New Employee Information

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Click on highlighted Table of Contents headings to jump directly to that section

Welcome ----------------------------------------------------------- 3

Checklist for new Employees --------------------------------------- 4

Introduction ------------------------------------------------------ 5

Ownership 

The Program 

Conflict of Interest 

Equal Opportunity Employment 

Employment Qualification 

Personal Data 

Dress Code 

Confidentiality 

Performance Evaluations 

Compensation ------------------------------------------------------ 7

Time Sheets 

Pay Periods 

Absences from Work ------------------------------------------------ 8

Holidays

Vacations

Personal Days

Sick Pay

Funeral

Jury Duty or Subpoenaed Appearances

Voting

Leaves of Absences ------------------------------------------------ 10

Parental Leave

Medical Leave

Personal Leave

Military Leave

Employee Rights and Responsibilities ------------------------------ 11

Attendance and Punctuality

Break Periods

Drug-Free Workplace

Harassment

Personal Property Damage

Gifts

Work-Related Travel and Expenses

Personal Phone Calls

School Property

Notice of Resignation

Employee Health and Safety --------------------------------------- 13

Work-Related Injuries/Illnesses

Non-Smoking Policy

Fire Alarms and Evacuations

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CHARTER Academy, Inc. welcomes you as a new employee at CHARTER Academy and hopes that you will find your career here enjoyable and enriching. You have become part of an outstanding organization committed to providing a quality educational experience to all boys and girls of Robinson, NC and surrounding counties. We are confident that you will enjoy your time at CHARTER Academy. The satisfaction you will experience when a child learns and grows is indescribable.

This handbook provides you with information you will need. Please keep this handbook and refer to it when you have questions. It is not intended to be a full statement of policies or benefits provided by CHARTER Academy, Inc. If you should have a question that is not addressed in this handbook, please talk with the Principal or the Office Manager at your school.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. values you, your world abilities, and your contributions to the School. We want you to be a proud and valuable member of the CHARTER Academy, Inc. family.

_______________________________________________, Executive Director

_______________________________________________, Assistant Executive Director

_______________________________________________, Secretary

_______________________________________________, Treasurer

_______________________________________________, Director

_______________________________________________, Director

_______________________________________________, Director

_______________________________________________, Director

_______________________________________________, Principal

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Checklist for New Employees

Employees receive their paychecks once a month. To assure a paycheck and to enroll in benefit programs, a new employee must provide the School with certain information and authorization as soon as possible after hire. The following checklist indicates forms processed on or before your first day of employment.

Date & Initials

1. U.S. Employment Eligibility Verification (form I-9):

The federal government requires each new employee to complete this form.

_______________

2. NC 4 and W-4 forms authorizing the withholding of federal

These forms are required by law as a means of withholding taxes from your

paycheck.

_______________

3. Applications for health insurance under _________________

___________________________________________,

If you want health insurance, the application must be complete within 30

days of employment/eligibility or there will be a mandatory waiting

period before you can enroll. If you opt for health insurance, there is a

30 day waiting period from your first day of employment before the

insurance actually takes effect.

4. Criminal Background Check and Fingerprints:

As required by state law, each employee must provide, before their first

day of employment, a criminal background check and fingerprints. Both of

these documents can be obtained from the County Courthouse in which you

reside. The expense incurred for obtaining these documents is reimbursed

to you on your first paycheck.

_____________

5. New Hire Form:

As required by state law, any person hired for employment after 1992,

must complete this form.

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It is important to note that as our school grows and changes, so will policies, procedures and benefits. CHARTER Academy, Inc. reserves the right to make exceptions to these policies at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.

This document is not a contract of employment, expressed or implied, and does not in any way guarantee continued employment. The relationship between CHARTER Academy, Inc. and its employees is an "at will" relationship. This means that the employer is free to terminate employment at any time, for no reason, with appropriate notice. This holds true for the employee as well. Contrary to traditional schools, teaching faculty members do not receive tenure for years of service. Employee salary agreements are renewed on an annual basis.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. is in the service business. This means that it is critical that each employee does his or her job correctly and thoroughly. Every job is important. The manner and attitude that is reflected in dealings with clients will greatly affect their participation with us.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation as defined by North Carolina Statues.

