In any school it is necessary that policies and regulations be established for the safety and well being of all students and staff. The handbook is reviewed annually each spring by both parents and staff.
In any school it is necessary that policies and regulations be
established for the safety and well being of all students and staff.
The handbook is reviewed annually each spring by both parents and
staff.
4. School Policies and Procedures:
In the Magrath Elementary School, all partners in education will work together in a stimulating, safe , and caring environment to encourage children to become responsible lifelong learners.
STAFF of the Magrath Elementary School will work in a professional and caring manner to cultivate a comfortable environment where students have the opportunity to experience the challenge and the excitement of learning. (See Appendix B)
STUDENTS, exercising their privilege of choice of action, will come to realize that responsibility and accountability are prime components of a challenging and changing lifestyle. (See Appendix B)
PARENTS will be active partners in developing social responsibility (for example&endash; courtesy and respect), which begins at home and can only be reinforced by the school. See Appendix B)
VOLUNTEERS will have an opportunity to offer assistance to the school program. (See Appendix B)
Principal Mrs.Brenda Beck
Vice Principal Mr. Burns Alston
Kindergarten Mrs. S. Perry
Grade one
Mrs. K. Court
Grade two
Miss W. Coleman
Grade three
Mrs. E. Bolt
Grade four
Mrs.S. Karren
Miss H. Neilson
Grade five
Mrs. G. Coleman
Mrs. K. Cosgrove
Grade six
Mrs. B. Beck
Mrs. H. Coppieters
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
EARLY LITERACY: Kerry Taylor
MUSIC: Mrs. K. Cosgrove
RESOURCE:
Mrs. M. Coleman and Mrs. L. Dorner
COMPUTER: Mrs. C. Andrews
LIBRARIAN:
LIBRARY ASSISTANT: Mrs. J. Hoibak
SECRETARIAL: Mrs. C. Raasch and Mrs. J. Heath
REHAB. ASSISTANTS: Mrs. S. Anderson, Mrs. S. Bourne, Mrs. P. Kerr, Mrs. M. Rasmussen,
Mrs. L. Tanner, Mrs. J. Dever, Mrs.C. Ralph, Mrs. P. Prince, Mrs. M. Squire
HEAD CUSTODIAN: Mr. K. Hatch
CUSTODIAL STAFF: Mr. W. Bourelle, Mr. B. Ehlert, Mr. P. Parkins, Mrs. L. Harris, Mrs. S. Sillito
Should a child become ill or be involved in an accident at school, the parents will be contacted as soon as possible. Students who become ill at school may leave only after notifying their teacher or the office.Students are sent home only after a parent or guardian has been contacted. It is essential that the school has an up-to date record of a telephone number where a parent or guardian can be reached. Should a student require a doctor's care, school staff will take the student to the hospital.
If an ambulance is required, the school will call for one. We are very fortunate to have trained ambulance people on our staff. School insurance will cover ambulance costs up to $200 per student.
AFTER SCHOOL HOURS STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Each student is expected to go home immediately after school dismissal unless special arrangements have been made in advance. The school discourages students telephoning home to arrange visits to friends. These arrangements should be made at home.
Parents will be notified if a student is needed to stay after school.
Student agendas are to be used both as a communication tool between home and school and an organizational tool.
Each classroom teacher will have a system where students record important information and/or assignments that need to be completed. The grades
1 - 3 agenda have a plastic pocket in the front to provide a place to safely transport papers. The agenda can provide a medium for teacher/parent conversations.
The agenda will be an organizational tool where assignments can be recorded. The use of the agenda will be evaluated on the report card.
The agenda or handbook is a source of information for school times, rules, and other important information.
Announcements will be made daily.
A student who desires to appeal a school issued final grade shall adhere to the following procedure within ten days of the receipt of grades:
a. Initial appeal shall be to the teacher for reconsideration.
b. Next an appeal shall be to the Principal who shall confer with the teacher, review procedures used and make a judgment.
c.Then, if necessary, an appeal shall be made to the Superintendent of Schools who may:
1. Strike a review committee of three individuals not involved in the dispute which shall make a report to the Superintendent OR
2. Make a personal review and judgment.
d. Finally, if needed, the decision of the Superintendent may be appealed to Alberta Education.
Elementary assemblies to recognize student achievement, showcase student performances, and build school spirit are usually held in the auditorium on the third Friday of every month at 12:15 PM. Notice will be sent of any variation from that date and time. Occasionally, K-12 assemblies may be held (i.e. Remembrance Day) .
ATTENDANCE, ABSENCES, AND LATES
Parents MUST inform the school (758-3367) when their child is absent. Please indicate the child's name, grade, teacher, and reason for absence.
