Greendale Elementary School
Employee Handbook
13092 McGuffie Road
Abingdon, Virginia 24210
Phone: (276) 739-3500
Fax: (276) 623-4102
Table of Contents I
Introduction
Principal’s Message…………………………………………………………………1
History of Greendale
Summary………………………………………………………………………………2
Philosophy and Objectives
Mission Statement………………………………………………………………….2
Organization and Responsibilities
Chain of Command………………………………………………………………….3
Rosters
Central Office Phone Extensions………………………………………………4
Faculty & Staff Titles..…………………………………………………………..5-6
Faculty & Staff Address & Phone Numbers.........................................7-9
PTA Executive Board Members……………………………………….….10-11
PTA Calendar of Events…………………………………………………………12
Washington County School Board Members………………………………13
Teacher Expectations and Professional Ethics
Student Expectations from Teachers………………………………………..14
Teacher Expectations and Professional Ethics……………………….14-15
Teachers’ Responsibility in the Supervision of Students…………..15-16
General Policies, Procedures & Guidelines
Course Reimbursements…………………………………………………...…17-18
Custodial/Maintenance Work Order……………………………………..…19
Dress……………………..……………………………………………………………20
Faculty Meetings…………………………………………………………………20
General Office Regulations…………………………………………………20-21
Preparation for Substitute Teachers……………………………………21-22
Sign-In/Out Sheets…………..…………………………………………………….22
Teacher Absences & Notification………………………………...………22-23
Technology Assistance Work Order…………………………………………24
Work Hours……………………………………………………………….……… ..25
2
Table of Contents II
General Policies, Procedures & Guidelines
Recognizing Child Abuse & Neglect…………………………………………26
Reporting Child Abuse……………………………………………………….27-36
Sexual Harassment…………………………………………………………...37-46
Smoking………………………………………………………………………………47
Supervision & Evaluation Process……………………………………….48-59
Policies Concerning Student Record Management
Child Study Referral……………………………………………………………..60
Scholastic Records……………………………………………………………..61-70
SOL Achievement Records & Directions……………………………….71-73
SOL Remediation Plans……………………………………………………..74-75
Record of Intervention/Remediation Services………………………….76
Classroom Management
Administrative Discipline Guidelines…………………………………..…77
Due Process…………………………………………………………………………77
Student Disciplinary Referral……………………………………………….78
Student Searches………………………………………………………………79-84
Instruction
Grading……………………………………………………………………………….85
Report Cards…………………………………………………………….………….86
Retention…………………………………………………………………………….86
Communications
E-Mail…………………………………………………………………………………87
Parent Folders……………………………………………………….…….………87
Budget/Money/Payroll
Classroom Supply Request……………………………………………………...88
Collecting & Disbursing Student Funds……………………………………89
Ordering Instructional & School Supplies…………………………………90
Payroll Dates………………………………………………………………………..91
3
Table of Contents III
Schedules/Duties/Committees
Bus Duty and Lunch Duty…………………………………………………….92
Committee Assignments……………………………………….……………93-94
Computer Lab Schedule……………………………………………….…………95
Master Activity Schedules………….……………………………….…………96
Picture Schedule…..…………………………………………………….…………97
Second Step…………………………………………………………………………..97
Washington County School Calendar……………………………………….98
School Crisis
Courtesy Guidelines…………………………………………………………99-100
Crisis Plan……………………………………………………………………..101-104
Floor Plan………………………………………………………………………….105
Phone Tree…………………………………………………………………………106
Other
Field Trip Guidelines………………………………………………………107-109
Portable Communication Devices……………………………………...110-113
School Improvement Plan…………………………………………………114-115
4
Principal’s Message
Teachers,
I’d like to welcome you back to school, and I hope that
you have had a relaxing summer vacation. I’m looking
forward to a very exciting and productive school year.
This handbook will serve as a ready source of essential
information pertinent to school policies and practices. It
is the responsibility of each staff member to read the
handbook and follow the policies and operating
procedures. Further information can be found in the
Washington County Public School’s calendar and
handbook.
Our mission as a school is to educate the total child by
recognizing and fostering intellectual, emotional, social,
and physical development. I believe that this can best be
accomplished by an active partnership involving
students, teachers, parents, administrators and the
community.
As a faculty, let’s work together as a team to ensure that
we accomplish this mission!
5
History of Greendale Elementary School
The organization of Greendale Elementary School
originally began in 1870 with a three-room frame
building constructed directly across from the present site.
This building was replaced by improved structures in
1908 and 1923. Additions were made in 1951 and 1960.
Greendale originally was an elementary and high school.
Once it became totally an elementary in 1960, the high
school students were bussed to John S. Battle High School
until the early 1970’s. High school students were then
transferred to Abingdon High School. Construction of the
present facility began in April 1978. Students and
teachers moved into the school on October 11, 1979. At
this time the school was a K-7 school, but with the
implementation of the middle school program in the fall
of 1991, our sixth and seventh graders were transferred to
E.B. Stanley Middle School. Greendale now serves
approximately 350 students in grades preschool through
fifth. More history of the Greendale School can be found
in the book, A Bicentennial History of Washington,
County, VA, 1776-1976 by J. Allen Neal. This book is
available in the Greendale Library and the Washington
County Public Library.
Mission Statement
To educate the total child by recognizing and fostering
Intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development.
6
Chain of Command
Sherry King
Principal
Lisa Ball
Managerial
Principal’s
Absence
Andy Newman
Crisis
Judy Honaker
Discipline
Grade Level
Leaders
Custodians
Cafeteria Staff
Teachers
7
Bus Drivers
Greendale Elementary School
2009-2010 Staff
Principal
Sherry King
Office
Lisa Ball, Bookkeeper
Sherri Whitlock, Secretary
Custodial
Eddie Childress
Harry Dunn
Cafeteria
Tammy Boyd, Interim Manager
Lisa Chafin
Tina Gobble
Missy Sutherland
Bus Drivers
Mary Brooks
Carey Gilbert
Lori Gilbert
Lowell Fleenor
Betty Lloyd
Lisa Rolen
Rosemary Shatley
Sabrina Blackwell
Margaret Pratt, Aide
Nurse
Katie Justice
8
Greendale Elementary School
2010-2011 Faculty & Support Staff
Preschool
Preschool
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Art
Guidance
Kg. Intervention
LD Resource
Media/Library
Music
Physical Education
Reading Recovery
Reading Specialist
SPD
Speech
Instructional Technology
Natasha Bradley
Rose Bledsoe, Aide
Deanna White
Kathy Fleenor, Aide
Kim Gibson
Teresa Halsey
Penny Sutherland
Charlene Roche
Shirley Hibbitts
Theresa Rutledge
Susan Sullivan
Lucy Davenport
Debbie Moretz
Terri Cozart
Ashley Harris
Judy Lutzo
Patty Barrett
Suzanne Belcher
Suzanne Kittrell
Tracey Jones
Paige Gibson
Tommy Thomas
Ashley Thompson
Lisa Fugate
Hillary Hawkins
Pam Sparks
Cindy Gill
Patricia Powers, Aide
Valerie Cox
Reda Jones, Secretary
Marva Wheeler
Andy Newman
Leslie Selvaggi
Dell Jones
Sue Archer
Rose Mitchell, Aide
Lynette Elam
Judy Honaker
9
Greendale Elementary School
2010-2011 Staff Roster
Teachers
Archer, Sue
310 Brown Ave. Bristol, TN 37620
968-4273
Barrett, Patty
18014 Rich Valley Road Abingdon, VA 24210
676-3978
Belcher, Suzanne
P.O. Box 520 Emory, VA 24327
944-0933
Bradley, Natasha
P.O. Box 174 Glade Springs, VA 24340
780-1222
Cox, Valerie
1119 Rockwall Drive Abingdon, VA 24210
676-3302
Cozart, Terri
5662 Old Saltworks Road Abingdon, VA 24210
676-2765
Davenport, Lucy
12540 Krimmel Creek Dr. Bristol, VA 24202
676-3336
Elam, Lynette
1626 Wendover Road Bristol, VA 24201
466-9139
Fugate, Lisa
87 Fairway Dr. Abingdon, Va 24211
623-1705
Gibson, Kimberly
21064 Brumley Gap Road Abingdon, VA 24210
628-8872
Gibson, Paige
185 Par Place Abingdon, VA 24211
623-1330
Gill, Cindy
P.O. Box 1644 Abingdon. VA 24212
unlisted
Halsey, Teresa
24318 Watauga Road Abingdon, VA 24211
628-6814
Harris, Ashley
24707 Watauga Road Abingdon, VA 24211
492-6771
Hawkins, Hillary
21735 Lakeshore Drive Abingdon, VA 24211
451-2556
Hibbitts, Shirley
21086 Green Springs Road Abingdon, VA 24211
628-8635
Honaker, Judy
404 Fairway Drive Abingdon, VA 24211
676-0307
Jones, Dell
220 Monte Vista Drive Glade Springs, VA 24340
429-2924
Jones, Tracey
66 Main Court Bristol, VA 24202
494-7047
Kittrell, Suzanne
503 Court Street Abingdon, VA 24210
676-0500
Lutzo, Judy
516 Nicholas Street Abingdon, VA 24210
628-1069
Moretz, Debbie
20555 Brumley Gap Road Abingdon, VA 24210
628-4488
Newman, Andy
34401 Loves Mill Road Glade Springs, VA 24340
429-2264
10
Roche, Charlene
25633 Old Saltworks Road Abingdon, VA 24210
628-8256
Rutledge, Theresa
5490 Dishner Valley Road Bristol, VA 24202
669-1135
Selvaggi, Leslie
801-B Edgemont North St. NE Abingdon, VA 24210
451-2952
Sparks, Pam
19281 Oakwood Drive Abingdon, VA 24211
676-0566
Sullivan, Susan
192 Valley View Drive Abingdon, VA 24210
676-3368
Sutherland, Penny
21427 Concord Lane, Abingdon, VA 24211
676-0182
Thomas, Tommy
P.O. Box 662Glade Springs, VA 24361
429-5605
Thompson, Ashley
29043 Lee Hwy. Meadowview, VA 24202
944-3454
Wheeler, Marva Jo
266 Leonard Street Abingdon, VA 24210
628-3387
White, Deanna
3153 Hickory Tree Lane Bluff City, TN 37618
538-5863
204 Augusta Court Bristol, VA 24202
608-4901
23017 Greensprings Rd, Abingdon, VA 24211
676-3977
Bledsoe, Rose
19209 Mercedes Drive Abingdon, VA 24210
623-1029
Fleenor, Kathy
15275 River forest Dr., Abingdon, VA 24210
669-3519
Jones, Reda
30000 Zion Church Road, Damascus, VA 24236
475-3276
Powers, Patricia
23345 Stuart Dr. Abingdon, VA 24211
676-0437
Mitchell, Rose
15257 Whites Mill Road Abingdon, VA 24210
623-1893
12040 Garrett Creek Abingdon, VA 24210
628-4587
Principal
King, Sherry
Nurse:
Justice, Katie
Aides:
Bookkeeper
Ball, Lisa
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Secretary:
Whitlock, Sherri
297 Gray Drive Abingdon, VA 24210
676-5148
Childress, Eddie
9617 Scott Ridge Road Abingdon, VA 24210
608-5960
Dunn, Harry
19634 Greenbriar Dr. Bristol, VA 24202
669-0279
Blackwell, Sabrina
27048 Rich Valley Road Abingdon, VA 24210
944-4828
Brooks, Mary
10031 Smith Creek Road Abingdon, VA 24202
628-5054
Fleenor, Lowell
19263 Wyndale Rd. Abingdon, VA 24210
623-0993
Gilbert, Carey
8436 Hidden Valley Road Abingdon, VA 24210
628-2252
Gilbert, Lori
8398 Hidden Valley Rd. VA 24224
794-7126
Lloyd, Betty
25243 Old Saltworks Road Abingdon, VA 24210
628-9877
Custodians:
Bus Drivers:
Pratt, Margaret (Aide) P.O. Box 843 Glade Springs, VA 24340
429-2196
Rolen, Lisa
32329 Poor Valley Road Saltville, VA 24370
496-3279
Shatley, Rosemary
20491 Rich Valley Road Abingdon, VA 24210
628-6381
Boyd, Tammy
19294 Brumley Gap Rd., Abingdon, VA 24210
676-2790
Chafin, Lisa
228 Whites Drive Lebanon,, VA 24266
794-7695
Gobble, Tina
19440 Brumley Gap Rd. Abingdon, VA 24210
676-3661
Sutherland, Missy
18433 Ambler Way Abingdon, VA 24210
619-8375
Cafeteria:
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Greendale Elementary
PTA Executive Board Members
2010-2011
President
Lynn Manweiler
18129 North Fork River Rd.
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-628-8642
Vice-President
Robby Kolb
15140 Whitesmill Rd
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-206-5510
Secretary
Hope Dickey
14274 Rattle Creek Rd.
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-608-0364
Treasurer
Lindsey Blackwell
23009 North Fork Rd.
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-676-0313
Newsletter
unknown at this time
Membership
unknown at this time
Health & Fitness
Robby Kolb
15140 Whitesmill Rd
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-206-5510
Fall Festival/Hospitality
Betsy Parris
10203 Kesner Lane
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-623-1780
Ruth Ann Huddleston
477 Summers St.
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-628-7486
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Greendale Elementary
PTA Calendar of Events
2010-2011
September 16
Open House
October 8
Fall Festival
December 9
Third Grade Christmas Musical
January 27
Fifth Grade Program
February 24
Fourth Grade Program
March 24
Second Grade Program
April 28
First Grade Program
TBA
Kindergarten Program
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Washington County School Board Members
2010-2011
Harrison District
Mrs. Elizabeth P. Lowe, Chair
290 Gray Drive
Abingdon, Virginia 24210
Phone: (276) 628-4291
Jefferson District
Mr. Sanders Henderson III
27205 Poor Valley Road
Saltville, VA 24370
Phone: (276) 944-5107
Madison District
Mr. Buckey Boone
20380 Green Spring Road
Abingdon, Virginia 24211
Phone: (276) 628-8446
Monroe District
Mr. Dayton Owens
10035 Old Mill Road
Glade Spring, Virginia 24340
Phone: (276) 429-5170
Taylor District
Mr. Tom Musick
20473 Larkspur Lane
Damascus, Virginia 24236
Phone: (276) 475-5303
Tyler District
Mr. Billy W. Brooks
5454 Brooks Way
Bristol, Virginia 24202
Phone: (276) 669-2419
Wilson District
Mr. Herschel Stevens
P.O. Box 595
Bristol, Virginia 24201
Phone: (276) 669-1882
15
Teacher Expectations and Professional Ethics
Student Expectations from Teachers
Students have the right to expect from teachers:
1. Competency in teaching area
2. Fairness in a safe, nurturing, and structured environment
3. Thorough preparation and planning for classes
4. A sense of humor—the ability to keep all things in
perspective
5. The ability of a teacher to listen
6. To receive the best possible education
Teacher Expectations and Professional Ethics
Teaching is a difficult yet rewarding profession. The teacher is still
regarded with the utmost respect and honor by many of our
students and patrons. To continue and further our profession, we
need to project an image of professionalism at all times.
Promoting Professional Ethics
1. Toward our students:
a. Understand the different interests, aptitudes, and
backgrounds of students.
b. Be kind, courteous, and sympathetic.
c. Do not carry on critical discussions of the faults of
individual students with anyone other than the
students themselves, their parents or the school
administration.
d. Social relationships with students should be polite
and friendly, but never permitted to become
intimate.
2. Toward associates:
a. Observe professional courtesy to colleagues and
supervisors.
b. Avoid shifting responsibilities to someone else.
c. Avoid “talking shop” in social gatherings or in the
community that would give undue negative
impressions of students, colleagues or the school.
d.
Display loyalty to the school, the system, and the
policies we work under.
16
3. Toward the profession:
a. Join and participate in professional organizations.
b. Give change a chance. Don’t be afraid of new ideas
and the utilization of new teaching methods.
c. Dress and act as a professional.
4. Toward the community:
a. Regard yourself as a member of the community and
show respect for its traditions and beliefs.
b. Support the school and its activities as part of the
greater community.
Teachers’ Responsibility in the Supervision of Students
Teachers are required by contractual agreement to supervise
students under a variety of conditions and situations. Even when
duty is not explicitly assigned, the teacher is responsible at all
times during the contractual day for the supervision of students.
Teachers are legally charged to make reasonable provisions for the
safety and welfare of students at all times. In class, on bus duty, in
the hallways, on the playground, the teacher has the responsibility
of acting in a “reasonably prudent manner” relative to the
students. Teachers can be held negligent for leaving classes
unattended. This includes the playground area as well. Good
supervision is constant and is the responsibility of everyone on
staff. Emergencies do arise. When they do, reasonable supervision
standards require the teacher who must leave the classroom to
notify a colleague or the office so that supervision can be provided
in some alternative manner.
Negligence: When a duty of care is established and a breach of
that duty causes or results in injury. Determination of negligence
hinges on four elements
1. Element 1: Duty of Care
a. Provide a safe environment and protect students from
unreasonable risk of harm.
b. If a situation is recognized as dangerous, then the
responsible person—the teacher in the classroom, the
teacher assigned to playground duty, and so on—has a
duty to make the situation safe or to remove students
from danger.
17
c. Risks can arise suddenly.
d. The courts generally have ruled that no duty of care
exists where the responsible persons could not
reasonably have foreseen the danger.
2. Element 2: Standard of Care : The care that a reasonable
and prudent person might exercise under a given
circumstance
a. The court will decide what oversight or action should be
taken to prevent injury and then determine whether
that oversight or action was taken in the case presented
to it. For example: A reasonable person would know
that children doing a science experiment need closer
supervision than children who are merely reading
quietly.
3. Element 3: Proximate or Legal Cause: The connection
between an act and a resulting injury
a. Did a teacher’s negligent conduct lead to a pupil’s
injury? For example: A teacher or playground
supervisor, might be judged to be negligent if a student
is hit by a baseball during an unsupervised melee that
might have been prevented by reasonable supervision.
In such a case the teacher could be found negligent even
though the teacher did not throw the ball that hit the
student.
4. Element 4: Injury or Actual Loss
a. Some real injury MUST occur in order for damages to
be awarded in cases of negligence. For example:
Damages might be assessed to pay for medical bills of
an injured student or for subsequent special tutoring in
the event that the student was unable to return to his
or her regular school.
18
Dress
The Washington County School Board, in keeping with its
philosophy of providing quality education and encouraging
professional staff to present themselves as role models, hereby
establishes a dress code which requires each employee of the school
system to dress appropriately for the position in which he or she is
employed. Dress should reflect respect for students, patrons, and
colleagues. Students often regard teachers as role models. At all
times, dress should be professional and appropriate for the activity.
It is hoped that all staff members at Greendale will use their best
judgment in dress so that neatness and common sense always
prevail.
Faculty Meetings
Meetings will be held once a month on the second Tuesday from
3:10pm until 4:10pm. Please make necessary arrangements to stay
the entire meeting. Staff development programs will also be
conducted during this time and throughout the school year, and
may require after-school time. Grade level meetings will be
scheduled during activity periods each week. A written agenda
should be submitted to the principal prior to the meeting.
General Office Regulations
A.
Telephone
1. Employees should not use the front office telephone
unless it is absolutely necessary. Calls should be made
in the teacher’s workroom, forum, or library. This is for
confidential reasons. Since the school office is a public
and business office, we must all be cautious in what we
say, who we say it to, and the manner in which it is
said.
2. Teachers are not permitted to use cell phones during
instructional hours.
3. Teachers will be interrupted from class only in the case
of extreme emergencies.
4. Students may be sent to the office to use the telephone
with a teacher’s pass or written note.
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5. Secretaries receive daily calls from parents asking
about classroom events. Please keep them informed of
these events so they can answer questions.
B.
Teacher Mailboxes
1. Mailboxes are located in the school workroom and are
to be checked before school, during activity period, and
in the afternoon before you leave.
C.
Daily Attendance/Lunch Procedures
1. Classroom teachers will need to take attendance in SASI
by 9:00AM.
2. Classroom teachers will also need to take attendance on
their class roll.
3. Send class roll and lunch count in your office packet
daily to the secretary by 9:00AM. She will forward you
the roll and attendance summary for your class.
4. Verify attendance summary for errors and empty
office packet daily.
D.
Office Correspondence Procedures
1. All bus/car route requests, doctor’s excuses, and office
letters will need to be sent to the office each morning in
the office packet daily by 9:00AM.
2. Changes in bus/car routes will be placed in your
mailboxes and are to be picked up following your
scheduled lunch.
3. Any request after lunch will be handled by the office,
and you will be notified around 2:30PM via classroom
intercom.
Preparation for Substitute Teachers
As a regular teacher you are expected to be prepared for an
emergency absence and have readily available the following:
1. An emergency substitute folder—This folder is
to be kept in Lisa Ball’s office. (Folders are due
to her by the first week in October)
2. Adequate lesson plans
3. Daily schedules, i.e. lunch, activity, etc.
20
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Instructions for reporting attendance
Special schedules
Duty assignments
Fire drill procedures
Bus loading procedures
Any student with “medical alerts”
Instructions for special needs students/schedule
Sign-In/Out
All employees are to clock in and out at the beginning and end of
each day. The purpose is to verify to the building
principal/supervisor that you are present and at your assigned
place for that day.
Teacher Absences
Teachers are responsible for securing substitute teachers via the
AESOP system, before 7:30am of the day of absence. Planned
absences require a Notification of Planned Absence form to be
completed and returned to Sherry King. Be sure to make
necessary arrangements for someone to trade or cover your duties.
The Washington County School Board has established a maximum
of three (3) days personal leave for each regular employee.
