1 Revised 8-20-13

Sun Valley Elementary

Staff Handbook

2013-2014

Mission: The Sun Valley community will work

together to build strong, educated LEADERS.

Vision: We are LEADERS creating legacies!

Vision: We are leaders creating legacies!

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SUN VALLEY STAFF 2013-2014

Teacher Room Number

PK

Maria Martinez 309

Lori Verastegui 301

Imelda Lemos 302

Kindergarten

*Karen Kotzur 306

Rosalinda Alexander (Bil) 303

Judy Beauchamp 305

Janeice Martinez 307

First

*Vanessa Orandy-McDonald 400

Gina Fernandez 403

Christina Ruiz 402

Graciela Rios (Bil) 401

Lauren Sumerlin 404

Second

*Mary Alice Sarran 408

Niurka Agnoly-Terry (Bil) 409

Katie Harvuot 407

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Jennifer Lopez 410

Amanda Sullivan 406

Third

*Janice Smith 105

Kimberlee Benson 102

Carolina Trevino (Bil) 208

Zulma Vasquez 104

Jaimie Wimer 103

Fourth

*Kayla Gonzales 100

Adrianna Botello 107

Lori Haby 106

Lindsey Heckman 101

Rudolfo Natera (Bil) 202

Fifth

*Kristy Pais 204

Monica Aguilar 205

Marissa Hernandez (Bil) 204

JoAnn Lujan 207

Javier Soles 206

Special Education Specials

Donna Burell 201 Fine Arts

Gail Deeley 305 Marilee Bowling

Bonnie Clark 300 P. E.

Jose Ortega 310 Tena Engelhardt

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Accelerated Reading Specialist Instructional Assistants:

Jessica Tobleman PK-

Jessica Casiano

STEM Rosemary Gonzalez

Courtney Somerville Stephanie Ramirez

Librarian

Cynthia Molinar Special Ed.-

Victor Menjares

Counselor Lorraine Shanahan

Jack Murchison

Nurse Secretary-

Shanna Davenport Diana Gutierrez

Social Worker PIEMS Clerk-

Nelda Castellanos Jeanette Rodriguez

Assistant Principal Administrative Clerk-

Veronica Cuenca-Wilson Nayeli Diaz DeLeon

Principal Custodians-

Julie Verstuyft Issa Chavez

Rosa Linda Campos

Anita Mello

Samuel Soto

Cafeteria

Sylvia Sanchez

Ester Flores

Blanca Contreras

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Lupe Gonzalez

Imelda Rocha

School Hours:

Counselor 7:30-4:00

Teachers/Nurse 7:30-4:00

Instructional Assistants 7:00-3:30

Students 8:00-3:30

Each member of the faculty and staff MUST use the Kronos machine when they arrive in the morning

and sign out when they leave. If you have morning duty, you will need to be on duty at 7:20.

All faculty and staff are expected to be on time to work daily. Punctuality is important to model for

students and each other. Punctuality also applies to duty stations, district meetings and professional

development. Everywhere you go as a teacher, you represent the entire staff of Sun Valley. We will

meet on the blacktop at 7:45. If you are running late, please call the office at 645-7570.

SCHOOL CLIMATE

Each of us must do our part to ensure that our school is a warm and welcoming environment for

learning. This begins with our students and expands to include our parents and community and each

other. The tone of voice we use and our demeanor towards the students and each other speaks

volumes. Every adult who works in our building must wear their SWISD badge at all times. All other

adults must wear a visitor badge from the office. If you see someone in our halls without a visitor

badge, please redirect them to the office. If you have curtains on the windows in your room, please

keep them open, show them what you got!

A well maintained and organized campus contributes to student learning. Your classroom should be

comfortable and functional. It is important to organize your furniture, materials and supplies

accordingly. Classroom bulletin boards, both in and outside of your room, should reflect original

student work and be changed often. Encourage students to take pride in the classroom. Desks, tables

and floors should be clear of trash and chairs should be stacked in the corner at the end of each day. It

is everyone’s responsibility to keep our school clean.

ABSENCE FROM DUTY

Please notify the Principal or the Asst. Principal at least one day in advance if you plan to be absent (Dr.

Appointment, Personal, Staff Development, etc.) In the case of emergencies, please call Mrs. Verstuyft,

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at 445-7911 or Mrs. Wilson at 831-1459 on the evening prior to the day of your absence or the school at

645-7570, before 7:00 a.m. on the day of your absence. If possible, let your Team Leader know, after

6:30 am.

For all absences, it is imperative that you call Aesop before 6:30a.m. You must enter your ID/Social

Security number, dates(s) out, the time if you are requesting half day, and the reason. Please state if

you are on duty for the day(s) and what and where the duty is. You must tell the substitute your duty

place and time in the comments section for directions.

When you know you will require a substitute or when you will be absent from work:

1. Have lesson plans that are easily understood and up-to-date and sufficient work for your

students.

Half-day A.M. is 7:00-11:45. Half-day P.M. is 11:45-4:00 pm. If you record a different start or end time,

you may be charged a full day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance will be made during “Blazer Blast Off” on the blacktop (in

the gym if weather does not allow us to be on blacktop). We will begin at 7:55. Each class will take turns

leading pledges. Any afternoon announcements will be made at approximately 2:30 p.m. All

announcements must have prior approval from the principal. Teach your students how to behave

during announcements. Everyone is to stand and remain silent during the moment of silence. Please

teach and model this behavior.

ARD MEETINGS

All regular education teachers are expected to attend ARD meetings on their students. Be prepared to

discuss your student's progress in the classroom. Parents and teachers have a right to request an ARD

meeting at any time. The teacher representing the grade level must gather data from ALL teachers that

child might have. Bring work samples. Be prepared!

ATTENDANCE REPORTING

Attendance will be reported through Gradebook at 10:00 daily. Students who arrive after 8:00 am will

be counted tardy by the teacher in Gradebook. It is your responsibility to call parents when students

accumulate 3 tardies. A written note must be sent home and signed at 4 tardies and a loss of recess

for every tardy thereafter in a nine-week period. All written excuses must be maintained in the

attendance office. Send notes to the office with the student the day you receive them. Parents have 3

days to send notes for the absence to count as excused. After that time the absence is coded

Unexcused. Teachers will be notified of children’s physical limitations, if necessary. The teacher should

provide necessary information to the PE coach, and any other teachers needing the information.

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Students who leave school after 10:00 a.m., are to be counted present for the day. If you have

questions about a student being counted as absent or present, please see Mrs. Rodriguez immediately. .

You will need to call parents when a child has 3 absences in a 4 week period. We will send warning

letters at 3 unexcused absences and Truancy court at 5.

Each teacher is responsible for accurately reporting the attendance status of his or her students.

Understandably, errors will be made from time to time. It is imperative that these errors be corrected

as soon as possible. Please be sure to check attendance carefully after you’re at absent!!

Special Program teachers, please be aware that the PAC office must have an accurate listing of each

student that you are serving every nine weeks. If you add or drop a student during the period, it is

extremely important that you notify the Special Education Department. (DO NOT WAIT FOR THE END

OF A REPORTING PERIOD TO MAKE CHANGES. NOTIFY MS. RODRIGUEZ AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.)

ATTENDANCE, PERFECT

A student is considered for perfect attendance if:

1. He/She has no absences according to the official attendance record in the

Attendance Office. Has less than 6 tardies in a grading period.

2. He/She has no recorded absences from a prior school, if a transfer is applicable.

CAFETERIA

Please notify the cafeteria of the lunch count by 9:00. Students may pre-pay for their lunch in the

cafeteria between 7:15-7:55 a.m. or on-line through the NutriKids system. Teachers must order their

own lunches or salads before 9:00 a.m. Staff will be charged this year for cups, napkins, condiments and

utensils.

Students purchasing milk and/or lunch on a daily basis may pay during the lunch line.

Students without lunch will be provided a ham sandwich and a carton of milk.

Please have your class lined up in alphabetical order to go to lunch. Teachers are to escort their class to

the serving line door at the designated time and pick them up from the blacktop or hallway to escort

them back to the classroom at the time designated. In an effort to help the cafeteria monitors, teachers

should reinforce the rules and teach the procedures. Students should practice cafeteria routines and

behavior MANY, MANY times the first few weeks of school and after holidays.

CLASSROOM PARTIES

Three classroom parties are allowed at Sun Valley. A Christmas, Valentine's Day and last day of school

party will be held during the last 45 min. of school. If special activities are going to be celebrated in the

classroom, please do not encourage parents and/or students to identify it as a "Party" (i.e. Easter Egg

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Hunt). Please be cognizant of religious beliefs and parent requests to not participate in some activities.

Birthday parties are allowed the last 10 minutes of the day, only.

COMMUNICATION

In order for any system to work well, there has to be open communication and respect among all of its

members. There are several ways of resolving disagreements. The first is to always speak with the

person involved. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Assistant Principal, then Principal should be

contacted. If there are instructional issues that arise, please discuss them at the grade level first, then

the administration. We will have weekly Team meetings with the administration when issues about

Curriculum may be discussed. If any issue cannot be resolved at the campus level, there is a formal

procedure for district grievances in the Employee Handbook. Check your email at least TWICE daily. We

will use the SVE calendar to schedule activities and announce the Pledge schedule. Please check it daily.

