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RAMBLEWOOD ELEMENTARY 8950 SHADOW WOOD BOULEVARD CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA 33071

Phone # 754 322-8150 Fax # 754 322-8190 RAMBLEWOODELEM.BROWARDSCHOOLS.COM

2015-2016 STAFF HANDBOOK

ADMINISTRATION

MARIA E. PEREZ, PRINCIPAL

ANDREW THORNBERRY, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

OFFICE STAFF

DONNA BENSON, OFFICE MANAGER/CONFIDENTIAL

BETTY JAMES, RECEPTIONIST

ADRIA LIGMONT, RECEPTIONIST

ANDREA GIUTTARI, IMT/REGISTRAR

Ramblewood speaks the language of learning in a world of diversity.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION Mission/Vision Statement 4 School Improvement Goals – 2015/2016 4 Sterling Criteria 4 School Board of Broward County – Mission Statement 4 Faculty & Staff Roster 5 OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES Absence Procedures 6 Assemblies 6 Assessment Database 6 Attendance Procedures 7 Bomb Threats 7 Bus Transportation 7 Cafeteria Procedures 7 Change of Name/Address 8 Child Abuse and Child Neglect 8 Child Study Team 8 Classroom Care 8 Classroom Change Procedure 8 Classroom Supervision 9 Clinic 9 Communication 9 Conferences 9 Correspondence 10 Cumulative Folders 10 Custodial Services 10 Dismissal Procedures 11 Discipline 11 Early Sign-out Procedures 11 E-Mail/Internet 11 Emergency Evacuation 12 Emergency Dismissal Information 12 Equipment (Technology) 12 ESE Programs 12 Field Trips 13 Fire Drills 14 Grade Books 14 Guidance 14 Homework 15 Injury (Student) 15 In-service 15 Interim Reports 15 Lesson Plans 16 Lock-Down Procedures 16-17 Lunch Procedures 18 Mailboxes 18

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Master Calendar 18 Media Center 18 Medication 18 Monies Collected 18 Parent Communication 19 Physical Education 19 Pony Mail 19 Professional Learning Communities 19 Recess/Playground 20 Responsibilities 20 Room Parents 20 Safety 20 School Social Worker 21 Specials 21 Substitutes 21 Teacher Aides/Paraprofessionals 21 Teacher Certificates 21 Telephones 22 Temporary Duty Authorization (TDA) 22 Tornado Procedure 22 Tutoring 22 Vandalism/Property Damage 23 Visitors 23 Volunteer Guidelines 23 Weekly Staff News 23 Withdrawals 23 Workers Compensation 24 Xerox/Copying Materials 24

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MISSION & VISION STATEMENT At Ramblewood Elementary, our mission is to increase achievement for ALL students through effective instruction. The vision of the faculty and staff of Ramblewood Elementary School is to provide all students with the tools for a safe, cooperative learning environment. Through a dynamic partnership with our community and families, we will work together to provide the necessary resources and support to produce a positive educational environment essential for learning.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GOALS 2014-2015

1. By June 2015, 86% of our 3rd, 4th,and 5th grade students, who meet the DOE rule criteria, will score at a level 3 or higher on the FCAT Reading test.

2. By June 2015, 90% of fourth graders will score 4.0 or above on the FCAT Writes.

3. By June 2015, 86% of our third, fourth, and fifth graders will score at a Level or higher on the FCAT Math test.

4. By June 2015, 67% our fifth grade students will meet the DOE rule criteria and score at a Level 3 or higher on the FCAT Science Test.

STERLING CRITERIA

1. LEADERSHIP: Leaders set the directions and create a customer focus, clear and

visible values and high expectations. Reinforces the learning environment. 2. STRATEGIC PLANNING: Creating & implementing strategic and action plans. 3. CUSTOMER & MARKET FOCUS: Focusing on our customers and other key

stakeholders. 4. MEASUREMENT, ANALYSIS, & KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: Collecting,

analyzing, and using data to determine student/school needs. 5. HUMAN RESOURCE FOCUS: Focus on staff. Valuing employees & partners. 6. PROCESS MANAGEMENT: - Plan, Do, Study, Act. 7. RESULTS

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY Vision: Educating today’s students to succeed in tomorrow’s world. Mission: Broward County Public Schools is committed to educating all students to

reach their highest potential.

