and moving among students while physically engaged is required to ensure safety. PLAYGROUND SAFETY It is imperative that all playground safety rules are followed at all times. Please refer to the rules and procedures in the Playground Safety Manual that is posted on the CAB Conference. These can be found on pages 13-16 of the manual.

PMP All teachers with students who are identified by the district guidelines will follow PMP guidelines. This document is a living plan that will be updated as necessary to reflect the strategies being implemented for remediation, maintenance and achievement of high standards. Case Manager’s will review the PMPʼs quarterly along with report cards. Step by step directions for completing PMPʼs are housed on the CAB teacher conference. If you need assistance, please check with your grade chair. Professional Growth Plan (PGP) PLANS- Information about the PGP is provided each school year via email and a brainshark provided by the Teacher Evaluation Department.

PROTECT TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT Coffee, soda, etc. should only be in your classroom away from computer/technology/media areas, during your planning/break times, class snack times or approved celebrations. With the high amount of technology in the classroom, you will need to be especially careful to avoid spills. Students are not allowed to eat or drink or have empty food and drink containers placed around the room, neither should teachers. . PROTOCOL The State, School District and Larkdale Elementary have a wealth of information, procedures to be shared and followed by all. As a member of the Larkdale Elementary School staff, it is the expectation that all professionals, individuals to work as problem solvers focused on customer service in order to meet our schoolʼs mission, high academic achievement. All staff, custodial, paraprofessional, clerical, instructional, support, SRO(D), administration are members of a larger team, the district. We have team


leaders, hand handbooks, procedural guides to support and assist us in all facets of our daily work (schedules, materials, money, technology, instruction, leadership roles and responsibilities). Administration maintains an open door policy and is always available to provide support, or directions when needed. Working together, as a team, we will find the answers.

PTA The PTA is a vital support group of the school. All staff members are encouraged to participate in PTA activities. PTA board meetings will be held quarterly with a staff representative and regular PTA meetings will be scheduled in the near future.

PUBLIC ADDRESS (PA) SYSTEM The office will contact staff through the public address system, when necessary. An intercom call is to be answered only by the teacher. Teach students to use quiet voices immediately anytime the intercom comes on. For those who have access, please utilize the public address system to call the office if and when a need exists. It is important to relay information to the office in a discrete manner. Note: MOST messages for staff will be conveyed via email, or your mailbox. The PA system is only to be used in extreme circumstances.

RAINY DAY (Emergency Dismissal Procedure) In the event of inclement weather the following procedures must be followed for each grade level: Bus Riders and Private Bus Riders: A member of support staff will be responsible for picking up the bus riders for each grade level from their classrooms and escorting them to the bus loop. Ms Purcell-Kindergarten Mrs. Davis-1st Grade Mrs. Howard-2nd Grade Mrs. Marshall-3rd Grade Ms. Vaughn-4th Grade Mrs. Singeltary-5th Grade Walkers: All walkers will be held in the classroom with the classroom teacher until the announcement is made to release the student to walk home. *With the exception of K and 1 students who will be sitting in the hallway with the car riders. Car Riders:

• HS and ESE-SPrK—report to the Media Center and students will be dismissed from there based on parents reporting to office and office staff calling into the Media Center for the student to be escorted to the parent.

• K and 1 –teachers will bring students into the hallways to sit in front of the classroom and wait to be called from the front office or support staff to be escorted/released to the parent

• 2nd and 3rd - will remain in their classrooms and wait to be called to be escorted/released to the parent

• 4th and 5th-will remain in the classroom and wait to be called to be escorted/released to the parent

These procedures are subject to change based on the safety and security of all students and staff


RECESS During recess and any outside physical activity teachers and staff shall NOT take chairs outside. Recess is a supervised activity, visual contact must be established at all times in order to provide continuous visual, careful and safe supervision. Recess may include organized activities. The physical education teacher can recommend grade appropriate activities. Active supervision demands the teachers’ attention. Moving among students at play is necessary. Students are not to be sent back into the building without an adult from the playground. No classes should schedule recess before 9:00am or stay on the playground after 1:00 P.M. Please adhere to the grade level schedule and notify the office whenever there is a schedule change. Do NOT take students off campus with out following field trip procedures.