Personal leave is interpreted to mean any situation that requires
an employee to be absent from work on a workday. Unused
personal leave will accumulate as sick leave each year. Sick days
cannot be substituted for personal days. Only real emergencies
should take us away from our job or responsibility between the
hours of 8:20AM and 3:00PM. Please try not to make
appointments for which you will have to ask to leave school early.
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Work Hours
Teachers’ hours are from 8:15am until 3:45PM daily. On days when
meetings are scheduled, it will be necessary to stay longer. Bus
duty begins at 7:35AM. CODE GREEN means that you can leave
immediately following your duties, i.e. 3:00PM. Other employee
hours are:
Bookkeeper
Secretary
Custodians
Aides
Principal
Central Office
Bus Drivers
Food Service
Teachers
7:00—3:30
8:00—4:30, 7:15-3:45
6:30—3:00, 3:00—11:30
8:00—3:30
8:00—4:30
8:00—4:30
As specified in contract
As specified in contract
As specified in contract
22
INFORMATION FOR CONSIDERATION OF
REFERRAL TO CHILD STUDY COMMITTEE
Child’s Name_____________________________ Grade__________
Teacher’s Name__________________________ Date___________
Area of academic strength:__________________________________________
Area of academic weakness:_________________________________________
Approximate reading level:_________________________________________
Approximate mathematics level:____________________________________
Check services previously or currently provided:
Referred to the reading specialist:
Receiving services from the reading specialist:
Yes____ No____
Yes____ No____
Referred to reading recovery or literacy services: Yes____ No____
Receiving reading recovery or literacy services: Yes____ No____
Referred for tutoring services:
Receiving tutoring services:
Yes____ No____
Yes____ No____
Referred to summer school:
Attended summer school:
Yes____ No____
Yes____ No____
Describe, in specific terms, modification of curriculum used in your classroom for this
student:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
23
Administrative Discipline Guidelines
The most important person involved in classroom management is
the classroom teacher. Regardless of how you feel regarding
classroom management, it cannot be controlled from the office.
Assistance will be provided according to the following guidelines:
1. There will be a classroom discipline plan sent home to the
parent/guardian of each student in your classroom.
Follow your plan consistently.
2. A parent/guardian contacted before a student is sent to
the office for a classroom behavioral problem is preferred.
3. Any student sent to the office for discipline must have in
his/her possession a student conduct report filled out by
the teacher. In some cases it will be necessary for the
teacher to come to the office with the student. If a report
is not sent, the student will return to the classroom until
the report is completed.
4. All students are expected to follow the school rules as
outlined in the school and county handbooks.
5. Send student(s) immediately to the office for the following:
• *fighting
• *drugs
• *alcohol
• *threats to do bodily harm or weapon(s)
6. Any of the following methods of disciplining students may
be used when a student is referred to the office:
principal/student conference, time out, contact parents by
telephone or letter, referral to guidance counselor, afterschool detention, in-school suspension, bus suspension, outof-school suspension, referral to school resource officer,
referral to school-wide and/or area-wide discipline
committee, school probation, and court referral.
Due Process
Receive the accusation, convey the accusation and ask to hear the
student’s version of what happened. Then determine what actually
happened.
24
GRADING SCALE
KINDERGARTEN
S – Satisfactory
P – Progressing
N – Needs Improvement
GRADES 1-2
O – Outstanding
G – Good Progress
S – Satisfactory
N – Needs Improvement
U – Unsatisfactory
(93-100)
(85-92)
(77-84)
(70-76)
(0-69)
Grades 3-5
A – Excellent
B – Above Average
C – Average
D – Below Average
F – Failing
(93-100)
(85-92)
(77-84)
(70-76)
(0-69)
The honor roll for grades 3, 4, 5 is all A’s or all A’s & B’s.
25
Report Cards
Report cards are issued on a nine-week basis for elementary
students in grades 1-5 using PowerTeacher. Kindergarten students
receive separate report cards designed to meet their unique needs.
Academic areas receive letter grades based on the county grading
scale system.
Retention
Educators often debate the value of retaining a student in the same
grade. It is a difficult decision for all stakeholders: teacher,
parent, principal, and child. Therefore, any decision made to
suggest retention must reflect a great deal of thought backed up by
data.
A retention time line is outlined below.
November/
December
January
If the child is working
below grade level in math
and/or reading due to
lack of understanding or
developmental delays, the
teacher should start
collecting data through
regular assessments. A
parent conference should
be held for the purpose of
informing the parents of
the child’s weak areas
while presenting parents
with ways these areas are
being supported in the
classroom. Do not
suggest retention as a
solution for the child’s
lack of progress, but share
that you will contact
them again in late
January about progress
being made toward ongrade level work.
Submit in
writing to
the
principal
the names
of any
students
considered
for
“possible”
retention.
The
principal
will give
you a form
letter to
include
with the 2nd
nine-week
report card
to send
home to
parents.
February/
March
Provide support
to the child and
seek to build on
his/her
strengths. Keep
the parents well
informed of the
child’s progress.
26
April
May
Hold a
conference
with the
child’s
parents
and discuss
the
possibility
of
retention.
Send home
the official
retention
letter from
the
principal
in the fifth
six-week
report
card.
Note
retention
on the final
report card
and in the
child’s
cumulative
folder.
E-Mail
E-mail is one of our most effective and efficient modes of
communication. All faculty and staff members must check their email for important school communications on a daily basis. E-mail
will be used to communicate messages from the principal and the
office to the classroom regarding various issues.
9 E-mail should only be used for professional purposes.
All faculty and staff members must comply with the
WCVAPS Acceptable Computer Use Policy for the use of
e-mail and the Internet, which can be found on the
county homepage. Refer to WCS policy #IIBEA
9 Each teacher, administrator, student and
parent/guardian of each student shall sign the
Acceptable Computer System Use Agreement, IIBEA-F,
before using the division’s computer system. The failure
of any employee or student to follow the terms of the
agreement, this policy or accompanying regulation,
may result in loss of computer system privileges,
disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.
9 Respect and permission must be given into
consideration for forwarding all e-mails.
Parent Folders
All written communications from the school to home will be sent on
a daily or weekly basis. This includes field trip permission slips,
graded papers, announcements, newsletters, office information,
and PTA communications.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Throughout the year, the Washington County Public Schools will
set aside a day for Parent-Teacher Conferences to be held as part of
the teacher work days when students are dismissed early.
However, parent conferences should be held throughout the year as
the need arises or upon parent request. Teachers are expected to
always be in attendance at these conferences or special meetings.
PTA
Our PTA is one of our very best advocates to the community, state,
and nation. Teachers are invited to attend PTA meetings. The
PTA will publish a monthly newsletter regarding upcoming events,
fundraisers, and recognition of individuals and/or grade levels.
27
Classroom Supply Request
Please fill in the # needed and return to Lisa’s box
___ Chalk
___ Transparencies
___ Receipt Book
___ Purchase Orders
___ Staples
___ White Liquid Paper
___ Reg. Index Cards
___ File Folders
___ Box Paper Clips
___ Scotch Tape
___ Stapler
___ Eraser
___ Tape Dispenser
Teacher’s Name _________________________ Date:_______________________
Classroom Supply Request
Please fill in the # needed and return to Lisa’s box
___ Chalk
___ Transparencies
___ Receipt Book
___ Purchase Orders
___ Staples
___ White Liquid Paper
___ Reg. Index Cards
___ File Folders
___ Box Paper Clips
___ Scotch Tape
___ Stapler
___ Eraser
___ Tape Dispenser
Teacher’s Name _________________________ Date:_____________________
28
PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTING AND DISBURING FUNDS
1. Please write the name of each student on a cash
receipt log when money is collected.
2. Specify on the cash receipt log why the money is
being collected.
3. Always subtotal your money and record the grand
total at the bottom of the page.
4. Sign your receipt log.
5. Place all money in a zip-lock bag and place the
money in the financial folder along with the cash
receipt log.
6. If book orders are faxed or called in, payment will
ONLY be paid from the invoice that accompanies
your book order.
7. In order to have a bill paid, a “Check Requisition
Form” must be filled out completely. The forms are
located in the blue cabinet in the copy room.
Payment will not be made without appropriate
invoices and needed documentation attached.
Submit in the Financial Folder.
8. To be reimbursed from a receipt, fill out a “Check
Requisition Form”, attach original receipt and send
to the office in Financial Folder. Sales Tax will NOT
be reimbursed and no personal items are allowed to
be listed on the receipt.
29
DIRECTIONS FOR ORDERING INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES
Orders from Catalogs
1. Write clearly on county purchase order. Obtain the P.O. by
filling out a Classroom Supply Request (Forms available in
the blue cabinet in the copy room). Return complete P.O. to
Lisa in the Financial Folder.
2. P.O. will be coded, signed by the principal and sent to the SBO
to be encumbered. Order will be placed once P.O. is returned
to school. When your order is received, send the packing slip
to Lisa and note that the order is complete or incomplete.
Orders from Wal-Mart/KSS
1. Write clearly on P.O. by filling out Classroom Supply Request.
2. Return completed P.O. to Lisa in the Financial Folder.
3. P.O. will be coded, signed by the principal and sent to the SBO
to be encumbered.
4. The P.O. will be sent back to Lisa and she will place the white
copy in your mailbox for you to take to the store.
5. When buying from Wal-Mart, request the P.O. charge card
and the tax exempt card from Lisa in order to be able to
obtain your order. Make sure that you bring a receipt back
from the store, sign your receipt, attach to a copy of P.O. and
send to Lisa in the Financial Folder.
Internet Orders from Office Place
1. Before placing your first order, request from Lisa user name
and user ID. Request P.O. by way of Classroom Supply
Request. The web site is: theofficeplace.net
2. Place your Internet order. Print a copy of your order. Fill
out all Vender and Ship to info. On Item No./Description
write, “see attached order”. Record total. Submit order and
it will go in the hold file to Lisa.
3. Send the P.O. in the Financial Folder and once it has been
coded, signed by the principal and encumbered at the SBO,
Lisa will remove it from hold and submit it to The Office
Place. Once your order has been received, submit your
packing slip to Lisa. If no packing slip is available, please
verify in writing you have received your order and that it is
complete or incomplete.