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Ramblewood Elementary Faculty & Staff 2015-2016

Administration

Maria E. Perez, Principal Andrew Thornberry, Assistant Principal

Betty James, Receptionist Donna Benson, Office Manager/Confidential

Adria Ligmont, Receptionist Andrea Giuttari, IMT/Registrar

Kindergarten First Grade Second Grade Lori Camaiani Fay Albanna Geri Bruckner* Kara Fagen* Jennifer Corujo Joseline Castellanos Kathie Friedman Kristen Detassis Jennifer Cunningham Laraine Napoli Elisa Leonard Melanie Head Lynn Walsh Jackie Nakonechny Elizabeth Mann Melissa Zandieh Denise Pearl Ana Quiroga Jennifer Spaw * Kristen Towery Third Grade Fourth Grade Fifth Grade AnnMarie Biondolillo Ninalynn Bradshaw Jamie Arlick Nancy Brock Debra Dworkin Frank Bergman Rosanne Durante* Melissa Goett * Jill Groudan * Renee Gregory Sue Milini Adina La Paglia Roxanne Lay Stacy Ploshnick Amy McKinney Kim Potter Jack Stawicki David Mankes Robin Richie Erika Mendy Specials Support Staff ESE Sandy Bachman, Art Audrey Fay, Reading Specialist Mindy Liotta Theresa Finn, Music Kathy Kinsley, ESE Spec./Teacher Ines Sanchez-Sosner, Spanish Fabienne Desir, Guidance Alvaro Picado, PE Karen Wheeler, Media PreKindergarten SPEECH Yvonne Davis-Cole Jodi Lue Nancy Grady Jennine Cohen Dorothy Bowers Paraprofessionals Angela Clark Michelle Judson* Debbie Anderson Custodial Cafeteria Suzette Freedman Tremain Davis Nenoy Chung Cindy Killen Mike DeStefano Graciela DeSabatino Joanne Lamond Stella DeLerma Lymaris Gonzalez Karen Lubin Bruce Geddis Mona Nasser, Manager Ann Maria Sempertegui Freddie Smith, Head Custodian Joann Reyes Andrea Savitch Rebeca Waserstein *Team Leader Teacher Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Faculty Meeting Days: 7:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

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ABSENCE PROCEDURES 1. Call Sub Search at (754) 321-2340. Sub Search is available 24 hours a day. Please

call by 7:00 p.m. the day before your absence. 2. If you secure a substitute and your plans change, it is your responsibility to call Sub

Search and cancel the substitute. Failure to do so will result in you being charged for the sick/personal day.

3. Substitute Teacher Information Sheet, including plan book, class attendance roll,

and any necessary materials should be readily available for the substitute. Please include where emergency plans/work can be located in the classroom as well.

4. It would be appreciated if teachers who are absent call the office by 2:00pm on the

day of the absence to advise Mrs. James of their status for the next day. This would enable the school to secure the same substitute to assure continuity for the students.

5. Questions regarding sick leave days, salary or employment status should be referred

to Mrs. Benson. 6. Request for personal days must be made in writing to administration prior to being absent. Employees are entitled to six personal days each school year. No personal days will be granted prior to a holiday. 7. A Certificate of Absence form will be placed in your mailbox indicating the date of the absence. Please sign and return to Mrs. Benson as soon as possible. ASSEMBLIES General assemblies are held as needed. Special assemblies may be called by administration to provide information or special interest programs. Prior to each assembly teachers are expected to review and remind their students about proper assembly behavior. Teachers should be seated close to their students in order to provide appropriate supervision. Students demonstrating inappropriate behavior should be disciplined appropriately. Assemblies must be cleared through the office and placed on the master calendar at least 3 weeks prior to performance. Notify the custodian of your plans if you need help. Specials teachers will assume responsibility for classes in an assembly during their scheduled class times. ASSESSMENT DATABASE The student assessment database is available to teachers for retrieving and inputting assessment data. Each teacher will receive assessment data/test scores FCAT/SSS/SAT/IRL for each student in their class. Teachers will be expected to provide Pre, Mid, and End of Year assessment results in reading, writing, science and math for

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the database. Teachers are expected to use the data to develop and implement academic interventions for identified students. ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES Student hours are 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. It is the responsibility of the teacher to keep accurate attendance records. Attendance must be done daily on Pinnacle and submitted no later than 9 am. The absence of a student is considered unexcused unless a parent/guardian has notified the school by phone or note. The following codes will be used on Pinnacle:

E1 First day the student entered your classroom P Present AU Unexcused Absence TU Unexcused Tardy If a student brings in a tardy or excused absence note, please send the note in your envelop to the front office in your clear attendance envelope. Mrs. Giuttari will need to input the reason for excused absence/tardy. Please do not place any other notes in the attendance envelopes. Teachers must contact the parent of any child who has 3 or more unexcused absences - not necessarily consecutive. BOMB THREATS In case of bomb threats, the fire drill procedure will be followed. An announcement will be made via the intercom that this is an evacuation drill before ringing the bells. BUS TRANSPORTATION The School Board of Broward County provides bus transportation for students living 2 miles or more from school. The boundaries for Ramblewood Elementary are within 2 miles. We do have bus service for our Pre-Kindergarten, ESE, and Choice Students. Please review bus safety rules with your students at the beginning and periodically throughout the year. CAFETERIA PROCEDURES The cafeteria should be a safe and clean environment where people interact with courtesy and respect. The classroom teacher will be responsible for: • Reviewing the cafeteria rules/expectations with their class - at least once each week

at the beginning of the year. • Posting the rules in the classroom • Seating their class at assigned time (seating chart/clip board placed at end of table) • Picking up their class at their table at assigned time and taking them to dispose of

their garbage. Make sure large pieces of trash are picked up off floor & table. • Daily discussion of class or individual student behavior in the cafeteria. • Reinforcement/Reward system.

