Familiarity with all aspects of the Faculty and Staff Handbook is a responsibility of each teacher and staff member. A thorough reading will help each of us to be fully aware of our duties and of the procedures and policies of the school. Over a century of experience and wisdom has been gathered within the pages of the handbook. The handbook reflects the lived experience of many teachers, as well as the advice of our legal counsel. I strongly urge you to invest time in a thorough review of the handbook.
Sincerely,
Darius Penikas Principal
MISSION STATEMENT
Archbishop Molloy High School is a Catholic Marist school which fosters an exemplary education in mind, body and spirit for a diverse college-bound population. Molloy offers a unique, challenging and comprehensive program of instruction, guidance and activities. Thus individuals recognize their own self-worth and develop a lifetime of Christian values, critical thinking, leadership skills and service to others.
PHILOSOPHY
As a Catholic School, Archbishop Molloy High School endeavors to offer each of its students a challenging academic program rooted firmly in Gospel values. Committed to the education of the whole person, the Archbishop Molloy administration and faculty believe in creating a caring environment which addresses the religious, academic, personal and physical needs and concerns of our students. As a result, the understanding of our students is broadened and deepened, according to their age and mental ability, so that they will ultimately choose to lead fully human, adult, Christian lives.
As a Marist Brothers School, Archbishop Molloy exists primarily to foster our students’ growth in the Catholic faith. We offer an educational program that integrates this faith with culture and learning as Jesus Christ and Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, envisioned. Through proclaiming the Gospel message we strive to educate for justice by increasing our students’ understanding of global, national and local problems and by developing their personal sensitivity to cultural differences. We further endeavor to increase their willingness to serve those less fortunate. As an academically selective school, Archbishop Molloy provides a rigorous academic program for each student. Through academics and the school’s extensive extracurricular activity and athletic programs students are encouraged to use their intelligence creatively, constructively and originally.
Particularly concerned with our students’ affective and personal needs, Archbishop Molloy offers an extensive counseling program. Attentive and available to all our students, we take special care of students who are experiencing difficulties.
Finally, Archbishop Molloy High School explicitly encourages Christian moral values in its curriculum, in the relations it fosters among the members of the school community, and in the expectations it has of its faculty and students.
GOALS
As a Catholic School, Archbishop Molloy High School offers an education firmly rooted in Gospel values. We endeavor to accomplish this by:
• Creating a positive school climate, built on a sense of caring and affirmation within a structure of order and clear rules.
• Offering a mandatory religious education program for all four years.
• Providing liturgical and para-liturgical experiences for our students.
• Inculcating Christian values across the curriculum.
• Offering an extensive retreat and encounter program for students each year.
• Upholding the teachings and laws of the Catholic Church, the final arbiter of which is the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. As a Catholic school, Archbishop Molloy High School is governed by the current Code of Canon Law.
• Initiating mission collections, drives for toys, food, and clothing.
As a Marist Brothers School, Archbishop Molloy High School strives to educate for justice by fostering our students’ understanding of global, national and local problems. As a result, we hope that they will become involved and responsible citizens who are sensitive to the needs of those less fortunate. We attempt to do this by:
• Specifically addressing issues of social justice in the curriculum, most especially in Social Studies, English and Religion classes.
• The work of the campus minister.
• The efforts of the school’s tutoring program through which students assist other students who are experiencing academic difficulties.
• Supporting summer camps for disabled and economically disadvantaged children.
• Initiating mission collections, drives for toys, food, and clothing.
As an academically selective school, Archbishop Molloy High School provides a rigorous academic program which challenges each of our students. We attempt to do this by:
• Offering a demanding college preparatory program which adheres to the N.Y. State Regents curriculum for all students.
• Encouraging our students to be independent and critical thinkers.
• Striving to enable each student to become an ongoing learner in accord with the school motto, Not for school, but for life.
• Providing opportunities for honors, Advanced Placement, and college credit courses for qualified students.
• Encouraging learning outside the classroom.
• Complementing our curricular program with an extensive co-curriculum program, designed to develop the diverse interests and talents of the student body.
• Providing an excellent athletic program in both inter-scholastic and intramural sports.
As a school concerned with our students’ affective needs, Archbishop Molloy addresses these needs by:
• Offering a strong guidance program, with a particular emphasis on personal counseling.
• Developing student self-esteem through programs such as Peer Group counseling.
• Striving to educate the whole person.
• Addressing the personal needs of our students through a fair, consistent discipline policy.
• Instilling a sense of good sportsmanship and personal achievement through athletic and extracurricular programs.
• Offering students opportunities to develop personal leadership skills.
HISTORY
Father Marcellin Champagnat, a young parish priest in nineteenth century rural France, was called to the bedside of a dying fifteen year old boy. When the boy knew nothing of the faith - not even the sign of the cross - Father Champagnat understood the great need for education in post-Revolutionary France. In 1817, he founded the Marist Brothers to establish a school in his parish. By Champagnat’s death in 1840, there were two hundred brothers, and within ten more years, over two thousand. Today five thousand Marist Brothers work to educate youth in sixty-three countries. The mission of the Marist Brothers is to make Jesus Christ known and loved, through the Christian education of youth, especially the most neglected.
In 1892, the Marist Brothers opened St. Ann’s Academy on Lexington Avenue at 76 Street. After sixty-five years, the school enrollment had grown beyond the capacity of all available building space. The Bishop of Brooklyn and Queens, Archbishop Thomas E. Molloy, was challenged by the postwar baby boom in Queens County. He asked the Brothers to move their high school to his diocese, and donated the present six-acre site.
In 1957, the Brothers and their students moved to this building, and soon the enrollment grew from 800 to over 1500 students. The archbishop died while the building was under construction, and the Brothers decided to honor his memory by renaming the school. In 1987 the DiChiaro Center for Arts and Science was added and in 2000 the school went coed and constructed the Marsloe gymnasium. In 2008 the computer lab went mobile and a new Chemistry laboratory was placed in that facility.
The school shield incorporates the beehive, from the St. Ann’s crest, the rampant lion from Archbishop Molloy’s coat of arms, and the Marist “M”. The school motto, Non Scholae, Sed Vitae, is translated Not for School, But for Life.
AS EMPLOYEES OF ARCHBISHOP MOLLOY HIGH SCHOOL, NON-TENURED TEACHERS AND STAFF MEMBERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE THEIR EMPLOYMENT AT ANY TIME. ARCHBISHOP MOLLOY HIGH SCHOOL RETAINS THE SAME RIGHT, REGARDLESS OF OTHER SCHOOL DOCUMENTS OR ORAL OR WRITTEN STATEMENTS ISSUED BY ANY SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE. THIS HANDBOOK IS A GUIDE TO SCHOOL POLICY AND PROCEDURE. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A GUARANTEE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR ANY SPECIFIC DURATION . THE POLICIES IN THIS HANDBOOK WERE APPROVED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD OF ARCHBISHOP MOLLOY HIGH SCHOOL. Notice of Non-Discriminatory Policy: Archbishop Molloy has not and will not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of student educational policies, scholarships, athletic and other school-administered programs for its students.
Archbishop Molloy High School is a New York State educational corporation holding an absolute charter in the first instance from the Board of Regents of the State of New York.
The Federal Department of Education has recognized Molloy as an Exemplary School U.S. News & World Report identified Molloy as an Outstanding American High School Blackboard Award for an Outstanding Parochial Education
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
ATTENDANCE BY FACULTY
Regular and reliable attendance is essential to provide good supervision and cohesive education for our students.
• All faculty must be in the building from 7:50 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
• Teachers scheduled for an 8:00 a.m. class should be in their classrooms by 7:50 a.m.
• All faculty and staff need to check in using School Pass in the Faculty Cafeteria or the Security Desk by 7:50 am.
• Faculty who will be late or absent must call (718) 441-2103 as soon as they know they will be out and leave a voice message before 7:00 a.m. Assignments should be e-mailed to Edward Cameron before 7:00 as well. All assignments should be posted onto Blackbaud.
• Teachers who foresee the necessity of a personal day for urgent business that cannot be scheduled outside of class time must arrange this in advance with the Principal and notify Edward Cameron so that replacements can be arranged. Teachers who leave assignments in advance should minimize work for the substitute by having any hand-outs that may be required Xeroxed and collated.
• Faculty should notify an administrator if an emergency requires him or her to leave during the school day.
• Faculty will be notified of emergency school closures through the phone notification system. In case of delayed opening, teachers must try to report at the regular time to meet students who are present on time.
must attend the following events, which are scheduled outside the ordinary school day
In an exceptional circumstance and for serious reason, a faculty member may ask the Principal to be excused from any of these events.
Faculty are strongly urged to attend
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
ATTENDANCE BY STUDENTS
Regular attendance is important to academic success. Teachers are asked to check attendance carefully.
• At the beginning of each period an attendance check should be sent to the Attendance Office electronically.
• Teachers should check attendance using a seating plan, and not delay the start of class by calling the roll orally.
• Conflicting reports of absentees result in someone from the office interrupting class to confirm a student’s presence. Accuracy will keep such interruptions to a minimum for all. So that students can be efficiently located at any time, students with unscheduled periods (usually seniors) must sign in to the Library or Study Hall at the beginning of the period and remain there. Teachers should never allow unscheduled students to “sit in” on their classes.
• Students who were absent must present an admit pass, which the teacher will initial in the space provided for that class period. A student who does not have an admit pass should be sent to the office to obtain one.
• Students must be in the first period classroom by 8:00 a.m. Students have four minutes to arrive at each of their other classes. For example, a student who arrives for a class scheduled for 9:40-10:25 is late once the clock indicates 9:44 a.m. Late students should be sent to the General Office. They will present the teacher with a lateness admission pass upon their return. The teacher should collect the lateness admission pass.
• Teachers who notice a pattern of absences, such as a student who is absent most Fridays or whenever a major exam is scheduled, should notify the Assistant Principal for Students.
• In exceptional circumstances, an Assistant Principal for Academics will request assignments for students with long-term illnesses.
• Students who are suspended from school are responsible for all missed class work and assignments. Teachers will be notified when a student is suspended.
• Students with appointments with a counselor or administrator will show teachers a note before leaving class and, upon returning, will present a note indicating the time their interview was completed. If a student is kept for more than one period, the counselor or administrator will notify each teacher.
• Students should not be sent for during the day except by guidance counselors and administrators. Teachers should not permit students to leave class except with written authorization.
CHANGING CLASSROOMS BETWEEN PERIODS
Each lesson should command the attention of the students until the end of the class period. Students should remain in their seats, not gathered at the door, until the teacher dismisses them at the very end of the period.
• Dismissing students earlier than the stated time imposes an unfair burden on those who are teaching nearby as students congregate outside their classrooms. At lunch hour, students dismissed from class early arrive before the cafeteria staff can clean the room from the previous lunch period.
• Dismissing students later than the stated time is also counterproductive. Students intent on getting to their next class on time will pay little heed to a teacher’s late instructions or assignments. Students who are assigned late detention for being tardy for the next class rightfully feel that the previous teacher has been unfair to them. When a teacher runs overtime, arriving students block the hallway and delay everyone’s travel to class.
• Teachers are asked to make every effort to arrive promptly for each class period. Especially when unassigned the previous period, a teacher should be in the classroom before students arrive so that they are properly supervised and so that the teacher can prepare materials for presentation.
• As a matter of professional courtesy, teachers should not linger in the classroom at the end of a period if another teacher is setting up for the following period. They should leave the room during another teacher’s class and work in the common spaces available throughout the school, such as the library, the faculty cafeteria, or the fourth floor teachers’ lounge.
• During the change of classes, teachers are asked to correct student behavior in the hallways. Loud noise, profane language, or misconduct is out of order.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS
The Principal, Assistant Principals and Department Chairs supervise instruction by classroom observations.
• While the administration reserves the right to conduct unannounced observations, teachers will usually be notified about an observation in advance.
• After a formal observation, the observer will prepare a written report and will conduct a post observation conference with the teacher. The teacher has the option of adding comments to the report which must be signed by the observer and the faculty member. A copy of each report must be submitted to the Principal for placement in the teacher’s official file within one week of the observation. Observation reports will be used in teacher evaluations for renewal of contract or the granting of tenure, but they do not constitute the sole criteria utilized in such evaluations.
COMMUNICATION
Good communication among teachers and administrators, parents, students, and colleagues is essential for an effective school. All faculty and staff should personally endorse a “no surprises” rule. Especially when there is bad news to convey, be sure to communicate it directly, clearly, and quickly to all who need to know so that the issue remains the bad news itself, and not a failure to communicate it properly.
• Before 8:00 a.m. each morning, all teachers must check their mailboxes, Blackbaud Messages, and computers for bulletins.
• All staff will receive an electronic Faculty Bulletin on Fridays. It is essential that all faculty and staff read the bulletin, as it includes upcoming schedule changes, lists of students who may miss class for activities and field trips, and upcoming additions and changes to the school calendar. Faculty bulletins are confidential. Information should not be shared with students unless you are directed to do so.
• The school telephones, fax machines and copiers are for school business only. Please use your personal phone for personal calls or texting but refrain when students are present. Please return all calls and respond to emails from parents promptly; ordinarily, this should be done within one day of receiving a message.
• Teachers and staff should respect the privacy of all students. A student’s poor work, failing grades, or other shortcomings should not be discussed in public.
• Copyright law should be respected when reproducing materials for classroom instruction. A complete poem of less than 250 words, or an excerpt of 250 words from a longer poem, a complete prose work of less than 2500 words or an excerpt from a longer work of not more than 1000 words or 10% of the total length is permitted for fair use in a nonprofit educational setting, provided the teacher did so spontaneously; that is, the teacher did not have time to secure written permission from the copyright holder. If a book or text has been produced to be marketed as an educational tool, and a teacher photocopies parts of it for educational use without permission, this deprives the publisher of part of its market, and could constitute copyright infringement. Thus, teachers should exercise caution when duplicating such materials.
• The school calendar items along with this faculty handbook represent the best information available at the time of its printing. Some items may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Calendar items such as special events, assemblies, and other activities should be confirmed with the Principal before any public announcement of an event.
• Moderators should submit announcements by email to SCassillo@molloyhs.org by 2:15 p.m. the previous day. Announcements will be displayed on the Smart Board during homeroom. Unsigned announcements will not be published. Each request for an announcement should specify the grade level(s) that need to hear that announcement. The same announcement should not be repeated again and again.
• Only the President or the President’s explicit delegate may speak in the name of the school. Faculty and staff may not use the school’s name or reputation to promote any enterprise without the explicit permission of the President.
• Student addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses are provided to faculty solely for use in contacting parents about student academic performance. This information may not be used for any other purpose by faculty or staff without the explicit permission of the Principal.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
DISCIPLINE
General school discipline is the responsibility of every teacher and staff member. No one person can be expected to supervise the entire student body at every moment of the school day or after school hours. With this in mind, teachers and staff must be responsible for maintaining good order wherever they are on the school grounds or in the building, whether with a class or during an unassigned period. When each person assumes leadership in this area, all benefit from the orderly environment that results. Teachers and staff should be familiar with the expectations for student behavior printed in the Student-Parent Handbook.
Successful discipline depends on consistent expectations, proportionate sanctions when expectations are not met, and patience. Positive discipline happens when students believe the teacher cares about them and when students are treated fairly and without favoritism.
• Students who disrupt class and cannot be retained in the classroom may be sent to the Assistant Principal for Students with a note from the teacher explaining the circumstances. This should not be a regular practice and would be employed only for unusual problems. If the teacher wishes to handle the situation, no further report is necessary. If the case is referred to the Assistant Principal for Students, the teacher involved should speak to him about the student before the end of the day. When a teacher requests that a student leave the room for disciplinary reasons, the student should be directed to the Assistant Principal for Students’ office and not be left unsupervised in the corridor.