30
2010-2011 Committee Assignments
Attendance/
Discipline
Budget
*Principal
*Lisa Ball
Child Study
*Cindy Gill/Pam
Sparks
Teacher
*Principal
Sue Archer
Lisa Ball
Pam Sparks
Eddie Childress
Lynette Elam
Harry Dunn
Deanna White
Nurse
Principal
Andy Newman
Referring Teacher
Sherri Whitlock
Jessa Berry
Principal
Sherri Whitlock
Gifted
*Ashley
Thompson
Grief & Crisis
*Lisa Fugate
*Denotes Chair(s)
REACH
Principal
Jessa Berry
Hospitality/School
Climate
*Lisa Fugate
Mentor
Teacher
Suzanne
Belcher
SACS
Leadership
Team
Principal
Tommy Thomas
Teresa Halsey
Judy Lutzo
Technology
Judy Honaker
Charlene Roche
Dell Jones
Leslie
Selvaggi
Kim Gibson
Marva Wheeler
Valerie Cox
Susan Sullivan
Deanna White
Theresa Rutledge
Terri Cozart
Tracey Jones
Patty Barrett
Lynette Elam
Shirley Hibbitts
Paige Gibson
Andy Newman
31
FILE NO. JO
STUDENT RECORDS
The Washington County School Board shall maintain accurate and
complete individual, permanent and cumulative records for every student
enrolled in the public schools. These records shall include cumulative and
confidential information and shall be the student’s official school record. Such
records, identified as education records in Title 20, Section 1232 (g) of the United
States Code and in Chapter 14 of Title 22.1 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as
amended, shall be maintained in compliance with all federal and state laws.
The superintendent and/or his designee(s) shall be responsible for the
collection of data, records maintenance and security, access to and use of
records, confidentiality of personally identifiable information, dissemination of
information from records, and destruction of records, including the destruction of
personally identifiable information regarding a student with a disability at the
request of the parents. The superintendent shall also provide for notification of all
school division personnel of policy and procedures for management of education
records and notification of parents and students of their rights regarding student
records, including the right to obtain, upon request, a copy of the Washington
County Public Schools’ written policy and procedure on the management of the
education records and their location.
The superintendent or his/her designee(s) shall be present for
interpretation and explanation of student records when all parties have access to
those records with the exception of designated professional personnel within the
school division. The superintendent shall provide for the periodic evaluation of
records by the professional personnel and the removal of data no longer
educationally useful. Parent(s) of students and eligible students shall be informed
prior to destruction of records and provided a copy if desired.
The Washington County Public Schools will provide a copy of this policy on
request to a parent or eligible student.
For the purposes of this policy, the Washington County Public Schools has used
the following definitions of terms:
¾ Student – Any person who attends or has attended a school in the
Washington County Public Schools.
¾ Eligible Student – A student or former student who has reached age 18,
is emancipated under Virginia law, or has complied with compulsory
attendance requirements as set forth in the Code of Virginia, 1950, as
amended.
¾ Parent – Either natural parent of a student, a guardian, an individual acting as
a parent or guardian in the absence of the student’s parent or guardian, or
other person in the Commonwealth having control or charge of any child of
school age as defined in the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended.
32
¾ Education Records – Any record (in handwriting, print, tapes, film or other
medium) maintained by the Washington County Public Schools or an agent of
the school division which is directly related to a student, except:
1. A personal record kept by a staff member if it is kept in the sole
possession of the maker of the record and is not accessible or
revealed to another person except a temporary substitute for the
maker of the record.
2. Records created and maintained for law enforcement purposes by the
Washington County Public Schools’ law enforcement unit if any. A law
enforcement unit is an individual, department or office of the school
division that is authorized to enforce any state or federal law, report
enforcement matters to appropriate authorities or maintain the physical
security and safety of the school division.
3. An employment record, which is used only in relation to a student’s
employment by the Washington County Public Schools.
4. Alumni records, which contain information about a student after he or
she is no longer in attendance at the Washington County Public
Schools and which do not relate to the person as a student.
Education records include:
1. Court notice of adjudication as provided in Section 16.1-305.1 of the Code
of Virginia, 1950, as amended, if disciplinary action against a student is
based upon an incident, which formed the basis for the adjudication or
conviction. Any notice of disposition shall not be retained after the student
has been awarded a diploma or certificate.
2. Disciplinary record of action taken based on notice of an adjudication as
specified in No. 1.
3. Any disciplinary action taken against a student for violation of school rules
or policies occurring on school property or at school-sponsored events.
Information concerning disciplinary action taken against such student for
conduct that posed a significant risk to the safety or well-being of that
student, other students, or other members of the school community.
If disciplinary action is taken by the school division in regard to the incident upon
which the adjudication or conviction was based, notice shall be provided to the
parent or guardian in accordance with state law. With the consent of the parent
or guardian, or in compliance with a court order, the school division must also
notify the court of the disciplinary action. If the school does not take disciplinary
action, every notice of adjudication or conviction received by a local
33
superintendent, and information contained in the notice, shall be maintained by
the superintendent and by any others to whom he disseminates it separately
from all other records concerning the student.
DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ABOUT COURT PROCEEDINGS:
The superintendent shall disseminate the notice or information about an
adjudication or conviction received pursuant to Section 16.1-305.1 of the Code of
Virginia, 1950, as amended, to the principal of the school in which the student is
enrolled. The principal shall disseminate such information to licensed
instructional personnel and other school personnel who (1) provide direct
educational and support services to the student and (2) have a legitimate
educational interest in such information.
In addition, the superintendent and principal may disseminate information
about court proceedings related to a student following notice by the court
pursuant to Section 16.1-305.2 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, in the
following circumstances:
¾ Prior to receipt of the notice of disposition, the superintendent may disclose
the fact of the filing of the petition and the nature of the offense to the
principal of the school in which the student is enrolled if the division
superintendent believes that disclosure to school personnel is necessary to
ensure the physical safety of the student, other students or school personnel
within the division; and, after the student has been taken into custody,
whether or not the student has been released, the principal may further
disseminate the information only to those students and school personnel
having direct contact with the student and need of the information to ensure
physical safety, appropriate educational placement or other educational
services.
When the superintendent receives notice regarding a student who is not
enrolled, he shall promptly notify the juvenile court and not disclose this
information to anyone within the school division.
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION:
Parents will be notified of their rights under the Federal Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (FERPA) annually by publication in their child’s student handbook
published/distributed at the beginning of each school year.
The school division shall notify, at least annually, the parents of students in
attendance (including those parents identified as having a primary or home
language other than English) and eligible students in attendance (a student who
has reached age 18) by such means as are reasonably likely to inform them of
their rights as follows:
¾ The types and location of education records and information
maintained therein;
34
¾ The title and address of the school official responsible for the
maintenance of education records, the parties to whom data may be
disclosed, and the purpose for disclosure;
¾ The fact that transfer of a scholastic record upon request by another
school division will be made without written notice being provided to
the student or the student’s parent or guardian;
¾ Policies and procedures for reviewing and expunging education
records;
¾ Policies and procedures for disclosure of data from education records;
¾ The rights of parents and eligible students to review and challenge the
content of education records and to file with the FERPA Office a
complaint concerning an alleged failure by the school division to
comply with 20 U.S.C. 1232(g);
¾ The fee, as established in this policy, to the parent or eligible student
for reproducing copies of education records;
¾ The data designated in this policy as directory information; and
¾ The right of parents and eligible students to obtain, upon request, a
copy of the school division’s written policies and procedures on the
management of the education records and the location of these
records.
PROCEDURE TO INSPECT EDUCATION RECORDS:
Parents of students or eligible students may inspect and review the
student’s education records relating to their children without unnecessary delay
and before any meeting regarding an IEP or hearing involving a student with a
disability. Further, parents shall have the right to a response from the school
division to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the
education record.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the student’s school principal
a written request, which identifies as precisely as possible the record or records
he or she wishes to inspect.
The principal (or appropriate school official) will make the needed
arrangements for access as promptly as possible and notify the parent or eligible
student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Access must
be given in fourteen (14) days or less from the receipt of the request.
When a record contains information about students, other than a parent’s
child or the eligible student, the parent or eligible student may not inspect and
review the portion of the record which pertains to other students.
When disciplinary action is taken by the school division in regard to an
incident upon which an adjudication of delinquency or a conviction of acts
specified in Section 16.1-305.1 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the
parent or guardian must be notified of the action, the reasons therefore, and
his/her right to review and to request amendment of the student’s education
records. Every notice of adjudication or conviction received by the superintendent
and information in the notice, which is not a disciplinary record, shall be
maintained by the superintendent and other school personnel separately from all
35
other records concerning such student unless the division takes disciplinary
action based on an incident, which was the basis for the adjudication or
conviction.
PROCEDURE TO PROVIDE COPIES:
Although the Washington County Public Schools cannot deny parents
access to their children’s education records, the Washington County Public
Schools will not provide a parent or eligible student a copy of the student’s
education record, without charge, unless failure to do so would effectively
prevent the parent or eligible student the right to inspect and review the records.
Washington County Public Schools will provide parents and eligible students a
copy of the relevant Individual Education Plan (IEP) and documentation of the
determination of eligibility for Special Services.
FEES FOR COPIES OF RECORDS:
The actual cost of copying time and postage will be charged. The
Washington County Public Schools shall not charge for search and retrieval of
the records. The Washington County Public Schools shall not charge a fee for
copying an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or for a copy of the verbatim
record of a hearing conducted in accordance with the State Board of Education’s
Regulations governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities
in Virginia.
TYPES, LOCATIONS AND CUSTODIANS OF EDUCATION RECORDS:
The Washington County Public Schools shall provide parents, on request,
a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained or
used by the school division.
DISCLOSURE OF EDUCATION RECORDS:
When parental consent is required in order to release a student’s records,
and the parent refuses to give such consent, the school division shall use
informal means to secure the consent. If the parent continues to refuse to give
consent, the school division shall provide written notification to the
person/agency requesting the information, that parental consent is required and
has been refused. If the school division wishes to disclose the information and
has been unable to secure the necessary consent through informal means, the
school division may use more formal measures, as appropriate, to effect release
of information.
The Washington County Public Schools shall disclose information from a
student’s education records only with the written consent of the parent or eligible
student except:
1. To school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records.
36
A school official is:
¾ A person employed by the Division as an administrator, supervisor,
instructor or support staff member.
¾ A person appointed or elected to the School Board.
¾ A person employed by or under contract to the school division to
perform a special task such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant
or therapist.
¾ A person who is a teacher or school official, including teachers and
school officials in other schools, who have legitimate educational
interests in the student.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official is:
•
•
a) Performing a task that is specified in his or her position description
or by a contract agreement.
b) Performing a task related to a student’s education.
c) Performing a task related to the discipline of a student.
d) Providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student’s
family, such as health card, counseling, job placement or financial
aid.
3. To officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or
intends to enroll.
4. To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller
General, and state and local educational authorities in connection with
certain state or federally supported education programs.
5. In connection with a student’s request for, or receipt of, financial aid as
necessary to determine the eligibility, amount or conditions of the financial
aid or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
6. State and local officials or authorities to whom such information is
specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed pursuant to state law
adopted:
Prior to November 19, 1974, if the allowed disclosure or reporting concerns
the juvenile justice system and its ability to effectively serve the student
whose records are released; or
After November 19, 1974, if the allowed disclosure or reporting concerns the
juvenile justice system and its ability to effectively serve, prior to
adjudication, the student whose records are released, and the officials to
whom the records are disclosed certify in writing to the division that the
information will not be disclosed to any other party without the prior written
consent of the parent or eligible student, except as provided by state law.
7. To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school
division.
