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School District 6 70 B Hampton Road

Rothesay, NB E2E 5Y2 Phone: 506-847-6262

Fax: 506-847-6211 www.district6.nbed.nb.ca

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WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT 6

TEAM!

We’re excited to have you as part of our team! The information in this handbook will help you understand what we expect from our employees. It also gives you background on the school district and your rights as an employee. Any questions about this handbook or any other phase of your job deserve immediate answers. We want you to start off on the right foot! If you have any questions, ask your immediate supervisor. This handbook is not an employment contract and does not address every circumstance or question about employment. School District 6 reserves the right to revise or rescind any portion of this handbook from time to time. The employee handbook is not a substitute for Department of Education Policy, District Education Council Policy, District Administrative Guidelines (which may be found in each school office or on our website) or any Provincial Act or Regulation. Most of the contents of the handbook are condensed from the above noted. OUR MISSION

Our mission is to work in partnership with parents and the community to create a safe, nurturing learning environment that provides a high quality education which prepares all students to be productive, well-rounded, life-long learners.

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BELIEFS

1. We believe every individual has value.

2. We believe nurturing is a basic human need.

3. We believe everyone can learn.

4. We believe learning is lifelong.

5. We believe in the contribution of the community.

6. We believe with rights come responsibilities.

District Education Council (DEC)

DEC’s are a vital component of the NB education governance structure, working in partnership with the provincial Department of Education, the School Superintendent, and each Parent School Support Committee (PSSC). The eleven DEC members are volunteers elected for a four-year term. GOALS

Following consultation with stakeholders, the elected District Education Council for School District 6 has established the following priorities or ends policies: Students will learn in a safe, nurturing and healthy learning environment

with the support of school staff, parents and the community.

Students will demonstrate continuous improvement in literacy skills (French and English), meeting or exceeding the targets described in the New Brunswick Quality Learning Agenda. Areas of focus for 2005-2008 will include Core French, writing, boys and literacy and literacy across the curriculum.

Students will demonstrate continuous improvement in mathematics skills, meeting or

exceeding the targets described in the New Brunswick Quality Learning Agenda. Planned transition processes for students, parents and staff will be enhanced (e.g., pre-

school into kindergarten, between elementary/middle/high school, international students, school to work, new staff).

From these Ends Policies, the District Improvement Plan is developed, outlining specific strategies and timelines. Its implementation is closely monitored by the DEC.

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SCHOOL DISTRICT 6 QUICK FACTS

Students (2005-2006) 10,427 As of September 30, 2005

Schools 24 Plus 2 Alternate Education Centres Largest KVHS 1133 Smallest NES 109

Students in French Immersion (2005-2006)

3648 985 1299 1364

35% Total 27% Elementary 36% Middle 37% High School

Students on SEP’s (2005-2006) 1887 18%

Combined Classes (2005-2006) 31

Graduates – June 2005 731

Drop Out Rate (2004) 1.6% Provincial Average 2.8%

School Staff (2004-2005) 623 FTE’s Includes 37.3 Resource Teachers

QLA Teachers (2005-2006) 14.5 FTE’s 6.9 FTE’s 1.2 FTE’s

4.6 FTE’s

K – 3 Literacy 6 – 8 Literacy 9 – 12 Literacy Elementary Physical Education

District Office Staff (2005-2006) 33.1

Supply Teachers (2005-2006) 274 23 are local permits for FI and music and 18 are retired teachers who have requested one school only

Teacher Assistants (2005-2006) 176

Bus Attendants (2005-2006) 8

Behaviour Interventionists (2005-2006)

14

Custodians (2005-2006) 94 32 are part time

District Maintenance/Repair (2005-2006)

8

School Secretaries/Clerks/Library Assistants (2005-2006)

51 Part time and full time

Bus Drivers (2005-2006) 101

School Buses (2004-2005) 101 Includes 6 special needs buses. In addition, there are 10 spare buses.

Kilometers traveled per year (2003-2004)

1,500,000 Transport 85 % of students.

