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MTSD Employee Handbook - 2024
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District Employee Handbook

Milton Town School District

Version: 1.0 Updated: 24/25  school year


Table of Contents

MTSD Vision of Learning        

For your convenience, each section is bookmarked - just hover over the section and click the link.

Introduction        4

Contact Information        4

District Policies        5

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion        5

Organizational Chart        5

Non-Discrimination Guidelines & Grievances        5

School Year Calendar        6

Student Operations        6

Attendance        6

Athletics, Clubs and Co-Curricular Activities        6

Communications with Students        7

Conduct & Discipline        7

FERPA & Student Privacy        7

Field Trips        8

Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying (HHB)        8

Legal Matters        8

Safety        9

School Choice        9

Student Handbook        9

Students Experiencing Homelessness        9

Technology        9

Transporting Students        10

Wellness        10

Operations        10

Business Office        10

Budget Planning        10

Faculty Mini Grants        10

Fundraising & Student Activities Accounts        11

Grants & Funding        11

Payroll        11

Purchasing        11

Vendors and Contracted Services        12

Child Nutritional Services        12

Employee Meals        12

Lunch Program        12

Emergency & Safety        12

Fire & Emergency Preparedness Drills        12

Hazardous Materials        13

Inclement Weather        13

School Closing        13

School Resource Officer        13

Facilities        13

Keys & Keycards        13

Maintenance Requests        13

Parking & Safety        14

Security & Access        14

Use of Facilities        15

Technology        15

Email Communications        16

Email ADA Compliance        16

Email Signature        16

Hardware & Equipment        16

School Websites        16

Social Media Posting        16

Software & Applications        17

Teaching and Learning        17

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment        17

Professional Collaboration and Learning        18

Student Services        18

Professional Development        18

Professional Development Requests        19

Tuition Approval & Reimbursement        19

Human Resources        19

Dress Code & Public Image        19

Employee Conduct        19

HIPAA Compliance        19

Hiring Process        20

Leave        20

Legal Name Changes        20

Master Agreements        20

Medical Emergencies        20

Required Annual Training        20

Resignations        21

Salary Advancement        21

Substitutes        21

Volunteers & Work Study Students        21

Worker’s Injury        21

Wellness & Employee Health        21

Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace        21

Communicable Disease Mitigation        21

Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”)        22

Planned Action Toward Health (“PATH”) Program        22

Acknowledgment of Receipt of Handbook        23

MTSD Vision of Learning

All MTSD learners are prepared to thrive, pursue their passions, and contribute dynamically to an ever-changing world.

Mission Statement 

Through inclusive and reflective practices, the Milton School Community empowers all members to be resilient and passionate learners who are engaged locally and globally

Core Beliefs and Values

Scholarship

  • Engage in a variety of learning experiences cultivating one’s own interests, aptitudes, and talents
  • Pursue knowledge and love of learning
  • Think critically, communicate effectively, recognize different perspectives and solve problems
  • Take academic risks and persevere through challenging tasks with the support of members in the learning community

 

 

Innovation

  • Foster an approach to learning that is creative and “outside the box” thinking
  • Create thriving learning communities through innovation
  • Ask the question, “What if?” and then going after the answer

 

 

 

Equity

  • Use inclusive practices that remove barriers so all can flourish
  • Identify and address bias and inequity; create a safe, inclusive and affirming, school community for all
  • Prepare all students to be school, college/career ready through personalization

 Care for the mind, heart and body

  • Make informed choices and promoting strategies for a healthy lifestyle by understanding every decision or choice has an impact
  • Practice safe and healthy habits with technology
  • Meet basic needs to promote health, happiness, and productivity

 

Collaboration

  • Work together to grow a respectful learning environment where all members feel valued
  • Work together to achieve common goals in the classroom, district and community

Introduction

Contact Information

The district and each school have an employee directory hosted on the public-facing website. Information on the directory is collected from every employee upon hiring. A form is provided in the hiring packet for completion of directory information and must be returned to the District Communications Specialist within 15 days of hiring.

The primary phone numbers, addresses, and URLs are listed below for each building.

