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1 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
Staff Handbook Manuel du personnel
2017-‐2018
Children, our reason; education, our passion!
Les enfants, notre raison; l’éducation, notre passion!
2 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
Table of Contents
A Note from the Principal…………………………………………………………………………............................................... 6 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………….……............................................... 6 St. Paul public schools mission statement ………………………………………………................................................ 7 St. Paul public schools vision statement …………………………………………….……............................................... 7 L’Etoile du Nord Vision Statement ………………………………………………………………………………………………….….… 7 L'Etoile du Nord mission statement …………………………………………………..……………………………………………...,. 7 LNFI building focus/goals …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………..... 7 Building administration and contact information ………………………………………………………………………….….. 8 Other important contacts …………………………………………………………………….….............................................. 8 Staff Restrooms ……………………………………………………………………………………….............................................. 9 Cafeteria …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 Copy Room and Supplies ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 10 Health Office ………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Media Center ……………………………………………………...……………………………...……………………………………………….11 Office ……………………………………………………...……………………………............................................................….,. 11 I. Workplace Standards and Expectations ……………………………...............……………………………………………..… 12
• Racial Equity: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..............…… 12 • Equal Opportunity: .……………………………………………………………………..…………………………..............……12 • Open Communications: …………………………………………………………………………………………..............…… 12 • Community Relations: ………………………………………………………………………………………………...........…… 12 • Harassment and Discrimination: ………………………………………………………………………………...........…… 13 • Other examples of discrimination, harassment and violence. ……………….…………………...........…… 13
o Other considerations on Harassment and Discrimination …………………………………………… 14 • Fraternization: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………….. 14 • Drug-‐Free Workplace: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15 • Participation in Political Activities: …………………………………………………………………………………………… 15 • Outside Employment: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15 • Violence in The Workplace: ……………………………………………..……………………………………………………… 15 • Weapons: ……………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………… 15 • Smoking: ……………………………………………………..…………………………………………….…………………………… 16 • Confidentiality: …………………………………………..…………………………………………….……………………………. 16 • Student Information System: ……………………..…………………………………………….……………………………. 16 • Media Release: ……….……………………..…………………………………………….………………………………………… 16 • Release of Information: ……………………………...…………………………………………….……………………………. 16
o Non-‐Custodial Parents: ……………………..…………………………………………….…………………………. 16 • Communication: ……………………..…………………………………………….…………………………………………….…. 16 • SPPS-‐owned electronic devices: …………………………………………….…………………………………………….…. 16 • Use of Technology: ……………..…………………………………………….………………………..…………………………. 17 • Social Media: ……………………………………….……………………………….…………………………………………….…. 17 • Media Inquiries: ………………………………….….…………………………….…………………………………………….…. 17
Ii. Attendance: …………...………….………………….….……………………….……………………………………………………...…. 17 • Consistent and prompt attendance: ………………….…………….………………………………………………...…. 17 • Personal Leave: ……….……………...………………………………………………………………………………………...…. 18
3 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
• Staff Requesting To Use Sick Leave ……...……………………………………………………………………………..…. 19 • Requests For Leave Without Pay: ……...……………………………………………………………..………………...…. 19 • AESOP……………………………………………………………….………………………………………………..……………....…. 19 • Duty Free Lunch And Prep Period……………………………………………………………………………………… ..... 19 • Leaving The Building During School: ………………………………………………………………………………………. 20 • Timesheets ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………… 20 • Staff Lounge and Staff Lounge Procedures ………………………………………………………………………………20
III Matters of Employment ………………………………………………………………….……………………….………………….. 20 o Mandatory Reporter ……………………………………………………….……………………….…………..……….. 20 o First Report of Injury (FROI): ………………………………………….……………………….………..…..……….. 21 o Security (Badges): ……………..…….…………………………………….……………………….………..…..……….. 21 o Children at Work: ……………..…….…………………………………….……………………….………..…..……….. 21 o Animals at Work: ……………..…….…………………………………….……………………….………..…..………... 21 o Licensure, Professional Development and PDExpress: ….……………………….………..…..………... 21
IV Standards of Conduct: ………………………………………………………………….……………………….…………………….. 22 o Responsibilities: ……………………………………………………………….……………………….…………………... 22 o Professionalism: …………………………………………………………….……………………….………..…………... 22 o Off-‐Duty Conduct: ………………………………………………………….……………………….………..…………... 22 o Responding to Student Behavior: ………………………………….……………………….………...…………... 22 o Managing Student Behavior: ………………………………….……………………….………...……………..…... 23
§ Positive Behavioral and Interventions Supports: ………………………………………………… 23 § Pupil Fair Dismissal Act: ……………………………………………………………………………………… 23
o Dress Code: …………………………..……………….…………………………………………………………………….… 23 o Personal Electronic Devices: …………………….………………………………………………………………….… 23 o Gifts: …………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………….… 23 o Solicitations And Distributions: …………………………………………………………………………..……….… 23 o Conflict of Interest: …………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 24 o Food in School: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…. 24 o Student Incident Reports: ……………………………………………………………………………………….….… 24 o Emergencies: ……………………………………………………………………….……………………………………..… 24 o Safety: ……………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………....… 24 o Travel: ……………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………....… 25 o Duties: Committees and Extra Duties: ……………………………………………………………….……....… 25
§ Breakfast Duty ……………………………………………….……………………………………………....… 25 § Committees and Extra Duties ……………………….………………………….…………………....… 25 § PTO Staff Representatives ….……………………….….……………………….…………………....… 28 § Extra Duties with Stipend ….……………………….….……………………….………………….....… 28 § Task Forces/ Adhoc Committee Volunteers ….……………………….…………………......… 28
o Staff Meetings ……………………………………………………....….……………………….………………….....… 28 V Building Operations and Procedures …………………………....….……………………….………………….............… 29
o Office Hours and Building Location: ………....….……………………….…………………............… 29 o Internal Communications: ………....….……………………….……………………………….............… 29 o Principal Absence: ………....….………………………………….…………….………………….............… 29 o Staff Use of Mail/Phones/Voicemail/Email: ………….…………….…………………...............… 30 o School Calendar: …………………………....….……………………….………………….……….............… 30 o Keys: ……………………………………...……....….……………………….………………….……….............… 30
4 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
o Parking: ………………………………...……....….….…………………….………………….……….............… 31 o School Visitors: …………………...……....….….…………………….………………….………...............… 31 o Student Sign-‐In & Out……………...……....….….…………………….………………….………...........… 31 o Facilities ……………...……....….….…………………………….………….………………….………...........… 31 o Chemicals & Pesticides: ……………...……....….….…………………….………………….……….......... 31 o Business Office Guidelines: ………...……....….….…………………….………………….……….......... 31 o Office Supplies and Equipment Use: ....….….…………………….…………..……….……….......... 32 o Collecting and Depositing Cash & Checks: ....….….…………………….……………..…….......... 32 o Purchasing (Expenses & Reimbursements): .....………………….………………….……….......... 32 o Fees for Travel, Field Trips, And Extracurriculars: …………….………………….……..….......... 32 o Planning and Coordinating Field Trips: …………………………….………………….……..….......... 32
§ Field Trips …………………………….…………………………………..…………….……..….......... 32 § Steps to ensure successful field trip planning and implementation: ….......... 33 § Ordering lunches for field trips ………………………………...…………….……..….......... 33
VI Licensed Staff Performance and Conduct Standards ……………………………...…………….……...….......... 34 o Role of Licensed Staff: ……………………………...…………….…………………………..…...…........... 34 o Grading and Reporting: <Insert Expectations ……………………………...…………...…........... 34 o Student Attendance and Retention: …………………..……………...…………….……...…........,.. 34 o Lesson Plans: ……………………………...…………….……............................................…........... 35 o Monitoring and Managing Student Behavior: …............................................…........... 35 o Substitute Folder ….........................................................................................…........... 36 o Special Education -‐ Overview: .......................................................................…........... 36 o Special Education -‐ Due Process: ..................................................................…........... 37 o Belongings from Home: .......................................................................…..................... 38 o Student Medications: .........................................................................…..................... 38 o Student Injury and Illness: ........................................................................................... 38 o Allergies ....................................................................................................................... 38 o Before and After School Duties: ................................................................................. 38 o Visual Media: ............................................................................................................... 38 o Testing: ........................................................................................................................ 38 o Additional Licensed Staff Expectations ....................................................................... 39
§ Arrival Time for Teachers ................................................................................ 39 § Badges ............................................................................................................. 39 § Room Reservations ......................................................................................... 39 § Announcements .............................................................................................. 39 § Non-‐School Events .......................................................................................... 40 § Recess ………………............................................................................................. 40 § Custodian Help ................................................................................................ 40 § Emergency Procedures ................................................................................... 40
o The Staff-‐Resources & Other Info …………………………………………………………………………. 41 § Staff Work Injury ………………………………………………………………………………………. 41 § Fines …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 41 § Media Relations – Who’s in Charge? ..………………………………………………………. 41 § Questions and Answers ..………………………….………………………………………………. 43
o The Students ..…………………………………….……………….………………………………………………. 44 o Release Of Private Information ………….…………………………………………………………………. 44
5 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
§ Cumulative Folders ………………..…………………………………………………………………. 44 § Report Cards ………….…………………………………………………………………………………. 44 § Referrals ………….……………………………………………………………..…………………………. 45 § Student Conduct Management …………………………….………..…………………………. 45 § Office Referral Form ……………………………………………..……....…………………………. 46 § The Big 10 Types of Behavior ……………………………..……....……………………………. 46 § Student Conduct Services and Resources ………..……....………………………………. 47 § Student Support Team ………..……....……………………………………………………..……. 48
o The Classroom ………..……....……………………………………………………..……………………………. 49 § Volunteers ...……....……………………………………………………..………….…………………. 49 § Purchasing ...……....……………………………………………………..………….…………………. 49 § Watching Content Not Rated G or PG ………………………..………….…………………. 49 § Dissemination Information ………………………..………….………………….………………. 50
VII Paraprofessional Staff Performance and Conduct Standards ..………….…………………….………………. 51 o Monitoring and Managing Student Behavior: .………….………………..……….….……………. 51 o Lunch/Prep .………….………………..……….……………………………………………………………………. 51 o Special Education: .………………..……….…………………………………………………….………………. 51 o Bus Duty: .………….………………..……………………………………………………………….………………. 52
VIII Clerical and Administrative Staff Performance and Conduct Standards ……………….…..……………. 53 o Role of Clerical and Administrative Professional Staff: ……………………….…..……………. 53 o Customer Service ……………………….…..……………………………………………………………………. 53 o Managing Student Behavior ……….…..……………………………………………………………………. 53
IX Employee Resources ……….…..……………………………………………………..……………………………………………. 53 o Personnel Records: …………………….…..……………………………………………………………………. 53 o Payroll ……………………………………...…..……………………………………………………………………... 53 o Benefits ……………………………………...…..……………………………………………………………………. 53 o FMLA …………………………….…………...…..……………………………………………………………….…... 54 o Wellness ……………………………………......……………………………………………………………….…... 54 o Retirement ………………………………......……..………………………………………………………….…... 54 o Labor Agreements: ………………………………......…………………………………………………….…... 54 o Employee Assistance Program (EAP): …......…………………………..………………………….…... 54
Closing …………………………….…………..............................……………………………………………………………….…... 55 o Signature Acknowledgement ..........………………………………………………………………….…... 55
6 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
A Note From The Principal Bienvenue!
Welcome to L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion School (LNFI). We are one of two public schools that offer French as the medium of instruction and communication in Minnesota. We are a public school within the Saint Paul Public Schools system, and the other of three total immersion schools in Saint Paul. Our theme this year is “Positive Progress, Focused on our Priorities and Playing to Our Strengths.” We hope that you will enjoy your experiences at LNFI and that this guide proves to be a useful resource. Within it, you will find general information about our school and policies, as well as the names and locations of staff to assist you.
