STEELE CANYON HIGH SCHOOL A CALIFORNIA CHARTER SCHOOL FACULTY/STAFF HANDBOOK 2017-2018
12440 CAMPO ROAD SPRING VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 91978-2331 (619) 660-3500
STEELE CANYON CHARTER GOVERNING BOARD Certificated Board Seats: Charles Tyler Stacy Achenbach Classified Board Seat: Patty Stanley Community Board Seats: Wendy Bucaro Judy Bohlen George Novinger Michael Hancock Want to help improve Steele Canyon High School? Let your voice be heard. Attend the Steele Canyon Charter Board meetings. The board meets monthly. http://schscougars.org
ACCREDITATION As a California Charter High School, Steele Canyon High School is a fully accredited high school under the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
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Table of Contents
Governing Board
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Table of Contents
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Mission, Vision, Expectations, Non-Negotiables
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Expected School-wide Learning Results
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Administrative Responsibilities
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Administration and Support Staff
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Progress Reports / Final Grades Schedule
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Bell Schedule
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A/B Day Schedule
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Steele Canyon Staff Calendar
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What is a Charter School?
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Governance Structure
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Schedule Changes
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Class Change Deadlines
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Classroom Policies
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Attendance Procedures and Information
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Assistant Principal and Discipline
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Finance
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Business Office
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School Facilities
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Front Office
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Technology
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Principal’s Office
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Steele Canyon High School Mission Steele Canyon High School, A California Charter School, was founded on the belief that all students can learn and are entitled to a rigorous and relevant curriculum in an atmosphere that promotes individual self-worth and character development.
Steele Canyon High School Vision Statement All students will be challenged and mentored to discover their passions in order to achieve their academic and personal goals for a complex, changing world.
Steele Canyon High School Expectations Be prepared Be engaged Be appropriate Be accountable
Steele Canyon High School Values Take care of yourself Take care of each other Take care of this place
Steele Canyon High School Non-Negotiables • Commitment to mentor through connections with students to develop the whole child • Commitment to teach all students using differentiated awareness and strategies to foster creativity, innovation, and resiliency • Commitment to work continuously on and contribute to school-wide collaboration with a focus on common assessment and common curriculum • Commitment to design and implement relevant, rigorous curricula through the use of research-based teaching and learning strategies • Commitment to analyze data and reflect on results to implement continuous improvement • Commitment to participate in collaborative school-wide governance and leadership opportunities • Commitment to maintain small, collaborative learning environments for both staff and students
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Steele Canyon High School Expected School-Wide Learning Results (ESLRs)
A Steele Canyon student will be an Effective Communicator
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Receiving information and constructing meaning through reading, listening, writing, and viewing skills Using verbal and non-verbal techniques to communicate effectively Exchanging and processing information when collaborating Expressing ideas visually and physically
A Steele Canyon student will be an Adept Learner
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Commanding a core body of knowledge as required by the state academic standards Effectively accessing a variety of resources to interpret, synthesize, and analyze information Organizing ideas in a logical manner Possessing skills to be an independent learner
A Steele Canyon student will be a Complex Thinker and Problem Solver
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Being able to connect, apply, and appraise their learning in terms of educational and personal goals Being proficient in mathematical reasoning and numeracy Creating and critically analyzing multiple solutions to complex scenarios
A Steele Canyon student will be Technologically Proficient for the 21st Century
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Accessing, evaluating, and applying information from various electronic resources Incorporating technological skills into products and presentations Enhancing communication of knowledge through appropriate choice of technology
A Steele Canyon student will be a Contributing Member of His/Her Community • • • •
Participating in service to others Being exposed to cultural, academic, and linguistic diversity through inclusive education Fostering awareness of school core values Participating in extra and co-curricular activities
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STEELE CANYON HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES 2017-2018 SCHOOOL YEAR Don Hohimer CEO/Principal Instructional Leader Administrative Appeals Articulation with Client Schools Big Picture Team Leader Contract Negotiations Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator Data & Assessment Coordinator Governing Board Meeting Coordinator Graduation Coordinator Health & Wellness Coordinator Local Control and Accountability Plan Media Relations New Teacher Orientation Professional Development Coordinator PTO Liaison School Accountability Coordinator School Budget Development Special Education Liaison Technology Coordinator Interview, hire, and evaluate: All administrators and managers; teachers (unless delegated); Principal's secretary; selected classified staff Administrative Representative Cougar Council PTO Executive Board Steele Canyon Charter Governing Board Steele Canyon Foundation
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Robert Tubbs
Scott Parr
Grade 12 Assistant Principal Attendance Band/Drama Boosters Representative Classified Employees Liaison Cougar XL Graduation Coordinator Faculty/Staff Handbooks Foreign Exchange Program Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Coordinator Start Smart Title IX Visual and Performing Arts Liaison Website/Media World Languages Liaison Senior Exhibitions
Grade 9 Assistant Principal AP Testing Athletic Boosters Representative Athletics AVID Liaison Curriculum Writing Requests E3 Grant Coordinator ENS Liaison GAC/CIF Representative Summer School Coordinator Instructional Materials Coordinator Mathematics Liaison Professional Development Requests Registration/Admissions School Safety & Campus Supervision
Interview, hire, and evaluate: Teachers as designated; selected classified staff
Teachers as designated; selected classified staff; athletic coaches
Shannon Ramsinghani
Paul Battle
Grade 10 Assistant Principal APEX Coordinator Assessment Coordinator Bargaining Team CALPADS Reporting Cougar Care Committee Cougar Parent 101 CTE Pathways Coordinator ELD/ELAC Coordinator Field Trips Free/Reduced Lunch Coordinator Freshman Orientation Guidance Liaison Master Schedule Science Liaison UC/NCAA Course Submissions WRITE Coordinator
Grade 11 Assistant Principal A.S.B. Liaison Activities Calendar Community College Articulation Curriculum Night Health Services Humanities Liaison Illuminate Assessment Coordinator Interquest Coordinator Master Schedule Safe School Ambassador Coordinator School Safety Student Teachers Coordinator W.A.S.C. Every Fifteen Minutes
Interview, hire, and evaluate: Teachers as designated; selected classified staff
Teachers as designated; selected classified staff
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ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT STAFF
Principal/CEO Principal’s Secretary/Executive Ass’t
Don Hohimer ................................................................ 660-3512 Vicki Ordway ................................................................. 660-3512
Assistant Principals
Scott Parr 9 grade .................................. 660-3527 th Shannon Ramsinghani 10 grade ............................... 660-3521 th Paul Battle 11 grade……………..………………..660-3523 th Robert Tubbs 12 grade ................................ 660-3525
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Counselors Shannon Roberts 9 grade………………...………………660-3548 th Matt Udvarhelyi 10 grade…………………………..……660-3549 th Joe Schramm 11 grade .................................. 660-3545 th Judith Kuykendall 12 grade .................................. 660-3547 th Academic Advisors Raquel Krantz 9 grade .................................... 660-3543 th Millie Jaggard 10 grade ................................ 660-3542 th Patty Stanley 11 grade .................................. 660-3544 th Tami Schmal 12 grade .................................. 660-3541 th Assistant Principals’ Secretaries Bettina Papciak 9 grade……………..…………………..660-3520 th Trini McCorkle 10 grade .................................. 660-3524 th Krissy Toon 11 grade .................................. 660-3526 th Denise Smith 12 grade .................................. 660-3522 ASB Advisor Ruben Martinez ........................................................... 660-3586 Athletic Director Charles Tyler ................................................................ 660-3682 th th Attendance Clerks Helen Bell (9 & 11 )……….. ........................................ 660-3532 th th Donna Walz (10 & 12 ).….……………..……………………….660-3531 Athletic Eligibility Scott Parr . …. ................................................................ 660-3527 Business Operations Manager Bradley Wilkinson .. ...................................................... 660-3551 Buyer Patricia Vasquez…………………………………………………………660-3552 Duplicating Clerk Rochelle Simms ............................................................ 660-3580 Facility Manager Ernie Perea .................................................................. 660-3555 Finance Clerk Julie Uto ..... .................................................................. 660-3537 Food Service Supervisor Ed Glunt ..... .................................................................. 660-9428 Head Custodian Santiago Villalpando ..................................................... 660-3556 HR/Payroll Specialist Penni Cody…………………………………………………………………660-3553 Librarian Stacy Achenbach .......................................................... 660-3560 Nurse Pam Sigmon .................................................................. 660-3571 P.E. Attendant -Boys Phil Mittry . . .................................................................. 660-3595 P.E. Attendant -Girls Sonja Ramos ................................................................. 660-3596 Receptionist/Front Desk A.J. Simms .. .................................................................. 660-3500 School Psychologist Malinahi Armendariz .................................................... 660-3590 Registrar/Records/Site Support Tech Marla van den Akker-Cougill ....................................... 660-3530 Speech Therapist Catherine Hrivnak ......................................................... 660-3591 Work Permits Grade Level Counselor ................................................. 660-3550
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WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL? A charter school is an independent public school created when a group of parents, teachers, and community leaders petition a local school board or County Board of Education for a charter to operate independently from the local school district. Charter schools receive their funding directly from the State of California based on the Average Daily Attendance of the school. This is the same formula used to fund school districts. As a California Charter School, Steele Canyon will get its funding directly from the State of California and utilize these funds in a manner that best suits the educational needs of Steele Canyon students. Why Charter Schools? Public charter schools offer an important and timely public school option to address the challenges facing our traditional education system. Charter schools are an exciting and high-potential alternative for the following reasons: • Charter schools provide teachers at the local public school flexibility in deciding their curriculum, staffing and budgets with the goal of improving student achievement. • Charter schools provide parents the opportunity to offer real input in their child's education. • Charter schools give educators freedom to try new strategies to inspire student achievement. • Charter schools, less encumbered by the bureaucratic barriers that face other public schools, have the potential to spark systemwide change. How Are Charter Schools Governed? Charter schools have their own boards of education and operate independently of local school districts. Local school districts and county boards of education, however, have an oversight responsibility over charter schools and review the progress of charter schools. Local school districts, county boards of education, and the state can revoke charters. Steele Canyon’s Governing Board will consist of four parents or community members elected by Steele Canyon parents, two teachers, and one support staff person elected by the staff. A charter school is generally exempt from most laws governing school districts, except where specifically noted in the law. How Do We Know If The Students Are Doing Well At Charter Schools? Charter schools in California are required to participate in the statewide assessment test, called SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium). Charter schools are accountable to their sponsor--usually a state or local school board--to produce positive academic results and adhere to the charter contract. The basic concept of charter schools is that they exercise increased autonomy in return for this accountability. Steele Canyon High School Charter Benefits The SCHS staff is committed to monitoring student success and refining a vision and philosophy that results in high student performance. It is in our interest to have site-based autonomy over the following: Academic Excellence Quality Staff Retention Quarter system structure, which provides: Hire and retain most highly qualified staff • best learning environment Team oriented practices • small class size Align staff development with student needs • personalized atmosphere • safer campus Community Engagement Community positions on Governing Board Oral presentations/ Senior exhibition Parental involvement on school committees Three-year Science program Parent Booster Clubs Integration of technology Participation in school events Concurrent support classes for struggling learners Leadership Development Fiscal Responsibility Management Team Fiscal decisions aligned with School Vision and Mission Cougar Council Sound management of resources Big Picture Team
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GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE Organized as a Tax-exempt Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Steele Canyon is a duly constituted California non-profit public benefit corporation, governed in accordance with applicable California Corporations Code sections established to operate charter schools. Steele Canyon maintains Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State as a non-profit public benefit corporation with tax-exempt status from both California and the IRS. As provided for in the California Corporations Code, the corporation is governed by a Board of Directors (Governing Board), whose members have a legal and fiduciary responsibility for the operation of the charter school. The primary purposes of the corporation are to manage, operate, guide, direct, support, and promote Steele Canyon and its mission. The governance structure is organized to serve the educational vision of the school by ensuring that decision-making is responsive to the charter school’s needs and that staff are held responsible for student outcomes. Additionally, the governance structure is designed to • • • •
assure that staff concerns and recommendations are acknowledged; include parents/guardians and the community in the decision making progress; avoid domination by any select individual or group; and avoid control by eternal political forces.
