2022 - 2023

STAFF HANDBOOK

ACADEMY @ PALUMBO HIGH SCHOOL

1100 Catharine Street

Philadelphia, PA 19147

(p) 215-400-8130     (f) 215-400-8131

https://palumbo.philasd.org/

MS. KIANA L. THOMPSON, Principal

MS. CHARMELIA D. BOND, Assistant Principal

“Griffin Pride: Nothing Less Than Success!”

Table of Contents

Table of Contents        1

Kiana L. Thompson, Principal        3

Griffin Pride: Nothing Less Than Success        4

Our Vision        4

Our Mission        4

Our Beliefs        4

ABOUT A@P        5

HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS        6

Staff Email List        8

Bilingual Counselors and Days        11

LEADERSHIP TEAM        11

ADVISORY LIST        12

2022-23 BELL SCHEDULE        15

SCHOOL DISTRICT ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2022-2023        16

PAYROLL SCHEDULE 2022-23        21

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY        22

The process        25

OBSERVATION LEAVE        26

CLASS COVERAGES        27

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITY FOR STUDENT ATTENDANCE        27

TEXTBOOK CARE AND MAINTENANCE        28

LESSON PLANS        29

EMERGENCY LESSON PLANS        29

2022-2023 Lesson Plan Due Dates & Dates to Consider        30

Testing Days        31

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES (PLCs)        31

REPORT CARDS AND INTERIM REPORTS        31

MARKING GUIDELINES        31

GRADUATION POLICY        32

NEW STATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS        33

PROMOTION POLICY        34

GRADING POLICY        34

GRADE CHANGES        35

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION        36

Students in Good Academic Standing        36

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT        37

DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS        37

FIELD TRIPS        37

TECHNOLOGY GUIDELINES - TO BE UPDATED        40

SCHOOL FINANCE        40

RECEIVING PACKAGES        41

STUDENT ACTIVITY ACCOUNTS        41

SERIOUS INCIDENTS        43

Code of Conduct - click link for full document        44

GRIFFINS CODE OF CONDUCT        45

INTERVENTION STRATEGIES        47

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES        50

WHO DOES WHAT?        53

USE OF ADVISORY - COMMUNITY MEETING        54

EXPECTATIONS        55

EXTRAS AND TRADITIONS        56

NEW STAFF MENTORS        56

313. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY FOR STUDENT WELFARE        57

USEFUL LINKS        58

Academy at Palumbo High School

1100 Catharine Street

 Philadelphia, PA 19147

T- 215-400-8130  ∙   F-215-400-8131

Ms. Kiana L. Thompson, Principal

Ms. Charmelia D. Bond, Asst. Principal

Griffin Pride: Nothing Less than Success!

August, 2022

Dear Palumbo Family,

Last year we returned to in-person schooling after our virtual learning and while every day might not have been the easiest it was a very successful year!  Wearing masks didn’t keep us from producing musicals, having an engaging and enlightening Diversity Day, winning the state programming contest, adding flag football, and seeing many of our sports teams excel. We continued to build community by supporting one another through the continuing pandemic and made the changes necessary to keep each other safe. As we enter the 2022 - 2023 school year, we are excited to welcome the class of 2026 to our building who will continue to help us grow in size and spirit.

As we approach this year, we will again need to be prepared to stay flexible and support one another. The school year will begin with mandatory masking for all individuals. The school district's COVID-19 Information Hub is your location for all information about testing, vaccines, and reporting illness.  

Hopefully, you were able to get some much needed rest over the summer. This year we will again be asked to do things differently than the past from health concerns to ongoing unrest in our country; we must continue to lean on one another for support and perspective. Our third year educating students in a pandemic gives us an opportunity to hone our skills as facilitators of difficult conversations and supporters of our student’s ingenuity, empathy, and intelligence.

This year our Palumbo family is growing as we add new faculty and staff and our student population continues to increase; I am excited for what lies ahead. I know working together we can present a picture to our communities and the world of what it looks like when people of different backgrounds can work together to build something better than each of us as individuals. Throughout this year, always remember your Griffin Pride and remember to push for nothing less than success.  

Kiana L. Thompson,, Principal

Griffin Pride: Nothing Less Than Success

Our Vision

We are committed to make the Academy @ Palumbo an academic, cultural, social, and athletic “jewel” that will be an ongoing source of pride to students, parents, the community, and the School District of Philadelphia.  It is our responsibility to realize this dream.

Our Mission

As an academic magnet school, the primary mission of The Academy is to provide our students with a comprehensive academic preparation for the rigors of higher learning. The Academy’s mission includes raising the aspirations of each student, developing universally applicable problem solving techniques, acquiring technological skills, and instilling a lifelong passion for learning that includes a rich cultural arts experience. We are committed to upholding the Anti-Racism declaration of the School District of Philadelphia by ensuring that the conditions in our school enable each student to find success regardless of race, color, or gender.

Our Beliefs

• We believe that each member of the school community plays an important role in the success of the school. We celebrate diversity while, at the same time, embracing individuality so that all are valued and respected. And this belief is a cornerstone of what our school embodies.
• We believe that by offering a robust array of extracurricular programs, instructional partnerships, and a variety of elective courses, our students are presented with an opportunity to utilize cultural and athletic opportunities to nurture personal growth and development.
•  We believe that by offering a varied selection of Honors and AP courses, students will be prepared to successfully meet the challenges of higher education.
• We believe that to become 21st Century problem-solvers, we must challenge our teachers and students to grow and adapt to the ever-changing technological advances of our world.

ABOUT A@P

Founded in 2006, the Academy at Palumbo Liberal Arts High School is a selective, college preparatory magnet high school in the School District of Philadelphia.  The Academy’s vision is to create a diverse community of college-bound scholars who are responsible, ethical, and caring citizens where both academics and cultural arts are stressed. The Academy’s school mascot is the Griffin, the mythical winged creature with the head of an eagle and body of a lion. It is  believed to guard our precious treasures -- our students. Our school colors are teal, silver, and black.

Academy at Palumbo is located in South Philadelphia, which has historically strong representation in several ethnic communities, including Italian American, African American, Vietnamese/Khmer, and Hispanic/LatinX. It’s neighborhood has been steadily gentrifying over the past twenty years, resulting in the rapid increase in the number of businesses that service the neighborhood.

Academy at Palumbo is a magnet school, so we draw students from all over the city. While we do draw many students from the neighborhood (largely as a result of neighborhood visibility, and knowledge about us from their attendance at neighborhood K-8 schools), the bulk of our students come from all around the district. As such, our student population is extremely racially and socioeconomically diverse.

