Faculty and Staff Handbook 2016-2017

“We Are All On The Same Team”

Angel Lewis, Principal

Lesley Stepney, Assistant Principal

CLAREMONT MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL #307 5301 ERDMAN AVENUE BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21205

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HISTORY, VISION, MISSION, KEY OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Table of Content ……………………………………………………….. 3 SCHOOL SECTION ………………………………………………….. 4 S-01 through S-15 TEACHER SECTION ………………………………………………… T-01 through T-19 STUDENT SECTION…………………………………………………. ST-01 through ST-08

August 2016 Dear Claremont Staff: It is with honor and great pleasure that I greet you as the new Principal of Claremont High School. My name is Angel Lewis and I am humbled and most appreciative of the opportunity presented to me to become a member of the Claremont family. Claremont has enjoyed tremendous success as a beacon of excellence for special needs populations in our community since its opening in 1977. The success has not materialized by accident, but through the formula of: hard work, dedication, and partnerships that have existed between school staff, parents, community members, and the most important stakeholders in the equation, our students. This formula for success is what has embraced me from the very beginning when I walked through the doors of our school for the first time. Before arriving at Claremont, I had the unique opportunity to hold several positons in education. As I reflect on the many rewarding roles in which I have served throughout my 14 year educational career journey; inclusive of: math teacher, special education teacher, special education resource teacher, department chairperson, assistant principal, resident principal, consultant, and most recently specialized services director, the commonality of all my experiences has been the collaboration with others to provide the best possible education experiences for students. I am elated to bring my developed skills as an educational leader to this work and to work collaboratively with all staff to ensure the success of every Claremont student. It is my sincere pleasure and honor to be a member of the Claremont learning community and I am looking forward to working with all staff; inclusive of the collaboration of ideas as well all work in harmony much like a symphony to create educational masterpieces for many years to come. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas you would like to share. Respectfully,

Angel Lewis Angel Lewis, Principal [email protected]

HISTORY OF CLAREMONT: The building was erected in 1966 to be used as an elementary school in an area which was then called Orangeville in Baltimore City to serve students with disabilities. The school was named Claremont, and at some point shortly thereafter became a separate public day school serving secondary students with moderate to severe disabilities. The students range in age chronologically from 11-21 years old. Claremont is a one story building in an semi-isolated area that affords both privacy and security to students and staff. At one time Claremont School housed over 100 to nearly 120 students. Through the years enrollment has decreased. During the eighties and nineties the number of students held strong at 80 plus. The numbers stayed close to that amount until around the year 2000, when the city was looking to close about 14 schools to due financial reasons. Even though Claremont won the battle and remained opened, our enrollment took a hit and we were never able to recover. Currently, we are serving 55-60 students and are working hard to continue to give our students the quality and level of educational excellence we have been for the last 46 years. Claremont Middle/High School Vision: Strive to prepare students academically, socially and emotionally to become independent adults living and working in the community. Claremont Middle/High School Mission:  To provide a quality educational program that recognizes each student as an individual.  To encourage all staff to work collaboratively to ensure that students are both challenged and supported.  To create an environment that inspires students to become life-long learners and allow them to achieve to the best of their individual potential. Through rigorous instruction and the use of technology, we acknowledge their strengths through appropriate assessments and modeling an atmosphere of success. KEY ACTION OBJECTIVES:  Provide all students with caring teachers who know their content well and have the skills and techniques to teach rigorous course work as evidenced by successful student performance.  Provide the expert leadership necessary to engage all stakeholders in a continuous school development and improvement process, the stamina to stay focused in a turbulent environment and the moral conviction to do what is right for each student.  Provide for the school the materials, partnership opportunities, and consultative expertise needed to create a high performing learning community in the era of increased accountability.  Provide parents, caregivers, community members and business owners varied opportunities to participate in the education and preparation of high school students for the adult world in a global society.

2016-2017 THEME We Are All On The Same Team

SCHOOL MASCOT Eagle

SCHOOL COLORS Blue & Yellow

CLAREMONT MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL #307 FACULTY AND STAFF HANDBOOK Section I TABLE OF CONTENTS SCHOOL SECTION S-01

Announcements

S-02

Clock and Bell Schedule

S-03

Entrance and Dismissal Procedures

S-04

Discipline Policy

S-05

Academic and Attendance Policy

S-06

Tests and Quizzes -- School Policy

S-07

Smoking in City Buildings

S-08

Multi-Purpose Room

S-09

Showcases and Bulletin Boards

S-10

School Lunch Program

S-11

Child Abuse

S-12

Visitors to School

S-13

Trespassing

S-14

Transportation

S-15

Confidentiality

S-16

Supplies

S-17

Meeting Schedule

S-17 B

Monthly Meeting

S-18

Field Trip Guidelines

Topic: Announcements Standard Area: School Standard No: S-01 Notices will be published on a weekly basis in The Weekly Bulletin. The Weekly Bulletin will be posted on TSS. Announcements will be made during homeroom. Procedures for Daily Bulletin: 1. The Registrar is responsible for maintaining the weekly bulletin. 2. If a staff member would like to place an announcement in the weekly bulletin, notify the Registrar. 3. Place signed requests in the Weekly Bulletin mailbox before Friday at 12:00 noon for publication the following day. 4. Notices can be reprinted for a maximum of three days if space allows.

Procedures for P.A. Announcements: All-Call intercom use can be very distracting to instruction, therapy and meetings. All-call intercom use will not be used unless necessary during the regular instructional times. Office staff and administrators are encouraged to walk around to individual classrooms. Staff are asked to individually contact the office via the classroom intercom. Likewise, office staff are to communicate individually to staff via the individual call system.

1. Fill in the Public Address Announcement application in the main office (notify the Secretary) 2. Provide the completed information to the Secretary via mailbox by 8:30 a.m. on the morning or by 3:00 p.m. the previous day of the planned announcement. 3. Notices should be clearly lettered and text as brief as possible. 4. A faculty member should sign all requests. 5. A faculty member who has been designated will make all announcements If you are the advisor to a student group, please be certain to explain these procedures thoroughly. The group advisor should proofread each notice or announcement that is student generated for appropriateness of content and correct English usage. *Public Address (P.A.) announcements will be kept to a minimum during the course of the day.

ONLY IN CASES OF EXTREME EMERGENCY WILL WE DEVIATE FROM THESE PROCEDURES. PA/Telephone System The telephone system has been installed into each room in the building. A directory has been placed near the telephone. To dial a designated room, press (*) and the number on the directory to reach your desired party.

Topic: Instructional Bell Schedule Standard Area: School Standard No: S-02

2016-2017 DAILY BELL SCHEDULE

9:00-9:30

Homeroom A. M

9:30-10:15

Period 1

10:15-11:00

Period 2

11:00-11:45

Lunch (Period 3)

11:45-12:30

Lunch (Period 4)

12:30-1:15

Period 5

1:15-2:00

Period 6

2:00-2:45

Period 7

2:45 – 3:30

Period 8

3:30 – 3:50

Homeroom P.M

Staff Lunch: See attached Schedule 11:00 - 11:45 Paras are assigned to Cafeteria Duty. 11:45 – 12:30 Paras are assigned to Cafeteria Duty.

Paraprofessionals Lunch Schedule 1st Shift: 11:00-11:40 (40 minutes) Boyd-Spencer, Octavia Burke, Jamie Casey Pack, Deliscia Dennis, Diane Swain, Margaret Weems, Priscilla

2nd Shift: 11:45-12:25 (40 minutes) Gross, Sharon Howell, Reginald Lee, Jason Moten, Pamela Russo, Deborah Tracey, Trina

Cafeteria Duty 11:00 – 11:45 11:45 – 12:30 Gross, Sharon Howell, Reginald Lee, Jason Moten, Pamela Russo, Deborah Tracey, Trina

Boyd-Spencer, Octavia Burke, Jamie Casey Pack, Deliscia Dennis, Diane Swain, Margaret Weems, Priscilla

**Please see the posted lunch schedule for Agency Support Staff in the main office. ***This is a tentative schedule. Subject to change based upon scheduling of classes. ****If you need to leave the building during your designated lunch break, please notify the Assistant Principal, Principal, or designee directly prior to signing the log out book in the Main Office. When signing out on the log book, indicate which administrator was notified on the log book sheet.

Topic: Entrance and Dismissal Procedures Standard Area: School Standard No: S-03 Regular Clock Schedule Staff members are to sign in and sign out daily, read any announcements posted in the main office, and remove all materials from mailboxes.

7.083 work day 8:50 am

Teachers are to be on duty in classrooms ready to receive students—first instructional period begins at 9:00 a.m. Students should deposit belongings not needed for the school day in their lockers before entering classrooms.

3:40 pm -

The end of school day for students. They may go to their lockers and then leave the building.

3:55 pm -

The end of the school day for 10-month staff.

7.333 work day Secretary 8:00am - 4:00pm

On duty and ready to assist with office and student needs.

Registrar 8:50am - 4:50pm

On duty and ready to assist with office and student needs.

