Faculty Handbook

Custer County District High School

Beez Lucero, Principal
Vince Gundlach, Assistant Principal
Mike Ryan, Activities Director

Table of Contents
MISSION OF CUSTER COUNTY DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL ............................................. 6
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICTS PHILOSOPHY ................................................................................... 6
CUSTER COUNTY DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL MISSION ..................................................................... 6
BELIEF STATEMENTS ...................................................................................................................... 6
DESIRED LEARNER RESULTS .......................................................................................................... 6
NORTHWEST ACCREDITATION TARGET GOALS............................................................................. 7
WRITING ......................................................................................................................................... 7
CHARACTER .................................................................................................................................... 7
HELPING ONE STUDENT AT A TIME ................................................................................................ 7
ONGOING PROCESS OF IMPROVEMENT .......................................................................................... 8
FACULTY FUNDAMENTALS ................................................................................................... 8
TEACHING CERTIFICATE ................................................................................................................. 8
DUTY DAY ....................................................................................................................................... 9
EMAIL .............................................................................................................................................. 9
CELL PHONES .................................................................................................................................. 9
CALLS/MESSAGES........................................................................................................................... 9
MAIL ............................................................................................................................................... 9
PARKING ......................................................................................................................................... 9
LUNCH ............................................................................................................................................. 9
NOON HOUR ................................................................................................................................... 9
FACULTY LOUNGE ......................................................................................................................... 10
WEDNESDAY EARLY DISMISSAL................................................................................................... 10
DRESS CODE FOR FACULTY/STAFF .............................................................................................. 10
SICK LEAVE ................................................................................................................................... 10
LEAVE REQUESTS.......................................................................................................................... 10
TEACHERS RESPONSIBILITY TO THE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER ..................................................... 10
PAY DAY ....................................................................................................................................... 11
PERSONAL POSSESSIONS .............................................................................................................. 12
FACULTY EVALUATIONS ............................................................................................................... 12
COLLEGE CREDIT OR WORKSHOP TRAINING ............................................................................... 12
FACULTY MEETINGS ..................................................................................................................... 12
SMOKING ....................................................................................................................................... 12
EMERGENCY AND CRISIS PROCEDURES .......................................................................... 13
FIRE DRILLS .................................................................................................................................. 13
FIRE DRILL INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS ............................................................................................ 13
FIRE DRILL AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES FOR FACULTY/STAFF.................................................... 13
2

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ................................................................................................................... 14

LOCK DOWN EVACUATION PROCEDURES .................................................................................... 14
WHEN DIRECTED TO STAY IN YOUR CLASSROOM: ................................................................ 14
WHEN DIRECTED TO EVACUATE: ................................................................................................. 14
LOCK DOWN TEACHER CHECKLIST ......................................................................................................... 15
STUDENT INJURIES ....................................................................................................................... 15
ACCIDENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 15
STUDENT INJURY PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................... 15
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES ................................................................................................. 16
TEACHING ETHICS ........................................................................................................................ 16
STUDENT INFORMATION/CONFIDENTIALITY .............................................................................. 16
SUPERVISION ................................................................................................................................ 17
AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................................ 17
RESPONSIBILITY......................................................................................................................................... 17
LESSON PLANS .............................................................................................................................. 17
SEMESTER OUTLINE OR COURSE SYLLABUS ................................................................................ 17
ATTENDANCE REPORTING............................................................................................................ 18
ABSENT/TARDY ......................................................................................................................................... 18
SCHOOL SPONSORED ABSENCES .............................................................................................................. 18
RELEASE FORMS/PERMISSION FOR STUDENTS TO LEAVE THE BUILDING ........................................... 18
SELECTION OF CLASSROOM MATERIALS ....................................................................................... 18
TEXTBOOKS, ETC. ....................................................................................................................................... 18
MOVIES, DOCUMENTARIES, INTERNET VIDEO CLIPS, ETC. ..................................................................... 19
AVAILABILITY OF AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT ............................................................ 19
CHALLENGED MATERIALS ........................................................................................................................ 19
COPYING MATERIALS FOR CLASS .................................................................................................. 19
COPY ROOM ................................................................................................................................................ 19
BUSINESS OFFICE....................................................................................................................................... 19
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS/GUARDIANS ........................................................................... 19
COMMUNICATION WITH ALL OF OUR STAKEHOLDERS (STUDENTS, PARENTS, COMMUNITY,
SCHOOL BOARD, COLLEAGUES, STAFF, ETC.) ........................................................................................... 20
SUPPLIES ON HAND/WAREHOUSE ............................................................................................................ 20
FIELD TRIPS.................................................................................................................................. 20
GRADING/EVALUATION ....................................................................................................... 21
GRADING ....................................................................................................................................... 21
POWER GRADE ............................................................................................................................. 21
GRADING ....................................................................................................................................... 22
HOMEWORK ............................................................................................................................................... 22
3

MAKE-UP WORK ........................................................................................................................................ 22

SEMESTER/COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS ..................................................................................................... 22
DISCIPLINE................................................................................................................................ 22
CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE ............................................................................................................... 22
HALL PASSES ................................................................................................................................. 23
STUDENT AIDES ............................................................................................................................ 23
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................. 23
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT .......................................................................................................................... 23
DISCIPLINE REFERRAL ................................................................................................................. 23
WHEN TO SEND STUDENTS TO THE OFFICE FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL.................................. 23
WHEN NOT TO SEND STUDENTS TO THE OFFICE .................................................................................. 24
END OF THE YEAR DUTIES .................................................................................................. 24
GRADUATION CEREMONY ............................................................................................................. 24
DUTIES FOR TEACHERS OF SENIORS ............................................................................................. 24
PLEASE BE SURE THAT ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE YOU
LEAVE TOWN! .......................................................................................................................... 25
INVENTORY ............................................................................................................................................ 25
TEXTBOOKS ................................................................................................................................................ 25
FINES........................................................................................................................................................... 25
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ........................................................................................... 26
COUNSELING CENTER ................................................................................................................... 26
LIBRARY SERVICES ....................................................................................................................... 26
BRINGING CLASSES .................................................................................................................................... 26
PASSES FOR STUDENTS ............................................................................................................................. 26
AFTER-HOURS INFORMATION .................................................................................................................. 26
RETURNING MATERIALS ........................................................................................................................... 27
VIDEO AND AUDIOBOOKS ......................................................................................................................... 27
INFOTRAC DATABASE ................................................................................................................................ 27
CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT ................................................................... 27
LOCKING ROOMS .......................................................................................................................... 27
ROOM ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................................................. 27
POSTERS IN HALLWAYS ................................................................................................................ 27
ANNOUNCEMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 27
CUSTODIANS ................................................................................................................................. 28
DAMAGE TO SCHOOL PROPERTY................................................................................................... 28

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES...................................................................................... 28

CALENDAR OF EVENTS .................................................................................................................. 28
SUNDAY ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................................... 28
CONCESSIONS ................................................................................................................................ 28
GROUP/ACTIVITY SPONSORS ...................................................................................................... 29
RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................................................................................................................... 29
FINANCING/STUDENT ASSOCIATION FUNDS .......................................................................................... 29
BUS FOR TRIPS ............................................................................................................................. 29

Mission of Custer County District High School

Unified School Districts Philosophy
The Miles City Unified Board of Trustees shall provide a comprehensive educational
system focusing on academic achievement and personal growth of the students. Students shall
have opportunities to learn about themselves and their responsibilities in a democratic society.
To fully develop each students potential, the Unified Board of Trustees shall provide a
faculty dedicated to district expectations.
The Unified Board of Trustees recognizes its obligation to maintain a sound educational
program and is committed to the concept of continuous evaluation of local educational direction,
processes and results.
The Unified Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of community involvement in
education.

