Handbook Staff Bes 2

Briarlake
Elementary School
Faculty & Staff Handbook
“One School. One Community. On Success”

3590 Lavista Road
Decatur, GA 30033
678-874-2502
School Web Address: http://www.briarlakees.dekalb.k12.ga.us/

Briarlake PTA Web Address: www.briarlakepta.org
Last updated July 2019
BRIARLAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
DeKalb County School District
LOCAL SUPPLEMENT TO POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

This information is to be filed for reference as an extension of the Manual of Policies, Procedures,
Rights, and Responsibilities for Contractual Personnel.
The rules and policies in this handbook will be updated as necessary. As policies and
procedures are updated and changed, the principal will email an updated handbook with the
revised date to be maintained online.
The intent of this information developed at the school level is to provide local interpretation and
procedures for implementation of the school system policy manual. A clear understanding of the
working procedures and expectations is essential in order that a large number of professionals can
work together in harmony and with a common purpose. Suggestions and comments will be
considered by the local school administrators at any time.
We are working to build …

Relationship *Respect *Rigor *Rituals*Routines
A
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 Announcements will be made at the beginning and end of each school day.
 Morning announcements will occur after the pledge to the flag/moment of
silence/Briarlake Pride Pledge and afternoon announcements will occur prior to dismissal.
 Anyone wanting an announcement made should submit it in writing (hard copy), with
exact verbiage to the principal prior to time for announcements. Hard copy only, no emails
please.
 Please have students remain quiet during all announcements. A 30 second moment of
silence will follow the pledge to the American flag and precede all morning
announcements. Teachers are to make sure that all students are silent during this time.
 Students who are in the halls when the tardy bell rings may continue to class but should
be marked tardy.
 The moment of silence is mandated by GA state law
ATTENDANCE (TKES Standard 9) Absences and Chronic Tardiness Rubric:

Excessive absences/tardies are defined as 10≥:
Needs Improvement is defined as 9-6 absences/tardies;
Acceptable is defined as 2-5 absences; while 0-1 is Excellent.
Staff should self-monitor when it is absolutely necessary to be absent as unforeseen

circumstances are bound to arise and space should be allowed for unforeseen events. If
challenges should occur, it will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
All staff members must notify the bookkeeper, principal (text 404-692-9239), and the grade team
of the absence by 6:00 a.m. to ensure that the class or other duty is covered by 7:00. You may call
Handbook Revised 7-27-19 2

or text Mrs. Lewis’ cell @ (404) 692-9239. DO NOT EMAIL AS YOUR PRIMARY MEANS OF
NOTIFYING OTHERS OF YOUR ABSENCE.
Attendance: STAFF
At the start of the year every staff member chooses a work hour day to commit to for the year.
 ARRIVAL TIME – Staff hours are 7:00-3:00, 7:15-3:15, or 7:30-3:30

 ARRIVAL TIME – Paraprofessional hours are 7:00-3:00 or 7:15-3:45
ATTENDANCE- SIGNING IN AND OUT (TKES Standard 9-Professionalism)
Staff members are defined as:

Exempt (certified teachers/faculty) and Non-exempt (non-certified or classified staff)
 NON-EXEMPT STAFF (NON-Certified/Classified)
 8.5 hour non-exempt employees MUST work the 8.5 hour work day-no
exceptions.
 In order to be able to leave at 3:00 on Friday, you are able to flex your time during
the regular work week, as long as the 40.5 hour work week time is fulfilled by 3:00
on Friday.
 If you flex your time but have not fulfilled the 40.5 hour requirement by Friday at
3:00, you must continue to work until the 40 hours is met.
 Below is an example of how to flex your time:

At the start of the year every staff member chooses a work hour day to commit to for the year.
If you commit to work 7:15-3:45, your hours would be:
Monday 7:15-3:45
Tuesday-Thursday 7:15-4:00
Friday 7:15-3:00
If you commit to work 7:00-3:30, your hours could be:
Monday 7:00-3:30
Tuesday-Thursday 7:00-3:40
Friday ........................... 7:00-3:00
Only those staff members who work in the Briarlake ASEDP (after care) will be allowed to work
from 6:30-3:00 in order to enable them to report to this after school responsibility at 2:30
Non-exempt staff must also sign in and out for lunch each day.
 Non-exempt staff may leave the school property during lunch time if they choose to run
an errand, get lunch, etc. You must sign out in the office and notify the principal that you
will be leaving. You must sign in upon return and notify the principal that you are back on
campus.
EXEMPT STAFF
 8.0 hour exempt employees must work the 8.0 hour week.
 There is no sign in and out for lunch. Teachers are provided 30 minutes of duty free
lunch each day.
 Staff members who fail to sign in will be given an absence statement to complete.
 Staff may sign in as early as 6:30.
 Staff hours are 7:00-3:00, 7:15-7:30, or 7:30-3:30.
 Staff members are required to stay on ALL designated Wednesdays until 4:00 for
staff meetings, professional development RTI or Leadership team meetings.
 Staff members may remain in the building until 6:00. It is necessary that all staff
leave by 6:00 to enable the custodial staff to complete all of their evening duties
without interruption and ensure that the building is secured for the night.
***Be aware that the Jiffy Pass and Key Card tools are legal documents for which payroll is
computed. Any error in this platform may affect documentation of tardies/absences including
the following pay period and/or the sick leave days accrued.
If present, omission of signing in is documented as a tardy.
DCSD Policy GBRI: Professional Personnel Personal Leaves and Absences


 SICK LEAVE
In accordance with Georgia law, all full-time personnel shall be eligible for sick leave earned at
the rate of one and one-fourth days for each month of service. Effective July 1, 1994, any
unused sick leave may be carried forward from one fiscal year to the next into a reserve bank
until a maximum of 190 days is accumulated.
All days absent shall be reported by the employee on an approved form, certifying the dates
and reasons for the absence. A physician's certificate may be required by the Superintendent or
his/her designee at any time deemed necessary, but shall always be required for any illness
longer than three consecutive workdays.
An employee may utilize sick leave upon the approval of the Superintendent or his/her
designee for absence(s) due to illness or injury or necessitated by exposure to contagious
disease or to illness or the death of the employee’s relative, defined as the following: spouse,
child, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, and corresponding step and in-law relations.
 PERSONAL LEAVE
During a school year, employees may utilize up to a maximum of three (3) days of any
accumulated sick leave, if prior approval of the absence has been given by the employee’s
immediate supervisor and if the presence of the employee requesting the absence is not
essential for effective school operation. Employee attendance on certain days, designated
critical days, is crucial for effective school operation. Personal/vacation leave may not be
authorized during the following designated critical days for any personnel: pre-planning, post
planning, the first five (5) days of the school year, or the last five (5) days of the school year. Any
exceptions must be approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee. Because of the
critical activities and unique skills of BES staff, staff are asked to be present on all Georgia
Milestone Assessment days and STEM Days, indicated on the annual calendar.
Further, personal/vacation leave may not be authorized for school based employees during
either the first two (2) days prior to a school holiday period or a work calendar reduction day
nor, the two days (2) following a school holiday period or a work calendar reduction day. Nor,
may personal/vacation leave be authorized for school based employees during any federal or
state standardized assessments administered by the District.

All requests for personal leave must be submitted in writing to the employee’s principal or
supervisor at least three (3) days prior to the requested leave date. Any days missed for
personal reasons in excess of three (3) days are unauthorized absences and will result in loss of
pay charged at the employee’s daily rate of pay. An employee is not required to indicate specific
reasons for personal leave. The employee’s principal or supervisor has the right to approve or
deny the employee’s request for personal leave.
 BEREAVEMENT/RELIGIOUS LEAVE
An employee may use up to a maximum of three (3) days of accumulated sick leave and/or up
to three (3) days of personal leave as religious or bereavement leave in the event of the death
of a relative. Relative is defined as the following: spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent,
grandchild, and corresponding step and in-law relations. If the employee desires to take leave in
excess of the days provided under this policy, the employee may take unpaid leave.
In advance of an absence, the employee must apply for bereavement and/or religious leave
in writing, stating the specific reason for the anticipated absence. The principal or supervisor
has the authority to approve or deny the employee's request for bereavement or religious
leave. The employee’s appeal of the denial of the employee’s request may be directed to the
Area Assistant Superintendent or Division Head within five (5) days of the denial of the request
for leave.
PROFESSIONAL LEAVE (School Representative)

Annually, each District school will be allotted professional leave days which will not be charged
against an employee's personal leave allotment when used as specified by this policy. Each
school will be allotted one day for each seven, full-time, certificated employees. An employee
desiring to use one or more of these days to attend a professional meeting should submit a
written request to the principal at least three weeks prior to the meeting date. Principals are
responsible for developing and maintaining an equitable system for distributing allotted
professional leave days among teachers of different departments and grades.
Date Adopted: 2/11/2002

Last Revised: 4/18/2012
Jury Duty
 Employees subpoenaed for jury duty will be allowed a leave of absence without loss of
pay, etc.
Critical Days
 Two days before and two days after holidays are CRITICAL DAYS, as are the days of any
standardized testing. These are marked on the DeKalb County school calendar.
 Personal leave is not allowed on these days without special permission from the Regional
Superintendent.
 If you are sick on a critical day, you must have a doctor’s statement.
 Personal leave on critical days requires a written explanation that is submitted to the
principal who will then get approval from the Regional Superintendent.

Summary
 Teachers are expected to report to work on time each day unless they are ill or have
previously arranged personal leave.
 Staff members will be required to sign a statement of designated work hours for each
school year (see Signing in and Out).
 Teachers are responsible for calling the DeKalb County Substitute Finder System, AESOP,
at 678-676-0352, or access it online @ www.aesoponline.com BEFORE 6:00 p.m. the night
before an absence.
 If you wake up ill and must remain at home, you must call the substitute finder system by
5:30 a.m. in order for the system to attempt to locate a substitute for you.
 Make sure you give all of the following information: your name, school, grade level, and
room number and where to find your lesson plans, etc. Request that the substitute arrive
prior to 7:00 a.m. each morning of the absence.
 All staff members must notify the bookkeeper, principal, and the grade team of the
absence by 6:00 a.m. to ensure that the class or other duty is covered by 7:00. You may
call or text Mrs. Lewis’ cell @ (404) 692-9239.
 It is the responsibility of each teacher to maintain an approved Substitute List at home

in the event that the computerized system is down when you need a substitute.
 Lesson plans should be left on the teacher's desk each day. The emergency substitute
teacher file box with three days of plans and materials should be readily available.
 When you return to work after an absence of more than three (3) consecutive days you
must bring a doctor's statement. It is at the principal’s discretion as to whether a doctor
statement is needed for any less than 3 days.
 If it is necessary, the principal may also require a doctor's statement for absences less
than three days (critical days).
 You must enter a substitute request in AESOP by 2:00 pm on the day of your absence to
ensure a sub is retained again for the following day. You must notify the bookkeeper,
principal, and the grade team of the absence by 6:00 a.m. to ensure that the class or
other duty is covered by 7:00. Please text Mrs. Lewis’ cell @ (404) 692-9239.
 On the morning of your return, you must submit your Absence Statement/Statement of
Leave (SOL) to the bookkeeper. Attach any doctor’s statement (if required) and return
both to the school bookkeeper.
Board Policy Descriptor Code: JB

Attendance: Student
MISSION: To ensure that DeKalb County Board of Education attendance policies fulfill state law, State Board
of Education rule, and the DeKalb County Student Attendance Protocol as written in the DeKalb County
Student Code of Conduct which under Board Policy JCD shall have the effect of policy and shall be
maintained by the Department of Student Relations.
A. Attendance
All children who are between their sixth and sixteenth birthdays and who reside in the DeKalb County School
District shall enter school on the opening date and attend regularly thereafter or be enrolled in a private
school or home-study program which meets the requirements of state law. This policy excludes children who
are specifically exempted according to Georgia Board of Education policy and Georgia law.
If the school system is made aware that a child between the ages of six and sixteen is not enrolled in a public
school, private school, or home-study program, the Superintendent has the authority and responsibility to
file proceedings in court to enforce the mandatory school attendance law.
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL SCHEDULE
7:00 a.m. Doors open/breakfast served

