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FACULTYHANDBOOK

2016-2017

Saint Gabriel Catholic School2170 E. Maule Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

(702) 487-9695

INTRODUCTIONThis handbook includes expected procedures and guidelines for the function of our school. These policies must become part of our personal philosophy and serve as a consistent foundation on which our success will be based. All teachers must observe school policies with fidelity and dedication.

The operation of our school greatly depends on adhering to the procedures as they are written. Personal interpretation, or selective adherence to the following will bring confusion and inconsistency to our school.

Personal spirituality dictates that all staff maintain full communion with the Catholic Church Sacraments and in particular with regards to marriage.

May God enlighten our minds and may the Holy Spirit increase our dedication and service to the children of God.

Teachers and Principals who are “under contract” to Saint Gabriel Catholic School are to consider this handbook an extension of the Teacher Employment Agreement. Accordingly, you are obligated to uphold the contents herein.

All terms and references within the handbook referencing “at-will” employment are applicable to “under contract” employment as well.

Saint Gabriel Catholic School reserves the right to unilaterally change the policies contained in the handbook at any time, to cancel any policy, or to decline to apply any particular policy to a given situation if in its discretion to do so would best serve the interests of Saint Gabriel Catholic School.

ABSENCE, TEACHERIn the case of accident or illness, a teacher is expected to contact one of the substitutes from the substitute list available in Renweb and notify the school Administrative Assistant or Principal as soon as possible to advise that you will not be present and who your substitute will be. If a teacher is out on sick leave, they should call sometime during that day to let the school know that they will not be able to return the next day and who will be filling in for them. If you should need to leave early during the school day, please contact the Principal to make arrangements to have your class covered and also to advise what your lesson plans and materials will be by the start of the school day. All staff: please turn in a leave slip upon your return from being out.

Teachers are to have emergency lesson plans complete with instructional resources on file in the office at all times. Whenever possible and prior to absences, teachers are to prepare lessons and instructional resources prior to their absence which will allow substitute teachers to maintain curriculum continuity for their students.

In the event of long-term absences or scheduled leaves of absence, teachers are responsible for coordinating lesson planning with their substitute teachers to maintain continuity of curriculum

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and to ensure consistency between grade level classes. (Please also refer to SUBSTITUTE PACKETS in this manual.)

AFTER-SCHOOL FACULTY MEETINGSMeetings are scheduled when necessary to review and discuss school-related activities, evaluate curriculum, and provide staff development. A teacher who is hosting the meeting in his/her classroom is to develop a prayer or brief prayer service. Grade level meetings will be scheduled as needed. All teachers are required to attend these meetings promptly. Aides are also encouraged to attend. If attendance at a meeting is impossible, a notice must be given to the principal prior to the meeting.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIESTeachers sponsoring after-school activities should have their rooms open and be prepared to receive students at 3:00p.m. as they are dismissed from their regular classes. Students attending after-school activities should be released to the appropriate classroom before taking students out for pick up. For their own safety and accountability, students are not to be left to wander about inside the campus.

AIDS POLICYFrom AIDS Information Guide for Educators, by Reverend Gerald D. Coleman, adopted by the Saint Gabriel Catholic School:

“Decisions regarding the type of educational and care setting for HTLV-III infected students should be based on behavior, neurological development, and physical condition of the student and the expected type of interaction with others in that setting. These decisions are best made using the team approach including the student’s physician, public health personnel, the student’s parents or legal guardians and school personnel. For most infected school-age students, the benefits of unrestricted setting would outweigh the risks of their acquiring potentially harmful infections in the setting and the apparent nonexistent risk of transmission of HTLV-III in the school setting. The students should be allowed to attend school in an unrestricted setting.”

“For the infected pre-school-age child and for some neurologically handicapped students who lack control of their bodily secretions or who display abnormal behavior, such as biting, and those students who have un-coverable, oozing lesions, a more restricted environment is advisable until more is known about transmission in those settings.”

ATTENDANCE, StudentsAt the beginning of the year each teacher is provided with an attendance/electronic grade book in which permanent attendance records are to be kept. Attendance records are to be kept up-to-date on a daily basis. Attendance is to be reported to the office by 8:30am each day to inform the office staff of any absences, which are necessary to report in the event of emergencies, drills (i.e. fire drills, shelter-in-place drills). We are aware this is sometimes difficult on Mass days; you can send your attendance before Mass, and then do a second attendance once you return from Mass notifying the office that you are doing a second attendance. Administration will be notified of attendance that is consistently sent late to the office.


Students who have been absent are to present written excuses to their homeroom teacher and/or administration via hard copy or email on or before their return. These notes are to be kept in the student’s administrative file for the school year.

PLEASE NOTE:The SGCS Parent/Student Handbook specifies that a student cannot be absent more than 20 days in one school year. On or before the student’s return to school, all students must have a written note of excuse sent either hard copy or via email, explaining absences and signed by the parent.

ATTENDANCE, Faculty & StaffConsistent attendance of all employees is critical to the overall success of our operation. Consequently, employees are expected to keep regular attendance, be on time, and work as scheduled.

Except when leaves are protected by law, employees are subject to disciplinary action for absences which negatively impact their work performance and/or Saint Gabriel Catholic School’s ability to serve its students.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONSOur children should be taught proper behavior that is noteworthy of students attending a Catholic school. Teachers must demand proper behavior. Our primary and intermediate programs will have high standards for proper behavior; we will expect nothing less. Improper behavior will not be tolerated and will result in immediate and consistent disciplinary measures.

Each classroom teacher will have a set of rules, rewards and consequences that will be applied during the school year. Students who do not follow the rules will be provided with the following consequence:

1. Any student not following school or classroom rules may receive teacher designed consequences and/or after school detention.

2. Any student who fails to improve may receive an after school detention and or office referral.

3. A parent, teacher, and student conference may be held.

Conduct grades will reflect true behavior and our standards of excellence. Our children will always show the proper respect for all persons, especially adults. When talking with adults, our students will always speak politely and with complete respect.

BENEFITSSaint Gabriel Catholic School desires to provide medical, dental, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees. Generally, employees are eligible for the school’s benefits if they are regular full-time or part-time employees upon date of hire with Saint Gabriel Catholic School. Per diem employees, including temporary employees, are not eligible to participate in school-sponsored benefits, except for those legislated benefits that are required by law and that cannot be waived. It is important to note that independent contractors, outside company employees and leased employees who are on the payroll of another entity or organization and are assigned to work on a


temporary indefinite basis with Saint Gabriel Catholic School are not eligible for any school-sponsored benefits, regardless of whether they are or are not common law employees of Saint Gabriel Catholic School.

While it is Saint Gabriel Catholic School’s present intention to obtain and continue these benefits, Saint Gabriel Catholic School reserves the right to modify, reduce or eliminate any benefits, in whole or in part, either with or without notice. Neither the benefit programs nor their descriptions are intended to create any guarantees regarding employment or continued employment. As noted in other sections of this handbook, employment relationships are for an indefinite term and are terminable at will, either at the option of the employee or the employer.

Detailed information about the benefits provided by Saint Gabriel Catholic School is/will be provided in the official plan documents and insurance policies that govern the plans, which will be provided separately.

In accordance with the requirements of the federal health insurance law (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, known as COBRA), employees and their family members may be eligible to continue participation in Saint Gabriel Catholic School group health insurance program following certain “qualifying events.” These events include an employee’s termination (other than due to “gross misconduct”), resignation, reduction in hours, divorce, legal separation, death, Medicare entitlement, and certain other events. Where the right to continue coverage arises, coverage may be continued at special rates authorized by COBRA. Details regarding COBRA rules are presented to employees when they begin participation in Saint Gabriel Catholic School group health plan and, again, when they experience a qualifying event that triggers the right to continue participation in the group health plan.

Another federal law, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”), allows certain individuals to transition from one job to another without being excluded from coverage under a new employer’s health insurance plan. Saint Gabriel Catholic School complies with its obligations under the HIPAA and recognizes coverage that a new employee had under a prior employer’s group health plan to the extent required by law.

