“Where collaboration, critical thinking, diversity, and life learning are essential to the success of all students.�
Motto: We can. We will. Just watch us. Dr. Janice S. Drake, Principal
4811 Court J Ensley Birmingham, AL 35208 205-231-6860
Faculty & Staff Handbook 2020-2021
About Us
Charles A. Brown Elementary School is an elementary school in the Birmingham City Schools system located at the intersection of Court J and 48th Street Ensley in the Belview Heights neighborhood of Five Points West community. At the recommendation of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, the school was named in honor of former teacher and associate superintendent Charles A. Brown. The school building was constructed in 1951. An expansion was completed in 2002. The building was demolished and a new $11 million Brown Elementary School constructed in its place in 2012. In 2014, they embarked on a lofty goal of becoming the only regular admission International Baccalaureate School in the state. Through the leadership and vision of Principal Steve Brown and IB coordinator Dr. MaQuita Warren Lewis, along with committed teachers and parents they raised all of the necessary funds to seek and earn IB status. In just three years’ time, and three grants from the Daniel Foundation totaling $42,500, the school achieved their dream of becoming the only IB school in Alabama to not require an entrance test. This outcome resulted in other Birmingham City Schools to begin the process of exploring becoming an International Baccalaureate School.
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Mission, Vision, & Core Values Birmingham City Schools Our Mission The mission of the Birmingham City Schools is to guide all students to achieve excellence in a safe, secure and nurturing environment. Our Vision Birmingham City Schools will be a recognized leader in public education, meeting the needs of a diverse student population prepared to succeed in a global society. Our Core Values Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Compassion, Teamwork
Charles A. Brown Elementary IB School C.A.B Mission The mission of Charles A. Brown Learning Community is to develop compassionate, responsible, creative and confident learners who are capable of being successful in a global society.
C.A.B Vision The vision is to ensure student success by providing a quality education in a stimulating, safe, and nurturing learning environment.
C.A.B Beliefs We Believe: All students have unlimited potential. All students are different, but equal. Effective teaching yields student learning. Education is the responsibility of students, parents, educators, and the community.
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IB Mission The International BaccalaureateÂŽ (IB) is more than its educational programmes and certificates. At our heart we are motivated by a mission to create a better world through education. We value our hard earned reputation for quality, for high standards and for pedagogical leadership. We achieve our goals by working with partners and by actively involving our stakeholders, particularly teachers. We promote intercultural understanding and respect, not as an alternative to a sense of cultural and national identity, but as an essential part of life in the 21st century. All of this is captured in our mission statement: The International BaccalaureateÂŽ aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
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Letter to Faculty & Staff Dear Charles A. Brown Elementary IB School Faculty and Staff, It is with great excitement that I write this letter of introduction to you as the new Principal of CAB. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a school with such promising students, an extremely dedicated staff, and a supportive school community. I feel very fortunate to be part of this school and to support the students and families. I have been dedicated to the field of education for more than twenty-five years. I have worked with students as a CTE instructor, assistant principal, and principal. My most fond memories of my educational career were when I served as majorette coach. We had the best squads! I loved pouring into the lives of young women through dance. However, now I get to pour into the lives of students as a supportive and encouraging principal. I view education as a life-long process and expect that I will continue to learn much about the uniqueness of CAB this year. Most importantly, I bring a belief that students are at the center of all school-related decisions. I am excited to unite my experience, my openness to learn, and my child-centered approach to support our students. Because the relationships between families and the school are vital to the success of our students, I encourage everyone to become involved in every way possible. I look forward to working with you all!