Our program is based on the idea that given enough time and the right variables all children can learn. We are a success-oriented endeavor, which does not recognize failure. Our program consists of an individualized program, which is prescribed for each student after an initial diagnosis has been made. Immediate positive feedback and reinforcement during all instructional sessions support this program. The primary motivator in the program is that success is its own reward. However, at certain times, more tangible motivators may be used.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. is based on the ideas of honesty, integrity, and freedom. These attributes are unchanging regardless of the circumstances we encounter. CHARTER Academy relies on good judgment and conscientiousness. Openness is also critical in any operation. Every transaction we engage in must be properly recorded and open. Each employee is expected to contribute to these efforts so that CHARTER Academy can prosper and maintain the respect and integrity that we have earned.

While CHARTER Academy will never contribute directly or indirectly to any political candidates or parties, or to any organizations, it encourages its individual employees to participate in the local political process through voluntary contributions of time and money.

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The term 'conflict of interest' describes any circumstance that might interfere with an employee's ability to act objectively. Consequently, employees should avoid any investment or involvement, which could in any way, affect their actions on behalf of CHARTER Academy's best interests. If you feel there is a situation that may develop into a conflict of interest, please feel free to discuss this with your principal. CHARTER Academy expects employees to refrain from making any agreements or transactions on behalf of CHARTER Academy that might tarnish our image or our reputation. Therefore, it is a requirement that all employees sign the "Conflict of Interest' form provided by the CHARTER Academy Board.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All personnel issues, matters of compensation benefits, social and recreational programs will be administered in accordance with this policy.

All employment decisions are based on objective standards without regard with race, creed, gender or national origin.

All applicants for teaching positions at CHARTER Academy, Inc. should be certified teachers. However, 25% of our teachers may be uncertified. Certification does not necessarily have to be from North Carolina, certification from an American State is acceptable. Applicants must submit a completed application along win a resume. Based on the applicant's qualifications and the Schools need, an interview time may be established by the Principal or the Office Manager. CHARTER Academy also requires at least three work-related recommendations.

It is very important that you keep your personal data as current as possible. The following information should be kept up-to-date at all times:

• Name

• Address

• Telephone Number

• Person to notify in case of emergency

All updated information should be given to the Office Manager.

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CHARTER Academy, Inc. expects that its teachers, instructional assistants and staff will be dressed in a professional manner. Articles of clothing should be neat, clean, and in good taste. Interpretation of these items is left to the Principal or designee. Clothing that is not permitted are jeans, shorts, mini-dresses, T-shirts, sneakers, sandals, or any other item that is considered immodest. Men and Women are to wear hosiery at all times.

Remember we are examples to our children.

All information in a student or employee's record is confidential. Also, any information pertaining to a student or employee either in writing or verbal is considered confidential. Any break in this confidence will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Discretion must always be used when answering requests for information in regards to CHARTER Academy, its students or its employees. If you are uncertain how to handle an inquiry, please contact the Principal.

The principal will formally appraise all teachers at least twice a year, first-time teachers will be appraised three times a year. This will include establishing criteria against which performance is measured, communicating with you about your performance, and establishing goals for the next year. You will also be asked to comment on your appraisal and provide your signature acknowledging that the appraisal was discussed. All appraisals are kept in the employee's files.

Bonuses are not exclusively connected with appraisals, nor are they guaranteed. Bonuses, while based on performance, encompass other criteria as well. These criteria include but are not limited to, the financial position of the School, the general or unique value of the employee to the school.

As soon as your employment paperwork is processed, your office manager will add your name to a time-sheet. This time-sheet is preprinted with all staff and faculty's names. You are required to sign in and out every day. You must record your time correctly. Falsifying time or signing another employee in or out are grounds for immediate termination.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. currently pays all of its employees on the 5^th day of each month. When payday falls on a holiday or weekend, paychecks will be distributed on the preceding workday Paychecks are received and distributed by the Office Manager. CHARTER Academy, Inc. automatically deducts federal, state, and social security taxes from your paycheck. Regular payroll deductions will also be made for the benefits in which you are enrolled. The type and amount of all your deductions as well as your federal and state tax exemptions are printed on your paycheck stub. If you have questions about your deductions, please see your Office Manager.

