Introduction

This handbook represents a good faith effort to present

you, in writing, the policies, expectations, and procedures for faculty members at Colonial Middle School. Additions and amendments may be given to you during the school year when change is deemed necessary. The administration assumes that each faculty member will follow the guidelines outlined in this handbook. Please keep your handbook and refer to it throughout the year.

Faculty Handbook

2019-2020

Principal: Dione Curry

Assistant Principal: Joshua DixonAssistant Principal: Carolyn Brown

Colonial Middle School1370 Colonial RoadMemphis, TN 38117

Phone (901) 416-8980Fax (901) 416-8996

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SCS Board Policy May Be Accessed from SCS WebsiteSCS Board Policies, which are published by the Board of Education, are available online for teachers to read.

(Updated 7-25-19)

SCS Mission

Preparing all students for success in learning, leadership and life.

SCS Vision Statement

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Goals have been established to ensure that, by the year 2025, 80% of Shelby County Schools students are career and college ready, 90% of

students graduate from high school and 100% of students who graduate will enroll in a post-secondary learning opportunity.

Colonial’s MissionThe Mission of Colonial Middle School is to create high levels of learning as the norm at each grade level through a creative and

performing arts curriculum, which emphasizes good citizenship, collaboration, and results in a safe learning community.

Colonial’s VisionColonial Middle School provides an environment of cultural and creative diversity. All students, as lifelong learners, are challenged to develop the skills necessary to reach higher academic levels and to become productive citizens.

Colonial’s BeliefsTo achieve our mission and implement the district policies, the faculty and staff of Colonial Middle School believe:

1. All students can learn and will achieve academic success with highly qualified, educated, and caring educators and administrators.

2. Instructional planning must be data driven, realistic, aligned with the district and state standards, and continuously evaluated to ensure student learning and achievement.

3. Instructional strategies must be researched-based and varied to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

4. Instructional time must be maximized to produce high-quality student work and promote student-centered learning.

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5. Assessment and evaluation techniques must be varied, research-based, and continually evaluated to support instructional modifications and promote individual student progress.

6. Character education programs should involve all stakeholders and be student-centered, promote academic achievement, and foster positive social interactions.

7. Effective decision-making and community collaboration are integral components of a successful school.

8.  Effective communication for policy implementation is essential in keeping all stakeholders informed of school and/or district expectations, fostering a positive, physically safe, and respectful school climate/culture.

9. Technology integration at all grade levels and in all subject areas must address district and state standards/goals, which will lead to increased student achievement.

10.Student involvement and participation in the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) curriculum fosters student goal setting, teamwork, and high expectations, while preparing students for local, national, and international competitions.

11.Student involvement and participation in athletics enhances their overall social interaction skills, develops their physical fitness regime, promotes sportsmanship, fosters a “team atmosphere,” and involves students in various athletic competitions. 

Faculty Information and ExpectationsContact Information, Attendance, Reporting Times and Employee Work Day

Accurate information on all staff is essential. Every person employed at Colonial Middle must keep current personal information on file in the main office at all times. Please complete the faculty information sheet and turn it in to the financial secretary. Please notify an administrator or financial secretary throughout the school year of any changes.

Each faculty member should report to work every day, on time. Upon arrival, faculty must sign in, using RAPTOR, and be at his/her classroom door by 8:00 a.m. to supervise students in the halls and students entering the classrooms. Each teacher is required to stand in the doorway and/or greet students from 8:00 a.m. until 8:10 a.m. daily, as well as during EVERY transition.

All absences, full or any part of the day, must be reported, electronically, using___________. In addition, each faculty member must contact an administrator via phone call to make sure the office is

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aware of the absence. If you know you are going to be out more than one day, call in the full absence. Moreover, please notify Principal Curry (Cell-901-848-7469) and the appropriate grade administrator anytime you are going to be absent. If you fail to follow the aforementioned procedures, your absence(s) will be coded (12) for payroll purposes.

All teachers must secure their own substitutes. Please do not ask the office staff to secure a substitute for you.

Support teachers should secure a substitute when absent. Personal Leave must be pre-approved by the principal before the absence. When unexpected absent from work, a report of absence form must be filed the next day with the

financial secretary. o Please do not sign any other teacher in for the day. o If you know you are going to be late, please call a school administrator. o Any teacher not reporting for work by 8:15 a.m. will be coded (12), if the office has not been

notified of the expected tardiness. The school day, for teachers, ends at 3:30 p.m.

Each Teacher is required to remain on their assigned post until 3:30pm. When teachers need to leave before 3:15 p.m., they must submit a written request to the principal, it

must be recorded in Smart-find, and must sign out prior to leaving.

Dismissal from School All teachers will walk students to a designated area outside of the building and remain with the

students until 3:30 p.m. Students staying for aftercare and after school activities will be dismissed to the cafeteria prior to dismissal. Only the office can dismiss students from school. This policy MUST be strictly enforced. No release of a student to any person should be granted until the request is checked for validity and approval comes from the office.

Faculty AbsenceAn excellent substitute teacher is never as effective as the regular teacher; therefore, the ideal situation would be for all teachers to be at school every day. We urge you to schedule all appointments outside the school day whenever possible. We know; however, that emergencies arise and that there are times when a substitute is necessary. We want teachers to feel comfortable in taking a sick day or personal day when it is needed.

Progressive Steps of Employee Discipline will be followed to address excessive tardies/absences. (See Chart at the end of the section for Progressive Steps).

Substitute FoldersIf you know, in advance, that you will be absent, make sure to leave lesson plans, and activities for the substitute teacher. Additionally, each teacher should complete an Emergency Lesson Plan Folder.

The folder should be placed in the upper right hand corner of your desk. Folders should be prepared with at least five (5) days of plans (you may choose to include more

days of work). When and if you are absent, and/or the substitute teacher is unable to decipher or find your plans,

then your emergency sub folder will be used. When you return, you must replace the used material within 3 days. If you are out for more than five (5) days, it is your responsibility to send more assignments for

your class.

Note: An administrator will check your folder at the beginning of the school year and may ask to see your folder at any time.

The following components should make up the Emergency Lesson Plan Folder:

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1) seating chart, 2) a schedule which includes lunch, restroom breaks, support classes, etc.,3) activities for the day /plans; books/ pages, activity sheet/workbook, etc.,4) dismissal-who leaves, and 5) classroom procedures/rules (ex. – how and when do they go to restroom, go to the office, go to support classes, etc.).

Faculty MeetingsPlease reserve Wednesdays for faculty meetings.

Faculty meetings will be held weekly. All faculty members are to be present and on time. Please make arrangements to attend. The majority of faculty meetings will be professional growth activities. If you cannot attend a faculty meeting, give your reason in writing to the Principal.

Professional DevelopmentIn an effort to provide students with high-quality, engaging lessons, all teachers are expected to participate in various professional development activities.

Professional Conduct and ResponsibilityTeachers must be aware of and avoid situations that may put them in positions of risk or liability. Statistics show that 90% of classroom safety/negligence/liability problems occur when the teacher is out of the classroom.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ROOM WHEN THE STUDENTS ARE PRESENT FOR ANY REASON. If an emergency should arise that requires you to leave the room, you must ask a colleague to stand

in the hall and watch both classes until you return. Never leave a student in charge of your classroom when you are out. Any teacher who chooses to leave his/her class unattended will be subject to disciplinary

actions. You should not leave your room to bring a discipline issue to the office. Buzz the office for an administrator and a member of the administrative team will come in timely

manner to address the situation. If it is necessary for you to leave campus, you need to get permission from the principal. A sign-out

sheet will be available in the main office.

TEM ObservationThe TEM Observation of Practice measure makes up 40% of a teacher’s overall TEM Score dependent on whether a teacher has student perception data. Classroom teachers and other educators are assigned tracks based on their previous year’s TOPs data. GeneralEducation tracks are assigned as follows:NOVICE TRACKEducators who are new to Shelby County Schools or educators with no prior year TEM Level of Effectiveness score

Number of Observationso Announced Observation #1o Unannounced Observation #1o Unannounced Observation #2o Unannounced Observation #3

FOCUS TRACK

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Educators who are assigned an Instructional Coaching Conversations (ICC) having received either an overall average of Level 1 or 2 the previous school year in observation of practice, portfolio, student survey (TRIPOD), and/or TEM Level of Effectiveness score.

