Faculty Handbook - Cathey Middle School

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McAllen Independent School District
Dr. Rodney D. Cathey
Middle School
2012-2013
Faculty Handbook
Mr. Melvin Benford, Principal
Mr. Stan Crounse, Assistant Principal
Ms. Consuelo Vallejo, Assistant Principal

Cathey Middle School
Admin Administration Admin istration & & Support
Support
Melvin Benford Principal
Stan Crounse Assistant Principal
Consuelo Vallejo 2nd Assistant Principal
Edna Barreiro Counselor 6th /7th John Sanchez Counselor 7th/8th Alejandra Gonzalez IB Coordinator
Alice Plummer Nurse
Brooke Corso Librarian
Teachers
Teachers
1. Anda Blanca Read 180
2. Array Brian Orchestra Director
3. Arredondo Iram 6 th grade Humanities
4. Betancourt Jason Academic Success Transition Teacher
5. Berger Bob 7 th grade Humanities
6. Boone Shawn 6 th grade Technology Applications
7. Cadena David 7 th /8 th grade Science
8. Cavazos Debra 7 th grade Math
9. Champion Viola 6 th grade Humanities/6 th grade ELA/Dyslexia
10. Conover Cynthia 6 th grade ELA
11. Crain Grayson 6 th /7 th grade Art
12. Diaz Francine 8 th grade ELA
13. Garcia Celina 7 th grade Inclusion
14. Gilbert William 8 th grade Humanities
15. Gomez April 6 th /7 th grade Drama
16. Guerra Anabel 7 th grade ELA
17. Guerrero Faynna 6 th grade Math
18. Herrera Orlando Assistant Band Director
19. Hunter Lamarr P.E. Coach
20. Johnson Mike 7 th Career and Technology
21. Jimenez Rosana 6 th grade Spanish
22. Kingston Jon Band Director/Technology Coordinator
23. Lane Kodie 6 th/8 th grade ELA CSR
24. Leandro Leticia 7 th grade ELA
25. Leonard Renee Choir Director
26. Lewis Irma LAB Teacher
27. Lio Maria 8 th grade Math/Algebra
28. Lubrin Carlo 8 th grade Math
29. Luna Patricia 6 th grade Science
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30. Madrigal Lorena 8 th grade Science
31. Marroquin Jeannie Sci-Tech Lab Teacher
32. Martinez April 6 th – 8 th grade ELA Extension
33. Munguia Olga P.E. Coach
34. Munoz Brenda 7 th grade Math
35. Navarro Rene 7 th grade Science
36. Neck Nora 7 th & 8 th grade Art
37. Ornelas Evangelina 8 th grade Spanish
38. Orozco Enedina P.E. Coach/Head Cheer Sponsor
39. Pedraza Yolanda 8 th grade Technology Applications
40. Pinon Blanca 8 th grade Inclusion
41. Ramirez Janie 8 th grade ELA
42. Reyes Estella P.E. Coach
43. Reyes Viviana 7 th grade Spanish
44. Robles Leticia 7 th grade Science
45. Rosalez Bernardo 7 th /8 th grade Humanities
46. Ruiz David 6 th – 8 th grade Math Extension
47. Ruiz Monica 7 th /8 th grade Drama
48. Salazar Erica Assistant Choir Director
49. Sousa Jeanine 6 th grade Humanities
50. Signor Karen 6 th grade Inclusion
51. Stockton Marilee 8 th grade Humanities
52. Stephens Leslie 6 th grade ELA
53. St. Clair Ed Science Coach
54. Tanguma Sylvia 6 th grade Math
55. Vail Brandon 8 th grade Science
56. Valdez Monica 6 th & 7 th Math
57. Van Cleef Pamela Life Skills Unit
58. Vela Luis Athletic Coordinator/P.E. Coach
59. Vizcaino Manuel 6 th grade Science
60. Williams April 7 th grade ELA
61. Williams Joey 6 th/8 th grade Math CSR
62. Yanez Elizabeth 7 th grade Humanities
Support Support Staff Staff
Staff
Raquel Alcazar Diagnostican
Parental Involvement Specialist
Melissa Martinez Social Worker
Speech Therapist
Speech Therapist
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Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals
Joanna Torres Principal's Secretary
Erika Melgoza Campus Clerk
Rita Herrera Attendance Clerk
Cynthia Lopez Counselor’s Secretary
Terri Kelly Library Clerk
Fernando C. Aranjo B.T.P. (Behavior Transition Program)
Russell Erps Sp. Ed. Aide
Al Gatlin A.S.T. Aide
Socorro Hinojosa Sp. Ed. Aide
Virginia Leveck Sp. Ed. Aide
Fela Martinez Sp. Ed. Aide
Gabriel Handy Sp. Ed. Aide
Felipe Rodriguez P.E. Aide
Omar Barreiro Technology Aide
Police Police Police Of Officer Of ficer Officer Mike Avila
Custodians
Custodians
Jose Torres Head Custodian
Antonio Esqueda
Antonia Torres
Ramiro Hernandez
Maria Ellena Valdez
Cafeteri Cafeteria Cafeteri
Ana Padilla
Anita Cuevas
Manager
Francis Pacheco
Mary Escobar
Margarita Reyes
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Appraiser Appraiser Information
Information
List ist of of your Primary and Other Appraisers
For For For the the 201 2012-2013 201
2013 School School Year
Year
Mr. Mr. Melvin Melvin Benford Benford
Benford
Primary Primary Appraiser
Appraiser
Mr. Mr. Stan Stan Crounse
Crounse
Primary Primary Appraiser
Appraiser
Ms. Ms. Consuelo Consuelo Vallejo
Vallejo
Primary Primary Primary Appraiser
Appraiser
1. Alcazar, Raquel 1. Array, Brian 1. Crain, Grayson
2. Anda, Blanca 2. Arredondo, Iram 2. Hunter, Lamarr
3. Barreiro, Edna 3. Berger, Bob 3. Jimenez, Rosana
4. Cavazos, Debra 4. Betancourt, Jason 4. Lewis, Irma
5. Conover, Cynthia 5. Boone, Shawn 5. Munguia, Olga
6. Corso, Brooke 6. Cadena, David 6. Neck, Nora
7. Diaz, Francine 7. Champion, Viola 7. Orozco, Enedina
8. Garcia, Celina 8. Gilbert, William 8. Ornelas, Evangelina
9. 9. Gomez, Gomez, April April
9. Herrera, Orlando 9. Reyes, Estella
10. Gonzalez, Alejandra 10. Johnson, Mike 10. Reyes, Viviana
11. Guerra, Anabel 11. Kingston, Jon 11. Ruiz, Monica
12. Guerrero, Faynna 12. Leonard, Renee 12. Vela, Luis
13. Lane, Kodie 13. Luna, Patty
14. Leandro, Letty 14. Madrigal, Lorena
15. Lio, Maria 15. Marroquin, Jeannie
16. Lubrin, Carlo 16. Navarro, Rene
17. Martinez, April 17. Pedraza, Yolanda
18. Martinez, Melissa 18. Robles, Letty
19. Munoz, Brenda 19. Rosalez, Bernardo
20. Pinon, Blanca 20. Sousa, Jeanine
21. Plummer, Alice 21. St. Clair, Ed
22. Ramirez, Janie 22. Stockton, Marilee
23. Ruiz, David 23. Vail, Brandon
24. 24. 24. Salazar, Salazar, Salazar, Erica Erica
24. Vizcaino, Manuel
25. Sanchez, John
26. Signor, Karen
27. Tanguma, Sylvia
28. Valdez, Monica
29. Van Cleef, Pamela
30. Williams, April
31. Williams, Joey
25. Yanez, Elizabeth
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Cathey Middle School
2012-2013
Departments Departments and and Department Department Heads
Heads
Language Language Arts Arts
Science
Science
April April April Williams Williams – Dept. Dept. Head Head
Lorena Lorena Madrigal Madrigal – Dept. Head
Anda, Blanca Cadena, David
Champion, Viola Luna, Patricia
Conover, Cynthia Marroquin, Jeannie
Diaz, Francine Navarro, Rene
Guerra, Anabel Robles, Letty
Lane, Kodie St. Clair, Ed
Leandro, Letty Vail, Brandon
Lewis, Irma
Martinez, April
Ramirez, Janie
Vizcaino, Manuel
Stephens, Leslie Humanities
Humanities
William William Gilbert Gilbert – Dept. Head
Arredondo, Iram
Math Math
Berger, Bob
Maria Maria Lio Lio – Dept. Dept. Head Head
Rosalez, Bernardo
Cavazos, Debra Sousa, Jeanine
Guerrero, Faynna Stockton, Marilee
Lubrin, Carlo
Munoz, Brenda
Ruiz, David
Yanez, Elizabeth
Tanguma, Sylvia Coaches Coaches
Coaches
Valdez, Monica Olga Olga Munguia Munguia – Dept. Dept. Head
Williams, Joey Hunter, Lamarr
Orozco, Enedina
Reyes, Estella
Electives Electives
Nora Nora Nora Neck Neck – Dept. Dept. Head Head
Head
Boone, Shawn
Vela, Luis
Gomez, April Music Music
Music
Johnson, Mike Renee Renee Leonard Leonard – Dept. Dept. Head
Pedraza, Yolanda Array, Brian
Ruiz, Monica Herrera, Orlando
Crain, Grayson Kingston, Jon
Salazar, Erica
Special Special Education Education
Language Language Language B
B
Blanca Blanca Pinon Pinon Pinon – Dept. Dept. Dept. Head Head
Evangelina Evangelina Ornelas Ornelas – Dept. Head
Garcia, Celina Jimenez, Rosana
Signor, Karen
Van Cleef, Pamela
Reyes, Viviana
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Dr. Dr. Rodney Rodney D. D. D. Cathey Cathey Middle Middle School
School
Bell Bell Schedules Schedules
Schedules
201 2012-201 201 201 2013 201
6 th
GRADE 7 th GRADE GRADE 8 th GRADE
GRADE
th GRADE
8:00 – 8:54 8:00 – 8:54 8:00 – 8:54
8:58 – 9:52 8:58 – 9:52 8:58 – 9:52
9:56 – 10:50 9:56 – 10:50 9:56 – 10:50
10:50 – 11:20
LUNCH
LUNCH
11:24 – 12:18
10:54 – 11:48 10:54 – 11:48
11:48 – 12:18
LUNCH
LUNCH
12:22 – 1:16 12:22 – 1:16
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11:52 – 12:46
12:46 – 1:16
LUNCH
LUNCH
1:20 – 2:14 1:20 – 2:14 1:20 – 2:14
2:18 – 3:12 2:18 – 3:12 2:18 – 3:12
3:16 – 4:05
Enrichment
Enrichment
3:16 – 4:05
Enrichment
Enrichment
3:16 – 4:05
Enrichment
Enrichment