CHILD ABUSE

Staff members who have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is an abused or maltreated child shall

report the abuse to the Department of Child Protective Services. Please notify the principal, assistant

principals or counselor, as well. If you need assistance in filing the report, let one of these people know.

It is your responsibility to report suspected abuse.

CIT (Campus Improvement Team)

The CIT will meet at least 3 times a year. If you have concerns, please let Mrs. Verstuyft know, one week

before the meeting, so the items can be put on the agenda. The minutes will be posted on line.

CONFERENCE/PLANNING PERIOD

A forty five minute planning period is provided for teachers, daily. This time is for Team planning, data

disaggregation, parent conferences, lesson planning and professional development. There is precious,

little time on planning days. You are expected to report to Team meetings immediately after dropping

your students off at rotations. Team meeting with the administration will be Wednesdays in the

Conference room. Team planning meetings will be Thursdays. Minutes of these meetings will be turned

in to Mrs. Verstuyft and Mrs. Wilson.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Information regarding students is confidential. Pertinent matters regarding a student should be

discussed privately and only with those staff members who are involved with that child.

COPYRIGHT LAW

Follow it.

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COPY MACHINE

The copy machine is connected to your computer. You will be allotted 2000 per month. See Mrs. Wilson

for your copy codes. Please use both sides of the paper. Try to limit copying, especially when students

can write the assignment. Remember, worksheets tend to be at the lower level of Bloom’s. Take care

of copying needs during your planning period. Priority will be given to those on conference. The office

staff will not make copies for you. Please report any problems to Ms. Guiterrez immediately. The Office

copier is used for Office Staff Only. Paper will be in the cabinets in the workroom.

CRISIS MANUAL

The district has developed a Crisis Manual giving procedures to use in handling certain situations. The

manual is located in the office. This manual has guidelines which must be followed in reporting

Kidnapping, Death, Intruders, Etc.

Fire Drills and Lock down Drills will be held monthly. We will have 2 Fire Drills within the first 2 weeks of

school. You will need to follow the evacuation maps posted at the doorways of your rooms during a fire

drill. You will need to post a roster and red/green paper in a folder by the door to take with you or

assign to a student, during the drill. If all of your students are accounted for, you will show the green

side of the “sign”, if you are missing students, you will show the red side and an administrator will know

to come see you immediately.

It is very important that the faculty and staff keep the principal informed on any crisis or potential crisis.

Through a cooperative effort, we will be able to handle any situation.

Staff trained in CPR is: The Nurse- Shanna Davenport, Coach Engelhardt, and the Assistant

Principal- Veronica Cunca-Wilson.

Digital Citizenship

We are expected to promote and model responsible social interactions related to the use of technology

and information. Be careful of social network messages and images.

DISCIPLINE- The Sun Valley School Behavior and Discipline Plan (separate document) is to be used as a

guide to promote consistency of practices among all SVE teachers and students. Please refer to this

document (SVE Discipline Plan) for information on school expectations and discipline.

All grade levels need to submit grade level expectations and consequences to Mrs. Verstuyft by

August 23rd.

Detention—We will implement After School Detention on Fridays from 3:00-5:30. Every teacher is

expected to sign up for ONE day. We will assign students to detention as a level of consequence. We

are trying to reduce the time that students are out of the classroom (ISS/OSS). We will have ISS on

Fridays. If students are out of the room, they are not learning. If you have a student assigned to

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detention, you will need to provide work for them. Only Administration will assign Detention. Sign up

for Detention with Mrs. Wilson by August 23. If you do not sign up, you will be assigned a day.

DRESS AND GROOMING - STUDENTS

All students are expected to follow the dress code in the S.W.I.S.D. Student Handbook.

Teachers are expected to enforce the dress code. No Flip/Flops, No Spaghetti Straps, No baggy pants.

No unnatural colored hair. Shorts should not be shorter than fingertip length. Students violating dress

code need to be sent to the office to call home for a change of clothes.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

All faculty and staff should be completely familiar with the school emergency evacuation plan. A copy of

this plan will be posted in each classroom as well as throughout the school.

In the event of a natural disaster such as hurricane, tornado, violent thunderstorm, fire, or a bomb

threat, the administrator shall be responsible for initiating procedures for the protection of students,

faculty, and staff, and any other personnel on the campus at the time.

During drills and/or emergencies teachers should bring grade book/attendance, and conduct a head

count. Teachers need to immediately notify an administrator if a student is unaccounted for. Use the

“red/green” cards.

EXCUSED SCHOOL BUSINESS

When a staff member is absent due to staff development, testing, observations or meetings, a

substitute will be provided by the administration. Please code “ESB” in ASEOP. Staff Development is

coded differently. You will be responsible for securing your own substitute for Staff Development. Use

the “Staff Development” code.