Sincerely,
Dr. Janice S. Drake, Principal
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Faculty & Staff Directory Name
Role
Contact Information
Dr. Janice Drake Myra Holmes Tavarus Ward Vieshell Tatum Adrianne Hammond Audrianna Matthews Demetriss Hendricks Rhonda Reynolds KaJuana Taylor- Lead Jacynthia Meadows Nekeshia Harris Wanda Perry- Lead Caitlin Hubbard Coming Soon Tammie Vines- Lead Angela White Keneshia Webb Shelia Glover- Lead Setzer Price Natalie Glover Christie Iwauba Mawusi Coleman Kara Halfaker Telkia Jones- Lead Orlando Robertson Andrienne Perry Jonetta Cameron Tanaye Walker-Heard LaShaunda Parker Dana Cottingham Debra Cross LaDonna Taylor Norma Torres Natalie Fuller- Lead Patricia Crow Angelia Bowen Chrystinique Gooden Daisy Chandler
Principal Secretary Head Custodian IB Coordinator/Designee ARI Specialist Pre-K Pre-K Pre-K Assistant Kindergarten Kindergarten Kindergarten 1st Grade 1st Grade 1st Grade 2nd Grade 2nd Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 3rd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 4th Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 5th Grade 5th Grade 5th Grade Special Education Special Education Speech School Nurse Music Spanish Health/PE Media Specialist Counselor Band Teacher Leader
jdrake@bhm.k12.al.us mholmes@bhm.k12.al.us 205-218-6075 Vtatum@bhm.k12.al.us aanderson2@bhm.k12.al.us Amatthews3@bhm.k12.al.us dhendricks3@bhm.k12.al.us rreynolds3@bhm.k12.al.us Ktaylor4@bhm.k12.al.us Jjohnson3@bhm.k12.al Nharris2@bhm.k12.al.us wperry@bhm.k12.al.us chubbard@bhm.k12.al.us tvines@bhm.k12.al.us awhite2@bhm.k12.al.us kwebb@bhm.k12.al.us sglover@bhm.k12.al.us Sprice@bhm.k12.al.us nglover@bhm.k12.al.us ciwuaba@bhm.k12.al.us mcoleman@bhm.k12.al.us khalfacker@bhm.k12.al.us Twalker4@bhm.k12.al.us Orobertson@bhm.k12.al.us Aperry2@bhm.k12.al.us jbryant@bhm.k12.al.us Twalker4@bhm.k12.al.us lparker3@bhm.k12.al.us dcottingham@bhm.k12.al.us dballcross@bhm.k12.al.us Ltaylor5@bhm.k12.al.us Ntorres@bhm.k12.al.us nfuller@bhm.k12.al.us pcrow@bhm.k12.al.us Abowen@bhm.k12.al.us cgooden2@bhm.k12.al.us dchandler@bhm.k12.al.us
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Faculty & Staff Expectations A few of the main duties of an elementary school teacher are creating and editing lesson plans, enforcing classroom and school rules, observing and evaluating student performance, and grade homework and tests. They also have to keep parents updated on their children.
Expectation
Frequency Daily
Use Schoology daily by going through the platform Clever All live sessions will be done by Zoom and students must see your real face (smile)
Evidence Observations by principal Student Assignments
All teachers will be expected to provide live instruction (Monday-Thursday) Teachers will use School PLP Lessons for a resource ·
Assign “Asynchronous Work” for students
Attend district PD, PLC and faculty meetings
Friday
Weekly or as often as necessary
Communicate with parents and guardians including facilitating conferences
Student work assignments Observations by principal
Attend IEP meetings ·
Start classes on time
·
Clock in and out of frontline on time
·
Must check email 2-3 times
Daily
Prepare and grade coursework and assignments Manage classrooms and implement school procedures Work with school leaders and administrators to initiate policies Follow district curriculum guide on reading, writing, math, and other curriculum-development materials, including textbooks, in accordance with local, state and district guidelines
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Daily/Weekly/as often as necessary
Time sheetsFrontline
Log sheets principal observations, lesson plans, Syllabus
Prepare students for standardized tests, working within the parameters of state and local requirements, and provide diagnostic feedback Meet one-on-one with students to improve performance and address behavioral issues Model social behaviors such as hanging up coats, talking with others, sharing, and cleaning up after themselves Follow SEL Rethink model Co-teach with general education teacher Upload lesson plans and other assignments in Schoology
Weekly
Post 2 or more grades in STI Weekly Document all phone conferences with parents Contact parents when the student is doing good in class and if they are not progressing
¡ No correspondent/information should be sent out of the building without the principal’s approval
Performs such other duties as assigned by the principal.