8. To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.
9. To parents of an eligible student who claim the student as a dependent for
income tax purposes.
37
10. To the entities or persons designated in judicial orders or subpoenas as
specified in FERPA. Such disclosures require reasonable prior notice to
the parent so that they may seek legal intervention stopping the release of
records. All judicial orders and subpoenas will be forwarded to the
superintendent with compliance being directed by the superintendent.
11. To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.
12. Directory information so designated by the school division.
RECORD OF REQUESTS FOR DISCLOSURE:
The Washington County Public Schools shall maintain a record of all
requests for and/or disclosure of information from a student’s education records.
The record will indicate the name of the party making the request, any additional
party to whom it may be disclosed, and the legitimate interest the party had in
requesting or obtaining the information. The record may be reviewed by the
parents or eligible student.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION:
The Washington County Public Schools shall notify parents and eligible
students at the beginning of each school year what information, if any, the
Washington County school division has designated as directory information, the
right to refuse to let the division designate any or all of such information as
directory information, and the period of time to refuse, in writing, the directory
information designation in accordance with FERPA.
CORRECTION OF EDUCATION RECORDS:
Parents or eligible students shall be notified of their right to challenge the content
and to ask to have records corrected (including expungement) that they believe
are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights. Following are the
procedures for the correction of records:
1. Parents or the eligible student must request in writing that the Washington
County Public Schools amend a record. In so doing, they should identify
the part of the record they want changed and specify why they believe it is
inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy or other
rights.
2. Washington County Public Schools shall decide whether to amend the
record in accordance with the request within a reasonable period of time.
If it decides not to comply, the school division shall notify the parents or
eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing
to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading or in
violation of the student’s rights.
3. Upon request, Washington County Public Schools shall arrange for a
hearing and notify the parents or eligible student, reasonably in advance,
38
4.
5.
6.
7.
of the date, place and time of the hearing. The hearing shall be held within
a reasonable period of time after the request.
The parent may be represented by one or more individuals/attorney.
The hearing shall be conducted by a hearing officer who is a disinterested
party; however, the hearing officer may be an official of the school
division. The parents or eligible student shall be afforded a full and fair
opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original
request to amend the student’s education records in accordance with
FERPA.
Washington County Public Schools shall prepare a written decision, which
will include a summary of the evidence presented and the reasons for the
decision.
If Washington County Public Schools decide that the challenged
information is not inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s
right of privacy, it will notify the parents or eligible student that they have a
right to place in the record a statement commenting on the challenged
information and/or a statement setting forth reasons for disagreeing with
the decision. The statement will be maintained as part of the student’s
education records as long as the contested portion is maintained
The Washington County Public Schools shall notify the parent and eligible
student of their right to file with the FERPA Office a complaint concerning an
alleged failure by the school division to comply with federal law.
If Washington County Public Schools decide that the information is
inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s right of privacy, it shall
amend (including expungement) the record and notify the parents or eligible
student, in writing, that the record has been amended.
CONFIDENTIALITY OF HIV AND DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT RECORDS:
The Washington County Public Schools shall comply with the
confidentiality requirements of Section 32.1-36.1 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as
amended, providing for the confidentiality of records related to any test for
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In addition, the school division shall
maintain confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment records as required by
federal and state law.
ADOPTED: October 13, 1986
REVISED: October 7, 2002
REVIEWED: February 6, 2006
LEGAL REFERENCE: 20 U.S.C. §§1232(g), 1400 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. §290dd-2;
34 C.F.R. Parts 99; 300 et seq.; Code of Virginia, 1950, as
Amended; Sections 2.2-3704, 16.1-305.1, 16.1 305.2, 22.1287 through 289, 32.1-36.1; 8 VAC 20-80-10 et seq.; 8 VAC
20-150-10 et seq.; Virginia Superintendent’s Memoranda No.
12, June 17, 1994 & No. 6, April 8, 1994.
39
STUDENT SEARCHES & INTERROGATIONS
FILE NO. JFG
To maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect the health,
safety and welfare of students and school personnel, school authorities may
search a student, student lockers or student automobiles under the
circumstances outlined below and may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or
contraband materials discovered in the search.
As used in this policy, the term "unauthorized" means any item dangerous
to the health or safety of students or school personnel, or disruptive of any lawful
function, mission or process of the school, or any item described as unauthorized
in school rules available beforehand to the student.
A search of a student and the student’s personal items will be conducted
by a Washington County Schools’ administrator or by a designee with a specific
and limited directive from an administrator. That administrator has the
responsibility to justify, plan, and carry out any search, and to manage any
evidence acquired, the school’s resultant discipline, and/or legal consequences
of the search. He or she must adhere to stated policy and procedure for random
and individualized searches. All actions that lead up to a search should support
the least intrusive, most reasonable, and individualized search possible. The
school official must respect the individual privacy rights of the individual student.
A student’s interference with searches and seizures, as authorized and described
by this policy, will be considered grounds for disciplinary action.
Student Expectations of Privacy:
Public school students are considered a group distinct within the general
public. Their privacy rights, as protected by the Fourth Amendment, differ from
the rights of adults by being more limited in scope. Even though limited, the
student’s privacy rights are important and must be protected. Every action carried
out by school officials in the search process must be thoughtful and respectful
insofar as individual circumstances warrant. Every effort must be made to
administer policy in such a way to protect the constitutional rights of students and
protect the school division. The guiding concept is always reasonableness.
The more secured the area in which the student’s property is kept, the
higher may be the student’s expectation of privacy. Therefore, a search of a
locked area could require more specific reasons than would a search of an open
desk with its lessened expectation of privacy.
Washington County Public Schools
40
STUDENT SEARCHES & INTERROGATIONS (CONTINUED)
Definition of a Student Search:
Student searches are an important strategy to detect school rule and law
violations. A student search occurs when a school official attempts to discover
any thing hidden from view and/or located in a secluded place. Whenever a
search of a student is undertaken by a school official, the Fourth Amendment
privacy rights of the student must be taken into consideration. An individual
search of students by school officials cannot take place unless it has been
determined, based on reasonable suspicion, that the search may produce
evidence that the law or a school rule has been violated. As searches become
more intrusive, an increasingly higher degree of individualized suspicion must
exist.
Search of Student Property:
When reasonable suspicion exists, school officials may search property
belonging to students. Reasonable suspicion requires circumstances that would
lead a reasonable person to conclude that the person or persons to be searched
are the most likely individuals to be in violation of a law or school rule. Property
belonging to students includes items that can be connected to a student, carried
by a student, or stored by a student in areas made available to the student by the
school. These areas may include lockers, desks, storage bins, parking lots, and
other locations. The schools retain access to these areas and, therefore,
students may not expect privacy in them. Prior to initiating a student search,
school officials should inform the student of the reason for the search and may
request consent to search. If consent is not granted, the search may be
conducted anyway if the standard of reasonable suspicion is met.
Searches based upon reasonable suspicion may include:
• Examining a student’s person, clothing and possessions such as
handbags, backpacks/book bags, notebooks, books, and other items that
can be connected to the student.
• Looking through, handling, or feeling the student’s personal possessions.
• Opening any closed containers owned by the student.
• Opening any secured property to which the school has retained
possession and access such as lockers, desks, or storage cabinets.
• Opening automobiles.
• Reviewing educational technology/computer use records of students.
• Requiring students to be scanned with metal detectors.
Washington County Public Schools
41
FILE NO. JFG
STUDENT SEARCHES & INTERROGATIONS (CONTINUED)
Parental Notification:
Schools are not legally required to notify parents prior to conducting a
student search or to obtain permission from the parent of a student prior to a
search. However, all reasonable efforts shall be made to notify a student’s
parent(s) of an impending search. If parent(s) cannot be contacted prior to a
search, the principal is responsible to assure that timely notification is made to
the parent(s) following the search. In an effort to enlist parents as partners in our
schools, consideration should be given to inviting the parent(s) to come to the
school and perform the search himself or herself under the direction of the
principal. The degree of potential threat to safety should guide the administrator
in determining whether to invite the parent to be present.
Locker Searches:
School lockers are for storage of permitted student belongings and may
not be used to hide objects or materials that are prohibited by law or school rule.
The school retains ownership to certain areas of the school, including student
lockers, and will conduct occasional random searches of those. Students are
responsible for the contents of their assigned lockers. Individualized locker
searches are permissible when supported by reasonable suspicion. Reasonable
suspicion focuses on individual students and is supported by evidence that
justifies the search. The totality of information must consistently point in the
direction of a particular student or students and must be corroborated by reliable
sources.
Computer Searches:
School computers, software and Internet access are school property.
Students are only authorized to use school computers and other similar
educational technology consistent with the educational mission of the school.
School officials may search school computers, software and Internet access
records at any time for any reason and without student consent.
Automobile Searches:
School officials may implement automobile searches when they have
reasonable suspicion that the automobile search will yield evidence that the
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FILE NO. JFG
STUDENT SEARCHES & INTERROGATIONS (CONTINUED)
student broke the law. Searches must be carried out in such a way as to discover
the forbidden item or other evidence using reasonable strategies.
Search Locations:
The locations at which searches of students and student property may be
conducted are not confined to the school building or property but may be
wherever the student is involved in a school-sponsored function, whether located
on the school campus or not. The search, however, must meet the
reasonableness standard and be conducted in accordance with school policy.
Search of Students:
A strip search shall take place only when it is necessary to avoid the death
or serious injury to a student or others. Such invasive searches will be preceded
by a good faith attempt to have the search conducted by a sworn law
enforcement officer of the same sex accompanied by same sex witnesses in a
location providing due privacy from those not involved. If injury or death is
imminent, making it impossible for a law officer to conduct the search, principal
selected school personnel of the same sex with same-sex witnesses will conduct
the search. Prior to beginning the search, every reasonable effort should be
made to involve the student’s parent(s) in the search. If a parent is not involved,
it is the principal’s responsibility to give timely notice and information regarding
the search to the parent(s).
A less intrusive, but still controversial, type of search is the physical
“patdown” in which the student is searched by touching the student while he or
she is fully clothed. The “pat-down” search requires that the administrator have
established a high level of reasonable suspicion that evidence will be found to
corroborate suspicion that a law or school rule has been broken. A “pat-down”
search should be conducted and witnessed by same-sex school officials. Prior to
beginning the search, every reasonable effort should be made to involve the
student’s parent(s) in the search. If a parent is not involved, it is the principal’s
responsibility to give timely notice and information regarding the search to the
parent(s).
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FILE NO. JFG
STUDENT SEARCHES & INTERROGATIONS (CONTINUED)
Suspicionless Searches:
Suspicionless searches can be a reasonable means of ensuring a safe,
non-disruptive school environment through deterrence. Such searches, which
may be of the student classroom, desk, locker, or automobile, must be random,
systematic, non-selective searches implemented according to a pre-determined
formula.
Consent Search:
School officials shall base a search on reasonable suspicion rather than
on student consent.
