LORDSTOWN FACULTY HANDBOOK

2021-22

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Mr. James M. Vivo, Principal Ms. Jill Cuckovich, Administrative Assistant/Building Secretary

SCHOOL COUNSELOR Mrs. Jessica Lee

CENTRAL OFFICE

Mr. Gregory Bonamase, Superintendent Mr. Mark Ferrara, Treasurer

SCHOOL BOARD

Mrs. Cheryl Kistler, President Mrs. Niki Reid Mrs. Jackie Woodward Mr. William Caitlin Mrs. Carla Click, Vice-President

FORWARD

Increasingly, we find our tasks as faculty members, administrators and staff more complicated as new concerns arise in our profession. It is important that we be aware of the expectations and responsibilities of our individual assignments. This handbook will serve as a useful guide throughout the school year as you organize your particular assignment and should be consulted frequently.

LHS MISSION AND CULTURAL BLUEPRINT MISSION The mission of Lordstown High School is to nurture positive, productive, responsible members of society by providing diverse and challenging school experiences that enable students to be lifelong learners.

OUR CULTURAL BLUEPRINT

IMPORTANT DATES Faculty meetings will be held the first Thursday of each month at 2:30pm in the auditorium. Attendance is required. Meetings will be to the point and flow from an agenda.

BLT Members: Mrs. Rook, Mrs. Strimple, Mr. Hart, Mrs. Martinez, Mr. Blasco PBIS Members: Ms. Holloway, Ms. Metheny, Ms. Gibson, Mrs. Kelecava, Mr. Smalley

CONFIDENTIALITY As educators, we are responsible for a great deal of personal information about our students and their parents. It is paramount that we maintain strict confidentiality in regards to student behavior, academic performance, and any other information deemed personal in nature.

Discussion of confidential information in areas where others could hear those conversations or with individuals who have no need to know information is strictly prohibited.

COMMUNICATION Past experience has indicated that a key element contributing to parental satisfaction with our school is regular communication from teachers. Based on this understanding, weekly communication from teachers to parents continues to provide positive experiences of school to parents.

All teachers must maintain a communication log of parent/guardian contacts. This will be reviewed during summative evaluation conferences.

Communication I am expecting: Promote student success stories to parents; Contact parents the same day if a student experiences an academic or behavior issues in the classroom that could negatively affect their child; *Return phone calls or respond to emails within 24 hours or receipt.

I am asking that all of us commit to at least one positive communication with parents once a week. These may take the form of notes, phone calls, emails, chance meetings, or any other method which is effective for us as individual educators. On occasion, we need to present unpleasant news to parents about their children. If we have built a foundation of trust through positive communications, these communications of a less pleasant nature will be less stressful for parents and teachers alike.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPECTATIONS If we expect behaviors and levels of responsibility from our students, then we must model the behavior we expect from them.

Arrive on time daily to school by 7:15am.

Be on time for scheduled or announced meetings.

Remain in the building until 3:00pm.

Position yourself at the doorway between all class changes.

Check your email at least twice daily (at a minimum).

Meet required deadlines for submissions: Growth Plan, SLOs, OTES Paperwork, Recording daily attendance Remain professional at all times.

Professional dress is required.

Students must be supervised at all times.

Regularly assess students with a minimum of one grade per week.

Follow curriculum maps and pacing guides.

Develop a challenging, informative, and constructive instructional plan (DOK, Differentiation) Adequately prepare students for assessments.

Differentiate instruction to meet the varied learning styles and needs of all students.

Maintain attendance procedures for all classes.

Create a well-disciplined atmosphere within the classroom at all times.

Responsible for a careful and meaningful evaluation of pupil progress.

Supervise students during transition times.

Meet in TBTs at a minimum of once per month (2:30pm – 3:00pm) Develop and maintain a strong professional attitude and standard of conduct.

Exhibit good habits of being on time for all classes and duties.

