MANDATED REMINDERS

All faculty and staff are required to read, understand, and follow all approved policies and procedures as identified in Board Policy or identified as part of the faculty/ staff manual.

This presentation is representative of typical policies and should be viewed as a supplement to the policies adopted by your district. It is not intended to replace local district information. Policy numbers may vary by district.

It is essential you know your role and your rights!

AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONPolicy 2260*

Nondiscrimination of pupils• The district must ensure that curricular content and the school environment are free of discrimination and promote mutual respect among students.

• Students must be provided equal and bias free access to all school facilities, courses, programs, activities and services.

*Policy numbers may vary by district.

Use of TechnologyPolicy 2360*

Technology is a resource for the purpose of enhancing the learning process

All faculty and staff must adhere to copyright laws of the US

Be aware and apply computer security procedures for equipment and data.*Policy numbers may vary by district.

Staff Reporting ResponsibilitiesPolicy 3159/4281/4159*

• All staff members will report their arrest or indictment for any crime or offense to the Superintendent within fourteen calendar days in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6 A:9-17.1.• Report must include the date of arrest or indictment and charges lodged against the staff member. • In some cases the

Superintendent will notify the NJ State Board of Examiners.

*Policy numbers may vary by district.

Inappropriate Staff ConductPolicy 3281/4281*• School staff’s conduct in completing

their professional responsibilities shall be appropriate at all times. School staff shall not make inappropriate comments to pupils or about pupils and shall not engage in inappropriate language or expression in the presence of pupils. School staff shall not engage in inappropriate conduct toward or with pupils. School staff shall not seek to be in the presence of a pupil beyond the staff member’s professional responsibilities.

Inappropriate Staff ConductPolicy 3281/4281*• School staff shall not provide transportation to a pupil in their private vehicle or permit a pupil into their private vehicle unless these is an emergency or a special circumstance that has been approved in advance by the Building Principal/ immediate supervisor and the parent/legal guardian.

Inappropriate Staff ConductPolicy 3281/4281*• The Commissioner of Education has

determined inappropriate conduct by a school staff member outside their professional responsibilities may be considered conduct unbecoming a staff member. Therefore, school staff members are strongly advised to avoid such conduct which may include, but is not limited to communications and/or publications not directly related to academics, athletics, or clubs using e-mails, text-messaging, Facebook and/or other social networking sites, or any other medium that is directed and/or available to pupils or for public display.

Sexual HarassmentPolicy 3362/4352*• Sexual harassment includes all

unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical contacts of a sexual nature that would not have happened but for the employee’s gender.

• The sexual harassment of any employee or student of this district is strictly forbidden.

Sexual HarassmentPolicy 3362/4352*• Hostile environment –Sexual

harassing conduct by a school staff member that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive to limit another staff member’s ability to participate in a workplace environment or activity or to create a hostile or abusive workplace environment.

Sexual HarassmentPolicy 3362/4352*• Quid Pro Quo HarassmentWhen a school staff member explicitly or implicitly conditions another school staff member’s conditions of employment on the staff member’s submission to unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other favors, or other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Quid Pro Quo Harassment is equally unlawful whether the staff member resists and suffers the threatened harm or submits and thus avoids the threatened harm.

Sexual Harassment of StudentsPolicy 5751*

• Is forbidden• Quid Pro Quo• Hostile Environment

Bullying LawPolicy 5512*

• “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14.

• Districts must annually establish and implement HIB programs that survey students.

• Teachers must complete 2 hours of HIB training and 2 hours of suicide training in a professional development cycle.

Bullying Law• All acts of HIB must be reported

verbally to the principal on the same day it is witnessed or reliable information is received.

• The principal will inform all parents

or guardians of all students involved.

• All acts of HIB will be reported in writing to the Principal in two (2) days.

Suicide Prevention• If you observe, hear, or are concerned about a

student’s well being, contact school leadership immediately.

• Do not wait until the end of the day!

• All faculty members are required to complete two hours of Suicide Prevention Training within each five year professional development cycle.

• http://www.sptsusa.org/

CHILD ABUSE and NEGLECTPolicy 8462*• A child can be abused

physically and/or mentally by a parent(s), guardian, or other person having custody and control.• All school personnel and volunteers are required to immediately report suspected incidences of child abuse and/or neglect to DYFS (N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.10).

CHILD ABUSE and NEGLECTHow and When to Report Child Abuse / Neglect• In New Jersey, any person having

reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately report this information to the State Central Registry (SCR). If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as

1-877 NJ ABUSE. • A concerned caller does not need proof to

report an allegation of child abuse and can make the report

CHILD ABUSE and NEGLECTREPORTING

•In New Jersey, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately report this information to the State Central Registry (SCR). If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE. A concerned caller does not need proof to report an allegation of child abuse and can make the report anonymously. •The person reporting the alleged child abuse is required to inform the school principal or designee after reporting to DYFS, unless he/she believes they are endangering the welfare of the child or himself/herself by such notice.

Is it against the laws of New Jersey to fail to report suspected abuse/neglect?