McAllen McAllen I.S.D. I.S.D. Central Central Administration
Administration
2000 N. 23rd Street
McAllen, Texas 78501
(956) 618-6000.
Dr. James Ponce Superintendent
Mrs. Rachel Arcaute Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services
Dr. J.A. Gonzalez Associate Superintendent for Instructional Leadership
Dr. Matt Weber Associate Superintendent for Instructional Services
Board Board of of Trustees Trustees for for 201 2012-201 201
201 2013 201
Mrs. Hilda Garza-DeShazo - President
Mrs. Erica de la Garza - Vice President
Mrs. Debbie Crane Aliseda - Secretary
Dr. Joseph M. Caporusso - Member
Mr. Javier Farias - Member
Mr. Sam Saldivar Jr. - Member
Mr. Daniel D. Vela - Member
School School Administration
Administration
Principal Principal – Mr. Mr. Melvi Melvin Melvi n Benford
The principal is responsible for planning, organizing and managing the activities of the school
within the framework established by the Texas Education Agency, the McAllen School Board
and the Superintendent of Schools, as well as the Accrediting Agency. These responsibilities are
delegated in many areas to members of the administrative staff, special services personnel,
teachers and the Site Based Decision-Making Committee. The principal will assume direct
responsibility in areas of curriculum and instruction, finance and business organization,
organizational structure and personnel.
• Dean of Instruction for 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grades, A-Z. Meet with teams and Departments
to provide support and guidance in the area of curriculum and instruction. Provide
administrative support with issues pertaining to academic performance.
• Supervision and coordination of instructional programs: Language Arts, Math, Science,
Special Education and Library. Conduct PDAS evaluations for the aforementioned
content areas.
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1 st
st Assistant Assistant Principal Principal – Mr. Mr. Stan Stan Crounse
Crounse
The assistant principal works directly with the principal in administering the Cathey Middle
School educational program. Duties and Responsibilities of the Assistant Principals include:
• Dean of Student Discipline – 8 th grade, A-Z; administer consequences to students that
violate the MISD Student Code of Conduct.
• Acting Principal in the absence of the Principal.
• Administrative support for 8 th grade, A-Z. Attend team meetings and parent
conferences regarding issues pertaining to academics, discipline and team concerns.
• Supervision/coordination of instructional program: Music, Technology, and
Humanities. Conduct PDAS evaluations for the aforementioned content areas.
• Supervise school organizations and clubs- Oversee all fundraisers for organizations and
clubs. All field trips and activities will be cleared through this office.
• Master Scheduler - Develop and maintain the Master Schedule. Work with academic
counselors to ensure that the respective grade levels are scheduled.
• Oversee and establish dates for progress reports and grade reporting.
• Pre-registration and registration– Coordinate the logistics of registration. Ensure that
all stations are fully occupied and running efficiently.
• School Safety Coordinator- Establish a safety plan that is standardized and conduct
drills on a monthly basis.
• Building maintenance and A/C schedule- ensure that the building is safe, secure, and
well maintained on a consistent basis. Ensure that the A/C is ordered and functioning
for all events that require air conditioning.
• PEIMS Coordinator- Ensure that PEIMS information is current, accurate, and
maintained. Correct all PEIMS errors and ensure that district deadlines are met.
• STAAR Coordinator- Attend all required STAAR training set forth by the District. Train
all staff members with regard to STAAR administration and logistics. Calculate
percentages of preliminary STAAR results by grade and subject. Work closely with
Thelma Rosel to ensure that we are in compliance with T. E. A. requirements.
• Supervision of Annual Awards Assembly- Ensure that the logistics for awards
assemblies run efficiently, and certificates are printed for all students. Ensure that the
cafeteria is set up for assemblies. Collect agendas from each team/grade level prior to
the assembly.
• School pictures- Work with librarian to ensure that school picture dates are secured.
Work with coaches to ensure that picture dates are secured. Organize and set up the
8 th grade panoramic picture.
• Student lockers- Make sure that lockers are ready for distribution at the beginning of
the school year. Work with teams at the end of the year to ensure that combinations
are changed and functioning. Ensure that students that register late are assigned a
locker.
• Keys- Ensure that all staff members have their appropriate set of keys. Collect teacher
keys at the end of the school year. Assign substitute teachers a classroom key in
exchange for their car keys. Develop a system that creates an efficient and effective key
distribution and collection process.
• Student Attendance Supervisor- Ensure that teachers are completing attendance audits.
Oversee our attendance office to provide direction and support. Our goal is to have the
highest attendance rate in the district.
• Paraprofessional Office Staff Supervisor- Ensure that all paraprofessionals are carrying
out their assigned duties in an efficient manner. Monitor the time clock logistics to
ensure that staff members are working their allotted hours.
• Activity Fund Monitor- Oversee the activity fund to ensure that all procedures are being
followed. Report any discrepancies in the activity fund to Principal.
• On Campus Suspension Supervisor- Monitor the OCS Program. Ensure that the
program is running efficiently. Work with the OCS teacher to ensure that detention
lists are accurate and up to date.
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2 nd
• School Calendar Coordinator – Develop and maintain a school calendar for staff
members. School Calendar will be included in the Faculty Handbook. Develop a
calendar of events for Student Handbook. Work closely with staff members to secure
important dates for calendar.
• Extra Curricular Duty Schedule – Establish dates for administrators in charge.
• Duty schedule- Develop duty schedule; ensure that staff members are at their assigned
duty stations on a daily basis.
• All other duties assigned by principal.
nd Assistant Assistant Principal Principal – Ms. Ms. Consuelo Consuelo Consuelo Vallejo
Vallejo
The 2 nd assistant principal works directly with the principal and 1 st assistant principal in
administering the Cathey Middle School educational program. Duties and Responsibilities of the
2 nd Assistant Principal include:
• Student discipline: 6 th & 7 th grades; A-Z – administer consequences to students that
violate the MISD Student Code of Conduct.
• Acting Principal in the absence of Principal and 1 st Assistant Principal.
• Administer support for 6 th and 7 th grades; A-Z. Attend team meetings and parent
conferences regarding issues pertaining to academics, discipline, and team concerns.
• Supervision/Coordination of instructional programs: Physical Education, Language B
(Spanish), Art, Drama. Conduct PDAS evaluations for the aforementioned content areas.
• Supervision of UIL programs- Work closely with UIL Coordinator to ensure that all
events have a sponsor. Monitor UIL practices and provide UIL Coordinator with
administrative support. Ensure that our team is ready for travel and competition by
maintaining high levels of communication with UIL Coordinator.
• Response to Intervention - RtI Co-Coordinator- Oversee the RtI Program to ensure that
all RtI processes are running efficiently. Ensure that the channels of communication
are open between the RtI Committee and the staff. Present information pertaining RtI to
the faculty.
• School yearbook- Review the content of school newspaper and yearbook to ensure that
the content is acceptable.
• Principal/Student Discussion Assembly Supervisor- Set dates and organize 6 th, 7 th and
8 th grade Principal/Student Discussion assemblies. Assemblies will occur every six
weeks.
• Supervise the Parental Involvement Program- Monitor the performance of the Parental
Involvement Program. Ensure that the program is running efficiently and the
projects/deadlines are being met in a timely manner.
• LPAC Coordinator- Monitor LPAC folders and work with academic counselors to ensure
that all LPAC folders are current and up to date.
• Student Handbook- Ensure that information in the Student handbook is accurate and
up to date.
• Oversee Special Education Department, attend and/or lead ARD meetings for 6 th, 7 th,
and 8 th grade, A-Z.
• Supervise and manage the After School Enrichment Program- Monitor the After School
Enrichment Program to ensure that all programs are running efficiently. Act as the
liaison between the ASEP and the building Principal.
• 504 Coordinator- Oversees all 504 matters. Complete yearly updates. Exit students
from the 504 program when they no longer qualify. Work with campus nurse
regarding medical 504 issues. Oversee students on homebound services that are
protected by Section 504.
• Textbook Coordinator- Distribute books during registration. Collect books at the end of
the year. Collect lost book fines. Complete end of year textbook inventory.
• Crisis Management Coordinator- Lead in the development and implementation of the
Cathey Middle School Crisis Management Plan. Take the leadership role with regard to
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scheduling and conducting monthly safety drills (e.g. fire drills, lock downs, code blue
(medical), and obstructed fire drills).
• Benchmark Testing Coordinator and Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment
System (TELPAS) Coordinator – Coordinate all benchmark exams, scan documents, and
disaggregate data.
• All other duties assigned by Principal and 1 st Assistant Principal.
IB IB Coordinator Coordinator – Ms. Ms. Alejandra Alejandra Gonzalez
• IB Student of the Six Weeks Supervisor- Each teacher will select an IB student of the six
weeks throughout the school year. Establish dates for our monthly IB student of the six
weeks breakfast that will take place in the cafeteria. Ensure that pictures of selected
students are displayed every month.
• Instructional Rounds
• Student Support Team
• AVID Coordinator
• All other duties assigned by administration.
Assignments Assignments common common to to the Assistant Principals rincipals
Teacher evaluations
Recognize student achievement
Supervise co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
Lesson plans
School policy and regulation enforcement
ARD administration representative
Substitute teachers
Team building and responsibility
Instructional resource person
Perform other duties assigned by the principal
Duties Duties Duties and and Responsib Responsibilities Responsib ilities of Support Personnel:
School School Social Social Worker Worker
Worker
The school social worker helps parents and students with school/home problems. Referrals are
made through academic counselors, administrators and the special education teachers.
Librarian
Librarian
The librarian is responsible for the administration of the library. She maintains and circulates
books and other supplementary materials used by students and teachers. She works with the
teachers and administrative staff in selecting books for the library. She is also responsible for
audio-visual equipment and materials.
Library Library Clerk
Clerk
Performs duties assigned by the librarian.
School School Nurse
Nurse
The school nurse is responsible for health services and student health records. Students who
need to call home because of illness should make these calls through the nurse's office. The
school nurse also serves as the campus MAST coordinator.
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Principal's Principal's Secretary
Secretary
The principal's secretary processes faculty communications, orders supplies, maintains the
school activity accounts and maintains other financial records.
Attendance Attendance Clerk ( (Data (
Data Processing Clerk)
The attendance clerk monitors student absences, maintains attendance records and completes
attendance reports.
Front Front Desk Desk Clerk
Clerk
The Front Desk Clerk is responsible for managing day to day operations at Cathey Middle
School. Specifically, the front desk clerk answers the main line and directs calls to the
appropriate personnel, and handles substitute teachers. Deals with parent/student concerns,
oversees student office aides and handles all other duties assigned by the principal.
Academic Academic Counselors
Counselors
Information is collected in the counseling office for use by school personnel as they work with
students. They maintain student cumulative folders containing permanent records, progress
reports, and results of standardized tests.
Counselor's Counselor's Secretary
Secretary
Performs duties assigned by the academic counselors.
On On On Campus Campus Suspension/
Suspension/Behavior Suspension/ Behavior Behavior Transition Program Monitor
Monitor
Supervises students who are assigned to On Campus Suspension/Behavior Transition Program.
Student Student Data Data Clerk
Clerk
Gathers and records student data for different programs.
Special Special Education Education Aide
Aide
Assists in the self-contained and resource classrooms.
Custodial Custodial Staff
Staff
The custodial staff is directly responsible to the principal and assistant principal for plant
services for the upkeep of the building and overall campus. All work requiring the use of the
custodians is to be requested through the office. It is necessary to schedule the work of the
custodians with preference for immediate need. The load becomes heavy, especially for the
beginning and ending of the school year. Emergencies take priority over other requests.
Guidance
Guidance
The guidance program at Cathey Middle School is designed with the ultimate objective of
assisting the individual student in his acquisition of appropriate and functional knowledge to
the formulation and realization of his goals and objectives. The guidance staff strives to provide
personal services and updated, pertinent information that allow the individual to further
develop his/her personal, social and academic skills.
Organization Organization of of Guidance Guidance Staff
Staff
Principal: Principal: The principal is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and managing all
activities at Cathey Middle School. The principal is directly responsible for proper placement of
pupils. The principal will provide for systemic personnel and parent orientation to middle
school.
Counselor: Counselor: The counselors are responsible for enrolling students in proper classes, checking on
required credits and making sure the individual pupil is properly challenged by the program of
studies he/she selects.
The counselors hold conferences with students, teachers and parents. They will also make
arrangements for parents to conference with teachers if necessary.
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The counselors work with teachers in considering problems of individual students or groups of
students.
The counselors work with pre registration of students.
The counselors administer and interpret the student testing program (TAKS).
The counselors and teachers work with students who are not achieving up to their ability, even
though they are not failing a subject.
Guidance Guidance Services
Services
Orientation: Orientation: Familiarizes incoming sixth graders with elective choices at Cathey, as well as
providing information on school rules, traditions, dress, and also a tour of the campus.
Individual assistance is given to each transfer student throughout the school year.
Pupil Pupil Appraisal: Appraisal: Cumulative folders containing information helpful to teachers, principals,
parents and students are established for each student. These folders are maintained in the
counselors' offices. Standardized tests are administered to and interpreted for all students to
provide a measure of students’ success and to aid in class course planning.
Counseling: Counseling: Information services and cumulative folder data are available in counseling
sessions. An atmosphere in which a student is free to make informed decisions based on
realistic appraisal of his/her strengths and weaknesses are encouraged. Students may discuss
personal or social problems that are interfering with their educational progress. Referrals for
additional assistance are often made to community resources.
Specialized Specialized Instructional Instructional Services
Services
The services of an educational diagnostician, a speech therapist, a homebound teacher and
other specialized personnel are available to Cathey students. Teachers make referrals through
the counseling staff.
Media Media Media Services
Services
Library: Library: Library: The library is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. each day. Use of the library may be
arranged as needed. The library is not a place to meet friends or to socialize. No one is to leave
the library until the 7:50 a.m. bell rings. Special meetings or programs are also held in the
library throughout the school year. The following rules are to be observed in the library.
Teachers will accompany classes to the library and will stay with them. Twenty minutes per
class is allocated for checking our books.
Library discipline will be maintained by the teacher who remains with his/her class.
Sign-up in advance for class visitation to the library. No more than two classes per period will
be allowed.
Reference books may be taken to the classroom only if they are not needed in the library.
Students pay the purchase price for a list book. If a damaged book warrants rebinding, the cost
of such rebinding is charged to the student
Fines will be issued for overdue books. The fine is $.05 per day.
Teachers may checkout library books for as long as they desire. There is no required date for
returning books. However, teachers are requested to return library books as soon as they are
finished with them. The librarian is always available to help teachers locate materials for units
of study. Teachers are urged to utilize all services offered through the library. Globes and other
teaching materials may be checked-out by teachers.
All Audio-visual equipment, computer software and hardware are housed in the library. Most
types of media are available for teacher use. Check with the librarian to review new
acquisitions. Teacher input on materials to be purchased is welcomed.
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Teachers who make special assignments that require time in the library should make sure that
books are available. Please do this in advance of the assignment being made. If the necessary
books are not available or if additional copies are needed, fill out the proper form and submit it
to the librarian. Try to stagger the assignments so that your students are not required to have
the same book at the same time.
When planning an interdisciplinary unit (IDU), team leaders need to check with the librarian
before scheduling the unit in order to ensure resources are available and there is ample time in
the library. It is imperative that only one academic team be working on an IDU at a time. In
addition, when students are scheduled to work in the library on an IDU, one teacher from the
team must supervise the students at all times.
Teachers are encouraged to suggest books and AV materials that will be beneficial to their
department. Remember, it is better to spend a little time requesting titles rather than not having
books accessible to students.
Equipment: Equipment: Phonographs, tape recorders, videotape recorders, overhead and opaque
projectors, TV's, filmstrip projectors and film projectors are available in the library. These items
are in demand so when possible, teachers within departments should coordinate the use of the
equipment. A form requesting use of AV equipment is in the library and needs to be completed
for the date and period/periods of use.
Films: Films: Many industries and service groups offer film service. Catalogs are available in the
library. It is the responsibility of each teacher or department to return films to the library.
Professional Professional Professional Library: Library: A small collection of professional books is set apart for teachers' use.
The librarian welcomes suggestions of other professional books that would be helpful to the
staff.
Campus Campus Meetings
Meetings
Faculty Faculty Meetings Meetings: Meetings : Faculty and Curriculum Dialogue meetings will be held on the Wednesdays
following the Principal's meetings. Refer to the calendar for dates. Please do not schedule
appointments for these days. If there is a change in date you will be notified in advance.
Faculty meetings are held in the library at 4:15 p.m., and Curriculum Dialogue meetings are
held in the department chair’s room. If you have after school duty on one of these dates, confer
with Dr. Gonzalez.
Campus Campus Instructional Instructional Leadership Leadership Team Team Meetings Meetings (CILT): (CILT):
(CILT): CILT meetings will be held on the last
Thursday of the month throughout the year. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss
curricular issues and topics of concern to the members of the departments. Meetings will be
held in the conference room at 4:15 p.m.
Academic Academic Team Team Leader Leader Meetings Meetings: Meetings The principal will meet with teams in order to provide
technical assistance and facilitate curriculum and instruction. Team leaders will meet with
administration every Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. in the conference room.
SBSDM SBSDM Meetings: Meetings: Meetings: Please refer to the calendar for dates. Meetings will be held after school at
4:15 p.m. in the Cathey Library.
Administrative Administrative Meetings: Meetings: Administrative meetings will include non-teaching professional that
play a major role in the success of our program. These meetings are used for collaborating; and
problem solving. These meetings are held every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. in the conference room.
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Cancellation Cancellation of of of Classes
Classes
If the need arises to cancel classes due to an emergency for inclement weather, hurricane or
other weather watches the following TV and radio stations will be notified:
Channel 5 TV
Channel 4 TV
Channel 37
KRIO AM Radio, McAllen
KRIT AM Radio, Mission (Spanish Radio)
KBFM FM Radio, 104.1
KQXX FM Radio, 98.5
Policies Policies and and Procedures
Procedures
The The Workday
Workday
It is imperative that we observe certain rules in order to set a pattern for the young people we
teach. The same standard for being punctual should apply to students and adults. Teachers are
expected to meet the following work schedule:
All teachers are to be in the building by 7:45 a.m. All teachers will be in their classrooms by
7:55a.m.
All teachers should check their e-mail account first thing in the morning and before they leave
for the day. Check the mailbox during your conference period in the event a message has been
placed there.
Teachers may leave after duty and tutoring, and no earlier than 4:15.
The checkout sheet on the counter in the main office MUST BE SIGNED if you leave the
building during the day for any reason. It is ESSENTIAL that we be able to locate you in case of
an emergency.
The building will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. until
4:30 p.m. If you need to be in the building at other hours or on weekends, make arrangements
with the assistant principal.
Conference Conference Period
Period
A conference period is provided for each teacher to do necessary paper work and plan
instruction. It also offers a time during the school day for students, parents and staff to confer
with the teacher. Teachers needing to be off campus during their conference period must
report to the office before leaving and upon returning. A sign-out form is in the office for this
purpose. Absence from the building during the conference period should be the exception, NOT
A REGULAR EVENT. Notify a member of the administrative team before leaving. DO NOT tell
your team leader or another teacher. It is imperative that an administrator knows where you
will be.
Lesson Lesson Planning
Planning
Lesson planning is a critical part of instruction. The plan is the road map we use to meet our
goals and objectives for student learning. Each teacher will have a plan book in which to record
the plan for the week. A copy of your plans will be left with the department head and principals
each Friday prior to the week for which lesson plans are written. In the plans include:
Objective, Materials, Procedures and Assessment. If you need assistance in writing plans, see
your department head or team leader. The administrators are also available for reviewing plans.
Smart planning will provide for student success.
15