IDENTIFICATION BADGES

ID badges must be worn at all times during the instructional day. If a badge is damaged or lost, please contact SRO Dave Harrison immediately. A duplicate badge will be issued.

ATTENDANCE

Each teacher should take attendance every period to ensure that their recordkeeping is accurate.

Attendance will be recorded in ProgressBook during HOMEROOM. No student should be permitted to Homeroom without a pass from the main office.

BELL SCHEDULES Study Hall/Homeroom 1st period 2nd period 3rd period 4th period Lunch 5th period 6th period 7th period

7:30AM – 8:00AM 8:03am – 8:51am 8:54am – 9:42am 9:45am – 10:33am 10:36am – 11:24am 11:26am – 11:56am 11:59am – 12:47pm 12:50pm – 1:38pm 1:41pm – 2:29pm

2 HOUR EARLY RELEASE Study hall/Homeroom 1st period 2nd period 3rd period 4th period Lunch 5th period 6th period 7th period

*November 18, February 17_

7:30am – 8:00am 8:03am – 8:33am 8:36am – 9:06am 9:09am – 9:39am 9:42am – 10:12am 10:15am – 10:45am 10:48am – 11:18am 11:21am – 11:57am 12:00pm – 12:29pm

TEACHER’S RESPONSIBILITY IN ADMINISTERING DISCIPLINE The classroom teacher has the major responsibility for establishing an orderly, disciplined atmosphere in the classroom. Each teacher must establish behavior expectations within the classroom. The efficient classroom requires a wellunderstood and consistent set of rules and regulations. Each teacher shall post classroom rules. Expectations must be established from the beginning; able to be easily learned and understood. Engaging classrooms will have fewer student discipline issues.

The teacher must develop and model a positive climate for instruction. This should include a sound educational program for all children, an adaptation of materials and methods to meet the needs of all students, and the provision of learning experiences appropriate to each child’s ability.

SUPERVISION

Please be diligent in supervising students in your charge at all times. Avoid cell phone use and internet “surfing” while in the direct supervision of students.

REMOVAL OF STUDENTS FROM CLASSES

While it is the desire of the administration to uphold all teachers in their efforts to discipline students, there are times when the teacher could exceed the authority of his or her position. When that happens, the administration is placed in a position of possibly not being able to back the teacher. Such a situation arises when the teacher tells the student to “get out of my class and don’t come back” or words of a similar nature.

Teachers must notify the main office when it becomes necessary to remove a student from the classroom. Students will be removed by the principal when applicable. In order for the student to be removed for a longer period of time administrative action is required.

REPORT CARDS

All teachers are expected to have grades entered by given deadlines about progress included on report cards. Report cards are sent home following the end of the marking period. The dates for the end of each grading period are noted on the School Calendar. Students will receive their final report card after the last day of school.

Interim grade reports will be distributed to the student's mid-grade report period.

Dates for interim grade reports are listed on the School Calendar.

FIRE DRILLS/EVACUATIONS 1. When the fire alarm sounds, everyone is required to leave the building, no matter where they are at the time.

2. As soon as the signal sounds, all work stops, students leave materials on their desks and evacuate the building as quickly and as quietly as possible.

3. Your classroom door must be closed on your way out.

4. Each teacher will check the roll immediately to be sure all students are present and safe. The names of any missing students should be recorded and sent to the building principal as soon as possible.

5. Order must be maintained. Absolutely no running, horseplay or excessive noise.

6. We return to the building only after a signal to return.

CONDITIONS OF CLASSROOMS Rooms should always be kept in excellent condition. At the end of the day make sure the boards are clean and all lights turned off. Bulletin boards should be utilized and a constant check of furniture and walls to make sure they are not marked. All classrooms must be locked any time you leave your room during the school day.

STUDY HALL GUIDELINES Study hall can be a very important part of the school program and teachers should encourage students to use their time wisely. In order to carry out this function, a study hall needs certain rules and regulations so that every student may have an opportunity to study and plan for his/her classes.

