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Faculty Handbook
| Arlington High School Faculty Handbook |
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This handbook should be used as a supplement to the Student Handbook. This handbook has been developed for the convenience of all staff members at Arlington High School. It is a document containing policies, practices and bulletins related to the school community. Please read this document carefully. During the coming school year, I would welcome your questions and suggestions related to the content of this handbook. Please feel free to stop by at your convenience throughout the year to discuss any revisions or items of mutual concern. I hope you have a most successful school year.
ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE Teachers will be given prior notice concerning the scheduling of assembly programs, including pertinent details and specific instructions. Teachers are to take their students to the assembly, sit with them and supervise them for the duration of the assembly. STUDENT PERSONAL PROBLEMS One of the Arlington High School Health teachers is available to listen to students with personal problems and advise them accordingly. The time and place of this service will be publicized early in the school year. A Student Assistance Counselor is also available who maintains a private office. AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS The Audiovisual Center provides a number of specific services, materials and devices for professional staff, students, and community utilization. In-service efforts are directed towards utilization of the various devices, as well as providing for assistance and instruction in the development of teacher-made materials. All requests for preview-evaluation of software and equipment will be processed. The Audiovisual Center provides a continuous system of presenting innovations in materials and media. Request for educational software and equipment, should be made in advance. An attempt will be made to accommodate emergency situations, but no guarantee can be given that such requests will be filled. A sign-up book is available on a first come, first serve basis. If a problem occurs while using equipment, the District technician or student technicians will be available to assist the professional staff. Films and other materials may be utilized via in-class television. Live and teacher-made programs, as well as pre-recorded and taped commercial television programs may be utilized. BOOK ISSUANCE Teachers have a professional responsibility to account for all books issued to them for distribution to students and to impress upon students the importance of caring for the books issued to them. Teachers should know the replacement cost of each book and share this information with students. The replacement cost will be considered to be the purchase cost of the book for the first five years. After a book is in use for five years, the replacement cost shall be considered to be 1/2 the purchase cost. EACH TEACHER IS REQUIRED TO KEEP A RECORD OF THE BOOK NUMBER ASSIGNED TO EACH STUDENT AND THE CONDITION OF THE BOOK WHEN ISSUED. The condition of the book should be a specific description. Teachers are to witness that students print their names and name of the teacher on the inside cover of the book. If no space is provided for this, teachers may obtain book plates from the main office. CHECK EACH STUDENT BOOK TO BE CERTAIN THAT THE BOOK PLATE IS COMPLETED ON THE DAY OF ISSUE. Students who transfer out will turn books in to teachers. Students who drop out of school will turn books in to the guidance counselor. Students are to be given the option of retaining their books up to the time of their final exam. It they choose to do so, their book is to be turned in to the teacher just before the final exam is taken. LOST BOOKS When a student loses a book the teacher should complete a lost book form in duplicate (teacher keeps 2nd copy). A copy of the lost book form should be presented by the student in the main office with the money (or to the coordinator where such procedure is established). When the money is paid, the secretary or coordinator will sign the lost book form and return the slip to the teacher and a replacement book will be issued. CLASSROOM ATTENDANCE Class Participation, Grade and Detentions Students are expected to arrive at each class, be seated and ready for instruction prior to the sounding of the five minute passing bell. For tardy students, TEACHERS ARE TO CONSIDER STUDENT TARDINESS AS THEIR OWN AREA OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY, and FIRST STERNLY COUNSEL LATE STUDENTS AND INSIST THAT THEY BE ON TIME. TEACHER AUTHORITY OVER THEIR STUDENTS IS PRESERVED IF THE TEACHER CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM AT THE CLASSROOM LEVEL. Teachers are also encouraged to develop an overall "class participation grade" which can in A MINIMAL WAY, be detracted from for frequent, willful and preventable instances of tardiness to class. The class "participation grade" earned by the student as a portion of the grading system used by a particular teacher shall become a part of the 10 week grades and thus also included in the final cumulative course grade. For more information see "Student Tardiness To Class" in this handbook. Each teacher is to maintain a careful record of each day of student attendance, in the class book provided by the school. Each day an absentee list will be issued by the Attendance Office. It is each teacher's express responsibility to make a careful check each period to determine that the names of all students absent from class appear on the absentee list. If an absent student's name does not appear on the absentee list, an Irregular Attendance Report should be sent to the Attendance Office immediately so that the student's whereabouts may be determined. If a student is present but their name appears on the absentee list this situation should also be reported to the Attendance Office on the Irregular Attendance Report. Teachers have a responsibility to report all cases of excessive class absenteeism to the administration and the appropriate guidance counselor and to initiate contact and appropriate follow-up with the parent. A returning absentee must show to each classroom teacher the admittance pass which was issued upon return. No student should be accepted back in class after an absence unless presenting this pass. Students are not to be excused from classrooms or study hall to use the telephone, except in cases of emergency. In that case, the teacher will issue a pink pass to the Main Office where the student will be given the opportunity to use the telephone. The office secretary will sign the pink pass for the return to class. The pay telephone in the cafeteria area is for student use mainly during lunch periods and after school hours. Students are not to be excused from classrooms to go to lockers, the drinking fountain, or lavatory, except in the case of emergency. If it becomes necessary for a student to be excused, the teacher is to issue a pink pass indicating the time the student leaves the room and his destination. The student must also place his or her name on a sign-out sheet indicating the time of departure and return. Teachers are instructed to retain these sheets in a secure place. Past experience has shown various forms of disruptive behavior can be avoided if all teachers abide by the following policy. At or near the conclusion of each class or study hall period it is the policy of AHS to have all students remain seated until the moment the passing bell rings. All teachers are required to establish classroom rules to achieve this goal as a normal daily practice. Students in special areas, such as gymnasiums, libraries and laboratory type classes are to remain inside their room until the dismissal bell signals the end of the period. STUDENT TARDINESS TO CLASS The teacher is the person primarily responsible for having students report to class on time. Teachers are to take appropriate measures to insure that students arrive at class, are seated and ready for instruction by the time the final tardy bell sounds. One measure teachers are expected to use in addressing tardiness is the CLASS PARTICIPATION GRADE, which becomes part of a student's overall grade for each marking period. A student who is late for class is unable to fully participate in the educational process and this should be reflected as part of a class participation grade. (see page 4 this handbook) A second measure teachers may use in discouraging student tardiness, is the assignment of after-school detention. Repeat instances of student tardiness throughout the year may result in repeat instances of detention assigned by the teacher. Since all teachers, by policy and past practice, are expected to give after school help to students on a routine basis, student detention may be assigned on the same day as a matter of teacher convenience. Written notice should be given to the student specifying when and where the detention assignment is to be served. (Forms are available in main office.) In the event a student does not or could not serve a teacher assigned detention, the written details should be given to the appropriate administer. Two administrative detentions will be assigned for each instance the student does not stay for a teacher assigned detention. If a student then does not serve an administrative detention, that student will receive an ISS or OSS. The intent of this tardiness policy is to encourage students to be on time to class by being held responsible to their teachers. Students who continue with a pattern of