Number of Computers (2005-2006) 3,100

District Budget (2005-2006) $57,491,307 Fiscal Year

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Our Schools:

Please contact your local school for more information:

Apohaqui Elementary School (K-5) (506) 432-2021

Belleisle Elementary School (K-5) (506) 485-3025

Belleisle Regional High School (6-12) (506) 485-3030

Fairvale Elementary School (K-5) (506) 847-6206

Hammond River Valley Elementary School (K-5) (506) 832-6023

Hampton Elementary School (1-5) (506) 832-6021

Hampton Middle School (6-8) (506) 832-6020

Hampton High School (9-12) (506) 832-6024

Harry Miller Middle School (6-8) (506) 849-5515

Kennebecasis Park Elementary School (K-5) (506) 847-6213

Kennebecasis Valley High School (9-12) (506) 847-6200

Lakefield Elementary School (K-5) (506) 847-6212

Dr. A.T. Leatherbarrow Primary School (K-2) (506) 832-6022

Macdonald Consolidated School (K-8) (506) 763-3070

Norton Elementary School (K-5) (506) 839-3000

Quispamsis Elementary School (K-5) (506) 847-6207

Quispamsis Middle School (6-8) (506) 847-6210

Rothesay Elementary School (K-5) (506) 847-6203

Rothesay High School (9-12) (506) 847-6204

Rothesay Park School (6-8) (506) 847-6201

Sussex Corner Elementary School (K-5) (506) 432-2018

Sussex Elementary School (K-5) (506) 432-2019

Sussex Middle School (6-8) (506) 432-2022

Sussex Regional High School (9-12) (506) 432-2017

Alternate Education Sites:

Hampton PALS (506) 832-6460

Sussex PALS (506) 432-4550

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PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT We believe that parental involvement is important to student learning. As a parent or family member of a school-aged child, you are very influential. EMPLOYEES’ ATTITUDES Your attitude matters! As a School District 6 employee, you affect how others view the system. We expect our employees to serve as good role models for their children and their neighbours, and show them that involvement in education is important! Your positive attitude is contagious and will greatly influence friends and neighbours. We hope you’ll speak with pride when you tell people where you work, and that you’ll support the school district in its efforts to provide the best possible education for all of our students. CUSTOMER SERVICE Whether you work in a school, at the District Office or in another part of the District’s operations, you have ―customers.‖ District Office personnel serve the schools and parents. School personnel serve students and parents. We all work for the public in one way or another. It’s important that we have a good customer service attitude. All personnel are expected to be friendly, cheerful and willing to help.

ABC’s FOR EMPLOYEES

Appearance; take pride in your personal appearance and grooming. Be loyal to your job, supervisor, co-workers, and your school system. Courtesy to ―customers‖ and co-workers at all times is a must. Do your best to do everything with accuracy, speed and efficiency. Encourage your students, co-workers and your own children by serving as a good role model. Follow the rules, using supplies and equipment wisely, and observe rules developed for your safety. Golden Rule; remember to treat others as you would like to be treated. We are committed to improving the service we provide. We are extremely interested in what you have to say, and welcome you to provide your input by completing a brief survey (5-minutes) which can be found at www.district6.nbed.nb.ca/. We thank you for your cooperation.

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SECTION I - STANDARDS APPEARANCE

It has been said, ―A picture is worth a thousand words.‖ Your appearance says a lot about your readiness to work and get the job done. Remember that we all serve as role models for our students. Your image projects confidence in your job. Please consult your supervisor for dress code practices.

All employees can help make these new policies a success by modeling good choices through appropriate and professional attire. Neatness and cleanliness are also important. ARRESTS

Any employee arrested and charged with a criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation (DUI {driving under influence} is NOT a minor traffic violation) is required to report the arrest to his/her immediate supervisor. ATTENDANCE AND PROMPTNESS

Because we serve the public, getting to work on time and being present every day is most important. The public expects and has a right to demand prompt and efficient service.

If you must be absent, it is your responsibility to notify your principal or supervisor at once. This allows him/her to reassign your work and maintain a high standard of service. Excessive absenteeism may be grounds for disciplinary action or dismissal. We cannot operate as effectively when an employee is absent. School District 6 follows the provincial ―Attendance at Work Guide‖ found at www.district6.nbed.nb.ca/ . CONFIDENTIALITY

All employees are to keep records and information pertaining to students and fellow employees confidential. What goes on within the school belongs within the school. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Employees shall not engage in any business or transaction of a financial or personal nature that would compromise the fair and honest discharge of their official duties.

