FHS Staff Handbook 2020-2021

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James J Ferris High School

Faculty & Staff Handbook
2020-2021

35 Colgate Street, Jersey City, New Jersey

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Table of Contents

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES

Mission Statement……………………………………………………….…………………………………..
School Administrative Team/Organization…………..……………………………………………………
Attendance, Punctuality & Substitute Lesson Plans…………………………………...............................
Bell Schedule…………………………………………………………………………………………...........
Timekeeping Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………
Dress Code & Professional Courtesy………………………………………………………………………
Food, Drink and Cell Phone on Duty………………………………………………………………………
Faculty & Team Meetings/ In-service Days………………………………………………………………
Lesson Plans…………………………………………………………………………………………….…..
Substitute Emergency Lesson Plans…………………………………………………………....................
PLC/Common Planning Schedule & Template…………………………………………………………..
Data Binders/ Data Analysis Protocol…………………………………………………………………….
Bulletin Boards……………………………………………………………………………………………..
ESL Services………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Teacher Observations………………………………………………………………………………………
Instructional Expectations…………………………………………………………………………………
Classroom Environment…………………………………………………………………………………...
Curriculum Modification & Students at Risk of Failure………………………………..........................
Student Lateness…………………………………………………………………………………................
Discipline Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Harassment, Intimation and Bullying…………………………………………………………………….
Referral to the Intervention and Referral Services………………………………………………………
Attendance Plan……………………………………………………………………………………….........
Neglect/Abuse……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Drugs/Alcohol/Weapons……………………………………………………………………………………
Custodial Requests and Repairs…………………………………………………………………………...
Field Trip Procedures………………………………………………………………………………………
Medical Emergency Plan…………………………………………………………………………...............
Fire and Safety Protocols …………………………………………………………………………………..

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James J. Ferris High School’s Mission

Mission Statement

W.E. C.A.R.E.
Winning Every sCholar Around Reformed Education

Vision Statement

The professional faculty at James J. Ferris High School, serving a diverse
mosaic of students, is dedicated to building responsible, active learners who
will serve the global community through workplace readiness skills,
international education and diverse learning experiences. Our goal is to create
well-rounded citizens with a social conscience that enables them to serve the
community and to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES # 1

ATTENDANCE, PUNCTUALITY & SUBSTITUTE LESSON PLANS

Lateness

It is of the utmost importance that all staff report to their assignments on time, especially in the mornings, after lunch,
prep and or duty.

Pattern of Absences and Lateness - Ferris High School students count on us to be present every day to give
100% and to model the life habits of being present and punctual. Therefore, we must avoid lateness/absences
which are within the sphere of our control.
Absences
In the case of illness, staff must use the Aesop System so appropriate substitute teacher coverage is provided.
In the unusual event the teaching professional has an emergency within 30 minutes of the start of the school day
he/she must contact the school directly to inform an administrator or school secretary of his/her absence.

If the teaching professional knows he or she is going to be absent in advance he/she must be sure to submit
request via the Aesop System as soon as possible and ensure a full set of lesson plans for the day of your
absence along with the appropriate work for your students so that the substitute teacher is able to facilitate
instruction.

As per your contract a minimum of one week’s advance notice is requested for administrative approval of such
days. Staff members are to fill out a request for personal day using the Aesop System for the Principal’s
approval.

Parking – We must adhere to the law of the Jersey City Police Department, therefore make sure you park in
appropriate parking spaces at all times. Under no circumstances should you double park or park your car
illegally to sign in. Please make sure when you signed in you are reporting to your assignment.

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #2

FERRIS SCHOOL BELL SCHEDULE

Full DAY Half Day

Students Report 8:10-3:05 8:10-12:45

Period 1 8:35 – 9:15
Period 2 9:20-10:05
Period 3 10:10-10:55
Period 4 11:00-11:45
Period 5 11:50-12:35
Period 6 12:40-1:25
Period 7 1:30-2:15
Period 8 2:20-3:05

DELAYED OPENING AS PER
SUPERINTENDENT

TEACHERS REPORT: 8:00 AM – 3:10 PM

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #3
TIMEKEEPING PROCEDURES

❏ Staff members are responsible for signing "IN" and "OUT" each day from the main office. Staff members
can only sign in and out for themselves. Staff members are expected to be signed in by 8:00 AM and at their
assigned posts at the appropriate time (8:30am). Staff members who arrive later MUST sign the LATE BOOK
(there are no exceptions). At the end of the school day (3:10pm) or anytime a staff member leaves the building,
staff members must sign “OUT” at the main office and then sign “IN” when they return . Please make sure
you are adhering to your Union Contract.

❏ Should a staff member need to leave the building during the day, he/she must notify the Principal or Vice
Principal in advance. This becomes especially important during evacuations, when an accurate accounting of
all school personnel is vital. Should a staff member need to leave the building and not return before the next
teaching period or before dismissal. The Principal or Vice Principal must be notified.

❏ Staff members who participate in professional development activities/meetings/conferences outside the
school building must sign the appropriate form with Mrs. Pat in the main office. Also, must sign in or out as
applicable. Doing so helps to avoid a staff member from being marked absent.

