Mirabeau B. Lamar High School
An International Baccalaureate World School
2012-2013 Teacher Handbook
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Table of Contents
Mission Statement.........................................................................................................................................................4
Teacher Handbook Expectations.............................................................................................................................5
Curriculum and Instruction.......................................................................................................................................6
Grade Books.....................................................................................................................................................................7
Late Work Policy, Final Exams..................................................................................................................................8
Technology in the Classroom.....................................................................................................................................9
Teacher Attendance & Dress Code.......................................................................................................................10
Student Discipline........................................................................................................................................................11
Safety and Security......................................................................................................................................................12
Security Before Class...................................................................................................................................................13
Clinic, Medication, Closed Campus......................................................................................................................14
Emergency Procedures...............................................................................................................................................15
Communication............................................................................................................................................................16
Bulletin Board Postings..............................................................................................................................................17
Special Education Referrals, Confidentiality......................................................................................................18
Work Related Injuries, Smoking.............................................................................................................................19
Fundraising & Financial Procedures.....................................................................................................................20
General Information...................................................................................................................................................21
Personal Information..................................................................................................................................................22
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Mission Statement
Mirabeau B. Lamar High School encourages all students to be inquiring and knowledgeable
individuals who can achieve their highest potential within an atmosphere of shared of responsibility,
academic challenge intercultural understanding, and mutual respect.
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Teacher Handbook Expectations
This handbook is prepared to provide valuable information regarding Lamar High school and staff
expectations. Each staff member is required to become knowledgeable with all its contents and
follow all expectations.
HISD High School Guidelines
In addition to the Lamar High School Faculty handbook, the HISD Secondary Guidelines 20122013 are on the HISD portal under the Federal and State Compliance department. All teachers
should read and be familiar with the information contained therein.
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Curriculum and Instruction
Lesson Plans
Core Teachers: Core subjects will use Master Teacher Academy Lesson plans. Lesson plans are located on the MTA
website at www.houstonisd.org/mta. Subject Area Teams are to review lesson plans collaboratively during the SAT
meeting prior to implementation. All teachers teaching the same course will use the same lesson plans.
Core-Support Teachers: Core support teachers will use the Core Support Lesson Plan Template. Lesson plans will
be posted weekly to the appropriate SAT folder on the common drive. All teachers teaching the same course will use
the same lesson plans.
Instructional Expectations
• Begin instruction immediately when class begins and use time productively throughout the entire ninety- minute period.
• Grade student work and post grades in GradeSpeed within one week of the assignment due date.
• Support and cooperate with the members of your SAT and the general faculty.
• Be available to students for individual academic assistance.
Assessment Policy
It is HISD policy to have at least 2 grades per week within a grading cycle. The chart below reflects these minimum
requirements taking into consideration actual instructional days.
Cycle 1 10 grades
Cycle 4 12 grades
Cycle 210 grades Cycle 511 grades Cycle 3 8 grades
Cycle 6 12 grades
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All assessment will be criterion related and graded utilizing a “best-fit” approach on subject-specific rubrics. In
addition:
• Rubrics used will come from the appropriate IBMYP or IBDP subject guides and modified by SATs so that they are task specific and age-appropriate
• Rubrics MUST be provided to students before the assessment is given.
• Students MUST have the opportunity to self-assess using the rubrics
• Percentage grades MUST be determined using the appropriate IBMYP or IBDP conversion chart.
• Percentage grades AND rubric grades must both be reported back to students on assignments.
Every criterion MUST be assessed at least once per cycle. SATs will determine how many times each criterion is
assessed and recorded in the grade book. The expectation is to achieve a balance of criteria throughout the grading
period.
Rubrics should be chosen based on the nature of the assignment. Careful attention should be paid to which criteria
are assessed for each assignment so that assignments are not disproportionately weighted in the grade book. The
expectation is to achieve an appropriate balance of criteria throughout each grading cycle.
Any and all criteria used on an assessment task must be connected to the task in a meaningful way (i.e. do not use the
“Knowledge and Understanding” criteria on a vocabulary quiz unless it can justifiably be assessed using the associated
grading rubric)
All grading categories and their corresponding weights must adhere to those adopted by the school for the current
year.
Where two or more teachers are instructing the same course, the grade book set up must be the same.
Grade Books
Teachers must establish and maintain a computerized grade book using the Grade Speed on-line grade book program.
Teachers must update grade books on a daily basis.
Teachers must present a printed copy of the Grade Speed grade book to the Registrar at the end of the fall semester
and again at the end of the spring semester. This grade book must contain the individual assignments and grades for
each student for each marking period.
Students are prohibited from accessing a teacher’s grade book.
Students are prohibited from accessing the computer while the teacher’s log-on is active.
Teachers will adhere to the prescribed grading system and assessment policy as established by Lamar and HISD
policy.
