Pentucket Regional School District

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER HANDBOOK

Pentucket Regional School District22 Main St

West Newbury, Ma 01985978-363-2280

It shall be the school board policy that no present or prospective employee be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, national origin, or age. Qualified candidates will be recruited, selected, and employed by the division without discrimination in any employment practice.

School Committee Members

Wayne Adams Chairman Merrimac

Lisa O’Connor Vice Chairman Groveland

Dena Trotter Secretary West Newbury

Joanna Blanchard Asst. Treasurer Merrimac

Bill Buell Merrimac

Chris Reading West Newbury

Marie Felzani West Newbury

Richard Hodges Groveland

Emily Dwyer Groveland

Table of ContentsIntroductionSchool Committee Members…………………..………………………………………………………….……………………………….….2Welcome…………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….4School District Administration……………..………………………………………………………………………………………………….5District Schools Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6

The Application Process……………………………………………………………………..….7Eligibility to Substitute Teach…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8

General InformationActive Substitute List…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………8Complaints about Substitutes………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9Immediate Removal…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9Pay Schedule……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9Pay Rates………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………10Classroom Ethics………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………….10Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations………………………………………………………………………………………………11Appropriate Attire…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11Engaging Students……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11Classroom Teacher Provisions………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………..12

School and Classroom SafetyResponding to Accidents, Illness & Injuries……………………….……………………….………………………………………….12Incident Response……………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………12

x Incidents in your classroomx Incidents in your school

Emergency Management ...................................................................................................................…...13Bodily Fluids and Blood Borne Pathogens……………………………………………………………………………………………..13

x Procedures

PoliciesDrug/Alcohol Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14Reporting Abuse or Neglect…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14Harassment……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14Anti-Bullying …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15PRSD Substitute Teacher Report……………………………………………………………………………………..…………………….16

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WelcomeWelcome to Pentucket! Pentucket Regional School District is on course for a World Class future! This handbook is designed to support your success as a substitute teacher in the Pentucket Regional School District. This handbook is designed to provide substitute teachers with a foundation leading to teaching success. Each substitute teacher is expected to work closely with the school principal and classroom teacher to ensure that the needs of the students are met. You have an important role to play in supporting the district’s journey to World Class!

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Welcome

As a substitute teacher, you are a very vital part of our school system. It takes a special kind of person to be a successful substitute teacher – A person who earnestly cares about children.

We expect you will meet the high standards required for teaching in our schools and wish to extend our most sincere and best wishes as you join us in providing a truly World Class Education to our students!

Pentucket Regional School District Administration

Superintendent Dr. Justin Bartholomew

Assistant Superintendent Brent Conway

School Principals

Emily Puteri Bagnall Elementary

Russell Marino Donaghue/Sweetsir Elementary

Dustin Gray Page Elementary

Kenneth Kelley Pentucket Middle School

Jonathan Seymour Pentucket High School

District Administration

Director of Supplemental Services Dr. Michael Jarvis

Business Manager Greg Labrecque

Facilities Manager Greg Hadden

Admin Assistant to the Superintendent Marianne Naffah

Payroll/Benefits Coordinator Kate Sheppard

Admin Assistant Human Resources/ Community Education Dianne Ferraradferrara@prsd.org 978-363-2280 ext. 116

School Information

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SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

ASST PRINCIPAL

Special Education Coordinator

PHONE/FAX TEACHER HOURS

STUDENT HOURS

Pentucket Regional High

School24 Main St

West Newbury, MA

01985

Jonathan Seymourseymour@prsd.org

Dan Thorntondthornton@prsd.org

Melissa

McElaney

mcelaney@prsd.org

P: 978-363-2280

F: 978-363-2730

7:15 - 2:45 7:40 - 2:15

Pentucket Regional

Middle School 22 Main St

West Newbury, Ma.

