faculty/staff handbook 2013-2014 - stanthonydalhart.com te… · web viewfaculty & staff...

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic SchoolFaculty and Staff Handbook

2014 - 2015

410 EAST 13TH STREET • P.O. BOX 1329 • DALHART, TEXAS 79022 • 806.244.4811 • WWW.STANTHONYDALHART.COM

Revised: July, 2014

http://www.stanthonydalhart.com/

1 of 39

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CATHOLIC SCHOOLFaculty & Staff Handbook

2014-2015MISSION STATEMENTS

Diocesan 4St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School (SAPCS) 4

PHILOSOPHY 4CRUSADER PLEDGE 5HISTORY OF SAPCS 5

SECTION ONE: RESPONSIBILITITES FOR ACADEMIC INSTRUCTIONAccreditation 6Curriculum Alignment 6

Teaching to StandardsStrategizing for Student SuccessAssessing in an Aligned Manner

Differentiated Student Needs 7Enrichment and Remediation 7Grades 8Grade Reporting 8Grading Rubric 9Grading Scale 9Guest Speakers 10Homework 10Media Center 10Parent Communication 11

ConferencesConfidentialityEmails and Phone CallsMeet the Teacher NightNotes, Newsletter, Etc.Website & Flocknote

Planning Periods 12Protecting Instructional Time 12Student Records 12Supplemental Materials 12Testing Program 13

SECTION TWO: RESPONISIBILITES FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND SCHOOL CLIMATE

Bully-free School 14Children of Faculty and Staff 14Classroom Discipline 14Code of Conduct for School Personnel at SAPCS 15Code of Conduct for Students at SAPCS 17Daily Prayer 17Disciplinary Behavior 18Educating Non-Catholic or Inexperienced Students and Families18Environment of Inclusiveness 19

2 of 39


2014-2015General Responsibilities 19Holy Mass 19Religion Classes 20Religion Environment 20

SECTION THREE: RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HEALTH AND SAFETYCHILD SAFETY AND LEGAL ISSUES 21SAFE ENVIRONMENT VISION STATEMENT 21SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT 22Accidents and Emergencies 23Building Safety 23Ensuring Healthfulness 23Medication/Sick Students 23Restrooms 24Safety Drills 24Student Technology Safety 25Supervision of Students 25Supervision of Students – Playground 25Volunteers and Visitors 25

SECTION FOUR: RESPONSIBILITIES FOR NON-INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIESAttendance 27Books 27Campus Facilities 28Classrooms 28Copyright Infringement 28Dismissal 28Faculty and Staff Lounge and Workroom 28Family Education Rights and Privacy Act – Buckley Amendment28Field Trips 29Hallway 29Inventory 29Money Matters 29Substitutes 30

SECTION FIVE: PERSONNEL POLICIESAttendance 31Benefits 31Certification 31Contract Year 32Co-curricular Activities 32Communication 32Daily Schedule 32Outside Employment 32Pay Period 32Professional Dress 33

3 of 39


2014-2015Security 33Social Security and Workman’s Compensation 33Technology Usage 33Telecommunications Use Agreement 34Title IX 34

SECTION SIX: SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION OF FACULTY AND STAFFProfessional Development 35Observations 35Evaluation of Faculty 35Evaluation of Staff 36Personal Improvement Plan 36

SECTION SEVEN: RIGHT TO AMENDRight to Amend 37Revision Date 37

SECTION EIGHT: ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE PAGE

4 of 39


2014-2015MISSION STATEMENTS

Diocesan School Mission Statement

The mission of the schools in the Diocese of Amarillo is to engage our school communities in creating a quality education within a Catholic environment that fosters the current and future development of the whole child.

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School Mission Statement

To love each other; to learn to live our Catholic faith and principles; and to become moral people who bear witness to the Word of God.

The ministry of Catholic education at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, referred herein as SAPCS), is the fulfillment of the educational mission of the Catholic Church which has as its primary goal the continuous formation of the Christian person, and the world with a global perspective for a peaceful and sustainable future.

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is a unique environment in which students can experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. Its focus is on the individual person’s spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical development. In this School, students and teachers and staff are drawn to proclaim the Gospel message, to unite in worship, to respond to the needs of the community through fellowship and social justice, and to serve all people through the sharing of their spiritual gifts and temporal goods.

Intellectually, students are challenged to work to the best of their abilities. In a world of diversity and absolutes, students need to be free to appreciate and understand the living organism called earth and the peoples and cultures that inhabit it, and to develop global perspectives by which to form their lives and consciences. Students are provided opportunities to develop basic academic and physical skills, pursue knowledge, and critically study and analyze the world in which they live.

The effective Catholic school must call its students to the conviction that people are more important than success; that love is more important than esteem; and that collaboration unites while competition divides. The truly successful Catholic school student is not necessarily one who is successful in every endeavor, but one who accepts Christian responsibility for fulfillment of personal potential and shares these gifts with others.

PHILOSOPHY

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School endorses the call of the Catholic Bishops of the United States to express its educational ministry through the objectives of personal spirituality, social justice, and a strong academic program in accord with the Curriculum Guide for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Amarillo.

5 of 39


2014-20151. We believe in the inherent dignity and intrinsic worth of each individual child

from the moment of his/her existence until the moment they are called home to the Father. At no time in their lives are they more in need of our concern and supportive, loving guidance than during their early educational years.

2. We believe that only in an atmosphere of love and acceptance can each child grow and develop into their divinely-ordained potential. It will be our aim to give these children, who are entrusted to our care the kind of love and education that takes no shortcuts when striving to provide all that is for the genuine good of each individual child.

3. We will make it our specific aim to pass on to the children all the treasures of our Roman Catholic Faith and heritage. For those children who are not of our Faith, we will endeavor to develop in them a strong sense of Christian morals and openness to the concept of loving Christian service.

4. With the parents who are the first teachers of their children, we will strive to send into the future young people with a solid, well-rounded educational background, strong morals, a genuine appreciation of the family structure, and—most of all—students who can preach the Word by bearing witness to it.

CRUSADER PLEDGE

As a Crusader, I strive to live my life under the Sign of the Cross, in imitation of Christ with generous love for all, prayer, selflessness, forgiveness, humble obedience and total commitment.

HISTORY OF SAPCS

In 1930, Bishop Rudolph A. Gerkin purchased the present church land near the new Catholic hospital. In 1948, two buildings were purchased from Dalhart’s Army Airfield. On June 13, 1949, Bishop Fitzsimon dedicated St. Anthony Church and School—the renovated Army buildings. The school did not open until five years later. In the interim, the parish sought the commitment of an order of Sisters to teach. In early 1954, Father James Fitzgerald was successful in bringing the School Sisters of St. Francis, who had just recently established headquarters in Panhandle, to teach in the school for the upcoming 1954-1955 school year. Property across the street from the school was purchased, and a new convent built. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School continues to be staffed by the School Sisters of St. Francis in combination with a dedicated lay staff, which offers the unique advantage of integrating religious truths and values with instruction in knowledge and basic skills.

6 of 39


2014-2015SECTION ONE: RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION

The hallmark of instruction at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is a sense of purposefulness in all activities and processes.