• Teachers and staff must not strike, hit, or touch students in any manner that can be construed as punitive or sexual. The school will assume no liability and will pay no legal expenses towards defending any teacher or staff member who disregards this rule. Medical or doctor bills resulting from such actions are the responsibility of the teacher or staff member. Reported incidents will be investigated by the Principal. After investigating, any necessary action will be taken to protect all involved. Anyone who is involved in an incident involving corporal punishment will have a report, written by the Principal, placed in his or her official personnel file. Such an incident may lead to the suspension or dismissal of the staff member. In the event of suspension, the Principal may require the staff member to seek psychiatric evaluation. Resumption of work will be based upon professional, psychiatric approval.
• Teachers have the responsibility to handle their own classroom problems, and have the right to detain individual students after school. They should limit this detention to one-half hour. All extensions beyond this one-half hour must be approved by the Assistant Principal for Students. A request must specifically state the amount of time beyond one-half hour, and the reason for the extension. Moderators and coaches must realize that teachers exercise their judgment in detaining a student. Therefore, they should not discuss discipline with students in a way that undermines the disciplinary action. However, if anyone feels another teacher detains students excessively or unnecessarily, he or she should report this to the Principal who will investigate the matter. Teachers who find it necessary to detain students often would do well to discuss the matter with an Assistant Principal or the more experienced teachers on the faculty. If a student says he or she already has disciplinary or late detention after school, please see the Assistant Principal for Students to determine which detention the student should serve. Detention for an entire class can do great harm in alienating innocent students, is counterproductive and should not be used.
• Discussing a student's misbehavior with their parents is often the best method of solving classroom problems.
• Disciplinary detention is defined as detention assigned by the Assistant Principal for Students.
• When a student’s behavior does not improve after a teacher detained him or her, or when a teacher must correct the behavior of a student not in his or her class, the teacher may refer the student to the Assistant Principal for Students who will decide what disciplinary measures should be taken. Disciplinary detention should be viewed as a more serious response to a problem student or problem situation. Disciplinary detention may be used for any serious violation of school rules or chronic difficulty. Misconduct anywhere in the school or on the school grounds may call for detention. Disciplinary detention is not given for classroom misconduct, inattention, or poor performance such as missing homework. Disciplinary detention should not be viewed as a substitute for a teacher's own classroom discipline.
• In the event of a fight between students involving actual physical contact, teachers in the vicinity of the altercation should take “common sense” steps to stop the fight without placing themselves or others in danger. The teacher or teachers should “take action” intended to stop and separate the students involved. Such action may include assertive verbal commands without the use of direct physical intervention. Teachers are not required to physically intervene since such intervention may place the teacher or others in harm’s way. In the event that a teacher chooses to physically intervene, separate, or otherwise stop an altercation, the intervention should be reasonable, proportional and prudent. The school supports teacher actions which are intended to stop a dangerous situation. In the event that circumstances warrant additional assistance, a teacher is advised to use prudent judgment and direct a specific student to get adult help in the immediate vicinity as well as administrative assistance.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
DRESS CODE
As a teacher at Archbishop Molloy High School, dress typically emphasizes professional attire, modesty, and neatness, often requiring business casual or "smart business dress" with formal footwear.
GENERAL DRESS CODE PRINCIPLES
Professionalism: The primary goal is to project an image of professionalism and respect for the educational environment.
Modesty: Clothing should be modest and avoid revealing or distracting attire.
Neatness: Teachers should maintain a clean and well-groomed appearance.
Comfort: Clothing should allow for active participation in teaching and movement.
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES:
Shirts: Dress shirts, cleaned and ironed
Ties: Men are required to wear a tie.
Skirts/Dresses: Skirts and dresses should be knee-length or slightly longer.
Trousers: Full-length trousers for men.
Footwear: Formal footwear is required. Flip-flops, sneakers, and other casual footwear are prohibited.
GROOMING:
Hair: Hair should be clean, neat, of a natural color, and modest.
Facial Hair: Excessive or unkempt facial hair is not acceptable.
Jewelry and Tattoos: Jewelry and tattoos should be discreet.
Piercings: Facial or visible body piercings should be restricted (except for earrings for women).
EXCEPTIONS:
PE Teachers: PE teachers may have a more relaxed dress code, allowing for sportswear and movement necessary for teaching and supervision.
Casual Days: Archbishop Molloy has designated days where a more relaxed dress code is allowed, but even on these days, modesty and professionalism are still expected.
WHY DRESS CODES MATTER
Professionalism: A well-defined dress code helps establish a sense of professionalism and distinguishes staff as key members of the school community.
Teachers and professional staff as examples: Teachers and professional staff serve as role models for students and influence students’ perceptions of appropriate behavior.
Focus on Learning: A clear dress policy encourages a focused learning environment free of distractions.
Modesty and Respect: This reflects our Catholic Marist values of modesty and respect for oneself and others.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Emergencies may arise which require immediate, planned action by faculty and staff. The first concern must always be the safety of the students entrusted to the school’s care. Every faculty/staff member should be aware of their responsibilities as listed in the Emergency Procedure Handbook.
• It is impossible for the Principal to be on hand at all times. In an emergency, the President or an Assistant Principal may act in the name of the Principal. The teacher or staff member on the scene of the emergency must always take whatever action is immediately needed to insure the safety of the students. If there is any doubt about delaying action until an administrator can be consulted, the teacher or staff member should act immediately to insure student safety.
• Fires require calm and deliberate action by the teacher on the scene. Anyone who sees flames, or smells smoke or gas should immediately pull the nearest fire alarm without waiting to consult the administration. After pulling the fire alarm, the teacher should determine if it is appropriate to control the fire using the extinguishers located throughout the building, if the fire is small and contained, such as in a wastebasket. The first priority, however, is the safe evacuation of the building. Whenever the fire bell sounds, the Evacuation Drill procedures should be followed immediately by all teachers, students, and staff.
• Bomb Threats are always treated seriously. If the Principal determines that a bomb threat has been made, he will notify the police and evacuate the building using the Evacuation Drill procedure. If the police determine that the building can safely be re-entered, classes will resume and dismissal will be delayed to make up for the lost class time. If the police require the building to be emptied for a prolonged period, the Principal will dismiss the students, and will schedule time to make up missed classes. Falsely reporting a bomb threat is a crime punishable by up to one year in prison under section 240.55 sub 1 of the New York State Penal Code. If an emergency worker is injured while responding to a bomb threat, the crime is elevated to a class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison. Any teacher or staff receiving a threatening call should ask the caller: where is the bomb located, when will it go off, what does it look like, what kind of explosive is involved, why was it placed, and what is your name? Police advise us that a caller may be caught off guard and give their name in these circumstances. They are also often able to trace such calls immediately.
• Medical Emergencies are covered in detail under Safety and Health in this handbook.
• Dangerous events outside the building such as fires, windstorms, tornadoes, hail, severe lightning storms may require students to remain inside the building. If the event may cause windows to break, students should be moved to the hallways until the emergency is over, and windows should be left slightly open at top and bottom to equalize pressure.
• School Closings as a result of weather, lack of heat, light, electric power, and so forth, will be determined by the Principal. If the decision to close is made before the start of the school day. Students and faculty should check the school’s web site (www. molloyhs.org). If the decision to close is made during the school day, it will be announced over the public address system. Such emergency closings may require class time to be rescheduled. Modesty and professionalism are still expected.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS
• Regularly scheduled drills are required by state law. At first, teachers will be advised in advance, so they can be sure their students know the exact procedures to follow. Later drills will be unannounced.
• When the fire bell sounds, students should leave all books in the room. The students nearest the windows should close them. Students should exit the classroom single file in silence, and proceed to the nearest stairwell without crossing a hallway fire door. If the nearest stairwell is blocked, the teacher should redirect the class to the next stairwell. The teachers should be the last to leave, taking their iPads with them and closing the door behind. Teachers should supervise their classes throughout the drill, maintaining complete silence and order.