01985

Kenneth Kelleykenkelley@prsd.org

Erin

Dolan

edolan@prsd.org

P: 978-363-2285

F: 978-363-2720

7:15 - 2:45 7:45 - 2:15

Dr. Elmer S Bagnall

Elementary School

253 School StGroveland, Ma. 01834

Emily Puterieputeri@prsd.org

Jennifer

DiBiase

jfibiase@prsd.org

P: 978-372-8856

F: 978-521-8956

8:00 – 3:15 8:30 - 2:55

Helen R. Donaghue

Elementary School

24 Union St Ext

Merrimac, Ma 01860

Russell Marinormarino@prsd.org

Kathy Sullivan

Sullivan@prsd.org

P: 978-346-8921

F: 978-346-7839

8:00 – 3:15 8:25 – 2:50

Dr. John C. Page

Elementary School

694 Main St. West

Newbury, Ma 01985

Dustin Graydgray@prsd.org

Megan

Arel

marel@prsd.org

P: 978-363-2672

F: 978-363-2234

8:05 – 3:15 8:35 – 3:00

Dr. Fredrick Sweetsir

Elementary School

104 Church St Merrimac, Ma

01860

Russell Marinormarino@prsd.org

Kathy Sullivan

Sullivan@prsd.org

P: 978-346-8319

F: 978-346-8319

8:05 – 3:15 8:35 – 3:00

General Information

APPLICATION PROCESS

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1. Completed Substitute Teacher Application Formwww.prsd.org ÆResources Æ Human Resources Æ Substitute Teaching (fill out all information)

a. Personal Information (Name, Address, Phone, etc…) b. Names of Schools attended c. Names and contacts from prior employment d. Personal References (Names and contact information) e. Resume f. Interests and availability

2. Two identification sources a. Social Security Card b. Birth Certificatec. Driver’s license d. U.S. Passport e. Other official document that establishes identity

3. Completed HR and Payroll Forms a. Form W-4 Federal Tax Form b. Form M-4 Massachusetts Tax Form c. Form I-9 Department of Homeland Security Form d. Completed Fingerprint Check (Cost of $35.00 non-certified teachers

$55 certified teachers)e. Current CORI on file

4. Substitute Orientation and Training

a. Meet with district personnel in charge of coordinating substitute teachersb. Discuss school/district procedures for substitutesc. Finalize that all appropriate forms and paperwork has been processed.

Eligibility to Substitute Teach To be eligible to substitute teach in the Pentucket School District, you must:

x Possess a High School diploma.x Have completed at least 2 years of coursework at a college or university.x Must be at least 20 years old.

Completion of the substitute training/orientation does not guarantee substitute teaching positions. Further, substitute teachers may be terminated from service at any time.

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Active Substitute List Only those persons on the active substitute list are eligible to be substitute teachers. The active substitute list is maintained by the PRSD Human Resources Department. A candidate is not eligible for placement on the list until he or she has attended the required training, has been fingerprinted and has completed all employment forms.

To remain on the active substitute list, substitute teachers must notify the Office of Human Resources each year of their availability.

Substitute teachers are responsible for notifying the Human Resources Department of any change in name, phone number, address, teaching preference or request to be removed from active list. The mailing address is:

Pentucket Regional School DistrictHuman Resources Department

Attention: Dianne Ferrara22 Main St. West Newbury, Ma 01985

978-363-2280 ext. 116

Please log on to prsd.org>resources > Human Resources > forms > Substitute Form to request to remain on or to be removed from the substitute teacher list, or to change information (e.g. name, address, phone, etc.…) Feedback by Substitute: Please leave feedback for the teacher. This can be for a positive assignment experience or one that requires the teacher’s attention. We request you submit a “Substitute Feedback” form found in the main office of the school in which you worked.

Feedback by the Teacher: Teachers are asked to provide feedback about the performance of substitutes after an assignment has been completed. The ratings are based on student engagement, room cleanliness, following lesson plans, etc… The teacher will have a simple rating scale 1-10.

