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Career Ladder

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1. Who can participate in the Career Ladder Program?

Participation is mandatory for all new teachers. Any current teacher may participate if he/she meets the following five criteria:

a. Has an Arizona State Teaching Certificate and is paid on the teacher salary schedule.

b. Can be evaluated on teaching skills.

c. Demonstrates and documents student progress and achievement for a minimum of nine weeks.

d. Is employed at least half time.

e. A minimum of fifty percent of the work day is spend working with students.

2. What am I expected to do to place at my target level and step?

Pre-entry teachers work on induction to the district with professional development and coaching. Level 1 teachers implement a student achievement plan with professional development and evaluation of instructional skills. Level 2 and 3 have increasingly higher expectations on the evaluation instrument and student achievement plan requirements with additional higher level instructional responsibilities.

3. How does the Career Ladder salary schedule work?

The Crane Career Ladder plan compensates teachers based on performance. A restructured salary schedule allows a less experienced teacher to receive the same salary as a more experienced teacher.

A formula is used to determine the separate Career Ladder salary. The formula includes the difference between the Career Ladder target salary and the regular district salary. A percentage of the difference is paid along with a base level amount depending on the amount of available funds.

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Communication and Instructional Technology

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1. Can I visit my child’s school?

Absolutely. We welcome visits from family members. It’s always best to call ahead and schedule your visit.

2. Does my child’s school have an emergency plan?

Yes. Each Crane school has an Emergency Preparedness Plan that complies with the federal government’s requirements.

3. What do I do in case of a school emergency?

Tune in to your local radio or television station. A list is provided. Don’t call the school. Phone lines may be needed for Emergency First Responders.

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Crane Schools

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1. Where can I find school phone numbers and addresses?

Phone number and addresses on this web site are listed under Contact Us. School phone numbers and addresses can be found in the white pages and yellow pages of your Dex phone book.

2. Where can I find a map that shows district and school boundaries?

We provide maps showing school locations and district boundaries that may be obtained at individual school offices or the district office. The address is 4250 West 16th St. Yuma, AZ. You may also get a copy on this website by visiting Crane School District Boundaries or Middle School Boundaries. If you have a question about a specific address please call our Transportation Department for the most current information. You can reach them at (928) 373-3465.

3. How do I find out about school holidays and early dismissals?

School holidays and early dismissal schedules can be found on this website under School Calendars. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please call the District Office at either (928) 373-3403 or (928) 373-3400 and we will be happy to help.

4. When is summer school and who do I call for more information?

Summer school schedules may be obtained at the District Office or at any of our school sites. Principals at each school will have specific information about programs available during inter-sessions.

5. If my child has not arrived home from school, who do I call?

If you think your child missed his or her bus ride home, call your school first. If there is no response or they don’t have any information, call the Transportation Department. You can reach them at (928) 373-3465.

6. How many schools are in the district?

The Crane School District currently has ten schools: six K-6 schools, one K-3 school, one 4-6 school, and two middle schools.

7. How many students are currently enrolled in Crane Schools?

Presently, we are serving the needs of 6,173 students for the 2008-2009 school year.

8. Who do I call to donate a computer to a school?

We appreciate your generosity. If you would like to make a gift to a Crane school, call the school or the district and we will take care of the details.

9. Where can I find out more information about the Crane District or an individual school?

We love telling the Crane story. All your questions can be answered at the District Office. We’ll do all we can to get you the right information. Stop by and get to know us, or give us a call at (928) 373-3400.

10. How do I volunteer in Crane Schools?

At Crane schools we value and encourage the volunteer efforts of parents and other interested parties. If you would like to volunteer, please contact your school principal. They will gladly put you in contact with someone who can help.

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Curriculum Department

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1. Where can I access the AIMS information for my child?

A Parent Home Report is sent home with your child when the results are given to the district. This may come home in your child’s last day report card or after the spring results are made available. A copy of this information sheet is also given to the school site to be put into your child’s CUM folder. If you do not receive a report, you need to contact the school site. Further questions regarding the AIMS test may be answered on the Arizona Department of Education Website, under Accountability / AIMS.

2. Where can I find out more about the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards test (AIMS Test)?

You can find this information on our website under Parent Information or for additional information visit the Arizona Department of Education website.

3. What curriculum is taught in Crane Schools?

The curriculum taught across all contents is based on the Arizona State Standards. These standards can be viewed on the Arizona Department of Education website, under Standards / Academic K-12 Standards / Standards by Grade Level.

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Exceptional Student Services

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1. How do I get my child tested to determine if he/she has a learning disability?

Preschool, ages birth to five, call the ESS office at (928) 373-3453 for a screening appointment. School age, ages five-22, the referral process starts with open communication with your child’s classroom teacher. If a student continues to have difficulties a STAT, School-wide Teacher Assistance Team, will discuss with the referring teacher and offer suggestions for interventions. If these interventions do not prove successful then your child may be referred to the Child Study Team, CST. At this time it will be determined if an evaluation is needed to determine eligibility for ESS services.

