LUIS LLORENS TORRES CHILDREN’S ACADEMY
P.S. 114X
1155 Cromwell Avenue
Bronx, New York 10452
Phone # (718) 681-7507
Fax # (718) 681- 7519
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Mrs. Olivia Francis-Webber Mr. George Ault Ms. Tabatha Williams-Moore
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Handbook
Of
Policies and Procedures
2011 - 2012
I pledge to visit the school’s website (PS114X.wikispaces.com) and read, inwardly digest, and put into practice those areas in the Handbook of Policies and Procedures for the school year 2011-2012; and that are directly related to me and my contribution toward ensuring the smooth and successful functioning of our school. I also agree to deal in a similar fashion with pages that may be added, as it becomes necessary, during the school year.
I affix my signature to this page and will submit it to Ms. Belin by the close of business on Monday, October 3, 2011; I have made a duplicate and placed it in my personal file.
______/______/______
Signature of Staff Member Date
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome ………………………………………………………… 5
Guiding Principles/Mission Statement ………………………………………………………… 6
School Schedule ………………………………………………………… 7
On The First Day of School ………………………………………………………… 7
Grade Dismissal ………………………………………………………… 8
Early Dismissal ………………………………………………………… 8
Emergency Dismissal ………………………………………………………... 8
Emergency School Closings ………………………………………………………… 8
Staff Procedures ………………………………………………………… 9
Teacher’s Schedule ………………………………………………………... 9
Arrival Procedures ………………………………………………………… 9
Reporting Absences ………………………………………………………… 10
Transportation Difficulties ………………………………………………………… 10
Substitute Plans ………………………………………………………… 10
Staff Communication ………………………………………………………… 10
Morning Messages ………………………………………………………… 10
Mailboxes/ Monthly Faculty Conferences...……....……………………………………………… 11
Common Planning Time ………………………………………………………… 11
Grade Leaders ………………………………………………………… 11
Supervisory Assignments ………………………………………………………… 11
Preparation Periods ………………………………………………………… 12
Accidents / Illnesses ………………………………………………………… 12
Professional Dress ………………………………………………………… 13
Student Supervision / Smoking ………………………………………………………… 12
Repair Requests for Custodians ………………………………………………………… 13
Textbooks ………………………………………………………… 13
Audio Visual Material ………………………………………………………… 14
School Phones ………………………………………………………… 14
Informal Observations/Formal ………………………………………………………… 14
Self-Direction Assessments ………………………………………………………… 15
Professional Opportunities ………………………………………………………… 15
Teacher Performance Review ………………………………………………………… 15
Copy Machine ………………………………………………………… 15
Forms ………………………………………………………… 16
Videos / DVD’s ………………………………………………………… 16
Professional Development ………………………………………………………… 17
Professional Development Teams ………………………………………………………… 17
Collaborative Teams ………………………………………………………… 17
Staff Development Team ………………………………………………………… 17
School Leadership Team ………………………………………………………… 17
Safety Team ………………………………………………………… 17
Student Policies and Procedures ………………………………………………………… 18
Court Orders and Orders of Protection ………………………………………………………… 18
Parent Communication ………………………………………………………… 18
School Lunch Procedures ………………………………………………………… 18
Lunch Schedule ………………………………………………………… 19
Fire/Shelter/Intruder Drills ………………………………………………………... 19
Shelter Drill ……………………………………………………….. 20
Intruder Alert ...... 21
End-Of-Day Procedures ………………………………………………………… 22
Student Absences/Lateness ………………………………………………………… 23
Detaining Children after Dismissal ………………………………………………………… 23
Releasing Students from School ………………………………………………………… 24
Precautions ………………………………………………………… 24
Registers ………………………………………………………… 24
Pupil Attendance / Records New Admits.……………………………………………………….. 25
Records of Discharged Students ………………………………………………………… 25
Classroom Administration and Management ………………………………………………………… 25
Official Class Chalkboard ………………………………………………………… 25
Teaching Schedule ………………………………………………………… 26
Classroom Bulletin Boards ………………………………………………………… 26
School Heading ………………………………………………………… 26
Performance Standard and Aim of the Lesson ………………………………………………… 26
Grade Themes …………………………………………………………. 27
Lesson Plans …………………………………………………………. 27
Theme Enrichment Teachers …………………………………………………………. 27
Classroom Door/Window …………………………………………………………. 27
Homework Policy …………………………………………………………. 27
Homework Rubric …………………………………………………………. 28
Instructional Program Requirements …………………………………………………………. 28
Required Folders ………………………………………………………… 28
Learning Center ………………………………………………………… 29
Honor Roll ………………………………………………………… 29
Student of the Month …………………………………………………………. 29
Most Improved ………………………………………………………… 30
School Wide Policy ………………………………………………………… 30
Grading ………………………………………………………… 30
The Literacy Block ………………………………………………………… 31
Reading ………………………………………………………… 31
Writing ………………………………………………………… 31
Word Work ………………………………………………………… 32
The Math Block/Math Workshop Model ………………………………………………………… 32
Identifiable Characteristics of a Successful School……………………………………………………… 33
Meeting The ELA Standards ………………………………………………………… 34
Principals of Learning ………………………………………………………… 34
Student Assessment ………………………………………………………… 35
Testing ………………………………………………………… 35
Reading ………………………………………………………… 36
Marking Periods ………………………………………………………… 36
Progress Report ………………………………………………………… 36