FACULTY/INSERVICE MEETINGS

Faculty meetings will be held on Thursdays. All staff members are expected to attend. If you are unable

to attend, you must inform the principal in writing, prior to the meeting. Meetings will begin at 3:50

pm. Plan for the meetings to last approximately one hour. Please make appointments for other days of

the week.

FIELD TRIPS

Each grade level will be allowed one field trip. Field trips are to be scheduled through the office with

prior approval from Mrs. Verstuyft. Check the school calendar for appropriate dates. PURCHASE

ORDERS, BUS APPROVAL and CAFETERIA NOTICE MUST BE SECURED A MINIMUM OF TWO WEEKS

before THE TRIP. The grade level leader is responsible for all paperwork associated with the trip.

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Field trip permission slips must be signed by parents and returned before the field trip. Students may

not attend a field trip without a signed permission form. Telephone permission is not acceptable.

A list of names to include all parents, teachers and students must be turned into the office before the

bus leaves campus. (A copy of your attendance sheet works well for this list since it includes each

student and their telephone number.) This list must also be given to the cafeteria by 8:00 the day of

the trip. This list must be broken down by bus and indicate the bus number and driver's name.

This/these list(s) will be faxed to transportation in case of an accident. It is important that individuals

ride the same bus departing and returning to the school for this reason. Students must return on the

bus, unless taken by a PARENT ONLY with written notification. Ask parents to complete the Winocular

Volunteer forms at Open House. Waiting until the Field Trip is too late.

FUND RAISERS

A fund raiser form must be signed by the principal at least 2 weeks prior to the fund raiser. ALL MONEY

collected must be turned in DAILY to Ms. Gutierrez or Ms. Rodriguez.

GRADING

A student's grade indicates his/her progress in the classroom. It is the teacher's responsibility to

accurately maintain and report grades to the student and parent; following the district calendar. Grades

must be posted in Gradespeed every two weeks.

GRADE BOOK (Minimums)

1. Two grades per week will be recorded for Math and Reading, two for

Language Arts, Science and Social Studies and Physical Education.

2. One grade per week will be recorded for Fine Arts.

3. Dates will be written in the appropriate blanks for the nine weeks period.

4. Indicate the assignment name or title in the space provided.

5. Re-teaching should be documented.

6. Extra points may be awarded for extra credit work.

7. At the end of each nine weeks period, averages will be reported as numerical

and letter grades.

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GRADING: REPORTS TO PARENTS

Kindergarten: Achievement or progress in kindergarten shall be reported as:

E, S, N, and U.

Grades 1-5: In elementary grades 1-5, achievement shall be reported as number

grades for Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies and as letter grades

for Music and PE

No Is

GRADE CONVERSION

SCALE:

BEHAVIORAL/CONDUCT

E = Excellent

S = Satisfactory

N = Needs Improvement

U = Unsatisfactory

SPECIAL EDUCATION:

Special Education students excluded from specific TEKS

by their IEPs shall not be assessed on, nor have

promoted/ retention based on those elements. A passing

grade shall be based on criteria stated in the IEP as criteria

for mastery. Minimum mastery level for a handicapped

student shall be 70% mastery of the essential elements

specified in the student's IEP.

Special Education teachers will distribute IEPs. They must be used for planning lessons.

PROGRESS REPORT: At the 3rd and 6th week’s points of the nine weeks grading periods, teachers are

required to send home a PROGRESS REPORT. Teachers should contact parents’ of students who do not

return the original signed copy.

Teachers should ALWAYS keep a copy of the report sent home in the student's classroom file.

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A copy of the Progress Report of Special Education students must be given to the Special Ed. Teacher

and Speech teacher (failing only).

REPORT CARDS: Report cards are sent home according to the district calendar. Each report card will be

placed in an envelope and sent home to be signed by the parent. The signed report card is to be

returned to the classroom teacher. The first report card will be distributed at a parent conference.

The "Comments” section is a vital part of the reporting process. Please note this section when

completing progress reports and report cards. This section applies to each reporting and grading period.

If, in any class or subject, a student receives a grade equal to or less than a 70, the grade notice shall be

sent. STATE THE NEED FOR A CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE TEACHER AND THE PARENT. Remember,

everyone likes to hear something positive about themselves. How powerful the written word is to a

child’s self esteem. Tutoring must be provided for students receiving a 75 or below in math or reading.

PROMOTION/RETENTION:

Rule: 1. The school shall not grant social promotions. Students shall be promoted only

based on academic achievement. A student will be promoted if he/she has

passing grades.

2. To be promoted from one grade level to the next, a student shall attain, for the

year, an overall average of 70 or above. The overall average shall be derived by

averaging the final numeric grade for language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. In

addition, a student shall attain and average of 70 (on grade level) or above in language arts and

in mathematics.