REPORT CARDS Report cards are issued at the end of every nine weeks of school and cover a period of approximately 42 - 47 days. Reports cards will be distributed to the students for delivery to their parents approx. 6 school days following the end of the marking period except for the final report card. A child must be in attendance for a minimum of 25 school days to receive grades on a report card for that quarter. If a student withdraws and does not qualify for a report card under this provision, she/he shall be issued a statement of academic achievement in the form of an interim report. District policy requires that parents receive an interim report each quarter to notify them of their student’s progress, reports usually include information regarding but not limited to the following: 1. Failing grades 2. Unacceptable behavior 3. A drop of two or more grades 4. Excessive absences or tardiness ESOL students must receive report cards in the native language of the family. REQUEST FOR CLASS CHANGE Student placement is always done with careful consideration. A child’s educational and emotional needs are important to us and we strive to assure a happy, successful educational experience for each child. The following procedures have been put into place in the event a parent wishes to request a change of class for their child: For Parents: Step 1: Student must be in attendance at least ten (10) school days. Step 2: Parent contacts the teacher requesting a parent/teacher conference, which will be documented referencing the concern. If the concern is not resolved, then proceed to the next step. Step 3: Parent requests a conference with the appropriate Support Team Personnel below: • For an Academic Curriculum Concern, contact Mrs. Harden-Howard, our Reading Coach, or


Ms. Vaughn, our Math Coach. • For an Exceptional Education Placement Concern, contact Ms. Johnson, our ESE Specialist. • For an Emotional/behavioral related Concern, contact Ms. Marshall, our Guidance Counselor. Step 4: If the concern is not resolved, call for an appointment to request an administrative consultation. For Teachers: To obtain accurate information and explore alternatives and solutions to the concerns of the parent, please review the process that should be taken to resolve this issue. 1. Parent Conference with classroom teacher where the concerns are documented on a conference sheet. Support team is willing to sit with you during this conference time, if requested. Please make every effort to formulate a plan with the parent to ensure success for the child. If you don’t feel that you are able to meet the expectations of the parent, please see administration. 2. Confer with team leader or team leader designee. 3. Cumulative records should be looked at and shared with the Case Manager. This may help us evaluate academic and/or social patterns in making decisions for proper placement. The Case Manager will refer you to the appropriate person on the list. • Reading Coach or Math Coach for an academic concern • ESE Specialist for an exceptional educational placement concern • Guidance Counselor for an emotional/behavioral concern 4. Meet with Principal or Principal Designee 5. Principal or Principal Designee will meet with parent and teacher These procedures will provide us with the information necessary to make the best choices for the child. A final decision on placement will be made by the school-based team appointed by the principal. TEAM LEADERS & CASE MANAGERS will review all interims and report cards of students before distribution to parents. TEAM LEADERS HS and ESE-Specialized PreK-Mrs. Pouch Kindergarten- Mrs. Purcell First Grade-Ms. McFadden Second Grade-Ms. Prophete Third Grade-Ms. Hudson Fourth-Ms. Collins Fifth-Ms. Walker CASE MANAGERS HS and ESE-SPrK and ESE Students – Ms. Johnson Kindergarten & First – Ms. A. Marshall Second & Third – Ms. Howard Fourth & Fifth – Ms. Vaughn Elementary report cards/envelopes must be signed by the parent and returned to the teacher. If you have difficulty obtaining the parent signature, please fill out the appropriate form for the community liaison to go to the home.