Accreditation

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School (SAPCS) is accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (TCCED) through the Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation Commission (TCCAC) and follows the policies and procedures compiled by the TCCED to promote excellence in elementary education.

SAPCS is also a member of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).

Curriculum Alignment

Teaching to Standards

The faculty is to provide opportunities for the introduction, development or mastery of all standards required in their grade, class or program by the curriculum guide. Quality learning experiences, adopted textbooks and appropriate supplemental materials are to be used to accomplish these goals.

Each teacher will develop and submit a daily schedule at the beginning of each school year which reflects adherence to the bell-to-bell requirements of TCCED standards.

Strategizing for Student Success

Instruction is to be planned for maximum engagement of students and optimal use of class time. SAPCS follows a six week reporting period to provide frequent feedback to parents.

Each teacher must submit a consistent lesson plan at the beginning of each school week, as designated by the Principal, reflecting sequenced instruction to show evidence of spiraling.

Daily routines should ensure that class begins promptly after dismissal from the Life Center. Teaching materials should be organized and ready to use before the students enter the classroom. Interruptions to instruction should be avoided conscientiously.

Assessing in an Aligned Manner

Any assessment activity is to be aligned with the curricular objectives. Ongoing observation, specific observation, oral testing, written teacher-made and publisher’s tests, project completion, effort and/or participation, and performance assessment are all appropriate methods for determining a student’s progress or grade.

7 of 39


2014-2015Progress in penmanship, spelling, grammar, and neatness should be expected of all students by all teachers. However, any combination of these criteria should not have a disproportionate effect on the grade given on either the assignment or the report card. The exception is when these criteria are part of the adopted course curriculum, for example, language arts.

Differentiated Student Needs

While experienced teachers are important guides in the assessment of a student’s needs, it is important that the administration be actively involved in situations where differentiated needs may be necessary for student success. The teacher is to document observed behaviors and to bring such concerns and documentation to the Principal. The Principal will then communicate with the school counselor and/or parents as needed. The Principal will be the liaison between the parent and the teacher in such circumstances.

Under no circumstances is a teacher or staff member to suggest to a parent that a student should be tested, should have counseling, should begin or alter medication or may have any particular condition such as a learning disability, Attention Deficit Disorder, depression, etc.

With prior permission from the parents and administration, a teacher may make accommodations for a student during the school day at SAPCS. While the school might not be able to provide some services that would be beneficial to a student, many times the school can accommodate the student and/or modify the student’s work. The schools within the Diocese of Amarillo do not write Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Any accommodations that are made for the student and/or any subjects that are modified must be noted on the progress report and report card. It is important to have frequent conferences with the parents to remind them that the grade their child is receiving is based on accommodations and/or modifications.

While it is hoped that many students with special needs can be accommodated, it occasionally happens that the needs of the student cannot be met by the school. In this case the administration will meet with the parents to discuss alternative placement options for the student.

Enrichment and Remediation

Standardized test scores, given in the fall of each year to students in the first through sixth grades, will serve as a guide for any needed enrichment and remediation.

Students whose scores fall at or above the 90th percentile in Reading Total and/or Math Total qualify for the St. Thomas Aquinas program. Students whose scores in Reading Total or Math Total fall at the 50th percentile or below will qualify for the St. Thomas Aquinas program, as well as after school tutoring in those respective areas.

Grades

8 of 39


2014-2015

RenWeb software is used by teachers for grade keeping. Each entry in the grade book shall indicate the assignment, the date and the student’s grade. Teachers should enter their grades within five school days of the assignment due date.

All teachers should grade their student’s assignments. No student work shall be displayed if it has a grade, regardless of what the grade may be, that is visible; this includes the classroom and the hallways.

Grade Reporting

Progress reports are issued every three weeks. Report cards are issued every six weeks. Grades are due at Noon of the following Tuesday after the closing date. P.E. and Noncore subject instructors are to submit grades to classroom teachers no later than the Monday following the closing date. The closing date is the last day students can submit work for the reporting period.

Reporting Period Report Type Closing Date Grades Due (Noon)

1: Aug. 20 – Oct. 3 Progress Friday, Sept. 12 Tuesday, Sept. 161: Aug. 20 – Oct. 3 Report October 3 October 72: Oct. 6 – Nov. 14 Progress October 24 October 282: Oct. 6 – Nov. 14 Report November 14 November 183: Nov. 17 – Jan. 16 Progress December 12 December 163: Nov. 17 – Jan. 16 Report January 16 January 21*4: Jan. 19 – Feb. 27 Progress February 6 February 104: Jan. 19 – Feb. 27 Report February 27 March 35: Mar. 2 – Apr. 17 Progress March 27 March 315: Mar. 2 – Apr. 17 Report April 17 April 216: Apr. 20 – May 29 Progress May 8 May 126: Apr. 20 – May 29 Report May 22 May 27*

Grading Rubric

The following rubric is a guideline of student performance on assignments given a particular letter or numerical grade.

Knowledge: Scholarship

Skills: Initiative

Skills: Individual Improveme

Attitude: General

Attitude: Cooperation

9 of 39


2014-2015nt

A: 100-93

Thorough, outstanding

Contributions exceeding assignment

Actual and noticeable

Positive benefit to class

Bringing ahead all group activity

B: 92-85 Accurate and complete

Stimulating some desirable achievement

Showing marks of progress

Proper and beneficial

Effective in group work

C: 84-77 Exceeding minimum requirements; fair understanding of subject matter

Lacking in independence and showing slight originality

Gradual, perceptible over a period of time

Generally neutral but not objectionable

Occasional support of group activity & assumption of leadership

D; 76-69 Barely meeting assignments

Uncertain, not usually manifest

Slight, if any Not objectionable, usually neutral

Not positive, ineffective

F: 68 or less

Work of this quality may not be counted toward promotion





*rubric adapted from St. Mary’s Catholic School (Diocese of Austin)

Grading Scale

SAPCS follows a 7-point grading scale. The numerical grading scale is as follows:

A = 100-93B = 92-85C = 84-77D = 76-69F = below 68

Guest speakers

Guest speakers and guest presentations require the approval of the administration prior to an invitation.

Homework

10 of 39


2014-2015All students in Kindergarten through sixth grade are required to spend thirty minutes reading on Monday through Thursday. Teachers should consider the ability of the group and the assignments when giving homework. The general rule of thumb is 10 minutes of homework per grade level, excluding reading time.

In an effort for students to achieve mastery, any student K – 6 will be given the opportunity to correct an assignment in which the student earned a 76% or below. Both grades will be averaged together with the new grade reaching a maximum of 84% on the corrected assignment.

For example, if a student received a 76% on the first page and a 100% on the corrected paper, the average of the two papers would be an 88%. The student will receive an 84% instead of the 88%. If a student made a 40% on the first paper and a 100% on the corrected paper, the average of the two grades would be a 70% and that is the grade the student would receive for the paper. This process not only allows the student a second chance to increase their grade, but also relearn the concept being evaluated.

Parents will be required to sign and return the corrected assignment. Students will have 3 school days to correct the assignment from the day in which the assignment was sent home for correction. Each paper may be corrected only once. If a student is constantly correcting papers, the teacher and parent will have a conference to determine if the subject and/or grade level is too difficult for the student. A change in grade level may be needed for the student to be successful.

