Hume R-VIII
Teacher/Staff Handbook
2018 – 2019
This handbook is designed as a guide to assist personnel in the Hume R-8 District with questions about procedures and expectations. This by no means supersedes any policy set forth by the Hume R-8 School Board.
Accident
Report forms need to be filled out as soon as possible following an accident by the supervising teacher. Each teacher should keep a pair of disposable gloves in his/her room for any cleanup.
Activity Forms
An activity form must be filled out for all events, field trip, fundraisers, etc. Forms are to be turned into the Principal for approval before going to the Superintendent and then placed the main calendar and principal’s office calendar.
At-Risk
Students who are at-risk of failing have available to them extra help in all subject areas. If the student needs small class or one-on-one instruction, contact the counselor. More information is available through the counselor and at-risk coordinator.
Athletics
Interscholastic athletics should be recognized as an integral part of the school’s total educational program. The responsibility for the control and regulation of a school’s athletic program rests with the Board of Education. The responsibility for
administering the athletic program of each school is delegated to the building principal. All interscholastic athletic activities are regulated by the code of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). All athletes must have an annual physical with a copy kept on file at the school.
Attendance Forms
Attendance is to be submitted to STI first hour. In addition, the first hour lunch count should be posted on STI. Both should be posted within the first 20 minutes of school.
Bells
All period bells will ring at the times listed on the bell schedule, unless you are otherwise notified. The bell is YOUR signal to dismiss the class. Each teacher should dismiss his/her class verbally from the classroom door and see that each student leaves in an orderly manner.
Care of Building and Classroom Appearance
All school personnel must accept the responsibility for the care of the buildings and equipment. The administration and staff must work together to keep our offices, rooms, and buildings clean and neat and well cared for.
The Classroom atmosphere should contain an attitude of warmth, cleanliness, and order. Each teacher should impress on the students through word and action, the importance of cleanliness and care of the room, furniture and materials, including textbooks. At the close of the school day, please see that all paper is removed from the floor, all windows are closed and blinds set at appropriate lengths.
Carnival
This activity is a money raiser conducted by the PTO. It is usually scheduled for one evening in October. Each class is allowed two booths with first choice going to the seniors and then to other classes in descending order. The PTO carnival bylaws are
Child Abuse – Reporting
The Board of Education requires its staff members to comply with the state child abuse and neglect laws and the mandatory reporting of suspected neglect and/or abuse. Any school official or employee who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, or who observes the child being subjected to
conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, will immediately report or cause a report to be made to the building principal, or his or her designee, who will then become responsible for making a report via the Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-392-3738) to the Missouri Division of Family Services, as required by law. The building principal will make the superintendent aware that a report has been made, and will keep him or her aware of the status of the case.
Christmas Day-Out
The day is sponsored by the Student Council. For students in grades 7-12 the day consists of a movie and a trip for lunch and recreational activity. The student is responsible for his/her meal, while the movie is paid for by the Student Council.
Computer Access Agreement
All staff and teachers must sign a computer access agreement form at the beginning of each new school year and have it on file with the principal.
Copy Machines
The Copy machine is located in the Teacher’s Workroom and the old storage room. Students should not be sent to make copies.
Counseling
K-12 students may choose to discuss problems with the counselor. Staff members are also encouraged to discuss concerns regarding students.
Daily Bulletin
Bulletins will be read over the intercom during first hour each morning. Announcements need to be turned in by 3:00 the previous day.
Discipline
Discipline is the responsibility of each individual teacher. A detention policy is in place as one tool for teachers. When issuing detention, the teacher is responsible for the student serving the detention.
Dress Code
As a professional staff we are to dress appropriately for the occasion. . Friday’s have been designated as jeans day with a $1.00 fee going to a scholarship fund through CTA.
End of the Year Responsibilities
An inventory sheet will be placed in each teacher’s mailbox before the school year ends. Teachers should turn in keys, grade books, inventory sheets, etc., to the superintendent’s office before leaving school for the summer.
