1. Welcome This presentation was developed to provide common information and support to staff in each school. Thanks to the joint BEA-District Safety, Health, and Student Discipline Committee for help in creating this presentation. Revised 2009 1

2. Student Learning Is Our Highest Priority Students must feel safe in order to learn. Staff must feel safe in order to provide learning experiences. 2

3. School Behavior Plan We are expected to have a school-wide behavior plan that is reviewed annually with staff, students, and families. What do we all agree to do? What is your classroom behavior plan? How will you communicate it to students and families? 3

4. Teacher Authority WAC 180-40-290 gives the classroom teacher the right to remove a student immediately from a class or activity being supervised by a teacher, provided that: o The student is sent to a designated school authority or the principal; and o The student’s presence poses an immediate and continuing threat to himself, others or the educational process. 4

5. Student Responsibilities - Policy 3207 “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” is not allowed and not legal. The definition includes any intentional written, verbal, or physical act that: o Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or o Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or o Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or o Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. 5

6. Student Rights - Confidentiality The rights of students and families to confidentiality are governed by two federal statutes: o Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, 1974 (FERPA), and o Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act, 1997 (IDEA). (Policy 3600 covers confidentiality for students and their educational records.) 6

7. Student Rights – Media Issues Please review the following communications and media related policies. o Policy 4010 – Staff Communication Responsibilities o Policy 4011 – Media Relations and School-Related Publicity o Policy 4020 – Confidential Communications Staff members who are contacted directly by members of the media must first contact or refer the reporter to the Communications and Community Relations Office, which will work with staff and the media outlet to respond appropriately to the inquiry. 7

8. Student Safety All school district employees who suspect the abuse or neglect of a child must make an oral report to Child Protective Services (CPS) within 48 hours after there is reasonable belief that abuse or neglect has occurred. The employee must also notify his/her supervisor orally or in writing (not by e-mail) within one working day of the report to CPS (Policy 3421). 8

9. Student Safety Student safety measures also include: o Holding students accountable for safe and appropriate behavior at school (Policy 3200). o Releasing students only to adults who are authorized contacts. o Noticing and considering what steps to take in response to unusual, frightening or threatening written or verbal interactions. o Practicing emergency drills for FIRE/EVACUATION, EARTHQUAKE, LOCKDOWN, and SHELTER IN PLACE as described in staff manuals regularly. o Using the Emergency Procedures for School Staff flip document – every employee should have one. 9

10. Staff Safety All staff should be safe at the work site. o There is an OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY and ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM binder (look for an ORANGE cover) in each school office that describes procedures. All injuries should be reported to your supervisor, even those that do not need medical treatment. The District is prepared to legally and medically support appropriate teacher/staff behaviors. 10

11. Staff Safety If you are exposed to any blood-borne pathogens, either indirect or directly, be sure to follow these additional procedures. o If exposure is on skin, wash area thoroughly with soap and warm water or flush with large amounts of water. o If bleeding, apply pressure and bandage to avoid spreading blood to others. o REPORT the incident to your supervisor ASAP and have your supervisor report the incident to the assigned school nurse. 11

12. Staff Safety Staff are NOT expected to take physical or emotional abuse from other staff members, from students, or from other adults, including parents both at school and in the community. 12

13. Personal Safety 13 Reduce your risk through preventive planning: o Participate in meetings, drills, and training in your school o Lock your room every time you leave it o Consider: ⁻ Is your room directly accessible to the public? ⁻ Can you see people coming into the room? ⁻ Have you considered options if you felt “trapped” in your room? ⁻ How would you get the attention of others?

14. If You See A Suspicious Person 14 Ask if you can help him or her. Direct them to the office for a visitor’s pass. Ask the person to leave the building if he/she does not have a reason to be there. Call 911 if the person refuses to leave when asked and notify your supervisor.

15. Safe Ways to Deal with Difficult Situations 15 Attitude is important. Always treat people with respect regardless of their behavior. Don’t insist that you are right or contradict their statement. If the person becomes verbally abusive, tell them you will be better able to assist them if they calm down. Lower your voice. Trust your intuition. If the situation is potentially violent, try to exit and get help. Call 911.

16. Night Safety 16 Tell a friend or colleague where you are. Keep the door closed and locked. Be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 if you hear or see something suspicious. Arrange to meet or call a friend before you leave. Park your car in a lighted area close to the school building.

17. H1N1 Flu: Preparedness 17 Practice good hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly and frequently. Be aware of cough etiquette! o www.cdc.gov/cleanhands www.cdc.gov/cleanhands o www.coughsafe.com/media.html www.coughsafe.com/media.html o www.bham.wednet.edu/staff/influenzaplanning.htm www.bham.wednet.edu/staff/influenzaplanning.htm Stay home when you or anyone in your family are ill. All employees are encouraged to get a seasonal flu vaccination.

18. H1N1 Flu 18 Individual and family preparedness is strongly encouraged. o A checklist can be found at: www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/index.html www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/index.html All employees are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit for their paychecks.

19. For More Information The District Policy Manual is in each school office and also available online via the District Intranet at www.bham.wednet.edu www.bham.wednet.edu The state laws (RCWs and WACs) are in the Common School Manual in each school office. This book is updated annually. o The laws are also available online at www.k12.wa.us/www.k12.wa.us/ 19

20. For More Information The Occupational Safety and Accident Prevention (orange binder) and Emergency Procedure (red binder) documents are in each school office. Your principal, your school supervisor, and other Central Services staff are all available to help. 20