Any School District employee who may be in a conflict of interest must disclose to the Superintendent, in writing the circumstances and the Superintendent will determine if it is a conflict of interest as per provincial policy number AD-2915 found at http://www.gnb.ca/0163/conflict/2915-e.asp .

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DRUG AND ALCOHOL- FREE WORKPLACE Use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by employees is prohibited. This includes any school-related activities away from or on school district premises. Any employee violating the policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal pending investigation. Employees need to be aware that compliance is mandatory. You must report any conviction of a drug related offence to your immediate supervisor within five days. Transportation personnel who use drugs or alcohol on the job will be recommended for dismissal. EMPLOYEE CONDUCT AND WORK RULES To ensure orderly operations and provide the best possible work environment, School District 6 expects employees to follow rules of conduct that will protect the interests and safety of all employees and the organization. It is not possible to list all the forms of behavior that are considered unacceptable in the workplace. The following are examples of infractions of rules of conduct that may result in disciplinary action: Theft or inappropriate removal or possession of School District 6 property

Falsification of attendance, absence records, grades, or other documentation

Working under the influence of alcohol; possession, distribution, sale, transfer, or

use of alcohol or illegal drugs in the workplace

Disruptive activity or threatening violence in the workplace

Negligence or improper conduct leading to damage of employer-owned property

Insubordination or other disrespectful conduct

Violation of safety or health rules

Sexual or other unlawful or unwelcome harassment

Possession of dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives or firearms in

the workplace

Excessive absenteeism or any absence without notice

Unauthorized use of telephones, mail system, computers, photocopiers, or other

employer-owned equipment

Violation of personnel policies

Improper attire

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EMPLOYEE FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EFAP)

Professional and confidential counseling for employees and immediate family members is offered free of charge by contacting Family Plus at 1-800-360-3327 or locally at (506) 634-4495 or by email at info@familyplus.ca (emails may not necessarily be checked on a regular basis, therefore, if you need immediate service, please contract using the above numbers). FALSE INFORMATION

Falsification of any information provided on application forms or resumes used to gain employment may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. GUNS

It is a federal offense to bring a gun into a school building. Guns used for hunting or target practice should NOT be brought to school grounds in an employee’s vehicle. HARASSMENT

School District 6 is committed to providing a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Harassment in the workplace is a form of discrimination. It is unwelcome and unwanted. It affects the individual's ability to learn and work. Report incidents of harassment to your immediate supervisor or the Human Resources Department.

Managers are responsible to take appropriate preventive or corrective action and to put a stop to any harassment they are aware of, whether or not a complaint is filed.

Harassment in the workplace will not be tolerated and constitutes a disciplinary infraction if proven and shall be dealt with appropriately.

School District 6 enforces Policy-AD-2913, the Provincial ―Workplace Harassment‖ found at: http://www.gnb.ca/0163/ool-blo/harpol-e.asp . INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES USE

All users of information and communication services and equipment owned or managed by the School District are responsible for using these services/resources in an appropriate, legal and efficient manner and will be held accountable for misuse. New employees must read and sign off on Department Policy 311 Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) use found at http://www.gnb.ca/0000/policies.asp .

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NUTRITION POLICY School District 6 believes that good nutrition positively impacts students’ general wellness, learning, and behaviour. We promote the availability of foods and beverages that contribute to the well-being of students. The nutrition guidelines and brochure can be found at www.district6.nbed.nb.ca/. OPERATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT VEHICLES Some employees, as part of their duties, are assigned School District vehicles. These vehicles are to be used for school business only. Safety belts must be worn at all times. A daily log of kilometers driven must be kept. Any employee who is assigned a vehicle and acquires excessive at-fault traffic violations is subject to disciplinary action and may have his/her driving privileges cancelled. This could be cause for termination of employment. PERSONAL MAIL AND TELEPHONE CALLS Please have all personal mail delivered to your residence. Telephones in the school and offices are for school business only. Of course, it is understood that emergencies arise and you must either call or be called while at work. However, for purely personal messages, please make other arrangements for calls during your workday. Personal cell phones should not be used during the work day. PUPIL PROTECTION POLICY - 701 All employees must make themselves aware of this policy and sign off as to their familiarity with the content. The policy protects pupils in the public school system from abusive behaviour including physical, sexual and emotional abuse and discrimination by adults to which they may be exposed by virtue of being students. The policy aims to eliminate abusive behaviours through prevention and effective intervention and defines acceptable standards of behaviour for adults who have responsibility for pupils in the public school system. School District 6 enforces the Department of Education ―Pupil Protection Policy 701‖ found at: http://701.nbed.nb.ca/.