Fax Machine
A fax machine is available at the school in the superintendent’s office. (660-643-7414) One is also available in the high school secretaries office. (660-643-7506)
Field Trips
Field trips applications must be pre-approved by the administration. If you are planning a field trip, etc., you need to list a few days in advance the names of students who will be attending, as this will help other teachers in preparing for their classes. Teachers are responsible for turning the sack lunch count to the kitchen staff two weeks prior to the event.
Fire Drills
Fire drills are conducted monthly. Procedures for these are to be placed by each room’s door. Teachers must keep attendance books with them. Once his/her class has gathered outside, the teacher should take attendance.
Fire Prevention
The fundamental principle of fire prevention is a clean and uncluttered building. All persons in the school building, staff and students alike, are expected to observe the following fire prevention rules:
Avoid storage in places that are not ventilated.
Do not allow oily rags and dust mops to accumulate unless properly stored in metal containers with lids.
Keep all machinery and machine rooms clean, i.e. Furnace closets and shop areas.
All Christmas trees must be fireproof.
Inspect extension cords and make sure they are in good condition before using.
Do not attach flammable materials of any kind to any light or light fixture.
FCCLA
The FCCLA is sponsored by the Family and Consumer Science Teacher. This organization strives to lend practical applications to the art of homemaking.
Gate Duty
Teachers are assigned gate duty for the home volleyball and basketball games. If you can not work on your scheduled night, find another teacher who is willing to take your place or to trade nights with you.
Grade Books
Grade books are the property of the school district. They should be kept neatly and accurately so that daily marks can be distinguished from quarter and semester marks. The grade book will be turned into the principal at the close of the school year. The Principal will review grade books periodically as part of a comprehensive evaluation plan. Grades should also current on STI.
Group Insurance
$400 towards Group health insurance is provided for each full-time employee. Dependent coverage is available at normal cost. Professional liability insurance is provided for all employees. Workmen’s compensation and unemployment coverage is provided for all employees.
Guidance, Testing, Library and Audio-Visual Services
Guidance, testing, media center and audio-visual services shall be expanded to meet the needs of the school district. A regularly scheduled standardized testing program will be carried out.
Hall Duty
Hall duty is assigned to each teacher on a rotation basis. Hall duty is from 7:35 – 7:55 and 3:30-3:45. The duty of the teacher at this time is to make sure students are behaving.
Homebound Instruction
Homebound instruction is available to students who qualify. This program is handled by the superintendent’s office. The classroom teacher will need to have assignments and worksheets available for the cooperating teacher.
Homecoming
This activity is sponsored by the Student Council. Each day of spirit week, the students “dress-up.” Coronation follows the last game at Homecoming.
Hornet Pride Time
The purpose of this time is for intense help, a useful study hall, and reward time for students earning it. It will also be used for meetings. It is not to be used in
unproductive ways. (refer to Student Handbook)
Ice Machine
The ice machine is not for student use. For health safety, please don’t dip ice out of the machine with your glass.
Inclement Weather Dismissal Procedure
The superintendent will make the decision as to whether school will be dismissed because of severe winter weather or other reasons that might necessitate cancellation of school. When weather deteriorates overnight, all school employees may listen to the designated radio stations for an announcement regarding whether school will be cancelled. School Messenger will call all employees and students when school is cancelled. This call will be initiated by the Principal.
Internet
Teachers have access through their class room computers. AR (Accelerated Reader) is on the library, elementary classrooms, and Title I computers.
Junior High Tournament
This basketball activity is usually held the first part of November. The concession stand is the senior class’ responsibility. Teachers are asked to help with gate duty. The FCCLA and Consumer Education Classes assist with the hospitality room. Student volunteers help with sweeping floors and greeting teams.
Lesson Plans
Before leaving school each Friday, you should leave the following week’s lesson plans on the STI system. These lesson plans should include each day’s objectives and GLE’s for each class. It is important that these plans be on file for the substitute teacher’s use in case you are ill.
Lunch Duties
It is important to build positive relationships with students and teachers are encouraged to eat with students, even on days duties are not assigned. Elementary teachers have lunch duty everyday and 7-12 teachers will be on a rotation basis.