Regular school attendance is very important in order to maintain good school progress and is the responsibility of the student and his or her parents. School administration and staff are required to keep accurate records of student attendance and to take steps to ensure students are in attendance whenever possible. Parent support is essential.
In compliance with school board policy, students are expected to be in attendance a minimum of 95% barring unusual circumstances. When a student has missed 10 days, the teacher will notify parents by phone or letter of their concern. When a student has missed 15 days, administration will send a printout on attendance and indicate by letter or visit their concern. The family school liaison officer may be involved as needed.
Serious attendance concerns may result in the school's recommendation that the student repeat the grade. Each case will be reviewed individually. See Appendix C.
Students who arrive at school late not only detract from their own learning, but also disturb the rest of the class. Students who arrive after the morning bell are considered to be late and will be recorded as such on the attendance sheet. At the teacher's discretion, students may be required to make up the time they have missed. Parents will be contacted about this if it is a regular occurrence.
For your information the bell times for the school are listed. Please note that Fridays run on a different schedule to facilitate our early dismissal on that day.
MONDAY TO THURSDAY
WARNING BELL 8:35
CLASSES BEGIN 8:40
RECESS 1, 2, 3 10:15 - 10:30
RECESS 4, 5, 6 10:30 - 10:45
LUNCH HOUR 11:45 - 12:40
(Warning Bell at 12:35)
RECESS 1,2,3 2:00-2:15
RECESS 4,5,6 2:15 - 2:30
HOME BELL 3:30
WARNING BELL 8:35
O CANADA 8:40
RECESS 1,2,3 10:15 &endash;10:30
RECESS 4,5,6 10:30 &endash;10:45
SNACK BREAK 11:15 &endash;11:30
HOME BELL 1:00
Students are to walk their bicycles when they are on school grounds. Students are to park and lock their bikes in the appropriate bike racks. They are not to be ridden when school is in session and during recess times. We encourage parents to report missing or stolen bikes to the R.C.M.P.
Students are expected to wait outside or in the foyer prior to the morning bell. At the end of the day, students are to return home. If extracurricular activities are organized, students are welcome in the building and are to adhere to the school rules. If loitering in the school occurs, parents will be called and caretakers may contact the police.
No student birthday parties are to be held at school. Birthday party invitations may be hand delivered in the classroom only if all the girls, all the boys, or the whole class is invited to the party. If only a few students from a class are involved in the party, other arrangements must be made for the delivery of invitations to avoid disappointment to those not invited.
BUS REGULATIONS FOR BUS STUDENTS AND FIELD TRIPS
The rules of conduct for the bus are in Appendix A.
Families with children on regular bus routes should work through Brent Bevans (653-4991) to handle transportation concerns. See Appendix A
Town students who wish to ride on the school bus may do so on an occasional basis if the bus has room and if they get a bus pass from the office. A bus pass will be given to the student only if a parent has contacted the school by telephone or note. (See Appendix A)
COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL BUILDING
Groups wishing to use the school facilities should contact the school office and make necessary arrangements.
The Town of Magrath provides two cross walks in front of the School. The students and staff should use these at all times to avoid traffic and busing problems. Please assist us by keeping cross walks clear of vehicles and stopping when cross walks are occupied.
See Appendix E
At times dogs are found roaming around the playground and, in some cases, doing physical harm to the children. We request that all families take special care to keep their dogs at home and not allow them to contribute to this problem at school. Authorities will be called to pick up dogs that are on the school grounds.
Students are expected to dress appropriately- clean, neat, modest clothing- no offensive language is to be found on clothing. Footwear must be worn at all times. Hats may be worn in school when classes are not in session.
Grades 1, 2, and 3 enter the North West door, 4, 5, and 6 enter the North East door. Grade 4 - 6 students may drop off or pick up younger students by the front entrance. Kindergarten students and parents please use the North East door.
Only when the weather is extremely rainy or snowy, may students choose the closest door and carry their footwear to the proper area.
School policy requires that no school equipment leave the school premises unless prior arrangements are made with the principal.
Any group using the school gym must supply their own small equipment. Large equipment usage for nets and mats etc. must be approved with the principal in advance.
Intramural sports, clubs, choral groups etcetera may be provided before, during, or after regular school hours. These activities help provide a balanced educational experience for our students. We encourage volunteers within the community and school to help us neat needs in these areas. To volunteer, we ask that you contact our school council or administration.
Fees are payable at the office and are DUE the first week of school in September. They are collected to partially cover the cost of resources used by students throughout the school year. Arrangements to pay can be made at the office.
The school fee for kindergarten is $60 and for grade one through grade 6 is $65.There will be a $10 late penalty assessed if payment or payment arrangements have not been as of September 30, 1998.
Resources/field trips may be withheld from students whose parents have not paid or have not made payment arrangements.
Additional mandatory fees are assessed for damages to rented texts.