BULLETIN BOARDSTeachers must maintain bulletin boards. They may reflect student work, but students are not permitted to work on them. Core Knowledge bulletin boards in the hall must show student work. No teacher generated or commercial posters are to be affixed to the Core Knowledge Bulletin Boards. Each class will have one (1) bulletin board with a religious theme. Bulletin boards must be changed each month. Thumbtacks or pushpins are only to be used on bulletin boards. All classroom decorations and bulletin boards should be bright and cheerful. Nothing is to be affixed to painted walls or surfaces using nails, tape, push pins, or thumb tacks of any kind. The use of poster putty is preferred.

BUDGETINGTeachers are responsible for assisting with budget preparations regarding basic and supplementary materials each year. Catalogs for all subjects and supplies will be on file in the staff lounge or school office. Prepared forms will be given to each teacher for inventorying and


placing book and supply order for the next school year. Planning ahead is of utmost importance to ensure proper resources are on hand for instruction when they are needed and must be received by the deadlines outlined in your Mid/End of Year checkout instructions. The principal must authorize all purchases. NO purchases may be made without prior administrative approval. Please send your written requests to the administrative assistant, who will forward to the principal. If you purchase something and expect reimbursement, you must have prior written approval or you will not be reimbursed. This extends to all personnel associated with the school to include staff, advisors, coaches, volunteers, and parents.

CALENDARSPlease refer to our school calendars (monthly and annual) for all special events as well as the dates to send home Progress Reports and Report Cards. A calendar is also prepared for assigned duties. All teachers will be assigned duties on an equitable basis in order to provide supervision of our students.

CASH COLLECTIONS/DEPOSITSPlease instruct your students that all forms/payments must be returned to their homeroom teachers. Please include this information on any forms that you are sending home with your students.

Cash count sheets are available in the Faculty Handbook Forms Packet and in the teacher’s lounge. Please use these forms when submitting monies to the office for all dances, field trips, fund raising, sports activities, etc. You can use a 9 x12 envelope with your class list stapled to the front of it to check off each student who have returned forms, monies, etc.

Collections of money not connected with “whole school” activities must be cleared with the principal before discussion with the children (presents, projects, field trip money, etc.). Any money collected must be turned in to the office by 1:30pm for deposit each day.

**If you are concerned about keeping money in your classrooms, it can be placed in the office safe each night, but it must be contained in a sealed/signed envelope identifying the class/grade.

CATECHIST CERTIFICATIONIt is expected that all classroom teachers at Saint Gabriel Catholic School seek certification as a catechist. Information on this program is available in the school office. This is not an optional requirement for teachers who must teach Religion.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A CATHOLIC SCHOOLOur primary and intermediate programs are the most crucial part of our student’s development and preparation for the middle school program. Realizing this responsibility, our school will always prepare students to do their very best in the educational process. Our programs must be carefully planned, organized, and consistent, displaying only the highest of standards and expectations for student achievement and behavior. We will always strive to bring the best Catholic, academic education and environment to our students. Teasing, hazing, and harassment/bullying will not be tolerated and must be dealt with in a firm/kind manner.


Teachers will counsel students and conduct will be reported to the office on the appropriate Discipline Notice Form.

Appropriate behavior must be coached and feedback to correct behavior is important. When negative consequences for inappropriate behavior are warranted, they must be logical and consistent with the infraction. Parent conferences will be a part of corrective and disciplinary measures. Teacher/student/parent relationships will be characterized with the highest respect.

Our teachers will act as professional educators at all times. Again, students will always show the proper respect for all persons, especially adults.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIESEach teacher must request permission from administration and notify the office of classroom events/activities, parties, field trips, movies, etc. before any arrangements are set. The principal must approve all notices going home. A complete itinerary of all activities must be submitted to administration at least one week prior to the activity. Required requests for facility use, setup, and special needs must be submitted in advance. Activities including parents must be discussed and approved prior to any discussion with students or parents. All activities must be coordinated with other affected staff members.

Only G-rated full-length movies are permissible in our classrooms for celebrations/rewards – NO EXCEPTIONS! Videos must be tied to lessons or instructions. Any/all extra-curricular activities must have complete organization and the foundation and schedule of events must be approved by the office.

Plays/Performances-parent accessYou will need to email the principal’s office for approval. This is not to discourage having special events, but rather to enable us to calendar them for planning on conflict resolution and schedule adequate space.

When you are preparing your calendar of events, activities, games, etc., a copy must be emailed to the administrative assistant, so we are aware of what your class is doing. You should also post your event schedule on your homepage on our website.

Please do not ask parents to drop off food, supplies or other materials at the office. We have no storage or refrigeration for food and little room for other items in the office.

It is very difficult to manage large numbers of parents trying to come into the school before an activity, and also to accommodate them when they are trying to leave early after an activity. There are not to be performances for parents in the classroom during school hours unless the general parent population is in the school for a school activity.

Also, you may wish to schedule either a single performance for appropriate grade levels or two performances for school-wide attendance since there is limited room.


Parent or other volunteers should be working with your students in the hall and not inside the school areas. Inform parents that they should pick up their children after school at the field as usual, or prepare a school sign out sheet to account for those parents taking their children directly after a performance. You can turn the sheet in to the office the next day.

Class celebrations for special occasions are allowed only with administrative approval. These will be kept to a minimum and held at the end of the school day. An all-school field day will be scheduled for the end of the school year.

CLASSROOM FILESTeachers are to maintain classroom files for all students. These files are to be used to collect all correspondence, notes, and any other documentation that may be transferred to the permanent file at the end of the school year (including standardized tests, and discipline referrals). A copy of the Unsatisfactory Progress Report must be sent to administration (dates are outlined on the report dates sheet) and Report Cards will be filed in the Official file (school office). Report cards should be sent to the office for filing no later than 2 weeks after each trimester. Please note: minor notes, such as excuses, will not be placed in the permanent file. Due care will be taken to protect the confidentiality of student files.

CLASSROOM EQUIPMENTEach teacher is to integrate the use of computer, visual and audio aides (Benq Projector, Apple TV, document cameras, and iPads), manipulatives, and etc. into their lessons. Taking notes reinforces students reading, organizational, and penmanship skills. In addition, student technology time should be utilized often as added reinforcement. At the end of each school year, an inventory of all furniture, books, and other materials/manuals/equipment/software/etc. will be taken and filed in the school office.

Please note, work sheets can be one method for reinforcing skills and providing skill practice, however, Maarzano’s 9 High Yield Strategies and Spencer Kagan’s Cooperative Learning Structures should be used to increase students’ authentic engagement in classroom instruction.

COMMUNICATIONSNo communications of a general nature such as agendas, schedules, flyers, etc. are to be sent home without administration approval. Personal communications between individuals are exempt from this practice.

COMPLAINTSOur school policy for all types of parent complaints is as follows:

1. Parents must contact the teacher directly by phone/note/email or in person.2. Parents must first schedule a conference with the teacher. Administration and the

student involved may also be invited to attend.3. Parents can then schedule a conference with the principal. At times it may be

appropriate for the parents, teacher, and principal to conference together.4. The principal and teacher will then meet to discuss all matters.5. Resolutions will then be discussed with all parties.


Our staff must always support one another. All complaints regarding our colleagues will be directly referred to administration. Teachers must not allow or participate in any complaints against a colleague, unless directed by administration during an investigatory process.

CONFERENCES, PARENTConferences with parents are an ideal opportunity to exhibit your professionalism, the philosophy of the school, and most importantly, to express your true concern for their students. Keeping this in mind, there are some important factors to remember when having a conference with a parent.

