SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2011 - 2012
Teulon Elementary School Handbook 2011 - 2012 in pdf format
SCHOOL HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART TWO - GENERAL INFORMATION
PART THREE - SCHOOL PROGRAMS & SERVICES
PART FOUR - EMERGENCY INFORMATION
PART ONE - INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Teulon Elementary School.
This handbook has been prepared to provide an overview of our school’s practices, rules, regulations and policies and to be a useful reference for parents and students throughout the year.
Teulon Elementary staff aims to support students to progress academically, socially, and/or emotionally and takes very seriously the establishment and maintenance of quality learning opportunities for all students in a safe, caring, and respectful environment. Accordingly, divisional policies and school rules are in place to encourage and ensure that students are provided every opportunity to enhance their learning.
We will endeavor to be fair, consistent, honest, positive, and
respectful at all times. We will strive to instill this in our students
and we encourage you, as parents, to do the same at home. Our
responsibility as staff will be to foster a learning environment which
is wholesome and healthy for each student. We hope that we can count on
your support in enforcing these ideas.
In closing, please read and discuss this handbook carefully with your
child/children and encourage your child to abide by the rules and
procedures outlined.
We believe that with your support, your child/children will encounter a positive education experience filled with celebrations and successes.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Gloria Yaremkiewich
OUR MISSION:
Teulon Elementary School will engage students in learning to achieve their potential and become productive and respectful citizens of our society.
OUR BELIEFS:
- Everyone at our school must be respectful;
- Our school will foster a safe, caring, and inclusive environment;
- Students will be provided with the skills to become lifelong learners;
- Students will be valued for individuality and diverse capabilities;
- Our school will endeavor to provide a nurturing environment with the expectation that each student will become a responsible and respectful citizen in our society.
SCHOOL RULES:
There are three main rules at TES.
Respect Yourself
Respect Others
Respect Property
T.E.S. RESPECT AGREEMENT:
We respect ourselves
We work and play respectfully.
We speak and listen respectfully
We respect property.
We do our best. We celebrate successes and differences.
PART TWO - GENERAL INFORMATION
AGENDAS / PLANNERS:
Each year we ask that parents purchase for their child /children a
school agenda/planner. The purpose is:
To teach students the basics of organizational and study skills
To keep a written record of homework assignments and things to be
returned to the school
For students to record and share memorable classroom events with parents
To note special days
To eliminate the “I forgot” and “I don’t know”
Our Expectations: of the agendas/planners are as
follows:
Parents read and initial each night, even if there is no homework
Both teachers and parents may write in comments
Students must bring the agenda/planner to and from school each day
Students show parent notes to their classroom teacher
Students will obtain a replacement if the agenda/planner is lost
ALLERGY AWARE:
There are students at our school that have a life threatening allergy to nuts and nut products as well as to bee / wasp stings and are Epipen dependent if exposed to these allergens.
We ask for your cooperation in being aware of the food products that you send to school with your child/children. We realize that this will be inconvenient however, given the consequence for those students with the allergy, we trust you will be considerate of our request.
In addition, we will be teaching students about allergies in general
and that not all people can eat the same foods; we want our students to
understand why we are doing what we are doing and how they can help to
make the school a safer place.
Also, should a student have an allergy that necessitates the use of an
Epi-Pen, he/she will be required to wear a school fanny pack which
contains the Epi-Pen. This will help identify the student to our staff
members and will ensure that the medication is readily available if
needed.
Classrooms with allergies will have an “allergy alert” sign posted on the respective classroom door.
AWARDS PROGRAM:
Awards are presented at the Awards Day Program in June. Students may
receive an award for the following:
Honours Award
Outstanding Citizenship
Divisional Excellence Awards
ATTENDANCE:
Call 886-2620 anytime during the day or night as the school has an answering machine. It is expected that children regularly attend school and that they are on time. Chronic absenteeism and lateness are upsetting for the child and interfere with the learning process.
If a student is going to be absent or late for any reason,
please call the school by 9:30 A.M or send a note the day before.
Students who are late arriving to school should come directly to the
office.
At 9:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M., teachers submit a list of students who are absent from school without reason.
If the teacher does not give a reason for the absence or if parents do not call the school before 9:30AM and 2:00 PM., the parents of these children will be contacted to ensure that these students are safe.
BALANCED SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE:
Teulon Elementary School operates on the Balanced School Day - Six Day Cycle.
The Balanced School Day schedule breaks the instructional time into three- one hundred minute blocks, with two nutrition and activity breaks separating the blocks.
Each nutrition/activity break consists of a 20-minute “eating” segment followed by a 20-35 minute outdoor activity time. (This replaces the two 15-minute recesses and the traditional 60-minute lunch hour)
8:15 A.M. - School Office opens
8:35A.M. - Buses arrive/Doors open/ Students and staff walk the fitness trail
8:45 A.M. - 1st bell
8:50 A.M. - Opening exercises, attendance, and beginning of classes
3:30 P.M. - Bus students are dismissed.
3:40 P.M. - Town students are dismissed.
| BLOCK IDENTIFICATION | TIME |
| Block A-1 classes begin | 8:50 - 9:15 |
| Block A-2 | 9:15 - 9:40 |
| Block A-3 | 9:40 - 10:05 |
| Block A-4 | 10:05 - 10:30 |
| A.M. Nutrition Break | 10:30 - 10:50 |
| A.M. Activity Time | 10:50 - 11:10 |
| Block B-1 | 11:10 - 11:35 |
| Block B-2 | 11:35 - 12:00 |
| Block B-3 | 12:00 - 12:25 |
| Block B-4 | 12:25 - 12:50 |
| P.M. Nutrition Break | 12:50 - 1:10 |
| P.M. Activity Time | 1:10 - 1:45 |
| Block C-1 | 1:45 - 2:10 |
| Block C-2 | 2:10 - 2:35 |
| Block C-3 | 2:35 - 3:00 |
| Block C-4 | 3:00 - 3:25 |
BICYCLE SAFETY:
Students who bring bicycles to school are required to park them in the bicycle racks located on the east side of the school in the alcove.