Intercom Announcements. Morning announcements will be done by our Student Government. Announcements
will only be made in the morning. Please make sure you see Ms. Wilson and or student government regarding
the announcement over the intercom. Please do not hang posters/fliers etc. around the school building unless
you are given permission by the principal.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #4

Dress Code & Professional Courtesy

Ferris High School educators and support staff are leaders in the community and exemplify what it means to be
professionals in the workplace. Refer to District Policy # 4119.22/4219.22 Conduct and Dress. We are role
models for our students and parents, and as such are expected to dress in a professional manner. It is generally
accepted that expectations of professional attire for staff will exceed expectations for students. Therefore,
clothing should be clean and fit appropriately. Jeans are only permitted on designated “Jean Days” etc.

District ID’s - Staff Members are to have their Jersey City Public Schools or Ferris High School Photo ID with
them at all times.

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No staff member is permitted to interfere with classroom instruction during his or her prep period or lunch time
out of professional courtesy to colleagues.
● Staff members should not hold students after class without permission of the next period teacher.
● Teachers should not remove students from a classroom without permission of the teacher of that class.
● Teachers should be in a classroom of a colleague who is teaching only for the purposes of an
inter-visitation and sharing or glean best practices.

PROFESSIONALISM
Staff are reminded that the main office is a place of work. Professionalism is expected in the main office as
well as throughout the school building. Only schoolwork or related business should take place in the inner part
of the main office. Office staff and faculty are asked to keep their conversations both on the telephone and
amongst themselves at a low tone so that others are not able to hear it. Visitors and guests are a priority and
should be acknowledged whenever they enter the building. Please recognize them promptly and in a courteous
manner. Given the need to reduce the traffic in and out of the main office, the use of the bathroom in the main
office is limited to staff assigned to work in the main office.

Staff Bathroom Access
We have decreased in size quite a bit so please be mindful to use the bathroom in your area. Please do not use
the bathrooms in the main office unless you are assigned to that area. If there are any issues with the bathrooms
in your area please let the appropriate administrator know.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #5

Food and Drink on Duty

It is important to model acceptable behavior for students and ensure both school cleanliness and student safety.
To that end, staff members may not consume food or drink with the exception of water and usage of Cell Phone
while on duty during the school day, including in the hallway. Staff members are liable for any injuries or
damage to school or personal property caused by foods or drinks.

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #6
FACULTY MEETINGS/TEAM MEETINGS SCHEDULE & STAFF IN-SERVICE DAYS

Faculty Meetings will occur from September – June on the first Wednesday of the month for one (1) hour OR the second
Wednesday of the month, if the first Wednesday of the month school is not in session. Meeting will begin sharply at 3:10
PM. Faculty Meetings days and times may be used for professional development, grade level meetings or common
planning meetings as per the discretion of the school’s administration. All staff members are expected to attend and sign in
on the attendance sheet. Attendance to these meetings is the professional responsibility of all. Appointments, courses or
workshops, and field trips should not be scheduled on faculty conference days. Should the need arise to make changes in
any given month notice will be given in advance.

The following are the dates for the Faculty Meetings/Conferences for 2020-2021:

September 8, 2020 ( Welcome Back)
October 6, 2020
November 10, 2020
December 2, 2020
January 5, 2021
February 9, 2021
March 2, 2021
April 13, 2021
May 13, 2021
June 2, 2021

STAFF INSERVICE DAYS
Ferris High School will hold full day Staff In-service for all teachers and paraprofessionals within our school from 8:30
AM - 3:10 PM on the following days:

September 8, 9, 2020 (full day)
October 7, 2020

We will also hold an Abbreviated Session for Staff-in Service from 1:30 PM - 3:45 PM. This meeting will take place on
the date below:

February 3, 2021

Staff members who are absent for these sessions are responsible for finding out what they missed. Again, appointments,
workshops, and class trips should be planned around grade conferences, school wide and/or district wide activities.

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Instructional Matters

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #7
LESSON PLANS

1. A top priority of all school supervisors is to ensure that teachers meet their responsibilities in planning for
the appropriate, effective instruction for students.

2. The means for evaluating the effectiveness of a particular lesson plan is classroom visitation, in order to
view actual instructional practices and assess student performance. The supervisor must employ personal
observation in order to verify that the teacher has done the appropriate planning for student learning and to
ensure adequate instructional focus has been placed on clearly articulated school goals for learning and
curriculum delivery expectations.

3. If a teacher's lesson is found wanting for lack of adequate planning, it is the responsibility of the supervisor
to assist the teacher in achieving effective professional planning for student outcomes. This assistance should
include opportunities for the sharing of successful planning and instructional practices with other teachers.

Supervision of lesson planning will reflect an overall supervisory belief that academic planning within the
school is a highly collaborative and collegial professional development process. Supervisors are responsible for
ensuring that a variety of ongoing school support systems are in place to encourage and assist all teachers in
their continual professional growth. The support includes the supervisor's own participation in suggesting and
demonstrating effective teaching practices and partnering with other skilled teachers and coaches. It is expected
that the supervisor and teachers work on building and expanding collaborative approaches to professional
growth in our school. This is the supervisory practice which will best promote a lesson-planning ethic which
aims to maximize student outcomes. Note: At this time the administration is not requiring submission of
weekly lesson plans.