To accomplish this, Steele Canyon has a governance structure consisting of one major decision-making body, the Steele Canyon Governing Board. Additionally, the Governing Board receives staff analysis of programs and recommendations by the CEO/Principal as well as by the Cougar Council representative.
Governing Board
The Governing Board makes all policy and business decisions affecting Steele Canyon’s legal, fiscal, and corporate matters, not otherwise delegated, to ensure implementation of the charter. Currently, the Governing Board consists of seven persons representing parents, staff, and community members. The number of members of the Governing Board may be changed from time to time as provided by the Bylaws of the corporation. The Governing Board is empowered to make oversight and financial decisions to uphold the mission of Steele Canyon. School-wide policies include, but are not limited to, graduation requirements, admission criteria, school calendar, general and fiscal oversight, and annual budget approval. The Governing Board is also responsible for appointing, evaluating, compensating and, if necessary, replacing the CEO/Principal. Its CEO/Principal, as Chief Executive Officer of the corporation (with duties and responsibilities as delegated by the Board), manages day-to-day operations of Steele Canyon. The Governing Board has adopted Bylaws consistent with the California Non-profit Corporations Code and this charter. Steele Canyon has adopted a Conflict of Interest Code, which has been provided to GUHSD and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. This code reflects compliance with the California Corporations Code and the California Political Reform Act. The members of the Governing Board and other designated employees identified in the Conflict of Interest Code shall be obligated to file Form 700s. The Governing Board shall meet as frequently as necessary, but no les than four times a year. Minutes shall be kept of all such meetings. Meetings of the Governing Board shall conform to the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act. The current Steele Canyon Governing Board consists of the following: • Three staff members nominated by a vote of the staff of Steele Canyon High School (one classified staff member and two certificated staff members) and appointed by the Governing Board. • Four community members nominated by parents/guardians of enrolled students and appointed by the Governing Board. • The Governing Board of GUHSD is entitled to a voting representative on Steele Canyon’s Governing Board. If the Governing Board of GUHSD chooses to exercise this option, a ninth undesignated voting member will be appointed to the Steele Canyon Governing Board to maintain an odd number.
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The Steele Canyon Governing Board may declare vacant the office of any Board Member who has been convicted of a felony, has been found to have breached any duty arising under Article 3 of Chapter 2 of the California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law, has been found to be of unsound mind by any court of competent jurisdiction, has failed to meet or maintain the qualifications of office established in this charter or the Bylaws, has an unexcused failure to attend three successive regular meetings of the Governing Board or failed to attend meetings of the Board for a period of 90 days. Non-Voting Representatives The CEO/Principal is expected to attend and participate in open sessions of the Board. The following organizations are expected to send a non-voting representative to attend and participate in open sessions of the Governing Board, and shall, upon designation by such organizations, be entitled to receive agendas and notices of meetings at the same time as Board members: • Cougar Council (staff governance representation) • ASB ( student representation) • PTO ( parent representation) • SCHS Parent Booster Clubs (parent/community representation) Process for Amending the Charter Document Any substantial change to the charter document shall first be approved by 70% of the staff members prior to being voted on by the Steele Canyon Governing Board. Cougar Council Cougar Council serves as the primary advisory body to the Steele Canyon Governing Board. The various subject areas shall elect their own certificated Subject Area Leaders (SAL’s) to serve on the Council. Classified staff members shall elect their own classified representative. This group shall meet at times and places of its choosing, typically once monthly, during the calendar school year. The CEO/Principal seeks the assistance of the Cougar Council in implementing school-wide policy. In cooperation with the applicable SAL and/or classified representative, the CEO/Principal shall hire new personnel into the various departments of the charter school. Each SAL, classified representative, and the Cougar Council as a whole shall help monitor certain expenditures as delineated by the Steele Canyon Governing Board.
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SCHEDULE CHANGES Course schedules are derived based on student academic needs. Specific courses are placed in the master schedule based on course selections of students from the previous Spring Course Request Forms. Throughout the registration process, students are counseled to select their courses wisely as they will be held to the classes they requested (if none were selected counselors choose within courses available). Any request for a schedule change must be submitted before the fifth (5th) day of the beginning of the quarter by initiating and securing the appropriate request form for schedule change from the counseling and career services office. • pink--request for schedule change, • blue--request to add student aide or peer tutor, • buff--level change Strong consideration will be given to requests which involve schedule corrections to include but not limited to inaccurate level placement, readjustments needed due to summer school completion, etc. It is anticipated these changes would be very limited and only for significant extenuating circumstances. Schedule change requests after five (5) days into the quarter must be initiated by meeting with the grade-level counselor. Again, only requests that include severe extenuating circumstances will be considered. Course Schedule Changes: Day 1 through Day 5 (Term A/B courses Day 1 through Day 10) -limited changes for justifiable reasons only -requires counselor or administrator approval -no penalty Day 6 through Day 25 (Term A/B courses Day 6 through Day 50) -no schedule changes w/o significant extenuating circumstances -requires counselor and/or administrator AND parent approval -no penalty -no credit for new class Day 26 through end of quarter (Term A/B courses Day 51 through end of term) -no schedule changes w/o extreme extenuating circumstances -requires counselor AND administrator AND parent approval -no credit for new class -penalty grade “WP” or “WF” will be entered on transcript for dropped class Drop Course with “WP” or “WF” Form A student may drop a class before the eighth (8th) day of the end of each quarter with a Withdrawal Pass (WP) if they are passing the class with at least a “D” grade. If they are failing the class they will receive a Withdrawal Fail (WF). A student may drop an A/B class before the eighth (8th) A/B day of the end of each term/semester with a WP or WF. All drops after the deadline date are a WF regardless of the academic grade. Withdrawal Fail (WF) calculates like a regular “F” into the GPA.
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CLASSROOM POLICIES
ATTENDANCE
Student success on the quarter system begins with positive attendance.
Absence Policy Steele Canyon High School recognizes the relationship between positive student attendance and academic success. Steele Canyon expects students to attend regularly and punctually and encourages parents to actively support this behavior. Truancy and tardiness to school/class results in a loss of opportunity for maximum time on task, a decreased level of learning, and a disruption to others’ learning processes. Student must be in class for at least 60 minutes in order to receive attendance credit. There will be no automatic drop from class. Students should not have more than 5 absences in any one class. After the fifth absence, students may be required to attend attendance make-up (Saturday School). Students and parents/guardians must recognize that there is a direct relationship between school attendance and grades/credits earned.
Absences Under Steele Canyon Policy, a student’s absence from school for all or part of an entire school day shall be considered excused when it is due to the following: a. Personal illness b. Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health official c. The need for medical, dental, optometric or similar services d. Participation in religious instruction or exercises (within limitations) e. Attendance at funeral services for a member of the student’s immediate family f. Transfer requests between teachers on a temporary, day-to-day basis g. Participation in another school activity or field trip The Board and school recognize that students may be absent for legitimate personal reasons not covered by law, including family emergencies, and shall honor parental requests for such absences, but cannot, under law, officially excuse the student.
Make-up Work Students with excused absences are allowed to make up work missed. It is the responsibility of the student to request, and the teacher to assign, make-up work. In consultation with the student, the teacher should provide sufficient time for make-up work equal to the days missed. Excused Absence: Work may be made up for full credit, and faculty assistance will be available where needed. Students may see teachers to secure instructions for make-up work. They may arrange with the teacher the manner and place in which any make-up work is to be done. Students must complete all academic work assigned by the teacher. Unexcused Absence: The classroom teacher may accept late work at his/her discretion. Truancy: Classwork will NOT be allowed to be made up. EXAMPLES: Truant to school, leaving school without first receiving permission from the Attendance Office or the Nurse, car problems, or oversleeping. Suspension: Academic make-up for suspension is limited to teacher discretion.
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Late Policy Students are expected to be inside their classrooms ready to begin instruction when the bell rings. Teachers expect class to begin when the last bell rings. Excessive tardiness will affect a student’s ability to obtain and keep a work permit. Excessive tardies to any one class over a term may be viewed as defiance by the student because of his/her failure to follow the established late policy. Teachers may write behavioral referrals for defiance, which could result in a drop from the class or ultimately a cancellation of enrollment. Any drop from a class will be made on a case-by-case basis by administration. Teachers will provide a course expectation sheet to each student at the beginning of the course. It is the responsibility of the student to know the classroom expectations for each class.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION Attendance
Attendance is taken online through Illuminate. Each teacher is responsible for maintaining an accurate daily record of attendance and tardies for all students assigned to him/her during the school day. Teachers are expected to take attendance in the first ten minutes of each class.
Absences
Any student who is not physically in your class (even if you previously signed a special permit for a field trip etc.) must be marked absent. The attendance office will make adjustments in the attendance report, as needed, for field trips, off campus passes, etc.
Tardies
Tardiness occurs when a student is not in his or her assigned area when the bell rings for class to begin. Students will be coded with a LATE (L) when they are tardy to class. Upon the third tardy to the same class, students will be assigned progressive disciplinary consequences, starting with lunch detention. Those students who exhibit chronic tardiness will be seen by an Assistant Principal for appropriate discipline. Tardy students will not be sent down for a slip from the attendance office unless they are more than 10 minutes late to class. All teachers are asked to be at their doors at the ringing of the two-minute bell to help encourage students to get to class on time. NOTE: If you are not going to be in your classroom during a given period of the day, be sure to leave a note on your door in order that attendance can locate a student in the event of an emergency.