Report Cards are due to Case Managers (7 days before report cards are issued) November 12, 2015 January 28, 2016 April 14, 2016 May 29, 2016 RETENTION / PROMOTION Any student not meeting academic promotion criteria and/or under consideration for retention MUST be referred to the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) Team. It is advised that students demonstrating concerns be referred by end of the first quarter or ASAP. Consideration of retention, MTSS referral and discussion with administration must occur before February 14th. Parents must be notified of academic concerns, interventions process and outcomes before decisions are made on report cards, interims and conferences with formal notification in writing usually before May 1st regarding a recommendation for retention. If retention is recommended but the parent disagrees, a conference shall be scheduled which may include the classroom teacher, Principal and or/other staff members selected by the Principal. The parent shall be invited to attend the conference. The professional staff will recommend grade placement. The Principal shall have the final authority for appropriate grade placement of students within the limitations of Board Policy and State Statutes. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TEACHER Each teacher is expected to provide a classroom situation that will promote maximum progress and growth of individual children. Teachers are expected to utilize effective and desirable instructional procedures. Supervision of pupils Instructional personnel are responsible for the general well being of children entrusted to them. This necessitates proper procedures of supervision and the maintenance of a desirable climate for learning in each teacher's area of responsibility. Students must not be left unattended at any time. Teachers needing to leave their classrooms will arrange for adult supervision (school board employee) of students. This includes in or out of the classroom. Instructional personnel are required by law to work 196 days, 180 of which must be devoted to full-time instruction. Instructional personnel must be on duty a minimum of seven and one-half (7 1/2) hours daily. The exact time schedule is to be decided by administration. Paras will not be responsible for students who are outside for playtime, nor will paras be responsible for the transporting of students to and from specials or cafeteria. To ensure the safety and security of all of our students and staff, certain staff members will be scheduled for morning duty. Procedures and assigned posts will be in first day packet. It shall be administration's responsibility to see that each member of the staff of school carries his/her fair share of the total professional program of the school. Each teacher shall be required to keep his/her plans completed and available.


SAFE SCHOOL While we welcome family and members of the community to our school, we must be aware that our first priority is to have a safe school for children and adults who work here. Larkdale is not a single entry school. This mandates that all visitors as well as staff must enter via the eastern main door. Anyone entering our campus including Larkdale staff must have an identification tag. County employees should always wear identification tags. Volunteers and visitors must check in via the STAR ID system to get a tag from the office staff. If you see a person without identification politely ask, "May I help you?" then escort or direct them to the office to be helped. If you have any questions or concerns about someone, notify the office or the closest person with a radio. Do not admit anyone to the school through a door by your classroom. They MUST go to the front office. All external doors will be kept locked from the outside. You will still be able to exit the building if there is a need. Do not prop open doors at anytime since this would breach the school’s security. Do not use classrooms as a short cut to other classrooms. Teachers will meet parents in the office, verify identity and provide an escort to classroom for conference. Safety Classrooms To ensure a safe work environment, safety standards and procedures must be followed. We will experience two unannounced safety inspection annually. Percentage of paper on walls, must be limited to less than 20%, and 40% if room has a sprinkler system. No items may be stored on the top of the stoves or stored on shelves that limited the space below ceiling to less than 18 inches. Do not obstruct exits, furniture, carpet etc. must be district approved/provided reduce clutter in the classrooms with kitchen areas. Obstructions must be kept away from all exits and emergency escapes (windows or doors). Limit personal items to those needed only for daily instruction. Use of stoves, or possession of hot plates, microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers and toaster ovens are NOT permitted in classrooms at anytime. No Coffee pots in classrooms, coffee is available on sale in the cafeteria. Report any safety hazards and or repairs to head custodian and principal. SELF-‐REPORTING RULE-‐ARRESTS/CHARGES AND FINAL DISPOSITIONS 2405 All personnel shall self-report in writing to the Director of Professional Standards and Special Investigative Unit within forty-eight (48) hours of any arrests, citations or charges involving the abuse of a child or the sale and/or possession of a controlled substance or charges involving Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Battery, Possession (includes e-mail transmissions) or Sale of Pornography Involving Minors and Sexual Relations with students. Such notice shall not be considered an admission of guilt nor shall such notice be admissible for any purpose in any proceeding, civil or criminal, administrative or judicial. In addition, all personnel shall self-report, in writing to the Executive Director of Professional Standards & Special Investigative Unit any conviction, finding of guilt, withholding of adjudication, commitment to a pretrial diversion intervention program, or entering a plea of guilty or Nolo Contendere for any criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation (driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions are not minor and must be reported) within forty-eight (48) hours after final judgment. The Superintendent shall establish and maintain administrative procedures for implementing this policy. Failure to comply with the self-reporting rule shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

SCHOOL HOURS All personnel on the contractual seven and one-half hour (7.5) day shall maintain the hours of 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Any staff members functioning on a different hourly schedule shall be advised of their


hours on an individual basis by administration. (see office manager/payroll clerk to verify your individual work hours) SIGNING OUT PROCEDURES-ADULTS When it is necessary in an emergency or TDA to leave the campus during the schoolʼs workday, you must sign-out in the official sign-out logbook located in the Office Managerʼs office. This sign-out procedure informs the office of the whereabouts of staff and meets workman's compensation stipulations. Leaving early will only be permitted under emergency conditions and must be approved by administration in advance. It is necessary that all personal appointments be scheduled after 3:15 p.m. This includes any TDAʼs for school related business reasons. TDAs must be turned in to principalʼs secretary at least two weeks in advance to gain principalʼs approval for leave. Please verify approval by checking the TDA logbook in the office manager’s office.