District Office

12 Bradley Street
Milton, VT 05468

P: 802-893-5400

F: 802-893-3213

mtsd-vt.org

Elementary School

42 Herrick Avenue
Milton, VT 05468

802-893-5400

mes.mtsd-vt.org

Middle School

42 Herrick Avenue
Milton, VT 05468

802-893-5400

mms.mtsd-vt.org

High School

17 Rebecca Lander Dr.
Milton, VT 05468

802-893-5400

mhs.mtsd-vt.org

Internal District-Wide Phone List

District Policies

This document will highlight policies and procedures adopted by the MTSD Board of Trustees. All current policies and associated procedures can be found on the MTSD website under “School Board”. All MTSD employees are required to know and follow all MTSD Policies and Procedures. Policies are categorized by topic:

A - School Board Operations Related

B - Personnel

C - Student

D - Instruction

E - School-Community Relations

F - Non-Instructional Operations

MTSD Policies & Procedures

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Milton Town School District is committed to selecting for employment only persons who are committed to providing an equitable education to all children, who abide by the district’s mission, who demonstrate cultural humility, who affirm and cherish a child’s value, dignity, and uniqueness, and who have the skills, qualifications, and applicable licensure necessary to fulfill job requirements, while complying with the provisions of local, state, and federal law regarding the recruitment, selection and employment of school district employees and contractors.

C29 Equity Policy

Organizational Chart

The organizational chart provides an overview of the organization structure from the Board to school administration. For each school’s organizational chart, please reach out to the applicable building administrator.

District Level Organization Chart

Non-Discrimination Guidelines & Grievances

Milton Town School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, political affiliation or marital status in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities.

In the event that a person believes they have been subjected to discrimination because of specific actions, a claim may be filed with the identified coordinator of the District's efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other non-discrimination laws or regulations.

A22 Procedure: Handling Complaints of Non-Discrimination

C14 Section 504 and ADA Grievance Protocol for Students and Staff

School Year Calendar

The School Year calendar is created in conjunction with area school districts and is generally available for the upcoming school year in April. As the calendar may change throughout the year please refer to  the website version whenever referencing the school year’s schedule. The calendar can be found on the main page of all school & district websites.

District School Year Calendar

Student Operations

Attendance

The MTSD Superintendent or Administrator must approve any extended student absences per State of Vermont legislation. If a student or parent reports an absence to you, please direct them to the main office so the student attendance can be properly recorded.

Teachers are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of attendance for those students in their class. Attendance checking and reporting is of primary importance in the event of an emergency. Incorrect attendance may impact student safety, daily activities and education funding.

For each school, the daily process for taking attendance is outlined below:

MES

MMS

MHS

  • Homeroom teacher takes attendance by 8:45 AM.
  • Office will follow up with the teacher for any missing attendance. Please make sure yours is in on time.
  • Office makes any adjustments until 9:00 AM.
  • Automatic calls home begin at 9:15 for any unexcused absence.
  • Advisory  takes attendance by 7:55 AM.
  • Office will follow up for any missing attendance. Please make sure yours is in on time.
  • Office makes any adjustments until 8:10 AM
  • The office calls home starting at 8:25 AM.
  • Teacher takes attendance in the first 10 minutes of each period.
  • Office will follow up for any missing attendance. Please make sure yours is in on time.
  • The office calls home each period if a student is unexpectedly absent.

C7: Student Attendance

C7 Procedure: Student Attendance

Extended absences may only be excused with approval from the Principal (2-5 days) or the Superintendent (6-10 days). Please direct families to the following forms to make a request:

Principal Extended Absence Request Form

Superintendent Excused Extended Absence Request Form

Athletics, Clubs and Co-Curricular Activities

C22: Athletics, Clubs and Co-Curricular Activities

MTSD offers intramural athletic teams for students in grades 6-12.

Complete information about athletic programming can be found in the MTSD Athletics Handbook.

Information about clubs and co-curricular activities at each school is available:

C22 Procedure: Elementary Co-Curricular Clubs 

C22 Procedure: Middle School Co-Curricular Clubs

C22 Procedure: High School Co-Curricular Clubs

Communications with Students

Communication with students must adhere to Policy B8 and must be done during identified hours which are specific to each school.  

Employees shall not initiate electronic communication with a student, or respond to a student’s electronic communication during the prohibited  hours specified for each school:

B8: Electronic Communications Between Employees and Students

B8 Procedure: Electronic Communications Between Employees and Students

Conduct & Discipline

C15: Student Conduct and Discipline Policy

C15 Procedures: Student Conduct and Discipline

MES Student Conduct and Discipline Plan

MMS Student Conduct and Discipline Plan

MHS Student Conduct and Discipline Plan

FERPA & Student Privacy

As a publicly funded school district MTSD complies with all Federal and State laws related to student privacy and student records. This includes FERPA & HIPAA guidelines & rules. If you are unsure about a privacy concern or inquiry please inquire with your building administrator or direct supervisor. Procedures and policies outlining student privacy, records retention, and transgender information can be found on the MSTD policy and procedure page.

Release of Student Information

Photos/Videos & Media/Social Media

Throughout the year, the Milton Town School District staff and faculty may publish pictures, audio or video recordings or other accounts of the activities of our students on social media, the District or school website, or within the school building public areas. Occasionally the local media will present stories on our students and their work. Opt out requests must be submitted to the main office via the Release of Directory Information Form.

Directory Information

Federal law authorizes the routine release of student “directory information” without prior consent, unless a student’s parent/guardian has advised the District to withhold the information.

Opt out requests must be submitted to the main office via the Release of Directory Information Form.

Student Records and Information

Parents and Legal Guardians have the right to review and/or request copies of student records. Any request from a parent should be directed to the school administrator.

Parents and Legal Guardians may explicitly authorize MTSD to speak with others regarding their students educational information. The request must be made via the Consent to Communicate with Others Form, which should be submitted to the schools’ main office.

Field Trips

Most field trips are processed and approved by your building’s administrator, however overnight field trips require MTSD Superintendent review and approval. All overnight and foreign country trips require MTSD Board approval.

D40 Field Trip Policy

Field Trip Packet - Domestic

Overnight / International Field Trip Packet

Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying (HHB)

All school employees must report to a designated employee or administrator any behavior that they see or that is reported to them which may constitute hazing, harassment and/or bullying.

All school employees must attend and complete any district or school training related to Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying on an annual basis.

Designated employees are outlined in the procedure below:

C10 Prevention of Hazing, Harassment and Bullying of Students

Procedure C10 Prevention of Hazing, Harassment and Bullying of Students

Legal Matters

Student matters that are legal in nature (custody, court information, etc.) should be addressed to the Building Principal. All student legal documentation is kept in the student’s permanent file and in the District Office.

Safety

The MTSD is committed to providing a safe environment for students and employees while facilitating access to school buildings, premises and equipment by authorized users. The safety and security of the district’s physical space and assets is a shared responsibility of all members of the District.

Staff members should immediately report to the building administrator any safety concerns related to suspicious activity or threats made by staff, students or members of the community. If it is after school hours, please contact Milton Police.

Any broken or malfunctioning equipment that poses an in-the-moment safety concern, should be reported to your building administrator immediately.

Policy F4 Access Control and Visitor Management

The district has comprehensive procedures for Access Control and Visitor Management.

Policy F26: Security Cameras

School Choice (MHS Only)

School Choice Program Application

Student Handbook

The MTSD has a District Level Student Handbook and school-based addendums which are distributed annually and upon enrollment to each student. Staff should familiarize themselves with the contents of applicable handbooks and refer to it as needed to answer family and/or student questions.

MTSD Student Handbook and School Based Addendums

Students Experiencing Homelessness

Any student without fixed, regular, and adequate housing may be considered Homeless for Educational Purposes as defined by the federal McKinney Vento Act. Faculty and staff are responsible to make a referral to the Homeless Liaison as soon as you suspect that a child might be without permanent housing. Remember, you do not need to know all of the facts to make a referral. 

Homeless Referral Form

MTSD Staff Quick Facts - McKinney Vento

C13 Students who are Homeless Policy    

C13 Procedure Homeless Students     

Also available for all MTSD Faculty and Staff are several resources (books, films). Review the list of titles and make a borrow request from the McKinney-Vento Lending Library.