• On leaving the building, students should be directed away from the school to the gathering place on the baseball field. Each teacher/staff member performs his/her duties according to the listed responsibilities in the Emergency Procedure Handbook located in the top drawer of the teacher’s desk in each classroom and on Google Drive. Faculty should maintain student silence and model it by refraining from speaking themselves.
• When the drill is completed, a signal will indicate that the pupils are to return to the classes in progress, always through the door they used to exit. Teachers should be among the first to re-enter their rooms to safeguard student property and maintain order. If all teachers cooperate in following the above instructions, we will not lose much time in these necessary fire drills. School fire boxes are connected to the fire department. In case of real fire a call to 911 should be made.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES • SAFETY PLAN
EVACUATION PROCEDURES
• The principal or his designee should pull the fire alarm and announce on P.A. and call 911. The “V-Alert” app will be used to notify all Faculty/ Staff of the evacuation and further instruction will be included in the V-Alert notification. Once alarm is sounded, all personnel should proceed with the evacuation and assume their Primary/ Secondary Assignments if feasible. A classroom teacher’s primary responsibility is always to make sure his/her class is evacuated from the building. Faculty with handicapped students or students using crutches or canes in their classes, should designate two strong, able-bodied students to help the student needing assistance out of the building.
• Teachers should ensure the evacuation occurs quickly. Take your “Emergency Backpack” if you were assigned one. Turn out the lights, close the door and make sure you monitor your “V-Alert” app for further instructions.
• DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR for any reason.
• Security will open all doors using the Entrapass Web app to ensure rapid access to the building by first responders
• To exit the building, use the closest stairs/door to your classroom, without passing a fire door (double doors).
* Consult your school building map in your classroom for the closet evacuation route.
• When you exit the building, stay on the sidewalk in front of the building and walk towards the Manton Street entrance of the parking lot.
• Enter the parking lot through the Manton Street entrance and proceed to the track/baseball field gate.
• Enter the track/baseball field: Homerooms will be painted on the curb, along the track. In addition, homeroom placards will be given to the first student on line of each homeroom. They are to hold the sign up for others to see.
* There will be faculty/staff members directing students to their assigned side when entering the track/field.
* 9th and 10th graders go to the right and walk along the track to find their assigned homeroom location.
* 11th and 12th graders go to the left and walk along the track to find their assigned homeroom location.
• Students will line up on the grass, facing the track. Each homeroom will be single file and in alphabetical order.
• Homeroom teachers will take attendance with school issued attendance sheets which will be distributed. When attendance is completed, return your attendance sheet to your designated grade attendance collector.
• Homeroom teachers should continue to keep students silent and wait for further instructions.
LOCKDOWN CLASSROOM PLAN
1. There is a potentially threatening situation inside or near the school, which may involve weapons. Please remain calm.
2. Immediately lock your classroom door. As you are locking the door, please direct any students near your classroom to come inside.
3. Monitor the “V-Alert” notification system for further instruction.
4. Direct your students to move away from door and windows.
5. Do not open the door for any reason. Authorities will have keys.
6. Cover your classroom windows and turn off all lights and/or close the shades.
7. Do not call the office unless you have a life-threatening situation. Stay off the telephone and do not permit students to use cell phones.
8. Take the roll of your students (including any additional students you took into your classroom) and be prepared to hand your roll to authorities as needed.
9. If you hear gunshots, direct your students to lie on the ground and lie down yourself.
10. Remain in a lock down and do not send students to the office until you are otherwise instructed Face to Face by an Administrator or security safety officer, or law enforcement officer. Disregard any requests that are made over the public address system to do otherwise, even if made by administration, unless the request is made Face to Face.
11. Do NOT respond to the Fire Alarm. Remain in LOCKDOWN if the fire alarm is activated.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
These activities are an important part of every student’s high school experience. Teachers are strongly encouraged to support the extracurricular program the school offers.
• Faculty members working with students before or after school in any capacity must give careful consideration to the time of day and the length of time the activity requires. A student’s priority is his/her academic work. Extracurriculars that begin very early before school or run very late after class may jeopardize a student’s success in school.
• Activity moderators must provide direct supervision of all students in their care. Students must not be allowed to roam the building, but should remain together in one area in the presence of the faculty member. Moderators must secure the areas used at the end of the activity and be certain that students in that activity have left the building. Only appropriate areas should be used for each activity and warm ups. Athletic practices may not take place anywhere inside the building except in the gym and basement weight room area. For example, hallways, stairwells and classrooms are not appropriate places for athletic practices.
• Activity moderators should not schedule any activity before 7:30 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. on a school day, nor anytime on a non-school day without the permission of an administrator. Moderators with this permission must arrive well before the scheduled start time to admit students to the building, and must make certain that all areas used are locked before the moderator leaves the building.
• In the event of an emergency school closing, all activities, practices, and games are also canceled. For good cause, the Principal may grant an exception to this policy.
• Liturgy Coordination: Faculty are encouraged to plan, create, and execute liturgical activities in conjunction with the Liturgy Coordinator. These activities include: The opening of the school year, Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Commencement, and Holy days when school is in session.
• Moderators of any activity that meets off the grounds of the school must previously obtain the written consent of the parents. See the section entitled Trips for details.
• Athletic team moderators and coaches must be certain that all required medical and parental forms are on file before any student is permitted to participate in athletics. See the section entitled Trips for sample forms for this purpose and for travel with teams.
• Only students registered in the school are permitted to use the school facilities or to participate in a school-sponsored activity of any type.
• Whenever an activity will detain students beyond the usual ending time, the moderator or coach must require all participants to notify their parents of the ending time of the activity.
• The ideal length for an entertainment such as a concert or play is two hours, and moderators should be certain that the total running time does not exceed two and a half hours.
EXTRA HELP
Many teachers generously offer extra help classes. These teachers are commended for their dedication and commitment. In the interest of fairness, safety and security, teachers should observe the following procedures:
• Because not all students may be able to avail themselves of extra help classes when they are offered, new, required material should never be introduced in these sessions. Such material should be introduced during regular class time; extra help should review previously introduced material.
• Students should never be penalized for declining to attend extra help classes. They are required to attend only the classes they have been scheduled for. Extra help classes should be entirely optional.
• When extra help classes are offered before or after school on a regular basis, teachers must inform Mr. Auer’s office of meeting rooms and start and end times in case the office receives parent inquiries.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
EXTRA
• For extra help classes that are offered when school is not in session (weekends or vacation periods), teachers must notify Mr. Auer’s office of when and where they will occur at least one week in advance. The teacher should let students in through the cafeteria and wait there until all students have assembled before proceeding to the classroom. A student should never be given the authority to let someone into the building. At the end of class, teachers should escort students down to the first floor as a group; students should never be on their own in the second and third floor hallways.
• Teachers who meet with students anywhere in the school building, especially when other classes or activities are not in session, are advised to exercise the utmost caution and good judgment.
FACILITIES
• Teachers must request a parking tag to park in the parking lot. The school assumes no responsibility for vehicles parked on the property.
• Because space in the building is at a premium, multiple-use spaces must be signed out by a teacher or an administrator as far in advance as feasible. Except in last-minute unforeseen circumstances, such requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests for library spaces, including the Conference Room and the Computer Lab, should be directed to the librarian, Dorothy DeNoto; requests for the theater, cafeteria, and other public areas, to the Activities Coordinator, Liz Murdocca; for use of the gyms please see Athletic Director, Mike McCleary. Whoever assumes the responsibility of using these rooms for any activity also assumes the responsibility of direct supervision of all areas used for that activity, turning lights out, and locking the facility after use.
• Whenever microphones are used in the theater or the gym, the person in charge of the event must return the equipment immediately after the event to prevent loss of this equipment.