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or as often as necessary
Lesson plan/Grading ledger
Minutes of meetings and contact logs
Non-Negotiables Be sure to adhere to the following: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
It is an expectation to stand at your doors to greet your students daily at 7:45 and beginning and ending each class period in the physical building and during remote learning Current and implemented lesson plans 2 Grades posted and updated weekly Checking emails 3 times a day and acknowledge and respond to electronic communications Formative assessments utilized frequently to check for understand Report to work regularly and in a timely manner Make copies in advance for instruction or have digital downloads ready in advance for remote instruction Monitor hallways during transition Communicate student progress to students and parents Dress Professionally Have a professional knowledge about your students’ strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Collaborate with peers to create a culture of lifelong learning Support school consistency by enforcing the BCS Code of Conduct Policies even during remote learning Physical and verbal abuse of students is a violation of board policy and will not be tolerated. All adults must use the front door by the Main Office to enter and exit the building. This is a safety issue and will be taken very seriously when violated. Personal phone calls must be made during your planning period The secretary will not call subs for anyone Due to COVID-19, faculty and staff must follow all guidelines and expectations for remote learning as set forth by the District and the principal Virtual classroom setup in background (if working remotely) Have computer and internet access (if working remotely) Wear mask upon entry to building Contact principal at least 2 days in advance is absence is needed, if possible
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Remote Meeting Etiquette
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Operational Procedures
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Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse According to Alabama laws, all ... nurses, school teachers and officials, peace officers, law enforcement officials, social workers, day care workers or employees, mental health professionals, as defined in Rule 505 of the Alabama Rules of Evidence, or any other person called upon to render aid or medical assistance to any child shall report or cause to report incidents where a child below the age of 18 is known or suspected to be a victim of child abuse or neglect.
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• • • •
Any teacher who is given appropriate notification by the principal (reasons may include new to the school; change in grade level or subject area; etc.) During the two years between the formal evaluations, all teachers must: Complete a self-assessment yearly Reflect on current PLP and update, revise, or rewrite their PLP to reflect new goals and strategies, as necessary, at least twice a year (beginning and end of year)
Emergency Information Each teacher is required to complete an emergency information form. Please be sure to update this form as information changes throughout the year. This form is located in the office. Exceptional Education Referrals Exceptional education referrals will be processed through the Problem-Solving Team. The following documentation must be completed by the PST:
• • •
Problem Solving Team (PST) Tier III Student Intervention Plan Form BASC (Behavior Assessment System for Children) Vision & Hearing Screening
Remember: The PST gives the above-mentioned forms to the special education IEP Team. During the special education testing process, Tier III interventions will continue. Parent Request forTesting PST determines next steps and/or placement based on student's academic and/or behavioral history, which may include special education referral. The Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter §290-8-9.01 (2), Referral Intervention Strategies in the General Education Class, states "Before a child is referred for special education services, pre referral intervention strategies must be implemented in the general education program and monitored by the Problem Solving Team (PST) ... for at least eight weeks or longer, depending on the problem and be determined unsuccessful. .. This rule may be waived for a child who has been referred by his/her parents." Grading Policies and Procedures/ Grade Distribution Forms Grades are based on the BCS; approved grading scale: A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70- 79; D = 60-69; F = 59 and below. Grades must be based on full information accurately and honestly reported with the proper maintenance of confidentiality. Student grades should not be called out in class, nor should students grade papers. It is the responsibility of the teacher to enter grades in a grade book. There should be enough grades in every subject to fairly evaluate a student's achievement. In a nine- week grading period, there should be many grades recorded in the area of reading, language arts, and math. There should be a MINIMUM of one grade for each subject entered weekly. In addition, students should have the opportunity to make up assignments/tests. This should afford the student ample opportunity to raise any poor grades. Before a student receives a failing grade, the teacher should:
• • •
Contact the parent(s) regarding the student's grade (documentation is required) Counselor has been informed and spoken with the student Principal has been informed 14
• Parent conference with administrator Special care should be taken when grading exceptional education students. Regular classroom teachers and exceptional education teachers should confer the first week of school so that any necessary modifications in instruction, test formatting, workload, time demands, etc. can be discussed. Modifying subject area grades by adding points to the 9-week average is not a modification and is not acceptable. Teachers should maintain a separate file for exceptional students to show the modifications in assignments. A student’s IEP should be followed as it is the law! If any Unified Arts student's grades fall lower than a C, documentation must be provided.
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FACE Parent Compact
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School Health and Safety CRISIS ACTION PLAN
When an emergency situation is encountered in the classroom, the “Classroom Emergency Procedures Guide” is to be followed. The following personnel will be responsible for ensuring proper procedures are followed during all drills and emergency situations: A.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
KNOW YOUR EVACUATION ROUTE. Exit immediately after announcement. Do not remove anything from classroom. Teachers must take roster of current classroom/students. A SINGLE FILE LINE WITH NO RUNNING AND NO TALKING. Go to appropriate designated area. Teacher should take roll and ensure all students have evacuated. Display appropriate color card for student accountability. NO ONE may re-enter the building until proper notice is given. If students are going home early, all employees must remain until released by the principal or designee. If teachers and staff are to be dismissed early, notification will come from personnel at the superintendent’s office via the principal. If any member of the press or media asks about the evacuation, refer them to the principal.