1. Tardy and attendance regulations must be enforced.

2. There shall be no playing of electronic devices. (Cell phones off limits) 3. Students are not excused to work with other staff members.

4. A quiet atmosphere will be maintained by the teacher.

5. Students will not be allowed to congregate during study hall. Independent study should be encouraged by the teacher.

6. 1.Failure to bring chrome books/books to study hall is not acceptable. Students must not be excused to return to lockers for books.

FACULTY MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Develop a challenging, informative and constructive instructional plan in assigned subject areas which is in accordance with the school philosophy and objectives.

2. Follow curriculum guides and pacing guides.

3. Adequately prepare students for assessments.

4. Differentiate instruction to meet the varied learning styles and needs of all students.

5. Create a well-disciplined atmosphere within the classroom at all times.

6. Care for equipment and supplies in his/her classroom.

7. Responsible for a careful and meaningful evaluation of pupil progress.

8. Maintain attendance procedures for all classes.

9. Remind each student about proper care of school issued supplies/materials.

10. Exhibit good habits of being on time for all classes and duties.

11. Develop and maintain a strong professional attitude and standard of onduct which will earn the respect of the pupils and the community.

12. Supervise students at all times. Supervise students during transition times.

CALENDARS An online calendar has been created and is available for faculty, staff and parents to keep up with special events and activities. Teachers use these calendars to maintain awareness of special events and use of school facilities.

STAFF DRESS CODE As an educator, you are a role model for students. It is expected that staff members dress in a professional manner at all times. The professional dress consists of business attire. Mena are expected to wear dress pants and a collared shirt. (A tie is preferred, but not required). Women are expected to wear appropriate business attire as well. Certain teaching assignments may require exceptions to the general business attire (ex. Phys ed.). Exceptions to the staff dress code will be on Fridays (or end of week school days). Staff are expected to wear Lordstown spirit wear or red and blue.

SUBSTITUTE PLANS All staff members who teach classes or supervise students are REQUIRED to leave DETAILED substitute plans when you are absent in order that your routines can proceed as normally as possible in your absence. Please be sure to include the following in your plans: A list of students for each class that you teach A seating chart for each class that you teach A copy of your daily schedule (including any duties) Lesson activities for the day(s) Discipline procedures for your classroom Lesson plans are not to be dictated over the phone. It is your responsibility to see that plans are delivered to school prior to the start of the school day.

FACULTY ATTENDANCE The typical workday for teachers is 7:15am until 3:00pm. All staff members are required to sign-in daily in the Main Office. Staff members should plan to sign-in and report to duty stations before their assigned time frame.

Staff members who are required to leave the school building during the school day will be required to sign-out. It is important that we are able to account for all employees, especially in the event of an emergency.

CHILD ABUSE MANDATORY REPORTING ALL employees are considered mandatory reporters for suspected child abuse of a minor. If you suspect that a child has been the victim of abuse, you are required to report your suspicions to the Principal of School Counselor immediately. The administration will make contact with social services or law enforcement agencies from the school. Once a report is filed, you will receive confirmation of the suspected abuse report. Reports to the Principal or School Counselor should be made in person via a written note that is hand delivered. At no time should a suspected abuse report be emailed.

GRADING POLICY 7-12 Students will receive a letter mark on their report cards for each course they enrolled in for each nine-week grading period. In addition, they are also to receive semester examination marks as part of the final grade. Junior high students are not required to take semester and final exams. Report cards for junior high students will not reflect exam grades.

The following numerical value of marks will be used for determining grades.

GRADING POLICY 7-12 (cont.)

A student's semester grade is determined by the two nine-week grades. The nine week grades represent 100% and the semester exam represents 20% of the semester grade (see the following example).

There are no longer mandatory, school-wide semester exams. Classroom teachers are given the opportunity to determine how best to assess their students in terms of summative assessments/projects.