Students riding their bicycles to and from school are expected to follow appropriate bicycle safety rules at all times. This includes being courteous to pedestrians, and walking their bicycle across intersections.
Upon entering or exiting school grounds, each rider is to walk his/her bicycle to or from the bike racks.
The school is not responsible for loss or damage to bicycles, therefore, it is recommended that bicycles be locked. while at the school.
BIRTHDAY RECOGNITION:
Students and staff are wished a Happy Birthday on or near their special day. Their names are placed on the Birthday board for all to read. Each person gets a small birthday token (card, award, bookmark, book etc)
BREAKS:
ACTIVITY BREAKS:
Students are expected to go outside during each activity break,
weather permitting. Please ensure that your child is dressed
appropriately for the weather. Students will be kept indoors if -27°C or
colder occurs.If it is absolutely necessary that a student remain in for
a day or two, please send a note regarding this with your child. A
doctor’s certificate will be required if this must continue for a longer
period of time. Generally, if children are healthy enough to be in
school, then they are healthy enough to go outside. To ensure the safety
of our students, supervision is provided during both morning and
afternoon break times.
Parents or friends needing to see students on the playground must report
to the office at which time the student will be called into the school.
Students are required to be respectful towards others, staff and school
property and follow instructions given by staff. All playground
equipment must be used safely and properly. Students must play in
appropriate areas within the boundaries of the playground: Behind berms
or hills are off limits. Students must ask permission from supervising
staff to leave the playground in order to retrieve play equipment.
Students reporting injuries or problems on the playground during
activity break times are to report these to the playground supervisor
who is on duty at the time. Students are only permitted to leave the
school grounds during nutrition / activity breaks if they have written
permission from their parents or guardians.
NUTRITION BREAKS:
20 minute nutrition breaks are provided so that the students are able to have time to eat their healthy snacks and lunches before going outside for their activity break.
We encourage you to send a healthy snack with your child to eat at the first nutrition break and a larger lunch for the second nutrition break.
Students will eat in their classrooms. Each student is responsible for seeing that his/her eating area is left neat and clean. Students are to remain seated until dismissed by a supervisor.
Town students who remain for the PM Nutrition Break will follow the same rules as above. Students who choose to not abide by these rules will lose their privilege to stay at school for lunch.
Milk, juice as well as nutritious snacks will be available to be purchased from our canteen each day.
Hot lunch sales take place once a month and are organized by TEPAC.
BUS GUIDELINES & CONDUCT:
All transported students will be sent home on the bus unless parents notify in advance (by note or phone) the school/classroom teacher and the bus driver.
If your child is not a bus student but must travel on the bus for a special occasion (birthday, sleep-over, etc.), he or she will not be allowed on the bus without written permission.
For everyone’s safety and comfort, it is important that students behave in a respectful/responsible manner when loading, riding, and unloading the school bus.
The bus driver is responsible for the safety of passengers: students
are expected to respect the driver’s instructions.
Students are expected to behave responsibly when waiting for buses.
Running is not permitted because of the danger from arriving or
departing buses. Students should form a line to board the bus.
Students who behave in a disrespectful, dangerous, or disruptive way may be denied the privilege of riding a school bus for a period of time. In such cases parents are notified and will be responsible for transportation to and from school during the period of the bus suspension.
If you have any other bussing questions, review the transportation policies in the policy section of this handbook or contact the school and if we are unable to assist, call the ISD Transportation Department at 467-8730.
BUS LOOP/PARKING LOT USE
The bus loop is not to be used during regular school hours. 8:20 A.M. - 4:15P.M. During regular school hours the parking lot is reserved for staff, school visitors and or guests.
The parking lot is NOT to be used from 8:30 - 9:30 A.M. for dropping off or at 3:15 - 4:15P.M. for picking up students unless prior permission is given. The parking lot across from the town hall is to be used to drop off or pick up your children.
CELEBRATIONS WALL:
Throughout the school year, students who are successful either in attendance, citizenship, sports, respect, and/ or academics will be honored and celebrated on the Celebrations Wall outside Mrs. Yaremkiewich’s office. Once receiving this achievement, students will receive a certificate of congratulations to place into their portfolios.
COMMUNICATION:
Communication between home and school is extremely important. We will endeavor to keep you well informed of programs and activities in the school. Opportunities will be provided for you to meet with staff and discuss educational matters as they relate to your child and school. We encourage parents to keep in close contact with the school. Families are welcome to attend our special events and assemblies. The following communication strategies are used:
Student Agenda Book - Students in Grades 1 - 6 use the agenda book to record homework assignments & messages.
Monthly Newletter - At the beginning of each month, the school newsletter is intended to keep parents informed of student activities, upcoming events, and important dates. The newsletter and monthly calendar can be accessed at http://www.isd21.mb.ca/te If you do not have access to the internet, call the office to set up other arrangements.
School Web Page- http://www.isd21.mb.ca/te
Welcome Back Assembly - The morning of the first day of school parents are welcome to bring their child to school and stay for the 9:00 assembly.
Open House will be held the second week of September from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Information will be sent home in September.
Report Cards - These reports are traditionally sent home in November, March, & June.
Parent/Teacher Conferences - Parent-Teacher Conferences are held twice during the year in November & March. Information regarding times and dates will be included in newsletters. Report cards are sent home prior to these conferences.
TES Student Showcase Night is held in May to celebrate students’ successes in all subject areas. More information will be sent home prior to the day.