Each elementary student is assessed a field trip fee that goes toward covering the transportation costs of the trip.In order for a child to attend the class field trip, fees must be in good standing. Field trips are taken to support the student's educational program. Additional fees for various activities may be levied to cover other expenses.
Parents will be notified of this at the appropriate time. Responsible behaviour by students will ensure their participation in the planned field trip for their class.
Fire drills are held regularly during the warm months to assist the students in knowing primary and alternate routes for leaving the school in the event of a fire. Students must wear shoes at all times. If students are out of their classrooms, they must leave the school with exiting students and then locate and notify their teacher immediately. Students will return to their classroom only after the all clear signal is given.
Students must wear gym shoes.
Only authorized personnel are allowed in the equipment rooms.
See Agenda.
The handbook will be reviewed and revised by May 31.
HOMEWORK AND STUDY EXPECTATIONS
Homework is assigned by teachers to reinforce concepts learned in class. Homework time varies with individual children and is expected to increase as the children get older. If you have a concern about the amount of homework expected of your child, please contact the teacher. Students will have consequences for incomplete homework.
See Appendix D
See Accident or Illness. An infirmary is located in the general office area and is used when students are not feeling well enough to be in a regular class and when parent/guardians cannot be reached.
Intramurals (eg. sports, choral, drama etc.) may be provided during the noon hour for all interested students in grades 1 through 6. Town students may bring lunch when they are scheduled to participate.
The library is an essential part of the school. The aims of the school library reinforce the aims of general education; to develop an individual to the full extent of his or her potential.
The lost and found for wearing apparel is located in the elementary hall next to the washrooms. Other objects are turned into the office. If they are not claimed after a reasonable period of time, they are returned to the finder. Objects having a value of $200.00 or more will be turned over to the R.C.M.P.
A lunch program sponsored by the Southern Alberta Handicapped Association will be available at noon Monday &endash; Thursday offering a variety of hot foods and beverages. Elementary students may purchase any item they wish for lunch, but those requiring daily preparation are to be ordered during the morning recess.
MESSAGES TO STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
Messages to students and teachers will be relayed during breaks in order to maximize instructional time.
Students who live within five blocks of the school are encouraged to go home for lunch if they are not involved in extra-curricular activities during the lunch hour.
Magrath Elementary School Newsletters will be placed in mailboxes on about the tenth of each alternate month starting in October. The youngest child in grades one to six will bring home the other newsletters beginning with September. A tearoff section will be included for the family to send back to show that the newsletter was received. Information will be sent home in agendas as needed. Individual homeroom teachers will have a system in place to provide parents with classroom information.
A nurse from the Chinook Health Unit is responsible for checking various aspects of health in school children. After getting parental consent, immunizations and vision, hearing and health assessments are carried out routinely. Parents or teachers may refer students for a vision or hearing evaluation. New families in town are contacted by the nurse in order to obtain information on children's previous immunization and health care. Please call the Health Unit at 758-3331 for further information.
Each morning at 8:39 AM. O Canada is played throughout the school. Further patriotic exercises may be held in individual classes. Students not in class prior to the beginning of the anthem are considered tardy.
These are held twice a year, once in early fall and again in spring. These conferences are scheduled by the school for the purpose of a two-way exchange of information on the growth of the child in relation to their success in school. All parents are asked to come in for the fall parent teacher conference. The classroom teacher may choose to phone and discuss satisfactory progress with parents for the second conference.Any parent called wishing to have a conference scheduled may indicate so at that time. This would allow more time to be scheduled for conferences where there areas of concern.
In addition to the parent-teacher conferences, report cards will be sent home three times a year.
A parent or a teacher may request a parent-teacher conference at any time throughout the year to discuss child's needs.
Observance of town by-laws is a first priority. (eg. crosswalks and double parking.) A student pick- up and drop-off area is located across the street from the front of the school. It will be a parallel pick up zone from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. on all regular school days. Parking will be prohibited in front of the school on both sides of the street during all school days.
Angle parking is available east of the school playground and on side streets. This is necessary when attending school assemblies as they will be ending at about the time the buses need to load at dismissal time.
A parking lot is available east and south of the Tom Karren Gym, staff and visitors are to park east of the gym and students are to park in the area south of the gym.
The school cooperates with a photographer to supply individual and class pictures early in the year to students who wish to purchase them.
Safe use of playground equipment will be enforced by school staff during school hours.
Please arrange private lessons outside school hours.
PROMOTION POLICY IN THE MAGRATH SCHOOL
Promotion of students from grade to grade is based on the teacher's evaluation of the student's progress. The recommendation for promotion is given to the principal for ratification and placement of students within the school system.
If retention of a student is contemplated, the following procedure should be followed.
1. The parents will be notified as soon as possible regarding problems indicating that help or remediation is needed for the student.