4. Virtual Instruction - Teachers will post their work on Google Classroom on a daily basis.

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES# 8

Substitute Emergency Lesson Plans
( In Building Plan)

Emergencies will arise as we cannot plan for every event in our lives. I am confident each of us want our students to
receive high quality instruction even in our absence. To ensure all substitutes are fully equipped with the resources they
need to provide instruction to our students, the following protocol for lesson planning has been put in place:
All teachers must prepare a substitute folder:
a) Please take the time to prepare an appropriate folder. These folders will be kept in the main office. This folder should be
updated on a regular basis.
b) Include: your schedule, dismissal list, standards-based, period-length sufficient and grade appropriate materials,
activities, and notations as to pages that can be used in skill texts or workbooks. There should be enough materials for (2)
day worth of instructional materials. Please bear in mind that the purpose of this folder is to provide consistency of
instruction for students. Note that word search activities connected to the lesson can be used as an extension to the lesson,
but MUST NOT be the primary activity associated with the lesson.
Because the lesson planning demands for high school professionals differ from elementary and middle school educators,
you’ll submit two sets of emergency lesson plans at the beginning of the school year. Both sets of lesson plans are due on
Friday, September 30, 2019. Completed sets of lessons for your class are to be sent to the main office on the date noted
above.

Please note - your copy machine password, email username and password , as well as any other school/district access
details are not to be shared with any substitute staff or any one. Giving them this information compromises your
confidentiality, as well as that of others (i.e.,students, families and even other district personnel).

Absence Due to Scheduled Event
If you are absent due to a scheduled event, you must leave separate work for your students not included in the substitute
teacher folder. Advance those plans via email to [email protected] - or leave them in the main office.
Thank you in advance for your collaboration and cooperation.

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Substitute Emergency Lesson Plans
(Virtual Plan)

➢ All teachers must provide 3 emergency lesson plans to their coordinators and
prospective VP.

Math - Pane Departments
Business- Pane ELA - Dr. Gentile
Arts - Pane Science - Dr. Gentile
LEAPS & BOUNDS - Pane Special Education - Dr. Gentile
History - Delgado Health & Physical Education - Dr. Gentile
ESL - Delgado
World Language - Delgado

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #9

Ferris High School PLC Planning Schedule

SY 2020-2021

Departmental/Grade/Interd Date Time / Period
isciplinary

Math & Science, Business Mondays and Wednesdays 8:00-8:30

ELA & History, Business Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00- 8:30

Physical Ed/Health & Art Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00-8:30

Spec Ed & ESL Follow Content Area 8:00-8:30
Leaps & Bounds Schedule 8:00-8:30

VPA Mondays TBD
Wednesdays

TBD

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #10

PLC Planning Expectations:

❏ All PLC planning times are to be dedicated to the enhancement of student learning and collaborative
learning which directly support student progress.

❏ Each PLC is to maintain a PLC planning binder in which the focus of the meeting is recorded and
relevant details archived. (See Template Included on the next page)

❏ Each teacher must bring their data binder to each PLC planning meeting and use the data to inform
discussions about student progress.

❏ Each month one (1) PLC planning period will be dedicated to the discussion of students, using data
collected from various courses and action planning used to direct student academic progress. Also, one
(1) meeting will be dedicated to collaborating with administration on the student progress toward
specific instructional goals for that grade level/content/cross content of students.

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Ferris High School
COLLABORATIVE PLANNING GUIDE

PLC:___________ Date:_____________

Team Members: ______________________ ________________________

_______________________ ________________________

________________________ ________________________

________________________ ________________________

________________________ ________________________

Recorder: _________________________

Instructional Focus:

Methods of Collaboration:
(check all that apply)

❏ Analyze/Compare Data/Trend Analysis
❏ Lesson Planning
❏ Lesson/Unit Reflection and Evaluation
❏ Formative/Summative Assessments
❏ Plan/discuss Modifications and Accommodations
❏ Student Grouping
❏ Instructional Strategies
❏ Differentiated Instruction
❏ Sharing and Reflecting on______________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Next Steps:
______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #11
Data Binders

Data Binders are to maintain relevant data on whole class performances. Reports such as those from (Spanish Dept.
Only), DORA Reading Levels Tracking Sheets, as well as ,Protocol should be included.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #12
Data Analysis Protocol

One of our district’s initiatives continues to become effective at the school level in evaluating student
performance data. As a result, our school will be using a data analysis protocol at the classroom level to drill
down on the explicit needs of students as revealed by various forms of data. Each teacher’s analysis of their
students’ data is to be used to refine instruction for his/her class from week to week for each unit of instruction.
The dates for completing data analysis for your class will be confirmed once our benchmark assessment
schedule is finalized.

Your Data Binder will need to maintain the following:
● Math Assessments ( NJSLA, Performance Matter, PSAT, SAT,)
● ELA (NJSLA-ELA), Performance Matter, DORA, PSAT,SAT)
● Quarterly’s Math Reports
● Quarterly’s ELA Reports
● Instructional Groupings
● List of IEP Students, ESL and 504 Students
● Scores for Benchmark Assessment (ELA and Math)
● Other Important Data advised by Principal or Vice Principal

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______Ferris High School___________
DATA ANALYSIS SHEET 2020-2021

Teachers complete this for ELA and Math

TEACHER:_____________________ Subject: __________________

Results to fill in the chart below:

Example Number Percent
Total # = 26 6 23%
# of Students Exceeding 8 31%
# of Students Meeting 8 31%
# Approaching 4 15%
# Partially Meeting 0 0%
#Did not yet meet

Answer the following questions:

1. Complete item analysis. Review the test questions by standards and skills. Which were the most difficult
questions for your class (highest percentages of incorrect questions)?