class tardiness, should soon realize it will result in consequences assigned by a teacher and/or an administrator. CLASS RECORD BOOKS A class record book is the school's OFFICIAL RECORD of matters relating to each student in each teacher's class. It must be complete in scope and accurately done. All teachers are required to keep class record books, showing a record of attendance and grades. Each teacher is to create a "key" of meaning on the inside front cover to explain the system of organization used. Each student must receive a minimum of one grade per week. Class record books shall show all grades, appropriately annotated for clarity of meaning. Each class of students shall have a complete record of grades to include the two or (four) quarterly grades and a final grade at the end of the course. Class record books are subject to review by the principal, assistant principal and the coordinator. In accordance with the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule No. 1-S-1, item 261, of the New York State Education Department, teachers' class books are to be retained within the building for 2 years. Accordingly, all teachers will be required to surrender their class book to the main office at the end of each school year. At the end of each quarterly report period, each teacher will be provided with a class list having spaces for entering the grade for the quarter and the number of class absences in the quarter. These "grade report sheets" are to be submitted to the Guidance office, in a timely manner as requested. Usually this will be 7:30 a.m. on the date due. CLASSES MEETING OUT-OF-DOORS All classes are to be held in their assigned locations. With the exception of physical education classes, no classes are to be taken out-of-doors without prior administrative approval. This will be granted for a justifiable educational purpose only. CLASSROOMS, CARE OF Classrooms and homerooms should be maintained in a neat, orderly fashion. Bulletin boards should be inviting and kept up-to-date. It is the responsibility of the teacher to keep a close check of the condition of all desks and equipment in the room. The marking or defacing of desks or other school property should not be tolerated. Desks should be kept free of debris. The teacher should see that the desks in the classroom are emptied frequently. The last teacher to occupy the room at the close of the school day, should see that the windows are closed and locked, and in cold weather, if the room is so equipped the energy panels are closed. The last teacher to occupy the room, on a given day, has the responsibility to turn off the lights, and to close and lock the classroom door. During the school day, when a room is to be left unoccupied for one or more class periods, the last teacher to leave the room has the responsibility to turn off the lights and to lock the classroom door. Broken or faulty classroom equipment should be reported to the Main Office. Students are to place chairs on top of desks at the close of the school day in special area rooms which do not have "chair/desk" units. The custodial staff sweep the floors of each classroom every evening and wash the blackboards every weekend. If a room is shared by two or more teachers, every effort should be made to leave work on the blackboard which the previous teacher has indicated that he wished saved. Before leaving the room, the teacher should erase all work which he does not wish saved. The top of teachers' desks should be left sufficiently clear so that teachers sharing the room will have a place in which to leave materials related to the instructional program. Emergency Windows with hinges should never be opened since the wind sometimes catches the glass and damages the hinge and/or the glass. DETENTION Students will be assigned "administrative detention" by the Principal and the Assistant Principals. A teacher may NOT assign a student to "administrative detention." Teachers may assign students to their own after school detention for either extra help or disciplinary action. Teachers who plan to keep a student after school must do the following:
DISCIPLINE It is expected that all teachers will maintain conditions in classrooms so that effective school work can be accomplished. If discipline problems arise which the teacher feels cannot be handled alone, the problem should be referred to the assigned Assistant Principal. If a student is sent directly from class to the Assistant Principal, the office should be informed by telephone intercom that the student is on the way. Under no circumstances should a student be put out of class without instructions to report to a specific Administrative Office or Guidance Office. Students who are disciplinary problems are not to be put in the hall. In most cases, before a teacher sends a pupil to the Assistant Principal, the teacher should make a serious attempt to solve the discipline problem at the teacher level. Suggestions for action are:
Teacher Removal of Disruptive Students Effective July 1, 2001, teachers may now remove disruptive students from their classrooms following the procedures outlined below. A complete set of behavioral expectations is outlined in the district Code of Conduct. It is the responsibility of the teacher to complete all required forms, as well as attend a conference, if requested, explaining the reason(s) for the removal. Procedures for teacher disciplinary removal of disruptive students: A student's behavior can affect a teacher's ability to teach and can make it difficult for other students in the classroom to learn. In most instances the classroom teacher can control a student's behavior and maintain or restore control over the classroom by using good classroom management techniques. These techniques may include practices that involve the teacher directing a student to briefly leave the classroom to give the student an opportunity to regain his or her composure and self-control in an alternative setting. Such practices may include, but are not limited to: (1) short-term "time out" in an elementary classroom or in an administrator's office; (2) sending a student into the hallway briefly; (3) sending a student to the principal's office for the remainder of the class time only; or (4) sending a student to a guidance counselor or other district staff member for counseling. Time-honored classroom management techniques such as these do not constitute disciplinary removals for purposes of this Code. On occasion, a student's behavior may become disruptive. For purposes of this Code of Conduct, a disruptive student is a student who is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher's authority over the classroom. A substantial disruption of the educational process or substantial interference with a teacher's authority occurs when a student demonstrates a persistent unwillingness to comply with the teacher's instructions or repeatedly violates the teacher's classroom behavior rules. A classroom teacher may remove a disruptive student from class for up to two days. The removal from class applies to the class of the removing teacher only. On the primary and elementary levels the time of removal should roughly equate to that of the secondary level, namely 45 minutes for each "day" of removal. If the disruptive student does not pose a danger or ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process, the teacher must provide the student with an explanation for why he or she is being removed and an opportunity to explain his or her version of the relevant events before the student is removed. Only after the informal discussion may a teacher remove a student from class. If the student poses a danger or ongoing threat of disruption, the teacher may order the student to be removed immediately. The teacher must, however, explain to the student why he or she was removed from the classroom and give the student a chance to present his or her version of the relevant events within 24-hours. The teacher must complete a district-established disciplinary removal form and meet with the principal or designee as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the school day, to explain the circumstances of the removal and to present the removal form. If the principal or designee is not available by the end of the same school day, the teacher must leave the form with the secretary and meet with the principal or designee prior to the beginning of classes on the next school day. Within 24-hours after the student's removal, the principal or another district administrator designated by the principal must notify the student's parents that the student has been removed from class and why. The notification must also inform the parent that he or she has the right, upon request, to meet informally with the principal or the principal's designee to discuss the reasons for the removal. The principal may require the teacher who ordered the removal to attend the informal conference. If at the informal meeting the student denies the charges, the principal or the principal's designee must explain why the student was removed and give the student and the student's parents a chance to present the student's version of the relevant events. The informal meeting must be held within 48 hours of the student's removal. The timing of the informal meeting may be extended by mutual agreement of the parent and principal. The principal or the principal's designee may overturn the removal of the student from class if the principal finds any one of the following:
The principal or his or her designee may overturn a removal at any point between receiving the referral form issued by the teacher and the close of business on the day following the 48-hour period for the informal conference, if a conference is requested. No student removed from the classroom by the classroom teacher will be permitted to return to the classroom until the principal makes a final determination, or the period of removal expires, whichever is less. Any disruptive student removed from the classroom by the classroom teacher shall be offered continued educational programming and activities until he or she is permitted to return to the classroom. Each teacher must keep a complete log (on a district provided form) for all cases of removal of students from his or her class. The principal must keep a log of all removals of students from class. Removal of a student with a disability, under certain circumstances, may constitute a change in the student's placement. Accordingly, no teacher may remove a student with a disability from his or her class until he or she has verified with the principal or the chairperson of the Committee on Special Education that the removal will not violate the student's rights under state or federal law or regulation. PLEASE PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING: 1. Students may not be permanently excluded from a class unless the exclusion is authorized by an administrator and after a consultation with the guidance department has been held. Teachers do not have authority to drop students from class. Teachers also are not to encourage a student to drop their class or to suggest moving to another teacher's class. 2. Teachers ARE NOT TO leave students in classes, study hall or homerooms UNATTENDED. If a teacher must leave a class, study hall or homeroom because of an emergency, the office should be notified at once and someone will be sent to cover the class. 3. Please refer to the statement of District Policy concerning corporal punishment for further information. FOOD AND BEVERAGE Students are not permitted to take food or beverage from the cafeteria or to bring cafeteria food or beverage into the classrooms without a pass from an administrator or the school nurse. Students are prohibited from having beverages in the halls or classrooms regardless of where they were purchased. This rule is not intended to prohibit the carrying of a closed bag lunch to or from a hall locker or to the cafeteria. In an effort to model this rule, teachers are asked to refrain from having beverages in the hall, and are encouraged not to consume food or beverage in the classroom during teaching periods. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX, HANDICAPPING CONDITION AND/OR AGE The Arlington Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, handicapping condition and/or age in the education programs or activities which it operates. This policy on non-discrimination includes the following areas: recruitment and appointment of employees; employment pay and benefits; counseling services for students; access by students to educational programs, course offerings and student activities. The District official responsible for the coordination of activities relating to compliance with Title IX is the Assistant Superintendent, and for Section 504 and Public Law 95-256 is the Coordinator of Special Education, Central Administration Office, 120 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., telephone number 486-4460. These officials will provide information, including complaint procedures, to any student or employee who feels that her or his rights under Title IX, Section 504 or Public Law 95-256 may have been violated by the District or its officials. FACULTY ATTENDANCE The school day for faculty members is a continuous 6 hours and 50 minute period between the hours 7:20 A.M. and 2:20 P.M. 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 7:20 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 homeroom by 7:35 A.M. At the close of school, faculty members who have a period 8 class are expected to remain at their classroom door until students have cleared the hall. Faculty members who are assigned P.M. supervision are expected to remain on duty until 2:20 P.M., or until students have departed. Faculty members are expected to be on site, with the exception of lunch period, for the entire length of the teacher day. Administrator approval is required for any exceptions. SUBSTITUTE CALLING Teachers who will be unable to attend school should call the Dutchess County Sub-Calling service at 486-4835. Pertinent information on teacher identification for proper registration on the automated service will be solicited from staff in the first week of the school year. A pin number will be assigned. The teacher calling the sub-service should have his/her "pin" number available for easy reference prior to placing a call to obtain a substitute teacher. The automated system will offer a menu of options which must be followed in sequence to its conclusion. Once the absence has been properly entered in the automated system, a job number will be assigned which will be the only confirmation that the absence has been properly recorded. The calling teacher should note the job number for back-up reference. SPLIT ASSIGNMENT: If a teacher calling the automated sub service has a split assignment between two buildings, only the location of where the teacher's day begins should be given for a location. The automated service will prompt the teacher to leave special instructions: At this time a brief statement should be made to alert the substitute about the particulars of the shared building assignment. Teachers should always leave complete instructions at their desk for a substitute teacher, which must also include information on split/shared assignments between buildings. On Friday of each week when school is in session, an attendance report is filed with the Superintendent's office listing the name, date, and reason for faculty absences. Personal leave is to be used only for transacting or attending to personal, legal business, household, family or educational matters which require absence during school hours. Personal leave days shall not be used to extend vacation periods or holidays. It is the responsibility of the individual teacher to leave detailed instruction for the substitute teacher. Plan books, seating charts, and attendance records should be in order, current, and available for the substitute in the upper right-hand desk drawer. In the event a teacher wishes to send in updated lesson plans, on the day of an illness, they may be left with a main office secretary or near the substitute sign-in sheet. Attendance cards for homerooms should be in the upper right-hand desk drawer. A delay in finding attendance cards can cause a serious problem in regard to accuracy of the daily absentee list. FACULTY MEETINGS Building faculty meetings called by the Principal will be held on the first Monday of the month. All teachers are expected to attend unless excused in advance. DEPARTMENT MEETINGS Department meetings will be called by the coordinator on the third Monday of the month. FIELD TRIPS Field trips should be taken as early in the school year as is possible. Teachers are not to submit field trip requests after May 15th. When a teacher is planning to take students on a field trip of any sort, a Field Trip Request form should be completed (sample on page 15), and submitted to the Assistant Principal in charge of field trips, who will make arrangements for transportation. Printed permission forms, shown below, may be secured from the Assistant Principal Satellite Office. These forms must be signed by the parents, and returned to the teacher before the trip is started. An alternative suggested form is found on the next page of this handbook. This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. A faculty member must accompany each bus, and any student who goes on the bus must return on it unless he has written permission from parents and principal to do otherwise. Chaperones should have a roster of names which should be checked as students enter the bus on both the outbound and inbound trips. This roster should be distributed to all teachers one week before the field trip. FIELD TRIPS Suggested form letter to be used in place of standard parent permission slip: Date Dear Parent: A field trip to (destination) is planned for the (class) on (date). We will leave Arlington High School by bus at (time) and return to the High School at (time). No student will be permitted to drive his own car or to ride in a private car. Students should bring approximately ($ ) for expenses. Students should be dressed neatly - no dungarees - and comfortably. If you wish your child to attend this trip, please fill out the form below the dotted line with the information requested. Sincerely, (Teacher's signature) Approved: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date _______________________ I hereby give my permission for _____________________________ to attend the Arlington High School field trip to ________________________________ on _____________________. I understand that the trip will be properly supervised. _________________________ (Parent's signature) Permission slips for field trips are to be turned in to the office where they will be filed for one year in accordance with State Education Department regulations. FIELD TRIP REQUEST FORM This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. EXTENDED FIELD TRIPS Plans for school sponsored, extended field trips will be reviewed and approved by the department coordinator and building Principal prior to being presented to students and/or parents. These plans will follow the prevailing established set of administrative regulations and Board of Education policy.
INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR TRIPS The Pupil Benefits Plan covers field trips under the contract policy when the following guidelines are followed. Trips must be - school sponsored, Board of Education approved, supervised by school faculty, and for trips that require an overnight stay an itinerary shall be submitted for the Plans approval at least 30 days in advance of the departure date. ITINERARY MUST INCLUDE: (a) Listing of all events and activities to be included i.e. when and where the students will be at all times (b) Where the students are staying for the night (c) Mode of transportation (d) Board of Education approval. As always, all requests for coverage are subject to plan review. Also, the District will always review any injury for extenuating circumstances. ITINERARY REQUIRED FOR OVERNIGHT STAYS MUST SHOW: (a) trip schedules (b) Board of Education approval (c) Names of Supervisors - defined by the Plan as employees of the District and (d) room & board plans for male and female students. SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FIELD TRIP COVERAGE: When the students are not under direct supervision of school faculty, there is no coverage. ACTIVITIES COVERED BY INSURANCE FOR SAME DAY TRIPS AND OVERNIGHT STAYS: (a) school vehicles, (b) leased coaches, (c) activities that are Board of Education approved and supervised by District personnel, hotel rooms (subject to Plan review) (d) meals supervised by District personnel. ACTIVITIES NOT COVERED: (a) Free Unsupervised Time, and (b) Airlines (c) Trains (d) Private vehicles -- which are all the responsibility of carrier/owner. IN THE EVENT OF AN INJURY: Pupil Benefits Plan provides secondary, excess coverage according to a scheduled plan of payment fees. Accidents/injuries are to be reported to the school nurse immediately or next school day. If Pupil Benefits does not receive an injury report by the school nurse within 30 days of the accident/injury there is no coverage. FIRE DRILLS Fire drills are important exercise practices to help insure the safety of students in case of an emergency. The teacher should appoint students in each class to see that all windows and doors are closed. At the earliest possible date after the opening of school, the teacher should review with all classes the instructions for leaving the room. The exiting instructions for each room will be found in a frame by the door of the classroom. Pupils are to line up double file and leave the room as soon as possible after the fire gong sounds. Pupils should remain in line and move rapidly without running, to their proper locations on the grounds. No one is to return to the building until the all clear bell has sounded with three (3) distinct long rings. Without exception, all persons should leave the building. Physically handicapped children should step out of line and follow the last class out. There is to be absolutely no talking from the time the gong sounds until the pupils return to their rooms. Teachers must accompany their classes and be sure that strict order is maintained. Teachers are to take class registers so that attendance can be checked. HEALTH ROOM Routine requests to go to the health room should be granted. The teacher should give the student a pass stating time of departure. The student will not be admitted to the health room without a pass. If the nurse feels that the student is not ill enough to merit missing class, she will issue a pass for return to class. If the student does not return to class, a check should be made with the nurse to verify the student's presence in the health room for the remainder of the period. Emergency cases: students should be sent to the health room at once without a pass, and should be accompanied by another student or a teacher for safety reasons. If the student is in the health room at the beginning of the class period, the nurse will send a note to the teacher stating the whereabouts of the student. INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAM 1) General Guide Lines The purpose of the Independent Study Program is to offer the student an opportunity for program enrichment. It is not to be a substitute for regular school offerings and cannot be used to satisfy Group I and II diploma requirements. Enrollment in Independent Study will be affected by student interest, availability of an advisor, and the student's demonstrated ability to complete successfully his or her other subjects while pursuing Independent Study. CAUTION should be exercised by teacher advisors in assuming responsibility for an independent project for seniors whose graduation is contingent upon successful completion of the project. 2) Role of The Independent Study Program Teacher The Independent Study Program is not a part of the teacher's assigned daily schedule. Any teacher who serves as an Independent Study Advisor will do so on a voluntary basis. The Independent Study Program teacher must be willing to assume the following responsibilities: Review the student's application. Recommend the student to the Principal for acceptance as an Independent Study participant. Develop target dates for phases of the student's study. Meet with the student a minimum of 15 hours per semester. Submit a grade and/or progress report for each marking period. Evaluate progress on a pass/fail basis. Recommend termination of the student's participation to the Principal if the student's performance is unsatisfactory. 3) Role of the Independent Study Program Student The student must secure a faculty sponsor who is willing to be his or her advisor. The student must secure the form for independent study from the guidance counselor. The student must return the completed form (which includes the written approval of the sponsoring teacher, counselor, department coordinator, parent and Principal) to the counselor by the end of the 4th week of the semester in which the program will commence. Following application approval, the student is expected to complete his or her work in accordance with the procedure outlined in the application and within the specified time limits. EARLY DISMISSAL A student who is to be dismissed early for justifiable reasons must bring a note a day in advance. A list of students granted special leave passes appears each day on the information sheet. This information sheet should be carefully checked by each teacher when taking attendance. HOMEROOM PROCEDURE All students must be in their seats when the late bell rings at 7:35. The first period class is homeroom. During the homeroom period there is to be absolutely no talking and no excuse privileges. Students who arrive after the attendance cards are picked up should not be admitted to homeroom without an excuse pass indicating the time of arrival. Repeat offenders will be disciplined by an Assistant Principal. During the homeroom period, attendance must be taken by the homeroom teacher. On a daily basis, via the homeroom teacher's mailbox, the attendance office will provide an attendance document to each homeroom teacher. The homeroom teacher is to make appropriate entries on the attendance document showing those student who are absent or indicating "all present." The attendance document is to then be placed on the clip provided by the classroom door for a student runner to collect and return to the attendance office. NO STUDENT RETURNING FROM AN ABSENCE, ISS AND OSS INCLUDED, SHOULD BE ADMITTED TO HOMEROOM OR CLASS WITHOUT A SCHOOL ISSUED ADMITTANCE PASS. Students arriving after the late bell must report directly to the attendance office. A note explaining the cause of lateness is required. The tardiness will be recorded as either "legal" if a signed parent or guardian written excuse note is received, or illegal" if no excuse note is presented. Administrative detentions or ISS for a chronic pattern of lateness, will be given for illegal tardiness to school. The morning homeroom period opens with the pledge of allegiance to the flag. A brief series of announcements follows the pledge. HOMEWORK Outside preparations are essential to a full learning experience. Regular homework assignments are encouraged. Teachers of all subjects are expected to give regular homework assignments. When determining the amount of homework to be given, teachers should keep in mind that students will have homework from other courses. Overall, students should have no more than two or three hours of homework a night. LESSON PLANS The lesson plans of each teacher must be made out weekly in advance. They should be written so that they are clear to any substitute teacher and readily available to that teacher. The lesson plans of all teachers are subject to review by the Principal and the coordinator at any time. Plan books are provided by the school for the purpose of keeping lesson plans. These may be obtained on request in the Main Office. TELEPHONE/INTERCOM The room telephone serves as an intercom system by interconnecting classrooms and office areas. The telephone system has been set up to allow calls to be exchanged from any building location to another. A list of dialing locations by the four digit room identifiers has been established and will be provided to staff. It is anticipated the new system will allow a rapid and effective means of private communication to enhance the smooth operation of the high school. PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM Public address announcements can be made over the one way speakers in classrooms from each of the three administrative office locations. However, for the purpose of making regular A.M. announcements, a special announcement booth, has been created in the main administrative office. Announcements to be made by students will require the written approval of a staff member (signature on announcement form) and administrative review prior to actual announcements being made. Announcements will be made using a standard microphone set-up. HEALTH/SAFETY/ACCESS TO ALL ROOMS Staff members/teachers shall not install additional locks or locking devices on any building door for the purpose of barring access via the established keying schedule for the building. All building spaces must be readily accessible for reasons of health, safety and welfare of all building occupants. EVALUATION Section 100.3 of the commissioner's regulations requires that an annual performance review of each teacher be conducted. A sample of the evaluation form for teachers is shown on the following pages. There is a separate evaluation form for guidance counselors, school nurse teachers, school psychologists and speech/language therapists. Professional Review This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. Professional Growth Plan This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. DINING ROOM SUPERVISION DUTIES Cafeteria assignments are for the entire school year unless specified otherwise. Where more than one teacher is assigned, all teachers are to be on duty for the full period daily and are not to make arrangements for alternate day or week assignments. Teacher lunch room supervisors have a responsibility to be in the cafeteria, or on their associated duty promptly at the start of each lunch period. Do not allow card playing or any game of chance. Do not permit students to gamble. Keep on hand a copy of absentee lists and information sheet. Check I.D. cards if situation warrants. Encourage proper student table manners. Encourage students to keep cafeteria neat and clean and to pick up after themselves. Do not allow students to go into hall without a pass. (Except during lunch periods.) Do not allow students to take food from the cafeteria for any purpose unless they have a pass signed by an administrator or school nurse. Do not allow students to sit on radiators. Do not permit chairs or tables to be taken outdoors. Cafeteria supervisors are expected to circulate through the room to prevent vandalism and to maintain closer supervision than would result if they remained in the same place all period. Additional Information For Supervisors