Meals
All staff and teachers are to check in with the cashier prior to eating and bills must be paid on a monthly basis.
Library
The library is available for the student body to use as a great resource. Among many things available for students use are, reference books, reading materials, and other useful resources. See the librarian, for additional ideas to supplement your teaching units. The library is locked unless the librarian is on duty and a teacher wanting to use the library must check out the key from the principal’s office.
Media Center (use of)
Teachers will accompany classes coming to the media center. To avoid conflicts with other classes, visiting teachers should first schedule this with Mrs. Duncan.
Mentors
A mentor will be appointed for each beginning teacher. The mentor will be a teacher with at least five years of teaching experience. It is the responsibility of the mentor to work with the PDC and the beginning teacher to develop a teacher professional plan.
Fundraisers
Each class, 6—12, has a set number of money raisers they are allowed yearly. These are as follows: Seniors—unlimited, Juniors-5, Sophomores-4, Freshmen-3, grades 7-8 one plus Carnival, 6th grade Carnival only.
In addition, there are customary money raisers for the following classes: Seniors-Concession stand/town team tournament/candy sales
Juniors-Magazine sales
Sophomores-Tom Watt type sales Student Council-Themed Baskets, etc.
Annual Staff-Chili Supper
Cheerleaders-Valentine flowers and balloon sales
Teachers must count money with at least two students, who then initials the receipt. Classes may want to keep their own records of expenses and deposits.
National Honor Society
National Honor Society membership is granted only to sophomore, junior, and senior students selected by the Hume School faculty. Selection is determined on the basis of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
Newsletter
Each teacher has a Newsletter sent home monthly via the mail and webpage for those parents who have internet access. Teachers are responsible for their monthly newsletter. Copies will be emailed to [email protected]. The newsletter is a good vehicle to let parents know positive things we are doing at school.
Office File Information
Before entering the classroom, it is required that each faculty member of the school district file in the superintendent’s office the following: current teaching contract, up-to-date transcript, a teaching certificate currently in force for the contracted teaching area, an I-9 form if a new employee, and appropriate tax deduction forms.
Also, application must be made for a teacher retirement number if not presently registered with the Missouri Retirement System.
Open House
Open house is one of the most valuable methods of communicating the educational program to the public. At least one open house will be held each school year.
Parent’s Night
Cheerleaders take orders for flowers which are presented after games to the parents of players and cheerleaders. Parents are allowed in free to these basketball games. A fan of the year award is also given this night. Parents Night will also occur for the sports of volleyball, baseball, and softball.
Parent Volunteers
Parent Volunteers are a welcomed addition to the school environment and are required to have a background check on file in the central office. However, volunteers are not to take over tasks that are strictly the duty of the classroom teacher. (i.e. grading papers, implementing discipline, issuing hall passes, etc.) As volunteers in a school setting, it is imperative that the volunteers follow the Board Approved dress code. It is advisable that teachers have a specific time in which they would like the parent volunteer to arrive and leave. Parent volunteers should not be at school all day unless under special circumstances that is approved by the administration.
Again, parent volunteers are NOT school employees. All student records, papers, and other privileged information are not to be discussed or otherwise divulged to parent volunteers. Confidentiality and Professionalism is to be adhered to at all times.
The classroom teacher is responsible for actions, conduct, and the following of the above stated guidelines by parent volunteers visiting their classrooms. Necessary actions will be taken by the administration if teachers fail to enforce these guidelines in their classrooms.
Pay Day
Pay day is on the twentieth day of each month, and your check is direct deposited. If the twentieth falls on a day when school is not in session, your paycheck will be deposited the last school day before the 20th. June, July, and August paychecks will be issued on
June 20th. Checks for “extra duties” will be issued on January 20th. Personal Leave and sick leave
Requests for use of a personal day must be presented to the Principal IN WRITING at least 48 hours in advance. A teacher and support staff shall be entitled to 9 days of sick leave for any employable year, accruable at one day per month. With prior approval from the superintendent, 3 days may be used for personal leave. The maximum sick leave to be accumulated shall be 40 days.