INTRODUCTION To facilitate your success and provide a blueprint regarding basic expectations, this handbook provides a summary of guidelines, expectations, and provisions of employment with LNFI and St. Paul Public Schools (“SPPS”). It does not cover all aspects of employment with LNFI or SPPS. Please read through this handbook carefully, as you are expected to follow the guidelines laid out within it. If you have questions regarding the information, it is your responsibility to address them with your supervisor or Human Resources. SPPS or its departments may establish additional guidelines and procedures appropriate to that entity which may impact LNFI’s staff and operations. Please learn those guidelines and observe them at all times. They are established for the benefit of the school or department and the students we serve. This Employee Handbook replaces any earlier LNFI Employee Handbook(s). In addition, this handbook may be revised from time to time, as needed, without prior notice as business, employment, legislative, social and/or economic conditions dictate. Any such revisions apply to existing, as well as future, employees. Revision will be made as they are approved. You will be notified and provided a copy of the revised handbook or applicable sections. Only the Principal, Assistant Superintendent, or Superintendent and/or their designee may alter or modify any of the provisions of this Employee Handbook. Statements made by an administrator, principal, supervisor, manager or department head may not be interpreted as a change in policy and do not constitute an agreement of employment terms with an employee. All provisions outlined in this Handbook are meant to exist in conjunction with the St. Paul Board of Education’s Policies and Procedures Manuals. This Handbook does not cover all aspect of the St. Paul Board of Education’s Policies and Procedures Manuals. You are responsible for reading, understanding, and adhering to all Board’s Policies and Procedures Manuals. If you have questions, please discuss them with your supervisor in a timely manner. This Handbook does not constitute a contract of employment, express or implied. This is a general publication prepared for LNFI employees, many whom are represented by various unions. If a conflict
7 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
arises between an item in this Employee Handbook and an item in a negotiated agreement, the terms in the Negotiated Agreement will govern without nullifying any other items in this Handbook. All St. Paul Board of Education Policies and Procedures Manuals can be found at http://boe.spps.org/POLICYMANUAL and http://boe.spps.org/Proceduremanual. In addition, the Code of Ethics for Minnesota Teachers can be found at https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/rules/?id=8710.2100. If a conflict arises between an item in this Employee Handbook and an item in the St. Paul Board of Education Policies and Procedures manuals or State Statute, the terms of the Board of Education manuals and State Statute will govern without nullifying any other items in this Handbook. When St. Paul Board of Education Policies and Procedures Manuals are changed, they supersede the information in the LNFI’s Employee Handbook. Nothing in the Company’s policy is designed to interfere with, restrain, or prevent employee communications regarding wages, hours, or other terms and conditions of employment; employees have the right to engage in or refrain from such activities. Failure to follow any of the policies and expectations referenced and contained within may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.
ST. PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT
To provide a premier education for all
ST. PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOLS VISION STATEMENT Imagine every student inspired, challenged, and cared for by exceptional educators. Imagine your family welcomed, respected and valued by exceptional schools. Imagine our community united, strengthened, and prepared for an exceptional future. Saint Paul Public Schools: Where imagination meets destination.
L’Etoile du Nord VISION STATEMENT
To prepare life-‐long learners for success in a multi-‐lingual, global community. Former des étudiants à vie pour réussir dans une communauté poliglotte et mondiale.
L’Etoile du Nord MISSION STATEMENT
To provide a nurturing, learning environment where French language immersion enhances and infuses the curriculum. Créer un environnement accueillant dans lequel l’apprentissage de la langue française en immersion améliore l’infusion du curriculum
LNFI BUILDING FOCUS/GOALS
-‐ Enhance critical thinking skills Améliorer les techniques de pensée critique -‐ Achieve competency in the French language Atteindre la maîtrise de la langue française -‐ Gain a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures
8 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
Obtenir une meilleure compréhension et appréciation des autres cultures -‐ Master the Saint Paul Public Schools curriculum Maîtriser le curriculum de Saint Paul Public Schools -‐ Enhance the development of English language art skills. Améliorer le développment de l’apprentissage de la langue anglaise
BUILDING ADMINISTRATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION Building Staff and Contact Information
Lourdes Flores-‐Hanson Principa, Lourdes.Flores-‐[email protected] Phone Ext: 41328 John Osorio Assistant P [email protected] Phone Ext: 46368 Kristine Blomgren, LC Lead Clerk [email protected] Phone Ext: 41070 Annie Tellier UC Lead Clerk, [email protected] Phone Ext: 47019 Gordon Stewart UC Custodial Eng [email protected] Kathy McCurdy LC Custodial Eng [email protected] Sharon Thole UC IT Rep. UC [email protected] Adam Brown LC IT Rep. LC [email protected]
OTHER IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Human Resources, Youa Yang [email protected] -‐ 651-‐767-‐8236
• Benefits, Benefits Enrollment and Questions 651-‐767-‐8200 | [email protected]
• Leave of Absence -‐ Human Resources Information Management Associates • Davena McKnight | Last Names A to L | 651-‐767-‐8231 | [email protected] • Kelly Motz | Last Names M to Z | 651-‐767-‐8205 | [email protected]
• Retiree Benefits Technician Megan Jones Arko | 651-‐767-‐8227 | [email protected]
• Wellness Initiative (WI) Brian Neppl | 651-‐767-‐8154 | [email protected]
• Benefits -‐ Human Resources Information Managment Associate Janine Cummins| 651-‐767-‐8266 | [email protected]
Payroll [email protected]
9 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
Staff restrooms Lower Campus: Across from cafeteria/gym, and next to the copy room and also in the Main office. Upper Campus: There is a restroom in the nurse’s office and in room 1109. There are staff bathrooms available on second and third floors. They are located near the middle of the hallway. It is the responsibility of staff to keep these areas cleans after each use, as there are visitors and parents who use the restrooms as well. The custodial staff may not clean them until the end of the day. As usual, these are also not for student use, and please remind students that they should refrain from using staff restrooms. Cafeteria Lower Campus: It is located on the first floor by the Ivy Street entrance on the east side of the building. It has a capacity of 133 people. Upper Campus: It is located on the first floor by the gym on the south side of the building. It has a capacity of 192 people. Lunch times are staggered, but grade levels do eat together. Students go out to the playground for recess either before or after lunch. Teachers are expected to walk their students to the cafeteria and to pick them up and escort them back to the classroom at the end of their lunchtime. Teachers, please BE ON TIME!!! Teachers eat their lunch at the same time as their students, and are expected to accompany their students out to recess. Please put this information in your sub folder so the substitute knows to supervise recess. Each student has a PIN number which is their student number. This will be used to purchase both hot and cold lunch. Lunch money should be turned in to the cafeteria supervisor through the homeroom Lunch Money Envelope f irst thing in the morning. It is advisable to have a designated responsible student(s) to take the Lunch Money envelope to the cafeteria. Cost: Adult lunch $4.00 Adult milk cost $0.50 Adult breakfast $2.25 (all prices subject to change)
10 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
Going on a field trip? A field trip request form is available online under the Staff Resources Notify the cafeteria supervisor at least two weeks in advance. Lower Campus: Angela Harris Ext # 46762 Upper Campus: Sana Jubran Ext # 47021 Let her know if you will need bag lunches and provide her with an exact count and student PIN numbers. She will be able to inform you of the available sandwich and cold lunch choices. If you do not need bag lunches, the supervisor still needs to know that you will not be eating in the cafeteria that day. She will need to adjust her lunch counts and staffing, so prior notice is important. Copy room and supplies There is a workroom in the office where you will find the fax, small copy machine, and other supplies. Poster maker will be located in the workroom 1202 LC and in the Office Copy Room UC. PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF! Certain supplies (Paper clips, scissors, tapes, etc.) are located in the teacher’s workroom (room 1202) and the fax room (1012) on the first floor for LC and on the second floor for UC (room 2103). NOTIFY THE OFFICE if quantities are low! To order classroom supplies, fill out the Purchase Request to Principal which is online. You will be responsible to do your own poster printing. DO NOT FORGET to turn the laminator off after you have finished. Please note that the laminating machine can only be used to preserve permanent materials. Do not laminate all your students’ work for display. This is very costly and unreasonable! There is also a Risograph (bulk copier) in the staff workroom, LC only. This is for copies that exceed 30, and for copies on construction paper. The regular copy machine (Ricoh) is for copies on duplicating paper between 1 and 30. This machine (Ricoh) is not to be used for copies that exceed 30 or for copies on construction paper. Again, DO NOT USE CONSTRUCTION PAPER ON THE REGULAR COPY MACHINE!!! If you are not sure of how to use these machines, please ask the Office! NO LABELS IN THE COPIER!!!!!!! Health office Lower Campus: Main Office 651-‐888-‐7644 Upper Campus: First Floor 651-‐888-‐7645 Anna Shukla is the primary LNFI nurse; she distributes medication, and is available one day per week to assist students. Elizabeth Harrington is the Health Office Assistant, and is available 5 days per week to assist students with their healthcare needs. Please see the Emergency Procedures in your School Safety Handbook in case of accidents and emergencies.
11 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
When sending students: Use the “Teacher’s Notice to School Nurse” form and indicate the problem. The health personnel will then write any information you need to know on the same slip and return it with the child. This slip also acts as a pass for the student. Students who continually ask to go to the health office, and who do not have obvious symptoms may very well be involved in class avoidance or other unfavorable behavior. Please be sure to consult the nurse about these types of situations. Please also bring such situations to the attention of the student’s parent/guardian. The nurse will also be communicating with you about individual students with special health needs. The nurse will establish, with you and the student’s parents, the proper procedure to attend to these students on a routine basis. Please do not administer medication to students without the properly established procedure by the school nurse (not even aspirin or other over the counter medication). If the student comes in with medication, you must send him/her to the health office immediately. If you are going on a field trip, give the health office staff a minimum of 3 day’s notice so that they can prepare any medication or supplies that you may need. It will be the responsibility of the homeroom teacher or teacher in charge of the field trip to handle and distribute the medication. A First Aid kit is available to take on field trips. After returning from the field trip, please return the field trip kit and medications to the health office. Media Centers Lower Campus: Next to office Room 1013 Upper Campus: Next to office Room 1106 We have a full-‐time Media Specialist between the two campuses. She can also assist you in checking out materials. Please set up a time with her to get a tour of the Media Center and its many resources with your students. Students must check out materials for themselves and teachers should not check out materials for students. If you are planning a unit, contact your team leader or the Media Specialist to assist you in pulling together resource materials. Please give her at least a week’s notice. Office Located on the first floor in both campuses. You are very likely to be greeted first by our very talented and friendly secretary. The secretary is a great resource if you have questions or need information. In the absence of the secretary, there will be an office assistant who will be able to assist with answering phones, and following up with student attendance and other related issues.
12 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
Lower Campus Secretary: Mme Kristine Blomgren Ext # 41070 Upper Campus Secretary: Mme Annie Tellier Ext # 47019 I. WORKPLACE STANDARDS and EXPECTATIONS
• RACIAL EQUITY: SPPS students deserve respectful learning environments in which their racial and ethnic diversity is valued and contributes to successful academic outcomes. All LNFI and SPPS staff should support the Racial Equity policy. Inequitable behavior or practices because of race, ethnicity, gender, and/or sexual orientation will not be tolerated. Likewise, bullying of staff members or students will not be tolerated. Please see SPPS Board Policy 101.00 for more.
• EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: SPPS and its schools are an equal opportunity employer. As stated in SPPS Board Policy 401.00, St Paul Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of protected class statuses: race, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, age, color, religion, ancestry, status with respect to public assistance, sexual or affectional orientation, disability, veteran status, harassment on these, retaliation for reporting and/or any other protected status as defined by law, in all facets of employment, compensation, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination/discharge or selection for District-‐sponsored training programs. Not only does discriminatory behavior damage the efficiency and effectiveness of our environment, it violates state and federal laws and regulations.
• OPEN COMMUNICATIONS: In order to maintain an efficient learning environment and an environment that is productive and positive for all, open communication is essential in resolving conflict and improving quality. LNFI and SPPS encourage you to discuss ideas and issues with the appropriate individual(s). You are encouraged to discuss issues with co-‐workers directly. If a resolution is not reached, you are encouraged to speak directly with your supervisor. If you witness inappropriate conduct, behavior, or performance of a co-‐worker, you should arrange a time to meet privately with your supervisor. If after meeting with the person or your supervisor a resolution is not reached, please arrange a meeting with your supervisor’s supervisor to discuss any concerns, problems, or issues that arises during the course of your employment. Concerns about your supervisor should be directed to your supervisor’s supervisor or Human Resources. Retaliation against any employee for the appropriate use of communication channels is unacceptable, per St. Paul Board of Education Policy <NUMBER>.
i. As part of SPPS’s desire to maintain open lines of communication, the Superintendent’s “The Bridge” and LNFI “Weekly Bulletin” are sent out via email and can be found on the web. Every staff member is responsible for reading and staying aware of the content of each edition. Staff may submit articles for the bulletin via email to the principal.