Overview Of The Performance Standards ………………………………………………………… 36
New York State ELA Standards ………………………………………………………… 36
New York State Mathematics Standards ………………………………………………………… 37
Behavior Management ………………………………………………………… 37
Getting Off To A Good Start ………………………………………………………… 37
Incentives ………………………………………………………… 38
Consequences ………………………………………………………… 39
Good Order Precedes Learning ………………………………………………………… 39
Ladder of Referral ………………………………………………………… 40
Corporal Punishment ………………………………………………………… 40
Pupil Movement and Hall Passes ………………………………………………………… 41
Being A Good Neighbor ………………………………………………………… 41
Bulletin Boards ………………………………………………………… 42
Hallway Bulletin Boards ………………………………………………………… 42
Classroom Bulletin Boards ………………………………………………………… 42
Word Walls ………………………………………………………… 43
Classroom Postings ………………………………………………………… 43
Reminders ………………………………………………………… 44
Appendix I …….. ……………………………………………. 45
Appendix II ……………………………………………………..46
WELCOME
TO
P.S.114X
THE LUIS LLORENS TORRES
CHILDREN’S ACADEMY
1155 CROMWELL AVENUE
BRONX, NEW YORK 10452
PHONE # (718) 681 – 7507
FAX # (718) 681 – 7519
MRS. OLIVIA FRANCIS-WEBBER, PRINCIPAL
(914) 943 - 8285
MR. GEORGE AULT, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
(917) 627 – 1146
MRS. TABATHA WILLIAM-MOORE, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
(917) 804-3564
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Students can learn in different ways and in different places.
To create a harmonious relationship among the school, the home, and the
community we must first understand our students’ community.
Successful learning takes place in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
The challenge for teachers is to create the school they would like to teach in, and be organized around motivation, instruction, and discipline.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Luis Llorens Torres Children’s Academy is to create a safe child-centered learning community designed to meet each child’s academic, social, emotional, and physical needs. Our commitment is to continually improve instruction so that there is measurable achievement of the academic performance and proficiency ratings of all students.
VISION STATEMENT
PS 114X will become a school in which:
· There is instruction in critical reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the content areas with meaningful activities that are integrated in all subject areas.
· Instruction develops mathematical language, critical thinking skills,
problem solving strategies, and the integration of technology
· Teachers and students use assessment results to set SMART
Goals toward success in teaching and learning
· An environment that positively involves students, teachers, parents, and administration in the teaching/learning process
SCHOOL SCHEDULE
· 7:20AM - 7:50AM Breakfast (all grades)
· 8:00AM Doors Open (Arrival of students)
· 8:10AM Doors Close (Students are considered late)
· 2:20 PM Dismissal (Monday thru Friday grades K-2
Monday, Thursday, and Friday grades
3 - 5)
· 3:10 PM Dismissal (Tuesday and Wednesday
grades 3 - 5)
ON THE FIRST FOUR DAYS OF SCHOOL
For the first four days of school, all teachers will meet their students at the assigned grade location. Each teacher should make and display a class identification sign. Assigned staff will be at specific areas to assist students to find their respective class lines.
The school is not responsible for children dropped off before school opens. If a child is found outside the school at an unscheduled time, the parent of the child will be contacted immediately.
Assigned staff is responsible for the safe entry and exit of students. Classroom teachers must be outside their classroom doors to greet their students at 8:00 AM.
All children must be picked up at their dismissal door. Every parent/guardian is responsible for the safety of his or her child after 3:10 p.m. Repeated patterns of late pick- ups may be reported to the Agency for Children Services (ACS).
GRADE DISMISSAL
GRADE EXIT TIME
K 7 2:20
1 6 2:20
2 4 2:20
3 2 3:10
4 5 3:10
5 3 3:10
EARLY DISMISSAL
There are several half-days scheduled throughout the year for both parent conferences and staff development for teachers. All students come to school at the regular time on these days and are dismissed at approximately 11:30 A.M.
EMERGENCY DISMISSAL
If there is an emergency dismissal during the day (e.g., due to weather conditions), all children will be sent home early. All parents are required to submit a list of three (3) alternative contact persons to call and an alternative location for the child to go to in the event that the parent cannot be reached.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Please listen to the following radio stations regarding school closings:
WCBS 880 AM
WINS 1010 AM
WADO 1280 AM
NEWS 12 TV BRONX
ALTERNATIVELY, PLEASE DIAL 311 IN NEW YORK CITY
STAFF PROCEDURES
Students’ continued success in school is influenced, in part, by their teachers’ modeling regular and punctual attendance. Teachers are expected to be in school no later than 8:00A.M. INSTRUCTION BEGINS AT 8:10 A.M. For security reasons, every staff member is to enter and exit the building through the Main Entrance Only.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Teachers: 8:00 A.M. – 2:20 P.M. (Mon. & Fri.)