SMOKING - NO smoking permitted on campus Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the building and on school property in accordance with School Board Policy and State Law. If necessary, remind parents of this regulation. SOCIAL WORKER Our school social worker supports our school's mission in the community as well as on campus. The social worker helps in the following ways: • Participate in MTSS, and guidance conferences to provide expertise • Makes home visits to facilitate communication between the school and home • Complete psycho-social as needed to address academic and behavioral need • Verify in boundary student address • Works with attendance and truancy concerns • Help families access community services • Help families complete referrals to extended services If you have a need for Social workers assistance, meet with guidance to refer concern. Guidance will complete form to be submitted to the Principal for approval and signature. STOVES – Do not use stoves or microwaves in CLASSROOMS All stoves in classrooms have been disconnected per district guidelines per district safety department memo: 1. Keep the master power switch located away from the stove in the OFF position 2. Check to make sure that all controls for the burners and the oven are in the OFF position before turning on the master power switch. 4. Do NOT store any materials, including paper on top of the stove or in the oven. 5. Do NOT hang any materials from the ceiling above the stove. 6. Do NOT allow students to operate or play with the stove.

SUBSTITUTE PLANS Each teacher will submit a substitute lesson plans folder to be kept by the grade level team leader and or in the front office. Lesson plans should be updated quarterly. Every procedure used in the classroom is to be included in the lesson plan folder. A checklist of information to be included the sub folders will


be provided. If a class does not have plans, it is the responsibility of the grade chair to prepare the lessons for the day.

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE All members of the faculty and staff are encouraged to join the Sunshine Committee. This committee will establish membership dues and a consistent monthly meeting date advertised on CAB. All staff are invited to attend and to participate with membership. Monies are used to provide accessories for staff celebrations/ parties and other functions arranged by the committee. Individuals responsible for collecting monies to be deposited in the committee's accounts must issue proper receipts (receipt book can be obtained from the bookkeeper representative) and deposit monies with the bookkeeper representative for the internal account within a reasonable time frame directed by district guidelines. To be a recipient means to be a member/participant. Profits from the beverage and snack machines located in the teachers lounge will be placed in the Faculty Council fund. This money is not a part of the Sunshine Fund. See the Sunshine by laws for details and list of items supported by Sunshine Committee.

SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS Students must be supervised at all times. No class shall be left unsupervised at any time. Students arrive on campus from 7:25 am until dismissed at 3:15 pm with supervision provided until (duty posts, bus, car pick up, walkers, aftercare) 3:15 pm. All staff must be at their designated classroom doors actively supervising students and ready to begin instruction as soon as the 7:50 am bell rings. Supervision will continue until dismissal when all students have left the campus via bus or parent pick up. All classes must be escorted to and from their specials and lunch. Supervision of students is a legal professional responsibility and must be considered a priority. Protect the children and yourself.

SUPERVISORY DUTY ASSIGNMENTS A specific time and place will be designated for teachers, para’s and support staff who will be responsible for the safe and orderly management of students during arrival and dismissal times. Punctuality and dependability is essential to providing a safe an orderly environment.

SUPPLEMENTAL POSITIONS At the end of each school year or at any time a vacancy occurs, the principal shall post available supplemental positions. Selection will be based upon funds available, experience, availability and commitment to the schoolʼs mission.

SUPPLY ORDERING Supply orders will be handled through the team leaders. All consumable classroom supplies can be obtained by completing a supply request form. These requests are given to school bookkeeper representative.

TARDY TO SCHOOL (Staff) Tardiness is unacceptable and unprofessional for educators who function as role models for students. District and BTU Contract supports a 7:45 am -3:15 pm (7.5) hour for full time staff. Professionals arrive on time, prepared and ready to work at the designated start time. If you are unavoidably late, call the school so that coverage of your class can be arranged until such time as you arrive.