**The evacuation diagram MUST be posted in all rooms. Each classroom must have a diagram posted of the evacuation route, both the direct route and an alternate route. B.
Lock Down: The signal will be “an Emergency Lockdown is in effect”. THE PRINCIPAL WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING PROCEDURE COMPLIANCEALL OTHER STAFF MEMBERS MUST BE LOCKED-IN.
C.
1.
Lock all doors –DO NOT OPEN FOR ANY REASON UNTIL THE “ALL CLEAR” IS GIVEN!!!
2.
Lock all windows and close any blinds.
3.
All staff members must stay inside. Do not let any students leave the classroom.
4.
Display appropriate color card under the door for student accountability.
5.
The media specialist will phone the front office. If there is no answer or indication is given that problems exist in the office, the media specialist will call the sheriff’s department immediately.
6.
An announcement over the intercom will authorize the clearance.
Severe Weather Drill/Warning: The signal will be a “Severe Weather/Tornado Warning is in effect”. All students and staff will stay in current area with the following exceptions: 25
1.
All students/personnel in any outside buildings will move into nearest main building with all students against interior walls.
2.
All students/personnel in gym will position against interior walls.
3.
All students/personnel in the cafeteria will position against interior walls.
4.
Any students/personnel outside will move to the closest building.
5.
Any visitors on campus will follow procedures of group visiting.
Students, faculty, and staff shall go to a crouched position putting hands over their heads. Everyone must stay in crouched position until the “ALL CLEAR” is given. D. Emergency Health Needs: An emergency information card for each student is on file in the school office. Each card must be updated annually at the beginning of the school year. In the event of sudden illness or injury at school, the following guidelines will be followed: 1.
Any student’s health-related problems should be referred to the nurse.
2.
The parent or guardian will be called if it is an immediate emergency.
3.
At no time should a classroom teacher (or designee) administer any kind of medication to a student.
The written consent of the parent/guardian AND physician is necessary for all prescribed medicationONLY the nurse will be authorized to administer any medication. 4. All potentially serious injuries, such as a blow to the head, should be reported to the nurse and the principal/designee immediately. 5. An accident report must be filled out by the school nurse and teacher if a student is injured at school. 6. An accident report must be filled out by the school nurse and any witness(es) for any staff/faculty injury. Principal must also sign the form. E. Fire Alarm Information: Fire Alarms must be completed monthly with one being held each semester and one must occur within the first five days of school. 1. All fire drills are documented and recorded. 2. Please be award of your surroundings, fire extinguisher, pull handles, window exits, Emergency Exit Lights and Emergency Lights. 3. All window exits need to be clearly marked and unobstructed. Keep glass doors and panels clear. 4. Be prepared to use a secondary exit scenario. 5. Fabric of any kind in the classroom must have been sprayed with Flame Resistant Treatment and a document must be filled out and completed before hanging the following: Draperies, Curtains, hanging furnishing, decorations, and upholstered furniture shall all be flame resistant- ONLY school issued rugs are allowed, limit these items!
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The School's Safety Plan will be housed in the main office and Media Center for you to review.
The safety of the students and faculty is of optimal importance. Everyone must take an active role in ensuring that the environment at Charles A. Brown Elementary is safe and secure. Steps to Securing our school: • • • •
All exterior doors must be locked at all times. Classroom doors should be unlocked when class is in session throughout the day. Do not cover the window of class room doors. Teachers must lock doors when he/she leaves the classroom All BCS employees are required to wear name badges daily.
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Covid- 19 Guidelines 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Face coverings must be worn into the building. The school nurse will take temperatures upon entrance of the building. Hands must be sanitized often. Notify the principal when desiring to visit the school. Maintain social distance of 3ft-6ft apart. Do not bring extra visitors to the school without principal knowledge.
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Charles A. Brown Elementary IB World School Faculty and Staff Signature Page This handbook is intended to serve as a guide to the policies, procedures, and the daily operation of Charles A. Brown Elementary School. Please take time to read the handbook and become acquainted with its content. The handbook was created in accordance with the Birmingham Board of Education policies. Faculty and staff should read and follow all board and school policies. These policies can be found on the district's website and at your local school website. The policies by the Birmingham Board of Education supersede all information in this handbook. Additional information and procedures relating to students can be found in the Parent and Student Code of Conduct. *Must be signed by all faculty and staff upon review and receipt of the handbook.
Signature:
Date:
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