24/25 School Year Homeless Liaison: Jen Saunders, jsaunders@mymtsd-vt.org, 802-893-5302

Technology

All faculty and staff must be familiar with all policies related to technology use, integration of technology into learning practices, and to model the appropriate use of technology for students. Teachers and staff are responsible for monitoring student use of technology and using appropriate techniques and interventions when students are off task with their use of technology. Teachers and staff should report major concerns of inappropriate use of technology (ie, hazing, harassment, or bullying, pornography, etc ) to the administration.

D3: Responsible Computer, Network and Internet Use

Transporting Students

Prior to transporting any student in a personal vehicle, an employee is required to complete and submit to HR, the VSBIT Vehicle Use Policy form.

Prior to transporting any student in a District Vehicle, an employee is required to review, sign and  submit to Human Resources, the District Vehicle Use Procedure.

Wellness

Milton School District is committed to the optimal development of every student. We believe that for students to achieve personal, academic, developmental, and social success, we will strive to create healthy learning environments that promote positive, safe, and healthy choices in every setting and at every level throughout the school year. Research shows that good nutrition and physical activity before, during, and after the school day are strongly correlated with positive outcomes for students.

It is essential that all staff support a healthy environment for all by being familiar with and adhering to our school health protocols.

C2 Policy: Student Drugs and Alcohol    

C2 Procedure: Student Alcohol and Drugs

Student Accident Report Protocol

Procedure: Dismissal for Student Sickness/Injury During School Hours

Medication Administration Protocol for Registered Nurse

Diapering/Toileting Protocol -         To be Updated

Additionally, the MTSD Wellness policy further outlines how schools can support the overall health and well being of all its members. The MTSD Wellness procedures outline the District and School Goals for the year. All members of the organization are responsible to supporting these goals in their designated roles.

DRAFT (To be Adopted) C9: Wellness Policy

Operations

Business Office

Budget Planning

Budget planning for the subsequent fiscal year begins in September. Principals and Department Managers will gather input based on the direction of the Superintendent. Budget requests are reviewed at the building level, then at the district level for consideration. The proposed budget is then presented to the Board in November or early December.

Faculty Mini Grants

According to the Faculty Master Agreement, the MTSD Board of Trustees makes available up to 5 mini-grants for the purpose of innovative programming that improves student outcomes. Mini-grant requests should be grounded in research-based practices for improving student outcomes and align with the MTSD Continuous Improvement Plan and the Whole Child Framework MTSD Vision of Learning. Grants are not awarded for typical classroom supplies, equipment or educational resources. Faculty who receive a mini-grant award must present a short end of the year report to the Superintendent detailing the use and effectiveness of the grant.

Information is shared with teachers in September and decisions are made in early November.

Fundraising & Student Activities Accounts

Fundraising is allowable when it supports district goals while not interfering with daily educational programming. Procedures are in place outlining the approval process for both school groups and outside groups fundraising for school programming.

F40: Fundraising to Support School Programs

F40 Procedure: Fundraising

Grants & Funding

There are many private, state, and federal educational grants available. MTSD regularly applies for any applicable grants that may benefit students or school operations. If you are seeking a grant or have a grant you’d like to apply for, you must get pre-approval from your Principal and the Business Manager prior to applying for any funds.

Payroll

Support staff use AESOP or the Clock-In devices to record their working hours. Clock-in devices are located in the front office of each school building.

The district uses Tyler School ERP Pro, an integrated Business and Human Resources software system. In this system, each employee has a login portal and dashboard that monitors specific documents.

Employees are paid through a direct deposit payroll process which runs biweekly. Employees may update their deposit information directly through their Tyler portal.

Extra Payroll Form

Purchasing (Purchase Orders & Reimbursement)

Every school building (and some departments) has a purchasing agent who will create and manage purchasing and purchase orders. No employee should make any purchases without consulting their building’s (or department’s) agent. A signed purchase order with the Business Manager’s signature must be in place prior to making any purchases.