5:00 pm

Main office closed

7:00 am

Custodial Staff Opens the Building

7:00 pm

Custodial Staff Closes the Building

Topic: Discipline Policy Standard Area: School Standard No: S-04 General Policy and Procedures for Handling Disciplinary Problems The overall control of the school and its students is the ultimate responsibility of the administration along with the active support of the teachers and all adult staff members if the school is to function as a smooth unit. The overall control of the classroom is the ultimate responsibility of the classroom teacher along with the active support of the administrators and all adult staff members. In addition, each teacher must share responsibility in supervising the area immediately outside the classroom during the change of classes as well as before and after school. Unacceptable behavior anywhere in the building or its environment encountered by any adult must be addressed or challenged. Failure to act on the part of adults amounts to “approval” of the student action or non-action as the case may be. For example, standing around loitering in the hallway or commons area is not permitted. Adults should tell students to move along; if student(s) refuse(s), that behavior represents an infraction and must be reported. As trained professionals, the classroom teachers’ approach to disruptive and undesirable behavior should seek to be diagnostically helpful instead of immediately punitive. Proper classroom discipline is a prime responsibility of the classroom teacher, as a good climate for learning cannot be created unless the classroom is orderly and the students are respectful and receptive. Here are a few specific suggestions: 1. Make your classroom a welcoming, inviting, organized and functional environment, 2. Establish a daily routine that initiates immediate instructional engagement, 3. Be sure that students understand the classroom and school regulations as well as the rationale for acceptance of same for the mutual benefit of all, 4. Enforce school and classroom policies, but be considerate, firm, and fair in so doing. 5. Be ready to take steps to correct students who have committed violations, 6. Permit, encourage students to self-correct, 7. Be able to differentiate between what you can reasonably handle and that for which you will need to seek further help. 8. Recognize positive student behavior that helps to create and maintain a welcoming, organized, and functional classroom environment. 9. Behavioral Incidents must be documented on a Disciplinary Referral Form and turned into an administrator. All disciplinary forms must be entirely completed and must indicate what strategies were implemented in the classroom and the results of such said implementations.

While it is understood that well-prepared lessons, materials presented at the appropriate level of understanding, the dynamic involvement of the teacher in the learning process, and engaged students all tend to reduce classroom disruptions, there will be instances of disciplinary problems. Discipline that has as its objective correction as opposed to punishment is always more effective in the long run. Students need to understand why certain behaviors are inappropriate and/or unacceptable. Don’t assume that they “know.” Teachers should use the following guidelines when dealing with individual cases: 1. Where inappropriate behavior has to be addressed more than once, engage the student in a private conversation/conference at the end of the class period or at the end of the day— whichever seems most feasible. This conference will be used to establish a basis for future understanding and expectations in the classroom. 2. If your attempt(s) to correct the behavior is not successful, contact the home and discuss the behavior with the parent and solicit his/her support in correcting the negative behavior. Document each contact on the Parent Contact Log-see attached 3. If the behavior continues after you have spoken with the parent, using the Disciplinary Referral Form, refer the student to the Assistant Principal. This will result in administrative intervention. The student will be subject to the appropriate level of disciplinary action under the direction of the BCPSS Student Code of Conduct. The parent may be required to come to school for a personal conference with the teacher(s). 4. No student should be sent from the room unless his/her presence in the classroom makes it impossible for class work to continue. If it is necessary to remove a student for disruptive behavior, call the Main office (using the intercom system) and inform the office that you are in need of assistance (make sure you give the student’s name). If a student refuses to leave, call the office for assistance. Appropriate staff will come to the room to remove the student. 5. No teacher should re-admit any student sent out of the classroom, unless he/she has a reinstatement from the appropriate staff. 6. Teachers should make themselves keenly aware of students mistreating each other; that cannot be tolerated and the teacher needs to address it immediately, e.g., “we don’t do that . . . talk like that, in here.” The teacher must be perceived as the “defender,” that way students won’t be forced to defend themselves.

Topic: Academic and Attendance Referrals Standard Area: School Standard No. S-05 At the first sign that a student is struggling academically, an academic referral needs to be initiated. Evidence that intervention is needed includes, but is not limited to: inattentiveness in class, unresponsiveness, failure to attempt/complete assignments (class work or home work), failure or barely passing grades on assessments. Many of the negative behaviors classified as disciplinary problems are actually academic problems being masked. “I don’t understand what is going on, so I act out.” Teachers should complete the academic referral form; inclusive of applicable documentation, and forward all such said documentation to the Assistant Principal and he/she will direct it to the Transition Coordinator for a possible MAPS meeting.

Please Note: Unless, appropriate referrals and documented communications with parents have been made, teacher may not give students failing grades, regardless of the reason for failure.

Topic: Tests and Quizzes – School Policy Standard Area: School Standard No: S-06 1. All full period tests are to be announced 3-5 days in advance.

2. Unannounced quizzes of approximately five (5) to fifteen (15) minutes in length may be given periodically; however, announced quizzes are strongly encouraged. Quizzes, in general, may cover content from homework or class work of the proceeding few days.

3. Only teachers are to grade tests and quizzes.

4. Tests and quizzes are to be returned in a timely fashion so student may know their grades and review their work. Grades should be clear and intelligible to all readers. Tests and quizzes may then be collected and placed in student folders.

5. Make-up test/quiz policy:

a. A student legally absent from an announced test or quiz must be given the opportunity to take a make-up. A student missing a test/quiz because of cutting class or an unexcused absence the day of the test/quiz may make it up, but will not receive full credit. b. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher concerning the date and time of the make-up test/quiz. Absentee test/quizzes should not be given during class if at all possible. c. It is recommended that the make-up test/quiz differ from the original.

Topic: Smoking in City Buildings Standard Area: School Standard No: S-07

The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore have passed City Ordinance No. 228, prohibiting smoking in all city buildings and school grounds.

The city ordinance has an enforcement section allowing for oral and written reprimands to be given to employees for noncompliance. Employees can also receive a civil citation with a $25.00 penalty for smoking in a “No Smoking” area. Subsequent offenses can result in further disciplinary action.

There is to be NO smoking anywhere within the school building or school grounds. No exceptions.

Topic: Use of Multi-Purpose Room Standard Area: School Standard No: S-08

The Principal or designee must approve all requests for the use of the Multi-Purpose Room. The attached form should be used. After approval has been granted, a copy of the approval will be sent to the staff member and the Assistant Principal. A calendar located in the main office will be used for Multi-Purpose Room dates and times. If an assembly is planned, the requesting staff member is responsible for making all necessary arrangements for lighting, stage, seating, and audio-visuals. A proposed program/agenda and seating plan should be submitted to the AP at least one week prior to the event. The assembly program/agenda should be available to staff at least three days before the assembly.

Multi-Purpose Room Office of the Principal Request for use of Multi-Purpose Room

Date __________________________

Requesting Staff Member: Department or Club:

I am requesting the use of the auditorium on the following date(s) and time(s): DATE – Monday, July 27, 2016 (example)

TIME 2:00 pm

Purpose: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

APPROVED

NOT APPROVED

By _________________________________

NOTE: At all times, students must be under the direct supervision of a staff member while in the auditorium. DO NOT LEAVE STUDENTS UNATTENDED.

Topic: Showcases and Bulletin Boards Standard Area: School Standard No: S-09 Showcases are a vital part of the school’s climate. They help provide a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. They allow for the dissemination of valuable information and broaden educational horizons. Additionally, show cases can be vicarious teaching tools. Claremont’s High School goal is to utilize showcases and bulletin boards to meet the needs of the students as well as arouse curiosity and stimulate interest. Assignment of Showcases and Bulletin Boards for school year 2016-2017 Front Door Showcase #1 Classroom 101

Room 102 Showcase #6

Room 110 Showcase #11

Front Door Showcase # 2 Transportation

Music 104 Showcase #7

Room 111 Showcase #12

Main Office Showcase #3 Principal

Room 106 Showcase #8

Room 113 Showcase #13

Front Hall Showcase #4 Perfect Attendance

Room 109 Showcase #9

Gym-Shubow Showcase #14

Room 100 C Administration Data Board Showcase #5

Parent Board (next to room 109) Showcase #10

Room 114 Showcase #15

Room 116 Showcase #16

Room 117 Showcase #117

Teacher’s Lounge BTU and PSRP

Monthly assignments will be made throughout the year; different committees or school affiliations may request use of the showcases.

Topic: School Lunch Program – Free Meals Standard Area: School Standard No: S-10

All City Schools students will be able to eat both breakfast and lunch at school for free, regardless of family income. City Schools previously participated in the Department of Agriculture's "Community Eligibility Provision," which allows the district to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students without requiring households to complete a meal application each year. However, during SY 2016-2017, completion of the application is not required to receive free breakfast and lunch at school. These changes mean that families will save money and all students will have access to nutritious meals. Plus, students will no longer have to enter a PIN when they go through the lunch line, so lines will be shorter and students will have more time to enjoy their food. After school snacks and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program will continue to be free to all students at participating schools. In addition, this year we have partnered with the Family League of Baltimore for their Supper Program for students; in which, students will received dinner at the conclusion of each school day just prior to dismissal.