• COMMUNITY RELATIONS: The success of LNFI and SPPS depends upon the quality relationships between LNFI, the District, our employees, students, parents, and our community. Our community’s impressions of LNFI and the District heavily influence their support of our mission and our students. We exist to serve our students, so please remember that all staff of LNFI are ambassadors of our school and the District. Both in and out of the classroom, staff should promote goodwill, respect, and professionalism to all students, staff, parents, and community members in any situation in which they may be associated with the District.
• HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION: Per SPPS Board Policy 415.00, LNFI and SPPS intends to provide a work environment that is pleasant, professional, and free from intimidation,
13 L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion Employee Handbook, St. Paul Public Schools, Updated: 8-31-17
hostility, or inappropriate behavior that might interfere with work performance. Harassment or discrimination of any sort will not be tolerated. St. Paul Public Schools policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment and violence are intended to maintain a respectful learning and work environment that is free of discrimination, harassment and violence based on a person’s race creed, sex, marital status, national origin, age, color, religion, ancestry, status with respect to public assistance, familial status, sexual or affectional orientation, gender identity and expression, or disability.
Harassment is defined as, but not limited to:
1) words or actions relating to a person’s race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, religious practices, marital status, national origin, age, color, ancestry, and/or disability that are derogatory, offensive, exploitative, and/or degrading or 2) a display or circulation of materials, which are derogatory, offensive, exploitative, and/or degrading.
Other examples of discrimination, harassment and violence. • Name-‐calling, jokes or rumors. • Pulling on clothing. • Unwelcome touching of a person or person’s clothing • Graffiti. • Notes or cartoons. • Offensive or graphic posters or book covers. • Bullying that rises to the level of a hostile environment. • Any words or actions that make you or someone else feel uncomfortable
Note: We take seriously all reports of discrimination, harassment and violence. We will promptly investigate reports and take appropriate action, which may include discipline of the harasser, based on reports. If you believe that someone has harassed or discriminated you or another person, you need to tell an appropriate school admin staff or a school district staff member. • You may also make a written report to district personnel. • Your right to privacy will be respected as much as possible. • Retaliation for reporting discrimination, harassment, or violence is prohibited.
The District’s policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment and violence may be found on the District website at boe.spps.org/policy manual. Students and staff have the right to come to school every day and be proud of who they
are!
i. Workplace harassment can take many forms. It may be, but is not limited to, words, signs, offensive jokes, cartoons, pictures, posters, e-‐mail jokes or statements, pranks, intimidation, physical assaults, physical contact, or violence.
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Harassment may or may not be sexual in nature and may not be directed to the individual but take place within their range of hearing. Other prohibited conduct includes retaliatory action against an employee for discussing or making a harassment complaint.
ii. Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when such conduct creates an offensive, hostile or intimidating working environment and/or it prevents employees from effectively performing the duties of their position. It also encompasses such conduct when it is made a term or condition of employment or compensation, either implicitly or explicitly and when an employment decision is based on an individual's acceptance or rejection of such conduct.
iii. All SPPS employees have a responsibility for keeping our work environment free of harassment and discrimination. Any employee who becomes aware of an incident of harassment or discrimination, whether by witnessing the incident or being told of it, must report it to their immediate supervisor or to Human Resources at SPPS.
iv. If you believe you have been subject to harassment or discrimination, you are required to immediately notify your supervisor and/or Human Resources at SPPS. In addition, if there is no threat of violence, and you feel comfortable doing so, SPPS encourages you to communicate directly with the alleged harasser and make it clear that the harasser's behavior is unacceptable, offensive or inappropriate, although you are not required to do so. In addition, if you believe you have been subject to harassment or discrimination, you are required to immediately notify your supervisor and/or Human Resources at SPPS.
v. All complaints will be investigated promptly and as discreetly and confidentially as is reasonably possible. If harassment or discrimination by an employee is found, SPPS will take appropriate disciplinary action against the offender. Disciplinary action can range from verbal warnings to termination/discharge, depending on the circumstances. Retaliation of any sort will not be permitted. No adverse employment action will be taken for any employee making a good faith report of alleged harassment.
vi. SPPS accepts no liability for harassment or discrimination of one employee by another employee. The individual who makes unwelcome advances, threatens, or in any way harasses or discriminates against another employee may be personally liable for their actions and the consequences. SPPS prohibits any employee from retaliating in any way against anyone who has raised any concern about harassment or discrimination against another individual.
• FRATERNIZATION: Consensual personal relationships of a romantic or sexual
nature between co-‐workers who are not in a direct or indirect supervisory relationship are not of concern to the District unless conduct associated with that relationship constitutes sexual harassment or discrimination, affects an employee’s job evaluation or treatment, or interferes with productivity or harmonious work relationships within the workplace. Consensual dating relationships between an Administrator/Supervisor/Manager and an employee that the Manager directly or indirectly supervises are inappropriate in the workplace and are
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inconsistent with the District’s management philosophy as well as the Manager’s role and responsibilities.
• DRUG-‐FREE WORKPLACE: LNFI and SPPS have adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The unlawful possession, dispensing, distribution, manufacture, sale or use of controlled substances and alcohol by an SPPS employee is prohibited in the workplace, on school premises or as part of any SPPS activity. Being under the influence of controlled substances and/or alcohol by an employee is prohibited in the workplace, on the school premises or any part of an SPPS activity, per SPPS Board Policy 413.00 and 413.01.
• PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES: LNFI and District personnel may run for, and hold, public office. However, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 123B.195, a member of the SPPS Board of Education may not make in excess of $8,000 per year as an employee of the District during their tenure on the school board. District employees may not use their official authority of influence to compel a person to apply for membership in or become a member of a political organization, to pay or promise to pay a political contribution, or to take part in political activity. See Minn. Stat. § 211B.09. Further, the District recognizes that politics can be emotional for many people. Staff is encouraged to refrain from political discussion in the workplace unless it serves a clear educational purpose. Any political discussion had between staff, with parents, or with students should be neutral in nature and should promote civics education.
• OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT: Employees of the District may engage in outside employment, so long as the employment does not directly interfere with their SPPS duties. See SPPS Board Policy 408.06 for more.
• VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE: LNFI and SPPS prohibit violence in the workplace. Threatening, intimidating, hostile, or coercing fellow employees on or off District property at any time, for any purpose, will not be tolerated. This applies to all persons involved in SPPS' operations, including personnel, vendors, contractors, temporary employees and anyone else on SPPS property. Any act or threat of violence may result in referral to law enforcement or other appropriate authority, per SPPS Board Policy 415.00.
• WEAPONS: Per SPPS Board Policy 903.00, LNFI and SPPS prohibit all persons who enter District property from carrying handguns, firearms, knives, or other weapons of any kind regardless of whether the person is licensed to do so. SPPS also prohibits all employees from having handguns, firearms, knives or other weapons of any kind in their personal vehicle when that vehicle is being used on SPPS business. Please reference the SPPS Board Policy for exceptions.
• SMOKING: Use of tobacco, tobacco products, E-‐cigarettes (electronic), and e-‐cigarette products at all District sites is prohibited. Please see SPPS Board Policy 414.00 for more information.
• CONFIDENTIALITY: Under no circumstances should confidential information, such as student records, health information, or business decisions be made public, be discussed by SPPS staff with anyone unless authorization is
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obtained from the designated, appropriate SPPS staff. Moreover, District, school, and student records must be safeguarded against inspection by those who have no right to see them. Do not discuss such information with any other party unless you have such authorization and it is necessary for the educational benefit and/or safety of the student or District. When such exchange of information is necessary, conversations should be held in privacy. Any requests for information from the media should be referred to administration or another authorized District spokesperson.
• STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM: CAMPUS is the school’s student information system. This system is the official repository of all student information. It is used to <enter specifics>. Data will be collected here for all reports. <Insert other expectations for using CAMPUS>. It is the expectation that CAMPUS is only used for work-‐related purposes. Staff is expected to guard confidential or private information accessed in CAMPUS to ensure the privacy of all.
• MEDIA RELEASE: All students must have a signed media release form on file with the school permitting the use of their photo in school or District-‐related media. Use of a student’s image without the signed media release or for a purpose other than principal-‐approved operations and/or official SPPS business is strictly prohibited.
• RELEASE OF INFORMATION: Student information is private. Staff members may share information only on a “need to know” basis with other staff members. Information must be kept current on CAMPUS. Please inform the clerk as soon as you know of changes. If a child moves, please email the clerk to give date and reason.
• NON-‐CUSTODIAL PARENTS: Non-‐custodial parents have rights to information on their child/children unless there is a court order to the contrary or there is sufficient reason to believe that the health/welfare of the child/children or custodial parents is in jeopardy.
• COMMUNICATION: Personal devices, e-‐mail, and other communication methods should be checked minimally throughout the day and should never interfere with instruction or other work duties.
• SPPS-‐owned electronic devices such as Internet, cellular phones, email, voicemail, etc. are not (or with severe limitations) protected under the Data Privacy Protection Act and are for the sole purpose of conducting official SPPS business. SPPS can, and may, access these devices at any time. Employees should have no expectation of privacy in their electronic activities at work. Internet should be used for educational purposes and for limited personal use that does not in any way interfere with the instruction, well-‐being, and safety of other staff, students, or parents. Personal cell phones should be used only during your lunch and break times and not during working hours, except in the case of an emergency.
• USE OF TECHNOLOGY: The use of District technology resources (physical equipment and digital property) is a privilege granted to employees for the enhancement of job-‐related functions. Staff should have no expectation of privacy when using District-‐owned media, equipment, and technology. All
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employees shall use their SPPS-‐assigned email accounts to conduct all school/District business. Employees should not use their personal email address(es) for SPPS business. Employees may have limited access to these resources for personal use, if they comply with the professional standards and the District’s acceptable use policies, and so long as their use does not interfere with their work duties. Violations of this policy may result in the revocation of this privilege. SPPS does not attempt to articulate all possible violations of this policy. In general, users are expected to use District computers, networks, hardware, and software in a responsible, polite, and professional manner. It is the expectation that all staff follow the SPPS Board Policy 520.00 at all times while an employee of SPPS.
• SOCIAL MEDIA: LNFI recognizes that social media can be a powerful tool for learning for its students. However, as employees of the District, staff should be mindful of their conduct on social media sites that represent students, families, or groups within the District. When using and engaging with social media, staff must be professional, respectful, and ethical. In addition, any staff use of social media must be in accordance with SPPS Board Policy 426.00.
• MEDIA INQUIRIES: All media inquiries (reporter, camera person, photographer, etc.) should be directed to the Principal, who will work with the Office of Communications to address. You should not respond to those media requests directly. We ask this so that the District is careful not to violate the privacy rights of our students and staff or any other applicable laws.
II. ATTENDANCE:
• Consistent and prompt attendance is essential to providing our students a premier education. Staff is expected to be at work every day, on-‐time, and ready to perform their job responsibilities.
• Absence If you are going to be absent, REQUEST A SUB through AESOP as soon as possible. Half day subs: Lower Campus: 9:15 AM to 12:45 PM & 12:46 PM to 4:15 PM Upper Campus: 9:25 AM to 12:55 PM & 12:56 PM to 4:25 PM If you are a staff member who does not use AESOP to register absences, call the school secretary and follow up with email to secretary and administrator to inform them of your absence. Upon your return, please check with the secretary to ensure that the reason for your absence is properly documented. For paraprofessional staff, please complete a time slip and turn it in to the secretary. Teachers, please also check your substitute folder to ensure that it is up-‐to-‐date for the next
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time you are absent. All other staff should call the school office as early as possible, and no later than 7:30 AM.
• Personal leave: Staff requesting personal leave must submit their request in
writing or email a minimum of 10 days prior to the leave to the principal (or their designee). A request is not approved until the principal (or their designee) communicates such. Requests will be granted based on the number of leaves requested and approved for each particular date. Staff must use applicable accrued leave to cover the absence.
Requests for personal leave or some other types of leave have to go through the principal. There are two different procedures initially:
Online procedure:
The Personal Leave Form can be found and submitted online. Visit the following web address to access it: http://frenchimmersion.spps.org/. Click the STAFF tab. Login with AD credentials. Choose Request for Leave.
Once you submit your request: Principal, Assistant Principal, and secretaries will receive your request.
The system will generate an email stating that your request was submitted. Principal or designee will contact you via email with an answer within 24 hours. The secretary will note the leave on the form that goes to payroll once approval is granted.