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The cafeteria supervisors will be responsible for: • Providing immediate rewards (coupons, points, etc.) to deserving students. • Actively monitor students' behavior. • Using the seating chart to identify inappropriate behavior - student specific. • Getting the students ready for lunch line and dismissal from table. • Wiping tables down and sweeping floor to prepare for next class It is IMPERATIVE that your students are dropped off/picked up at the designated time. CHANGE OF NAME/ADDRESS Changes in address, phone number and/or name should be submitted to Mrs. James and must be done on the Employee Self-Service System (ESS) via the intranet at: web/hrms/ess.htm CHILD ABUSE AND/OR CHILD NEGLECT Florida Statue 415.504 makes mandatory the reporting of child abuse and/or child neglect. Any teacher or school employee who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subject to abuse/neglect shall immediately report this information to the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services at the statewide hotline: 1-800-96-ABUSE and immediately notify the principal or designee that a report has been made. If there is some question of reasonable cause, the school employee shall consult with the school-based child abuse designee and/or principal, prior to making the report. CHILD STUDY TEAM Teachers may refer any student to their Child Study Coach for assistance. Teachers should conference with their team regarding ideas, interventions and strategies before referring a student. They should also conference with parents to share concerns and interventions. The Coach will bring data to the Child Study Team for additional recommendations. CLASSROOM CARE It is the responsibility of the instructional personnel to establish a neat, attractive environment for learning that encourages proper pupil respect for neatness and order. Chairs should be stacked and papers off the floor before students leave each day. NO TAPE OF ANY KIND, TACKS, OR GLUE ON WALLS OR DOORS. Please use sticky tack or painter’s tape only. All items needing repair should be brought to the attention of the custodian in writing. Custodial Request forms are available in the file cabinet drawer in the workroom. Please complete the form and give to the Assistant Principal. CLASSROOM CHANGE PROCEDURE Parents requesting a classroom change for their child must go through the Class Change Request Procedure. No changes will be made during the student’s first ten days of attendance.

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Procedure: • Parent/Teacher conference to address concerns. A Strategy to Address Concerns

form (copy in Appendix) is completed. • Strategies must be implemented a minimum of 10 days. • After said conference, the parent may meet with a member of the

Administrative/Support Staff—Principal, Assistant Principal, Guidance, and ESE Specialist. Strategies to Address Concerns form is reviewed

• If parent/student concern is not resolved: 1. Conference with Class Placement Committee (CPS Team) 2. Recommendation will be made 3. Parents notified in writing of the recommendation

CLASSROOM SUPERVISION Students are not to be left unsupervised. In an emergency, please contact the front office for assistance. The teacher or a designated “responder” should answer intercom calls. Instruct students to get quiet when the intercom buzzes. Noises tend to magnify over the intercom system. Students in Kindergarten through fifth grade must have a “buddy” when leaving the classroom and walking to another building. If a student is sent to an area where they will be staying, two buddies should accompany the student so upon return to the classroom, no student will be alone. CLINIC If students become ill or injured during the day, the teacher should send the student to the clinic with a clinic pass. Parents will be notified and the student will either be sent home or returned to class. Fill out an accident report if necessary (found in file cabinet drawer in workroom) and turn it in to Mrs. Giuttari. Under no circumstances should the teacher or anyone administer medication to a student. Please review the procedure listed in the handbook concerning medication. COMMUNICATION Communication is important for coordinating activities within the school. It is the key to a successful, well-organized school. Please check the bulletin boards for news and information. Information will be communicated to the staff via: memos, faculty/staff meetings, e-mail, CAB calendar, intercom, and grade level/team leader meetings. A Monday Memo will be electronically placed on the Ramblewood Conference. Please refer to this memo for pertinent information. CONFERENCES Conferences are an important part of reporting student progress to parents. They are an effective way to enhance home/school understanding.

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Teachers are required to have at least two (2) conferences per school year with a parent or guardian. At least one of the conferences must be done in person. The Parent-Teacher Conference Form should be completed and signed by both the parent and teacher. When appropriate, notify the principal of conferences with anticipated problems or concerns. First semester conferences must be submitted with the second quarter report cards to administration. Conference forms must be placed in the student’s cum folder at the end of the school year, or if the student withdraws from the school. CORRESPONDENCE All written communications must be submitted to the Principal/Assistant Principal for approval before sending home. CUM FOLDERS Cum folders should be organized according to the county checklist. Cum folders are stored in the registrar’s office (Mrs. Giuttari). Any cum taken from the file must be signed out through Mrs. Giuttari and returned as soon as possible. These are confidential records and must be handled with care. When a student is transferring out of the school, the Registrar will give you a Notice of Transfer and cum folder checklist. Cum folders must be returned to the registrar within 3 days of Notice of Transfer. Contents of the Cum Folder (please put items in this order): Elementary Cumulative Report from current year Registration Form

ESE Folder LEPSEP/ESOL Folder Progress Reports/Report Cards

Conference/Interim Forms Standardized Test Scores

Previous records from other counties

CUSTODIAL SERVICES The cleanliness of the building can greatly influence both the students’, parents’ and teachers’ attitudes about the school. Each classroom area will be cleaned daily. Teachers must help in monitoring the daily classroom cleanliness. Students are responsible for tidying the room (stack chairs, pick up large pieces of trash) before dismissal. Teachers are to contact the Assistant Principal if their rooms are not being properly cleaned, or if there are any classroom repair needs. Food items, art projects, or snacks are to be stored in an airtight container to avoid insects. Encourage students to pick up trash in and outside of the building.