• The last teacher, coach, or moderator to leave a classroom, locker room, gym, or other facility is responsible to make sure no students remain unsupervised and that the facility is left secure: windows locked, lights out, and doors locked and cooling apparatus off.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND PRESS
Freedom of speech and press are hallowed traditions in our country. The First Amendment to the Constitution limits the government’s power to regulate speech. These rights are not absolute, however, and the government has regulated speech and press in such exceptions as libel, perjury, slander, obscenity, incitement to riot, false advertising, threatening letters or phone calls, gun and tobacco advertisements, and so forth.
Confusion sometimes arises because public schools, as agents of the government, are subject to the constraints of Constitutional law. As a private school, Archbishop Molloy is not so restricted.
• All members of the school community, faculty, staff and students, must refrain from vulgar, obscene, or demeaning speech or communication.
• Class time should be used for instruction on topics within the scope of the curriculum. Teachers should be sensitive not to impose on a captive audience with frequent digressions. For example, a teacher whose curriculum does not include politics should not regularly devote class time to political discussions.
• All school publications, productions, presentations and displays should be carefully reviewed by the moderator, who will ensure that such publications are in keeping with the school’s philosophy and goals.
• Teachers need to be particularly sensitive in areas of religious controversy. As a Catholic school, Archbishop Molloy requires the approval of the Ordinary of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens to continue in operation. Teachers and staff must not detract from the school’s Catholic mission and identity in their public speaking or published writing.
• The Principal is the final arbiter of the appropriateness of speech and press in school-related settings.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND PRESS • continued
To maintain good morale and interpersonal relationships, faculty and staff should be sensitive to and aware of individuals to whom they make complaints or comment. It is never acceptable for any faculty or staff member to speak negatively about another faculty member, staff member or administrator to students, parents, faculty or staff. Such comments detract from the good name of others without providing the person in question with an opportunity to correct factual errors. Moreover, unless they are appropriately addressed to those who best effect an improvement, negative comments are unlikely to improve the situation and may unjustly harm the good name of another.
Therefore, faculty and staff with a valid concern or complaint about another should first speak privately with the other party involved; then to the chairperson of the person’s department or other immediate supervisor; then to an Assistant Principal who supervises the appropriate area; and lastly, to the Principal. In most cases, this same protocol will be urged upon parents who contact the office with a concern about a teacher.
GRADING
The information stated here supplements the policies and procedures printed in the Student-Parent Handbook. Faculty should be familiar with the grading policies contained in that handbook.
• At the halfway point and end of each of the marking periods, teachers are required to post their grades electronically. Teachers are strongly encouraged to post grades more frequently, however, so that students and parents remain updated on students’ progress.
• Report cards are issued at the end of the first three marking periods, and again at the end of the school year in late June. Marks are numeric, and the passing grade is 70. In the first quarter, freshmen should be assigned no mark below 65. Otherwise, the lowest grade permitted in a marking period is 55, except for seniors and for students in half year courses, who may be given whatever grade they have earned after the teacher consults with an Assistant Principal. Assigning a failing grade sends an unambiguous message to students and their parents. Assigning a very low grade, however much it may be an accurate reflection of the student’s poor performance, has the unintended side-effect of causing a student to give up completely.
• The “Principal’s List” consists of all students who attain a 99.0 vertical average. “Honors with Distinction” are awarded to students who attain a vertical average of 95.0. “Honors” are awarded for a vertical average of 93.0.
• Teachers who use “extra credit” as part of their class grade should award such credit only for an academic achievement such as a project, presentation or assignment. Extra credit should never be used to reward students for attendance at athletic events or cultural events such as games, plays and concerts. Doing so distorts students’ grades and creates confusion when students are considered for graduation awards or apply for honors or A.P. classes, when as little as one-tenth of a point can mean the difference between a student’s acceptance into the class or rejection.
• Grades and assessments are subject to review by the department chair and the administration.
• Grades reported to parents should be accurate. In the unusual circumstance that a mark must be changed, the form must be submitted by the posted due date, usually within a few days of the issue of report cards to students.
• The Student-Parent Handbook contains further details on weighted grades, credits, graduation requirements, requirements for a Regents Diploma, academic policies, and so forth.
• Teachers should be reflective about scheduling major exams on the last two days of a marking period. Since students often have a large number of tests on these days, teachers will likely not see the students’ best performance. Teachers may end their testing for a marking period earlier than the due date for marks, and may wish to test material from the last few days of one marking period towards the start of the next.
• The public posting of grades either by the student’s name, student number, or social security number without the student’s uncoerced written permission is a violation of the Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act of 1974 (a Federal law, also known as the Buckley Amendment). Posting grades should only be done using systems that ensure FERPA requirements are met. This can be accomplished either by obtaining the student’s uncoerced written permission or by using code words or randomly assigned numbers that only the teacher and individual student know. The order of posting should not be alphabetic.
• To support student learning and provide an accurate picture of achievement, teachers are encouraged to use a variety of assessment methods throughout the year. Relying on multiple forms of assessment, such as projects, written assignments, presentations, performance tasks, quizzes, and tests, ensures that students have diverse opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
GUIDANCE
Guidance is an integral part of a healthy school environment. Consequently, teachers are encouraged to refer students to their Guidance Counselors.
• Faculty should allow students to attend guidance interviews scheduled during the school day. The only exception is if a major exam is scheduled during the time of the guidance appointment. In this instance, the student should be directed to inform the counselor immediately of the need to reschedule the appointment.
• Teachers who see a marked change in a student’s behavior, achievement or attitude, or observe a student who seems depressed or under stress, should inform the appropriate guidance counselor.
HARASSMENT
Harassment is neither acceptable nor tolerable by Archbishop Molloy High School. Harassment is defined as offensive, intimidating, or hostile behavior which has the intent or effect of unreasonably disrupting the school environment. This includes sexual, ethnic and racial harassment, hazing, as well as any other form of human meanness. All accusations of harassment will be investigated by the Principal, and where there is a basis for the accusations, appropriate remedies will be imposed.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT is a form of discrimination and it may be defined as any unwanted sexually oriented acts which create a hostile, intimidating of offensive environment.
Archbishop Molloy High School is committed to maintaining an academic atmosphere that is free from sexual harassment and/ or violence, where faculty, staff and students can work and study together comfortably. Archbishop Molloy High School forbids any form of sexual harassment, violence or intimidation.
It is forbidden to harass a student or employee through conduct or communication described in this policy. It is understood that sexual harassment can originate from a person of either sex against a person of the same or opposite sex, and from students or employees. Archbishop Molloy High School will quickly investigate all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written, of sexual harassment and will discipline any student or employee who is found guilty of sexual harassment. Any person who reports in good faith any behavior which he/she perceives as sexual harassment will be protected from retaliation of any type. Definition - 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 any of these conditions exist:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment (or education); OR
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment (or educational) decisions affecting such individuals; OR
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
SOME EXAMPLES OF SUCH BEHAVIOR INCLUDE (BUT NOT LIMITED TO):
Written contact - Sexually suggestive or obscene letters, notes, invitations, drawings or computer messages.
Verbal contact - Sexually suggestive or obscene comments, threats, jokes (including jokes about racial and gender specific traits), any sexual propositions, comments about another’s body, or sexual characteristics which may be construed as embarrassing to another.
Physical contact - Any intentional pats, squeezes, touching, pinching, and repeatedly brushing up against another’s body, assault, blocking movement, or coercing sexual intercourse. Visual contact - Suggestive looks, staring at another’s body, gesturing, displaying sexually explicit or suggestive objects, pictures or magazines.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
HARASSMENT • continued
Sexual blackmail - Sexual behavior to control another person’s actions. Reporting procedures - The Principal receives oral or written reports of sexual harassment or sexual violence on school grounds. Any person who believes that he/she has been the victim of sexual harassment by a member of the Archbishop Molloy High School community, or any person with knowledge or belief of such conduct, should report alleged acts immediately to the Principal.