Complaints about Substitute If a significant complaint is received, then the substitute will be contacted by the Human Resources Department either by phone or by mail. If the behavior reported amounts to a serious breach of duties, the substitute will be removed or suspended from the Active Substitute List. The substitute will be notified by phone, mail or by email of the action taken. If the complaint/concern is less serious, then the substitute will be asked to come in for a conference. At this conference, the nature of the complaint will be discussed and appropriate actions will be taken to address the problem. If continued complaints are received, then the substitute teacher will be removed from the Active Substitute List.

An individual school or teacher may request that a substitute teacher be restricted from substituting at that school or for that class. If the basis for restricting a substitute from a school is reasonable, then the request will be honored.

Depending on the circumstances and the nature of the reason for the restriction, the substitute may or may not be notified of the restriction. If several schools request restriction of the same substitute, the substitute

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is subject to removal from the Active Substitute List. The substitute will be notified, either by phone or by mail that such removal has occurred.

Immediate Removal The following list contains examples of some actions that may subject a substitute to immediate removal.We have the highest expectations of ALL Pentucket employees. We expect all staff to:

x Refrain from using profanity in the presence of students.

x Maintain a pleasant classroom atmosphere and to avoid endangering students by leaving them unattended.

x Avoid making sexually or racially inappropriate oral/written comments or displaying. inappropriate, graphic or physical conduct, or subjecting students to racial or sexual harassment.

• Avoid using alcohol or unlawful drugs on school premises. • Abide by all school rules/regulations.• To follow instructions and or lesson plans left by the classroom teacher.

Pay ScheduleYour pay days will follow the same pay schedule as the district. Pay days are bi weekly and on Fridays. If you begin work on a pay week, you will receive pay for that assignment on the next pay cycle (approx. 3 weeks)

Pay Rate

Regular Substitute

Long-Term SubstituteTeachers only

Full-Day $90.00$140.00 (Nurse)

Full-Day Per PAT contractSee below

½ Day $45.00$70 .00(Nurse)

½ Day

Long Term Substitute Teacher – PAT Contract Article XVII

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B. 1. If a substitute teacher is hired for the same teacher as a long term sub, the substitute teacher shall be paid as follows:

(a) Fifteen (15) school days or less, the per diem substitute rate.(b) Sixteen (16) school days through forty five (45) school days, Step 1 on the bachelor’s scale from the first day.(c) Forty-six (46) or more school days, as provided in Article IX from the first day.

2. If a substitute teacher is hired as a substitute for the same teacher for an unknown period of time, the substitute teacher will be paid as follows:

(a) First fifteen (15) school days, per diem substitute rate.(b) School days sixteen (16) through forty-five (45), step 1 on the bachelor’s scale.(c) School days beyond forty-five (45), as provided in Article IX.

3. If a teacher is hired as a substitute for the same teacher for an unknown period of time and thereafter the period becomes known, or if a known period of employment is extended, the substitute teacher will be paid as provided in Section B.1. on a prospective basis only.

4. A teacher hired as a substitute for the same teacher for part of the school year will be entitled to pro-rata sick leave and any other contractual benefits after completion of forty-five (45) days of work.

INSTRUCTION Classroom Ethics Student information, including grades and/or performance must be kept confidential. It is against the law to disclose information contained in a student’s personal folder, a student’s grades or the fact that a student has a special need or disability. A substitute must keep confidential any information learned about a student as a result of being a substitute teacher.

Personal religious or political beliefs, philosophies and opinions may NOT be imposed upon the students. Substitute Teachers may not distribute religious, political or commercial materials to students without prior permission from the principal.

Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations Please keep all personal and family matters outside of school business hours and outside of the work environment. As the classroom substitute, student engagement is your main priority and visitors, adult or children, may cause distractions and are not permitted.

Substitute Teachers are employees of the District and work under the direction of the school principal. All substitute teachers are expected to arrive on time and to remain on the job until the official end of the school day, unless otherwise approved by the principal.