Number of Observationso Announced Observation #1o Unannounced Observation #1o Unannounced Observation #2

PROFICENT TRACKEducators who received a TEM Level of Effectiveness score of 3 or higher will receive two observations – one announced and one unannounced.

Number of Observationso Announced Observation #1o Unannounced Observation #1

Educators using alternate rubrics (School Counselors, Librarians, Instructional Coaches, Social Workers and School Psychologists) are placed on tracks using the same criteria as General Education teachers.

An educator who has received a promotion for the school year will be assigned to the appropriate New Hire track if new to their position. Example: A classroom teacher promoted to a position of a PLC Coach will be placed on the Instructional Coach Novice track

Certificate ChangesIt is the teacher’s responsibility to see that changes on the teaching certificate are made by the State Department to reflect increased training or extended expiration date. Any teacher who is expecting a salary increase due to additional training should contact Human Resources immediately.

Certification MaintenanceEach teacher MUST have a current professional license on file. It is up to each individual to keep his/her professional certificate current. When new certificates are issued, make copies of everything for the school and yourself. Send the Superintendent’s copy to the Board of Education.

Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)All teachers are encouraged to attend PTSA meetings and other school sponsored programs. If for some reason you are unable to attend, you should let the principal know in writing.

Faculty DressAll teachers should dress professionally at school and at all school-related activities.

Please do not wear jeans except on designated days. Out of uniform days for students must be approved by the Principal. On out of uniform days, teachers may wear jeans.

Name BadgesSCS name badges must be worn at all times by all Colonial faculty & staff members. This is a board policy.

Outside doors will be kept locked at all times during the day. Teachers can scan in by using ID badges. Additionally, all visitors must receive a visitor’s badge from the main office.

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If you see anyone in the building without a visitor’s badge, please ask him/ her to report to the main office.

If your SCS badge is lost or stolen, you must visit SCSs security office to secure a new badge.

Safety, Discretion, and LiabilityThe first and most important concern must be the student’s safety and well-being. We do the right thing because it is the right thing, not because we want to avoid a lawsuit.

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, PROP OUTSIDE DOORS OPEN. If found in violation, you will be subject to immediate disciplinary procedures.

Ninety percent of all classroom safety/negligence/liability problems occur when the teacher is out of the room. Do not leave your room when students are present. Never leave even one student in the room alone.

Never refer students to the office if the incident occurred while you were out of the room. First offense will result in a verbal warning, second offense will result in a written/ oral reprimand, and third offense will result in a referral to Labor Relations for disciplinary action.

Staff Injury- According to Policy #4014, any physical injury requires that you file an injury report immediately. An employee must give notice of the accident to his immediate supervisor on the day the accident occurs unless the employee is prevented by disability from the accident from giving such notice. In the event the immediate supervisor cannot be contacted, the employee shall provide notice to the next supervisory level followed by the office responsible for risk management. The immediate supervisor is responsible for completing the Employee Accident Report and submitting the report to the office responsible for risk management the same day of the incident. Do not wait until the next day.

Student Injury- All student accidents and injuries must be reported to grade administrators, on the same day of the incident. An Accident or Injury Report must be completed by the teacher, or staff who witnessed the incident. The grade level administrator will notify the parent, and make sure the completed Accident or Injury Report is submitted to Risk Management the same day of the incident. Do not wait until the next day.

. Media If a media person asks you or one of your students’ questions, please refer them to the Principal. Do not engage with the media in any manner.

SCS Disciplinary Offenses and Penalties(For assistance determining the appropriate category for an offense,

Supervisors should contact the Department of Labor and Employee Relations.)Category A – Major Infractions (Automatic Referral to LR) Counseling

Oral Reprimand

Written Reprimand

1-3 Day Suspension

5-10 Day Suspension Termination

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Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor that involves theft of property, alcohol/drug use, assault

(including domestic violence against another district employee).

•

Unlawful possession, sale, or evidence of use of

drugs/narcotics/alcohol on district property or at a school-sponsored

activity

•

Unauthorized possession of a firearm on district property or at a

school sponsored activity.•

Any indication of child abuse or neglect of a child by the

Department of Children Services.•

Physical or verbal intimidation, Bullying, Cyber- Bulling, or

threats to others.• •

Physical violence or threatening bodily harm to others including

transmitting by an electronic device any communication

containing a credible threat to cause bodily injury or death to

others and the transmission of such threat creates actual disruption in

the work environment.

• •

Sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious harassment/discrimination. • •

Absences in excess of three workdays without

authorization/Job Abandonment.•

Falsification of records or any unauthorized use of district

records.• •

Willfully or recklessly damaging of district property. • •

Engaging in inappropriate communication with a student via telephone, email, text messages,

social networking websites or other electronic communication.

• •

Leaving students unattended which results in injury. • •

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Violation of corporal punishment. • • • •

Misappropriation of funds. • •

NOTE: For Category A Offenses: 5-10 Day Suspension – TerminationSCS Disciplinary Offenses and Penalties

(For assistance determining the appropriate category for an offense, Supervisors should contact the Department of Labor and Employee Relations.)

Category B – This category generally includes

acts of misconduct or a more serious nature that

significantly impacts the operation of the district. : For repeated offenses, increasing

progressive disciplinary measures are applicable. Counseling

Oral Reprimand

Written Reprimand

1-3 Day Suspension

5-10 Day Suspension Termination

Habitual and/or excessive tardiness/absenteeism • •

Intentional disturbance of the work environment. • •

Leaving work without permission. • •

Altercation (verbal or physical) with a student/colleague. • •

Leaving Students unattended. • •

Disrespectful conduct; use of profanity, or making

slanderous, defamatory, disparaging comments.

• •

Sleeping on the job. • •

Unauthorized fundraiser. • •Unsatisfactory Job

Performance • •

NOTE: For Category B Offenses: 1-3 Day Suspension - Termination

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Category C – This category of infractions have a relatively minor impact on the district’s

business operations, but requires management

intervention. Supervisors should follow the progressive

discipline continuum. For repeated offenses, increasing

progressive disciplinary measures are applicable. Counseling

Oral Reprimand

Written Reprimand

1-3 Day Suspension

5-10 Day Suspension Termination

Poor attendance including tardiness and absences. • • •

Use of profanity or obscene language. • • •

Unprofessional or Discourteous conduct with coworkers,

students, and parents.• • •

Failure to follow supervisor’s directions or to comply with board policy/insubordination.

• • •

Violation of a board policy/work rules or standards. • • •

Poor job performance, failure to complete assignments. • • •

Note: For Category C Offenses: Documented Oral Reprimand to Written Reprimand

Instructional Materials, Instructional Expectations, Student Attendance, and Grading Procedures

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Content PLCs and Collaborative PlanningContent PLCs and Collaborative Planning sessions are held WEEKLY, to discuss unit plans and other instructional issues. During each grade level PLC, SCS curriculum, TNReady objectives and the next week’s lesson plans should be discussed. This is a good time to share strategies that have been effective with your students. Professional literature should also be discussed. You may also use this time to plan for the semester. Each grade level/ team PLC should include a time for sharing.

Instructional MaterialsColonial Middle School is committed to supplying a wide variety of classroom materials to assist teachers in implementing curriculum. You have not because you ask not. Teachers should organize materials and develop a system to frequently inventory them, safeguarding their use and care. Calculators and computers should be closely inventoried and monitored at all times.

CopiersYou are responsible for maintaining your number of copies. All copies made on your number are your responsibility. If you exceed your copy limit, you need to look at the instructional value of the materials you are copying. Paper will be purchased out of instructional funds (pooled money) and the financial secretary will maintain the copier.