Media Center

The Media Center serves as a resource for students and faculty. The Media Center will be open and accessible to faculty and students from 8:00 AM to 11:55 AM and from 1:00 PM to 3:15 PM.

Kindergarten through sixth grade is regularly scheduled during the school day for time in the Media Center. Please respect each teacher’s scheduled time. Each teacher is responsible for the discipline of her students and for leaving the room clean and orderly. Should you need an additional period, check to see if the Media Center is available to avoid conflict.

Parent Communication

Conferences

Teacher/Parent conferences will be scheduled in the fall. Both teachers and parents may request a conference at any time. A late spring conference is optional; teachers will send a note home to parents with the results of the achievement tests, inviting any parents to have a conference with the teacher to go over the results.

11 of 39


2014-2015Non-custodial parents are entitled to the student’s report cards and health history upon request. If parents who are not together indicate that separate conferences should be scheduled, the teacher should accommodate the request. Families in our school have a variety of custody arrangements. Teachers should be in close communication with the administration about complications that may arise.

Confidentiality

All communication regarding students, whether with parents or staff, is considered confidential. All communication of a serious or controversial nature should be presented to the administration. Teachers should feel comfortable sharing parent letters of concern or criticism with the administration, so that an appropriate response can be formulated together.

Emails and Phone Calls

Phone messages should be returned within 24 hours. Email is to be used only for routine communication. It is not an appropriate vehicle for discussing problems or concerns. If a parent misuses email to lodge a complaint, the teacher is to respond by note or telephone, not by return email.

Meet the Teacher Night

Within the first couple of weeks of school, each teacher will set a class meeting time to speak with all the parents of her class. This gives a chance for the teacher to explain the expectations, procedures, and policies of their grading system. This meeting also gives parents a chance to ask questions and clarify any misunderstandings. There should be no overlap of Meet the Teacher Night meetings. Check with the administration office for scheduling.

Notes, Newsletters, etc.

Written communications sent home from school are expected to be flawless in terms of grammar and spelling. Notes and newsletters sent to parents of the entire class are to be submitted to the administration for approval.

RenWeb, Website & Flocknote

In addition to grade-related reports, the faculty is to strive to keep parents informed about class news such as upcoming events, areas needing study and general progress; this can be accomplished through the students’ assignment books and/or through teacher letters. The school will communicate through the school website; stanthonydalhart.com, or RenWeb Announcement board, updated every week. Please inform the office one week in advance for any classroom information or pictures that you would like to have on the school website.

12 of 39


2014-2015Flocknote may also be utilized by each classroom teacher to share classroom events and activities. In writing Flocknotes to parents, realize that you are communicating as a voice from the school. Professional messages should be delivered, and in a prompt manner.

Planning Periods

Faculty members have been given scheduled planning time to assist them in the preparation of instructional plans, grading, and some time for a personal break. Care should be taken to use these times as intended, and not to disturb other faculty and staff during their work periods.

Protecting Instructional Time

The staff is to take care to avoid interruptions to teachers’ classes; this includes allowing parents to enter the classroom for non-emergency reasons or insisting that a teacher returns a non-emergency phone call during instructional time.

No class parties are to be held except for the Halloween party and St. Valentine’s Day party. Any plan to recognize a holiday or special milestone is to be instructional in nature with realizable curriculum objectives. The inclusion of food in any class activity is to have a solidly instructional purpose.

Student Records

The grades and attendance recorded for students each year serve as a legal document. Students’ legal last names will be used in the database as well as report cards. At the end of each school year, the classroom teacher will record the student’s final grades in their permanent record. Permanent files are kept in the main office and may be viewed there by faculty upon request to the Principal.

Supplemental Materials

Supplemental materials, whether print, media, or electronic, will be aligned with curricular objectives, will be developmentally appropriate and should come from approved sources. Any supplemental media which is brought into the classroom must be previewed by the teacher in its entirety before it is used with students. The teacher will remain engaged with the students during viewing. No films that are an entertainment industry product may be used without the principal’s approval; approval will rarely be given for films rated other than “G”.

Testing Program

All Catholic schools in Texas use the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, ITBS, produced by Riverside Publishing. At SAPCS, these tests are administered by the classroom teachers in the fall to grades first through sixth, and to Kindergarten in spring.

13 of 39


2014-2015SAPCS’s goal is for National Percentile scores on each subtest to reach a minimum of the 75th percentile. A broad view of school or grade-level scores will be reported to the School Board and the parent community. The test results are to be used in planning for individual students, determination of enrichment/remediation plans, curriculum evaluation and parent information.

Students in grades first through sixth take the Cognitive Abilities Test also in fall. Cognitive Abilities tests are administered by the classroom teachers. These tests are to be used in parallel with the ITBS in planning for individual students, determination of enrichment/remediation plans, curriculum evaluation and parent information.

Students in fifth grade take the Assessment of Catechesis of Religion Education, ACRE, a national religion test. ACRE tests are administered by the fifth grade religion teacher.

Teachers are required to study carefully the administration, timing limitations and security procedures, create an appropriate climate before and during the testing, and learn how to interpret the results.

New students entering the school after the fall testing period, will be tested prior to entrance to the school so that the teacher can understand his/her abilities and needs.

14 of 39


2014-2015SECTION TWO: RESPONSIBILITES FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENT

The faculty and staff will determine whether or not our school is successful. You are vitally important to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School. To insure that you can live your vocation in faith, a positive spirit of hope should pervade in our school. Faculty, staff, students, parents, and volunteers should be appreciated, respected, and should feel “at home”.

Bully-free School

SAPCS is a bully-free school. There is a no tolerance policy for bullying.

Bullying is defined as a form of overt and aggressive behavior that is intentional, hurtful, and repeated. With bullying, there is an imbalance of strength. A bully’s goal is to have power over people.

Examples of bullying include:

1. Relational: intimidation, coercion, spreading rumors or lies, and exclusion2. Verbal: name-calling, teasing, threats, and racist, sexist or bigoted remarks3. Physical: pushing, shoving, tripping, hitting, slapping, kicking, punching, and

pinching

SAPCS is committed to helping students learn proper ways to interact with others. Our classrooms will include strategies and consequences designed to discourage bullying behaviors.

Children and/or Family Members of Faculty & Staff

The attendance at school of children belonging to the faculty and/or staff gives us a greater opportunity to act as a family and enjoy our reason for being and the values we hold. The best professional practice is to abide by those guidelines set for all other students at our school. Such instances include:

1. The teacher or staff member should not inform the parent of the child’s insignificant behavior (if the teacher or staff member would not call a non-employed parent to discuss the behavior, then do not discuss it with the employed parent

2. Conversations about the child should occur in private settings at appropriate times

3. Email should not be used to discuss the child’s achievement or behavior or parental concerns about the class

15 of 39


2014-20154. The parent should not enter the child’s classroom between 8:00 and 3:30

without an appointment

5. Faculty and staff members’ children should not be present during sensitive professional discussions

6. Faculty and staff members’ children should not be on an administrative computer at any time, or any other computer without adult supervision.