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The Custodial Comment Sheet will be distributed quarterly. Please complete and write any concerns/comments. The Head Custodian and Administration will review the sheets. DISMISSAL PROCEDURES (Students) Bus riders will be called by 1:55 p.m. and all other students will be dismissed at 2:00 p.m. Students should be dismissed to the appropriate area. Students should leave promptly at dismissal time. Any students remaining to help a teacher after dismissal time must have written consent from a parent/guardian. Children are not to be dismissed early or released to the custody of anyone without clearance from the front office. Adults coming to remove children from school must sign the checkout sheet in the office no later than 1:30pm. Children are released on the basis of a phone call or note only when we know the requesting person and their information is on the student’s emergency card. DISCIPLINE (Refer to Ramblewood Elementary Discipline Plan.) The Elementary Code of Student Conduct and Ramblewood Elementary’s Discipline Plan should be used as a guide in matters relating to discipline. School, classroom rules and the Code of Student Conduct should be explained to students during the first week of school and reviewed periodically. Consistently fair and firm discipline (unemotional and non-negotiable) helps to avoid problems. The classroom discipline plan should be a combination of rewards and consequences. Maintaining discipline in the classroom is the ultimate responsibility of the classroom teacher. Referrals to administration should be a last resort consequence when all other interventions have been unsuccessful. Referrals will be submitted to administration first before students are called for or sent down. Certain behaviors require an immediate referral/action (i.e. fighting, serious disruptive behavior, drugs, weapons, gross insubordination). When submitting a referral, make sure you logon to Virtual Counselor and complete the electronic referral form. Please send a brief email to Mr. Thornberry stating that you have written a referral, and cc the email to Mrs. Perez and Mrs. James so that it may be dealt with promptly. Remember, other behavior interventions should be attempted and documented prior to writing a referral. Consistent misbehavior warrants a behavior plan. The guidance counselor, ESE specialist and/or administration can assist with developing the plan. EARLY SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES Teachers or other staff members desiring to leave school early must request permission from administration. Once permission has been received, notify Mrs. James and sign out. Except in cases of emergency, adequate notice is needed, preferably by that morning. If necessary, the time will be charged to the staff member’s personal leave time.

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E-MAIL/INTERNET The e-mail system will be used to communicate information. It is expected of teachers to have their laptops turned on daily and their e-mail checked periodically during the day. Teachers are expected to follow The Code of Ethics for Computer Network & E-Mail (Policy #5306) that has been established by the School Board of Broward County. Ramblewood Elementary’s website: www.ramblewoodelem.browardschools.com EMERGENCY EVACUATION Evacuation route must be posted in each room. If you do not have an evacuation map, please notify the Assistant Principal. • Respond immediately to alarm. • Evacuate building using established route. Be sure to have your plan book, plus

copies of student emergency forms. • Once outside, take roll. All students should be accounted for. • Remain outside until the all-clear bell has sounded. Please review evacuation procedures and behavior with your class. EMERGENCY DISMISSAL INFORMATION An Emergency Dismissal Form must be completed for each student. The original copy of the form will be kept in the office. A copy should be kept with the teacher in your crisis folder. Any changes in information should be shared with the office. EQUIPMENT (TECHNOLOGY) There is a process in place for when technology items (i.e. computers, printers, etc.) need to be transferred in/out of your room. If you need computers/printers removed from your classroom, please make Mr. Thornberry aware by sending him an email. Also, please keep your inventory door sheet accurate and up to date by crossing off/adding tech items at the appropriate times. Make sure that all serial numbers on the door sheet match those items in your classroom. When crossing off items, please give brief reason as to why it’s being removed (i.e. for surplus, room change, etc.) as well as the approximate date it was removed. There is a new form to fill out for items being picked up for repair. *If technology items are found to be missing or suspected of being stolen from your room please notify administration immediately. ESE PROGRAMS A flowchart of the ESE referral process is included in the appendix for your reference. The following descriptions and guidelines will serve to assist teachers in identifying possible ESE referrals. Unless determined by administration, all ESE referrals will follow the appropriate procedures.

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Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) Definition: A specific learning disability is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in spoken or written language. Disorders may be manifested in listening, thinking, reading, speaking, writing, spelling or arithmetic. Such disorders do not include learning problems due to primarily visual, hearing or motor handicaps, mental retardation, emotional disturbance or an environmental deprivation.

• The program for SLD is offered to students whose academic performance is significantly below their ability level.