Any person who knowingly fails to report suspected abuse or neglect according to the law or to comply with the provisions of the law is a disorderly person and subject to a fine of up to $1000 or up to six months imprisonment, or both.

CHILD ABUSE and NEGLECT• A person making a report is

immune from any liability, civil, or criminal charge (N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.13).• The board assures all school

personnel and volunteers that no one will be discharged from employment or discriminated against in any way as a result of making in good faith any reports of child abuse and neglect.

Substance AbusePolicy # 5530

• The primary objective of this policy is to devote the energies of the Board of Education and the administrative and instructional staff of the school district to the prevention of substance use and from its proliferation into our schools, with the prime concern of protecting non-using pupils, and further, the destruction of the potential marketplace which the school can easily become.

• There must be a clear procedure to handle the possible drug, alcohol, and anabolic steroid related situations involving pupils of the District on or off school property.

• The District shall establish curriculum and instruction a minimum of ten clock hours per school year of alcohol and other drug education in accordance with state code.

• Whenever it shall appear to any teaching staff member, school nurse, or other educational personnel that a pupil may be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs in school, on a school bus, or at a school function shall report the matter as soon as possible to the Principal, either the certified school nurse, non-certified nurse, the school physician or the Substance Awareness Coordinator, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40A.

• The school shall provide intervention and treatment-referral services for pupils who are affected by alcohol or other drug use. Initial assessment of and intervention/treatment-referral shall be provided by individuals who are certified by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners as Substance Awareness Coordinators or by individuals who are appropriately certified by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners and trained in alcohol and other drug abuse prevention.

Suspected Gang ActivityPolicy #5615• In the event the Principal or designee, believe any physical or verbal harassing,

intimidating, or bullying conduct was, or is being committed, for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a group of three or more persons, the school staff will investigate further to determine if the conduct was committed by those pupils representing a criminal street gang (hereinafter referred to as a “gang”) as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:44-3.h.

• To further ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils in the district and to increase awareness within the school community regarding potential gang activity, pupils are prohibited from wearing on school grounds, at any school related or sponsored activity, on school buses, and any other place where pupils are supervised by school district staff, any type of clothing or accessory that would indicate a pupil has membership in, or affiliation with, any gang associated with criminal activities pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:11- 9.

• School staff members shall be provided in-service training on gangs and gang related conduct and activities including, but not limited to, recruitment procedures; threats/intimidation; clothing; insignia; hand signs; symbols; graffiti; terminology; or other indicia of gang association.

MEGAN’S LAW GUIDELINES

The statute mandates three levels of notification depending upon the offender’s degree of risk of re-offense.

Low Risk – Tier OneModerate Risk – Tier Two

High Risk – Tier Three

Notification Procedures• Schools located in an area where the

students are likely to encounter a Tier 2 or Tier 3 offender will receive a notice form from the prosecutor’s office.

MEGAN’S LAW GUIDELINESTier Two (Moderate Risk)

Notification is given to schools and registered community organizations which have direct supervision over children and/or women and which have been determined to be “likely to encounter” the particular offender.

Principals should notify:school level administrative staff, teachers, aides, support staff, and custodial staff.

Principals should not notify:organizations using the facility, parent organizations, other schools, press, students, or parents/guardians of students.

ALL STAFF MUST BE TOLD THAT THIS INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL!

MEGAN’S LAW GUIDELINESTier Three (High Risk)

In addition to the notice for Tier Two offenders, notice must also be given to members of the general public who are “likely to encounter” the particular offender.

Principals should notify:everyone listed on the Tier Two notification plus: parents/guardians of students.

Principals should not notify:organizations using the facility, parent organizations, other schools, press, or students. The prosecutor’s office will provide the notice that will be mailed home and the principal will provide the cover letter, which must be reviewed by the prosecutor’s office before mailing.

MEGAN’S LAW GUIDELINESConsequences of Improper

DisseminationSchool personnel receiving notice must understand that they are receiving sex offender notifications in their official capacity and are not to disseminate information about an offender to anyone outside the school. Improper dissemination of the information about an offender may lead to disciplinary action being taken. Moreover, law enforcement will carefully investigate all allegations of criminal conduct taken by any person against the offender, the offender’s family, employer or school. Where appropriate, criminal prosecution will occur.

Social NetworkingPolicy 3282*• The Commissioner of Education has determined

inappropriate conduct outside a staff member’s professional responsibilities may determine them as unfit to discharge the duties and functions of their position. Staff members should be advised communications, publications, photographs, and other information appearing on social networking sites deemed inappropriate by the Board could be cause for dismissal of a non-tenured staff member or to certify tenure charges against a tenured staff member to the Commissioner of Education.

Social Networking -3282*• Should not make statements that would violate any of the district’s policies, including its policies concerning discrimination or harassment;

• Must uphold the district’s value of respect for the individual and avoid making defamatory statements about the school district, employees, pupils, or their families;

Social Networking -3282*May not disclose any confidential information about the school district or confidential information obtained during the course of his/her employment, about any individual(s) or organization, including pupils and/or their families;

Shall not use social networking sites to post any materials of a sexually graphic nature;

Shall not use social networking sites to post any materials which promote violence;

Social Networking - New (3282)• Shall not use social networking sites which would be detrimental to the mission and function of the district; • Are prohibited from using their school district title as well as adding references to the district in any correspondence including, but not limited to, e-mails, postings, blogs, and social networking sites unless the communication is of an official nature and is serving the mission of the district. This prohibition also includes signature lines and personal e-mail accounts.