Topic: Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect Standard Area: School Standard No: S-11 The Baltimore City Public School System has developed a specific and mandatory procedure for reporting suspected instances of child abuse or child neglect. This procedure complies with the current Maryland Statute. The objectives are to evaluate the child’s environment with regard to safety and nurture and to provide assistance and support to families. These objectives are to be met through mandatory reporting by professionals, prompt investigation, and subsequent service and afford “immunity to any individual who reports, in good faith, a suspected incident…” (Sec. 5-708) The attached information provides a detailed review of the indicators and symptoms of abuse and neglect. In addition, the reporting procedures for school staff are attached. Staff persons should read this material and become familiar with the procedure. A copy of the report form, which must be completed by the reporting person, is also attached. Members of the staff, who have reason to believe that a student has been abused and/or neglected, are required to report suspicions directly to the Department of Child Protective Services at 410-361-2235. A written report must be made immediately to the Principal. Bear in mind that all individuals are legally and morally responsible or reporting suspected child abuse and/or neglect. While permission of the school administration is not required, if you have any doubts or concerns about what you know or believe about a student, do not hesitate to share your thoughts with the appropriate Grade Level Administrator, Counselor, or any member of the Administration. Definition of Terms Child – An individual under the age of 18 years old. Family Member – Relative of a child by “blood”, adoption, or marriage. Household – The location in which the child resides, where the abuse or neglect is alleged to have taken place, or where the person suspected of the abuse and/or neglect resides. Household Member – A person living with or is a regular presence in the home of a child at the time of the alleged abuse and/or neglect. Abuse – (1) The physical injury of a child by any parent or person who has permanent or temporary care/custody/responsibility for supervision of a child; physical injury of a child by any household or family member under circumstances that would indicate that the child’s health or welfare was significantly harmed or at risk of being harmed. (2) Sexual abuse of a child, whether physical injuries are sustained or not. Sexual Abuse – Any act or acts involving sexual molestation or exploitation, including but not limited to incest, rape, sexual offence in any degree, sodomy, unnatural or perverted sexual practices, on a child by any family or household member or any person who is in temporary or permanent care/custody/responsibility for the supervision of a minor child. Sexual molestation or exploitation

includes but is not limited to contact or conduct with a child for the purpose of sexual gratification, and may range from sexual advances (kissing, fondling) to a sexual crime in any degree (rape, sodomy, prostitution) or allowing, permitting, encouraging, or engaging in the obscene or pornographic displaying, photographing, filming, or depicting of a child as prohibited by law. Neglect – Leaving a child unattended or other failure to give proper care and attention to a child by the child’s parents, guardian, or custodian under circumstances that indicate that the child’s heath or welfare is significantly harmed or placed at risk of significant harm. However, a child may be considered neglected solely because the child is receiving non-medical religious remedial care and treatment recognized by the State Law. REPORTING PROCEDURES FOR SCHOOL STAFF 1. All individuals are legally and morally responsible for reporting suspected child abuse and/or neglect. PERMISSION IS NOT REQUIRED. 2. The Principal needs to be notified of the report. 3. Prior to contacting Child Protective Services, obtain all identification – refer to the reporting form. Copies of the reporting form are available in the Main Office. 4. A written report must be submitted by professionals to Child Protective Services within 48 hours. 5. Records and reports concerning child abuse and/or neglect are confidential and unauthorized disclosure is a criminal offence. Therefore, discussion related to complaints and investigations must be completed with the utmost discretion. This is controversial since individuals may wish to retain a copy to protect themselves against accusations of failure to report. WHEN SCHOOL PERSONNEL OR VOLUNTEERS ARE UNSURE WHETHER ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT HAS TAKEN PLACE, THE SITUATION SHOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES. SANCTIONS FOR FAILURE TO REPORT 1. Educators may be suspended or dismissed for knowingly failing to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect. 2. Educator’s teaching licenses may be suspended or revoked under two circumstances:  If dismissed by local Board of Education for knowingly failing to report a suspicion of child abuse and/or neglect.  Is convicted of a crime involving: a. Child abuse and/or neglect b. Contributing to the delinquency of a minor, or c. Moral turpitude, if the offence bears directly on an individual’s fitness to teach. DEPARTMENT OF CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES RESPONSIBILITY 1. CPS/DSS social worker or police officer will respond to investigate the report of child abuse. In cases of neglect, only a CPS/DSS social worker responds. 2. If there are any questions or concerns consult with the school social worker or call an Educational Specialist at the School Social Work Services 410-396-8642.

PARENTAL AWARENESS 1. Inform participants of parental notification regulation which states: “Although the regulations express a preference for parental notification, the school principal’s designee is not required to notify the parents or guardians of investigation on school premises involving suspected child abuse and/or neglect. The principal, in consultation with the protective service caseworker, may decide whether the parents should be informed of the investigative questioning. It may be determined for example, that disclosure to the parents would create a threat to the well being of the child.” (COMAR 13A.08.01.04B) 2. Parents need to be informed of the legal responsibilities of the school staff to report suspected cases of child abuse and/or neglect. In order to facilitate positive interactions, informing parents before a problem arises is recommended.

Topic: Visitors to School Standard Area: School Standard No: S-12 All visitors must register at the visitor’s entrance (Main Office Room 100); after which, they can be escorted to other parts of the building. Registrants must present a valid I.D. before receiving a visitor pass. Visitors must display this pass for the duration of the visit. Parents who wish to see a teacher are encouraged to contact an administrator at least 24-hours prior to a requested visit. The administrator will contact the teacher to pursue a mutually agreeable time— usually before school, after school, or during the teacher’s planning period. A secretary or administrator will contact the teacher to determine the feasibility of a parent conference for any parent who comes to school unannounced. The educational success of a student can only be strengthened by the direct involvement of parents/guardians and at Claremont Middle/High School we encourage the active participation of all parents/guardians in the education of their sons/daughters.

Graduates who return to visit former teachers will be permitted to visit only during the non-instructional times of those teachers. The school will schedule Back to School Night, Parent Conference Nights, Open Houses, and other activities where parents will be invited throughout the school year. Claremont Middle/ High School maintains an official “open door” policy for parents and encourages their active participation in their children’s education. If any student teacher, District staff or outside agency personnel would like to visit, permission from administrators MUST be obtained before an agreement. Please forward any and all emails and/or written correspondences associated with requested visits to an administrator for an agreed upon meeting.

Topic: Trespassing Standard Area: School Standard No: S-13 Trespassing occurs when a person who is not directly associated with the school (e.g. student, teacher, staff, etc.) comes to the school campus or building during school operational hours or appears at a school activity without following established procedures. All trespassers are subject to arrest. Visitors are those individuals who have legitimate business (which does not include socializing and “hanging out”) and who sign in at the secretary’s desk and who wear the required visitors’ badge/pass. Visitors may also be individuals who attend school-sponsored events in which they are eligible to participate. Anyone believed to be trespassing on the Claremont Middle/High campus or at a school-sponsored event held off campus should be reported to School Police and/or any school administrator immediately. The identification and arrest of trespassers is an essential component of BCPSS’ Safe Schools Program.

Topic: Transportation Standard Area: School Standard No: S-14 Boarding and Unloading Buses Morning Procedures · All homeroom teachers must be in their classrooms waiting to receive students. · All classroom paraprofessionals that have been assigned to bus duty must be in front of the building @ 8:50 am to assist with unloading the buses unless other arrangements have been approved by administration. (Mandatory) · When buses are unloaded by designated staff, the classroom Para is responsible in seeing that the student travel safely to the classroom and is received by the teacher. The classroom Para will return to the front of the building until all the buses that carry his/her students are unloaded and all the students are safely in the classroom. · It is the responsibility of the one-to-one to assist with receiving his/her student from the bus and escorting the student to the classroom. The one-to-one will remain in the classroom once his/her student arrives. · All other staff without a homeroom must be in the front of the building at 8:50 am assisting with unloading of buses unless other arrangements have been approved by administration.

Afternoon Procedures To ensure that buses are loaded in a timely fashion, staff must be alerted to bus calls. Designated staff will load the students in wheelchairs on the bus before mobile students are called to board. · Since all students are receiving dinner prior to dismissal, all staff members (with the exception of staff members assigned to bus duty) are to remain in the Multipurpose Room until the last bus is called. · When the bus is called, assigned bus duty paraprofessionals are to escort the students to the bus and assist with boarding. Once the students are on the bus, the staff member will return to the Multipurpose Room to wait for the next bus to be called. All one-to-ones will escort their student to the bus and assist with boarding. · It is the responsibility of all staff members to stay until 3:55 p.m. If your student(s) bus has not arrived by that time, then you may send your student to room 101 or 102, where a designated staff person will be assigned to receive them.

Bus Duty Schedule If you have any transportation concerns, changes or any information regarding students, please contact the Transportation Support Staff.