1. Always be on time for a conference. Be prepared.2. Greet the parents with a warm smile and invite them to your classroom.3. Control the conference by expressing positive qualities about the student.4. Express behavior concerns/problems as serious, and state them as areas needing

improvement/areas to work on.5. Never be defensive or argumentative. Keep the conference focused on the child.6. End the conference on a good note or delay continuing the conference until

tempers have cooled down.7. Always report serious conferences/concerns to the principal.8. Document everything – not only during the conference but as events occur

throughout the school year.

Annual parent/teacher conferences are held in the fall.

Please use forms/planning sheets provided in the FORMS PACKET at the back of this manual or those provided by the office.

CONFIDENTIALITYThere are many confidential matters in the school. Teachers should never discuss a student with any other parent other than that student’s parents. A teacher never discusses another staff member with a parent. It is important to remember that loyalty to each other and the school helps to protect one another and maintain faculty and staff community. It is unethical and unprofessional to violate ones’ confidentiality or share unwarranted comments/rumors or gossip about your colleagues. Please refer to the SGCS Educator Professional Code of Ethics and the SGCS Confidentiality Agreement located in the Faculty Forms Packet.

Home phone numbers of students and faculty are not to be given out to students or parents unless they have agreed to do so on a school approved form that will be retained in the office.

CURRICULUMIt is required that all instructors faithfully teach using the textbooks provided by our School and Parish. Other texts may be used as a supplement; however, the teacher must provide instruction and administer testing based upon the texts provided and the materials in use for instruction.


The Core Knowledge curriculum is the adopted curriculum for SGCS along with the Loyola Press Religion series. We must carefully follow the curriculum at all times and structure in accordance with the year-long plans for each grade level. Year-long plans must be followed in the preparation of lesson plans.

School time allotments must be strictly adhered to in setting up and maintaining a classroom schedule of instruction. Accordingly, there is no extra time for study halls, free time, etc. Please file your classroom schedule in the principal’s office by the end of the first week of school. Each teacher should have his/her schedule posted in the classroom and on your website during the entire school year. Adjustments may be made whenever necessary.

A successful school year can easily be accomplished if each of us carefully follows our handbook and school rules. Consistency is the key to a successful program in any institution, but most importantly in education. Consistency in our school curriculum is vital for the continuation of knowledge and proper behavior. Students should be able to advance in each grade, being perfectly adjusted to the next instructor, providing that teacher has been faithful to this idea of consistency.

DISCIPLINEDiscipline is to be considered an aspect of moral guidance. It is not a form of punishment. The purpose of discipline is to promote genuine student self-development, to increase respect for duly constituted authority and to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning. SGCS is a Catholic school and the conduct for the children must conform to our Catholic philosophy. Respect for others and self is basic.

One of the most important facets of education involves the learning of an inner discipline and the wise use of freedom. At all stages of their development, young people need to experience both freedom and control. We attempt to help the students develop the kind of discipline that will enable them to grow into responsible persons.

When behavioral problems become evident, the students, the school staff and the parents must work together to develop plans for improving behavior. Parents expect our teachers to be firm and provide the needed discipline. A student’s eligibility for continued enrollment at SGCS shall be reviewed if parents/guardians are not supportive of attempts made to work with the student on behavioral or emotional problems, or if the student makes no attempt to improve his/her behavior.

Teachers are to be familiar with the discipline code defined in the SGCS Parent and Student Handbook. Also, they are to familiarize their students with the school and classroom rules as well as the Parent and Student Handbook during the first few days of school. Consequences for inappropriate behavior are also to be explained. Disciplining members of the student body is the collective responsibility of all staff members. We are directly accountable for student behavior.

Disciplinary action shall be taken when, in the judgment of the teacher, little or no improvement has been made by a student regarding an attitude or behavior. Parents’ efforts to work with the teachers are essential. Lack of parent support for school policies, rules and regulations is


sufficient reason for not accepting a child’s registration for the following year. The school reserves the right to refuse to accept a registration/re-enrollment.

Teachers are expected to have complete control of their classes at all times. Students who talk out of turn and without permission do not display acceptable behavior. All corrections of student behavior are to be done in a positive and professional manner. Shouting at students is not acceptable.

Never punish a student without explaining what the student did that merits punishment and allowing the student some opportunity to explain the behavior. When disciplinary measures are taken (i.e. withholding recess, issuing detentions, etc.) the parent is to be informed. Specials classes may not be withheld as a form of discipline. Please do not expect lunch staff/personnel to oversee discipline consequences for your students. Remember always to “praise in public and reprimand in private”.

All teachers in Grades K through 8 must consistently use the Discipline Notice Forms when sending a student to the office for discipline purposes. Students should never be sent to the office for disciplinary reasons unless it is a serious offense.

Each teacher is responsible for the knowledge and contents of and must have a copy of the Parent-Student Handbook which details expected behavior, reasons for suspension/expulsion, and uniform policies.

DISCIPLINE CODEEach teacher will display and review Classroom Rules with students and provide a copy of these rules to each student’s parents at the beginning of the school year. Proper student discipline/ behavior is a core requirement for a quality, Catholic education. Appropriate discipline techniques must always be used consistently.

Students who knowingly and willfully disrupt the educational process, break established school and teacher rules, fail to do schoolwork, and/or violate the rights of others will be subject to 1) detention, 2) loss of privileges, 3) conduct referrals, 4) in-school suspensions, 5) out-of-school suspensions, and/or 6) expulsion, depending upon the severity of the infraction.

All Discipline Notice Forms are written by faculty/support staff members. Notices are then sent to parents to alert them about some problem that occurred at school. Parents will be notified by the issuing staff member on the date of issuance when detentions are warranted, and they are to be served as immediately as possible. Detentions will be of the length determined appropriate by the teacher/support staff with approval of administration; however, in most cases, the approximate time will be 45 minutes served between 3:00 and 4:00pm on Wednesdays. It is emphasized that detentions are not served at the convenience of the student, but on the date assigned. Students are not excused from serving detention time after school because of the inconvenience entailed; the family must provide alternative transportation.

If needed, teachers may also elect to withhold privileges (celebrations, programs, field trips, recess, etc.) with approval by administration, as disciplinary techniques. At the discretion of the


teacher, disciplinary action may also be taken if the student fails to comply with academic requirements. Additionally, these failures will be reflected in progress reports, and/or on the next report card.

Also, students may be suspended and/or expelled for serious misconduct, including, but not limited to, fighting, stealing, cheating, violation of the computer Acceptable Use Policy, possession/usage of drugs and/or alcohol, disrespect to staff, gang involvement, vandalism, aggressive behavior, swearing, vulgarity, insolence, possession of contraband/dangerous items, weapons, plagiarism, bullying, harassment, etc.

Variations of the Red Light/Green Light or Check Mark System are utilized in Kindergarten through Grade 2.

If a student is not wearing his/her complete uniform, teachers will need to send home a Uniform Violation Notice. A warning notice is acceptable for a first time offense. Teachers are responsible for tracking violations throughout the year.

Other accepted forms of classroom management and discipline will be consistently used by all teachers for students in Kindergarten through Eighth.

Each teacher will explain to the parents and their children his/her expectations. In addition, a written explanation will be given to parents at open house.

SUSPENSION/EXPULSIONStudents may be suspended and/or expelled for serious misconduct, including, but not limited to, fighting, stealing, cheating, bullying, harassment, violation of the computer Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), pornography, possession/usage of drugs and/or alcohol, disrespect to staff, gang involvement, vandalism, aggressive behavior, threats to harm others, swearing, vulgarity, insolence, possession of contraband/dangerous items, possession of guns, knives, look-alike weapons or drug substances, laser-point pens, etc.

The administration, in concert with the Pastor, has discretion and authority to suspend or expel a student. SEE PARENT & STUDENT HANDBOOK.

EARLY DISMISSALSParents are instructed to call or e-mail the office first thing in the morning to notify the staff of their child’s early dismissal. The office in turn will e-mail the teachers advising them of such. Some parents send a note directly to the teacher, and unfortunately, the office does not always get copied in by the parent or notified by the teacher that a student is leaving early, which can be difficult on the office staff, (i.e. locating the child; lunch time, specials, p.e., opening up classrooms for the child to get their books and backpacks, etc.). If you receive notice that a student will be leaving early, please inform the office.

