I Don't Know what I Need to Know!

If you already know where to park and you have your gradebook in hand, here are some other more things to know and have.

Know:

• Your school hours
  
• Your classroom and curriculum duties and responsibilities
  
• Additional duties and responsibilities such as bus, hall, and lunch duties
  

• The district's and/or school's policy on:
  

  Homework
  Dispensing medication
  Referrals to special programs
  E-mail and Internet usage
  Grading
  Fire drills and lockdowns
  Field trips
  

• How to handle a sick day, personal leave day, or an emergency for you
  
• Who to contact in case of a classroom or school emergency
  
• When faculty, team, or other regular meetings are held
  
• Where and how to get classroom supplies
  
• How to communicate with parents
  
• How to fill out school forms
  
• How and when you are paid; payroll deductions
  
• What insurance coverage you have
  
• When is open house and what is the policy or procedure for it

Have:

• Required district forms such as W-2, insurance enrollment, teaching certificate, contract
  
• Grade book or other student record forms
  
• Calendar
  
• A copy of the student handbook
  

• Forms you will need during the first week:
  

  Accident reports
  Absence reports
  Hall passes