Custer County District High School Mission

As part of the Northwest Associations School Improvement process, the high school has
developed and adopted the following mission. Along with the belief statements and the desired
learner results, the mission statement should be regarded as the guiding principle for all functions
of the high school.

Accepting Challenges
with Confidence
Self-Discipline and
Honor results in
Success
Educational Excellence a Life-Long Process
Belief Statements
1. We believe that schools should provide a safe and positive environment where there is mutual
respect and learning for everyone involved in the school facility.
2. We believe students through education will learn, achieve and succeed in accordance with
their abilities.
3. We believe that learning is a life-long process, that a work ethic must be of primary focus, and
that the ability to interrelate in a modern technological society is fundamental for success in life.
4. We believe faculty, parents, and community have a mutual responsibility for the students
success and share an active and positive role in enhancing learning and accountability.

Desired Learner Results

1. Students will demonstrate the core skills needed to meet or exceed state standards.

2. Students will demonstrate interpersonal and social skills to create a safe and positive learning
environment.
3. Students will demonstrate the basic skills needed to explore or master current and emerging
technology.
4. Students will demonstrate organizational and time management skills necessary for a positive
work ethic.
5. Students will demonstrate communication skills and apply this knowledge effectively in oral
and written forms.

Northwest Accreditation Target Goals

The Northwest Association sets out guidelines that each school seeking accreditation
must meet. A large part of that accreditation process is a grass roots School Improvement
Process (SIP) led by a faculty/administration steering committee and involving all members of
the educational process and its stakeholders. SIP has been a part of CCDHS since 1996, and all
staff members take part in the ongoing process of school improvement. As part of SIP, the high
school is currently working on several goals: writing, character, guidance and
curriculum/assessment.

Writing
The task at the high school has been to continue to focus on writing across the
curriculum. In an effort to maintain this focus, the school district collects a writing sample from
every student in the district to assess student writing.
At the high school, departments submit topic ideas and questions to the superintendent of
schools, who chooses three topics each year. All students write on a shortened Wednesday
schedule and then teachers gather in assessment groups to evaluate the writing. All students write
and all teachers are involved in the assessment.
The district and Custer County District High School adopted the Six Traits of Writing as
the assessment tool. Students are taught the six traits throughout their school careers across the
curriculum in the high school. The six traits can be used for assessing writing of all kinds, and
many teachers in the building regularly use the six traits to assess classroom-writing
assignments. Students and teachers get a brief review of the six traits prior to the writing.

Character
The high school has adopted the character education program, Six Pillars of Character.
Each classroom and each teacher should help to teach the six pillars and what it means to follow
them. The Pillars are: Citizenship, Caring, Fairness, Responsibility, Respect, and
Trustworthiness.

Helping One Student at a time

Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, each faculty member will be assigned one or
two students to track throughout the year. The program goals are to make each student feel there
is an adult at CCDHS who cares. The contacts will be brief and voluntary, should not involve
any gift giving or favoritism, and introductions will be made through the Counseling Center.

Through the SIP, goals will be assessed and will determine if this program continues. More
information will be provided as the program develops.

Ongoing Process of Improvement

Throughout the course of each school year faculty members will be part of committees
and sub-committees to work on various aspects of school improvement.

Faculty Fundamentals
These are the things that everyone must do on a consistent basis in order to establish and
maintain the proper environment for teachers to teach and for students to learn.
1 ) Be on time
Be in your classroom and ready to go by 7:45 a.m. every day. This keeps relations with fellow
staff members positive and improves classroom control.
2) Document, document, document!
Accurate records on attendance are essential. Behavioral problems are defused when you can
show documentation of actions, dates, times, etc.
3) Attendance and Tardy Policy
Everyone must be consistent.
4) Start class on time
Everything is geared toward the concept of protecting instructional time. Make good use of it.
5) Mutual respect with students
We must model the behaviors we wish to see in the students. Absolutely avoid showdowns in the
classroom. Use proper language at all times. No foul language should ever be used by a teacher
in the classroom.
6) Teacher dismisses the class
Students remain seated until the teacher dismisses the class, not the bell. This speaks to the issue
of who is in control in the classroom.
7) Hallway awareness between classes
Everyone shares in this duty. Everyone is responsible. Notify your nearest colleague if you have
a problem.
8) Stick by the rules and expectations
Do not violate the Student Handbook guidelines. Have a backbone! Students are very much
aware if everyone is not treated on the same basis.

Teaching Certificate
All new teachers to the district must have their certificate registered with the Custer
County Superintendent of Schools, located at the County Court House, within 60 days after the
8

first day of hire. Failure to do so can result in loss of salary until the certificate becomes
registered.

Duty Day
The negotiated agreement mandates an 8-hour day. Coaches/sponsors are expected to be
in classrooms and available to help students until at least 3:30 p.m. Teachers should be in their
classrooms by 7:45 a.m. and may leave at 3:45 p.m. The contract also states that teachers may be
asked to put in more hours as assigned by the administration.

Email
Each faculty member is assigned a school email account. Use this account for school
business and be responsible and professional in all correspondence sent to or from your school
email.

Cell Phones
Students and staff should not use cell phones during class time except as authorized by
teacher for classroom projects.

Calls/Messages
Calls and messages will be delivered as necessary to both faculty and students.

Mail
Each teacher has a mailbox in the faculty room for mail, business office memos,
bulletins, etc. Please pick up daily any materials distributed in this way. Boxes should be kept
clear.

Parking
All faculty and staff members who drive cars to school and park on school property
should inform the Business Office to obtain an assigned parking space. Faculty spaces are in the
north parking lot, the front and sides of the student parking lot and the area adjacent to the
woodshop. If a student or other person parks in your assigned space, please let the Business
Office know.

Lunch
The high school has an open-campus policy during the lunch period. Staff, students, and
teachers can leave during the lunch period. Lincoln School provides a lunch program for those
who want to participate. Let the office know by 9:00 a.m. each morning that you plan to eat
lunch at Lincoln School.