LibraryThe Library Information Specialist will help you with materials and equipment when students are not under their supervision. Make arrangements in advance for use of equipment. All materials checked out by employees through the library must be returned. If library items are lost or damaged, they must be replaced at the employee’s expense.

Computer Labs/Computer CartsAny teacher at Colonial may make arrangements to use the computer lab after they have completed a course about proper use. If you check out a computer cart, it is your responsibility to make sure it is returned unharmed and complete. The technology coordinator will schedule the use of all technology lab and provide training sessions on how to effectively utilize it.

Showing Movies (If it is not an integral component of the lesson, DON’T DO IT!) Showing movies requires administrative approval, and should be done judiciously and sparingly.

Do not show a movie merely to entertain, to fill up time, or to give a break when everyone is tired.

Any movie you use should be pertinent to the subject material of your class, and should only been shown in short segments.

To be effective, a movie should be used in conjunction with a class discussion or perhaps study questions and it should be included in your lesson plan.

Do not allow students to talk, sleep, or do homework during a movie.

Classroom Environment Your classroom should always remain neat, clean, orderly, and literacy rich. Moreover, it should be student centered, with quality student work on display.

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Bulletin boards should be a contributing part of the learning atmosphere. One of them should serve as a word wall; another should display student work; and the last one

should be an information board, including rules, procedures, the school mission/vision statements, and the district mission.

This board should also include the Safety Plan, the Evacuation Plan, and a copy of your syllabus. Take the last few minutes of each day to have students clean their area of the classroom and make

sure desks are straight and in order. Make sure desks are not backed up against the walls. If you find a need to store materials that can be seen, you must be creative in how you store them. If you did not use items during the last school year, you should pack them and take them home. During instruction time, classroom doors should remain unlocked. Windows, imbedded in the classroom door, should remain clear of paper or any obstruction.

Wall Displays (Student Work)All teachers must display student work. Your displays should reflect quality student work.

All teachers are responsible for keeping current unit related quality work on display. The administrative team will review wall displays. The work of every student should be posted at least one time during the year. When displaying student work, you must post a rubric and a standard with the work. Only post quality work (no ditto sheets).

All Displays should: State a clear project description State related learning objective State a reason for the project State how the quality of a project will be determined (Ex: rubric) Never contain scores or comments Always mounted on construction paper Always student work Never commercially produced materials (No ditto sheets) Always reflect the students’ best efforts.

Remember Quality work refers to the QUALITY OF ASSIGNMENTS and the quality of the student work.

Workbooks Remember workbooks should be used for review and reinforcement. Workbook pages should never be hung for display in your classroom.

White Board ProtocolTo insure consistency and provide structure, teachers are to post the following on the extreme left side of the white board, in this exact order:

Bell-work Lesson Title Learning Objective Current Assignment Literacy & Numeracy Connection, Homework. To the extreme right side of the white board, in this exact order: Date, Teacher Name, Phone Number,

E-Mail, Prep Hour, and After School Hours.

SyllabusGood planning encourages us to put our teaching goals in writing. Writing fabulous plans does not guarantee successful days. However, we cannot be effective on an ongoing basis if we do not have a goal, a specific destination, and a time frame.

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Remember it is the responsibility of the teacher to teach until all students have attained academic success. All teachers must completely cover the SCS curriculum guides. In the event of your absence, planned activities should be specific enough for another person (substitute) to read and execute. Planned activities are not set in stone and can be modified for enrichment and/or remediation. As a professional, you certainly have the prerogative to deviate from your original plans. Remember to plan for the entire day. Every minute needs to be used for work. It is always better to have too much material planned. Remember to Differentiate. All students are not at the same level. Weekly curriculum audits will be documented!

Lesson PlansPlans are due by 10:00 Friday mornings. Your copy of the lesson plan, using the TEM 4.0 model, should be available for walkthrough inspection at any time. Information and a template can be found near the back of this document.

Evaluate your weekly planned activities by answering the following questions: Could a substitute or an administrator understand and follow your plans? If teachers’ guides are

not on your desk, have you indicated where they are? If worksheets are not with your plan book, have you indicated where they are?

Could an observing administrator identify the core unit of study? Do your planned activities indicate that carefully sequenced lessons have been planned for? Are you covering SCS curriculum and TCAP objectives only? Is your pacing with the SCS curriculum guide? Do your planned activities show re-teaching strategies and grouping of students? Do your planned activities show that you vary instructional strategies? Do your planned activities show many hands-on activities for the students? Do your planned activities show that you incorporate technology? (Classroom or Media Center) Do your planned activities show all components of a balanced literacy program

Minimum Expectations Grades 6-8 all lessons must be based on a TNReady objective. The TNReady objective must be listed on the Whiteboard. Literacy must show all components of Balanced Literacy Program List of re-teaching strategies and grouping for non-mastery on TNReady objectives

TestingDivide materials into manageable chunks for tests. If a chapter is long, divide it into manageable parts. Your students should have a clear idea of what material will be covered on a test. You don’t want to teach the test or read the test to the students, of course; but it is a good idea to give study sheets and to plan for a review.

You want your tests to be more than occasions for students to parrot information they have memorized. Matching, multiple choice, and true-false questions are easy to grade but rarely ask students to practice higher order thinking skills. Try to devise questions that will require students to synthesize information and draw conclusions. Ideally, tests will always include some opportunity for students to write in paragraph form.

Students need the opportunity to see their tests. It is a learning experience to go over the test and correct the wrong answers. All graded unit tests should be kept in the portfolio. All tests need to be returned to the students punctually.

Trips/Field Trips Field trips are planned experiences that provide students with insight, information, and knowledge that constitute an extension of the regular classroom instruction. Each field trip shall be supervised by school personnel at a minimum of one adult for every twenty students, so that good discipline is maintained.

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There are cases where the classroom teacher may advise greater supervision. Signed parental permission forms with emergency contact names and numbers must be obtained for each student.

Everyone must take part in grade level field trips. Field trips should relate to the instructional program of a given grade level. Field trips should be offered to all students of the same grade level. All classes are limited to two field trips each semester. When you plan a field trip, please adhere to the following:

Give field trip request form, parental permission slips, and other pertinent documents to the principal for approval prior to disseminating the information to parents.

Once trip is approved by the principal make the necessary arrangements with the place to be visited. Make sure to determine the price per pupil.

Arrange for transportation with a SCS Board approved vendor. Also make sure to determine the price per pupil. Complete a Field Trip Information Sheet and turn it in to the financial secretary.

Get permission slips signed and in your possession for each student. No student will go on a trip with verbal permission, the day of the trip. (No money will be received

the day of the trip.) Collect all monies and send to the office daily. It is a good idea to only collect money from

students who have turned in a permission slip. Notify cafeteria manager 10 days in advance of lunch plans. Make sure in the note to parents to include a statement that refunds cannot be made from bus

money and/or entrance fee should seating be reserved. A check should be received from the financial secretary at least one day before the trip. The

money collected should be equal to or greater than the amount of the check. If enough money is not collected to cover the trip and the bus expense, NO CHECK will be issued.

If you do not receive a check at least 1 day before you trip, you are taking a chance of not getting a check if the check signer is absent.

Out of Town TripsRefer to the SCS policy for out of town trips /foreign travel.

Teachers’ use of TechnologyTeachers will communicate daily through email, utilize the electronic grade book (Power Teacher), use Power Point as a teaching tool, and use internet sites to reinforce concepts.

Parent Communication FoldersEach team will send home newsletters and/or other school information in the communication folder every Wednesday .

Parents must sign and return folders to school each week by Friday. If the folder is not returned to school on Friday, the teacher must contact the parent and communicate

with the parent about the contents of the folder. Students who don’t return communication folders may be assigned to detention. Teacher newsletters should contain current items of study, homework for the designated period of

time, test dates, study materials, thank you notes/letters to parents, awards, and classroom needs. Be sure to proof written correspondence. It is always a good idea to have another teacher proof any notes that are sent home. Please be aware of your verbal communication with students and parents. We should model qualities of a good speaker. Every teacher will be responsible for ensuring that all students bring an agenda book to class each

day. Please allow time at the end of class for students to write down homework assignments.