Archbishop Molloy High School considers acts of sexual harassment to be contrary to the Church’s teaching on the dignity of the human person. Consequently, the school will investigate all complaints promptly and aggressively. Where acts of sexual harassment are found, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken which may include warnings, reprimands, suspensions, or termination of employment. False Charges - If after a thorough investigation it is determined that a complaint was made with the knowledge that the facts were false, the filing individual will be subject to severe disciplinary action which may include suspension or dismissal.
Insensitive Comment form can be found on the Resources page on Blackbaud.
HOMEROOM PROCEDURES
The short homeroom period is set aside for organizational work each day. All faculty are asked to schedule any use of homeroom time with the Assistant Principals so that the demands made on homeroom teachers are reasonable on any one day. Homeroom teachers perform an important service to all teachers by reducing the need to interrupt academic classes during the day.
• Homeroom teachers should appoint a student to check the homeroom mailbox every day on the way to homeroom period. Even if a teacher checks the homeroom mailbox before the 8:00 class, it is imperative that the mailbox be checked again, just before the start of homeroom; often, time-sensitive materials are left in the mailboxes until the next day when they are no longer of use.
• Whenever announcements are made over the public address system, homeroom teachers are asked to require students to listen quietly and attentively.
• Teachers will direct students to listen to the morning prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Following the prayer and pledge, the students will begin watching the Morning Buzz on the SmartBoard.
• Students are to remain in the homeroom the entire period.
HOMEWORK
Students are expected to spend a minimum of two hours a day on assigned or review work. They are expected to keep a record of their daily assignments in an assignment pad.
• Properly prepared and carefully explained homework assignments are of value, but busy work assignments are not. Good written assignments should be short and challenging. To ask students to rehash what was covered in class seldom inspires interest. Assignments which demand analysis and imagination will challenge and stimulate students while developing their critical thinking skills. Homework which is given but not corrected or reviewed with students is of little value.
• Teachers are encouraged to calendar upcoming assignments in advance so that students learn to organize their study time efficiently.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
IPADS AND LAPTOP COMPUTERS
iPads and laptops are entrusted to all faculty members. Please remember these are property of the school; be discreet and judicious in any personal use of these devices. They are to be used primarily for research and for the enhancement of classroom instruction.
• During the school day iPads and laptops should be secured and out of sight when not in your possession.
• At the end of the day iPads and laptops should either be locked in your desk or brought home.
• Students should never have access or operate a faculty iPad or laptop without the direct supervision of a faculty member.
• Faculty members should never give out their username and passwords to students.
• It is highly recommended that you save any files you work on at home. Files you work on while in the school building are backed up nightly.
• Use your iPad or laptop whenever possible; avoid using computers intended for student use (i.e. library).
• If your iPad or laptop is malfunctioning please contact the IT team at helpdesk@molloyhs.org.
• Please keep iPads and laptops away from food, drink or heat.
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance of a building the size of our school is a tremendous undertaking. The teacher’s example of neatness and order will be reflected in the students’ attitude toward cleanliness.
• Teachers must insist that the students keep the classrooms clean and neat. At the conclusion of the last period, the teacher should be sure that the desks are arranged in orderly rows. Teachers are requested to direct students to pick up litter left in the corridors and on the floors of the classrooms.
• Except in an emergency, all requests for classroom repairs or concerns about the physical plant should be addressed to Brian Yuska at facilities@molloyhs.org. Please do not directly engage the services of any other maintenance staff yourself.
• Should a teacher feel that certain areas of the building are not properly cleaned by the custodial staff or that areas have been neglected, this information should be given to the Facilities Director.
• If teachers notice damaged desks or walls that are written on or any form of vandalism they should notify the Assistant Principal for Students. Students who deliberately damage school property must pay for the damages.
• As a courtesy to the next teacher to use the classroom, each faculty member should erase the blackboards before leaving the room.
• Each teacher should be attentive to the neat storage of materials, and should periodically review what has been stored, discarding items no longer needed. Department chairs should oversee the good order of materials stored in the fourth floor department offices, as well as in labs, closets, or other storage areas. Special care must be taken to minimize storage of dangerous materials, such as flammable, corrosive, or explosive chemicals.
• The faculty coat room should not be used for storage. There will be periodic sweeps of the coat room. Unauthorized materials will be discarded, so please be vigilant in clearing out materials you will be needing.
ORDERING PROCEDURES
Only the department chair may order materials to be paid for by the school within the department budget. Moderators and coaches of extra-curricular activities are responsible for ordering what their budgets allow. Information on department and activity budgets is available from the Finance Office. All packages and invoices should be addressed to the person who placed the order. Upon receiving an invoice or bill, the person originally ordering should indicate if the material was received and promptly present the invoice to the Finance Office for payment. All purchases must be approved by the Principal, Athletic Director or the Director of Student Activities.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
PRAYERS IN SCHOOL
Quality prayer experiences are integral to the mission of this school.
• Classroom teachers are encouraged to provide short but thoughtful prayer experiences at the start of their classes. Teachers may compose a prayer, or invite students to do so after the teacher has modeled the style and length desired. Prayers should not be used as a means to obtain order at the start of a class.
• Faculty and staff are asked to help maintain a quiet, prayerful atmosphere throughout the school during Morning Prayer.
• School-wide liturgies, prayer services, retreats, encounters, and service programs are also an important part of the student’s experience. Teacher support and participation provide leadership for students in expressing the religious heritage of the school.
• The Marist Brothers were founded by Saint Marcellin Champagnat in 1817. The Brothers began Archbishop Molloy High School in 1892 as St. Ann’s Academy. Two invocations that reflect the school’s century-old tradition are
Saint Marcellin Champagnat, pray for us. Mary, our Good Mother, pray for us. Good Saint Ann, pray for us. Let us remember to pray for each other.
SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY
The primary concern of the school is the well-being of the students entrusted to its care. This concern is consistent with our mission and professional commitment. The school has adopted the following guidelines and procedures to create a secure, supportive educational environment.
• All adults who are agents of the school, including but not limited to teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, cafeteria, maintenance and all other staff, whether full-time, whether paid employees or volunteers, are considered MANDATORY REPORTERS. Mandated Reporters are required to report instances of suspected child abuse or maltreatment only when they are presented with reasonable cause to suspect child abuse, neglect or maltreatment in their professional roles.
• Therefore, any agent of the school who witnesses a student being physically, emotionally, or sexually abused is obligated to contact the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). The SCR is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive calls. 1-800-635-1522. The Principal of the school should also receive a report of the abuse.
• If a school agent suspects that a student has been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused the Guidance Chairperson should be notified. The Guidance Chairperson or the student’s counselor will see the student to further investigate the situation. If necessary the Guidance counselor will report to the Administration of Children’s Services (ACS) and also to a member of the school administration.
• Teachers and staff must not hit, strike, or touch students in any way that can be construed as punitive or sexual. Because false allegations can damage one’s professional life, teachers and staff must exercise due caution to avoid circumstances that would support such an allegation. To avoid even the hint of impropriety, a teacher or staff member should avoid being alone with a single student behind closed doors unless a window or other opening permits outsiders to see into the area.
The following adult behaviors are inappropriate for a teachers and staff members: visiting a student’s home, particularly if no parent is present; frequent telephoning or electronic messaging of students; social trips with a student; sharing of the adult’s personal problems or the intimate details of his or her life; inviting a student or students to visit the teacher or staff member at home or in any private setting; providing alcohol or drugs to any student, or allowing it to be provided. Teachers and staff engaging in the above activities will be subject to disciplinary action, including discharge for the offending teacher or staff member.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY • CONTINUED
• It is the responsibility of each teacher and staff member to report to the Principal any indications that any teacher or staff member has engaged in inappropriate or questionable behavior.
• The school will comply with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities and will cooperate in their investigation in accord with the law of the jurisdiction in question. The school will cooperate with public authorities about reporting in cases where the victim is no longer a minor. The school will advise the victim of his or her right to make a report to public authorities and will support this right. The Principal, as required by the District Attorney’s offices, will report the allegation to the police before informing the accused.
