P.721X
STAFF HANDBOOK
PERSONNEL ISSUES & ISSUES OF
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMMING
2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR
Frank DeGennaro, Principal
Christopher Dugan, Assistant Principal
Jacqueline Cannino, Assistant Principal
Cheryl Green-Foster, Assistant Principal
Joseph Cruciata, Assistant Principal
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September 2014
Dear Staff of P721X,
Welcome back to another school year at 721X. We had a great year in 2013-14 and I expect to
continue the wonderful traditions of the past along with those that we instituted this year.
I enjoyed my second year as the principal of 721X. This past year we celebrated several holidays,
including Halloween with a costume party, we have three Thanksgiving celebrations- one with Afterdark
Ryders serving meals to our families, one at St. Peter’s Church and one school-wide celebration with
staff members cooking for our students, hosted the Bronx Parent Coordinators at their Winter
Wonderland, St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish Soda Bread Baking Contest and Cinco de Mayo with a
guacamole making contest. Mr. Mongelli’s Magic Show entertained the students in the spring and an
International Day celebration was fun for all. Students and staff dressed up for Super Hero Day (with two
Wonder Women!!!). Our students performed at Love Express and they strutted their stuff on the dance
floor at the Winter Formal. In May we had our second annual Family Day.
There was great academic success last year. Three out of our six graduates from Lehman will be
attending college in September of 2014! All 12 students at Lehman passed their Living Environment
Regents exams! Seven students were hired at our worksites or due to our worksite program! In the
past 2 years we have increased the number of successfully employed students from 0 to 14.
In 2014-15 I expect that we will once again have the same level of success with events, academically and
vocationally. Our academic programs work for our students and I would like to add a more vocational
focus for each and every class. This year I also want to finally infuse “the arts” into our program through
an afternoon Art course at least twice per week. I expect that our worksite program will continue to
grow and will show more success, especially through the promising Project Search program at
Montefiore Hospital. The best outcome we could expect is for students to get hired. We have shown
we can do it and it is now expected even as we are excited when it happens. We continue to educate
the “whole” student here at 721X and we have high expectations for their success.
This year I hope to continue these events and include more, to move us toward being a more cohesive
staff and to show our parents that they are welcome in our school. It will take a concerted effort by all
members of our team to continue toward our goal of a student-centered learning community and I have
no doubt that we will get there!
Each staff member is expected to read this document with the understanding that it represents rules and
regulations that were set by the Department of Education and District 75 as well as those that are unique
to our school.
I look forward to working with all of you to make 721X the best school in District 75.
Sincerely,
Frank DeGennaro
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Length of the School Day
P. 721X - MAIN SITE 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ 368X 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ Monroe HS Annex 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ Lehman High School 8:10 AM – 3:00 PM
P. 721X @ Puerto Rican Institute (W01) 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ St. Peter’s Church (W02) 8:00 AM- 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ Castle Hill YMCA (W03) 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ Jacobi Hospital (W04) 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ YMCA- Glebe Senior Center (W05) 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ Providence Rest (W06) 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ Hebrew Home (W07) 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ Jewish Home (W08) 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ Montefiore Hospital (W09) 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ Beth Abraham (W10) 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ Schervier (W80) 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM
As per the above schedule, teachers (speech, hearing and vision included) and paraprofessionals located at the
above sites have a 6 hour and 50 minutes day. All guidance personnel work a 7 hour work day.
Time and Attendance
Sign in/Sign out
A sign-in roster will be on the counter in the office each morning. You are to initial under the date and
on the line in which your name appears on the roster. Nobody is permitted to sign in for another
employee and no employee is permitted to ask another employee to sign his or her sign-in/out sheet.
In addition, no one should initial with red ink.
The roster will be removed from the counter at the time that staff members are supposed to be at their
post. A person arriving after the scheduled time must report to the payroll secretary who will record
the actual time of arrival. EMPLOYEES WHO ARE NOT SIGNED IN AT THEIR START TIME AND NOT
REPORTED ABSENT WILL BE CONSIDERED LATE. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ALL EMPLOYEES SIGN IN
EVERY SINGLE DAY. Worksite teachers and paraprofessionals must call in as soon as they arrive at the
worksite. If you forget, the payroll secretary will enter the actual time when you notify her that you
are present.
Leaving Early
Leaving early disrupts the school day and places an undue burden on your colleagues. In many cases we
have to assign a teacher to cover for you, spending money out of our budget to accommodate your
request to leave early. Personal, medical and business appointments must be scheduled after school
hours. Leaving early is considered a fractional absence and will follow the rules of CAR or payroll
deduction as listed below.
Medical appointments should not be scheduled during the school day as you will not be excused in this
case.
Approval must be granted before any staff member leaves the school/site premises but it will only be
considered in an emergency situation.
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If you must leave early due to an emergency, it must be put in writing with the reasons, signed by an
administrator and then given to Ms. Bowen. Approval by a member of administration does not mean
that time will not be deducted. When a paraprofessional leaves early, the time comes out of her/his
CAR. Teachers will have one day deducted for every 3 hours and 20 minutes that they are late or leave
early.
All staff members are to report to their assignments by the scheduled time. When a staff member is
late in the morning, after a preparation period, or after lunch, an undue burden falls on other staff
members and in some cases students cannot be properly supervised. Structure is then diminished and
problems occur. The importance of punctuality cannot be overemphasized. All lateness will be
monitored and documented. Please be advised that repeated absences and lateness will result in
disciplinary action.
All personnel must sign out at the end of the day. This will allow school safety members to account for
everyone who has left the building and help ensure your safety.
Absence Procedures
Every staff member is a vital part of our school community’s functioning. Absences cause an undue
burden on the staff members who are present in the school. You are expected to come to work each
day precluding illness or unforeseen matters. While all staff members earn sick leave as part of their
benefits package, contractually these days are supposed to be taken for illness. Sick days are not to be
used for leisure travel and extending vacations. Pedagogical staff members earn one sick day per
month, and unused sick days are carried over from year to year. Please note that, in case of illness, ten
days may be used as self-treated absences, and that three of these ten days may be used as personal
business days.
Absences will be monitored. Factors that are considered when determining whether absences are
excessive may include, but are not limited to, the following: whether there is a pattern of absences, the
adverse impact of the absences on the school and its students; and whether the absences limit the
effectiveness of service. Each case will be reviewed on an individual basis. Excessive absences may
lead to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, letters to the file, using the time clock,
suspensions without pay, fines, an unsatisfactory rating, and termination.
Absences before or after vacations and holidays will be closely monitored. If you have a history of
extending your vacations or long weekends you will be asked to explain your absence and this may
result in a disciplinary letter to file.
Please be aware that going to any office of the Department of Education to resolve a problem is
considered an absence. A day will be deducted from your C.A.R. unless you have been summoned by
the Department and you have the accompanying documentation to prove it.
If you are absent for reasons other than illness, you run the risk of being investigated for theft of
services or fraud. Please do not put your careers in jeopardy by traveling during a time when you are
supposed to be at work. The newspapers are littered with tales of educators who were terminated
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due to fraud or theft of services. Please do not ask a member of the administration to approve of any
days taken off to extend a vacation or to travel.
Personal Days
Personal business days are intended to be used only for personal business which cannot be conducted
on any other day than a school day and during school hours. The written request to use a personal day
must be made at least 48 hours in advance. You must complete an OP198 along with a letter detailing
your request. This request must be submitted to the payroll secretary and she will submit it to the
principal.
For teachers and related service personnel please speak with Ms. Bowen. For
paraprofessionals, school aides and family workers, please speak with Ms. Porcello.
The minimum charge against the C.A.R. for personal business is one day. Personal days taken and then
requested will not be approved. Failure to adhere to this procedure may result in payroll deductions.
You are prohibited from using personal days to extend vacations or weekends whether they are long
weekends or just the typical Saturday and Sunday. Remember that personal days may only be used for
business that cannot be conducted on any other day than a school day and during school hours.
Procedures for Administrative Absences
Administrative absences are absences that are not charged to your C.A.R. These include jury duty,
graduations, death in the family, religious observance, military duty, and attendance at school
conventions or meetings (signed). If you are going to be absent due to these reasons, you must submit
an OP 201 form to the payroll secretary. Please see the back of the OP 201 form for rules governing
non-attendance.
Attendance at Meetings/Workshops/Site Visits
If a teacher is scheduled to be out of the building at a meeting or workshop, the payroll secretary must be
informed in advance of the day. An Assistant Principal is not authorized to adjust payroll – therefore, it
is imperative that the secretary know the whereabouts of staff in order for attendance data to be correct.
Please make sure you inform your payroll secretary of your workshop participation in every case.
As per Superintendent’s directive, for each all day workshop or meeting an attendee is scheduled for,
they are required to bring an OP 201 to the meeting for signature. The OP 201 is available in the payroll
secretary’s office. If an off-site staff member is scheduled to attend a workshop, they are required to
ask for this form in sufficient time for it to be sent to the site. The person conducting the
workshop/meeting must sign the OP 201 to validate attendance; this form must be submitted to the
payroll secretary on the next school day (following the completion of the training).
Family Medical Leave of Absence – FMLA
FMLA is used for personal and/or family illness. You must have been employed by the Department of
Education as a full time provider for 12 months or a part-time provider for a minimum of 1,250 hours.
FMLA provides for 12 weeks of health insurance from your first day of consecutive absence. If this is
your own personal illness, you may use accrued sick time in order to receive continued salary. If you
are using FMLA for the care of a family member you must provide medical documentation stating you
are the sole caretaker for this family member. If approved, you will be eligible for 12 weeks of health
benefits. When receiving FMLA benefits, you will receive no salary and you will not be allowed to use
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your sick bank.
Each person’s leave will be examined individually.
Absence of Teachers
Teachers must call Ms. Christina Bowen, payroll secretary, directly at (718) 597-6404 (extension 1281) by 7:00
a.m. on the day of their absence. Do not leave a message with other school staff. If you need to leave a
message please leave it on Ms. Bowen’s voicemail at extension 1281.
If you are going to be late, it is your responsibility to call the Main Office.
will lead to disciplinary action.
Failure to report absence or lateness
Teachers are encouraged to inform the payroll secretary or principal in advance if they are aware that they will
be absent from school.
A teacher who calls in sick at the beginning of the school day may not report for duty later without permission
from the principal.
If a teacher is absent for more than three consecutive days, she/he must submit a doctor’s note to cover the
fourth day as well as any subsequent days for that illness. The medical note should state all of the dates of the
absence as well as the date on which the teacher may return to work. Absences are entered into the computer
daily. Failure to submit a doctor’s note will result in a pay deduction.
An absence form (OP 198) must be completed for each absence. A copy of the OP 198 form is available from
the payroll secretary. This form is to be used for absences due to personal illness, personal business, or the
contraction of certain children’s diseases. Without exception, the OP 198 form and any documentation are to
be submitted to the payroll secretary on the first day back to work. This will allow for accurate record
keeping and to make sure that possible deductions on payroll for absences above the ten-day per year limit are
avoided. Failure to comply with timely submission of the OP 198 form will result in a letter to the personnel
file.
The OP 198 form is also used for regularly appointed teachers who wish to borrow sick days. You must
submit a doctor’s note in order to borrow days. Please contact the payroll secretary for further
paperwork for borrowing days.
