Employee Handbook

View policy GAMJA Accommodations for Employees to Express Breast Milk

In accordance with state law, no person is allowed on school grounds or in school buildings or facilities without authorization from the appropriate school official. Classroom doors shall remain locked during instructional time, but shall not obstruct egress.

Evacuate

1. Immediately evacuate the building. Remain there until further notice.
2. Call roll and notify office of any missing or added students.
3. Remain calm and keep students calm.
4. Dispel any false rumors and only relay information with Principal’s permission.
5. Keep students with you at all times. *DO NOT LET STUDENTS LEAVE THIS AREA*
6. Wait for further directions from the Principal’s office and remain in this area at all times. If you are needed elsewhere, you will be notified. Additional Procedures Specific To Your School…………

Shelter In Place

1. All classrooms….shelter in your classroom. Gym, Cafeteria…move to designated area.
2. Call roll and notify office of any missing or added students.
3. Remain calm and keep students calm.
4. Dispel any false rumors and only relay information with Principal’s permission.
5. Keep students with you at all times. *DO NOT LET STUDENTS LEAVE THIS AREA*
6. Wait for further directions from the Principal’s office and remain in this area at all times. If you are needed elsewhere, you will be notified. Additional Procedures Specific To Your School…………

Lockdown

1. Immediately secure all students into your classroom and lock the door (if necessary shelter students from the halls).
2. Call roll and notify office of any missing or added students.
3. Remain calm and keep students calm.
4. Dispel any false rumors and only relay information with Principal’s permission.
5. Keep students with you at all times. *DO NOT LET STUDENTS LEAVE THE CLASSROOM*
6. Wait for further directions from the Principal’s office and remain in this area at all times. If you are needed elsewhere, you will be notified. Additional Procedures Specific To Your School…………

***A MAP OF YOUR SCHOOL WITH SPECIFIC EVACUATION ROUTES MUST BE POSTED IN EACH AREA & CLASSROOM.***

View Policy GAMD-Drug Free Workplace

View Policy GAMIA- Electronic Communications Between Employees and Students

 

View Policy EFAA- Electronic Resources Use and Security

View Policy GAMFA- Employee Communicable Diseases

 

View Policy GBRA- Employee Conduct

 

View Policy GAMF- Employee Health and Safety

All employees are required to wear their Employee I.D. Badges during the work day and at school activities. Employees shall continue to receive system-wide free admission to school activities, plays, assemblies, and sporting events (excluding playoff games under the auspices of the LHSAA). In order to gain free admission, employees must present their Employee I.D. Badge.

The purpose of the general healthcare plan is to provide employees general information for commonly diagnosed student health conditions. This general information is not all inclusive, and additional student healthcare information may be provided by the School Nurse throughout the school year. Keep a copy of the General Healthcare Plans for reference, as well as making the general healthcare plans available for substitutes. Contact the School Nurse for additional information.

ASTHMA

Asthma occurs when there is swelling or spasm of the bronchial tubes associated with shortness of breath.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ASTHMA

Common triggers: Colds and other viral infections, chemical or environmental irritants, exercise and overexertion, air pollution and stress

Symptoms of an asthma attack may include: Wheezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, a bluish color in the lips and nail beds

IMPORTANT: Any student requiring an inhaler should have it available at all times including field trips.

STEPS TO TAKE IN AN ASTHMA EMERGENCY

1. Buzz the front office immediately. If necessary, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be called.
2. If the student carries an inhaler, allow the student to self-administer.
3. If the medication is kept in the fr o n t office, determine whether it is quicker for the staff to come to the student or for someone to escort the student to the front office. DO NOT SEND THE STUDENT ALONE.
4. Help the student sit up with shoulders relaxed.
5. Encourage the student to drink water. (This may help to thin the mucus.)

SEIZURES

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition. It is the general term for more than 20 different types of seizure disorders. It is not contagious. There are two main categories: convulsive and nonconvulsive.