Academy at Palumbo has been steadily gaining in local, state, and national recognition since its opening, and especially over the past five years. Subsequently, we have been getting an ever-increasing number of applicants. This has had several impacts on our school population. First, our student population and staff have exploded. In 2014, we had fewer than 750 students and about 60 staff members. Now we have almost 1100 students and over 90 staff members. Second, more students have been accepting our offers of acceptance. Most students in the district who apply to magnet and charter schools apply to many, and then choose the one they like best from the acceptances. Since we have been gaining in reputation we are more and more being considered a top choice, instead of just a “safety” choice. This means that we are getting more students who have performed at high levels in middle school.

HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

For the first 10 days of the new school year – from August 29 through September 9 – all students and staff will be required to wear masks while in school, regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level. This is an extra precaution for everyone’s health and well-being since increased end-of-summer social gatherings may heighten the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Masking may then become optional under specific circumstances. Our updated General COVID-19 Protocols for SY 2022-2023 can be found here. Here are the highlights:                                           

Monkeypox may also be top of mind for our families and staff. Please know that we are working closely with PDPH to monitor the situation, and we will seek guidance from PDPH and the Centers for Disease Control to identify any needed safety measures for our schools. We will update you as more information is available. In the meantime, we will continue to implement enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures daily in schools and offices, paying special attention to high-touch areas such as bathroom facilities, desks and doorknobs.                

The latest information is on the Covid-19 Information Hub.

Social Distancing - Three (3) feet social distancing between students is still recommended where possible.

Staff Email List  

     (2022 – 2023)                                                                                                        Rev. 8.11.22

 OTHER ROOMS                                                                                        Bldg. Engineer – 215-351-7291 – Vacancy

Conference Room – 1180                                            

Theater - 5141

Library – 4090

Main Office Wall Phone  – 2621121

Faculty Room – 5120

Cafeteria - 5090

Bilingual Counselors and Days

- Megawati Sumana-Eischen (msumanaeischen@philasd.org) - Indonesian (Tuesday)

- Xiao Wang (xwang@philasd.org) - Mandarin (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday)

 - Vietnamese (Wednesday & Thursday)

- Cantonese (Thursday)

- Spanish (Tuesday & Friday)

LEADERSHIP TEAM 

ADVISORY LIST - 2022-2023

2022-23 BELL SCHEDULE

SCHOOL DISTRICT ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2022-2023

Total Number of Days Scheduled Student Attendance: 180

Total Number of Days Scheduled Teacher Attendance: 188

PAYROLL SCHEDULE 2022-23

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Outstanding attendance on the part of faculty and staff is critical to the smooth

operation of the Academy @ Palumbo High School. It is also critical in the maintenance of a safe, orderly, and productive school environment. School-wide outstanding staff attendance is one of the major priorities of the administrative staff. Every member of the staff is expected to fulfill their professional responsibility to colleagues. Attendance of all staff is expected to be well above average. As a staff, we should model attendance expectations we set for students.

Should a staff member’s attendance develop a negative pattern, he/she will be notified initially by warning letter. Should the negative attendance pattern persist, an administrative conference will be scheduled and a record maintained. The third attempt to correct a negative attendance pattern will result in an anecdotal report with a recommendation for disciplinary action.

When an absence is unavoidable, please register at www.aesoponline.com as soon as possible so that substitute service can be arranged. You should also call the main office by 7:30 a.m. at 215-400-8130.

All employees on personal illness leave in excess of three (3) consecutive work days

must provide physician verification of illness and suitability to return to work. In the event an employee is absent for personal illness for three (3) days followed by personal leave the subsequent day, the employee is asked to provide physician verification for the three (3) days of personal illness.

Employees should not extend personal illness leave with personal leave.

Individuals on extended medical leave must complete in entirety Form SEH 3 which must be signed by the attending physician within ten (10) working days after the illness is first reported and for each pay period thereafter during the illness.

*Attendance and Leave Update: Kronos and Aesop

Employee Time:

Employees must accurately record their daily attendance in Kronos (the district’s ERP timekeeping system). All employees are required to swipe/log in and out, using a kiosk, unless not feasible, daily, for all days in attendance.

It is the employee’s responsibility to accurately record all time worked. The Department Manager will review and approve time, prior to payroll submission. In the event of an error, employees must notify their manager prior to payroll submission.

Employee Absences:

All Employees:

• Will continue to communicate with their supervisor and complete the Request for Absences SEH-86 for all absences.
• Are required to follow all policies related to reporting absences as stated in the handbook of the school/location to which they are assigned.

School-based and/or Student Facing Employees:

This group includes:

• Employees who are budgeted to school locations (and formerly appeared on school TPERs) with the exception of:

• Facilities Staff
• Staff with Multiple Positions (eg. Bus Attendant/School Climate Staff)

• Employees who are budgeted to 440, but work primarily in schools or with students:

• Food Services Staff (Managers, Workers, Assistants)
• School Safety Officers
• Bus Attendants
• Itinerant Nurses
• Itinerant Music Teachers

In addition to following the guidelines for all employees, school based employees are to:

• Notify the school of the absence according to the guidelines stated in the school handbook.  
• For Personal Leave, Personal Illness, and Illness in Family, call the absence into Frontline (formerly Aesop) at 215-261-5523 (open Mon-Fri 6AM-11PM), email SDPsubs@ess.com or enter your absence through the single sign employee portal on at Philasd.org.
• Substitute coverage: When entering the above absence types in Frontline, a substitute can also be requested. If a substitute is needed for a different absence type, the employee can use the reason “Sub Request Only” in Frontline.
• For additional information or support use https://jobs.philasd.org/sub/ 

School-based Employee Exceptions:

• Facilities Employees:

• Will continue following the attendance keeping and reporting process in place with the facilities department.
• For all absences except for pre-approved Vacation -- including Personal Leave, Personal Illness, Illness in Family, and all other leaves -- employees must call their immediate supervisor prior to the start of their shift each day to report their absence, specifying the type of leave they are taking. Immediate supervisors will continue to report absence coding on the District’s internal Google docs managed by Ops Payroll.
• In addition to calling out, employees will continue to complete the Request for Absences SEH-86 for all absences, have it approved by their immediate supervisor, and submit the form to opspayroll@philasd.org.

• Employees with Multiple Appointments (e.g., an employee who is both a bus attendant and a student climate staff member):

• Can use Frontline (Aesop) to request a substitute for one of their substitute-eligible positions, but must continue reporting their absences via the Request for Absences SEH-86 to the timekeeper for both positions.
• For example, an employee who is both a bus attendant and a school climate staff may request a substitute for the school climate staff position in Aesop, but must still notify both their student climate staff and transportation supervisors so the absence can be recorded in both places.

If you are not sure what group you fall into, please talk to your manager.

If you have any questions about timekeeping or absences this year, please contact:

The process

1. Attendance/Lateness – First Staff Meeting

• This is the first step. In the beginning of each school year, it is important to stress the importance of regular attendance, advise employees that attendance will be closely monitored, and include the procedure in the Staff Handbook and/or provide a copy.
  