For example, semester grades will be calculated by using the following formula: [(1st Nine Weeks % + 2nd Nine Weeks %) = Semester Numerical Grade A student’s grade in a year-long course will be determined by adding the semester averages and dividing by two.

Junior High students who fail any major subjects for the school year may be required to attend summer school to be promoted to the next grade level in that particular subject. Students who fail two subjects will be required to attend summer school for promotion.

Students who fail four or more subjects will be retained. Final decisions regarding placement rests with the building principal. There are no automatic or age promotions at Lordstown High School.

CODE OF CONDUCT History and research contends education and learning takes place in an orderly and structured environment. Each student has a responsibility to conduct themselves in an appropriate fashion, respecting the rights of their fellow students. It is the responsibility of the school staff and administration to provide a safe and orderly learning environment.

Discipline is within the sound discretion of the Lordstown Local Schools Staff and Administration. Due process ensures that disciplinary action is imposed only after a review of the facts and/or special circumstances of the situation.

All violations of the Student Code of Conduct will fall under the category of either a Minor Misconduct violation or a Major Misconduct violation.

Minor Misconduct Code To maintain the orderly administration of the school, minor infractions (Example: tardiness, classroom disturbance, etc.) of school discipline will be handled by the classroom teacher and/or the principal in a summary fashion through the use of the Board adopted Teacher Detention program or Saturday Detention. Discipline will be based on accumulation and the severity will be determined by the number of offenses and the discretion of the principal.

MINOR MISCONDUCT The nature of minor misconduct, included but not limited to: Assembly disturbance Cafeteria disturbance Passing/writing obscene materials Profanity Public displays of affection Minor classroom disruption Dress code violation

DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR MINOR MISCONDUCT All violations of the Student Code of Conduct will fall under the category of either a Minor Misconduct violation or a Major Misconduct violation.

Major Misconduct Code The following is a general guideline that will be followed in an attempt to resolve discipline problems for Major Misconduct violations. It is not possible to list every form of misbehavior and the corresponding consequence that will follow. The final jurisdiction in determining whether the consequence will be a Saturday Detention or an Out-Of-School Suspension shall be the discretion of the building principal. Out-Of-School Suspension results in loss of credit for the time missed. Students will not receive credit for make-up work.

Major Misconduct The nature of major misconduct, included but not limited to: Being in an unauthorized area Disruption of school Disruption while riding the bus Extreme profanity Leaving school grounds without permission Possession of tobacco products (including chewing tobacco and any simulated tobacco product, including lighters, matches, pipes, rolling papers, e-cigarettes, and/or other forms of smoking vapor).

Refusal to accept disciplinary action/failure to comply with directions (Failure to serve detentions) Truancy Pushing, shoving, etc.

Disrespect to teachers and staff Vandalism and theft Forgery Possession, use, attempting to distribute, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol (See Substance Abuse Policy) Possession or use of a firearm or weapon (See Dangerous Weapons Policy)

MAJOR MISCONDUCT (cont.)

A student shall not harass, bully, verbally or physically assault or threaten through the use of verbal and/or written language, or through the use of gestures, any student and/or staff member. This includes any action that creates fear, distress, intimidation, injury, which includes mental and/or physical harm that creates a hostile educational environment. This shall include harassment of a sexual, ethnic, racial, disability, religious, etc. nature and all forms of cyber bullying.

Taking part in an unauthorized student demonstration, walking out, sit in, etc.

Students shall not participate in any activity that may incite panic, such as activating the fire alarm, false 911 calls, bomb threats, etc.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR MAJOR MISCONDUCT (discipline is at the discretion of Building Principal)

1st Offense: 3 detentions or Saturday Detention 2nd Offense: 2 Saturday Detentions or 3 days Out-Of-School Suspension 3rd Offense: 3 Saturday Detentions or 3 days Out-Of-School Suspension 4th Offense: 5 days Out-Of-School Suspension 5th Offense: 10 days Out-Of-School Suspension 6th Offense: Recommendation for expulsion/referral to Juvenile Court

Chronic Misconduct Code After a student has received 5 days of Saturday Detention, the next referral can result in Out-Of-School Suspension.