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SCENT-FREE ENVIRONMENT School District 6 buildings and grounds are scent free environments as outlined in our District Policy. We have employees and students who are bothered by scented products, therefore it is important for all employees to comply with the policy. There are scent free signs posted in all schools. TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOLS School District 6 buildings and grounds are smoke free environments as per the Department of Education Policy 702 Tobacco-Free Schools and the Smoke Free Places Act. All employees must provide tobacco-free learning environments for public school students and assist students in making healthy choices. Policy 702 can be found at: http://www.gnb.ca/0000/policies.asp and the Smoke Free Places Act can be found at: http://www.gnb.ca/0062/PDF-acts/s-09-5.pdf. USE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY The School District provides you with necessary equipment, materials and vehicles to carry out the job assigned to you. If you are assigned any equipment, it becomes your responsibility to exercise care in its operation. Report immediately lost, stolen or damaged property to your immediate supervisor. Personal use of vehicles, materials, supplies, tools or other equipment is not permitted. Violation could result in dismissal, prosecution or both.

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SECTION II - PERSONNEL MATTERS

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNITS There are three unions representing most employees in School District 6. Teachers and Administrators are represented by the NBTF/AEFNB; Custodians, maintenance personnel and bus drivers are represented by CUPE 1253; and Teacher Assistants, Secretaries, Clerical and Library Assistants are represented by CUPE 2745. Collective agreements may be obtained by contacting your local union representative. HEALTH AND SAFETY Each school has a Health and Safety Committee that is required by law to meet each month and report to the District Health and Safety Committee. The School District wishes to provide a safe and secure working environment for all employees. Employees are also responsible for their own health and safety. When there is a question of safety, please report it to your immediate supervisor and bring the issue forward to your Health and Safety Committee. HOURS OF WORK Because of the diversity of the school system, the supervisor will determine an employee’s work hours, breaks and lunch periods. Be sure to discuss this with your supervisor before you begin work. Further information on hours of work can be found in the appropriate collective agreement. IDENTIFICATION BADGES District Office employees who travel regularly to schools are issued a picture identification badge and are required to wear the badge at all times. Many schools have visitor sign in or badges so, always be sure to check in at the school office when you’re visiting a school, and the reception area when visiting district office.

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ORIENTATION Employees in our organization are our greatest strength and resource. A comprehensive, consistent orientation program for all new employees creates an immediate positive impression and helps them build to their full potential. The orientation program welcomes and informs the new employee of: The benefits of working with our District