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Conferences should be arranged when students fail persistently or neglect assignments or other responsibilities. IT IS THE TEACHER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP PARENTS INFORMED OF A STUDENT'S PROGRESS. This may be done by letter, phone, or personal conference. The staff and facilities of the guidance office are available to assist teachers in planning and conducting conferences. PASSES AND FORMS The following examples of passes and forms in use at the school are included in the handbook to acquaint the new teacher with the proper usage and to serve as a review for the experienced teacher. 1) Student Pass - "Pink Pass" When the pink pass is to be used to permit a student to enter a class after a teacher has detained the student it is completed as shown. The bottom section is not used in this case. Students presenting a signed pink pass need not be reported to the office. Teachers are urged to limit the use of such passes for tardiness to extreme emergencies. The pink pass may be used in a variety of ways to allow a student to be in the corridors during class periods. No student should be permitted in the hall without such a pass. This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. 2) Permanent Pass The procedure for the use of this pass is outlined in the Student Handbook. Note that it must be signed by a teacher and an administrator. This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. 3) Admittance Pass - "White Pass" This pass is issued to students upon return from an absence from school or upon late arrival at school. The student must present the pass to each teacher whose class he or she missed. Teachers should insist on the presentation of the pass. Students without the pass should be sent to the Assistant Principals' office. The time written on the pass will indicate the time it was issued. This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. 4) Special Leave Slip This pass is used only when a student is given permission to leave school when his name is not on the early dismissal list. It is used primarily in emergency cases resulting from a phone call home or the appearance of a parent to pick up a student. When the student brings a note from home, his name appears on the early dismissal list and he is to be excused without presenting a pass. This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. 5) Late Bus Pass - for Bus Lateness to School in A.M. This pass is used when buses are late and a large number of late passes must be issued quickly. The nearest time is circled and the pass is dated, but it contains no name or signature. The student should arrive at his first period class within five minutes following the circled time. This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. 6) Activity Bus Pass - for use on 3:30 and 4:30 Bus Runs In order to reduce student loitering after school and improper use of the transportation system an after school ACTIVITY BUS PASS procedure will be in effect for the full year. Two types of passes are to be used:
1) DAILY ACTIVITY BUS PASS (color used, changes) shall be used for students who are staying after school for a specific reason other than membership on an interscholastic sports team. Valid reasons are as follows:
2) SPORT ACTIVITY BUS PASS (green) will be used exclusively for students who belong to a sports team. Passes are to be issued by the coaches. The number of passes distributed to coaches will be regulated according to a set team roster. This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. IRREGULAR ATTENDANCE REPORT This form is used for reporting any irregularity in the attendance of students in classes as follows: To report tardiness: This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. To report a student missing from class who is not on the absentee list: This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. To report a person who is present and who is on the absentee list: This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. ADMIT PASS TO CLASS/STUDY HALL ABSENCE This pass is used to readmit a student who was reported absent from class or study hall the previous day, who does not have a white admittance pass to verify absence from school for sickness or other reasons, the previous day. This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. STUDY HALL PROCEDURES All freshman, sophomores and juniors are assigned to study hall. Also, any senior who shows by his conduct that he does not belong in the cafeteria is assigned to study hall. Study hall assignments are for the entire school year unless specified otherwise. Where two or more teachers are assigned to a study hall, all teachers are to be on duty for the full period daily and are not to make arrangements for alternate day or week assignments. Accurate and up-to-date seating charts are to be kept for study halls and careful check of attendance is to be made each day. Students who are absent and who are not listed on the absentee list or information sheet should be reported to the Assistant Principal's office on an irregular attendance report. Students with passes from teachers are to sign out of study halls listing destinations. Thus the teacher is aware of the whereabouts of the student at all times. The student must return with the pass by the end of the period with both sections of the pass completed (see pink pass.) The maximum time allowed for lavatory privileges is five minutes. Under normal circumstances only one boy and one girl should be allowed out at a time. Students using this privilege during their study hall are to use the nearest lavatory on the same floor where the study hall is located. Students are to sign a sheet indicating departure time, destination and returning time. Teachers are instructed to retain these sheets in a secure place. These will be subject to call by an administrator. Procedure for students using the library during study hall will be found under "Library". Please note this section carefully. Teachers are to move about the room during study hall to be sure that the students are engaged in study activity. Teachers should be especially alert to the need of preventing students from defacing desks. No talking should be allowed. Students should be excused to go to the lockers only in case of emergency. Students will not be excused from classrooms or study hall to use the telephone, except in case of emergency. In that case the teacher will issue a pink pass to the Main Office or satellite Assistant Principals office where the student will be given the opportunity to use the telephone. The office secretary will sign the pink pass for the student's return. The pay telephone in the cafeteria area is for student use mainly during lunch periods and after school hours. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY THE ARLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT BELIEVES:
STATEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL GOALS The educational goals of the Arlington School District serve to further develop its educational philosophy and to define the responsibility of the school system towards these ends. These goals are intended to reflect our community's aspiration for its young people and to fall within the framework provided by the educational statement of New York State. The Board of Education is committed to using these goals in prioritizing and evaluating the Arlington School District's educational program and to enabling each student insofar as he or she is able to: GOAL 1 - Develop mastery of the basic skills of written and oral communication and reasoning essential to living a full and productive life.
GOAL 2 - Develop the ability to sustain lifetime learning in order to adapt to the new demands, opportunities and values of a changing world.
GOAL 3 - Develop an understanding of the conditions which promote the ability to maintain one's mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being.
GOAL 4 - Acquire an understanding of human relations and develop respect for the ability to relate to other people in our own and other nations - including those in our own families as well as those of different sex, origin, culture, and aspiration.
GOAL 5 - Develop competence in the processes of developing and clarifying values which are essential to individual dignity and a humane civilization
GOAL 6 - Acquire knowledge of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences at a level required to participate in an ever more complex world.
GOAL 7 - Develop the occupational competence necessary to secure employment commensurate with ability and aspiration or to pursue advance training in one's area of career choice and to perform work in a manner that is gratifying to the individual and to those served.
GOAL 8 - Acquire knowledge and appreciation of our culture and develop the capacity for creativity, recreation and self-renewal.
GOAL 9 - Acquire an understanding of the process of effective and responsible citizenship in order to participate constructively in our society and contribute to its government.
GOAL 10 - Acquire knowledge of the environment and the relationship between one's own acts and the quality of the environment and develop skills in management of natural and human resources in man's environment.