Synervoice-Recorded phone message system that will send important messages to all T.E.S. families. (examples of messages could be: reminders to school events, school closures, etc.)
DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES:
The adult supervisor will deal with the minor situations immediately but will send the major situations to the office.
Supervisors will deal with minor situations as per guidelines, then they will report these student issues to the homeroom teacher who in turn will also deal with it.
If the problem continues, the supervising staff member, will write the student/students up and submit it to the office as well as report it to the classroom teacher.
The Restitution strategy will be implemented and the student will decide on how to fix the situation.
If a bottom line has been reached, consequences such as a detention, in, or out-of -school suspension will be administered by either the vice principal or principal. Parents will be contacted as soon as possible.
If it still continues, a meeting will be called to discuss as well as create an individual plan to meet the student’s needs. Creation of this plan may involve the school’s student service team. (Resource, Guidance, Administration, Division Personnel)
Peace Patrols report all conflicts that they deal with during the first break to the adult supervisor.
DRESSCODE: STUDENT ATTIRE / FOOTWEAR:
To help promote positive relationships among friends and peers, and to reduce competition, we request that students dress and groom themselves modestly, in clothing and styles that do not attract undue attention to themselves.
- Short skirts or shorts, spaghetti straps, crop tops or extremely low rise pants are not considered appropriate dress for school.
- Students’ undergarments must be covered by tops and pants at all times. Shirts must cover students’ mid section.
- Hats, caps or other head coverings are not to be worn in the school. Outer wear must not be worn in classrooms and indoor shoes are to be worn at all times.
- Any clothing depicting drugs, alcohol, tobacco or inappropriate language is not allowed.
- Regulations require that an immediate evacuation of the school take place in the event of fire drill or an emergency and because of this requirement, as well as for health reasons, it is important that students wear shoes inside the building at all times.
- In order to protect the floor covering we require footwear that does not mark the floor. Shoes that mark the floors can not be worn inside. Please check shoes for floor marking before purchasing.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
The schools in the Interlake School Division recognize that it may be necessary for students to be in possession of electronic devices for personal use or for communication with family. However, the educational integrity of the school and privacy of others must be protected at all times; therefore, the following conditions will apply:
- All electronic devices must be turned off and stored when the student arrives at the school. Electronic devices used for listening to personal music may only be used in specific circumstances with teacher/school/bus driver permission.
- During school outings, field trips, or after-school events, permission to use the electronic device must be given by the staff member in charge.
- The school assumes no responsibility, in any circumstances for the loss, destruction, or theft of an electronic device brought to school or to any school-related activity.
ENTRY/EXIT : DOOR USE FOR EACH GRADE
To avoid congestion at one set of doors the students are to enter and exit through the following doors.
Kindergarten: Entry - North East Door
Gr. 1 & 2 Students - South East Door
Gr. 3 & 4Students - North East Door
Gr. 5 & 6 Students - North Door
EVALUATION:
- Student progress is evaluated on a continuous basis in all subject areas.
- Methods of assessment vary and may include observation and recording of daily work samples, tests, conferencing, participation, projects and or oral presentations.
- Parents are encouraged to contact the subject teacher or homeroom teacher if they have questions or concerns.
FIELD TRIPS:
- Students going on any field trip out of town, will need a permission form signed by a parent or caregiver. Information about the fieldtrip will be provided from the teacher prior to the trip.
- Students going on any field trip within the community will not need a permission slip as permission to attend such trips was or was not given when the student’s information sheet was filled out in September.
- Skating at the Teulon Arena during the winter months is not considered a field trip but a component of the Physical Education curricula, therefore, it is important that all students attend.
FUND RAISING :
- Each year our school participates in a few fundraisers.
- Any money raised by the student body for school activities goes directly to the student fund. This money helps subsidize activities such as Artists in the School, special events, etc.
- A number of the fundraisers designate the raised funds to the charity itself. The charities that we have historically given to are: Jump-Rope-For-Heart, Terry Fox and UNICEF.
- It is the families’ choice whether or not to participate in any of the fundraisers.
INTERNET SAFETY:
The websites listed below offer advice on Internet Safety that may be helpful to you as a parent or a student.
R.C.M.P. - http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/youth-jeune/ws-sw-eng.htm
SAFE KIDS.com - http://safekids.com/
YAHOO!KIDS - http://kids.yahoo.com/search
WEBWISEKIDS - http://www.webwisekids.org/
LEAVING THE SCHOOL GROUNDS:
- Town students do not require permission to leave the school premises during the second nutrition break unless they regularly have lunch at school.
- All bus students must stay on school grounds at all times unless: a daily note is provided to the classroom teacher requesting that the students go uptown OR a yearly request is made and filed with the classroom teacher who in turn files it in the office.
Parents please note: Once you have given permission for your child to leave the school premises, the school division and its agents will not be held liable for problems caused by the children or accidents.
LOCKED DOORS:
- All doors, excluding the main/front entrance, will be locked the entire day.
- This practice is for your child/children’s safety in order to control the access that the public could have if the doors were left unlocked.
- If the main/front doors are locked during the day, it may be that we are practicing a Lock Down. If this is so, a sign will be on the window instructing you and your child not to wait by the door but to leave and return back to the school in 10-15 minutes.
MEDICATION:
- All medication must be administered by an adult in the school. Prior to this happening, a signed authorization note from the parent must be provided. A form is available for this purpose from the school office.
- Medication will not be given without this signed permission.
- The medication must be in pre-measured pill form and in the original, labeled container.
- Liquid medications will only be administered if the correct measurements are provided and according to school division policy.
- Students who may require an injection via an Epipen are required to have the Epipen with and on them or as arranged by the parents and the school. Adults in their care must be informed as to the location of the Epipen.