3. Retention will be considered for any student who is not reading/working at the

appropriate grade level for the end of the school year. A student portfolio shall be part of

his/her documentation and show evidence of what was done to help the student be successful.

Students MUST be referred through the RtI committee and parents MUST be notified if

retention is considered.

4. Students eligible for and receiving instruction through Southwest I.S.D. Special Education

Program are promoted to the next grade level according to their I.E.P. No student served by this

program may be retained without a Failure ARD meeting to determine specific reasons and

alternatives (student portfolio). If a special education student is failing, notify the special

education teacher immediately.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

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Grievances need to be addressed according to district policy.

GUM CHEWING

Gum chewing is not allowed. Please model this expectation. This is not a Discipline Referral offense.

HOMEWORK

Homework should be given as a reinforcement or practice of a concept already taught. Teachers should

grade homework. You should at the least check to be sure the student is practicing correctly. All

students should have reading homework every night. K-2 should not have more than 30-45 minutes of

homework, including reading for 20 minutes and 3-5 60 minutes.

INSURANCE AND INJURIES

STUDENT

The school takes every precaution necessary to prevent the injury of any student while at school. The

school, under the law, cannot assume responsibility for any injury resulting from accidents on the school

property or in the participation of any school activity. Through the school district, a major insurance

company makes available to each student an accident insurance policy. Students and faculty members

having no family coverage are urged to take out a policy. Insurance envelopes are sent home with the

children at the beginning of the school year. Each child is to return an insurance envelope marked YES

or NO and SIGNED by a parent. Teachers should encourage the student to immediately report any

illness or injury occurring during school hours. We will be unable to verify for insurance purposes that

an accident occurred at school if it has not been reported and/or recorded in the Nurse's Office. We

must keep a record of every accident and the circumstances surrounding it. In the event, an accident

has occurred at school, an accident report must be filled out immediately stating all particulars and type

of medical assistance provided. Teachers who are on duty when the accident occurs will need to sign the

report.

STAFF

Any employee injured on school property or in the participation of any school activity should notify the

office immediately. An Accident Report is to be completed as soon as possible, will be signed by the

principal, and forwarded to Central Office. It is extremely important that the school office have the

name and phone number of the individual that you would wish us to contact in case of emergency as

well as other pertinent information regarding your health, physician, and medical facility.

LESSON PLANS

Lesson plans will be written by each classroom teacher on a bi-weekly basis, using Forethought. TEKS

and STAAR objectives need to be included. Higher Order Activities need to be highlighted in yellow.

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Lesson Plans are due in Forethought every other Friday outlining lessons for the following 2 weeks.

Differentiated instruction for Bilingual (ESL time), Special Education and G/T students must be included.

Lesson Plans for August 26-Sept. 13 are due September 6th.

Substitute lesson plans (and materials) must be available in the classroom at all times. Your Team

Leader should know where they are located. Emergency sub plans will be turned in by grade level in a

binder and labeled ”EMERGENCY LESSON PLANS” and turned in to Mrs. Wilson.

LIBRARY

Library time is scheduled as a rotation of special classes. Each class will visit the library at least once a

week. Additional library time, if needed, will need to be scheduled with the Librarian. Books checked

out by students are their responsibility.

Please do not forget when a student withdraws from Sun Valley to have that child "clear the library". A

missing library book can hold up processing of a departing student.

LOUNGE/WORKROOM

These areas are used for eating or for working on classroom activities. Please keep the workroom clean.

Dispose of unwanted mail and paper in the trashcans.

Employees are asked to use discretion in discussing personnel, students, or personal problems in the

lounge/workroom areas. Remember to speak positively about staff & students.

Please keep these areas neat and clean by picking up after yourself. The refrigerator will be cleaned

out every Friday. Items such as catsup, dressing, salsa. etc., may remain. Other items will be discarded

by the custodian every Friday, including containers. Please label all personal items. Please be

considerate of others' personal food items.

Students are not allowed in the lounge or workroom. Snacks or drinks are not allowed to be

purchased as rewards for students.

MAILBOXES

Each faculty and staff member has been provided with a "mailbox". Please check the contents of your

mailbox upon arrival each morning, at lunch, and again before leaving in the afternoon. If there is an

emergency call the office will notify you immediately. Please do not send students to pick up your mail.

MEDICATION

All medications are to be dispensed to students from the Nurse's Office. STUDENTS ARE NOT

PERMITTED TO KEEP ANY TYPE OF MEDICATION IN THEIR LUNCHBOXES, DESKS, OR CLASSROOM. All

medication should be properly packaged, contain the child's name and have written instructions from

parents. This includes cough drops, Tylenol or aspirin, etc. The nurse has forms for parents to complete

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when sending medication to school. Reminders to students to take medication should be given

privately, respecting their right to confidentiality.