• The primary purpose of this program is to enhance the students’ academic and social performance.

• SLD programs provide individually designed educational programs that recognize the wide varieties of learning styles of these students.

• The program provides for ongoing assessment of the student’s cognitive, academic, and social functions so that the individual needs of the student can be met.

• The program offers instruction and curriculum modifications that will enable the student to be successful.

Gifted The Gifted Program is offered to students who have scored at least 2 standard deviations above the mean on an IQ test.

• The program provides educational experiences that foster their intellectual development.

• Instruction for these students concentrates on areas that expand and enrich the skills that are addressed in the regular curriculum.

Speech and Language Impaired Speech and language impairments are defined as disorders of language, articulation, fluency, or voice that interfere with communication and academic learning. The curriculum provides students with instruction in communication skills needed for academic and social success. Impairment in the language system is abnormal processing or production of: Form (including syntax, phonology and morphology). Content (including semantics), or Function (including pragmatics). Impairment in articulation is substitutions, distortions, or omissions of speech sounds, which are non-developmental. Impairment in fluency is an abnormal flow of speech that affects rate and rhythm, and may be accompanied by struggling behavior. Impairment in voice is absence or abnormal production of voice quality, pitch, loudness, resonance or duration.

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FIELD TRIPS A field trip manual has been developed with specific guidelines for collection of monies, timeliness, paperwork and procedures. Teachers are responsible for assuring that all necessary forms and procedures are done correctly. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the field trip. Field trips should occur only as an outgrowth or supplement of the curriculum. Teacher judgment should be used in deciding whether a field trip is desirable in terms of distance, expense, and ease of supervision. Request for school buses must be made several weeks in advance. A charge will be levied for mileage and driver time for Broward County buses. Under no circumstances should money be left overnight in a classroom. Funds must be collected according to the county guidelines and turned in daily to the bookkeeper. Please do not send money to the office with students. Call and someone will come retrieve your money envelope. All money collected must be accompanied by the Report of Monies Collected Form. If your class will not be eating in the cafeteria the day of the field trip, the cafeteria manager must have two (2) weeks advance notice. A regular field trip form is required for all in-house field trips and the same timeline is to be followed. FIRE DRILLS The School Board requires that a minimum of 10 fire drills be completed during the school year. Each classroom has a posted evacuation map with a primary and secondary route shown. Please advise Mr. Thornberry if the map is not in your room. Classes exit according to the prearranged evacuation routes. Teachers should take their Grade Books along with emergency student information forms, red and green cards, and attendance should be taken once the students have evacuated the building. Children who are not in the classroom at the time of a drill should know that they leave wherever they are and join the nearest group outside. If a fire drill occurs during the lunch period, children should leave their lunch trays in place and exit through the nearest door. Teachers must report to the cafeteria and take control of their class. GRADE BOOKS The District is now using Pinnacle for doing grade books throughout the county. Grades are to be taken on a weekly basis for all students, with a minimum of 9-recorded grades in each subject area per quarter. Teachers will be responsible for maintaining this grade book, as the grades recorded will automatically populate the report card for that quarter.

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GUIDANCE The responsibility for seeing that the individual problems of a child are properly and fairly dealt with rests with the classroom teacher. In situations where additional assistance is needed, the teacher should discuss the matter with the Principal, Assistant Principal and/or the Guidance Counselor. The Guidance Counselor is not a disciplinarian, but is available for counseling after referrals for specific misbehavior. The Guidance Counselor coordinates all state and county testing for students in grades 1-5. HOMEWORK The following guidelines will assure that homework activities result in a satisfying session for both students and parents:

• Assignments should be on the student’s independent level. • Directions should be clear and concise. • Emphasis should be on strengthening skills taught in the classroom. • Assignments should not exceed amount of time specified by the District. (i.e.

Grade 1 = 10 mins., Grade 2 = 20 mins., Grade 3 = 30 mins. Etc.) • Homework should be checked by the teacher or reviewed with students in class. • Grades should not be assigned to homework.

Homework is valuable when it meets the needs of the individual student and is an extension of school activities. INJURY (STUDENT) When a student is or appears to be injured, or has been involved in any type of accident, notify the front office. If assistance is needed, do not leave the class unattended and do not send an injured student to the clinic alone. Assistance will be sent to you. A Student Accident Report must be completed and sent to the office. INSERVICE Team Leaders shall serve as the In-service Committee. Requests for in-service funds should be submitted for their approval. INTERIM REPORTS Interim Reports must be sent to parents of students who are experiencing difficulty, included but not limited to the following:

• Failing – D or F • “3” in the primary grades or Social Skills/Behavior • A decline of two or more grades • Unacceptable behavior • Excessive absences or tardies • Currently on a PMP

Interim Reports may be used at any time during the marking period to communicate with parents. A copy of each Interim Report should be placed in the student’s cum folder at the end of the school year. If a student’s grades have dropped or they are receiving a three (3) in