Since the school is responsible for the child during the entire school day, if a child must leave school for reason of illness or appointments, the parent or other authorized person will be contacted and must report to the office to sign the child out. A written note for early dismissal


must accompany the child on the day prior to the day of the appointment. The homeroom teacher will be notified by the office of the student’s impending departure. In the event the teacher receives the note, it will be forwarded to the office so they are aware of the student’s impending departure.

Teachers must refer to the Parent/Student Handbook for further clarification and information regarding this subject.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES - Fire, Earthquake, Tornado, Lockdown

Refer to Crisis Management Plan for details.

TEACHERS ARE TO THOROUGHLY FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE SGCS CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN, KEEP IT IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES AND ADHERE OT THE PROCEDURES CONTAINED THEREIN IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY OR DRILL UNLESS SPECIFICALLY DIRECTED TO DO OTHERWISE BY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION OR OTHER AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY PERSONNEL OR AGENCIES!

FIELD TRIPSField trips allow teaching and learning to extend beyond the classroom. Because they help the teacher relate the theory of the classroom to the practice of life itself, they should be planned in relation to or as an outgrowth of class work. Field trips are predicated on the notion that activities that the student can experience only vicariously in the classroom find fruition in the real and the actual. There is no expectation that there will be one or more field trips for classes each year or that every class/grade will be taking trips. Field trips must be tied to curriculum. Teachers are responsible for arranging transportation for field trips and for collecting permission slips and funds associated with the trip. Upon collecting all permission slips, the teacher will make copies for the school office. (A How-To and Field Trip permission forms can be found in the shared teacher drive and in the wall pocket in the Staff Lounge.)

Field Trip Checklist1. Request permission from the principal at least four weeks prior to the event and give cost.2. Be sure a carrier is contracted to provide bus service, if needed.3. Collect necessary fees at least two weeks in advance but not more than 3 weeks ahead,

however. Be sure the principal is made aware of the specific checks you need for the cost of the trip.

4. Use the attached Field Trip Forms. These forms must be forwarded to the Office one week in advance.

5. Make arrangements for chaperones and with authorities at place of destination.6. Make sure chaperones are aware of their duties. (They are there for student safety, not to

be entertained.) Put these duties in writing. All volunteers/chaperones must have complied with all Volunteer requirements (ie. Federal/State background check, Virtus training, etc.) and be pre-approved prior to participation.

7. Chaperones may never consume alcohol on school-sponsored trips.


8. Arouse student interest in the projected trip well in advance (by class talk, photos, bulletin boards, etc.). Make clear to students the purpose(s) of the trip.

9. Set up with students standards for safety and behavior. Review the following:- Obey the driver at all times- Board in a straight line- No pushing, shoving, or fighting; keep hands and feet to yourself- No yelling or bad language- No standing while vehicle is in motion- No hands or objects out the window- No destruction of property

10. No food or drinks in transport vehicles.11. No inappropriate conduct.12. Before departure make certain a copy of each child’s permission slip and medical

information form is available in each vehicle.13. A complete itinerary of fieldtrip activities must be filed with the office 2 days prior to

travel. 14. Medical permission forms must accompany all students on the trip.

GRADESDate for progress reporting and report cards are outlined on the school calendar. Teachers will follow the grading scale published in the Parent/Student Handbook and on the school report card format. Grades will be maintained, reported electronically to the office when required, and posted to the student information system (SIS) on the established timelines. Handwritten submittals are unacceptable unless agreed to in advance by the administrative personnel processing the report cards and progress reports. Once your grades are sent to the SIS and they are imported on the designated date and time, no corrections will be accepted without notifying the Administrative Assistant. A decision to re-print reports will be determined by the Principal/Administrative Assistant. Your final report card grades should not be made available electronically to parents.

GUESTS/SPEAKERSGuest speakers are strongly encouraged in order to reinforce or enrich instruction. Guest lectures must be tied to curriculum areas and be presented in a manner easily attended by the grade level of students. Please notify guests that they must report to the school office. Always remember to make a “thank you” card from your class after the visit.

HANDI HELPERSStudents must see Saint Gabriel Catholic School as their “school-home”. Each teacher may assign students, on a rotating basis, to help keep the classroom clean and organized, i.e. wash white boards, clean lunch tables, etc. Our classrooms must be left clean at all times. Teachers’ personal areas are to be models of organization and cleanliness.

HARASSMENT POLICY AND REPORTING PROCEDURESaint Gabriel Catholic School is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment, which includes harassment based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status,


gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Saint Gabriel Catholic School also strongly disapproves of, and will not tolerate, harassment of its employees by any person with whom Saint Gabriel Catholic School employees have a business, service or professional relationship (such as vendors).

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome verbal, physical, and/or visual conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile working environment or that interferes with work performance. Such conduct may constitute harassment when:

- submission to the conduct is made either an explicit or an implicit condition of employment;

- submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for an employment decision; and/or,

- it interferes with an employee’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Examples of potentially harassing conduct include, but are not limited to, lewd, vulgar or obscene remarks, jokes, posters or cartoons based on sex, race, religion, disability, national origin or other protected category, unwelcome touching, pinching or other physical contact, and other offensive conduct.

Corrective disciplinary action, in and of itself, does not constitute harassment.

Intentionally false charges of harassment is strictly prohibited.

PROCEDUREAny incident of harassment should be reported promptly to the Principal or Pastor. Any management employee who receives a complaint or who observes harassing conduct shall promptly inform the appropriate member of management. An employee is not required to complain first to his or her supervisor, particularly if that individual is the person the employee feels is harassing him or her.

All complaints of harassment will be investigated. If, after conducting an investigation, inappropriate conduct is established, appropriate corrective action up to and including termination of employment will be taken. Saint Gabriel Catholic School will not tolerate retaliation for opposing harassment or for participating in investigations of harassment.

Our internal policy should be used to resolve any complaints of harassment within Saint Gabriel Catholic School. If for some reason you are not comfortable with the investigative process, please let us know. You also have the right to file a complaint with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (within 30 days). The agency will act as a neutral fact finder and assist the parties to voluntarily resolve the dispute. If the agency finds evidence of harassment, the issue may proceed to a hearing or trial. If the employer is found liable for harassment, one or more of the following remedies can be ordered: the payment of fines including back pay or emotional distress, reinstatement of the individual, or an order for the employer to change its policies and procedures.


HOMEWORK POLICYThe assignment of homework is teacher discretionary in terms of quantity. As a general rule, students will be assigned an appropriate amount of homework each day and may also be assigned work to be completed over weekends. Homework is designed to provide reinforcement of classroom instruction, provide practice, and help students to develop skills in research, planning, and presentation of information and facts.

Recommended amount of time to be spent on homework:Kindergarten, 1 and 2: Approximately one-half hour (K-1, this includes nightly reading time)Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6: Approximately one hourGrades 7 and 8: Not to exceed two hours

The above times are not inclusive of class work not completed during the day and are sent home to be completed.

Long-range research assignments/projects should be carefully time-planned so as to avoid last minute rush efforts.

Homework or project work over vacation periods is discouraged. Those periods are scheduled to celebrate and provide for rest and rejuvenation for all concerned.

We urge all parents to take an active interest in the child’s homework. It is the responsibility of the teachers to post assignments in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of the students to see to it that assignments are properly noted and are completed on time.

Please refer to the Parent/ Student Handbook for policies for making up work for absences and illnesses.

HOUSEKEEPINGOur daily routine should require doors to be locked and all lights to be turned off when students and teachers leave the classroom for any reason. The locked door routine is to be carried out during all recesses and lunch hours.

While the maintenance staff does sweep the floors and vacuum the carpets, everyone is to assist by keeping their assigned rooms and spaces in order. For any classroom repairs needed, the teacher must fill out a Maintenance Request Form. This should be submitted to the office for principal approval and forwarded to appropriate personnel.