2. Attendance/Lateness Informal meeting

• This is the second step. Informal conversation with the employee; Note on SEH-90 that a conversation took place; provide a memo to the employee to document conversation.
  

3. Attendance/Lateness Warning Memo

• UNSATISFACTORY ATTENDANCE -WARNMEMO 
• This is the third step. It is more serious in that it requires a warning memo in the school file.
  

4. Attendance/Lateness Warning SEH-204  

• UNSATISFACTORY ATTENDANCE 204
• This step requires a SEH-204 Unsatisfactory Attendance document to be issued. The employee is scheduled for a formal conference and must be notified in writing of the purpose of the conference and that he/she is entitled to union representation. This documentation can be forwarded to the official personnel file after the conference.
  

5. Attendance/Lateness Suspension SEH-204

• UNSATISFACTORY ATTENDANCE-SUSPENSION 204 
• This step requires a SEH-204 Unsatisfactory Attendance document recommending a suspension without pay to be issued. The employee must be scheduled for a formal conference and must be notified in writing the purpose of the conference and that he/she is entitled to union representation. After the conference, all documents must be forwarded for a second level conference/hearing which is required for suspensions.
  

6. Attendance/Lateness Suspension or Termination SEH-204

• Additional occurrences of absences may lead to additional suspensions or termination of employment. This step requires a SEH-204 Unsatisfactory Attendance document recommending a suspension without pay, or if warranted dismissal, to be issued. The employee must be scheduled for a formal conference and must be notified in writing the purpose of the conference and that he/she is entitled to union representation. After the conference, all documents must be forwarded for a second level conference/hearing which is required for suspension or termination recommendations.

OBSERVATION LEAVE

Teachers and secretaries may request leave without loss of salary for the purpose of observation. Occasionally, staff members have questions concerning regulations to be followed when planning for observation days. The following should be helpful in clarifying issues related to requesting observation leave.

Leave may be requested to:

1. Observe in other Philadelphia schools or in an employee’s own school for two days each school year.
2. Observe in schools outside of Philadelphia two days each school year. Visits are restricted to schools where the opportunity to gain professional help exists. Requests should not be made for days immediately preceding or following school holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, religious days, or during standardized testing windows. Observations may be requested in schools outside of Philadelphia in extraordinary cases only. Observations in schools outside of Philadelphia must be requested in writing. A thorough description must accompany the request. Prior approval is required.

Steps to Follow:

1. Obtain the approval of the principal of the school to which a visit is desired before completing form SHE 86 (Request for Absence).
2. .In the case of observation outside of Philadelphia School System, a written report of the observation must be forwarded to the principal one week following the visit. Prepare two copies. Staff members who are interested in applying for observation leave must complete the necessary application. Obtain a copy of the application from the office staff. Direct inquiries to the immediate supervising administrator or administrative designee.

CLASS COVERAGES

When a teacher is assigned to a coverage, it is imperative that the teacher arrives

on time, attends carefully to the duties assigned, and remains on duty for the full period of the assignment. The covering teacher is expected to follow the teaching plan outlined

for the period. If there is no plan available, contact the main office for emergency lesson plans.

No teacher should refuse the request to cover a class without approval from the principal. Any teacher who loses their prep period due to a class coverage will be issued prep paybacks. In June of each school year, each school is to submit a District form with the dates for which the employee is to be reimbursed. Each school will total the periods lost and then indicate the number of lost prep periods to be reimbursed by either the cash pay back option [at the extra-curricular rate] and/or the personal leave option [one (1) day for every 315 minutes owed]. Not included in the above figures will be the first 180 minutes taken for coverage for secondary teachers. There is no pay back at the secondary level until the taking away is more than 180 minutes. Every effort must be made to repay teachers for their lost prep time through the use of substitute service, if possible. Teachers should keep a personal record of their loss preps for verification purposes.

When possible, coaches of teams should cover for each other when they leave the building early for athletic events. When teachers plan field trips, they should arrange coverages for the classes they will miss, and notify Mr. Lynch and Mrs. Humenik of the coverages at least 48 hours in advance.

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITY FOR STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Attendance will be taken daily as students swipe their ID cards to enter school. Therefore, the attendance indicated by the data acquired from daily swiping is to be used in instances where there is a discrepancy. Advisors will also use the information obtained from the swipe machine to keep accurate attendance records in the SIS. A record of attendance must be maintained for each scheduled class and must be taken during the first 10 minutes of each class period in the SIS. This is not negotiable. You cannot wait until your prep or the end of the day to take attendance.

When a student returns from an absence, require a note from the parent or guardian

stating the reason for the absence. The note should be given to the main office, and the office staff will update the SIS. The advisor should follow up with home contact if a note is not provided, and if the student is absent for three (3) consecutive days.

The office staff will generate the legal notices and mail to parents after the 3rd illegal absence.

TEXTBOOK CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Maintenance of the textbooks is the direct responsibility of department chairs

with the assistance of classroom teachers.

Department chairs:

• Are in charge of book closets;
• Are responsible for the distribution of textbooks to teachers;
• Keep current and accurate records of the total number of textbooks

in the school and their location;

• Assure that all books are properly numbered and stamped before issuance;
• Inventory and account for all missing books and materials;
• Coordinate activities related to the inventory and monitoring of

textbooks, equipment, and materials to determine the availability of

textbooks for each school term. A thorough inventory shall be made

annually and reported to the administrator in charge of textbooks.

Teachers:

• Request textbooks through the department chair.
• Are responsible for maintaining proper records of books and materials

distributed to students.

• Must establish a system to supervise the use of textbooks assigned to students within classes for classroom use. This system does not negate circulating books to be used out-of-class. Establishing a system is especially important when more than one student uses the same text in class. The system should include a means to monitor students’ in-class use and care of books.
• Have each student and parent who takes a book home sign a copy of the textbook policy.
• Collect all textbooks prior to final exams. Teachers should report the names of all student who do not return their assigned textbook. The student will be charged a lost textbook fee of $50.00. The student will not be able to sign out any additional textbooks until the fee is paid, or the book is returned. Unpaid fees will remain on the student’s accounts, and their diploma will not be issued until all accounts are settled.
• Instruct students on the process for accessing the textbooks online.

The School District has established a textbook policy that states:

    The Board charges each student with responsibility for the proper care of school property and the school textbooks, supplies and equipment entrusted to their use.

    Students are responsible for the care, maintenance and timely return of all textbooks assigned to them. Schools shall require students and/or parents to sign a compact acknowledging their responsibility for the care and prompt return of textbooks lent to them by the school.

    Students and/or parents will be assessed penalties for lost or damaged textbooks. Imposition of one or more of the following penalties is permitted: a charge for replacement of the textbook; requiring the student to perform a prescribed number of hours of school service; withholding of a report card; and/or loss of privileges such as participation in sports or other extracurricular activities, dances and other special events or closing exercises.