PARENT CONFERENCES

At the time of each, Parent Conference (or Phone Conference) complete a "Parent Conference Record".

(See Mrs. Gutierrez for a copy) Also, please tell the office staff when you are expecting a visitor so that

we can direct him/her to your room. In accordance with Title I, a parent conference is required each

semester. Telephone messages will be sent via email. We will tell parents that you will return calls

within 24 hours, either during your planning period, before or after school. We will not interrupt class

time for telephone calls or visiting parents. Please do not tell parents they can “call or visit any time”.

PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION

The purpose of the PTA is to promote the welfare of youth in home, school, and community. To

accomplish this, the PTA sponsors activities on campus during the school year such as: Open House in

the fall and spring, programs on subjects of timely interest, and other activities that benefit the

community, parents, teachers, and students at Sun Valley. Your active support is greatly encouraged

and appreciated.

PRC'S-STUDENT RECORDS

PRCs are kept in alphabetical order in the Office. Student records are not to be removed from the office

without signing for each record removed with Mr. Murchison. The following pertinent information

should be in the folder:

- home language survey (state law)

- language proficiency tests

- parent permission/denial letters (Bilingual Program)

- test results (TAKS, Standardized Tests)

- immunization information

- birth certificate information

- court orders

-attendance

-student's photo

-semester grades for each year

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At the end of each semester, the homeroom teacher is responsible for placing grades & attendance

information in the PRCs. Pictures should be added yearly. Teachers are responsible for checking the

PRCs each semester and notifying Ms. Rodriguez of any missing information. All students have PRCs.

PROFESSIONAL DECORUM

Be professional in your attitude, language, attire, and tone of voice.

1. Your attire should be a model for all students. Dresses and skirts should not be significantly above the knees. No shorts or tight or revealing clothing, (e.g.: bare midriffs, low-cut back or neckline, see-through materials, spaghetti straps, etc.) Capri pants are fine on Fridays. Jeans and staff shirts on Fridays are fine. Please cover tattoos.

2. No flip-flops. Tennis shoes will be allowed only during spirit day (Fridays) or when appropriate, (i.e. scheduled to go on a field trip).

3. If you want respect, you have to give it and model it. Tone of voice and comments set the tone for

your classroom. Please speak in a normal tone of voice and refrain from sarcastic, punitive, or "off-

color" remarks.

4. Please refrain from consuming beverages or food during instructional time unless all students are

participating in a lesson that includes the consumption of food items and/or drinks. (Water is the

exception)

PURCHASE ORDERS

Purchase order requests must be made as soon as possible. Items are to be purchased for use during

the current school year. NO checks will be issued. This year’s budget begins September 3. All funds

must be spent by December 20, 2013.

Turn in a completed Purchase Order Request Form to Mrs. Gutierrez. These forms are on the bookcase

in the office. The following information must be included:

1. Name, Address, and Telephone/Fax numbers of company

2. Your name should be placed under "School Requisition No."

3. Number of items required

4. Complete description to include order numbers and colors

5 Price of each item

6. Shipping cost

7. Total cost

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REGION XX SERVICE CENTER

Teachers may order items from Region XX. Delivery is on Mondays of each week. It is the teacher's

responsibility to check out and return them on time to the Region XX drop box located in the office.

Catalogs and order blanks are available from the librarian. Videos may be ordered on line. Other items

such as plants, fish, fertilized eggs, etc., may be ordered as well. We pay for the services offered by

Region XX - so please use it to benefit our students.

SCHOOL DAY HOURS

STUDENTS:

The school day begins at 8:00 AM. Breakfast is served from 7:15 AM-7:55 AM. Students will be allowed

on blacktop at 7:20 AM. Blazer Blast Off will begin at 7:55 AM. Check the calendar for your class’s

assignment for pledges. Walkers will be released at 3:25, Bus at 3:25, Pick-ups at 3:30. Dismissal Bell

rings at 3:30 PM. PLEASE let Ms. Gutierrez know if you have changed plans for after school activities

by 12:00.

TEACHERS WILL ALWAYS WALK THEIR STUDENTS INTO THE CLASSROOMS IN THE MORNING AND

WALK THEIR STUDENTS OUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, AS WELL AS TO/FROM ANY TYPE OF ACTIVITY

DURING THE DAY. You are expected to remain with your STUDENTS until all students leave. If all of

your students are not picked up by 3:45, please bring them to the office.

Please sign out when leaving campus. For emergency reasons, it is important that you indicate where

you are going.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

All professional development must be aligned with the CIP and District Goals and approved by the

principal. Forms must be completed at least two weeks before the occasion. And a description of the

session must accompany the form.