Noon Hour
1. All students who remain in the building during the lunch hour should go to the gym lobby to
eat lunch. Lunch period is from 11:45 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. Students may not eat elsewhere, unless
with special permission.
2. Food scraps, sacks, etc. should be deposited in wastebaskets. Avoid leaving crumbs on desks
and chairs. Students should be assigned to sweep floors if necessary.
9

3. A faculty member must be responsible for every student group in the building at noon. The
faculty member must be present to supervise their organization in person.

Faculty Lounge
The faculty lounge is:
1. A place to respect the confidentiality of students.
2. Out of bounds for students.
3. A place to rest and relax.
4. A place to respect other professional staff members.
5. Not a forum for unprofessional conduct or backbiting.

Wednesday Early Dismissal

Students are dismissed at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and faculty and staff will have various
building and committee duties from 2-3:45 p.m. Students should not be in the building after 2
p.m. on Wednesdays; and practices, rehearsals, and activity meetings should not be scheduled
before 3:45 p.m.

Dress Code for Faculty/staff

Staff members should dress in appropriate professional attire. Blue jeans may be worn on
Fridays provided the staff member participates financially in the scholarship fund for Dollars for
Scholarships. Money should be paid for the year in the office before wearing jeans; a notice of
scholarship support will then be posted outside your classroom. The principal will visit with any
staff members who are dressed inappropriately. You are a professional, dress accordingly.

Sick Leave
Faculty must call the Central Office to request sick leave. Call 234-3841 to leave a
message after hours.

Leave Requests
Per the negotiated agreement, staff members can request a variety of advanced leave. All
advanced leave requests should be submitted to the secretary in the business office.
If approval is given for advance leave, the secretary will arrange for a substitute. Faculty
members may request specific substitutes, but it may not be possible to get requested subs. The
school secretary will notify faculty members of the subs.
Teachers should leave all instructional materials, etc. required either in the Business
Office or in their classroom (see Teachers Responsibility to the Substitute Teacher for specific
requirements). In addition, each teacher should submit a one-day and a three-day substitute plan
for all classes that can be used at any time of the year. These would be used only in an
emergency or unplanned absence.

Teachers Responsibility to the Substitute Teacher

1. It is the classroom teachers responsibility to prepare the students for the substitute teacher.
The teacher should explain reasons why substitutes must be called in during the year and what is
expected of the students in ways of class attitude, studying, and behavior.
2. Teachers are to notify the district secretary when a substitute is needed for an unplanned
absence. Call the Central Office at 234-3841. Leave a message if after hours. In case of an
10

emergency, call the principal as soon as possible. If a teacher knows in advance when a
substitute is needed, he/she should let the Business Office know as far in advance as possible.
3. Lesson plans, records, and other folder information are to be current and available for the
substitute. Leave these in your desk or in the office with the secretary.
4. Teachers should have prepared a substitute folder. Leave instructions where the folder can
be found. The substitute folder should include the following:
a. Safety procedures manual
b. Emergency-crisis situation information and Emergency calling list (in-building)
c. Library information
d. Telephone extensions for the high school
e. Classroom rules and consequences
f. Student Handbook
g. Computer/equipment notes (i.e. how to run the attendance computer, projector, or
Smart Board, etc.
5. Teachers are to have worksheets and materials available with the lesson plans so they are
ready in the morning.
6. If a teacher knows in advance that he/she is going to be gone, they should go over the lesson
plans with the substitute and explain what is expected of the students for the day.
7.

Materials to be posted in the classroom:

a. Class schedule
b. Fire drill exit schedule
c. Classroom rules
d. Emergency procedures manual
e. Red/green cards

8.
High school teachers and especially special area teachers (shop, art, lab, music, foreign
language, etc.)
a. Have students assigned to help substitute teachers.
b. If you know in advance when you will be gone, plan a lesson that a substitute
can carry out.

Pay Day
The 20th of each month is designated as pay day for all staff. If the 20th falls during a
weekend or holiday, the last school day prior is considered pay day. Those staff members who
11

want their paychecks to be automatically deposited need to contact the payroll clerk at Central
Office (234-3840) and make this request.

Personal Possessions
All staff members are responsible for any personal belongings left in the building during
the school year and during summer vacation. Personal belongings are not listed on building
inventories and cannot be covered by district insurance.

Faculty Evaluations
All faculty will be evaluated twice a year until they sign their tenure contract for the
fourth year of teaching. Tenured teachers are evaluated every third year, per the negotiated
agreement. All faculty should have been provided with a copy of the evaluation tool and a job
description. Evaluation policies and procedures are covered in the Negotiated Agreement.

College Credit or Workshop Training

Teachers who complete approved classes during the summer months that result in a lane
change must submit a copy of a transcript of the class work to the Superintendents office no
later than September 1.
Proof of training or college credit must be provided in order to be paid for the two MEA
days in October. Proof of twelve hours of training or 1 college credit must be provided to the
principal by May 10 in order to receive payment for these two days. Training or college classes
may be taken any time from June 1 through May 31. Any workshop or class that wasnt held
during a paid school day or paid for by the school district can be used to fulfill IPD credits.

Faculty Meetings
All CCDHS teachers are expected to attend all high school faculty meetings, unless an
emergency prevents it. Please do not have too many emergencies and do not let routine matters
or athletic practices interfere. We will attempt to keep these meetings as short as possible, but it
is important that teachers meet regularly to discuss school matters and make certain decisions. If
you must miss the meeting, please notify the principal in advance.

Smoking
Smoking or chewing tobacco by faculty, staff members and/or students is not permitted
in the school building or on school property. CCDHS is a tobacco-free school. Project the image
you expect the students to follow!
Teachers should refrain from smoking or chewing after school hours when students are
around or just before students will arrive. This is also true of activity/athletic practices. Some
parents and students, as well as some faculty/staff members, feel that even the odor of tobacco
smoke is objectionable. The above also applies to the shops as well as the old and new building.
You are viewed as a role modelset a positive example!
Smoking is not permitted in the corridors or lobbies at basketball games or other
performances to which the public is invited. High school students may not smoke in the school
building or on the school grounds at any time.