Substitute Plans
Substitute teachers will be required to use the Unique Transition Band materials. Substitutes will be
able to pick up copies of lesson plans as well as materials from Ms. Julia McCrosson. Teachers are
required to submit their student’s academic levels based on Unique to Ms. McCrosson by the end of
September.
Absence of Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals earn one day per month and unused sick days are carried over from year to year.
When paraprofessionals are sick, five days per term can be claimed as self-treated days. The sixth day
used in a term, unless it is used as a personal business day, must be medically documented, or it will
result in a payroll deduction. If a sixth day in the first term is used and a paraprofessional becomes ill
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in the second term, only four days can be claimed as self-treated absences. Paraprofessionals may
request to use three out of the ten self-treated absences as personal business days.
Paraprofessionals must follow these procedures with respect to absence.
If you know you are going to be absent on a given day, inform the payroll secretary, Ms. Gina Porcello
(ext. 1282) in advance. This will allow the school to plan for your absence and is vital in terms of student
programming.
The Department of Education has provided Sub Central if a paraprofessional is absent. Paras need
their access ID when they are utilizing this system. In the event of an absence, paraprofessionals are
directed to call the registry at 718-935-6740, either the evening before the absence (preferable) or
before 7:00 a.m. on the morning of the absence. Paraprofessionals are to be prepared to provide the
registry with:
 Their name
 Social Security #
 School with site as well
 Assignment
 If the assignment is bilingual
 If the assignment is for 1-1 crisis
 Student ratio (6:1:1, 8:1:1, 12:1:1, 12:1:4)
 Start time
Failure to contact the paraprofessional registry may result in a letter to file.
A paraprofessional who calls in sick at the beginning of the school day may not report for duty later
without permission from her or his administrator.
An absence form (OP 198) must be completed for each absence. A copy of the OP 198 form is
available from the payroll secretary. This form is to be used for absences due to personal illness,
personal business, or the contraction of certain children’s diseases. Without exception, the OP 198
form and any documentation are to be submitted to the payroll secretary on the first day back to
work. This will allow for accurate record keeping and to make sure that possible deductions on payroll
for absences above the limit are avoided. Please note: Failure to comply with timely submission of the
OP 198 form will result in a letter to the personnel file.
Any paraprofessional who reports later than five minutes from the official start of the day or three
minutes after their lunch period shall be considered fractionally absent for the whole period of time
lost. In this case, we will follow the rules for payroll or C.A.R. deduction and the staff member who
violates this rule shall be subject to progressive discipline.
Punctuality
Lateness disrupts the school day. Make every effort to be on time. Punctuality in the workplace is
essential to the effective operation of our school. Lateness impacts upon the instructional program
since staff must be redeployed. After you are late on three occasions, a letter will be written for the
file and you will be asked to begin punching in and out on a time clock. If your attendance improves in
the next 90 days you will be able to sign in and out as is normal operating procedure.
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Transportation delays are those that result from severely inclement weather conditions or the result of
public transportation delays which are confirmable through the MTA. No other delays are acceptable.
If you come in late and you wish to fill out a “Transportation Delay” form, you must do so on the same
day that you arrived late.
Punctuality will be recorded in the Employee Information System (EIS) on a monthly basis. For
teachers, the computer will automatically deduct a full day's pay after 3 hours and 20 minutes of
lateness. This deduction may not be reflected in your check until the end of the school year.
Paraprofessionals are deducted on each occasion that they are late.
If a teacher receives a letter to file for excessive lateness it can affect her or his rating at the end of the
year. A teacher who is excessively late or absent also runs the risk of being fined for such behavior. If
a paraprofessional receives a letter to file for excessive lateness, she or he will receive progressive
discipline with future letters that may include suspension without pay or termination.
Reporting for Duty During the School Day
All staff must report on time for all assignments during the school day.
Rating Policy Regarding Time and Attendance
Staff members with excessive absences will be rated unsatisfactory. A teacher or paraprofessional
with excessive unauthorized lateness will be placed on a time clock and may face disciplinary action
and/or termination.
Death
You are excused for “day of death” plus three additional days upon the death of a member of the
immediate family. There are no days provided for the death of close friends or distant members of the
family. Funerals and death in family require documentation. Please bring either a letter from the
funeral parlor or a death certificate.
Jury Duty
When the staff member is called to report to Jury Duty, the staff member must submit the original
subpoena to the payroll secretary. A copy will be made and the original subpoena will be returned to
the staff member. If the staff member plans on postponing Jury Duty at the time s/he is called, s/he
must follow the instructions on the Jury Duty form. Be advised, that staff members are only allowed
up to three hours to report to Court for postponement. Any time after the three hours will be
deducted from the staff member’s salary. If a paraprofessional plans to stay for Jury Duty, remember
to notify the paraprofessional registry before 7:00 a.m. on the day that s/he is to report. Please make
sure that the main office knows that the staff member’s absence is due to being called for Jury Duty.
Upon return from either service or postponement, the staff member must complete the OP 201 form
along with a copy of the proof of service (if the staff member chooses to serve at that time). The OP
201 form will be attached to the copy of the original Jury Duty Subpoena.
Court Subpoenas
The following will serve to explain how court appearances resulting from the serving of a subpoena will
affect staff time and attendance.
As per Department of Education regulations and as explained on the back of form OP 201, a subpoena is
considered a non-attendance day (a day that is not considered an absence for the purpose of rating) if
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the reason for the subpoena is not personal business and the staff member is summoned before a court,
public board, commission or officer in a case where neither the employee or anyone related to the
employee in any way has any financial or personal interest either directly or indirectly and where the
employee’s attendance is not required as a result of any employment, occupation or voluntary act by
the employee. Appearance as an interested witness will require that the staff member apply for a
personal business day.
Attendance at Graduations
Staff is entitled to attend graduations for themselves, their spouse, parents and children (or any child if
they are the LEGAL guardian for) for graduations from Jr. High School, Eight Year Elementary School,
High School, College or Graduate School. Two additional days may be granted for travel to graduations
in remote places. The staff member must complete an OP 201, available from the payroll secretary,
and attach the graduation program with the name of the graduate, time, date and grade. All
graduations must be held during working hours. Please make sure your payroll secretary knows of
your graduation date in advance.
Leave of Absence
If a staff member is forced to apply for a leave of absence due to personal illness, the following are the
procedures:
Inform the payroll secretary who will then provide the appropriate application. This form must be fully
completed with all medical documentation completed by a physician and then returned to the payroll
secretary as soon as possible. Contact the UFT Welfare Fund to request disability papers.
Line of Duty Injury
If you are claiming a line of injury absence, make sure that you have filled out an accident report with
the payroll secretary within 24 hours of the occurrence. You must present the payroll secretary with a
doctor’s note and other relevant paperwork and forms after you have returned from the line of duty
absence.
Upon injuring yourself at work, you must see the school nurse. You also need to submit a
Comprehensive Accident Report and give it to the AP or Dean within 24 hours.
Teachers must contact Ms. Bowen and paraprofessionals must contact Ms. Porcello if you intend to take
time off due to a line of duty injury. You must do this on the first day of your absence and you must
notify your respective secretary of your medical status and projected return date. You do not
automatically receive five days of LODI coverage. You must show appropriate medical documentation
that clearly identifies any injuries and how those injuries are preventing or inhibiting your ability to work
effectively. You will be sent to the DOE medical department for an evaluation if you are taking time off
from work as a result of an injury.
Upon your return, you should report to your secretary, bringing all supporting documentation, including
the OP 198 form.
Paraprofessionals will be placed on Workman’s Compensation after 5 days and your case will be heard
at a later date.
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Final determination of approval or disapproval of your absence and the number of days that are
approved will be made by the DOE Medical Department.
Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the “Injury in the Line of Duty” being denied.
Storm Day Procedures
The following is a summary of Chancellor‘s Regulation B-110 and an explanation of the procedures we
will follow:
The Chancellor will make the city-wide decision to close or delay the opening of schools during stormy
weather or other emergency situation. The decision will be made as early as possible prior to 6:00
A.M. on the affected day. Radio and TV stations will be notified as soon as possible prior to 6:00 A.M.
Staff and parents should listen to information broadcast by news radio stations as WINS (1010 AM) and
WCBS (880 AM).
In the case of a delayed school opening, the Chancellor will announce a two-hour opening delay
citywide. This would mean that staff will report at 10:00 A.M.; we will use a modified schedule starting
with shortened 3rd period.
All field trips and after school activities are cancelled on delayed opening days. All personnel have the
responsibility and obligation to report to work by the later starting time due to the delayed opening.
Normal attendance reporting standards apply (absences and latenesses) based on the later starting
time. In the event that a storm intensifies during the school day, the Chancellor will notify all
superintendents and radio and television media of an earlier dismissal schedule. This information will
then be given to school principals.
Half Days
Some days have been designated as half days. Worksites follow a half day schedule only when the half
day has been designated for staff development. Worksite teachers must report to the main building
no later than 12:30 pm.
School Funds
Limited school funds are available to support activities appropriate to furthering our educational
program. Any staff member who intends to use school funds on student activities must receive
pre-approval from one of your administrators. Please refer to the following rules when purchasing
items using school funds:
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We will try to purchase all goods and services from DOE contracted vendors whenever
possible.
Tax exempt letters should be used for all purchases. Tax cannot be reimbursed for any DOE
expenditures.
All proposed purchases should be approved and authorized by a member of the
administrative staff in consultation with the School’s Operations Liaison in writing before the
procurement process is initiated.
Book requests must be processed through Julia McCrosson at the main building, Joseph
Cruciata at Monroe HS, Cheryl Green at 368x and Jacqueline Cannino at Lehman HS.
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All monies collected from students should be forwarded to Lydia Milani immediately (i.e.
picture money, graduation fees, fundraising money).
All SIPP reimbursements cannot exceed $250.00 to a vendor or staff member.
Trip reimbursements should always include an attendance roster for reimbursement.
We will make every effort to purchase all goods and services from contracted vendors. An application
for reimbursement form must be completed and signed by an administrator prior to the expenditure.
Under no circumstances are you to spend money first and then expect reimbursement.
Ms. Milani
will submit your receipts attached to the application and distribute your check to you.
Safety and Security Related Issues
Bloodborne Pathogens/Hazard Communication
The Site Safety Officer for P721X at the main site is Lydia Milani. The Bloodborne Pathogens
Exposure Plan and Hazard Communication Control Plans are located in Room203. Staff
members may review these documents whenever they so desire. Ms. Milani will be able to
answer any questions that you may have. In the event of exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens
or Hazardous Contaminants, please contact the nurse as well as Ms. Miliani.
Remember: Practice Universal Precautions in all cases!
The Site Safety Officer at Monroe is Anthony Delvecchio.
The Site Safety Officer at 368 is Mary Naclerio.
The Site Safety Officer at Lehman High School is Benjamin Lorick.
Calls to EMS / Police Department/Emergency Situations
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If a student complains of chest pains, shortness of breath or heart problems, if there is
an obvious, discernible injury such as a compound fracture or if a student hits his or her
head or is bleeding, please call Ms. Bowen at 1281. She will call 911 and will call Code
Blue. All AED certified people and the nurse will respond to the scene.