No maintenance work is to be requested without proper completion of the forms. Forms are available online in the shared teachers folder and in the wall pocket in the Teacher’s Lounge, which you will need to complete and return to the Facilities Coordinator.


ILLNESS/INJURY, STUDENT

Student Illnesses:If students become ill in the classroom, and it is feasible, they are to be sent to the office with a Health Office Pass (provided by the teacher). If they have any accidents or lose any body fluids, these are to be disposed of by using the Universal Precaution Compliance Kit provided in each room. This will normally be completed by a custodian. In their absence, the office should be notified for assistance.

Student Injuries:Students who are injured at school are to be taken to the school office. If the child cannot be moved, send word to the office and an administrator will assist; students are not to be moved until medical assistance is provided. If an accident occurs in your classroom, notify the principal or administrative assistant immediately and write down the specifics of the incident. Accident/Incident Reports must be completed, submitted, and processed in accordance with school policy.

Emergency card procedures are to be followed in the case of an injury. This information can be found online within the student information system and/or the student’s permanent file in the office.

If the injury is serious, request parents’ permission to call for an ambulance to take the child to the hospital. Emergency information for each student is on file at the office. If a child is ill or injured and a parent cannot be contacted, then the emergency contact person designated by the parent on the Parent/Guardian Consent Form and Liability Waiver will be contacted to take the child home. If the emergency contact cannot be reached, call the office of the family’s doctor and follow the doctor’s instructions.

Head Injury, Reporting of:Parents must be informed of any and all head injuries that take place during the school day. Faculty and/or staff are required to complete a Head Injury Report; the original is to go home with the student and a copy is to be placed in the student’s permanent student file in the office.

Allergic/Asthma/Major Bodily Harm, Reporting of:Any health incidents of an allergic/asthma related nature, and any incidents of major bodily harm require the completion of an Accident/Incident Reporting Form, the original of which must be placed in the student’s permanent file in the office. Parents are required to be notified of the incident. Teachers are also encouraged to take into consideration the level of communication parents have requested as it pertains to health office visits.

Your classrooms are supplied with basic plastic, 1st aide kits, and tape. Please check periodically to ensure you have the proper materials or notify the office if you do not.

Abuse, Reporting of:Refer to Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Minors for detailed information.


All clergy, religious, faculty, staff and volunteers are mandatory reporters of abuse and personally responsible for reporting suspected instances of child abuse to the proper authorities.

INVENTORIESInventories on all materials, learning kits, technology, AV equipment, etc. must be taken at least annually by all staff members at the direction of the principal. All books are to be numbered and, when issued, these numbers are to be recorded with condition codes. Teachers are responsible for keeping administration advised of damaged and/or lost materials that were inventoried. Lost books must be paid for before new books will be issued. Teachers will be sensitive to students’ use and abuse of issued books and fines will be levied at year-end for conditions beyond normal wear and tear. All books will be cleaned of errant marks before being returned and books in need of repairs will be boxed and delivered to the school office.

RESOURCE REQUIREMENTSDevelopment of a resource requirements list for each school year must be submitted each year no later than March 1st, to the Administrative Assistant. Your submission should include the item name, the item number, and page number and the catalog source by name and catalogue number, along with price and shipping charges. Please break your requests down by consumables, resources, equipment, and furnishings. Please prioritize your lists using only four priorities: I, II, III, IV. Be sure to identify grade and subject the resources are required for.

LESSON PLANSEach teacher will have their own binder for their lesson plans located in the teacher’s lounge. Teachers are responsible to print out and insert their weekly lesson plans in their binder by month. These will be utilized by Administration when planning evaluation visits and will be addressed in evaluation forms. Teacher’s lesson plans must always be open and accessible on the desk during the school day for periodic inspection by administration. Weekly lesson plans will be reviewed by the administration and discussed with the teacher if necessary.

Lesson plans should be prepared electronically to ensure clarity and allow for modification when required. Lesson plans must be clear and concise, follow the year-long plan developed for the grade level, and delineate information that would allow a substitute to ascertain what is to take place during the class session. Daily/weekly written lesson plans must include the following: (a) statement of objective; (b) specified procedures; (c) materials-to include page numbers; and, (d) special student grouping patterns.

Teachers are directed to review the section under ABSENCE/TEACHER for direction regarding emergency lesson plans.

LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONSSince the Holy Eucharist is the center of our Catholicity, the celebration of the Liturgy is to be viewed as a joyful experience. Our school’s Liturgies are celebrated on Wednesdays at 8:00am unless scheduled otherwise for special occasions. The children will be walked to and from the church. The 3rd and 4th Grade classes will be involved with planning and conducting school Liturgies to include: student reading, responsorial psalm and intentions. The 3rd and 4th Grade classes will alternate planning on a monthly basis. We must be diligent in teaching the children


the parts of the Liturgy so that their religious worship will be fulfilling and meaningful. Teachers responsible for the weekly Mass preparations will ensure that students are provided with the proper readings, that they are practiced and familiar with them, that students prepare Mass intentions with the assistance of the teacher, and that the students practice in the Church before their actual ministering.

Great respect will be fostered by our teachers for the Church and we must teach reverence for Sacraments and Sacramentals. In addition, we must also take it upon ourselves to teach the children proper behavior, respect, reverence, and piety in regard to worship. The entire purpose for the existence of our school is to bring the faith to our children in an educational environment. Though the entire atmosphere of the school should be one of prayer and Catholic virtue, this is especially important during time of liturgical services and worship.

LOUNGE, STAFFThe staff room is provided for rest, refreshment and a confidential work environment. We must take care and remember to refrain from negative conversations.

Teachers should check their mailboxes at least twice a day (a.m. and p.m.) for any information or changes regarding meetings, etc.

Teachers should clean up their individual mess and discard their waste. Items should not be left in the refrigerator until they spoil.

Volunteers should not be scheduled to work in the lounge during staff lunch periods.

Students are not permitted in the staff lounge. Students are not permitted to use the copy machine.

LUNCHTeachers are asked to check that all students have a lunch either packed or ordered first thing in the morning. That way, if students have forgotten their lunch, there will be adequate time available for students to contact a family member or make other arrangements for lunch. Teachers may e-mail or call a member of the office staff to advise of the students that do not have a lunch. A student may eat the school provided lunch, after verbal consent has been issued by the child’s parent or guardian.

MEDICATIONIf a student requires medication during school hours, the parent must complete the “PARENT’S REQUEST FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL” and the “PHYSICIAN’S REQUEST FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL” forms, which are available in the school office, stating the type of medicine, the amount to be taken and the time it is to be given by school personnel. These forms and the referenced medicine should be left at the school office. The child must be notified by the parent when to report to the office for dispensing. Prescription medication must be in the original bottle with the student’s name on it. Over-the-counter medications must be prescribed by a physician in order to be administered by the school staff. The school does not provide


Tylenol or any other type of medication for the children. Under no circumstances may children have medicine (including Tylenol or cough drops) in their classrooms or lunch boxes. Forms are available in the school office.

MINIMUM DAYSMinimum days are scheduled for staff development purposes. Staff should not view these as “free time” for after school activities or personal time. Staff members are expected to attend scheduled activities and to remain on board for the regular school work hours unless excused or directed to do otherwise by administration.

MISCELLANEOUSHome phone numbers of students and faculty are not to be given out to students or parents unless they have agreed to do so.

Morning announcements are vital to the start of our school day. Teachers are to model attentive behavior. Students are expected to listen and then be accountable for the messages delivered.

Student council activities often require teacher participation and/or support. Please demonstrate a willingness to cooperate with these activities.

At assemblies/prayer services/programs, students are to exhibit respectful and attentive behavior. This should be discussed in the classrooms beforehand. The teachers are to sit with their classes and not leave for purposes of making phone calls, grading papers, etc.