12

Emergency and Crisis Procedures

The emergency and crisis procedures are covered in detail in the Emergency and Crisis
Procedures flip manual. If you do not have one in your classroom, contact the Business Office
immediately. The manual should be handy and available for both you and any substitute
teachers.
Lockdown-emergency materials are located in the black wall file near the door of each
classroom at CCDHS. Included in the materials are laminated RED and GREEN cards with the
room number of the classroom, as well as Lockdown-Evacuation Procedures and emergency
phone numbers.
In the event of an emergency or lockdown situation, carefully follow the instructions on
the Lockdown-Evacuation Procedures or as directed by intercom announcements. Please review
the information to become familiar with the emergency procedures at CCDHS. Please do not
discuss this information with students prior to an emergency situation.
If you notice suspicious behavior or a possible intruder in or near the building/please call
the business office immediately. The extensions for the main office are:
o
o
o
o
o
o

225 Beez Lucero

228 Vince Gundlach
229 Mike Ryan
226 Nancy Letke
221 Diane Schneidt
245 Anita Murnin

Fire Drills
According to Montana law, the school needs to hold fire drills every year. Fire drills will
be held throughout the year at different times. Teachers should instruct their students at the
beginning of the year regarding fire exits and prepare students for extenuating circumstances,
such as what to do if they are in the restroom or en-route somewhere, or if their route is blocked,
etc.
Fire Drill Instructions for Students
Please give the following information to your students early in the school year.
1. Signs are posted in each building, indicating which of the exits students should use. If in
doubt, use the nearest exit or follow the stream of traffic.
2. When the fire alarm rings, WALK do not run to the proper exit. There should be no
talking, noise, confusion, or loitering. Go far enough outdoors so that exits are clear.
3. ALL students must leave the building during the fire drill.
Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedures for Faculty/Staff
Detailed fire drill procedures are summarized below:
1. Look quickly outside door for stray students to bring in
2. Assemble students and turn off lights
3. Get cell phone, if you have one, and close windows (if possible) and door
13

4.
5.
6.
7.

Follow fire escape route to evacuation site

Use class list to take attendance
When asked by secretary, report missing students, extra students, help needed
Wait for further instructions or signal that the drill is over.

Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways and designated in the floor maps. Teachers
should familiarize themselves and their students with the locations.

Lock Down Evacuation Procedures

If you witness a threat, call 911 and stay on the line with 911 as directed. If possible, call
the office to let them know whats happening. Put cards outside your classroom door as
appropriate. Green card means everything is okay, red card means help is needed, no card means
a possible threat is in the room.
WHEN DIRECTED TO STAY IN YOUR CLASSROOM:
Look quickly outside the door for stray students to bring in
Close and lock door-do not open for anyone-proper officials have keys
Instruct students to stay quiet and go to spot in the room furthest from doors and windows
Turn off the lights
Grab binder from the wall file
Put red or green card under your door
Put red or green card in the window (if you have one). Close windows and blinds
Direct students to not use cell phones
Use class list to quietly take attendance
If you have gathered students from another classroom, call the other classroom, if possible, to
let that teacher know you have their student(s)
When asked, communicate situation to person in chargetell room number, missing students,
extra students, help that is needed
Wait for further instructions; stay quiet; stay calm.
Do not respond to fire alarms unless you know there is a fire (listen to the intercom
announcements)
WHEN DIRECTED TO EVACUATE:
Look quickly outside door for stray students to bring in
Assemble students
Turn off lights
Grab binder from wall file
Get your cell phone if you have one
Close the door
Follow fire escape route to evacuation site
Use class list to take attendance
When asked, communicate situation to person in chargetell room number, missing students,
extra students, help that is needed
Wait for further instructions

14

Lock down drills may be held at different times. Teachers should prepare students for the
drill and for extenuating circumstances, such as what to do if they are in the restroom or en-route
somewhere, or if their route is blocked, etc. A lock down will be signaled by the principal,
secretary, or another designee through a verbal message over the intercom. If it is not possible to
use the intercom system, a phone call, signed message, or personal visit will be given to each
classroom.
Detailed lock down procedures are in the Emergency and Crisis Procedure Manual, but
are summarized below:
General Information
If you witness a threat, call 911--stay on line with 911 as directed.
Persons in bathrooms during lockdowns should remain in bathrooms, stand on toilet seat,
stay quiet, and wait for police.
Green card means everything is okay, red card means help is needed, no card means a
threat is in the room.
Lock Down Teacher Checklist
1. Look quickly outside door for stray students to bring in
2. Close and lock doordo not open for anyoneproper officials have keys
3. Instruct students to stay quiet and go to spot in room furthest from doors and windows
4. Turn off lights
5. Grab Crisis Manual and flashlight
6. Put red or green card under door and in windowclose shades, if possible
7. Collect all cell phones and turn offkeep one and put in vibrate mode
8. Use class list to quietly take attendance
9. When asked, communicate situation to person in chargetell room number, missing
students, extra students, help needed
10. Wait for further instructions, stay quiet, stay calm
11. Do not respond to fire alarms unless you know there is a fire

Student Injuries
ACCIDENTS
Report all accidents to the administration and follow the oral report with a written
accident form. Parental contact will be made by the teacher, counselor or principal in case of a
serious accident. Follow-up serious accidents with a phone call to the parent to inquire about the
injury, the condition of the student, etc.
Student Injury Procedures
Faculty should remember, even though they may have had courses in first aid, that they are not
medical doctors. There are many cases when small minor injuries can be treated by the teacher.
Minor sprains, scratches, burns, etc. should be handled by the teacher/supervisor in charge.
However, any injury which occurs that the supervisor feels incapable of treating should be
brought to the attention of a doctor.
The students health and welfare are the primary responsibility and concern of the
staff. When in doubt, call the students parents and family doctor!
15

1. The teacher/supervisor has a strong moral and legal obligation to see that injuries get prompt
and satisfactory treatment. This shall NOT be left to another student or bystander.
2. All injuries should be considered serious until proven otherwise. People do not always react
the same to pain, making it difficult and sometimes almost impossible to determine the severity
of the injury.
3. A copy of the student's Parental Medical Release Form should be on file in the Counseling
Center providing telephone numbers for parents, family doctor and permission for treatment. The
principal, assistant principal, athletic director, or a counselor should be contacted immediately
for any injury beyond administration of minor first aid.
4. At the time of injury, if there are indications of seriousness or need for early medical
attention, try to call the parent for consultation. Call the ambulance if needed or take the student
to the hospital unless the parent or another supervisor is available to accompany the student. DO
NOT send the injured student with another student! It is also vital to call the hospital in advance
of your arrival. If you cannot reach the parent, take the "Parental Medical Release Form" with
you to the medical facility as many doctors will not administer services without parental consent.
5. Teachers should always follow up injuries ... It is imperative that teachers or supervisors
complete injury reports in the Business Office and instruct students to do the same. It is also
good public relations to call or visit the home or hospital and show a genuine interest in the
welfare of the student. It is extremely important that ALL injury report forms be completed and
turned in to the Business Office.
6. NEVER use or dispense any kind of drugs or medication to students. This is a function of
the medical profession.
7. REMEMBER. . . use only therapeutic methods for which you are qualified. Be extremely
careful about movement of an injured student. Your actions may determine the future welfare of
the student. WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL AN AMBULANCE AND A DOCTOR!

Classroom Procedures
Teaching Ethics
To maintain prestige as a professional group and to further harmony and cooperation in
our school system, it is advisable to keep school problems within the school. Suggestions
concerning improvement of procedures are always welcome in the office.