7. Faculty and staff members’ children, who are not enrolled at SAPCS, and/or family, must have Safe Environment Training to be on campus during school hours.

Classroom Discipline

Teachers teaching K – 6th will follow the guidelines set for the Honorable Character system. Any further classroom management plans implemented in classrooms need to be submitted to the Principal’s office. The plan should outline any class rules or systems that will be employed. There should always be effective communication with parents regarding students experiencing difficulty in meeting the disciplinary standards.

Montessori Pre-K teachers shall follow a simplified version of the honorable character system. Such system shall be submitted in a classroom management plan to the Principal’s office.

Faculty and staff should “rehearse” students in new expectations before holding them accountable for them. When misbehavior occurs, a teacher or staff member supervising children should correct it with a simple verbal prompt. If the child still does not meet the standards of behavior, the teacher or staff member should counsel the child at his developmental level. When consequences are used, they should be logical and natural.

The classroom or school area should not include any publicly viewed representation of students’ respective behavior status. A student’s removal from a group, an activity or a room should occur only with careful attention to the tone and the effect on the student and the classmates.

Code of Conduct for School Personnel at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School By virtue of our baptism, all Catholics share in the mission of the Church to continue the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is Lord and we must seek the Kingdom as He did. We must preach the Good News that there is a God who loves us beyond our imagining. We must give our love and the provisions of life to those who have them in small measure. By our actions we must share our conviction that it is in serving our brothers

16 of 39


2014-2015and sisters that we are reconciled to the Father and that all that passes between us is a function of our relationship with God. Our call to discipleship is an abundant grace. It is also an awesome responsibility. Catholic School personnel, who publicly represent the Church, have a special obligation because they have chosen to assume positions of trust. Our brothers and sisters, invite us into their lives, open their hearts, and share their joys and hopes, their grief and anxieties with us. They are confident that we will listen compassionately and act honorably in their best interest. Because of this trust our behavior, both public and private, has the potential to inspire them to faith and hope and motivate them toward greater generosity and participation. Sadly, it may also scandalize them, weaken or destroy their faith or increase their sense of isolation. It is essential therefore; that anyone who undertakes a position of leadership or ministry in the school be constantly mindful of the trust they have been given. To faithfully discharge the responsibilities that accompany our work requires constant prayerful reflection since we must be sustained and supported by God’s grace. Our obligations also require each of us to periodically undertake a personal inventory. It is hoped this Code of Conduct will assist us in this task.

School personnel at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School shall:

Actively embrace the teachings and precepts of the Catholic Church and work to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Demonstrate their respect for the rights, dignity and worth of each person from conception to natural death.

Conduct one’s relationships with others free of deception, manipulation, exploitation or intimidation.

Ensure just treatment for colleagues, employees, volunteers, parishioners and others who may be affected by the administration of their ministries.

Provide a professional education and work environment that is non-discriminatory, free of all forms of physical, sexual, psychological abuse including written or verbal intimidation or harassment.

Accept personal responsibility to protect, to the best of one’s ability, children, youths, and adults, especially those who are physically or mentally challenged, from all forms of abuse or neglect.

Keep all information received in the course of professional or ministerial contact, in the strictest confidence except as mandated by law.

Keep conversation positive and limited to appropriate topics Refrain from making false accusations against another or revealing the faults

and failings of another to those who have no right to know. Be responsible stewards of the school resources, human and financial. Maintain a high level of competence in one’s field. Prudently attend to one’s

physical, spiritual, mental and emotional well-being. Examine one’s own actions and intentions objectively to ensure that one’s

behavior promotes the welfare of the community and exemplifies the strong moral tradition of the Church.

17 of 39


2014-2015 Promptly report incidents of ethical misconduct by other school personnel to

the proper school and/or civil authority.

Any violations of conduct will be subject to a warning, personal improvement plan, suspension, and/or termination.

Code of Conduct for Students at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School

We want each student to develop into a responsible Christian adult, based on free will and conscience. The purpose of discipline is to enable students to move from externally imposed discipline to self-discipline. Class and school policies should be designed to offer increasing expectation of self-discipline as the child matures. Self-discipline is an indication that one is capable of accepting responsibilities and privileges.

All students, at their appropriate developmental level, should:

Be polite and kind to others, both adults and students, in speech, action and manner.

Display respect and prayerful participation during Mass. Work in cooperation with others. Obey all school and classroom rules and procedures. Respect school and personal property. Properly greet adults and use mannered language (“please”, “thank you”, “yes,

ma’am”, “no sir”, etc.). Include and help others whenever possible. Be prepared for class with materials and assignments. Work conscientiously and use time wisely. Display good grooming. Observe quiet when they should.

The Honorable Character system shall be used to encourage appropriate behavior. Continuous disruptive behavior should be reported to the Principal.

Code of Conduct for Parents at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School

We, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, consider it a privilege to work with parents in the education of children because we believe parents are the primary educators of their children. Therefore, it is your right and your duty to become the primary role models for the development of your child’s life---physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically. Your choice of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School involves a commitment and exhibits a concern for helping your child to recognize God as the greatest good in his/her life.

All parents should:

18 of 39


2014-2015 actively participate in school activities such as Parent/Teacher Conferences and

HSA meetings. meet all financial obligations to the school support the religious and educational goals of the school attend Mass and teach the Catholic faith by word and example (if Catholic) support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school treat teachers with respect and courtesy in discussing student problems inform the school of any special situation regarding the student’s well-being,

safety, and health ensure your child gets to bed early on school nights ensure your child arrives at school on time and is picked up on time at the end

of the day ensure you child is dressed according to the school dress code ensure your child has a nutritional breakfast and lunch every day see that damage to school books or property due to carelessness or neglect on

the part of the student is paid to the school notify the school with a written note when the student has been absent or tardy notify the school office of any changes of address or important phone numbers; complete and return to school any requested information promptly read school notes and e-newsletters and to show interest in the student’s total

education

A good example is the strongest teacher. Your personal relationship with God, with each other, and with the Church community will affect the way your child relates to God and others. Ideals taught in school are not well rooted in the child unless these are nurtured by the example of good Catholic/Christian morality and by an honest personal relationship with God in your family life.

Daily Prayer

Students will be led in prayer first thing in the morning, before and after lunch and before dismissal. The exercise of daily prayer should be in an environment that is calm and respectful. Various forms of prayer should be introduced in the classrooms and used throughout the school day.

Disciplinary Behavior

Behaviors including but not limited to the following may result in disciplinary actions:

Disrespectful words or actions. Bullying behavior such as the verbal, relational and physical behaviors listed

above. Fighting or physically harming another. Any kind of threat. Defacing property. Misbehavior during worship, emergency drills, field trips or other situations that

call for a greater sense of cooperation.

19 of 39


2014-2015 Leaving the campus without permission or failing to go where directed. Dishonesty, including cheating or stealing. Disruptive behavior. Use of obscenity or profanity in any form. Bringing illegal or dangerous items to school, or being in possession of such

items. (These items include weapons; drug-related products including alcohol and tobacco; other dangerous objects, such as matches; items associated with gangs; or any replica of these items.)

Any repeated behavior which places repeated demands of supervision on the staff.