- Students with critical health needs (e.g. severe allergies needing an Epipen, diabetes) are to have an annually updated individual Health Care Plan.
NOTES FROM HOME ARE REQUIRED FOR:
- Any changes to the student’s regular routine.
- Cases of absenteeism
- Changing buses (In case of an emergency, a phone call to the school office is accepted).
- When someone other than parent/guardian is picking a student up.
- Going uptown at noon. (A note is required for each time)
Notes are to be dated and signed by a parent/guardian
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY:
- For students’ safety and well-being, students are to walk on sidewalks where possible and to cross at the Beach Road Cross walk where T.E.S. School Patrols are on duty at 8:25 - 8:45 A.M. and 3:35 - 3:50 P.M. September to June.
- During severe weather (heavy rain or extreme cold) only our adult school patrols will be on duty.
- Please obey these school patrols and encourage your children to do the same.
- Where there are no sidewalks, students should walk in single file on the left edge of the road, facing traffic.
- If your child cycles to school, he/she must walk his/her bicycle across the crosswalk and through the school yard.
PHONE USE:
- In the case of an emergency or a student is not feeling well and wishes to go home, the teacher will contact the office to have the secretary call and make arrangements for the student to be picked up.
- Students will be discouraged from using the phone to make or change after school plans as this should be done the night before. (i.e. to ask permission to go to a friend’s home).
- Students will not be called to the phone during class time unless it is an emergency. A message will be taken and students will be allowed to use the phone during breaks at 10:30 and 12:50.
PICKING UP STUDENTS:
- If a parent wishes to pick up their child/children early you are requested to send a note to the teacher informing them of your plans. If your child is a bus student, the bus driver must also be informed.
- Prior to 3:30, report to the office at which time your child/children will be called down to meet you.
- If pick-ups are not prior to 3:30, these students will be dismissed with the town students and can be met outside their dismissal door.
- If a pick-up is sudden or an emergency and you did not send a note with your child to their teacher, you may call the school but it is still your responsibility to try and make contact with the bus driver.
- For all regular after school pick-ups, including kindergarten pick-ups, parents/guardians are asked to wait outside the front doors or the doors that their child/children are dismissed from. Once the buses have left, the town students will be dismissed and will meet you outside.
- If the weather is extremely cold and the buses have left, parents are welcome to enter the school and wait for their child in the lobby area only. If at this time you wish to meet with the teacher, you must report to the office and arrangements will be made for this meeting.
- Early pick up of students on a regular basis is discouraged. Not only is this disruptive to the student being taken out but it’s disruptive to the whole class. Students leaving early miss valuable last minute instructions and/or contact time.
PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS:
- From time to time there may be situations where there is an incidence of pink eye, impetigo, measles, scabies or lice.
- Students are to remain at home until treatment for the condition has been received. Information packages will be sent home as the need arises.
- Contact the public health nurse or family doctor if you require additional assistance or have any questions.
- If lice are present on a student, their parents will be notified. A copy of the Public Health recommendations to deal with the problem will be sent home with the student. The child may return to school the next day, provided the Public Health recommendations have been followed.
- Because the clean-up from Lice is a great ordeal, preventative practice is most important: keep belongings to one-self, do not use anyone else’s belongings, check your child on a weekly basis and if lice is spotted, please contact the school.
REPORTING:
- Reports are traditionally sent out to parents in November, March, and June.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences are usually held in November and in March. Parents are to call in to make appointments.
- Other individual meetings are set as needed by teachers, parents, or administrators to discuss a child's progress.
- T.E.S. Student Showcase night is usually the first week in May. It celebrates students’ academic successes.
RESTITUTION: POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR MODEL
- Using the RESTITUTION model as a guide, students and staff will attempt to create the conditions in the classroom and school to allow students to take responsibility for their actions and to fix their mistakes.
- This process of making restitution is a creative one which builds problem solving skills in the offender.
- This technique helps students become self-directed, self-disciplined and self-healed through internal motivation.
OUR BELIEFS:
We believe in the following social/emotional values:
RESPECT
SAFETY
RESPONSIBILITY
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
GOOD CITIZENSHIP
BOTTOM LINES:
Our bottom lines promote our school beliefs. Therefore, there will be no tolerance for the following:
VERBAL ABUSE
NON-COMPLIANCE
BULLYING/HARASSEMENT
PHYSICAL VIOLENCE
VANDALISM THEFT
WEAPONS
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
SCHOOL PLANS:
- Each year our school develops a school plan of two or three goals that we develop and focus on throughout the year.
- Input is requested from all staff members, parents, and students.
- If you would like to work on a goal committee look for the information in the fall school newsletter. It is important that parents take an active part in assisting to develop the plan.
- A community report on the success of the school plan is provided at the end of each school year.
STUDENT INFORMATION:
- Every September students bring home their personal information forms for review and updating.
- If changes occur after these forms are submitted, please report any changes to the office as soon as possible so if there was ever an emergency, we would be able to contact you immediately.
TEPAC: TEULON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
- The Council meets one evening a month and is open to all community members in the Teulon area.
- The purpose is to serve in an advisory capacity to the principal. The Council is involved in giving input on school policies, school plans, fundraising, and providing information to parents.
- The Council oversees the school’s hot lunch program and helps with various school events.
- Please contact the school or member of the executive for more information.
- Information from TEPAC is provided monthly in the school’s newsletter.
VISITORS / VOLUNTEERS:
- Parents, visitors, and volunteers are always welcome at the school.
- Volunteers are very important to our school program. We hope that we can count on you for your help during the school year. If interested, please call the school.
- For the safety and security of all, we request that you report to the office, sign into our log-in book, and wear a visitor/volunteer’s badge before proceeding to any part of the school.
- This badge informs all students and staff that the office knows and their safety is respected.