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Social Skills or Behavior on their report card, a copy of the interim report must be attached to the report card when given to administration. LESSON PLANS Plan books are an important part of documentation and every teacher must maintain one. Lesson plans should reflect a week’s work in advance. The organization and contents of the plan book are the responsibility of the teacher. The following should be included:

• Grouping of students • ESOL documentation • Special projects • Use of technology • Evidence of planning based on the Grade Level Expectations • Use of a variety of resources that supports instruction • Learning objectives

General and specific time schedules, daily work, seating plan, and any other emergency information should be included. It is not a good policy to take the plan book home; however, if the plan book is taken home, it is the responsibility of the teacher to return it to school in case of illness or emergency. Plan books are to be turned in at the end of the school year, and are kept for five years. Lesson Plans are legal documents that can be reviewed by an auditor. Administrators may periodically ask teachers to submit their plan books for review. LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES As a proactive plan, we now have a lockdown procedure in case of adults entering our school grounds that appear to put our students in danger. We will practice a lockdown so our staff, students and parents will know the procedure to keep safe. Emergency procedures are kept in the Blue ClipBoard near your door in the plastic drop box.

When a CODE RED lockdown is announced:

• Scan your hallway for students. • Classroom doors should be locked. • P.E. classes will be brought into Modular 1853. • Media classes will move to room 112B & 112C. • All other school staff are to move into the closest classroom/office and assist

with students. • Turn off all lights in the classroom. • Students are to be seated on the floor near an interior wall, away from any

windows. • Do not open classroom door, emergency personnel will have a master key to

get into your room.

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• Immediately turn pagers/cell phones off to avoid detonating any possible explosives.

• All staff are to disregard any fire alarms, remain in the classroom. • Teachers will make a list of any students missing from the classroom as well as

any student in their room that is not on their class roll. • NO student is to leave the classroom for any reason during a lockdown. • Refrain from calling the front office during a lockdown. • Office staff will immediately activate the phone voice mail. • The RED card should be placed in your door’s window if you cannot account

for a student or have issues inside your classroom. • The GREEN card should be placed in your door’s window if you DO NOT need

police or medical attention. • No card displayed will indicate a potential problem in the classroom. • All staff personnel must wear their school ID, visible to the police or other

emergency personnel. • Do not turn on the television or radios in the classroom. • Classroom teachers, who are in the office area on break, will remain there until

it is determined that the area is secured. Specials teachers, who have children with them, will assume the responsibility for securing their students.

• Once the situation has been resolved, an announcement will be made to this effect: Ramblewood Elementary Staff, we have an “All Clear-GO RAMS” at this time.

• Please do not unlock your door until you hear an “All Clear” signal. • After the “All Clear” signal is given, send any student who does not belong to

you to their classroom. All students should return to their homeroom after the “All Clear” so teachers can take attendance and account for all students who are present on that day.

• If a CODE RED lockdown is needed during lunch, all students will be held in the area closest to their location (i.e. kitchen, music room, or classroom) and doors will be locked per procedure above. Administration will immediately go to the cafeteria to announce a lockdown to the cafeteria staff and paraprofessionals. No student will leave their location until the “All Clear” has been given. There will be no entries or exits until the “All Clear” is given. Administration will inform the cafeteria when students may be dismissed.

In the event of a CODE YELLOW lockdown, lights stay on, classroom doors remain locked, and instruction continues with no movement throughout building with the exception of the SAFE Team. The following SAFE Team Members will be responsible for checking their designated area during a CODE YELLOW lockdown: Fay Building 2/Modulars Benson Main Building – West Side (Media Center) Giuttari Main Building – East Side (Cafeteria) Desir Building 3 – 1st Floor Thornberry Building 3 – 2nd Floor Smith/Davis Check outside doors in Buildings 1, 2 & 3 (Code Yellow only)

• When SAFE Team Member has checked that the classroom doors are locked

and the GREEN Card is visible, wait for the all clear. If there is a classroom with a RED CARD or NO CARD visible or an unlocked door, please make note of this information for later debriefing session.

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Mrs. Liotta and Mrs. Kinsley will substitute for an absent SAFE Team Member. Please note: Teachers are to include an updated class roster and emergency forms in their Crisis Clipboard. The Crisis Clipboard along with plan book should be taken with you during all evacuation drills.

LUNCH PROCEDURES • Each teacher will be released for a duty free lunch period. • Teachers are to walk their children to the assigned table and seat all students.

Paraprofessionals will escort students buying lunch to the serving area. • PICK UP YOUR CLASS ON TIME – This is the key to making our lunch program

successful. • Provide a bathroom break before lunch. Children are not to leave the cafeteria to use

the bathroom during their lunch period. • Cafeteria rules and the consequences for misbehavior will be posted in the cafeteria.

It is the responsibility of the teacher to review the cafeteria rules and appropriate behavior with their class.