Please consider the following… Teachers are entitled to 5 days (40 hours) of personal leave according to the teacher’s contract (please refer to the teacher’s contract). Please secure a substitute teacher by activating the substitute Request system. (If you are unsure about how to use this system, please ask the school secretary or a returning teacher who would be glad to help). Any request must be submitted at least two weeks before the intended date for approval. Notice of approval or denial should be given within three-‐five days. Generally, the principal approves the leave especially if there is a substitute teacher, unless there are important events on the school calendar that make the teacher’s presence imperative. It is the teacher’s responsibility to keep track of the number of available personal leave days. For more information about leaves, please refer to the Terms and Conditions of Professional Employment (Contract) booklet (article 11, section 9).
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• Staff requesting to use sick leave for a planned or unplanned medical reason must contact the principal (or their designee) directly and must do so a minimum of 2 hours prior to the start of the staff person’s shift by PHONE OR EMAIL. A request is not approved until the principal (or their designee) communicates such approval. Staff must use applicable accrued leave to cover the absence.
• Requests for leave without pay must be made a minimum of 2 hours prior to the start of the staff person’s scheduled shift and will be reviewed on a case-‐by-‐case basis and granted only in extenuating circumstances or as provided for under the law. Taking leave without pay without proper approval is considered unauthorized and subject to discipline.
• AESOP: Within 24 hours of receiving approval for the use of personal leave, or by 6:00 am of the day in question if requesting sick leave, teachers must submit a sub request in AESOP. School Procedures If you are going to be absent, REQUEST A SUB through AESOP as soon as possible. Half day subs: Lower Campus: 9:15 AM to 12:45 PM & 12:46 PM to 4:15 PM Upper Campus: 9:25 AM to 12:55 PM & 12:56 PM to 4:25 PM Call the school secretary and administrator to inform them of your absence. Upon your return, please check with the secretary to ensure that the reason for your absence is properly documented. For paraprofessional staff, please complete a time slip and turn it in to the secretary. Teachers, please also check your substitute folder to ensure that it is up-‐to-‐date for the next time you are absent. All other staff should call the school office as early as possible, and no later than 9:00 AM.
• Duty free lunch and prep period: Licensed staff is entitled to a duty-‐free
lunch period and prep period as outlined in their collective bargaining agreement. It is expected that staff members be in the building during their prep time unless prior approval/arrangements are made with the principal, and you must notify the office when you leave and return.
• Leaving the building during school Staff may leave the building for an emergency after making sure that their students will be well supervised, and their classes will be properly covered.
Please make sure that you check with the principal first before leaving the building during your contracted hours. This includes leaving the building to run errands during your preparation or lunch times, or to go outside for a walk.
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You are also required to check in with the secretary and the principal upon your return to the building.
• Time sheets should be filled and turned in to Mme Blomgren or Mme Tellier in a timely manner to ensure you are also paid in a timely manner.
• Staff Lounge Lower Campus: Room 1115 Upper Campus: First floor Room 1105 Staff lounge procedures:
The school has a staff lounge for all employees in this building. Staff using this as a lounge should please clean up after themselves. Do not leave food or drink around the room, as this may spoil and cause bugs, mice, bad air, and other undesirable conditions caused by bad food. Also, please do not leave food in the refrigerator for more than FIVE workdays, starting from Monday of each week.
All food must be taken home during the weekend! Clean up after yourself.
Do not forget that we are shining examples for our students and others! STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN STAFF LOUNGE AT ANY TIME.
III. MATTERS OF EMPLOYMENT • MANDATORY REPORTER: SPPS conforms to Minnesota Statute 626.556, the
Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act. Any suspected cases of maltreatment of any student or unborn child must be immediately reported to either the local law enforcement agency or the Human Services Department of the city where the maltreatment took place. SPPS mandates all employees, including college or graduate students interns, contracted employees and/or paid consultants, to report all cases of suspected student maltreatment to the proper authorities. This policy covers the above-‐ mentioned group of mandated reporters while they are engaged in the performance of their official duties for the school district. If the suspected maltreatment occurs within a school or school program by a staff person, the report must go to the Minnesota Department of Education, even if it also has been reported to local law enforcement. See Ramsey County Child Protection Services at www.co.ramsey.mn.us/hs/fostercare/ChildProtectionScreening.htm or Minnesota Department of Education at http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/SchSup/StuMaltr/index.html.
Each staff member is required by law to report any suspected case of child abuse and neglect. When in doubt, please discuss your thoughts/observations, etc. with appropriate staff members such as the
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principal, nurse, social worker or counselor if on staff. A report will be made to the county.
• FIRST REPORT OF INJURY (FROI): An FROI should be completed and filed by the building administrator whenever anyone believes a work-‐related injury or illness has occurred. It is important to notify your supervisor immediately if you are injured at work and ensure that a FROI form is completed within 24 hours of the initial incident. The completed FROI form is to be forwarded by fax to the SPPS Facilities Department at 651.744.1867 or scanned and emailed to [email protected].
• SECURITY (badges): Employees must carry SPPS badges at all times. IDs may be obtained from the Photo ID Office at 360 Colborne. Upon separation from employment ID badges must be returned immediately. If you have any questions, please contact the school clerk or the Photo ID Office at [email protected]. Replacements for lost or stolen badges may require a small fee.
• CHILDREN AT WORK: Unless prior arrangements have been made with an administrator, staff members are not permitted to have their child(ren) on the work site during the hours while school is in session or in which they are scheduled to be working.
• ANIMALS AT WORK: Due to different student/staff sensitivities, it is not appropriate to bring any pets to work unless it is being used for disability/educational purposes and proper approval from administration has been issued. If a pet is being used for educational purposes, it must be approved by the building Principal. If a pet is being used for disability purposes, it must be approved by Human Resources.
• LICENSURE, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PDEXPRESS: The District and LNFI are committed to the development and growth of its staff. Staff is core to the work we do for our students. In accordance with SPPS Board Policy 403.00, the following resources are available to you and you are encouraged to seek out these opportunities:
1. See displays in the Staff Workroom for upcoming Staff Development opportunities outside of the building. All staff members are encouraged to attend <Insert principal’s recommendations.>
2. Go to http://pdexpress.spps.org and log in with your employee ID (no “e”) and password to register for both building and District trainings.
3. All teacher license recertification can be found on the Human Resources website at http://hr.spps.org/License_Renewal_Information.html.
4. There is an entire website devoted to all of the information for probationary and tenured licensed staff members. Staff members should review the information at http://tde.spps.org.
IV. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT: LNFI and SPPS employees serve as positive role models for students
and are required to set good examples in conduct, manners, and professionalism.
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a. RESPONSIBILITIES: SPPS expects each employee to maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in a mature, professional, and responsible manner at all times. Employees must not engage in activities which violate federal, state, or local laws or which, in any way, diminish the integrity, efficiency, or reputation of the District and the education provided to the students we serve. Further, staff shall not be inattentive to their work duties and responsibilities.
b. PROFESSIONALISM: Staff is required to interact with students, staff, and parents in a way that is positive, respectful, and contributes directly towards the school’s and District’s endeavors and operations.
c. OFF-‐DUTY CONDUCT: Outside of normal work hours, whenever directly or indirectly affiliated with the District, staff should conduct themselves in such a way that is professional and respectful, so as to not detract from the school’s and District’s endeavors and operations and/or cause discredit or criticism to the District.
d. RESPONDING TO STUDENT BEHAVIOR: The District does not condone hands-‐on physical intervention. However, when necessary to prevent harm to self, others, or property, we ask that employees act in the fastest and safest way possible. Under no circumstances shall employees engage in the following:
i. Corporal Punishment, which includes conduct involving: (1) hitting or spanking a person with or without an object or (2) unreasonable physical force that causes bodily harm or substantial emotional harm;
ii. Requiring the student to assume and maintain a specified physical position, activity, or posture that induces physical pain;
iii. Presenting an intense sound, light, or other sensory stimuli using smell, taste, substance, or spray as punishment;
iv. Denying or restricting the student’s access to equipment and devices such as hearing aids and communication boards that facilitate the student’s functioning, except temporarily when the student is perceived to be destroying or damaging equipment or devices, in which case the equipment or device shall be returned to the student as soon as possible;
v. Using faradic skin shock; vi. Interacting with a student in a manner that constitutes sexual abuse, neglect, or
physical abuse under MN statute 626.556; vii. Restricting, totally or partially, the student’s auditory or visual sense; viii. Withholding regularly-‐scheduled meals or water; ix. Denying students access to toilet facilities; and x. Physical holding that restricts or impairs a student’s ability to breathe.
e. MANAGING STUDENT BEHAVIOR:
i. Positive Behavioral and Interventions Supports: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a way for schools to create and sustain positive, effective and culturally-‐inclusive environments that support academic and social success for all students. This prevention framework organizes evidence-‐based practices within a school, classroom and for individual students. PBIS is not a curriculum or program, rather a research-‐based framework that schools continually build upon and refine to meet the changing needs of their community. All SPPS schools use the PBIS framework and all members of the school community play a vital role in establishing
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and implementing a positive school climate. School teams design their own multi-‐tiered systems of equitable behavioral support for all students. Emphasis is on preventing problem behavior, developing pro-‐social skills, and using data-‐based problem-‐solving for existing behavior concerns. Staff are expected to utilize this tiered system when addressing student behavior and designing classroom systems and practices and should direct any questions about the school's system directly to the building administrator. Staff should remember these key components when putting PBIS into practice:
1. Identify goals and desired academic and social outcomes. 2. Establish and develop school-‐wide systems. 3. Select and implement evidence-‐based practices. 4. Collect and use data to guide decision-‐making.
ii. Pupil Fair Dismissal Act: This statute spells out procedures that must be followed in dismissing, suspending or expelling students. Before a student may be suspended, there must be an informal administrative conference with the student. A letter must be sent to the parents/guardians that includes the grounds for suspension, a brief statement of the facts and testimony, a readmission plan and a copy of the law. The school must contact the parent/guardian if the suspension is to begin immediately. There are forms to be completed by administration or a designee should students be considered for dismissal or suspension.
f. DRESS CODE: During working hours and when representing LNFI and SPPS, employees are expected to be attired and groomed suitably for carrying out their duties as an employee with the school and District. Attire should not be promiscuous, revealing, make derogatory comments or state religious or political positions and should be neat, clean and professional. If your supervisor determines that your attire and/or grooming is not suitable, you may be asked to leave the workplace (unpaid) until you are properly attired and/or groomed. In no case shall the standards for employees be less than those prescribed for students in the school or District Student Behavior Handbook.
g. PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES: No personal electronic devices (e.g., electric kettle, coffee makers, mini fridges, fans, heaters, etc.) are allowed in the classroom without prior approval from the Principal.
h. GIFTS: Advance approval from the Human Resources Department is required before an employee may accept or solicit a gift of any kind from a customer (such as a student or parent), supplier, or vendor representative. In the event a parent(s) wishes to give a gift to a teacher, they are encouraged to work with the principal to give a donation to the school or classroom. See SPPS Board Policy 210.00 for more.
i. SOLICITATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: Solicitation for any cause during working time and in working areas is not permitted. You are not permitted to distribute non-‐District literature in work areas at any time during working time. Working time is defined as the time assigned for the performance of your job and does not apply to break periods and unpaid meal times. Employees are not permitted to sell raffle tickets, merchandise, or otherwise solicit or distribute literature without management approval. Persons not employed by SPPS are prohibited from soliciting or distributing literature on District property. Any solicitation occurring during work time and/or on SPPS property must comply with SPPS Board Policy 422.00.