    Students receive a textbook agreement  in September which must be signed and returned.

LESSON PLANS

In accordance with the School District’s initiative of moving into a G.A.F.E. environment, all lesson plans will be turned in biweekly through a google doc which is shared between the teacher, department chairperson, and administrators. The teacher may choose a format for their lesson plans, but all lesson plans should include minimally the following:

• Objective
• Common Core Standards
• Danielson domain
• Vocabulary
• Materials
• Teacher’s actions
• Students’ actions
• Homework
• Assessment

Lesson Plan Template - A copy of this template is also available in your lesson plan folder.  

EMERGENCY LESSON PLANS

All teachers must maintain three (3) days of emergency lesson plans in the shared EMERGENCY LESSON PLANS folder. You should also use this folder to upload current substitute lesson plans when you have an absence that is not an emergency. Please label the lesson plan in the following format: “last name.subject.date” (ex: Smith.geom.nov15).

Academy at Palumbo

2022-2023 Lesson Plan Due Dates & Dates to Consider

*If your emergency lesson plans have been used, please replace them upon your return.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES (PLCs)

PLCs are mandatory meetings of teaching professionals designed to ensure that all are working to achieve school-wide goals and objectives as outlined in the School Plan. PLCs will meet weekly by grade team and by department on district scheduled professional development days. All teachers are expected to attend their PLC meetings as scheduled and use the time as directed.

REPORT CARDS AND INTERIM REPORTS

Report cards are issued four times per year. Report card grades must be entered through the SIS. Interim reports are also generated halfway through each report card

period through the SIS.

GUIDELINES

• Teachers should refer to and follow the district Marking Guidelines, School Year 2022-2023.
• Teachers should be entering an average of two grades per week.
• All students MUST receive an interim report.

• Teachers must enter a numerical grade in the SIS in order for an interim report to be generated for the student.
• If a student is passing at the interim, but is failing prior to the close of the report card period, the teacher MUST provide a written warning to the parent that the student is in danger of failing. Paper interim reports are available in the main office.
• No student should receive a failing grade if they were not given an interim report.
• Teachers must POST in order for the report card grade to submit.

*Grading programs and electronic communication with students and parents not sanctioned by the SDP are no longer allowed. Google classroom is the resource sanctioned by the SDP, and the SIS is the only allowable grading program.

MARKING GUIDELINES

GRADUATION POLICY

A 12th grade student shall graduate if he/she:  Successfully completes Multidisciplinary Project or a Service Learning Project and earns a total of 23.5 credits, which include:

• 4 in English
• 3 in Mathematics
• 3 in Science
• 3 in Social Studies
• 1 in African American History
• 2 in World Language
• 2 in Arts and Humanities
• 1 in Physical Education
• 0.5 in Health
• 4 in electives

• One elective must be a college preparatory Mathematics or Science course, an IB course, an AP course, or a terminal CTE course. Schools or programs may predetermine specific subject area elective credits. Scheduling errors and/or missing transfer transcripts do not exempt a student from completely fulfilling district graduation requirements. The Chief of Schools must approve any substitutions for requirements in writing.

• All children with disabilities in Pennsylvania have the right to earn a regular high school diploma. Children can earn a diploma by completing the same courses and earning the same number of credits as regular education children. Or, a high school diploma can be awarded to a child with a disability who completes the special education program developed by the IEP Team, graduating by IEP goals.

NEW STATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The statewide graduation requirement takes effect for the graduating class of 2023. While there is no statewide graduation requirement for the classes of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, students, parents, and guardians should reference local policies governing graduation, which are not preempted by the moratorium on the statewide requirement. Beginning in the 2022-23 school year, the statewide graduation requirement will apply, as will any other locally-established policies and requirements.

Additionally, Keystone Exams are the statewide assessment that Pennsylvania uses to comply with accountability requirements in the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Each state is expected to achieve 95 percent participation on its statewide exams.

Students can meet the statewide graduation requirement by:

• Scoring proficient or advanced on each Keystone Exam - Algebra I, Literature, and Biology.
• Earning a satisfactory composite score on the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams. The passing composite score will be available in August 2019.
• Earning a passing grade on the courses associated with each Keystone Exam, and satisfactorily complete one of the following: an alternative assessment (SAT, PSAT, ACT, ASVAB, Gold Level ACT WorkKeys), advanced coursework (AP, IB, concurrent enrollment courses), pre-apprenticeship, or acceptance in a 4-year nonprofit institution of higher education for college-level coursework.
• Earning a passing grade on the courses associated with each Keystone Exam, and pass the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) or the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) assessment in an approved Career and Technical Education concentration.
• Earning a passing grade on the courses associated with each Keystone Exam, and demonstrate readiness for postsecondary engagement through three pieces of evidence from the student’s career portfolio aligned to student goals and career plan. Examples of evidence will include ACT WorkKeys, SAT Subject tests, AP, IB and concurrent coursework, higher education acceptance, community learning project, completion of an internship, externship or co-op or full-time employment.

PROMOTION POLICY

Promotion from grade to grade is based on credits earned:  Promotion from 9th to 10th grade – 5 credits  Promotion from 10th to 11th grade – 11 credits  Promotion from 11th to 12th grade – 17.5 credits

GRADING POLICY

Teachers have multiple opportunities to evaluate student progress using a variety of assessment strategies. Grades include the following components: Component Weight Tests 40%, Performance Based Learning 30%, Classwork 20%, Homework 10%. Note: “Performance Based Learning” includes but is not limited to Projects, Labs, Research Assignments, Presentations, etc. All grades will be recorded in the district provided electronic grade book, Infinite Campus, the Student Information System. It is recommended that students receive written feedback in each course at least twice weekly - teachers would thus enter at least two grades per week.

A grade of Incomplete (I) can be given in the following situations:  a student was enrolled for less than 15 days during the term, or a student was on extended medical leave (nurse confirmation required). Incomplete grades must be corrected prior to close of the next term grading window or the grade will convert to a 50. Incompletes cannot be given during the final term of a course.  All grades of incomplete must have administrative approval. The final grade for a course will be automatically calculated as an average of all term percent grades. Students whose final average falls below a 60 will not earn credit for the course.

GRADE CHANGES

Any adjustment of a report card grade must be properly documented. Grade changes will only be made at the request of the teacher of record; administrators cannot override a report card grade without the approval of their assistant superintendent. Grade changes can only be made if there is an educational justification. Examples include:  Discovery of a grading error, teacher-based decision to accept make-up work, entry of a previously missing grade, completion of an Edgenuity grade, improvement module  Score / percent grade mismatches Current Year Grade. To request a grade change, the teacher of record must submit a Change of Grade Form to an administrator. The form must include the new term grade, new calculated final grade (if needed), justification for the grade change, and their signature. The administrator will review, sign, and make applicable changes in Infinite Campus SIS. A new report card will be generated for the student. The Change of Grade Form will be sent to the network superintendent and kept on file at the school until one year after the student’s graduation. Historical Grade Changes Grade changes for courses appearing on student transcript follow a similar process. The teacher of record submits a Change of Grade Form to an administrator. The administrator will review and sign. Approved Change of Grade Forms will be sent to the Office of School Organization and the network superintendent. Only complete forms will be accepted and must include justification for the change, teacher signature, and principal signature. The Office of School Organization will update the grade on transcript. However, prior year report cards will still reflect the outdated grade. Schools will keep the Change of Grade Form on file until one year after the student’s graduation.

