Monday Memo
April 20, 2020
Happy Birthday!
- Scott Blatt - April 23rd
- Nancy Stump - April 25th
- Shawn Meals - April 26th
Zoom Faculty Meeting @ 2pm ~ TODAY
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72257226746?pwd=YkxQREs0MnlHd1ZhQVY5NFUrTXgrZz09
Meeting ID: 722 5722 6746
Password: 9KdPXf
Technology Needs
Congratulate Andrew Kline!
Mandated Reporting Q&A
During the COVID-19 School Closure, do the educator mandated reporting responsibilities apply?
Yes, Mandated reporting responsibilities apply during the continuity of education plans when instructing/servicing virtually.
Mandatory Reporting
All educators have certain mandatory reporting responsibilities under the Educator Discipline Act. In addition, chief school administrators have specific and expanded reporting duties beyond their responsibilities as a general member of the education profession. Please note that our focus is solely on the duty to report misconduct to the Department of Education under the Educator Discipline Act. Reporting to the Department does not relieve you of any other duty to report to either law enforcement and/or child protective services.
All Educators Reporting Duties to the Department of Education
All educators who know of any action, inaction or conduct which may constitute sexual abuse or exploitation or sexual misconduct are now required to file a mandatory report with the Department and shall report such misconduct to his or her chief school administrator and immediate supervisor. Mandatory Report Forms
Student Safety/Security and Mandated Reporting in an online learning environment
Rationale: Pennsylvania educators are required to adhere to all mandated reporting obligations regardless of the educational environment. Documenting and logging communication records, safeguarding student and staff privacy, and observing for warning signs in student behavior are all critical to maintaining a safe learning environment.
Suggested strategies and considerations:
· Documentation: Documentation of communication between faculty, students and families is a proactive approach that allows school personnel to identify recurring issues and recognize patterns of behavior. Implementing processes and procedures to document communication eliminates barriers across school systems.
· Communication: Engagement in frequent communication with families through email, phone or other communication methods.
· Changes in Behavior: Changes in behavior or frequency of communication are possible warning signs of changes in the home environment that could affect student performance and identify signs of negative or unhealthy living situations.
· Analyzing Student Work: Remain cognizant that student work submissions could be an outlet utilized as a means of expressing negative feelings, sharing of emotions and/or manifesting thoughts of self-harm.
Child Line toll-free hotline, 1-800-932-0313
Additional Resources Available:
· National Domestic Hotline | (800) 799-7233
· Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741
· Safe2Say https://www.safe2saypa.org/ or 1-844-SAF2SAY (1-844-723-2729)
· Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline – 1800-4ACHILD
· SAMHSA Distress Helpline — 800-985-5990 or text “talk with us” to 66746
· 211 — National Suicide Hotline
· Crisis Textline — Text CONNECT to 741741
· National Alliance of Mental Illness — 1-800-950-6264 (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET)
· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
One Stop Shop for Online Resources - Updated Weekly!
Distant Learning: https://sites.google.com/berksiu.org/distancelearningbciu/home
Core Connections to Virtual Learning: https://sites.google.com/berksiu.org/core-connections-virtual/home
Tips for Setting Online Boundaries with Students
Sick and Personal Days
You can still use your personal days and sick days as you normally would.
Put the day in AESOP as usual, notify your students, and Sean and me that you will be "out" that day.
There is no expectation that you work, check email, check Schoology etc. while on paid time off.