7:20 a.m. Students dismissed to class- BELL
7:30 a.m. Teachers are at the doors greeting students
7:35 a.m. WARNING BELL
7:40 a.m. TARDY BELL Announcements/Students are considered late-BELL
2:20 p.m. Announcements and dismissal will begin for all students who ride school
buses/daycare vans -BELL
2:30 p.m. Dismissal for Briarlake’s After School Extended Day Program (ASEDP) students
B. Attendance: Excused Absences
It is the policy of the board of education to excuse students from school for the following reasons:
1. Personal illness
2. Death or illness in the immediate family
3. Religious holidays
4. Service as pages for the General Assembly
5. Instances where attendance by the student will be hazardous
6. Tests and physical exams for military service and the National Guard
7. Students eligible to vote in a public election may be allowed no more than one day for registering to
vote or voting in a public election
With proper medical verification, a student may be eligible for hospital/homebound instruction as
outlined in the State Board of Education rule 160-4-2-.31 hospital/homebound instruction.
C. Attendance: Absent/Tardy Excuse

No student should be admitted to class after being absent from school the day before unless the student
holds a legitimate excuse signed by the parent or guardian stating a reason for the absence. If the student
does not present an excuse, the principal may use discretion in handling the situation. Excuses for tardiness
shall be handled in the same manner.
D. Attendance: Unexcused Absences and Chronic Tardiness
Unexcused absences and tardiness shall be addressed as written in the Code of Student Conduct. School days
missed as a result of an out of school suspension shall not count as unexcused days for the purpose of
determining student truancy and provisions for make-up work shall be provided.
E. Attendance: Grades and Absences
Final course grades of students shall not be penalized because of absences if the following conditions are
met:
1. Absences are justified and validated for excusable reasons

2. Make-up work for excused absences was completed satisfactorily
F. Attendance: Excessive Absenteeism and Epidemic Control

Absences and Chronic Tardiness Rubric: Excessive absences/tardies are defined as 10≥: Needs
Improvement is defined as 9-5 absences/tardies; 2-4 is Acceptable while 0-1 is Excellent.
If it appears there may be an epidemic or threat of an epidemic, the Director of Public, Press and Partner
Relations will report this information to the DeKalb County Health Department. This information shall also be
available for inquiries from local, state, and federal health agencies after noon on each day of such reported
absences.
Attendance Protocols (Absent AND Tardy) - (1-2 days) Teacher will email parents each day of absence unless
there is a unique circumstance which prohibits or logically doesn’t support a communication with parents. At
such times must be brought to the attention of your principal immediately. (3 days) The teacher emails the
attendance AP and Attendance Counselor. (The counselor will also run bi-weekly reports.) (5-6 days) Teacher
notifies the Attendance Counselor and AP. The counselor contacts the parent and sends an official letter
addressing the concern. (8+days) Attendance Counselor creates a social worker referral.
G. Attendance: Withdrawal Criteria
For the purpose of accurately measuring the academic performance of students continuously enrolled in
public schools, the Board adopts the following uniform criteria for withdrawing students.
1. Appropriate school personnel are authorized to withdraw a student who:
a. Has missed more than 10 consecutive days of unexcused absences;

b. Is not subject to compulsory school attendance; and
c. Is not receiving instructional services through homebound instruction or instructional services
required by the federal Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
d. The Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee shall use his or her best efforts to notify the
parent, guardian, or other person who has charge of a student if the school system plans to withdraw
such student who is younger than 18 years of age and is not subject to compulsory school
attendance.
2. Appropriate school personnel are authorized to withdraw a student subject to compulsory
attendance if the Superintendent or Superintendent's designee has determined the student is no longer
a resident of the local school system or is enrolled in a private school or home study program.
3. Appropriate school personnel shall withdraw students retroactive to the first day of the consecutive
absences.
DeKalb County Schools Date Adopted: 8/8/2005
Additional Attendance Information re: student absences
 Student attendance and tardies are kept daily in Infinite Campus. It must be posted by
8:15 a.m. It is essential that attendance is posted each day (TKES Standard 9-
Professionalism). Students are admitted to class as long as they are in the door prior to
the 7:40 bell. At 7:40 teachers will close their doors, only to allow students in with a
pass from the office indicating the student’s time, date and name.
 Students will receive one of two colored passes; Blue indicating a parent signed them in
to school OR yellow indicating the student signed him/herself into school. Teachers will
keep tardy slips in a safe place for the school year.
 Teachers are to maintain a log of tardies for the school year while notifying parents
daily of tardies via the school daily planner.
 Each homeroom teacher will place all student absence notes in their mailboxes outside
the classroom door for pick up by 8:00 a.m. each morning.
 Students are expected to bring a note explaining the absence when they return to school.
 All notes and tardy slips are to be sent to the front office for documentation purposes.
Excessive absences will be turned over to the social worker.
 Students who are absent because of a religious holiday are given an excused absence (see
page 5). They are allowed to make up all work.
 Students must attend school at least a half-day to be counted present (7:45 - 11:00 a.m.)
or (11:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.)
 Attendance is recorded on the progress report/report card. Be sure that you have the
correct number of school days for the semester.
 An attendance report will be run weekly and at the end of each month. It is the
responsibility of the teacher to make sure records are up to date.
 Teachers are to report via email to the registrar, counselor, Assistant Principal and
Principal any student who has more than 3 absences and 5 tardies. Any day that
attendance is less than 90 percent, the principal of each school shall have the number of
absences called in to the public information office no later than 11:30 a.m.
B
BREAKS FOR STUDENTS
Board Policy Descriptor Code: IEDA Unstructured Break Time
 The DeKalb County Board of Education supports supervised, unstructured break times

as an integral component of a child’s physical, social, and academic development.
 Schools shall schedule time for all students in kindergarten and grades one through
five to have at least 15 minutes of supervised, unstructured break time each school
day.
 The school principal shall determine the timing and location of breaks at each school.
 The school principal shall consult with school-level and system-level instructional staff
as appropriate to ensure that students in kindergarten and grades one through five
receive maximum instructional time to promote increased academic achievement and
that breaks are scheduled to support the learning process.
 The principal also shall issue directions assigning responsibility for supervision of
students so that break time will be a safe and positive experience for students.
 Breaks shall not be withheld from students in kindergarten or grades one through five
for disciplinary or academic reasons.
 Supervised, unstructured breaks may be provided for students in grades six through
eight at the discretion of the school principal. The DeKalb County Board of Education
does not support an extension of the school day to provide for supervised,
unstructured break time for students in grades K-8.
 In accordance with state law, a copy of this policy shall be provided to the State Board
of Education.
Date Adopted: 1/18/2005

Last Revised: 11/2/2009
Additional information re: unstructured break time…
 There should be no more than one grade level out at a time for the unstructured break.
You will have a scheduled time to go outside that ensures you are the only grade level on
the playground. This is done to reduce the number of incidents that occur when too many
children are out at one time.
 Supervision of students during this time is critical. This unstructured time is when most
incidents and accidents occur. This is a student break, not a teacher break.
 Teachers must be constantly and actively monitoring students to ensure the safety and
well-being of their students.
 To ensure active monitoring during this fifteen minute period, chairs may not be brought
from the building. Teachers are to equally position themselves around the play field for
leveled vantage points and balanced proximity to students.
 Take your walkie-talkie with you when you go outside. This will enable the front office to
find you in the event of an emergency or if a student needs to be dismissed before the
end of the school day.
 Personal cell phone use during this time is not permitted so that staff members will be
able to focus on their students and monitor all activity. Should you have an emergency,
use your walkie-talkie and contact the front office for assistance.
C
CAMPUS HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY
School wide changes have been made to increase awareness of health, safety and the security of
Briarlake faculty, staff, and students. Many of these changes have been made to conform to new
Federal rules and regulations issued by the Federal Homeland Security office. Every effort has
been made to focus on the protection of students, parents, faculty and staff by creating a system
of procedures designed to protect everyone from new dangers arising from unstable geopolitical
issues.
 Staff members are required to have their door key, key card and ID with them at all times.
o Classroom doors are required to be locked at all times.
o Doors may remain open as long as the room is occupied.
o Doors are to be closed and locked when the room is empty.
o Fire, tornado and evacuation maps should be posted by the classroom door.
o The RED EMERGENCY FOLDER with all pertinent information should be posted by
the classroom door.
CELL PHONES (TKES Standard 9)
 Cell phone use by staff or students is not permitted during class time or student contact
time. This includes Blue Tooth devices.
 Staff members may use their cell phone before school, after school or during their lunch
and planning time.
 If students need to make a phone call, they are to use the phone in the classroom.
 If your classroom phone is not working, put in a help ticket using the red telephone icon
on your desktop.
CERTIFICATION (TKES Standard 9)
 Teachers and staff are responsible for maintaining current teaching certification. The
principal and personnel office will be happy to assist you in any way possible, but it is your
responsibility to keep up with the expiration date of your certificate and provide an
updated copy to the principal each time it is renewed.
CHILD ABUSE [State Standard G 11.2]
 All school personnel will receive training in the identification and reporting of child
abuse/neglect during the first month of school.
 All suspected cases of child abuse must be reported to the principal or the counselor at
once. DO NOT DELAY IN REPORITNG ANY INCIDENT OF SUSPECTED ABUSE!!
 Never discuss the situation with the parents.
 Never discuss the situation with other staff members.
 The principal or counselor will contact the social worker, who will handle the situation.
 You are required, by law, to report a suspected case of child abuse.
NOTE: Reports (by a staff member, a student, or a parent) of a staff member striking a child will
be treated as suspected child abuse. A report will be made immediately to the social worker and
the school resource officer as well as the Regional Superintendent. Staff members are reminded
that at no time are they to touch a child in a threatening manner.
CHILDREN
Children who do not attend Briarlake are permitted on campus with parent supervision and
administrative approval on days allotted for social/community events. Students not attending
Briarlake are not permitted on campus during instructional hours. Children of staff members in 7 th
grade and above are permitted, with administrative approval, on work days and special events.
Friends and family members are not permitted in the instructional environment during
instructional hours.
CLASSROOM CLEANLINESS (TKES Standard 7)
It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher/paraprofessional to maintain the cleanliness of

the room at all times. Make sure parents and students feel that their school and your class is a
place that they can feel excited to send their children everyday—It’s organized, warm, welcoming
and filled with rigorous learning and excellence.
 Custodians will be responsible for routine sweeping/damp mopping of the floors,
maintenance of lighting and ceiling tiles, and touch-up painting as needed.
 The classroom teacher is responsible for making sure that:
o bookshelves and counters are kept straightened and dusted
o tables and desk tops are cleaned and organized daily and throughout the day
o window blinds are closed, leveled and left at the window sill level
o computers are cleaned regularly; white boards and Promethean boards are
cleaned regularly (alcohol and microfiber cloth or a magic eraser will do the trick)
o bulletin boards display current student work and are kept neat and attractive;
changed by the last Thursday of each month. (see Standards-based bulletin board)
o floors are free of debris
o room is free of unnecessary clutter
o classroom is child friendly, warm and welcoming to everyone
CLINIC PROTOCOLS
Listed below are the BES clinic protocols that all teachers and staff should follow when visiting the
clinic. These protocols are to ensure that teachers, students, parents clinic staff have effective
communication regarding students’ health throughout the day.
1. Staff should fill out the clinic note before sending a student to the clinic for
assessment. Clinic notes are provided by the school nurse.
2. Teachers must document any visit to the nurse as written in students daily planner. Refrain
from relying on stapled notes. If a note is stapled, it must be accompanied with a note on
the planner page. Add these steps to your Substitute Folder.
3. Upon the nurse’s assessment, if it is determined that the student does not need to be sent
home, he/she will be sent back to class with a Clinic Visit Report to Parent Form explaining
if there were any necessary treatments done in the clinic and if parents were notified.
Teachers must note in the student’s agenda anytime students visit to the clinic, even if the
parents have been called by the nurse.