Any behavior at school or a school event or away from school (outside school supervision) that is contrary to the mission and dignity of the school, including electronic communication.

Gum is not permitted on the campus. Toys, stuffed animals, sports equipment, cameras, and electronic games, are

not to be brought to school*. They will be taken up and held for the parents. Cell phones may be kept in the office.

*Students in Montessori Pre-K may bring nap items, such as a small stuffed animal, blanket and/or pillow.

Educating Non-Catholic or Inexperienced Students and Families

In any year, a class may include students and families who have varying degrees of experience with the Catholic faith. Our goal is evangelization without proselytizing, that is, modeling, teaching and propagating the Catholic faith without criticism, ridicule, or insensitivity to other faiths or inexperience. It may be necessary to explain even the most basic Catholic practice or understanding that we ordinarily take for granted, for example, that we pray to Mary to ask for her intercession, (just as we would ask a friend to pray for us), not because we believe she is divine. We also should not assume that Catholic students attend Mass regularly or that they have any experience praying together.

Two special cases warrant mention:

1. Each teacher is responsible for studying records that will be provided regarding which students have received which sacraments, and ensuring that those who are not eligible to receive the Eucharist do not do so. These students should approach the altar with hands crossed across the chest to receive a blessing.

2. Students of other faiths (or of minimally practiced Catholic faith) who object to Catholic doctrine are to be treated with dignity, but their alternative viewpoint is not to be represented to other students as an acceptable substitute.

Environment of Inclusiveness

20 of 39


2014-2015

Most of the offenses listed below under “regulations” will rarely occur in our school. They are listed here for the purpose of outlining examples of unacceptable behavior. However, a special word is needed about the goal of inclusiveness, since this principle is frequently violated among children and in schools. Students of all ages will be taught that name-calling, bullying, ridiculing, teasing, and excluding have no place at school and are not only unnecessary, but also intolerable. Parents are encouraged to reinforce these ideas at home.

General Responsibilities

In addition to modeling ethics and serving as good role models, all faculty and staff carry other additional responsibilities in regard to religious instruction. All faculty and staff should familiarize themselves with the weekly readings and integrate them where they can. All faculty and staff are to promote student participation in all aspects of worship.

Holy Mass

The celebration of the Eucharist as a school community is the most import aspect of each week at school. Once the year’s Masses have begun, students in grades Kindergarten through sixth will attend. Students in Montessori Pre-Kindergarten will attend as the teacher and the administration determine they are developmentally ready.

Student liturgies should be joyful and age-appropriate. However, respect for ceremony and ritual is a value we intend to cultivate in our students. Therefore, all faculty and staff will assist students in learning properly and explicitly such practices as correct Sign of the Cross, bowing when passing the altar, and genuflecting at the tabernacle. Other guidelines include no leaving Mass unless it is an emergency; if one must leave, do not do so during a scripture reading and never during the Eucharistic prayer.

Religion Classes

Instruction in religious education is a particular example of the importance of developmental appropriateness. While the practice of various forms of prayers and worship, e.g., saying the Rosary, are vital parts of helping students to grow spiritually, these activities should not comprise the entire religion class period. Rather, they should be paired with instruction throughout the entirety of the day. Religion teachers should plan to ensure that the instructional time requirement for actual catechesis in the faith is met each week.

In addition to the crucifix, each classroom should have a bulletin board, wall section, prayer table, or some type of display of a Catholic religious nature.

21 of 39


2014-2015All teachers of religion must have a certificate stating that they have taken the appropriate classes that authorizes them to teach religion or have a Deficiency of Religion Contract on file.

Religious Environment

All faculty, staff, students, parents, and volunteers are called upon to demonstrate unity of purpose, as well as other characteristics of holy families such as respect for all things sacred, respect for all life, inclusiveness, responsibility, collaboration, and having each other’s best interest at heart. We seek to establish a school climate that mirrors family life through trust, spirituality, closeness, collaboration and responsibility, where faith, culture, and life are brought into harmony.

22 of 39


2014-2015SECTION THREE: RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

While superior academic and religious education is our mission, all parents must, first and foremost, be made to feel confident that their children are safe in our care. Various emergency procedures are described in the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School Crisis Response Plan. Included below are polices regarding those routine concerns that should always prevail in faculty and staff members’ professional practices.

CHILD SAFETY & LEGAL ISSUES

Guidelines include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Faculty and/or staff are responsible for releasing students in their care at the close of day only to parents, legal guardians or other persons designated by parents or legal guardians in writing.

2. Faculty and/or staff should report uncontrollable or unusual behavior of students to parents as soon as possible.

3. Parents should be encouraged to be part of all services and programs in which their children are involved.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT VISION STATEMENT

By virtue of our baptism, each of us is called by name to participate in the ministry of Christ who is priest, prophet, and king. In accord with that ministry, we are called as priest to share the presence of God with those around us, as prophet we speak the truth even in difficult times and call each other to fidelity to God’s ways, and as king we exemplify the servant leader who generously and conscientiously looks after the welfare of those entrusted to us.

Because all human life is a precious gift from God, we must assure that all persons, especially the young and the vulnerable, are to be treated with dignity, respect, and offered an environment, which promotes safety.

A safe environment is one that provides for the protection of the physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well being of each person. More than simply offering protection from danger, a safe environment within our context also reflects the reality that the Church sees itself as a sanctuary, that is, a “sacred space” where one finds protection, security, support, guidance, and the presence of God. Thus the entire school community must live in a way that is consistent with that covenant by fostering environments that not only are safe, but also are healthy.

The Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Amarillo strives to empower parishes, schools, families, and individuals to create and foster safe and healthy environments for children and youth in all aspects of their lives. We strive to achieve this through

23 of 39


2014-2015preventive measures, as well as educational strategies. Prevention of abuse and neglect of our students is foundational to the Safe Environment Program and constitutes its initial focus. As the program develops, safe and healthy environment training also will include but not be limited to such strategies as education and training in effective parenting, conflict resolution, internet and computer safety, the prevention of harassment, bullying, or violence in any form, healthy and best practices for injury prevention, and attention to safety in the event of emergency or disaster.

Training, support, and resources will be directed to:

All school personnel, including lay and religious employees, volunteers, priests and deacons, through implementing and participating in comprehensive safe environment programs.

Students, by supporting them in their effort to navigate their way through the confusing and often harmful aspects of the world by developing the necessary knowledge, integrity and self-mastery they need to live a mature and active faith.

Parents, as the leaders of the “domestic church,” are called to provide the primary safe and formative environment for their children, by supporting the vocation of parenthood and the marital bond, so as to improve the nurturing and formation of their children, who are a gift and who call their parents together in love.

Volunteers, who out of generosity and care, seek to better their own local environments for the safety and health of children and youth. Everything we do as a school community must reflect our commitment to respect life in all situations by providing a secure sacred space that safeguards and promotes human dignity, by fostering the development of each individual, and by creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all who come to us seeking an experience of the holy presence of God.

SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School abides by the Child Abuse Prevention, Adoption, and Family Services Act. This law mandates that all cases of suspected abuse and/or neglect be reported to Child Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or https://reportabuse.ws on the internet. User name is “professional” and password is “report”. Report directly to CPS and not to the school administration.

