Amphitheater Public Schools

Our policy is as follows:

• Employees are expected and required to report to work on time and in an appropriate mental and physical condition for work. It is our intent and obligation to provide a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure work environment.
• The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance on school district premises, is absolutely prohibited. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, and may have legal consequences.
• The District recognizes drug dependency as an illness and a major health problem. Benefits eligible employees needing help in dealing with such problems are encouraged to use our employee assistance program and health insurance plans, as appropriate. Conscientious efforts to seek such help prior to demand for drug testing by the superintendent or his/her designee will not jeopardize any employee’s job, and will not be noted in any personnel record.
• Employees must, as a condition of employment, abide by the terms of the above policy and report any conviction under a criminal drug statute for violations occurring on or off district premises while conducting school district business. A report of a conviction must be made within five (5) days after the conviction. (This requirement is mandated by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988).
• The District has “zero tolerance” for violence, drug possession, and the  possession of weapons on campus. The zero tolerance policy mandates that any student engaging in one of these unacceptable activities will automatically be referred for disciplinary action.

We're grateful for everything you do each day to support our students and our District. We're also grateful for the major things you don't do, and always keep in mind, such as:

1. Under no circumstances should a child be released to any individual or allowed to leave the school grounds without permission from the principal.
   • If a person not connected with the school seeks information about a child or permission to take a child from the room, refer the person directly to the principal/office. The principal will determine whether or not the child should be excused and will notify you of the decision.
2. At no time are you to administer corporal punishment or touch the children.
   • Speak respectfully to the children at all times. Should a discipline problem arise which you are unable to handle, request assistance from the principal or assistant principal. Professionalism must always come first.
3. Do not administer any type of medication to a student.
   • The regular teacher should leave you information on any special medical problems the students may have. If you have any questions, contact the school nurse or the principal's office. Remember, all accidents must be reported immediately. Familiarize yourself with the district's policies on accidents and illnesses which can be obtained from the principal's office.
4. Never leave a classroom unattended or allow students to leave for an unauthorized destination.
5. Do not bring videos, tapes, or materials into class which have not been approved for use by an authorized representative of the school for which you are substituting.
6. Do not allow students to go through the teacher's desk or look at grade books, no matter what the students say. If the teacher wants them to do either of these, the teacher can do that when they return.
7. Never leave the keys to the classroom on the desk or out in the open. Always keep them with you, or put some place safe.

Cell Phones

Cell phone usage is strongly discouraged during class instruction time and should only be used before and after school, during passing periods, planning periods, or lunch time. Turning your cell phone off during instruction time is recommended.  

Classroom Phones

Unless directed in the lesson plans or by the principal, do not listen to the voice messages on the classroom telephone. These are the regular teacher’s messages and they may be important to the teacher.

Computer Usage
 

The use of electronic information resources must be in support of education, research, and the educational goals and objectives of Amphitheater School District. Computers should be used only if called for in the lesson plan by the teacher.

Fighting

If students engage in fighting, use the classroom phone to call the school office and ask for help to be sent right away. Try to protect the safety of the students as best you can. The fighting student should be referred to the office.

Worker's Compensation

Substitutes are insured under the Worker’s Compensation of Arizona Plan. Any injury sustained as an employee on school property while in the normal course of duties as a substitute should be reported immediately to the school principal to establish a record of the injury. For the substitute to see a doctor, a form must be completed by the principal. If you wish to reject this coverage, a form is available in Human Resources.

Additional information can be found here and below: