Crossing the Line Creating and Maintaining School Safety August 2018 It is critical to understand your role in maintaining the safety of our students. Today we will discuss the policies and procedures that should guide your behavior.

Objectives Staff will: Identify a few of the policies that guide professional expectations Determine where to access the procedures for employee discipline Discuss the role of social media in professional settings.

Hcpss.org  About  Policies Policy 1030 Child Abuse and Neglect Policy 9290 Gangs, Gang Activity, and Similar Destructive or Delinquent Group Behavior Policy 1040 Safe School Environments Policy 1020 Sexual Harassment Policy 1010 Discrimination Policy 1000 Civility All of the policies are available on the website. They all deal with employee conduct and expectations. Policy 8080 Responsible Use of Technology and Social Media Policy 1060 Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Policy 7030 Employee Conduct and Discipline

POLICY 1000 CIVILITY The Board believes that an environment of mutual respect and civil conduct between and among students, school system employees, parents, volunteers, and the general public is critical to the achievement of students and staff.

Expected behaviors include: POLICY 1000 CIVILITY Expected behaviors include: Respect and courtesy in language, demeanor, and actions Active and respectful listening Respectful acknowledgment of cultural differences Appropriate and courteous written communication, including notes, letters, email, and text messages.

POLICY 1060 BULLYING, CYBERBULLYING, HARASSMENT, OR INTIMIDATION The Board prohibits acts of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or intimidation because they compromise the learning environment and well-being of students, staff, and community.

POLICY 1060 BULLYING, CYBERBULLYING, HARASSMENT, OR INTIMIDATION The HCPSS will assume that the school environment is free from incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, hazing, or intimidation. The prohibition of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, hazing, or intimidation in schools and reprisal and retaliation against individuals who report acts of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, hazing, or intimidation, as well as standard consequences for policy violations, will be a part of school-wide efforts to maintain positive school climates.

POLICY 1060 BULLYING, CYBERBULLYING, HARASSMENT, OR INTIMIDATION Students, parents, employees, and service providers are responsible for reporting incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, hazing, intimidation, and retaliation. Reminder about forms, where they can be found, responsibilities and more training will be covered in the Safe Schools Module.

POLICY 7030 EMPLOYEE CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE The Board of Education believes that all employees will conduct themselves in accordance with standards of behavior that reflect the educational and human relations philosophies of the Howard County Public School System. In the event that an employee fails to meet expectations in the performance of duties or of professional conduct, uniform and consistent application of disciplinary action will be applied. There is a policy and procedure that guides your supervisor if a suspected violation occurs.

POLICY 7030 EMPLOYEE CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE Employees will exhibit professional conduct and will model responsible citizenship during work hours as well as during off-duty hours. Employees will use the internet and email in an appropriate manner at all times.

Misconduct constitutes: Knowingly failing to report suspected child abuse Sexual harassment Intimidation of students, staff, or citizens at large, including use of racial slurs and/or other derogatory remarks Bullying, cyberbullying, or harassment of students, staff, or citizens at large.

Misconduct constitutes: Inappropriate relationships with students or parents Inappropriate/unprofessional conduct toward or relations with other persons Dating and/or having a sexual relationship with a student Inappropriate use of email, internet, or other electronic communication.

SOCIAL MEDIA Please be mindful of all of your social media use and accounts.

Truth or Myth Under the First Amendment teachers have the right to post what they want on social networking sites as long as they are on their own time and using their own resources.

MYTH Pickering vs. Board of Education case established that probationary teachers can be fired without violating their First Amendment rights if what they write or say is about personal things (not matters of public concern) or if what they write or say might disturb the workplace.

Electronic communication with students should always be: Transparent – maintain openness, visibility and accountability Accessible – consider all electronic communication to be a matter of record Professional – use correct grammar and tone, choose appropriate subject matter and choose words that are courteous. If you’re not sure, show your Facebook page to someone you trust. If they have any concerns or problems, then so do you!!!

Questions?