Requests Requests for for Substitutes Substitutes
Substitutes
Each teacher is responsible to plan for meaningful instruction when taking leave or being
absent. Teachers will be prepared by having class rosters, seating charts and lesson plans
available for substitutes. At some times it is more difficult to secure a substitute: Fridays,
around holidays, at the end of the school year. Advance notice will mean that a qualified person
will be in your classroom. Remember that personal leave requires 7 days prior approval from
the principal.
After you have requested a substitute on the substitute finder follow it up after a reasonable
amount of time by calling the system to see if it actually found a substitute for you. If the
system did not find you a substitute then you will be expected to report to work.
Preparing Preparing for for a a Substitute
Substitute
Whether you know days in advance that you will be absent or if you become ill during the
night, you owe it to your pupils and to your replacement to provide a situation that enhances
learning. A substitute teacher is versatile, but his/her effectiveness decreases every time
something unexpected occurs that could have been prevented. Most absences cannot be
predicted in advance. Each afternoon you should consider the possibility that you might not be
back in the morning. You might be able to decipher notes in your plan book, but can a
substitute? Include all information on the next day's schedule that you would want to have if
you were the substitute.
Early in the year develop a Substitute Folder. Identify it as such and place it on top of our plan
book at the end of the day. In addition to your name and phone number include in it:
A current seating chart for each class.
Your lunch period.
Special grouping within the class.
Statements describing routine procedures for handling restroom privileges, handling out
papers, discipline, requests to see the counselor or nurse, etc.
A copy of school rules and fire drill procedures.
A description of your extra responsibilities and duties for each day of the week.
Copies of several lesson plans for the day, if it is necessary to adjust the instructional plan.
Provide supplementary assignments for those students who complete everything quickly.
Include in the substitute folder a Teacher Feedback Form so that you can receive a review of the
day.
Teacher attendance is a factor that affects student performance. Think of this when considering
being absent, as opposed to being present.
Attendance
Attendance
Please do not forget to bring in the paperwork to back your absences. This is especially
important for Jury Duty absences and illness for more than 5 days. Front Office Manager will
answer any questions you have, but remember it is your responsibility to bring in the
paperwork to avoid being docked.
Students Students Students Out Out of of Class
Class
Teachers are not to detain students after the bell if they are missing another class. In calling for
a student from class to attend a team meeting please make prior arrangements with the other
team. Students may be required to miss a class in order to make-up work for another teacher.
16