Accidents and Emergencies

Inform the office immediately if anyone is hurt on school grounds beyond the mildest scrape or bump. A written report must be filed by the witnessing supervising faculty

https://reportabuse.ws/

24 of 39


2014-2015or staff member. If the student requires first aid in the office, then the office staff will make a determination about calling parents and follow through. If first aid in the classroom is adequate and the student is not going home, then it is the witnessing teacher’s judgment about whether she will notify the parent and by what method.

If the injured area is the head or the eyes, no matter how minor, the parent is to be called. If no first aid is required then the witnessing teacher or staff member will call the parent, if office first aid is required, then the office will call the parent.

Emergency procedures are specified in the SAPCS Crisis Management Plan. Each faculty and staff member is responsible for becoming familiar with this document. If a copy is needed, see the Administration Office.

Building Safety

Classrooms and offices are to be locked at all times. All faculty and staff will take their keys with them at all times during school hours. Students may use the office telephone only in case of emergencies.

If a door is found to be unlocked, notify the Administration Office immediately, or call the Principal.

Ensuring Healthfulness

Smoking is prohibited on all school and church property. No animals are permitted an overnight stay in the classrooms with the exception

of fish. No live trees are permitted, including Christmas trees. Teachers should help prevent head lice by intervening when students want to

share hats, hairbrushes, etc.

Medication/Sick Students

SAPCS does not have medical staff on duty. No staff member is to refer to the office as “the nurse” or “the clinic” at any time. Medication required at school will be administered by office personnel, or staff member that has been specified by the Principal. No medication may be kept on a student’s person or in his/her belongings, nor administered in the classroom. Teachers are responsible for sending the student for medication at the appointed time. If a teacher judges that a student is too ill to remain in class at that moment, the student should be sent to the office where office personnel will use their discretion in contacting the parent. Teachers will be notified of the resolution.

Restrooms

Students and adults are not to share restrooms; all faculty and staff must confine their use to restrooms designated for faculty and staff when students are in the

25 of 39


2014-2015building. At the beginning of each school year teachers should take special care to implement behavioral expectations for student use of the restrooms. Teachers are responsible for monitoring student restrooms to ensure good behavior and appropriate care-taking of the building.

Safety Drills

Safety drills will be held throughout the year to ensure all are prepared in case of emergency. Please see SAPCS Crisis Management Plan for specific emergency occurrences. Teachers are responsible for all children and guests in their classrooms during a safety drill. During recess or lunch, the staff member(s) on duty will be responsible for the students.

Fire Drill (held monthly)1. Close classroom doors, outside doors, and any fire doors that may be open and

turn off lights.2. Do not close any windows that may be open.3. Students walk silently in an orderly single line.4. Exit following directions posted in the classroom for Fire Drill.5. Do not face building.6. Stay in designated spot in silence until signaled to return to building.7. Return to classroom quietly.

Tornado Drill (held twice a year)1. Turn lights off.2. Students walk silently in an orderly single line.3. Exit, following directions posted in classroom for Tornado Drill.4. Kneel down with face touching knees and cover head.5. Stay in designated spot in silence until signaled to return to classroom.6. Return to classroom quietly

Intruder in the Building (held once a year)1. Coded announcement will be given. (Lock and secure.)2. Close and lock all classroom doors.3. Close classroom blinds. 4. Remain in the classroom until otherwise notified.5. Do not let any student leave the room.

Student Privacy/Student Photography

When there are student health matters that are so serious that the family would want prayers, we are accustomed to sharing the name and circumstances. In less serious matters, such as head lice, a discussion of who “has it” is unproductive. In the same way that we adults want our privacy protected, we should protect the privacy of minors as well. In addition, no photograph of a student should be publically posted on any public website (including the school’s website), without the parents granting

26 of 39


2014-2015written photography permission to the school. Teachers and staff will be informed at the beginning of each school year of the students who are not to be photographed.

Student Technology Safety

All teachers are to become thoroughly familiar with the school’s documents on internet use, found in the Student and Parent Handbook under “Telecommunications Use Agreement”, and to follow the policy scrupulously. A teacher who assigns internet use must stay in constant visual contact with all screens in use. Teachers and students cannot use administrative computers due to the easy access of confidential information.

Supervision of Students

Supervision of all students at all times that students are on campus is the legal responsibility of the faculty and staff. This duty may not be delegated to a volunteer. Do not leave students unattended except for a case of an emergency. An emergency may include: (1) when the teacher is ill or has an unavoidable personal need (restroom break); and (2) when the teacher judges that she is needed in an alternate area of greater possible danger to students, e.g., breaking up a scuffle or intervening in a student injury. In this case require students to remain seated in their desks while the teacher is out of the room. Students changing classes are not permitted to enter a classroom until a teacher is present.

Supervision of Students – Playground

Supervising students outside requires a special degree of care. Staff in this role should remain standing and should actively supervise the entire group. You should be able to see and hear all of the students all of the time. Staff should know and enforce SAPCS playground rules. See “Playground – General Rules” in the 2013-2014 Parent and Student Handbook.

Volunteers and Visitors

All visitors, including the family members of the faculty and staff, must sign in at the office before proceeding to any classroom, library, office, or other school space. Persons who arrive at the classroom door unexpectedly are to be referred to the office. Teachers who have scheduled visitors are asked to notify the office in advance, particularly if it is a large number, since the sign-in system may be different for large groups. Guest speakers require prior approval of the administration. No volunteer service other than guest speakers is to occur without confirmation that the volunteer(s) have had Safe Environment Training.

27 of 39


2014-2015SECTION FOUR: RESPONSIBILITIES FOR NON-INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES

A staff that develops and observes a consistent set of procedures provides a feeling of security among students and inspires a feeling of confidence in the parent community. Each faculty and staff member should not only observe predetermined procedures but should carefully rehearse students in their responsibilities as well before expecting the student to be able to comply.

Attendance

Teachers will take attendance as early as possible each morning and afternoon and post the attendance sheet outside the classroom door no later than 9:10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This will give the office enough time to call parents of students who did not notify the school of the student’s absence. All telephone calls must be made before 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The staff is not to interrupt a class to get the attendance sheet before 9:10 or before 1:00. All notes given to teachers concerning students’ absences will be turned into the office with the attendance sheets. Any verbal messages that teachers receive concerning students’ absences should be noted on the attendance sheet. This will keep the office from calling a parent who has already contacted the school concerning her child’s absence. Any student that has been absent is to bring a signed, dated note of explanation from the parent when he/she returns to class. This note will be turned in with the attendance sheet.

If a teacher is notified by a parent that a student is to leave early, the teacher will email or verbally tell the office as soon as she knows, and send the student to the office to coincide with the time of leaving. If the student will not be with the homeroom teacher at the appointed time, the homeroom teacher is to notify the office where the student will be and also notify the supervising staff member to send him/her. Students are not to be released to parents during the day without going through the office, including the children of faculty and staff members.

Absenteeism is not to be rewarded. For example, a child who leaves early on a report card day is to receive his report card when he returns, and not ahead of everyone else.

