The Thetford Elementary School Staff Handbook provides essential information and guidelines for the 2023/2024 school year, covering staff roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Below is a summary of the key points:
Mission and Vision
Thetford Elementary School is committed to cultivating the whole child, focusing on community, continuous improvement, positive environment, engagement, individuality, creativity, and sustainability. The school aims to foster life-long learning and help students become global citizens with strong civic responsibility.
Staff Responsibilities
- The school day for staff starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM.
- Arrival: Students should arrive by 8:00 AM and report to classrooms; those arriving after 8:15 AM are considered tardy.
- Dismissal: The school day ends at 2:45 PM. Staff should ensure students are ready to leave in an orderly fashion.
- Emergency Procedures: Staff must follow guidelines during fire drills, emergency situations, and ensure that directions are posted and followed in classrooms.
- Supervision Duties: Teachers and paraprofessionals are assigned duties like overseeing recess or hallway behavior to ensure safety. Staff are prohibited from using cell phones while supervising students.
- Classroom Supervision: Teachers must ensure students are never left unsupervised.
Academic Planning and Communication
- Teachers are required to maintain instructional plans at least one week in advance, including learning objectives, materials, strategies, and assessments.
- Regular communication with parents is vital, with expectations to respond to emails and voicemails within 48 hours.
- Teachers must attend IEP meetings for students with special educational needs.
Professional Conduct and Ethics
- TES emphasizes professional relationships and communication. All staff should maintain a respectful, professional demeanor and comply with all legal and ethical standards.
- Teachers must ensure confidentiality and respect students’ rights to privacy. Unprofessional conduct, such as inappropriate relationships with students, is prohibited.
Staff Resources and Policies
- Computer and Network Usage: Staff must use school technology for work-related purposes and avoid personal usage during school hours.
- Field Trips: All field trips must be approved by the Principal, and permission slips must be collected from parents before any trip.
- Reimbursement: Staff may request reimbursement for attending conferences or professional development activities that align with TES’s mission.
Health and Safety
- Mandated Reporting: Staff must report any suspected abuse or neglect of students within 24 hours to the designated authorities.
- Transportation: Staff should avoid transporting students in personal vehicles unless authorized, and volunteers must provide proof of insurance.
Additional Information
- Housekeeping: All staff are expected to help maintain a clean and organized work environment.
- Staff Meetings: Staff meetings are held on Wednesdays, from 3:00-4:00 PM, with flexibility for emergency scheduling.
FAQs
What are the school hours for Thetford Elementary?
The school day for staff begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. Students should arrive by 8:00 AM and check in at the office if they arrive after 8:15 AM. Dismissal occurs at 2:45 PM.
What is the process for field trip requests at Thetford Elementary?
Field trips must be approved by the Principal at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Teachers must complete the Field Trip Request Form and submit it to the school secretary along with permission slips before the trip.
How should staff handle communication with parents?
Staff should check voicemail and email regularly, at least once a day, and respond to all inquiries within 48 hours. It is essential to include both concerns and strengths when communicating with parents.