4. If it is determined that students need to leave for home, the school nurse will notify the
parent to pick up the child.
5. In the event that the school nurse is absent, staff should handle all non-emergencies, and
call parents from the class if it is determined that the student should be sent home.
6. In the event that the nurse is out of the clinic for a break and students need assistance,
the office staff will only be available to provide ice, and band aids for minor injuries. If
students visit during the nurse’s lunch time, the school nurse will follow up with students
upon return.
7. Substitutes should be informed of these protocols; specifically regarding informing

parents of clinic visits in the agendas. Teachers must add this information to their sub
folder.
II. Child Care Technician (CCT)-Ms. Espinoza: In the event that students need assistance with
diabetes (blood sugar checks), toileting or walking we have a designated CCT, Ms. Espinoza
CODE OF ETHICS (TKES Standard 9) [O.C.G.A. 20-2-795]
Each faculty member is expected to read and adhere to the Rules of the Professional Practices
Commission: Chapter 506-5 "Code of Ethics for Educators.” Copies of this may be found in the
media center. Each staff member also receives a copy from GAE at the Ethics in-service.
“These principles are intended to aid educators individually and collectively in maintaining a high
level of ethical conduct. These principles are standards by which educators are able to determine
the propriety of their conduct in their relationships with students, with colleagues, and with the
public. It is the intent of the Code: (1) to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of
students and educators within the State of Georgia; (2) to assure the citizens of the State that the
education profession is accountable for acts of unprofessional conduct of its members; and (3) to
define and provide notice to educators within the State of Georgia of acts of unprofessional
conduct for which they are accountable pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-790, et. Seq.”
CONFIDENTIALITY (TKES Standard 9)
 Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Never discuss any student with another student
or another student's parent(s).
 Do not identify students in your classroom re: the nature/needs of their disability, 504
status, IEP status, SST status, medication status, free/reduced lunch status, homeless
status, etc.
 Do not identify students as possibly having ADHD, BD, LD, or any other condition or life
status that would single them out.
 Be careful when discussing students and/or teacher issues in a place where your
conversation can be overheard (teacher’s lounge, front office, playground, on duty, etc.
 On occasion, you may receive telephone calls requesting information about a student.
Never give out information over the telephone. If there is a concern, refer it to the
principal.
COMMUNICATION:
COLLEAGUE-TO- COLLEAGUE/COMMUNITY/PARENT
Please keep all communication with students, colleagues, parents and community members
positive, proactive and productive. ALL communication with the aforementioned should seek to
nurture and build a positive school climate supportive of school administration and to overall
forward progress of the school.
CHALLENGES AND CONCERNS

Please address all concerns with the direct person in position to activate solution. If addressing
the source is too sensitive or illogical, there are tiers of support in place to serve as a platform to
proactively address concerns. Faculty/Staff>Grade Chair>TSS>Gifted Liasion/ISS>AP>Principal.
Concerns shall not be addressed with parents, community partners or any others outside the
protocol aforementioned. Please do not email district level representatives.
CLASS-TO-OFFICE
 A call back switch is located in every room by the classroom door. It is available for use in
severe emergencies when an administrator is needed immediately, i.e., a medical
emergency, intruder, significant classroom disturbance, etc.
 Pull the switch down and speak into the intercom. Make sure to give your room number.
 You may call the front office at 42502 or use your walkie.
 Walkies are to accompany teachers any time their class is away from the room.
COMMUNICATION VIA PLANNERS

Beginning DAY 1, student planners should reflect student, teacher and parent acknowledgement
via initial or signature daily to reflect meaningful relevant information such as:
 Academics (homework)
 Academics (student's organization of his/her upcoming or current tasks or projects)
 Academics (EQs of the day shared to spark conversations at home)
 Conduct (symbols, points earned, levels met etc... but don't forget to share the rubric or
key)
 Activities (upcoming field trips, presentations, events at school etc.)
 Documents (indicate in the planner when you attach or send loose important documents
i.e. "PCE needs your signature. See attached" or " RTI letter attached for your review and
signature."
 Celebrations! (Sara met her Lexile Reading goal today! OR Ryan has now mastered all of
his subtraction fact fluency assessments!)
 All of these are not required, however 2 -3 at a minimum should be implemented. Feel
free to add communications unique to your class as well. Everyday should contain a form
of communication. Example:

COMMUNICATION VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
We want to tell the story that paints Briarlake in the BEST light…communicating all of its
accomplishments!
BRIARLAKE PTA: www.briarlakepta.org (will link you to the PTA Facebook page, Foundation
Facebook page, School Council and much, much more!)
TWITTER: Briarlake has a Twitter account that is used for disseminating information about
school events, weather related announcements, reminders of meetings, etc. Sign up and follow
Briarlake ES and keep up to date with the latest Tweets! @Briarlakeone
REMIND: Staff members should text @4GGC to 81010 to join the principal’s REMIND account.
This is how messages will be disseminated to all staff members in the event of an emergency or
other announcement that needs to be sent after the school day.
Teachers should also consider setting up an account for their own classroom. While convenient
for notifying parents about events, tests, homework, projects, etc., it is also a way to
communicate to your parents during an emergency that your class is safe and secure. This will
help the office focus their time on the emergency rather than fielding phone calls from parents
checking on their children. Caution: Be mindful of what is shared via Remind, text, and email
during the school day. We want to always deescalate and communicate in the most productive,
positive manner.
Staff members are STRONGLY cautioned about giving out their personal cell number, their
home phone number, from “friending” parents of their students or other students in the
school (including former students). While you may have your information protected on

Facebook, the people you friend may not and your information is then available to strangers.
Don’t risk it!
COMMUNICATION VIA WEBPAGE (See WEBPAGE EXPECTATIONS)
CONFISCATING ITEMS FROM STUDENTS
 There will be times when it will become necessary for staff members to take away items,
(such as games, gum, candy, toys, IPods, IPhones, tablets, etc.) from students. Please be
aware that it is your responsibility to secure these items in a safe location until you return
them to the child or to the parent.
 If the parent comes to the school to collect an item, you are to return the item
immediately to the parent.
 Failure to heed to these guidelines may result in your responsibility to replace the item.
COPYRIGHT POLICY
DeKalb County Board of Education policy regarding copyright states that duplication of
copyrighted materials by DeKalb County School System employees must be done with permission
of the copyright holder or within the bounds of "fair use.” Briarlake School is in compliance with
the copyright law. As educators, we are concerned with fair use of print, audio and video
materials, and computer software.
The duration of a copyright under the existing law is the life of the author plus 50 years.
The following information will be helpful.
Print
1. You may reproduce single copies of the following:

a. A chapter of a book.
b. An article from a periodical or newspaper.
c. A short story, short essay, or short poem, whether or not from a collective work.
d. A chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon, or picture from a book, periodical, or
newspaper.
2. You may reproduce multiple copies of the following:
a. A complete poem if less than 250 words.

b. An excerpt from a longer poem, but not to exceed 250 words.
c. A complete article, story, or essay of less than 2,500 words or an excerpt from a
larger printed work which must not exceed 10% of the whole, whichever of the
preceding is less.
d. One chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon, or picture per book or periodical
issue.
e. Special works combining prose, poetry, and illustrations, but limited to no more
than 10% of the total.
f. All preceding copying must bear the copyright notice.
3. Copyrighted book or cartoon characters may not be copied or used for any purpose
unless you have obtained written permission.
4. No copying of consumable works, such as workbooks, is legal. (Example: You may not
reproduce an old ditto master by thermal-type copier, and then reprint additional
copies.)
5. Certain materials are "public-domain"--outlines of states, countries, names of states,

rivers and mountains, maps of the United States, etc., and cannot be copyrighted. You
may make unlimited use of such items.
6. You may make one single transparency of a page of a workbook to introduce it and
explain how to do it.
7. You always have the option of writing to the producer or publisher for permission to use
the copyrighted work.
Television/Videotapes
1. Anything transmitted on either television or radio (through the airwaves) is copyrighted

material. (Example: You may not tape just the audio off a videotape or off-air.)
2. A teacher or parent does not have the right to tape a program at home and bring it to
school for school use.
3. A teacher or parent does not have the right to show a rented videotape at school.
Computer Software
The only person who has the right to duplicate a copy of software is the owner. (Briarlake's media
center staff has this responsibility.)
The library media specialist serves as the building-level contact person regarding copyright. He
will be glad to answer any further questions.
*** Remember, infringement of the law can result in fines or imprisonment.
CURRICULUM and INSTRUCTION
 As required by the Quality Basic Education Act of 1985, Georgia must maintain a
curriculum that specifies what students are expected to know in each subject and grade.
Additionally, the state’s standardized test, The Georgia Milestones Assessment System
(GMAS) for grades 3-8 must be aligned with that curriculum.
 The state’s curriculum is a guideline for instruction that helps teachers, students, and
parents know what topics must be covered and mastered for a particular course.
 The curriculum establishes the minimum standards, and does not prohibit systems,
schools, or teachers from adding material to it.

 The DeKalb County School System is required to cover, at a minimum, the material in the
state curriculum, but schools are free to supplement it with additional topics they expect
teachers to cover.
 Students will be tested on their mastery of this material through the state’s standardized
test, the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS).
 The state curriculum is the minimum of what teachers should teach and what students
should know, understand and be able to do.
 The Georgia Department of Education encourages teachers, however, to incorporate extra
activities and projects that will stimulate critical thinking and in-depth learning on the part
of their students.
 The standards can be found on the Department of Georgia web site
(www.georgiastandards.org)
 Page two of your contract states: The Board and the Employee agree that, if the employee
is assigned as a classroom teacher, then the employee will teach the curriculum as
designated by the Board.
 Teachers are expected to use the County adopted instructional materials as a resource for
instruction. Use of additional or supplemental materials is necessary and encouraged to
meet the needs of the varied levels of student performance.
 Briarlake uses the BALANCED LITERACY/GUIDED READING APPROACH for teaching reading
supplemented by The Orton-Gillingham Method of reading instruction. Teachers use the
State Frameworks for Literacy instruction in addition to the Common Core Guided reading
series from Perfection Learning. The instructional approach for every K-5 classroom will be
the workshop model to include an effective opening, work period, and closing.
 In addition to the Houghton-Mifflin MY MATH series, Briarlake currently uses the
Common Core math curriculum designed by Great Minds, called Eureka Math.
 Other resources used by Briarlake include Exemplars (for math, science and writing),
Reading A to Z, Perfection Learning, Reflex Math and Write Score (gr 3-5 for writing).
 No staff member should be on a phone (talking or texting) during instruction or in the
presence of students.
CUSTODIAL SERVICES
 If a need arises that merits the attention of the custodians, a special request form should
be submitted to the Head Custodian citing the problem. In case of an emergency (such as
a sick child), please contact the secretary or principal and they will dispatch a custodian to
your classroom.
 Please be aware that there will be times that no custodian will be available to assist you.
Please take the necessary steps to resolve the situation to the best of your ability, always
keeping in mind, the safety of the children is your first priority.
D
DUTY FREE LUNCH From the Official Code of GA
(a) Every teacher who is employed in grades kindergarten through five for a period of time of
more than one-half of the class periods of the regular school day shall be provided a daily lunch
period of not less than 30 consecutive minutes, and such employee shall not be assigned any
responsibilities during this lunch period. Such lunch period shall be included in the number of
hours worked, and no local board of education shall increase the number of hours to be worked
by an employee as a result of such employee's being granted a lunch period under the provisions

of this Code section. This duty-free lunch period shall not be calculated under any circumstances
as a part of any daily planning period or other non-instructional time.
(b) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prevent any teacher from exchanging that
teacher's lunch period for any compensation or benefit mutually agreed upon by the employee
and the local superintendent of schools or such superintendent's agent, except that a teacher and
the superintendent or agent may not agree to terms which are different from those available to
any other teacher granted rights under this Code section within the individual school or to terms
which in any way discriminate among such teachers within the individual school.
(c) The implementation of this Code section may not result in a lengthened school day.
(d) If necessary where due to extreme economic conditions or an unforeseen and unavoidable
personnel shortage, a local unit of administration may require a teacher otherwise entitled to a
duty-free lunch period to supervise students during such lunch period but for no more than one
day in any school week.
DUTIES: BUS DUTY, MORNINGS AND AFTERNOONS AND LUNCH DUTY (TKES Standard 9)
 Staff members who are placed on a schedule of rotating morning and afternoon supervision
are expected to be on time for assigned duties. If you are absent on a day when you have
duty, it is your responsibility to cover your duty with a regular staff member; substitutes may
not perform bus duty.
E
EMPLOYEE ACCIDENT/INJURY AND WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION
 In case of an accident/injury involving a staff member, the staff member must report the
work-related accident/injury to the principal immediately. At that time, it is the
responsibility of the employee to give all required information to the secretary so that a
report of the accident can be forwarded immediately to the appropriate office. The injured
person is then provided a form to sign, authorizing or declining medical treatment.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
 It is the responsibility of each staff member to implement and follow management control
of all utility consumption. The following guidelines are to be observed at all times: (a)
classroom lights should be turned off when not in use; and (b) all windows and classroom
doors are to remain closed when the heating or air-conditioning system is in use. Please
inform the office if heating or air conditioning is not adequate. The button on the right of
the controls allows you to secure additional hours of heat/air during after school hours.
EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBILITY
 Each faculty or staff member is responsible for books, equipment, kits, etc., which are issued
in his or her name. A visual inspection should be part of each day's beginning.
 Should an item of equipment be missing, it must be reported to the principal. All missing
equipment must either be reported as stolen or paid for by the person responsible. All
computer stations should be kept free of dust and clutter by weekly cleaning.

EVALUATION OF TEACHERS-TKES
The state of Georgia requires that all personnel employed by local units of administration,
including elected and appointed school superintendents, will have their performance evaluated
annually by appropriately trained evaluators.
 Teacher Keys Effectiveness System
Teacher Keys Effectiveness System (TKES) consists of multiple components, including the
Teacher Assessment on Performance Standards (TAPS), Surveys of Instructional Practice, and
measures of Student Growth and Academic Achievement. The overarching goal of TKES is to
support continuous growth and development of each teacher.
Each teacher will receive an orientation to the TKES platform and the TKES process. Each teacher
will participate in online training in each of the 10 standards through the familiarization process.
Training modules are found in the TKES platform.
Teachers will have two (2) formative evaluations and an additional four (4) informal walk though
evaluations for those on a “full plan” over the school year, in addition to a Summative Evaluation
that is reflective of the entire school year. Any changes to TKES requirements will be
communicated to staff.
F
FACULTY/PL MEETINGS (TKES Standards 1, 9)
 Staff meetings and Professional Development sessions will be held every Wednesday @
2:45-4:00 p.m. Staff members are expected to reserve this day for staff meetings. On
Wednesdays, please make any necessary childcare arrangements, and please do not
schedule personal appointments on these days. Your presence and participation at these
meetings are a crucial part of our instructional program.
 Staff meeting will focus on a variety of professional development, team building and
necessary required trainings (such as bullying, child abuse, copyright law, SST, etc.).
FERPA FOR FACULTY (TKES Standard 9)
What is FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (also sometimes referred to as
the Buckley Amendment), is a federal law regarding the privacy of student records, and the
obligations of the institution, primarily in the areas of release of the records and the access
provided to those records. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s
educational records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or
attends a school beyond the high school level.
 FERPA Posting Grades

The public posting of grades either by the student's name, institutional student identification
number or social security number, without the approval of the parent/guardian, is a violation of
FERPA. Even with names obscured, numeric student identifiers are considered identifiable
information and therefore violate FERPA. Do not post any student work with grades on it. Teacher
commentary is allowable.
 FERPA Returning Assignments

Leaving personally identifiable, graded papers unattended for students to view is no different from
posting grades in the hallway. If these papers contain "personally identifiable" information, then
leaving them unattended for anyone to see is a violation of FERPA. Other students and volunteers
(including parents) should not grade or mark papers and should not record grades or have
access to a teacher's grade book. Graded papers should not be passed out or passed back by
students.
 FERPA Access to Student Records

Faculty members are normally considered "school officials." But, the faculty member will have to
demonstrate a "legitimate educational interest" in their request to access records, e.g. advising
students, retention study, etc. However, faculty members do not have school wide access to
student academic records unless their normal job duties specifically require access to them.
 FERPA Parents Requesting Information

Such things as progress in a course, deficiencies in a subject area, scores, and grades on papers,
exams, etc. are examples of personally identifiable information that is part of the student's
education records. This information is protected under FERPA and parents/guardians have access
to this information. In the case of divorce or custody cases, the non-custodial parent still has the
right to examine the records and obtain information about his/her child's progress and grades. A
step-parent does NOT have FERPA rights unless a FERPA waiver has been signed.
 FERPA Crisis Situations/Emergencies

If non-directory information is needed to resolve a crisis or emergency situation, the education
institution may release that information if the institution determines that information is
"necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individual." Factors considered
making this assessment are: the severity of the threat to the safety of those involved; the need for
the information; the time required to deal with the emergency; and the ability of the parties to
whom the information is to be given to handle the emergency. The Principal or Area Assistant
Superintendent should decide whether non-directory information should be given out.
 FERPA Who can release student information?

An institution may disclose personally identifiable information without consent to "school
officials" whom the institution has determined to have a "legitimate educational interest."
 FERPA Obligation to Release Directory Information

FERPA has specifically identified certain information called directory information that may be
disclosed without parent/guardian or eligible student consent. This includes:
 Student name
 Date of Birth
 Major field of study
 Attendance information
 Diploma and awards received
 Participation in activities
 Weight and height of members of athletic teams

An institution is not obligated to release directory information to anyone. FERPA compliance says
that an institution MAY release information, but there is no obligation to do so. DCSS does not
release ANY (including “directory” information) personally identifiable information without
written permission of the parent/guardian or eligible student. If you have questions about this,
contact your Principal or Area Assistant Superintendent.
 FERPA Student Workers

DCSS does not permit student workers to have access to education records.
FIELD TRIPS
Teachers are expected, Grades K-5, to engage students in at least 1 field trips
per semester/2 per year off-campus field trips per school year beyond the use
of Fernbank Science Center of DCSD.
 Field trips are an integral part of the planned instructional program. Trips must be well
planned, and children must have definite objectives for the trip.
 If there are situations which cause a child not to participate in a trip, the teacher should
consult with the principal and/or counselor. If academic or behavioral performance is to be
used as consideration for participation in a field trip, this consideration MUST be arranged
well in advance and discussed with the parent. Written agreement from the parent (and
student as appropriate) must be obtained. Arrangements must be made by the classroom
teacher for the student while the class is participating in the field trip.
 Teachers are responsible for making arrangements for a trip.
 A proposal form for the trip should be turned in to the secretary at least four weeks in
advance.
 Application forms for transportation may be secured from the secretary. This must be
completed at least four weeks in advance, but should not be done until the principal has
approved the trip.
 After the principal has approved the trip, it is the responsibility of the teacher to request
that the information be placed on the master calendar.
 Grades K-5 are expected to engage students in at least 1 field trip per semester/2 off-
campus field trips per school year.
ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE A FIELD TRIP PERMISSION FORM ON FILE, SIGNED BY THE PARENT.
 A list of students, chaperons and teachers riding the bus/riding in cars and the bus number
must be left with the secretary when a class leaves on a trip. Be sure that this is an accurate
list. In case of an accident, this will be used to notify parents. Teachers must also leave a cell
phone number with the front office.
 No field trip will be approved prior to October 1 or after April 15 (with the exception of
Fernbank) in accordance with Department of Instruction guidelines.
 Transportation for field trips is available between October 1, 2019 and April 15, 2020.
 Students are not permitted to leave an off campus location to go home with parents who
may have joined the trip and drove their personal vehicle. Students must return to school on
the bus that took them to the off the school campus.
 Teachers should make arrangements with the school nurse regarding student medications.
FINANCE (TKES Standard 9)

All funds handled by school personnel related in any way to the school program are subject to
accounting and auditing. Generally, all expenditures from the local school funds are restricted by
the laws and regulations governing general school funds.
A. Collection and Deposit of Money
1. No money will be collected for any reason by any individual or school group without
the knowledge and consent of the principal.
2. All money collected by classes, clubs, or other school organizations (other than the
PTA) must be receipted and given to the bookkeeper to be deposited in the appropriate
school account. A completed Collected Funds Tally Sheet must accompany the money.
The bookkeeper will verify the amount of the deposit and issue a receipt as soon as
possible.
3. No school group may have an account outside school.
4. No money should be left unsecured in classrooms at any time.
5. No school group may charge more for an item than the actual cost of the item. For
example, if a t-shirt costs $10.35, you may not charge $11.00 for that shirt.
6. All funds collected for a specific purchase must be used for that purpose. If you collect
funds for a t-shirt, the students MUST receive a t-shirt.
7. You may not let another group use funds in your account.
B. Fund Raising
1. All fund raising activities must be approved by the principal.
2. Fund raising activities will not conflict with or detract from the instructional hours.
C. Issuance of checks
1. Checks will be issued by the bookkeeper only for expenses approved by the principal.
2. A Request for Check/Reimbursement form must be completed and given to the
secretary before a check is issued.
3. A check for reimbursement will be issued only when a dated, itemized, official store or
company receipt is submitted with the request.
4. Any check needed to be carried with you on a field trip must be requested at least four
days prior to the day of the trip.
FIRE DRILLS
 Ten fire drills are required each year.

 Two drills will be held during the first 2 weeks of school.
 Fire drills will be held during the first 10 days of each month to ensure that everyone knows
the most efficient manner to exit the building in the event of any emergency.
 Although time is critical, control is the key! Always assume the drill is real - get the
students out of the building as quickly and quietly as possible - do not allow students to
stop and put on coats, etc.
 Turn off the lights and close your classroom door to indicate that everyone is out of the
classroom.
 Students are not to talk while exiting the building during a fire drill.
 Take your students a safe distance away from the building and have them face away from
the building during the drill.
 All teachers are to take their Emergency Folder to include the emergency check list card,
DCSD Emergency Manual, red/yellow/green sheets, class roster and walkie-talkie and call
roll in order to account for every child.
 When Teacher Leads are called, each is to respond via color card display or walkie-talkie as a
last resort. Walkie-talkie is primarily for communication between Emergency Leads and for
emergency communication during this time to ensure that all students and staff are
accounted for.
FIRST AID
 First aid supplies are available in each homeroom.

 Please attend to minor issues such as hangnails, paper cuts, scraped knees or elbows, etc.
in the classroom. The nurse, Krystal Cure, provides each class with first aid supplies.
 When there is a slight injury, the teacher should apply first aid. Use rubber gloves when any
bodily fluid is present.
 TEACHERS SHOULD NOT ADMINISTER INTERNAL MEDICINE, SUCH AS ASPIRIN, COUGH
SYRUP, COUGH DROPS, ETC. OR ANY PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE SENT IN BY PARENTS.
 Children should only be sent to the office when the situation is beyond the scope of that
which can be remedied in the classroom.
 Children who are seriously injured are to be brought to the office, except in a situation
where the child should be attended at the place of the accident such as a broken bone,
concussion, etc.
 USE YOUR WALKIE TALKIE TO CALL FOR HELP!!
In case of an emergency or accident on school grounds or at school activities involving students
who require medical or surgical attention, the following procedures must be used:
1. Do not move the student if the injury appears serious.
A. The staff member present at the time of the accident or illness should immediately notify
the front office for administrative and nurse support, assess the situation and determine if
911 should be called immediately. He or she will notify the administrator and, if alone, call
911 if necessary.
B. In the event that the staff member is uncertain if 911 should be called, call for
administration, consult with an additional staff member who has had first aid
training.
C. The Nurse, Administrators or Front Office Staff will CALL 911 IN THE FOLLOWING
SITUATIONS:
1. Trauma and one or more of the following:

 Child not breathing well or not breathing at all
 Evidence of head injury and change in the level of consciousness
 Moderate to major burns
 Significant fracture/dislocation, especially of a femur (thigh) or an elbow/arm
 Child in shock
2. Respiratory distress
 Difficulty breathing (severe asthma, choking, ineffective chest expansion)

3. Seizures
 In a child with no previous history of seizures or in a child with a known
history of seizures if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes
4. Ingestion
 Accidental or intentional ingestion of any toxic substance
5. Shock or cardiac arrest

 The teacher should notify the principal or his designee.
 The principal or his designee will notify parent.
 Parents will make the decision as to how the child will be transported and
which physician or hospital is to be used.
6. If neither parent nor person designated by the parent to be notified in case of

an emergency can be reached, the principal or his designee will make
arrangements for transporting the student to the family physician or hospital.
7. After the emergency procedure has been completed, an accident report must
be filed in the office. (Ask secretary for form)
FOOD
Eating, including chewing gum and candy, are not permitted while instructing or supervising
students.
G
GRADE LEVEL MEETINGS (TKES Standard 10.3)
 Individual grade level meetings should be held weekly to plan for the coming week. It is
required that Wednesday and Thursday be designated grade level planning days during
common planning time.
 Additional grade level meetings can be held at the discretion of the team.
 RTI/Admin grade level meetings will be held Wed/Thursdays every 4-6 weeks as indicated in
the schedule provided to teachers.
 Teachers should be prepared to work on lesson plans for the coming week.
 Grade level meeting minutes as designed by the BES administrative team are required to be
submitted within 24-hours of a meeting.
 Documentation of these meetings may be uploaded into the TKES platform as evidence of
the standard.
 Additional meetings will be held with grade teams, AP and principal on Wednesdays as
determined by administration.
GRADING (TKES Standard 9, 10-Professionalism and Communication)
 In assigning a student an academic grade, the teacher should consider the child's
performance in the classroom, homework, projects, and teacher-made tests.
 The child's potential and history of past performance should also be considered.
 A student's academic grade must not be lowered because of poor behavior.