MAILBOXES Mailboxes are located in the workroom in the main building. Please check it upon arrival, during your planning period, and at the end of each day. DO NOT SEND A STUDENT TO RETRIEVE MATERIAL FROM YOUR MAILBOX. MASTER CALENDAR The master calendar is located in the CAB Desktop entitled Ramblewood ES on your computer. The calendar provides information with regards to meetings, field trips, assemblies, and dates of special interest, etc. If you would like to have an event placed on the calendar, please email Mr. Thornberry. This also includes reserving the cafeteria for activities. MEDIA CENTER The media Center is the resource hub of the school. It will house materials for students, staff and parents. It is the aim of the media specialist to provide basic instruction for children in the use of library materials. Teachers may check out materials, but must return them within a reasonable time. Please be mindful of our open media classroom when walking in the hallway; conversations are disruptive to student learning in the media center. MEDICATION Teachers are never to dispense medication to students or allow students to take medication while under their supervision, which includes all over-the-counter medication. School Board Policy expressly forbids the dispensing of medicines to students by school personnel without the specific authorization of the student’s doctor and parent.

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If a student has a completed Medical Authorization Form on file in the office, the designated school personnel will be allowed to administer medication. All medication must be in its original container and shall be properly labeled. MONIES COLLECTED Whenever the teacher collects money for an activity, each student’s name and the amount collected should be on a “Monies Collected” enveloped obtained from the bookkeeper. Amounts of $15 or more must be receipted using a Receipt Book – obtained from the bookkeeper. Money must be turned in daily. Do not send a student with money. Teachers are not to collect money for newspapers/magazines (Weekly Reader, Book Clubs, etc.).

PARENT COMMUNICATION Procedures for keeping parents informed of student progress include:

• Parent-teacher conferences (minimum of 2 per year) • Written notes/emails • Telephone calls • Interim Reports • Report cards.

It is important to communicate regularly with parents whose child is experiencing difficulties. Parents should not be “surprised” when report cards are sent home. Please maintain a concern log of a parent complaint/concern. Report any major concern to administration. PHYSICAL EDUCATION Clothing worn to school is usually acceptable attire for physical education classes. Please encourage students to wear shoes suitable for running. Physical education equipment is not checked out to individual teachers on a permanent basis. PONY MAIL Mail service between schools and County offices are done via a delivery system called the pony. It picks up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Envelopes are available in the front office. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES (PLCs) PLCs are established to promote learning gains among our students as well as continuous improvement throughout the school. Collaboration within these communities is required to assure that the best ideas are shared and incorporated into lesson planning and student outcomes. PLCs should be data-driven and action oriented with a complete focus on learning, not only for students, but for faculty members as well.

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RECESS/PLAYGROUND Teachers are expected to provide direct active supervision of students while out on the playground. Passive supervision/sitting is not appropriate. Students sent to the clinic while at recess should have a clinic pass and a “buddy” to escort them to the clinic. In the event that a student is seriously injured, do not move the student, immediately contact the front office for assistance. An Accident Report must be completed for any injury and serious accidents should be documented in detail. Please refrain from sitting and talking with a colleague during this important supervision time. RESPONSIBILITES (Teacher) 1. Each teacher is expected to provide a classroom environment that promotes learning.

Teachers are expected to utilize effective and innovative instructional practices to meet the needs of the students.

2. It is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure the students safety throughout the school day. Proper supervisory procedures are imperative.

3. Students (including teacher helpers) are never to be left unsupervised. 4. Instructional personnel are required by law to work 196 days, 180 of which must be

devoted to full-time instruction. Instructional personnel must be on duty a minimum of seven and one-half hours daily.

5. Teachers shall be required to keep their plan books (including substitute plans)

available. ROOM PARENTS The classroom teacher is responsible for selecting the room parent(s) for their class. Give consideration to parents who have never been a room parent. Guidelines:

• Classroom teachers must approve all party/activity plans in advance. • Classroom teacher is responsible for calling parents for field trips (1 adult per 10

students) only approved volunteers may act as chaperones. • Classroom Ledger of monies collected must be shown to the teacher at the

beginning of the school year and quarterly thereafter. Grade levels can establish more specific guidelines. The names and phone numbers of room parents as well as the grade level guidelines are due to Mr. Thornberry by the third week of school. SAFETY Safety procedures (including traffic awareness, pedestrian and bicycle safety) should be reviewed with your students.

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Crossing Guards are stationed between the times of 7-8am and 2-2:30pm at the following locations:

• Front of the school. • Intersection of Riverside Drive and Shadow Wood Boulevard • Intersection of Riverside Drive and Atlantic Boulevard • Intersection of Shadow Wood Boulevard and NW 89th Drive