Monthly Newsletter/CalendarThe office will send home a monthly newsletter and calendar on the last Wednesday of each month.

All events must be placed on this calendar. Team Leaders are responsible for reporting all grade level events including field trips to the principal/

assistant principal(s).

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Support teachers are responsible for reporting information related to their classes. All teachers are to report special classroom events. All field activities must be approved by the principal and planned a month in advance prior to being

written on the calendar.

AnnouncementsIn order to keep interruptions to minimum, announcements will be made, on a limited basis, during homeroom, during lunch, and during the last period of the day. If you have information that needs to be announced, please submit this information via the announcement form. Announcements should be submitted at least one hour before announcements are made. Morning announcements will need to be submitted before the announcements are to be made. Please train your students to remain quiet, and listen closely while announcements are being done.

MailboxesEach teacher is provided with a mailbox in the main office. Any mail that comes to the school for you, as well as faculty memos and announcements, will be placed there. You should check your mailbox at least twice every day. It is strongly recommended that you check your mailbox each morning and clean it out every afternoon. Never send students to your mailbox, nor should you ask office staff to send the contents of your box with a student. You should be the only person to check your mailbox because confidential papers are put there frequently. You must get administrative approval before placing items in the mailboxes of other faculty members.

EmailEach teacher is provided with an email address. Faculty memos and announcements will be sent electronically as needed. Please check your email at least twice every day (each morning and each afternoon).

Teacher Work RoomThis area is for all teachers. Please be considerate and make sure to clean up after yourselves.

Students are, absolutely, not allowed in the workroom. Do not send students to the workroom to get something for you.

ParkingDo not park in the main driveway, in the back, or in front of the building. Teachers may park in the designated parking area, on the north side of the building. Please park carefully and be especially aware of students who are walking on the lot. The staff is responsible for supervising student behavior on the parking lot.

Phone UsePhones in the classroom are for communication with the office and parents only. Personal phone calls should not be made when students are present. A communication log must be kept to document phone calls to parents. Students should not be allowed to use the phone without your supervision. When necessary, a report can be generated by the phone system. Cell phones should be kept on silent during school hours.

Maintenance Please report all items that need repair to the Plant Manager. Request for technology repairs should be reported to the Media Specialist. The custodial staff consists of one Plant Manager, whose hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Additionally, there is an evening crew that will clean the building beyond 4:00 p.m.Student Attendance **Please encourage students to attend school daily.

Funds are based on Average Daily Attendance. Do not tell students to stay at home when school is open.

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All teachers are responsible for taking daily attendance within the first ten (10) minutes of each period. Absentee information, including the absentee form, doctors’ notes, and any written notes from parents, must be submitted to the attendance secretary by 9:00 a.m. This is IMPERATIVE!

Tennessee State law requires that all students between the ages of six (6) and seventeen (17) attend school. Regular and punctual attendance is imperative if students are to achieve their maximum potential. Higher academic achievement occurs when students attend classes regularly. Pupil absences shall be excused for the following reasons only:

Personal illness Death or serious illness in the immediate family Validated court appearance of the pupil Recognized religious holiday /event Any other unusual cause acceptable to the principal including school sponsored activities.

Regular and punctual attendance is the responsibility of students and their parents.

Accurate recording of attendance is the responsibility of the office staff and teachers. School Board Policy now requires that a meeting be held if excessive absences are occurring. It also indicates the consequences for unexcused tardies. Consequences range from a Pending Home Suspension to a Board Suspension. Students cannot learn if they do not attend school. If you (teacher) are absent, it is your responsibility to enter student attendance upon your return.

STEPS FOR THE STUDENT TO FOLLOW WHEN ABSENT Parent or guardian must write an excuse indicating the date, days of absence, reason for

absence, and include his or her signature. Submit the excuse to the homeroom teacher. Ask for make-up assignments. Assignments that are not made up could be reflected in academic

grades.

EXCUSED ABSENCESStudents shall be permitted the opportunity to make up all work and tests missed as a result of an absence. Work and tests must be made up by the end of the following reporting period. If a pupil fails to make up the work and tests, their deficiencies shall be averaged with the other grades.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCESUnexcused absences will be treated as truancy. Excessive absences will result in a parent conference and referral to the SART team for intervention.

TARDIESStudents reporting to school after 8:15 a.m. are marked tardy must report to the main office. Excessive tardies will result in a parent conference and referral to the SART team for intervention.

Grades and Reporting Student ProgressTeachers will formally report student progress to parents at the midpoint and end of each nine-week period via progress reports, deficiency notices, and report cards. A minimum of 18 grades should be taken, and labeled clearly in your grade book, for all classes. Work that is recorded in your grade book

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should be kept on file for documentation purposes—make sure grades are clearly labeled. The administration will not back you on a grade without proper documentation. Grades should be based on a variety of different assessments. It is the teacher’s responsibility to find a way to make each student successful. All students, regardless of their ability, should have success during the school day. Each student should be given the majority of their work on their performance level.

PowerschoolStudent progress should be reported and updated weekly through Power Teacher.

A MINIMUM OF TWO GRADED ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE RECORDED IN POWERSCHOOL WEEKLY.

CRITERIA FOR GRADINGThe assessment of student academic achievement to determine a grade must be documented. The grading criteria shall include documentation of all of the following:

10% Homework 20% Class Participation (does not refer to student conduct) 20% Class-work/Daily work (includes projects, reports, presentations, practice assignments) 50% Assessments - Assessments can include:

- Test scores - Quizzes - Portfolios of student work - Interdisciplinary Projects - Performances - Exhibitions - Demonstrations

A = 100 – 93 ExcellentB = 92 – 85 GoodC = 84 – 75 SatisfactoryD = 74 – 70 Poor but passing- interventions requiredF = below 70 Failure to meet expectations, interventions required

*Lowest score recorded 63

If a student has scored below a 75 and the parent, grade appropriate counselor, and the (CAPA) coordinator has not been notified, the teacher will be held accountable.

Conduct GradesEach teacher will keep a discipline folder, which follows the School’s Discipline Plan.

Each grade level will use a set system for conduct grades. No “N” or “U” can be given in conduct if there has been no parent contact. There should be consistency in how conduct grades are given. This should not just be based on the teacher’s feeling when it is time to give grades. Please refer to the grading rubric to determine the conduct grades. E = 1 S= 2 N= 3 U= 4

If a student has an N or U in conduct and the parent, grade appropriate administrator, and the (CAPA) coordinator has not been notified, the teacher will be held accountable.

Progress reports Progress reports are sent to parents at the mid-point of each nine-week period.

Teachers will input grade averages for the progress report. Parents are required to sign the report and return it to the school. If no response is received from the parent within three days of the report going home, then the

homeroom teacher is responsible for contacting the parent.

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Teachers may not give a failing grade without having made at least 2 phone contacts and issuing a deficiency notice to the parent.

Teachers must also submit a written intervention record for any failing student showing all interventions that were used to assist the student.

Teachers may not give a C or below for optional students without having made at least 2 phone contacts and issuing a progress report to the parent.

The process must be repeated each nine weeks. Nothing on a report card should be a shock to parents. Each teacher will keep a record of all students who are having difficulty and the parent contact

made to correct deficiency on the Parent Contact Logs. All comments that are sent home to parents should be phrased in a positive manner to foster the

support of parents and students.

Report Cards Record cards will be issued according to district calendar each at the end of each nine-week period.

Report Cards must be signed by parents and returned to the homeroom teacher. If no response is received from the parent within three days of the report card going home, then

the homeroom teacher is responsible for contacting the parent. If the report card has been lost, then a new one must be provided and parents should report to

the school to review it and sign.

Parent-Teacher ConferencesParent-Teacher Conferences may be held at any time at either the teacher’s or the parent’s request.

They may be conducted in person, or by telephone. The professional school counselors will be happy to assist in arranging parent-teacher

conferences. Every effort should be made to make parents feel welcomed at the school. A record must be kept of parent-teacher conferences and decisions that are made in the

conferences. Conference report forms should be kept on file and may be requested at any time.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF STUDENTSTo be considered for promotion to the next grade, students must demonstrate a minimum level of achievement as determined by teacher-administered assessments of classroom performance with a D (70%) or better average in the following areas:

Language Arts Mathematics

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Science Social Studies Additionally, students in grade 8 must complete a capstone experience to be considered for

promotion. ANY STUDENT IN DANGER OF FAILURE/RETENTION MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY THE

SECOND PROGRESS REPORT PERIOD IN EACH SEMESTER AND REPORTED TO THE ASSIGNED GUIDANCE COUNSELOR AND GRADE LEVEL ADMINISTRATOR.

A TEACHER CREATED INTERVENTION PLAN MUST BE IN PLACE FOR ALL STUDENTS IN DANGER OF FAILURE/RETENTION.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A TEACHER CREATE AN ASSIGNMENT THAT MAY LEAD TO STUDENT FAILURE WITHOUT AMPLE TIME FOR THE STUDENT TO RECOVER FROM THAT ASSIGNMENT.

ASSIGNING MULTIPLE PART PROJECTS IN THE FINAL QUARTER WHERE EACH PART IS WORTH A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF POINTS SUCH THAT MISSING A PART MAY LEAD TO STUDENT FAILURES ARE HIGNLY DISCOURAGED. THESE GRADES ARE NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MAJORITY OF THE WORK THAT THE STUDENT HAS DONE DURING THE COURSE OF THE YEAR AND ARE THEREFORE UNFAIR TO STUDENTS.

HomeworkHomework is defined as meaningful and quality work assignment to students that is intended to be completed during non-instructional hours. Homework helps students to develop self-discipline and a feeling of self-satisfaction and accomplishment. The total amount of homework assigned will depend upon the grade level of the student. The amount of homework normally increases as the student progresses through school. During a typical week, the total time for completion of homework assignments should not exceed: Grades 6-8: ninety (90) minutes. Homework does not have to be a written assignment and does not have to be scored.

Parent Contact LogA parent contact log protects you and the school from liability. *Document all conversations about student grades and behavior. Students’ assignments and tests that have a major influence on the report card grade should be shared with the parents on a regular basis.

Special EducationThe Student Support Team (SST) is responsible for addressing the needs of all students, especially those who experience academic difficulties in the regular classroom. The SST members include an administrator, a parent of the child, school counselor, special education teacher, school psychologist, or speech therapist, at least one teacher of the child, and one additional support staff member (P.E. teacher, foreign language, etc.) The student academic support team and student referral process is under the responsibility of the special education chairperson, while the school counselor serves as co-chairperson. The School Psychologist is also in regular attendance at the SST meetings. Regular Education Teachers are encouraged to observe the student for a minimum of at least one grading period. During this critical period, classroom observations, work

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samples, and classroom interventions are taking place. Parents are also informed of the academic problems. Under extreme circumstances, regular education teachers are advised to contact the special education chairperson immediately.

The following steps are closely adhered to:

1. Student is referred to SST as possibly needing special education services. Teachers submit findings (observation, anecdotal records, work samples, etc.)

2. Parents are invited to SST meeting to be further informed of the academic problems that are being experienced by his/her student.

3. Parents sign permission to screen.4. School counselor conducts preliminary screening.5. Parent attends 2nd meeting. Results of screening are shared with the SST team. Team confers and

decides if there is a need for further testing.6. If yes, parent signs permission to evaluation form. A comprehensive psychological is conducted. The

school psychologist and other members of the Mental Health Team are responsible for the evaluation.If no, student will return to Regular Education class with no special education services. Students will remain under close guidance by the SST team.

7. Once a comprehensive psychological is completed, an IEP, eligibility meeting is scheduled. Team members will decide, based on information obtained with the psychological, whether or not the student has a disability, and, if the disability warrants a need for special education services.

8. If the student has a disability, an IEP will be developed and the student will be educated in his Least Restricted Environment (LRE).

9. Make sure to provide all interventions included in a student’s 504, or IEP.

If you teach a student with an IEP, it is your responsibility to read and follow the IEP accommodations. You should read the IEP the first week of school and sign that you have reviewed the IEP. IEPs are located in Room A132.

STUDENT RECORDSParents may file a request to view records at any time. Please make certain all of your records are accurate. All records and other official paperwork should be done in blue ink. All teachers are responsible for updating the permanent records, ensuring the records contain all appropriate information. All information in student records is confidential. Teachers must sign records out if they are leaving the main office to view them. Records may never be taken off campus. Students must never handle records. Teachers must deal with record keeping in a very responsible manner. Confidentiality of Student Records

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All information in the student record is private and should only be viewed by the classroom teacher. Teacher assistants should not handle student records. Information in student records should never be discussed where others might hear. Student records are never to leave the school, nor should records be kept in the classroom.

Counseling Services The guidance counselors do an outstanding job of providing counseling services for our students. The services available include but are not limited to:

1. Individual and group counseling for students/parents2. Liaison with Student Services and screening of referrals3. Organization of the Peer Assistance Program/ Peer Mediation4. Coordination of the honors program for each grade level each grading period5. PBIS/Interventions

If you have a student referral for counselor, please submit a guidance referral form to appropriate grade level counselor. Please do not send students to the counselors’ offices without contacting the counselor first.

Visitors Parents and other visitors are welcome to visit our school. All visitors must report to the office, and must be cleared through the Raptor Security Clearance System. This requirement includes teacher family

members and personal associates. Upon clearance, visitors must wear a visitor’s badge or nametagissued by the main office. Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only withapproval of the principal and teacher. Such visits are not permitted if their duration or frequency interfereswith the delivery of instruction or disrupts the normal school environment. Visits should be prearrangedwith the teacher.Parents and parent designees, who come to school to sign students out and remove them from school, must report to the main office. Students will not be released to parents from the classroom, only from the main office. Parent conferences should be scheduled in advance and held at convenient times. Only the student of whose parent(s) you are meeting with should be discussed during parent conferences. Volunteer forms must be completed and approved for parents and other visitors wishing to volunteer at the school.

Metal Detectors Colonial Middle School will run metal detectors a minimum of 11 times during the year. All staff will be assigned specific duties during these times. It is expected that all staff will be in their assigned positions by 8:00 a.m. whenever detectors are in use. On these occasions, all students must enter the campus through the main building at the front entrance. Students wishing to go to breakfast will pass through the front entrance first. Students must remain in homeroom until all students have completed the metal detector check.

Financial Procedures

It is imperative that regular accounting procedures be followed explicitly. Accounting is one of the most difficult tasks in a school as active as Colonial. We have an outstanding financial secretary that keeps us out of the news. Money for expenditures must be available prior to approval for that expenditure being granted.

Instructional FundsInstructional funds will be distributed per district policy and timeline.

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RequisitionsThe principal must approve all requisitions for supplies.

For all purchases, a requisition must be issued through APECS, and are subtracted from our instructional account.

ALL requests to spend school or activities funds must be approved by the principal prior to being spent.

DO NOT EXPECT A REFUND FOR MATERIALS BOUGHT WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PRINCIPAL.

Packing slips and invoices should be checked by the teacher, signed, and returned to the main office/ financial secretary.

All money collected from students must be receipted in the teacher receipt book. Receipt sheets and envelopes will be provided for selected activities. Blue money pouches are provided to each teacher collecting money.

Receipt books and money must be received in the Finance Office, the same day it is collected, by 10:30 AM. This deadline allows our financial secretary the time to count and deposit all money properly while handling all other financial duties such as check writing and payroll. This is a firm deadline. Teachers will be responsible for securing receipt books with money in them after 10:30 AM. Do not leave your receipt book and/or money unattended at any time. You are responsible for the money collected and missing from your pouch.

Students are never to be in possession of the blue pouches, envelopes holding money, or money that has been turned into the teacher for any reason. Students must be supervised by a teacher when using a cash box for concession or ticket sales.