2.If retention is a possibility, notification to parents and principal will be done no later that the third formal contact with parents (no later than March 15)
3. The criteria used for retention will be based on consideration of the child's best interests.This decision will be made in consultation with parents or guardians.
4. The cooperation of the student, parents, and teachers is necessary for a successful retention.
5. At no time will a child be retained more than once in grades 1-3, once in grades 4 - 6.
Due to safety and supervision concerns, as well as limited classroom storage space, these are not allowed at school.
Any emergency school closure will be announced over the local radio stations as soon as the decision is made. Parents of bus students are asked to submit a name to their child's teacher of a family in town where the child could stay if extreme conditions make it impossible for them to go on the bus. Parents please inform your child of where to go in the case of an emergency closure.
The school motto is "STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE".
The song was written by Mrs. Elizabeth Olsen on the
occasion of the rededication of the school following the extensive renovations in 1990.
M. A. G. R. A. T. H.
Rise to the Zenith we will climb, climb, climb.
We will be true with the summit in view,
Waving our banners of Gold and Blue.
M. A. G. R. A. T. H.
Striving for Excellence you'll see
We'll never stop till we conquer the top
Marching on to victory!
Only registered students and school staff are allowed in the Magrath School during the school day. Parents are encouraged to visit the school but are required to stop at the office before visiting a class unless prior arrangements have been made. School policy requires that anyone else entering the school first report to the principal's office. This policy is intended as a protection for your children.
Three kinds of programs are provided to meet the varied needs of our students.
1. Students with severe handicaps are given a special program following Alberta Education's curriculum for these students.
2. The special education resource rooms in Magrath School are primarily established to supplement the regular classroom curriculum. They provide each student with an individualized program of drill and practice in basic skills. Instruction is given in the areas of Math and Reading progress and is based on the mastery and acquisition of these skills on sequential levels.
3. Students who show a need for academic challenge will have the opportunity to participate in our program for gifted and talented that is offered in upper elementary on a student interest basis.
Students from other schools are not usually allowed to spend a day or even half a day with friends or relatives in our school. A visiting student may detract from the regular work of students in the class. The only exception to the rules regarding visiting students is the allowance for a former student to visit for part of a school day if they have obtained permission at the office.
With the teacher's permission, students may use the telephone in the office. A pay phone is located in the foyer of the Karren Gym for after hours use.
Teachers are asked to limit student telephone use to emergencies only. Arrangements to go to a friend's home after school must be made prior to arriving at school.
The Magrath Elementary School Council is concerned about the safety of our students during the half hours before and after school. With input from the RCMP, here are some safety tips that will help ensure the safety of our students.
1. Let your children off at the curb by the crosswalks, and encourage them to use them.
2. Do not stop between the crosswalks where buses are loading and unloading, as there is the potential of a child being struck when running between the buses.
3. Teachers will remind children to use sidewalks and crosswalks and to walk bicycles on the school grounds.
4. After school, wait for your child on the west side of the street so they can use the crosswalks.
When a student transfers out of the school, they should obtain a transfer slip and a report from their teacher to be given to the receiving school. They need to obtain a refund of fees from the office and return all library books and school text books. All personal belongings such as gym clothes and school supplies should be taken at this time.
As a school community, we take pride in promoting a safe, secure, and caring school. Through the efforts of students, staff, and our community, we have a playground of which we are proud . We ask that as a community we watch for inappropriate activities on our school grounds and report them to the appropriate authorities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Westwind Regional Division No 9
Policy #515.0
STUDENT CONDUCT ON BUS ROUTES
The Westwind Divisional Board views all approved transportation to be an extension of the school, and the same rules that apply to students or staff in the school would apply on the bus as well. It is essential that the safety of the student be the primary consideration at all times, and the following guidelines are intended to provide a safe and stress-free environment.
GUIDELINES
1. The Driver is in full charge of the School Bus and students are expected to obey the driver or an assigned monitor as they would any school official.
2. The driver may assign students a seat for which the are responsible.
3. Students are expected to be seated while the Bus is in motion and to keep arms and legs within the seating area. Under no circumstances shall any part of the body to be extended out of the window.
4. Students are to be punctual arriving at their pick up point and shall be prompt in getting to the bus after school is dismissed. Excessive tardiness shall be reported to the principal for further action.
5. Students are permitted to bring regular school items (books, lunch kits, etc.) on board and these should be held on the student's lap where possible. Exceptional items (ice skates, large band instruments, etc. Are to be cleared by the driver and also safely stowed.
6. Unnecessary conversation with the driver or any action which might divert the driver's attention is to be avoided.
7.The use of tobacco and liquor on the bus is prohibited.
8. Students are to avoid littering the bus and should remove any wrappers or other garbage for which they are personally responsible.