At the beginning of each day of employment:

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• The substitute is to report to the office of the school in which he/she is to substitute. • The substitute must sign in each day and secure a visitor/substitute badge. This badge must be returned to the school office at the end of the assignment. (If applicable).

Please see chart on page 6 for school start/end schedule

Appropriate Attire Substitute teachers are expected to dress professionally and appropriately:

• All substitutes should dress modestly and present a neat, clean appearance. • Blue jeans, sweat pants, sweatshirts and shorts should not be worn except as directed by the principal. • Blouses, shirts or tops that reveal the midriff or chest may not be worn. • Hats and caps are not appropriate for wear inside the buildings. • Clothing of any sort that contains a message that promotes alcohol, drugs,

tobacco or any other type of message that may cause a disruption or disturbance in school may not be worn.

• Clothing that contains obscene or suggestive language may not be worn.

Student Engagement Be Prepared • Arrive early • Obtain needed administrative information • Become familiar with the classroom • Locate needed teaching material (lesson plans and classroom directions)• Locate medical/allergy lists• Ask principal about extra duties (bus duty, lunch duty, etc…)

• Take Charge of the Classroom

• NEVER LEAVE STUDENTS UNATTENDED! • Work collaboratively with other staff (school nurse. Principal, etc.)• Take clear attendance making note of students that are absentClarify Expectations to Your Students• Give specific directions regarding desired behavior. • Give specific feedback about actual behavior • Frequently move throughout the classroom. Avoid sitting behind the desk all day.Communicate the Significance of Learning

• Monitor student’s attention and participation • Provide feedback to students about their work • Provide closure at the end of the class. • Seek assistance from a neighboring teacher by sending another student

or use classroom intercom to contact the main office.

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Classroom Teacher ProvisionsExcept in an unplanned absence, the regular classroom teacher should supply the following:

• Lesson plans • Materials necessary to teach lesson plans• Class schedule and teacher schedule when it deviates from the class• Accurate class roster • Seating chart; • Any special accommodations for students • Location of supplies/materials• Name of nearby teachers who can be of assistance.

If you are substituting for an unplanned absence, then the classroom teacher may not have had an opportunity to prepare all of the above listed information. If you have questions or need additional information in order to adequately carry out classroom lesson plans or procedures, then please contact the school principal as soon as possible.

SCHOOL AND CLASSSROOM SAFETY Responding to Accidents, Illnesses and Injuries

x Notify the main office! Do not touch a student where he/she is bleeding, even if you use gloves. Provide the student with tissues or paper towels, instructing them to hold it on their wound.

x If appropriate, send the student to the office or nurse for further care.

x Notify the main office.x Adhere to Universal Precautions training at all times. x Do not administer medicine of any kind to students. (No aspirin, cough

medicine, prescription or non-prescription drugs.) x If you or a student in your classroom is injured (no matter how insignificant the injury),

you must report the injury to the nurse immediately.

Emergency Management Each school has a comprehensive crisis, emergency management and medical emergency response plan.

Classroom Emergency• Emergency response requiring police, fire and/or rescue personnel, contact main

office• Notify building principal immediately • Get help from a neighboring teacher (if possible)

Incidents in the school

• Lockdown/ Shelter in Place/ Evacuation will be announced • Check hallway and bring any student into your classroom • Lock the classroom door

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• Direct students to a place that cannot be seen from hallway door or exterior windows.

• Turn off the lights • Everyone should remain silent • Wait for Principal to announce “All Clear.”

Safety/Evacuation Procedures • If you are not provided with a copy of the school’s emergency procedures when

you arrive to substitute, then please request this information at the office. • Familiarize yourself with your surroundings so that you know how to evacuate

the class in the event of a fire drill or other emergency. Fire/weather drill routes are posted in all classrooms.

• Know where the nearest exits are located. • Have a class roster to take with you as you evacuate building.