Special Education Alternative Program – (Students unable to attend school)
When a student must miss school for a month or more, an Alternative Program will be provided by the District. The student must have a completed the Alternative Program form, with a physician’s signature, verifying that the student will be out a minimum of one month, returned to the Counseling Office. Teachers will then be notified that the student is going on the Alternative Program. Teacher will be asked to give a grade to date of leaving and assignments to be completed during the period of absence.
Passes to Excuse Students From Class
Off-Campus Passes: Students who have appointments during the school day will need to get an off-campus pass from the Attendance Office. This will be counted as an excused absence if the student misses more than twenty minutes of the class. Pass to the Nurse’s Office: A Nurse’s Office Pass must be used to send a student to the Nurse’s Office. Be sure to fill in all spaces at the top. The Nurse will sign and time stamp it when the student leaves the Nurse’s Office. It will be returned via your mailbox if the student remains after class begins. The student will be given a pass to the next class.
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Call Slip: This is a request to send a student to the office. Only in urgent situations will “Immediately” be checked. When “At Your Convenience” is marked, the student should be sent during the time he/she will miss the least instruction or at the end of the period. Be sure to fill in the time the student leaves your room and initial the pass in the appropriate space. Library Passes: Teachers should issue Library Passes based on good judgment. Caution should be used to limit the issuance of these passes to students who will make good use of their Library privilege. Students who have a tendency to waste time or cause trouble in class should be issued permits only when the teacher is sure that they appreciate the privilege.
Athletic/Academic Events
Students who are absent partial- or full-day due to participation in or attendance at academic or athletic events are subject to the same rules and regulations as any other type of excused absences.
Closed Campus
Steele Canyon High School is a closed campus. Students may not leave school grounds for any reason without an off-campus pass from the Attendance Office obtained with a note from the parent/guardian prior to leaving campus. If a student leaves campus without an off-campus pass, the student will be considered truant. Staff members should never send students off-campus for personal errands.
Doctor, Dentist Appointments, etc.
Students who leave campus with off-campus passes for doctor, dentist or other appointments without being in class for a minimum of one hour are subject to the same rules and regulations as students with any other type of excused absences.
Field Trip/Partial- or Full-Day Absence
Students absent because of teacher requested transfers/field trips are subject to the same rules and regulations as students with any other type of excused absence. Excuse Lists for Field Trips 1. Field Trip Request forms (obtained from the Assistant Principals’ office) must be approved by administration at least 4 weeks in advance. As a rule, requests are rarely approved during the two weeks prior to final exams, during final exams and from mid-April through June (due to AP and STAR testing). Additionally, long-distance student travel must be submitted to Vicki Ordway for Governing Board approval prior to travel. Timelines for submission must be followed. The required approval process for all field trips are detailed on the form. 2. Once approval is obtained, it is necessary that for mandatory trips a list be prepared by the sponsoring individual/teacher indicating when, what, where and who. The list must be given to the Attendance Office as well as given to the Assistant Principal’s secretary three days prior to the event. Student names should be listed alphabetically by grade and include student ID numbers. 3. Students attending Optional trips should be given blue individual transfer request forms 3-5 days in advance, (transfer request forms are available in the Assistant Principals’ office), to allow teachers the opportunity to approve or disapprove student participation on an individual basis. Once completed by all students, the sponsoring teacher/individual will prepare a list as stated for mandatory field trips above of all students going on the field trip and given to the Attendance Office and Assistant Principal’s secretary. 4. All approved field trips will be posted on the master calendar in the Manager, School Facilities (MSF) Office. 5. All students attending a field trip must have a signed parental permission form on file with the sponsoring teacher/individual before departure. 6. Appropriate arrangements need to be made for adult chaperones based on the number of students participating— one adult per every 30-40 students for daytime and one adult for every 15-20 students for overnight.
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Funerals
Students who are absent because of a family death are allowed one day of excused absence if they attend an in-state funeral and three days of excused absence if they attend an out-of-state funeral. They are subject to the same rules and regulations as students with any other type of excused absences.
Nurse’s Office
Students who leave class to go to the Nurse’s Office (because of illness or personal problem) must be in class a minimum of one hour to receive attendance credit for the class.
After-Absence Re-admission
After an absence, a student must bring a J-31 card or parent note to the Attendance Office completed and signed by his/her parent or have the parent call in. Failure to clear an absence within 72 hours will result in the absence being marked a truancy.
Special Permits
This is a request originating from parents and made out by the Attendance Office which releases a student from school to an outside-the-school appointment, etc.
Transfer Requests Transfer Requests are used to release a student from class for a school activity and/or individual field trip. Teachers arranging the activity should make arrangements with the Attendance Office in advance to obtain transfer requests. The student is required to hand-carry the request to his/her teachers three days in advance. Releasing teachers have the option of approving or not approving. Once completed, the request must be returned to the Attendance Office.
Vacation
All absences must be made up according to the academic and attendance policies in place. Vacation absences must be PREapproved and coordinated through an Assistant Principal. Independent Study Contracts are not issued for vacations. Teachers will be informed of any vacation requests approved in advance. INCOMPLETES will not be given for students on vacation.
Bell-to-Bell Instruction Teachers are expected to fully utilize the instructional minutes effectively. Teachers are expected to keep all assigned students, including PEER Tutors and/or student teacher assistants in class for the entire duration of the class time.
Class Parties Parties during class time are not permitted.
Communication with Parents Teachers are expected to communicate with parents/guardians concerning their student’s progress in class. Effective communication leads to a positive partnership that helps with student success, and can be accomplished through personal, telephone, electronic, and web-based methods. Direct communication from teacher to parent is expected when a student is at-risk of failing a class. Prompt return of parent e-mails and telephone calls is expected.
Complaints about Instructional Materials 19
When a parent (citizen) objects to materials(s) being used in the curriculum, the Principal should be notified immediately.
Controversial Issues
Teachers are encouraged to avoid influencing students’ opinions because of personal views, prejudice, or bias when dealing with controversial issues or partisan politics. All sides of such issues should be fairly presented.
Eligibility for Athletes The following policies satisfy the policies and existing San Diego CIF eligibility standards. Ref: CIF Green Book Art.2-Item 2061 (a)—passing quarterly periods of work with a GPA of at least 2.0 during the regular school-wide grading period immediately preceding that of competition: 1. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of three classes per quarter, complete 20 credits per semester, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and receive no unsatisfactory marks in conduct. 2. Every 4 ½ weeks, progress reports will be verified on each athlete. Students will be academically eligible if they meet the above requirements. A probation may be granted if a student has earned an unsatisfactory mark in conduct. Only th one probationary status may be granted per school year. Probation for 9 graders is only possible one time per year for GPA’s under 2.0. 3. Eligibility appeals may be made through the Assistant Principal responsible for athletics.
Gifts Staff members shall not accept any gift or article of value from students, parents, or classes; nor shall they give gifts of value to students. Exceptions should be discussed with the Principal.
Grade Changes All changes must be initiated by the grading teacher with the Registrar. The Registrar will give the teacher a Grade Change Form to complete. This form must be signed by an administrator and the teacher. Grade changes for work completed/submitted after the closing of grades will not be accepted unless it falls within the time period allowed for an excused absence.
Grading There are eight grading periods including four official quarter grades and four progress reports. Meaning of individual letter grades: a. An “A” grade indicates outstanding student achievement. b. A “B” grade indicates good student achievement. c. A “C” grade indicates average student achievement. d. A “D” Grade indicates low or poor student achievement. e. An ”F” grade indicates failure on the part of the student to comprehend the subject and/or failure to complete the minimum course requirements established by the teacher. An “incomplete” may be given with administrative approval. All incompletes must be made up within four weeks or the grade may be recorded as failing. Summer school may be used to clear an incomplete prior to the recording of an “F” in the course. It is the obligation of the student and parent to contact the counselor about make-up completion. At the end of the four-week period, the Registrar should contact the instructor about incompletes that are still outstanding and will record a grade as directed by the instructor. Any questions regarding the grading policy should be discussed with the Subject Area Leader (SAL) or an administrator.
Conduct Factors in Grading
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Every effort should be made to distinguish between the academic and conduct marks. Specific marks are given for conduct. However, it is recognized that student effort will affect the academic grade. Ideally, other methods than grading should be used by teachers to motivate better achievement. Behavior that justifies lowering the conduct mark: a. Being truant from class b. Being tardy to class c. Exercises destructive behavior in the classroom d. Exhibits untrustworthiness e. Violates safety rules f. Does not show respect for school property g. Does not show respect for personal property of others h. Uses profanity i. Is discourteous to fellow students and/or teacher j. Cheating
Grading as it affects Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Honor Graduates
The Principal or Valedictorian Committee (if necessary) will select the Valedictorian from approximately the top 1% of the Senior Class based on the accumulated transcript at the second semester progress report. The individuals with the highest-ranking grade point average shall be selected as the Valedictorian and Salutatorian. All students achieving a GPA of 3.5 or above, based on accumulated transcript at the second semester of the senior year shall be recognized as Honor Graduates.
Weight of Examinations, Special Assignments
No single course assignment or course project including final examination shall be weighted at more than 25% of the semester grade.
Providing Information To Parents and Students The classroom teacher must provide information regarding the basis of grading in the class each semester. No student shall be given a failing semester grade unless the parent/guardian was previously warned by a phone call or through the student receiving a D grade or lower at the 4 ½-week progress report. Teachers must accumulate enough written evidence for the final grade given each student so that there is no question regarding the accuracy of the mark. This evidence—grades for homework, quizzes, tests, compositions, projects, book reports, etc. must be recorded and maintained in the teacher’s online grade book. Throughout the semester, students should be able to obtain information from the teacher about their grades. Online grade books should be updated at a minimum of every two weeks.
Make-up Work as it Relates to Grades 1. 2. 3.
Sufficient time for make-up should be given. A student who has been excused from a class to participate in another school activity, whether curricular or cocurricular, may be penalized only for failure to make up the work missed if applicable. When attendance at religious functions or holidays conflicts with school attendance, the student shall not penalized in any way.
Early Leave as it Relates to Grades:
If a student checks out of school prior to the end of the semester, and the teacher determines the student has not met minimum attendance and course requirements, the teacher will issue the student a grade to date of leaving. If a student checks out prior to the end of a semester, and the teacher determines the student has met minimum attendance and course requirements, the teacher will issue a final grade.