Changes in all deductions must be made in writing. To change your withholdings, submit a new NC4 and/or WE form to your Office Manager. Deductions will continue until employment has ceased. Deductions will be taken from your final paycheck unless you sign a Deductions Authorization Notice canceling them before the established payroll deadline. CHARTER Academy, Inc. pays on your behalf, state disability insurance, unemployment insurance, injury liability insurance and a percentage of health insurance.

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CHARTER Academy, Inc. recognizes certain holidays throughout the school year. A complete list of holidays is noted on your current school calendar. On order to be eligible for holiday pay, you must work the day before and the day after the holiday, unless you have been granted vacation time.

If you are a teaching staff member, you do not receive vacation time.

If you are an office staff member, CHARTER Academy, Inc. provides you with a 2- week paid vacation per school year.

Vacation should be taken at regular intervals, preferably when students are not in school. In the event that you take a vacation week in which a holiday falls, you will be granted an extra day or only required to take 4 (four) days of vacation.

All vacation that is taken in week increments, must receive 2-week prior approval from your supervisor. All vacation taken in one-day increments must receive a minimum of 24 hours approval from your supervisor. Your supervisor schedules vacations in accordance with existing work requirements at the school, but he/she will make every effort to honor your request for specific dates.

Vacation pay is made at your regular salary on regular paydays. You cannot be paid for vacation time without taking it. Upon termination of employment or dead, unused earned vacation for the current school year will be paid to you.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. provides every employee up to three personal days per school year to take care of personal business (i.e. doctor/den appointments, personal administrative procedures) which otherwise cannot be completed after school hours. Personal profit, personal recreation or mere personal convenience is not considered basis for a personal day. Personal days are accrued quarterly. A personal day may not be taken on days preceding or following a holiday or recess period and, except in emergency situations, shall be requested at least three days prior to the date of leave. Personal days

may be taken in no less than one-half day increments. CHARTER Academy, Inc. defines one-half of a day as time worked up to 11:30 a.m.

If more than 1/3 of the teaching staff are absent, or will be absent as a result of requests, personal days may be canceled for that day.

Personal days are not accumulative.

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CHARTER Academy, Inc. provides sick pay to protect you from loss of earnings due to absences caused by your own illness or temporary disability.

If you are a regular employee, you accrue 10 days of sick pay per school/work year. Unused sick pay may be rolled over (saved) from year to year until a maximum of 100 days is reached. Whenever sick pay is used, a medical certification of illness may be required.

When an employee is absent on sick leave, and his/her accumulated sick leave becomes exhausted, the following will apply: If he/she accumulated at least 10 days when the leave commenced, he/she shall be entitled to an extension of sick leave equal to the number of his/her accumulated sick leave days at the commencement of the leave. Such extension is non-cumulative and may be used for a single continuous illness commencing within the accumulative sick leave period. Medical certification of employee's inability to resume duties may be required for a sick leave extension or within a reasonable time thereafter. The intent of this policy is to protect from catastrophic and/or long-term illness.

In order to be eligible for leave under this provision, an employee needs to contribute one sick day to a leave bank per year. Initial contributions to this back will be made no later than September 1.

Employees who elect not to contribute one day of sick leave to this bank shall not be eligible for leave under this policy.

Sick pay is made at base pay on regular payroll dates; no advance payment will be made.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. provides paid time off for employees to attend the funeral of a close relative. Up to five consecutive calendar-days may be taken for absences caused by the death of an immediate family member. These are defined as: spouse, child, parent, brother, sister, grandmother or grandfather. Spouse is defined as a husband or wife by virtue of marriage. Verification each absence (i.e. obituary funeral program) must be presented to the Office Manager upon your return. Timed includes travel days. Absences for this reason shall not exceed ten days per school year.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. allows you to fulfill your civic responsibility on a jury or appearing as a subpoenaed witness without loss of pay or benefits. When you receive a summons, subpoena, or other legal notice for appearance, you should notify your Principal promptly and present the Office Manager with a copy of the document. In cases as this, you will be excused from work for the necessary time. When you return to work, you must submit proof of appearance, including complete dates of service. Your absence will be counted as an authorized absence with Bill base pay. Accrual of sick pay and vacation will not be affected by your absence. Salary or stipends earned for these activities will be deducted firm your regular salary.

All employees are encouraged to vote during an election. CHARTER Academy, Inc. encourages their employees to go to the polls after school hours.