• The executive committee of the School Board will act as a confidential consultative body, advising the Principal in assessing allegations of sexual abuse of minors, and regularly reviewing the policies and procedures of the school concerning sexual abuse of minors. Whenever an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor is made, the executive committee will conduct its own internal confidential investigation of the matter and determine what, if any, disciplinary action, including discharge, should be taken. This internal investigation will begin after the civil authorities have been notified and will cooperate with the civil authorities in their investigation. However, as the standards of proof needed for a criminal conviction differ from those required for discharge of an employee, the executive committee will conduct its own investigation of the matter.
• After informing the police, the Principal will suspend the teacher or staff member from work with pay during the investigation. During any investigation by the police or by the School, the President and the review panel will be the only persons authorized to speak for the school and prepare public statements. The Principal or his delegate will offer to meet with the victims and their families, to listen with compassion to their experience and concerns, and to provide counseling, spiritual assistance and other social services agreed upon by the victim and the school
• Students sometimes share confidence with educators. Teachers and staff should be aware that the law does not grant these confidences the same immunity as those shared by lawyer/client, doctor/patient, priest/ penitent, and husband/wife privileges. Although generally a teacher, counselor, or other staff member should not repeat confidences, in the event of a lawsuit involving a particular student, that student’s journal could be subpoenaed, and a teacher could be compelled to testify regarding the content of confidential conversations.
• Counselors or teachers whose class work includes journal-writing or other means of sharing personal confidences should inform their classes of ground rules at the very beginning. Teachers and staff should respect confidences unless health or safety is involved. In such an instance, the student should know that the greater good requires that the information be revealed.
• Faculty and staff use of the school’s computer and Internet facilities is governed by the Computer Use Policy that appears in full in the Student-Parent Handbook.
• In addressing accusations of sexual misconduct, the school will not enter into a confidentiality agreement as part of a settlement, except for grave and substantial reasons brought forward by the victim and noted in the text of the agreement.
• In the event of a credible allegation of sexual abuse, the school will communicate as openly as possible with the members of the school community, within the confines of respect for the privacy and reputation of the individuals involved.
• The school will provide education for students, parents, and all personnel who have regular contact with minors in the school about ways to make and maintain a safe environment. Information about appropriate boundaries between adults and minors are included in the Student-Parent Handbook and in the Faculty & Staff Handbook to make everyone in the school community aware of behaviors that can lead to sexual abuse of minors.
• Using the resources of law enforcement and other community agencies, the school will arrange for a background check for all current and newly hired personnel.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SAFETY AND HEALTH
• SECURITY DESK PHONE NUMBER: 718-215-0502
• Each classroom is equipped with a call button to contact the Security Desk and the Student Services Department. Press button and release, wait for tone and speak towards the speaker in the classroom to report the issue.
• New York State Clean Indoor Air Act: This act prohibits smoking and vaping in most workplaces, including schools, indoors and on school grounds.
Each teacher, and ultimately the school, is responsible for the safety of his or her students. This responsibility cannot be delegated to a student asked to take charge of other pupils.
• Teachers should be aware of the potentially hazardous areas in the classroom, especially in the science rooms or laboratories, and must be prepared to act quickly and calmly should an accident occur. Teachers should also be aware of dangers posed by electrical cords. A student should be sent to inform the Principal or Assistant Principal of any problems. Another student should be sent to summon the Nurse. The injured student must not be moved from the classroom. Statements should be obtained from the injured, when possible, and from two or three witnesses. A written report, by the teacher in attendance, should be filed with the Nurse. The student’s parents will be informed by the Nurse. If a teacher is involved in an accident, the nearest teacher and an administrator should be notified immediately.
• Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) does not consider classroom teachers as atrisk employees under their guidelines, school workers at one time or another are exposed to blood or other possibly infectious body fluids. For the safety of everyone at the school, it is important to be aware of the dangers and to follow the recommended guidelines. OSHA lists the possibly infectious body fluids: blood, sputum, vomit, urine, stool, semen, or vaginal secretions. It is not always possible to predict the communicability of a patient’s or student’s illness. It may be asymptomatic. Every patient/student will be respectfully treated as a potential infectious host. Teachers and coaches should wear latex gloves when assisting an ill or injured student. These gloves are available in the Health office.
• If a student is injured and bleeding, or if a student has vomited in class, summon an administrator. Have the student assist with as much care as possible to limit the possibility of contamination. Do not allow yourself to come in contact with any possibly contaminating body fluid without the protection of latex gloves.
• OSHA considers the following as at risk school employees: physical education teachers, athletic coaches and custodial workers who clean up blood and other possibly infectious body fluids. It is strongly advised that the listed employees receive a Hepatitis B vaccination. Precaution should be the routine to prevent skin exposure or mucous membrane exposure and when in contact with blood or other possibly infectious body fluids. Use good hand washing techniques with acceptable antibacterial washes. Gloves should be worn in potentially hazardous situations with students or when handling soiled surfaces. Gloves should be changed for each separate student or when they are torn. Health care providers should wear protective eye wear or face shields during interactions that would likely generate droplet infection. This is to prevent exposure of mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes. Contaminated hands and skin surfaces should be washed immediately. If you are concerned about exposure, see a medical doctor immediately for evaluation, assessment and treatment, if needed. A potentially exposed worker should request HIV testing through a medical doctor.
• New York City law forbids smoking by anyone on school property. Neither students nor faculty/staff may smoke in the building, on the property, in school-owned vans or driver education cars, or at school- sponsored events.
• Asbestos - Archbishop Molloy High School complies with all AHERA asbestos management requirements. Because the building was constructed in the 1950’s, certain building materials contain asbestos. Any faculty or staff member who notices any building material that is deteriorating should report this promptly to the Principal so that corrective action can be taken.
• Pesticides - Pesticide products may be used in the school periodically throughout the year. Faculty and staff can receive forty-eight hour prior written notification of certain pesticide applications by submitting a written request to the Office Manager.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES
What is social media?
Social is defined as any form of online publication or presence that allows users to engage in multidirectional conversations in or around the content on the website. A large percentage of internet traffic today is centered on social media sites. Social media includes: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Ning, Twitter, Second Life, YouTube, blogs, micro blogs, wikis, social bookmarking, instant messaging, document sharing, and e-mail.
GUIDELINES:
1. USE COMMON SENSE
Social Media has blurred the lines between public and private, personal and professional. Use common sense when engaging in these forms of communication and do nothing that will call into question your integrity or good name. Remember that online postings and conversations are not private and live forever in the digital world. Therefore, be careful about sharing too much personal information such as pet names, parents and children’s names, where you grew up, and your date and year of birth. This information can lead to stolen passwords and aid in identity theft. You are responsible for what you post, so make it a point never to publish something online that you would not be willing to say face to face. What you post will be seen by others and can be forwarded or shared in just a few clicks.
2. BE TRANSPARENT
Represent yourself in such a way online that you are easily identifiable. Creating alias accounts or otherwise attempting to hide your true identity hints at impropriety.
3. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS A MOLLOY EMPLOYEE
Upholding the values and integrity of the school is a requirement of employment at Molloy. Employees who post information on Social Media sites that is contrary to the school’s values or beliefs may jeopardize their career. This includes posting inappropriate personal information; provocative photographs or videos; sexually explicit messages; materials promoting the illegal use of alcohol or drugs; confidential information about students, faculty, or internal school discussions; offensive comments about students, faculty, or staff; insubordination; or other behaviors unbecoming an employee at Molloy.
4. ADOPT A “NO CONTACT” RULE WITH CURRENT STUDENTS
The faculty handbook’s Safe Environment Policy outlines unprofessional and inappropriate behavior between employees and students. Because social media blurs the lines between personal and professional life, employees should be extra vigilant when using social media sites so that school guidelines are not violated. To ensure this, employees should adopt a “no contact” rule with current students.