In recognizing a seizure the student may be:

• Staring into space
• Not responding
• Smacking lips/chewing
• Moving aimlessly
• Staggering or falling
• Remaining rigid Jerking all/parts of the body

STEPS TO TAKE IN A CONVULSIVE SEIZURE EMERGENCY:

1. Buzz the front office immediately and time the seizure.
2. Help the student to lie down. Remove glasses and loosen tight clothing. Cushion head. Clear the area of any hard objects. Turn head to let saliva drain. Observe and protect the student until conscious.
3. Do not put anything in the student’s mouth. Do not restrain or try to move the student. Do not argue with or confront the student.
4. If the seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer, call EMS.

SEVERE ALLERGIES

An allergic reaction is an acquired hyper-sensitivity to a substance that does not normally cause a reaction. The reaction may range from mild, self-limited symptoms to rapid death.

Common causes of allergy:
Insect stings (bees and wasps) Nuts(peanuts, pecans and other nuts) Medications Industrial or office chemicals/vapors

What to look for:

A sudden onset of symptoms, usually beginning within 15 minutes after exposure to inciting agent, often result in the more severe type of reaction (anaphylaxis).

Symptoms may include the following:
Respiratory difficulty

• Feeling of fullness in throat 
• Change in quality of voice 
• Feeling of apprehension 
• Sweating and weakness 
• Tingling sensation around mouth or face
• Nasal congestion
• Wheezing
• Hives
• Itching 
• Low blood pressure with weak, rapid pulse
• Loss of consciousness/shock

IMPORTANT: Closing of the air passages from swelling (laryngospasm) can occur without warning or any of the above symptoms. Seek help immediately for any difficulty in breathing. Do not wait for more symptoms. The Epi-pen injection is an emergency medication for anaphylaxis. Any student requiring an Epi-pen MUST have the Epi-pen available at all times including field trips. If the Epi-pen or other rescue medication is administered, call EMS immediately.

STEPS TO TAKE IN A SEVERE ALLERGY EMERGENCY:

1. Buzz the front office immediately. If necessary, Emergency Medical Services(EMS) should be called.
2. If the student carries an Epi-pen or other rescue medication, allow the student to self- administer. Give privacy and reassurance.
3. If the medication is kept in the fr on t office, determine whether it is quicker for the staff to come to the student or for someone to escort the student to the front office. DO NOT SEND THE STUDENT ALONE.
4. Document the student’s symptoms, what the student was doing just prior to the reaction, and if applicable, time at which the Epi-pen or other rescue medication was administered.

DIABETES

Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use food normally because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Insulin carries glucose to the cell to be used as fuel. Without insulin, glucose is not properly carried to the cell but instead remains in the bloodstream, building to dangerous levels. Serious symptoms and life threatening conditions can result from this build-up.

A person with Type 1 Diabetes has to inject insulin at least once a day or may wear an insulin pump. An insulin pump works like an external pancreas and delivers a small amount of insulin continuously.

LOW BLOOD SUGAR

• Onset: Sudden
• Signs: Feeling shaky, poor coordination, anger, bad temper, pale color, confusion, disoriented, sudden hunger, sweating, eventual stupor and unconsciousness
• Causes: Failure to eat before strenuous exercise or after insulin bolus from the pump, delayed or missed meals, or too much insulin
• General Treatment: Provide food (high carbohydrate: juice box, sugar tablets, cheese or peanut butter crackers)

HIGH BLOOD SUGAR

• Onset: Gradual
• Signs: Drowsiness, extreme thirst, frequent urination, flushed skin, vomiting, fruity or wine-like odor on breath, heavy breathing, eventual stupor or unconsciousness
• Causes: Insulin not taken, pump malfunction, stress, illness or too much food or drink taken in
• General Treatment: May need additional insulin per doctor’s orders

STEPS TO TAKE IN A DIABETIC EMERGENCY

1. Buzz the front office immediately. If necessary, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be called.
2. If the student carries supplies, allow student to self-administer.
3. If the supplies are kept in the office, determine whether it is quicker for the staff to come to the student or for someone to escort the student to the office. DO NOT SEND THE STUDENT ALONE.

