Absence Excuses - Elementary
Some students may bring an excuse slip signed by a parent. All excuses should be submitted to the office.
Additional Assignments
Check with the principal or team leader to determine if the teacher you are replacing has assignments beyond classroom duty. These may include:
- Study hall
- Recess duty
- Lunch duty
- Resource room supervision
- Field trips
These duties become your responsibility unless other arrangements are made. At the Senior High School, if you substitute for more than one teacher, obtain a schedule of all duties from the assistant principal or main office secretary.
Anaphylaxis
The District provides a safe environment for students with known anaphylactic allergies. Staff should work with students, parents/guardians, and medical practitioners to minimize risk. Removing nut-containing ingredients and latex from the classroom is encouraged at all grade levels.
Alternate Lunch (Elementary)
When completing morning attendance using the sub attendance roster provided by the administrative assistant:
Record the number of students eating regular hot lunch under "Today's Regular."
Ask students who want breakfast the following morning and record that number under "Tomorrow's Breakfast."
Submit the completed roster to the front office by 9:00 AM for kitchen preparation.
Attendance Records
Take attendance according to building policy:
Elementary: morning and afternoon
Secondary: per class period
For questions about timing or reporting, consult another teacher or an administrator.
Bullying
All staff observing or aware of bullying must report it to the building principal, assistant principal, or Superintendent. Reports may be verbal or written, and may be confidential. A written record, including all details, will be made.
Class Lists
Guest Teachers will receive a class list with the necessary information to carry out their assignment.
Class Schedules
Class schedules are typically on the teacher’s desk or posted near the door. Maintain the schedule as closely as possible.
Crisis Situations
Safety and crisis plans are displayed in each classroom. Review procedures and ask for clarification if needed. Classroom doors should remain locked at all times.
Employee Benefits
Substitutes are district employees and may be eligible for:
- Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
- Automatic enrollment for employees working over 880 hours in 12 months
- Contribution rate: 6.95% (2025), 7.2% (2026), with district match
- Life Insurance
- Coverage equal to one times your annual gross income at no cost
- Option to purchase additional coverage
- 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuities (TSA)
- Save and invest pre- and post-tax dollars via payroll deductions
- Contact Talent & Culture for approved vendors
- 457 Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Plan (WDC)
- Retirement savings option via payroll deductions
- Learn more: WDC Website
Questions: Email Riana Mefferd, Benefits Specialist at rmefferd@dce.k12.wi.us
Employee ID Badges
Wear your employee ID badge whenever on district property. Contact the Technology Department if lost. Badges also serve as free passes to home sports events (excluding tournaments/playoffs).
End of Day Procedures
Leave a note for the teacher/assistant regarding covered material and issues
Straighten the classroom
Sign out in the main office on the Substitute Sign In/Out Sheet with accurate times
Fire Drill
Fire drill procedures are posted in every room. Review the directions and follow instructions from the principal.
Grades
Short-term substitutes typically do not grade students. Long-term substitutes should follow teacher and district grading policies.
Hours of Duty
Senior High
- Student Day: 7:28 AM – 2:40 PM
- Guest Teacher Day: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Junior High
- Student Day: 7:40 AM – 2:58 PM
- Guest Teacher Day: 7:15 AM – 3:15 PM
Middle School
- Student Day: 7:20 AM – 2:32 PM
- Guest Teacher Day: 6:50 AM – 2:50 PM
Odyssey
- Student Day: 7:40 AM – 2:40 PM
- Guest Teacher Day: 7:20 AM – 3:20 PM
IDEA School
- Student Day: 7:45 AM – 2:35 PM
- Guest Teacher Day: 7:20 AM – 3:20 PM
Hatley
- Student Day: 8:45 AM – 3:40 PM
- Guest Teacher Day: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Evergreen
- Student Day: 8:45 AM – 3:40 PM
- Guest Teacher Day: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Mountain Bay
- Student Day: 8:45 AM – 3:40 PM
- Guest Teacher Day: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Riverside
- Student Day: 8:45 AM – 3:40 PM
- Guest Teacher Day: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Rothschild
- Student Day: 8:45 AM – 3:40 PM
- Guest Teacher Day: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Weston
- Student Day: 8:45 AM – 3:40 PM
- Guest Teacher Day: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
For Substitute Assistants, workday hours vary by assignment (check Frontline).
Late Reporting Times
If school starts later than normal, report at the specified delayed time. Check local media for information.
Lesson Plans
All teachers should have lesson plans available. If unavailable, ask in the office or consult the principal.
Liability
Substitutes are responsible for student safety. District insurance does not cover personal negligence or improper conduct.
Licensing
Guest Teachers must be licensed by the Wisconsin DPI. Submit your license PDF to Kristy Eder at keder@dce.k12.wi.us.
Lunch Time
Full-day substitutes receive a 30-minute duty-free lunch. Administrative assistants provide a complimentary school lunch ticket for the day.
Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse or Neglect
All employees must report suspected abuse or neglect. Contact the building principal or School Counselor. CPS Intake: 715-261-7556.
Money
Do not leave student money in the classroom. Count and submit to the main office immediately.
No-Substitute Required
If a position does not require a substitute, you may be reassigned or issued half-day pay.
Non-Instructional Duties
Teachers may have duties before, during, or after school. Substitutes must fulfill these responsibilities.
Pay
Short-Term Guest Teacher Pay: Half-day (4.5 hours) or full day (8 hours)
Long-Term Guest Teacher Pay: Begins on the 6th consecutive day in the same assignment or earlier if prearranged.
Principal
Check in/out at the main office, report issues, and receive keys or technology devices as needed.
Printing
Short-term substitutes must request printing assistance. Long-term substitutes have printing access via district account.
Related Arts (Elementary)
Escort students to/from art, music, library, guidance, and PE classes as needed. Be prompt to support the schedule.
School Closings
If school is canceled before reporting time, do not report. Monitor local media for updates.
School Counselor Role (Elementary)
School Counselors may work with students during your assignment. If a student expresses harm to self, contact the main office or counselor immediately.
Students with Special Needs
Follow scheduled appointments and refer to teacher notes or ask the principal/assistant for guidance.
Staff Injury
Report all injuries to your supervisor by the end of the day.
Student Illness
Send ill students to the Health Assistant or main office. Do not leave the classroom unattended.
Student Injury
Do not move students with suspected head, back, or bone injuries. Contact the Health Assistant or main office immediately.
Student Safety
Students must always be supervised. Monitor hallways and transitions.
Student Discipline
Effective discipline relies on:
- Following routines and rules consistently
- Planning engaging learning activities
- Modeling expected behaviors
- Communicating high expectations
- Contacting parents when necessary
- Supporting administrators
Technology
If digital resources are needed, check with the administrative assistant, IMC Specialist, or another teacher.
Time Called (Frontline)
Calls start at 5:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Log in to check job availability instead of waiting for calls. Contact Cindy Hall at chall@dce.k12.wi.us for assistance.
Tornado Drill
Follow school-specific tornado procedures.