 Behavior is reflected in the conduct grade. Teachers are expected to keep a weekly behavior
chart that reflects conduct and work study habits for each child. This data must be available
to support any grade that is less than satisfactory.
 Teachers are expected to use a grading rubric to substantiate conduct, class participation,
class work and the components of work study habits.
GRADING POLICIES
Each teacher in grades 1-5 and all special area teachers are required to keep grades on a
computerized grading program on Infinite Campus. All grades are to be weighted according to
the following DeKalb County School District policy:
Infinite Campus Description Grading Protocol & Syllabus Description Weight
Pre-Assessment/Benchmarks Prior to Learning and Assessments of Learning (pre and post 0%
assessments)
Was "Formative Assessment" but Assessment During Learning 25%
changed to "Assessment During
Learning" as of 7/4/14
Guided/Group Practice Guided, Independent, or Group Practice 45%
Summative Assessment Summative Assessments or Assessment of Learning 30%
Benchmarks will not count towards a student's average, but should be used to support in making
instructional decisions. Grades must still be entered into IC under the category with a weight of
0%. District pre-tests are also still required and should be entered into the same category.
Two grades per content area should be entered into the electronic grade book on a weekly basis
so that parents will be able to see the data when they access student information via the Parent
Portal. All students will receive enough assignments during each grading period to assist in
validating any final grades. Grades entered should be a balanced reflection of students’
achievement levels within standards taught.
Failure to post grades that are appropriate and a balanced reflection each week will result in
the need to turn in a grade posting report each week to the Assistant Principal and possibly
noted in TKES.
The grading scale for DeKalb County is as follows:
100-90 A - Excellent
89-80 B - Good
79-71 C - Average
70 D- Poor
Below 70 F – Failing
E – Excellent
S - Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
U – Unsatisfactory
DEFICIENCY REPORTS/RTI:

Board of Education Policy requires that parents receive a deficiency report 20 days prior
to the end of the semester if the child is in danger of failing in any academic area or will
receive a "U" in conduct. Danger of failure is noted in averages reflecting low C and /or
consistent N in conduct. In order to, enter a D/F or U on a progress report or report card,
a signed deficiency by the student and parent is required. In the event the teacher is
unable to obtain parental signature, phone log documentation must be presented to and
approved by the API or Principal prior to entering a D/F or U on a progress report or
report card,
 The official system deficiency report must be used for parent notification and must
include a plan of remediation. Documentation supporting the deficiency must be
included and must be submitted to the assistant principal according to the schedule
provided.
 If the student is in the RTI process, the parent will have been informed of such at the time
of entry into RTI.
 If the student is not in the RTI process, the plan of remediation must include those
assignments that the student failed to complete causing the deficiency AND the date for
completion.
 The purpose of a deficiency is to provide the opportunity for the student to bring up low
grades.
 Parents must be requested to attend a parent/teacher conference to review all difficulties
and suggested remediation.
 Parents, students, and teachers must sign the Deficiency/Remediation Plan.
 These reports must be kept on file in the teacher's room until the end of the school year,
at which time they are to be placed in permanent records.
SEMESTER PROGRESS REPORTS:
An evaluation of a student's progress in academic areas and areas of personal growth and
development is sent to parents twice during the semester.
 REPORT CARDS:
Report cards are issued at the end of each semester. Grades are to be entered weekly, but
posted into Infinite Campus according to the deadline set by the AP for Instruction.
 ENROLLMENTS AND WITHDRAWALS ON REPORT CARDS:
If a student enrolls or withdraws during the semester and has at least 20 days of
attendance, the student MUST have grades recorded. If the student has been enrolled or
withdrawn with less than 20 days, you may do one of two things:
1. Place NC in the grade column.
2. Place a grade in the grade column if you feel you have sufficient evidence to
justify the grade.
HOMEWORK
 Per DCSD Board policy IHB homework is at all times an extension of the teaching/learning
experience. Homework assignments should be meaningful and should be an
application or adaptation of a classroom experience. It should be considered the
possession of the student and should be collected, evaluated, and returned to the student
within reasonable time limits to enhance the student’s achievement of the course or class
objectives.

 Policy IH- Parents or guardians shall be kept informed concerning the progress of the
student
Practice – assignment reinforces acquired skills
Meaningful – Homework should be directly related to student’s deficits, related to

weighted standards, and prerequisite skills for content ready to be taught.
Preparation – assignments that help students get ready for activities that will occur in the
classroom
Extension – assignments are frequently long-term continuing projects that parallel class
work. Students must apply previous learning to complete these assignments, which may
include projects and papers.
Note: It is critical for teachers and parents to be aware that not all student work is subject
to grading.
Homework for Practice shall focus on the practice of CCGPS standards and elements that
have been introduced, taught and covered in class. Teachers shall provide feedback or
commentary to students about homework as practice assignments. This homework
should not be graded or averaged into progress reports or report cards. Smaller and more
meaningful homework assignments will result in more appropriate homework for
students and less time for teachers to assess the quality of the work.
Homework assigned will be monitored by the principal and assistant principal.
Recommended time for homework:
Kindergarten students should receive between 15 minutes to 30 minutes of content area

homework per night and reading for practice and/or pleasure can be beyond this time.
First Grade students should receive between 20 minutes to 30 minutes of content area homework
per night and reading for practice and/or pleasure can be beyond this time.
Second Grade students should receive between 20 minutes to 40 minutes of content area
Third Grade students should receive between 30 minutes to 45 minutes of content area
Fourth Grade students should receive between 40 minutes to 60 minutes of content area
Fifth Grade students should receive between 50 minutes to 75 minutes of content area homework
per night and reading for practice and/or pleasure can be beyond this time.
H
HEALTH AND SAFETY
 The health and safety of our students are of primary concern. Students should be
supervised at all times, and every precaution should be taken to ensure their safety.
 If you must leave your students for any reason, notify the office first and then a teacher
next door.
 Students are not allowed on playground equipment unless they are in their Physical
Education class, or are being immediately supervised by an adult.
 Each student who is enrolled in a Georgia school must have a Georgia immunization record,
which must be on the health form (#3231) provided, by the state.
 Students are allowed to remain in school for 30 days before they must have this form on file.
The registrar and clinic assistant will work with you to see that every student has proper
immunization records.
 In order to ensure proper nutrition, students are encouraged to buy lunch in the
lunchroom. The sale of foods of minimal nutritional value is prohibited. Please do not
allow any child or students to buy soft drinks from the machine in the teachers' lounge.
 If a student is ill, he or she is to go to the front office. Please send a clinic form to the
secretary if you send a child to the office for illness.
 If you suspect that a child might have lice, please send them to the clinic to be checked.
INSTRUCTIONAL TIME/SCHEDULES
 Instructional time schedules will be developed for classroom teachers and all special area
teachers based on SACS standards, DOE and DCSD polices.
 Schedules are created to maximize instructional time as well as to accommodate the
various teaching models that are implemented to best meet the needs of all students in
the school.
 Schedules are not to be changed or modified by any classroom teacher without consulting
the principal.
 Rest periods, recess, breaks, class change time and lunch are not considered instructional
time.
 Special services, including inclusion classes/support have flexibility within this proposed
schedule.
For a 180 School Day Annual Calendar:

Kindergarten – not less than 4.5 hours per day
Grades 1 -3 – not less than 4.5 hours per day
Grades 4-5 – not less than 5 hours per day
Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Program...

...which includes alcohol and other drug use, disease prevention, environmental health,
nutrition, personal health, sex education, AIDS education safety, mental health, growth
and development, consumer health, community health, health careers, family living,
motor skills, physical fitness, lifetime sports, outdoor education
 Kindergarten –Grade 5 – 90 contact hours of health and physical education

 Kindergarten – Grade5 – alcohol and drug use education annually on each grade level
 Kindergarten – Grade 5 – Parental permission for sex education and AIDS prevention
 Students must not miss more class time for field trips, assemblies, etc., than designated
by the state.
 In order to comply with this standard, when a trip is scheduled for Fernbank, the daily
schedule should be altered so that the trip time is science class. All other subjects must
also be covered in that day.
 Other regularly scheduled components, such as Art, Music, and P.E. must be met
according to schedule.
INTERNAL SECURITY PROCEDURES
The Department of Homeland Security has issued guidelines and a system to alert governmental
institutions when Terrorism threatens our children. While we are always alert to danger or threat
to children, we must be especially alert and mindful of the national system of alerts issued by the
Department of Homeland Security. Once the country is placed on "Orange Alert", our school
safety protocols change dramatically.
 During "Orange Alert" or above, additional security procedures requiring extra

monitoring will take place throughout the school. An administrator will check strategic
points throughout the building between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
o Any school campus with portable classrooms faces more complex security issues
than a completely self-contained school. To provide additional safety for students
and staff, we all need to be vigilant.
o Teachers and school personnel need to be knowledgeable of student movement
patterns in order to help with security.
o Decisions regarding physical education will be taken up with the teacher as the
need arises. Everyone is encouraged to report any unusual events or the
appearance of an individual or group of individuals who appear not to have
legitimate school business to an administrator personally. Please, do not
communicate through students. Do it yourself
o Administrators will do a telephone check with teachers assigned to the mobile
classrooms between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. each morning. During
alerts, classroom doors should be locked. Administrators will check doors
throughout the day. Unnecessary student movement throughout the school and
campus should be avoided.
1. All building doors and portable classroom doors will be checked beginning at 8:00 a.m. to
ensure that all are locked throughout the day.
2. Classes moving to and from portable classrooms should do so quickly and teachers will check
to ensure that doors are locked.
3. For the benefit of substitute teachers or others who may not know the complex schedule we
have will be provided a simplified version of the movement patterns to and from portable
classrooms throughout the day. It is this part of our operation that causes the most concern.
L
LEADERSHIP TEAM/ School Improvement Team

 These teams will meet monthly to analyze data, plan STE(A)M and other professional
development activities for the staff, make recommendations for special programs that
would support instruction, discuss scheduling concerns/instructional that impact the
school or grade level(s), etc. The meetings are an essential part of the progress of our
school. Presence, preparation and engagement is required by all invited.
LESSON PLANS (TKES Standard 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8)
 Plans of instruction are expected to be written and maintained on a regular basis. All staff
members are expected to work collaboratively with their team members and support
personnel to develop plans for each subject area with a focus on delivering a CCGPS-based
educational experience. This includes special area teachers.
 Teachers are expected to maintain individual weekly/daily lesson plans that detail classroom
instruction. Weekly plans should reflect the needs, learning styles and interests of the
students in the class.
 The writing of plans divided among the team is supportive of the school collaboration
focus and should not be a practice.
 Plans will be turned in to the assistant principal for instruction via Outlook 365 in the Lesson
Plan group by 6:00 p.m. on the Friday before the plans are to be implemented the following
week.
 Utilize the lesson plan template in the Outlook 365 lesson plan files.
 Daily/weekly plans should be Lessons should be planned toward meeting the needs of
individual children. Differentiation and it’s data used for instruction to meet these needs
should be evident in the plans.
 They should follow the new Common Core Georgia Standards of Excellence and (CCGPS)
outlined by the Georgia Department of Education.
 In addition, lesson plans should identify brain-compatible strategies and best practices.
Lessons should be continuous and ongoing even when some of the students are working
with special area teachers (i.e. Discovery, EIP, etc.).
 All students should be engaged with meaningful activities throughout the school day.
 Lesson plans should be current and visible (i.e. on teacher desk or at teacher primary work
station) in a lesson plan binder for observation review.
LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER [State Standard I 11.2]
 The Library Media Center exists to aid students in their pursuit of an education and to help
teachers carry out the requirements of the curriculum. The Library Media Program at
Briarlake also supports the school wide efforts at developing literate students who enjoy
reading for both a purpose and for pleasure. Engaging students with a selection of
literature styles is a component of programs for all grades, and appropriate library skills
are presented along with the stories.
 A Media Center Handbook has been prepared to assist the faculty in becoming acquainted
with the resources and operation of Briarlake's Library Media Center. The handbook is
available for teachers, students and parents on the school website.
 The Library Media Center also houses materials for teachers that include, but are not
limited to: DVDs, videos, instructional kits, books, professional materials, maps, globes,
audiovisual equipment, and ActiveBoard accessories. The Teacher-Librarian will work with
the teacher to locate materials to support instructional units, lesson plans, and their
professional development needs for college classes or personal growth.
The Library Media Center is open for students and parents. Hours are 7:30-3:30.
LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES (FLYER MUST BE POSTED BY THE CLASSROOM DOOR)
 The presence of any unknown person in or outside of the building should be reported
immediately to the office. In the event that we have an intruder or suspicious person on
the grounds, the school will follow the LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES posted in each
classroom OR AS DIRECTED BY LOCAL SCHOOL AND/OR DEKALB COUNTY POLICE
OFFICERS.
 Always assume the drill is real. Move the students to safety as quickly as possible and do
not allow students to become distracted from the drill. When the drill is over, the all clear
signal will be given.
 Until the all clear is given by the principal (who will receive the all clear from the police),
staff members may not make the decision that they can allow their students to resume
normal activity.
 Be prepared to stay in a lockdown position for an extended length of time. It would be wise
to prepare a box with paper, pencils, crayons, tissues, wipes, snacks, water,
cushions/pillows, etc. in case the lockdown does go into extended time
 If you do not have a restroom attached to your classroom, be prepared for restroom
requests and how you will handle them with dignity and discretion.
 NO staff member should be on their computer or their phone (classroom or personal cell
during a lockdown.
 NO student should be on a phone during a lockdown.
 It is ESSENTIAL that staff members and students follow the directives of the principal
during any lockdown, in spite of what may be reported to you by a source outside of the
school building. You are not always privy to the information being relayed to the principal
and your actions may compromise and jeopardize your safety, the safety of your students
and of the school.
 Staff members are reminded to use their cell phone to join the Briarlake Staff page for
Remind so that the principal will be able to communicate with you via text during a
lockdown if necessary.
 Staff members shall use their cell phone to set up a classroom Remind page with the
parents of their students so that information can be relayed to them if necessary during a
lockdown on a timely basis as well.
LUNCH