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CHARTER Academy, Inc. grants leaves of absences to employees in certain situations or under conditions which necessitate their prolonged absence from work CHARTER Academy, Inc. recognizes the following leaves of absence without pay: personal leave, and military leave. For any type of leave, an Employee Leave Request form must be submitted.

A family leave shall be granted without pay to any employee for the purpose of child bearing and/or rearing. Parental leave shall be granted for two full semesters and return from this leave shall be at the beginning of a semester as follows:

1. No later than the beginning of the first semester following the leave OR,

2. At the beginning of any semester during the leave.

The employee shall also notify the principal in writing of intent to take parental ninety (90) days prior to the date sick leave is expected to begin. Ninety (90) days prior to the termination of parental leave, the employee will give notice of intent to return.

All or any portion of leave taken from work because of medical disability may, at the employee's option, be charged to available sick leave. A medical certification of said disability may be required. A medical release from your doctor must be received before you will be allowed to return to work

Time off may be requested for personal reasons pending the approval of your request by the Principal. Personal convenience is not an acceptable request. Please be prepared to provide a detailed written explanation of your request.

The purpose of military leave is to provide employees the opportunity to fulfill their military obligation. Reservists receive a leave of absence in case of an emergency call out by the state or federal government

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Attendance and punctuality are important factors in your performance evaluations and are vital to the efficient operation of your school. Employees are expected to be present and at work on time when school is in session. If you are going to be absent or late, you are expected to call-in prior to the beginning of the school day, or as soon as possible. Consecutive absences should be reported on a day-to-day basis. Failure to report absences may result in disciplinary action or dismissal.

Employees who work six (6) hours or more in one day must take a lunch break of at least thirty minutes, and may take up to one hour if it is authorized in advance by the principal. This lunch break is unpaid and should be recorded on your time sheet.

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, CHARTER Academy, Inc. is committed to maintaining a healthy, drug-free work environment. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensations, possession, or use of a controlled substance, as defined by the Act, is prohibited in the workplace.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of sexual harassment and/or other discriminatory harassment. Any employee who violates this commitment should be reported to the Principal or the Office Manager. Employees should also immediately report all cases of threat of assault, or accidents suffered by them in connection with their employment as well as any incidents of theft or damage to school property to their principal or administrative coordinator.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. will reimburse employees, at full replacement value, any clothing, eye glasses, hearing aids, prosthetic devices damaged or destroyed as a result of the performance of their duty. This policy is not intended to provide coverage for accidental damage, nor for normal wear-and-tear of personal property. This policy also does not extend to vehicles parked in the parking lot.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. prohibits its employees from accepting gifts from parents that are greater than S50.00 in value.

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Work-Related Travel and Expenses

CHARTER Academy, Inc. will assume financial responsibility for expenses incurred when you use your own car or rent a car to conduct school business. Approved conferences and purchases will be reimbursed upon presentation of a valid receipt.

For security reasons, all visitors to the school must report to the main office. Only in an emergency situation will a member of the teaching staff be interrupted to report to the office when they have a visitor.

Personal phone calls, both incoming and outgoing, are discouraged. Personal calls that must be made or received during school hours are permitted only in emergencies or while on your break time. All calls should be made from the telephone designated by the principal and/or office manager. It is not recommended that teacher's make and receive calls on the office lines as the office phones must be used to conduct school business. In non-emergency cases, a message will be taken for you and placed in your mailbox.

It is expected that you will take care of any equipment you use. You are also required to use school supplies prudently and economically. Negligence in these areas may be cause for reprimand or dismissal.

All employees are required to give a minimum of two weeks notice before resigning from their position. Failure to give notice may make you ineligible for rehire.

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In the event that you suffer an injury or illness while at work, you must report the injury/illness to the School First Aide Administrator immediately. The School First Aide Administrator in turn, will complete an Accident Injury Report and administer medical first aid if necessary.

CHARTER Academy, Inc. has designated all student learning areas as smoke-Free.

In cane of fire or emergencies, your responsibility is to protect yourself and your students by leaving the building in a calm, orderly manner. Attendance of students should be taken once your class has evacuated the building and is in a safe place. Be sure that all students for whom you are responsible know the location and evacuation plan should an emergency occur. In the case of a tornado, teachers are to respond immediately to the emergency signal and wait for the principal's instructions.

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