2. Which questions did your class get correct (highest percentage correct)?

3. Which standards were your class proficient in?

4. Which standards were your class deficient in?

5. Prioritize skills and standards for instruction.

6. Review test questions with students.

7. List strategies and classroom activities for prioritized groups of students, skills and standards.

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #13

Bulletin Board and Bulletin Board Spaces

Our school mission includes writing across the curriculum and where student work is displayed inside and outside the
classrooms. You are assigned bulletin boards to exhibit student work. We need to ensure our bulletin boards are updated
on a timely basis. Work posted on bulletin boards should reflect the most recent work completed by students (e.g. projects,
mini-units, etc.).
Student work displayed should be current and reflect the current curriculum units.

BULLETIN BOARD DUE DATES
Week of:

September 11th, 2020 February 5th, 2021

October 16th, 2020 April 16th, 2021
December 11th, 2020 May 21, 2021

*Bulletin Board Assignments are forthcoming

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #14

Formal Observations and Summative Evaluations/
Teacher Observation and Evaluation

The school Principal and Vice Principals will be visiting classes on daily and will conduct observations throughout the
year. These class visits provide opportunities for supervisors to get a first-hand view of the work you are doing in your
classroom. These are an opportunity for teachers and supervisors to develop a shared sense of the teacher’s classroom and
help the supervisors to develop more relevant and useful professional development opportunities for teachers.

In the observations, evidence of clear expectations should be apparent in the following areas:
Evidence of clear instruction:

● What are the expectations in your classroom around student learning and where are these evident?
● What corrective actions do you take when you recognize that you are not clear?
● Is it a teacher-dominated lesson or are students given many opportunities for “accountable talk”, peer and/or

small group work?
● Is there evidence of all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy being used in the teacher’s questioning?
Evidence of student learning:
● When visiting, students may be asked questions to assess their learning and engagement in the class: What are

you working on? Why are you doing it? And, what does it have to do with what you have learned and or what
you will learn in this class?
● What are examples of students’ work? Where are students in their academic progress in meeting your learning
expectations? Is there evidence of movement and or progression in students’ work from where they were at the
beginning of the year to where they are today?
Evidence of planning that ties teaching to learning:
● Does the lesson objective contain the correct level of difficulty to match students’ needs?
● Are the lessons differentiated to address the needs of lower level and higher level achieving students?

In addition to looking for evidence of effective instructional practices and clear expectations of teaching and learning, all
teachers should ensure the following instructional components are in place on a daily basis:

● Whiteboard configuration (lesson objective, new vocabulary, homework)
● Evidence of differentiated instructional planning
● Preparation (supplies, content knowledge, etc.)
● Student-centered activities
● Clear policies, procedures, and safe routine for students
● Positive behavior management
● Neatness and organization of classroom environment
● Students are engaged
● Active teaching
● Evidence of literacy instruction in all subject areas
● Checking for understanding

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Formal Observations and Summative Evaluations

Formal Observations

Formal Observations will be conducted in accordance with our state and district expectations and be reflective of the
Danielson Framework for Teaching and Learning.
Summative Evaluations
Final observations/evaluations will be completed during the months of May and June.
For Components of Teacher Evaluations Please
Visit http://www.nj.gov/education/AchieveNJ/teacher/ for additional details.

During remote learning, evaluation procedures will be forthcoming.

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #15

INSTRUCTIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Below are the instructional expectations we are to practice regularly in our classrooms. Please review the list to ensure
your classroom and professional practice reflects the expectations noted. As a school district we are held accountable to
these practices as per our recent Department of Education Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) Review and
we must be diligent in implementing them with consistency.

Classroom environment:
❏ Desk arranged in groups
❏ Student updated work is displayed
❏ Word Walls contain Tier III words
❏ Classroom Library is neat and organized (organized into genres and reading levels)
❏ Workstations are clearly labeled and differentiated
❏ Management system is displayed
❏ Folders available and updated (writing and data)
❏ Teacher and student materials are accessible and organized
❏ Objectives and standards are posted for each lesson
❏ Lesson plans are available
❏ Classrooms are tidy and not cluttered. Piles of worksheets have been removed

Teacher Instruction
❏ Evidence exists that routines and procedures were previously taught
❏ Teacher provides appropriate and clear instruction for students
❏ Teacher scaffolds instructions
❏ Teacher fosters active student engagement and motivation
❏ Pacing is appropriate
❏ Transitions are smooth and quick
❏ Feedback is meaningful
❏ Teacher models and encourages students to use comprehension strategies (Literacy)
❏ Teacher refers to the posted objectives (for each lesson)
❏ Teacher checks for understanding throughout the lesson
❏ Teacher is asking strategic or tactical/purposeful questions that are directed at central foci
❏ Wait time is appropriate
❏ Instruction is differentiated
❏ All content clearly pertains to the most essential CCSS for that lesson
❏ Questioning is of higher order

Student engagement
❏ Students remain academically engaged during centers and independent work

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❏ Students apply learning in novel and increasingly complex situations
❏ Students use appropriate digital tools to complete the task

Please see school administration if you have any questions.

Virtual Instruction
❏ During remote learning, teachers will follow district plans set forth by the supervisors.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #16

CLASSROOM PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

ATTRACTIVE CLASSROOMS

The classroom is a home away from home for both teachers and students. The presentation of a classroom
should reflect what is taking place within that room. Bright, cheerful and organized environments enhance the
learning process. Teachers and students should take pride in their accomplishments. Word walls, anchor process
charts, and grading rubrics are essential in each classroom.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A STUDENT CENTERED CLASSROOM
❖ Classroom is cheerful, welcoming and vibrant with appropriate materials ( books,etc).
❖ Classroom rules and procedures
❖ Themes or essential questions are clearly displayed.
❖ Tables are placed in flexible groupings when applicable.
❖ Journals and logs are visible and easily accessible, so that the students can write on a consistent basis.
❖ Lesson Objectives should be posted visibly for the class to see.
❖ Agendas or schedules of the day are visible.
❖ Student work should be prominently displayed, dated and graded
❖ Word walls are prominently displayed and updated with words relevant for the unit

Practices to avoid

➔ Desks grouped in rows
➔ Worksheet driven instruction
➔ Copying from smartboard/whiteboard or laptop for long periods of time

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #17

STUDENTS AT RISK OF FAILURE

If you have a student at risk of failing a class during any marking period, it is the responsibility of the teaching
professional to contact the parent/guardian via email and or phone (Collaboration with Guidance and CIT) to inform the
parent / guardian. During the contact with the parent/guardians you must communicate the specific subject(s) in which the
student is struggling, the possible reason for the failure for which you have qualitative evidence ( i.e., missing homework,
poor grades on quizzes/tests, refusal to complete class work - incomplete work tasks, attendance, etc.) and what the
student needs to do in order to improve. All communications with parents/ guardians are to be documented and kept in a
notebook, binder or online file which can be easily retrieved as a resource for discussing the students with the
parent/guardian and school administration.

As a school, during each semester we will also continue to follow our protocol for communicating with families via
Warning Letters if their son/daughter is at risk of failing. Please follow the district’s procedures on attendance and failure.

Discipline Matters

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #18
DAILY LATE ENTRANCE PROCEDURES

● Late students are to enter through their designated entrance (Freshman exit 5, Main Bldg exit 17 and JA
main entrance)

● Teachers/Staff assigned to the late room will give students a late pass. Allow students into the
classroom and mark students late.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #19
DISCIPLINE POLICY

The overwhelming majority of our students are hardworking, motivated young people who seldom are involved
in disciplinary incidents. While classroom management techniques may vary, our school's discipline policy
must ensure consistency throughout the building. Students should understand that the basic rules of proper
behavior are the same for every classroom. Please familiarize yourself with the material found below as well as
with the student code of behavior. It is of exceptional importance that we all understand that we must work in a
collegial manner to foster a healthy and productive environment.

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I. The best discipline programs are preventative in nature and should include the following:

1. Rules and classroom procedures should be discussed and posted and revisited to guide students’ behavior.
2. Meaningful instruction, through thorough lesson planning, obviates the need for disciplinary intervention in
almost all situations. Teaching "bell to bell" is essential to proper classroom management.
3. Be fair, equitable and reasonable when enforcing the discipline code.
4. Reward positive behavior. Try calling home with a positive comment.
5. Anticipate potential problems and prepare for positive ways to avert those problems.
6. Maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect. We model for students the habits we want them to adopt.
7. Establish and maintain classroom routines and procedures from day one.
8. Address the small issues before they become larger ones.
9. Take an interest in students’ extra-curricular activities by attending events and following up on
achievements.
10. Never hesitate to consult a colleague, the Social Worker, Child Study Team member or supervisor for
suggestions and support.

II. Classroom Management - Maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning is the
responsibility of the teacher. The teacher first must address problems such as students talking out of turn,
chewing gum, being unprepared, using iPods, cell/smart phones or other electronic equipment, etc. Some
recommended steps:

1. Speak to the student privately and inform them of the expectation and the consequence, if they do not
self-correct (Reach out to CIT with referral form).

2. Use the Jersey City Public School’s “Student Code of Conduct” to inform your approach in addressing
student behavior.

3. Use a daily conduct sheet that is to be signed by the parent to monitor progress.
4. Involve the parent by brief note, email, telephone or conference. If a student's inappropriate behavior

persists, consult with the appropriate school administrator.
5. Introduce the student's name and your concerns at a grade-level team meeting or I&RS Team meeting

for persistent behavior issues, so they can assist in capturing the bigger picture of the student and
collaborate with you to address the matter via the appropriate intervention(s). Teachers should maintain
specific and factual anecdotal records concerning students who have demonstrated problem behaviors.

III. Use of the Hallway and Bathroom Passes
★ No student is to be out of the classroom without an official classroom pass.
★ One Way Passes - If students needs to go to the office or other location to be picked up by parent/or
guardian please indicate on pass ( One Way Hall Pass or student going home ,etc. )
★ Bathroom Passes – Please make sure you are making note as to when a student leaves your classroom
for the bathroom. (Have students sign-out in the bathroom log etc. before they leave and sign-in when

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they return. Written notes are not passes. No more than one student should be out of the classroom at
one time unless a specific task requires it.