Arlington School District Guidelines Governing In-School Distribution of Materials Whereas, the public school program is designed to meet the physical, social, intellectual and esthetic needs of the students, the Arlington School District welcomes the interest and assistance of parents, students and community members in fulfilling these objectives. Whereas, school principals are charged with the responsibility of administering the orderly operation of the education process used to achieve these goals, the distribution of all materials in school, requires the authorization of the building principal. The following procedures will serve as guidelines for the distribution of such materials:
PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENTS Teachers who wish to have announcements made over the public address system should write the announcement on the form provided, include the date on which the announcement is to be made, and indicate approval by affixing their signature. The announcement, which should be as brief as possible, must be placed in the office where announcements are made from (Main Office/satellite office), before 7:15 A.M. on the day it is to be read. Announcements should not include long lists of names. Special announcements by other than the regular announcer at the regular time must have the Principal's approval. LIBRARY PROCEDURE Teachers who wish to bring classes to the library for research are urged to sign up as far in advance as possible. Two classes can use the library at the same time. Teachers are asked to call the library before sending any student or group of students to the library. Students are welcome to use the library during study halls, at lunch, after school and in the evening. The library is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. when school is in session. Students wishing to come to the library instead of going to study hall must sign up in the library the morning they wish to come. Students come directly to the library instead of reporting to study hall. The exception is Period 1 when students report to study hall first for daily attendance. Students are expected to remain in the library the entire period. Study hall teachers are called each period and notified of who is in the library. Lunch passes are also issued each morning. Students should eat lunch and then report to the library for the remainder of the period. Seniors may come to the library during any free period. They should report at the beginning of the period and plan to stay the entire period. All Arlington staff members are welcome to check out materials from the library. The librarian will be given the authority to send students back to their study hall for being unruly. She will also be allowed to exclude unruly or noisy students from the library for a short period of time commensurate with the circumstances. She will be given the responsibility of communicating directly with the study hall teacher involved. Other staff services and faculty responsibilities are outlined below:
COMPUTER ROOM PROCEDURES Only students who have signed Acceptable Use Agreement forms will be allowed on the computer system. AUA's, once signed and upheld, will stay effective throughout the students' high school years. Teachers are responsible for their students having these agreements on file at least one week prior to class activities in any computer room. The AUA, Acceptable Use Agreements, folder is located on the Common Work Area Drive J. This folder contains a list of all students who are currently eligible to use a computer. Teachers may obtain packets of AUA's and password forms from the Computer Coordinator. The pair of completed forms should be returned to the Computer Coordinator at least a week before the scheduled lab date. Teachers who sign to bring classes to a Computer Lab must sign-up as far in advance as possible by contacting the Computer Coordinator. Lab availability may be checked via the J Drive/folder entitled Computer Room Use. Students who wish to utilize the facilities in a Computer Lab may do so during lunch or study hall, but must obtain a pass, prior to first period, from the Lab Supervisor. If students opt to come to a lab during lunch, once they sign-in, they must remain for the entire period. Computer room 1449/1450 is open after school until 3:15 p.m. on most school days. Students should be aware that access to the Internet is solely for educational purposes. Absolutely no food or drink will be allowed in the computer room. FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR The job of the "department coordinator" includes primary responsibility to the Principal for:
Department coordinators serve on a yearly appointment and receive a stipend. Coordinators will make periodic observations of all teachers, both non-tenure and tenure. Observation reports will be submitted to the Principal for non-tenure teachers. SUPPLY REQUISITIONS Supplies such as composition paper, chalk, pass pads, etc. are to be requested from the Main Office. Requests for books or permanent teaching aids should be discussed with the department coordinator. REPORT TO PARENTS All teachers are strongly encouraged to issue comments for each student at mid-marking period time and at the 10 week grading intervals. In particular, comments have been proven to be an efficient manner of communicating reasons to parents for failing grades. It has also been shown that for students who are doing well, comments are well received and much appreciated by parents which help to explain any improvements or accomplishments that have occurred during the preceding five week period of time. Appropriate forms will be issued by the Guidance Office. One copy of the report form will be mailed to the student's parents and one copy will be retained in the student's guidance folder. The goal of such regular notification to parents, is to increase the involvement of parents in their child's educational program. TOBACCO FREE TEENS PROGRAM The Tobacco Free Teens program will be available to students, and will be scheduled on an as-needed basis. The purposes of the program are to assist students in quitting tobacco use before it becomes a long term addiction and to support the no smoking policy at the high school. Tobacco Free Teens is an eight-session, primarily after school program, which will extend four weeks. Class sessions are expected to last approximately 50 to 60 minutes, and will address peer relations, diet, exercise, health and medical issues, quitting and maintenance strategies. Primarily, enrollment will be voluntary, with a sign up roster maintained in the guidance offices. However, assistant principals may require students to attend the program. Dates, times and the course facilitator's name will be advertised school-wide. Students who wish to learn more about the Tobacco Free Teens program, prior to signing up, may contact their guidance counselor. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this program and to bring an interested friend. SELECTION OF BOOKS The Board of Education delegates the selection of text and library books to the professional staff.
Definition: A text is any book which is required reading for a group of students. A group, for this purpose, shall be any number of students greater than one. Procedure: Principals, coordinators and teachers shall discuss informally texts currently being used. Normally this is an on-going process carried out throughout the school year. Any set (more than one) of new books that are to be ordered shall be recommended by a committee of teachers. Such recommendation shall be based on generally accepted standards of taste and decency, appropriateness for the age and ability of the group, relevance to the subject area, and possible extent of use. A copy of the selection committee's written report, with recommendations and appropriate signatures, shall accompany each purchase requisition submitted to the Principal. The committee should keep records on book recommendations so that if questions come up regarding a certain book, the record will provide answers. MAILBOXES Each teacher is provided with a mailbox in the Mail Room 1220A. Teachers are expected to check the mailbox for messages in the morning upon arrival, at lunch time, and at the end of the day prior to departure. LONG DISTANCE PHONE CALLS 1. Log all long distance calls in the Main Office on the form provided. 2. If the long distance call pertains to school business, please so state. It would be most helpful to add a word or two regarding the reason, such as, "checking prices on books." 3. If the long distance call is personal in nature, do either of the following:
OPEN HOUSE Early in the school year an open house is held. At this time, the teachers familiarize the parents with the general outline and goals of their courses. Teacher attendance is mandatory at this time. GUEST SPEAKERS Teachers are encouraged to utilize the knowledge and talents of members of the community. All classroom guests require prior approval of the coordinator and an administrator. The following form should be used for obtaining approval. Approval Form: This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. SUSPENSION Students may be suspended by the Principal in conjunction with the Assistant Principals for a period of time not to exceed 5 days, if in his judgment the student is insubordinate or disorderly, or his/her conduct in school endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others. In case of a suspension the pupil and the person in parental relationship shall, on request, be given an opportunity for an informal conference with the Principal or designee, at which time the person in parental relationship shall be authorized to ask questions of complaining witnesses. Disciplinary action imposed on students such as, but not limited to suspension, shall follow the established procedure of stressing advice and counsel, opportunities for discussion among appropriate individuals, written records of progress, referrals and actions taken to provide the greatest possible assistance to the student. Teachers are expected to consult with parents, to the extent possible, well before situations reach the level of suspension. All suspensions, regardless of duration, are reported to the Superintendent. A suspended student may be readmitted to school whenever such action appears to be in the best interest of the school district and the student. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION Arlington High School conducts an In-school suspension program. This program was started in the 1990-91 school year as a direct outgrowth of Project Team and corroborative efforts between personnel representing the teaching staff, guidance department, central office, building administrators and the Board of Education. Room #1129 will serve as the single location for ISS. It will be staffed by one full-time teacher, who will be responsible for the everyday operation of the program to include supervision of students in the program, coordination with classroom teachers and giving assistance to all students with their academic assignments. Other staff members will also be assigned supervisory duty in the program to allow time for the in-school suspension teacher to have lunch and a preparation period. ADMINISTRATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY Students will be assigned to the In-School Suspension at the discretion of the Principal in conjunction with the Assistant Principals, with the maximum period of time not to exceed five days in-accordance with New York State Education Law. Parents will be notified in-accordance with standard procedures. Building level administrators will work closely with the ISS teacher on a daily basis. TEACHER RESPONSIBILITY The committee wrote the following: "A successful ISS program provides tutorial assistance that focuses on current class assignments". In order to maintain consistency with the committee recommendations, the following will be in effect. Teachers will be required to provide adequate daily work, in writing, for all students assigned to the In-School Suspension room. Written notification of this need will be given to appropriate teachers in their mailboxes, by the close of school on the day prior to the student's placement in the ISS. Teachers are asked to deliver their written response of required work for each student to the ISS teacher, at the very latest, before school each day the student will be in the ISS. To further clarify the goals of the program, as envisioned by the ISS committee the following excerpt is repeated. "The program is seen to be a unified effort amongst teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, community members and ISS staff to meet social and cognitive needs of suspended students. Developed to be a part of a total school discipline program, ISS focuses on identifying the root cause of the student's problems and working towards improving or correcting the misbehavior that has resulted from these problems. The ISS program should be punitive but it must also motivate. Students, while placed in a restrictive but productive atmosphere, will be required to continue their academic work, address the cause of their inappropriate behavior, and make a concerted effort towards behavioral change." In order to be successful in meeting the aforementioned goals, it is necessary to incorporate three components into the ISS program.
SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHER RECOMMENDATION The following excerpt appears in the Student Handbook: "Summer school opportunities are available for students under certain conditions. Teachers may recommend against summer school attendance for those students who do not meet the following three guidelines, and administrators may then sustain that denial. In order to be eligible to attend a student (1) must be in regular daily attendance throughout the last day of class; (2) must have shown effort in the course (these both include physical education); (3) and must have completed a final examination." Staff should be aware that documentation will be required. It shall be the responsibility of the teacher to inform their students of the intent to deny summer school attendance. In accordance with the information printed in the student handbook, each teacher is expected to communicate with the appropriate guidance counselor concerning students who are to be recommended for denial of summer school attendance. The guidance department will review all student requests to attend summer school. It is considered important that any decision to deny a student permission to attend summer school be documented by justifiable facts. As a check and balance, denial request should be made with the prior involvement of the appropriate guidance counselor, in the event a student has extenuating circumstances which should be given consideration. In addition to guidance counselor review, special education-students will be reviewed by the school psychologist and the special education department coordinator. Each teacher is asked to compile a list of names on a single sheet of paper, showing names of all students recommended for not being allowed to attend summer school. Each name on the list should be ANNOTATED with the teacher's reasons for the denial, with entries being made after each student's name. At the very minimum, a teacher recommending a denial should have entered comments, which support the case for denial, on many of the four progress reports and four report cards. Other factors which contribute to the recommendation for denial should be written next to each student's name. All information compiled by teachers recommending denials should be given to guidance counselors. Compiled information will be very helpful in supporting a teacher recommendation for denial in the event reviews are conducted with a student and/or their parent. Administrative review of any denials which are challenged, can also be accomplished more effectively if accurate and complete information is readily available. Each recommendation to deny summer school will require the approval of an administrator, with the building principal holding the final authority on the matter. Extenuating circumstances, in favor of the student, may need to be considered. Therefore the initial decision to deny a student permission to attend summer school is to be made in consort with a guidance counselor and/or an administrator. Due to regulation compliance, students with special education IEP's will be given consideration which also involves the school psychologist. THE REGENTS BILL OF RIGHTS FOR CHILDREN A STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND GOALS 3/17/89 I. ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY, SECURE, NURTURING INFANCY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD. II. ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH PERMIT HEALTHY, INTELLECTUAL, EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT. III. ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO A FREE, SOUND, BASIC EDUCATION. IV. EACH CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION APPROPRIATE FOR HIS OR HER INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. V. ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION WHICH RESPECTS THEIR CULTURE, RACE, SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND, AND LANGUAGE OF THEIR HOME. VI. ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS WHICH ARE EFFECTIVE. VII. ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS WHICH PREPARE THEM FOR JOBS, FOR COLLEGE, FOR RESPONSIBLE FAMILY LIFE, AND FOR CITIZENSHIP IN A SELF-GOVERNING SOCIETY. VIII. ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO PURSUE THEIR EDUCATION WITHOUT FEAR. IX. ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO SECURE THEIR EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS. X. ALL CHILDREN ARE ENTITLED TO AN EDUCATION WHICH INVOLVES RESPONSIBILITIES AS WELL AS RIGHTS. APPLICATION FOR COLLEGE OR IN-SERVICE SALARY CREDITS This form will be provided online in .PDF format as soon as possible. CONFERENCE APPROVAL Before attending a conference or participating in a visiting day which involves the use of district funds for substitutes, food, lodging, mileage and registration, two copies of a conference attendance application for approval must be completed and submitted through the Principal. One copy will be returned when signed by the Superintendent as travel authorization. These forms are available in the Main Office. FUND RAISING The following district wide administrative guidelines for student fund raising activities are stated below: 1. Student fund raising events shall be kept to a minimum. No fund raising activity of any type shall take place without the prior written approval of the building Principal. A fund raising request/approval/accounting form is available from the Principal. 2. Those engaged in fund raising activities should make clear the school organization for which the funds are being raised. 3. Fund raising projects shall be limited to items and activities not generally funded through the school district budget. 4. Fund raising activities should not interfere with the regular operation of the school. 5. Approval of the Principal is required for house to house solicitation for any fund raising activity. No direct solicitation of money (except by the Arlington Scholarship Organization) on a house to house basis shall be permitted. 6. House to house solicitation is permissible if a product is sold. The Principal shall approve the product for sale and shall be concerned with both the cost and the quality of the product. 7. No student shall be required to sell anything as a condition for participation in any school sponsored activity. Participation in fund raising shall be voluntary. 8. Although students involved in fund raising activities shall be permitted to sell raffle tickets on merchandise, they shall not sell tickets for cash awards. RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS Teachers are advised to take religious holidays into consideration when assigning work and administering tests. Tests should not be administered on religious holidays and, to the extent possible, should not be scheduled the day after a religious holiday. PROCEDURES FOR TEACHERS HELPING STUDENTS IN CRISIS If a teacher becomes aware of a student experiencing a problem in his/her life which may be affecting learning capacity, how should that teacher proceed? Options - not always sequential or all inclusive:
* Appropriate School Personnel - Assistant Principals, Guidance Counselors, School Psychologists, School Nurse, Student Assistance Counselor. ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY 1) Philosophy The learning experiences that take place in the classroom environment are considered to be a meaningful and essential part of the educational process. Absences and tardiness tend to disrupt the continuity of the instructional program and the time loss from class is irretrievable, particularly in terms of opportunity for interaction and exchange of ideas between students and teachers. Therefore, classroom attendance is considered to be an integral part of the student's course of study. Students are expected to attend all their classes. 2) Grades Grades earned in any course shall reflect the students' daily attendance and achievement as well as the fulfillment of other academic requirements as may be established by the department and announced by the teacher. 3) Disciplinary Procedure for Class or Study Period Absence, or Tardiness a. Legal/Excused Class or Study Period Absences There shall be no academic penalty for a Legal/excused absence, provided the work is made up. b. Illegal/Unexcused Class or Study Period Absences An illegal/unexcused absence is defined as a truancy or cut. A student who is absent from class without a legal excuse assumes full personal responsibility for all work missed. Regular class attendance is a vital component of a student's academic success, therefore various forms of academic sanctions for a student's truancy or class cutting may occur or be imposed by the teacher. Further, if a student is intentionally absent from an examination or quiz, without prior permission or an excuse for the teacher, with the knowledge that an examination or quiz was to be given on that day, the student need not be given the opportunity of a make-up exam. "The Board of Education believes it is important to ensure students are attending class, as well as arriving to class on time, since these are essential aspects of ensuring an orderly and conductive environment for learning." (Policy 5161) A student must not be admitted to class following an illegal/unexcused class or study hall absence without a pass from the Assistant Principal's office. Illegal/unexcused absence from class or study hall will also result in after school detention being assigned to the student. TARDINESS TO SCHOOL