All receipts should be written in duplicate and in numerical order. Give the white copy to the student. All money will be counted and a numbered, computer generated receipt will be attached to your last entry and placed in your mailbox. Do not under any circumstances pre-date receipts. If you make a mistake in the receipt book, please bring it to the attention of the financial secretary immediately. Always void the white copy and staple it into the receipt book over the corresponding duplicate.

Fill out an accounting refund slip if a student is entitled to a refund. These can be obtained from the Financial Secretary. A refund check will be issued to the student’s guardian/parent as soon as practically possible.

SCS now has official vendors that are listed in our accounting system. We can only write checks to approved vendors, so check with the list before you go shopping. Please see the Financial Secretary for approved vendors.

Check with the financial secretary concerning money for instructional materials. The administration will consider all requests beyond a teacher’s budget. If we can find a way to pay for it, we will.

CAUTION: Check with the Principal before you order anything, or purchase anything.

Faculty Meals (Cafeteria Breakfast/Lunch)Shelby County Schools will operate a cashless system in all Cafeterias.  If you wish to purchase food, you must have an online payment account.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS AND SCHOOL PROCEDURESThe mission of Colonial Middle School is to provide each student with experiences, activities, and forms of instruction that will cultivate and develop to the fullest possible extent the understanding, skills and habits of mind that are necessary to contribute to and benefit from citizenship in our society. We must have an academic environment, which is safe, secure, and conducive to learning. Good discipline is the foundation of a successful educational program. The Shelby County School code of conduct handbook will be used in administering disciplinary actions.

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Responsibility Outside of the ClassroomAll teachers are to help see that student order is maintained in all areas of our campus. Teachers are to correct all students. Teachers are to use their classroom management plan in all areas of the school. Students will be fully informed of the school rules and consequences by their teachers. Teachers will escort classes to the restroom, cafeteria, to support classes, and at dismissal. Please teach and enforce the following building expectations to students:

General Expectations Students will attend school daily and always be on time. Students will bring books and school supplies to class each day Students will refrain from bringing toys, large sums of money or other personal items, which could

cause disruption in the classroom. In the event a student brings something inappropriate to school, the teacher will hold the object until the parent comes in to pick it up.

Students will maintain proper conduct at all times. Students will not leave school at any time without permission from the office. Students are not to bring candy, gum, potato chips, or other junk food unless they are a part of a

regular sack lunch. All food must be eaten or discarded before leaving the cafeteria. NO EATING IN THE CLASSROOM!

Students reporting to school after 8:15AM will be marked tardy. Students will show school pride by obeying school rules and respecting the rights and property of others

Students/parents will be responsible for restitution if they damage or destroy school property. Students will refrain from aggressive behavior on school property.

Standards of Conduct Students shall not use obscene and/or abusive language. Students shall not participate in excessive talking and unnecessary noise in the classroom, the halls,

or the cafeteria. Students shall not play in the restrooms. Students shall maintain proper conduct on field trips. Students shall refrain from running in the halls. Students shall refrain from fighting or other acts of violence directed toward other students. Students shall refrain from all acts of thievery.

Hall Expectations (Hall is a quiet zone) Students will walk quietly and stay to the right side of the hall. Students will stay with the staff escort unless they have a hall pass. Students will keep hands and other objects to self. Students will go directly to their destination. Loitering in the hallway is not permitted. Classroom reward items (cookies, candy, etc.) are for use in the classroom only and should not be in

the halls, cafeteria, or support classes.

Cafeteria Expectations (Hall is a quiet zone)Teachers are expected to escort students to lunch; in addition to being on time picking students up from lunch.

All students in the school share the cafeteria. It is to be kept clean and at a comfortable noise level. Students are expected to obey the following rules:

Respect and obey the teacher assistants. Enter quietly and orderly.

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No talking in the lunch line. Sit at assigned tables. Engage in quiet conversations. Remain seated unless special permission has been granted. Practice good table manners. (Do not play with food) Keep eating area clean. Keep your hands, feet and other objects to yourself.

School Procedures

School Entry Procedures At 7:45am, students going to breakfast may enter the building. All other students will also enter

at 7:45am, but must line up near the gym. Inside the building, the center stairway will be used by 7 th and 8th grade students only, for walking

up to their classrooms.a. Eighth grade students use the right side of the stairway and veer to the left to go to

classrooms.b. Seventh grade students use the middle stairs and veer to the right to go to classrooms.c. Sixth grade students remain on the first floor, and veer to the right to go to lockers and

classrooms. During dismissal from the cafeteria (breakfast), only 7th and 8 th grade students will use the center

stairway to go to classrooms. Students must walk on the right side of the hallways and stairs. Students are expected to report

directly to the classroom without making any additional stops. There will be no students in teachers’ rooms prior to 8:00 AM.

School Arrival Procedures All students will enter through the front entrance. Students arriving at school before 7:45 AM must wait outside until 7:45 AM. We will allow

students in at 7:30 during inclement weather, as long as we can provide supervision at that time. Beginning at 7:45 AM, students must line up in the hallway, outside the gym. Students who eat breakfast will report to the cafeteria at 7:45 AM, and remain in the cafeteria until 8:00 AM.

All students arriving after 8:00 AM will enter through the front entrance and report immediately to Advisory.

Students reporting to school after 8:15 AM will be marked tardy. Students will pass classes upon notification of the bell and given direction from teachers. Students will walk on the right side of the hallway at all times to ease the flow of traffic. In the building, the center stairway will be used, by seventh, and eighth graders only, for walking

up to proceed to lockers and classrooms. In the building, the end stairways will be used for walking down to exit or proceeding down to the

first floor. Students will be escorted to and from the cafeteria at assigned lunch times. They will be

dismissed as teachers arrive in the cafeteria for pickup. Students will enter the auditorium using doors assigned to each grade level. Students will sit in

assigned sections with their classroom teacher in the auditorium. School Dismissal Procedures

We strongly discourage early dismissals after 2:30 pm. We strongly suggest that car riding students be picked up in front of the school. Students will not be allowed to wait –to be picked up- at the Colonial/Sea Isle corner, due to safety corncerns.

Students will be dismissed from school at 3:15 PM. The students will be dismissed in the following order: bus riders, after school care students/students staying afterschool for any activity, walkers and then car riders. They will be allowed to report to their locker to

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pick up any needed materials for home before 2:45 PM. No students should be at their locker after 2:50. Teachers will escort students to their designated area.

Upon dismissal at 3:15 PM, all students that walk home from school must leave the campus immediately.

Students remaining at school after 3:15 PM, who are not in an after-school activity, will be escorted to the cafeteria, where a parent or guardian must sign for their release.

The teacher responsible for the after-school activity will escort the students to the activity location from the cafeteria.

Students in afterschool activities will remain under the teacher’s supervision until they are released directly to a parent or guardian.

After 3:30 PM, students should not be on the school grounds without adult supervision.

*Students will be dismissed in the following order: Aftercare students/students in activities, bus riders, walkers, and car riders. Teachers will escort students out of the building. Eighth grade students will exit down the stairway at the end of their hallway, and out the exit door at

the bottom of the stairs... Once outside, eighth graders are expected to walk to Sea Isle (south) and exit

campus immediately. Seventh grade students will exit through the stairway on their hallway, and the exit door at the

bottom of the stairs. Once outside, seventh graders are expected to exit the campus immediately, on

that side of the building, alongside the Baseball Field, (west) toward Colonial Rd. Sixth grade students will exit out of the front door.

Once outside, sixth graders are expected to veer to the right (north) and exit the campus immediately, alongside the Baseball Field, (west) toward Colonial Rd.

Students will walk in an orderly manner. Students are to walk with the teacher to the designated areas. During days of inclement weather (rain) students should adhere to the “rainy day” policy. Once students leave the building, they may not re-enter without an adult.

After school activities-Check with the coach or sponsor to see where to meet. Please adhere to media coverage for early dismissal due to storms, snow, power outage, etc. (We

will follow board policies).