ATTENTION DEFICIT WITH HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

ADHD/ADD is a behavioral condition in which children have difficulties paying attention and focusing on tasks.

Some of the medicines commonly prescribed are:

• Adderall
• Concerta
• Vyvanse
• Ritalin
• Focalin
• Bupropion
• Dexedrine
• Strattera
• Daytrana
• Methylphenidate (i.e. Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta, etc.)

Most common medication side effects are: 

• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Tics
• Stomach pains
• Irritable
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Agitation

NOTE: Continuous complaints of the above side effects may be communicated to the parents.

View Policy GAMFB- Guidelines for Handling Body Fluids in School

 

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES FOR PROVIDING EDUCATION TO STUDENTS WITH AIDS INFECTION

1. Persons involved in the care and education of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) infected children shall respect the child’s right to privacy, including maintaining confidential records. The number of personnel who are aware of the child’s condition shall be kept at a minimum. Those persons should be provided with appropriate information concerning such precautions as may be necessary and should be aware of the confidentiality requirements.

2. Research documents that the AIDS/HIV virus is not transmitted through casual contact such as in schools. The individual poses no threat to the health of other students or employees except in rare cases. Even if a slight risk of transmission in a school setting existed, the risk can be better protected by requiring “universal precautions” rather than by trying to identify HIV-infected students. The concept of universal precautions originated in the health care field; it required medical providers to regard all patients as HIV-infected and thus to take the same precautions with all patients that they would with an HIV-infected patient. The concept of universal precautions applies easily in a school setting. For example, when dealing with blood or other bodily fluids, personnel should always wear gloves. Universal precautions provide a less invasive way to prevent transmission. All employees have a personal responsibility to follow universal precautions.

3. Students will be observed for the presence of open, uncovered lesions and/or breaks in the skin surface. The observation shall be done in an inconspicuous manner in order to preserve the confidentiality of the child. If direct contact with lesions or breaks in the skin surface cannot be controlled or prevented, the student may require temporary exclusion from the classroom.

4. The decision to temporarily remove a student from the classroom for the reason stated in #3 above will be made by appropriate school administrators in consultation with district nursing and/or medical advisors. An appropriate alternative educational program may need to be established; or the student may be returned to the classroom when appropriate school personnel have received medical documentation from the student’s physician and/or public health personnel that the risk of transmission has abated.

5. The school nurse may function as (a) the liaison with the student’s physician, (b) the student’s advocate in the school, and (c) the coordinator of services provided by other staff.

6. Students will be regularly reevaluated with regard to their behavior, physical condition and educational progress which may affect the need for a more appropriate education program placement.

7. Medical documentation will be required to support initial educational planning and periodically thereafter as necessary to provide appropriate services for the student.

8. A child may need to be temporarily removed from the classroom for his/her own protection when cases of communicable disease (e.g., chicken pox, measles, etc.) are occurring in the school population. The parent/guardian will be notified by school personnel in the event of this occurrence and the decision for exclusion will be made by the parent/guardian and the child’s physician in consultation with appropriate school personnel.

9. Administrative guidelines for the handling of body fluids shall be disseminated to all personnel employed by the St. Tammany Parish School Board, and employees shall follow these guidelines. All school district personnel will receive in-service training in the routine and standard district procedures for handling the body fluids of any person in the school, home or school related setting

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse

Refer to Board Policy: JGCE (Child Abuse)

Under Louisiana law, certain individuals are designated as mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect.

Who is a Mandatory Reporter and Do I Have to Report?