Students should NEVER be left unsupervised. If an emergency arises, call the office for
assistance (See Board Policy).
Teachers are directly responsible for proper discipline in the classroom and for conduct in the
halls around their room. All teachers are to be at their doors between periods.
In order to maintain a positive learning climate and building security it is necessary to keep hall
traffic to a minimum. Students are not to leave the classroom indiscriminately. When a student
leaves the classroom for ANY reason the Hall Pass in their agenda should be used. Students will
carry this with them in the hall.
General General Management
Management
Teachers are expected to handle routine disruptions that arise within the classroom. They
should not wait until a situation gets out of hand before requesting assistance. If it is necessary
to remove a student from the room, send him/her to the office of the assigned grade level
assistant principal. DO NOT HAVE HIM/HER STAND OUTSIDE YOUR ROOM. A Discipline
Referral Form MUST is sent with the student. Students will not be seen by an administrator
without proper documentation.
The suggestions for classroom management below represent the collective wisdom of teachers
and administrators. While they may be particularly useful to new teachers, they are also offered
as reminders to experienced teachers:
Inform students of your expectations. Review the school rules with your class and post them in
the room. Once your classroom routine is established, be consistent in reinforcing the rules.
Get to know your students. Have group building activities each day for the first two weeks of
school. Standing at your door between periods will give you a chance to visit with students as
they travel to and from classes.
Begin your class on time. Have students copy the homework assignment in their agenda.
Starting your class promptly with a meaningful activity will encourage students to be punctual.
Avoid confronting problem students in from of the class. Deal with them privately.
Deal with problem students calmly, not allowing your emotions to control you. You are the
adult.
Do not bluff. Avoid the trap of issuing ultimatums or making unreasonable threats.
When given the opportunity, praise students. Positive reinforcement is powerful.
A sense of humor is essential to success in the classroom.
Hall Hall Supervision:
Supervision: You are expected to be in the hall by your classroom door during "passing"
time between each of your class periods and from 7:50 – 7:55 a.m. After school, supervise the
halls and corridors in your classroom area until clear of students (from 4:05 - 4:15 p.m.) If you
need to confer with a student, a parent or other teacher ask that they wait until hall supervision
is complete. Students are not to be in a classroom without a teacher present, nor should they
roam the halls in the morning, at lunch periods or after school. Teachers will serve hall duty
and monitor the campus grounds as assigned. The important thing to remember is to be visible,
walking around. Monitoring student behavior is the responsibility of ALL staff. If a teacher
ignores unacceptable conduct, we all suffer. We are a community and must support each other.
17