Grade changes may only be done with the approval of the Principal or Dean of Instruction. Grade changes may be
processed if there is an error in the computation of the grade, or an error was made on the grade report sheet. The
Grade Change Form is available in the main office from the secretaries to the Principal or Dean of Instruction. The
form must be filled out completely prior to submitting it for approval.
All incomplete grades must be changed to a numerical grade before the end of the next grading cycle. If an incomplete
is not made-up, then the incomplete grade must be changed to the actual numeric grade the student has earned. A
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grade change form must be submitted for the incomplete to be removed. Teachers may not give incomplete grades
during the last six week grading period of a semester.
Late Work Policy
Teachers must accept late work within the grading cycle in which it was assigned with no more than a 20 point
deduction penalty.
Make Up Work
A student will be given the opportunity to make up missed work due to an absence. However, it is the responsibility
of the student to request and complete any assignments or tests missed.
Re-teach Tutorials
Students will have the opportunity for re-teach and rework of previously graded daily assignments which resulted in
a grade of 75 – 50. The purpose of this program is to provide each student the opportunity to increase their mastery
of specific required skills and concepts. The following circumstances apply:
Student Eligibility Process
• Assignments must be originally turned in on time with a grade of 75 – 50.
• No late assignments will be considered under this policy.
• Tests, quizzes, formal/ informal papers or long term projects for major grades do not qualify.
• To qualify for resubmission, assignments must be done in after school tutorials, in the library and under tutorial teacher oversight and guidance.
• Qualifying assignments must be reworked within three weeks of the original due date in GradeSpeed/PS Connect.
• No assignments may be reworked within three days of the end of each grading period.
Teacher Process and Responsibility
• Library tutorial teachers will check PS Connect for the eligibility of an assignment.
• All assignments must be on the content area Moodle site and will be downloaded in the library.
• The due date in GradeSpeed must reflect the date the assignment was due.
• Assignments will be completed only during tutorial sessions and under the supervision of the tutorial
teacher and the tutorial administrator/supervisor.
• Completed assignments will be scanned by the tutorial teacher and emailed to the classroom teacher to be graded.
• Teachers must grade the resubmitted assignment and adjust the student’s grade within three days of resubmission and record the new grade in GradeSpeed.
• Penalty points may not be deducted from any of these resubmitted assignments.
• The grade on the re-taught assignment will replace the original grade.
Final Exams
Teachers will administer a final examination in every class they teach. The final exam should reflect material covered
during the semester. Final exams represent 25% of a student’s semester grade. All final exam periods are two hours
long, so teachers should plan accordingly. Students are not to be released from an exam early. All students must take
their final exams on the days designated for final exams.
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All fall and spring semester exams will be submitted electronically to the Dean of Instruction. All exams will be
created in Exam View Pro and each answer on the answer key will be coded by the student expectation and/or TEKS
that is being assessed. Where two or more teachers are instructing the same course, the final exam must be the same.
Technology in the Classroom
Videos and Films
All video material must be approved by the SAT for use with the common lesson design for which there is a correlation
between the content of the video and the student expectation taught. The correlation must be documented in your
lesson plans. Teachers may use only G-rated videotapes/DVDs.
Cell phones usage
Teachers: Teachers may use cell phones only during non-instructional time. Please keep your phone on vibrate as
you are expected to honor instructional time as well as professional development time.
Students: Student cell phones can be used for instructional purposes while in the classroom if approved by the
teacher. All other use of cell phones in the classroom is not permitted. The same applies for all other electronic
devices.
Professional Development
Professional development is held on campus through Subject Area Team (SAT) meetings and Interdisciplinary
Cluster (IDC) meetings. Both SATs and IDCs meet weekly for one hour each. Attendance and participation in both
SATs and IDCs is mandatory. SATs meet every Wednesday from 3:45 until 4:45 p.m. in the SAT leaders’ classrooms.
IDCs meet during a designated planning period each week in the library. All teachers are expected to attend meetings
unless otherwise excused in advance by the principal.
Off-campus professional development must be pre-approved through the Professional Development Office in W100
and will consist mostly of IB MYP/DP training and Kilo instructional conferences.
Professional Expectations
Teacher Work Day
The teacher workday is 8:15 until 4:00. Teachers must sign in by 8:15 a.m. in the workroom, near the main office. This
includes teachers who have 1st or 5th periods as planning periods. The end of the normal workday is scheduled for
4:00 p.m. except on Wednesdays for Subject Area Teams (SAT) meetings; SAT meetings are scheduled for one hour.
Please do not schedule personal business (i.e. doctor appointments, etc.) for Wednesdays.
If you are leaving the campus during the school day, you must seek administrative approval for times other than your
“duty-free” lunch . Administrative approval is not required if you are leaving campus during your duty-free lunch, but
you are required to use the appropriate check-out and check-in sheets on the counter in the main office so the school
can locate you in case of an emergency. This form is to be used at all times during the normal workday when you are
leaving and returning to campus. Teaches must sign in and out each day.
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Teacher Attendance and Substitute Requests
Teachers are to place the Classroom Information Sheet and Attendance Roster in their box for the sub. Most of
the time teachers know when they will be absent and should have this information available once the sub arrives on
campus. Having the attendance roster alleviates the subs having to go to the Attendance Office for a copy of it.
When an absence is planned, leave lesson plans in your box for the substitute. Leave emergency lesson plans with
your SAT leader.
Teachers must include their room number and parking spot when reporting their absences in AESOP.
Teachers must report absences in the AESOP online system or telephone system. If the teacher cannot access
the system they should notify Ms. Simpson and Pilar Martinez. Teachers should not call another teacher or an
administrator on campus to report an absence or request coverage for their class.
Subs are not to be switched from assigned positions unless pre-approved by the Business Office.
Teachers must fill out an Absence from Duty Report immediately returning from an absence, or if they know in
advance, the report should be filled out before the absence occurs.
Dress Code
Staff members are to wear appropriate, professional dress at all times. Men have the option of wearing a Lamar High
School shirt, purchased through the Lamar Business Office or standard professional attire (shirt and tie). You are
expected to present an appearance appropriate to the high standards of our school. Read and commit to memory
the student dress code. Please remember that, as educators, we must set a positive example for our students to
follow. Neatness, cleanliness, and good grooming are important factors in creating a professional, productive learning
environment.
Note: Coaches must utilize warm-ups and/or professional attire at all times other than their specific coaching periods. Shorts
are not permitted in the classroom.
Student Attendance
All student attendance rules are dictated by state law. Both campus and district level budget allocations are based
on student daily attendance. Official daily attendance is recorded at 10:30 a.m. each day. Teachers must submit
attendance on time each day with no exceptions. Attendance must also be taken for all other class periods within the
first 30 minutes of class.
Attendance changes must be made on the appropriate form and submitted to the attendance office within two weeks
of the marked absence or attendance error.
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Student Discipline and Management
Class Rules & Expectations
Teachers are expected to establish procedures for classroom discipline and make them known to students. Students
must be in the Lamar uniform in order to enter the classroom.
Student Supervision
Teachers must supervise the halls and patios during the passing time between classes. Be at your doors and visible
during all passing periods beginning at the 8:20 bell. Teachers must also closely supervise their own classes. Classes
and/or students are not to be left unattended. You are legally responsible for your students. Students are not to be
sent out of class and put in the hall unsupervised.
Hall Supervision Duty
Interdisciplinary Cluster hall sweep teams will monitor hallways and the outside areas. Your IDC sweep team will be
determined during our August professional development module presentations. The sweep teams must be diligent
in order to maintain an orderly and secure school environment. Supervision should be friendly, businesslike, and
encourage responsible student behavior. Disrespectful and/or abusive student responses to your reasonable directives
should be reported immediately to an assistant principal or to the HISD police.
Supervision of Before/After-School Activities
Sponsors and coaches of student clubs or activities should be especially diligent in supervising students during nonschool hours when security is often not available. Sponsors must provide direct supervision of students involved
in school related/sponsored activities. If your students are practicing or meeting, you must be present to supervise
them.
Code of Student Conduct
Each member of the staff will be given a copy of the HISD Student Code of Conduct for review and reference.
This document gives very specific information related to policies and procedures for all levels of misconduct and
the related consequences. It also provides a guide for insuring due process for all students. Please adhere to the
requirements of due process, documentation, and appeal procedures when dealing with disorderly and/or disruptive
students.
Please pay particular attention to Level I offenses. The classroom teacher is expected to handle these offenses. After
unsuccessful attempts by the teacher to deal with the student’s behavior, the student is then to be referred to an
administrator. In such cases, teachers should provide the administrator with written documentation of the previous
actions and the resulting student behaviors. Level II, III, and IV offenses should be referred to the Family Offices as
prescribed in the Student Code of Conduct.
Student Property
All electronic devices taken from the student by the teacher must be turned in to the Business Office by the end of
the school day in which it was taken from the student.
Student Dress Code
Students must be in the Lamar uniform at all times while on campus. Students are not to be allowed in classroom if
they are not in dress code. Students out of dress code are to be sent to Family 1 immediately.
Assessing & Documenting Student Conduct
Conduct grades are given to each student at the end of each grading cycle. When conduct grades reflect a P (Needs Page 11
Improvement, requires administrative approval) or a U (Unsatisfactory requires administrative approval), you
must have appropriate and relevant documentation. You must be able to explain to each student and his or her parent
the specific reasons for individual conduct grades, just as you would do for academic grades. Under no circumstances
may conduct be used by a teacher to impact a student’s academic grade.