School Discipline Procedures

We believe that the dignity and respect for all our students should always be confirmed. We should respect our students’ personal circumstances and always affirm where our students come from. In keeping with this belief, we must think differently when disciplining our students. Our goal is to create a caring community and a responsive classroom. Think about the following points as you work to build a caring classroom community:

Know your students, know their resources and align this knowledge with your response to each student.

Have a clear vision of what you want to happen in your classroom; otherwise you’ll have chaos.

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Look within yourself – your classroom practices for solutions to consistent behavioral concerns. Classroom rules should be stated positively. Discipline should be proactive.

When we teach students pro-social behavior, about care of materials, safety, voice control, and appropriate ways to dispel anger, we need to model these behaviors ourselves. We must demonstrate the same respect and concern for the student that we show when we interact with adults, or when we teach new concepts to students in other areas such as language arts and science. We would not remove students from the group for not immediately grasping the properties of water; neither is it appropriate teaching to remove students from the group for not understanding the value of verbal communication over physical aggression.

Hall PassesStudents are not allowed in the hall without the appropriate hall pass at any time. Do not send students out of your classroom without giving them a hall pass.

School Rules Respect yourself, others, and school property. Be responsible for your own behavior, learning, and relationships. Be present, prompt, and prepared daily.  

Classroom Rules Students will be respectful of others. Students will use inside voices. Students will follow all classroom procedures. Students will be issued a hall pass before entering the hall. (Students may not leave the

classroom without hall pass.)

Hall and Stairwell Rules Students will line up and walk on the right side of the halls and stairways. Students will remain quiet in the halls and stairways. Students will refrain from playing or running in the hallways and stairways. Students will keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves. Students must have a hall pass while in the hall during instructional time, and must go directly to their

destination. During the day, students will not use the end stairways unless accompanied by a teacher. Students will adhere to team locker times.

 Restroom Rules

1. Students will remain quiet in the restroom.2. Students will keep all materials (book bags, etc.) away from the restroom.3. Students will keep the restroom clean.4. Students will refrain from horseplay.

Cafeteria Procedures/Rules Students will respect and obey all adults. Students will enter the cafeteria silently, in an orderly manner, and remain quiet while in line. Students will sit at assigned tables. Students will keep eating area clean. (Do not play with food) Students will keep hands, feet, and other objects to themselves. Permission to talk will be granted by a cafeteria administrator when appropriate. Disciplinary actions will be taken if rules are violated. Students will be picked up on time by their teachers in a quiet and orderly manner.

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7th and 8th grade students, escorted by a teacher, will use the center stairway to go up and proceed to classrooms.

Bus Rules Students will arrive at the bus stop before the bus arrives. Students will wait in an orderly line and avoid horseplay. Students will go directly to an available or assigned seat when entering the bus. Students will remain seated and keep aisles and exits clear. Students will obey the driver promptly and respectfully. Students will refrain from throwing or passing objects on, from, or into buses. Students will refrain from the use of profane language, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or any other

controlled substances on the bus (Violation of any of these rules will result in discipline according to current board policy).

Students will refrain from eating and drinking on the bus. Students will respect the rights and safety of others. Students will refrain from extending head, arms, or objects out the window.

Auditorium and Gym Rules Enter the auditorium and gym silently. Use respectful applause and interaction with the performers and athletes. Refrain from booing at all times. Take care of the auditorium and gym. Classes will enter in two lines to make best use of the double door entrances. Place seats in the upright position as you leave. Prepare to focus on the performers by giving them your undivided attention. In the gym, fill in seats from the top down. Be courteous and considerate in close seating situations such as the gym. Food and drink are not allowed in the auditorium.

Disciplinary Actions Colonial Middle School is responsible for using reasonable steps to promote a positive learning environment by ensuring the protection of the rights of each student to benefit from their educational experiences. Non-academic suspensions will not be cleared until 10:00 AM on the designated date. Whenever possible, the referring teacher may be involved in the suspension-clearing conference with the parent.

Classroom Management Classroom management can be the difference between a superior teacher and a poor teacher. Even teachers who are well prepared for teaching the day’s objectives will not succeed without a plan to insure the procedure they want to have followed in the classroom. Classroom management is not simply a

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discipline plan; it is a well-communicated management plan to help reduce discipline problems. If you are having lots of discipline problems, it is not the kids- it is a flawed strategy, or failed implementation. You must adjust what YOU are doing.

The suggestions here are intended to help the teacher build a climate or culture in his classroom where students can work, learn, belong, and find success. Above all, make sure that students are engaged in interesting, meaningful activity, with very little idle time.

Classroom Management Ideas Establish a routine and follow it. Students need to know what to do, how to do it, and when to do

it. Students like routines and tend to become disruptive when they are not followed. Feel comfortable with yourself, with your students, and with your content. Students feel secure

with a confident teacher. Expect your students to conduct themselves in socially acceptable ways. Students tend to live up

to what is expected. Present lessons that are interesting, relevant, and at an appropriate level of instruction. Material

that is too difficult or too easy will cause students to lose interest and become disruptive. Vary your methods of presenting material. Always be prepared. Students will take advantage of the opportunity if you are not. Prevent problems before they happen. Show that you genuinely respect your students. Give them evidence through your actions:

listening to their ideas and concerns, having friendly chats with them, smiling often, finding something to laugh about, accepting them, and giving lots of encouragement and praise.

Give your students love and understanding so that they can learn to give it in return.

ProceduresProcedures are “how we do things in this class.” You will need to establish and teach procedures for things like…

What do I do when I enter the room? How and when do we go the restroom? How do I hand in papers? What is the procedure for placing something in the trash can? What do I do when you are absent? What do I do in case of all emergency drills? How do I get my lunch and where do I sit? What do I do if I need help? How do I line up? How do I sharpen my pencil? What do I do when I need to ask a question?

The teacher teaches procedures and rehearses them. For example, when a student bolts out of his seat the moment the bell rings without waiting for you to dismiss class, he has not followed a procedure. You should ask, “What is the correct procedure?” and then have the student return to his seat and practice the procedure. Do not feel that you have to scold, lecture, or yell when students do not follow procedures. Fussing and yelling will not make the student reform anyway. Just as parents have to teach and re-teach their children to say “thank you”, teachers have to teach and re-teach procedures. In fact, you may have to spend a great deal of time at the beginning of the year teaching procedures. But a classroom where procedures have been taught well will have more uninterrupted teaching and learning time. Students who follow procedures have learned a valuable life lesson.

Please examine all class procedures to ensure that you are making the best of the instructional day. Examples of time wasters:

Round robin reading Writing spelling words X times each Defining words

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Knowledge level board work/ work sheets Coloring sheets Cutting and Pasting Waiting on all students to finish an assignment with no instructions movies

Classroom Interventions Contact with parents (continuous) Positive Communication Role Playing Student Conference Weekly Reports/Parent’s Signature Community Resources (Mentors, Adopters) Tutoring Peer Tutors Paired Learning Student Contracts Time Out in the classroom Time Out in another classroom Conflict Resolution Instruction Peer Mediation Anger Management Instruction Grade Level Review Office Referral

Positive Consequences Teacher created incentives for students. Notes of encouragement and praise. Other planned activities each grading period. Students will have the opportunity to purchase snacks.

Discipline ProceduresEvery Colonial Middle student is expected to maintain excellent conduct at all times. However, if disciplinary action is necessary, it shall be fair, consistent, appropriate and reasonable. The Discipline Committee has approved the following consequences for disciplinary guidelines/options:

Warning Conference with student and/or parent Detention (if active) In-school suspension Overnight suspension (child cannot return to school without parental conference at the assigned time) No-Go Activity School List Home Suspension Board Suspension Expulsion

Students should be sent to the guidance office for counseling as needed. Teachers should post the rules for their class in a prominent place. Generally, you should have no more than four or five rules. There is no need to repeat school wide expectations; however, you are obligated to enforce all school rules both in

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your classroom and on school grounds. Always state rules in positive term for example, “Raise your hand before speaking” instead of “Do not talk without permission.” It is a good idea to let students come up with classroom rules.