ACCEPTABLE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
• Molloy provides all teachers, students and parents with an email account that should be the primary online vehicle of communication. Any communication from a Molloy email address is expected to be professional, acceptable in content to any reasonable person, and limited to information that is school related and relevant to the particular student. Molloy uses the Remind App for individual clubs or activities. Remind is a messaging app which is public and is a communication platform that reaches students and families. If the moderator needs help creating their group on Remind, please contact the IT Department.
• Molloy recognizes that school sponsored athletic teams are sometimes in the unique position of having to reach team members regarding changed practices, canceled or moved games, and/or rescheduled meeting times. Therefore coaches, upon receiving the permission of the Athletic Director, may create mass group emails and/or text messaging chains to
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES • CONTINUED
communicate with their team. It is imperative that the Athletic Director be copied on all emails or text messages sent to the team by a coach. Communications should never be sent only to one player nor should a coach engage in or encourage conversations with players using these mediums. All messaging should be relevant and used only when other forms of communication, i.e. in school announcements, cannot be accessed. YouTube and other video sharing sites have become increasingly popular with teachers and students for uploading class projects such as commercials, reenactments, and short films. Using this medium encourages students’ creativity and gives teachers the opportunity for multiple assessments. It is important, however, that teachers carefully monitor and regulate the posted videos. Under no circumstances should any students have their images posted online for a school project without parental consent. Any uploaded student project that is filmed in the school or on its grounds, uses the Molloy name or image, or contains references to faculty or school policies must be in adherence with Molloy values and policies contained in the Faculty and Student handbooks. Any crass, vulgar, or otherwise inappropriate video projects must not be uploaded. It is advised that once a project has been completed and assessed the video be taken down from the site.
5. WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK
It is our responsibility as educators who use social media to make sure it is used safely and effectively so we protect our reputations and protect our students. If you use social media and are unsure of its professional implications, ask an administrator.
STUDENT TEACHERS & OBSERVERS
On occasion chair people and teachers receive requests from former students, other graduate students, or academic institutions to place student teachers for a semester. Such requests should be brought to the attention of an Assistant Principal for Academics who will, with the chair, consider the feasibility of the request. If the decision is made to bring the student teacher into a classroom, a background search must be conducted. An administrator for Academics should also be informed if graduate students will be in the building observing classes for a day or a length of time. Approved student teachers and visiting observers should sign the visitor’s log in the main lobby and wear an identifying name tag.
STUDY HALLS
Study Halls are created primarily for seniors who have unscheduled periods. No teacher or counselor is to send students to study halls without first checking with the study hall supervisor that there is room to accommodate them. Study Hall supervisors take attendance on Blackbaud. Once students have signed in, they should not be allowed to leave the study hall until the end of the period. All school rules apply in the study hall, especially those governing the use of technology and personal devices in school.
Supervision of students is an important responsibility shared by all faculty. Good supervision requires active presence and awareness of all activity in the area under supervision. Such presence includes intervention whenever student behavior interferes with the good order needed for serious academic work, or when such behavior may lead to injury to the students themselves or to others. Teachers must always take the appropriate action that a prudent person would follow to insure the safety of all.
• Students must never be left unsupervised. The teacher, coach, or moderator must be physically present in the same room with the students at all times. Faculty who are negligent in supervision of the students in their care are subject to formal reprimand, suspension or dismissal, and may be named as defendants should a lawsuit result. Such faculty are responsible for all legal and/or medical costs that arise from students left improperly supervised. In the event of a genuine emergency, the teacher should send a student to the office to request a replacement. Teachers should instruct students how to behave in their absence, should such a replacement become necessary.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SUPERVISION • CONTINUED
• Teachers should ask students found unsupervised any place in the building to leave immediately and should report the incident to the Assistant Principal for Students.
• All students remaining in the building during faculty meetings must report to the cafeteria. Moderators and coaches should not schedule any meetings or practices during the time of faculty meetings. When absolutely necessary, approval of the Principal must be obtained.
• When school liturgies are scheduled, no other activities may be scheduled, nor may teachers meet with students for such purposes as make-up tests or tutoring. Students not attending liturgy must wait outside the building, or must be gathered in an area supervised by the Administration or its representatives.
• The last to leave a classroom at the conclusion of the school day should be the teacher. Be sure the students have left the classroom area, the windows are closed, and the shades are drawn half-way, and the classroom door is locked and the cooling systems are turned off. Under no circumstances are students permitted to remain in a classroom, before or after school, without the supervision of a teacher.
• Students not in a supervised after-school activity are to report to the cafeteria or the library if they wish to remain in the building. At 3:00 p.m., the doors to the second and third floor corridors will be locked to prevent re-entry to those floors. Moderators of after-school activities using rooms on these floors after 3:00 p.m. are responsible to escort their group off the floor and make sure that the exit doors are securely locked behind them. Students involved in activities after 3:00 p.m. must bring all needed materials from their locker with them to their activity since they will not have access to the second and third floors. Classroom keys will activate elevator access to the basement, first, second, and third floors; a separate key provides access to the fourth floor.
• Teachers who find it necessary to leave the classroom during a period should secure a replacement. If one is not readily available, they should notify the general office.
• Faculty are assigned to supervise classes of absent teachers. A full-time teaching schedule includes five class periods and a homeroom. Teachers with fewer classes should expect to replace daily, but all faculty must be available to supervise classes during their unscheduled periods. Notification will normally be given at the beginning of the school day. Staff should be available by 7:50 a.m. to receive supervision assignments.
• Whenever a teacher’s class attends an assembly or other special program, the teacher should be present to help with supervision.
• At the beginning and end of the school day and during the change of classes, teachers are asked to be aware of students in the hallways to ensure good order.
TRIPS
Any trip that involves a faculty member and at least one student enrolled in the school is considered a school trip subject to the procedures below. When the trip is organized off school grounds, parents who see that a faculty member is involved will assume that the school too is involved and that the school will oversee the proper supervision of the trip.
• Teachers who organize day or overnight trips must secure permission, two weeks prior, from the school’s administrative team before publicizing the trip.. Even if a trip has taken place in previous years, the moderator must not begin planning for a trip without the permission of the Principal each year. Field trip approval forms are to be filed electronically, and a sample permission slip can be found in Google Drive in the Faculty Folder under Field Trips.. All fees should be in check form with checks made out to Archbishop Molloy. Once all checks are collected, they should be given to the Finance Office so that a single check can be issued to pay for the entire trip.
• Chaperones for overnight trips should be taken from the pool of faculty and staff employed by the school. Exceptions must be approved by the Principal.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TRIPS • CONTINUED
• Students participating in the event must complete a permission form and have it signed by their parents. Any special conditions should be noted: the mode of transportation, the time the student will leave, and the time of the expected return should all be noted. Be sure that there is a space provided for an emergency phone number of a parent.
• If a trip has been approved for missing class time, an alphabetic listing of all students participating, together with their student numbers and homeroom, should be given to the attendance secretary one week in advance of the trip so that it can be published in that week’s faculty bulletin.
• Permission forms should also include a statement giving parental consent for any emergency medical care that may be needed.
• Generally speaking school-sponsored trips should have a clearly stated educational purpose.
VISITORS
All visitors to the school must “sign-in” in the main lobby and wear the Visitor’s Badge they will receive. If a guest lecturer or teacher has been invited to attend your class, the Assistant Principals for Academics or the Principal should be notified in advance. As a courtesy the visitor should be introduced to one of the administrators when the guest arrives. Unexpected visitors (friends, former students, and the like) will be informed that teachers are not available during the teaching day. Any teacher meeting a visitor in the corridor should feel free to inquire into the nature of the visitor’s presence. Such visitors should be directed to the general office to meet the teacher they have come to see. A member of the faculty should accompany an invited guest to the room he/she is to visit. If anyone is bringing a visitor into the faculty dining room for lunch, he/she should let the Principal know and he will inform the kitchen.