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER Our school is served by a school social worker. TBA will investigate truancy and other home problems of children at the request of the staff. TBA is at our school on Thursdays. Social Work Referral forms are available on BASIS. They must be completed by the teacher and submitted to administration. SPECIALS Specials (Art, Music, Media and P.E) are an integral part of the student’s day. Students should not be kept from these classes for disciplinary reasons. It is imperative that all students be dropped off and picked up on time. Please notify specials teachers/cafeteria when a field trip is planned. SUBSTITUTES Our school requires that you call Sub Finder if you will need a substitute. Contact Mrs. James only if you are unable to get “sub-finder”. In general, we will not ask faculty members to “cover” for someone unless absolutely necessary. If it becomes necessary for you to get a substitute during the school day because of an emergency or illness, please let Mrs. James know and she will try to get a substitute for you. Substitutes must be provided with detailed lesson plans, including class roll, lock down procedures, and any other necessary materials. TEACHER AIDES Paraprofessionals are available to assist the school with a variety of programs. The number of paras is determined by budget restrictions and special needs. Please be aware that paras should not be asked to copy any materials that are covered by copyright laws. TEACHER CERTIFICATES A current copy of each teacher’s Florida Teaching Certificate is maintained in the front office. New teachers, teachers with certificate renewals, or changes or additions to their

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certificate must submit a copy of their certificate to Mrs. James and a copy sent to Instructional Personnel. TELEPHONES All classrooms have a telephone with plug-in cord. No cordless phones. Calls will not be transferred to the classroom except in emergencies. Messages will be taken and put in the mailboxes. All long distance calls must be recorded on the Long Distance Log, available from the bookkeeper. Please do not call a parent from your classroom while your class is present to discuss any academic or behavior concerns. TEMPRORY DUTY AUTHORIZATION (TDA) A Temporary Duty Authorization (TDA) must be completed for any in-service activity (including field trips, conventions, and meetings), which requires you to be off campus. TDA forms (available in the form drawers) must be submitted to Mrs. Benson for approval from the Principal at least 2 weeks prior to the activity date. TORNADO PROCEDURE Tornado drills will be conducted twice a year to familiarize all students and faculty with the procedures. WARNING: - via the intercom: “TORNADO DRILL – ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF REPORT TO ASSIGNED AREAS”

• Close all classroom shutters and/or vertical blinds. • Move students away from windows. • Take positions facing interior walls that do not have windows. No one should be

under tables. • Students in outside areas should be escorted to the main hallway. • When student are assembled in interior classrooms/hallways they should be

instructed to assume the “Protective Position” (kneeling, head/elbows down and facing the wall, hands clasped and behind head).

• If all students are accounted for and there are no issues, place the green card in the window of the classroom door.

• If you cannot account for a student or have issues, place the red card in the window of the classroom door.

An announcement “All Clear” will be made over the intercom when the drill is over. TUTORING It is expected that teachers will exercise every effort to help their students before tutoring is suggested. Teachers can refer students to CPS Team to receive assistance with curricular, behavioral and/or instructional needs.

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Teachers may not receive compensation for tutoring any student assigned to his/her class. Teachers who receive compensation for tutoring cannot use public school facilities for such purposes. VANDALISM/PROPERTY DAMAGE It is the responsibility of all faculty and staff members to report any incident of property damage/vandalism on school grounds. This pertains to the damage of equipment, materials, or to the building. Florida School Law Section 231.09, part 9, states that instructional personnel need to “see that the school building and all things pertaining thereto are not unnecessarily defaced or injured.” VISITORS All visitors to the school must sign in and out at the front office. Any visitor to the school must wear a yellow visitor’s pass or volunteer badge. Any adult not wearing a pass or badge should be referred to the front office. VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES The Volunteer Application must be completed by anyone wanting to volunteer within the school. A new application is required for each school year. Volunteer applications are only available on-line at browardschools.com/getinvolved IMPORTANT: Please do not wait until the day of an event to have a volunteer complete the Volunteer Application procedure. It may take 2 weeks or more to get them cleared through the county to volunteer. WEEKLY STAFF NEWS The Monday Memo will be published and e-mailed every Monday to all staff. It is important for teachers to read and highlight those items that specifically apply to them. The weekly memo will have an informational calendar for the present week and a tentative one for the following week. Keep the memo for easy access. Items to be included in the “Monday Memo,” must be given to Mr. Thornberry by Friday before it is to be placed on CAB Conference the following Monday morning. WITHDRAWALS Parents are encouraged to give the school advance notice when withdrawal of a student is necessary. The registrar will notify the teacher when a student from the class is withdrawing. It is the teachers’ responsibility to:

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1. Collect all books or school property from the student. 2. Investigate library and/or cafeteria debts. 3. If at least 25 days has passed in the marking period, complete a copy of the report

card (in pencil if transferring to another Broward County school, in pen if leaving the county).

4. The Notice of Transfer form should be completed and returned to the office on the last day in attendance of the student.

5. Send completed cum folder, conference/interim forms, report card and attendance card to the office within three days of withdrawal notice.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Any work-related action that may require medical attention must be reported to the office the day of the accident. Specific instructions must be followed in filing claims, and only doctors approved by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance should be seen for treatment within 24 hours. Failure to immediately file reports may result in fines up to $100 per day. XEROX/COPYING MATERIALS • Teachers may use the copier in the workroom to duplicate materials. • The office copier is to be used by office personnel only. • Examine materials to be copied. If it can be put on the whiteboard or displayed on a

document camera, do this instead of copying. • Please DO NOT send children to the office with materials to be copied “immediately”. • Teacher limit of 700 copies will be allotted monthly.