Once your request has been approved, you are responsible for calling for a substitute. Be sure to

indicate Staff Development as the reason for the absence, NOT Excused School Business. You are

expected to attend the entire session and complete the Professional Development form on line. You

may be asked to share your new learnings with the staff upon your return. If you need to cancel a

session at Region 20, you must make a copy of the Cancellation screen in the registration system and

submit it to Ms. Gutierrez.

STUDENT SIGN OUT

A sign-out sheet will be kept in the office for parents who pick up their children between 8:00 A.M. and

3:00 P.M. Teachers are not to release students to parents or any other adult without proper ID and

approval from the office.

19 Revised 8-20-13

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

Teachers need to provide detailed instructions, lesson plans and notes for substitutes. The substitute's

workday will be the same as other teachers: 7:30-4:00 PM. If you have duty, please be sure to include

this information for the substitute.

Have a substitute folder on file on your desk. This folder will contain emergency procedures, a seating

chart, schedule, names of helpers, location of special items and some extra time work for students.

Include information about students with special needs. (i.e. Resource times, Inclusion times)

Team Leaders are expected to "lend a hand" to substitutes throughout the day...especially getting

started in the morning.

SUPPLIES

Teachers will have an open supply closet. Please let Ms. Gutierrez know when we are low on supplies.

PLEASE do not take more than you need. There is plenty. We do not need to hoard. Paper will be kept

in the cabinet in the workroom.

TEACHER, CLASSROOM RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher to give information about their students to the

appropriate personnel (Mary can not participate in PE today; John will leave early today, etc.).

Teachers may keep students after school with prior written permission from parents. Please notify the

office. You must monitor any child you are keeping.

Any notes, newsletters, etc. that are sent home to parents need to have prior principal

approval if they affect the entire class. Communication that pertains only to a few students does

not need prior approval. Always use good judgment. In doubtful situations, it is better to check with

the principal. Keep a copy of everything you send home. An office copy of class communications is

necessary so that we can answer questions.

Teachers should never leave their students unattended. When a teacher must leave the classroom,

notify your neighboring teacher and have them keep an "ear open" and check on your students. If you

are leaving the classroom due to illness, notify the office via the intercom as well as your neighboring

teacher. Do not leave your students unattended to bring one student to the office for discipline,

telephone use or nurse.

TECHNOLOGY/REQUIRED COURSES

Any technology equipment checked out by a teacher, must be returned in the same condition,

otherwise, the teacher is responsible for replacement or repair. There are several on-line “courses” we

need to complete this year. The SWISD Employee Handbook, Ethnicity Survey (new staff), Sexual

20 Revised 8-20-13

Harassment and Blood Borne Pathogens Courses must be completed by August 23. Please give a copy

of your certificate showing completion to Mrs. Wilson.

TELEPHONE

A telephone for teacher use is located in the Teacher's Workroom. This telephone is to be used for contacting

parents and school business. Personal calls are to be kept to five (5) minutes or less. Please do not make long

distance calls without permission from an Administrator.

Remind family and friends that we cannot take you out of your class to answer a telephone call unless it

is an emergency. Messages will be left via email. Please return your telephone calls during your

conference, lunchtime, or after school. Teachers are to refrain from using cell phones during

instructional time. Unusual circumstances will occur when a cell phone may be necessary (a sick child

at home, expecting an urgent call from the doctor…), but this should not be the norm.

TEXTBOOKS

Every student will receive textbooks. Students must pay for a lost textbook before another text is

issued. WE WILL NOT ISSUE ANOTHER BOOK UNTIL THE LOST ONE (S) IS/ARE PAID FOR OR FOUND.

Do not switch books among grade level. Any unused books should be returned to the textbook

custodian. You are accountable for textbooks issued to you.

The textbook custodian or Mrs. Wilson will handle book requests before or after school. Requests

should be in writing on the Textbook Request Form.

ALL TEXTBOOKS ARE NUMBERED. STUDENTS' NAMES AND CLASSROOM NUMBERS MUST BE WRITTEN

ON THE INSIDE COVER OF EACH BOOK, IN INK. It is the teacher's responsibility to maintain an up-to-

date accounting of their class sets as well as books issued to students. Book numbers are to be listed for

each child and kept by the teacher.

If a student withdraws from school, please pick up the textbooks and indicate, with your initials,

"textbooks cleared" on the withdrawal form.

TOYS AT SCHOOL

Toys are NOT to be brought to school. If a student has a toy, pick it up, tag the item (name of owner and

date) and lock it up until it is claimed at the end of the day or year.

If there is a learning activity, which you have written into your lesson plans that involve toys, then the

toys, may be brought to school for that purpose. (Notify the office and the parents in writing before the

activity) The school is not responsible for any loss or damage to these items.

Tape Recorders, Video Recorders, Cell Telephones, Pagers and Radios are not allowed at school without

administrative approval. Electronic devices are to be turned off during instructional time unless the

device is part of the learning activity. Cell phones are to be picked up and sent to the office. The first

21 Revised 8-20-13

time a parent will be asked to retrieve it. The subsequent times there will be a $10.00 fee. Let your

parents know.