Topic: Confidentiality Standard Area: School Standard No: S-15 Staff is expected to respect each student’s Right to Privacy. Students and their families trust intimate personal and medical information to school personnel in order to assist their child’s educational and therapeutic treatment plan. Staff have a moral and legal responsibility to protect the information from

Best Practices for Respecting Privacy:      

  

If you are verbally sharing information about a student, be mindful of your surroundings and other who may be listening. Use screen savers when writing reports and face computers monitors away from public viewing. Remember that parents and guest may be in your area from time to time. Keep your desk area free from documents that have student information. When depositing of old IEPs drafts of written assessments/reports, letters, even some phones, please use a shredder. Be sensitive when students’ Social Security and Medical Assistance numbers are on documents. Identify theft is growing problem nationwide; our students have enough challenges in their lives. Know your students’ legal caregivers. You need to ensure you have permission from the legal guardian to speak to other family members, family, friends, and outside professionals. A noncustodial parent has every right to communicate with school staff, unless there is a court order in their cumulative record stating otherwise. Check records of students who are new to your caseload before you begin services. A list of parents who are not to communicate with students or staff will be kept in the office. Releases of Information forms are available in the IEP offices. Be respectful upon entering a room where a parent conference or IEP meeting is taking place if you are not invited to participate. Remember: “On a need to Know Basis” if you need to know sensitive information in order for you to treat or educate the student this information will be provided to you.

Topic: Supplies Standard Area: School Standard No: S-16

Ordering Supplies Supplies are ordered through K-12Buy, the BCPSS online ordering system. Please see the administrators for any items needed for instructional or care of your students. If an item has to be purchased, please plan accordingly.

MANDATORY Procedures: 1. Complete the Request for Supplies form and give the completed form to the Office Secretary. 2. Give at least 2-3 days to receive requested items. If the item needs to be ordered, it may be longer to receive the requested items.

**Please note – If you purchase items and would like to be reimbursed, please get prior approval from administration before/prior to purchasing item(s).

Topic: Meeting Schedule Standard Area: School Standard No: S-17

Meeting Schedule Per union contract a faculty meeting must be held no more than one time per month during the school year. The administration will also have once a month meetings with the staff according to the BCPSS School Policy. The meeting schedule is as follows: Monday - Faculty/Staff meetings: 1st Monday of each month from 4pm – 5pm in the Multipurpose Room - School and Family Council (SFC) meetings: 4th Monday of each month from 2:30pm – 3:30 pm - Math Team meetings: every Monday from 2:45pm – 3:30pm in Delanoche’s Room Tuesday - Attendance/Transportation meetings: every Tuesday from 9:00am – 9:45 am in the Assistant Principal’s Office - ELA Team meetings: every Tuesday from 2:45pm – 3:30pm in Brooks’ Room Wednesday - Related Services Team meetings: every other Wednesday from 9:30am – 10:15am in the IEP Office - Resource Teachers Team meetings: every Wednesday from 2:45pm – 3:30pm in Vikestad’s Room Thursday - IEP Team meetings: every Thursday from 2:30pm – 3:30pm in the IEP Office - Data Team meetings: every Thursday from 3:30pm – 4:00pm in Yang’s Room Friday - Transition Services meetings: every Friday from 9:30am – 10:15am in the Assistant Principal’s Office - Instructional Leadership Team meetings (ILT): every Friday from 2:30pm – 4:00pm in the Art Room **A list of members of all teams is available on the handout.** *All teachers are required to attend faculty meetings; however, paraprofessionals and one-toones are encouraged/recommended to attend. * Classroom Meetings Teachers and paraprofessionals should set a time to meet on a regular basis. This time can be used to discuss students and classroom activities. Meeting regularly also provides paraprofessionals with the opportunity to ask questions, state concerns, and clarify issues. Teachers and paraprofessionals should meet in the mornings before 9 a.m. and time will be provided during scheduled staff development days. Homeroom teachers are encouraged to provide the date and time of the meetings, the agendas, sign-in sheets, and meeting notes; inclusive of discussion points.

Topic: School Field Trips Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: S- 18 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SPONSORING TEACHER 1. A teacher who wishes to sponsor a school field trip for some or all of his/her students should present a written proposal describing the activity to the appropriate Administrator. The proposal must include all relevant data, including but not limited to, destination and purpose, date of activity, departure and return times, transportation plans, projected costs and funding, students invited to participate, chaperone requirements, class coverage, etc. Final approval is given by the Principal. If the Principal approves, the teacher must then submit a plan for the activity. 2. The sponsoring teacher completes the written plan for the activity and provides the plan to both the appropriate administrator. 3. The sponsoring teacher completes an evaluation report of the activity and submits it to the administrator. 4. Field trip permission slips must be distributed to students in advance, signed by parents and returned and kept on file for each student going on the trip, without exception. 5. The teacher sponsoring the trip must provide a listing of participating students for the daily bulletin at least THREE days in advance of the trip. It will be placed in the Weekly Bulletin for two days prior to the trip. 6. Money collected should be given to the Transition Coordinator. 7. Any out of town travel must be approved 60 days prior to departure with the Principal. 8. Teachers must accompany their students on field trips; unless other arrangements have been made with the Administration. 9. If a teacher would like to attend a school trip and their class/students are not attending, approval must be obtained from an Administrator.

Topic: Field Trip Guidelines/Special Olympics (Continued) Standard Area: School Standard No: S-18 Staff members interested in sponsoring a field trip must complete the follow the procedures below:

Three weeks prior to trip 

Field trip approval form must be submitted to the Principal prior to scheduling.

Two weeks prior to trip  

Transportation request submitted to the Transition Coordinator/Registrar Teachers will receive a Permission form for parents to complete from the Transition Coordinator  Returned forms will be given to Transition Coordinator to provide accurate transportation.  The Transition Coordinator will schedule student chaperones.  Notification of the trip must be submitted to:  Health Suite  Cafeteria  Main Office  Child Study Team/IEP Team

Three days prior to trip:   

Check for unreturned permission slips and call parents to confirm or deny permission. Check for monies not paid (if applicable) If money is to be collected ensure that all monies are turned into the Transition Coordinator

One day prior to trip: 

Final list of students and assigned staff MUST be submitted to:  Principal  Assistant Principal  Health Suite  Cafeteria  Main Office  Each homeroom class

Day of Trip:  

Ensure that students who are scheduled for medication have received it. Verify students with Transportation Support Staff, the Health Suite staff & all assigned staff.

Additional Guidelines - Under no circumstances are office staff to be used as chaperones unless absolutely necessary and have approval of the principal. We will not hold the bus to accommodate late arrivals. - All approved field trips must have a lead teacher. - If a student is not attending a field trip (for whatever reason) a certified, qualified teacher must remain at the school. (Not a paraprofessional) - Resource Teachers may attend the trip under the following guidelines: * if their students’ are attending the trip and *class has coverage – by certified teacher *if resource classes are to be cancelled – teachers must be given a two (2) day notice. *if there are extraordinary circumstances, contact the Principal.

5301 Erdman Ave Baltimore, MD 21205 410-396-9184

Angel Lewis, Principal

Lesley Stepney, Assistant Principal

Date: __________________________ School Wide Trip Your child will be going on a trip to __________________________, located at _______________., Baltimore, Maryland on ____________ from ___________ to ____________. The purpose for the trip is to provide students with an opportunity to _____________________. Transportation will be provided.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please Choose one: _____I give, _____I do not give permission for my child __________________________ to go on a trip to ______________________________ to __________________ on _______________ from ____________ to ___________.

Signature of Parent ____________________________________

Date: _________________________

Parent Contact Information:

________________

_________________

_________________

Home Number

Cell Number

Work Number

Emergency Contact Information: Name:________________________

Signature of Approval:

Home_________________

________________________

or

Angel Lewis, Principal

________________________________ Sherwin Alconis, Transition Coordinator

Cell________________

__________________________ Lesley Stepney, Assistant Principal

CLAREMONT HIGH SCHOOL– #307 FACULTY HANDBOOK Section II TABLE OF CONTENTS TEACHER SECTION

T-01

Teacher Attendance and Punctuality

T-02

Request for Leave

T-03

Signing In and Out

T-04

Observations and Evaluations

T-05

Instructional Planning

T-06

Instructional Planning-Paraprofessionals

T-07

The Classroom Period

T-08

Home and Hospital

T-09

Right to Search School Property

T-10

Record Keeping

T-11

Health Services

T-12

Care of School Facilities and Campus

T-13

Substitute Teachers

T-14

Class Parties

T-15

Staff Parking

T-16

Fire Drills and Safety Procedures

T-17

School Fund-Raising Activities

T-18

Inclement Weather and Delayed Openings

T- 19 Dress Code

Topic: Teacher Attendance and Punctuality Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-01 The following is the attendance and punctuality program established for all staff by the New Board of School Commissioners. The school day for 10-month contractual faculty members is a continuous 7 hour and 5 minute period between the hours of 8:50 A.M. and 3:55 P.M. Teachers/staff signing in after 8:55 will be considered LATE, and will be marked and charged leave accordingly. At the start of the day, faculty members who have homeroom/period one class or supervision assignment are to be at that assignment starting promptly at or before 8:55 a.m. to supervise both their classroom and the hall outside their classroom by being at their own classroom door. Those teachers are expected to remain at that location until all students are in class beginning at 9:00 a.m., the start of first period. At the close of school, Faculty members who are assigned p.m. bus duty are expected to remain on duty until 3:55 P.M., or the Principal’s Designee will stay until all students departed. Faculty members are expected to be on site, with the exception of his/her lunch period, for the entire length of the school day. Prior administrator approval is required for any exceptions and if leaving the school building during the instructional, staff must sign out upon departure and sign in upon return in the main office.

Faculty members who fail to adhere to the school board policy for attendance will receive the following memo: Staff Adherence to School Attendance Policy To: From: Date: School policy dictates specific operational guidelines and rules that are to be adhered to by staff in school. These parameters provide the boundaries for those staff behaviors, which are appropriate and inappropriate. You have repeatedly violated school policy by failure to: 1.

Report to work on time.

2. Call the office to indicate absence. _______________3. Call the office to indicate lateness. 4. Remain in the school building until the designated time. 5. Report to your classroom for the instructional periods. _______________6

Notify the office and sign out when leaving the building and sign in when leaving the building during the school day.

Continued occurrences of the above violations and infractions of school policy will result in additional disciplinary actions and shall have a negative impact on the “professional responsibility” indicator of the Performance Based Evaluation System.

Signature of Teacher

Date

Signature of Administrator

Date

Topic: Request for Leave Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-02 Please submit to the principal in advance for approval. All leave except for unanticipated sick leave requires permission and prior approval.

Request for Leave Form Name: _______________________________________

Today’s Date: ________________

Date(s) you are requesting: _______________________

Date Returning: _______________

Type of Leave Requested: Please check using the list below

□ □ □ □ □ □

Vacation □ Permission (absent with permission w/pay Workshop □ BCPSS Conference Travel/City Business □ Personal Business Military Leave □ Bereavement Leave ______________ FMLA □ Religious Holiday Dr.’s Appt. (a.m. or p.m.) ___________________

Is Coverage Required □ Yes Permission Explanation:

□ Jury Duty/Court □ Personal Leave □ Compensatory Leave □ Lateness □ Sickness □ Leave Early __________

□ No

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Submit request to: _________________________________ Date ___________________ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OFFICE USE ONLY Approved ____________

Disapproved _____________

Approved/Disapproved by: _________________________________ Date: ____________ Angel Lewis/Designee Comments: __________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ MANDORTARY: Your request is subject to denial for failure to follow policy.

Please submit your request to Ms. Lewis no later than three days prior to the requested dates. Email Ms. Stepney and Ms. Smith three days prior to the requested day(s). Thank you.

Topic: Signing In and Out Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-03 The length of the school day for all teacher-level and paraprofessional staff (10-month) is 7 hours and 5 minutes. The length of the school day for students is 6 hours and 50 minutes. All teacher-level and paraprofessional staff must sign in each morning by 8:55 a.m. The log is on the counter in the main office each morning. Teachers should read any information that is on the counter and clear any material from mailboxes. Any teacher who does not sign in by 8:55 a.m. is considered late and shall be so marked late on the log. Staff members will be required to sign a late log. Staff members who are attending pre-approved meetings should notify the Secretary when they arrive. The Principal and Assistant Principal should be made aware of these meetings at least 72 hours in advance so class coverage can be arranged.

Staff members who leave the building during the day MUST sign the “sign out” log, giving the time of departure, must sign back in with the time of return, and must indicate the Administrator notified of their departure. The dismissal time for staff is no earlier than 3:55 p.m. The building is normally open until 7:00 p.m. The time on the school clock in the main office is the OFFICIAL time for these purposes. Staff members are required to seek permission to leave the building during instructional time.

Topic: Observations and Evaluation Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-04 The Principal is the only evaluator in the building. All staff members will be evaluated by the Principal according to the timeline established by the Performance Based Evaluation System (PBES). During the school year, there will usually be two formal observations for tenured teachers. There will also be up to four formal observations for non-tenured teachers. These observations may be conducted by any one (or more) of the following: Principal, Assistant Principal, Deans, Department Heads, and/or Central Office Staff. These individuals are called “qualified observers.” Any additional (formal) observations will be made when it is determined the teacher is in need of assistance. With all FORMAL observations, a pre and post observation conference will be scheduled. Teachers should have unit plans, lessons plans, progress report binders/data collection, and other pertinent materials as requested. These conferences will be scheduled in accordance with the ratified teacher contract. Copies of the completed formal observation will be uploaded in the Management Service data base (OMPS) Teachers are encouraged to provide informational and material evidence of their effectiveness. All staff members will be provided with a copy of the Performance Based Evaluation System and the Performance Criteria and Indicators. The Principal and other designated staff (qualified observers) may observe all teachers INFORMALLY at any time. All monitoring or observation of the work performance of a teacher will be conducted openly and with full knowledge of the teacher. All data collected from formal and informal observations will be considered in the final evaluation.

Topic: Instructional Planning Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-05 All teachers must prepare expectancy sheets (course syllabus) for students in each class. Expectancy sheets should be distributed, assigned for reading and reviewed in class the first day of the semester. Copies of these sheets must be given to the Principal or designee no later than the end of the second week of school each semester. Expectancy sheets should include:  Title of subject/course  Title of text and edition  A brief description of the subject/course  Subject/course objectives  Specific prerequisite skills students must have mastered  Subject/course requirements (with evaluation weights) such as tests, quizzes, projects, home assignments, etc.  School Wide Grading Policy included. (Attendance, Preparation, Class Work, Assessments)

All teachers should make students aware of the daily objectives of the lesson and specific skills to be taught. All teachers, regardless of years of experience, must have a daily written lesson plan that can be shown to the GLA upon request. Lesson plans must be kept in a binder on the teacher’s desk for review at any time by appropriate staff. Teachers who keep their plans electronically must print them out daily and place them in the binder.

Topic: Instructional Responsibilities of Paraprofessionals Standard Area: Standard No: T-06

Responsibilities of the Classroom Paraprofessionals: · Assist the teacher during instruction · Assist students with personal needs required. · Assist teachers with the duplication and preparation of instructional materials. · Assist teachers with record keeping · Supervise and accompany students during class changes, lunch, dismissal, etc., as needed. Keep in mind that the teacher is the instructional leader and the team leader of the classroom. Paraprofessionals should follow the lead of the teacher and get approval from the teacher before implementing any instructional activities. Responsibilities of Technical Support Adult (TSA): · Be present for morning bus duty until your student arrives - see transportation · If you student is absent, let the Assistant Principal know immediately and be prepared for an alternate assignment. · Remain with your student’s class at all times, except during your lunch period. Students should be accompanied to the bathroom and, in some cases, supervised in the lavatory. · Be responsible for the implementation of any and all behavior programs applicable for the student. · Actively assist your student during all instruction time. This may be group activity or one on one. The first priority for an one-to-one is the student which has been assigned to them. · If their student is on task, the one-to-one should assist students seated in close proximity to their assigned student. · Work with small groups of students as the teacher deems necessary. · If you must leave your student for any reason, notify the teacher and administration immediately. · At dismissal time, remain with student until you escort him/her to the bus.

Topic: The Classroom Period Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-07 The primary objective of the classroom teacher is to provide instruction. In addition, the teacher also plays a vital role in helping students develop good work habits and positive interpersonal relationships. THE CLASSROOM ROUTINE Students should be actively engaged in instructional activities from the time they enter the classroom until the time they leave. There must be an initial assignment that students begin upon entering the room, commonly referred to as a drill or warm-up activity. This activity should take no more than 510 minutes to complete and check. It should either review previous learning or preview new learning. Teachers need to communicate to students the purpose of the daily lesson (objective). At the end of the lesson, teachers should revisit the objective to determine if students feel they have accomplished it. Five (5) minutes before the bell rings, wrap-up should begin. The teacher should summarize the lesson with input from the students as students clean up their work areas and wait for dismissal. Students should not be permitted to leave the room when the bell rings, instead, students should wait for the teacher to dismiss them. These procedures help establish “routine,” which is an important component of classroom management. 1. STUDENT ATTENDANCE a. Accurate attendance records must be kept for all subject classes. b. A current seating chart must be made for each class to expedite the learning of names and to facilitate attendance checks. Copies of seating charts should be placed in emergency lesson plan folders. c. All unauthorized student absences (class cuts) must be reported as soon as teachers are aware. 2. INSTRUCTION a. Teachers must be in their rooms for scheduled periods. b. Teachers must insist upon the prompt arrival of students and then move quickly into the daily lesson. c. Teachers must conclude their class work in time for the class to be dismissed promptly. If a student is detained, a pass to the next class must be issued. 3. PROGRESS REPORTS/REPORT CARDS a. The class teacher must keep an accurate, up to date, easily comprehensible record of work completed by students. Record books and computer software will be provided by school administration. b. The data binders will be collected and turned into the Registrar.

Topic: Home and Hospital Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-08 Students may be eligible for Home and Hospital services, if they are absent for an extended period of time. The BCPSS Home and Hospital Program provides students who cannot regular school due to illness, injury, expulsion, or emotional problems with educational services in their home or in the hospital. Home and Hospital works with about 2,200 students each school year from pre-kindergarten through grade twelve. In short, Home and Hospital services bring the classroom to the child. If you have knowledge that a student will be absent for an extended period of time due to illness, please contact the school nurse/school psychologist. They will complete the process of home and hospital and notify administration and IEP Chair.