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j. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Members of the SPPS Board of Education and SPPS’ employees shall avoid situations that could be viewed to affect the independence of their judgment in the performance of their job duties. This includes engaging in any activity for personal profit or gain with any related member or entity of the District. See SPPS Board Policy 210.00 for more information.
k. FOOD IN SCHOOL: Staff is expected to enforce District policies regarding outside food brought to school. Staff should also model the rules that are established for students: no soda and snack foods in the classroom, cafeteria, playground, or hallways. Please confine sodas and snacks to the staff lounge, or conceal the soda in a neutral container. Snacks for students must be purchased, not homemade. A clean area should be provided for any snack to be eaten. If staff members have water available for themselves, students should have the same access to water. It models a behavior of equal treatment and access – and provides the necessary fluids for health and academic work. All shared food brought into the school must be “store-‐bought.” Food items provided to students for classroom activities or celebrations must be consumed in that classroom. Snacks provided to students should be healthy. In addition, food should not be used as a reward for model behavior. All food/drink and its use should be in compliance with SPPS Board Policy 533.00.
j. STUDENT INCIDENT REPORTS: All student injuries and /or illness must be reported to the nurse, clerk, or principal within 24 hours. If you assist a student with a minor injury or illness in the nurse’s office, please record the incident according to the school’s procedures (see the principal if you have questions as to what these are). Do not move a seriously injured student. The nurse or clerk will notify parents of injured or ill students.
k. EMERGENCIES: In the case of an emergency: i. Refer to the School Safety Plan. Review Fire, Lockdown, and Tornado Drill
procedures with students the first week. Five fire drills are required annually, including one blocked exit drill. One tornado drill is conducted each spring. Five lockdown drills are required annually.
ii. Call the office for help and consult the School Safety Plan. Tell the office it is an “emergency” at the time of your call for help. Do not move injured students.
iii. Occasionally, it may be necessary to cancel school because of inclement weather or building conditions. District Administration will use the Connect-‐Ed system to notify staff.
l. SAFETY: Personal Safety requires you to use good judgment in avoiding any potential threat(s) to your safety as well as the safety of students. It is of utmost importance that all staff be vigilant about people in the building. If a staff member sees a suspicious individual on school grounds or feels threatened or intimidated by a parent/guardian, please notify the principal. The front door is opened at (UC) 9:15 AM (LC) 9:10 AM and will remain open until (UC) 9:45 AM (LC) 9:30 AM. Between (UC) 9:45 AM and 4:00 PM -‐ (LC) 9:30 PM and 3:50 PM all doors will remain secured except when activities are scheduled. It is the responsibility of everyone in the building to stop adults without proper identification. Please guide them to the office. All visitors need to check-‐in at the front office. Classroom doors should be locked whenever you are out of your room during the day. All staff members must close windows and lock
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classroom doors at the end of the day. Classroom/School material, furniture, and personal belongings should be organized and maintained in such a way that does not compromise students or staff safety.
m. TRAVEL: Staff should not, at any time, give a student a ride in their personal vehicle, unless specifically authorized by the principal to do so. Further, all personal vehicles used for school activities (such as field trips) must be approved by the principal. Travel request forms are available from the Building Administrator and must be completed 6-‐8 weeks prior. See SPPS Board Policies 409.00 and 707.00 for more.
n. Duties: Committees and extra duties Breakfast duty
Special ists are assigned breakfast duty during the school year (please see schedule). Specialists are required to remain in their designated areas. Lower Campus: from 9:10 AM to 9:30 AM daily. Upper Campus: from 9:25 AM to 9:40 AM daily. Morning duty starts at: Lower Campus: 9:00 AM, and ends at 9:15 AM for teachers. Upper Campus: 9:10 AM, and ends at 9:25 AM for teachers. Every adult that is assigned to either breakfast or lunch duty is equally responsible for ensuring that students maintain good conduct and follow school rules and regulations during meals, and while they are in the cafeteria.
Committees and extra duties All staff members will get the opportunity to sign up for and serve on school committees.
Participation in at least one committee is mandatory. If a staff member does not sign up for any committee, the principal or designee will sign such staff member up. There are also special assignments for which people will be assigned. Some of these special assignments pay a stipend and some do not. Please note that staff may be called upon to serve on task forces or ad hoc committees during the school year. Sign up for Committees was completed during Opening Week. Sign up for Event Committees/Task forces should be done by Friday September 15.
Committees 2017-‐2018
PBIS
Margaret Bolar Boly
Philippe Mang
Elise Lindell
Nick Gasho
Remi Eichten
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Emily Curran
Intern Committee
Laura Handley
Jeremy Kigin-‐ Lower
Abbie Kaufenberg
Chrystal Klein-‐ Upper
Family Involvement/Wellness/Sunshine
Io Harberts
Patricia Stephenson
Helene Ananou
Henriette Bissoy
Chrystal Klein (Kermesse)
Technology Committee
Anita Faltesek
Alex Rivard
Audrey Gagnaire
Megan Scholl
Katherine Warde
Jen Lacey
Curriculum
Lequyen Tran
Florence Dubaille
Mary Rddad
Halina Solachava
May Nhia Vang
Leadership/Equity
Roni Nelson
Audrey Gagnaire
Lequyen Tran
Hannah Geimer
Henriette Bissoy
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Mary Rddad
Michelle Leon
Jennifer Lacey
Other committees/task forces
Art Committee
Fundraising
School Climate Committee
Math Lead
Yearbook
Student Council
The End of Year Recognition
Variety Show
Science Fair
Spelling Bee/Geo Bee
Tour du Monde
Student Leadership
Community Giving
French Day at the Zoo
Grandparent’s Day
Le Grand Concours
Field Day Since PTO meeting is one of the 4 required evening meetings this year, teachers not assigned are welcome to attend any given month. If you are assigned, however, and cannot make it, please switch with someone else. Union steward K/1st grade teachers are exempt. Any paraprofessional who wishes to attend will be compensated for his/her time.
PTO staff representatives
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
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May
June
Extra duties with stipend
Textbook Distributor/Manager
Extended Day Learning (EDL) Coordinator
Destination ImagiNation Coordinator
Task forces/ADHOC committee volunteers (limit 6 people)
New Student Orientation PreK and K team
NAAPID
Parent Info Fair (SCHOF) PreK and K team
Science Fair
LNFI Showcase Required monthly meetings
• 1 staff Meeting, • 1 Committee meeting • 1 Leadership/PTO (please see schedule) Total = 4 • Evening (yearly) – necessary for our professional obligations – Open
houses, showcases, information nights, evening conferences, etc.
b. Staff meetings
Meetings will be conducted at the Upper Campus Room 2214 There will be one general staff meeting (2nd Tuesday) every month unless otherwise indicated by the principal. General administrative matters are discussed. There will also be periodic presentations during this meeting. Also, committee/PLC reports, Union updates, and other training aimed at staff development are covered. Attendance for licensed staff is mandatory, and staff is urged to be punctual. If you cannot make it to the meeting on time, please come early! Please do not schedule any other meetings, doctor’s appointments, etc. on staff meeting days! Also, be advised that proper meeting etiquette is very important.
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Your participation in the discussion is encouraged, and courtesy to all is requested! Also note that you are not supposed to bring unfinished work to complete during staff meetings.
This is not the time to catch up with work that is not finished. Your cooperation is appreciated.
V. BUILDING OPERATIONS and PROCEDURES
OFFICE HOURS AND LOCATION: Our school’s main office is open from 8:45 – 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year. In addition, the principal and assistant are here from 8:30 until 4:45 or later, if needed. Campus locations:
a. INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS: Principal can enter specific info on school website, staff
distribution lists, main office bulletin board, staff-‐to-‐parent communications, internal building newsletters, etc.
b. PRINCIPAL ABSENCE: When the principal is absent, the principal will assign a designee in their absence. In the event there is a substitute principal, all staff is expected to interact with the substitute principal just as they would their regularly-‐assigned principal.
c. STAFF USE OF MAIL/PHONES/VOICEMAIL/EMAIL: Staff email, voicemail, and mailboxes should be checked on each a daily basis. Email should also be checked on a daily basis. The expectation is that any message is replied to within 24 hours. If you cannot give a full reply within 24 hours, you should respond to acknowledge receipt of the message and give an anticipated response time.
i. Calls to classrooms during school: Please do not interrupt classroom learning, instead dial *1 and the teacher’s extension to leave a voicemail.
ii. To receive calls in your room before or after office hours, you may give callers your direct phone number by starting with 651-‐74 and then adding your extension. You can also use extension 2 to call out and the other party’s caller ID will receive your direct line.
Lower Campus (K-‐1) L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion School 1305 Prosperity Ave Saint Paul, MN 55106 Ph. 651-‐744-‐1050 Fax: 651-‐221-‐1487 Office Hours: 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM School Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Upper Campus (2-‐5) L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion School 1760 Ames Place St. Paul, MN 55106 Ph. 651-‐744-‐6970 Fax: 651-‐744-‐6971 Office Hours: 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM School Hours: 9:40 AM to 4:10 PM
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iii. Please be careful when dialing toll-‐free long distance numbers. Pressing 1 twice connects you to 911. If you accidentally dial 911, wait and tell them the call was a mistake. If you hang up first, immediately call and inform the office staff.
Telephones Please Note: use 5-‐digit extensions for ALL district calls. No need to dial 9 first. IF YOU DIAL 9 PLUS THE NUMBER, THE DISTRICT HAS TO PAY THE PHONE COMPANY. IF YOU USE JUST THE 5-‐DIGIT NUMBER, WE DON’T. THIS APPLIES TO ALL SPPS SITES! All LNFI phones require that you dial a “9” before dialing the area code and number. Only a few select phones will allow for long distance calls. If you need to make a long-‐distance call that is school related, see either the secretary or the principal, and either will direct you to the appropriate phone. All phones will allow toll-‐free calls such as 1-‐800 numbers. All calls during school must be done on our school phones. Staff members are not allowed to use cell phones or leave their cell phones on during the instructional day. NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED. In case of an emergency, the secretary will direct your call to your class or office or room.
d. SCHOOL CALENDAR: All special events and celebrations must be preapproved with the building principal and entered on the online master calendar. Please check the website calendar when planning classroom, grade level or building-‐wide events. The clerk can enter tentative dates until you have approval and scheduled dates after approval.
e. KEYS: Please see the school clerk or the building’s custodial engineer for keys. All staff having keys must return the keys to the building principal or custodial engineer at the end of the school year. Staff shall, when transferred or at the end of the school year, return all district keys to the office. District employees shall be charged $25.00 for each unreturned, lost, or stolen key that was issued to him/her. Also, please do not attempt to duplicate any district keys!
f. PARKING: Staff parking is available in the parking lot on a first-‐come, first-‐serve basis and on the side streets adjacent to the building. Lower Campus: Parking lot (about 36 spots) located on the West side of the building Upper Campus: Parking lot (about 20 spots) facing Ames street and street parking Staff is not allowed to park in specific designated parking spots. Please note NO PARKING on Case Avenue. It is reserved exclusively for buses and is thus a NO PARKING ZONE on school days. Ames Place on designated areas will be used by parents for drop off and for pick up.
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If you ride a bicycle to work, please note that you may not store your bike in the classroom or anywhere inside the building. Your workspace is for your students’ comfort and safety, and you should store your bike outside, in a location that you feel is safe for you. LNFI is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen bikes.
g. SCHOOL VISITORS: All visitors must sign-‐in and sign-‐out at the main office. Visitors who want to come for a tour should call the school office and make an appointment.
h. STUDENT SIGN-‐IN & OUT: Any adult who takes a student or group of students out of the building must notify the office in advance. This is a requirement for unscheduled recess sessions, walks around the block, time on the playground with mentors, etc. No doors should be propped open for return to the building.
i . FACILITIES: Staff should treat the building, grounds, and District property with care and respect. Staff is expected to clean up after themselves and take measures to ensure the quality of the building and materials our school has. If staff encounter an issue with the building or grounds that they are not able to take care of themselves, staff should <insert Principal’s expectations for submitting faci l it ies/custodial requests>
j. CHEMICALS & PESTICIDES: No chemicals or cleaning products are allowed in the school unless provided by Custodial Services, Nutrition Services, or Health and Wellness. In accordance, with Minnesota Statute §121A.30, Pesticide Application at Schools, all persons at this school are advised that an estimated schedule of applications of pesticides is available in the school office for review and copying. In addition, any person who wishes to be notified of any variation from the scheduled applications may be so notified if specifically requested. The schedule and subsequent notices apply only to pesticides in toxicity categories I, II or III as classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or a restricted-‐use pesticide as designated by Federal Law. <If applicable: L’Etoile du Nord is a fragrance-‐free worksite. Staff should not bring into into classrooms natural or artificial scents that could be harmful or distracting for others. Personal fragrant products (e.g., perfume, cologne, lotions, etc.) should not be worn by employees or used by employees while in the building.
k. BUSINESS OFFICE GUIDELINES: All staff should work with the building principal on cash-‐handling and financial matters to ensure Business Office guidelines and procedures are followed. Please see the Business Office’s webpage on the SPPS site for details.
l. OFFICE SUPPLIES and EQUIPMENT USE: Limited office and project supplies are available and must be used wisely and frugally. No District property shall be removed from a District site without express authorization by a Principal or other administrator.
n. COLLECTING AND DEPOSITING CASH & CHECKS: Per Minn. Stat. §§ 123B.36, 123B.37, no student may be charged a fee for a program, project, or activity determined as necessary to complete an educational requirement. Staff members may not open their own checking account for school purposes. Students can be requested to bring materials, supplies, and donations from home. However, all materials and supplies will be provided to students who do not bring them from home. All funds
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collected from students, parents, fundraising, gifts, etc. must be submitted to the school office daily to be deposited into Intraschool.
o. PURCHASING (EXPENSES & REIMBURSEMENTS): All purchases must be pre-‐approved by an administrator and must be made by P-‐card or through purchase requisition. All checks will be issued from the Business Office. Anyone incurring expenses without proper authorization will not be reimbursed. Teachers and staff purchasing food with District funds must request pre-‐approval by the principal and the Assistant Superintendent for reimbursement. Food purchasing approval forms can be found in PeopleSoft.
p. FEES FOR TRAVEL, FIELD TRIPS, AND EXTRACURRICULARS: The District and school do not provide a field trip budget. Funds must be raised to cover these expenses and/or charge students. All students will attend field trips regardless of ability to pay, but scholarship funds are limited. Please include an option on your field trip sheet to give families an opportunity to donate for other students. Those funds must be deposited in Intraschool. Any other cost will have to be made up from our building budget. See the lead clerk for forms and procedures, which align with SPPS Board Policy 409.00 and 610.00.
q. PLANNING AND COORIDNATING FIELD TRIPS: Only field trips that follow the Field Trips Policy, Board Policy 610.00, and Field Trips Procedure 610.00 will be approved throughout the year. The correct forms must be used and the time schedule adhered to by all staff planning field trips.