8:00 A.M. – 3:10 P.M. (Tues., Wed., & Thurs.)
Paraprofessionals: 8:00 A.M. – 2:20 P.M. (Mon. thru Fri.)
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
Supervisors, teachers, and paraprofessionals will indicate they are present for the day by moving their time cards from the Out column to the In column before reporting to their assignment and vice-versa at the end of the day. A staff member should not move another colleague’s card at any time. ARRIVAL after 8:00AM requires you to clock in to note your time of arrival. Repeated lateness (three) may be cause for requirement to clock in for a designated period of time.
Keys should be picked up when you arrive each day from the metal cabinet on the wall in the General Office. Each key ring is assigned a hook number. The keys must be returned, at the end of each day, to the corresponding numbered key ring.
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
In the event you are sick and cannot report to school, you are to call the school between 6:30 A.M. and 7:00 A.M. at (718) 681-7507. This is to facilitate internal instructional arrangements among teachers.
Personal Business Days are limited to three (3) per year. Teachers must notify Ms. Belin, personal secretary of the principal, by e-mail (), at least three days prior to the date requested. A personal day can only be granted for such businesses that must be conducted during school hours. Every effort must be made to schedule medical and dental appointments after school or on weekends. More than 10 absences may be cause for an Unsatisfactory Rating. Teachers will receive monthly letters informing them of their leave of absence status.
TRANSPORTATION DIFFICULTIES
Board of Education employees are expected to find alternative means of reporting to work whenever public transportation failure occurs. If you are late due to a traffic issue, please fill out the transportation delay form, which can be obtained from the payroll secretary. Each situation will be evaluated on its own merit.
LESSON PLANS IN LIEU OF ABSENCE
All classroom and Cluster Teachers are to prepare two days of lesson plans to be used in the event of an absence. Initial substitute plans are to be given to Mrs. Sharon Belin on Friday, September 23, 2011. After each absence, including attendance at mandated workshops, new lesson plan(s) must be submitted.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Morning Message
Each morning there will be a morning message on the board in the main lobby, outside of the principal’s office. The message will contain important information such as: program changes, teacher absences, and scheduled meetings. All staff is responsible for reading the message each day. If you are late, do not stop to read the message. Please report to your assignment and read the message during your prep period or later in the day.
Mailbox
Mailboxes must be cleared each day. Teachers, please do not send students for your mail. Only staff members are permitted to remove items from mailboxes.
Monthly Faculty Conference
Scheduled dates are as follows: 10/17/11; 11/07/11; 12/12/11; 01/09/2012;
02/13/12; 03/12/2012; 04/02/2012; 05/07/2012.
Grade Conferences
Grade conferences will be scheduled on a monthly basis during the common prep period. Teachers will be notified of conference dates times, and agenda by the grade supervisor. Attendance is mandatory and non-negotiable.
Common Planning Time
A common planning time is scheduled for each week. This is a great opportunity for sharing and planning collaboratively for the grade. In addition, this is a good time to share ideas about any curriculum area, articulate about students’ progress, and compare instructional successes.
Grade Leaders
Grade leaders will act as facilitators for the grade. The grade leader will keep a log of collaborative planning and grade meeting notes. A copy of the notes must be submitted, without fail, to the grade supervisor at the close of business on the Friday of that week.
Supervisors’ Assignments
SETSS, AIS, and SP. ED. Teachers Mrs. Williams
Theme Enrichment Teachers Mr. Ault
Funded Teachers – ESL/Reading/Math Support Mrs. Webber
Guidance Counselors and School Nurse Mrs. Webber
A.I.D.P. Mrs. Webber
Secretaries Mrs. Webber
School Safety Officers Mrs. Webber
Paraprofessionals Mrs. Williams
School Aides Mr. Ault
Grades K-2 Mrs. Williams
Grades 3 – 5 Mr. Ault
PREPARATION PERIODS
If you miss a preparation period, please notify Ms. Belin or Ms. Crispin in
writing. As stated in the UFT contract, “Preparation periods shall be used for professional, job-related work which may include, but is not limited to preparation for classes, preparation of teaching materials, presentation
of and/or attendance at demonstration lessons, participation in teacher training, conferences with the principal, conferences with other teachers, conferences with guidance counselors or with parents.” (Teachers’ Contract, Article).
ACCIDENTS AND/OR INCIDENTS
All accidents/incidents (staff and students) must be reported to the administration, through a call to the main office, immediately. Related report forms must be filled out by the teacher on the day of the accident/incident and given to the principal for review. Whenever a child is hurt, the nurse, administration, and parent must be immediately contacted and informed, in detail, about the nature and extent of the injury.
PROFESSIONAL DRESS
Yes, there is no set dress code; however, the way we dress demonstrates our respect for the community we are serving. Students are influenced by their teachers’ dress and carriage, personality, and mannerisms; they tend to emulate their teachers. Please make a concerted effort to be a role model.