Books

Rented hardback books will be covered at all times. Teachers are required to assign rented texts to students by number. A record of the rental numbers will be kept. An inventory and evaluation of the condition of these books is made by the teacher or designated staff member at the end of the school year.

Campus Facilities

28 of 39


2014-2015A number of campus facilities, such as the church, Life Center, San Antonio Room, St. Francis Lunch Room, kitchen, and St. Clare Commons are at our disposal; however, we share them with other programs on campus. Therefore, arrangements for reserving these facilities are to be made through Terri Hein (244-4128) who will check the availability of date and time.

Classrooms

Each teacher takes personal responsibility for the physical condition and appearance of the classroom. This includes the preventing of marking on desktops, sitting with chairs against the walls or in a tilted position, putting feet on the desks or walls, or chewing gum.

Classrooms should remain free of clutter. No boxes or stacks of materials in the classrooms. Each teacher has a storage space in the basement for seasonal materials, etc. Consider the learning styles of all students. Students with ADD cannot function properly in a disorderly room. These may also be fire hazards.

Copyright Infringement

No copyrighted material may be duplicated or copied without the permission of the publisher. Make sure that reproduced work has real teaching value; avoid busy work. A copyright and fair use handbook is located in the Workroom for additional information.

Dismissal

At the end of each school day, the teacher is responsible for the physical condition of the classroom. Students must remove all trash from their desk and floor. All student chairs must be placed on top of desks before dismissal. Faculty and Staff Lounge and Workroom

Two rooms are set aside for faculty and staff use. Students will not be sent into the Lounge or the Workroom on errands. Children of employees may not enter these rooms during the school day or after school hours. Please keep the rooms, tables, sink, refrigerator, and all equipment clean. Family Education Rights and Privacy Act – Buckley Amendment

The Buckley Amendment regarding access to student records and academic confidentiality.

1. Students may not grade the work of other students2. Children of teachers may not grade the work of students3. Graded student work may not be displayed in the hall4. A student should never be asked to state his/her grade aloud

29 of 39


2014-20155. Parent volunteers may not grade student work

Field Trips

We encourage teachers to plan one educational field trip per school year for each grade level. Teachers must receive approval for a field trip prior to sending home parent notification. No overnight trips are allowed. Written permission is required for all students with no exceptions. Students must attend school field trips in uniform unless an exception is approved by the administration. Drivers must satisfy school requirements, including Safe Environment Training.

A field trip form stating intention of trip and parent release of student is required for each field trip and must be submitted to the office. Field trip forms must be accessible by the teacher at all times during a field trip and a cell phone is required.

Hallways

Hallways will be kept free of tables, chairs, trash, desks, or other objects that would interfere with emergency procedures.

Inventory

All faculty and staff members are responsible for maintaining inventory records for their work area at the end of the school year.

Money Matters

Teachers must have prior approval from the office to be reimbursed. After a purchase is made, return the original receipt to the office for reimbursement. When purchasing items with class basket funds, teachers are to fill out the form in their Dropbox, and submit to the office for approval. Do not pay sales tax on anything that is bought for school use. Sales tax will not be reimbursed. Teachers may not use the school’s tax-exempt status for something that will become personal property. All personal items must be marked with the teacher’s name on it before entering the classroom. Anything that is bought with school money must be stamped with “Property of St. Anthony School” before one takes possession of it. When a teacher leaves the grade she had been teaching, all materials that were bought with school money stays in that classroom.

Teachers who wish to order items from the book club or any other source for which they will personally pay to keep for themselves should use their home address since the office has no way of knowing when a box arrives whether it is something ordered by the school or by the teacher. This type of order should be prepaid by the teacher so that no invoice arrives at the school.

30 of 39


2014-2015When textbooks, instructional materials or other items are ordered for a teacher to be paid by the school, packages are addressed to the office. This practice should eliminate the problem of school invoices arriving in the mail addressed to the teacher.

Substitutes

Teachers and instructors are responsible for advising the Administration Office or Principal if they know in advance that they will miss one day of work. The Administration Office will source a substitute for the teacher or instructor.

If an emergency or sickness occurs and you do not know until the morning of a school day that you will need a substitute, call the Principal by 6:00 AM to notify the office that you will be absent. Notification to the office must be made by 3:00 PM on whether the teacher will return the following workday. Because emergencies do arise, it is important that faculty maintain an up-to-date approved list of substitutes at home.

31 of 39


2014-2015SECTION FIVE: PERSONNEL POLICIES

Attendance

The faculty is expected to be in the building from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the 180 instructional days plus attend at least 7 days of professional development and attend Christian formation classes on Saturday when offered.

The staff is expected to be in the building no later than 7:45 a.m. and stay until 4:00 during the 180 instructional days plus attend professional development days as necessitated by Administration. It is highly encouraged that staff members attend the Christian formation classes offered on Saturdays to enrich their understanding of the Catholic faith.

Ten days of absence are allowed for sickness, appointments that cannot be made outside of school hours, and emergencies. These days are available for those purposes and are not an entitlement or a benefit. They may not be used for three or more consecutive days without a doctor’s note.

Any absences beyond ten days will be deducted on a per diem basis, within the pay period the absences occur. There is no compensation given for remaining days at the end of the contract year.

Benefits

401-K

Faculty and staff members may arrange with the secretary to apply for the 401-K plan. To be eligible, the employee must work a minimum of 20 hours. A 6-month waiting period applies, with entry dates on January 1st and July 1st.

Insurance

Faculty and staff members may arrange for insurance by contacting the secretary. To be eligible, the employee must work a minimum of 30 hours. A 2-month waiting period applies.

If a faculty or staff member chooses to not participate in the insurance benefit, a waiver must be signed to keep on file at the Diocese of Amarillo.

Certification

It is the professional responsibility of each teacher to maintain a current license and/or certificate.

Contract Year

32 of 39


2014-2015Contracts for faculty and staff are for one year. They are not renewable. Contract year is from August 1st – July 31st. See “Pay Period” in this section for information on the first pay period for the contract year.

Co-curricular Activities

All teachers are expected to assume some non-teaching responsibilities; lunch duty, crosswalk, school activities or events, HSA meetings, Children’s Mass (on Sunday morning during Catholic Schools Week), etc.

Communication

All faculty and staff are expected to check mailboxes – both physical and electronic before and after school. If one’s email is not working, the office should be notified promptly.

Daily Schedule

7:45 a.m. Faculty/Staff in the building, students gather in the Life Center7:50 a.m. Faculty meet near the Life Center for short announcements7:55 a.m. Faculty, staff, and students recite pledges and prayers in the Life Center 8:00 a.m. Teachers lead students into the classrooms and the school day begins8:10 a.m. Leave for Holy Mass on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 8:15 a.m. Holy Mass begins

P.E. and Non-core classes will occur according to instructor schedule11:55 a.m. Angelus and Before Meal Prayer is prayed over the P.A. system12:-12:45 Lunch and break time3:25 p.m. Students gather in the St. Clare Commons for prayer and dismissal3:30 p.m. Students are dismissed as their rides arrive4:00 p.m. Faculty/Staff dismissed

Outside Employment

Teachers must not engage in gainful employment which interferes with school duties. The administration and pastor reserves the right to judge whether outside employment is compatible with schoolwork.