Topic: Right to Search School Property Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-09 Under the Maryland Education Article 7-307, Principals, Assistant Principals, or School Police Officers may search the physical plant of a school and its appurtenances including the lockers of students. The offices, lockers, cabinets, and desks of staff members fall under the term appurtenances and can be lawfully searched without warrant. While a need to conduct a search is rare, the occasion may arise when such investigation(s) is necessary and prudent. This statement serves as notification that the superintendent of schools, through his/her designee, retains the right to search without a warrant. If desks, lockers, offices, cabinets, or furnishings are locked with key or combination, copies of the keys and combinations are to be filed with the Principal.

Topic: Record Keeping Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-010

Attendance and grading will be maintained electronically through Infinite Campus. All homeroom teachers will submit daily attendance through the online Infinite Campus system. Once the attendance has been submitted, it cannot be changed for the day. Any changes after submission must be reported to the Attendance Monitor. All absentee notes must be given to the Attendance Monitor and he/she will make a copy for the Nurse, Registrar, and Teachers, so that he can put the data into the system. Do not mark students absent until 9:30 a.m. Please mark them tardy and send to the Attendance Monitor via email by 2:00pm on the same day of the occurrence. The Attendance Monitor will correct the attendance in Infinite Campus. Teachers and office personnel are the only ones with access to the system. Substitute teachers are to be a given a class list and take attendance on that list. The Registrar will provide the class list for all substitute teachers. The Registrar will submit a hard copy to the Secretary. *Please note: Substitutes can be anyone who is not the teacher of record. Infinite Campus also has a grading or report card component that is aligned to the students’ schedule. All teachers must submit progress reports quarterly.

Topic: Health Services Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-11 Claremont Middle/ High School has a Health Clinic on site. Admission is by pass from the teacher a staff member must accompany the student to the health suite. If a student becomes ill during the day, the school nurse will contact a parent to secure permission to send the student home. Every Claremont student must have a current and complete set of emergency cards on file with the names of at least three adults with daytime telephone numbers. NOTE: Law prohibits school personnel from dispensing any medication, even aspirin. However, health clinic staff, with the permission of the parent, may dispense medicine. If a student is taking a prescribed medication during the day, that medicine should be brought in the original pharmaceutical container (with proper student identification label) to the Health Clinic in the morning, along with a note signed by the parent indicating how much should be taken and how often. The nurse will oversee the student taking the medication in accordance with the physician’s request.

Topic: Care of School Facilities and Campus Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-12 1. Keep all instructional and storage areas clean, orderly and safe. 2. Report any damaged, broken, inoperative school property/equipment to the appropriate. 3. Close and lock all windows and doors in your classroom, storage area, and/or office before leaving each day. 4. Turn off lights in any room not being used to conserve energy. 5. Keep chalkboards, ledges, and erasers clean. 6. Keep all glass panels in all doors UNOBSTRUCTED. 7. Keep public address speakers unobstructed. 8. Keep at least one classroom door unlocked while class is in session. 9. Keep all classrooms locked when you leave the room. 10. Keep classroom bulletin board displays current and relevant. 11. Display important notices and information for students. 12. Have trash receptacles available and accessible. 13. Monitor student furniture to dissuade graffiti and vandalism. 14. Do not leave personal items unsecured. 15. Do not store personal valuables in classrooms overnight, over weekends, or holidays. 16. Students are permitted to consume food and/or beverages in classrooms for breakfast only. CARE OF CORRIDORS, ASSEMBLY AREAS AND GROUNDS 1. Do not post any items on a painted or wooden surface except with adhesive used specifically for those surfaces. 2. Secure administrative approval before posting items in showcases and on bulletin boards. 3. Post and remove items in a timely fashion. 4. Report any unsafe and unsightly conditions to an administrator as soon as you become aware of them.

Topic: Substitute Teachers Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-13 1. NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCE A staff member with prior knowledge that he/she will be absent from school should complete and submit to the office a leave request form (included in the handbook). That request will be forwarded to an administrator, who will either approve or deny the request. Be sure to include on the form the type of leave requested and the dates with an explanation of the need. All leave, except unanticipated sick leave, requires permission. The information should be shared as far in advance as possible, however, no later than 2:00 p.m. the day before the absence. In an emergency or unanticipated situation, when a teacher/staff does not have advance knowledge of an absence, the teacher or his designee should telephone the school between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. It is essential that this information be received as early as possible to enable the school adequate substitute coverage. In addition, please notify the Assistant Principal and Principal via email. 2. PLANNING FOR THE SUBSTUTUTE Because none of us can predict our ability to be at work everyday on time, it is essential that careful preparations are made in advance to provide continuity of instruction. Each teacher should provide the Assistant Principal the following items:  

Copies of current seating charts for each class taught clearly labeled. Three “emergency lesson plans” including instructions and materials needed to execute the plan. These plans will only be used if the absent teacher had not prepared specific materials for use or was unable to send materials for use.

Teachers should have these plans to the Assistant Principal by the Friday of the first full week of school. A teacher (or other staff member) who is going to absent an additional day should notify the office by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the initial absence so that appropriate coverage can be secured, more than one day should notify the designated person before 2:00 p.m. the day before the absence.

Topic: Class Parties Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-14 There will not be any class parties without permission from the Principal or designee. When parties are approved, they should be held during the lunch period if at all possible. Students who bring items from home are to take these directly to the teacher’s classroom. Please do not instruct students to put things in the teachers’ lounge refrigerator. If items must be placed in the refrigerator, teachers should put them there. Classroom teachers sponsoring the party are responsible for cleaning up and disposing of refuse. A Request for Extra-Curricular Activity form must be completed and submitted to the Principal for approval. See form below.

Claremont High School #307 5301 Erdman Ave.

Baltimore, MD 21205

410-545-3380

Angel Lewis, Principal

Lesley Stepney, Assistant Principal

Request for Extra-Curricular Activity Date Submitted: _____________________ Total # of Participants: _________ # of Staff: ________

# of students: ______

Location of Activity: ___________________________________________________________ Requestor:

Activity:

Time: From: ________

To: ________

Date of Activity:

Materials Needed/Provided: Purpose of Activity:

Student Participants

□

Staff Participants

Approved

□

Non-staff Participants

Disapproved

Administration: ____________________________________

Date: ___________________

Topic: Staff Parking Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-15 Except for marked spaces, staff parking is available in the school lot. Please do not park in fire lanes or block the wheelchair access ramp. Do not leave personal items in your car. Make sure you lock your car doors.

Topic: Fire Drills and Safety Procedures Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-16 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1. Every fire drill must be orderly, quiet, and meaningful. It should be possible to give and receive instructions in order to avoid the possibility of panic and eliminate confusion. Speed, order, and discipline are essential objectives in every fire drill. All doors should be open to facilitate a quick exit from the building. 2. Evacuation Signal – intermittent bells and/or announcement. 3. Stop all activity and proceed in an orderly manner to assigned exits. Follow directions for evacuation posted in each room. Teachers are expected to take roll book with them. Teachers are expected to guide students to safety and remain with their class and take roll. The last person leaving the room should close windows and doors in order to minimize draft. 4. If the evacuation signal should be sounded during the passing time between classes, teachers and students should proceed to the nearest exit. 5. During an announced fire drill the following categories of students will not be required to exit the building: a. Physically challenged (those previously identified as disabled/handicapped) b. Temporarily incapacitated students (those recovering from physical injury) NOTE: Staff should assign a “buddy” to any physically challenged or temporarily incapacitated student. 6. Identified Fire Drill/Evacuation Assistants are responsible for the quiet, orderly, and rapid movement of students from the building. In the event of a blocked exit(s), identified Fire Drill/Evacuation Assistants will direct students and staff to alternate exits. Fire Drill/Evacuation Assistants will also help move students away from the building and monitor students while outside. 7. Until the all-clear signal is given, students should remain in designated area. 8. Students having lunch when an evacuation occurs should exit the building under the supervision of the Assistant Principal on duty, unless otherwise instructed by the main office.

Topic: School Fund-Raising Activities Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-17

All staff members who wish to sponsor a fund-raising event for a school organization should complete a Proposal for a Fundraiser form at least two weeks prior to any implementation or ordering date. The proposal should be submitted to the Principal for approval. If approved, materials may then be ordered. After the fundraiser is complete, a Financial Statement form should be submitted to the Secretary. All deposits will be made to the Claremont Middle/ High School in an “account” created for the club/organization. Any bills will be paid from that same account. All financial activity related to fundraising at a non-profit agency requires strict adherence to accounting procedures which, will provide absolute accountability for all concerned parties. All expenditures require original invoices and/or register receipts, with all purchases clearly labeled. All monies accepted and deposited require numbered, multiple copy receipts and all monetary dispersals require official approval and signature(s). Special Notes: a. Always maintain clear and complete records of all those who have access to inventory and/or funds. b. Secure inventory in a safe location. c. Do not keep monies on you person any longer that absolutely necessary. d. Do not leave any money in classrooms or offices. e. Keep all receipts, packing lists, invoices, etc. to attach to final financial statement. f. Advise vendors of appropriate delivery dates, times, and locations and provide office staff with adequate advanced notice of any deliveries.