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Teacher Responsibilities for Grading:
The classroom teacher is the sole arbiter of the grade given a student. No grade is to be changed by either an administrator, counselor, or registrar without specific written authorization of the teacher, or legal determination that the grade was the result of a mistake, bad faith, or incompetence. The classroom teacher has the responsibility to meet with the parents and students to explain grades given when such grades are challenged.
Counseling and Career Services Department:
The teacher is the first line of contact for the parents or students seeking information about a grade. When appropriate, guidance personnel will notify the teacher regarding the problem and will, when appropriate, facilitate communication between teacher, student, and parent.
Principal:
The Principal will work closely with the faculty in establishing and monitoring grading standards which are reasonable and consistent.
Hall Passes Each teacher will have a hall pass on a lanyard to be used at teacher discretion when a student needs to be out of class for such things as a bathroom emergency or being sent on an errand by teacher. Only one student at a time should be released on a hall pass. Students are not to be out of class on campus without a hall pass.
Homework Every student should have an average of 30 minutes homework assigned for each academic class for each day judged and assigned by the teacher.
Instructional Materials/Curriculum 1. 2. 3. 4.
5.
6. a. b. c.
7.
Teachers will make every effort to protect students from conditions harmful to learning or to physical/emotional health and safety. Teachers will not intentionally expose students to embarrassment or disparagement. Teachers will conform to current school policies and appropriate education codes. The foremost consideration in the use of instructional materials is whether they contribute to the fulfillment of the curriculum and whether the teacher is knowledgeable about the materials and has thoroughly considered their potential effect on students. This applies to all materials currently owned by the school and/or being previewed or evaluated for acquisition. Feature films/videotapes that are rated “G”, “PG”, and “PG-13” may be used for classroom instruction. Teachers must obtain Department Chair and Site Administrator approval before the materials are used in the classroom. Note: Unless previously approved by the copyright holder, feature films/videotapes cannot be used for public performances. (Examples include assemblies, fund-raising activities, or any other non-classroom teaching situation.) Materials designated with an “R” rating may be used under the following conditions: The materials must be relevant to the curriculum and appropriate for the students being taught. The materials must be thoroughly reviewed by the instructor, with approval from the SAL and the Principal prior to their use. Parents will be notified in writing of the intended use of the materials and given the opportunity to exclude their child from the presentation (Ed Code 51240). Attention will not be called to students whose parents have excluded them from a presentation. These students will receive an alternative assignment to be completed in a place outside the setting where these materials are being shown. Students will not be exposed to “NC-17” or “X” rated films or tapes.
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8. 9.
Televised programs that have been aired on pay channels such as HBO, Showtime, etc. cannot be utilized in classrooms without permission by the copyright holder and approval by the site administrator. Violation of these policies may result in disciplinary action.
Library/Media Center
1. Passes are required from students for admittance during class time. 2. To bring a class in for library work, teachers are required to sign up on a chart in the library for the desired day, block, and section of the library. The teacher is required to remain with the class while in the library. 3. The Librarian and staff offer other services: placing books on special reserve for student use, compiling book lists for special areas, library orientation and assistance on creating worksheets for that purpose, ordering books suggested by teachers for library use, and assistance with the various on-line computer programs available in the Library’s computer center, i.e., internet, News Bank, electronic encyclopedias. 4. Arrangements should be made in advance when needing equipment from the media center. Videotaping, editing, and scanning services are available.
Mailboxes Due to potential confidential material located in the mailboxes, teachers shall send only one student/TA to the receptionist at the front desk. Students are not allowed to retrieve items from the mailboxes directly.
Signatures Teachers should not delegate to a student the responsibility for signing or initialing any documentation for the teacher and should never sign BLANK forms in advance.
Textbook Check-out Procedures Textbooks are checked out by class through the Library. See Stacy Achenbach for further information.
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ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL & DISCIPLINE
Call Slips Call slips are the only means of reaching a student—do not ignore them. Only in urgent situations will “immediately” be checked. When “at your convenience” is checked, the student should be sent during the time the student will miss the least instruction or at the end of the block. If the student is absent, the call slip should be returned to its origin indicating same. Every attempt will be made to send call slips at the end of each block to minimize the disruptions on instruction.
Child-Abuse, Reporting Known and Suspect Cases Contact a counselor, administrator, or the school nurse immediately if child abuse is suspected so that the proper procedure can be followed to facilitate activating the appropriate assisting agency for the student. Child abuse means a physical, mental, or emotional injury which is inflicted by other than accidental means on a child by another person. Child abuse includes sexual assault, neglect of a child, or abuse by person(s) having custody or care of a child.
Crisis Plan All staff are responsible for maintaining a complete crisis packet in an appropriate location in their classroom or office area. Staff is also responsible for all crisis procedures. Advanced planning for emergencies and disasters is essential to provide for the safety of students and staff should a threat arise from fire or other causes. It also strengthens the morale of all concerned to know that preparedness plans exist and that students and staff have been trained in carrying them out. There will be a minimum of two drills per school year to practice fire and earthquake procedures.
Discipline 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
8.
It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to insure proper conduct of students on campus and at all related school activities. All students and parents receive a copy of the established Steele Canyon Disciplinary Policy (Student Handbook) at the beginning of the school year. Referral forms are available from the Assistant Principals’ office and should be used when a student violates the discipline policies established at Steele Canyon. Forms should be filled out completely and legibly and as detailed as possible to enable the proper assignment of consequences by administration. Grade-level teams will deal with each referral in accordance with established policies; however, situations arise which require prudent decisions based on circumstances. A copy of the referral and action taken will be returned to you in a timely manner. Please feel free to discuss any questions you may have regarding the handling of a referral with the team member involved. If a situation arises that requires immediate discipline intervention, contact the Assistant Principals’ office immediately to request assistance. Be as specific as possible when explaining the situation. TAS (Teacher Assigned Suspension) is available throughout the school day for situations where it is deemed necessary by you, the teacher, to remove (suspend) a disruptive student from your class. The student should be sent to the Assistant Principals’ office along with a referral. The suspension shall be for that block on the day of the infraction and one additional day/block. It is the teacher’s responsibility to notify home of the situation. A parent conference as soon as possible is recommended. Suspensions will be assigned as a consequence according to Steele Canyon Board policies. Academic make-up for suspension is limited to teacher discretion.
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Emergency Situations Should an emergency arise, it is requested that all staff follow directions of the administration or designee. Staff reminder: should there be a reason that staff is not allowed on campus per directions of law enforcement and there is no administration giving directions, staff should convene at the Skyline Church located on Highway 94 & Jamacha Blvd. until further advised by administration. It is the responsibility of each staff member to be familiar with the Steele Canyon Red Book so they can appropriately respond in emergency situations.
Evaluation Procedures 1. 2.
Certificated staff evaluations are conducted in accordance with the existing Agreement between Steele Canyon High School and the Steele Canyon Charter Education Association. Classified staff evaluations are conducted in accordance with the existing Agreement between the Grossmont Union High School District and the California School Employee Association until such time that the new bargaining agreement between the Classified Bargaining Unit and the Charter School is approved.
Health Services 1.
2.
3. 4. 5.
First aid kits/supplies should be available in each classroom for treatment of minor injuries that do not require the School Nurse’s attention. Supplies to replenish kits are available from the School Nurse. First aid kits for field trips are mandatory and are available in the School Nurse’s office. Students with injuries which cannot be treated in the classroom are to be sent to the School Nurse. Nurse’s passes should be used and timed. The pass will be timed again in the Health Office when the student returns to class. If the student leaves too late to return to the same class, his/her pass will be timed when he/she leaves the office and placed in the teacher’s box. The School Nurse will issue a pass to the next class. Students who are injured, ill, pale, faint, perspiring profusely or having severe bleeding should be accompanied to the Nurse’s Office. A wheelchair and a stretcher are available in the Nurse’s Office. The School Nurse should be summoned in case of a serious or sudden illness or accident. Inform the Nurse of the student’s name and the nature of the emergency. Student Accident Reports MUST be filed immediately for every student accident that occurs on school property or under school supervision. Forms are obtained in the Nurse’s office.
Use of Electronic Devices by Students Use of cell phones by students is prohibited in the classroom unless directed by the teacher for educational purposes. Cell phone use is allowed during breaks, passing periods, and before or after school. Cameras, radios, recording devices, iPods, and other electronic devices may not be used during class time except with teacher permission. Any electronic device used improperly by students should be confiscated immediately. Call for a campus supervisor to bring the device to the Assistant Principals’ office where it will be held for parent pick-up. Any confiscated device not turned into the office is the responsibility of the teacher involved. Any devices capable of capturing, transmitting, or storing images or recordings may not be operated in restrooms, dressing rooms, or other areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Cell phones are never to be used in the locker rooms due to a possible violation of students' privacy rights.
Student Dress Code Students are responsible for following the dress code guidelines outlined in the Student Handbook. Staff members should send any student in violation of the dress code immediately to the Assistant Principals’ office.
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FINANCE Hours Open for Students M/T/Th/F: 7:00-7:30 a.m./nutrition break/lunch/2:40-2:55 p.m. Wed.: 8:30-9:00 a.m./nutrition break/lunch/2:40-2:55 p.m. The window is closed at the end of student lunch for 30 minutes. The window is closed promptly at 2:55 to students, parents, staff and coaches to allow for accounting.
Forms and Minimizing Time If you need forms, reports, etc, e-mail or call the finance office and the item(s) will be put in your mailboxes. There is a “Forms” box located in the front office by the mailboxes. It’s in the cabinet under the sign that states “forms”. Taped to the front of the box is a list of account numbers. Inside the box are Requisitions, SCHS Account Deposit Slips and Officials/1099 forms. Please take only what you need. Place requisitions, paperwork, etc. in the Finance Office mailbox. Please remember to use ink and write legibly on all forms.
Account Number Write your Club/Sport account number on top of the deposit.
Text Books Late textbooks must be returned to the Library. Advise students not to leave them on the counter or put them in the “drop box”.
ASB Requisitions Used for paying bills and requesting checks. Original receipts, invoices and packing slips MUST be attached to the completed ASB requisition form. Packing slips should be used to verify items received.
Reimbursements 1. $200.00 LIMIT (Purchase Order is not necessary) 2. Fill out a requisition form (signatures required: advisor and student representative). 3. Attach receipts (the original receipt must accompany the requisition along with the credit card receipt if that applies). Meeting minutes are highly recommended as an attachment to your requisitions. 4. Submit to the Finance Office mailbox. 5. Provide copies of ANY ITEM required to accompany the check. Please note the information on the top of the ASB Requisition form. (Example-“Mail copy w/check).