Student Information/Confidentiality
Teachers should not distribute lists of pupil's names to any outside person or agency.
Requests for such information should be directed to the office. Additionally, high levels of
confidentiality must be maintained with respect to student grades, classroom performance
(academic and behavioral), and other personal information. This is a FERPA requirement, which
safeguards student information.

16

Supervision
Authority
The teacher has definite authority over the students in the classroom as well as the
corridors, lavatories, auditorium or any other similar place at times when they are not under the
direct supervision of another teacher. This authority is not limited to the students a teacher has in
his/her classes.
All teachers are encouraged to assist in the formulation of school regulations and policies,
much of which is done through the SIP process.
Responsibility
Teachers should be aware of the policies covered in the Student Handbook, which can be
obtained from the assistant principals office. Teachers are expected to carry out all school
regulations and policies. Each should be alert to this responsibility. No teacher has the authority
to adjust them to his or her own feelings, likes, dislikes, etc. If there is a gray area or question
contact the assistant principal or the principal.
All faculty members are expected to cooperate with other teachers and the administration
in supervising students in general areas, and call to account those who may be breaking rules or
regulations. A reprimand may be sufficient for a minor infraction; for a major violation, the
student should be brought to or reported to the administration.
We do not expect the teachers to spend all their free time patrolling the corridors, school
grounds, etc., but on the other hand, if no one except the principal or assistant principal is
responsible for enforcing general rules of conduct, such as smoking, defacing property,
rowdyism, etc., it would be impossible to enforce these rules.
We realize that in rare cases, it may be advisable to ignore or "not see" certain minor
infractions, when the time and effort necessary to "do something about it" may outweigh the
good accomplished. This is a matter of judgment on the part of the teachers. However, students
should understand that the teachers have this authority, and teachers should accept this
responsibility.

Lesson Plans
All teachers are expected to prepare lesson plans or assignments for at least one week in
advance. Plans should be practical and include the objective for the lesson taught, and they
should be turned in to the Business Office no later than Monday of the week they cover. Good
planning will help you to avoid many discipline problems. The preparation of written lesson
plans encourages teachers to plan effective, high quality lessons and helps to provide background
and assignments which substitutes will need in case a teacher is absent with little or no advance
notice.

Semester Outline or Course Syllabus

A semester outline or course syllabus for each course you teach should be distributed to
students during the first week of school. Semester outlines should give information about the
materials, topics, etc. covered in each unit of study. Semester outlines might also be used on a
teacher created website.

17

Attendance Reporting
There are no tardy bells after first period, but class should start promptly according to the
class schedule for that day. At the beginning of each period, take attendance. All attendance must
be recorded on the computer through Power Teacher. Teachers may want to print a class list or
roster from the Power School gradebook application to keep a paper copy of attendance for each
class, in addition to marking the attendance on the computer. If you have made an error on the
reporting, please let the Attendance Office know by calling extension 231.
Absent/Tardy
When a student is not in the room (or where he/she is supposed to be) at the beginning of
the period, he/she is either tardy or absent. Students have both an attendance and a tardy policy,
which can both be found in the Student Handbook. All faculty should have a copy of the
handbook and be aware of the schools policies and their role in enforcing them.
If youre not sure if a student should be marked absent or tardy, contact the attendance
office at extension 231 or the assistant principals office at extension 228 or 224. Accurate record
keeping is important for these policies to be effective and to maximize student learning and
minimize loss of instruction.
School Sponsored Absences
Students absent from classes because of a school-sponsored trip are required to make up
the work they miss. If a student is marked school sponsored absent but attends class, let the
attendance clerk know. Activity sponsors should submit student names to the attendance office at
least two days in advance. This list will be emailed to all teachers and the computer attendance
will be marked. Let the attendance clerk know if this is not done.
Release Forms/Permission for students to leave the building
A few classes will find it necessary for students to leave the building to run school related
errands, such as publications students selling ads or woodworking students picking up materials.
These students or student aides must have a signed Release and General Indemnity form on file
in the attendance office. They must also sign out of the building and back in at the Attendance
Office. Such releases will only be granted to classes and students by permission of the
administration. There is usually less loitering when students are on errands alone.
Please keep in mind that the school and the teacher sending the student assumes
responsibility in case of accidents for students who are allowed to run errands. Instructors should
not send any more students than absolutely necessary, and students should not be sent on food or
coffee runs.

Selection of classroom materials

Textbooks, etc.
Textbooks, novels, and other durable course materials are selected upon recommendation
of all the teachers in the department with the approval of the department chairperson and
principal. The head librarian serves as a resource person to help determine the readability level of
textbooks being considered for selection.

18

Movies, documentaries, internet video clips, etc.

1. Students should not expect to be entertained. This format is still to be considered as part of the
class work.
2. Preview the item and provide the class with a foundation for what is expected from the
showing.
3. Following the showing provide follow-up discussion, an assignment or some other method of
assessing the effectiveness. You should be able to explain to students, parents and administrators
the educational reason for using the piece.
4. It is considered inadvisable to use classroom instruction time and audio-visuals as rewards
for good behavior.
5. Videos with an R rating, and not already approved for use or owned by the district must have a
written request filed and approved by the building principal before being shown in the
classroom.
Availability of audio-visual materials and equipment
An audio-visual collection, with a variety of formats, is housed in the library. Faculty has
unlimited checkout privileges, but is reminded to check out anything removed from the library
and to return the material in a timely manner.
Most classrooms are already equipped to display materials. The library has a limited
number of televisions on carts with VCR/DVD capabilities available for check out. If your room
is not equipped, talk with your department chair and the principal about what you need.
Challenged Materials
Occasional objections to a selection will be made by the public, despite the care taken to
select valuable materials for student and teacher use and the qualifications of persons who select
the material. The principles of the freedom to read and of the professional responsibility of the
staff must be defended, rather than the materials.
Be courteous if you receive such an objection and contact the building principal. He/she
will guide you through the school board policy for handling such objections.

Copying materials for class

Copy Room
Plan for the copies you will need in advance. The high school maintains an aide to make
copies. Requests for copies should be submitted to the copy room or the aide as much in advance
as possible, with the typical turn-around time of one school day. All copy requests should
indicate the number of copies needed, paper color, double or single sided, the teachers name,
date needed, etc. All sensitive copies (tests, etc.) should be marked as sensitive.
Business Office
If you have an emergency situation and need copies for instructional purposes, see the
business office staff.