Storage of personal classroom materials will be limited to classroom cabinets, and assigned teachers storage areas. Personal items may not be stored in supply storage rooms, the staff lounge or in classrooms other than in cabinets.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICYSaint Gabriel Catholic School operates in compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the nondiscriminatory requirement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-318).

Saint Gabriel Catholic School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school administered programs.

Saint Gabriel Catholic School does not discriminate against any applicant or student because of sex in educational policies, admissions, educational programs or activities of the school.

OBSERVATIONS/EVALUATIONSTeachers will receive a formal evaluation each year. In order to compile necessary information to complete this evaluation, observations will be conducted throughout the year. Observations will be conducted throughout the campus area. Performance will be noted in writing, for areas of concern.


Teachers are hired by the Pastor and the principal of the school. Each teacher is hired according to his/her academic qualifications, previous experience, personality, ability to positively contribute to the Catholic identity of Saint Gabriel Catholic School. In the spring of the school year, each teacher may be invited to renew his/her contract. There is no entitlement to employment the following year.

If there is concern regarding performance, the principal will consult with the teacher in question during the school year to afford that teacher sufficient time to correct any problem(s) noted. If the problem is not corrected in time frame directed, the teacher will be notified at the appropriate time that his/her contract will not be renewed. This will give the teacher sufficient time to seek other employment for the coming school year. Documented records will be available to the teacher for reference.

Teachers are evaluated on both a formal and informal basis throughout the year. All teachers should familiarize themselves with the observation and evaluation forms used by Saint Gabriel Catholic School.

Goal accomplishment is an important part of the evaluation process. Teachers are expected to write and pursue personal/professional goals, and also to promote and participate in all school goals. Teachers are required to submit a year-end report on their progress toward personal goals.

Questions regarding these matters may be directed to administration at any time for resolution.

OFFICEThe school has a full-time Administration Assistant and office staff that works for the principal and attends to the needs of the school. Please understand that office personnel have routine and crisis functions to perform. While they will do everything in their power to assist you, we ask that you understand that they may not always be available to you at the moment you arrive. The window and door to the office are kept closed to reduce the flow of traffic and to reduce personal congestion. Please honor them when they are closed. The best way to have questions answered or to see a member of administration is through email or the telephone and set up a time when schedules are convenient.

If you have any requests for the office or need to have questions answered, explanations made, money turned-in, etc., please email or call the person in the office that you need to meet with and set up a convenient time for all involved.

If you need supplies, there is a form on the wall in the lounge, please complete and place in the office mailbox. We will put the supplies in your mailboxes or in the lounge.

Teachers are to do their own typing, copying, filling out forms, destroying student ID badges, etc. However, if any teacher needs special materials typed and/or run off, he/she may ask the administrative assistant if extra help can be provided by either the office staff, an aide, or a parent volunteer. The administrative assistant will delegate the requested tasks. Matters concerning report cards, grades, student/parent confidential information, etc. should be directed to the principal or administrative assistant.


Any copies that are needed to be run off on the office copy machine must be approved through the office before they are run, and only office personnel are to use that copy machine. Teachers are expected to use the lounge copiers whenever possible and to keep the school office staff advised when maintenance on that copier is needed.

SPECIALS (ART/MUSIC/P.E./SPANISH)The use of these facilities is a privilege. Students will have these classes on a scheduled basis (a specialist schedule will be developed and provided). Students may forfeit this privilege due to poor behavior and may be asked to leave these classes. It will become the specialist teacher’s responsibility to provide work and supervision for those students being requested to not be present in a given class.

TELEPHONE USAGEChildren cannot go to the office or use the telephone without written permission from the teacher. The phone is to be used for emergencies only. This does not include forgotten homework or any other item. All plans for students are to be made before the student comes to school in the morning. In addition, students will not be permitted to enter the school office at 3:00pm to use the telephones. They must wait outside with a faculty member for their parents to pick them up.

OPEN HOUSE, MEETINGS & PARISH FUNCTIONSThere are occasional after school/evening/weekend meetings and Masses each year that all teachers are expected to attend. Examples are open house, parent conferences, music programs, special home and school presentations and the like. Additionally, faculty members are to attend sacramental events and graduation as a show of support of all aspects of our school program. A calendar of these functions will be provided. In the event of an unforeseen event, advance notice will be provided.

Each teacher is to provide a handout on the first evening of the school year for Open House/ Classroom Orientation. The letter should reflect the expectations for the school year along with classroom rules and must be reviewed by the administration prior to the first day of school.

PARENT/TEACHER CONTACTThe administration is to be kept informed of all communications of concern (both written and oral) between teachers and parents. No written communication regarding school matters is to go home without prior approval from the administration.

Parent/teacher relationships must be considered to be a high priority, truly reflective of our professionalism and reputation. We should put forth every grace in assisting parents to help their children. We must always be professional, showing dedication to our children. In fulfilling this obligation to our students, we are called to speak with charity and justice, even when discussing sensitive matters. We must always respect confidential information concerning students and their homes. Scheduled parent/teacher conferences are held at least once a year to allow parents to check with the teachers about their child’s progress, work habits, and personal development. At the parent/teacher conference, parents are scheduled to see their child(ren)’s teacher(s) to discuss the report card and the results of the standardized tests.


If retention in a grade is a possibility, the parent must have been kept informed of this throughout the year, both orally and in written communication. Documentation should be contained in the student folder maintained in the classroom. Teachers are required to keep the principal advised of all students facing possible retention and to provide evidence/data when required.

PENMANSHIPCatholic school students have always been noted for excellent penmanship. Students must always be expected to present their best work, taking pride in all assignments. Students will head their work papers as follows:

JMJ

Name DateSubject Grade

(JMJ appears at the top of all papers as an intercessory prayer for the help of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.)

PRAYER, SCHOOLSince prayer is the core of our very relationship with Jesus, our entire day should be centered on honoring Christ and praising Him in periodic time of prayer. This includes the start of our school day, before lunch/recess, after lunch and before dismissal.

Faculty members are to model appropriate prayer behavior. A prayer area that is a focal point should be set up and used in each classroom. Bulletin boards should reflect that we are a Catholic school.

PREP TIMEPrep Time is scheduled to allow for teacher planning and collaboration for curriculum management purposes. Staff members are asked not to use conveniently scheduled prep time for extended off-campus lunches.

PROFESSIONAL COURTESIESIt is necessary that all members of the faculty extend professional courtesies to colleagues so we can have a coordinated and successful effort. This means that the following guidelines need to be adhered to:

1. Deadlines must be met, especially in the area of completion of reports.2. Classes must be dismissed exactly on time. Students are not to be dismissed or leave

the building prior to the ending bell at 3:00pm.3. Students should not be permitted to discuss other teachers, or do homework from

other classes while in other classrooms.4. Students will be given the amount of time extended circumstances outlined in the

Parent/Student Handbook to make up school work missed due to absences or illnesses. After that time, reduced or no credit will be given. When tests need to be


made up, these are to be done before or after school. If that cannot be done, if feasible, do it in your own room during your regular class period (unless you happen to be going over the test at that time).

5. Teachers are to respect their colleagues’ instruction time. Please do not:a. Walk into each other’s room during instructionb. Send papers to another classroom for distributionc. Hold back or pull out students from other departmentalized classes.

6. Please do not walk down to the office to discuss paperwork, lists, or orders; request what is needed in writing or make arrangements for a time that is feasible for all parties concerned. No work requests should be given to the front office staff. If you are not sure of whom to contact for a particular request, question, please email/phone the administrative assistant and your request will be forwarded to the proper party concerned.

7. Students are not to be sent to the office to do make-up work, take tests, and/or serve “penalty time”, unless the principal and/or administrative assistant have previously agreed with the teacher to provide this supervision.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTHVarious magazines and publications are available in the faculty lounge and resource shelf for your use. It is necessary that each teacher keep up with professional ideas, trends, and methods by reading professional magazines and literature and taking coursework. All teachers are encouraged to seek out educational opportunities (i.e. workshops) so they can stay current both in their field and in the general field of education. In particular, teachers are to take deliberate steps to become adept with the technology in the school.