 Teachers or staff members responsible for the safety of students are required to supervise
and stay with students and see that they are properly lined up. This will facilitate prompt
checking by the cashier.
 Teachers must ensure students must know the last five digits of their student number by
the end of August.
 Duty free lunch will begin for teachers the third week of school.
 During the first two weeks of school, teachers need to be sure to teach students their five
digit student numbers, cafeteria procedures and appropriate table manners.
 At the time of registration, parents are offered applications for free or reduced lunches for
their children.
 At the time of registration/Open House teachers are not to collect lunch money for the
cafeteria.
 During the school year, Student Lunch Meal Count Sheets must be place in teacher mail
boxes by 8:00 am. This will enable the cafeteria staff to maximize the meal preparation
time.
 To make sure we are in compliance with our cash handling procedures,

students that are not in the system at the P.O.S, students are asked to
bring their money for their meals daily until they are uploaded in our
system.

P
PARENT CONFERENCES (TKES Standards 9, 10-Professionalism and Communication)
Parent conferences should be held as needed. Conferences are held every 9 weeks after the
progress report or report card has been issued. Minutes of these meetings is required on the
form provided by the principal and should be readily available if needed. In the initial conference,
the following information should be provided:
1. Your plans for the year

2. Your schedule
3. When and how you send papers and other information home
4. How you grade (following DCSD policy)
5. Your classroom management plan
Subsequent conferences will be used to:
1. Review the student's progress during the year using data from all available sources,
including, but not limited to classroom assessments, DCSD Benchmarks, standardized
assessments, MAP, Exemplars, etc.
2. Plan for placement for the next year.
3. Explain any standardized test scores: GKIDS, MAP, and Georgia Milestones
 Conferences may be initiated by the parent, teacher, principal, assistant principal, or
counselor. Conferences are normally scheduled in the afternoon between 2:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Conferences should be of reasonable length and given enough time to adequately answer
parent questions and address any concerns.
 Every reasonable effort should be made to accommodate parent requests for conferences.
 There are occasions when only a morning time is available. In this case, 7:00-7:30 a.m. is
appropriate.
 DO NOT SCHEDULE ANY CONFERENCES ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS from 2:45-4:00.
This time is reserved for professional learning, staff meetings, called meetings by DCSD,
etc.
 Teachers are to keep track of all conferences and phone calls for documentation purposes.
This documentation could be requested to be uploaded onto the TKES platform as
evidence of the standard.
 All teachers must attend each of the 9-week extended day conferences from 3:00-5:00.
 Paraprofessionals are not required to be in attendance on extended days.
PERMANENT RECORDS (TKES Standard 9, 10-Professionalism and Communication)
Permanent records are kept in a file cabinet in the school vault. The homeroom teacher is
responsible for keeping each child’s permanent file up-to-date. These files must include the
following:
1. Immunization record
2. Certified copy of birth certificate
3. Hearing, vision, and dental screening
4. Scoliosis screening (if applicable to grade level)
5. Proof of residency
6. Social Security card or waiver
7. Standardized Test record card information including test label and student profiles
 All copies of psychological reports are kept in the vault. Special education records are kept
with the special education teachers.
 No records are to be released to third parties without parental consent.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
Improving student academic and behavior outcomes is about ensuring all students have access to
the most effective and accurately implemented instructional and behavioral practices and
interventions possible. Positive Behavior Support provides an operational framework for achieving
these outcomes. More importantly, PBS is NOT a curriculum or practice, but IS a decision making
framework that guides selection, integration, and implementation of the best evidence-based
academic and behavioral practices for improving important academic and behavior outcomes for
all students
Positive Behavior Support is guided by six important principles:
 Develop a continuum of scientifically based behavior and academic interventions and

supports
 Use data to make decisions and solve problems
 Arrange the environment to prevent the development and occurrence of problem

behavior
 Teach and encourage pro-social skills and behaviors

 Implement evidence-based behavioral practices with fidelity and accountability
 Screen universally and monitor student performance & progress continuously
Schools that establish systems with the capacity to implement PBS with integrity and durability
have teaching and learning environments that are:
 Less reactive, aversive, dangerous, and exclusionary, and
 More engaging, responsive, preventive, and productive
 Address classroom management and disciplinary issues (e.g., attendance, tardies,

antisocial behavior),
 Improve supports for students whose behaviors require more specialized assistance (e.g.,
emotional and behavioral disorders, mental health), and
 Most importantly, maximize academic engagement and achievement for all students
TEACHERS ARE ABSOLUTELY NEVER TO ADMINISTER CORPORAL PUNISHMENT! In the event a

report is received that a staff member has struck/mishandled a student, the following persons
must be contacted in order for the investigation to begin:
1. Social Worker
2. School Detective
3. Area Superintendent
 Teachers are not to place unsupervised students in the hall, assign repeated writing of
sentences, or punish the entire class for the actions of a few.
 The teacher of each classroom is responsible for establishing the behavior that is
acceptable in his or her room.
 This expectation should be established on the first day of school.
 Expectations should be fair and consistent for all students.
 Teachers are reminded to refrain from touching students in a negative manner.
 Teachers are to refrain from language that includes sarcasm, ridicule, or humiliating
remarks. Research shows that sarcasm and personal attacks are negatively related to
achievement (Berlinger, 1984). Remember to manage with dignity.
 Classroom procedures should be posted in each room, and parents and students should
have a copy. During the first few weeks of school, an extensive introduction to your
procedures will be mandatory.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (TKES Standard 1-Professional Knowledge)

 Wednesdays are designated Professional Development Day.
 Staff members will participate in a variety of learning experiences designed to enhance
the professional knowledge base of an elementary teacher.
 Paraprofessionals may participate in this staff development if they chose; however, the
40.5 work week will need to be adjusted so that the staff member does not work more
than the allowed 40.5 hours in that week.

PROFESSIONAL DRESS (TKES Standard 9-Professionalism)
Teachers should dress professionally and in good taste. The attire of the employee helps establish
and maintain the image of the school. Remember, we serve as role models for the students and
should dress as professionals.
It is important to be aware that restrictive clothing or inappropriate shoes could hinder your
ability to fulfill your duties in an emergency. You cannot run in flip flops or extremely high heels!
As a general rule of thumb, if you have to ask if something is appropriate or if you don’t need to
change your clothes when you get home, then you are not dressed professionally! Parents need
to see you dressed and ready to work as a professional in your field. Children must see you
dressed differently than their mothers or their babysitters!
Policy GBRL-R(2): Employee Dress Code
General Expectations
 All DeKalb County School District employees shall dress in a professional manner
and style in accordance with the dress of other professionals within the
community. Employees are expected to be clean, neat, and appropriately dressed
at all times during the employee’s regular hours of work.
 In order to ensure the safety and security of both staff and students, District ID
Badges should be clearly visible at all times.
 The Superintendent may make District, school-wide, or site-specific exceptions to
these standards for such events as “spirit days,” “hat days,” planning days, and
other events and activities when schools are not in session or students are not
present.
 The Superintendent, Principals, and Site Administrators have the authority to
interpret this dress code and make a case-by-case determination of the
appropriateness of dress and appearance in cases which may or may not be
covered by the standards contained in this policy. Any employee whose attire or
dress is not professional in the opinion of the Superintendent, Principal, or Site
Administrator shall be directed to conform to this policy. An employee, who is
inappropriately dressed, may be sent home and required to return to work in
acceptable attire. The employee shall not be paid for time away from work.
Professional Dress
Professional dress includes, but is not limited to the following:
1. Business suits/pants suits;
2. Dresses or skirts with blouse or sweater for females;
3. Pants and khakis with appropriate blouse, shirt, knit top, or sweater;
4. Collared shirts with and without ties;
5. Tops may have sleeves or be sleeveless. Regardless of type, the area from the neck
to the shoulder must be covered;
6. Attire in accordance with the environmental requirements for specific job
assignments; and
7. Professional, safe, and non-distracting footwear.
8. Fridays are Spirit Days. Jeans with Briarlake shirts are permitted.
Unprofessional Dress
To ensure that employees are professionally attired, the following are considered
unacceptable:
1. Sweat pants/wind suits/shorts, unless teaching physical education;
2. Capri-length pants(PANTS HIRE THAN 3in ABOVE THE ANKLE
3. Flip flops, foam constructed shoes, hiking shoes, bedroom shoes, or crocs.
4. Immodest attire which is too short, too tight, or revealing;
5. Any clothing that allows undergarments to be visible;
6. Ripped jeans;
7. Exposed cleavage;
8. Un-ironed/unclean clothes
9. Over worn/over stretched faded or tie-dyed Tshirts
10. Any clothing that is a distraction, inflammatory, offensive, or poses a health, safety,
or security hazard, or anything else which:
a. Is offensive, lewd, profane, or sexually suggestive;
b. Promotes or advertises use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, or any
illegal substance;
c. Advocates or indicates discrimination on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, age, religion, or disability; and/or
d. Has the potential to incite students to disrupt the educational process,
order, and discipline at a school.
11. Any item of clothing or jewelry that creates a disruption of the school
environment/learning activities or that poses a threat to the safety and well-being
of students or staff
DeKalb County Schools Date Issued:4/18/2012
Also Not Permitted at BRIARLAKE:
 “Club wear”, “skinny” pants, leggings, jeggings and “women’s cut” t-shirts
 Running pants/shorts/tanks/exercise wear (except during an after school activity)
 Cargo pants that have drawstrings at the knee
 Overalls
 Shorts (including Bermuda shorts)/skorts
 Leggings/jeggings
 Denim/colored jeans
 Teachers should always re-dress as a professional after an event that calls for shorts, track
wear, running clothes, exercise wear if they plan to remain in the building at the
conclusion of the event. No staff members should be seen in exercise wear or track
clothes while on duty or while attending an after school event with students, parents or
the community.
 We will have Jean Days on Fridays. You must wear the identified shirt attire in order to
participate, typically a color of the month.
o Jeans should be free from decorations, holes, rips or tears, not faded, whiskered,
distressed, bleached skin tight, rolled up, or washed out (dark wash preferred).
o TROUSER JEANS are only allowed on Fridays.
 Colored jeans are still jeans and are not allowed.