MES/MMS Purchase Order Process

MHS Process (scheduled to be updated by Sept. 1)

Employee reimbursement of funds may be requested up to 45 days from the date of purchase, via the Employee Reimbursement form. Because MTSD is a tax-exempt organization, sales tax will not be reimbursed. Employee Purchase Reimbursements must be approved by the budget owner prior to making any purchases. Tuition reimbursement and employee mileage reimbursement for professional development are reviewed and approved by the Director of Human Resources prior to the event.

Vendors & Contracted Services

Contracts may only be entered into by the Superintendent or Business Manager. Individual employees may not enter into and/or sign contracts. To request a vendor and enter into a contract, contact your supervisor.

Child Nutritional Services

Employee Meals

Staff meals are available to all District Employees for a fee. The fee for employee meals is set and displayed in the school cafeterias. Meals are paid for via credit/debit card or via a mySchoolBucks charge account. All outstanding meal balances must be paid in full by the end of every month.

Lunch Program

Under the Vermont Universal Meals law, all students receive free lunch. However, the gathering of income information is now being collected with the Household Income Form.

Completion of this form is critical for schools, as the information determines:

Emergency & Safety

Fire & Emergency Preparedness Drills

Each school is required to conduct age appropriate drills, including option based responses to violent intruders, fire drills and relocations. All faculty and staff are required to know all drill protocols and participate in drills.

Policy F3: Options-Bases Response to Violent Intruder Drills, Fire Drills and Emergency Preparedness

Red binders 

Each classroom is equipped with a Red Binder to be used during fire and emergency drills and incidents. These binders should remain in the room and are updated annually by each school’s administration with updated safety protocols.

Teachers are responsible for maintaining up-to-date class lists in their red binders.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials must be properly labeled and stored per state and federal regulations and school procedures. You must be properly trained to handle any hazardous materials. If you encounter hazardous material, contact your school’s main office or contact the facilities department. Do not handle or make contact with hazardous materials you are not trained to handle.

Inclement Weather

The Superintendent makes the final decision for closings based on a number of weather related factors, and recommendations from VT Agency of Transportation, Mountain Transit, Milton Town Transportation, Director of Operations and conference with neighboring superintendents.

The decision will be made by 5:45 AM and shared directly with families, faculty and staff via our automated message services. Additionally, WCAX will be notified.

School Closings

Schools may close for a variety of reasons. If there is a facility issue or a safety issue that requires closing, you will be notified as soon as possible. Upon any school closure, information and directives for contracted hours will be determined in accordance with MESA and the Master Agreements.

School Resource Officer (SRO)

Milton Town School District has a School Resource Officer (SRO) available district-wide. The SRO is an employee of the Milton Police Department. For more information about the SRO please visit the School Resource Officer website.

Facilities

Keys & Keycards

Keys are issued according to level of access and the needs of individual employees.

Employee identification cards are also security keycards granting access to the appropriate building or buildings based on the employee's job function. Keycards are issued to all new employees by the Director of Human Resources. Replacement keycards may be requested through the Director of Human Resources as well.

Employee ID cards must be worn at all times during the school day.

If your card is lost or stolen please notify HR immediately so that the card may be inactivated, ensuring the security of MTSD buildings.

Maintenance Requests

Requests for repairs, installation, or maintenance of building facilities must be submitted via the School Dude application before the work will be completed. Any urgent requests must be routed through the school’s administrative office.

Parking & Safety

The MTSD encourages people to keep their cars locked. Cameras do not monitor the parking lots. MTSD is not responsible for damage to personal vehicles or stolen property. During inclement weather conditions can change quickly. Always be careful stepping out of your vehicle, walking through the parking lots and on all sidewalks.

Public and employee parking is available at each of our schools. The parking lots are maintained by our school facilities & grounds personnel.

District Office Parking

An independent parking lot for the District Office is located at 12 Bradley Street. This parking lot is reserved for District Office Personnel and District Office Visitors only. Employees and families should use the parking areas designated for their buildings during working hours (7:30-4:30).

MES & MMS Parking

Parking for MES & MMS employees is located across the road from the facilities at Herrick Avenue and north of the PreK & Kindergarten playgrounds. For safety and to avoid vehicle damage MTSD recommends that faculty and staff not park along the side of Bradley Street.