Food Food Service
Service
Food Service personnel will serve breakfast from 7:15 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. daily. Prices are as
follows for secondary schools:
Lunch is served during the three grades lunch periods. Prices are as follow:
Student Lunch FREE
Adult Lunch $3.25
Adult Breakfast $1.75
Note: Prices for Adult meals are subject to change without notice.
A la Carte items will also be offered. Prices will be posted in the cafeteria. Each day, students
have a choice from a sack lunch, a "hot" tray lunch or a "healthy" lunch (salad and low fat
items).
Student Student Lunch Lunch Lunch Procedures: Procedures: All students receive free lunch
School School Equipment Equipment Equipment & & Supplies
Supplies
Co Conservation Co nservation of Supplies
Adequate supplies will be available for the Cathey staff to do its job. We should, however, do
everything possible to prevent waste. Common sense should always be applied in the use of
copy machines, duplicators, paper, etc.
Purcha Purchasing Purcha Purchasing
sing
No purchases may be made and charged to school accounts without the issuance of an
authorized purchase order. Purchase orders must be signed by the superintendent of school or
by the business manager if the purchase is to come from tax funds. Purchase against the middle
school activity account must be signed by the sponsor and the principal. In past years, teachers
have sometimes purchased supplies without approval and purchase order; you buy at your own
risk. It is contrary to the regulations of the Texas Education Agency and local school board to
authorize payment unless purchases are made in the approved approved manner.
manner.
Invoices
Invoices
If you receive invoices or packing lists for any orders you may receive, please mark them
received, initial and return promptly to the principal's secretary. You should use the invoice to
check your shipment, but the bill cannot be paid until all invoices are attached to the carbon of
the purchase order. (Please Note: Do not return any merchandise until a letter is written to the
company by the central office requesting permission to return the merchandise and the reason
it is being returned. You will be notified as to when the merchandise is to be returned.)
Care Care Care of of of Property
Property
Teachers are responsible for the care of equipment and school property in their classrooms. It is
important that equipment be property handled and stored. Teachers should not overlook
intentional damage to desks and other school property. Students caught vandalizing school
property should be sent to the office. Please do not add furniture or permit furniture to be taken
from your room unless it is authorized by the principal.
18

Reports Reports and and Records Records
Records
Reports and records are necessary and seem to have increased in both number and importance.
Therefore, any report compiled must be accurate. All reports will be done in blue or black ink.
This applies to attendance records as well as any information that is to be kept for future
reference. Please make every effort to have each report in the office by the due date and time.
Grading Grading Grading Periods Periods for for 201 2012-201 201
201 2013 201
1st Six Weeks: August 27 – October 5 4th Six Weeks: January 22– March 1
2nd Six Weeks: October 9 – November 16 5th Six Weeks: March 4 – April 19
3rd Six Weeks: November 26 – January 18 6th Six Weeks: April 22 – May 31
Grade Grade Books Books / / Attendance
Attendance
Adequate records shall be kept electronically to justify grades and grades placed on the report
card. Recording grades using the electronic grade book is required at Cathey. Teachers are
reminded that attendance is part of the electronic grade book and the State requires a daily
record of attendance be maintained. This means that you will maintain your attendance
manually in Skyward and keep it current. This will be turned in to Counselor’s Clerk at the end
of each 6 weeks. In most instances samples of the student's work should be kept. All grades are
to be posted in numerical value to avoid confusion with posted absences. Please be advised that
adjustments in class lists will continue for the first 3 weeks of school.
Progress Progress Reports
Reports
After three weeks in each attendance period, teachers are to issue a progress report for each
student with a grade average of 70 or below. These progress reports are generated from
SKYWARD. It is strongly suggested that you also hold a parent-teacher conference if the
student is near 70. An additional progress report may be utilized on your own , but separate
from SKYWARD.
Progress Reports will be due to the Assistant Principal by 10:00 a.m.
Report Report Cards Cards – Grade Grade Audit Audit Audit Report Reports Report
All grades in Skyward must be complete by the last day of the six weeks. Grade audit reports
will be in your mailbox the next morning.
Report cards will be mailed to parents the week following each six weeks.
Jewish Jewish Jewish Holidays
Holidays
"A person who is a member of the Jewish Faith shall be excused from attending school on the
days Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are observed, but shall be counted as if he/she attended
school for purposes of calculating the average daily attendance of students in the school
district" (Texas Education Code)
Lockers
Lockers
Students are required to keep their lockers clean and orderly. Students may go to their lockers
before school, before and after lunch and at the end of the day. All backpacks must be kept in
the lockers all day until the end of the school day; otherwise, they will be picked up. A "Locker
Check" will be conducted two times during the school year. Teachers will be given notice of the
dates.
**Lockers will be assigned by team. Team Leaders will be issued a master list of locker
assignments for their team. Guard it WELL.
19

Students Students Tardy Tardy to to Class
Class
Tardy Tardy Policy Policy - Student success is Cathey Middle School’s main priority. In order to
maintain a structured environment that is conductive to learning and that promotes
self-discipline, we implemented a new tardy policy:
Tardy 1-2 – student/teacher conference
Tardy 3-4 – teacher will call parent
Tardy 5 – discipline referral
Tardy 1-4 consequence = lunch detention
Tardy 5 consequence = On Campus Suspension and Administrator will call
parent
Note: Students will start back at the Tardy 1 level after they serve OCS at Tardy
#5. At the end of every six weeks all students start back at the Tardy 1 level.
Achievement Achievement and and Behavior Behavior Behavior Report Report
Report
At times you will receive a request for information on grades, conduct, attitude, class
attendance or number of tardies to class for a student. These requests are made by counselors or
administrators and which are used for parent counseling. In some cases they are part of the
official school record for discipline hearings. Regardless of the purpose, it is imperative that the
information be accurate, factual and detailed. Avoid opinions, generalizations and subjective
comments. School board members and/or attorneys may read your comments. Complete and
return the reports PROMPTLY.
Grading Grading
Grading
McAllen I.S.D. operates on a semester system for grading. Each semester will consist of three six
weeks periods. The first three constitute the first semester (and conclude before the Winter
Holidays) and the last three are the second semester. See the official district calendar for 2012-
2013 in the appendix. No "special tests" are required for the end of a grading period; these are
optional. Remember there are federal regulations regarding student grades. Do not post grades
by name or I.D. number, don’t call out grades, and don’t exchange papers for grading! (FERPA
Law)
Grade Grade Grade Reporting
Reporting
A. Grades shall be recorded numerically.
B. Report cards are mailed to parents.
C. Progress Reports will be sent to every student who is not making satisfactory progress in
an academic subject at the mid-point of six weeks. A progress report to all students is strongly
recommended.
D. No less than 7 grades should be recorded in each of the major subject areas for each six
weeks period. The actual distribution of recorded grades might consist of one grade this week,
three grades for the next week. Teachers will indicate in their grade books the objective being
assessed by the grade and the type of assignment graded.
E. Teachers should consider testing units of study rather than testing over an entire six
weeks period. It is not a sound instructional practice to arbitrarily test at a point that does not
fit the content. The objective is to place emphasis on testing at the appropriate time rather than
at formal testing periods.
20

F. Students shall be permitted to make up assignments and tests after excused or
unexcused absences. The number of days to make up work is at the teacher’s discretion. We
recommend that the team make a joint decision. See Board Policy EIA (Local)
Skyward
Skyward
Skyward is a computerized grading system adopted by the district. It is meant to replace the
teacher grade book to expedite record keeping. All teachers at Cathey are required to use this
system. See Mr. Crounse for training.
Determination Determination of of Honor Honor Students Students Students at at the
the
Middle Middle School School Level
Level
The McAllen Independent School District will recognize the top ten eighth grade students who
have accrued the highest grade point average in both 7th and 8th grade. The averages will be
determined by using the 7th grade final averages for the year and the eighth grade averages
through the 5th six weeks of the year. All students must have received grades from MISD for
each reporting period in the eighth grade. Students who transferred from other school districts
will have their letter grades converted as follows:
A=95 B=86 C=79 and F=68 Numerical grades will be accepted at face value.
All grades earned in both 7th and 8th grades will be totaled and divided by the total number of
courses taken. The division will be carries out to the number of decimal places necessary to
determine student rank.
The "Top Ten" students will be recognized as such, rather than as valedictorian and
salutatorian. These are honors reserved for high school and college.
Grading Grading System
System
6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will receive numerical grades every six weeks. The following
conversion table shall be in effect:
A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 75-79 D = 70-74
F = Below 70 I = Incomplete
Conduct Conduct Conduct Grades:
Grades:
Conduct grades will be given as indicated below:
E = Excellent
S = Satisfactory
The student has a fine attitude, is cooperative and generally conforms to school rules and
regulations.
N = Needs Improvement
The student's attitude needs to improve.
There are infractions of school rules and behavior code.
U = Unsatisfactory
The student is uncooperative and his attitude is poor. He/she disrupts class and shows little
respect for school rules and regulations.
21