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW FULL MARKING GUIDELINES

22-23 Marking Guidelines

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

In order to be eligible to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities and sports, students must be in good academic standing according to the guidelines laid out in the Student/Parent handbook. A list will be made available to all staff of students who are ineligible to participate in sports, extracurricular activities and trips. It is the coach/club/trip sponsor’s responsibility  to check the list regularly, and prevent ineligible students to participate. If funds are collected from an ineligible student, and the student is found to be ineligible by the dean, the funds will not be returned.  

1) A student is deemed ineligible if they receive more than one grade of “F” on their interim or report card for that particular quarter in academic subjects. If they are ineligible, they must remain ineligible until the next interim or report card.  

2) A student cannot be considered for Honor Roll if he/she receives a failing grade for seminar.

3) The dean’s office maintains a spreadsheet that is viewable by all staff. The list will be updated at each interim and report card cycle.

4) All teachers, coaches and advisors of activities/trips will be held accountable for ensuring that all of their students are eligible. If it is discovered that a teacher/coach allowed an ineligible student to participate, a memo will be given on the first occasion. On the second occasion, the teacher will face stronger disciplinary action.

6) The first ineligible list will be generated on or about October 21, 2022.

STUDENTS IN GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING

Students with no failing grades on their most recent report card, and owe no detentions are considered to be in good standing.  Students must be in good standing to participate in field trips, and  extracurricular activities including dances, school shows and proms. Students may participate in concerts or productions where their class grade is affected. Students who accompany a student in an event sponsored by a class other than their own must also be in good academic standing. For example, a junior attending the senior prom must be in good standing.

Students who are ineligible are not permitted to attend trips, proms, or other extra-curricular activities. If fees are paid for an activity, and the student is ineligible, or becomes ineligible prior to the activity, the fees will not be refunded.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Students and parents are encouraged to participate in a number of opportunities throughout the school year as we promote engagement. A student’s participation in community engagement will be self-reported in a Google form and a grade will be entered by the student’s advisor.  Students are able to earn 20 points each quarter and are added to the Seminar grade.  Point values are listed below:  

Seminar grade = .25 credit/year will be a combination of attendance, lateness and community engagement.

• Attendance/lateness = 80 points
• Community engagement = 20 points
• 10 points are deducted from your grade for each UNEXCUSED absence.
• 5 points are deducted from your grade for each UNEXCUSED lateness.
• You can earn up to 20 points per quarter for community engagement activities.
• STUDENT is responsible for logging in community engagement activities through Google form.

DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you would like an announcement to be made, it must be entered in the shared Google form by 8:05 am. Please write the announcement exactly as you would like it read. Check grammar and spelling because it will also appear on the 1st floor announcement board, and the Palumbo iphone app. Staff will have access to the responses on the form so they share announcements with staff if they are not read over the PA system. Daily Announcements

 FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are encouraged to support the educational, social, and cultural development of students. Teachers should plan field trips well in advance, and turn all necessary documents in to Ms. Bunion at two weeks prior to trips within the city, and six weeks for trips outside of the city. When planning trips, please consult with your colleagues to arrange coverages for missed classes, and give your coverage schedule to Mr. Lynch and Ms. Gallagher at least 48 hours before the trip. Dates for trips will be approved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Multiple trips on the same day will not be approved, with the exception of competitions or special events where there is no flexibility in the date. It is the responsibility of the teacher who is planning the trip to check the eligibility of all students going on the trip before collecting payment from the students.

School District Policy on Field Trips within Philadelphia

I. Class trips coordinated with daily instruction occurring within the classroom can enhance the learning and understanding of concepts by the pupils. The following guidelines must be followed in planning educational trips.

A. Trips to museums, the Zoological Gardens, aquariums, industrial and commercial plants, places of historical or community importance, radio and television studios, and rehearsals or performances sponsored by the School District are approved.

B. Trips should not be scheduled prior to September 30 of any school year. Activities sponsored by the School District are exempt from this prohibition.

C. Trips to recreational areas, amusement parks, and resorts are not approved.

D. Trips to the performance circus, may be planned for pupils prekindergarten groups through grade five.

E. Trips extending beyond the curfew time of pupils are not approved. Responsible adults must meet individual pupils at a designated location when pupils return from a trip in the evening. School personnel must remain until all the pupils have been met.

F. Trips that exclude pupils because they cannot meet the financial costs will not be approved.

G. Trips which are sponsored by individual staff members or travel agencies are clearly not sanctioned by the School District. No meetings to promote such trips can be held on School District property. There is to be no dissemination of information, collection of funds, use of class lists, or solicitation of pupils. School District equipment (e.g. mimeograph and copying machines) and materials (e.g. permission slips) may not be utilized for such non-School District trips. Recruitment for non-sanctioned trips cannot take place during school hours.

H. Student absences caused by participation in non-sanctioned trips will be coded as unexcused. This should be communicated to all students and parents as well as staff members or agencies who are sponsoring such trips.

I. Private vehicles may not be used by school personnel to transport pupils on trips.

II. Class trips must follow specific guidelines in order to ensure the safety and well being of the pupils who are participating in the trip.

A. Written consent of a parent or guardian, prior to the trip, on Form EH-80, Parental Permission, is required.

B. Written approval of the Regional Superintendent on Form EH81 Class Visits-Authorization-Bus Service is required. Form EH-81 must be filed in the Regional Office at least 20 school days prior to the date of the requested trip. The approval of the Regional Superintendent should be received at least five (5) school days before the date of the trip.

C. Adults at the ratio of one adult per ten pupils must be provided. If a pupil or pupils are missing from the group, an adult must remain at the site to assist in the return of the pupil(s).

D. The teacher in charge of the trip must have available during the trip the following information for each pupil:

               1. Name

               2. Address

               3. Phone number and emergency phone number for the pupil.

E. If a pupil becomes seriously ill, or is injured on the school trip the teacher in charge must:

         1. Attend to the pupil's immediate needs and attempt to prevent further injury.

         2. Not move the pupil until advised to do so by proper authority.

         3. Telephone 911 for transportation to a hospital

         4. Accompany pupil to the hospital and remain with the pupil until a parent arrives: another responsible adult may accompany the pupil to the hospital instead of the teacher in charge.