MHS Parking

Employees who work at Milton High School must obtain a parking permit from the MHS main office to adhere to their vehicle’s window. Faculty and Staff should park:

Security & Access

Policy F4 Access Control and Visitor Management

The district has comprehensive procedures for Access Control and Visitor Management.

Building Hours of Operation - School Year

During the School Day

Employees may enter MTSD buildings via their issued ID badge only.

Employee visitors (those without badge access to that building) must enter the building through the main entrance, and sign the Visitor Log.

Visitors may access school buildings only through the main entrance and sign the Visitor Log. Employees should not hold doors for visitors to allow them direct access into the buildings.

Buildings are not accessible on weekends, or during school vacations unless prior arrangements are made with the building administrator.

Building Hours of Operation - Summer

Each building: District Office, Milton Elementary School, Milton Middle School and Milton High School will establish a schedule for office hours which will be communicated to all staff at the beginning of the summer break.

Summer is a time when maintenance and custodial personnel conduct deep clearing, floor treatments, repairs and/or construction projects. These activities may limit access to the buildings and classrooms so all staff should consult their administrator before planning to work in the buildings.

Buildings are not accessible on weekends, or during school vacations unless prior arrangements are made with the building administrator.

Use of Facilities

MTSD Staff can request the use of school facilities both during and after the regular school day. To obtain a login, access the School Dude application and follow the prompts. If you have a login but can’t remember the password, follow the prompts to reset it. Once logged in, click the Schedule Request tab and create your request, only populating the options indicated by . Prior to submitting the request for approval, please click the View Bookings button to ensure that the space is available. For assistance with any technical issues, contact the Director of Operations (Matt Grasso).

Members of the Milton community may request the use of MTSD school facilities outside of school operational hours. These organizations must provide proof of insurance (via certificate) and may be required to pay a custodial and facility use fee. All requests for Facility use, including internal requests, must be submitted via the School Dude application for review and response.

Technology

The information technology department is available to assist all staff with network / connectivity issues, device and software access.  

Requests for support must be submitted by email to helpdesk@mytmsd-vt.org or via the online portal FreshService (IT Helpdesk Application). Urgent requests can be submitted by phone call but will be triaged by the IT service technicians.

MTSD provides access to a multitude of IT resources intended to provide opportunities to enhance learning and communication. With the privilege of access comes the need for responsible uses of IT.

Email Communications

All Email or other electronic communication amongst employees, between employees and students, and between employees and  families should be professional and appropriate.

Employees shall not initiate electronic communication with a student, or respond to a student’s electronic communication during the prohibited hours specified for each school

Milton Elementary School 7:00 PM - 6:00 AM

Milton Middle School 8:00 PM - 6:00 AM

Milton High School -- 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.

Furthermore, it is recommended that unless used for educational purposes for a student group (class, advisory, club, team…) faculty and staff should not be friends or followers of students on social media platforms.

In accordance with law, all employees are required to report any known policy violations to their supervising administrator or manager.

B8: Electronic Communications Between Employees and Students

B8 Procedure: Communications Between Employees and Students

B40: Employee Conduct

All faculty and staff are required to maintain the highest standards in electronic communication including adherence to the professional practices outlined in the document below.

Email Communication: Professional Practices

Email ADA Compliance

ADA compliant emails should include a descriptive subject line, clear and simple language, sufficient color contrast, alternative text for images.

Email Signature

It is encouraged that all MTSD employees include a signature with all emails sent externally to the organization. The signature should include your full name and role/title,

All emails at a minimum must include the privacy disclaimer outlined below. Additional disclaimer content may be necessary according to your role.

This email message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential information covered under the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA). If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments) and notify me immediately by replying to this email  or by telephone at the number above. Thank you. 

Hardware & Equipment

Every MTSD employee is issued a device for school business use only. It is expected that you use this device for all school business. You are expected to report any issues (such as damage, malfunction, etc.)  to the attention of IT via a helpdesk ticket or by visiting the IT office in your building.

Any personal files (including photos) stored on devices owned by the district are not the responsibility of MTSD and IT resources may not be used in service of those files. The district encourages that all personal matters are conducted on personal devices.