YEAR END STUDENT PLACEMENT:
- Each year in June, the school team (teachers, administration, resource, guidance and if needed, divisional staff) meet to work out the class lists for the next school year. A number of factors are taken into consideration when students are placed in classes.
- Each class is designed to reflect the appropriate heterogeneous balance in gender, academic ability and social-emotional need.
- Each class is designed to provide the most enabling learning environment through the provision of social emotional and safety needs as well as careful consideration of positive student/student and student/teacher relationships.
- Much thought goes into the next grade.
- We make every effort to ensure that your child is placed appropriately. Therefore, in order to ensure all students and parents are treated fairly, special requests for placement will be discouraged.
- Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
PART THREE - SCHOOL PROGRAMS & SERVICES
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL DAYCARE PROGRAM:
- Within our school, the Teulon Day Care Center offers a Before and After School program for school age children.
- For more information, please contact the Teulon Day Care Center.
COMPUTER PROGRAM:
- The use of technology is integrated into all subject areas and students have regular access to the lab.
- Pupils and staff must adhere to school and school division policies respecting appropriate use of electronic mail and the Internet, including the prohibition of accessing, uploading, downloading or distributing material that the school has determined to be objectionable.
- It is expected that all students and staff will follow the Interlake School Division policy on ICT (Information Communication Technology) Acceptable Use
DIVISIONAL CLINICAL SERVICES:
- In our division we are able to access supports from the following
divisional clinical services.
Occupational Therapist Physical Therapist
Speech and Language Therapist
Behavior Specialist Psychologist
Social Worker
- Once concerns have been raised by either teachers, resource, guidance, or administration, the student services team will meet and discuss how to meet the student’s needs.
- If it is determined that a referral is necessary, the parents will be contacted and upon approval, arrangements will be made for clinical services.
GUIDANCE PROGRAM:
- The guidance counselor conducts class programs as well as assists students in various aspects of their education such as: study skills, school orientation, individual and group counseling.
- The guidance counselor acts as a liaison with students, teachers, parents, division personnel, and agencies outside the school.
- The services offered by the guidance department are there to meet student needs.
IRIS PROGRAM:
- This program assists Grade One students experiencing difficulty with reading.
- Students will be referred to the program by their classroom teacher and must meet provincial guidelines.
- Prior to the referral, parents will be informed of their child’s reading difficulty.
- Students will participate in a 25-minute daily small group lesson provided by the Resource Teacher.
KINDER-READY PROGRAM:
- This new program will allow the in-coming kindergarten students an opportunity to visit the school for part of a day in June.
- The goal of the program is to ease their transition into kindergarten by providing them with an opportunity to be in the classroom /school as well as spend some time with future classmates and teachers.
- These future students will be involved in school routines and pre-kindergarten activities.
- Parents will receive the time and date of their child’s visit at the Kindergarten Information Night.
- This is not a mandatory program.
LIBRARY/BOOKMOBILE SERVICES:
- Students have access to a wide variety of reading materials through the school library, the bookmobile, as well as the Regional Library.
- Library books will be on loan for one 6-day school cycle. Students must return their library books on time and take care of them.
- Lost library material will be billed to the student at replacement cost. Reimbursement is to be completed by the end of June each school year.
- To assist in the prompt return of books, the monthly calendar indicates the Bookmobile days. Bookmobile books not returned at the end of a three week period are assessed a fine.
MINI-WAY CANTEEN PROGRAM:
- The school canteen is open on a daily basis unless an unforeseen situation arises and at which time the students will be informed of it’s closure during the morning announcements.
- All nutritious snacks abide by the division and school nutrition policies and guidelines.
- The goal of our Mini-Way canteen is to keep prices down and healthy eating up.
- These snacks should be a supplement to a student’s lunch and not a replacement unless the canteen is offering a lunch special.
- Basic snacks available for 50¢ are as follows:
Dole Fruit bowls Fruitsations ( sauces) 100% fruit juices Nutri Grain Bars Popcorn Toast & jam
Tacos & Salsa Jello Puddings Welch’s Fruitsnacks Fresh Fruit Fresh Vegetables
Yogurt tubes Cereal & Milk
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE SERVICES: 886-4068
- A Public Health nurse comes into the school as the need arises to either
- show films and discuss Human Development with students in Gr. 6 (after obtaining parental permission) or to
- give vaccinations to the grade 4 students (Hep B.) and to the grade 6 girls (H.P.V.)
RESOURCE PROGRAM:
- The emphasis of our Resource Program is to provide support to students with exceptional needs and to work closely with their teachers so that these students progress successfully and inclusively within the mainstream of the classroom.
- Resource teachers also work closely with parents, divisional staff as well as outside agencies.
-Notification will be made immediately if such a situation pertains to your child.
- The type of support will vary for each student’s situation and need.
- For resource assistance, the classroom teacher must submit a written referral for the school’s student services team (resource, guidance, and administrative staff) to review and process.
- If the referral is accepted, parental approval and signature must be acquired before assistance is provided.
RESPECT PROGRAM:
- The Respect program is very important at Teulon Elementary School.
- Its goal is to nurture with-in students a strong sense of self-respect, personal responsibility, and respect for others.
- Each year teachers along with their students develop classroom rules and classroom Respect Agreements.
- The Respect Agreements are signed by the student, teacher and the Principal and displayed on the Respect bulletin board.
- These Respect Agreements along with the Restitution’s Positive Behaviour Model are used to help guide our students and staff when dealing with issues.
- Our Respect Agreements allow all students the best opportunity to learn in a safe and caring environment.
ROOTS OF EMPATHY PROGRAM: (ROE)
- The Roots of Empathy program is offered to one classroom per school year.
- A certified ROE instructor visits the classroom at least 3 times per month.
- Once a month the instructor is joined by a parent and a baby from the community.