Conduct Marks
The following criteria should be used as a guideline in determining conduct grades at the close of each grading cycle:
• E (Excellent): The student has an exemplary attitude. The student is cooperative and conforms to all school
and classroom rules.
• S (Satisfactory): The student occasionally violates a school or classroom rule, but behavior is generally
acceptable. The student is generally cooperative and usually conforms to classroom and school rules.
• P (Needs Improvement): The student commits frequent infractions of either school or classroom rules. The student frequently violates the Student Code of Conduct. The student has been referred to the assistant
principal
• U (Unsatisfactory): The student has a poor attitude, is uncooperative and disrupts the school and/or classroom
activities. The student shows little respect for school or classroom rules. The student has been referred to the
assistant principal more than once during a grading cycle, or has been suspended from school attendance as
a result of behaviors exhibited in your classroom.
The U class conduct grade may only be given with administrative approval.
Discipline Referral Process
It is expected that the individual classroom teacher will handle Level I discipline issues. Level II, III, and IV require a
Discipline Referral Form be used when referring a student to the appropriate Family Office. It must include a specific
description of the student’s behavior that prompted the referral. After the assistant principal has had an opportunity
to work with a referred student, the pink copy of the Discipline Referral Form will be returned to the teacher to
provide feedback.
Panic Button
There is a panic button located in each room of the Lamar campus connected to the main office. You should become
familiar with the location of the button when you receive your room assignment. The button should be used in
emergencies only, not for routine disciplinary matters. If you feel threatened by a student, parent, or other visitor to
the campus, use the button to receive immediate administrative and/or security assistance.
Corporal Punishment
No staff member at Lamar High School may use corporal punishment to discipline a student. Every attempt should
be made to refrain from physically handling any student. When physical restraint is required for the safety of other
students and/or staff, or for self-defense, the minimum restraint required should be your guide.
Safety and Security
Campus Security Committee
The Lamar security committee will meet once a month (or as needed). Campus activities and facilities will be
reviewed for safety and security. The committee consists of:
Principal
Dean of Students
Assistant Principals
HISD Police
Athletic Director
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Nurse
Academic Advisor (1)
Teachers (2)
Security Before Classes Begin
Security at the bus drop-off area next to the theater is maintained by an administrator and HISD police, from 7:50 to
8:20 a.m. Entrance into the building is restricted to staff. A teacher is on duty at each entrance to monitor students
with appropriate passes.
Student parking is limited to students displaying authorized permits and in the west lot only. Teachers are not
to issue permits to students to go to the parking lot at any time. The parking lots are off limits to student during the
instructional day without administrative approval.
Security During Regular Classes
As students change classes, all assistant principals, HISD Police officers, and the HISD substance abuse monitor
(SAM) maintain assigned surveillance in the halls and courtyards. Teachers have been directed to stand at their
classroom doors to monitor students’ passage and classroom entry. The HISD Police officer(s) and SAM rove the
campus during class periods and passing times.
Security During Lunch
During the lunch periods, assistant principals are on duty in the cafeteria/courtyard area at all times. HISD Police
and security personnel patrol the cafeteria/courtyard and student parking areas.
Security After School
When classes are dismissed for the day, all available administrative and security personnel supervise primary campus
exits, the front lawn, the Metro bus stop on Westheimer, the HISD bus-loading area, and the student parking lots
until 4:15 p.m., or until the campus is cleared by the vast majority of students. Once again, two-way radio contact
is maintained by all administrative and HISD Police and security personnel. Teachers maintain supervision of
classrooms and hallways at the end of the school day.
Extracurricular Security
An administrative duty schedule is established, posted, and distributed to sponsors/coaches each month for
all scheduled activities on campus and at HISD stadium locations. At least one administrator is present at each
scheduled activity. Administrative assignments are increased with increased student and/or public participation.
Lamar Police officers are scheduled for each major campus and/or stadium event. Security/administrative personnel
return with students to the campus after stadium events, and remain until all students are picked up.
Security Monitoring System
An electronic security monitoring system has been implemented throughout the school to help deter any problems.
Child Abuse Reporting
Section 34.01 of the Texas Family Code provides that anyone having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental
health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect shall report the case to any state or local
law enforcement agency and to the Department of Human Services. Moreover, Section 34.02(d) of the Family Code
provides that, if a professional has cause to believe that a child has or may be abused or neglected, that person has 48
hours after first suspecting the abuse or neglect to make an oral report. A written report is to be filed within five days.
Failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect is punishable by imprisonment of up to 180 days and/or a fine up
to $1000.
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If you have questions or concerns, contact the school nurse, a counselor or an administrator immediately to clarify
the situation so that reporting can take place in a timely manner.
Clinic, Emergency Illnesses, & Accidents
A certified nurse staffs the clinic. She will assist you with the care of students who are ill during the school day. There
may be a few students during the school year who do not let you know when they are ill. Be sensitive to your students
and their needs. Students sent to the clinic during class time must have a clinic permit.