9. Eating on the bus shall be at the discretion of the driver.
10. Students will be dropped off at their regular location unless the parent has been informed (by note if possible) the driver otherwise.
11. Students wishing to ride the bus to which they are not assigned shall present proof of parental permission to obtain an authorization slip from the office and will only be allowed on the bus if there is adequate seating at the time.
12. When entering or exiting, students shall follow the direction of the driver and shall always pass in front of the bus.
13. The student is responsible to notify the driver on mornings when service os not required.
14. The student and/or the parent shall be held responsible for any willful damage done to the bus.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS OF STUDENTS
1. I have a right to learn in this school. It is my responsibility to be on time and prepared for class; to listen to and follow instructions.
2.I have a right to hear and to be heard.
It is my responsibility to listen quietly when others are speaking.
3. I have a right to be respected in this school.
I have a responsibility not to verbally or emotionally abuse others.
4.I have a right to be safe in this school.
I have a responsibility not to threaten or physically harm anyone else.
5. I have a right to privacy and to my own personal space.
I have a responsibility to respect the property of others and to accept their right to privacy.
PROCEDURES IN THE CASE YOUR RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED.
1. Speak to the person violating your rights and ask them to stop.
2. See your teacher or other supervising adult.
3. If the problem is still not resolved, contact the school administration (principal or vice-principal).
4. If the problem is still unresolved, you may contact the superintendent or school board member.
5. Your last line of appeal in the school system is to contact Alberta Education.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS OF PARENTS
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Parents have the responsibility to be familiar with district policy and school rules and regulations that are in this handbook.
2. Parents have the responsibility to remain in contact with school, to participate in conferences with administrators and/or teachers on the academic or behaviour status of their students.
3. Parents have the responsibility to insure school attendance until legal age.
RIGHTS
1. Parents have the right to be informed of district policy and school rules and regulations related to their students.
2. Parents have the right to be informed of all facts and school actions related to their students and, if necessary, inspect their student's records with the assistance of a certificated staff member.
3. Parents have the right to be informed about alternative programs available to students.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TEACHERS
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Teachers have the responsibility to initiate and enforce a set of classroom rules and regulations consistent with school and district policies.
2. Teachers have the responsibility to conduct well planned and effective classroom lessons, which stimulate the participation and involvement of all students.
3. Teachers have the responsibility to inform parents of students progress through conferences, progress reports and behavioral reports.
RIGHTS
1.Teachers have the right to expect students to behave in a manner which will not interfere with the learning of other students.
2.Teachers have the right to expect students to learn and to participate in classroom activities.
3. Teachers have the right to receive parental support related to the academic and social progress of students.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS OF ADMINISTRATORS
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Administrators have the responsibility to establish, publicize, and enforce school rules that facilitate effective learning and promote attitudes and habits of good citizenship among the students.
2. Administrators have the responsibility to provide leadership that will support teachers in disciplinary procedures and will encourage and promote good teaching and effective learning.
3. Administrators have the responsibility to follow all rules, procedures, and due legal processes, and to make sure students, parents, and teachers are aware of the legal restraints when dealing with suspension, expulsion, exclusion or exemption.
4. Administrators have the responsibility to inform parents through conferences, progress reports, and report cards about the academic and social progress of students.
RIGHTS
1. Administrators have the right to hold students accountable for any disorderly conduct in school or on their way to and from school and school-related activities.
2. Administrators have the right to expect students to take advantage of all intellectual opportunities presented to them.
3. Administrators have the right to take appropriate action in dealing with students guilty of misconduct and to recommend suspension and or expulsion.
4. Administrators have the right to receive parental support related to academic and social progress of students.
Volunteers are welcome to assist in our school and shall:
1. Be guided by our school mission statement.
2. Be familiar with school policies and operating practices and act in accordance with them.
3. Recognize and respect the personal integrity of each member of the school community.
4. Respect the confidential nature of student information.
5. Use the appropriate communication channels when questions or concerns arise.
6. Promote high standards of ethical practice.
(See Board Policy #286.0)
Westwind Regional Division #9 Policy 315.0
The Westwind Regional Board believes that all students enrolled in school are required to attend school on a regular basis and be responsible for accounting for days when they are not in attendance.
GUIDELINES
1. It is the responsibility of each school to establish its individual policies and procedures pertaining to attendance matters which are in harmony with these general guidelines provided by the Board.
2. It is compulsory for all students to attend school regularly and punctually and abide by individual school attendance policies as outlined in Section 7 of the School Act.
3. While there are legal (excusable) reasons for students to miss school, this does not mean they are excused from the work they missed or from making an effort to make up for the day missed. Excused absences as listed in the school act are:
a) illness or other unavoidable cause (as determined by the principal
b) a religious holiday of the denomination to which the student belongs,
c) days officially suspended,
d) parents have shown the Board sufficient cause as
to why the student should not be required to attend,
e) Board excuses the student from attending for a
specific period of time.