The nurse should not be called to the scene of anything that is not an emergency. If a
student bumps her head, please call to the nurse and she will come to the scene. If
there is a lot of blood or if a student complains of a potential life threatening situation,
call Nurse Kerr and she will come down to the spot where the student was injured. If a
student has a scratch on his arm, please bring that student upstairs. Ms. Kerr should
spend the majority of her time in the nurse’s office, not in the classrooms and hallways.
Please do not call 911 yourself unless you think somebody is having a heart attack or
some other critical medical issue. The person that calls EMS must inform a member of
the administrative staff as soon as it becomes possible. Follow the procedures and allow
a member of our administrative staff, our nurse or our designees or our nurse to call.
Access to Classrooms
Classroom doors should be kept unlocked to provide immediate access in the event of emergency.
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Door windows should not be obstructed with any paper, poster, etc. to provide an immediate view of
classrooms.
Procedures for Removal of Students
At our main site we have a dean who is responsible for behaviors that rise above ones that should be
handled using good classroom management techniques. Please do not call for assistance if a student
does not have a pencil, does not want to work, wants to sleep or is causing little disturbance to your
class. Please call the dean if a student is causing harm to him/herself or to others, is directing profanity
at another individual or is threatening another individual. The Dean is the only person other than an
administrator who may remove a student from your classroom and send that student to the Time Out
Room. No other teacher or paraprofessional may make that decision. Please do not take your students
up to the Time Out Room unless our Dean has approved beforehand.
You are not permitted to let your students leave the classroom unattended. You are not allowed to
direct a student to leave your classroom unsupervised, for any reason. If a student walks out of the
room, please inform the dean as soon as possible. If a student requiring a 1:1 paraprofessional walks out
of your room, his/her paraprofessional should be the person who leaves immediately thereafter to
assist with that student.
Removal of Items from Classrooms
Please get permission from an administrator if you wish to take home personal items in large quantities.
Securing of Equipment and Personal Belongings
Staff is responsible for ensuring that all instructional materials and equipment are stored in such a
manner as to avoid vandalism or theft. Be sure that all your personal belongings such as purses,
radios, and cell phones are secure as well. Do not leave your purses, shopping bags or anything
containing valuables in full view. Do not bring large sums of money or any type of expensive
equipment to school. Be especially careful during the holidays.
Securing of Items- Non Personal
All school related items that have value or are dangerous and may tempt students must be secured by
the staff member that used that item. Please be extra careful with tools, sharp items or anything else
that can injure one of our students.
Smoking
Smoking in a public building is prohibited by law and public ordinance. The information contained
herein is to serve as a first warning to all persons that no one is allowed to smoke on school grounds,
including the sidewalk along the perimeter of the school. Failure to adhere to this ordinance will lead
to disciplinary action.
Security
Except in the case of a fire drill or emergency, all staff must enter and exit the school building via the
Main Door (Exit 1).
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Classroom doors should remain unlocked from the outside at all times.
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If you have to leave the school, even if only for a moment, you should never wedge an exit
door open for your return.
All windows and doors must be closed and locked at the end of the school day.
Personal items should always be safely secured.
Money, including student trip and lunch money, must never be left in the classroom. It
should be secured in a safe and then deposited or utilized in a short period of time.
Money is not to be collected from staff or students without the authorization of the Principal.
Staff Exiting Buildings at Appropriate Times
All personnel must leave their respective buildings by 3:30 unless they receive permission by an
administrator and then only until that administrator leaves for the day. No staff members may remain
in the building after the last administrator leaves.
Technology Requests
All main site technology requests must be made to Ms. Julia McCrosson, who will speak with Mr.
Jonathan Flores after receiving said request. No exceptions will be made to this rule.
Arrest Procedures
If a staff member is arrested, it is the responsibility of that person to notify the Office of Personnel
Investigation and the principal immediately.
You must call:
Office of Personnel Investigation
65 Court Street - Room 406
Brooklyn, New York ll201
(718) 935-2666/2668
Failure to report your arrest may result in termination.
Issues involving the Secretarial Staff
Payroll Inquiries
Payroll secretaries will not respond to verbal requests for information; a payroll inquiry form is available
for this purpose. Any and all inquiries are to be made via this form. Make sure that your name,
File/EIS # and SS# are on the form. Please allow three days to a week for a reply.
For any staff member working outside the main school building, all appropriate forms and procedures
will be made available at the site.
In order to maintain appropriate personnel files, the school payroll secretary must receive the necessary
documentation and forms in a timely fashion. The submission of this information and the adherence
to the procedures as outlined in this manual will affect your salary, time, and benefits.
Please do not make inquiries of the secretaries at any time except on your lunch hour if you are a
paraprofessional or on your lunch hour or prep period if you are a teacher.
Address and Phone Changes
14
If the address and or phone number of a staff member changes, she/he must notify the payroll secretary
and complete an OP 85, and a union change form. These forms may be obtained from the payroll
secretary.
Information & Communication
Faculty Conferences
Teachers and related service providers are required to attend. Other school staff members are
welcome to attend. Failure to attend the faculty conference may result in disciplinary action.
Conferences will be held on the first Monday of every month at the following three sites: Main site,
Monroe and 368X.
Internet Acceptable Use Policy
This is the official policy of the Department of Education:
THE PURPOSE OF ACCESS TO OR USE OF THE INTERNET THROUGH BOARD CONNECTIONS OR
EQUIPMENT IS SOLELY EDUCATIONAL. THEREFORE, ANYONE WHO UTILIZES THE BOARD'S
CONNECTION MUST FOSTER THAT PROPOSE BY USING INTERNET RESOURCES ONLY FOR
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND IN AN APPROPRIATE AND LEGAL MANNER.
ALL PERSONS ACCESSING OR USING THE INTERNET THROUGH BOARD CONNECTIONS OR EQUIPMENT,
WHETHER FROM A BOARD LOCATION OR FROM A REMOTE LOCATION USING BOARD HARDWARE,
SOFTWARE, AND/OR ACCOUNTS, ARE PROHIBITED FROM USING SUCH CONNECTIONS OF EQUIPMENT
FOR OTHER THAN EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED FROM:
 Sending or receiving personal messages
 Using the Internet for commercial purposes advertising or similar objectives
 Utilizing copyrighted materials without permission
 Lobbying for political purposes or soliciting votes
 Accessing pornographic or obscene materials
 Sending or receiving messages that are racist, sexist, inflammatory, hateful or obscene
 Vandalizing data, software or equipment
 Sending or receiving another person's messages without authorization
 Requesting or providing home phone numbers, addresses, or other personal information
without authorization
THE BOARD AND/OR CHANCELLOR RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REVOKE THE INTERNET ACCESS OR USE OF
ANY PERSON WHO USES THE BOARD CONNECTIONS OR EQUIPMENT IN AN INAPPROPRIATE, ABUSIVE
OR ILLEGAL MANNER OR IN VIOLATION OF THE BOARD'S POLICY ON ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE
INTERNET OR OF LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAW. VIOLATORS TO THIS POLICY MAY BE SUBJECT TO
DISCIPLINARY AND/OR LEGAL ACTION.
Use of the internet on Department of Education equipment is restricted to educational and professional
sites such as accessing your DOE email, providing training and support for educators and administrators,
researching relevant, educational topics and developing high quality materials for use in the classroom.
You should not be doing personal business on Department of Education equipment.
The Department of Education uses computer programs called “cookies” that allow the DOE to store
information about the user on a computer hard drive or disk. The DOE may collect information on the
15
date and time a user visited a site and information about the user’s activities while online. The
Department of Education reserves the right to monitor the online activities of both students and
nonstudents while they are on the DOE system. Anybody using Department of Education equipment is
not entitled to privacy regarding their personal files and records of their online activity while on the
Department of Education system.
Social Media Usage
Social media is defined as any form of online publication or presence that allows interactive
communication, including, but not limited to, social networks, blogs, internet websites, internet forums
and wikis. Examples of social media include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,
Google+ and Flickr. You may not use social media on DOE equipment.
Information is shared with Staff Members on a daily basis. The sharing of all
information and messages is accomplished in the following ways:
E-mail
Information necessary for staff, students and parents will be sent electronically. All staff members
have access to NYCDOE e-mail accounts. Please check your e-mail accounts in the morning and in the
afternoon. You are responsible for all information sent through e-mail so make sure you check it twice
daily. Please note: Your DOE email account is for professional, school related matters ONLY. You
should not engage in email with a parent from a personal email account.
Mailboxes
Information necessary for staff, students, and parents will be placed in individual mailboxes.
empty your mailbox twice a day.
Please
Whiteboard
Located in the Main Office at the main site, the whiteboard provides valuable information for the
upcoming day. Please check the board during sign-in.
Loudspeaker
The use of the speaker system will be limited in order to provide a quiet, uninterrupted learning
environment. On occasion there will be a need to make an announcement regarding a school
procedure, activity or an emergency. The speaker system will not be used to track down students or
staff.
Telephone
Teachers have telephones in their classrooms as a safety measure. Staff is not permitted use of the
school telephones or fax machines for personal business. If main office staff receives a phone call for a
staff member, a message will be placed in the staff member’s mailbox. In the case of an emergency, a
message will be delivered immediately to the staff member. Emergencies do not relate to day-to-day
routines/needs. An emergency is a sudden illness, hospitalization, accident or fire. If you must make
a long distance call, you must fill out the telephone log indicating the purpose of the call and the party
that was called.
Cellular Phones
16
Personal phone calls should be only made on a cell phone during your lunch break. Personal calls are not
to be made or received when you are on duty. Cell phones are not to be used in classrooms while class
is in session or in the hallways of the school. Please use the staff lounge if you need to make a phone
call during one of your breaks if a classroom or office is not available. Cell phones should be set on
“vibrate” during class time. Staff members violating this policy will face disciplinary action.
Text Messages
You may not use your cell phone to send or receive text messages while you are on duty. Please keep
your cell phones locked in an appropriate place during the school day when you are working with
students. Staff members violating this policy will face disciplinary action.
School Notices and Memoranda
All outgoing notices from classroom staff must have the approval by the principal, as indicated by an
approval line provided for signature. Official school stationery must be used for all official business
and may not be used without approval by the administrative staff.
Professional Issues
Professional Behavior
It is expected that all staff will exhibit professional behavior that demonstrates respect for one another,
our students and their families. We must be cognizant of the value of the students' instructional time
and as such should plan and deliver instructional activities that are appropriate to their functional needs
and meet their IEP goals and objectives. Staff members must not engage in leisure activities such as
reading the newspaper, eating, drinking, smoking, attending to personal business, texting or speaking
on the cell phone while class is in session. Please refrain from giving hot liquids to our students for
obvious reasons. This will be considered unprofessional behavior and will be addressed through the
disciplinary process.
It is also expected that everyone will use language appropriate to a professional while working with
students. Staff may not respond to students with profane or abusive language. We are role models for
our students and should display positive behaviors and use appropriate language. While there is no
official dress code, we are expected to dress in a manner that will command the respect of our students,
parents and colleagues. Since we ask our students to refrain from wearing hats while in the building
staff members must comply with this rule as well.
Conflict Of Interest
Staff members may never be employed by the parents for services such as babysitting or tutoring
outside of the school day without approval from the Office of Ethics. Gifts from students should be of
a small monetary value.