         5. Notify the principal or other staff member during school hours. The teacher in charge must inform the school of the exact location of the pupil (i.e. hospital, etc.)

         6. The principal or staff member is to notify the parent and the Regional Office of the details of the situation.

         7. If the problem arises after school hours, the teacher in charge must notify the' parent directly about the situation and the principal as soon as possible.

         8. Notify the Incident Control Desk and file a serious incident report. Please refer to School Operations Policy # 111. 1

III. Some class trips are taken around the vicinity of the school. These trips are classified as NEIGHBORHOOD WALKS.

A. Written consent of a parent or guardian, prior to the trip, on Form EH-80, Parental Permission, is required.

B. The written consent of a parent or guardian on Form EH-80 for Neighborhood walks will be valid for the entire school year.

C. Approval of the principal must be obtained before a neighborhood walk is planned.

D. When planning neighborhood walks, consideration must be given to the safety of the pupils on the street, the age of the pupils, the distance to be covered and adequate adult supervision.

IV. The principal must make certain that the information, regulations and procedures regarding school trips are reviewed with the staff at the beginning of the school year and repeated during the school year as needed.

For information on trips outside of Philadelphia visit http://www.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/administration/policies/231.html and

http://www.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/administration/policies/principals/103-3.html

TECHNOLOGY GUIDELINES

Leaving equipment unsecured is against school policy, a locked classroom door is not enough to be considered secured. When equipment disappears from this building, it is gone forever. If it is replaced, that money cannot be spent on other important materials. If it is not replaced, then staff is responsible to replace it themselves. Technology that walks hurts the entire building.

Technology must be locked up each night. It is the teacher’s responsibility to do so. This is not a request, but part of the teacher’s responsibilities as a professional in the building.

Personal Laptops

• Must be secured each night.

Please see the district’s guidelines for technology here:

https://www.philasd.org/educationaltechnology/teacher-and-administration-macbook-air-distribution-faqs-2/

SMART Boards

We have worked very hard over the past few years to ensure that there’s a SMART Board in each classroom. Please ensure that boards are well cared for and properly maintained. Please make sure your pens are kept in a safe place at all times, and put your board to sleep at the end of each day.

Failure to follow our tech rules could result in your access to the Palumbo technology to be limited.

Thanks for your cooperation!

SCHOOL FINANCE

Handling and managing school funds must be above reproach. The collection and

safekeeping of income is the direct responsibility of the school operations officer. The

principal has the ultimate responsibility for overseeing school financial affairs. Personnel

involved in activities in which school funds are used have a substantial responsibility for

the management of school funds. All school monies must be handled in accordance with School District policy. All persons engaged in activities in which school money is

involved need to take precaution in accounting for the collection, disbursement, and

reconciliation of school money.

All transactions involving school funds need the approval of the principal prior to initiating activity. Requests related to spending school funds must be in writing. Individuals who initiate unauthorized expenditures will be held financially responsible for payment and will not be reimbursed by the school. Individuals do not have the authority to make purchases in the school’s name. Purchases must have the approval of the principal and are handled by the school operations officer.

GUIDELINES

1. There must be a definitive purpose to raise funds.
2. All funds raised are for the benefit of students and belong to students.
3. No fundraising can be initiated unless approved annually by the principal.
4. Approved fund-raising activities are approved for one school year only.
5. All school-sponsored fundraising income is to be deposited in the Academy at Palumbo High School Student Activity Account. No private accounts may be maintained.
6. Failure to deposit money in the Student School Activity Account is a violation of School District policy.
7. Funds must be deposited promptly with the school operations officer. You may lock deposits in the main office safe until you can meet with the School Operations Officer.
8. Funds raised through the school for students MUST NOT be commingled

with personal funds.

9. Sponsors of fundraising events that involve food sales must take precaution to avoid competition with Food Services. Food sold to students is not allowed to be sold in the cafeteria.
10. Food and beverages may be sold to the faculty at any time during the school day.

RECEIVING PACKAGES

When packages are delivered they will be taken to room 231, next to the principal’s office. When the Operations Officer is here on Wednesdays and Thursdays, she will open the packages and inventory before delivering to the teacher. This way she can keep track of what’s delivered vs what’s ordered as well as file all of the packing slips so they are not lost.

        STUDENT ACTIVITY ACCOUNTS

GUIDELINES

1. The principal is to approve the establishment or termination of each activity.
2. Student activity funds are student-owned property.
3. Student activity funds are used to finance a program of activities that are part of the regular curriculum.
4. Funds are to be expended in such a way as to benefit those students currently in the school who have contributed to the accumulation of the funds.
5. All money received by the school operations officer must be accompanied by School Deposit Slip (H-200). The activity sponsor prepares the school deposit slip.
6. Large receipts from sporting events and/or school productions should be deposited the same day or the next school day.
7. The School District of Philadelphia requires that three (3) competitive bids be solicited and retained on file for photography and yearbook contracts and any purchase that exceeds $300.00. However, if the purchase of such items as rings, yearbooks, and pictures is made directly by students, and no transactions go through the Student Activity Fund, then bidding is not required.
8. In the event there are unused funds remaining at the end of the year from revenue obtained from fundraising, students must be allowed to vote on alternatives for the disposition of surplus class dues. Funds that remain longer than one year will be transferred to the General Activity Fund for any school related purpose.

ACTIVITY SPONSOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The activity sponsor MUST:

1. obtain the principal’s approval
2. develop a budget for the respective activity;
3. deposit money with the school operations officer each Tuesday, money may be stored in the main office safe until Tuesday. No funds are to be kept in classrooms * see #7
4. maintain adequate records to document receipt of money;
5. maintain inventory records of all fundraising merchandise;
6. secure merchandise from theft and protect from spoilage;
7. reimburse the School District and/or Student Activity Fund for losses or shortages which result from administrative negligence, illegal acts, and for liabilities and disbursements not in accordance with the policies and procedures of the School District of Philadelphia.

MEETINGS IN BUILDING

Any meetings held in the building that include persons who are not Academy at Palumbo staff, students, or guardians must be approved by the principal at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. All visitors to the building must sign in at the front desk, then report to the main office for directions.

SERIOUS INCIDENTS

Documentation is critical in the processing of incidents. The documentation of the

incident must take place as soon as possible, be completed by all parties involved, and

include names, times, locations, and observable behaviors. Immediate notification is

critical. School police are responsible for filing reports. Incidents are to be reported

to school police or an administrator immediately. The person making the report is to

ascertain exactly what occurred. Hearsay and second-hand information must be reported accurately. It is the responsibility of the person making the report to know what actually transpired and to report the details in writing to the appropriate administrator or school police. Incidents where injury and/or criminal offenses have occurred MUST be

reported. The following details should be provided when making the written Incident

Report:

1. Brief, detailed description of the incident.
2. Date, time and location.
3. Names, addresses and date of birth (if student) of persons involved. If more than one party is involved, students are taken to different locations.
4. Names and addresses of witnesses.
5. Involvement of school nurse or outside medical services and nature of injuries if applicable. Never deny a student access to medical attention. If there is a need for outside medical attention, the nurse will make the necessary contacts, including a home contact. In instances where there were injuries, the nurse will make a follow-up call to determine the medical state of the student.
6. Other pertinent information. The school police officer must notify the principal when an incident is reported to ICD (Internal Control Desk). The incident and control numbers are to be recorded on the report.  
7. The dean or principal will contact the home. Explain the situation that has been verified based on available information and make the parent aware of what has occurred and that the incident is currently under investigation. A conference will be held at the school immediately. Parents will be informed of all pertinent information at the conference. Let the parent or family know the child’s condition with regard to injuries. Keep in mind that parental access to disciplinary information is protected.

In addition to the above information, parents should be advised of the following:

• Steps were taken to keep their child safe;
• The following steps will be taken (suspension, arrest, etc.)
• The person calling is the contact person. Give your name, title, and how you may be reached.
• Reports are made on the same day of occurrence or the following school day.
• The Incident Report is prepared by the school police officer on duty when it is an incident other than one involving a staff member. Incidents involving the staff are prepared by the party or parties involved in the incident. For example, a teacher who has been threatened, or who has sustained a personal injury will contact the school police and arrange to prepare a report of the incident. The school police officer will facilitate the filing of the report. The person making the report signs the report in the body section just after his or her statement. Serious incident reports are forwarded to the secretary who types reports. The principal signs all reports. A copy of Incident Reports is maintained on file in the school office.

Code of Conduct - click link for full document

DEAN’S OFFICE MISSION:

• Successful classroom management is progressive. It begins with the classroom teacher.

      Our goal is to keep the power of the classroom with you, the teacher.

• The Dean’s office is available to assist with concerns about individual /group student behaviors.

Actions you should take and document for level 1 violations BEFORE sending a student to the Dean’s office- document in SIS

If a student MUST be removed from class, call ext. 3020. We will determine if an escort is necessary. DO NOT send a student to the Dean’s office without confirmation. You must provide the Dean with a description of what transpired to necessitate this action.

If there is a fight/altercation, or you suspect a student of being under the influence of illegal substances, dial 6 and request a School Police Officer. Call the Dean’s office after the School Police have been notified.

If a student walks out of your class without permission,  contact the Dean’s office immediately.

Actions you can expect from the Dean’s office if student continues to repeat level 1 violations, or commits level 2-4 violations:

We will use the interventions available to us to help create/maintain a suitable teaching/working environment for you and your students.

GRIFFINS CODE OF CONDUCT

INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES

Generally fire drills are scheduled once a month. The Safety Team will prepare specific

assignments for individual staff members during a fire drill. It is of particular concern that fire drills not only meet the necessary legal requirements, but that they play a significant role in impressing upon the student body and staff the fact that instructions are to be carried out without delay and with proper decorum.

The cooperation of the entire staff is required. It is requested that the staff gives its active support in performing assigned duties, and prohibiting any disorder whatsoever.

Teachers are asked to take the following preliminary steps and to inform students of the

general directions outlined below in addition to those directions provided by the Safety Team.

PRELIMINARY STEPS

1. Study the classroom fire drill chart. All classrooms and offices must have a placard that tells the route to take to evacuate the building. Notify the administrative staff if a placard is needed. Ascertaining that the classroom has a placard is the teacher’s responsibility.
2. Locate in advance the stairway and exit to be used.
3. Thoroughly review and discuss with students the procedures to be followed.
4. Send the names of disabled students, if any, to the school nurse.
5. Arrangements for their safety will be made, and you will be informed of the procedure.

GENERAL DIRECTIONS

1. When the fire signal is given, cease work promptly. Follow directions indicated by the fire drill placard posted in the classroom.
2. Assign a responsible student to close windows and doors. Shut off the lights. Take your attendance book, and remind students to take their valuables with them. However, remind them that obtaining valuables is less important than safety.
3. The class will exit from the room and proceed to the stairwell or exit area in a line.  All students and staff must vacate the building.
4. Accompany your class throughout the drill - escort students outside to the designated location. Return with them to the classroom when the “all clear” signal is given.
5. Boisterous and reckless conduct should not be allowed. Students are under the teacher’s supervision from the time they leave class until they return to the building.
6. The teacher should carry the attendance or class lists mark book to account for each student during the drill or actual emergency. Attendance should be taken when students have reached the assigned destination.
7. Maximum speed consistent with safety and order should be maintained.
8. In instances where a drill or actual emergency may flow into the next class period, return to the class from which you came with all your students.
9. The start of the next period will be announced.

EVACUATION

If a preliminary decision is made to evacuate the building, the following PA

announcement will be made.

“A report has been received that makes it necessary to leave the building temporarily. Please leave your classroom in an orderly manner immediately and exit the building in the same manner as you would during a fire drill. Move at least five hundred feet away from the building and remain there and await further instructions.”

Upon receiving the announcement, every teacher should instruct their students

regarding the proper exit to use to leave the building. The teacher should conduct a

visual search of her/her classroom. Those staff members with special assignments should follow through accordingly and wait for directions.

DETONATION

In the event of a detonation, without prior threat or evacuation, or during evacuation,

the situation will be handled as any other disaster or emergency. The Philadelphia Police Department will be notified immediately. Local police, fire, and rescue procedures will be initiated immediately.

BASIC STEPS TO TAKE DURING A CRISIS

The COMMAND POST is the Main Office. Notify the office when an emergency or crisis situation is pending or in progress. The secretary will dispatch school police and school support staff to the location. The secretary will contact the administrator, safety team leader, and school police sergeant, immediately. The principal, school police, and safety team leader will oversee the entire operation.

• In consultation with the Safety Team leader, the secretary notifies: police (911), the facilities staff (building engineer), and the Assistant Superintendent’s office.
• Refer news media to the Office of Communications. Do not provide information to the media.
• The Safety Team leader will disseminate information to school staff. Keep everyone abreast of what is transpiring. Give factual information only.

WHO DOES WHAT?