- During the program the instructor guides the students in learning about feelings, different situations.
- When children know how others feel, they are less likely to hurt each other through bullying and instead show empathy .
SCHOOL SUBJECTS:
Teulon Elementary School offers the prescribed curriculum established by Manitoba Education and Training. This includes:
Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Music, Band (gr. 5 & 6), Art, French, Physical Education/Health
Computer Technology (integrated into all subject areas)
Detailed curricula outcomes are available on www.edu.gov.mb.ca/ks4/
STUDENT LEADERSHIP:
We believe that student involvement in student leadership roles is very important to the success of our school and in order to fulfill this belief we have implemented and established committees to focus on three areas:
1. Student Voice
This committee of ten grade Middle Year’s students is the voice for the
entire school body. These students assist with social justice
activities, canteen duties, hot lunches, lunch hour office duty, meeting
and greeting guests, planning school and social justice events and
bringing concerns, suggestions and ideas from the student body to the
staff representative/ administration.
2.The Green Team
This committee of eight Middle Year’s students help plan and implement
environmental and sustainable development goals, carry out recyclable
duties, and help plan and maintain the green space/flower beds around
the school.
3. The School Patrols
This committee consists of fifteen grade four to six students. These
students patrol the cross walk and provide safety to all before and
after school.
STUDENT PEACE PATROL PROGRAM:
- To fulfill the grade five Health curriculum, all students must actively participate in the Peace Patrol /Conflict Managers Program.
- These students are trained by the Guidance teacher to mediate verbal conflicts, provide peaceful suggestions, and report any concerns or issues to the adult supervisors.
- The students work in pairs during the first break and assist on the Kindergarten to Grade Three playground
PART FOUR - EMERGENCY INFORMATION
STUDENT EMERGENCY INFORMATION:
- The school may be closed and the children sent home early due to emergencies as power failure, gas leak, or water main break.
- In preparation for this, the school requests that all parents leave the name and phone number of someone who lives in town to contact in case of emergency.
- It is important that this information be kept up-to-date, particularly when parents are away from town.
- Your child should know the identity of the person( s) to be contacted.
STORM /SCHOOL CLOSURES:
- The Interlake School Division may, under extreme conditions, cancel all classes.
- If a storm or emergency occurs overnight and cancellation of buses
and school is necessary, a Synervoice
message will be sent from the Superintendent to all Interlake School
Division families.
- As well, all radio stations will be notified by 6:30 a.m.
- If a storm develops during the day, classes will continue as usual, however buses may be cancelled. In this case, all radio stations will be contacted, rural students will be billeted in town, and every effort will be made to inform all parents by Synervoice message or by phone.
- Drivers have the authority to cancel all or part of the route if in their opinion the safety of the students may be compromised. If a driver cancels his/her run, s/he will notify the transportation supervisor and the parents of the students on that bus.
SCHOOL’S EMERGENCY DRILLS:
- Throughout the school year several drills are practiced in preparation for an emergency. These drills are:
Bus evacuations: (2:1 in Fall & 1 in Spring)
Fire drills (10)
A major evacuation to the town hall or the high school.
Lock downs ( An internal or external threat)
STUDENT ILLNESS /ACCIDENT PROCEDURES:
- A child who receives a minor injury such as a scrape, bruise, cut, or bump will be attended to by our staff.
- In the event of a more serious illness/injury, all attempts will be made to notify a parent at home or at work. If a parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact person as listed on the September registration sheet will be called. The emergency contact MUST be available to pick up the student if necessary.
- If your child needs emergency medical attention, you will be contacted as soon as possible. If you cannot be contacted, your child will be taken to the nearest hospital and attended to by the physician on call.
- An adult representing the school will remain with the child until the parent/emergency contact person arrives at the hospital.
- If an ambulance is needed, one will be called and covered by Interlake School Division’s insurance company.
- A report of the accident will be reported to our insurance agency.
PART FIVE - POLICIES
SCHOOL BUS CANCELLATION – Policy No. 6.11
- The purpose of this policy is to outline plans and procedures for discontinuing bus service in whole or in part due to weather, road conditions, and other emergencies.
- The safety of the students will be the primary consideration in cancelling bus transportation.
- Cold Weather:Wind chill of –45 or greater will dictate cancellation of school bussing within the Division.
- Hazardous Weather/Road Conditions: Blizzard warnings will require the Transportation Supervisor and the Superintendent to consider cancelling bus transportation.
- Ice covered roads and/or snow-blocked roads will require the Transportation Supervisor and the Superintendent to consider cancelling bus transportation.
- Any other weather condition, which may put students at risk, will require the Transportation Supervisor and the Superintendent to consider cancelling bus transportation.
- Should any other emergency situation arise, the Transportation Supervisor and the Superintendent will determine if the buses should be cancelled or recalled.
- Division Closure: When buses are cancelled, schools will be closed. Employees will not be expected to report for work.
INTERLAKE SCHOOL DIVISION STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
1.INTRODUCTION
The Interlake School Division Student Code of Conduct is written with the intent of improving and maintaining appropriate student behaviour throughout the division and in all areas of a student’s life. This document outlines the expectations of the Interlake School Division, the responsibilities of all stakeholders in fulfilling these expectations and the ways in which schools can assist students in adhering to the Code of Conduct. It is all-encompassing and does not refer to specific situations. Instead, it is a guide which gives ideals and methodologies that will pertain to situations which may occur. Students are expected to fulfil the Division’s expectations, parents are encouraged to support the Code of Conduct, and school staffs are expected to promote and encourage positive behaviour whenever possible.
- To support this procedure, schools will develop and implement a code of behaviour consistent with the divisional Code of Conduct objectives, will review it annually, and will revise it as required.
- As policy and procedures cannot cover all possible circumstances, some discretion should be used by administrators with consideration given to the age of the child and special circumstances surrounding an incident.
- Notwithstanding the above, violent incidences will receive serious consequences and no violent incident shall be ignored. Cumulative or multiple offences by the same student will be taken into account when administering the consequences outlined in this document.
2.WHAT IS THE CODE OF CONDUCT?
The Student Code of Conduct consists of the expectations that are set forth by the Interlake School Division with regard to the behaviour of all students. Thus, this document is based on the following expectations as set forth by the Division and subsequently goes on to include ways in which all stakeholders can assist in meeting these goals.
Every student shall conduct him/herself with:
- Moral integrity.
- Academic and social responsibility.
- Respect for the rights and values of others.
- Respect for property.
- Responsibility for the safety of themselves and others.
In addition, the following actions will not be tolerated:
- Bullying or abusing physically, sexually, or psychologically, orally, in writing, electronically (Cyber-Bullying) or other wise.
- Discriminating unreasonably on the basis of any characteristic.
- Gang involvement of any kind.
- Inappropriate use of the Internet and electronic mail.
While students are expected to behave in a positive manner at all times, they are not expected to accomplish the above goals alone. All caregivers have a part in the teaching of appropriate student conduct and thus, through a combination of personal responsibility, positive behaviour support and consequences, the Division’s expectations can be met.
3.RESPONSIBILITIES:
Everyone in a school division has responsibilities with regard to fulfilling the Division’s expectations. Accordingly, each stakeholder’s responsibilities with regard to the Interlake School Division Student Code of Conduct are listed below. It is expected that every person shall do his or her best at all times to uphold their own particular responsibilities so that the school division as a whole will be a safe and positive environment.
THESE RESPONSIBILITIES ALSO APPLY ON THE WAY TO AND FROM SCHOOL, ON ALL SCHOOL-RELATED ACTIVITIES, ON SCHOOL BUSES OR OTHER VEHICLES BEING USED FOR SCHOOL EVENTS.
3.1 Students are expected to:
- Attend classes and be punctual.
- Follow the rules of conduct established by the school and the expectations of the Interlake School Division.
- Support a positive and safe school climate.
- Respect all persons and property.
3.2 Parents/guardians are encouraged to:
- Take an active role in their children’s learning in ways such as attending meetings or assisting with homework if necessary.
- Ensure that their children follow the school rules of conduct and the expectations of the Interlake School Division.
- Reinforce respectful language and behaviour, appropriate dress and respect for all persons and property
3.3 Staff members are expected to:
- Promote a safe school environment.
- Promote a positive atmosphere and pride in the school and school activities.
- Encourage respectful language, appropriate dress and regards for others.
- Inform students and parents/guardians of the school rules of conduct and the expectations of the Division.
- Assist students in learning and maintaining appropriate behaviour.
4. POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT STRATEGIES:
While it is expected that students will endeavor to fulfill their responsibilities with regard to appropriate behaviour at all times, it is recognized that assistance, practice, and correction are also necessary in the development of contributing members of society and of children in particular. Therefore, whenever possible, staff members are expected to use positive behaviour support strategies that are designed to teach and reinforce good behaviour. Some examples of positive behaviour support strategies are as follows:
• Student-developed plan for changing behaviour in the future.
• Student- developed plan for alternative response to peers with teacher and counselor.
• Participation in conflict resolution.
• Participation in anger management sessions.
• Oral or written demonstration of understanding of rules and behaviour expectations in specific area of concern.
• Participate in anti-bullying or bullying prevention activities.
• Student-developed plan for long or short term course completion.
• Peer/helping/mentoring
Many other positive behaviour support strategies exist or can be created by schools in an effort to teach and assist students in learning and maintaining appropriate behaviour. Schools are encouraged to employ methodologies of this nature, but must ensure that consequences are appropriate and meaningful. Schools will also make expectations of students clear to all, and shall therefore develop individual school codes of conduct that use this document as an overall guide.
5.CONSEQUENCES:
It is also recognized that there are times when positive behaviour support may be inadequate or inappropriate to certain situations and that additional consequences may be necessary. At those times, positive behaviour support strategies may be combined or substituted for one or more of the following:
5.1 ALTERNATIVES TO SUSPENSIONS:
Examples of suspension alternative include such strategies as:
- Consequences options such as loss of recess, break time or other privileges
- Isolated setting for limited period of time
- Time missed made up at other free times
- Socially responsible activities such as area clean-up
- Restitution for damages to physical property
Again, many more alternatives to suspension exist or can be created and schools are encouraged to employ such methods. However, alternatives to suspension must be appropriate to the situation and have as their goal the promotion of positive behaviour.
5.2 GUIDELINES FOR SUSPENSIONS:
Suspension should be considered for one or more of the following reasons:
- The infraction is of a serious enough nature that behaviour support strategies and alternatives to suspension alone would be insufficient or inappropriate.
- The incident has safety issues and removal from school is a practical action in a given situation.
- Incidents have become cumulative in nature and other methods have thus far been ineffective.
If either or any of the above circumstances exist, suspension should be used in one of the following forms:
- In-school suspension at the discretion of the administrator.
- Teacher suspension from class for up to two school days-Manitoba Regulation 68/97, Public Schools Act 40.3(1).
- Suspension from school for up to six weeks - Manitoba Regulation 68/97, Public Schools Act 40.6.
- This will occur by request, in writing, by the principal of the school to the superintendent.
- The Board may suspend a student for an extended period or expel upon the recommendation of the superintendent.
- When students are suspended from school, they are also suspended from any school-sponsored activities that occur in any school or on any grounds in the division during school hours and any school-sponsored activity regardless of venue (i.e. hockey rink).