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Purchase Orders Before any club makes a commitment to purchase any goods, it must prepare a purchase order and obtain all of the required approvals. By using this process you guarantee you have the funds available in your account to make your purchases. 1.
Contact the vendor and place your order (let them know you must use a P.O...This is our policy). If the vendor will not accept a purchase order, call the Finance Office to discuss options. 2. Have the vendor provide a written estimate of the final cost. 3. Fill out a requisition form, attach the estimate and check the top where it says “Purchase Order”. 4. Make sure to have all required signatures (advisor and student representative). 5. Submit it to the Finance Office. 6. A Purchase Order will be created and submitted to the ASB for approval. 7. The Finance Tech will fax the purchase order to the vendor to begin processing your order. 8. When your merchandise arrives, bring the invoice and packing slip to the Finance Office for payment processing. 9. If there is no packing slip, please write on the bottom of the invoice "Merchandise Received: OK to pay" and sign. 10. Entry Fees for events will need Purchase Orders. i. Fill out a requisition form (signatures required: advisor and student representative). ii. Attach supporting documentation. iii. Note on the top of the requisition form if you wish to have it mailed for you, or if you would rather the check placed in your mailbox. 11. Submit to the Finance Office mailbox. 12. Purchase Orders are submitted to the ASB when they meet. Payment will be processed on the next check writing day.
Checks issued for invoices and purchase orders will be issued every Thursday. These must be submitted to the Finance Office for processing by Wednesday. The Finance Office submits these to ASB for approval prior to payment. ASB meets every day during Block 3. Cut off dates will also appear in the Staff Bulletin. Remember to allow enough time to submit your requisitions for payment prior to your event, Winter Break, Spring Break, Summer Break , and the week before Memorial Day. The Finance Office will comply with June 30 year-end deadlines.
Sales Tax CALIFORNIA SALES TAX will be deducted from your trust account on items ordered out of the State of California. The tax amount will be figured at the time your ASB requisitions bill is paid out of your trust account. The tax amount will then be transferred from your trust account to the State Board of Equalization account. This transaction will appear on your account encumbrance report. REMEMBER to keep this in mind when ordering out of the State of California and plan accordingly to ensure your trust account has sufficient funds. The total tax amount collected in the State Board of Equalization account will be submitted to the District prior to June 30 year end deadline.
Fundraisers All Fundraisers must be approved by ASB. Clubs and sports need to go to schscougars.org and click on the "Club" tab then click on "Fundraiser Approval Form". Please contact me if you’re interested in collecting funds online.
Officials/1099 Form This form is used to pay SPORTS officials, and must be submitted within 7 days of the event. Fill out the entire form, including ALL of the following: • Coaches signature. • Event date and opposing team listed in the appropriate places. • Clearly indicate the name of the event.
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• •
The official’s SS# or partial SS# are on the form as well as their address, phone number and signature. The official has filled in the amount due.
Tickets Tickets WILL be used for ALL events. Please check with the Finance Office to set this up. Sales can also be made on-line. Contact the Finance Office if you’d like to use the Web Store for a function.
Change/Cash Box Request Please notify the Finance Office at least 2 days prior to event.
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BUSINESS OFFICE
Accidents and Injury Reports All staff and student school-related accidents and/or injuries must be reported IMMEDIATELY. In the event of an accident or medical emergency the School Nurse and Business Operations Manager should be notified and appropriate paperwork must be completed. Students should report to the School Nurse. After reporting to the School Nurse, staff injuries should then be reported to the Business Operations Manager or another administrator in their absence for appropriate paperwork/procedures. The school is self-insured. An accident report form must be completed immediately for any and all accidents.
Payroll/Paychecks Payday will be in accordance with the annually published payroll calendar. Paychecks not paid via direct deposit can be picked up in the Business Office on payday. Checks not picked up by 3:00pm on payday will be mailed to employee’s most current address on file. Paystubs and leave balances may be viewed via the employee services portal. Portal link is available on the school website.
Direct Deposit Any employee who wishes to participate in direct deposit of their paycheck must complete a Direct Deposit Authorization Form, available from the Business Office, or on My Paydocks. • • •
You must submit a new authorization form if you close/change your account (name, branch, etc.); failure to do so may result in a deposit delay. Direct deposit status will be temporarily suspended if wages are garnished and/or the Credentials Unit, SDCOE, places a hold on the pay warrant, or in any other situation Steele Canyon deems appropriate. It is your responsibility to keep apprised of any deposit(s) made to your account(s) including dates and amounts(s) of such deposit(s).
W-4 Forms W-4 forms are available in the Business Office or on My Paydocks. Completed forms should be returned to the Business Office.
Sign In Sheet/Time Records All employees (except administrators) will be responsible for recording their attendance daily on the sign in sheet at the front desk. Classified employees that work overtime will not enter the overtime hours on their regular sign in sheet, but on a separate timesheet for hours worked outside the regular assignment. All employees will initial their sign in sheet at the end of each month, verifying that their time is recorded correctly for that month. Employees are responsible for appropriate use of sick and vacation time. Please check your available balance in the employee portal prior to using sick or vacation time to ensure it is available to you. Payroll docks will occur as necessary for those using sick or vacation time beyond their available balance.
Timesheets All employees required to fill in timesheets for hourly pay must do so as follows: • •
Please fill in Name, School, Job Title, Month Ending (with year), and FULL social security number. Fill in all days and hours worked and total hours.
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When totaling hours, all employees working over 5 continuous hours must take a ½ hour lunch break. Example: 8:00am-2:00pm = 5.5 hours All time sheets MUST be signed by the employee and the employee’s supervisor.. If you are submitting a timesheet for overtime hours, the reason must be stated in the comments section or your time sheet will be returned. All overtime hours must be approved in advance by your supervisor. • Timesheets are available in the Business Office or on the school website. NOTE: All timesheets must be turned in according to the posted payroll deadlines to be processed for the following pay period. Time sheets received after the posted payroll deadlines may not be processed for that pay period. Exceptions are noted for the following holiday months: December and March. All deadlines are posted on the annually published payroll deadlines calendar. • • • •
STEELE CANYON HIGH SCOOL PAYROLL DEADLINES 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR
PAY PERIOD
TIME SHEETS, ABSENT REPORTS AND ALL PERSONNEL REQUISITIONS DUE IN PAYROLL
PAY DAY
JULY 2016
AUGUST 5, 2016
AUGUST 31, 2016
AUGUST 2016
SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
SEPTEMBER 2016
OCTOBER 6, 2016
OCTOBER 31, 2016
OCTOBER 2016
NOVEMBER 4, 2016
NOVEMBER 30, 2016
NOVEMBER 2016
DECEMBER 2, 2016*
DECEMBER 21, 2016
DECEMBER 2016
JANUARY 5, 2017
JANUARY 31, 2017
JANUARY 2017
FEBRUARY 6, 2017
FEBRUARY 28, 2017
FEBRUARY 2017
MARCH 6, 2017
MARCH 30, 2017*
MARCH 2017
APRIL 6, 2017
APRIL 28, 2017
APRIL 2017
MAY 5, 2017
MAY 31, 2017
MAY 2017
JUNE 6, 2017
JUNE 30, 2017
JUNE 2017
JULY 6, 2017
JULY 31, 2017
*EARLY DEADLINE DUE TO WINTER BREAK. *PAYDAY FOR MARCH WILL BE ON 3/30 DUE TO CESAR CHAVEZ DAY. ALL PAYROLL ITEMS RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE WILL BE PROCESSED IN THAT CYCLE, ALL LATE ITEMS WILL BE PROCESSED THE FOLLOWING MONTH.
Employee Contact Information Employees should keep all personal contact information up to date in the employee payroll portal. Current address provided will be used to mail year end wage and tax statements (W-2)
Staffing 30
When any new staffing or stipends are required, the appropriate personnel requisition form must be submitted to the CEO/Principal for approval. The requisition will be forwarded to the Business Operations Manager who will verify the open, budgeted position. Upon verification of funding, the requisition will be forwarded to the Human Resources/Payroll Specialist who will post the position if necessary and initiate the hiring process. Terminations will also be processed using the personnel requisition form.
Consultant/Professional Services Contracts In advance of services to be performed, the requestor of employment of a consultant will submit to the CEO/Principal for approval, the appropriate charter school form describing the work to be performed, the terms and conditions for the performance of said work, and the anticipated billing schedule consistent with performance of the contracted services. If using department funds, the Subject Area Leader must approve the form prior to submission of the form to the CEO/Principal. The Business Operations Manager will execute the necessary contract with the consultant after CEO/Principal approval.
Purchasing Curricular and other items to be purchased for school use must be initiated in the Business Office by submitting a requisition in accordance with school fiscal policies and procedures. Requisition must have the approval of SAL if department funds are requested. The Business Operations Manager must approve all purchases. Any individual who orders unauthorized materials and supplies on behalf of the school will be liable for payment of such orders.
Professional Development/Conferences/Workshop Process A Professional Development Request form must be completed with CEO/Principal approval prior to registering for the event. A PDR is still required even if it is not Common Core related. Once the necessary approvals have been received the employee will register for the event providing the purchase order number (contact the Business Office for PO #). If the registration requires a credit card payment the employee will coordinate with the Accounting Technician/Buyer when to bring their laptop to register and pay for the event.
Travel Requests A Travel Request Form must be completed prior to the event with the approval/signature of the CEO/Principal. The Business Office will then arrange and secure hotel and airfare (if required) in advance of the trip with the cooperation of the Employee. Employees will be reimbursed at the established per diem rate for any breakfast, lunch or dinner that is not included as part of the related event. After the trip, the employee must complete a Travel Claim Form attaching all original receipts/documentation to the Business Office for processing. Employees will be reimbursed for mileage when pre-approved by the CEO/Principal. Mileage will be reimbursed at the Internal Revenue Service mandated rate for the distance traveled from the school site for each direction traveled. Note: Please do not submit Travel Requests at the last minute, as there may be a possibility payment will not be received before the deadline.
Reproduction Request Reproduction Work Request Forms for print shop needs are available in the Business Office. Please complete the following information: • Phone
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• • • • • • •
Submitted By School/Department Date Entered/Date needed Job Description Number of masters Total Special instructions (include instructions such as “staple where paper- clipped” etc.).
Leave Blank: • • • • •
Approved By Budget Classification Job Function/Cost Delivery Instructions Total
Reproduction Requests are processed in as timely a manner as possible. *NOTE: REPRODUCTION REQUESTS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER.L. THE GOLDENROD COPY MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE BUSINESS OFFICE.