Supervision
It is essential that a teacher be in the classroom at all times when students are present. Remember that
you are legally responsible for the safety of students in your class. Continuous, active supervision of
students throughout the class period is mandatory. Paraprofessionals should never be left alone with
students.
Lesson Plans
17
The development of lesson plans by and for the use of the teacher is a professional responsibility vital to
effective teaching. Lesson plans should be on the teacher’s desks at all times.
Staff Desks
Staff member’s desks should be neat and orderly. They should serve as examples for students. The
lesson plans for the day’s lessons must be kept on the desk. Teachers should also have student alerts,
busing schedules and assignments of 1:1 paraprofessionals on their desks.
Classroom Organization
Teachers are responsible for creating a classroom environment that fosters student success. Rooms
should be free of distractions, clutter and “piles.” Teachers and paraprofessionals are responsible for the
cleanliness of their classrooms. Clutter invites vermin, insects and other undesirables. Administrators
will ask you clean your classrooms if we feel that the environment is not one that our students deserve.
Bulletin Boards
All classrooms should reflect class activities. Bulletin boards inside classrooms and the hallway must reflect
current student work, in line with the school curriculum, and new work must be posted no later than the end
of the first full week of each month. The Common Core Learning Standard(s) being addressed must be indicated
next to the student work that is displayed. All other work should be stored in student work folders and
portfolios.
Door Indicators
Both teachers and the official class program card should be posted on the classroom door. Teacher’s
name, paraprofessionals’ names and class number should be on the class schedule. Program cards
should reflect where staff and students are at all times. A copy of the program card should be given to
Mr. Dugan. For safety and security purposes, GLASS ON DOORS MAY NOT BE COVERED.
Copying of Materials
The copy room provides facilities for copying approved educational materials to support our
instructional program. Copying facilities are for instructional use only. Lesson preparation takes
place prior to a lesson, not during a lesson.
Instructional time is valuable and should be used
appropriately. Failure to abide by the above will be brought to your immediate attention.
A cart will be located outside of Room 227. Please complete the copy request form and place it on the
cart. Your request will likely be delivered within 24 hours if possible. Please plan your copy requests
so that you are not asking to have materials copied the day that you need them.
Duplication of Material and Copyrights
The copyright of all written materials, CD-ROM’s, and videos must be respected. It is unlawful to make
numbers of workbooks, texts, and storybooks from one copy of a book. Do not use a CD-ROM to boot
more than one computer unless you have a site license for multiple stations. You may not show
bootlegged copies of movies or other films since they are illegal.
Requests to Review Personnel Files
18
All staff members are entitled to review their personnel file, which is kept at the P721X main site. A
request, in writing, must be forwarded to the payroll secretary so that an appropriate time can be
arranged for this review.
Student Related Issues
Student Attendance Procedures
In order for the students daily attendance to be accurate the following procedures must be followed:
1. Carefully bubble in the daily attendance sheet along with your signature.
(This is considered a legal document)
2. If there are any changes after submitting the daily attendance bubble sheet the
Official Change Of Attendance form must be submitted to Jill Golden (this also is a
legal document). This form must be used for all attendance changes. On this
form, you must enter the date of the change along with the change. For example, if
you mark the student absent on the bubble sheet and the student comes in late,
enter the date next to the students name and then write Late with the time the
student came in. Also, if a student is marked present and is really absent this form
must be filled out. This form must be signed, dated and brought to Jill Golden
immediately in order for the change to take effect.
If the Official Change of Attendance form is not completed, then the student
attendance is based on the last legal document that was signed which is the daily
attendance bubble sheet.
******REMINDER*******
Please return your completed attendance folders to Jill by 9:00am
Issues of Student Safety and Responsiveness in the Event of An Untoward Incident
All teachers must maintain copies of student emergency cards at all times. Classroom teachers must
contact parents/guardians on a monthly basis for updated information. Updates should be forwarded
to the main office staff immediately.
Transition/Lavatory Use
Transition between classes should always follow a set routine. No child should be dismissed from the
classroom without adult supervision. All students must be signed in and out (with date, time, and
destination noted) in a log book. Teachers or paraprofessionals must escort students to and from the
lavatories. Only one student is allowed in the bathroom at a time.
Attendance Folders
Teachers in the main building are required to submit attendance folders to the pupil accounting secretary, Ms.
Jill Golden, no later than 9:30 A.M. on a daily basis. Teachers at offsites are required to call in their attendance
to the PAS by that time.
Issues Relating to Treatment of Students
Censure a student in private
19
Consider the age of the student, his/her background and school experiences in order to understand the
student’s behavior. If in doubt, consult with other teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors,
administrative staff and members of the school’s disciplinary team who have previous experience with
the student.
Construct successful academic experiences
Assign work appropriate to a student’s academic needs and experiences.
well to teach something new each day.
Build on what he/she does
Do not take negative behavior as a personal attack
A student may not know why he/she misbehaves. Have a private and calm conversation with the
student to discuss his/her behavior. Don’t become personally involved in a child’s emotional outburst.
Ask the student’s counselor for support.
Do not force an issue in front of the class
Forcing the student to confront an issue when he/she is not ready only makes the matter worse.
When the time is right, take the student to a private area to discuss what happened.
Do not use threats
Threatening to call home, write a student up, or suspend is inappropriate.
position as well.
Threats weaken your
Use praise
Reinforce positive behavior by using praise.
to praise in every child.
Students react positively to public praise. Find something
Be firm, fair, friendly and honest
Talk privately to pupils who are exhibiting problems. Show them you are interested and concerned.
Your behavior towards each student is important. Keep in mind, being fair does not mean you do the
same thing for every student.
Do not label a child
Avoid the use of sarcasm and stereotyping.
feelings.
What might be funny or cute to you may hurt a student’s
Homework
Homework is used to reinforce schoolwork and should not be used as punishment (See Homework Policy).
Standards of Behavior
Have the class formulate class rules and regulations. Reinforce class rules in a positive written form,
i.e. “Respect adults and peers” not “Do not fight”. Refer to the class rules frequently.
Develop self-esteem
Students enjoy being helpful. Incorporating activities to make students leaders, helpers and monitors
will build character and confidence.
20
Be flexible
Make accommodations for special needs. Planned lessons or events can be easily derailed by
unexpected events. For example, a fire drill may ruin your “do now” activity during your formal
observation. Be prepared, flexible, and stay cool.
Be pleasant
Greet students in a pleasant manner. Teachers are responsible for setting the class tone. Greet your
students in the morning. Ask questions about your students’ outside interests. Be friendly toward
your colleagues. It sends a positive message to the students.
Maintain a realistic perspective
A child with a history of misbehavior is not going to change overnight. It took a long time for a student
to develop this behavior pattern and it will take a long time to reverse this behavior. Regression is also
prevalent after a period of improvement. Don’t be discouraged.
Be consistent
In all things you do or say being consistent is the key. Children find it very upsetting when a teacher
treats the same offense, under the same conditions, differently. Avoid punishing the entire class for
what one student has done. The fewer rules you have, the fewer will be violated. Be clear about the
consequences. Never make threats unless you plan to carry them out because someone will invariably
test you.
Corporal punishment
As per chancellor’s Regulations A-420/A-421, students may not be physically punished or verbally
humiliated/intimidated. Using students to punish other students is also considered corporal
punishment. Using chemicals or foods as an aversive strategy is also corporal punishment.
Keep accurate records
Use and submit complete anecdotal forms indicating date and time of event and action taken.
Prevention is better than punishment
Make your presence felt by moving around the room. Anticipate the causes of disruption and utilize
appropriate prevention measures. Make a note of the days and time of day in which off-task behavior
occurs.
Student Behavior
Every teacher should develop a discipline plan for his/her classroom. The plan should include
classroom rules, rewards, and consequences. Rules should be posted so that everyone is aware of the
discipline standards in the particular classroom. The plan should be reviewed with the students (See
Appendix H). Staff should continue to use Therapeutic Crisis Intervention to prevent escalating crises.
All school staff should be familiar with this so that they may appropriately address the behaviors of
students as they occur. Classroom teachers should call parents on a regular basis when problems arise
or to report good behavior and progress.
Consequence Chart
Please note that although these are the suggested guidelines, a school safety agent may be called to
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intervene during an emergency or a dangerous situation which appears to be escalating at any time.
Positive student behavior depends directly on (1) effectiveness of the classroom instructional program,
(2) organization of classroom routine and (3) the use of behavior management programs. A
breakdown in any of these three areas will result in problems and an associated loss to pupils and
teachers alike. Planning, consistency, good judgment, and full cognizance of our goals are important
elements in this process.
A school is dependent upon a consistent instructional program in which routines and procedures are
clearly defined and provide for the rights of the individual child and staff member. As previously
mentioned, consistency, careful planning and good judgment are the key elements to an effective
school environment.
Methods Available to the Teacher in Handling Negative Behavior:
Speaking to the child privately
Changing student’s seat
Moving child closer to the teacher
Circulating about the room regularly
Calling the child abruptly to attention
Selective ignoring, when this will not compromise safety
Utilizing other adults in the room
Stop the lesson, stop talking, LOOK at the class, wait for attention before continuing. (Think quickly:
What precipitated the misbehavior? Must you enliven the topic? Have a good plan and modify it as
often as necessary).
What must you do to prevent recurrence? It may be necessary to adjust what YOU are doing!!
Infraction:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Inappropriate
Private
Language/Classro admonishment
om disruption
by staff
Reinforced
admonishment
Counselor conf. Call home/loss of In-school parent
with
priv.
conference
staff/student
Cutting/Walking Private
Out
admonishment
by staff
Reinforced
Call home
admonishment/c
ounselor
conference with
staff
Leaving the
Building
Aggression
(Threats,
bullying,
non-compliance
Violence
Step 1:
Contact Crisis
team
Staff
de-escalation
(TCI
implemented)
Call
Crisis/Security,
loss of priv.
Counselor or
Crisis
called/consider
FBA/BIP
Follow-up call to
parent/request
in school
suspension
Step 4:
Step 5:
In-school parent In-school
conference
suspension/
detention
Follow up call to Request in school Request student
parent
conference
removal
Request in school FBA initiated
conference
BIP implemented
22
Substance Abuse Call Crisis
(suspicion of
being under the
influence)
Follow-up with Request in school Referral to
nurse/call home conference with community
will be made by staff and parent based agency
nurse, crisis, or
counselor
Special Education Records: Access and Disclosure
Chancellor Regulations A-820 covers the major issues regarding student records. Confidentiality,
disclosure and maintenance are covered.
Special education records consist of the following:
 Individualized education Plan (IEP)
 All clinical reports. Including but not limited to the psychological, social history, educational
and related service reports.
 Teacher evaluations and reports
 All material in the CSE clinical file
 Any computerized printouts, either-in-house or Central Board
Any of the above special education materials should be kept separate from the student’s cumulative
records folder and NEVER combined.
**DO NOT REMOVE THE FILE OR ANY MATERIAL IN THE FILE FROM THE OFFICE**
*When you have to examine a student’s record in the school’s clinical record file, you must make sure
that your job description is indicated on the “Persons Allowed to View Records” list located at the file
cabinet. You must also sign the MATERIAL’S ACCESS LOG, located on individual student files. *You must
include your name, the date and the reason you are using the file. Sign AGAIN when you complete your
review of the records. Do not remove student record from the office.