Medication
The school nurse is the only member of the staff who is permitted to administer medication to students, and this is to
be done only with written physician authorization and parent approval. This restriction includes over-the-counter
medications that can be purchased without a physician’s prescription.
Accidents, Sudden Illnesses, & Crises
Accidents involving students should be reported to the school nurse. Injury may not be immediately observable.
Therefore, report any incident that you suspect might have caused injury to a student. Likewise, if a student complains
about an injury, it is better to be safe and have the nurse check the student.
In the absence of a school nurse, an administrator should be notified. In emergencies, the school nurse or an
administrator should call parents or guardians.
If the emergency involves a member of the Lamar Staff, an Emergency Information Card is on file with the Principal’s
secretary in the main office.
Health Screenings
The nurse will also conduct required health screenings throughout the year and may need your cooperation in
sending students for checks, immunization reviews, and so on. Immunizations are especially critical and require
immediate attention; therefore, please send requested students immediately to the nurse.
Closed Campus
Lamar is a closed campus. Students may not leave during the school day unless they have administrative authorization
and an appropriate permit, this includes lunch periods. Visitors to campus must have permission from the main
office to remain on campus. Visitors to the campus who have not checked-in with the School Information office—
N110 should be asked to do so in a polite and non-threatening manner. This includes former students, parents, guest
speakers, the press, and volunteer.
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Emergency Procedures
Fire & Evacuation Procedures
Follow evacuation route which is posted in each classroom. Teacher must keep students orderly and quiet at all times.
Teachers must take the attendance roster and gradebook before exiting the building. Do not lock classroom doors
Fire Evacuation
Evacuate when you hear 3 bells ring.
o Be aware of pre-designated primary and alternate evacuation routes.
o Take roster sheet and grade book with you.
Close and do not lock classroom door as students leave.
Leave the building in an orderly manner without rushing or crowding.
If the situation warrants, vehicle evacuation will be used to transport students to another site. Please assemble your
class in a line outside.
If the emergency calls for the evacuation without the use of vehicles, walk from the building in the stated course.
o Always evacuate crosswind and/or upwind away from any emergency by a safe route.
o Students should be evacuated at least 300 feet from building and out of the way of emergency vehicles.
Reassemble the students and check roll so that all students are accounted for: Hold up red folder and report
any missing students immediately to an administrator.
Return to your room when you hear 2 bells or are instructed that it is safe to do so.
Emergency Signals
3 Bells or 1 extended bell or alarm (Evacuate the building)
2 Bells (Return to class)
1 Bell (Halt! Remain where you are until you are given additional instructions.
EVACUATION DUE TO DANGEROUS CAMPUS CONDITIONS
CODE 1
Early warning: Stand by for Information
Teachers must keep students orderly and quiet at all times.
A potentially dangerous situation exists (Hazardous chemicals/Toxic fumes, etc.); therefore, stand by for
further information.
Teachers must take the attendance roster and gradebook before exiting the building.
CODE 2
Bus Evacuation from the Campus:
Teachers must keep students orderly and quiet at all times. Wait for detailed instructions.
Students will evacuate the building under the direction of the classroom teacher.
Buses will load on the Eastside circle drive, in front of the school on Westheimer and in the West student
parking lot or at a designated alternate location.
Teachers must take the attendance roster and gradebook before exiting the building.
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CODE 3
Immediate Evacuation from the building:
Teachers must keep students orderly and quiet at all times. Wait for detailed instructions.
Students shall be moved quickly out of the building to a designated area.
Teachers must take the attendance roster and gradebook before exiting the building.
LOCKDOWN / CODE STAY (Intruder in the building)
**Move all students from hallways into the nearest lockable room**
Close and lock door(s). Cover Windows.
Teachers must keep students orderly and quiet at all times. Turn off lights.
Stay in place until there is an all clear message from the PA system.
SHELTER IN PLACE — Duck & Cover
Teachers must keep students orderly and quiet at all times. Move students into to hallways away from glass.
Have students to kneel down on knees facing wall and cover head.
** Gymnasiums ** Cafeteria/Patio ** Natatorium/Pool ** Library ** Theatre Students will move to locker rooms.
Students will be locked inside of cafeteria.
Students will be locked inside of locker room.
Students will move to hallway between library and textbook room.
Students will move out of lobby area into main theatre.
Weather Emergencies
Weather emergencies during the school day may require students to remain at school beyond the normal school
day. The principal will notify all students and teachers of the nature of the emergency and the actions to be taken.
Students will remain with the teacher they are with at the time of the notification of an emergency. Students are to
remain in that classroom until the notified by the principal that the emergency has passed.