Sick Leave Buy Back
Unused Sick days may be bought back by the district when a teacher leaves the district voluntarily. Days will be bought back at a rate of $20 per day for teachers with one year of experience and $40 per day for teachers with two or more years of in district experience. The maximum accumulation of buy back days is forty.
Twelve month employees who retire are eligible for sick leave buy back at $30 per day. Nine month employees who retire are eligible for sick leave buy back at $20 per day. Both with a maximum accumulation of forty days.
Non-renewed teachers or teachers who have been released for just cause are not eligible. Employees who simply quit their assigned position are also not eligible for the sick leave buyback program.
Physical Force
A teacher may use physical force against a pupil without advance approval by the
administration when, because of unusual circumstances, immediate action is essential for self-defense, or for the protection of other persons. In any case of this nature, a report setting forth the circumstances shall be given to the superintendent.
Playground Equipment
This equipment is checked and maintained for safety purposes, please report any damage.
Positive Environment
The staff feels that the students need a positive and safe environment for optimum learning to occur. Professional behavior, including positive attitudes and comments, are expected from all members of the staff. We are, after all, role models.
Professional Development Committee
The PDC is elected by the faculty. It is the duty of the PDC to stimulate and to
encourage the professional growth of both new and experienced teachers. Professional growth should be viewed as a continuous process of refining skills and keeping abreast of new developments in the field of education. The PDC attempts to keep teachers
informed of workshops, etc. It also works closely with mentors in the mentoring process. Teachers wishing to attend conferences should first check with the PDC chair.
Guidelines dictate how PDC monies can be used. Receipts should be turned in to the PDC chair, which will then pass these on to the office of the superintendent.
Professional Development Plan
According to law, school districts must provide a “professional development plan” for each faculty member who has no teaching experience. A mentor will be appointed for each beginning teacher. These professional development plans will be kept on file in the superintendent’s office.
Progress Reports
Teachers are asked to figure midterm grades for each student. If a student is making a below-average grade, it is essential that parents be contacted at this time. All students will receive a progress report at midterm. Teachers should not wait until this time to let parents know if students are having problems. Good progress reports are encouraged.
Purchase Orders
All purchases must be pre-approved by the superintendent. Before ordering materials, teachers must request purchase orders from the superintendent’s secretary. This form is to be filled out and returned to the secretary.
Red Ribbon Week
This activity is held in conjunction with the National Red Ribbon week. This is a joint project of the counselor and the student council. Activities vary, thus a notice will be issued prior to the week’s activities.
Room Inventory
Each teaching and work area shall maintain an inventory of district owned property. The inventory shall be brought up to date each year in the month of May.
Schedule Changes
School Hours
The school day will be from 7:55 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Teachers are required to be at their assigned areas by 7:35 and remain until 3:45. In addition, teachers should be in their rooms at 7:35 unless they are on hall duty. But, all teachers need to be in the halls between classes.
School Property
School property needs to be cared for properly. Money spent on replacing items could be used in other ways. Sitting on desks or tables is strongly discouraged.
Semester Tests
Refer to the student handbook
Safety In School, On Playgrounds, Other Areas
To be effective, a program of safety education must be an integral part of the total educational effort. Safety instruction must teach every pupil to accept responsibility for his/her own safety and the pupil must learn to become increasingly independent of other individuals in meeting hazardous situations. Safety education is a job for every teacher, every parent, and the community. Principals and teachers are expected to exercise constant vigilance to see that playground equipment is in safe condition. Playgrounds must be supervised at any time pupils are present.
Special Education
Students are mainstreamed as much as possible with a modified curriculum and/or grade scale. These students may need tests read to them or small group/one-on-one help. If a student who may be in need of special services is in your class, contact the special education teacher for referral forms.
Staff Member Access to the Board of Education
All employees work under the supervision of the Superintendent of Schools and all of their official contacts with the Board of Education shall be made through the
Superintendent.
Staff/Student Relations
The relationship between professional staff members and students in the Hume R-8 School District should be one of cooperation, understanding and mutual respect. All teachers have the responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning and to motivate each student to perform to capacity.