 Sunshine will sponsor $2.00 Tuesdays as an extra day each month that jeans will be
allowed. Funds raised through this event will go into the Sunshine Fund. Funds will be
used according to Sunshine by-laws.
Examples of clothing that should give you pause…

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (TKES Standard 9-Professionalism)
PTA
 The DeKalb County School System recognizes that each certified teacher, staff member, and
administrator is a professional. One of the landmarks of a professional educator is his or
her involvement in the accepted organization representing his or her field of work. Each
staff member is encouraged to join the organization that best represents his or her views
of education.
 All teachers should join and support the P.T.A. and give their total support to the
organization's activities. Parents and teachers working together will enhance the growth
of our boys and girls. This includes participating in PTA events. Attendance at a minimum
of 4 PTA informational meetings and/or special events is expected. Please inform the
principal at least a week in advance if you should need to be excused from an event. There
are 3 identified events that you are required to attend. These include: Ice Cream Social,
Fall Festival, and Family Service Night.
R
RESOURCE SPEAKERS
It is suggested that you invite resource speakers to our school during the year to complement
regular instruction. In an attempt to make the most effective use of resource speakers, the
following guidelines will be observed:
1. The principal must approve anyone who is invited to speak to staff or students.
2. The teacher who invites a speaker will provide him or her with a general outline of
the content to be covered--excerpts from the course guide, etc. (Form in front
office.)
3. Students will be prepared prior to the speaker's visit.
4. The teacher who invited the resource speaker is present during the presentation.
5. The principal is informed in advance and may attend the presentation.
6. In the event the subject is controversial (drug education, sex, values education), an
administrator should be in attendance. DeKalb County has an approved list of
speakers for some more controversial topics.
7. A follow-up discussion of the speaker's presentation is expected by the teacher who

extended the invitation.
Resource speakers are not allowed to promote or sell commercial products. Example: Speaking
on dental care may encourage students to brush their teeth, but cannot promote the sale of
toothpaste.
RETENTION POLICY
In order to be promoted to the succeeding grade, students must satisfactorily complete the Math
and Reading curriculum for their grade level. Students in grades 3 and 5 must pass the Georgia
Milestones for promotion to the next grade.
Students must also have performed satisfactorily in English, Social Studies, Science/Health, and
Spelling in accordance with concepts and objectives stated in the DeKalb School System
curriculum guide for these respective content areas.
Students may not be retained without having been documented under Tier 2/Tier 3 RTI.
Retention is typically not considered until students have reached Tier III.
 Sufficient documentation must be provided detailing what the teacher has done to provide
targeted intervention, including the duration and intensity of the intervention, appropriate
progress monitoring and the results of the intervention.
 Documentation of parental involvement with the plan of intervention must also be
provided.
 Students who are "at risk" are first identified by their MAP assessment, Fountas and Pinnell
Reading assessment, Common Assessments, and GA Milestones from the previous
fall/spring as well as teacher observation.
 Through the RTI process, the plan of intervention must be explained to the parent.
 All data must be accurately documented including dates in the form of DD/MM/YY on all
documents and the assessment must reflect a monitoring of the targeted goal and
appropriate intervention. All Progress Monitoring must be dated.
There may be some instances in which students fail to meet the above criteria although, in the
judgment of the teacher, they are working at maximum potential. These include students who
have been retained one or more times previously, who are experiencing severe difficulties (social,
emotional, physical), or who would not benefit from retention for other reasons.
RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (TKES Standard 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8)
The goal of Response to Intervention AT BRIARLAKE is student success resulting in increased

student achievement. This fully aligns with our vision – a rigorous and appropriate education that
results in success for all students, and our mission – committed to success for students, teachers,
staff, and our school system.
 Teachers will be given information regarding RTI to assist in implementation of the process.
Additional training will be held as needed to support teachers in the implementation.
 Grade level RTI /Data Analysis/meetings should be held bi-weekly.
 RTI admin meetings may take place every 4-6 weeks. It is expected that teachers are
present, prepared and engaged during grade level RTI meetings. This includes providing

accurate documentation and having presentations ready for discussion. Please note that
all RTI tasks requested must be completed at the time of the meeting.
 These meetings will focus on students who are not meeting expectations in their academic
progress.
 Hearing & Vision Screening Protocol
 Hearing & Vision Screening is required to occur in MTSS Tier 2, when previously this
screening was only introduced at Tier 3. To ensure we are supporting all students
appropriately and effectively ensuring processes operate smoothly, teachers will:
1: Notify the AP and RTI Chairperson at the start of creating a Tier 2 plan on a student
2: Chairpersons for Tier 2 and Tier 3 will contact via email either the PT Counselor or Nurse to
conduct the H/V Screening.
3: It is important that the screening is completed within 1-4 days of notification.
4: Designee: Lowe and Nurse Lee will reply to the original email request indicating when the
screening is complete.
S
SAFE SCHOOLS AUDIT
 As part of the Excellence in Education Plan, Safe Schools Audits will be conducted
throughout the district in an on-going basis. A checklist will be used to gauge the pulse of a
school’s plan for safety and to provide the school and district with data to use to identify
areas of strength and to identify areas in need of improvement.
 Use of the audit will promote the goals of the Board of Education and Superintendent for
improving Student Achievement and Success, providing Safe and Orderly Schools.
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS
Children should leave the room in a safe, respectful and responsible manner. The teacher is
responsible for accompanying the class to lunch, the playground, and any special classes the class
goes to as a group. Students should be safe, responsible and respectful while in the hallways.
*****At no time should students be left unsupervised *****
Failure to properly supervise students will result in a letter of direction filed in the Electronic
Platform of TKES
SMOKING
In accordance with DeKalb County Board of Education policy, smoking is NOT ALLOWED on school
property. Employees who violate this mandate will be subjected to the following procedures:
First Offense Conference with the principal

Letter explaining offense will be placed in employee's file
Second Offense Consultation and letter from the superintendent to be placed in

the employee's file
Third Offense Three-day suspension without pay
SPECIAL EVENTS

It is a policy of the DeKalb County Schools that all special events, holidays, and other observations
are treated as an important part of our cultural heritage.
Children should not be forced to participate in any program or activity which is in conflict with
their religious beliefs.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR DCSD
The Division of Human Resources has developed a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to
clarify Human Resources related operational guidelines and practices. SOPs are user-friendly real-
time resources designed specifically for Principals and Department Administrators to promote
consistent application of Human Resources related processes and procedures.
Please click on the following link as well as review a few of the examples listed below. Once you
are on the site, click on the procedures tab for a complete listing. For additional information
regarding the Standard Operating Procedures, please contact the Division of Human Resources at
(678) 676-0094. http://staffsvc.hr.dekalb.k12.ga.us/esop
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
SST is a part of the RTI process. SST referrals may be initiated by teachers, parents, and/or
administrators. Referral forms must be filled out completely and all required paperwork must be
turned in to the ISS) (instructional support specialist) in a timely manner set forth by the SST
coordinator. Attendance at all SST meetings is a state requirement.
SUBSTITUTE File box
Appropriate and adequate planning for a substitute is absolutely necessary. Plans and materials
must be readily accessible in the classroom including but not limited to the following:
 Names of grade level team members

 Classroom procedures
 Emergency lesson plans (for at least three days)
 Schedule of classes
 Seating chart
 Class roll/transportation list
 Lunch schedule
 Library procedures
 Hall and building rules
 Names of two dependable students
 First-aid procedures
 List of textbooks and location of teacher's editions
 Fire drill/tornado drill/intruder alert/lockdown/evacuation procedures
Special needs of particular students (non-English speakers, SPED students or DHH students)
 Call back switch information
 Office number 42502

All Substitute information will be checked by the Assistant Principal at the beginning of the school
year. A Substitute Report (feedback for the regular teacher) will be completed and turned in to the
office by the substitute teacher.
AN EMERGENCY CLIPBOARD will be kept on the wall next to the classroom door. In it will be a
constantly updated class roster with a schedule of the day including the location of all student
movement for instruction. (Gifted, P.E. special ed. classes, speech, OT, PT, etc.)
T
TEACHERS/STAFF LOUNGE
 The lounge is provided for the convenience of the instructional staff. It is expected that
good housekeeping practices will be used in order to keep the lounge a pleasant and
enjoyable place to be. It is also expected that staff members will take advantage of this
facility only when they have no direct responsibility for children.
 Staff members are expected to monitor those food items they place in the refrigerator and
freezer. Space is very limited and items that are clearly past their shelf life will be discarded
on a regular basis, including the containers.
TORNADO
In the event of a tornado drill or tornado event, the staff will be alerted via the tornado signal. If
electricity is off, a bullhorn will be used to make an announcement in the corridor.
Students and staff should be on the hall floor in the "tornado safety position." Children should sit
on the floor with their back facing the wall, head down and arms covering head.
There should be no talking during a tornado drill or tornado event so that needed directions may
be given.
TELEPHONE
 The school telephone should be used wisely. No operator-assisted calls can be made.
Students/teachers will not be called to the telephone except in cases of an emergency. The
secretary will forward messages to your voice mailbox. Please make sure your internal and
external greetings are up to date and reflect your name and information.
 Please screen student requests to use the telephone. Students should make plans for after-
school before coming to school and should not use the telephone for such purposes. If
students do need to call home, they are to use the phone in the classroom.
 Make sure when calling parents from your classroom phone that you leave a message and a
call back number. Please do not just hang up!! The parents only see the main school
number (678-874-2502) on their caller ID and will call the office back asking who has called
them. Leaving your call back information will ensure your call is routed correctly back to you
or the child. Also, return calls to parents within a reasonable time frame.
TEXTBOOKS

 Textbooks are issued to each student unless otherwise indicated. Teachers are responsible
for scanning and maintaining their own inventory of textbooks online through First Class.
Complete directions for working with textbooks can be found on First Class under the Online
Textbook Program icon.
 Textbooks should be covered to protect and preserve them. Students who lose, destroy, or
damage a textbook must be reported to the assistant principal. Another book with the
same title will not be issued to the student until the school system is compensated. The
student will also receive an "I" in the subject directly affected by the loss until compensation
is made. Students and teachers who lose textbooks will be assessed the full cost of the
book.
 Students who return textbooks that show wear in excess of what could be attributed to
normal use should be assessed according to the damage.
 Report cards should be held until the student compensates the school system for the
textbook in question.
TUTORING
 Teachers are not allowed to tutor students during school hours or on school property for
pay. It is never a good practice to tutor students for pay who are in your class, even if it is
outside of school or after school hours. This is an ethics violation.
 Students may not “hang out” with you in your classroom until time for tutoring. You may
not take students home for the benefit of tutoring.
 Each teacher is expected to make after school tutoring available for those students who
need it. Staff members may begin their tutoring sessions at 2:30 and should end by 3:00.
 It is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure that the student will have a way to get home
after the tutoring session. No student may miss a bus for tutoring if the parent cannot
come to the school at 3:00 for pick up.
 Many times students who need tutoring are enrolled in after care which begins at 2:30.
Teachers would need to let the director know that they are picking up a student for
tutoring and take them back the class. The teacher should escort the student back to after
care when the session is over at 3:00.
 Tutoring should be limited to two (2) afternoons a week.
V
VALUES EDUCATION [State Standard I 22.2]
All teachers are to become familiar with the Values Education Curriculum Guide and teach these
objectives whenever possible. Although these objectives should be located in the Science/Health
Curriculum Guides, they may be utilized during other subject areas (such as Social Studies).

W
WEATHER, INCLEMENT
When a severe weather watch is announced, immediate emergency procedures are taken for
safety in the schools or for dispatch of students to homes. The DeKalb superintendent or the
designee makes the final decision whether or not to dismiss school. You may call 678-676-1200 to
know if school is closed for students and/or staff. A recording will give the necessary information.
WEBPAGE TEACHER REQUIREMENTS (See APPENDIX)
WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS
IMPORTANT: If a student tells you they are moving or going to another school, please check
with the registrar for the validity of this information. Please do not question the child or contact
the home for verification.
When a child withdraws from our school, the following procedures should be carried out by the
homeroom teacher:
Withdrawal form: Complete the withdrawal form and return it to the office.
Math and reading workbooks: Math and reading workbooks should be sent to the registrar
if the student is moving to another DeKalb school. If the student is not transferring to a
DeKalb school, student workbooks are kept in the school and should be given to the
assistant principal for instruction. Progress reports and any STAR testing reports/parent
letters must be sent to the registrar along with the completed withdrawal form.
Personal Belongings: Be sure the child has all personal belongings--coats, school box, lunch
box, notebooks, etc.
Textbooks and library books: Teachers should verify that all library books and textbooks
have been returned. Teachers should be certain to check in all textbooks that have been
checked out to a student before they leave. If a student has lost or damaged a textbook or
library book, restitution must be made before the student records can be released.
Permanent records: Please be sure that records are up-to-date no later than two days after
withdrawal. Be sure that all testing information is in the folder.