Communication
Parents
It is critical that teachers return parent calls and confer with parents in a timely manner. As a general rule, teachers
should return parent calls or e-mails within 24 hours. Under no circumstances should a parent have to wait more
than two days for a teacher to respond.
Teacher planning periods are appropriate for conferences if parents are available to meet during the school day.
Early morning or after-school conferences, when possible, may offer a way to accommodate parents who can meet
at no other time. When parents request a conference through the office, the staff will leave a message for teachers
to call and arrange a conference time with the parents. From time to time, a parent will just drop in for a conference
unannounced. In such cases, the office staff will ask the parents to schedule a conference with the teacher. Should
you have a conference period at the same time a parent has paid an unannounced visit and you wish to meet with that
parent immediately, then you are, of course, welcome to do so.
Should you find a parent constantly unavailable when you try to call, then leave a message, if possible, or write a note
or send an e-mail to the parent stating your attempts to call and offering any other pertinent information.
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Progress Reporting
Beginning with the 3rd week and continuing through the 5th and 6th weeks of each grading cycle, state law requires
that the teacher must send home a Notice of Progress to inform parents of failing grades and other deficiencies. Lamar sends progress reports home to every student at the end of the third week of a six-week grading period.
A student must receive a progress report warning that he or she could fail before an F appears on a report card. Under
certain circumstances, however, it is possible that a student could have been passing until just before the end of the
six-week grading period when poor performance on a major assignment caused the student’s average to fall below
70. Such a possibility makes the reporting of poor progress all the more critical. When in doubt, contact the parents.
Progress reports are distributed in Advocacy period. It is the responsibility of the student to take the progress report
home and give it to his or her parents. Students who miss the Advocacy period when progress reports are distributed
should see the Registrar for a copy.
Class Rules & Other Written Communication
Teachers should make their expectations of students clear from the very first day.
All written communication of a general nature that is sent home to all your students should be cleared with the
administration. A copy of all such correspondence should be left on file in the main office for review and reference so
that you can be supported through administrative awareness.
Announcements
If you wish to make a school-wide announcement, forms are available in the copy center. Teachers are reminded
that their signature of approval for an announcement signifies the appropriateness of the content. Under normal
circumstances, the morning announcements will be televised on the closed circuit system at Lamar.
Teachers, without exception, must have the TV in their classroom turned on at the beginning at 11:30 to the hear
the daily Lamar announcements. On the Advocacy bell schedule, the announcements will be given at the beginning
of the period. Intercom announcements will be held to a minimum. Interruptions during instructional time will be
kept to an absolute minimum.
Bulletin Board Postings
Classroom Notices
There are several items of importance that need to be readily available to students in your classroom. Make sure you
have posted emergency exit plans and routes (required by city ordinance), your class rules, the student dress code, the
weekly calendar, the scholarship bulletin, and any other information that you have been asked to post or that you feel
may be beneficial to your students.
Posters & Leaflets
The Assistant Principal for student organizations must approve posters and leaflets of any kind for posting in hallways
and classrooms, or for distribution among students. If you are sponsoring a club or organization, be sure to have your
students secure this approval. All notices should be posted with masking tape on non-painted surfaces. Other kinds
of tape (e.g., scotch tape, duct tape, electrician’s tape, double-sided tape, etc.) are too difficult to remove from the
walls. Sponsors should also arrange for speedy removal of posters after an event is over.
Internet Usage
Internet usage while on campus is to be for instructional purposes only.
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Do not fraternize with students at any time, including internet and social media.
Special Education Referrals
If you feel that the student may have a learning difficulty, discuss the situation with the student’s counselor immediately.
Counselors are responsible for the Intervention Assistance Team (IAT) meeting, which is one of the first steps in the
Special Education referral process.
An IAT meeting will be held with the counselor, student, parents and all of the student’s general education teachers
to discuss the student’s progress. The IAT will recommend modifications for the student. The modifications are
implemented in the classroom for six weeks. After six weeks, the IAT meets again to discuss the student’s progress
and determine if the instructional modifications were successful. At this time, the IAT determines whether or not
the student will be referred for 504 or special education testing. After the student has been tested by the district’s
educational diagnostician an initial ARD (Admission Review Dismissal) committee meeting will be held to discuss
the student’s eligibility.
Admission, Review, and Dismissal Meetings
An annual meeting will be held once a year for all Special Education students. The committee members include
parents, student, special education teacher, general education teacher, counselor, and an administrator. The general
education teacher assigned to attend the ARD meeting should be prepared to discuss the student’s attendance,
progress, and grades.
Confidentiality
As a reminder, there are several areas of our profession that require confidentiality, both from a legal and an ethical
standpoint. Personal matters, teacher assessment, student grades and student records are critical areas where breeches
in trust can be very harmful. It is the responsibility of each member of the staff to maintain an appropriate level of
confidentiality within the scope of his or her position. Student records are to be discussed and/or released on a need
to know basis. This includes teacher records. In this regard, teacher records should not be visible to other students.