PROGRESS REPORTS/REPORT CARDSReport cards/progress reports are sent home as scheduled (please refer to our calendar). All reports will be reviewed by administration before being sent home. All report cards will be processed electronically through the office. Envelopes will be provided for sending home the reports. Please ensure that each report has been returned with a parent signature and placed in the permanent file along with standardized tests at the end of each trimester. A copy of your unsatisfactory progress report should be sent to the office for the student file. Sacraments must also be recorded in the permanent file of the student.

RECESS GUIDELINES

Duties of Playground SupervisorsOne of the duties owed to students on the school playground is proper supervision. The main purpose of supervision on the playground is to help protect students from injury or diminish the risk of student injury.

Proper supervision has five basic components:1. Presence and attentiveness : Being on the playground before students start playing.

Staying in a reasonable proximity to the areas of activity. Keeping all students easily in sight. (If one of the supervisors cannot see the students, the students are not being properly supervised.) Not becoming distracted from duties.


2. Student behavior monitoring and intervention : Being knowledgeable of and consistently enforcing school rules and policies. Restricting student from roughhousing, horseplay or other inappropriate behavior on or near any apparatus. Controlling the play environment.

3. Hazard surveillance and intervention : Being risk-conscious (Prioritizing attention into the areas where accidents are most likely to occur). Checking the playground daily, and appropriately addressing ground and equipment hazards.

4. Responding appropriately to emergencies : Handling emergencies that occur on the playground properly to reduce potential injury and damage. This involves being CPR/first aid certified or having such a staff member readily accessible.

5. Collaborating with fellow supervisors: It is of the utmost importance that supervisors communicate amongst one another regarding any student issues, discipline, etc. Students must always witness professional behavior amongst lunch/playground supervisors

General Supervision Information1. Understand the importance of playground supervision2. Be familiar with the school’s method of playground discipline3. Understand the difference between discipline and punishment4. Be able to enforce rules5. Know how to alter student’s behavior positively6. Understand that constant diligence in monitoring the playground is essential7. Understand that the location of the supervisor on the playground is very important,

that supervisors should have an unobstructed view of the entire play area, and supervisors should avoid standing together and chatting.

RECESS REWARDAdditional recess outside of lunch/recess for students is teacher discretionary for grades K-2 and will be limited to once daily for a maximum of 15 minutes each. No additional recess time will be allowed on days students have P.E. While students are at recess, teachers will supervise their activities and attend to injuries immediately. Recess for other classes in grades 3-5 is also teacher discretionary but is bound by availability of time and the necessity to complete all necessary instruction.

RECORDS & REPORTSCumulative records for both students and staff are on file at the office. A teacher may look through files at any time with consent of administration. Parents may also see the cumulative folders of their children, but parents must make an appointment with the administration to see them. Anyone viewing records must sign the included sheet indicating the date the records were viewed and by whom. Parent must be accompanied and will not be permitted to remove anything from the file. Copies of items may be requested and will be provided for a fee of $.25 per page. It is the responsibility of each homeroom teacher to update and file final records (report cards, etc.) before leaving for the summer. The Eighth Grade teacher must complete transcript requests from the high school.


REFERRALSAny student experiencing difficulty (behavioral, emotional, speech, academic) may need the help of Special Education professionals. Teachers who observe such difficulties are to confer with administration and complete the necessary referral forms as soon as possible.

SACRAMENTALSAt a minimum, each classroom will display a Crucifix, Saint Gabriel Icon, and provide a prayer area. Other religious art is strongly encouraged. These Sacramentals distinguish our classrooms as Catholic and prayerful.

SAFETY/STUDENT1. All teachers are to review playground safety rules with their students periodically.2. Students should not be left unsupervised, nor are they to be asked to do errands.3. All teachers/aides are to help maintain building security by watching for adults who

enter the campus without going directly to the office. State law authorizes school personnel to stop these adults, ask them to identify themselves, and escort them directly to the office. The administration is to be advised of and give approval to all parents working in the school on a volunteer basis. Teachers are to report the names and scheduled times of any volunteers working in the school to the office so personnel will know they are authorized by the teacher to be there.

4. All injuries are to be reported to the office immediately. An Accident/Incident Report is to be filled out as soon as possible and filed in the office.

5. Report any unsafe building or other conditions to the principal as soon as they are observed so they can be remedied immediately.

6. Students WILL NOT, at any time, be placed in obscure areas for any reason, where they are outside of view/supervision.

7. Students WILL NOT be placed outside for disciplinary reasons and under no circumstances may any student be placed in the direct sunlight for any extended period of time.

8. Missing students will be reported to the office IMMEDIATELY upon discovery.

SCHEDULESBell Schedule: Our bell routine for lining students up on the playground must be strictly adhered to by all faculty members. Teachers are to be on the playground to assist with the last 5 minutes of lunch duty. Afterwards, each teacher will lead the students back to the classroom. Students are never to be left in the classroom unattended.

Daily Schedule: Each teacher should have his/her schedule posted in the classroom during the entire school year. Also, student schedules and groupings should be readily visible.

Inclement Weather: On days of rain, severe wind, excessive heat, or other poor conditions, this schedule will be followed:

1. Teachers report directly to their rooms and admit students.2. Attendance should be taken at 8:30am to allow for tardiness due to the weather.3. If the bad weather continues, recess and lunch will be subject to the Inclement

Weather schedule.


Students left on the premises after 3:10pm, if enrolled in the After School Program (ASP), will be sent to ASP. Students not registered with ASP will be held at the office and assessed a $5.00 late fee due the same day.

SPIRITUAL EXPECTATIONSStudents of Saint Gabriel Catholic School will enter into a spiritual formation program, drawing them into a deeper and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This program should be manifested in the active participation of our students in times of worship, and in their behavior with each other, treating each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. At this formative and impressionable age level, our students are guided and consistently directed to model their lives after Christ. Religion is much more than a “classroom subject.” It is always part of our lives and the entire school day. Our children should be encouraged to remember the all-important question when in doubt: WWJD. “What would Jesus do?”

STAFFAs an equal opportunity employer, Saint Gabriel Catholic School allows for no discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability.

A staff can be no better than the individual teachers and support staff that comprises its roster. Teachers are expected to grow professionally by attending workshops/seminars/courses each school year. Personal portfolios are to be available for administrative review. As a group associated with a Catholic school, teachers should give evidence of having committed themselves to the practice of Catholic living in the spirit of the Gospel.

Staff personnel are expected to maintain full communion with the Catholic Church with regards to sacraments and particularly with regards to marriage.

All teachers and aides are to work together to achieve the goals of Saint Gabriel Catholic School. Personal/professional and classroom goals are to be written by each teacher each year and they should generally correspond to the goals and objectives of Saint Gabriel Catholic School. These goals are to be affixed to the inside front cover of the teacher’s lesson plan book.

STUDENT BIRTHDAYSIt is acceptable and encouraged to recognize student’s birthdays. Parents are allowed to bring treats for the entire class. These are limited to individually packaged items that can be passed out at the end of the day. Do not conduct birthday parties in your classrooms and please do not send treats to the lunchroom for distribution. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure this information is conveyed to parents. Parents are not to leave treats in the office for delivery.

SUBSTITUTE PACKETSA substitute teacher’s job is a difficult one. To make it easier, each teacher must keep a substitute packet readily available in the classroom and this must be updated periodically to reflect class progress in subject matter. Your packet/plan is due in the office the second week in September for review, and should include information about the following: a weekly schedule, a current seating chart/roster of photographs, homeroom business to take care of, prayers to be


said, procedures for lunch/recess during good and inclement weather, where teacher manuals are kept, fire drill and shelter-in-place procedures, what children may do when they finish their work, dismissal procedures, and some already prepared material to cover two (2) day’s work. Changes to materials already submitted must be made as they occur in order to ensure that a substitute has up-to-date information available to them.

The following items must always be visible and easily accessible at all times, especially for a substitute: Lesson Plans, Attendance Book, Crisis Response Plan, and Teacher Manuals.

SUPPLIES, TEACHERClassroom supplies are available in the storage cabinet in the lounge. All supplies must be used with conservation in mind. Please do not stock school supplies in your classroom. Please make your needs known to the office via forms provided in the lounge or via e-mail. Please be prepared to provide catalogs or other source information required for purchases.

TEACHER ASSIGNMENTSTeacher’s assignments are determined by, and at the discretion of, the administration. A teacher may be reassigned at any time. Every possible effort will be made to provide notice ahead of time.

UNIFORM, SCHOOLTeachers are accountable for students obeying all uniform policies. Students must wear the proper uniform and have proper haircuts. Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook which completely spells out all policies in great detail. Teachers are responsible for knowledge of the contents of the uniform policy. Proper tracking of any uniform warning violations is the responsibility of the teacher.

UNSCHEDULED CLASS LEAVEYou must inform the front office in advance, when your students will not be having class in their classroom (i.e. to go over to Church, have class in the hall, on the lawn, etc.). You must check out a radio from the office.

FOR SAFETY PURPOSES, WE NEED TO KNOW WHERE THE STUDENTS ARE AT ALL TIMES.

VOLUNTEERS, PARENTSAll volunteers (including parents/guardians) of Saint Gabriel Catholic School must be fingerprinted and attend a “Protecting God’s Children Virtus Workshop” or The Eparchy of Phoenix “Safe Environment Called to Protect Workshop.” These personnel will also be required to display identification badges. Identification badges will be made and processed by the school. Only persons completing these requirements are allowed to volunteer on campus and for school related activities.


WORK HOURS, TEACHERSAll teachers must be present at 7:25am. Teachers are to remain on campus until 3:35pm, unless given permission by administration to leave early. Teachers are to notify administration if they must leave the campus for any reason during the school day.

PAY PERIODThe standard pay period is every week, with direct deposits occurring every Thursday. Should any payday fall on a holiday, employees will be paid on the preceding workday.

WORKDAY AND WORK WEEKSaint Gabriel Catholic School’s standard workday is a consecutive 24-hour period beginning at 12:01am and ending at 12:00 midnight. Our standard work week is a consecutive 7-day period beginning at 12:01am Monday and ending at 12:00 midnight the following Sunday.

The basic day of work for full-time non-exempt employees is eight hours, exclusive of the meal period. Various factors such as workloads, student enrollment, and staffing needs may require variations in employees, starting and leaving times, and total hours worked each day or week. Saint Gabriel Catholic School reserves the right to assign employees to jobs other than their usual assignments when required. In addition, employees may be required to work overtime or hours other than those normally scheduled when necessary.

OVERTIME ELIGIBILITY: EXEMPT AND NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEESBased on employees’ job duties, and in accordance with Federal and State laws, employees will be classified as either “exempt” or “non-exempt.” Employees classified as exempt are not eligible for overtime pay. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, as outlined in the “Overtime for Non-Exempt Employees” policy below. If you have a question with regard to whether you are an exempt or non-exempt employee, please feel free to contact your supervisor.

OVERTIME FOR NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEESIf you are a non-exempt employee, you may be eligible for overtime. Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime pay.

Business needs sometimes mandate that employees work longer hours than usual. Working overtime when required is essential to your job. Saint Gabriel Catholic School will attempt to give as much notice as possible in these situations. However, advance notice may not always be possible. Failure to work overtime when requested may result in discipline, up to and including discharge.

Employees must receive authorization from their supervisors before working overtime. Working unauthorized overtime constitutes grounds for discipline, including discharge.

RECORDING TIMEFederal and State law require Saint Gabriel Catholic School to keep accurate records of hours worked by non-exempt employees. Every non-exempt employee is required to enter his or her hours worked including start time, beginning of meal break, end of meal break, and end time.


All time worked must be accurately entered and reflected on either a written time sheet or any electronic time entry system Saint Gabriel Catholic School utilizes.

Employees are not allowed to fill out the time for any other employee or request that another employee do so for them. Time sheets are to be turned in weekly, with complete listing of hours worked and totaled by the employee. Any changes to the time card must be approved of and initialed by the employee’s supervisor.

If an employee needs to leave early during the day and wishes to make up the hours lost, the make up hours must be completed during the same pay week.

PAYCHECK DEDUCTIONSSaint Gabriel Catholic School is required by Federal and State laws to make certain deductions from employees’ paychecks. This includes Federal income tax, State income and unemployment tax, FICA contributions (social security and Medicare), and State Disability Insurance (“SDI”). Deductions are also taken for employees’ insurance premiums, such as health, and voluntary benefits employees may choose, as well as retirement plan contributions. The amount of employees’ deductions will depend on their earnings and the number of exemptions employees list on their W-4 Form. If at any time you believe that your paycheck is inaccurate, please immediately contact the administration office.

BUSINESS EXPENSESApproved business expenses are the reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by employees to achieve legitimate business purposes that are not covered by normal school procurement processes.

Employees are to report their approved expenses on the standard expense report form and must include a description of the expense, its business purpose, date, place, and the participants. Decorations for classroom use or personal desk supplies will not be reimbursed.

MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENTEmployees may be eligible for mileage reimbursement when they are required to use their personal vehicle for school business. Employees eligible for mileage reimbursement receive the amount specified as reasonable by the IRS.

PAY INCREASESDepending on Saint Gabriel’s financial health, as well as numerous other factors, efforts will be made to give pay raises consistent with Saint Gabriel’s profitability, market competitiveness, and individual job performance.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCEWorkers’ Compensation is an employer-paid insurance designed to provide benefits to all employees for work related injuries. Workers’ Compensation benefits are governed by State law. The Workers’ Compensation system provides for coverage of medical treatment and expenses, occupational disability leave, rehabilitation services, as well as payment for lost wages due to work related injuries.


To receive Workers’ Compensation benefits, employees should immediately notify their supervisor of their claim. If the injury is the result of an on the job accident, the employee must complete an accident report. The employee will be referred to a doctor chosen by Saint Gabriel Catholic School for initial assessment. Employees who wish to pre-designate a doctor of their choice must contact the school office to advise of same. Depending on the circumstances, an effort will be made to provide modified duty to employees who wish to continue working despite the occupational injury or illness. Employees will be required to bring a medical release before they will be allowed to return to work.

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION INSURANCEUnemployment compensation insurance is paid for by Saint Gabriel Catholic School and provides temporary income for employees who have lost their job. In order to qualify for unemployment, employees must have left for reasons unrelated to improper work performance or violation of Saint Gabriel Catholic School policies or procedures. Please ask for additional information on unemployment compensation insurance upon your termination.

SOCIAL SECURITYSaint Gabriel Catholic School makes a matching contribution to the Social Security fund on the employee’s behalf. Saint Gabriel Catholic School contributes a dollar to the Social Security Fund for every dollar deducted from the employee’s paycheck for payment to the fund. You may contact the Social Security Office to determine your current social security account status.

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FACULTY/STAFF HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGMENT RECEIPT & REVIEW

2016-2017 School Year

This is to acknowledge that I have received, reviewed, and understand my personal copy of Saint Gabriel Catholic School’s (“SGCS”) employee handbook. In consideration of my employment with SGCS, I agree to read, observe, and abide by the conditions of employment, policies, and rules contained in this handbook. I understand and agree to the company policies set forth. I understand and agree that from time to time, circumstances will undoubtedly require that the policies and procedures described in this handbook be amended or modified by SGCS. All effective changes will be in writing and may occur at any time, with or without prior notice.

I understand that I have the right and ability to have this employee handbook reviewed by any attorney of my choosing and that I sign this Acknowledgment of Receipt and Review without duress or misunderstanding.

__________________________________________Print Name

__________________________________________Employee Signature

____________________Date


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