EXCUSE FOR AN ABSENCE OR TARDINESS TO SCHOOL If the student has a legal reason for an absence or tardiness to school, the student must present, to the attendance office, a written excuse note signed by a parent or guardian containing the reason and date of absence. If such a note is not submitted upon return or entry into school, the absence will be considered illegal or unexcused. Students returning from an absence must present a written excuse note, signed by a parent or guardian, to the attendance office in order to be issued a school ADMIT SLIP showing an "Legal" absence. Students returning to school from an absence who do not present a written excuse note, signed by a parent or guardian, will be given a school ADMIT SLIP showing an "Illegal" absence. Students will have forty eight hours (48) to present a parent/guardian signed written excuse note, stating the reason and date of tardiness or absence, at the end of which time, the "Illegal" will be changed to "Legal." Failure to present such a note will mean the students records will be fixed and remain recorded as "Illegal" for absences and tardiness. The following reasons for student absence, tardiness or departure before the end of the school day are recognized as valid by the Board of Education. 1. Personal illness, 2. Serious illness or death in the immediate family, 3. Impassable roads or weather making travel unsafe, 4. Religious observance, 5. Doctor's appointment which cannot be arranged for any other time, 6. Special educational activities requested by the parents and approved by the Building Principal, 7. Approved school-sponsored trips, 8. Required court appearances, and 9. Quarantine. Any other absence is considered illegal. PROCEDURE FOR TAKING MAKE-UP EXAMS In the event a student must make up an exam, it is recommended that the exam be taken in the teacher's own room, during the student's study period, lunch period or after school. WHEN THOSE OPTIONS ARE NOT FEASIBLE, and teachers give make up exams in places other than in their classroom, alternative locations under the direct supervision of another teacher may be considered. First and foremost such arrangements are to be considered in the arena of professional courtesy from one staff member to another and will require voluntary compliance. Alternate locations should be arranged ahead of time with the other teacher and the make up exams should be left with that teacher before and after the exam. Those alternate locations may be a study hall, the library, guidance office, main office and the health office. TESTING MODIFICATIONS Federal regulations mandate testing modifications for many students. The determination of a student's eligibility for these modifications is primarily the responsibility of the Committee on Special Education in accordance with Regulations of the Commissioner of Education and Policies of the Arlington Board of Education. The building principal also has the authority to determine testing modifications in certain instances through a recommendation from the building 504 committee. The use of testing modifications allows for the fair evaluation of learning by providing students with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of skills and the attainment of knowledge without being unfairly hindered by the presence of a disability. Guidelines of the Committee on Special Education specify that testing modifications are to be the minimum necessary, yet sufficient to allow the student to participate on an equal basis. In administering the required modifications, it is the intent of Arlington High School to provide fair and equal testing for all students. 1) Testing Modifications Procedures The use of some or all testing modifications is to be determined by the specific testing needs of the individual student. 2) Notification to Staff A memo will be distributed to all staff outlining specific procedures to be followed when testing modifications are being used. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PRESENTED FOR GENERAL STAFF INFORMATION REGARDING TEST MODIFICATIONS. Test modification update - May 8, 1996 memo for Office of Pupil Personnel Services to school psychologist, principals and special education coordinator. To clarify questions which have been raised concerning test modifications as follows: 1) link the test modifications to a student's disability, not simply a weakness or problem area; 2) be specific and individualized in the test modifications; and 3) include test modifications on IEP's which alter the purpose of a test to the least extent necessary. ...use "words read that students cannot decode when cued by student" instead of "tests read" or "questions read" if appropriate. In a similar vein, "essay questions dictated to scribe" might be more appropriate then "answers recorded" for many students. ..."special location" only in very unusual situations, and with the specific location indicated. A teacher or principal always has the authority to schedule any test in any location, thereby allowing a much greater level of flexibility. SEXUAL HARASSMENT The Board of Education is committed to safeguarding the right of all members of the school district community to an educational and work environment that is free from all forms of sexual harassment. To this end, the Board prohibits all forms of sexual harassment on school grounds, school buses and at all school-sponsored activities, programs and events including those that take place at locations outside the district. Sexual harassment does not only depend upon the offender's intention but also upon how the target perceives the behavior or is affected by it. The Board recognizes that sexual harassment can originate from a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or same sex, and from peers as well as supervisors. Therefore, the Board prohibits all unwelcome behaviors of a sexual nature, which are either designed to extort sexual favors, or which have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. The Board also prohibits any retaliatory behavior against complainants or any witnesses. In order for the Board to effectively enforce this policy and to take prompt corrective measures it is essential that all victims of sexual harassment and persons with knowledge of sexual harassment report the harassment immediately. The district will promptly investigate all complaints of sexual harassment, either formal or informal, verbal or written. To the extent possible, all complaints will be treated in a confidential manner. Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough investigation. If, after appropriate investigation, the district finds a violation of this policy, prompt corrective action will be taken in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement, district policy and state law. The Superintendent of Schools is directed to develop and implement specific procedures on reporting, investigating and remedying allegations of sexual harassment. In addition, training programs, for example workshops, shall be designed to avoid sexual harassment. Such procedures are to be consistent with any applicable provisions contained in the district's collective bargaining agreement and the state laws. This policy shall be posted in a prominent place in each district facility and shall also be published in student registration materials, students, parent and employee handbooks, and other appropriate school publications. SMOKING ON SCHOOL PREMISES The Board of Education, recognizing health and safety hazards associated with smoking and in accordance with federal and state law, prohibits smoking or other tobacco use in all school buildings, on school property, including school vehicles, or at any school-sponsored event.
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