Mc McAllen Mc
Allen ISD ISD Guidelines Guidelines for for Retesting Retesting Retesting at at the the Secondary Secondary Level
Level
McAllen ISD Guidelines for Grading – Effective August 2011
Purpose for Grading Guidelines
Implementing consistent district grading policies and guidelines are important
components in the effectiveness and credibility of our educational system. Student
grades serve as (1) a tool to promote meaningful evaluation of student achievement, (2)
to inform students and parents of academic progress, and (3) to help improve student
performance, habits, and practices. The process to determine those grades should reflect
a standard of reliability and validity. Grading should be fair, consistent, and measure the
curriculum that has been taught.
Reference to Board Policy – EIA Local
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that each campus or instructional level
develops guidelines for teachers to follow in determining grades for students. These
guidelines shall ensure that grading reflects a student’s relative mastery of an assignment
and that a sufficient number of grades are taken to support the grade average assigned.
Guidelines for grading shall be clearly communicated to students and parents. In
accordance with grading guidelines, a student shall be permitted a reasonable opportunity
to redo an assignment or retake a test for which the student received a failing grade.
District Guidelines for Grading
#1 - Minimum Number of Assessments per Grading Period - for all subjects and grade
levels
Major Assessments (per subject) = 3
Minor Assessments (per subject) = 4
Total Number of Major and Minor Assessments = 7
Number of Major & Minor Assessments for Progress Reports (at least 1 being a
Major Assessment) = 3
Elementary Only – Reading / Language Arts and Mathematics grades in elementary will
comply with the district grading guidelines. With Science and Social Studies in
elementary, however, a minimum of four assessments is required per marking period for
each subject with at least one being a major assessment.
#2 - “Reasonable opportunity” for retesting:
All students will be able to substitute the retest grade for the failing grade, but the
grade will be no higher than a 70.
The student must participate in some form of re-teaching / tutoring prior to the retest.
Homework grades and class work grades do not apply.
#3 - “Reasonable opportunity "to redo or make-up an (major assessment) assignment:
All students will be given up to 3 additional school days to re-do a failing
assignment, but the grade will be no higher than a 70. A teacher will have the
22

option of assigning an alternative assignment in lieu of the original. Daily class
work and homework do not apply.
All students will be given 3 additional days to make-up an assignment if late
(with a progressive grade penalty of 10 points per day), and if excused
absence/s, given the total number of absent days (up to 3) to make up an
assignment (without penalty). Daily class work and homework do not apply.
In extenuating circumstances with absences, the campus principal will make a
decision on the assignment and make-up days.
#4 - The grade from any assessment administered through the last day of the marking
period will be included in the current marking period. All assessments must be
reported to the student prior to the end of the last day of the marking period.
#5 - Secondary Only - All teachers will provide parents and students with a Syllabi for
All Courses.
Components of Syllabi
One to two pages in Word document (no longer)
Teacher Name / Class Times
Course Outline / Timeline
Books / Materials / Major projects / Suggested readings
Grading Guidelines / Classroom Expectations
Available tutoring time / conference times
Teacher e-mail
Due to Appraiser – early August, posted on School Fusion Page, and copy kept in
binder in office
#6 - Types of Assessments and Weighting
Major Assessment Exam
Test
Project
Term Paper
Portfolio
Benchmark
Minor Assessment Quiz
Presentation
Journal
Lab
A.R.
Elementary Middle School High School
60% Exam
Test
Project
Term Paper
Presentation
Portfolio
Benchmark
Lab
30% Quiz
Homework
Class work
Participation
Journal
A.R.
23
60% Exam
Test
Project
Term Paper
Presentation
Portfolio
Benchmark
40% Quiz
Journal
Lab
Separate Category Daily Class work 10% N/A Homework
Class work
Participation
60%
30%
10%

School School Activities
Activities
All activities must be planned and approved four to five weeks in advance by the Principal by
submitting a scheduling form (provided in the back). After approval, the sponsor should place
the activity on the school calendar in the Assistant Principal's office. Activities should be ageappropriate.
School sponsors must always be present at meetings and activities and sponsors should be
certain that parents have signed the proper approval slip before any off-campus activity.
Remember that although students should always be included in the planning of activities, the
final responsibility belongs to the sponsor. A copy of any new organization's constitution should
be kept on file in the office. The school secretary is not responsible for collecting club money.
Student Student Trips
Trips
Coaches and directors of students participating in UIL activities and club sponsors/teachers
taking groups on field trips must provide the faculty with lists of students and their I.D.
numbers who are participating. The following guidelines apply:
The date, time and purpose of the absence should be clearly stated.
The list of students should be alphabetized and grade level and I.D. numbers indicated.
Typing is preferred to handwriting of the list.
For long lists, copies should be placed in all teachers’ boxes or e-mailed to all. A copy of the list
must be given to the attendance clerk and both assistant principals.
Lists should be provided to the faculty several days prior to the absence. This will allow teachers
to provide class assignments in advance.
The lists must be signed by the coach, sponsor or teacher and approved by a principal.
The list should be given to the cafeteria as students being absent affect food preparation.
Students are not allowed to participate in school sponsored UIL or club trips and activities
unless eligibility has been met. This is determined at the beginning of six weeks. A student must
be passing all classes to be eligible.
The UIL standard represents the minimum requirement for students engaged in any extracurricular
activities which require absences from school. (This does not apply to students
scheduled to participate in class field trips.) Depending upon the purpose of the club, its
constitutional provisions, etc., organizations are free to adopt a stronger eligibility rule.
Sponsors will determine eligibility from student report cards. Sponsors are also responsible for
enforcing the particular standard of their club.
24

Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Info Information Info rmation
Personnel Personnel Files
Files
The Texas Education Agency requires that you have on file in the central office the following
materials before you are eligible to receive a paycheck:
An official college transcript which proves your right to the salary you receive and your right to
the position you hold. (Have additional copies for your personal use. The above copy cannot be
removed from the files.)
A valid Texas Teaching Certificate.
A Teacher Service Record which is accurate and up-to-date.
Copies of certain oaths required by Texas Public Schools and properly executed by you.
A degree plan, if you do not have a degree, showing exactly how you plan to remove the
deficiencies leading to a degree.
Emergency Permit. If a teacher has an emergency permit or emergency certificate, it is that
teacher's responsibility to see that all requirements are met by the proper time line. All teachers
have the responsibility for being sure that all credentials required are on file in the
superintendent's office. Paychecks may not be issued if all requirements are not met.
Electronic Electronic Communication
Communication
Board policy on use of districts’ electronic communication systems, including Internet. Please
read the attached information.
Teacher Teacher Appearance
Appearance
Cathey Middle School takes great pride in being one of the best middle schools in the state of
Texas. This pride must be reflected in our professional appearance. In order to maintain our
image and our excellent reputation we will all dress professionally on a daily basis.
Note: The exception for warm-ups and shorts will be for Physical Education teachers. The
exception for jeans will be for Career/Technology (when constructing) and Art (when
painting)
Spirit Day – Fridays are designated Spirit Days at Cathey Middle School. Jeans may be worn
with a spirit shirt on Fridays.
Smoke Smoke-Free Smoke Free Campus
Campus
Cathey Middle School is a smoke free campus in accordance with McAllen I.S.D. school policy.
Smoking is prohibited any place on campus.
Telephone Telephone Calls
Calls
Teachers are not called out of the classroom to accept telephone calls except for emergencies.
Messages are taken and placed in the teacher's mailbox.
No long distance calls are to be made unless approved by an administrator. A record of each
long distance call must be filled out and given to the principal's secretary.
A telephone for teacher use is provided in the workroom/lounge.
Classroom phones are to be used for business purposes only. Student use should be extremely
limited and only when approved by the teacher.
Outside Outside Use Use of of School School Eq Equipment Eq uipment
The McAllen School Board had adopted a policy that no outside organization may use any
school building or equipment without a petition to the school board prior to the time for use.
25

Teacher Teacher Retirement Retirement System
System
Texas teachers are members of the Texas State Retirement System. Six percent of a teacher's
salary is deducted from each check and this amount is matched by the state. An extra $10.00 is
deducted annually from September checks for enrollment in the system.
Group Group Group Insurance
Insurance
McAllen ISD personnel are provided group insurance coverage. Teachers have options as to the
type and amount of coverage they select. The Human Resources Office has information about
insurance and an Employee Assistance Program.
26