TUTORIALS

All students in first through fifth grades who are scoring below 75 or are in jeopardy of scoring below 75

in Language Arts, Math, Science, or Social Studies or who failed STAAR will receive tutorial services. It is

the responsibility of each teacher to provide tutorial services to students in need of special help.

All students, regardless of other special programs, are eligible to receive tutorial assistance.

VIDEOS

Videos can be a great tool for enhancing student learning. Videos are to be used for instructional

purposes and written in lesson plans. In accordance with copyright policy, films brought in from home

must be approved by the administration at least two (2) weeks in advance.

VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS

To ensure building security and safety for students and staff, all visitors must sign in at the office. They

will be asked to wear a badge. If you see anyone on campus without a badge, please remind him/her to

sign in through the office. If you are uncertain of the situation contact the office immediately.

WORK REQUESTS

Notify Ms. Gutierrez of any requests for work/repairs. Equipment repair forms are on the shelf in the

office. Please complete the form and give it to Ms. Gutierrez, as well.

CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARD PROCEDURES

FOR TEXAS EDUCATORS

_______________________________________________________________________

The Texas educator should strive to create an atmosphere that will nurture to fulfillment the potential

of each student.

22 Revised 8-20-13

The educator is responsible for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional

colleagues, parents, and the community.

The Code is intended to govern the profession, and interpretations of the Code shall determined by the

Professional Practices Commission.

The educator who conducts his affairs with conscientious concern will exemplify the highest standards

of professional commitment.

__________________________________________________________________________________

PRINCIPAL I

Professional Ethical Conduct

The Texas educator should endeavor to maintain the dignity of the profession by respecting and obeying

the law, demonstrating personal integrity, and exemplifying honesty.

STANDARDS

1. The educator shall not intentionally misrepresent official policies of his school district or educational

organization and shall clearly distinguish those views from his personal attitudes and opinions.

2. The educator shall honestly account for all funds committed to his charge and shall conduct his

financial business with integrity.

3. The educator shall not use institutional or professional privileges for personal or partisan advantage.

________________________________________________________________________________

PRINCIPLE II

Professional Practices and Performance

23 Revised 8-20-13

The Texas educator, after qualifying in a manner established by law or regulations, shall assume

responsibilities for professional teaching practices and professional performance and shall continually

strive to demonstrate competence.

STANDARDS

1. The educator shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or a responsibility on the basis of

professional qualifications and shall adhere to the terms of a contract or appointment.

2. The educator shall possess mental health, physical stamina, and social prudence necessary to

perform

the duties of his professional assignment.

3. The educator shall organize instruction that seeks to accomplish objectives related to learning.

4. the educator shall continue professional growth.

5. The educator shall comply with written local school board policies, Texas Education Agency

regulations, and applicable state laws.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

PRINCIPLE III

Ethical Conduct Toward Professional Colleagues

The Texas educator, in exemplifying ethical relations with colleagues, shall accord just and equitable

treatment to all members of the profession.

STANDARDS

24 Revised 8-20-13

1. The educator shall not reveal confidential information concerning colleagues unless disclosure serves

professional purposes or is required by law.

2. The educator shall not willfully make false statements about a colleague or the school system.

3. The educator shall adhere to written local school board policies and legal; statutes

regarding dismissal.

________________________________________________________________________

PRINCIPLE IV

Ethical Conduct Toward Students

The Texas educator, in accepting a position of public trust, should measure success by the progress of

each student toward realization of his potential as an effective citizen.

STANDARDS

1. The educator shall deal considerately and justly with each student and shall seek to resolve problems

including discipline according to law and school board policy.

2. The educator shall not intentionally expose the student to disparagement.

3. The educator shall not reveal confidential information concerning students unless

disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.

4. The educator shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions

detrimental to learning, or health, or safety.

5. The educator shall endeavor to present facts without distortions.

_________________________________________________________________________________

PRINCIPLE V

Ethical Conduct Toward Parents and Community

25 Revised 8-20-13

The Texas educator, is fulfilling citizenship responsibilities in the community, should cooperate with

parents and others to improve the public school of the community.

STANDARDS

1. The educator shall not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political and citizenship rights and

responsibilities.

2. The educator shall make reasonable effort to communicate to parents, information which should be

revealed in the interest of the student.

3. The educator shall endeavor to understand community cultures and relate the home environment of

students to the school.

4. The educator shall manifest a positive role in school public relations.

26 Revised 8-20-13

I have received the Sun Valley Staff Handbook on _____________________ and have reviewed

and understand the contents.

_________________________________ _________________________

Signature Date