Each teacher will strive to secure effective individual and group discipline and should be treated with respect by the students. Teachers should extend students the same respect and courtesy that they, as staff members, have a right to expect.
Although it is desired that teachers have a sincere interest in students as individuals, partiality must be avoided and teacher-pupil friendship must be on a teacher-pupil basis. Excessive informal and social involvement with individual students and “pal-like” relationships give rise to charges of partiality and excessive personal involvement and could be a disadvantage to both the student and the teacher.
Differences and problems that arise between a teacher and student are best worked out by conferences between these two persons. Matters that extend beyond the classroom or are of sufficient serious nature may require additional administrative assistance.
Student Clubs and Extra Class Activities
Every function carried on within the school organization with either expressed or implied approval of the Board of education, is an educational function and is controlled by the Board. All activities conducted in the name of Hume R-8 School District or as a direct or indirect outgrowth of the activities of class groups or conducted under assigned
sponsorship of a duly employed teacher shall be deemed a school function and shall be subject to such rules and regulations as the Board of Education, the superintendent of schools, the principal, or the sponsoring teacher shall establish. It shall be the duty of such sponsors to attend all meetings and functions of the group, to advise pupils regarding the proper conduct of group affairs and to keep the principal and
superintendent informed regarding group activities. No student social group of extra class activities shall be permitted to function as a school associated activity except under the supervision of a duly appointed sponsor.
Student Council
The student council is for 6-12 grade students. The student council assists with Red Ribbon Week. They are in charge of the Christmas “Day Out” and homecoming.
Students Sent to Office
If, at any time, a student is being sent to the office of the Principal or Superintendent for behavioral difficulties, a student behavior report form MUST accompany the student.
Student Eligibility
Personnel responsible for a school sponsored activity or event shall consult the office regarding eligibility status of participants.
Supervision
Students should never be left unsupervised.
Supplies
Supplies are kept in the storage room. Ask either secretary for needed items.
Support Staff
Support staff members are formally elected by the Board of Education upon recommendation from the Superintendent of Schools.
Tardies
Refer to student handbook.
Teaching Staff
Teachers are formally elected by the Board of Education upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools. Teachers are employed in compliance with the Teacher Tenure Act.
Teacher Absenteeism
Teachers are entitled to nine days of sick leave per year, accruable at one day per month. With 48 hours prior approval from the principal, 3 days may be used for personal leave. The maximum sick leave to be accumulated shall be 40 days. When a teacher is going to be absent they need to contact the principal for a substitute, at 660-227-3112 (home). Absence forms will be signed in the principal's office.
Text Books
Text books are provided by the school district. When giving out textbooks, teachers should record the numbers in the book besides the student’s name in the grade book. Teachers need to encourage each student to be responsible for his/her textbook. When checked at the year’s end, they should be free of marks and should show only reasonable wear.
Tornado Drills, Intruder Drills, Earthquake Drills
These drills are conducted randomly. Procedures for these drills are to be placed by the door of your classroom.
Visitors
Children of pre-school age will not be permitted to visit the school unless accompanied by an adult. Visitation by school age children must be approved in advance by the administration of the school the child presently attends and must obtain a visitor’s pass from the office. Parents who wish to visit a classroom should make arrangements with the administration in advance of the visit.
Travel Expense Reimbursment Mileage - $0.40 per mile
Meals- breakfast $8.00 lunch $10.00 dinner $12.00
All requests for reimbursements must have properly dated reciepts. Requests will be turned in to Mrs. Wikoff on or before the 27th of each month and will be paid the
next month. The district will not pay for alcoholic drinks of any kind. Other non-meal items such as snacks or gum will not be reimbursed.
Confidentiality Agreement
As an Employee of the Hume R-8 School District it is my duty to respect the confidentiality of the students of the Hume R-8 School District. All information regarding students will not be discussed with anyone who does not have direct contact with that student. By signing this document I understand that my position as an employee in the Hume R-8 School District may be adversely affected up to and including termination of employment if I fail to respect the rights of my students’ privacy.
