The safety and well-being of children is a serious concern for educators and schools. Ann and Nate Levine Academy’s policy is that all faculty, administrators and staff share the responsibility of the prevention and reporting of suspected child abuse and sexual molestation. The school intends to comply with the provisions of the laws of the State of Texas and the guidelines established by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Employment
Ann and Nate Levine Academy will not knowingly employ anyone who has been convicted of child abuse or sexual molestation. The school requires as part of its employment process a background check be conducted on all applicants before an offer of employment is extended. Periodic follow-up background checks are also conducted as part of continuing employment.
Molestation Prevention at School
Levine Academy expects all employees to limit the opportunities for molestation, responding quickly and appropriately to suspicious situations and taking actions or making reports when warranted. The school reserves the right to investigate employee or volunteer misconduct even if no complaint has been made. Employees are expected to adhere to the following guidelines of behavior: Limit occasions of being alone with a child and be suspicious of anyone who is. Whenever possible have another teacher or adult present or be in an open, public area. If being alone with a child is the only option, be sure the door to the room is kept open.
• Monitor volunteers and visitors to ensure they are never alone with a child.
• Report any known misconduct or questionable behavior on the part of fellow employees, volunteers, visitors and students. • The school prohibits consensual sexual relationships between an employee and volunteer and students, including students who have reached the age of consent.
Monitoring and Surveillance Policy
Levine Academy may conduct workplace monitoring to help ensure employee and student safety and security. The computer equipment and systems and Internet access that employees may use are always the property of Levine Academy. Therefore, we reserve the right to monitor computer activities. We also reserve the right to retrieve and read any computer files or data that are composed, sent, or received through Internet connections or stored in our computer systems. We may conduct video surveillance of non-private workplace areas. We use video monitoring to identify safety concerns, maintain security, detect theft and misconduct, and discourage and prevent acts of harassment and violence. Because we are sensitive to the legitimate privacy rights of our employees, students, and visitors we will make every effort to guarantee that workplace monitoring is always done in an ethical and respectful manner.
Security Inspections and Searches
Access to Levine Academy premises is conditioned upon its right to inspect or search the person, vehicle, or personal effects of any employee or visitor. This may include any employee’s office, desk, file cabinet, closet, locker, or similar place. Employee participation in the search procedure is a condition of continued employment and failure to cooperate in a search or investigation can lead to termination. Because even a routine inspection or search might result in the viewing of an employee’s personal possessions, employees are encouraged not to bring any item of personal property to the workplace that they do not want revealed to the school.
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