Professional Expectations

All employees are expected to dress in a manner that is professional and reflects the values and standards of our educational community. Professional attire contributes to a positive learning environment and demonstrates respect for our students, colleagues, and community members. Clothing should be neat, clean, and appropriate for an educational setting. This standard allows staff to present themselves in a manner that upholds the district's reputation. Specific guidelines may vary depending on job roles, but all employees are expected to use good judgment and consider the impression they make on our students and families. 

Employees are reminded that bringing family members or friends to the workplace is not permitted during working hours. This policy ensures a safe and professional environment for all staff and students. If you need to have a guest visit the building, prior approval must be obtained, and all guests must be cleared by security before entering. This process involves checking in with Security, where they will be required to provide identification and receive a visitor's badge. These measures are in place to maintain the safety and security of our school community. Your cooperation is appreciated in adhering to these guidelines. 

For more information, please refer to POLICY-5300.65 

Work email accounts are provided for professional use only and should not be used for personal communications or activities. 

Employees are strictly prohibited from tutoring, collecting money from, or engaging in any paid work with students directly on their caseload or roster, as this presents a conflict of interest. Such activities can compromise the integrity of our educational environment and create unfair advantages or pressures on students. It is essential that all interactions with students remain professional and transparent to maintain trust and fairness. Employees are expected to avoid any situation that could be perceived as exploiting their position for personal gain. Adhering to this policy ensures the well-being of our students and upholds the ethical standards of our district

For more information, please refer to POLICY-2160 

Employees are strictly prohibited from tutoring, collecting money from, or engaging in any paid work with students directly on their caseload or roster, as this presents a conflict of interest. Such activities can compromise the integrity of our educational environment and create unfair advantages or pressures on students

All teacher created instructional materials —such as lessons, assessments, review materials, and related content—are the intellectual property of the school district and should not be shared nor requested for the purposes of outside tutoring.  Employees are directed not to share or request teacher materials for the purposes of outside tutoring. 

Students may share their own materials, syllabi, and assigned readings with those assisting them. Additionally, access to Atlas is public and anyone is encouraged to use it to stay aligned with classroom instruction when providing outside support.

The giving of gifts to teachers or administrators by individual students or parents is strongly discouraged.   Nominal amounts of money may be collected by parents to give the teacher class gifts if such money is not solicited or collected from students during school. 

In accordance with the District Code of Ethics, no staff member shall directly or indirectly solicit any gift or accept or receive any gift having a value of $25.00 or more per person, family or entity per school year whether in the form of money, services, loan, travel, entertainment, hospitality, thing or promise, or in any other form. 

For more information, please refer to POLICY-1820 or POLICY-2160 

Employees may use the Briarcliff High School Fitness Center with the understanding that participation in the fitness center involves rigorous physical activity and risks of physical injury.  Employees using the fitness center shall do with the understanding that there are risks to using the fitness center which include a full range of injuries, from minor to severe, including death.  Although protective equipment may be used, safety rules employed, and other efforts taken, there is no guarantee that an employee will not be injured.  All employees using the fitness center do so with the understanding and acceptance of these risks. 

Staff who need to access the building after normal school hours must notify their supervisor of their intended presence. For the safety and security of all faculty, it is essential that supervisors are always informed of staff in the building. Additionally, all staff must swipe their ID badge at a Frontline time clock upon both entry and exit, as usual. 

District employees must exemplify the positive benefits of a drug-free lifestyle. Employees are prohibited from the the illegal use, including possession, sale, distribution and/or manufacture, of alcohol, marijuana and controlled substances, counterfeit and designer drugs, as well as unauthorized use of prescription medication by staff members in the workplace, on school premises, in school vehicles or at school activities, wherever located. Also, employees are prohibited from being under the influence of such substances as their effects may impair the performance of their duties or place students or staff at risk. 

If an employee is found to have violated the terms of this policy, he/she may be required to participate in a substance abuse rehabilitation program and/or be subject to a range of disciplinary consequences, up to and including dismissal from employment. 

For more information, please refer to POLICY-9610 

Briarcliff employees are expected to communicate with supervisors, colleagues, students, families, and community members with the utmost respect and professionalism. This includes being courteous, attentive, and considerate in all interactions, whether verbal, written, or electronic. Clear and respectful communication helps foster a positive and inclusive environment, promotes understanding, and ensures that everyone feels valued and heard. It is essential to maintain this standard of respect to uphold the integrity and reputation of our district and to contribute to a supportive and collaborative community. 

Employees are reminded to follow the established chain of command when reporting concerns or issues within the workplace. This process ensures that matters are addressed appropriately and efficiently, respecting the roles and responsibilities of all staff members. Begin by bringing your concerns to your immediate supervisor, who is best positioned to understand your situation and provide guidance. If the issue is not resolved at this level, you may then escalate it to the next level of management. Adhering to the chain of command helps maintain order and respect within the organization and ensures that all concerns are handled in a consistent and fair manner. 

Employees are expected to always wear their assigned ID badge during the workday.  When not being worn, ID badges must be kept safe and secure. 

If an employee loses or misplaces an ID badge, it must be reported immediately to their direct supervisor AND the Technology Department.  Lost or misplaced ID badges can cause a serious security risk to all.