All my life I wanted to teach. I just knew teaching and working with kids was my calling. I struggled through life's many road blocks and did what I had to to graduate with my degree and certification. I finally got accepted into a position at a private school. I've been waiting for this my whole life....but the welcome packet has me a little worried.....
Welcome to St. Benedict's Academy! We are so honored to have you join our staff, and we look forward to having an amazing school year! Below are some rules and guidelines to help ensure a smooth successful transition into a new year:
The building opens at 5am, and children are woken up and fed between 530-630am. We ask that our Watchers report to the main hall at 4am (if you do not live on campus) and for those who live in the dorms please follow the individual schedules left in your rooms as to when to report to your assigned dorms to begin morning duties.
Teachers we ask that you be in your classrooms at 6am sharp, no earlier or later than. You may arrive at the school before hand, and look around the grounds if you wish, but do NOT roam after 6am. Your students will be walked down by their assigned Watcher at 632am. Lunch is from 11-12 for lower level students, and 12-1:15 for upper level students. You are prohibited from leaving the grounds for lunch. Your classrooms assigned Watcher will arrive approximately at 10:57 or 11:57 to take your students to lunch. Once the last student leaves you are to lock your door and draw your blinds over all your windows. Do not under any circumstances leave your classroom. You may bring your own food, but we highly suggest you leave any foods containing meat at home.
You were given a tour when you received your acceptance letter/phone call. You will notice that our school has 4 levels divided by grade level and subject. There is no basement. There is no 5th floor. Should you use the stairs or elevator and find yourself on a floor titled such, please follow these directions:
Basement: you were given a red flashlight in your welcome package. Use this now and aim it not lower than shoulder height. No matter what you see, feel, or hear, keep your eyes in front of you at all times. You will hit one bend in the hallway in which you may lower your eyes briefly to avoid falling, however do not do this longer than 5 seconds. You were given what looks to be a utility knife and a bottle of holy water as well. Keep these where they are easily accessible. You will walk down this hallway for 15 minutes after the bend, and you will notice the lighting change. Once you pass by the first window you see, it is safe to put your flashlight and weapons away. Please report to Mistress Beauchamp immediately as well as our school nurse to document and be checked out.
5th floor: should you find yourself on the 5th floor sit down immediately with your back against the nearest wall to the elevator. Close your eyes, draw your legs into you as close as you can, and hum. It helps if you have a device that plays music. Do this for a full minute, stand up and return to the elevator. Report to Mistress Beauchamp and the school nurse. You will be quarantined for the remainder of that day.
Teachers are not to go near the dorms and living areas under any circumstances. New Watchers will need to adhere to the buddy system until the students are use to you.
Please make sure to sign the waivers in your packet or you will not be able to work until they are completed.
Here at St. Benny's our students are our pride and joy and we do as much as we can to keep them happy and safe so that they may grow to their fullest potential. After all, our number one rule here is Don't Forget to Smile 🙂!. Have fun, and let's make this school year one to remember!
Welcome!
Mr. and Mrs. Bourdain