IV. Lateness to Class - A meaningful activity at the beginning of the period such as a "Do Now", quiz
or reviewing homework goes a long way in encouraging punctuality.
1. All teachers are expected to collect a late pass from any late students.

2. Teachers should record the lateness and inform the student that lateness to class will have a negative impact
on the student's grade (due to missed classwork). Be sure to call and or email home and inform the
parent/guardian of the pattern of lateness so you have a record of your intervention to support students in this
area.

V. Ladder of Referral- Educators should follow the ladder of referral when dealing with behavioral or
discipline issues that are not threatening or dangerous in nature:
Step 1- Refer to district Student Code of Conduct
Step 2 - Teacher conference with student
Step 3 - Conduct contract between teacher and student
Step 4- Teacher phone call to parent
Step 5- Teacher seek assistance from CIT and Guidance
Step 5 – Guidance, teacher and CIT conference with parent and student
Step 6 - Teacher referral to Vice Principal

VI. Serious Infractions - The following infractions are to be referred directly and immediately to CIT and/or
a school
Administrator (see district Student Code of Conduct Flowchart)
1. Bullying
2. Fighting/Assaults
3. Accusations of abuse - physical or sexual
4. Alcohol or drug related incidents
5. Weapons possession

VII. Serious Disruptions - In the event of a serious, life threatening disruption send for assistance
immediately by using a room phone to call security, nurse or by sending a reliable student to the main office for
an administrator.

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #20
HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING

The district prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying of students and staff. Please follow district
policy and procedure. Report all students incidents to School ‘s Anti Bullying Specialist Mrs. C. Petito Room
126. Report all staff to administrators ( Principal, Vice Principals).

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #21
REFERRAL TO THE INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES (I&RS)

The Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) is a team that has been organized to screen referrals related to
student needs, which may require additional support and intervention. They support those students and the
school community through meaningful sustainable interventions. Teachers may make recommendations to have
a student’s case reviewed. The teacher must complete an anecdotal report obtained from Mrs. Hennings I&RS
Coordinator. The I&RS will scrutinize the avenues exhausted by the school staff before a recommendation is
given to have the teacher complete the C.S.T referral form.

The I&RS will look for frequent parent contact and input, special academic and counseling programs in which
the student participated, individual efforts the teacher made on behalf of the student and any referrals to outside
agencies to support the student. Only after all avenues have been exhausted, and it is evident that the student
continues to struggle academically and/or socially within the classroom, will the I&RS take action toward
recommendations for Special Services. It is the intent of the I&RS to ensure that only those students who
genuinely need Special Services are subsequently referred.

The I&RS Committee will meet monthly to discuss progress of all cases. The team will also schedule case
management meetings with the families and relevant stakeholders each month to discuss student needs and
create the appropriate intervention plan.

The members of Ferris High School I&RS team for the 2020-2021 school year are:
Mrs. Hennings
Mrs. DelPiano
Mrs. Pollio
Mrs. Sullivan
Mr. Avellan

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #22

ATTENDANCE PLAN

We are currently creating an active School Attendance Committee which will meet to discuss and track the
progress made in reducing chronic absenteeism, and other issues impacting the regular attendance of students.
The School’s Attendance Committee members will consist of teachers and support staff.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE
Principal and/or Vice Principal Designee – Ms. Alford & Ms. Delgado
CIT of Attendance - Mrs. Petito
Community Aide-Ms. Spaldo
Attendance -Truancy Ms. M. Rivera
Guidance Counselor- All guidance counselors based on caseload.
Service Broker - Ms. Guerra
School Nurse - Ms. Page and Ms. Procida
Teacher- TBD

SCHOOL STAFF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● Principal/Principal’s Designee - responsible for the overall Attendance Program. Regularly reviews
attendance figures and issues with Vice Principal, I&RS Committee designee and School Social Worker.
● Principal - is responsible for direct, daily supervision of attendance pedagogical staff.
● Attendance CIT - generates attendance reports, processes admissions and discharges and enters absence
codes.
● Community Aide - provide immediate follow-up to parents to reduce movement toward absenteeism as
well as collaborates with parents/guardians in developing an action plan to reduce or extinguish factors
contributing to chronic absenteeism. Include home visits.
● Attendance/truancy – work with students and family to seek resolution. Represents the school/district in
attendance matters that are court related.
● Guidance Counselors - provide immediate follow-up to parents via phone calls and work
collaboratively with teachers, CITs, other support staff and parents, guardians in developing action plans
to reduce or extinguish factors contributing to chronic absenteeism.
● School Social Worker – assist with developing an action plan to reduce or extinguish factors
contributing to chronic absenteeism
● School Nurse - serves as advisor regarding medical issues which may be contributing to the
absenteeism and collaborates with student family and School Social Worker in developing an action plan
to reduce or extinguish factors contributing to chronic absenteeism.
● Classroom Teachers - Accurately record attendance in Infinite Campus and communicate with
parents/guardians when attendance becomes a concern and alerts the Community Aide, Social Worker if
a pattern presents itself or if lack of attendance is impacting academic achievement.