Trips
Every trip must be carefully planned to ensure that time taken away from the classroom will be a means
to continue the development of skills as delineated on the student’s IEP and that the educational values
of the trip are experienced as planned.
To facilitate the planning for the trip and the activities before and after the trip, the trip and student
identification forms must be completed and submitted to the office.
 Permission for trips must be submitted with a lesson plan
 Arrange for bussing at least a week in advance. Bussing should be arranged through Pupil
Accounting Secretary Jill Golden at the main site or at the Transition Coordinator from
Monroe or 368X.
 Arrange for lunch at least a week in advance by speaking to the women in the cafeteria.
 No child should be left behind because he/she did not bring money.
 Take emergency cards with you on all trips.
 You should know the students who are on the trip well enough to know how he/she travels
home at the end of the school day. When you arrive back at the school you should have a
dismissal plan for each student.
 Teacher cell phone numbers should be given to the office.
 Assign staff to students. Write this in your student identification form.
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



Non-verbal students should have a communication system on hand.
Know the procedures for emergencies.
Make note of what the students are wearing so they can be identified in case of an
emergency.
Check with the school nurse regarding medication and other alerts at least two weeks prior to
the trip. If you need a trip nurse you must arrange this at least two weeks prior to your trip.
Community Trip Procedures
Student’s benefit from a regularly programmed series of community based activities. In order to assure
the safety of the students and staff while on community outings the following guidelines have been
established:
All community based instruction (CBI) trips should be for the purpose of promoting learning. Each
school’s plan for the year should include a variety of CBI trips, to prepare our students to successfully
participate in the world around them. The needs of our students necessitate detailed school-based
planning for instruction, safety and supervision during community based instruction trips. This
planning should be an integral part of the school’s comprehensive planning and affixed as an addendum
to the School Safety Plan. The Trip Plan must include an addendum that specifies the procedure to use
in case of student or adult illness or injury, and the procedure to accommodate students who are not
picked up by persons in parental authority at the end of the excursion. Unless expressly
permitted in writing, all trips will begin and end at the school.
All related Department of Education circulars (school trips, SOPM, contracts) apply. Planning must
address issues of scheduling, parameters of CBI, selection of destinations, monetary considerations and
sources (i.e. OTPS, Parent Association, school fundraising, parent contribution). A clear statement of
the objective of each CBI trip, as it relates to curriculum and IEPs, is required for approval. The ratio of
adults to students should be the same as the ratio mandated for these classes.
Sound instructional planning and pedagogy apply to community based instruction:
• Preparatory Learning Activities:
These Preparatory Learning Activities should address two areas:
1. Expected Student Behavior, safety and trip procedures;
Description of areas/components of trip site
Review of behavioral expectations
Awareness of hazards
Understanding of trip procedures (staff in charge, selected trip meeting areas, specific timeframes for
activities, procedure for lost students)
2. Purpose of trip and instructional objectives/activities (address IEP goals)
Trip plan approved by Principal (attach lesson plan)
Pre-trip activities
On-site activities at trip destination
Post trip activities
Summary of learning outcomes and evaluation of trip by students and staff
How have the students been prepared for the CBI? What questions would the students like answered?
24
Do students understand the purpose of the trip and the information they are expected to derive from
the activity? Has there been discussion with the students as to materials needed (notebooks, cameras,
communication systems, etc.), a buddy system, responsibilities, behavior on the subways, buses, and at
the CBI trip site, avoidance of hazards, what to do in case of emergency, etc.?
B.
SCHEDULING
• Review the school calendar (e.g. holidays, testing days, half-days, vehicle maintenance days,
school special events) and the number of trips per site to ensure that the trip can be scheduled.
Discuss appropriate destinations.
C.
TRANSPORTATION CONSIDERATIONS
• Discussions should be held regarding the procedures and forms to be used in requesting either
OPT or public transportation.
• Public transportation should be used as appropriate to students’ IEPs. Bus trips should utilize
OPT busing. If, for some reason, you must use other than OPT busing, (private carrier) forward
for approval by OPT all information from the carrier regarding insurance requirements and
procedures for non-contracted carriers. (See District 75 Checklist Form/Policy Guidelines for Out
of City/Overnight Trips-Attached)
• Weather conditions on the day of the trip should be assessed before students and staff is
allowed to leave the building. School buses should wait at site and are to be available in case
weather conditions shorten trip.
• Field trip hours are from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Travel time should not exceed the amount of time
spent at the trip site. All buses must be back at school by 1:30 PM unless specifically permitted
by the Superintendent. In the event of anticipated lateness beyond the authorized trip time, the
Superintendent’s Office and the school principal must be notified immediately.
• All trip destinations must be within the 5 boroughs of New York City. Special signed
authorization from the Superintendent’s Office must be obtained for any out-of-city/overnight
destinations. (See District 75 Checklist Form/Policy Guidelines for Out of City/Overnight Trips.)
• Students must not be transported in unauthorized or private vehicles, including those belonging
to school staff.
• Trip fees should not be excessive nor should they eliminate any students.
D. PARENTAL CONSENT AND RELEASE FORM
As per the Chancellor’s Circular #A670-1/13/03, the parent trip consent form shall include, at minimum,
the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Trip destination (name, address, phone number)
Date of trip
Time/location of departure/return
Signature for parental consent with parent daytime phone #
Mode of transportation being used, name of carrier
Name of person in charge of trip (cell #)
Name of contact person and phone number at school
A statement to the effect that changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as
weather, scheduling, and staff attendance on the day of the trip
Completed and signed consent forms in several languages must be on file by the day of the trip
for each student who will participate. Consent slips must contain full factual information. (Staff
should bring copy of consent slip with parent and/or contact person and phone #.) Each trip
25
•
•
•
•
requires a separate consent form. Trip permission must be in writing. Verbal permission may not
be granted via telephone by parent/.guardian. Consent forms should be on file for students who
are members of athletic teams and clubs, and/or who participate in on-going weekly
vocational/CBI assignments. Dates and times for all such events should be listed on the consent
form.
Any significant change in the trip (i.e. destination, date) requires new parental notification and
consent.
Consent forms must be specific about permission to use pools, lakes, physical fitness equipment,
or to participate in strenuous physical activities or competitions. If medical pre-clearance is
required, it must be obtained in advance.
If a CBI activity is sponsored by an outside organization and not the Department of Education,
parents must be explicitly advised and all documentation relating to the trip must so indicate.
If a Parent Association/Parent Teacher Association is sponsoring a trip, follow the guidelines in
the Chancellor’s Regulation A-670.
THE TEACHER(S) WILL:
• Review grouping and staffing with classroom staff and advise Trip Liaison of any needs for
additional coverage. The ratio of adults to students should be the same as the ratio mandated
for these classes. All students requiring a 1:1 paraprofessional must have that paraprofessional
in place for the trip.
• Review with adults assigned to his/her students any SPECIAL ALERT information (allergies,
medications, seizure precautions, diabetes, asthma, dietary restrictions, toileting schedule, etc.).
• Verify that provisions have been made for all students’ special needs (i.e. changes of clothing,
medications, special equipment, and/or communication systems).
• Ensure that a list of actual attendance and description of student attire be given to the office at
the time of departure, as well as a copy taken on the CBI trip. (Note: Some schools get
permission from parents to photograph students and maintain the pictures of students for
identification purposes.)
• Check each student to be sure they are wearing or carrying an appropriate ID on their person.
The ID should contain the students’ name, the school name and school phone number. In
addition, if the student is non-verbal, then the method of communication used (e.g. sign
language, augmentative communication device,) should be indicated on the ID. On a separate
checklist, note what each student is wearing.
• Assign each student to an adult.
• Record the time, destination, and bus number in a Trip Sign-Out Book before leaving the school
building.
• Ascertain the location where the bus will be parked during the trip.
• Provide the Trip Liaison with all information in the event of staff or student accident or injury
• Make periodic and frequent “head counts” during the CBI trip (entering or exiting sites, locker
room, lavatories, theaters, exhibit areas, snack stands, or other changes of location) and before
departing from any location on the bus. A head count should be taken every time the group
moves from activity to activity, after every rest stop, entering and leaving transportation,
entering and leaving every site visited, upon return to lodging, etc. Alert Trip Liaison or
Principal or designee of any potentially problematic situation by phone. Carry coins for a pay
phone or call the school collect if necessary. Identify a staff member with whom the school can
make contact by cellular phone. Maintain a written record of all pertinent safety information
(see attached sample). You may use or adapt this sample in any way, or you may create your
own.
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GENERAL REMINDERS FOR STAFF:
• Staff may not bring their own children on any trip.
• There is no smoking at any time on trips.
• Where possible, all student groupings should have one staff member of the same gender as the
students assigned to the grouping, for toileting.
• No individual staff member and/or student should be allowed to travel separately from the
group at any time without specific emergency authorization from the Principal or the District
Superintendent.
• Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in disciplinary action.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In response to one of the following situations, staff will take the following actions:
A. MISSING STUDENT(S) STAFF MEMBER IN CHARGE AT CBI TRIP SITE WILL:
• Immediately contact the school and consult with the Principal.
• If, after consultation with the Principal or designee, the decision is made for the rest of the
students to return to school, paraprofessional and other staff members if available should
return with students on the bus. Teacher and one or more staff members should remain at the
trip site until the situation is resolved. Arrange, if possible, for one bus to remain at the trip site,
or ask school office to contact OPT to arrange for an alternate bus.
• Notify authorities at the CBI trip site (note time and name of person receiving notice).
• Notify Police. Obtain name of officer, note badge #, precinct, precinct phone #, case # and time
of arrival of officer.
• Institute an immediate and organized search of the area, making sure the remaining students
are safely grouped together with adequate adult supervision.
• Determine when and where student was last seen and what s/he was wearing.
THE PRINCIPAL OR PRINCIPAL’S DESIGNEE WILL:
• Use 911 to contact the Police Precinct nearest the CBI trip site (note time, docket number, and
name of officer taking the report).Contact the police precinct to follow up on the initial report.
• Be responsible for receiving returning students.
• Notify the parent/guardian (note time and to whom notice was given).
• Notify the District Office.
• Be available for consultation/follow-up (in person/by telephone) until the situation is completely
resolved.
• Follow-up contact with parent/guardian as appropriate.
• Maintain a log of all communications relating to the incident.
• Complete an Online Occurrence Report and inform the Superintendent’s Office.
B. ILL OR INJURED STUDENT(S) AND/OR STAFF MEMBER IN CHARGE AT CBI TRIP SITE WILL:
• Contact 911 to request assistance and emergency services. Immediately contact the Principal or
designee. Notify the Principal or designee as to which hospital the student will be taken by
EMS.
• Assign appropriate staff member to ride in the ambulance with the student and remain with the
student at the hospital until parent or other school staff member arrives. Staff member should
have consent form and parent information.
• Document any circumstances which could be relevant, including existing medical/religious
considerations.
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THE PRINCIPAL OR PRINCIPAL’S DESIGNEE WILL:
• Contact the parent/guardian and provide them with information about the child’s condition
and/or hospital destination.
• Call Hospital Emergency Room to provide them with any medical information on the student.