Social Networking -3282Shall not post updates to their status on any social networking sites during normal working hours including posting of statements or comments on the social networking sites of others during school time unless it involves a school project. Employees must seek approval from the Superintendent of Schools for such use; andShall not post or publish any information the Commissioner of Education would deem to be inappropriate conduct by a school staff member.

RIGHT TO KNOW IN THE WORKPLACE, your employer must

make available to you:• The Workplace Survey of hazardous

substances present in the facility.• The Environmental Survey of

environmentally hazardous substances used, stored, or released from the facility.• Fact sheets on the hazardous substances

present in your workplace.

Hygienic ManagementPolicy #7420*• The Superintendent shall prepare, in consultation with the school

medical inspector, regulations, first aid and emergency medical procedures that utilize universal precautions in the handling and disposal of blood and body fluids, whether or not pupils or staff members with HIV infection are present. School staff members and volunteers shall be provided the supplies for implementing the procedures. In particular, school nurses, custodians, and teachers shall be trained in proper handling procedures.

• The Board also recognizes that certain school employees who work in laboratories may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the course of their duties. the Board will establish practices that are capable of protecting employees from health hazards presented by hazardous chemicals used in the workplace. The plan shall contain the locations of hazardous chemicals and shall enunciate a plan capable of protecting employees from associated health hazards and keeping exposure of employees below specified limits.

School Integrated Pest Management

Policy #7422*• The New Jersey School Integrated Pest

Management Act of 2002 requires school districts to implement a school integrated pest management policy that includes an Integrated Pest Management Plan. In accordance with the requirements of the Act, the Board shall ensure implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures to control pests and minimize exposure of children, faculty, and staff to pesticides.

• The school community will be educated about potential pest problems and IPM methods used to achieve the pest management objectives.

• The Building Principal of each school, working with the IPMC, is responsible for timely notification to pupils, parents or legal guardians and the school staff of pesticide treatments pursuant to the School Integrated Pest Management Act.

Electronic Surveillance in School Buildings Policy # 7441*

The Board of Education authorizes the use of electronic surveillance systems in school buildings and on school grounds to enhance the safety and security for school district staff, pupils, community members, and other building occupants and to protect the school district’s buildings and grounds.

In addition to posting, the district shall notify school staff members, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and pupils that electronic surveillance may be used in school buildings and on school grounds through publication in pupil and staff handbooks, school calendars, notice sent home with pupils, or any other effective means to publish the district’s use of electronic surveillance equipment in school buildings and on school grounds.

Emergency And Crisis SituationsPolicy #8420*

The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to provide for the safety and security in each school building in the district. The district will develop and implement written plans and procedures to provide for the protection of health, safety, security, and welfare of the school population; the prevention of, intervention in, response to and recovery from emergency and crisis situations; the establishment and maintenance of a climate of civility; and supportive services for staff, pupils, and their families. • The Superintendent of Schools or designee shall consult with law

enforcement agencies, health and social services provider agencies, emergency management planners, and school and community resources, as appropriate, in the development of the school district’s plans, procedures, and mechanisms for school safety and security.

• A copy of the school district’s school safety and security plan shall be disseminated to all school district employees. New employees shall receive a copy of the school district’s safety and security plan, as appropriate, within sixty days of the effective date of their employment. All employees shall be briefed in writing, as appropriate, regarding updates and changes to the school safety and security plan.

• The school district shall develop and provide an in-service training program for all school district employees to enable them to recognize and appropriately respond to safety and security concerns, including emergencies and crisis, consistent with the school district’s plans, procedures, and mechanisms for school safety and security and the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.1. New employees shall receive this in-service training, as appropriate, within sixty days of the effective date of their employment. This in-service training program shall be reviewed annually and updated, as appropriate.

Preparedness for Toxic HazardPolicy # 8431*

The Board of Education is concerned for the safety of the pupils and staff members assigned to district schools and will take reasonable steps to protect pupils and staff members from hazards that may result from industrial accidents beyond the control of school officials.

The Board will appoint an employee to serve as Toxic Hazard Preparedness (THP) Officer. The THP Officer will, in accordance with procedures prepared by the Superintendent, identify potential sources of toxic hazard and develop a plan that includes preventive and remedial measures to be followed in the event pupils and staff members are exposed to a toxic hazard.

The plan for toxic hazard preparedness developed by the THP Officer and approved by this Board will be disseminated to the public. Teaching staff members will be instructed in the specific measures to be taken when toxic hazard is present and in the recognition of toxic hazards in the environment. A teaching staff member who detects a toxic hazard in school shall immediately notify the school Principal and the school nurse or, in the absence of either, the person authorized to perform that office.