Field trips Field trips are activities that require careful prior planning. Matters of supervision, budget, and instructional merit are some very important issues to be considered when planning field trips. All LNFI field trips must be approved by the principal or designee to ensure that they meet district and Graduation Standards requirements. Saint Paul Public Schools requires different permission forms based upon the type of trip and amount of travel. For detailed information regarding field trip requests, see online.
Steps to ensure successful field trip planning and implementation: Fill out the online Transportation Field Trip Form. This form serves as a request to administration as well as a request for busing. Make sure all information (trip day, trip date, Departure time, return time, name of group, teacher in charge, number of students going on trip, number of adults supervising, trip destination, etc.) is provided. Secretary will send to Transportation. She will send bus confirmation to the requestor when she receives it.
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Check to make sure that you have Parental/Guardian Yearly Approval Form for Type I and Type II field trips for all students who are going on the field trip. Forms are available in the office.
If the time of your field trip affects the lunchtime for your students, please fill out the Field trip Bag Lunch Request Form online (at least two weeks in advance). If you need to switch lunch times with another class, please arrange with the appropriate staff. Do not forget to inform the Cafeteria! Also, please give the office a full account of who will eat lunch, when and what coverage will be needed/changed. In addition, the school nurse must be notified at least 3 days in advance so that any needed medication and supplies can be organized. On the day of the trip, send the Student Leaving Building on Type I and Type II field trips form to the office. If the form is not available, a class list indicating who is going on the trip will work. Also please be sure to indicate where students should go if they come to school late and missed the field trip. It is advised that you follow this procedure for ALL field trips!
Ordering lunches for field trips: A field trip request form is available on line under “Staff Resources”. Notify the cafeteria supervisor at least two weeks in advance. Lower Campus: Angela Harris Ext # 46762 Upper Campus: Sana Jubran Ext # 47021 Let them know if you will need bag lunches and provide her with an exact count and student PIN numbers. They will be able to inform you of the available sandwich and cold lunch choices. If you do not need bag lunches, the supervisor still needs to know that you will not be eating in the cafeteria that day. They will need to adjust their lunch counts and staffing, so prior notice is important.
i) Each classroom teacher is responsible for obtaining the appropriate Field Trip Permission slip for each student in his/her class, and keeping it in the student’s file in their homeroom.
ii) The principal must pre-‐approve all field trips (Types I, II, and III). Once approved, please ensure parents and guardians are communicated to about the field trip, its purpose, etc. When on a field trip, supervising staff is expected to know and maintain the whereabouts, safety, and instructional value for attending
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students, in addition to following all applicable rules, policies, and procedures of a District employee.
VI. LICENSED STAFF PERFORMANCE and CONDUCT STANDARDS a. ROLE OF LICENSED STAFF: Licensed staff is core to a school’s success, as
they provide specialized instruction, care, and attention to our students. As a licensed professional, LNFI and the District are committed to your professional development, growth, and success. The information outlined below is meant to help you reach your greatest potential as an employee with our District.
b. GRADING AND REPORTING: Staff is expected to complete report cards online in preparation for parent teacher conferences. Report cards are printed by the District and distributed to schools in preparation for Fall and Spring parent/teacher conferences. End of year reports are mailed to students’ home by the District. Adherence to deadlines for report cards submission is extremely important. • STUDENT ATTENDANCE AND RETENTION: Student attendance should
be taken by 10:00 AM in the morning, by teachers, and entered into CAMPUS daily. In case of computer glitch or failure, all homeroom teachers must complete the attendance on your class list and send to the office by 10:10 a.m.
• If you have questions regarding student attendance, please see the attendance facilitator.
• The homeroom teachers maintain daily student attendance. • Students demonstrating poor attendance should be referred to the
attendance facilitator. In cases where attendance becomes a serious problem for a student/family, and the Student Support Team gets involved, the team should work with the attendance facilitator to help improve attendance. District promotion and retention procedures must be followed if students are to be retained. Notify the principal in November-‐December if retention is a consideration. Use the Progress Report to outline the improvement plan. Extended Day for Learning (EDL) after-‐school and summer school should be recommended for the student.
c. LESSON PLANS: Lesson plans should be correlated with District and State standards and include learning targets, student activities, assessment and materials needed. They should be written in a clear and specific way so that the principal, a building sub, or a casual sub can pick them up and begin teaching. Each teacher shall write weekly lesson plans. Teachers may write their lesson plans in the format of their choosing as long as the plans have the essentials features of a lesson such as a stated learner outcome, description of activities, materials to be used, standard(s) covered, and mode(s) of evaluation.
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Lesson plans should be written clearly so that in the event of your absence, the substitute teacher or anyone who takes your class can read and understand what should be done that day. Lesson plans should also be visible and readily available when the administrator asks for it. First year teachers, plan on sending weekly lesson plans via email to the Principal and Assistant Principal by noon the first day of each school week. For assistance with lesson plans template or format, please consult with Principal.
d. MONITORING and MANAGING STUDENT BEHAVIOR: 1. Licensed staff works directly with students on a regular basis and
will likely encounter instances of student misbehavior. In those situations, licensed staff should respond to students calmly, respectfully, and in a way that contributes to a positive outcome and that does not escalate misbehavior.
2. Licensed staff is expected to work with other staff in the building to develop strategies and procedures for handling student misbehavior.
3. Licensed staff is encouraged to enroll in Non-‐Violent Crisis Intervention (“NVCI”) and Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (“PBIS”), both offered through the District’s PDExpress.
4. Teachers may, from time to time, be required to monitor and supervise students on a bus, such as for a field trip.
5. You are responsible for ensuring the safety of all students in school or on the bus. Actively manage all student behavior, using appropriate approved techniques, PBIS philosophies focusing on de-‐escalating behavior, redirecting and refrain from using physical force.
6. Complete a District Incident Report form for all behavioral issues on bus.
7. Physically position yourself to allow active supervision of all students.
8. Actively and regularly count students to ensure all are accounted for, particularly after transitions on/off the bus or in/out of a classroom.
9. Students should never be left unsupervised. Students must be supervised by a licensed staff person at all times. In an emergency, teachers should arrange for supervision of students by a colleague. If you feel ill and need to be relieved, please call the office.
f. Substitute folder – Due in the main office September 11. It is imperative that every classroom teacher, specialist, and other support staff members who have students on a regular basis prepare a substitute folder in case of an absence. This folder must have information that
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explains your daily routine from start to finish of the day. The following are items that must be included in your substitute (emergency) folder:
• Important phone numbers/extensions • Detailed daily schedule • Class list • Attendance procedures • Lunch money procedure • Bathroom breaks • Preparation (prep) time • the names of any interns, paraprofessionals, volunteers, etc. and their
function • Lunch time • Bus arrival and dismissal procedure, including names/bus numbers of
students who ride the bus, walkers, and “parent pick ups.” • Who to contact in case of an emergency and in what order • Classroom rules and routine • Sitting arrangement • Fire drill procedure/information • Lockdown procedure/information
More importantly, be sure to include, in your lesson plan, activities that will keep the students constructively engaged during your unexpected absence!
e. SPECIAL EDUCATION -‐ OVERVIEW: All teaching staff is expected to support
the goals and visions for students served by the Office of Specialized Services and special education. Specially designed instruction means adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible child, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction to (1) address the unique needs of the child that result from the child's disability, and (2) ensure access of the child to the general curriculum so that the child can meet the educational standards that apply to all children. Special Education services do not supplant, but rather support, general education instruction. All teachers are expected to complete their due process requirements under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”). Special Education teachers are expected to work with their case team, the OSS, paraprofessionals, and the building principal to ensure each child’s needs are met and their legally-‐required services are provided. Further information and district special education contacts can be found at www.specialed.spps.org. Other important websites include:
1. Easy IEP (Online IEP process and documents): http://easyiep.com/mnstpaul
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2. Online Special Education Referral System (Including quick and detailed school referral reports): http://specialed.spps.org/Online_Referral_System
3. Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC): http://specialed.spps.org/Special_Education_Advisory_Council
f. SPECIAL EDUCAITON -‐ DUE PROCESS: Saint Paul Public Schools provides special education and related services according to the mandates of the Federal Individual with Disabilities Education Act (2004) and the State of Minnesota's rules and statutes. The Special Education Administration of the Minnesota Department of Education provides school districts like ours with detailed procedures for the delivery of special education services. Services and accommodations not related to the disabilities listed above may be provided through Section 504 plans.
1. Comply with due process law and provide basic services as outlined in student IEP’s.
2. Complete all necessary special education paperwork in a timely manner, finalize all required IEP documents, and make sure that every team member has all the documentation before any Special Education IEP meeting.
3. Comply with correctly and timely use of the EasyIEP online application system (EDPlan).
4. Ensure a District Representative is present at all IEP meetings. 5. Complete the necessary progress reports for each student on your
caseload. 6. Routinely update contact logs for each student on your caseload. 7. All Special Education licensed service providers are provided 1/2
day per month to complete paperwork or conduct student assessments. You may choose to take a full day every other month if you would prefer. Pre-‐approval by your administrator for due process paperwork days is required.
g. BELONGINGS FROM HOME: Staff is expected to monitor the belongings a student brings into the building according to the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
h. STUDENT MEDICATIONS: No medications, under any circumstances, are to be given to students without authorization from the school nurse or their designee. Do not, under any circumstance, administer medication to a child without explicit direction from the principal or school nurse.
i. STUDENT INJURY and ILLNESS: All student injuries and /or illness must be reported to the nurse or principal. If you assist a student with a minor injury or illness in the nurse’s office, please complete the appropriate incident report. Do not move a seriously injured student. The nurse or clerk will notify parents of injured or ill students. <insert other bldg.-‐specific details as needed)
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j. ALLERGIES: Ensure that students with allergens or other dietary restrictions are not seated or placed near other students or food that may cause them harm. Please see the student’s homeroom teacher or school nurse for specific questions about a student’s specific health condition.
k. BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL DUTIES: Staff Meetings, All Staff PLC meetings, and Committee Meetings are scheduled on Tuesdays from 8:00-‐9:00 am, also listed on our school calendar and provided to you on a handout. No other appointments, meetings, or conferences should be scheduled at these times without preapproval from the principal. Attendance at after-‐school meetings is required for licensed staff unless there is preapproval from the principal. Paraprofessionals are invited to participate for clock hour credits.
l. VISUAL MEDIA: All videos being viewed for educational purposes must be rated G. Any videos being shown outside of this rating must be approved by the building Principal. Compliance with the copyright law is required. Generally, it is illegal to copy a movie in lieu of purchasing the materials or purchasing additional copies of the material being copied. Videos and DVDs are copyrighted and may not be shown to classrooms or schools without a viewing license. Movies viewed by students during the academic day must have a relationship to the curriculum, lesson plan, or increased student achievement. Movies for entertainment or as a reward should be limited to rare occasions. Students are not to be left unsupervised during the showing of a video or DVD.
m. TESTING: Please refer to the District testing calendar or go to http://rea.spps.org/testing_calendars.html for specific dates.