WORKDAY and CALENDAR
Policy GBRB: Professional Personnel Time Schedules
CALENDAR AND WORK SCHEDULE

The calendar and work schedule for each professional position and job classified by the
DeKalb County Board of Education shall be established and shall be available to the
applicant to ensure that each employee understands and accepts, as a condition of
employment, the daily schedule and the calendar period.
A minimum of eight hours shall be scheduled for teachers for each day of the adopted
calendar.
All personnel employed for twelve months shall have a calendar period from July 1 through
June 30.
Personnel may be assigned additional duties requiring daily and calendar schedules
exceeding the schedules for regular assignments. These assignments may include athletic
coaching, instruction in instrumental music, on-the-job training, counseling, driver training,
and activities which are essential for the school program. A schedule shall be prepared by
the principal or appropriate administrator and approved by the Superintendent.
DeKalb County Schools Date Adopted: 9/11/2000
In addition:
 Teachers official work hours at school are from 7:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. or 7:15 am-3:15 pm.
Monday through Friday.
 Staff members will sign an agreement designating their choice of official work hours.
 Staff members who choose to come to school prior to 7:00 a.m. and stay after 3:15 p.m.
may not flex their time to come to school late or leave early for the day.
 Students will report to your classroom beginning at 7:30 a.m.
 The tardy bell rings at 7:45. Any student not in the classroom at that time is to be marked
tardy.
 Have a procedure in place for tardy students so you do not have to interrupt instruction
when they arrive.
 You are expected to be ready to start the day with chairs are taken down and all
instructional materials ready, including any copies that need to be made.
 Greet your students at your classroom door and have a procedure in place that allows
students to put away backpacks, turn in homework, etc., make a lunch choice, start on a
morning work activity, and be ready for the day when the bell rings at 7:45.
 Being in your classroom at this time is critical, since students left unsupervised could be hurt
and/or incidents could happen. All copies and acquisition of other necessary instructional
materials should be completed before leaving school the previous day.
APPENDIX
HOT TOPICS
ATTENDANCE:
-Requesting time off/Statement of Leaves: requests for personal leave must be submitted in
writing to the employee’s principal or supervisor at least three (3) days prior to the requested
leave date.
-Sign-in each day by your time set by admin. The time clock keeps the official time. Not signing in
by the time clock may be and indicator of a tardy or absence. This is the schools mode of
documentation.
-Student attendance and tardies are kept daily in Infinite Campus. It must be posted by 8:15.
COMMUNICATING CHALLENGES AND CONCERNS:

Please address all concerns with the direct person in position to activate solution. If addressing
the source is too sensitive or illogical, there are tiers of support in place to serve as a platform to
proactively address concerns. Faculty/Staff>Grade Chair>TSS>Gifted Liasion/ISS>AP>Principal.
Concerns shall not be addressed with parents, community partners or any others outside the
protocol aforementioned. Please do not email district level representatives.
DRESSCODE:
Unacceptable dress includes but not limited to…
To ensure that employees are professionally attired, the following are considered unacceptable:
1. Sweat pants/wind suits/shorts, unless teaching physical education;
2. Capri-length pants(PANTS HIRE THAN 3in ABOVE THE ANKLE
3. Flip flops, foam constructed shoes, hiking shoes, bedroom shoes, or crocs.
4. Immodest attire which is too short, too tight, or revealing;
5. Any clothing that allows undergarments to be visible;
6. Ripped jeans;
7. Exposed cleavage;
8. Un-ironed/unclean clothes
9. Over worn/over stretched faded or tie-dyed Tshirts
10. Any clothing that is a distraction, inflammatory, offensive, or poses a health, safety, or
security hazard, or anything else which…
SCHEDULES:
-Adhere to the instructional/daily schedule provided to you. Should it change, indicate the date,
time, and location of the change outside of your door.
-Changing schedules: Schedules are not to be changed or modified by any classroom teacher
without consulting the principal.
-Wednesday Staff/PL meeting: DO NOT SCHEDULE ANY CONFERENCES or personal events on
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS from 2:45-4:00. This time is reserved for professional learning, staff
meetings, called meetings by DCSD, etc.

Web Page Requirements Detailed
Hello Everyone,
Please see the guidance regarding teacher webpage content.
We have devised a template that will minimize your work and unify our communication. Regarding
the STEM/PBL tab, please see verbiage below and the suggested template found in your
www.mybesinfo.weebly under Webpage Requirements.
10 WEB-PAGE TAB TITLES ARE IN BOLD:

**TAB TITLES TO THE LEFT ARE Calibri Font Size 14**
**TAB TITLES THAT TITLE THE PAGE Nunito Font Size 22.5**
** FOR PAGE TEXT CONTENT Left justify; Use Tahoma Font Size 12 one each page.
See Bibza’s About Me and Welcome page as an general layout example**
**Follow the order below. All additional tabs that you wish to add will follow the lineup below. **
YOUR NAME (LANDING PAGE with WELCOME AS THE TITLE and message embedded)
ABOUT ME
SCHEDULE
EXPECTATIONS- students/parents: houses your class management plan,
process for communication, and planner expectation
HOMEWORK-to include reading level nightly reading

UNIT PLANS/COURSE SYLLABI
STEM/PBL see below
GIFTED see below
TEACHER COMMITMENT see below
VIRTUAL LEARNING see below
-STEM/PBL: Current standards of study along with how the STEM/PBL approach is outlined (up to
6 weeks out) see Advance Content STEM/PBL template. Review with the primary purpose of the
document is to clearly articulate to parents what is being taught via our STEM/PBL approach and
how it is CLEARLY differentiated to meet the Gifted Advanced Content Service model.
Below are ways to integrate Advanced Content in your lessons and the STEM/PBL template.
You may create projects/tasks that require one or more of the following:
-Problem Solving Skills
-Research Projects
-Emphasize Process Skills
-Other Higher Order Thinking Skills
- copy and paste below...
STEM/PBL is an instructional approach to teaching and learning. It is the integration of ALL content
areas through the lens of engaging in a real life problems in search of possible solutions reflecting
in project-based outcomes demonstrating solutions. Embracing STEM/PBL assists students in
their growth as readers and writers. Students will build their mathematical literacy by enhancing
their ability to read, listen, think creatively, communicate about problem situations, mathematical
representations, and the validation of solutions. We are also continuing forward progress in
embedding the 4C's (Communicating, Collaborating, Critical Thinking and Creativity).

In March of 2017, we achieved AdvancEd STEM Certification. Look for STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math) integrated activities and STEM Celebration days on the last Friday of most
months. We are working with our students, staff, parents and community to ensure One School,
One Community, One Success!
**STEM/PBL FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND EMBEDDED VIA THIS TAB**
-------------
Gifted/Advance Content TAB- K-5, add to this tab... if you are gifted certified or entering the
program this year, COPY THE VERBIAGE BELOW
-GIFTED (copy and paste below …)
Gifted at Briarlake
The Discovery Program at Briarlake utilizes the Advanced Content Class (K-5) model. In this model
gifted students are served by a gifted certified teacher in the regular classroom.
Benefits include:
• Maximized instruction through content integration, variances of compacting and gifted

instruction implemented in up to 5 content areas rather than 1.
• Differentiation of how the advanced course content, pacing, process skills emphasis, and
expectation of student outcomes differ from the regular, on grade level course.
• Content focused with Georgia Performance Standards (GPS)/ National Performance Standards
(NPS)/ Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE)/ National Association for Gifted Children Standards
(NAGCS).
PLEASE SEE STEM/PBL FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING DIFFERENTIATED TASKS WITHIN
THE ADVANCE CONTENT GIFTED SERVICE
Teacher Commitment (copy and paste below):

We at Briarlake Elementary are committed to OPERATING IN EXCELLENCE to build a community of
student leaders through a focus on character building and constant engagement
in effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.
Our focus for this year is With a Laser Focus: We are Deliberate, Intentional and Purposeful in all
that we do!
Students will grow as readers by writing and reading daily, being aware of their Lexile reading
level and challenging themselves to comprehend more difficult text. Students will build their
mathematical literacy by enhancing their ability to read, listen, think creatively, communicate
about problem situations, mathematical representations, and the validation of solutions. We are
also continuing our cross-curricular approach to teaching and learning in our Project/Problem
Based Learning (PBL). In March of 2017, we achieved AdvancEd STEM Certification. Look for STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) integrated activities and STEM Celebration
days on the last Friday of most months.
We are working with our students, colleagues, parents and community to ensure Excellence
within One School, One Community, One Success!
Virtual Learning
Access to VERGE and Virtual Learning Assignments

Search for the Dekalb county website or click https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/students/
1. At the bottom of the page, click on the orange rocket ship

2. Click login (if it does not log in automatically- Login: s+student# and Password: dekalb01 )
3. Click on verge
4. At the top, click on courses
5. Click on any course you see (Example: Science, Social Studies, Math)
6. Click on the hyperlink Virtual Learning Activities 1. This link will take you to all the assignments.
7. Complete all of the assignments. Each course has the same assignments. That way you only
need to access one course to complete all assignments.
The rules, policies, and procedures in this handbook were in place at the time of
printing/publishing; however that does not preclude any changes in rules, policies, and/or
procedures after printing/publishing.
Updated rules, policies, and procedures will be added as necessary and staff will be notified by
either a message in their mailboxes or by email in the Briarlake Outlook Schoolhouse or
Weebly.

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Briarlake

“One School. One Community. On Success”

School Web Address: http://www.briarlakees.dekalb.k12.ga.us/

LOCAL SUPPLEMENT TO POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

We are working to build …

ATTENDANCE (TKES Standard 9) Absences and Chronic Tardiness Rubric:

Staff should self-monitor when it is absolutely necessary to be absent as unforeseen

Handbook Revised 7-27-19 2

 ARRIVAL TIME – Staff hours are 7:00-3:00, 7:15-3:15, or 7:30-3:30

ATTENDANCE- SIGNING IN AND OUT (TKES Standard 9-Professionalism)

Staff members are defined as:

 NON-EXEMPT STAFF (NON-Certified/Classified)

 Below is an example of how to flex your time:

If you commit to work 7:00-3:30, your hours could be:

DCSD Policy GBRI: Professional Personnel Personal Leaves and Absences

Handbook Revised 7-27-19 4

PROFESSIONAL LEAVE (School Representative)

Date Adopted: 2/11/2002

Handbook Revised 7-27-19 5

 It is the responsibility of each teacher to maintain an approved Substitute List at home

Board Policy Descriptor Code: JB

Handbook Revised 7-27-19 6

7:00 a.m. Doors open/breakfast served

B. Attendance: Excused Absences

C. Attendance: Absent/Tardy Excuse

Handbook Revised 7-27-19 7

D. Attendance: Unexcused Absences and Chronic Tardiness

E. Attendance: Grades and Absences

1. Absences are justified and validated for excusable reasons

F. Attendance: Excessive Absenteeism and Epidemic Control

G. Attendance: Withdrawal Criteria

1. Appropriate school personnel are authorized to withdraw a student who:

a. Has missed more than 10 consecutive days of unexcused absences;

DeKalb County Schools Date Adopted: 8/8/2005

Additional Attendance Information re: student absences

Board Policy Descriptor Code: IEDA Unstructured Break Time

Handbook Revised 7-27-19 9

Date Adopted: 1/18/2005

CELL PHONES (TKES Standard 9)

CERTIFICATION (TKES Standard 9)

CHILD ABUSE [State Standard G 11.2]

CLASSROOM CLEANLINESS (TKES Standard 7)

It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher/paraprofessional to maintain the cleanliness of

Handbook Revised 7-27-19 12

7. Substitutes should be informed of these protocols; specifically regarding informing

CODE OF ETHICS (TKES Standard 9) [O.C.G.A. 20-2-795]

CONFIDENTIALITY (TKES Standard 9)

CHALLENGES AND CONCERNS

COMMUNICATION VIA PLANNERS

Handbook Revised 7-27-19 14

Handbook Revised 7-27-19 15

COMMUNICATION VIA WEBPAGE (See WEBPAGE EXPECTATIONS)

CONFISCATING ITEMS FROM STUDENTS

The following information will be helpful.

1. You may reproduce single copies of the following:

2. You may reproduce multiple copies of the following:

a. A complete poem if less than 250 words.

5. Certain materials are "public-domain"--outlines of states, countries, names of states,

1. Anything transmitted on either television or radio (through the airwaves) is copyrighted

*** Remember, infringement of the law can result in fines or imprisonment.

CURRICULUM and INSTRUCTION

Handbook Revised 7-27-19 17

Handbook Revised 7-27-19 18