4. Each school shall be responsible for outlining a method of dealing with excessive or unexcused absences which shall include:
a) Method of parental and/or student communication
b) An indication of what an intolerable number of absences might be
c) Recognize the right of the principal to deal with all
attendance concerns at the school, or in severe cases:
i) declare the student withdrawn (if 16
years or older),
ii) refer to the superintendent for appropriate discipline,
iii) request the superintendent invoke
attendance officer powers (Sec. 9, S.A.)
iv) suspension or referral to the Board for expulsion.
5. Each school shall include their attendance policy and procedures in the school handbook.
ACCEPTABLE INTERNET USAGE
Access to e-mail and the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world. Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items which are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people.
While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages.
As the Internet expands to all aspects of community life, education remains the first line of defense against unethical attitudes. Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, the Magrath Elementary School supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.
To access the resources of the Internet, all students must have a parent sign and return a permission form which will be made available from the school.
MAGRATH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INTERNET AND EMAIL RULES
Students are responsible for good behaviour on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behaviour and communications apply.
The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Access is a privilege - not a right. Access entails responsibility. Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behaviour and communications over those networks. It is presumed that uses will comply with the policies of the Magrath Elementary School and will honour the agreements they have signed.
Network and school administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are accessing the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on the school's file servers will always be private.
Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honoured. During school, students will be guided toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they access information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio, and other potentially offensive media.
As outlined in school policy the following are not permitted:
• Sending or displaying of offensive messages or pictures
• Using obscene language
• Harassing, insulting, or attacking others
• Damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks
• Violating copyright laws
• Using another's passwords
• Trespassing in another's folders, work, or files
• Intentionally wasting limited resources
• Employing the network for commercial purposes
Violations may result in a result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR DISCIPLINE PLAN
Magrath Elementary School operates on the philosophy that all students have the right to learn. To do so, each student must be in a school climate that is satisfying and productive, without disruptive behaviour infringing on the rights of others. Home and school alike must share the responsibility for teaching acceptable behaviour. By working together we can ensure positive student conduct. Discipline is essential in building accountability, responsibility , and respect for others. Students must understand that they are responsible for their behaviour, and they must understand that any behaviour which disrupts or detracts form the educational climate of the school is unacceptable. Any behaviour which encroaches on the rights of others is not responsible behaviour. Students are expected to follow reasonable rules that are established for the benefit of the student body as a whole, as well as the community. Physical abuse will not be tolerated.
SCHOOL-WIDE BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS
The staff of the Magrath Elementary School believes that the majority of students behave in reasonable, responsible, positive ways, and understand the need for the following expectations:
a) To show consideration, courtesy, and respect to others and their property.
b) To walk in an orderly, quiet, and safe manner while in the school and during all school related activities. Common sense and safety are our guides.
c) To avoid the use of profane language and inappropriate gestures while on school property.
d) To use school equipment appropriately
e) To become involved in only safe activities that not harm or potentially endanger themselves or others.
f)To treat all school property with care and respect
Each elementary home room will have a discipline book that is kept in the classroom and is available for administration or parents to refer to in the event a child is sent to the office. Any visit to the office will include communication with the home by telephone or by letter. It is our desire to work hand in hand with parents to do the best for all children.
GRADE 1 - 3
Students are to try their best to live up to their responsibilities as students in our school. To assist the students in developing responsible behaviour the school staff will administer an objective set of procedures regarding behaviour that goes with the acceptable standards of the school.
GRADE 4 - 6
In keeping with the rights and responsibilities statements regarding students, teachers, parents, and administrators, the following guidelines have been made to help deal with the times that students do not live up to their responsibilities.
Students on noon hour detention or suspension will forfeit the right to participate in any activities other than regular classes while they are on detention.
Due to the differences in ages, school administration will use discretion in applying the action to be taken particularly for the serious offenses when dealing with younger children.
In order to be fair and consistent with discipline at the administrative level, the following levels of behaviour have been designated with suggested consequences.
LEVEL 1
Repeated minor offenses including: disruption of class, disruption of assemblies, inappropriate behaviour/gestures, spitting, littering, inappropriate dress, inappropriate lunchroom behaviour, disruptive objects (confiscation), use of bicycles & similar transportation on campus, use of other people's property without permission, unsafe use of playground equipment, use of phys ed equipment in unauthorized areas, failure to come prepared for class, homework not done, tardies.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN: Conference with school administrator and a call or letter to parents to inform them of the visit to the office plus up to ONE WEEK OF NOON HOUR DETENTION
LEVEL 2
Cheating, skipping classes, unauthorized games in the school, failure to follow a reasonable request of a staff member, leaving the school grounds during school hours without permission, skipping detention, lying, trespassing, use or possession of tobacco products, throwing snowballs outside designated area, fighting.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN: Conference with school administrator and a call or letter to parents to inform them of the visit to the office plus up to TWO WEEKS NOON HOUR DETENTION
LEVEL 3
Misuse or waste of school material, equipment, property; indecent material; false calls to the school; forgery of notes; profanity/ vulgarity; vandalism 1 (restitution); minor theft (restitution); truancy; bullying or threatening behaviour (written, verbal, or physical); false fire alarm
ACTION TO BE TAKEN: Conference with school administrator and a call or letter to parents to inform them of the visit to the office plus up to THREE WEEKS NOON HOUR DETENTION
LEVEL 4
Gross misbehaviour; harassment/intimidation; major theft(restitution); insubordination; disrespect to staff; illegal entry.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN: Conference with school administrator and a call or letter to parents to inform them of the visit to the office plus up to I WEEK OF IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION
LEVEL 5
Open/persistent defiance of authority
ACTION TO BE TAKEN: Conference with school administrator and a call or letter to parents to inform them of the visit to the office plus up to TWO WEEKS OF IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
LEVEL 6
Extortion; possession of a weapon police will be called); possession or use of fireworks in or on the school premises;
ACTION TO BE TAKEN: Conference with school administrator and a call or letter to parents to inform them of the visit to the office plus up to THREE WEEKS IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION AND A PARENT ADMINISTRATOR CONFERENCE PRIOR TO REINSTATEMENT.
LEVEL 7
Physical Assault of a staff member; Use of any instrument as a weapon;Possession of a firearm; trafficking in or possession of illegal substances(drugs, alcohol) vandalism 2 (restitution), arson
ACTION TO BE TAKEN : SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL WITH A RECOMMENDATION FOR EXPULSION
PROCEDURES FOR CONTINUED DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS
The intent of the discipline plan is that student behaviour will be improved. Repeated offenses of any level will result in more severe disciplinary action. The following procedures will be implemented.
1. STUDENT CONFERENCE WITH A SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR- means that the offending student will be brought to the office. Following a report by the teacher on the offense and previous actions taken by the teacher the administrator will discuss the offense with the student and obtain a firm commitment from the student to correct his or her ways and any other appropriate action deemed necessary. In addition, every visit to the office by a student for disciplinary reasons will include a phone call to parents or a letter sent home explaining the reason for the visit. This is done to keep the parents informed of all problems before they become too serious.
2. NOON HOUR DETENTIONS- any student assigned a noon hour detention by the school administration will report to the detention room within five minutes of the noon bell and stay until 5 minutes before the bell to start afternoon classes. Students on detention must always come with work or reading of their own.
3. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION- Any student on an in-school suspension will work in the back of an assigned teacher's classroom. They will not have the privilege of socializing with other students during the
day and will have work and instruction provided by their core subject teachers. Students on in-school suspension are ineligible for extra-curricular activities while on suspension.
4. REQUIRED PARENT CONFERENCE -This means that a conference of the parents and school teachers and administration will be held to consider the best course of action in meeting the educational needs of the student prior to a student being readmitted to classes.
5. REQUIRED CENTRAL OFFICE CONFERENCE- this means that a student is suspended pending a hearing with the central office administration who will decide if the student should be reinstated in the school. The student must make contact with central office administrators and set up an appointment (653-4991). Contact by telephone will be made with the parents and superintendent and a letter will be sent to the superintendent and parents outlining the offense and action taken along with an academic, attendance, and discipline record for the student.
6. RECOMMEND EXPULSION - this means the student will be suspended pending a hearing of the Board where they will consider the request for expulsion. A student and his parents will contact the Superintendent to set up a meeting with the Board. Contact by telephone will be made with the parents and superintendent and a letter will be sent to the Superintendent and parents outlining the offense and the action taken by school staff along with an academic, attendance, and discipline record for the student.
DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN DISCIPLINE POLICY
Arson The burning of, or attempt to burn,any buildings, or part of any building, structure, or property of the school district.
Bicycles Students may bring bicycles to school provided they park and lock them in the proper place, namely the bike racks provided for their respective grade levels. Bicycles are to be walked when they are on sidewalks.
Cheating Copying work other than your own - knowingly permitting others to copy your work violating classroom rules regarding tests or assignments.
Disrespect to Staff Any action on the part of the student that takes away from the authority of the staff member or demeans him or her in any way.
Disruption of School/Class/Assemblies Examples include: yelling and/or running in the halls, persistent talking in class, horseplay,throwing things, etc.
Disruptive Objects Tacks, whistles, rubber bands, squirt guns, cap guns, etc., may be confiscated if students bring them to school.
Extortion or Blackmail The direct attempt to extract money, goods or favours from another individual through coercion, force or threats.
False Fire Alarm Raising or creating any false alarm of fire in and to any buildings, or part of any building, structure or property of the school district by any means or manner whatsoever.
False call The act of claiming the name of another person to excuse a student from class or school.
Fighting The act of quarrelling resulting in bodily contact in or on school property, or going to and from school, including any activity under school sponsorship (E.G. dance athletic event, etc.).
Forgery The act of using in writing the name of another person or falsifying times, dates, grades, addresses or other data on school forms.
Gross Misbehaviour Misbehaving that is totally beyond simple appropriate behaviour, ie. overt behaviour that threatens property or the safety and well-being of others including the promotion of fighting.
Harassment/Intimidation Any act of threat by force or verbalization against another student.
Illegal Entry Forced entry or entry without administrative authorization into a building, room or school property.
Illegal Weapons Possessing, using, threatening to use or transporting any weapon or instrument capable ofr^^^Document Error^^^
6. RECOMMEND EXPULSION - this means the student will be suspended pending a hearing of the Board where they will consider the request for expulsion. A student and his parents will contact the Superintendent to set up a meeting with the Board. Contact by telephone will be made with the parents and superintendent and a letter will be sent to the Superintendent and parents outlining the ^^^Document Error^^^!^^^Document Error^^^ Making any open or indecent exposure of his or her person or the person of another. This includes mooning or streaking.
Indecent Material/Actions The act of portraying obscenity or vulgarity in pictures or caricatures in assignments, on any personal property visible to others at school or on any school property.
Insubordination Disregard for the authority of a staff member.
Leaving the school grounds without notification As the school is expected to know the whereabouts of all students in it's care, all students who find they must leave during the school day for any reason must inform the office when they leave.
Littering To dump, deposit, place, throw or leave litter in and upon school property other than in receptacle set aside for such purposes.
Loitering Being somewhere other than where authorized and refusing to leave when ordered.
Lunchroom Behaviour Students are expected to behave in a manner appropriate to a public eating place.
Major Theft Theft of property over $10.00
Minor Theft Theft of property under $10.00
Misuse of School Materials Misusing and/or using school materials in an unauthorized manner short of major destruction, eg. writing on or marking desks, books etc.
Open/Persistent Defiance of Authority Actions of a student that are deliberately in opposition to the legitimate request of a staff member whether it be a request made to the student him or herself or to another student.
Physical or Verbal Assault The act of initiating a violent physical or verbal attack against another student on school property, on a school bus or at a school sponsored event.
Possession of a firearm It is illegal to have any firearm at school whether loaded or unloaded.
Possession or Illegal Use of Weapons The act of possessing using or threatening to use any weapon or instrument capable of inflicting bodily injury.
Possession/Use of Tobacco Smoking by any students or the possession of smoking materials (chewing tobacco) is not permitted on school property.
Profanity The use of language that is unacceptable to school/community standards.
School Equipment Misuse Any school equipment must only be used in the proper areas and in a way that it does not damage the school or the equipment or any persons.
Skipping When a student does not leave the school but fails to attend a scheduled class.
Skipping Detention Failure to attend an assigned detention without permission of the teacher. If circumstances arise making it impossible to attend a detention the student must notify the teacher concerned personally or they will be considered as skipping.
Spitting Students may not spit water or any other substance in or around the school grounds unless it is the proper receptacle in a washroom or outside away from regular play areas and walkways.
Tardiness Arriving to class after the bell has rung and up to 10 minutes after class has started. Arriving 10 minutes or more late constitutes an absence from class.
Theft The act of acquiring and/or being in possession of the property of another without consent.
Threatening Behaviour Any action on the part of a student that signals a threat to a staff member.
Trafficking in drugs or alcohol The distribution of drugs or alcohol to any students in or on school premises.
Trespass Entering upon the lands or premises of the school district without authority after having been forbidden to do so by school staff: or upon being notified to depart there from by members of the school staff, refusing or neglecting to depart there from .
Truancy The act of unauthorized absence from school for any period of time. Chronic tardiness may be considered truancy.
Unsafe or improper use of school playground equipment Swings, teeter toters, the jungle gym, and other school equipment is to be used in the manner it was designed for and according to rules explained by staff in the first few days of the school year.
Using other's property without permission This is the same as theft.
Vandalism Destruction of school property or property belonging to another.
Vandalism 1 Damage less than $200.00
Vandalism 2 Vandalism of property with a value greater than $200.00
Verbal/Physical/Written Threat to Teacher/Staff Any verbal, physical or written threat which insults or abuses any staff member or otherwise shows disrespect.
Vulgarity Offensive, lewd, obscene actions.
****This page was last updated: May 1999****
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