• Immediately notify District Office of circumstances.
• Be available for consultation/follow-up with the staff member at hospital, as well as
parent/guardian until situation is stable.
• Complete an Online Occurrence Report and inform the Superintendent’s Office.
C. DISASTER OR SERIOUS WEATHER EMERGENCY, STAFF MEMBER IN CHARGE AT CBI TRIP SITE WILL:
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Direct staff and students to stay together and take shelter in the safest place (generally away
from trees and open bodies of water).
Contact Principal or designee for consultation (via police, if necessary).
Account for all students and adults participating on CBI trip.
Identify and report any students who would be at serious risk in case of significant delay in
return to school.
Request school office staff to contact parents/guardians as soon as possible to advise them of
circumstances.
Instruct all staff members to stay with their assigned groups until further instructions are given.
D. OTHER
• Principal or designee (assistant principal or dean) will complete an Online Occurrence Report
and inform the Superintendent’s Office whenever there is a situation that is of concern
• If a bus will be delayed in returning to school for any reason (e.g. traffic, crowding, bus
problems) the Trip Liaison should call the school office to inform them. The office shall then
inform any sites and parents whose afternoon bus dismissal might be affected by this delay.
Request for CBI Approval
1. Teachers must first submit a Trip Request Form to the administrator for approval. A lesson
plan must accompany the request form.
2. The principal will review all the requests. If approved the Trip Coordinator at your site will
submit yellow bussing requests online to the Office of Pupil Transportation.
3. Upon confirmation, the Trip Coordinator at your site will inform teachers of the bus company
and route for their trips.
4. 4 Trip consent forms (we now have 2 – Ongoing and Daily), lunch request forms and description
sheets can be found in the Main Office.
5. The class teacher is responsible for calling the bus company to confirm the trip. This should be
done 3 days before the scheduled date of the trip.
6. If buses assigned do not arrive on the day of the trip, please inform the Trip Coordinator at your
site in order to determine if a violation needs to be filed.
7. Please remember to plan ahead. After the administrator`s approval there needs to be a
leeway of at least one week in order to process the trips through OPT. There are no longer
any exceptions because all requests are entered online and the program will not accept dates
unless they fall within this time frame.
8. Each class is responsible for arranging for lunches through the cafeteria. Please do this at least
one week prior to the trip.
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The Nurse’s Office should be notified of all trips. A list of students going on the trip must be
given to the nurse at least three days prior to the trip in order to assess students’ health needs.
If necessary, a nurse will be assigned to the trip.
10. Teachers should confer with School Nurse’s office concerning students with medical alerts and
medical needs.
9.
Reminder: No student may leave the building without a signed consent form. A copy of the Trip
Description form must be filed in the main office for each trip with the Trip Coordinator.
Staff Lunches Re: Community Based Instruction
Teachers have an inclusive lunch. If staff could not eat their lunch during the trip, all attempts will be
made to provide a break upon returning to the school. Paraprofessionals who do not receive their
lunch while on a class trip, will receive their lunch break upon return to school after the trip. If this is
not possible, the paraprofessional will be compensated for the lost lunch within the week. The time
lost cannot be accumulated.
Instruction
Lesson Plans/Curriculum: All teachers are required to have a lesson plan available on their desk for
administrative review at the time the lesson is being taught. Past lesson plans must be maintained throughout
the year and may be reviewed during informal administrator walkthroughs, formal observations, and during
tenure review.
P721X is once again following the Unique Curriculum during the 2014-2015 school year. All homeroom
teachers will be provided with individual access to a Unique account, and will be required to follow the lessons
and pacing of this curriculum, but are encouraged to modify and extend the lessons based upon student needs.
Unique provides detailed, differentiated lesson plans, as well as materials, for each lesson. Homeroom
teachers at the main site, 368X and the Monroe Annex will be following Unique’s High School Band Curriculum
and Unique’s Transition Band Curriculum. Teachers at full-time worksites will be following Unique’s Transition
Band Curriculum and they also will be working off of a pacing calendar that is tailored to the work study
program.
It is expected that Cluster teachers will collaborate with homeroom teachers to extend or complement the
themes of Unique. While cluster teachers will not have access to their own Unique accounts and will not be
using the Unique lesson plans, unit themes will be made available.
Additionally, all teachers will be required to create and complete eight Common Core-aligned Units of Study
based on the standards selected within the 2014-15 Citywide Instructional Expectations. The units should
include two math units, two social studies units, two ELA units and two science units. Please follow the P721X
Citywide Instructional Expectations Chart for 2014-15 when creating your units.
Remember, all lesson plans should meet Common Core Standards and be differentiated to meet the goals and
objectives of your students’ IEPs.
Homework Policy
Homework has always been recognized by the academic community as an important medium to foster
student achievement and extend school activities into the home and community. Homework
assignments contribute significantly to the improvement of the achievement level and interest in
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learning of all students.
The assignment of homework to the students must be part of the educational policy of the school.
Homework must be assigned on a daily basis. Students will receive approximately one hour of
homework in at least two of the following subject areas: Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science
and Vocational Training (Shops). Homework will be given Monday through Friday. Studying for a
forthcoming test, reading newspapers and listening to newscasts to be discussed in class may be
considered part of the one hour assignment.
Value of Homework
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Increases time spent on academic tasks, thus enhancing the academic growth of students.
Enables parents and other family members to become familiar with the educational program of
the school.
Meets the needs of individual students through the use of varied assignments.
Helps prepare students for class participation and to recognize material studied, so that new
insights are developed.
Objectives of Homework
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Reinforce, extend, and enrich skills and knowledge learned in school.
Stimulate individual interest, thus forming a basis for productive use of leisure time.
Develop independent study skills to foster initiative, responsibility and self-direction.
Provide a link between parents and educators.
Characteristics of Effective Homework Assignments
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Use as an outgrowth of classroom instruction
Address IEP Goals, Principles Of Learning, and Common Core Learning Standards
Clearly defined and completely understandable so the students can complete the work
independently.
Planned cooperatively with the students.
Use rubric to assess success and areas of improvement that are understood by the class.
Keep in accord with the superintendent- and principal-approved homework policy.
Daily Procedures and Routine
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Assign homework daily, even before a holiday.
Include at least one reading/writing and one mathematics assignment daily.
Record the homework assigned in your lesson plan book.
Request that homework be reviewed and signed by parent daily.
Buddies in the classroom (paired students) can assist absent/late students to catch up with
homework assignments.
Check and correct homework daily.
Spot check, pupil exchange and correct, student monitors, self-checking, intensive check by the
teacher.
If assignments are in preparation for a lesson, the homework should be checked at the time of
that lesson.
Homework is checked daily by teacher initials, check marks, comments, and suggestions for
improvement.
Each student must have a Homework Portfolio maintained in the classroom.
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File student homework monthly in a Homework Portfolio.
Other factors regarding homework:
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Homework should never be used as a punishment.
The homework assigned should be referred to within the teacher’s lesson plan.
Completion of Homework Assignments
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Set standards for penmanship neatness & format
Ensure that students write the questions and answers in grammatically correct sentences.
Introduce techniques that will incorporate phrases from the original question in the response.
Miscellaneous Lunch
Teachers and paraprofessionals receive a 50-minute duty-free lunch period. During the duty-free
lunch period, they may exercise their option to leave the school building. Teachers and
paraprofessionals are required to report for duty to their assigned work location at the start of the next
period. For teachers, preparation and/or administrative/professional activity period cannot be
combined with a duty-free lunch period.
Staff members who bring their breakfast to school must complete all eating and drinking by 8:00 am.
Staff members may not drink coffee or eat breakfast after they are scheduled to work. Staff
members will receive one warning if they violate this rule. The official workday ends at 2:50 pm.
Staff members who leave the building prior to 2:50 pm will receive one verbal warning. Subsequent
occurrences will be documented with letters to file.
Fire Drill and ―Sheltering In Drill Procedures
Fire drills will be conducted regularly to familiarize staff and students with exit procedures. Schools are
mandated by the Department of Education to execute ten fire drills during a given school year. A chart
in each room indicates the proper exit route.
Silence and orderly conduct must be maintained throughout the drill. Staff members are to
immediately stop the activity they are doing when the bells are rung to indicate the school is to be
evacuated for a drill or an emergency situation. When the bells sound and it is verified that the alarm
is official, escort the students quietly and quickly out of the school. Proceed as if there is a fire in the
building.
Students are to remain with staff at all times during drills or emergency evacuations. Everyone must
leave the building during the drill. You may re-enter the building only after SSA‘s have instructed staff
and students to return. Limited mobility students and their 1:1 paraprofessionals should go to the
nearest holding room with their paraprofessional if they are located on the second or third floor.
Holding rooms are located in room 208 and room 310.
For students with hearing impairments, special accommodations are provided to ensure quick response
to the fire drill.
Review with students that they are to quietly exit the school with staff during a Fire Drill and not engage
in conversation. Complete silence should be insisted upon during the entire drill. Directions are to
be given only by the teacher. The teacher must be vigilant throughout the drill to ensure order and the
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safety of students. If a student does not follow instructions, please file a report before you leave
school that day. Students leaving the building are to walk a sufficient distance predetermined by the
SSA‘s. Students must walk, NOT RUN, silently in close order and in rows of two.
Personal belongings should not be left behind. Staff members are to bring their personal property
with them. Take your attendance information and your attendance cards with you during school
evacuations. Assist each other in checking that you have all of the students you are responsible for at
the time the bell sounds prior to leaving the area. Tell staff at the bathroom to take students directly
outside.
Inform an Administrator, evacuation staff member or SSA as you are departing with the class when you
cannot locate a person that should be with you so they can continue the search, as you take the rest of
the class outside.
Pay close attention to administrators, SSA’s and Crisis team in case staff is directed to move away from
the school as in past emergency evacuations. Do not allow students to go to the store during school
evacuations and report any students that do not follow the procedures to a CIT. Return promptly to
the school after checking that you have all of your students when the signal is given.
Classroom Doors and Exit Doors - When students are in a room, doors may be closed but never locked.
Also note that for security reasons, classroom door/windows may not be covered even partially;
classrooms must be fully visible from the hallway. During drills, be certain that both doors are closed
to prevent spread of fire. Use the stairway nearest your room and the building exit which opens to the
street. If an exit door is closed (blocked) or cannot be opened, direct the class to the nearest exit.
Sheltering In Drills - Protocols for remaining in school during a disaster or crisis that occurs outside of
the school building: There will be times when the appropriate response to a disaster may require that
emergency responders direct that students and staff remain within the school building. This process,
which is often referred to as ―sheltering–in, may require that you identify a location in your school
where students and staff can congregate that is: a hallway and away from windows and glass,
an area that is isolated and where ventilation can be turned off, if needed an area that is lower than the
first floor and away from the main entrance of the school
The determination that staff and students should remain inside during a disaster will be made by School Safety
Agents/local law enforcement/ public safety officials. Once that decision has been made, school staff will be
given particular directions as to where staff and students should be moved (e.g., basement areas; gymnasium;
hallways or auditorium), as well as the steps that need to be taken to ensure that the environment that you are
asked to move to remains free from the dangers outside of the school building.
If a Medical Emergency Occurs:
1. Stay with the student or staff member, or designate another to take your place.
2. Notify the School Nurse at ext. 3330 or 3331 state who you are, state where you are,
state the problem (choking, not breathing, etc.)