Safety and Evacuation Procedures – See Flip Chart in teacher sub plans

BODY FLUIDS AND BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS

A. Procedures Blood (cuts & abrasions, nosebleeds, contaminated needle)

a. Use proper First Aid procedures. Information available in nurse's office. If student or staff is able, have them, upon instruction, wash clean their own wound.

b. Use disposable gloves when available. Remove gloves, put them in plastic bag, and wash hands with soap for 15 seconds under running water using proper hand washing procedures. Dry with paper towels.

c. If no gloves are available, wash hands with soap for 15 seconds under running water. Dry with paper towels.

d. Do not use needle to remove splinters. e. No injections will be given in school. Sharps will be disposed of by the student or staff

member. f. Be cautious if assisting a diabetic with a blood test and use disposable gloves. Do not recap

lancet. Lancets should be disposed of by the student or staff member. Feces, urine, vomit

g. Use disposable gloves. Remove gloves, put them in plastic bag. Wash hands for 15 seconds under running water. Dry with paper towels. Procedure for washing hands attached.

h. If no gloves are available, wash hands with soap for 15 seconds under running water. Dry with paper towels.

Respiratory Secretions (saliva, nasal discharge) i. Use disposable gloves. Remove gloves, put them in plastic bag. Wash hands for 15 seconds

under running water. Dry with paper towels. Follow proper washing procedure. j. If no gloves are available, wash hands with soap for 15 seconds under running water. Dry

with paper towels. k. Use plastic thermometer covers with thermometers when taking temperatures. Dispose of

covers immediately in plastic bag. If student is able, have him\her remove cover and place in plastic bag.

l. Thermometers should be cleaned in a soap solution and then replaced in zephrian chloride solution holders.

Eating, Drinking, Smoking/Other

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Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm and contact lenses handling are prohibited in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure. Also, food and drink should not be stored in close proximity to where blood or potentially infectious materials are present. Food Allergies

a. Review classroom teacher’s information about students with food allergies in your classroomb. Notify the school nurse immediately of any possible allergic reactions.

Drug and Alcohol Policy The Pentucket Regional School District subscribes to the provisions of the Drug-Free Work Place Act for itself and all employees of the Pentucket Regional School District. A drug-free workplace will be provided by education, record verification, and punishment/required rehabilitation. If the Superintendent has reason to suspect an employee is violating drug statutes, then the Superintendent is authorized to require a medical test at the school system’s expense. The school board will be advised if any such test is positive for controlled substances.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect

In accordance with the Code of Massachusetts § 63.2-100, any teacher or other school employee who has reason to suspect abuse or neglect of a child, including any child who may be abandoned, is a mandated reporter and must immediately report all instances of suspected abuse and neglect to the principal or principal’s designee of the school in which the child is enrolled.

Harassment The Pentucket Regional School District is committed to maintaining a learning/working environment free from harassment based on gender, sexual orientation or preference, race, national origin, disability or religion. Therefore, the Pentucket Regional School District prohibits harassment based on gender, sexual orientation or preference, race, national origin, disability or religion of any student or school personnel at school or at any school sponsored activity.

Anti-Bullying

Pentucket School District has a ZERO TOLERANCE for bullying. If there is an indication or suspicion of bullying, a staff member must immediately report to the principal or designee or to the Superintendent or designee when the principal or assistant principal is the alleged aggressor or to the school Committee when the Superintendent is the alleged aggressor when he/she witnesses or becomes aware of conduct that may possibly be bullying or retaliation. It is the responsibility of the staff member to intervene in the behavioral incident consistent with the district’s policies and procedures, and report the incident to the proper administration. (2014 PRSD Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan)

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PRSD Substitute Teacher ReportTo Be Left for the Classroom Teacher

(Please complete both sides)

Substitute_______________________________

Phone Number___________________________

Substituted For___________________________

Date________________________________________

Grade/Class___________________________________

School______________________________________

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A note regarding the Lesson Plans:

I also taught:

Terrific Helpers:

Message to the teacher:

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_______________________________________________Substitute Teacher Signature