Any and all employees of the St. Tammany Parish School System are mandatory reporters and shall report any suspicions of child abuse IMMEDIATELY and DIRECTLY to Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and/or Law Enforcement. No employee shall perform any investigation related to child abuse.

• A mandatory reporter is any person considered to be a teaching or child care provider performing their occupational duties, such as any person who provides or assists in the teaching, training, or supervision of a child, including any public or private teacher, teacher’s aide, instructional aide, school principal, school staff member, school resource officer, bus operator, coach, social worker, technical or vocational instructor, or any St. Tammany Parish School Board individual who provides such services to a child in a voluntary or professional capacity.  Any police officer or law enforcement official who works as a school resource officer shall be considered a mandatory reporter and shall not receive information from another mandatory reporter or commence or oversee any investigation into the report. 
• The School Board and its administration are prohibited from discriminating or retaliating against school board employees who comply with their obligations as mandatory reporters. 

• Mandatory reporters, by law, are required to report.

DEFINITIONS

Abuse means any one of the following acts which seriously endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health of the child:

1. The infliction, attempted infliction, or, as a result of inadequate supervision, the allowance of the infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury upon the child by a parent or any other person.
2. The exploitation or overwork of a child by a parent or any other person.
3. The involvement of the child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person, or the aiding or toleration by the parent or the caretaker of the child's sexual involvement with any other person or of the child's involvement in pornographic displays, or any other involvement of a child in sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of this state.

Caretaker means any person legally obligated to provide or secure adequate care for a child, including a parent, tutor, guardian, legal custodian, foster home parent, an employee of a public or private day care center, an operator or employee of a registered family child day care home, or other person providing a residence for the child.

Child, for purposes of child abuse, is defined as a person under eighteen (18) years of age, who prior to juvenile proceedings, has not been judicially emancipated or emancipated by marriage.

Neglect means the refusal or willful failure of a parent or caretaker to supply the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, care, treatment, or counseling for any injury, illness, or condition of the child, as a result of which the child's physical, mental, or emotional health is substantially threatened or impaired.  In accordance with statutory provisions, the inability of a parent or caretaker to provide for a child due to inadequate financial resources shall not, for that reason alone, be considered neglect.  Whenever, in lieu of medical care, a child is being provided treatment in accordance with the tenets of a well-recognized religious method of healing which has a reasonable, proven record of success, the child shall not, for that reason alone, be considered to be neglected or maltreated.  However, nothing herein shall prohibit the court from ordering medical services for the child when there is substantial risk of harm to the child's health or welfare.

Types of Abuse

Neglect – The “unreasonable refusal or failure of a parent or caretaker to supply the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, care, treatment, or counseling for injury, illness, or condition of the child, as a result of which the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health and safety is substantially threatened or impaired.”

Physical Abuse – Any act, or an allowance of others, or as a result of inadequate supervision, to inflict or attempt to inflict an injury that seriously endangers the physical, mental, or emotional health and safety of the child.

Sexual Abuse – The involvement of the child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person, the aiding or toleration by the parent or caretaker of the child’s sexual involvement with any other person, the aiding or toleration by the parent of the child’s involvement in pornographic displays, and any other involvement of a child in sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of the State.

Emotional Abuse – Failure or inability by a parent or caretaker to nurture, to protect or to provide appropriate guidance as well as actions or statements which result in observable and substantial impairment of the child’s psychological, intellectual or emotional well-being and functioning. The emotional abuse must be a chronic or severe pattern of behavior by the parent.

Sex Trafficking - The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act. A commercial sex act is defined as any sex act in exchange for something of value. Sex trafficking is a form of human trafficking that involves force, fraud, or coercion, or the victim being under 18 years old. 

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF ABUSE

The following signs may signal the presence of a variety of types of child abuse or neglect.

• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.
• Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention.
• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.
• Lacks adult supervision.
• Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn.
• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT

Consistent with Louisiana Children’s Code Article 609, any mandatory reporter, notwithstanding any claim of privileged communication, who has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare is endangered as a result of abuse or neglect as defined by this policy, or that abuse or neglect was a contributing factor in a child's death, in accordance with statutory provisions, shall report immediately suspected abuse/neglect in accordance with the following:

1. A mandatory reporter shall immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect or that child abuse or neglect was a contributing factor in a child’s death, in the following ways:

A. When the suspected abuser/perpetrator is believed to be a parent or caretaker, a person who maintains an interpersonal dating or engagement relationship with the parent or caretaker, or a person living in the same residence with the parent or caretaker as a spouse whether married or not, make the report to the Department of Children and Family Services.

Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Hotline at 1-855-452-5437 (1- 855-4LA-KIDS)

B. When the abuse or neglect of a child is believed to be perpetrated by someone other than the individuals provided for in Subparagraph (A) of this Paragraph, including but not limited to a teaching or child care provider, make the report to a local or state law enforcement agency. However, any police officer or law enforcement official who works as a school resource officer shall not receive information from another mandatory reporter or commence or oversee any investigation into the report. Mandatory reporters must contact local or state law enforcement agency directly, not through the school resource officer.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office – (985) 898-2338

Covington Police– (985) 892-8500

Mandeville Police– (985) 626-9711

Slidell Police– (985) 643-3131

Pearl River– (985) 863-5711

Madisonville– (985) 845-3393

C. Dual reporting to both agencies is permitted.  The mandatory reporter may also request assistance from the school’s principal or any other appropriate administrator or employee when reporting as required herein.  Also, if the mandatory reporter is a school-based employee, proper notice shall be given to the school’s principal regarding same.

2. Reports to the Department of Children and Family Services shall be made as follows:

A. A report of suspected abuse or neglect requiring immediate assistance shall be made via the designated state child protection reporting hotline telephone number. Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Hotline at 1-855-452-5437 (1- 855-4LA-KIDS) A report may also be made in person at any child welfare office.

B. A report of suspected abuse or neglect which is of a non-emergency nature may be reported via the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Mandatory Reporter Portal online. A report may also be made in person at any child welfare office.

C. A report of suspected abuse or neglect that involves alleged sex trafficking, shall be made via the designated state child protection reporting hotline telephone number, regardless of whether there is alleged parental or caretaker culpability.

3. If the initial report was in oral form, it shall be followed by a written report to whom the initial report was made, which written report shall be delivered within five (5) days to the local child protection agency via the online Mandated Reporter Portal of the department or by mail to the centralized intake unit of the department at the address provided on the website of the department; or, if necessary, to the local law enforcement agency.

The written report shall contain the following information, if known:

A. The name, address, age, sex, and race of the child.

B. The nature, extent, and cause of the child’s injuries or endangered condition, including any previous known or suspected abuse to this child or the child’s siblings.

C. The name and address of the child's parent(s) or other caretaker.

D. The names and ages of all other members of the child's household.

E. The name and address of the reporter.

F. An account of how this child came to the reporter's attention.

G. Any explanation of the cause of the child's injury or condition offered by the child, the caretaker, or any other person.

H. The number of times the reporter has filed a report on the child or the child’s siblings.

I. Any other information which the reporter believes might be important or relevant.

The report shall also name the person or persons who are thought to have caused or contributed to the child's condition, if known, and the report shall contain the name of such person if he/she is named by the child.

The mandatory reporter shall complete the St. Tammany Parish School Board Suspected Child Abuse Report Form and submit the copies to the appropriate locations as designated at the bottom of the form within five days.  The name of the reporter is not noted on the form.  All forms shall be kept confidential and secured in a locked file cabinet.