Searches Utilizing Metal Detectors:
Random, suspicionless searches of students may be conducted using
metal detectors. Such searches, as conducted by school officials, must ensure
randomness in administering the search. All students may be searched, or
certain randomly selected students may be searched. Searches with metal
detectors also may be conducted whenever individualized suspicion exists.
Searches Utilizing Trained Drug Dogs:
A canine sniff of students’ persons can constitute an individual search.
Such canine searches of students have been found to be intrusive, thus
triggering full Fourth Amendment protections.
Canine sniffs of student lockers in a sweeping fashion do not initially
constitute a “search.” Likewise, using dogs to sniff around students’ automobiles
in a sweep of the school parking lot ordinarily does not constitute a search.
The School Resource Officer (Sworn Law Enforcement Officer):
School Resource Officers may be present at student searches but do not
typically conduct searches at the school site. As sworn law enforcement officers,
School Resource Officers must have probable cause to search an individual
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FILE NO. JFG
STUDENT SEARCHES & INTERROGATIONS (CONTINUED)
student; whereas, local school officials are required to meet only the doctrine of
reasonable suspicion.
Seizure of Illegal Materials:
If a properly conducted search yields illegal or contraband materials, such
findings shall be turned over to proper legal authorities for ultimate disposition.
ADOPTED:
March 16, 1992
REVISED: June 18, 2001
LEGAL REFERENCE.:
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985)
Constitution of the United States, Amendment IV
Constitution of Virginia, Article I, Section 10
Board of Education Guidelines for Student Searches in
Public Schools, (12/21/99)
Washington County Public Schools
45
FILE NO. JFHA/GBA
SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HARRASSMENT BASED ON RACE,
NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY AND RELIGION
1. Policy Statement
The Washington County School Division is committed to maintaining a
learning/working environment free from harassment based on gender, sexuality, race,
national origin, disability or religion. Therefore, the Washington County School Division
prohibits harassment based on gender, sexuality, race, national origin, disability or
religion of any student or school personnel at school or at any school sponsored activity.
It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or school personnel to harass a
student or school personnel sexually, or based on race, national origin, disability or
religion. Further, it shall be a violation of this policy for any school personnel to tolerate
sexual harassment or harassment based on a student’s or employee’s race, national origin,
disability or religion by students, school personnel or third parties participating in,
observing or otherwise engaged in school sponsored activities.
For the purpose of this policy, school personnel include school board members,
school employees, agents, volunteers, contractors or other persons subject to the
supervision and control of the school division.
The school division shall: (1) promptly investigate all complaints, written or
verbal, of sexual harassment and harassment based on race, national origin, disability or
religion; (2) promptly take appropriate action to stop any harassment and (3) take
appropriate action against any student or school personnel who violates this policy and
take any other action reasonably calculated to end and prevent further harassment of
school personnel or students.
II. Definitions
A. Sexual Harassment.
Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or
communication of a sexual nature when:
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HARRASSMENT BASED ON RACE, NATIONAL
ORIGIN, DISABILITY AND RELIGION
(i)
Submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition,
either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining or retaining employment or
education; or
(ii)
Submission to or rejection of the conduct or communication by an
individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s
employment or education; or
(iii)
That conduct or communication substantially or unreasonably interferes
with an individual’s employment or education, or creates an intimidating,
hostile or offensive employment or educational environment (i.e., the
conduct is sufficiently serious to limit a student’s or employee’s ability to
participate in or benefit from the educational program or work
environment).
Examples of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment, if it meets the
immediately preceding definition, includes:
• Unwelcome physical contact.
• Unwelcome ongoing or repeated sexual flirtation or propositions or remarks.
• Sexual slurs, leering, epithets, threats, verbal abuse, derogatory comments or
sexually degrading descriptions.
• Graphic comments about an individual’s body.
• Sexual jokes, notes, stories, drawings, gestures or pictures.
• Spreading sexual rumors.
• Touching an individual’s body or clothes in a sexual way.
• Displaying sexual objects, pictures, cartoons or posters.
• Impeding or blocking movement in a sexually intimidating manner.
B. Harassment Based on Race, National Origin, Disability or Religion
Harassment based on race, national origin, disability or religion consists of
Physical or verbal conduct relating to an individual’s race, national origin, disability or
religion when the conduct:
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FILE NO. JFHA/GBA
SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HARRASSMENT BASED ON RACE, NATIONAL
ORIGIN, DISABILITY AND RELIGION
(i) Creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational
environment; or
(ii) Substantially or unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or
education; or
(iv)
Otherwise is sufficiently serious to limit an individual’s employment
opportunities or to limit a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from
the education program.
Examples of conduct which may constitute harassment based on race, national origin,
disability or religion, if it meets the immediately preceding definition, include:
• Graffiti containing racially offensive language.
• Name-calling, jokes or rumors.
• Physical acts of aggression against a person or his/her property because of that
person’s race, national origin, disability or religion.
• Hostile acts which are based on another’s race, national origin, religion or
disability.
• Written or graphic material, which is posted or circulated and which intimidates
or threatens individuals based on their race, national origin, disability or religion.
III. Complaint Procedure
A. Formal Procedure
1. File Report
Any student or school personnel who believes he or she has been the victim of
sexual harassment or harassment based on race, national origin, religion or disability by a
student, school personnel or a third party should report the alleged harassment to one of
the compliance officers designated in this policy or to any school personnel. The alleged
harassment should be reported as soon as possible, and the report generally should be
made within fifteen (15) schools
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HARRASSMENT BASED ON RACE, NATIONAL
ORIGIN, DISABILITY AND RELIGION
days of the occurrence. Further, any student who has knowledge of conduct, which may
constitute prohibited harassment, should report such conduct to one of the compliance
officers designated in this policy or to any school personnel. Any school personnel who
has notice that a student or other school personnel may have been a victim of prohibited
harassment shall immediately report the alleged harassment to one of the compliance
officers designed in this policy.
The reporting party should use the form, Report of Harassment, JFHA-F, to make
complaints of harassment. However, oral reports and other written reports shall also be
accepted. The complaint should be filed with either the building principal or one of the
compliance officers designed in this policy. The principal shall immediately forward any
report of alleged prohibited harassment to the compliance officer. Any complaint that
involves the compliance officer or principal shall be reported to the superintendent.
The complaint, and identity of the complainant and alleged harasser, will be disclosed
only to the extent necessary to fully investigate the complaint and only when such
disclosure is required or permitted by law. Additionally, a complainant who wishes to
remain anonymous shall be advised that such confidentiality may limit the school
division’s ability to fully respond to the complaint.
2. Investigation
Upon receipt of a report of alleged prohibited harassment, the compliance officer shall
immediately authorize or undertake an investigation. The investigation may be conducted
by school personnel or a third party designated by the school division. The investigation
shall be completed as soon as practicable, which generally should be not later than
fourteen (14) calendar days after receipt of the report by the compliance officer. Upon
receiving the complaint, the compliance officer shall acknowledge receipt of the
complaint by giving written notice that the complaint has been received to both the
person complaining of harassment and the person accused of harassment. Also, upon
receiving the complaint, the compliance officer shall determine whether interim measures
should be taken pending the outcome of the investigation. Such interim measures may
include, but are not limited to, separating the alleged harasser and the complainant and, in
cases involving potential criminal conduct,
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HARRASSMENT BASED ON RACE, NATIONAL
ORIGIN, DISABILITY AND RELIGION
determining whether law enforcement officials should be notified. If the compliance
officer determines that more than fourteen (14) days will be required to investigate the
complaint, the complainant and the accused shall be notified of the reason for the
extended investigation and of the date by which the investigation will be concluded. If
the alleged harassment may also constitute child abuse, then it must be reported to the
Department of Social Service in accordance with Policy JHG.
The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the
alleged harasser, and any others who may have knowledge of the alleged harassment or
the circumstances giving rise to the complaint. The investigation may also consist of the
inspection of any other documents or information deemed relevant by the investigator.
The school division shall take necessary steps to protect the complainant and others
pending the completion of the investigation.
In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes a violation of this policy, the
division shall consider, at a minimum: (1) the surrounding circumstances; (2) the nature
of the behavior; (3) past incidents or past or continuing patterns of behavior; (4) the
relationship between the parties; (5) how often the conduct occurred; (6) the identity of
the alleged perpetrator in relation to the alleged victim (i.e., whether the alleged
perpetrator was in a position of power over the alleged victim; (7) the location of the
alleged harassment; (8) the ages of the parties and (9) the context in which the alleged
incidents occurred. Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this
policy requires a case- by-case determination based on all of the facts and circumstances
revealed after a complete and thorough investigation.
The compliance officer shall issue a written report to the superintendent upon
completion of the investigation. If the complaint involves the superintendent, then the
report shall be sent to the school board. The report shall include a determination of
whether the allegations are substantiated, whether this policy was violated and
recommendations for corrective action if any.
All employees shall cooperate with any investigation of alleged harassment
conducted under this policy or by an appropriate state or federal agency.
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FILE NO. JFHA/GBA
SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HARRASSMENT BASED ON RACE, NATIONAL
ORIGIN, DISABILITY AND RELIGION
3. Action by Superintendent
Within five (5) calendar days of receiving the compliance officer’s report, the
superintendent or designee shall issue a decision regarding whether this policy was
violated. This decision must be provided in writing to the complainant and the alleged
perpetrator. If the superintendent or designee determines that prohibited harassment
occurred, the Washington County School Division shall take prompt, appropriate action
to address and remedy the violation as well as prevent any recurrence. Such action may
include discipline up to and including expulsion or discharge. Whether or not the
superintendent or designee determines that prohibited harassment occurred, the
superintendent or designee may determine that school-wide or division-wide training be
conducted or that the complainant receive counseling.
4. Appeal
If the superintendent or designee determines that no prohibited harassment occurred, the
employee or student who was allegedly subjected to harassment may appeal this finding
to the school board within five (5) calendar days of receiving the decision. Notice of
appeal must be filed with the superintendent who shall forward the record to the school
board. The school board shall make a decision within thirty (30) calendar days of
receiving the record. The school board may ask for oral or written argument from the
aggrieved party and the superintendent and any other individual the school board
deems relevant.
If the superintendent or designee determines that prohibited harassment occurred
and discipline is imposed, the disciplined person may appeal the disciplinary sanction in
the same manner as any other such sanction would be appealed.
Employees may choose to pursue their complaints under this policy through the
relevant employee grievance procedure instead of the complaint procedure in this policy.
5. Compliance Officer and Alternate Compliance Officer
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FILE NO. JFHA/GBA
SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HARRASSMENT BASED ON RACE, NATIONAL
ORIGIN, DISABILITY AND RELIGION
The Washington County School Board has designated the Director of Personnel
as the Compliance Officer responsible for identifying, preventing and remedying
prohibited harassment. Complaints of harassment may also be made to the Alternative
Compliance Officer, Director of Special Services. (Note: This individual must be of the
opposite gender of the Compliance Officer). The Compliance Officer shall:
• Receive reports or complaints of harassment;
• Oversee the investigation of any alleged harassment;
• Assess the training needs of the school division in connection with this policy;
• Arrange necessary training to achieve compliance with this policy;
• Insure that any harassment investigation is conducted by an impartial
investigator who is trained in the requirements of equal employment/education
opportunity, including the authority to protect the alleged victim and others during
the investigation.