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PROGRAMS AND INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE ATTENDANCE IMPROVEMENT

100% attendance recognition of students by grade will take place during the course of the school year.

CLEARANCE OF REGISTER
● Teachers notify Attendance CIT of no-shows. Phone calls are made home..
● Follows up on no-shows and informs principal and designee of findings, including discharges as
appropriate.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

All aspects of the Attendance Program are reviewed by using statistical Infinite Campus reports generated
weekly and monthly. The school Principal/Designee along with the Attendance CIT responsible, closely
monitor the school attendance rate on a regular basis and use this information to guide the work of the
ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE. Appropriate outreach services are provided, whenever necessary.

DAILY OFFICIAL RECORDING PROCEDURES
● Official teachers take attendance on Real Time during official periods.
● The Attendance CITS oversees and reviews the process on a daily basis.
● Teachers manage and maintain their own record of attendance in Infinite Campus.

AM ATTENDANCE & LATENESS PROCEDURES
All students who arrive to your room before the end of the period are to be marked as arriving at school on time.
Only students who arrive after the late bell will be marked late. If you have a student who arrives at your

classroom after the late bell and does not have a late pass, they are sent to the Attendance CIT.

FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM FOR ABSENTEE STUDENTS
● The automated School Messenger system calls home on a daily basis(period by period) to follow-up on
absentee students.
● Follow-up phone calls are made by the teachers assigned to the late room.
● Adhere to district Student Code of Conduct regarding absence.
● Outreach efforts and other documents should be kept by teacher as well as Attendance CIT, Infinite
Campus and I&RS Committee (when applicable)

LATENESS AND IN-SCHOOL TRUANCY
● Teachers keep daily attendance records for all classes using Infinite Campus. Lateness and cutting are
monitored by generating a weekly report. Parents of students who demonstrate a pattern of lateness and
cutting are notified by the Teacher first then support staff such as CIT, Guidance, etc. as directed by the
Principal.

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RE-ENTRY PROGRAM
● The PARENT/GUARDIAN along with the STUDENT returning after an extended absence participate in
a Planning Interview with the CIT. All appropriate options are presented and explored during the
Planning Interview to facilitate the student's continued education.
● The CIT and or other support staff meets with the teachers to facilitate the child's return to school, and
informs the family/student of the specific work, which needs to be made up in the class, that will enable
the student to catch up. The school principal/designee will also be informed of these details.

PARENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
● At the beginning of the year, parents are notified about the district’s attendance policy for all students
when we send home the School Code of Conduct.
● A Ferris High School Calendar is sent home with important events and testing dates highlighted. These
monthly details are also available on-line via the school’s and district’s website.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #23
NEGLECT/ABUSE

Student Abuse and Neglect
All staff members are mandated to immediately report all suspected incidents of student abuse and neglect to
The Division of Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P) 877-652-2873. You are not to investigate or
determine if abuse or neglect is warranted. Please report suspected incidents to an Administrator
immediately!!!

● Potential neglect/abuse cases are immediately referred to the Principal or Vice Principal.
● The staff member to whom the neglect/abuse was reported must call Division of Child Protection and

Permanency (DCP&P), with the assistance of Principal or Vice Principal
● The school principal/vice principal then informs the Division Director, In-House Officer(s), etc.

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #24
WEAPONS/DRUGS/ALCOHOL

WEAPONS/DRUGS/ALCOHOL FOLLOW DISTRICT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
● Drugs and Alcohol report to SAC
● Weapon(s) report to Security.

“NOT SURE” HOT POTATO ( MR. MORALES) PASS IT ON TO AN ADMINISTRATOR!!!!!!!!!!!

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #25
CUSTODIAL REQUESTS AND REPAIRS

● At times, custodial services may be needed. Emergency or quick custodial services can be accessed by
dialing the main office extension 6660 to alert staff of service needs.

● For general non -emergency custodial services, teachers are requested to submit in writing all custodial
repairs via email to Ms. Delgado.

● If a staff member observes a problem anywhere in the school building, he/she should alert a building
administrator and Mr. Arrington via email so the problem can be addressed

● Teachers are reminded that furniture is not to be removed from the classroom or taken from another area
of the building without following proper procedures and obtaining approval from the Principal.

● All staff needs to be aware of their responsibility for recycling and complying with regulations. Most
classrooms and offices have been provided with recycling bins. Please use these for disposal of paper
products

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #26
FIELD TRIP PROCEDURES

Class trips are a valuable part of a school program. Just as our program and class lessons are planned, so too
should trips be carefully thought out and implemented. Below you will find procedures to be followed in
implementing a planned excursion.

1. All Field Trip for the school year 20-2020 must be submitted, checked and approved by October 28,
2020.
Field Trips form must be obtained from the clerk. Teachers must ensure they all have coverage for the
trip or else the trip cannot be scheduled.

2. If you wish to use a district bus or any other form of transportation, you must contact the clerk. You
must make arrangements in advance of the district board meeting so all proper procedures can be
followed and documents provided to the district for board approval.

3. Permission forms may be obtained from the clerk. Each time a student or class is taken out of the
building permission slips must be obtained from the parents/guardians for each and every student going
on the trip. A district permission slip should be used even if you plan to walk.

4. If you have made arrangements for a trip and change your mind and decide to cancel, please be sure to
inform your building administrators.