Students who refuse to accept school discipline are subject to Out-Of-School Suspension. Repeated instances will result in a recommendation for expulsion from school.

Students suspended more than 3 times from school will receive written notice that further suspensions may result in expulsion from school.

Under Ohio law, suspension and expulsion can go from one school year to the next.

PERMANENT EXPULSION When a student, 16 years of age or older, is being considered for permanent expulsion, it is possible that he/she may never be permitted to return to school anywhere in the state of Ohio. A permanent expulsion may be considered if the student is convicted or adjudicated delinquent for committing one or more of the following crimes on the property of any Ohio school: Any possession or involvement with a deadly weapon Drug trafficking Murder/manslaughter Sexual offense Complicity in any of the above mentioned items

SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY The High School, in accordance with the Lordstown Local Substance Abuse Policy, has adopted the following procedure.

A student shall not possess, use, conceal, consume, or show evidence of being under the influence of any narcotic drug, counterfeit/look alike substance, hallucinogenic drugs, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind: On the school grounds before or immediately after school hours On the school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by any school group Off school grounds at a school activity, function or event Other than use of a drug authorized for that student by a medical prescription from a registered physician which has been registered and deposited with a school official or at any other time the student is within school district jurisdiction.

Failure to obey the rules outlined above will result in the following discipline: First Offense: (Other than selling a controlled substance) 10 day out-of-school suspension.

Second Offense: Recommendation for expulsion.

Students who are caught selling drugs will be referred for expulsion after the first offense.

DANGEROUS WEAPONS POLICY FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT ANY STUDENT WHO BRINGS A FIREARM ON SCHOOL PROPERTY IS TO BE EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR. A firearm, under the Federal Law is defined as: Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, or is designed to, or may be readily covered, to expel a projectile by action of an explosive.

The frame or revolver of any such weapon.

Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer.

Any destructive device, not including an antique If a student brings a firearm or weapon {i.e. a knife or similar device} onto school property, in a school vehicle, or to any school-sponsored activity, he/she may be expelled from school for a period of one calendar year.

ASSAULT AND/OR FIGHTING POLICY Assault is defined as engaging in aggressive physical contact with another person, threatening serious harm to another person, or engaging in violent or turbulent behavior. Consequences for assault on any person, including a staff member, student, or private citizen, during school hours will result in the following disciplinary action: Assault on a School Employee First Offense: Expulsion Fighting First Offense: 2-3 day Out-Of-School Suspension Second Offense: 5 day Out-Of-School Suspension Third Offense: 10 day Out-Of-School Suspension or Expulsion

CHEATING When a student is charged with having committed an act of cheating, the teacher shall collect the student’s paper, mark a zero for the work and notify the parent and the building principal immediately as to the action taken.

A second offense shall result in a failing grade for the nine weeks in the particular subject.

PLAGIARISM Plagiarism is the act of passing off as one’s own the ideas, words, images or writings of another. (The word “text” refers to ideas, words, images, writings, etc.)

Acts of plagiarism include but are not limited to the following (without acknowledgement or proper citation): 1. Copying and pasting text from online media or website 2. Copying text from any printed material (books, magazines, newspapers, etc.)