All files (professional or personal) on an MTSD network must comply with all federal and state guidelines.

School Websites

The district and primary school websites are maintained by the District Communications Specialist as directed by the Superintendent and School Administrators. Team, class, or department websites may be created and released for public viewing but must comply with all MTSD policies and procedures and be American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

Social Media Posting

MTSD has a procedure regarding the posting to social media by employees to maintain a professional public appearance and the highest standards of professionalism.

D3 Procedure: Social Media Posting Guidance

Software and Applications

Links to commonly used software applications are accessible on the website by clicking District Portals. Additional classroom specific links are available under Classroom Links.

  1. AESOP - Use for absences, leave requests and professional learning (conferences/workshops)
  2. IT Help Desk - Use for issues related to technology. Submit a ticket for IT assistance.
  3. Safe Schools (Vector Solutions)  - Use for required and optional online training courses.
  4. School Dude - Use for room scheduling, maintenance and/or custodial requests. Contact Matt Grasso if you need a user ID.
  5. Teachpoint - Teacher supervision and evaluation communication.

Teaching and Learning

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

The MTSD has an assortment of policies and procedures related to Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. All MTSD faculty and staff are required to adhere to the MTSD articulated curriculum; the MTSD Assessment Schedule for academics and social emotional learning; and researched-based instructional best practices. These resources are all located in the MTSD Shared Curriculum Drive.

  1. Animal Dissection
  2. Responsible Computer, Internet and Network Use (D3)
  3. Research Projects, Surveys, and Studies
  4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Policy (D200) and Procedures
  5. Selection of Library Materials (D22) and Procedures
  6. Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements (D1)  PBGR Unit Template

Professional Collaboration and Learning

Effective collaboration is one of the components of the VTmtss system. The VTmtss Field Guide defines it as the systemic process of working interdependently in an atmosphere of trust to accomplish collective commitments. Within the MTSD there are many structures that promote effective collaboration, including but not limited to:  

Student Services

Notice of Procedural Safeguards: Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities | Vermont Agency of Education

Special Education - Vermont Family Network

3 Gates of Special Education Eligibility.doc

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vermont Schools

Professional Development

Expertise is one of the components of the VTmtss. “In VT, the importance of expertise in teaching and leadership roles is emphasized in the Standards for Teaching and Leadership, in the Educator Quality Standards and Licensing, and in various professional supervision and evaluation systems[1].”

High quality professional learning fuels the ongoing work required to build expertise and foster continuous systemic improvement. For educators, professional learning opportunities are the means to develop new knowledge and skills to improve academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes for students.

Professional learning is the responsibility of both the individual and the district. It is expected that all members of the organization actively participate in required, embedded professional development activities. It is also expected that individuals pursue professional learning to advance their expertise and maintain their professional license.

B21: Professional Development

Professional Development Requests

Faculty and staff should consult their Master Agreement or contract for their eligibility for professional development leave and/or activities.

Tuition Approval & Reimbursement

The steps for requesting and receiving access to professional learning courses, workshops, etc. are outlined in HR Procedure - MyLearning Plan Flow Chart and Approval Procedure.

Employee Tuition Advancement Form

Human Resources

Dress Code & Public Image

As a representative of our school community, we expect you to present a clean and professional

appearance when working.

Clothing, including gang identifiers, must not threaten the health or safety of any other student or staff, It may not depict, advertise or advocate the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances. It may not depict pornography or nudity and may not use or depict hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation or any other protected groups in accordance with federal and state laws.

Employee Conduct

Milton Town School District (District) expects all employees to maintain the highest ethical standards, exhibit professional behavior, follow all school policies and procedures, abide by state and federal laws, and exercise good judgment when interacting with students and other members of the school community. Employee conduct should enhance the integrity of the District and advance the goals of the educational program and contribute to a positive school climate.

B40: Employee Conduct

Vermont Education Quality Standards

Vermont Stands Board: Practices Board Code of Professional Conduct for Educators

HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA is a set of rules and regulations that protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of patients' sensitive health information (PHI). HIPAA compliance applies to any organization or individual that creates, receives, maintains, or transmits electronic protected health information. All employees must refrain from sharing personal student and staff health information.