Additional Licensed Staff Expectations-‐ The School -‐ Responsibilities & Procedures Arrival time for teachers Ful l-‐t ime teachers, unless you have morning breakfast or bus duty, please arrive at work at least 15 minutes before school, and leave work no earl ier than 15 minutes after school. Lower Campus 9:15 AM to 4:15 PM Upper Campus 9:25 AM to 4:25 PM
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Work time for teachers on non-‐school days is from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM unless otherwise stated. Please inform the principal/office well ahead of time if you will need to leave earlier during work times. Badges Staff and any district employees are required to wear their badges in a visible place daily. Staff will be able to access the building by swiping their badges located by main doors. District employees will be charged $25.00 to get a new badge. Room reservations As with the custodial request form, you must complete an “In-‐House Building Usage Request Form” to reserve any room for activities before, during or after school. As soon as you determine your need for a room, please fill the on-‐line form completely and submit for approval, at least two weeks in advance of the intended event. You may also draw diagrams for specific directions in setting up the room that you are reserving. Requests for rooms will also be approved on a first come, first served basis. Announcements For making announcements over the Public-‐Address System: Check with the secretary or the principal for the appropriateness of the message to be announced. Only the phone in the main office has the capability to be used to make PA announcements. Announcements should be done both in French AND in English even if the message is meant for classroom teachers, students or other French speakers only. We want to maintain an inclusive learning environment, thus, if the message warrants a PA announcement, then it should be understood by all who hear it! If the person making the announcement is not bilingual or is not comfortable making the announcement in either of the two languages (French and English), please seek help from someone who could make the announcement in the language in which help is needed. Unless in case of an emergency, please refrain from making PA announcements during school-‐wide testing periods. Non-‐school events
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The school cafeteria is not available between the hours of 10:00 and 2:00. Also, if you wish to use the gymnasium, please ask the physical education teacher if it is possible to use during the specified hours in addition to making the proper request. Recess Recess is taken either before or after lunch depending on the grade level schedule. Recess should last between 10 and 20 minutes. Teachers accompany students out to recess and are responsible for supervising them. There will be no recess time after 3 p.m. (for both campuses) due to difficulty getting emergency information to staff and /or students before dismissal. Please take your grade-‐level walkie-‐talkie out to recess. If you take it, be sure to return it for the next person to use. Custodian help To ensure that you get the help that you need and in a timely manner, it is important to complete the online “Custodial Request Form” for any help that you need in moving equipment, cleaning (non-‐emergency), or repair. Requests will be treated on a first come first served basis. Please be very specific when filling your request form, and refrain from using words like “ASAP,” “right away,” “whenever you are free,” etc. when talking about the date that the work is needed. Please give the custodial staff at least one-‐week advanced notice whenever possible Emergency procedures
In any emergency, proper procedure should always be followed. Please refer to your School Safety/Emergency Handbook. Below are the first five things to do in any emergency situation: First 5 steps in any emergency:
1. Designate a leader
2. Call the appropriate authorities (Fire, Police – 911) 3. Call all of the following to report or explain the situation and engage their
support: a. Building Principal and/or Assistant Principal (to be called first) b. Assistant Superintendent – Efe Agbamu c. Safety and Security Director – Laura Olson d. Communications office – Pepe Barton
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4. Assemble Response Team and establish a command post 5. Broadcast the appropriate emergency notification signal:
a. Level one – emergency incident has taken place; students and teachers should remain in rooms until further notice.
b. Bring a copy of your Class Roster. For more information on emergency procedures for fire, intruders, and severe weather, please see the School’s Safety/Emergency Plan. Please remember that emergency and evacuation plans must be posted near the door in each classroom for fire/tornado. There are also instructions for lock downs that should be posted by the door. If you do not have a copy of the plan, or the evacuation plans, please let the building engineer know as soon as possible.
Staff -‐ Resources & Other Info Staff work injury If you are injured at work, or while performing an approved work-‐related duty: You must report it to the principal IMMEDIATELY. A First Report of Injury form must be filled out with the secretary within 24 hours of the injury. Your claim may be denied if you do not follow these procedures! Forms are available in the main office. Fines Teachers will be assessed for lost or damaged textbooks and other property such as computers, musical instruments, electronic devices that is damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Media relations – who’s in charge? The school principal is the official spokesperson for the school. How you handle the media can have a profound impact on how families and the community view your school. Therefore, it is critical that you work closely with the school principal, who will in turn work closely with the Saint Paul Public Schools Communications Office during any emergency. However, there are times when the media will contact you directly, prior to contacting the principal or the communications staff. If that happens, please pay close attention to the following: Identify one person from your school as the spokesperson (general ly the school principal). Tel l staff to refer al l media to this person. Stick to the
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facts, do not speculate or offer opinion. Be frank, if you are sti l l gathering information, say so! Work with the media, not against them. They wil l respect your information if you work to keep them informed. I f they feel that they are being stonewalled, they are more l ikely to go seek information from other sources. Do not give information “off the record.” Remember that internal communication is just as important as external. Staff and students become potential spokespeople the minute they leave the building. Refer any questions involving the detai ls of a police investigation to the police department. The Communications Office can help to provide guidance in the following areas, especially in the absence of the principal:
• Selecting a spokesperson -‐ Selecting the appropriate person for the situation can be very important.
• Key messages -‐ Defining the important points that you will emphasize during any incident cannot only help people to better understand what happened, but can make your job easier as you focus on a few major points.
• Letters Home – Communications office will help edit letters that you send home to inform families about incidents at school. Draft a version and fax it to communications office at 651-‐290-‐8386) for review and assistance.
• Press Releases – All press releases and district statements will be issued by the communications office to ensure consistency of message and format. Communications staff will work with you to gather the appropriate information.
What you need to know...
• Access – Schools are NOT REQUIRED to allow media into a building during an emergency or any other time. Remind staff to refer all visitors to the office for assistance. Ask staff to alert the principal if a reporter is in the building without permission. Building administrators have the authority to allow or deny entry into a school building.
• Photos – Photographs published in a school yearbook ARE public information. Schools may give or loan a yearbook to someone from the media, or schools may allow a reporter to take a photo of a yearbook photo. If a school does not publish student photos in any form, student photos are private and may not be distributed to the media. Refer reporters to the students’ parent/guardian for photographs or permission.
• Public Information – The following information about students is public information: student’s name, birth date, school and dates of enrollment, awards (including diplomas) and extracurricular information (including height, weight of athletic team members). All other information (ex. address, phone #, discipline
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record, etc.) is considered private, and may not be given out without a written release from a parent or guardian or a student of legal age.
Questions and Answers
My question is about… Who to contact
School/district policy/procedures, serious student conduct issues, harassment, employment/employee issues, community outreach/integration, curricular issues, building use and permits, school safety, etc.
Principal
General administrative matters, Including (approved) purchases, bills, forms, permission slips, class lists, enrollment/transportation issues, voicemail other book/material orders, monthly calendars, etc.
Secretary
Student wellness issues, such as illnesses, immunization, medication, students’ general physical wellbeing.
School Nurse
Student behavioral issues (for students with IEPs), educational neglect issues, general social and educational wellbeing of students, social skills groups.
Social worker
Student psychological issues, emotional wellbeing and special ed. testing (not standardized testing).
Sch. Psychologist
Student socio-‐emotional issues including social skills development, general wellbeing of especially regular education students, and issues relating to behavior management and performance.
Sch. Counselor or Student Support Team member (social worker for Students with IEP)
Student daily attendance problems,. Secretaries and the counselor
Library books, library check-‐in/out policies. Instr. Media/Tech Coordinator
Technical issues/support with computer, audio-‐visual devices, and general equipment management.
Tech Coordinator Service Desk
Intern/Trainee issues that are not employment related, intern extra duties, linking with host families.
Intern Coordinators
School schedules, specialist schedules, extra duties, etc.
Principal
The Students
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Release of private information Student data privacy is one of the most frequently broken laws of the state. In talking about student issues, caution is to be exercised in order to protect the privacy and integrity of EVERY STUDENT regardless of challenge, difficulty or disability. Only authorized persons (school officials, law enforcement, child protection, parents/guardians) are to be given private information about a student. Please note that non-‐custodial parents have a right to information about their child unless there is a court order to the contrary, or there is sufficient reason to believe that the health/welfare of the child or custodial parent is in jeopardy (ex. child/spouse abuse, under the influence of drug or alcohol, etc.) Whenever in doubt, please ask the school principal, social worker, or the school district counsel. A reminder to NEVER discuss any student’s problem or progress with anyone other than authorized school officials or that student’s parent/guardian. Cumulative folders Starting 2017/18, students records will be paperless. From first grade up, each student has a cumulative (CUM) folder in the school office. You will need to collect and include in the CUM folder: Two writing samples for each of your students (typically one at the beginning and one at the end of the year). It is the responsibility of every teacher to make sure that students’ CUM folders are updated. Please do not delegate this task to your assistant or a volunteer. CUM folders cannot be removed from the official file or taken away from the office! Parents/guardians (including non-‐custodial) have the right to access all the information on their child’s CUM folder. Report cards Teachers are required to write three report cards each year. It is electronic, printed at the district office, and stored likewise. Report cards are discussed and given to parents/guardians during scheduled conferences (please see official school calendar for Parent/Teacher conference schedule) in fall and spring. The final report card will be mailed by the district. Specialist teachers are required to submit their grades and comments electronically as well. Referrals
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If a student is being sent to the office for misbehavior, please refer to the procedure listed in the “Discipline Issues” section of this handbook. Please acquaint yourself with the different types of offenses, the ones that require an immediate office referral, and the ones that do not. If an office referral becomes necessary, please make sure to fill out a Referral form on line. It is very important to have this form when sending the child out of the classroom or learning environment. Students must have a “Teacher’s Note to the Nurse” form with them. It makes it very difficult for the nurse or the office staff to guess or decipher the problem without a teacher’s note. This note serves many purposes: It is the hallway pass for the student while out of the classroom; It serves as a means of communication between the teacher and the nurse/office staff, And above all, it serves as an accountability piece and evidence that the student was sent to the office to see the nurse for a health concern. Please make sure that a note is sent to the office whenever a student needs to see the nurse. Student conduct management The district’s Rights and Responsibility Handbook will serve as the guidepost for all LNFI school discipline activities. There are however school-‐wide expectations for student discipline that should be considered. Please note that it is the responsibility of all the adults in the school to ensure that students learn in a safe, warm and welcoming school environment. High expectations for proper behavior of students must be conveyed at all times. Positive reinforcement of good behavior is an effective disciplining tool! More importantly, keeping the class time on task at a steady pace, without too much idle time is always a good way to avoid discipline problems. Teacher’s alertness to students’ activities and constant adult student supervision are other effective strategies for good conduct. Please be advised that only the school principal or a licensed designee have the legal authority to dismiss or suspend students from school. This includes In-‐school Suspension. When a student’s infraction is such that he/she must be referred to the office by the teacher, it is important that the teacher does not make a commitment to the student of a suspension or dismissal. Such sanctions are imposed by the principal after assessing and
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making a judgment about the particular disciplinary actions. The principal will however try to support the teacher’s reasonable and prudent disciplinary actions. Since teachers are expected to manage their own classrooms on a routine basis, reasonable class rules must be explained and made clear to the students from the very first day of school. These rules must be communicated to the parents/guardians, and must be consistently and fairly enforced. In addition, CLASSROOM RULES MUST BE POSTED so that they are visible to the students as reminders of behavioral expectations. Those students who commit infractions of a serious nature should be referred to the principal or designee. Office Referral Form If an office referral to the Principal/Assistant Principal is necessary for any student in grades K -‐ 5, the Office Referral form. This form is used when sending students to the office. This form serves as the student’s pass to the office, and is required. Please fill out the form completely, and in a detailed manner. Clear, precise information about a behavior referral to the principal increases the possibility of effective disciplinary action that supports the instructional environment in the classroom. In addition to sending the form, substitute teachers and regular teachers should call down to the main office to inform them that the student is on his/her way. In case of an emergency, the Principal may be called directly on ext. 41328 or via cell phone 651 230 6047. The Assistant Principal may be called directly on ext. 46368. Student conduct services/resources A variety of services are available for students at LNFI and at the district.
• Annette Walseth, our counselor, is available 4 days a week. She works with parents, the community, and run a variety of student groups dealing with friendship skills, adolescent concerns, and peer mediation.
• The School Social Worker, Addie See, is available two days per week to assist with student concerns in addition to serving the needs of special education students.
• A full range of special education services is available. If you have a student that you believe may benefit from these services, the classroom teacher must first refer them to the Student Support Team. Interventions will be developed and tried first as we look for ways to help our students succeed. filling the online
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form. Once the online form is filled, it will be submitted to the principal for approval before forwarding it to the Child Study Team.
Student Support Team (SST) When to refer: Staff members should refer a student to the SST Team if:
• They feel the student may benefit from additional services, • The student is having academic or behavioral issues, • They just need to dialogue with other professionals regarding possible
interventions or suggestions.