3. Call administration at ext. 1250
4. The following staff members are trained to deal with an emergency and to initiate the
appropriate procedures:
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Main Site
Ms. Jackee Cannino
Ms. Lavinia Chandler-Wallace
Ms. Carolyn Harris
Mr. Russ Hess
Ms. Karlene Kerr, Nurse- 3330 or 3332
Mr. Antonio Loubriel
Ms. Laura Lynch
Mr. Michael Mincey
Mr. Matt Murphy
Mr. Frank Raspanti
Mr. Paul Small
Mr. Andrew Steinberg
Lehman
Ms. Jackee Cannino
Mr. Benjamin Lorick
Ms. Kim McTaggart
Monroe
Mr. Anthony McCrae
Ms. Robin Welch
368X
Cheryl Green
Mary Naclerio
Glenn Viola
Teacher Related Issues
Professional Development
You must consult with the assistant principal before signing up for professional development activities.
Certain forms must be completed prior to the workshop. After approval has been granted, but prior to
the PD activity, you must notify the payroll secretary.
Open School Night Conferences
On the evening of open school conference, if teachers are present during the regularly scheduled school
day, but fail to attend the mandated evening conference, a letter may be placed in the teacher’s
personnel file.
Informal Partial-Period and Formal Full Period Observations
Once again, all teachers will have the number of observations as outlined in the Teacher Effectiveness Program.
This will include between 4 and 6 observations for each teacher.
Teachers will no longer be evaluated using the S for satisfactory and U for unsatisfactory system.
Responsibilities of the Teacher: Supervision
It is essential that a teacher be in the classroom at all times when students are present, even when
paraprofessionals are in the classroom. Remember that you are legally responsible for the safety of students
in your class. Continuous, active supervision of students throughout the class period is mandatory.
Anecdotal Reporting
It is a requirement for all teachers to record the behaviors, habits, uniqueness and issues of students in your
classroom. Specific behavioral incidents should be submitted to Mr. Russ Hess, Dean Of Students, in room 102A
on a School-wide Information System Referral (SWIS) form by email or hard copy.
Data Collection
All staff shall participate in data collection, including Unique, SANDI, SWIS and NYS Alternate Assessment, to
measure each student’s learning and progress for all IEP goals and objectives.
Teacher Ratings/Awarding Tenure
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The principal is responsible for the annual rating of all teachers. The principal or designee will work directly
with any staff member whose performance demonstrates an area of weakness. All teachers receive an annual
rating. Probationary teachers will receive a probation report, which advises the teacher of their progress for
that school year.
A 4-point effectiveness framework will be used to aid in making tenure decisions (see the Tenure
Decision-making Framework – Addendum 7 – at the end of this handbook). To determine fairly and accurately
whether teachers should be awarded the honor of tenure, the framework measures teacher practice along
three dimensions:
• Impact on student learning
• Instructional practice
• Professional contributions
The framework requires multiple measures of each over more than two academic years in order to demonstrate
effectiveness. During the probationary period, all teachers are required to maintain a portfolio with samples
that document their work within the three dimensions. During the tenure review period, this portfolio will be
reviewed the principal, and will play an important role with respect to awarding tenure. For assistance in
assembling your portfolio or questions related to tenure, please contact Ms. McCrosson.
Administrative/Professional Assignments
Administrative assignments have been selected by the administration along with the UFT. Many of the
assignments will be teacher team meetings along with paper work related duties. There will be a
select few other assignments that will likely go to cluster teachers.
Preparatory Periods
It is the Administration’s policy to honor all preps on a daily basis. Teachers should be aware that their
UFT contractual agreement specifies that teachers will not be compensated for the first coverage they
perform each school term. Teachers will be required to do coverage as needed and specifically during
emergency situations. Your cooperation is expected in order to maintain a safe and orderly
environment.
Class Coverages
A teacher who is assigned a coverage must remain in the room of the absent teacher to work with the
students. Teachers must arrive at their coverage on time, as they would for any of their regular classes.
Paraprofessionals should wait at the room of the absent teacher for the teacher to arrive.
Coverage is assigned only on an emergency basis. You cannot refuse to do a coverage because you do
not wish to work with a specific class or a specific group of students. If you wish to be considered for
more coverage assignments, please speak with the payroll secretary. If there is any reason why you
cannot do a coverage on a specific day then you must notify the payroll secretary ahead of time.
Instruction must be going on at all times during a coverage. Merely sitting with a class, doing word
search puzzles or watching television is not acceptable. Prepare coverage lessons ahead of time for a
wide spectrum of ability levels. Failure to provide meaningful activities or to follow appropriate
instructional procedures will jeopardize eligibility for coverage and may result in disciplinary action.
If you have a discrepancy in your pay with regard to paid coverages, please leave a note in the payroll
secretary’s mailbox. She will research it and put the answer in your mailbox when she is able.
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Appointment
Upon appointment, each teacher will receive a packet of paperwork from the New York City Department
of Education including applications for Jarema credit, step placement, reduction of probation period and
differentials. It is imperative that the teacher completes all of these applications. These applications
may reduce the probation period, will place the teacher on the correct step and provide the teacher an
equated date. Without this, the teacher will not be placed upon the proper step and/or differential.
*Very important – if the teacher does not get an equated date – s/he will not go up two steps each year
until s/he reaches step 8B. It is the teacher’s responsibility to complete these applications and bring
them to 65 Court Street or mail them return receipt requested. Any forms requiring the principal’s
signature should be forwarded to the main office. They will be returned to teacher upon the
principal’s signature.
Leaving the Building During Preparation and Administrative Periods
During preparation and administrative periods teachers remain in the building and use this time for
professional purposes. Permission to leave the building will be determined by the school’s administrators.
The Teacher-Paraprofessional Team
The teacher and paraprofessional(s) form the instructional team. They must work in tandem towards
meeting the instructional goals of students. Paraprofessionals are instructional supports for our
students. As such, they must be involved in providing direct instruction to students.
The Role of the Teacher
The responsibilities of the classroom teacher include, but are not limited to:
• Scheduling and supervising academic and nonacademic activities for students
• Ensuring the implementation of the NYC Performance Standards in Language Arts, Mathematics
and Science or NYS Alternate Assessment
• Developing weekly/daily lesson plans and organizing them into standards based instructional
units
• Evaluating all plans and activities
• Preparing report cards, progress notes, and I.E.P’s
• Meeting with parents
• Maintain portfolios for every student
• Maintain an anecdotal reporting log
• Coordinating all paraprofessional activities & ensuring that they are integrally involved with the
students throughout the school day
Paraprofessional Related Issues
Paraprofessional Release Time
Paraprofessionals in the Career Ladder Program will need the principal’s approval for early release time.
Paraprofessionals in the Career Ladder Program must complete and submit a voucher application to 65
Court Street. The Department of Education will pay for six credits each semester. All new
paraprofessionals hired must have a minimum of six academic credits.
Paraprofessionals are entitled to release time for study for the fall and spring semesters only. In order
to qualify for release time, a paraprofessional must take a minimum of five semester hours. Upon
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registration, the paraprofessional must submit a copy of the Bursar’s receipt to the payroll secretary
along with a request for release time form. Requests for release time will be reviewed and approved
by the principal in accord with the needs of the school. Release time will not be granted on Fridays.
Proof of Completion
Immediately, upon completion of the paraprofessional’s classes, the paraprofessional must submit proof
of completion of coursework by submitting a copy of the transcript, grade report or certificate to the
payroll secretary. Should the paraprofessional cease attending college classes or fail to submit the
required transcript or proof of grades, the principal is required to notify the Career Training Office for a
mandatory return from the paraprofessional’s salary.
New Procedures for Salary Upgrade
Salary Upgrade forms are available from the payroll secretary. She will process the application as per
DOE procedures.
New Paraprofessionals
All newly hired paraprofessionals are on probation for a period of five months. During this time, the
new paraprofessional should be aware that if her/his performance is deemed unsatisfactory by the
principal or designee and/or her/his record of attendance is deemed unsatisfactory, the
paraprofessional may be terminated.
1:1 Paraprofessionals
All 1:1 Paraprofessionals (including Special Transportation Paraprofessionals) are responsible for
keeping updated attendance on the new Encounter Attendance Function in SESIS.
(https://sesis.nycenet.edu/userlogin.aspx)
Special Transportation Paraprofessionals
SELECTION CRITERIA:
1. Assignment will be made based upon District 75 seniority.
2. Individual must have a satisfactory record of attendance and punctuality.
3. Individual must be available Monday through Friday, and commit to the entire program or until
the student(s) no longer requires the services of a STP.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The paraprofessional will provide supervision to the student(s) to increase their skills in appropriate
behavior while riding the school bus or any other vehicle. The Special Transportation Para (STP) will be
responsible for implementing a behavior plan, documenting student progress, assist the student in
coping with situations, and communicating with school personnel and parents. (SEE ATTACHED)
The Role of the Paraprofessional
The role of the paraprofessional is to assist the teacher in delivering the educational program. Some of
these duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Assisting at breakfast/lunch periods (where applicable)
• Assisting with bus arrival and dismissal (where applicable)
• Assisting with attendance
• Escorting students to support services and other out-of-class activities. This may include
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toileting
Providing assistance in emergency situations (student illness, minor emergencies, and sudden
crises
Assisting in planning for and providing individual reinforcement and small group instruction in
academic and nonacademic areas, as assigned by the teacher
Assisting in observing and recording student performance/behavior
Reinforcing social, cognitive and behavioral/instructional objectives as specified by the teacher
Assisting students in the transition from activity to activity and subject to subject
Contributing and sharing talents, strengths, and knowledge that will improve the quality of
students’ education
Academic tutoring
Responsibilities of the Special Transportation Para
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Student must be met in the a.m. at the designated time and place given by the bus driver.
You are responsible for the student(s) when he/she steps onto the bus and during the ride to
and from school. The parent/guardian is responsible for the child in the morning while waiting
for the bus and in the afternoon when the child exits the vehicle. In the event there is an
unusual circumstance, the child’s health and safety is your primary concern. Do not get off the
bus until the student’s parent/family member picks him/her up.
Assist the student(s) (if you are assigned to more than one child), with appropriate behaviors
in entering the bus, while riding, and exiting the bus.
Update the teacher regarding the child’s behavior and maintain a log. Record absences in
either the morning and/or afternoon as well as any progress observed.
In the event that you are absent you MUST CALL THE STP SUBSTITUTE the day before and as
early as possible so that he/she may meet the bus on time.
Inform the parent of any changes regarding service. The name of the substitute in your absence.
Upon arriving at work, you must sign in the time you actually arrived at school and that you rode
the school bus with the student assigned to you. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU TO
TRANSPORT A CHILD IN YOUR OWN CAR OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE, WHICH IS NOT INSURED BY
AN AUTHORIZED VENDOR.
Inform the Assistant Principal or Unit Teacher/CIT when you have gone to the student’s home
and the parent informs you that the child will not be attending school that day. You will only be
paid for the morning. You may not continue to go the student’s house until you are informed by
the AP or Unit Teacher or CIT the day/date the student will return to school.
