Butler Elem Faculty Handbook 19-20 V2

NEW STUDENTS When a new student is brought to your room, it is expected that you will welcome the student and do everything possible to help them feel comfortable and adjust. Be cautious of the messages you send. If you have concerns regarding the placement of students, talk to the principal. Whenever possible, new students will be entered into classes at the beginning of the school day. Students registering during the day will not start school until the next morning, thus giving teachers time to prepare for them. Always have an extra desk and chair in your room with necessary supplies just in case you receive a new student. NOTES HOME Teachers’ notes going home are to have a professional appearance. Send a copy of all class notes (email preferred or hard copy if necessary) to Teresa. The office will keep a copy of all notes on file to keep us informed so we can answer parent questions. It is always a good idea to have someone else proofread your notes. I am happy to assist. OFFICE Please be aware that parents are often in the office or the immediate vicinity. Be careful to avoid negative talk and refrain from discussing students by name when stating academic, behavioral or personal information about them. Professional behavior and decorum are critical (see “Confidentiality”) PARENT COMMUNICATION Teachers are encouraged to communicate openly with parents about the educational experiences of their students. Parents should hear about school successes more frequently than negative experiences/interactions. When reporting bad news to parents, remember to be objective and non-judgmental. Children sometimes make bad choices, but they are not bad. Major behavioral and academic concerns should not be a surprise to parents. It is incumbent upon every classroom teacher to keep parents apprised of concerns long before parent-teacher conferences or report card time. Email communication is encouraged. It leaves a great paper trail. PARENT-TEACHER-ASSOCIATION (PTA) We interact with the community at several points every day. The PTA provides our school excellent program support. We enjoy strong support from our PTA, and we strongly encourage all staff members to support them. Be conscious of the impressions you are conveying. Remember that although PTA volunteers are an integral part of our community, strict confidentiality and professionalism must be observed and practiced at all times. You are strongly encouraged to join the Butler PTA . These amazing volunteers work many unpaid hours on behalf of the students and teachers. If you are unwilling to join the PTA, you should think twice about accepting or expecting gifts and/or services from them.

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