Counseling Referrals
Counselors are available to students for a variety of personal, vocational and educational needs. As a classroom
teacher, you are often the first to notice or the first to contact a student in need. Counselors are available throughout
the school day to assist. Of course, crisis intervention situations are not scheduled, but there are a variety of other
needs that can be attended to on a more systematic basis. The lunch periods are a perfect time for a student to seek
out a counselor for career and educational information. Every attempt will be made to schedule college recruiters
during the lunches so that students do not have to miss classes to visit with a representative. There may be a few
situations where this is not possible. In addition to the regular counselor assignments, there is a substance abuse
counselor available to students who may be experiencing difficulty in this area.
Students must have a written permit to go to the counselor during lunch or during class except in emergencies.
Counselors will provide students returning to class a timed permit.
Legal Compliance
Transporting Students
At no time should a teacher transport a student in any motorized vehicle. State law is very specific and harsh regarding
the liability factors related to a teacher transporting any student.
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Transporting of students to UIL events must be preapproved by campus administration and only provide through
use of a HISD approved school vehicle.
Copyright laws
Teachers are expected to adhere to all copyright laws as printed in all books, workbooks, music, technology, etc.
Work related injuries
If while working for the HISD, you suffer and injury, have an accident and/or become ill due to a condition or
situation at your site, you are to report this to the school principal and/or school nurse as soon as practical after the
accident or injury. To preserve your rights, you must report your injury, accident or illness within 30 days.
Smoking
HISD maintains non-smoking facilities. Therefore, no smoking is allowed inside the school or on the surrounding
school property.
Field Trips
A Request for Field Trip form is available from Ms. Susan Boyd, in the main office, must be submitted to the principal
for approval at least two weeks prior to the scheduled event. Field trips, whether in or out of district, must be
approved by the Central Region Superintendent. Ms. Boyd sends the request forward.
A Bus Transportation Request form is available from Ms. Sharon Harling in the Lamar Business Office. Students
may not travel in their cars or in teacher/sponsor’s cars.
A Request for Short Leave will be necessary for teachers missing an entire day or more of duty with pay. This form
should be submitted for approval two weeks prior to the scheduled event.
Field trips that occur during the school day place a special burden on participating students and on other teachers
since they take students away from other classes. In considering approval of such trips, the Principal and/or Dean
of Instruction must balance the benefits of the trip with the “costs” to the students and school. If you have questions
concerning field trip planning, consult with the Principal or the Dean of Instruction.
Each student participating in the field trip must be listed on a Field Trip Notification Form that has been approved
and submitted to the entire faculty and staff at least two entire school days prior to the event. The sponsor must
collect a signed Parent Permission Form from each participating student. In collaboration with their SAT leaders,
teachers will arrange for associate teachers to assist with their classes.
Students who are failing your class do not have permission to miss your class for a field trip during the school day.
Classes missed as a result of field trips should be counted as part of the five-day per semester allotment of
extracurricular, excused absences permitted to each student. Work missed by students during the absence from class
may be made up without penalty.
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Fundraising and Financial Procedures
Fundraisers
All fundraising activities must be approved in advance by the Business Manager. The Approval of Fundraising
Activity Form must be completed and submitted to the Business Manager and approved prior to any fundraising
activity taking place. At the completion of all fundraisers you must complete the Approval of Fundraising Activity
Form to reconcile the account and close the fundraiser. Students may not sell unauthorized items or services on
campus at any time. Financial responsibility for a fundraiser lies with the faculty sponsor. Lamar’s student activity
accounts are subject to HISD audit at any time, so the accounts must be kept accurate and procedures must be
followed to the letter. All those involved in fundraising activities should ensure that their own conduct puts neither
themselves nor others in the school in jeopardy. The Business Manager is available to advise those with questions
about these policies. Fundraising activities are not confined to regular school hours but are considered an extension
of the school program. When fundraising activities are in the name of the school, all funds raised become Activity
Funds belonging to the school-sponsored group responsible for raising the money. When a student body or a schoolsponsored group actively participates in the money-raising activity, the money must be deposited into the groups
Activity Fund with the one exception of a PTO/PTA sponsored fundraising activity. Games of chance such as, but
not limited to raffles, lotteries or bingos are not allowed as activities to raise funds.
Procedures for Handling Money
Collections
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Money collected must be turned in for deposit to the Business Office on the day of the collection prior to
4:30 p.m.
You may bring money to be held in the Business Office safe overnight for safe keeping and complete the deposit the next
day.
No money is to be stored in classrooms, taken home, or deposited in any account other than the school Activity Account.
All money must be counted prior to deposit.
A copy of all checks, to be retained by the Business Office must accompany all deposits containing checks.
Coins must be rolled (Partial rolls should have the amount written on the outside of the roll). Assistance for rolling large amounts of coinage is available in the Business Office.
