If you suspect child abuse of any kind, you must report it. It is our legal obligation to report any suspected abuse. If you need help with making the report, please see Joanne Kruer(Guidance Specialist), Jessica McCoy(DMHS), or administration. Once the Cabinet begins its investigation, the school can no longer investigate or be involved.
In addition to reporting suspected child abuse, staff are now required to report if there has been an allegation of abuse reported against themselves - failure to report will result in disciplinary actions and possible termination.
It is best practice to not mix school business with your personal social media accounts.
Avoid including parents or students on any personal social media.
Do not post students on your personal Facebook or social media - If you have a class Facebook page, you must have parent permission to post pictures of their child.
Do not “vent” frustration or anger about district or school issues on social media - Remember the Employee Code of Conduct
The district strongly discourages texting with parents and students.
This can also become open records.
Do not use your Fayette County email for personal use; remember your email is public record.
If you don’t want it put on the front of the Herald Leader, don’t put it in an email.
Do not use students’ full names in emails or disclose any information that shouldn’t be included in open records at a later time.
Emails should not include information about students, employees or parents that can be used later to incriminate and become open records.
Keep emails short and to the point – lengthy explanations should be discussed over the phone.
Staff may receive information regarding students or employees’ medical, educational or legal issues and are required to keep it confidential and are legally prohibited from passing confidential information to any unauthorized person.
Confidentiality is discussed and explained to employees in many forms: this handbook, our opening meeting, the employee code of conduct, FERPA training, online safety training, etc…
Important precautions:
Avoid texting and calling parents from your personal cell phone number – use email or the school phone.
Avoid conferencing with parents about concerns over free apps (i.e. Class Dojo, Remind 101, etc)- communication on these apps should be limited to announcements, reminders and quick questions about homework/assignments.
These apps have a third party that may be able to view the information.
Students must have a signed media release form before posting pictures on these apps as well.
Avoid discussing students in public or with individuals that are non-related to the student’s educational needs.
Workroom chatter is also a violation of FERPA laws if discussions are about confidential student information.
FAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOLS
Employee Code of Conduct
Each Fayette County Schools employee shall:
Report to work on time and prepared for duty.
Comply with directives and duties that are legal and safe.
Maintain safe and secure working and learning environments.
Demonstrate professionalism, respect, fairness, and dignity when interacting with students, parents, staff/co-workers, and community members.
Comply with federal laws, state statutes, and FCPS policies that prohibit conduct that could reasonably be construed as coercive, retaliating, harassing, intimidating, bullying, discriminating, or threatening.
Communicate truthfully and honestly and ensure that all records, disclosures or other communications are complete, fair, accurate, timely and understandable to the best of his or her knowledge.
Acquire, use, maintain, and dispose of district assets, including technology, in an ethical and responsible manner.
Maintain the confidentiality of information as required under federal laws, state statutes, and FCPS policies.
Use established protocols to intervene against and/or report actions, behaviors or safety concerns that may represent one or more violations of federal law, state statute, or FCPS policy.
10. Refrain from activities outside of the contract day that may reasonably limit and/or interfere with his or her ability to effectively perform duties as assigned.
11. Comply with all other federal laws, state statutes, and FCPS policies as well as established operational routines or procedures.
Employee Signature: __________________________ Date reviewed: _______________