2. What is the preschool screening process?

Contact Martha Fugate, Child Find Coordinator, (928) 373-3453.

3. What programs do Crane Schools offer for children that have special needs?

Crane School District offers a range of services, from consultative to self contained programs, depending on the needs of each student. Call the ESS office for a description of these services at (928) 373-3451.

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Family Support Programs

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1. Are there any fees for participating in any of these programs?

No.

2. What are the Requirements for participating in the Programs?

You can find this information on our website under Family Support Programs.

3. Who do I need to contact for the different programs?

You can find this information on our website under Contact Information.

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Finance

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1. What tax exemptions am I taking?

The exemptions can be found on the right hand side of your check stub or direct deposit slip. The first line is the tax status for both Federal and State (state will be a number.) Then go down a line and it will show the number of exemptions you are claiming. State percentages are as follows: 1=37%, 2=31%, 3=25%, 4=23%, 5=19%, 6=10%, and E=Exempt.

2. What do I need to do to have my withholding changed?

W-4 (Federal) and A-4 (State) are available on this web site. Fill out the forms, sign them, and send them in.

3. What do I need to do when I have an address change?

When your address changes, you need to contact payroll with your new address. You will then be forwarded paperwork to change retirement and insurances information.

4. How can I sign up for direct deposit?

Fill out the Direct Deposit Form and send it to payroll. Remember to attach a voided check. They will be able to get the routing number from the front of your voided check. Once payroll receives the direct deposit request, it will take two pay periods before it goes into effect. The first pay period is a test.

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Professional Development

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1. Can I take a Crane Professional Development Class for college credit?

Yes, most of the classes are approved for college credit through Ottawa University.

2. Do the Crane Professional Development Classes count for movement on the Crane salary schedule?

Yes, when successfully completed.

3. Do the SEI classes offered by Crane Professional Development count toward my SEI endorsement?

Yes.

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Purchasing and Warehousing Department

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1. How can I become a prospective bidder for Crane Schools?

Visit: Arizona Purchasing

2. When are quotes required?

Quotes are required when the district's expenditures with a vendor exceeds three different amounts. When the district spends in excess of $5,000 with a particular vendor per year, three oral quotes are required. In excess of $15,000 and three written quotes are needed, and at $50,000 or above, formal sealed bids or proposals must be issued.

3. Do all purchases require a purchase order?

Yes, all purchases require an authorized purchase order to procure the items or services. Any item that is delivered without an authorized purchase order is considered to be a "purchase after the fact", and is an illegal act.

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School Nutrition

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1. Do I need to fill out an application for each child?

No. Complete the application to apply for free or reduced price meals. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to the cafeteria manager at your school.

2. Who can get free meals?

Children in households getting Food Stamps, Cash Assistance, or FDPIR can get free meals. Most foster children can also get free meals regardless of your income.
Your children can get free price meals if your household income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines.

3. Can homeless, runaway, and migrant children get free meals?

Please call the school, homeless liaison, or migrant coordinator to see if your child or children qualify if you have not been informed that they will get free meals.

4. Who can get reduced price meals?

Your children can get low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Income Chart, shown on this application.

5. Should I fill out an application if I got a letter this school year saying my children are approved for free or reduced price meals?

Please read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions. Call the school cafeteria if you have questions.

6. I get WIC. Can my child or children still get free meals?

Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please fill out an application.

7. Will the information I give be checked?

Yes, we may ask you to send written proof.

8. If I don’t qualify now, may I apply later?

Yes. You may apply at any time during the school year if your household size goes up, income goes down, or if you start getting Food Stamps, CA, FDPIR, or other benefits. If you lose your job, your children may be able to get free or reduced price meals.

9. What if I disagree with the school’s decision about my application?

You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to:

Jane Johnson
4250 W. 16th Street
Yuma, Az 85364
Ph: (928) 373-3910.

10. May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You or your child or children do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify for free or reduced price meals.

11. Who should I include as members of my household?

You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends). You must include yourself and all children who live with you.

12. What if my income is not always the same?

List the amount that you normally get. For example, if you normally get $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only got $900, put down that you get $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but not if you don't normally get it.

13. We are in the military, do we include our housing allowance as income?

If your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. All other allowances must be included in your gross income.

14. How does my child receive free or reduced price meals?

By submitting an application based on income and household size.

15. What if I have a foster child?

Foster children are considered a part of the family and automatically qualify once the guardian fills out an application on their behalf.

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Transportation Department

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1. Who can be contacted with student transportation questions after school hours?

Contact the transportation office at (928) 373-3465 or (928) 373-3466.

2. How do I find my student’s bus stop location and time?

Contact the transportation office at (928) 373-3465 or (928) 373-3466

3. What happens to a student’s belongings left on the bus?

The driver will hold items on the bus for the following day. The student must ask the driver for their item.