Revolving Cash Reimbursement Revolving Cash Funds are used for emergencies and items which cannot be purchased using a purchase order or school credit card and are limited to $200 total or $100 per item. Please keep the following in mind when requesting revolving cash disbursements: 1. 2.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Fill out form with dark blue or black ink only. ORIGINAL RECEIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED - this must be a true receipt indicating the vendor, item(s) purchased, amount and confirmation of payment. Receipt should be for reimbursable items only; no personal items should be included on the receipt used for the claim. (If personal items are purchased at the same time, a separate receipt should be requested.) Unacceptable as “receipts” are 1) packing slips, 2) order forms, 3) invoices, or 4) hand written receipts. Do not use Revolving Cash Forms for single items over $100.00 or for total transactions over $200.00. If a credit card was used for purchase, the following items need to be on the statement: 1) Employees name (Not spouse’s name). 2) Last series of numbers from credit card account. 3) The total amount for each item purchased. When listing purchases include sales tax and enter the amount in the far right hand column. S.A.L. must initial approval before reimbursement will be made if using department funds. Proof of delivery of items to the school must be verified by the Facility Manager before reimbursement can be completed.
Transportation Request
You must submit your Field Trip Transportation Request 5 days prior to the date of the trip to the Business Office with the following information: • • • • • • • •
Requested date and time of pick-up Requested date and time of return Number of passengers Origin and destination (s) Type of carrier (i.e. school bus or charter bus) Itinerary of the trip ( if applicable) List your trip supervisor Contact for supervisor
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• • • •
Address for the destination Any special instructions if applicable Specify department, sport, level and gender Wheelchair needed (if applicable)
Things to remember: 1)
Make sure the trip is approved by Cougar Council, if applicable.
2)
Remember to contact the Business Office if your trip is canceled, as the District will charge Steele Canyon for buses that have not been canceled. Your department will have to pay for this expense.
3)
Please specify if the busing will be paid out of your trust account.
4)
All requests must go through the Business Office. Do not attempt to contact the Transportation Department at the District to schedule a bus, as we could potentially schedule a bus twice.
Forms Available through the Business Office § § § § § § §
Claim Form – Business and Travel Expense Direct Deposit Authorization Employee Notification of Personal Physician Field Trip Transportation Request Reproduction Work Request Revolving Cash Reimbursement Travel Requests
Note: Please do not submit Travel Requests at the last minute, as there may be a possibility payment will not be received before the deadline.
Forms Available through the Business Office § § § § § § §
Claim Form – Business and Travel Expense Direct Deposit Authorization Employee Notification of Personal Physician Field Trip Transportation Request Reproduction Work Request Revolving Cash Reimbursement Travel Requests
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave to “eligible” employees for certain family and medical reasons. You are eligible if you have worked for Steele Canyon High School for at least one year and worked for 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months. ■
Reasons for Taking Leave Unpaid leave must be granted for any of the following reasons: To care for your child after birth, or placement for adoption or foster care; To care for your spouse, son, daughter, or parent who has a serious health condition; For a serious health condition that makes you unable to perform your job. In situations of qualifying exigency to be with an employee’s spouse, parent or child if said person is an active servicemember or has an impending call to active duty in support of a contingency operation. For the care of an injured service member if the servicemember is the employee’s spouse, child, parent, or “next of kin”. This type of FMLA can be elected to be taken for up to 26 weeks in a 12-month period.
■
Advance Notice and Medical Certification You may be required to provide advance leave notice and medical certification. Taking leave may be denied if requirements are not met: You ordinarily must provide 30 days advance notice when the leave is foreseeable. Steele Canyon High School may require medical certification to support a request for leave because of a serious health condition, and may require second or third opinions (at the employer’s expense) and a fitness-for-duty report to return to work.
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Job Benefits and Protection For the duration of FMLA leave, Steele Canyon High School must maintain your health coverage under any “group health plan”. You will continue to be responsible for your portion of the cost sharing of the premium payments Upon return from FMLA leave, employees must be restored to their original or equivalent positions with equivalent pay, benefits and other employment terms. The use of FMLA leave cannot result in the loss of any employment benefit that accrued prior to the start of an employee’s leave.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO... ■
Any time you are missing work due to your own serious medical condition or the care of a family member’s condition, please contact FMLASource. Contact your Supervisor and Penni Cody in the Business Office. Call 1-877-462-FMLA or log on to www.fmlasource.com as directed by the FMLA Poster. Your information will be verified by a Benefit Specialist who will initiate the Family Medical Leave process and answer any questions you may have. You will be notified of the status of your FMLA claim once it has been processed.
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SCHOOL FACILITIES Equipment – Personal Use by Staff Employees shall not use school equipment or facilities for personal projects without first obtaining permission from the Subject Area Leader and from the Facility Manager. Obtain the necessary paperwork and procedure from the Facility Manager. For Technology equipment, please see the Manager of Technology for use.
Activities All activities MUST be approved by administration. Please consider the following items when planning an activity or school function: • • • • •
Administrator approval – Do you have approval of the appropriate administrator? Facilities Request – Have you gone online to submit one? All postings pertaining to your event must have the approval of the Facility Manager. (Posters, pictures, decorations, etc.) A limit of 50 posters or postings applies to any single event. You are responsible for cleanup.
Use of Facility/Facilities Request Staff members who wish to use the schools’ facilities outside of their normal scope of duties and/or for special events including their own workspace/classroom must fill out a Facilities Request online at least TWO WEEKS prior to the event. Facilities Request forms are available online at the school website: www.schscougars.org. Employees will find the online request form iin the upper right hand corner of the web page. Click the “Become a Requestor” link and enter your information. • • •
Follow the prompts to fill out the online request. All use of facilities must be preceded by a facilities use request. It will take up to ten business days to process your request. If you need advance notification of approval or denial of your event, please plan accordingly.
For non-school related function, in addition to submitting an online facility request form, you must provide a certificate of insurance to Steele Canyon High School. Certificate of insurance must be received at least 10 days prior to your event or event will be subject to cancellation. Please note that your request must be submitted at least two weeks prior to your event. If your event falls within the next two weeks, you must contact the Facility Manager for approval. The submission of this form does not guarantee that you will be able to use the requested facilities. It is only a request. You should receive a reply regarding your event within ten business days of submitting the form. *NOTE: PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THERE COULD BE A FEE FOR USE OF THE FACILITY AND REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE PROOF OF PRIVATE LIABILITY INSURANCE.
Keys
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Keys will be issued as needed to the staff by the Facility Manager. Keys will not be duplicated or loaned out. Students should not have access to keys for any reason. At the end of each school year, staff is requested to verify keys issued to them with the Facility Manager.
Faculty Lounge Steele Canyon has a staff lounge located in the main administration building. A beverage machine, microwave and toaster oven, refrigerator, and telephone are available for staff use. Students are not permitted in the staff lounge.
Forms Forms Available Online at www.schscougars.org § §
Facilities Request Service Ticket: Maintenance/Technology
Reimbursement for Damaged or Stolen Items Reimbursement for damaged or stolen property used in the school or office is provided only when the value of the property was agreed upon by the person bringing the property and the administrator. Approval for use of the property must be given BEFORE it is brought to the school site. All personal property shall be listed on forms provided by the Charter School. The Charter School shall pay claims of not less than $10 and not more than $400.
Repair, Replacement, Vandalism, or Loss 1.
See Facility Manager to complete the necessary Repair and Replacement Form (work order).
2.
In cases of vandalism, immediate notification to the Facility Manager and/or an administrator is required.
Replacement or Repair of Personal Property The Charter School shall pay to the member the cost of replacing or repairing property of a member such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, articles of clothing necessarily worn or carried by the member when any such property is damaged without fault of the member, or if such property is stolen from the member by robbery or theft while he/she is acting within the course and scope of employment on the school premises or on a school sponsored activity. If the property is stolen or damaged beyond repair, the actual value of such property may be paid. The value of such property shall be determined as of the time of the damage thereto of the robbery or theft. The Charter School shall pay claims of not less than $10 and not more than $400. A written request for reimbursement for damage to property shall be filed with the Facility Manager on forms provided by the Charter School within 15 days of the date of loss and shall be signed by the employee’s immediate supervisor. The Charter School shall conduct such investigation as may be necessary. Damage to a unit member’s vehicle due to vandalism shall be paid if the site administrator has reasonable cause to believe that the damage occurred on the school site. Vandalism shall include, but not be limited to slashed tires, stolen batteries, or broken windows. The Charter School shall reimburse the teacher for up to a maximum of $400 per each incident, providing a police report is filed and appropriate school forms are submitted within three workdays of the incident. In the event the member is paid the costs of replacing or repairing such property or the actual value of such property, the Charter School, to the extent of such payment, is subrogated to any right of the unit member to recover compensation for such damaged or stolen property.
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Delivery of Personal Items to School Please be advised that if you are expecting delivery of personal items and have not notified the Facility Manager in advance, shipment may be opened by the Receiving Department.
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FRONT OFFICE
Broadcast The student broadcast will be delivered daily during the first five minutes of second block. All teachers are expected to facilitate the viewing and require engagement of all students during the broadcast. Contact the Help Desk to mitigate any technology issues. Please contact the ASB Advisor to request an announcement be included on the broadcast.
Staff Bulletin Staff Bulletins are prepared daily and emailed to all staff. Bulletin notice forms are available at the Front Desk. All requests must be submitted to the Receptionist by 11:30 a.m. to be included in the bulletin the following day. Requests should be legible and proofread for grammar, spelling and punctuation. If a bulletin notice is written by a student, then a teacher must initial the bulletin.
Daily Check-In All staff are required to check in daily on the Daily Check-In Sheets provided on the counter behind the Receptionist. Also, all staff should check mailboxes daily—messages, memos, etc. may be placed in the mailbox throughout the day. Most notices at Steele Canyon will be delivered through staff members e-mail accounts. Please check and respond to e-mail requests daily.
Duty Hours Certificated duty hours are 7:15 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. All certificated staff are expected to be on campus during these times, including during the prep block. If it becomes necessary to leave campus during the work day, please notify the Principal’s Secretary.
Duplicating Services Duplicating jobs need to be accompanied by a duplicating request, available in the Duplicating Office. Please allow 48 hours for processing. Students are not allowed to use the duplicating machines. Last-minute requests are run on a walk-in basis. Please see the Duplicating Clerk for complete instructions and request forms.
Intercom/Announcements The intercom will be used primarily for special/emergency announcements. With the sole expectations of requests for students from the Attendance and Finance Offices, all announcements require the approval of an Administration. Similarly, any announcements made during instructional time require the approval of an Administrator. Announcements for the Attendance and Finance Offices, made during non-instructional time, will be made at the discretion of the Receptionist.