Communication with parents/guardians

Whenever it becomes apparent that one of your students is having difficulty or has some
problem, contact the parents and schedule a conference or visit on the phone. Parents want to
know what their sons and daughters are doing and most of them appreciate our contacting them.
19

Please make an effort to contact parents when students are doing a good job also, using
the Good Vibrations cards (available in the assistant principals office), calls, emails or
progress reports.
Communication with all of our stakeholders (students, parents, community, school board,
colleagues, staff, etc.)
Speak to people.
Smile at people and laugh yourself.
Learn names quickly and call students by their first names.
Be friendly and helpful.
Be cordial.
Be genuinely interested in people.
Be generous with praise and cautious with criticism.
Be considerate of the opinions of others. Remember there are three sides: your side, his/her
side, and the right side.
Be aware you are alive to give service to people.
Accent the positive.
Respect the private, confidential information about students and do not gossip.
Keep lines of communication open.
Be professional. You are the specialists in your areas.
Supplies on hand/warehouse
The school districts warehouse stocks a number of commonly used office and school
supplies for use by faculty and staff. Warehouse requisition forms can be obtained in the
Business Office. Some departments have a central ordering system, rather than each teacher
ordering his/her own supplies. Check with you department chair before filling out your own
requisition form. In general, supplies are delivered twice a week. The Business Office stocks a
small supply of office/school supplies for emergency situations.
Supplies not provided by the warehouse require a purchase order from the Business
Office and approval by the department chair or the activity sponsor. Office staff will instruct
faculty in the procedure for using a purchase order or credit card for supplies.

Field Trips
Field trips are desirable educational experiences for students when properly planned and
properly organized. Approval should be cleared through the principal. The following are
suggestions to keep in mind.
1. Be sure that the students are PREPARED for the trip - they know what to look for, and are
able to discuss or report on trips afterwards.
2. Be sure that there is a close relationship between the trip and the classroom instruction - and
the information gained on the trip will be included for evaluation purposes.
3. Be sure that your class will be back before the end of the period so they will not be late for
their next class. No teacher should be expected to excuse students for a field trip in another class,
unless arrangements have been made in the Business Office.
4. We have school buses available for field trips. We suggest that students walk unless the
distance is over 8-10 blocks (or a 10-minute walk).
5. Please inform the Business Office in advance when a field trip is planned. If a bus is needed, it
should be scheduled through the activities office.
20

6. Teachers must accompany and be responsible for students on field trips.

7. Student cars will not be used.

Grading/Evaluation
Grading
The assignment of grades is one of the most difficult and demanding of a teachers tasks.
In many cases, grades are the only contact between the home and school. The importance to the
student now and in the future cannot be over-estimated. For these reasons, it is extremely
important that the job of assigning grades receives time and attention in keeping with its
significance. Consistency, fairness, and accuracy should be the by-words.
1. Teachers should review and post the CCDHS grading scale in the classroom.
2. Deadlines should be set for completion of work due to any kind of excused absence. School
Board policy allows two days for every absence.
3. Students who fail to complete assignments on time can expect to be penalized.
4. Students should not be penalized grade wise for excused absences where the work is made up
within the teachers guidelines.
5. Semester grades are usually arrived at by averaging quarter grades and semester test grades.
Teachers can use a total points scale or weight the categories in Power Grade. Many teachers
choose to weight grades this way: homework=1/3, tests/quizzes=1/3, and in-class work=1/3.
6. Credit is issued on a semester basis. Example: U.S. History first semester= D: second
semester = F; first semester credit 1/2; second semester credit 0.
7. Assignment of grades is made by individual teachers. No changes will be made by anyone on
the administration staff. Teachers may be asked to review grades should any of the tenets of this
section be violated.
8. Communicate with parents frequently. Do not wait until midterm or quarter reports to
inform parents of failing grades! In regards to special education students, all teachers will
comply with IEP requirements for the reporting of grades.

Power Grade
Teachers should post grades on Power Grade at the very least, every two weeks.
Midterms, quarter report cards and semester report cards are all printed from the information
teachers put on Power Grade. Make sure that the current grading period is where youve posted
the comment. For instance, semester 1 report cards must have comments attached to the semester
1 grade or it will not be printed on the report card. Ask the Counseling Center for help with
setting up your gradebook or entering comments, etc. Due dates for final grades and comments
for each marking period will be issued in the daily bulletin, via announcement or email, or during
faculty meetings.

21

Grading
Grades should be assigned according to the schools grade scale. Incompletes should
only be assigned in unusual circumstances and all incompletes should be changed to a letter
grade within two weeks after a marking period ends.
Homework
All homework should be relevant to the subject area and provide guided practice for
skills already taught in the classroom. Homework should not be used as punishment and all
homework should be given some form of feedback. Students should not be required to do more
than 15-20 minutes of homework per night per class, except in the case of larger projects, which
would then eliminate some of the daily homework burden.
Make-up Work
Students should be expected to make-up work for each day absent. Of course, the student
must be responsible for the work covered that day when testing time comes and should be
required to take any tests he missed when absent. Students are allowed two days for each days
absence.
Semester/Comprehensive Exams
1. As part of the requirements for the completion of each high school course earning 1/2 credit or
more per semester, the instructor shall require a semester examination. Any faculty member not
planning to give a semester examination must present a project proposal to the building
principal. The project should be a comprehensive piece of work to be submitted by each student
in place of the semester examination.
2. There shall be no exemptions from the above requirements except SENIORS at the end of the
second semester, if they are doing satisfactory work in that particular subject.
3. No student should be allowed to take any final examination early. In an emergency, and only
with special permission from the principal, a student may be allowed to take an exam later, but
not earlier. The exam may be given at the business office during the summer provided proper
arrangements have been made.

Discipline
The high schools discipline policies are listed in the Student Handbook. If you need
assistance or youre not sure how to handle an issue, call the assistant principals office at
extensions 228 or 224.

Classroom Discipline
In addition to supervising and enforcing district and school rules, each faculty member
should develop classroom rules and discipline procedures. Discipline should be considered as the
action necessary to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to a good learning situation.
The key to good discipline is planning. Procedures that keep students busy with relevant,
productive activities will minimize or eliminate disruptive behavior.
It is important that the students know what you expect in both behavior and classroom
performance. Consistency is essentialset your standards and post them in your classroom, stick
to them and enforce them. Students must understand that they are responsible for their behavior
and will suffer the consequences of misbehaving.
22

Assessing penalties demands careful deliberation and good judgment. Employ common
sense. Pupils must know that the teacher is in charge. Teachers will strengthen their position by
handling their own discipline problems.
Serious cases of misbehavior should be referred to the administration.

Hall passes
Any student who is out of the classroom during class time must have a pass. Do not issue
a pass without good reason or to students who abuse the pass privilege. Yellow hall passes can
be obtained from the Attendance Office.

Student Aides
Teachers may arrange with the Assistant Principal for a student aide. The following conditions
must be met:
1. Students must meet the standard six-class requirement. (Special circumstances will be
considered.)
2. The general rule will be: One aide per teacher and during that teachers prep period
(exceptions may be requested).
3. Attendance/tardy requirements are the same as for any class.
4. Aides must be kept in the classroom when not on teacher errands. Dont take an aide if you
dont have something for them to do or wont be around to supervise.
5. All student aides out of the classroom must have an aide badge, clearly visible on a lanyard.
These can be obtained in the Assistant Principals Office. Student aides are not to run personal
errands for teacherscoffee, etc.