Fill out anecdotal reports
Chart behaviors for behavior plan
File appropriate incident reports when necessary
Meet with teacher, clinician, supervisor, parent, etc when necessary to discuss ongoing
behavior.
Responsible for data collection, as it relates to IEP goals and functional behavior assessment.
Related Service Personnel
Related Service Providers
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It is good pedagogy for the related service provider to work within the classroom. If there is a
compelling educational reason for service “outside the classroom” please speak with the
Principal.
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All related service providers must supply the teacher and the administrators with a schedule of
the days and times that mandates will be serviced.
Related service providers must complete and evaluate IEP goals for the student.
Attendance must be maintained and students should receive the full mandate service time.
Counselors, social workers and psychologists will do intakes of new students.
Scheduling conflicts should be resolved with the classroom teacher or Assistant Principals Mr.
Dugan, at the main-site, Mr. Cruciata at Monroe Annex and Ms. Green at 368X.
Progress notes and attendance cards must be submitted accordingly
Whenever possible, a related service provider should provide service by class.
Time and Attendance
The issues of time and attendance, reporting, and responsiveness to Chancellors regulations and District
75 policies apply to all school staff. The following issues apply to related service providers who include:
• Speech and Language
• Counseling – including counseling by social workers or psychologists
• Hearing services
• Vision services
Length of the school day
SPEECH / HEARING / VISION TEACHERS – follow the schedule as outlined in ISSUES RELATING TO
TEACHING STAFF.
Speech providers receive lunch, preparation periods and administrative periods.
• They are to provide 7 – 10 sessions per day depending on mandates
GUIDANCE COUNSELORS 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
•
•
•
•
•
7 hour work day
30 minute lunch
No preps or administrative periods
One 30 minute period for agency / parent contact before children start or at end of the day
30 minute sessions except for a few 40 minute high school programs
SOCIAL WORKERS AND PSYCHOLOGISTS 8:00 AM – 3:20 PM
•
•
•
•
7 hour and 20 minute work day
30 minute lunch
No preps or administrative periods
One 30 minute period for agency / parent contact
NURSES
P. 721X - MAIN SITE 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
P. 721X @ 368X 7:55 AM – 2:50 PM
P. 721X @ Monroe HS 7:55 AM – 2:50 PM
• Nurses are not pedagogues. They receive no preps or administrative periods. They follow the
same school day with 30 minute lunch with an additional 5 minutes at the beginning of the day
• A nurse must stay until the last bus has left the school
• Interdisciplinary meetings with other related service providers and teaching staff for students
(especially those with autistic spectrum disorder and/or non-verbal) are to be scheduled.
38
•
Full time contracted service providers will follow the same schedule requirements.
REGULATION A-670)
PLANNING
A. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE
Emergency Preparedness
In continuing efforts to ensure the safety and security of students and staff, the Department of
Education has established a comprehensive program to be followed by all schools in the event of an
emergency; these procedures are coordinated with the NYC Police Department and the Mayor’s Office
of Emergency Management.
• P721X has a comprehensive School Safety Plan that is reviewed, updated and certified by the
Department of Education and the NYC Police Department annually. The plan provides specific
and detailed procedures for responding to a range of incidents including, but not limited to:
hostage situations, Hazmat (hazardous materials); shootings; kidnappings; fire emergencies;
bomb threats; disasters etc.
Specific written evacuation procedures identifying primary and alternate exits for each room in
the building are in place. Ten fire drills are held each school year with an additional two during
Chapter 683. All staff members, even if they are on their prep or lunch must leave the building
during a fire drill.
students and staff to remain in the building rather than evacuate.
In addition to School Safety Plans, the Department of Education participates in various forums that are
designed to address a citywide response to emergency situations.
Chancellor’s Regulations
If any of the following Chancellor’s Regulations are violated, you must report it to the assistant principal
or principal:
• Chancellor’s Regulations C-105, Procedures in Cases of the Arrest of Employees
• Chancellor’s Regulations A-420, Corporal Punishment
• Chancellor’s Regulations A-421, Verbal Abuse
• Chancellor’s Regulation A-730, Administration of Oral Medication
• Chancellor’s Regulations A-831, Student to Student Sexual Harassment
If any of the following Chancellor’s Regulations are violated, you must report it to the Unit Liaison,
counselor, assistant principal or principal:
• Chancellor’s Regulations A-755 Suicide Prevention/Intervention
• Chancellor’s Regulations A-750, Child Abuse and Neglect
• You should be familiar with the following policies and regulations. They
are available on the DOE website.
A Summary of the Chancellor’s Regulations is listed below. Visit
http://nycenet.edu/Administration/ChancellorsRegulations/default.htm
for specific information.
Volume A
39
100 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
A-101
06/29/09
A-125
A-170
A-185
A-190
Admissions, Readmissions, Transfer and List Notice
for All Students
Non-Resident Enrollment
Home Instruction
Zoning Lines for Elementary and Middle Schools
Significant Changes In School Utilization
200 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
A-210
A-240
A-250
Minimum Standards for Attendance Programs
Reasons for Discharging Students
Employment Certificates
01/20/11
09/05/00
06/28/11
400 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
A-412
A-414
A-415
A-418
A-420
A-421
A-432
A-443
A-449
A-450
Security in the Schools
Safety Plans
Emergency Notification System
Sex Offender Notification
Pupil Behavior and Discipline - Corporal Punishment
Verbal Abuse
Search & Seizure
Student Discipline Procedures
Safety Transfers
Involuntary Transfer Procedures
11/08/06
03/24/10
03/24/10
08/05/08
06/24/09
06/29/09
09/13/05
03/05/04
03/09/11
01/20/11
500 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
A-501
Promotion Standards
11/13/09
600 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
A-601
A-610
07/03/09
11/22/02
A-630
A-640
A-650
A-655
A-660
Activities, Clubs and Organizations
Fundraising Activities and Collection of Money from
Students
Religious Accommodation of Students
Filming at School Facilities
Flea Markets
School Leadership Teams
Parent Associations and the Schools
A-665
A-670
Uniforms
School Trips (English Attachments Included)
09/11/08
08/18/11
700 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
A-701
A-710
A-715
School Health Services
Section 504 Policy and Procedures for Students
Administration of Epinephrine to Students with
severe allergies.
06/29/09
01/20/11
05/30/07
A-740
11/13/08
A-750
A-755
A-780
Pregnant And Parenting Students And Reproductive
Health Privacy
Child Abuse
Suicide Prevention/Intervention
Students in Temporary Housing
800 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
A-801
A-810
Pupil Transportation
Free and Reduced Meals
09/05/00
06/29/09
06/29/09
08/05/09
01/14/05
10/08/10
06/29/09
06/15/09
06/29/09
03/24/10
04/21/10
01/20/11
08/18/11
06/29/09
40
A-812
A-815
A-816
A-820
A-825
A-830
A-831
A-832
A-845
A-850
A-860
Competitive foods
Administration and Accountability in the School
Food Service Program
After school Food Services
Confidentiality and Release of Student Records;
Records Retention
Military Recruitment
Filing Internal Complaints of Unlawful
Discrimination/Harassment
Peer Sexual Harassment
Student-To-Student Bias-Based Harassment,
Intimidation, and/or Bullying
02/25/10
01/20/11
06/18/09
06/29/09
06/23/09
09/17/10
12/09/08
09/03/08
Fingerprinting Volunteers (Release Pending. Until further notice please continue)
Solid Waste Management (Recycling)
07/15/09
Naming And Renaming A New York City Public
01/20/11
School Or A Particular Facility Within A New York
City Public School
Volume B
800 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
B-801
School Based Budgeting
01/20/11
Volume C
30 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
C-30
09/16/10
C-37
Regulation Governing the Selection, Assignment and
Appointment of Principals and Assistant Principals
Procedures for Termination of Licenses or
Certificates Held by Substitute Teachers or Regularly
Licensed Personnel Who Have Not Achieved Tenure
Procedures for Termination of Licenses or
Certificates Held by Substitute Teachers or Regularly
Licensed Personnel Who Have Not Achieved Tenure
Removal and Transfer of Principals for Persistent
Educational Failures
Selection of Community Superintendents
100 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
C-100
06/25/09
C-115
C-120
C-175
C-190
Disciplinary Conference for Certain School Bus
Drivers and Escorts
Controlled Substance & Alcohol Use by School
Transportation Workers
Background Investigations of Pedagogical and
Administrative Applicants and Procedures in Cases
of the Arrest of Employees
Conflicts of Interest, Community Education Council
Members, Employment of Family Members
Required Background Investigation
Disclosure of financial interests
Per Session Employment
Utilization of Consultant
200 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
C-200
C-201
Definition of License Terms
Evaluations & Licensing (Release Pending. Until
further notice please continue to refer to the hard
copy of Chancellor's Regulation C-201, dated
09/12/00
09/05/00
C-31
C-31
C-33
C-102
C-105
C-110
10/16/02
10/16/02
12/11/02
06/21/10
06/25/09
02/11/03
06/29/09
09/05/00
04/27/09
06/09/09
11/28/00
41
C-205
C-206
C-208
C-210
C-215
C-220
C-225
C-230
6/24/1993 .)
General Licensing Provisions
Occasional Per Diem Services
Teacher Training Programs
School Secretarial Service
Recertification of Regularly Appointed Teachers and
Other Non-Supervisory School Staff Subject to Layoff
School Medical Bureau License Requirements
09/05/00
09/05/00
09/05/00
09/05/00
06/17/91
01/01/91
09/26/02
C-240
C-251
C-266
C-274
School Supervisor and Administrator License
Requirements
Teacher License Requirements
Teacher of ESL to Adults
Laboratory Specialist in Secondary Schools
License Requirements for School Psychiatrist
600 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
C-601
C-602
C-603
C-604
C-605
09/05/00
09/05/00
08/01/02
09/13/00
06/29/09
C-650
Attendance and Service of School Staff
Attendance of HQ & DO Staff
Absent Employees
Timekeeping
Salary, Attendance and Leave of Pedagogical
Employees
Time Off For Religious Observance
Salary, Attendance and Leave of Management
Employees
Vacation Entitlement Upon Change from
Headquarters to School Vacation Status
Sabbaticals
700 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
C-770
Assignment of Suspended Employees
09/05/00
800 Series
Regulation Name
Issue Date
C-810
Tobacco Product and Smoke-Free (No Smoking)
Policy
05/3/05
Regulation Name
Issue Date
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Procedures
Ethics Code for Parent and Community Members of
School Leadership Teams
Political Activities in School Buildings
Process for the Nomination and Selection of Parent
and Student Members of Community District
Education Councils Including Filling Vacancies
Process for the Selection of Members of The
Citywide Council on Special Education and the
Citywide District 75 Council
Process for the Nomination and Selection of Parent
and Student Members of the Citywide Council on
High Schools Including Filling Vacancies.
Process for the Nomination and Selection of
Members of the Citywide Council on ELLs including
Filling Vacancies
Extended Use of School Buildings
06/18/09
04/27/09
C-606
C-607
C-612
Volume D
100 Series
D-110
D-120
D-130
D-140
D-150
D-160
D-170
D-180
09/05/00
09/05/00
01/29/92
01/01/91
09/20/05
06/29/09
04/28/86
09/28/00
06/22/09
03/24/10
03/24/10
03/24/10
03/24/10
03/24/10
42
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