5. Any teacher who has been approved to attend a trip and will have classes at other grade levels/
departments, which require coverage, must request Substitute teacher coverage. In situations like these,
each teacher must inquire 2 days before the trip, via the main office, that the classes they are leaving
behind are covered internally or by a substituted teacher requested through Aesop.

6. ANY STAFF MEMBER PARTICIPATING IN A FIELD TRIP- EVEN LOCAL WALKING
TRIPS, MUST LET MRS. PAT (MAIN OFFICE) 48 HRS BEFORE THE TRIP OCCURS AND
INDICATE “NO COVERAGE NEEDED” OR HE/SHE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND.

7. If one or more classes are attending the trip, the cafeteria staff should be notified. This notice should be
sent out at least one week in advance of the trip so students eligible for free or reduced lunch can have
lunch prepared for the trip.

8. Students are not to be dismissed before their regular dismissal time unless provisions have been made
with the Principal.

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9. Trips are not to be scheduled to conflict with Faculty or Grade Conferences or during testing periods.

Guidelines for Volunteer Class Trip Chaperones

Ferris High School believes that field trips provide a valuable educational experience for students. Without the
help of volunteer chaperones like you, many field trips would not be possible. We thank you very much for
giving your time and support to these important activities.

In order to help ensure that school sponsored field trips result in safe and rewarding experiences for all
participants, we have prepared these guidelines to provide information about volunteering as a field trip
chaperone.

Guidelines for Volunteer Chaperones
❖ All school rules apply on school sponsored events. Chaperones are expected to comply with District
policies, follow the directions given by the teachers, work cooperatively with other staff and volunteers,
and model appropriate behaviors for students.

❖ Students must be supervised at all times. As a chaperone, you will supervise a small group of
students, helping them learn and making sure they behave appropriately. Students must stay with you,
their chaperone, at all times.
➢ Go over use of the buddy system with students under your care. Account for all participants
regularly and before changing activities.
➢ Be sure you know when and where to meet the rest of your group at the end of the visit.
➢ Chaperones must be readily available, be mindful of safety concerns, and respond to students’
needs.

❖ For the protection of both the student and the chaperone, chaperones should not place themselves in
situations in which they are alone with a student.

❖ Be sure to know what to do in an emergency (medical emergency, natural emergency, lost child, serious
breach of rule, etc.). Know who is first aid trained, where the first aid kit is, where the cell phone is kept,
and who has the copies of parental permission slips with emergency phone numbers and medical
information.

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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES # 27

MEDICAL EMERGENCY PLAN

In the event of a life threatening emergency (please note that all classrooms have the ability to contact security
through the classroom). Please let the administrator know if your classroom phone does not work. It is
important that in these situations you notify the security/main office at extension 6660 or locate an administrator
in the building immediately.) occurs, only the below listed individuals has the authority to summon outside
assistance into the school (Police/EMS/Fire):

● Principal –Ms. Deneen Alford
● Vice Principals – Dr. Gentile and Mr. Pane, Ms. Delgado
● School Nurses - Mrs. Page and Mrs. Procida

Stay with the injured student/staff member and immediately contact the School Nurse . If unable to reach the
nurse, contact the Main Office. If you are unable to notify an adult, send another student to the office with a
pass immediately.

Non Life-Threatening:
● Notify the School Nurse immediately, and wait for assistance and instructions.
● In the event that a student needs to see the nurse, contact the Nurse’s office to ensure someone is
present to serve the student. If so then send to the Nurse’s Office with a pass.
● The nurse will contact the parent/guardian if it is necessary for the student to go home.
● No student is to go home unless that parent/guardian has signed the student out in the Main Office.
● If a student is hurt in your presence, it is your responsibility to inform the nurse who will then follow up
with the child’s parent/guardian.
● The Nurse will document the medical situation and administer any/all first-aid as appropriate.

Medication
All medication brought by students must be submitted to the nurse with the appropriate documentation.
Teachers are never to administer medicine to students. If a student is taking medication or uses an inhaler, a
doctor must complete the Medication Authorization form/Asthma Action Plan. The student is to return the form
to the school for review/approval of administration of medication. This form can be obtained from the School
Nurse. If you witness a student taking medication, inform the administration and the School Nurse
immediately.

Accident Report - Student
All accidents must immediately be reported to the school administration with the proper documentation by the
end of the same day, which the accident occurred. The teacher, who is the supervising staff member when the
accident occurred, is to confer with the school nurse or school administrator, as appropriate, on that same day of
the incident. The staff member(s) who witnesses the accident or incident must complete a statement form.
Parents/Guardians must be informed of all accidents or incidents no matter how insignificant we deem them.
Based upon initial documentation, the School Nurse will determine whether a more comprehensive accident
report needs to be filed and will guide you in completing the documentation.

Accident Report – Staff
If you have experienced an accident or injury on the school premises you must immediately report it to the
School Nurse and school administration. If the situation requires further assessment the School Nurse will
pursue authorization from her department leads to ensure the appropriate next steps are taken.

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Fire and Safety Protocols

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES #28

EVACUATION PROCEDURES, FIRE DRILLS, SAFETY DRILLS & LOCKDOWNS
Will be provided upon return to the building.

Have a fantastic school year!

Thank You for Your Support!

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