Discipline Procedures
A logical progression of discipline and re-direction might look like this:
1. Individual conference
2. Reprimand
3. Report to teacher
4. Report to the office for detention assignment.
5. Call the office and have the student removed from class.
Be consistent! Don't ignore or overreact. Anytime you feel inadequate to handle the situation,
call the office.
Corporal Punishment
A person who is employed or engaged by the district may not inflict, or cause to be
inflicted, corporal punishment on a pupil. Corporal punishment means knowingly and
purposely inflicting physical pain on a pupil as a disciplinary measure.

Discipline Referral
When to send Students to the Office from the Assistant Principal
1. After a re-direct, a student continues to disrupt the class
2. Profane/unacceptable language
23

3. Inappropriate behavior that is not corrected after a re-direct

4. When there is a student or staff safety issue
5. Drug/alcohol/tobacco issues
6. Cell phone or electronic device is visible/in their possession
7. Insubordination
8. Fighting/harassment/intimidation
*Please feel free to call extension 228, and the assistant principal will escort the student.
*When a student is sent to the office, it is a strike in that class.
When NOT to send Students to the Office
1. Students do not turn in their homework
2. Student sits in their chair and does not participate in class
3. Student forgot books, supplies, PE clothes (if its a habit, contact the assistant principal)

End of the year duties

All end of the year duties are described in a memo from the business office, and all
deadlines for completing the duties are posted in the memo. Those duties are described here
without the deadlines.

Graduation Ceremony
All faculty members will wish to show the seniors and their parents and friends the
interest and pride we have in our graduating class by their attendance at graduation exercises. We
have a separate seating section and a reception line to show our pride in the graduates. If you are
interested in attending the graduation ceremony and taking part in the reception line, seats will be
reserved.

Duties for teachers of seniors

Seniors will finish school as much as five class days before underclassmen. This practice
requires some adjustment for textbook collection, final grades, fines, etc. for seniors.

Semester/Comprehensive Exams
1. Early or late finals for individual students need to be approved by the principal. Remind
students that absence from final exams is not excused for ordinary reasons.
2. All classes will meet according to the examination scheduled.
3. Underclassmen should turn in all books and any other material checked out to them on the last
time a class meets. When you return textbooks, please return dictionaries also.
4. Teachers take all textbooks to the department storage area, unless other arrangements for
inventory have been made with the department chairperson.
5. All teachers who have books from the library should have them returned.

24

Last Day of School for Teachers

1. This is a PIR day and teachers are expected to be on duty as posted or announced.
2. No regular classes or tests. Teachers may use this time to give special make-up tests, correct
papers, and fill in reports. Deadline for all reports is the following Tuesday noon, or as posted.

PLEASE BE SURE THAT ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE YOU
LEAVE TOWN!
INVENTORY
Custer County District High School requires an inventory for insurance purposes. It is
also desirable as far as the Business Office is concerned, to know what books, equipment, and
supplies are on hand and where they are located. It is desirable from the teachers standpoint
because it will furnish them with an annual check of teaching materials. This will enable you to
find what will be needed next year and what should be discarded. If something is obsolete or
useless or worn out, discard it. If in doubt as to its value, consult the Business Office.
Dont inventory anything which has been checked out or borrowed from some other
room or department. Return it before making your inventory. Remember, the other rooms
inventory will be short if you do not. Do not waste time taking inventory of items of little value.
This is an excellent time to do some house cleaning. Ask for last years copy of your inventory.
If it is in good, readable condition; you may just add or subtract from it, and note that it has been
revised for the current year. Do not include textbooks or reference books on these sheets.
Textbooks
All textbooks are to be returned, cleaned and free from marks. All books should be
returned to the department storage area, unless other arrangements have been made with the
department chairperson regarding inventory. For books damaged beyond repair, a fine should be
issued.
Fines
Use special sheets - available in Business Office.
1. Lost Books: List name and number of book (ALSO-PRICE!).
2. Damaged Books: The lowest fine you should issue is $10 (due to processing, etc.)
Issue fines according to the amount of damage. We cannot charge for ordinary wear.
3. Carved Desks: Charge should be from $10-$20, depending on the damage. Describe
the character and location of desk marked. Ordinarily this damage should be reported as
it is incurred. Plastic desk tops cannot be repaired if the damage is great; they must be
replaced.
4. Other damage to furniture or other equipment during the school year should also be
reported.
5. Check with student about damage so that you are sure he did it. You may refer
doubtful cases to the administration.
25

6. Inform the student of the fine you are assessing! Don't expect the Business Office
personnel to know the details and inform the students.

Student Support Services

Counseling Center
The Counseling Center staff supports students through emergency and crisis counseling
and referrals, as well as career and school counseling. The Counseling Center is located in Room
25. The Counseling Center is open from 7:30 a.m. until 3:45 p.m., including lunch hour. The
counselor is a pupil helper. Services provided include guidance, counseling, and testing to help
the student better understand himself/herself in regard to his/her own interests, abilities, and
aptitudes. Each teacher, counselor and administrator has responsibilities in this work and stands
ready to help the student help himself/herself. Counseling staff will listen to your needs and
maintain confidentiality.
The counselors and the support staff are often busy with a variety of situations. If a
student needs the services, teachers should call ahead to avoid a conflict and to let the counselors
know that a student is on the way. Faculty should also follow up with the Counseling Center to
ensure the student arrived.

Library Services
Bringing Classes
If you intend to bring a class to use the library, please remember to call or e-mail in
advance to reserve the class period you intend to come. We only have a total of 17 computers for
student use, and we prefer to let the study halls know when we will not have room for their
students.
Passes for Students
Please remember to send students with the appropriate paper pass, and only one student
per pass. When students return, their pass should reflect two time/date stamps from our machine.
Blue Pass: The student will be using the internet for research purposes related to
YOUR assignment. Study Hall students should get this from their teacher before
going to study hall.
Yellow Pass: The student will be reading, checking out books, or typing only. Student
Aide passes are considered to be Yellow Passes
After-hours Information
If you come in to use the library after hours, remember that the card catalog machines
will not work; our server is shut down each evening.
If you take materials, please remember to leave a note with your name and the circulation
number (next to the barcode) of the item you are taking. If it is an item with a card
(Video/DVD/Professional/AV) please leave the card.