Cathey Middle School
Request Request for for Sche Scheduling Sche Sche duling Activity on on Campus Campus Calendar Calendar
Club/Team Fund Raisers - Dances - Concerts - Field Trips
Sponsor/Teacher: Club or Team:
Grade Level: Date:
Activity:
Length of Time:
Purpose for Activity:
Explanation and Comments:
Request Approved
Request Rejected
Principal's Signature Date
Posted on Activity Calendar
27

Teacher:
Cathey Middle School
Request Request for for Use Use of of Videos Videos and and Movies
Movies
Subject: Period/s:
Date to be Shown:
Title:
Length:
Purpose for Showing:
Objectives:
Explanation/Comments:
Request Approved
Request Rejected
Principal's Signature Date
28

McAllen Independent School District
Cathey Middle School
Dear Parents:
A school-sponsored trip is being planned, and we are setting out below the
details of such trip. It is felt that your son or daughter will benefit through this
educational experience, and every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety
of all students engaged in this activity. We are requesting your consent to your
child’s participation, and we are also requesting you to authorize the sponsor or
sponsors of such trip to secure emergency medical attention, in your behalf, for
your child if it is thought to be necessary during such trip, and to release the
school district and those in charge from responsibility for accidents.
Date or dates of our trip:
Depart: o’clock M. on from
Return: o’clock M. on to
Purpose and destination:
Transportation:
Sponsor or Sponsors:
Comments:
_____________________
Principal or Sponsor
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Consent Consent
Consent
My son/daughter ________________________ has the permission of the
undersigned to participate in the above trip. We further authorize the sponsor
of said trip to obtain emergency medical attention on our behalf, for the above
named child, if in such sponsor’s or sponsors’ sole judgment such medical
attention is deemed necessary. In is further agreed that McAllen Independent
School District, its trustees, employees and agents are hereby released from any
liability for any damages which our child or which we might sustain resulting
from the above activity.
Student’s Signature Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature
Emergency Contact Name/Number Date
29

McAllen McAllen Independent Independent Sc School Sc hool District District
Cathey Cathey Middle Middle School
School
Estimados Padres:
La Escuela Secundaria Cathey está patrocinando un viaje escolar: Los detalles del
viaje se describen a continuación. Creemos que será una experiencia educativa
benéfica para su hijo/a, y tomaremos todas las precauciones para la seguridad
de los estudiantes participantes. Solicitamos su autorización para que su hijo /
hija pueda participar en esta actividad, para dar atención médica de emergencia
en caso de ser necesario, y eximir al Distrito Escolar y a sus encargados de la
responsabilidad de cualquier accidente.
Fecha:
Salida: a las desde
Llegada: a las a
Propósito del viaje y destino:
Transporte:
Patrocinadores:
Nota:
30
_____________________
Patrocinador
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Permiso
Permiso
Mi hijo/hija ________________________ tiene el permiso del abajo firmante
para participar en este viaje. Autorizo al patrocinador para obtener atención
médica en caso de emergencia. Estoy de acuerdo que el Distrito Escolar de
McAllen, sus administradores, agentes, y empleados no serán hechos
responsables de cualquier daño que nuestro hijo/hija pueda sufrir como
resultado de esta actividad.
Firma del Estudiante Firma del Padre o Tutor
Contacto en caso de emergencia Fecha

If an employee is injured:
McAllen Independent School District
GUIDELINES GUIDELINES TO TO REPORT REPORT AN AN INJURY
INJURY
1. Employee will:
a) Report to the campus nurse for first aid treatment and preliminary
evaluation for further medical attention.
b) Notify the campus principal or direct supervisor of the injury or
illness within 24 hours.
c) Complete, date and sign an Employee’s Incident Report and include
names of all witnesses. Provide a copy to the campus SAFETY
CONTACT PERSON.
d) Obtain an Authorization for Medical Treatment form from the
Employee Benefits Office if further medical treatment is required.
2. Safety Contact Person will:
a) Immediately contact personnel in the EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
DEPARTMENT AT 632-8430 if employee is seriously injured,
disabled or hospitalized.
b) Type a Texas Worker’s Compensation Commission (TWCC) First
Report of Injury form (E-1), (Official State Document)
c) Complete, date and sign an ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT in
detail.
d) Provide the original FIRST REPORT OF INJURY AND EMPLOYEE
INCIDENT REPORT TO THE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS DEPARTMENT
within 24 hours. (TWCC fine for late reporting can be up to $500)
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT will be turned in to the
Employee Benefits Department within 72 hours.
e) Contact and interview all known witnesses to incident. Obtain
complete names, addresses and telephone numbers, also the phone
number of an individual who will always know their whereabouts.
3. Employee treated by physician will:
a) Furnish EMPLOYEE BENEFITS DEPARTMENT with a Physician’s
report and statement of charges within 24 hours following
treatment, if not disabled or hospitalized.
b) Report to the EMPLOYEE BENEFITS DEPARTMENT immediately upon
release by the attending physician following a lost time injury or
illness. (Employees cannot return to work without a medical release
signed by their treating physician)
4. Employee Benefits Office will:
a) Immediately contact personnel in the EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
DEPARTMENT AT 632-8430 if employee is seriously injured,
disabled or hospitalized.
b) Report incident to claims administrator carrier.
c) Provide supplemental medical/treatment forms to claims
administrator.
d) Mail copy of injury report to injured employee.
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e) Follow up and provide encouragement to employee during
recuperative period.
f) Obtain a signed MEDICAL RELEASE from treating physician prior to
allowing the employee to return to their assigned campus or work
site following an injury or illness.
If the employee has questions on workers’ compensation, employee should contact:
Andres Silva Elvira Solis
Administrator for Insurance or Workers’ Compensation Clerk
and Employee Benefits (956) 632-8430
(956) 618-6007
If the employee has questions about the settlement of a claim, the following local
adjusters will provide assistance:
Claims Administrator Carrier Adjuster Adjuster’s Telephone
Crawford & Company (956) 628-5539
P.O. Box 3484
McAllen, TX 78502
If the employee is not satisfied with the telephone answer to questions about settlement
of claim, employee may contact the Texas Worker’s Compensation Commission at:
Texas Worker’s Compensation Commission Texas Worker’s Compensation Commission
Southfield Building Local Office
4000 South IH-35 1508 Dove
Austin, TX 78701-7491 McAllen, TX 78504
(512) 448-7900 (956) 618-2716
If employee has questions on the Texas Workers’ Compensation Law and Employee
Rights, contact:
Or
Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission
Field Office Ombudsman Local Office Ombudsman
(800) 252-7031 (956) 618-2716
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Dr. Rodney D. Cathey Middle School
an Authorized IB World School
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who recognize their
common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, and strive to create a better and
more peaceful world. To help develop these attributes, IB has developed ten Learner Profile
that are embedded in to the curriculum at Cathey Middle School.
Inquirers
IB Student Learner Profiles
Cathey Middle School students are encouraged to develop their natural curiosity. They learn to acquire
the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively
enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Open-minded
Activities for parents
• Encourage areas of your child’s interest by visiting the library to borrow books
that explore these topics or the museums in McAllen and Edinburg.
• Develop an understanding of the Internet and its significance to the 21 st Century.
Work with your son or daughter when the Internet is being used for research or
entertainment. Strive to instill the understanding that some Internet sites are not
reputable or appropriate.
• Model being an Inquirer. Admit when you don’t know the answer to a problem
or a question and seek out answers in front of your child.
Cathey Middle School students learn to understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal
histories, and are tolerant to the perspectives, values, customs, and traditions of other individuals,
communities, and cultures. They become accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of different
points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience and knowledge of others.
Activities for parents
• Encourage your child to try out new things-new food, new games, different
books, and new activities.
• Expose your child to different festivals, celebrations, and traditions. These
should be presented with acceptance and without bias.
• Encourage your child to really listen to others when they speak and to be
respectful of others opinions even if they differ from their own.
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Thinkers
Cathey Middle School students are motivated to use their own personal ingenuity. They learn to
apply critical thinking skills and creatively to recognize and approach and solve complex problems, as
well as make well-reasoned, ethical decisions.
Caring
Activities for parents
• Encourage your child to try to think of solutions to problems independently.
• Pose different real-life problems and questions to your child:
1. “I’m not sure how to arrange the glasses so we can maximize the space.”
2. “I wonder how much the groceries in the cart will cost…how can we make
an estimate?”
• Ask your child questions when they are working on a problem:
1. “Do you have any ideas about how we can begin?”
2. “How can we do this differently? Is there another right answer?”
3. “I have never thought of it that way before. Tell me more about it.”
4. “What other ways can we show that?”
Cathey Middle School students develop empathy, compassion, understanding, and respect towards the
needs and feelings of other individuals and the planet. They develop a personal commitment to service,
and aspire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment.
Knowledgeable
Activities for parents
• Role model the caring behavior you would like to see in your child all the time.
Your child has big eyes and big ears and notices everything you do. Using kind
words, helping people without being asked, and being an active listener, show
your child that you care about people. Even a simple thing, like holding the door
for someone shows your child that you are aware of others and want to help
them.
• Smile
• After reading a book, spend some time considering how the people in the book
acted. Was someone caring? All of the time or just some of the time? Were all of
the characters in the book caring or just some of them?
Cathey Middle School students learn to explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global
significance. In doing so, they acquire an in-depth awareness and obtain understanding across a broad
and balanced range of issues and disciplines.
Activities for parents
• Encourage your child to read books at home that correspond to the topics being
covered in school. In particular, books from different perspectives will help make
more meaningful and lasting connections to what is being taught in their
classroom.
• Ask your child about what they are learning in school and engage them in
conversations about it:
1. “Why do you think that is an important thing to know about?”
2. “Can you think of anything happening in the world now that is similar to
that aspect of History?”
• Encourage your child to become familiar with current events and to read the
newspaper and watch the news when appropriate.
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Principled
Cathey Middle School students are expected to act with integrity and honesty, and develop a
strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and
communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that
accompany them.
Balanced
Activities for parents
• Involve your child in deciding on the rules for a game or activity and then ensure
that they stick to the ones that have been decided upon.
• Encourage your child to play games that involve teams. Discuss with your child
the qualities of a team player. What sort of person would they want on their
team?
• When your child wins a game insist that he or she is a well-mannered winner.
They might thank their opponent or shake hands with them if it’s appropriate.
• When playing a game, don’t change the rules or let your child win. Being a
gracious loser is just as important as being a good winner.
Cathey Middle School students develop an understanding of the importance of intellectual,
physical, and emotional endurance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Communicators
Activities for parents
• Encourage your child to participate in a wide variety of structured activities that
involve academics, the arts, and/or sports.
• Discuss the food groups with your child. Spend a few minutes during a mealtime
deciding if what your family is eating is balanced.
• Role model this attributes. Spend time as a parent or family doing different things
with and without your child.
Cathey Middle School students understand and express ideas and information confidently and
creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work
effectively alone as well as in collaboration with others.
Activities for parents
• Encourage your child to stay in touch with relatives and friends who live in other
countries or states by writing letters, using the phone or sending email.
• When working on mathematics homework. Encourage your child to explain
his/her answer to you orally or by drawing a picture.
• Work with your child to improve his/her listening skills. Being a good listener is
an important part of communicating with others.
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Reflective
Cathey Middle School students give thoughtful consideration to their learning and experience.
They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their
learning and personal development.
Risk-takers
Activities for parents
• Spend some time reviewing your child’s progress reports and report cards with
them. They should have the opportunity to look at this document and consider it
as well. Discuss it with them and truly consider their thoughts and their strengths
and areas for improvement.
Cathey Middle School students approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and
forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They
are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Activities for parents
• If your child is feeling uneasy about trying something, encourage them to attempt
it and then reflect on both whether they liked the activity and how it felt to try
something new.
• Be careful to explain to your child the difference between being a risk-taker by
trying new things and doing dangerous things.
Successful implementation of the IB learner profile in a school will result in a learning
environment in which the aims and values of the IB programmes are strongly evident
and embraced by all members of the community. This is the challenge for
both IB World Schools and the IBO. We all must strive
to put into practice what we believe.
For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit http://www.ibo.org
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Dr. Rodney D. Cathey Middle School
an Authorized IB World School
Adolescents are confronted with a vast and often bewildering array of choices. The MYP is designed to
provide students with the values and opportunities that will enable them to develop sound judgment.
Learning how to learn and how to evaluate information critically is as important as the content
of the subjects themselves. From its beginning, the MYP has been guided by fundamental
concepts that support and strengthen all areas of the curriculum.
IB MYP Fundamental Concepts
Communication
Communication is fundamental to learning and IB encourages a variety of methods for
students to share their learning. These approaches can include writing, speaking, visual
or musical expression and more. The MYP places particular emphasis on language
acquisition. Cathey Middle School’s requirement, that all students have Spanish as their
world language opportunity, is a result of this focus.
Intercultural Awareness
Intercultural Awareness is concerned with the development of student awareness,
attitudes, and knowledge about their own culture as well as the social and national
cultures in other parts of the world. This global perspective is taught with the hope that a
more thorough familiarity with the positive aspects of different cultures will lead to
student behavior that is more tolerant, respectful, and understanding of cultural
differences.
Holistic Learning
Holistic Learning emphasizes the link between disciplines. Interdisciplinary learning
looks for connections between subject areas. As Cathey Middle School grows in its
implementation of the IB program, this emphasis will allow students to see common
themes and issues throughout their learning experience. They should become more
aware of the relevance of their learning as it applies to real-world issues and gain an
understanding that knowledge and learning are not done in isolation, but rather are
connected to their roles in society now and in the future.
These concepts form the basis for the MYP’s curriculum framework, which is shared by World
Schools
in all parts of the world. The fundamental concepts of the MYP are the guiding principles in
designing the curriculum and school activities.
For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit http://www.ibo.org
37