Who is in charge of…

1. Discipline - Ms. Stamps is the Dean. Her office is located in room 302. Other teachers work in the Dean’s office during their duty/coverage period so that there is someone monitoring the Dean’s Office every period of the day. In some cases, teachers may have to leave to cover a class. It is important that you call the Dean’s Office (3020) to be sure someone is there before sending a student to the Dean’s Office. Teachers should attempt to handle disciplinary issues in their classrooms on their own before making a referral to the dean. Document all actions taken before referring a student to the dean. In an emergency, call the main office (6) and ask for school police.
2. Athletics - Mr. Sheridan is the Athletic Director. He is responsible for oversight of the athletic program. His office # is 2621014. Ms. Billips is the Assistant AD during the seasons Mr. Sheridan is coaching.
3. Roster Issues - Mr. Lynch is the Roster Chairperson. All roster issues should be addressed to him following proper procedures. Students will be given the opportunity to request roster changes during the first month of school. After that, students should see their counselor (Ms. Donnelly or Ms. Pray), and they will forward concerns to Mr. Lynch.
4. Special Education - Ms. Novak (Ext # 2624370) is the Special Ed.Liaison. Concerns about students with IEPs should be directed to their case manager first, then to Ms. Novak.
5. English Language Learners - Ms. Essilfie (Ext # 2624090) is our ELL teacher. Concerns about ELL students, or those you feel need support should be addressed to Ms. Essilfie.
6. Curriculum - If you have a question/concern about curriculum issues you should consult your department chairperson first. Approval for ordering any materials or supplies from the operating budget must be approved by Ms. Thompson.
7. Technology  - Mr.  Wiessmann (Ext # 262507) is the TTL. Bethany Hayes (Ext # 262304) is our Computer Support Specialist who will handle distribution of mobile carts and reserve the computer lab (room 304).
8. Classroom Facilities  Each floor is assigned a cleaner. If there is a facilities related problem in your classroom, let the main office know, and they will contact the maintenance staff.
9. Class Sponsorship - Each class (grade) has a person or team responsible for activities, fundraising, and accounting for that class.
10. Finances - Ms. Reed (Ext # 2622311) is our School Operations Officer. She is here on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Her office is in room 231, next to my office. If you have a club or activity that does fundraising of any type, the fundraiser must be approved by Ms. Thompson, and an account must be set up with Ms. Vetere. All deposits must be turned in on Tuesdays before 2:00 pm, counted, with a deposit slip.
11. SEPTA Fare Card Distribution - Ms. Khadiyah (Ext. # 2623040) is in charge of Septa Fare distribution. Fare Cards are distributed at the start of the year and are valid all year long. Any student who loses their fare card should report it to Ms. Khadiyah’s office (Room 304).
12. Health Room (123)  - Ms. Stevens  (Ext #2621230)  is the school nurse. If you have a sick student, send them to the main office, or call the main office for assistance if the student cannot make it to the office on their own.
13. EC Activities - An EC interest form will be sent out to all teachers who would like to sponsor a club or activity. Once approved by Ms. Thompson and the building committee, the club will be granted hours for the year. Students will sign in each time the activity meets. Sign-in sheets must be turned in to the designee each week in order to be paid. Do not hold sign-in sheets beyond two weeks of the date of the activity, or your sheet will not be entered until the Spring. If funds are depleted in the Spring  you will not be paid for sign-in sheets that were not turned in on time.  You must have at least three students attend your activity in order to be paid EC.
14. Partnerships - Ms. Khadiyah is the Assistant Program Coordinator (Ext#2623030). She is the point of contact for all outside programs and partnerships. She can assist teachers in planning and executing special programs, trips, etc.
15. Field Trips - If you would like to plan a trip, you can get the appropriate forms from the mailbox in the main office. Submit the paperwork for trips within the city to Ms. Khadiyah at least three weeks prior to the trip for approval. For trips outside the city, submit the forms at least six weeks prior to the trip, as they need to be approved by 440. If you need coverage, you should ask your colleagues to cover your classes and let Mr.  Lynch know who is covering as soon as possible.

USE OF ADVISORY - COMMUNITY MEETING

As best as we can, we try to have advisors follow their students through all four years of high school. Advisory should not be looked at as “free time.” This time should be used for relationship building, team building, tutoring, increasing study skills, guidance etc. We will use the 1 hour and 30 minute advisory schedules on an as-needed basis. Advisory is from 8:00 - 8:30 on Mondays - Wednesdays, and 8:00 - 9:00 on Thursdays and Fridays.

The advisor is the first point of contact for tracking student attendance. After the 3rd unexcused absence, a CEH-31 will be generated by the office.

The advisor should follow up with a phone call to the home.  If the advisor notices patterns of absence, the student should be referred to the counselors and Deans.

Community Meeting/Relationships First is the School District of Philadelphia’s adaptation of what is commonly known as Morning Meeting. We call it a Community Meeting to emphasize the community building goal of the process, and because we realize some teachers may implement it later in the day. This year, all teachers should plan to implement the full or quick version of community meetings two times per week.  

Why is SDP embracing Community Meeting? Research demonstrates that students who feel connected to their teachers and classmates have better attendance, perform better academically, and are more likely to graduate than students who lack those connections. In addition, students with stronger social-emotional skills in areas like relationship-building and social awareness do better in key areas, including behavior, attendance, and academic achievement. Community Meeting is a way to support students’ connection to their schools and their social-emotional development. Our students need this support every year, but never more than now.

EXPECTATIONS

It is expected that each staff member works to fulfill the mission and vision of the Academy at Palumbo. In order to do that you should:

• Strive to uphold the mission and vision of the Academy at Palumbo at all times.

• Arrive at work on-time each day. Clock in/out at the kiosk in the main office.
• Call the main office 215-400-8130 by 7:30 a.m. if you are going to be late or absent.
• Register all absences on the ESS system.
• Turn in lesson plans on a bi-weekly basis.
• Take attendance on the SIS system each period, during the first 10 minutes of the period.
• Enter all parent contact into SIS Parent Contact Log.
• Adhere to all deadlines.
• Enter a minimum of 2 grades per week.
• Have a positive attitude.
• Be flexible.
• Get to know your colleagues.
• Secure all valuables in a locked location.
• Check your email at least twice a day.

EXTRAS AND TRADITIONS

At the Academy at Palumbo we give a great deal of attention to creating a positive climate and culture. We have established many traditions and activities that are only successful because of the great staff participation. Some of these things to look forward to are:

• 9th grade Orientation
• Villanova Day of Service
• Club Fair
• Student Government Elections
• Open House (prospective 9th graders)
• Haunted High School
• Parade of Horrors
• Fall Feast
• Door Decorating
• Penny Wars
• Spirit Weeks
• Black History Month Assembly
• Honor Roll Assemblies
• Spring Fling
• Proms
• Trips
• Concerts
• Rock Show
• Shakespeare Festival
• Career Day
• Rooftop Festival
• Life After Palumbo
• Diversity Day
• Senior Breakfast
• Senior Picnic
• Graduation
• ...and many more!!!

NEW STAFF MENTORS

USEFUL LINKS

• SDP Employee Handbook
• Code of Ethics
• Workers' Compensation Procedure Manual
• Code of Student Conduct
• Truancy Information
• Truancy Elimination Plan
• Truancy Elimination Contract
• Excused Absence/Late Note For Parents
• Trips:

• Class Trip Authorization
• Eh-81 Class Trip Request
• Both forms must be completed to request a class trip.

SPED Instruction & Learning

ELD Instructional Guide