26

Returning Materials
While we do not insist on due dates for teacher checkouts, please remember to return
materials promptly; others may be waiting for the same thing.
Video and AudioBooks
Please remember that our video collection is for IN-SCHOOL use, and NO STUDENTS
may check out videos, DVDs or audiobooks.
Infotrac Database
Dont forget to ask about using our INFOTRAC DATABASE. This is a wonderful tool
for teachers and students, and is provided at no cost through our State. This database collects
information from MANY more periodicals and can give you access to titles like: Journal of
Advanced Mathematical Studies; Journal of Addiction and Mental Health; Journal of
Advertising; Teaching History: A Journal of Methods; Romance Notes; and MANY MORE!
http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb
ID (username): mtlib_2_851

Password: discovery

Classroom and School Environment

Locking Rooms
Please do not forget to lock (latch) the door behind you when entering the building before
or after the school session. And when you must unlock the door to admit students for a meeting
or activity before or after school hours, please remember that YOU are responsible for students
who enter and for locking the doors again when the students have arrived. When leaving the
school after hours, be sure that the doors are latched and locked.
Keys are NOT to be loaned to students. Pass codes to gym door are for staff only.
Students should not be given these codes. Employees of the district who lose their keys may
be responsible for the cost of re-keying the locks and for the new keys.

Room Environment
Classrooms should be made warm, pleasant and orderly. Impress each student with
his/her personal obligation to care for school property. Point out the appearance of the buildings
as school opens and appeal to students pride and loyalty to keep it that way.

Posters in hallways
All material and projects in the hallways must be pre-approved by the assistant principal
or principal. We will approve posters in good taste, advertising bonafide activities of youth
organizations or of non-profit organizations carrying out projects for the benefit of our youth.
Posters advertising commercial events will not be permitted; the public school is not an agent of
any business organization.

Announcements
Any announcements to be broadcast to the rooms over the P.A. system or run on the
internal TV system should be written and submitted to the Business Office. Each announcement
27

should be signed or countersigned by a teacher. Please type them, write legibly or email to
dschneidt@milescity.k12.mt.us. Verbal announcements will usually be made during the
beginning of 1st period. Please get them to the office ASAP. We will not make announcements
at any other times except in an emergency. The TV (video) system announcements run
constantly throughout the day on channel 2.

Custodians
Teachers do not, as an ordinary rule, instruct custodians in their duties. If you have
something to discuss about the work or attitudes of a custodian, please see the principal about the
situation.

Damage to School Property

In order to eliminate or at least reduce to a minimum, intentional or thoughtless damage
to school property, teachers are asked to check frequently areas under their supervision, instruct
the pupils in regard to proper care of property, and report all damage and identify the guilty
students if their identity is known.
If unchecked, damage to the tops of desks will increase to the point where we will not
only be ashamed of the appearance of the room, but it will be difficult to use the desk as a
writing surface. Also be sure to check the backs of desks as well. In rooms where various
teachers may be in charge each period, perhaps students should be instructed at the beginning of
each period to report any damage. Remember that plastic tops are difficult to mark up, but once
they are cut with a knife or other sharp instrument, it is impossible to repair them.
Students will be charged for damage to school property. Flagrant violations may lead to
probation, suspension or possible expulsion by the Board of Trustees.

Extra Curricular Activities

Calendar of Events
1. A master calendar of events is kept in the Principals Office. Requests for dates on the school
calendar are to be made by faculty members or student organizations with the approval of the
adviser.
2. To secure a day, contact the principal who will check the master schedule and approve or
disapprove the date. This procedure will avoid conflicts. The master schedule includes the total
school area (gym, auditorium, classrooms, etc.). Notify the principal in the event a scheduled
activity is cancelled or postponed.

Sunday Activities
No Sunday activities or practices should be held without special permission from the
principal. Sunday practice for interscholastic competition is prohibited by the Montana High
School Association.

Concessions
Each recognized organization should have a fair opportunity to earn money to carry on its
activities. In case there are conflicts over which organizations should get which concession, a
faculty committee of sponsors, under the direction of the activities director, will review the
28

overall plan for awarding certain concessions to each organization. The Student Council or
representative of the various student organizations will also be consulted. The organization's
philosophy toward school service may also be a consideration. The final decision will rest with
the administration.

Group/Activity Sponsors
Responsibilities
The faculty sponsor should realize that the purpose of student organizations is to teach
citizenship and allow the students as much practice as possible in running their own affairs. They
should be allowed to go ahead, even in a way which seems slow and inefficient sometimes,
because they may benefit more from making their own decisions even if they are occasionally
mistaken, than having someone continually making the correct decisions for them.
The students should realize the faculty advisers are held responsible by the principal for
the actions and activities of their group so are expected to offer advice or take certain steps, when
necessary, if something is proposed which would be foolish or out of line with school policy.
Financing/Student Association Funds
1. All funds raised by any school organization must be deposited with the Student Association
bookkeeper.
2. All funds expended by any school organization must be paid by checks drawn on the account
of that particular activity and written by the Student Association bookkeeper. Two signatures,
including that of one of the administrators, are required on every check.
3. All purchases made by any student organization must be made on the basis of a purchase order
issued from the Business Office with approval of the organization sponsor and class officer. If
purchases are with or without a requisition (only in an emergency), a copy of the sales slip must
be filed with the Student Association bookkeeper immediately.
4. Payments for purchases are usually made on the basis of a voucher submitted by the creditor
establishing our indebtedness. Occasionally payments may be made in advance, but the auditors
object strenuously.
5. Fund raising projects carried on in the name of any school organization must have the
approval of the administration and the school board. If any of these are of a social nature, which
requires school chaperones, they will generally occur on school premises. Off-the-premises
functions will require special permission.
6. Custer County District High School will accept no responsibility for groups operating contrary
to school regulations, nor will we permit the payment of bills or obligations improperly acquired.
All of our accounts are subject to audit. Hence, NO CASH PAYMENTS for goods or services to
school organizations can be permitted.
7. All faculty sponsors of organizations will kindly inform their groups of the foregoing
regulations. The treasurer of your organization should maintain accurate records of goods bought
and sold so that if the auditors request it, we can show incomes proportionate to the expenditures
for goods to be sold.

Bus for Trips

The following is information in regard to the use of the school buses for transporting students on
school-sponsored trips:

29

1. Requests for the use of the buses should be made through the Activities Director's office in
coordination with the Principal's office as well in advance as possible to eliminate conflicts.
2. Drivers will fill out a report sheet after each trip. From this report, the amount charged to the
organization making the trip will be calculated. All gasoline, oil, repairs and vehicle expenses
will be charged to Custer County District High School.
3. Drivers will report any accidents or unusual situations, including sponsors/advisers not
properly following school district transportation policy and chaperoning students.
Advisers/sponsors should likewise report to the Activities Director any bus driver that is unsafe
or not properly doing his duty in transporting students.
4. School bus drivers need to meet the requirements of MCA 20-10-103, ARM 10.711, ARM
10.64.201. This includes: 18 years old, good moral character, CDL license, DOT physical, basic
first aid card, and a certificate from the Miles City School District filed with the County
Superintendent.

Revised 2012 by J. Nyberg

30