You cannot forget: Prior to a referral to the SST Team, the parent/guardian must be contacted. The referral form includes the dates and type of parent/guardian contacts that have been made. A student should not get to the level of the SST Team without the parent/guardian(s) having been notified that there are concerns. Procedures for referral:
1. Complete referral form on-‐line. 2. Student conduct team will send Identification Checklist to other staff members
involved with the student. 3. Team will discuss the student at meeting, and the referring staff member
participates in this meeting. Next step: The next step will depend on the information that is gathered. It could involve any number of things, a few of which may be:
• Behavior contract or monitoring system with student, • Conference with parent/guardian, student, teachers, Student Support Team, • Referral to other services such as School Social Worker, special education (filling the yellow form), etc.
• Referral to the Child Study Team
The Classroom Volunteers
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Many of our parents work as volunteers in the classroom and other areas of the school. Volunteers are required to have a current background check in place each year. The cost of the background check is $15. Please turn in a list of volunteers who are working in your classroom, especially on a regular basis, to the office. All field trip volunteers must have a background check. All volunteers are required to wear a name badge. Volunteers cannot work independently with students, and please do not assign students with significant challenges to volunteers for data privacy reasons. Please be reminded that volunteers in your classrooms are volunteers, not licensed staff or district employees. There are certain privileges (student data, record, discipline issues, staffing issues, etc.) that should not be extended to volunteers, and refrain from discussing students, their problems or home life situation with volunteers, even if they (volunteers) say that it is okay or that they have the student’s parent/guardian’s permission to discuss such matters. This also applies to any staff’s family member who is working as a volunteer! Do not send volunteers to the office to fax, laminate, etc. This is to protect everyone’s privacy. Purchasing Instructional materials outside of the allotted money: Once you identify the need for additional instructional materials, complete the online “Purchase Request to the Principal”. Once approved, the secretary will make a copy and put it in the teacher’s mailbox. You may fill in your order and submit to the secretary for processing. Please make sure that you enclose a copy of the approved request. The secretary will place the order and advise you of the action. If the request is denied, you will still get an explanation why the request was denied. You may re-‐submit the request at a later time. Please note that you do not need to fill out the request form when purchasing materials from your (annual) allotted money. However, you do need to work closely with the secretary and find out what kinds of materials are approved or not approved, and the procedure for reimbursement. Watching content not rated “G” or “PG” Movies/videos need to have a direct link to curriculum, and should be used at a minimum. Generally, permission is not needed to show a class any educational movie/video that is rated “G” or general. Additional permission is also not needed when showing a movie/video rated “PG” or Parental Guidance, because the teacher is acting as the adult guide in this case. However, additional written permission from parent/guardian is required before a student will be allowed to see a movie/video that is rated “PG 13” for any student that is thirteen or under. It is however, advisable to seek parental permission before showing any “G” or “PG” movie/video with religious undertone, or some form of nudity. Needless to say, showing movies/videos that are
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rated “R” or restricted are prohibited in school. Please note the above and comply in order to avoid any unforeseen circumstances. Parents have been told to advise you in writing of any movies that their child cannot watch. If a parent does that, please respect the request and find an alternative activity for that child to do when showing the prohibited movie to the rest of the class. We also recognize that some foreign movies are rated differently. Please note that rental movies cannot be shown in school, as this is an infringement of the copyrights law, and can carry a fine ranging from $500 to $25,000.00. When in doubt, please check with the principal before showing any movie to students. Disseminating information Newsletters to parents/families are to be sent home at least once a month (please do not forget to give the principal a copy). If you are sending the newsletter electronically, please do not forget to save hard copies for families who do not have access to the computer, or who elect to have theirs in hard copies. In addition, all classroom teachers and specialists are expected to communicate on a regular basis with families regarding their child’s education. Home visits are also encouraged whenever necessary, but must be done in teams of at least two people. The secretary will send out a weekly bulletin to staff containing information about upcoming events/field trips, and other school or district information that requires immediate attention. Whenever necessary, reminders about extra duties, purchases, etc. will be included. Please advise the secretary of any event that you think should be included in the bulletin no later than Wednesday of that week. The office will also maintain a general activities calendar. Your cooperation in getting information out to her on time will be greatly appreciated. The principal wil l send (via e-‐mail also) a periodic memo at least twice a month. This memo will include updated information about district/school policies/procedures, matters arising from staff/district-‐wide meetings, announcements, kudos, etc. Please note that staff is urged to read both the bulletin and memos regularly. You will be held accountable for the information contained in both communiqués.
VII. PARAPROFESSIONAL STAFF PERFORMANCE and CONDUCT STANDARDS
a. MONITORING and MANAGING STUDENT BEHAVIOR: 1. Paraprofessionals are expected to actively and effectively monitor
student behavior and support teacher instruction. Questions about your position’s job responsibilities should be directed to the principal.
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2. Paraprofessional staff is expected to work with other staff in the building to develop strategies and procedures for handling student misbehavior.
3. Paraprofessionals serve as important role models to students in a variety of areas, including but not limited to: effective conflict resolution, respectful communication, building relationships, appropriate social behavior, etc. Paraprofessionals are expected to support and reinforce the behavior expectations and routines of the classroom and school while providing effective supervision guidance and support during instruction and activities.
4. All TA 2s must complete NVCI/CPI training within <TIME> of their first day of work. If you have difficulty completing the training, contact your Principal to discuss.
b. LUNCH/PREP: Paraprofessional and other staff is required to actively supervise students during student lunch time and other prep times to ensure smooth transitions and safety for all students. Staff responsible for supervising students during lunch must ensure they are in a physical position to actively supervise and effectively monitor students assigned to their responsibility. Cell phone usage and other personal business should be conducted during authorized break times only.
c. SPECIAL EDUCATION: All paraprofessional staff is expected to support the goals and visions for students served by the Office of Specialized Services and special education. All special education support staff is expected to complete their due process requirements under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), such as billing, email, or data entry. Paraprofessional staff is expected to work collaboratively with their classroom teachers and should respectfully follow the instructions and requests of the teacher. Any concerns regarding this should be directed to the principal. Any TA 1 or 2 may be assigned bus duty. See III, H for more information regarding bus duty. Further information and district special education contacts can be found at www.specialed.spps.org. Other important websites include:
1. Easy IEP (Online IEP process and documents): http://easyiep.com/mnstpaul
2. Online Special Education Referral System (Including quick and detailed school referral reports): http://specialed.spps.org/Online_Referral_System
3. Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC): http://specialed.spps.org/Special_Education_Advisory_Council
e. BUS DUTY: Providing supervision and support to designated students on the bus is an essential to our school. Each staff member is assigned additional duties to help in the safe operation of the school.
Staff assigned to bus duty in the morning must be ready to record bus arrival times well before the first bus arrives.
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Staff members assigned to direct buses in the afternoon are responsible for getting out to the buses immediately after the bell rings. Staff members who are not at the buses are responsible for supervising and directing student traffic through the hallways and outside. Substitute teachers are expected to perform these duties and teachers should include this information in their sub folders. A TA’s compliance with the following is expected:
1. All paraprofessionals assigned to supervise students on a bus route are expected to read and understand the Transportation Manual published by the Transportation Department. The manual can be found at http://transportation.spps.org/uploads/Transportation_Manual_2008l.pdf. Of particular importance are pages 24-‐35, 40-‐50, 51-‐52, and 56-‐57.
2. TAs are required to follow their bus route as scheduled. TAs assigned to bus routes are expected to board the bus at the first stop in the morning and ride the bus to school with all students. In the afternoon, staff rides the bus with all students until the last assigned stop, after which the staff will be returned to their car. For the purposes of following call-‐in procedures, a TA’s shift starts at the first pick-‐up location and ends at the final drop-‐off location.
3. Under no circumstances should a TA be absent from their route unless prior approval from the principal (or their designee) has been requested and granted.
4. TAs should complete a District “Incident Report Form” for all behavioral issues on bus.
5. TAs must ensure that an appropriate/responsible party retrieves any student during drop-‐offs.
6. TAs should follow safety procedures to secure students with required equipment such as harnesses, wheelchairs, strollers, etc.
7. TAs are responsible for ensuring the safety of all students on the bus. You must actively manage all student behavior and use appropriate techniques, PBIS philosophies focusing on de-‐escalating behavior, redirection and refraining from using physical force.
8. Physically position yourself to allow active supervision of all students.
VIII. CLERICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF PERFORMANCE and CONDUCT
STANDARDS a. ROLE OF CLERICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL STAFF: Clerical
and administrative professional staff provide key functions that directly
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support and sustain our school’s daily and future operations. Often, this staff is the first to meet and greet members of the public, shaping the school’s image and its role in the community. As a clerical or administrative professional, LNFI and the District are committed to your professional development, growth, and success. The information outlined below is meant to help you reach your greatest potential as an employee with our District.
b. CUSTOMER SERVICE: As mentioned above, clerical and administrative professional staff often works directly with people, such as the public or District stakeholders by greeting visitors, answering phones, drafting correspondence, and participating in meetings. Clerical and administrative professional staff’s professional courtesy, respect, calmness, and kindness in fulfilling these job duties are expected at all times.
c. MANAGING STUDENT BEHAVIOR: It is the expectation that clerical or administrative professional staff do not use any form of physical redirection or intervention with students except in the case of potential bodily or property harm. With Principal approval, Clerical and administrative professional staff are encouraged to enroll in Non-‐Violent Crisis Intervention (“NVCI”) and Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (“PBIS”), both offered through the District’s PDExpress.
IX. EMPLOYEE RESOURCES a. PERSONNEL RECORDS: A copy of your employee file may be requested by
contacting the Human Resources office at 651-‐767-‐8200. An associated cost for receiving a copy may apply.
b. PAYROLL: PeopleSoft is SPPS’ HR Information System. In PeopleSoft under “Self Service,” you can view your paycheck, tax forms, leave accruals, and other important personal information. If you have questions about these items or need to make changes to one or more of your payroll forms, please see http://payroll.spps.org/ or email [email protected].
c. BENEFITS: SPPS offers comprehensive benefits packages to qualifying employees. All new hires are required to attend a Premier Onboarding session. Current benefits elections can be viewed in PeopleSoft under “Self Service.” If you have questions about the orientation, forms, benefits programs, or other related items, please see http://hr.spps.org/Empl_Benefits or email [email protected].
d. FMLA: The District and its employees are covered by the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides qualified employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for the birth or adoption of a child, for caring for a spouse or an immediate family member with a serious health condition or for convalescence after an employee's own serious health condition. If you have questions about this benefit or believe you may be protected by it, please contact the Human Resources’ Benefits team at [email protected].
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e. WELLNESS: Employees who qualify for medical insurance benefits may be eligible to participate in the District’s insurance provider’s Wellness program. Participating and completing the program earns you insurance discounts, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. To learn more and see if you qualify, email [email protected].
f. RETIREMENT: Questions related to your PERA (i.e., Public Employees Retirement Association, or, “pension”) and its deductions should be directed to PERA directly at (651) 296-‐7460 or 1-‐800-‐652-‐9026. Questions related to District-‐sponsored retirement benefits, including those in your labor agreement, should be directed to the District’s Human Resources’ Benefits team at [email protected].
g. LABOR AGREEMENTS: Most employees are statutorily (i.e., by state law) represented by a union and its labor agreement (or, collective bargaining agreement). All current labor agreements can be found on the District’s Human Resources website at: http://hr.spps.org/Labor_Agreements.
h. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): Through Sand Creek, SPPS offers up to 4 free confidential counseling sessions per year, related to a variety of life challenges: relationships, finances, parenting, depression, substance abuse, stress, gambling, child/elder care, loss and grief and other life concerns. You may contact Sand Creek at 651-‐430-‐3383 or 1-‐800-‐332-‐0477.
X. CLOSING LNFI and SPPS strives to build a welcoming and safe environment for students to learn and for staff to work. Your commitment to our school, the District, and the information provided in this Handbook is invaluable. If at any time, you witness or become aware of activity that is contrary to the expectations outlined in this Handbook, you are encouraged to speak to your administrator or Human Resources without fear of retaliation.
SIGNATURE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have received a copy of LNFI’s Staff Handbook, its appendices, and the file path to the St. Paul Public School Board Policy and Procedures Manuals. I understand that it is my responsibility to read and comply with the policies contained within and any revisions made to it.
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________________________________________ Employee's Signature ________________________________________ Employee's Name (Print) ________________________________________ Employee ID# ____________________ Date