CLAREMONT MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL #307 FUNDRAISER FINALNCIAL ACCOUNTING STATEMENT COMMITTEE: CHAIR PERSON: FUND RAISER ACTIVITY PURPOSE

BEGIN DATE:

EXPENSES

END DATE:

DATE

DETAILS

AMOUNT



Subtotal Total amount raised Minus total expenses Balance *Please attach Signature: _____________________________________

Today’s Date: ____________________________ _

Topic: Inclement Weather and Delayed Openings Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-18 The Baltimore City Public School System recognizes that weather conditions caused by snow, ice, or other weather emergencies can create a situation that makes it unsafe for students, parents, and staff to travel to and/or from school. The following procedures will be used on regularly scheduled school days when emergency weather conditions warrant. School Closing, Delayed Opening, and Early Dismissal Due to Inclement Weather An assessment of road conditions, neighborhood sidewalks, and school parking lots and walkways will be completed by the BCPSS Division of Business Services. The preliminary assessment, which will include input from the city’s Department of Public Works and the Mass Transit Administration, will be completed by 5:00 a.m. The Chief Executive Officer, after having received the preliminary assessment of existing conditions and the most current weather forecasts, will make the decision to open schools on schedule, open two hours late, or close schools. The decision made by the Chief Executive Officer will be announced by local television and radio stations by 6:00 a.m. Schools Open and On Schedule The decision to open schools on schedule will only be made when it is felt that students and staff will be able to travel safely to their school destinations. If weather conditions worsen during the school day, the BCPSS may announce an early school dismissal. Note: The early dismissal of schools requires that schools close two and one-half hours before the regularly scheduled dismissal time. All half-day, afternoon pre-K and kindergarten programs, and all extended-day and after-school programs, including interscholastic athletic events, will be cancelled. Lunch must be served in all schools. A decision to dismiss schools early will be announced by 11:00 a.m. Schools Open—Two Hours Late The decision to delay the opening of schools by two hours may be made for the following reasons:  Travel conditions are potentially unsafe at 5:00 a.m. but are expected to improve during the day.  Acceptable travel conditions exist at 5:00 a.m., but weather forecasts are predicting that worsening travel conditions are imminent. The two-hour delay announcement may be followed by an announcement that the BCPSS is now closed for the day. This follow-up announcement would be required after a reassessment of travel and school building conditions indicates that schools should remain closed for the day. The decision to close schools after previously announcing a two-hour school delay will be announced to the news media by 7:00 a.m. If, during extremely warm weather, the temperature reaches 90 degrees by 11:00 a.m., school officials will notify area television and radio stations that schools will close for students at 12:30 p.m. that afternoon. In these instances, the Communications Department will provide notification via email as to which staff members are required to remain at the school building. If any employee determines that he/she cannot safely report to work in accordance with the procedures outlined above, he/she must use a day of vacation or personal leave (if the employee has a positive leave balance) or lose a day’s pay.

Topic: Dress Code Standard Area: Faculty Standard No: T-19 City Schools deems a professional appearance to be important at all times. Employees must wear attire appropriate to an office or school environment in which business with students, outside visitors and customers is regularly conducted. Employees should exercise good judgment in choosing what they wear to work. In addition, attire should never pose a safety hazard to the employee or to others in the work environment. Administrators have the authority to determine that certain types of clothing are unsuitable for the school/office. Employees should consult their school Administrators if they have questions about appropriate business attire. Furthermore, as a respect for fellow employees and in the interest of public health, employees should meet generally accepted standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

CLAREMONT HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS STUDENT SECTION

ST – 01

Attendance

ST – 02

Early Dismissals

ST – 03

Failure to Register (Trespassing)

ST – 04

Student Behavior

ST – 05

Dress Code

ST – 06

Homework

ST – 07

Cafeteria

ST – 08

Students with Chronic Health Problems

Office of the Principal Topic: Attendance Standard Area: Student Standard No: ST – 01 Student Attendance Students have the responsibility of attending school and class on time every day. Students also have the responsibility for requesting make-up work for work missed while absent, within three days of their return to school. Parents have the responsibility for making sure that their children attend school every day. They are also responsible for maintaining regular contact with the school and for sending a note to the school that gives the reason(s) for absence or lateness. The school has the responsibility for educating each child; for notifying parents about unsatisfactory attendance; and for working with parents and students to maintain the highest possible level of attendance. Schools also have the responsibility for enforcing the Compulsory Attendance Law. The community has the responsibility for supporting the educational system. Maryland Law Maryland law (Section 7-301 of the Education Article) requires regular school attendance of children between five and sixteen years of age. Any person who has legal custody or care and control of a child, five years old and under sixteen, who fails to see that the child attends school or receives instruction under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and: i.

For a first conviction is subject to a fine not to exceed $50 per day of unlawful absence or imprisonment not to exceed ten days, or both;

ii.

For a second or subsequent conviction is subject to a fine not to exceed $100 per day of unlawful absence or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both.

System-wide Definitions The following official definitions are used by all public schools in Baltimore City.

Standard No. ST – 01 Page 2

Lawful Absence Absence from school will be considered lawful under the following conditions:  Death in the immediate family  Illness of the student (Note: The principal will require a physician's certificate for absences of three or more days.)  Court summons  Observance of a religious holiday  State emergency  Hazardous weather conditions  Approved work or other activity sponsored by the school  Suspension  Lack of authorized transportation  Other emergency or set of circumstances as determined by the Chief Executive Officer or his/her designee Lawful or legitimate absence requires a written explanation from the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child. In certain circumstances, notification to the school may come from an official agency. In cases where students have been lawfully absent, the school will provide make-up work. Where make-up work has been successfully completed, the student's grades will reflect the completion of such work.

Unlawful Absence Reasons for absence not denoted under “lawful absence” will be coded as unlawful. Students, who participate in school-sponsored activities such as work-study, sports, student council activities, etc., should be marked present in the roll book provided they furnish the teacher with documentation of their participation in the activity. Except for those in a work-study program, students are responsible for making up work missed. Some explanations for unlawful absence may represent “real” reasons for the absence. Such situations require immediate and careful investigation. In terms of the attendance laws, the explanations are not a lawful basis for absence. Perfect Attendance A student must attend school every day to be considered for “perfect attendance” awards. If a student is absent from school—lawfully or unlawfully—he or she no longer has perfect attendance and does not qualify for awards. Specific Procedures  After each unexplained absence the school will communicate with the student's home to determine the reason for absence and whether additional assistance is needed. 

After three unexcused absences in a month, the school will request a meeting with the parent in an attempt to address the problem.



Procedures also include provisions for assisting students and/or parents with services or programs that support regular attendance.

In the case of a student with a disability, repeated absences (e.g., more than ten days in a school year, consecutively or cumulatively) may require the IEP team to convene to renew, and revise as appropriately, the student’s IEP.

Court Action If the student continues to be unlawfully absent, the case may be referred to the Office of Attendance and Suspension Services for possible court action. Appeals Consistent with state regulations, parents have the right to appeal attendance violation decisions and/or question the school records regarding attendance. This appeal should be made in writing to the principal and, if not resolved, then to the appropriate Area Executive Officer. Review of Policies Parents or community groups wishing to review the full attendance policy and procedure handbook may contact the principal or the Office of Attendance and Suspension Services, 410-3968643.

Office of the Principal Topic: Early Dismissals Standard Area: Student Standard No: ST – 02 Early Dismissals During the school year, there are times when students will need to be dismissed early from school. The Baltimore City Public School System requests that whenever possible, doctor, dentist, or other special appointments be scheduled after school hours to reduce the potential for lost instructional time. However, when this is not possible, a written permission request must be sent to school with the student. The note must have a valid and verifiable parent /guardian signature including a phone number where the parent can be reached. Schools must contact the parent/guardian to verify the note. Planned early dismissals as a result of staff development are noted on the school-year calendar and are included in this guide. The procedures for early dismissals due to weather conditions are also contained in this guide.

All requests for early dismissal should be made at least one day in advance of the requested dismissal date if possible. Otherwise, a note should be given to the Attendance Monitor at the beginning of the school day. The note should contain the following information:

Name of Student Homeroom of Student Name of Parent Reason for the Request Phone Number Where Parent Can be Contacted

Topic: Failure to Register (Student Trespassing) Standard Area: Student Standard No: ST – 03

Anyone who does not have official business on the campus (e.g.; non-students) may be in the building only if properly registered at the main office. Any Claremont student who brings or invites outsiders to the campus for any inappropriate reason will be placed on suspension. Unauthorized visitors will be escorted from the campus or may be subject to arrest for trespassing.