Money collected from students for field trips, fees, insurance, etc., must be accompanied by a Tabulation of Monies Collected Form (Form AF-104).
Personal checks may not be cashed by the Business Office.
Payments to Lamar for goods and services should be made in cash or money order when possible. The acceptance of personal checks is discouraged and will be taken at the risk of the depositing organization.
Any returned checks will be charged back to the activity fund which accepted the check.
No faculty or staff member may have a separate bank account relating to Lamar activities
Payments
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All purchases from school Activity Fund accounts must be requested on a Purchase Requisition Form and approved by the Business Manager.
All reimbursements to individuals must be requested on a Purchase Requisition Form and approved by the Business Manager in advance of the purchase. For monies spent, original receipts, grocery store tickets, and cash register tapes are acceptable documents. Personal written statements are not acceptable.
For transmittal of funds to another school organization, please see the Business Office for assistance.
All appropriate forms may be obtained from the Copy Center or Business Office.
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Sales Tax Exemptions
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Article 21.023 of the US Code provides tax exemptions to the school district for instructional equipment/ supplies, food and drinks, event tickets, etc.
When purchasing an item for school, use the Exemption Certification Form which is available in the
Business Office.
Taxable items include yearbooks, directories, school publications, items sold in the school store, and
anything sold for personal use. Sales tax will be deducted from the group’s proceeds to cover state sales
tax for taxable items.
Outside Organizations (Booster Clubs)
Fundraising activities of outside organizations, such as parent band boosters, football boosters, etc. must be conducted
outside of school hours. In conducting their fundraising, these groups may not involve students, a student body, a
school-sponsored group or its sponsor as contributors or fundraisers. Note: If students or employees are involved as
contributors or fundraisers or if the event takes place on District property, then the funds are to be handled through
the school Activity Funds accounts as a school or club function. Outside organizations should be valid, stand-alone
organizations with their own identities. There should be no confusion of their identity with that of the school’s. They
should never use the school’s address or tax ID or names of school employees in conducting their business. Outside
organizations conducting money-raising activities shall manage their own finances and may make donations to the
school or an individual student club as they elect. Such contributions may be designated either for a specific purpose
or for expenditures at the discretion of the Principal. The Principal, financial clerks, sponsors, or other staff may
not be involved with receiving, receipting, depositing, or accounting for activities of any outside organization. A
sponsor or other District employee may not have signature authority on an outside bank account for an outside
organization, nor may he/she commingle in a personal checking and/or savings account or maintain a bank account
and/or savings account in which money that rightfully belongs to an outside organization is kept. Also, a sponsor or
other District employee may not commingle in a personal and/or savings account or maintain a bank account and/
or savings account and/or safety deposit box for any money which is related to any school project or purpose.
General Information
Mailboxes
Each teacher and staff member will be assigned an electronic (e-mail) and school office mailbox. Check both your
e-mail box and your school mailbox at least once each day. Only faculty members are to access either mailbox.
Students are not allowed in the teacher workroom at any time.
Copy Center
Two copy machines are available for teacher use in the teacher workroom located on the second floor. A clerk is
available to provide copy services for large jobs. Allow for a two-day turn around. The copy request form, located in
the workroom, must be completed and submitted to the copy center clerk.
Basic school supplies are also available upon request through the copy center.
Library Use
Teachers planning to bring classes to the library should make arrangements in advance with the Librarian. Students
being sent to the library during class time must have a library permit signed the teacher.
Scheduling Facilities
All student activity events must be approved in advance by the principal, or designated administrator, and listed with
the campus communication coordinator. The campus communication coordinator maintains a schedule for each
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of Lamar’s facilities and venues. Timely scheduling will minimize conflict between competing activities and allow
adequate preparation for student events.
Personal Information
If you have a change of address, telephone number or name, please notify the school secretary and the HISD human
resource office.
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Houston Independent School District
Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center
4400 West 18th Street • Houston, Texas 77092-8501
Board of Education
Michael L. Lunceford, District V, President
Anna Eastman, District I, First Vice President
Juliet K. Stipeche, District VIII, Second Vice President
Rhonda Skillern-Jones, District II, Secretary
Greg Meyers, District VI, Assistant Secretary
Paula M. Harris, District IV
Lawrence Marshall, District IX
Harvin C. Moore, District VII
Manuel Rodríguez Jr., District III
Administration
Terry B. Grier, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
Orlando Riddick, Chief High School Officer
Charles L. Hopson, Ph.D., High School Improvement Officer
James A. McSwain, Ed.D., Principal, Lamar High School
Mirabeau B. Lamar High School
An International Baccalaureate World School
3325 Westheimer Road • Houston, Texas 77098-1003
713-522-5960 • Fax: 713-535-3769
www.lamarhs.com
Produced by the Graphics Department at Lamar High School