Lost and Found All lost and found articles are to be turned in to the Attendance Clerk’s office or the Physical Education attendants. Students should be instructed to check in those offices for lost articles. Student should fill out a property loss form in the Assistant Principals’ office for items of value which are lost or stolen. Textbooks will be returned to the teacher.
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1.
Staff mailboxes are located in the general office of the Administration Building. Urgent messages or memos which should be handled before the following day frequently are placed in/on the boxes.
2.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND A STUDENT TO GET THE MATERIAL IN YOUR BOX. If you find that it is essential to send a student to pick up your mail, give the student a note and request that the student see the Receptionist for the mail.
3.
Stamped outgoing U.S. mail is to be placed in the box located in the Duplicating Office.
4.
Business mail needing postage is to be placed in the box provided in the Duplicating Office. Return Steele Canyon address is required on all metered mail.
5.
District mail is to be placed in the District Mail Box located in the Duplicating Office.
6.
All multiple mail-outs should be approved by an Administrator prior to mailing.
Parking Staff: The primary staff parking areas are in front, at the side (by the Adult School) and at the back of the school. Faculty spaces are not individually assigned. Each staff member will get a parking permit from the Duplicating Office.
Visitors All visitors must sign in and out at the Receptionist’s Desk and wear a “visitor” badge. Please inform the Receptionist whenever possible about upcoming adult visitors to your classroom. Alumni visitors may only visit during class time if assisting you with your lesson or during your prep period. Alumni are not allowed to visit during lunch. You will be asked to escort your alumni visitor while they are on campus.
Voice Mail Most teachers have a telephone and a voice-mailbox. Call the IT Department (x3570) for instructions on how to set-up your voicemail.
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TECHNOLOGY The SCHS Computer and Network Environment Steele Canyon High School created extensive networks with information, telephone and computing resources for staff and student use. These resources are provided to allow you and others in the School to perform your tasks effectively in meeting the goals and needs for which the School was established. By nature, design, and function, the School’s computer network and resources must provide a relatively “open” environment. While automatic and procedural security controls are in place to prevent or reduce unauthorized access to these resources, the primary responsibility for maintaining the security of this information and its resources lies with you, the employee. Improper use of any of these resources can cause problems related to the needs of some or all School employees and students. Violation of specific local, State, and Federal laws referenced later in this document may call for prosecution under the law including fines and imprisonment. The School may take disciplinary action against employees for misuse of computer, network, and information resources.
Privacy of School Records – Student, Staff, and Business Information Both student and employee records are protected by various State and Federal laws –
State Statutes: • •
Education Code, section 67100 Information Practices Act of 1977 (Civil Code section 1798) Public Records Act (Gov. Code section 6250 Penal Codes, Section 502
Federal Statutes: • • •
Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 Federal Privacy Act of 1974 Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986
• • During your employment with the School, you will have access to either student or employee and business information that are all confidential. It is your responsibility to safeguard this information from unauthorized persons. You shall not seek to use personal or confidential information for your own use or personal gain. You must take all reasonable precautions to ensure privacy is maintained under the law while handling information in any form, including but not limited to voice, electronic (disk file, diskette, CD ROM, DVD ROM, flash drives, email, network storage, etc.), paper, photograph, and microfiche information. Included under this precaution is the disposal of any privacy related materials.
Ownership It must be understood that the School’s business information, telephone, network, computer and software resources, peripherals and supplies are School property, provided to meet School needs. They do not belong to individuals, but are only “loaned” for the purposes required for your position while you are employed by the School. This specifically means that you MAY NOT use your computer, its software, peripherals or supplies for personal, commercial, or non-School purposes. For example, you may not use your School computer to store or maintain your personal business. Use of your workstation and its software, printers, faxes, copiers, and other peripherals for personal work may be permitted where approved by your supervisor in advance and when it is done outside your normal work hours.
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Use of Telephones, Cell Phones, and Voicemail Telephones and cell phones are provided to conduct the business of the School. In many cases, voice mail is also provided. These services are intended to provide a means of communication for employees to contact parents and students, agencies, vendors, other institutions and government officials. When using these services, your comportment should be businesslike and professional. Private use of the phones should be kept to a minimum. Employees are responsible for any charges incurred when using School phones or cell phones for purposes not directly related to their job duties or assisting in emergencies. Cell phones should never be used while operating a vehicle. Employees with assigned cell phones are expected to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage to unit, including theft, exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
Use of School Laptop Computers and Other Technology Equipment Laptop computers and other technology equipment may be issued to regular faculty members. Such equipment is provided for the purpose of preparing/delivering lessons, keeping class records and conducting school business. With the convenience of portability comes an increased risk of theft, loss, or damage. Staff members are expected to take all reasonable precautions to keep equipment issued to them safe and secure. When taking any school equipment off campus, staff members are not to leave school equipment in unattended automobiles, hot or damp places, or where there is an increased risk of damage, loss or theft. Teachers are to follow established School checkout procedures for taking school equipment off campus. While technology equipment is checked out to a staff member, that member is responsible for damage to, loss or theft of that equipment unless otherwise determined by administration/management. It is recommended that teachers who choose to take their laptop/tech equipment off campus have homeowner’s/renter’s insurance covering equipment costs due to damage, theft or loss. School insurance applies only when School equipment is physically secured within campus buildings. The cost of replacement of school equipment that is not secured, per training on how to secure equipment, while on campus and is subsequently lost or stolen, will be borne by the employee. Misuse, abuse, neglect, willful damage, termination of employment, or violation of School policy while using School equipment shall be grounds for the School to request the return of all and any such equipment checked out to the employee.
Use of Personally Owned Software or Equipment The School attempts to ensure that all hardware and software meet specific standards that will operate without causing disruption of the School’s computer and network resources. Therefore, the use of personally owned software or software that can be downloaded from the Internet as well as personally-owned computer hardware is not permitted except where authorized by the School’s Technology Coordinator.
Software Copyright Law
Violations of copyright law can expose the School to considerable financial liability. All School employees are prohibited from installing any software without having proof of licensing. You may not install software licensed for one workstation on multiple machines. You should be aware that if, for example, you purchase a new workstation, you must also purchase new software licenses for the software that will be installed on it. If the computer being replaced will be retired from use, the software may be removed from it and transferred to a new workstation.
Use of the Internet and Intranet The Internet provides an extremely valuable resource for learning and communicating with people throughout the world. It can be a marvelous tool to enhance student and staff education and productivity. Unfortunately, the Internet also contains a large amount of information that is inappropriate for use in an educational institution. While it is hoped that employees will enjoy the use of Internet resources, it must be emphasized that these resources are provided at School expense to enhance your job function and maximize your job effectiveness. Employees are not to let personal use of the Internet encroach on or displace time spent performing their work duties. Personal use of the Internet should be restricted to breaks or lunch periods, or before or after work hours. Inasmuch as every transaction you complete on the Internet
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represents to the world our School and everything it stands for, it is imperative that employees not use the Internet in such a way as to bring civil or criminal liability or public reproach upon the School. Materials obtained from the Internet are copyrighted and, with proper citation, limited educational use is permitted under the Principle of Fair use as contained in U.S. copyright law. These materials may not be redistributed on the Internet or in any other manner without written consent of the copyright owner or as prohibited by law. Materials are protected by copyright whether they bear copyright information or not. The School Intranet is distinct from the Internet. It consists of those networked electronic resources within the Steele Canyon High School. Many of these resources are accessible to the public, thus contributing to the Internet at large. Others are accessible only from within the School network or by password. Note that access to School-only resources, such as subscription electronic research portals is not to be shared with others outside the School. Access to the student information system, though accomplished through a web browser is to be guarded as you would guard access to your bank account. Never leave a session in the student system without logging out and closing the browser window, no matter how brief the interruption. No one may attach to the School network any wireless device without prior approval of the School’s Technology Coordinator. This includes, but is not limited to: wireless computers, PDAs, wireless hubs or base stations.
Internet Filter Bypass You will be assigned a filter by-pass code which will allow you to override the internet filter on campus. This code will allow you to access websites such as YouTube and others which may normally be denied due to content. It is important to understand that all internet activity while using this code is logged by the main server. In order to be assigned this code for on-campus use, you must agree to the following:
By being assigned a code for additional internet filtered access for school use, you agree: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
to use appropriate discretion with all internet technology, websites, and information; to accept responsibility for my use of the internet while conducting school business, instruction, and during school hours; to exercise vigilance in assuring that students do not gain access to any piece of technology upon which the Filter By-Pass is active; to keep and maintain absolute security over the Filter By-Pass codes and to immediately notify the technology department when a breach of security occurs or is suspected; that I will apply the proper use of curriculum guidelines as listed in the Faculty/Staff Handbook (Classroom Policies; Instructional Materials/Curriculum) in all use of the internet and school technology; that I have been trained in appropriate use of the filter; that use of technology or the internet that violates these guidelines may result in loss of internet privilege and/or disciplinary action.
Use of Computer Resources During any school day, the computing resources of the School are accessed by many hundreds of students and employees. In order to ensure that these resources are available and working properly, your personal use of these resources must not negatively impact others. For example, you may not attempt to break into computer systems or their resources to which you have not been granted authorization. You may not attempt to maliciously alter, erase, damage, destroy or make otherwise unusable or inaccessible any data, software, computer, or network system. Attempts or actions of this nature are a felony and may result in any combination of disciplinary action and/or prosecution and fines including litigation costs and payment of damages under applicable local, State, and Federal statutes.
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Use of Network Storage In addition to network file servers used in a classroom setting, the School provides each employee with 1 gigabyte of network storage called an eBackpack. This space is accessible from anywhere on the Internet and includes public and private layers of access. Private drop-boxes are for students to turn in assignments electronically without seeing each other’s work. Public folders are for disseminating course materials, announcements, and instructional web pages. Employees are to observe all applicable laws (including copyright) and School policies in the use of eBackpacks. Storage and account access may not be shared or used for any purpose other than the direct support of instruction or job performance.