B. Informal Procedure
If the complainant and the person accused of harassment agree, the student’s
principal or designee may arrange for them to resolve the complaint informally with the
help of a counselor, teacher or administrator.
If the complainant and the person accused of harassment agree to resolve the
complaint informally, they shall each be informed that they have the right to abandon the
informal procedure at any time in favor of the initiation of the Formal Procedures set
forth herein. The principal or designee shall notify the complainant and the person
accused of harassment in writing when the complaint has been resolved. The written
notice shall state whether prohibited harassment occurred.
IV. Retaliation
Retaliation against students or school personnel who report harassment or
participate in any related proceedings is prohibited. The school division shall
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FILE NO. JFHA/GBA
SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HARRASSMENT BASED ON RACE, NATIONAL
ORIGIN, DISABILITY AND RELIGION
take appropriate action against students or school personnel who retaliate against any
student or school personnel who reports alleged harassment or participates in related
proceedings.
V. Right to Alternative Complaint Procedure
Nothing in this policy shall deny the right of any individual to pursue other avenues of
recourse to address concerns relating to prohibited harassment, including initiating civil
action, filing a complaint with outside agencies or seeking redress under state or federal
law.
VI. Prevention and Notice of Policy
Training to prevent sexual harassment and harassment based on race, national origin,
disability and religion should be included in employee and student orientation as well as
employee in-service training.
This policy shall be (1) displayed in prominent areas of each division building in a
location accessible to students, parents and school personnel, (2) included in the student
and employee handbooks; and (3) sent to parents of all students within thirty (30)
calendar days of the start of school. Further, all students, and their parents/guardians, and
employees shall be notified annually of the names and contact information of the
compliance officers.
VII. False Charges
Students or school personnel who knowingly make false charges of harassment
shall be subject to disciplinary action as well as any civil or criminal legal proceedings.
ADOPTED: July 10, 1991
REVISED: October 17, 1994
REVISED: October 7, 2002
REVISED: September 15, 2003
Washington County Public Schools
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FILE NO. JFHA/GBA
SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HARRASSMENT BASED ON RACE, NATIONAL
ORIGIN, DISABILITY AND RELIGION
LEGAL REF.: 20 U.S.C, Sections 1681-1688.
29 U.S.C., Section 794.
42 U.S.C., Sections 2000d-2000d-7.
42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-2000-17.
34 C.F.R., Part 106
CROSS REF.: AC
AD
GB
JB
JFC
JFC-R
GCPD
GDPD
Non-Discrimination
Educational Philosophy
Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination
Equal Educational Opportunities/Non-Discrimination
Student Conduct
Standards of Student Conduct
Professional Staff Members; Contract Status and Discipline
Support Staff Members: Contract Status and Discipline
Washington County Public Schools
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FILE NO. JFHA-F/GBA-F
REPORT OF HARASSMENT
Name of Complainant:____________________________________________________
School Attending (For Students): ____________________________________________
Position (For Employees): _________________________________________________
Address & Phone Number:_________________________________________________
Date(s) of Alleged Incident(s) of Harassment:__________________________________
Name(s) of person(s) you believe harassed you or others:________________________
If the alleged harassment was toward another, please identify that person:
Please describe in detail the incident(s) of alleged harassment including where and
when the incident(s) occurred. Please note any witnesses that may have observed the
incident(s). Attach additional pages if necessary.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Please describe any past incidents that may be related to this complaint.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
I certify that this information provided in this report is true, correct and complete to the
best of my knowledge:
______________________________________________________________________
Signature of Complainant
Date
Complaint Received By: __________________________________________________
(Principal or Compliance Officer)
Date
ADOPTED: October
17, 1994
REVISED: October 7, 2002
REVISED: August 6, 2003
Washington County Public Schools
55
FILE GBEC
EMPLOYEE TOBACCO USE
Washington County Public Schools Smoking is prohibited in any school division
facility or vehicle. During work hours, employees who smoke shall be outside in an area
not visible to students. Cigarettes, cigar butts and pipe tobacco need to be cool and then
thrown away in a fireproof container rather than dropped on the ground. The use of
smokeless tobacco is not permitted when students may be, or are, present.
Employees who desire to discontinue the use of tobacco products will be provided
cessation classes at no cost of the employee. All employees who use tobacco products are
encouraged to take advantage of the tobacco cessation classes.
A person “permitting” smoking in our facilities is subject to a $1,000 fine.
ADOPTED:
January 17, 2005
LEGAL REFERENCE:
20 U.S.C., Sections 6083, 7183
Code of Virginia, 1950, as Amended, Section 15.2-2800,
Et. Seq.
CROSS REFS.:
JFCI Substance Abuse by Students
KGC Smoking (Tobacco Use) On School Premises at
Public Functions
Washington County Public Schools
56
FILE NO. GCM
SUPERVISION OF THE TEACHER EVALUATION PROCESS
The Superintendent of Schools shall supervise the procedure for adequate
and periodic evaluation of the work of each employee and shall maintain suitable
records. The evaluation procedure shall allow for personnel evaluation
appropriate to tasks performed by those being evaluated.
The annual evaluation will meet all requirements established by the
Commonwealth’s Board of Education and Legislature. Nothing in these
guidelines or timelines precludes the Superintendent and/or Principal taking the
actions legally available to improve the learning environment and safety for the
students.
By September 30: The principal shall visit each classroom and learning center
under his/her supervision. It is expected that an environment conducive to
learning will exist in all of those areas.
When a principal determines that the instructional quality and/or learning
environment in a classroom needs improvement, or that the teacher is not successfully
performing out of-the-classroom professional responsibilities, the following steps will be
taken:
A. A conference will be held to inform the teacher and to discuss the
problem. Written report of the problem will be made to the school level
supervisor and will be accompanied by a plan for improvement. The plan
of improvement will include the following:
1. A specific statement describing the behavior, performance, and/or failure that
is to be changed.
2. A specific statement describing the behavior or performance expected.
3. A listing of any indicators of improvement to the level necessary.
4. A list of any improvement support that the division will provide to the teacher.
5. A timeline for achieving the expected outcomes.
6. The improvement plan will immediately be implemented, and the principal will
meet with the teacher at least once a week to monitor progress.
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SUPERVISION OF THE TEACHER EVALUATION PROCESS
(CONTINUED)
B. The teacher will be given a copy of all pertinent documents and will be asked
to acknowledge their receipt. Copies of all documents will be forwarded to the
Personnel Department for inclusion in the individual’s file.
C. A final report shall be made by the Principal to the Director of Personnel and
the Director of Academic Operations indicating the outcome of the improvement
plan at the end of forty-five (45) school days following the plan’s implementation.
By November 10: Principals will present a list of teachers who are working on an
improvement plan to the Director of Academic Operations. A copy of each plan
will accompany the list.
ACHIEVING CONTINUING CONTRACT STATUS:
The Washington County School Board is committed to helping all teachers
perform to the level necessary for reaching continuing contract status. Re-employment
contracts and continuing contracts will be offered to only those teachers exhibiting
desirable instructional skills and professional traits.
All teachers who are not employed by a continuing contract are employed by a
one-year contract. There is no implied offer of continuing employment.
A. Guidelines for considering the re-employment of beginning teachers, teachers
new to the system, and probationary teachers:
1. A classroom observation shall be made by the Principal during the first ten
(10) days of school for teachers in the categories of beginning teacher, teachers
new to the system, and probationary teacher. A conference shall be held to
discuss the observation, and a written report shall be made of the observation. A
copy will be given to the employee and one placed in the personnel file. The
extent of this first observation is to be determined by the principal’s perception of
the teacher’s effectiveness.
2. A second observation shall be completed by the forty-fifth (45th) day of school
and shall include a conference, completion of the formal evaluation document,
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FILE NO. GCM
SUPERVISION OF THE TEACHER EVALUATION PROCESS
(CONTINUED)
and a list of the teacher’s strengths and weaknesses shall be developed by the
principal.
3. A third observation and completion of the formal evaluation document will be
made by the one hundred tenth (110th) day of instruction. The principal shall, at
this time, be prepared to make an employment recommendation from the
following:
a. recommendation for re-employment
b. recommendation for re-employment with reservations to be accompanied by
an improvement plan
c. recommendation not to re-employ
4. Informal, unscheduled classroom visits and school-wide interaction by the
principal are an integral part of the improvement of instruction, and all school
building administrators are expected to perform these duties on a regular basis.
B. Guidelines for considering teachers for continuing contract status:
A teacher who satisfactorily completes a third year of employment becomes a
continuing contract teacher. The level supervisor and Director of Academic
Operations will observe and assist the teacher and Principal in those instances
that necessitates an improvement plan.
1. By December 1: The Director of Academic Operations will prepare, at the
direction of the Superintendent, a letter to all teachers with an improvement
plan, and who are being considered for a continuing contract, notifying them that
their job performance must improve in order to achieve continuing contract
status. This letter will be signed by the Superintendent.
2. By January 15: A written report on all teachers being considered for
continuing contract status is due to the Superintendent from the
Director of Personnel and the Director of Academic Operations. This
report must detail the strengths and weaknesses of those teachers.
3. March 1: A written report from the Principal and Director of Academic
Operations is due to the Superintendent on all teachers being
considered for continuing contract status. This report must detail
strengths and weaknesses of the teacher. A definite recommendation
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FILE NO. GCM
SUPERVISION OF THE TEACHER EVALUATION PROCESS
(CONTINUED)
for a continuing contract must be made by the Principal and Director
of Academic Operations in order for the teacher to be considered for
a continuing contract.
4. March School Board (first) Meeting: The school board will be
advised of teachers who are not being considered for contract
renewal and of other employment considerations involving other
teachers/staff. The Director of Personnel will give a report, which will
have been approved by the Superintendent, on teachers and staff
being considered for continuing contract,
5. By April 15: All teachers being considered for a continuing contract
will be notified of their status by the Superintendent.
C. Guidelines for considering the employment of teachers who have achieved
continuing contract status:
1. All teachers, in consultation with the building principal, will establish annual
performance goals.
2. All teachers will receive an annual evaluation that may include, but is not
limited to, classroom observations, conferences with principal, informal
observations, portfolios, student achievement, written documentation supporting
preestablished goals, and other things as deemed necessary by the state or local
school board and communicated in a timely manner to teachers.
3. The principal will annually conduct at least one formal observation and followup conference that will include the completion of a report regarding the
observation.
4. The principal will complete the formal evaluation document and forward a copy
to the Personnel Department.
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FILE NO. GCM
SUPERVISION OF THE TEACHER EVALUATION PROCESS
(CONTINUED)
ADDITIONAL CLARIFICATIONS:
1. This procedure is not all-inclusive. The school board may decide, for reasons
that are not covered by these guidelines, to not offer a teacher a continuing
contract.