Office of the Principal Topic: Student Behavior Standard Area: Student Standard No: ST – 04 Student Discipline Code BCPSS Philosophy The Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) is committed to providing safe and orderly classrooms and schools for all students. When classrooms are orderly, teachers are able to teach, and students are able to learn. All students, including those with disabilities, are held accountable for actions that impede instruction and other students’ ability to learn. To ensure a free and appropriate public education for students with disabilities, the BCPSS implements the requirements of IDEA through the current “Disciplinary Procedures for Students with Disabilities.” Education provides a means for human development and a means for remediation and adjustment. Therefore, the BCPSS believes that when possible, students should be placed in alternative learning environments, and that suspension and expulsion should be used as a last resort. The BCPSS is working to implement this philosophy. However, until alternative learning environments are available at all schools, school staffs will adhere to current policies that require students to be expelled or suspended for certain offenses. No child may be expelled without the approval of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Every effort will be made to place students who are expelled in existing alternative programs. Administrators will keep in mind the need for age appropriate consequences when determining consequences for code violations. Administrators should have the ability to take degree of severity, frequency of offense, situation, age, and decision-making capacity of a student into account in determining sanctions and shall be required to provide a rationale for any deviations from the code. The BCPSS reserves the right to consider disciplinary action against students who have been adjudicated for violent criminal acts in the general community, such as rape, murder, or kidnapping . Expectations Students are expected to behave appropriately at all times. When a child misbehaves, he/she must be confronted and advised that the behavior is not acceptable and school staff must find ways to help the child replace the unacceptable behavior with acceptable behavior. However, school staff members will not tolerate violent and chronically disruptive behavior. BCPSS Police will be called in all cases of violence, and charges will be placed against the offender(s), including students with disabilities, whenever appropriate. For students with disabilities, an IEP Team must meet within required timelines to determine IEP modifications and the appropriate alternative placement. Students should be aware that the school has the authority to take disciplinary action even when the misbehavior occurs off school property, or when schools are closed, if the behavior affects the good order and discipline of the school. Examples of when this can occur are the following: 

misbehaving on the way to or from school



misbehaving while participating in school-related activities such as field trips, dances, and athletic events

Violations of law can result in arrest by the BCPSS Police and referral to the appropriate court. The charts on the following pages outline, by level, violations and consequences to be used. For any violations of the Student Discipline Code, administrators must apply one or more of the consequences for any violations based on criteria established by the CEO as set forth in The BCPSS Student Discipline Code under Levels I, II, and III violations and consequences. No code can provide examples of every conceivable violation in its definitions. Where possible examples have been listed. However, there may be circumstances that are not specifically addressed in the examples that still represent code violations. (Note: Principals do not have the authority to suspend any child for more than ten days. Only the CEO or his/her designee may expel or suspend a child for more than ten days.) Definition of Terms The following definitions are intended to clarify the meaning of terms as stated in the consequences section of the discipline code.

Alternative Placement: A program outside of a student’s assigned school designed for at-risk and/or disruptive students or a transfer to another school when a specialized program is not available.

Alternative Program: A program or service within a school designed for at-risk and/or disruptive students, including but not limited to counseling, mediation, or conflict resolution.

Expulsion: A student’s removal from school for disciplinary reasons is subject only to reinstatement in accordance with BCPSS procedures. (Note: Expulsions can only be implemented under the direction of the CEO or his/her designee. Students will be referred to an alternative placement whenever possible.)

In-School Suspension: A student’s exclusion within the school building from the student’s regular educational program up to but not more than ten days for disciplinary reasons by the school principal.

Long Term Suspension: A student can be removed from school for disciplinary reasons for a period of more than ten days. (Referred as extended suspension according to State Guidelines. Note: Long-term suspensions can only be implemented under the direction of the CEO or his/her designee.)

Loss of Privileges: Students can be excluded from school extracurricular and athletic activities.

Short Term Suspension: A student removed from school for disciplinary reasons for a period not to exceed five days.

Incorporation by Reference The Information Guide for Parents and Students is incorporated by references as fully set forward in this document. In the event of any conflict between The BCPSS Student Discipline Code and the Information Guide for Parents and Students, The BCPSS Student Discipline Code prevails.

Office of the Principal Topic: Dress Code Standard Area: Student Standard No: ST – 05 Exclusionary Dress Code The Exclusionary Dress Code addresses issues related to the safety of the students. It represents a cooperative effort between the New Board of School Commissioners, the Chief Executive Officer, the school principals, and the students of the Baltimore City Public School System. Fur and Leather -- No real or imitation leather, fur, or animal skin jackets, coats, vests, pants, or skirts are allowed. Sweat Suits and Jogging Suits – No sweat pants or jogging pants with elastic at the bottom of the legs are allowed. No elastic fabric sportswear is allowed. Torn Clothing – No clothing designed or altered to expose undergarments or parts of the body except arms or legs, as defined throughout these rules, is allowed. Jewelry -- Because theft and/or loss are a school security concern, the wearing of precious jewelry in our schools is prohibited. 1. No metal chains, ropes, necklaces, bracelets, or rings are allowed. 2. No large or extravagant earrings are allowed. 3. No multi-fingered rings are allowed. Exceptions: 1. Wedding rings for married students (These students will have to supply proof to the school of their marriage.) 2. School rings 3. Non-visible metal religious items 4. Medical identification bracelets Underwear - No undergarments worn as outerwear are allowed. Printed Matter on Clothes -- No wearing apparel printed with vulgar statements or statements promoting the use of drugs, alcohol, sex, and/or violence is allowed. Footwear – No footwear such as slippers, thongs, and flip-flops is allowed. Headwear – No hats, hair rollers, and hair curlers are allowed. Bedtime Apparel – No pajama-type attire, undershirts, or other bedtime attire is allowed.

Shorts, Skirts, and Tops – No shorts more than 2 inches above the knee (when student is standing), halter tops, tank tops, muscle shirts, or see-through tops are allowed. No mini-skirts are allowed. School Level Implementation of Exclusionary Dress Code The implementation of the citywide exclusionary dress code should be uniformly applied throughout Baltimore City's secondary schools. This means that an individual school may not add to or subtract from the exclusionary dress code. However, each school may, at its option, establish its own non-exclusionary dress code for such purposes as adopting a school uniform. Each secondary school will establish a school safety committee composed of students, faculty, and parents to work on school safety matters, including the implementation of the citywide exclusionary dress code. The committee must have at least 50 percent student membership. This committee will hear concerns about the dress code and make recommendations on changes to the citywide exclusionary dress code to the principal. In addition, the school safety committee will address other safety related issues, such as violence in the school and drug and alcohol abuse prevention.

Office of the Principal Topic: Homework Standard Area: Student Standard No: ST – 06 The objective of homework is to assist and improve learning, and to strengthen skills and understandings gained in the classroom. At Claremont Middle/High School, we believe that all homework assignments should meet the following standards: 1. Homework must have a valid educational purpose and must never be punitive. 2. Homework assignments must relate to the class objectives, and the Core Standards. 3. Homework should always challenge the learner at the appropriate level of difficulty. 4. Homework assignments should not require the use of resource material that is not readily available to the students. 5. Teachers should make every effort to insure that students understand the assignment, when it is due, and the consequences for not completing the assignment. 6. Teachers should review and correct all homework assignments and keep accurate records regarding their completion. 7. Teachers may use homework grades to assess student performance and determine final grades. 8. Teachers should contact the parents when they feel that students are not completing homework assignments on a regular basis. 4 period day - An average of 45 minutes per subject, no longer than 3 hours per day, 5 times per week. No holidays. Possible long-term assignments.

Office of the Principal Topic: Cafeteria Standard Area: Student Standard No: ST – 07 The lunch period provides a time for relaxation and social interaction, a break from the rigors of the day. However, the large number of students eating during each cafeteria period requires mature and responsible behavior. Claremont Middle/ High School students are expected to demonstrate courteous manners at all times so that all students can enjoy this break in the school day. In order for this to happen, students must:    

Always take their places at the end of the lines and not attempt to step ahead of others. Dispose of all their trash and clean the eating area as soon as they have finished eating and before leaving the table. Do not leave the cafeteria until dismissed; Unless going into the bathroom, in line to get food, or going outside, all students are expected to be seated while in the cafeteria.

All students must report to the cafeteria daily at the beginning of their assigned lunch period. Students may bring lunch from home or receive school lunch for free. All food and beverages must be consumed in the cafeteria with the exception of breakfast; which is served in the homeroom classroom. No food and/or drinks should be consumed in the hallways.

Office of the Principal Topic: Students with Chronic Health Problems Standard Area: Student Standard No: ST – 08 Students with Chronic Health Problems Any student who has a chronic health problem such as asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, sickle cell anemia, etc., that causes frequent absences from school may be eligible for the Chronic Health Impaired Program (CHIP). The required form (SH-19, “Request for Adjustment of Education Program”) may be obtained from the school nurse. A physician's signature is required. This same form is used for students who have a health problem and may need elevator service, modified physical education, special bus/taxi, home teaching, or hospital teaching. For more information, you may call the Upton School at 410-396-0775. Medications/Treatment Students who need to take medicines in school, including inhalers, must have a "Medication Request" (Form SH-7) signed by both the physician and the parent. Treatments such as catheterization or nebulizer require that a treatment form (SH-98) be completed by the physician and parent. Each medication or treatment must be on a separate form. Medicine must be brought to the school by an adult in the original container labeled by the pharmacist. The first dose must be given at home by the parent. Students will not receive ANY medicine or prescribed treatment without the completion of the proper form. New Students A physical examination is required for all students entering Maryland's public schools for the first time. If a school does not have a nurse, parents can give proof of the completed physical to the school secretary. The school nurse will also ask parents to complete a school health card that relays important student health information. Contact Person: You may obtain the schedule for your school nurse by calling the school directly. Parents of students who attend a special needs school may call 410-396-5206 to speak to the special education nursing supervisor. If you would like help in getting a doctor or shots for your child, you may call the Immunization Office at 410-396-4454.