• Cooperate with the DCFS, Law Enforcement, and Central Office, as requested.
• All information regarding the suspected child abuse must remain highly confidential.
• Reports should be discussed only as required with DCFS, law enforcement, the district attorney, other court designee or school and district administrators.
• Any suspected child abuse that has allegedly committed by a St. Tammany Parish School Board employee must be reported to the school principal or Assistant Superintendent of Administration only after the mandatory reporter makes a report to DCFS and local or state law enforcement.

Am I Legally Liable?

Any person who in good faith makes a report, cooperates in any investigation arising as a result of such report, or participates in judicial proceedings authorized under the Louisiana Children's Code shall have immunity from civil or criminal liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed.  This immunity, however, does not extend to (1) a person who participates in or conspires with a participant or an accessory to an offense involving the abuse or neglect of a child; (2) any person who makes a report known to be false or with reckless disregard for the truth of the report.

Knowingly and willfully failing to report suspected sexual abuse of a child could result in civil and criminal penalties, including but not limited to being fined not more than three thousand dollars, imprisonment (with or without hard labor) for not more than three years, or both.

Additionally, educators or other employees of the St. Tammany Parish School Board who fail or refuse to report child abuse/neglect as provided by law or by this policy may be subject to disciplinary and/or dismissal proceedings for neglect of duty.

 

Please contact Assistant Superintendent Mary Hart at mary.hart@stpsb.org or 985-892-2276 if you have any questions regarding the above information. 

View Policy GAEAA- Sexual Harassment

 

 

View Policy GAMA- Tobacco Free Schools Policy

 

In order to assure Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) compliance, non-certificated employees shall be required to sign in to work and sign out of work by electronic or mechanical means established by the Board. Signing in and out in this manner shall also apply in cases where non-certificated employees receive/take a lunch break. Signing-in and signing-out will not be required for 15 minute breaks.

Every parish and city school board shall permit ALL EMPLOYEES to take up to ninety (90) days of extended sick leave in each six (6) year period of employment which may be used for personal illness or illness of an immediate family member in the following manner, provided at any time that the employee has no remaining regular sick leave balance. Employees shall be entitled to extended sick leave in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute. Please contact Human Resources for more information and the process for applying.

View Policy GAMB- Staff Dress, Accessories, and Grooming

 

Effective July 1, 2007 employees who enroll in the St. Tammany Parish School Board’s (STPSB) Health Insurance plan will be subject to the following premium reduction rates at the time of retirement:

• Less than 10 years of STPSB health insurance coverage: the school system will pay 25% of its normal contribution rate
• 10 – 14.99 years of STPSB health insurance coverage: the system will pay 50% of its normal contribution rate
• 15 – 19.99 years of STPSB health insurance coverage: the system will pay 75% of its normal contribution rate
• 20 or more years of STPSB health insurance coverage: the system will pay 100% of its normal contribution rate

St. Tammany Parish Public Schools has available a web-based program, SafeSchools Training, which includes the following State mandated trainings pursuant to LA R.S. 42:1102 and LA R.S. 17:416.13 effective 2013.

• Every Public Servant, a public employee or an elected official, shall receive a minimum of ONE hour of education and training on Sexual Harassment during EACH YEAR of his/her public employment or term of office.

• All new school employees including bus drivers who have contact with students shall receive a minimum of FOUR hours of education and training on Bullying; and EACH YEAR thereafter, shall receive a minimum of TWO hours of Bullying education and training. 

Log Into SafeSchools

Your salary for the school session will be based on years of experience that is verified and submitted to the Human Resources Department. This salary will be locked in for the entire school session. Credit will be given for prior experience for personnel in Louisiana accredited public and nonpublic schools, and accredited out-of-state public and nonpublic schools.

Employees must submit experience verification forms for all previous years for public and non-public experience within the 60 day deadline specified by the Human Resources Department. A calculation will be done based on years of prior experience. When calculating your years of experience, if the total includes a percentage of a year, .50 or above will be rounded up while .49 and below will be rounded down. This calculation is for salary purposes only. Any experience verification forms received after the 60 day period will be considered for the following school year.