Dr. Rodney D. Cathey Middle School
an Authorized IB World School
Five broad areas known as the Areas of Interaction give the MYP curriculum its
distinctive core and reflect the programme’s focus on students’ intellectual and social
development. These are not academic subjects like the specific disciplines, but rather are
common perspectives embedded within and visible across academic subjects. They
provide a framework of learning, allowing connections among the subjects themselves.
IB MYP Areas of Interaction
Approaches to Learning
APPROACHES TO LEARNING is central to the programme, as it is concerned with
developing the intellectual discipline, attitudes, strategies and skills which will result in critical,
coherent and independent thought and the capacity for problem solving and decision making. It
goes beyond study skills, having to do with learning how to learn and with developing an
awareness of thought processes and their strategic use.
Through approaches to learning, teachers provide students with tools to:
• Take responsibility for their own learning.
• Develop awareness of how they learn best.
• Develop problem solving and decision making.
• Develop awareness of thought process and learning strategies.
• Develop critical, coherent and independent thought.
Community and Service
COMMUNITY AND SERVICE starts in the classroom and extends beyond it, encouraging
responsible, caring participation in the local environment and in the wider world. The emphasis is
on developing community awareness and concern, a sense of responsibility, and the skills and
attitudes needed to make an effective contribution to society.
This component extends learning beyond the classroom and requires students to:
• Take an active part in the communities in which they live, thereby
encouraging responsible citizenship.
• Develop a sense of responsibility.
• Develop skills to make an effective contribution to society.
• Develop community awareness and concern.
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Human Ingenuity
HUMAN INGENUITY is concerned with the products of the creative and inventive genius of
people, and with the impact of this creativity on society and on the human mind. The student
learns to appreciate and experience the human capacity and drive to transform, enjoy and improve
the quality of life over time.
Students explore in multiple ways the processes and products of human creativity to:
• Appreciate and develop the human capacity to influence, transform, enjoy
and improve the quality of life.
• Explore relationships between science, aesthetics, technology and leads
students to examine, experience and reflect on the creative process.
• Understand the ways in which human minds have influenced the world, for
example, the way we are, think, interact with each other, create, find
solutions to, cause problems, transform ideas, and rationalize thought.
Environments
ENVIRONMENTS aims to make students aware of their interdependence with the environment
so that they accept their responsibility for maintaining an environment fit for the future. Students
are confronted with global environmental issues that require balanced understanding in the
context of sustainable development.
Aims to develop awareness of humanity’s interdependence with environments so students:
• Accept responsibility for maintaining an environment fit for the future.
• Make informed decisions on environmental situations and understand
political and economic environmental issues.
• Consider how humans interact with the world at large and the parts we play
in our environments.
• Understand how their actions extend into areas beyond human issues and ask
them to consider environments ranging from their immediate classroom
environments to global environments and examine these interrelationships.
Health and Social Education
HEALTH AND SOCIAL EDUCATION concentrates on preparation for a physically and
mentally healthy life in which the student is aware of potential hazards and is able to make
informed choices based on respect for body and mind. This area encourages students to explore
their own selves as they develop healthy relationships with others. The areas of interaction are
closely linked to each other and to the eight subject groups, which they touch in different ways.
Aims to educate the whole person dealing with physical, social and emotional health and
intelligence—key aspects of development leading to complete and healthy lives. Students
will:
• Develop skills and knowledge to make informed choices.
• Become aware of potential hazards and take responsibility for their own wellbeing.
• Take responsibility for their social environment and understand the relationship
between the individual and society.
These areas are addressed in a consistent and creative fashion over the five-year cycle of the MYP,
primarily through the subject groups, but also through interdisciplinary teaching and projects,
activities involving the whole school, and personal research.
For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit http://www.ibo.org
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