For staff with repeated, a pattern of tardiness, your paid time will reflect arrival time to assigned duty/classroom. If you have a morning supervisory duty, please inform the office so that coverage, student supervision can be arranged 754-322-6600. Continued tardiness to work will be addressed following district policy. TARDY TO SCHOOL (Students) In order to help our children develop good life long habits we need to help them see the value of accepting responsibility and following time schedules. All children are to be instructed to come to the office to sign-in (name and time) after 8:00 a.m. They will receive a pass to class and will be directed to go to class after signing in. You are to record the times of children who arrive tardy after the second bell rings, even if they have signed in the office. At the fifth tardy, the student will receive a tardy letter to go home listing the days and times of the five (5) tardies. These letters need to be signed by the parents and returned to the IMT the next day that will keep a copy of the letter. If the letters are not returned, the IMT will call the parent and document the call. If child continues to be tardy, send a referral and a copy of the letter to guidance and the school social worker. See student Code of Conduct guidelines regarding the Tardy SB Policy 5.5. Tardy letters are available in the office. (See Appendix)

TELEPHONES Telephone call to parents should be made on planning time when you are calm and have organized the information to be shared. School related long distance calls can be made only on select telephones with a signed log indicating time, phone number and who was called. Approval to make a long distance call must be granted in advance (please see section titled Long Distance Telephone Calls). As role models, be advised that personal use of personal cell phone is prohibited during the instructional day. Personal telephone calls should NOT be made during instructional time or when children are in the classroom or instructional area. Telephone messages for staff will be taken by the office and placed on your email or mailbox to be collected on a break or planning time. You are required to advise your doctors, dentists and other individuals not to call the school to remind you of appointments or personal engagements. Directory assistance calls are not allowed at anytime. TEMPORARY DUTY AUTHORIZATION (TDA) Any staff member who is assigned to perform any duties outside of the school, county MUST complete a TDA form approved and signed by the principal and Area Superintendent (out of county). All staff members performing duties other than their normal routine, in the county, must have a TDA on file. Turn in your competed and signed TDA to the principalʼs secretary for approval with time to meet event deadlines. TDA's must be submitted five (5) days prior to date of departure for local trips and ten (10) days for out of county trips. Forms are available in the faculty workroom. If a reimbursement will be required (i.e. workshop registration), use a NCR form available from the bookkeeper representative. Once completed, please submit form to the Budget/ bookkeeper representative.

TESTING The County Testing Office sponsors a series of standardized tests to be administered at specific times during the year and for the purpose of diagnosis and prescription. It is the Testing Administratorʼs responsibility to coordinate testing. It is the teacher's responsibility to evaluate test results and analyze the curriculum so that deficiencies are met.


TEXTBOOKS In an attempt to have better textbook control, a roster must be completed with textbook numbers for each book issued. See the Forms section in this document. The roster is to be kept by the teacher and changes are to be made each quarter as books are turned in. If books are lost or damaged during the year, please make an attempt to find the book. If you can not find the book contact the Textbook Coordinator. Each quarter, a lost and/or damage report will be completed and turned in to the textbook chairperson. The roster is to be turned into the office at the end of the school year for textbooks inventory purposes. If you transfer from one class to another, please be certain the teacher receiving your class receives a copy of the list. Also, if a student transfers to another class, that student's information should be given to the new teacher. Since the cost of replacing the newly adopted textbooks is as high as $70.00 each, we strongly suggest that you impress upon your students the need to care for their books. Please do not send students to the book room. If they must carry the books for you, please accompany them to the book room and give them instructions for placement of books. If you need books from the book room, complete a request for textbooks form (found in the teacherʼs mailroom) and place in Textbook Coordinator’s box. Please allow three (3) days to receive the materials. Plan ahead. The book room will remain locked at all times.

TITLE ONE Larkdale Elementary has a school wide Title One program. We have developed an educational plan to increase student achievement in the areas of reading, writing and math for all students. Title One provides assistance in the regular education classroom by providing additional personnel, materials, and parent training. The Title I Coordinator will coordinate, document the activities, and work with administration and the district to evaluate the effectiveness of this program.

TORNADO DRILLS Tornado drills will be conducted at least two times per year, preferably in October and February to familiarize all students and faculty with the procedures. Students should respond to the command: "Everybody down, crouch against the wall on elbows and knees, place hands over back of head". Keep away from windows and doors. More instructions will follow later.

TUTORING Maintaining high quality instructional staff and providing a rich, varied curriculum should minimize the need for individual tutoring. Every effort should be made by the school staff to help the students with educational problems before suggesting to parents that a paid tutor would be needed. It is a violation of the Code Ethics and Professional Standards for a teacher to receive compensation for tutoring any students while that student is assigned to one of his/her classes. DO NOT TUTOR CHILDREN assigned to YOUR CLASS roster FOR COMPENSATION from the child’s parent. Teachers who receive compensation for tutoring are NOT permitted to utilize public school facilities as the location to provide private tutorial service. TWENTY PERCENT - Paper (20%tile, 40%rule) RULE


This rule pertains to the placement and or hanging of paper in classrooms and school walls. Chapter 633 Florida State Statutes 2000 633.215 states “(1) The State Fire Marshal shall adopt, by rule pursuant to SS 120.536(1) and 120.54 the Florida Fire Prevention Code which shall contain or incorporate by reference all fire safety laws and rules that pertain to and govern the design, construction, erection, alteration and modification, repair and demolition of public and private buildings structures, and facilities and the enforcement of such fire safety laws and rules. The rule is 40% if the room has a sprinkler system installed. 4A-60.001 Title “This rule chapter shall be known, and may be cited as the Florida Fire Prevention Code. 4A-60.003 Adopts the NFPA Fire Prevention Code (NFPA1). The code addresses the 20% rule. ”10-2.4 “Furnishings and Decorations” 10-2.4.5 “Child-Prepared Artwork. Child-prepared artwork and teaching materials shall be permitted to be attached directly to the wall and shall not exceed 20 percent of the wall area.”

VANDALISM OR PROPERTY DAMAGE All members of the instructional staff should realize that it is their responsibility to report any incident of property damage by pupils or others so that restitution can be gained and repairs made. This pertains to the damage of equipment, furniture, materials, or to the building proper. Florida School Law Section 231.09, part 9, states that one duty of instructional personnel is to see that the school building and all things pertaining thereto are not defaced or damaged. VISITORS In compliance with district safety standards, Larkdale elementary is a single entry school. All visitors or adults who have business on campus are required by School Board Policy to report to the office upon entering the campus. All visitors, volunteers, non-employees are required to check in with the STAR security Identification system in order to receive security clearance and to wear the pictured STAR generated ID badge on entering the campus. If visitors come to your classroom without proper identification, please escort, send them to the office for a pass. Notify the office, SRO and or administration immediately, if they are uncooperative in following the safety-required procedure.

VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are welcomed at Larkdale Elementary. Volunteers will be recruited through a cooperative effort of the classroom teacher and the Volunteer Coordinator ( 2015-16 Mrs. Mitchell Community Liaison). According to school board policy, all volunteers who work in the school must have completed a volunteer application and receive administrative sign-off including Level I before starting to work with students. Level II clearance is required for any volunteer who will have the opportunity to be alone unsupervised, or on overnight trips with students. Volunteers will receive instruction from the Volunteer Coordinator. All volunteers must be computer verified and wear a badge or pass. Teachers are encouraged to take advantage of the volunteer services. Volunteers are welcome


to begin work on campus at 8:00 am. No person is permitted to work in the classroom unless it is prearranged through the volunteer program coordinator’s direction. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.

WITHDRAWALS When the classroom teacher is notified, hears from a parent that a student is being withdrawn. The teacher will then: 1. Notify the office so that a transfer can be initiated. 2. Collect all books or school property in the child's possession. 3. Investigate library and cafeteria debts, then notify parents. 4. Fill in report card, If at least 2 days have passed in a marking period 5. Pencil in all available data on the cum folder. 6. Send report card and cum folder to the office within three days.

WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION PROCEDURE Any work-related accident that requires medical attention MUST be reported to the office manager, and administration on the day of the accident. Specific instructions must be followed when filing any claim. Only doctors approved by the Workman's Compensation Insurance can be seen for treatment. Any delayed claim of more than 24 hours will not be honored. Forms are available by contacting the workmen’s’ compensation office.

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