The responsibilities of their new role

The expectations of employees within our District Teams

PERSONNEL RECORDS Your personnel records regarding employment status, promotions, transfers, salary, leaves, commendations — in short, your employment history — are placed in a permanent file in the Human Resources and Payroll Department at the District Office. You are encouraged to send to Human Resources any information that you want included in your file. The Superintendent and Directors of Education, Human Resources and Finance and Administration approve all information before it is placed in your file. Your help is needed if we are to pay you correctly, reach you in an emergency, maintain your insurance and other benefits properly, and have letters of commendation or other material on file that might help your career. When one of the following occurs, please notify in writing your appropriate payroll representative (see page 16): change of address, telephone number, name, person to notify in an emergency, beneficiary, and/or change or number of dependents. PROBATIONARY PERIOD Probationary periods are identified in each employee’s letter of hire as per the applicable collective agreements. Performance expectations are an integral part of a new employee’s orientation and form the basis for the probationary review.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT All staff are encouraged to take part in the many opportunities for professional development that exist within District 6. Professional Seminar Series (PSS) takes place in fall and spring during the evenings. There are also summer sessions and other after school sessions. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH, SUPERVISION AND APPRAISAL All staff are accountable for their actions, judgments and decisions that support and enhance optimum student learning. To this end, the School District supports a professional appraisal system that focuses on excellence, having employees and their supervisors working together in the process of continual improvement, and establishment of professional growth plans. Make sure you request the latest evaluation procedure from your administrator. RESIGNATION If you must resign, please file a letter of resignation indicating the date you plan to leave and your reasons. Please give at least two weeks notice to ensure you leave in good standing. It is important that you leave District service in good standing to protect your eligibility for rehiring. If you are absent from work without permission from your supervisor, this may be considered as your having resigned and could result in forfeit of all rights to re-employment. Human Resources is more than willing to provide an exit interview. Doing so may provide us with information that permits us to provide a better service to employees. RETIREMENT Employees must make their request to retire to the Superintendent in writing. All staff must notify the District by the end of February. Pension plans are administered through the District 6 Human Resources Department in conjunction with the Public Service Employee Benefits Branch. Information on School District pension plans can be found online at: http://www.gnb.ca/0163/pension/ .

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SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE The School District expects a quality level of performance of all its employees. Evaluations help employees identify their strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development. SCHOOL CALENDAR A school calendar of important dates can be seen at www.district6.nbed.nb.ca/ . STORM DAYS Each collective agreement addresses this issue differently. Further information on storm days can be found in the appropriate collective agreement. Employees may call the ―Snow Line‖ at (506) 848-7669(snow), the toll free line at 1-888-868-6555 or online at www.district6.nbed.nb.ca/ for school cancellation information. TRANSFERS AND VACANCIES The Superintendent is charged with the responsibility of hiring the most qualified person to fill every vacancy. Vacancies will be identified as Internal or External. Internal vacancies are open to bargaining unit employees only. Employment information is available 24 hours a day by visiting our website at www.district6.nbed.nb.ca/. TRAVEL ALLOWANCES Employees may submit a claim for the reimbursement of approved travel expenses incurred while performing their duties, in accordance with the rules set out in the provincial travel policy. Employees are expected to get to their workplace at their own expense. The provincial travel policy can be found online at the following location: www.district6.nbed.nb.ca/.

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PAYROLL INFORMATION PAYROLL DEPARTMENT The Payroll Department operates on a family of schools concept. A specific payroll clerk will service the payroll needs of your school or location. The list can be found at www.district6.nbed.nb.ca/. PAY SCHEDULE School District employees are paid biweekly through direct deposit. Payroll stubs are distributed to the schools or directly to the employee’s home address. Falsification of payroll records is grounds for termination. The payroll calendar showing scheduled pay dates may be found at www.district6.nbed.nb.ca/. LEAVE APPROVAL All requests for leaves, excluding sick leave for teachers, shall be approved by the appropriate District Administrator (sick leaves for teachers are approved at the site level by the school principal). Out of province travel requests require the approval of the Superintendent. All Leave/Travel Request forms (with the exception of sick leave) are to be submitted prior to the absence. Further information on leave requests can be found at www.district6.nbed.nb.ca/. BENEFITS Employee benefits for teachers are administered through the NBTF and all other employees through the District Human Resources and Payroll Department. Information on benefits can be found in the appropriate collective agreements and at District Office. RECORD OF EMPLOYMENT (ROE) For 10-month permanent employees, records of employment will be issued for every break in service (summer, Christmas, and March break). ROE’s are now processed on the web, and go directly to HRDC, meaning you will not be getting a copy, unless you specifically request one from payroll.

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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION The School District 6 Web Site www.district6.nbed.nb.ca/ is the place to visit to stay up to date on what is happening in the District. Resources can be found on this site such as the school directory, forms, minutes of District Education Council, etc. As an employee, if you provide a request to Human Resources, you can be granted access to the District 6 Human Resources Portal Website. This site provides links and actual documents containing the information discussed in this handbook as well as other information pertinent to you as an employee. This site can be found at https://portal.nbed.nb.ca/sites/district6/HR/default.aspx. Thank you for taking the time to review this information. If you have any questions, remember to ask your immediate supervisor!

Welcome aboard!

From School District 6

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