3. Rewording or altering text and claiming as your own 4. Using photo, video, audio 5. Using the work of or collaborating with another student, a family member, or any outside party without teacher permission 6. Purchasing or obtaining pre-written work from any individual or commercial source 7. Obtaining a translation from any individual or commercial source, including online translation services 8. Using an essay that was written for another class/purpose without both teachers’ permission 9. Enabling another student to commit any of the above acts The above applies to all kinds of academic work including, but not limited to: essays, exams [quizzes, tests], homework, other assignments, computer programs, music scores, web pages, choreography, graphical depictions and/or visual representations

PLAGIARISM CONSEQUENCES 1st offense: Student receives “0” on assignment and communication with parent 2nd offense: Student receives “0” on assignment; student fails class for the quarter; communication with parent Future offenses shall result in failure for the course and further disciplinary actions. Students should also be aware that a cheating/plagiarism offense may negatively affect National Honor Society consideration and participation in extracurricular activities. Any student already a member of the National Honor Society may be dismissed from the organization if caught cheating/plagiarizing.

STUDENT CONDUCT AWAY FROM BUT ASSOCIATED WITH SCHOOL This code of conduct applies while students are under the authority of school personnel or involved in any school activity.

This includes, but is not limited to, school buses and property under the control of school authorities, and while at interscholastic competitions, extra-curricular events, or other school activities or programs. In addition, this code of conduct includes: Misconduct by a student that occurs off school district property but is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on school district property.

Misconduct by a student that, regardless where it occurs, is directed at a district official or an employee, or the property of an official or employee

ANTI-HAZING POLICY No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of the school district shall encourage, permit, condone or tolerate any hazing activities. No student, including leaders of student organizations, shall plan, encourage, or engage in any hazing.

Hazing is defined as committing any act of coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of intimidation onto any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of mental or physical harm to any person. This includes forms of initiation that causes mental or physical harm, regardless of how willing the participant may be.

Hazing activities are prohibited at any time in school facilities, on school property, and/or off school property, but connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on school property.

Students, and all employees who fail to abide by this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action according to the Major Misconduct Code, and may be liable for civil and criminal penalties in accordance with Ohio law.

Prohibition of Harassment and/or Aggressive Behavior (Including Bullying/Cyber-Bullying) The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the school community. Harassment and/or aggressive behavior (including bullying/cyber-bullying) toward a student, teacher, staff member, or coach, whether by other students, staff, or third parties, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such behaviors are prohibited on school grounds, at any school sponsored activity, on school-provided transportation or any official school bus stop. This prohibition includes physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, and any speech or action that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive learning environment. The Board will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. Individuals engaging in such conduct will be subject to disciplinary action.

BULLYING Bullying is defined as "Pervasive or persistent hurtful acts directed at another student that have taken place at school, while traveling to or from school, during school activities, or while off-campus, that have caused, or can reasonably be forecast to cause, distress resulting in a significant interference with the ability of the student to receive an education or participate in school activities. This includes electronic acts."

NOTE: “ELECTRONIC ACT” means an act committed through the use of a cellular phone, computer, pager, personal communication device or other electronic means (including social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

Students are expected to immediately report incidents of bullying to the principal, a teacher, or other staff member. Students can rely on staff to promptly investigate each complaint of bullying in a thorough and confidential manner. If the complainant student, or the parent of the student, feels that appropriate resolution of the investigation or complaint has not been reached, the student or the parent of the student should contact the principal.The school system prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complainant or any participant in the complaint process.

Conduct constituting harassment may take different forms, including, but not limited to, the following: Verbal: The making of written or oral sexual innuendos, suggestive comments, jokes of a sexual nature, sexual propositions, or threats to, or by, a fellow student, staff member, or other person associated with the District, or third parties (visiting speaker, athletic team member, volunteer, parent, etc.).

Nonverbal: Causing the placement of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or graphic commentaries in the school environment or the making of sexually suggestive or insulting gestures, sounds, leering, whistling, and the like to, or by, a fellow student, staff member, or other person associated with the District, or third parties.

Physical Contact: Threatening or causing unwanted touching, contact, or attempts at same, including pinching, brushing the body, or coerced sexual activity, with or by a fellow student, staff member, or other person associated with the District, or third parties.

Dating Relationship: Harassment and/or violence in a dating relationship is a form of harassment as described above and is subject to the anti-bullying/harassment policies approved herein.

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