DetentionEach team may hold their own Detention (after school), if you choose to do so.Detention must be supervised by a teacher, or teachers on your team.

Detention Protocol:

Parents must have at least 24-hour notice if their child needs to stay for Detention. Students assigned must be listed on the Detention Information Form (See next page).

a. Teachers will be responsible for making copies of the form.b. Make sure to provide a copy for the Office Secretary on the day of Detention.

Assigned students not attending Detention will be checked off, and the form turned into the grade administrator.

ReferralsClassroom discipline is the responsibility of the classroom teacher . Office referrals should be made when a student causes harm to self or others or when you have followed the steps of the school discipline plan. Handle ALL classroom issues, within your classroom, if possible—YOU hold the POWER when you are able to do that. If you have to refer students often, that is a reflection on YOU. When office referrals are made, please adhere to the following guidelines:

DO NOT SEND THE STUDENT-we will send for the student if that is necessary. You will receive a copy of the discipline referral form- in your mailbox- once the administrator has handled the situation.

List the Behavioral Intervention Manual steps/strategies you have taken to control this specific behavior.

The teacher will keep a discipline folder for each student so that the administration may refer for documentation as the referral is investigated. Disciplinary referrals will be handled from 9:00-10:00 A.M. and from 1:50- 3:00 P.M., unless it is a fight or some other emergency situation.

Send discipline referral forms filled out completely to the Pupil Service Office. Students who have repeated office referrals, Board/Home suspensions, and/or violations

of school rules and policies will be added to the NO-GO Activity school list. The students’ name remains on the list for 30 school days. Students will not be able to participate in any school functions (games, fieldtrips, dances, programs, etc.). The No-Go activity school list is monitored by administration.

Behaviors that Warrant Immediate Office Referral and will result in an N or U in conduct Threats/fighting Cursing/foul language Defiant behavior toward an authority figure Major destruction or defacing of school property Class cutting Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing or selling tobacco, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs,

look- alike drugs or drug paraphernalia. Students who are under the influence are not permitted to attend school or a school function and are treated as though they had drugs or alcohol in their possession.

Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing or selling explosives, firearms (including look-alike), knives, regardless of blade length, or any other object that can be considered a weapon.

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Using or possessing electronic devices or cellular telecommunication devices. Cellular telephones may be brought to school, but must be stored in lockers until dismissal. Cell phones confiscated for noncompliance will be returned to parents within 24 hours.

Using violence, force, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, harassment, or other comparable conduct toward anyone (including school personnel, students, or designated visitors) or urging other students to engage in such conduct.

Causing or attempting to cause damage to, stealing or attempting to steal school property or another person’s personal property.

Unexcused absenteeism. Involvement in gangs or gang-related activities, including the display or possession of gang

symbols or paraphernalia, gang recruitment, or gang invitation. Involvement in activities associated in secret societies, sororities, fraternities, or other clubs; by

displaying related symbols or paraphernalia; or participating in recruitment or invitation activities. No gangs, sororities, fraternities, or other club T-shirts may be worn at any time.

Cursing or use of profane language directed toward other students or staff. Fighting between students, gang fights, or fights in which one or more students’ assault another

student(s). Threatening or striking school personnel, designated visitors, or students. Engaging in immoral, obscene, indecent and/or offensive behavior, language, gestures, pictures,

writing, or propositions. This includes inappropriate, public displays of affection such as kissing, or obscene touching.

Falsely activating the fire alarm, dialing 911, or making bomb threats. Sexually harassing school personnel or other students. Being insubordinate or disrespectful to school personnel, including cursing or using profane

language. Engaging in other behaviors that are inappropriate, detrimental, or which negatively impact others

or the learning environment. Non-approved sales of candy, chips, snacks, or any type of beverages. Vandalism/graffiti, immoral, indecent and/or offensive material, behavior, language, gestures,

pictures, writings, or propositions. Gang-related activities are prohibited at schools and school sponsored events. Gang-related

activities are activities implying gang affiliation or membership. They includeo Gestures possessing or distributing gang informationo Actions participating in gang recruitment or solicitationo Signals participating in gang initiation/hazing activitieso Literature verbal or nonverbal communicationso Clothing apparel or colors writings including graffitio Manner of grooming gang-related threats, intimidation, and extortiono Signs coordinating and ordering gang-activities at schoolo Drawings; gang fightso Jewelry and any other gang activity or acts that imply gang affiliation or membership

Middle and high school students shall be expelled for a period between 11 and 180 days. Students could also receive

mandatory gang prevention counseling adjustment transfer conference alternative placement.

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Emergency ProceduresBomb Threats In the case of a bomb threat, directions and information will be announced over the PA system. SCS Security directs: “Be aware that one would most likely conceal a bomb inside the building in an area easily accessible to students (lockers, halls, foyers, etc.) Any evacuation that requires students to move through those areas might increase the risk of injury during detonation. Also, the movement of a large number of individuals could jar the device and detonate the explosive. Contain students inside the classrooms for protection. After the Police Department arrives, a decision will be made as to whether a search is to be conducted.” (Students will remain the classroom during the search, unless bomb squad directs otherwise.)

Fire DrillsThe signal to be used in case of fire will be a continuous ringing of the bell.

1. Students are to stop anything they are doing, line up quickly and quietly in the classroom and wait for instructions from the teacher before leaving.

2. Absolute SILENCE is mandatory.3. Students are not to run, shove, or push others.

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4. If students are not in the classroom when the fire bell rings, they are to leave by the nearest exit, and once outside go immediately to the area where their class is assembled and report to the teacher.

5. All teachers will close all windows and doors when leaving the room. Leave the lights on and do not lock the door.

6. All teachers will bring their roll books to all fire drills.7. Please follow the attached route to exit the building. Assemble your students on the practice field west

of the front parking lot.8. Please familiarize yourself with the location of all fire alarms.

Earthquake DrillsThe signal for an earthquake drill will be an announcement over the PA system. In the case of an actual event an announcement may not be possible; however, should you feel the building shaking you will need to take the appropriate action. In the event of an earthquake all students and staff must seek refuge under a desk in their classroom, or the nearest classroom. It is important to use your arms to protect your head, neck, and back. Once the building has stopped shaking, follow the instructions for a fire drill and escort your students to the practice field.

Tornado DrillsThe signal for an actual tornado warning will be the tornado siren on the main building. The PA system will be used to announce a drill.

All 2rd floor students will move to a 1st floor hallway and be seated on the floor in the halls. All 1st floor students will also proceed to the hall and be seated on the floor.

Teachers should bring their roll books with them. Close your classroom doors, do not lock them and leave the lights on.

The signal for the “all clear” will be one long ring of the fire bell, OR notification from the lead drill administrator...

As with fire and earthquake drills, all students must maintain absolute silence at all times. Before the first day of classes, teachers should establish responsibilities for checking

restrooms during evacuation. Please discuss all evacuation routes with your students on the first day.

Exit Routes for Drills & Emergency Evacuation 6th grade teachers will escort their students out of the front door, and proceed to the football field

adjacent to the building. 7th grade teachers will escort students down the end stairway of the 7 th grade hallway, and

proceed to the football field adjacent to the building. 8th grade teachers will escort students down the stairs at the end of the hallway, and out the exit

at the bottom of the stairs; and proceed to the football field adjacent to the building. Exploratory teacher will escort students out the front door and proceed to the football field

adjacent to the building. The students in the Band/Choir classrooms should be escorted out the door nearest the cafeteria,

and proceed to the football field adjacent to the building. Students in the gymnasium and the dance room will be escorted out of the door inside the

gymnasium and proceed around to the front of the building and to the football field.

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CLASSROOM EMERGENCIESPlease use a continual pressing of the intercom buzzer to the office to indicate an emergency in your classroom or call the office on your classroom phone.

 

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Curriculum Resources

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Professional Development Opportunities

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