Hiring Process

B20: Personnel Recruitment, Selection, Appointment And Background Checks

Leave 

Please reference your Master Agreement for all leave related requests and information. If you have specific questions, please reach out to the Director of Human Resources.

Procedure: Leave Requests/Prior Approvals

Procedure: Faculty Expectations for Sub Plans

Procedure: Leave Without Pay (LWOP)

Legal Name Changes

Address and Name Change Form

Master Agreements

Administrator Master Agreement

Faculty Master Agreement

Support Staff Master Agreement

Medical Emergencies

In case of a life threatening medical emergency for self, student or other staff member, call 911 and confer with the school nurse and building administrator. Staff are not allowed to transport any other staff member or student in a personal vehicle or accompany any other staff member or student in an ambulance. The building administrator will notify Human Resources and the Superintendent.

Required Annual Training

As a condition of employment, all district employees are required to complete training on an annual basis that is related to their job category.

Faculty

Support Staff

  • ALICE
  • Workplace Injury Prevention
  • Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Mandated Reporter Child Abuse
  • FERPA
  • DEI - Staff to Staff
  • Professional Stands for Educators
  • Leave without Pay Memo
  • Any other training deemed necessary by District Office or Reporting Supervisor
  • ALICE
  • Workplace Injury Prevention
  • Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Mandated Reporter Child Abuse
  • FERPA
  • DEI - Staff to Staff
  • Leave without Pay Memo
  • Any other training deemed necessary by District Office or Reporting Supervisor

Resignations

All outgoing employees are expected to complete the Exit Survey and have an Exit Interview which will be scheduled by the Director of Human Resources. Employees can opt to have an Exit Interview with one of the following: Direct Supervisor, Director of Human Resources, or the Superintendent.

Salary Advancement

Request for Salary Level Change  

Substitutes

B1 Policy: Substitute Teachers

Substitute Teacher Handbook

Volunteers & Work Study Students  

B2 Volunteers and Work Study Students Policy

Procedure B2: Volunteers and Work Student Students

Worker’s Injury

Procedure: Reporting and Following Up on a Work-Related Injury

Wellness & Employee Health

Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace

MTSD is an alcohol and drug free (including tobacco) workplace. No employee will unlawfully manufacture, distribute, solicit, dispense, possess or use alcohol or any drug in the workplace. Nor shall any employee be in the workplace while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If there are reasonable grounds to believe that an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on or in the workplace, the person will be immediately removed from the performance of his or her duties and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Any employee convicted of any criminal drug statute for a violation occurring on or in the workplace must notify the superintendent in writing within 5 days of such conviction.

Policy B3 Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace

Policy B7 Tobacco Prohibition

Communicable Disease Mitigation

F27: Communicable Disease Mitigation Measures for Students and Staff

MTSD Nursing Procedure F27 Communicable Diseases

Blood Borne Pathogens Information

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Invest EAP provides counseling and wellbeing resources to employees and their household members.

https://www.investeap.org/

Toll Free: 1-800-287-2173

Planned Action Toward Health (“PATH”) Program

Brought to all public school employees by the Vermont Employee Health Initiative, the PATH program is a wellness-oriented program that highlights mental and physical health through quarterly challenges, adventures, and points rewards system with a gift card for every participant who completes the program annually. The district has a PATH Champion and each building has a PATH Building Coordinator.


Acknowledgment of Receipt of Milton Town School District
Employee Handbook

I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Milton Town School District Employee Handbook (“Handbook”). I understand that I am responsible for reading and abiding by all policies and procedures outlined and linked in this handbook, as well as other policies and procedures of MTSD.

I also understand that the purpose of this Handbook is to inform me of the policies and procedures common to the Milton Town School District and its schools, and it is not a contract of employment. Nothing in this Handbook provides any entitlement to me or to any MTSD employee. I also understand that Milton Town School District and its schools have the right to change any provision of this Handbook at any time and that I will be bound by any such changes.

        

Signature

Please print your full name

Date

Please print just this page, sign and date one copy of this acknowledgment, return one to the MTSD Human Resources, and retain a copy for your reference.

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[1] VTmss Field Guide