Your Computer Account In order for you to utilize the School’s computer and network resources, you will be assigned a “user id” and password. Based on your position and your supervisor’s authorization, you may be provided with access levels which allow you to view, create, alter, delete, print, and transmit information. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your personal account and may not release it for use by any other individual. You must accord your user account the same significance as your hand-written signature. Failure to do so by releasing this information to another individual may be considered false representation and result in disciplinary action. This means that it is extremely important that you use a password that cannot be guessed by others through knowledge about you. For example, never use personal names such as children or pets or names that begin or end with numbers. Never use your Social Security Number, bank PIN or words which can be found in any dictionary, names spelled backwards, or adjacent keys on a computer keyboard (i.e., QWERTY). All of the above provide an easy way for a “cracker” to break into a computer system and, using your rights and privileges, cause damage and destruction. You must also never write down your user id or password unless you store it in your personal possession or other location away from your place of work. Even then, you should write it in such a way that no clue is given as to the purpose for its use. Please contact the School’s Technology Coordinator if you suspect someone else may have accessed your account. It is a simple matter to change your password in a few seconds, but may take days to reconstruct damaged records or computer systems if someone breaks in with your account rights! Where you have the ability to change your own password, make a habit of periodically changing passwords for these accounts. You should never leave your workstation unattended while signed on to any account; doing so allows anyone to sit at your workstation and, using your rights and privileges, perform destructive acts. This could be used by students to make changes to their own or others’ records. Under certain circumstances, user id's and passwords may be shared by a group of employees where doing so makes information access convenient with a minimum of administrative overhead. Examples include School-subscribed online services that teachers may wish to access from outside of the School network. Group id's and passwords should be held in confidence and never shared with students. If you suspect that the security of such information has been compromised, notify the School’s Manager of Technology at once. Only employees may have direct publishing (write privilege) access to School web, mail, and list servers. Those who assume responsibility for posting student work must never delegate this responsibility to students or colleagues. Do not store passwords where students may have access to them. Periodically change your password.
Computer Viruses Despite the development of new technologies to combat malicious viruses, worms, and other damaging programs that attack computers and networks, these problems persist. The School attempts to maintain anti-virus software in order to minimize the impact of these viruses, but it is your responsibility to take precautions to protect your computer and all others throughout the School.
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For example, avoid opening email attachments from people you do not know. If someone you do know sends you an attachment, contact them and verify the purpose of the attachment. Ask them if they are sure no viruses may have invaded their attachment. Likewise, do not download any software from the Internet unless directed to and authorized by the School’s Manager of Technology. Even very respectable companies have unwittingly released products which included hidden or dormant viruses. Do not share any downloaded software with others until you have verified that it does not harbor viruses.
Electronic Mail The School encourages the use of electronic mail (email) to enhance communication and business activities. The following policies are necessary to ensure appropriate use and to prevent or limit disruptions to work activity and computer services. Each email account has a 200 MB file transfer limitation per email. Each user’s total email-box size is set at 2 GB. These limitations are subject to change without notice to ensure email system efficiency. User email is routinely backed up, however, it not a file storage system. Please read carefully:
Precautions Regarding the Use of Electronic Mail The nature of electronic mail at this date makes it susceptible to misuse. Users need to be aware that sensitive or private information can be easily forwarded to other individuals the originator never intended, both within the School as well as externally throughout the world. In addition, while email accounts may be password protected, it is up to the individual user to ensure that a password is set and that the password is one that cannot be easily guessed or “hacked.” Because of backup procedures in force with the School’s computer services, the fact that you have “deleted” an email message does not necessarily mean that it cannot be retrieved. Users of the School’s email services need to be aware that use of these services is a privilege granted with the expectation that it will be used for business purposes and in a professional and courteous manner similar to other forms of communication. All email sent or received by individuals through School employee accounts is the property of the School and may be requested by your supervisor and examined with just cause. There is no guarantee that email received was in fact sent by the purported sender, since it is a simple matter, although a violation of this policy, to disguise the sender’s identity. Furthermore, email that is forwarded may be modified by the forwarder. As with any document, if you receive a message which appears unusual or which you feel may be questionable, check with the purported sender to verify authorship and authenticity. While the School does not have the time nor inclination to monitor or read individual email messages, in the event that questionable or inappropriate use is suspected or known, such email may be examined and may be cause for disciplinary action ranging from revoking your email account up to termination. Users should also be aware that in the general course of business, System Administrators and email operators may require observation of messages in order to verify system operation.
SPAM The School maintains a system for limiting the amount of unwanted or offensive email received from the Internet. Known as SPAM, much of this email is automatically generated by computer programs and is often used to propagate computer viruses, or distribute pornography and fraudulent business offerings. The email may appear to have come from a trusted address and others may receive such messages that falsely appear to have come from you. The School’s email filtering system cannot eliminate all SPAM and it is possible that benign messages may occasionally be blocked. Please check your daily Spam Quarantine Summary to forward misidentified mail or to white-list the sender. You may also fine-tune your own personal spam tolerance settings.
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Email – Personal Use Private or personal non-commercial use of the School’s email is permitted as long as it is not excessive and does not interfere with the School’s normal business practices and the performance of the individual’s tasks. Individuals should exercise sound judgment and sensitivity to others when exchanging personal messages in the workplace.
Email – State, Federal, and Copyright Laws In addition to this policy, use of the School’s email services is subject to all applicable Federal and State communications and privacy laws as well. In particular, users need to be aware that attaching programs, sound, video, and images to email messages may violate copyright laws, and data files containing employee and/or student information is subject to all privacy laws.
Email Restrictions
• • • •
• •
Electronic mail may not be used for: Unlawful activities • Commercial purposes Personal financial gain Use that violates this policy or other State and Federal • policies • Any form of harassment Personal fund-raising
Spam mail, that is, to exploit list-servers or other broadcast systems which amplify widespread distribution of unsolicited email File storage. (Use eBackpack) Chain letters, sending or forwarding
•
•
Mail bombs, that is, to re-send the same email repeatedly to one or more recipients with the intent to interfere with the recipient’s use of email Any other use which interferes with computing facilities and services of the School or its employees
Email and Representation Users shall not give the impression that they are representing, giving opinions or otherwise making statements on behalf of the School unless they are appropriately authorized, explicitly or implicitly, to do so. Where appropriate and based on context, an appropriate disclaimer would be, “These are my own statements and views and do not necessarily represent those of the Steele Canyon High School.”
Email – False Identity Employees shall not employ a false identity in sending email or alter forwarded mail out of the context of its original meaning.
Email – Misuse Of Computing Services Email services shall not be used for purposes that could reasonably be expected to cause, either directly or indirectly, excessive strain on School computing facilities, or cause interference with others’ use of email, email systems, or any computing facilities or services. The School’s email system is not designed for file storage. Such use is prohibited. Please use other methods for storing or archiving files.
Email – Security And Confidentiality The confidentiality of electronic mail cannot be assured. Users should exercise extreme caution in using email to communicate confidential or sensitive material.
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Email – Virus Dangers As mentioned, proper precautions must be taken to guard against the infection of computers and files by viruses. Likewise, using email attachments to distribute viruses and/or worms and other damaging software is common-place today. You should not open email or attachments from unverified sources
Email – Archiving and Retention The School maintains an ongoing backup schedule of computer data in order to ensure that these facilities may be restored to use in the event of damage and/or destruction. Because of this practice, email may be stored on backup media for extended lengths of time. Messages which a user assumes to be deleted may be able to be restored if demanded by the appropriate School authority. Each user should consider whether they want to archive their personal messages to their workstation’s hard drive or other disk media on some sort of regular basis, as there is always the possibility that information may be lost due to software or hardware problems. The School has policies in place for the length of time email is retained on-line. Thus, users should be careful not to consider email as a long-term filing system. While the School maintains a backup of all email, it is not feasible nor our practice to restore lost or damaged email.
Email – Classroom Use by Students Teachers who permit students to use email accounts other than those hosted by the School shall emphasize that the School has no control over such accounts. Nevertheless, teachers shall require students to report any and all suspicious or threatening email received.
Other Services
Please note that this policy addresses issues common to all teachers and employees. Other specific policies may apply to those working in specialized environments or completing specialized tasks such as advising students involved in web publishing. If you have any questions about this or other policies, please do not hesitate to ask the School’s Technology Coordinator.
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PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
Cougar Council The Steele Canyon Cougar Council shall concern itself with the educational programs and any aspect of the educational operation and function as a school-wide problem/advisory committee and representative council for staff input and opinion. Subject Area Leader elections are held in December, with terms beginning in January on a rotation of two-year terms. The coordination of the election is the responsibility of the Principal and/or designee and the SCCEA representative in accordance with agreement between the Charter School and the bargaining unit.
Smoking (staff, students, and visitors) NO SMOKING SHALL BE ALLOWED ANYWHERE ON THE CAMPUS. THIS INCLUDES PARKING AREAS AND AT EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. Tobacco of any kind i.e., cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc. is not acceptable.
Solicitation by Staff Members There shall be no solicitations of students by employees for the purpose of selling educational supplies, or other materials. School facilities should not be used for the promotion of any privately sponsored education trips unless approved by the Principal.
Staff Protection The Governing Board, upon the request of a bargaining unit member, will provide for the defense of any civil action or proceeding brought against him/her in an official or individual capacity or both, on account of an act or omission in the scope of his/her employment as an employee, provided that the member was not engaged in a fraudulent, corrupt, or malicious action and provided that the action is not brought by the Board or an agent of the Board.
Assault, Insult, Abuse
1.
Bargaining unit members may use such force as is reasonable under the circumstances to protect himself/herself from attack, to protect another person or property, to quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to others, or to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects upon the person or within control of a pupil.
2.
The bargaining unit member and his/her supervisor shall report to the appropriate law enforcement authorities any incident in which a school employee is attacked, assaulted or menaced by any pupil.
3.
Failure to make such a report is a misdemeanor.
4.
If court proceedings are brought against a staff member alleging that he/she committed an assault with connection to his/her employment, such member may request the Board to furnish legal council.
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Sexual Harassment/Discrimination Steele Canyon High School is committed to making the educational environment for students and staff free from sexual harassment. Board polices prohibit sexual harassment as defined in the Education Code to mean unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, made by someone from or in the educational setting. Steele Canyon High School prohibits conduct that has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment. Steele Canyon High School further prohibits sexual harassment which conditions a student’s academic status, progress, benefits, services, honors, program or activities based on submission to such conduct. Students should report any sexual harassment to their teacher, assistant principal, counselor, or principal. Students who violate this policy shall be disciplined appropriately, including suspension or possible expulsion. Employees who violate this policy shall be disciplined, pursuant to Board polices and Education Code.
Student-Staff Relationships The relationship between staff and students should be one of cooperation, understanding and mutual respect. The staff has the responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning and to motivate each student to perform to his or her capacity. The staff is expected to model the behavior expected of students in student-staff relationships. All employees, except student-employees, are prohibited from dating, courting or entering into a romantic or sexual relationship with any student enrolled in Steele Canyon High School regardless of the student’s age or whether the relationship is consensual. Employees engaging or attempting to engage in such inappropriate conduct will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any employee, who has reason to believe that another employee is inappropriately involved with another student, as described above, is required to report this information to the Principal/CEO. An employee who fails to inform the Principal/CEO of a suspected inappropriate relationship between an employee and a student may be subject to disciplinary action. Annual Staff/Student Interaction Policy training is mandatory for all SCHS employees, coaches, and long-term volunteers.
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