2. The Director of Personnel has been designated by the Superintendent to
coordinate the implementation of the aforementioned procedures.
3. Dates for accomplishing these guidelines may be altered at the discretion of
the Superintendent.
4. The principal shall assign a mentor to all first year teachers to help ensure a
successful school year.
5. The mentor should be a teacher that has been trained as a mentor, an
experienced or retired teacher that has exhibited desirable instructional skills
and professional traits in the subject area or grade in which the first year teacher
has been assigned.
6. The principal and mentor should follow the procedures and timelines as those
designated for a teacher being considered for continuing contract.
ADOPTED:
October 13, 1986 (GCN)
REVISED:
September 12, 1990 (GCN)
July 16, 2001 (GCM Replaced GCN; AFC Removed; GCB-1 Removed)
LEGAL REFERENCE:
Code of Virginia – 22.1-305
Code of Virginia – 1950, as Amended, § 22.1-294, 22.1-295, 22.1253.13:7, Board of Education Guidelines for Uniform Performance
Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Teachers, Administrators and
Superintendents (January, 2000)
61
STAFF CONDUCT (ATTENDANCE)
The Washington County School Board, in keeping with its philosophy of
providing quality education and encouraging professional staff to present themselves as
role models, hereby establishes an attendance code which requires each employee of the
school system to be in regular attendance of his/her employment.
Each employee with attendance problems will be evaluated on an individual basis
as soon as excessive or a poor pattern of absenteeism is noted. The principal will first
counsel with the employee. If improvement is not noted, the attendance problem will be
reported to the Director of Personnel for review. A written letter and/or correction plan
will be developed for the employee by the principal and approved by the Director of
Personnel.
The Division Superintendent may formulate regulations implementing this policy,
if necessary.
ADOPTED: October 4, 1993
Washington County Public Schools
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FILE NO. GCBDD (1) (R)
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Staff who desires to apply for a short-term leave of absence without pay will
follow the procedure listed below:
A. Staff desiring a short-term leave of absence without pay will write a letter
of request to the principal.
B. If the principal recommends the leave, he/she will endorse the letter and
forward it to the superintendent.
C. After the superintendent, or designee, confers with the appropriate
director, the superintendent will approve/disapprove the request.
D. The superintendent, or designee, will notify, in writing, the principal and
the person making the request of the approval/disapproval.
E. When approved, the school system will employ a substitute (if needed).
The employee who requested and received the short-term leave of
absence without pay will have his/her salary deducted for the number of
days absent.
APPROVED:
October 19, 1989
(George Stainback, Division Superintendent)
Washington County Public Schools
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FILE NO. JFC-R-20
USE OF PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICES BY STUDENTS ON SCHOOL
PROPERTY
The use of beepers, cellular phones, or other portable communication
devices is prohibited on school property during regular school hours as
established by theWashington County School Board.
Students are allowed to have cellular phones/portable communication
devices within a school building during the school day under the following
guidelines:
High school and middle school students may have the privilege to bring a
cellular phone/portable communication device into the school building if:
a. the student houses the cellular phone/portable communication device in
his/her locker during the regular school day.
b. the student, under no circumstances, uses or displays this
communication device during the regular school day unless it is under
the direct supervision of the classroom teacher.
High school students may have the privilege to bring a beeper into the school
building if:
a. the student is a member of a volunteer fire department or
rescue squad, has
b. the permission of the volunteer fire department
supervisor, and has parental approval. The beeper
cannot be on alert status and must be kept in the
student’s locker during regular school hours.
Elementary school students may have the privilege to bring a cellular
phone/portable communication device or beeper into the school building if:
a) the parent files a request, and the principal approves each request based
on legitimate reasons, such as the safety or the well-being of the student.
If the request is approved, the principal will give directions as to the
housing of the cellular phone during regular school hours.
Washington County Public Schools
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FILE NO. JFC-R-20
USE OF PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICES BY STUDENTS ON SCHOOL
PROPERTY
PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICES ON REGULAR BUS RUNS
The use/display of portable communication devices on a bus is prohibited. These
devices may be transported, but must be concealed in a backpack, pocketbook,
etc.
CARS
Portable communication devices are permitted in vehicles on school property, but
the use of these devices is prohibited during the established regular school
hours.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
The Washington County School System will allow the use of a portable
communication device at after-school activities. Any evidence of illegal use will
result in disciplinary action.
The Washington County School System will assume no responsibility in any
circumstance for the loss or damage or phone bills related to a cellular phone or
other communication device as specified on the form or otherwise.
DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS NOT IN COMPLIANCE
WITH REGULATIONS:
1. First Offense*
The student will receive a verbal warning and the portable
communications device will be confiscated until the end of the instructional
day. The parent(s) will be notified.
2. Second Offense*
The portable communications device will be confiscated and will be
returned during a meeting with the parent(s). The student may lose his/her
privilege to have a portable communications device on school property.
Disciplinary action may be initiated by the principal.
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FILE NO. JFC-R-20
USE OF PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICES BY STUDENTS ON SCHOOL
PROPERTY
3. Third Offense*
The student may lose the privilege to have a communications device on
school property. Disciplinary action may be taken including from one to
three days out-of-school suspension.
4. Each Additional Offense*
A student having four or more offenses may receive from one to ten days
out-of-school suspension at the discretion of the principal. The student
may also be referred to the Area Wide Discipline Committee.
•
This discipline can vary if criminal activity is involved or if the student has a
history of discipline problems. The principal may choose not to approve a
portable communication device request if the student is having a number of
other major discipline problems at school.
ADOPTED:
June 2, 1997
March 20, 2006
REVISED: June 5, 2007
REVISED:
LEGAL REFERENCE:
Code of Virginia, Section 22.1-277
Washington County Public Schools
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Staff,
Suspicion of child abuse and the subsequent
investigations are highly emotional issues. Each
of us, all employees, has as a legal obligation to
report instances of suspected child abuse.
The protocol for notifying child protection
services is to first alert your principal, who will
involve a counselor, and the two of you will then
file the report. The principal, or his/her designee,
will then notify Dr. Graves of the report. This will
assure that no one gets surprised by an angry or
upset parent.
Dr. Mullins will serve as our liaison with
Washington County Social Services.
Thank you,
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NOTICE
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
OR NEGLECT
ANY TEACHER OR OTHER PERSON EMPLOYED IN A
WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL WHO HAS REASON TO
SUSPECT THAT (i) A CHILD IS AN ABUSED OR NEGLECTED
CHILD, INCLUDING ANY CHILD WHO MAY BE ABANDONED, IS
REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH SUSPECTED CASES OF CHILD
ABUSE OR NEGLECT TO LOCAL OR STATE SOCIAL SERVICES
AGENCIES OR THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE RELEVANT
SCHOOL OR HIS DESIGNEE, AND (ii) ALL PERSONS REQUIRED TO
REPORT CASES OF SUCH SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR
NEGLECT ARE IMMUNE FROM CIVIL OR CRIMINAL LIABILITY OR
ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY OR SANCTION ON ACCOUNT OF
SUCH REPORTS UNLESS SUCH PERSON ACTED IN BAD FAITH
OR WITH MALICIOUS PURPOSE.
HOTLINE: 1-800-552-7096
Legal Ref.: Code of Virginia, 1950, as Amended, §22.1-291.3
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GREENDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
EMERGENCY CRISIS PLAN
QUICK RESPONSE CHART
13092 McGuffie Road
Abingdon, Virginia 24210
(276)739-3500
Updated June 2007
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Emergency Services
Fire/Police
Central Dispatch
Brumley Gap Fire Dept.
Greendale Chapel
Washington County School Board Office
Tom Williams, Transportation
School Resource Officer—Blaine Tate
Pager #
911
676-6277
628-9341
628-6681
739-3000
739-3054
739-3216
1-888-214-5077
Emergency Procedures: Tell dispatcher specifically where you are
located, briefly what the emergency is, and where to enter the building.
Remain on the line until help arrives if possible.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS * EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Crisis Management Team (CMT) & Communication Stations
Crisis Management Team (CMT)
Sherri Whitlock, Secretary
Lisa Ball, Bookkeeper
Lisa Fugate, Guidance Counselor
Katie Justice, Nurse
Andy Newman, P.E. Teacher
Sherry King, Principal
3500
3501
3505
3503
3508
3510
Inside Communication Stations (If E-Mail and PA System are inoperable)
Office
Sherry King, Lisa Ball
Kindergarten
Teresa Halsey
First & Second Grades
Shirley Hibbitts
Third Grade
Lynette Elam
Fourth & Fifth Grades
Tommy Thomas
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Outside Communication Stations
Front
Employee Parking Lot
Mower Shed
PK-2 Playground
Andy Newman
Lisa Fugate
Katie Justice
Sherri Whitlock
When an emergency arises, every action taken must be communicated
immediately to all members of the CMT. Sherry King will be the contact
person. The CMT members will meet in the main office and, in turn,
provide information to other faculty and staff members relative to
procedures and guidelines. The CMT will aid students in the event of any
type of crisis situation.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM (CMT) * COMMUNICATION STATIONS
Emergency Codes and Evacuation Procedures
INTERNAL CRISIS
Definition: An internal crisis is any type of crisis within the building that could
threaten the health and well-being of students and staff.
Type: Bomb, Suicide, Death, Fire, Assault, Terrorism, Hostage, Weapon
Evacuation Procedures:
1.
Fire alarm will be activated.
2.
Exit the building with all students and have students face away from the
building. (Refer to emergency evacuation floor plan)
3.
Remain with students until further communications from office or CMT.
4.
Each communication station designee will check his/her emergency crisis
kits and turn on 2-way radios. Please maintain radio silence after
checking in and listen for directions from the CMT.
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EXTERNAL CRISIS
Definition: An external crisis is any type of crisis outside the building that could
threaten the health and well-being of students and staff.
Type: Weather, Central Dispatch Warning, Biohazard, Terrorism, Threat
Evacuation Procedures:
1.
The external crisis tone from the PA system will be activated.
2.
The building will go into Lock Down until further communications are
received by way of the PA system, CMT or the inside communication
stations.
3.
All members of the CMT will report to the office.
4.
Take students to lock down designated area in a position where they are
not readily seen from the doors or windows.
5.
Unassigned teachers will need to ensure that students in the hallways and
restrooms are placed in lock down areas immediately.
6.
Advise students that there is some type of emergency and it is imperative
that they listen for special directions. Do not allow students to leave the
classroom or building.
7.
Do not use phones to call out. Lines must be kept open for special
instructions.
8.
Remain in the room until a member of the CMT provides directions to the
inside communication stations.
9.
Several Police units will be arriving and be prepared to evacuate students.
Note: When it is necessary to evacuate the campus, we will load the buses and take
students, faculty and staff members to Greendale Chapel.
EMERGENCY CODES * EVAUCATION PROCEDURES
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