Pay Period

Remuneration is made according to contract based on a 12-month schedule. Paychecks are issued on the 15th of each month through direct deposit. At the beginning of a contract year, the first pay period will be in the month of September and the last pay period will be in the month of August.

Professional dress

33 of 39


2014-2015Faculty and staff members are to dress as professional role models. Appearance and hygiene should be a sign of professionalism. Faculty and staff members may not wear shorts, jogging suits, casual flip-flops or casual tennis shoes during the instructional day or during diocesan professional development day unless permission is given by the Administration Office.

Faculty and staff members may not display visible tattoos. Piercings are to be kept to a minimum of 2, limited to the ears. No extreme hair colors will be allowed.

Everyday requires dress of respect and conservatism. In particular, Fridays are a day of reverence in observance of Christ’s death. Faculty and staff should take care to dress in a dressy-casual manner. No jeans should be worn on Friday unless prior permission has been given by the Administration Office.

Students at SAPCS wear uniforms for the purpose of uniformity and so that no child is distracted by another student’s clothing. In a similar manner, the faculty and staff need to remain aware and cautious of their clothing bearing readily visible logos or brand names.

An exception of wearing shorts and tennis shoes is granted to the P.E. instructor.

Security

While the cleaning schedule is fairly predictable, sometimes plans have to change, so the faculty and staff may not always rely on the maintenance person to secure the building. The last person out of the building in the evening is responsible for turning off the hallway, workroom, restrooms, St. Clare Commons, and lounge lights.

If a door is found to be unlatched, please make the Administration office aware or call the Principal.

Social Security and Workmen’s Compensation

Faculty and staff members are covered by the Social Security program and Workers’ Compensation.

Technology Usage

Each teacher is expected to sign an Acceptable Telecommunications Policy agreement and enforce this policy with his/her students (an Agreement will be given to each faculty and staff member at the beginning of each school year). Faculty and staff should keep in mind that the computer and iPads they use daily is school property. Use of the computer, iPad and the Internet are provided for professional use only. The use of the Internet to send jokes, forwarded e-mail messages, or other communication not related to the professional duties to which you are assigned is strictly prohibited. Transmission of such material made on a teacher’s blog regarding the administration, other teachers, staff, students, or the parish. Teachers and staff

34 of 39


2014-2015should not “friend” their students on their social networking sites. This is a breach of professional boundaries.

Passwords of school programs and school email must be reported to the Technology Director. If a password is changed, it is your responsibility to notify the Technology Director. All school programs and email accounts are property of SAPCS.

Telecommunications Use Agreement

The school has a student Telecommunications Use Agreement which sets personal responsibility as the cornerstone. However, the faculty’s responsibility in modeling, teaching and monitoring acceptable use is important.

Title IX

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School adheres to the tenets of Title IX: “No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

35 of 39


2014-2015SECTION SIX: SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION OF FACULTY AND STAFF

The supervision of the faculty and staff is an ongoing formative process that includes monitoring, feedback and dialogue on lesson design, instruction, assessment practices, professional development, classroom management and climate, parent and collegial relationships, routine duties and upholding of the mission.

Professional Development

Each faculty member is required by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department, our accrediting body, to engage in and document professional development activities. Each teacher is required to complete at least seven days of local or diocesan training. In addition, a minimum of eight more hours are to be obtained through extra local or diocesan campus training, or another source. These activities require the administration approval prior to registration. They may include college courses, workshops/conventions, travel to enhance teaching, service on a diocesan research committee, service on a TCCED accreditation team, or catechesis training. These classes should be taken after school hours; evenings, weekends, and/or school breaks.

TCCED accreditation also specifies “Minimum Requirements for Teachers of Religion/Theology.” Religion teachers have five years from the date of employment to complete these requirements. New teachers submit initial documentation to the principal’s office for evaluation by the superintendent’s office. Annual activities are documented on the form described in paragraph one even after the requirements is met, since there is a continuing education requirement as well. Copies of verification of coursework should be submitted to the principal when completed. A highly encouraged source is Notre Dame’s STEP program. (Satellite Theological Education Program) This can be found at the following website: www.nd.step/regristration.com. Each class is seven weeks in duration, requiring approximately six hours of study per week.

Observations

In addition to other sources and opportunities, classroom observations – formal, informal, planned, unannounced – are all valid sources of information to draw upon for supervisory assistance. The Diocese of Amarillo requires at least one classroom observation per year that is accompanied by a written report.

Evaluation of Faculty

Evaluation is an event that may occur at any time. The Diocese requires at least one written evaluation by the principal for each teacher for each year. The Diocese of Amarillo uses the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS). It contains nine domains:

1. Active, Successful Student Participation in the Learning Process

36 of 39


2014-20152. Learner-Centered Instruction3. Evaluation and Feedback on Student Progress4. Management of Student Discipline, Instructional Strategies, Time, and

Materials5. Professional Communication6. Professional Development7. Compliance With Policies, Operating Procedures, and Requirements8. Improvement of Academic Performance of All Students on the Campus9. Contribution to the Catholic Character of the Educational Setting Through

Professional Practice

An orientation of the PDAS will be offered to each new teacher during one of the professional development days in August. Each teacher will submit the Teacher Self Report I to the principal no later than six weeks after the school year begins. Teacher Self Reports II and III will be submitted to the principal within the first twelve weeks of school. A written summary will be submitted to the teacher by the appraiser within ten working days after a formal observation. This summary will be signed by the teacher and appraiser. The teacher will receive a copy and the original will be placed in the teacher’s file in the main office.

Evaluation of Staff

Each staff member is evaluated on her duties, formally or informally. A copy of the written report will be given to the staff member and the original will be placed in the staff member’s file in the main office.

Personal Improvement Plan

Any faculty and staff, who after three (3) verbal warnings do not change their practice, will be subject to a Personal Improvement Plan (PIP). A PIP is a formal, written document that sets goals for improvement, with requirements of weekly meetings, additional observations by the Principal, and continuous feedback and follow-up for a pre-determined time period set by the Principal and/or Pastor. The Principal and/or Pastor may implement a PIP for any faculty or staff member at any time during the course of the contract year.

If one chooses not to abide by the PIP, shows no improvement by the end of the time period allotted, or chooses not to work in cooperation with the Principal and/or Pastor, he/she will be subject to suspension and/or termination.

37 of 39


2014-2015SECTION EIGHT: RIGHT TO AMEND

RIGHT TO AMEND

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School reserves the right to amend this Handbook. Notice of Amendments will be given to faculty and staff members.

Revised: July 2014

38 of 39


2014-2015SECTION NINE: ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE PAGE

Acknowledgement of 2014-2015 Faculty and Staff Handbook

I, __________________________________________ have read and agree to the terms of the 2014-2015 Faculty and Staff Handbook agreement. I understand that this will be put in my file and serves as a legal document. I will do my best to abide by the policies and responsibilities set forth. If I have any questions or concerns regarding the handbook, I will immediately take them to the Principal for resolution.

________________________ __________________Faculty or Staff Member Date

________________________ __________________Principal Date

faculty/staff handbook 2013-2014 - stanthonydalhart.com te… · web viewfaculty & staff...

Documents