The following actions will result in consequences ranging from a minimum 5- day up to 6-week suspension, including expulsion. Exceptions will be cases that require administrators to consider the age of the student or special circumstances that may be present.
• Possession or use of drugs, drug paraphernalia or alcohol.
• Possession or use of weapons.
5.3 NOTIFICATION OF SUSPENSION:
Notification of a suspension shall be made to:
- The Superintendents Department using the Notification of Suspension form D-4(R3-F1) along with a copy of the letter to the parent. In cases where the suspension involves a violent incident a Violent Incident Report Form D-4(R3-F2) will also be completed and submitted.
- The parent/guardian and to the student if the student is an adult, verbally and then by letter.
- The letter to the parent shall contain the following information. Duration, beginning and ending dates of suspension.
- A description of the conduct for which the student was suspended. Any other extenuating circumstances which may exist.
5.4 AN APPEAL OF A SUSPENSION:
- An appeal of a suspension greater than five (5) days shall be heard by the Interlake School Division Board of Trustees.
- An appeal of a suspension of five (5) days or less shall only be heard by the school principal.
- The student will be required to remain out of school for the duration of the suspension or until the appeal is satisfied.
5.5 CONSEQUENCES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS:
- It is recognized that special education students sometimes act in inappropriate ways due to the nature of their disability or their impaired emotional state.
- Accordingly, principals are expected to have knowledge of these special circumstances and to employ support strategies or use consequences that are appropriate for the situation.
- If behaviour plans and IEPs are in place for certain students, principals should act in accordance with these pre-arranged plans.
5.6 EXPULSION:
- Further to suspension is the act of expulsion. Expulsion will be used in the Interlake School Division in extreme situations and may only be invoked by the Board of Trustees.
- Expulsion will be considered by the Superintendent in consultation with the school administrator and possibly the Student Services Department and given to the Board as a recommendation.
- The Board of Trustees will then hold a Hearing for Expulsion which may be attended by the student and his or her guardians and legal counsel if desired.
- The Board shall rule on the decision and inform the student and guardians after all discussions ensue. The decision of the Interlake School Division Board of Trustees shall be final.
TEULON ELEMENTARY ’S HEALTHY SCHOOL POLICY:
- Nutrition plays a major role in growth, development and learning.
- Teulon Elementary School will continue to promote healthy eating and active living through physical education, nutrition education and our canteen program.
- We believe that our school has the responsibility to foster and support healthy eating practices by providing nutrition education to all students.
- We will ensure that all decisions involving food and drink at Teulon Elementary School follow the guidelines set out by the Public Schools Amendment Act regarding Nutrition.
- School fundraising will not rely on the sale of non-nutritious foods.
- Our school will offer milk and 100% fruit juice for sale to students and staff. Soft drinks will not be available.
- School groups will be encouraged to offer healthy lunch choices for Hot Lunch Days that will follow the “Guidelines for Foods Available in K to 12 Schools in Manitoba” published by Healthy Child Manitoba.
- School community members will be encouraged to bring only food belonging to one or more of the four food groups of Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating for class parties, recess snacks and lunches.
TRANSPORTATION: RULES FOR TRANSPORTED STUDENTS: Reference D-9 (R1)
PROCEDURES
1. Students will obey the driver promptly and respectfully. The driver is in full charge of the conduct of students on the school bus.
2. Students will be held responsible for the condition of their seats. The driver has the authority to assign seats.
3. Students will be at their designated stop five minutes prior to scheduled bus arrival time. (The bus shall wait if ahead of schedule.) Students will follow all road safety rules.
4. Classroom conduct is to be observed. Students will sit facing forward, and will not stand or move about the bus while the vehicle is in motion. Ordinary conversation is appropriate. Loud or vulgar language will not be tolerated.
5. Students will not throw garbage on the floor of the bus or out of the bus windows.
6. Students will not get on or off the bus except at designated points unless a note signed by the parent or school office requesting a different stop has been given to the driver.
6.1 Extra students may only be transported at the discretion of the bus driver and will be transported only with prior approval of the driver.
7. Students will not eat or drink on the bus unless permission has been granted by the driver and/or the supervising teacher.
8. Carry on items for regular school programs must be transported safely and will ONLY be carried with the permission of the bus driver.
DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS ON THE BUS: Reference D-9(R2)
PROCEDURES
1. Bus drivers will exercise such discipline as might be practiced by a kind and judicious parent, avoiding all display of temper and abstaining from contemptuous language and ridicule.
2. In the event of minor infractions of the bus rules, the driver may choose to:
2.1 Speak to the child in a calm, business like manner.
2.2 Move the child to a seat at or near the front of the bus.
2.3 Re-assign seating on a limited or permanent basis.
2.4 Speak to the parent to report the misbehavior of the child and the action taken by the driver.
3. If continued misbehavior occurs, or serious discipline problems arise, the bus driver will report the difficulties to the school principal. The principal of the school whose students are being transported in the school bus has the same disciplinary authority over the conduct of the students during the period in which they are in, entering upon or alighting from the school bus as is provided by the regulations under The Public Schools Act.
4. The bus driver will complete Passenger Discipline Form in an appropriate manner when reporting problems to the principal.
5. The principal will handle all bus discipline matters. Principals, after communication with the bus driver, shall determine the nature and severity of the infraction.
5.1 Grades K – 12:
a. First Infraction:
i. Verbal warning.
ii. Other consequences as deemed appropriate by the principal.
iii. Written communication to the parent.
b. Second Infraction:
i. Student in-school consequence.
ii. Other consequences as deemed appropriate by the principal.
iii. Written communication to parent (2 day suspension warning
included).
c. Third Infraction:
i. Student is suspended from buses for two days.
ii. Other consequences as deemed appropriate by the principal.
iii. Written communication to parent (5 day suspension warning
included).
d. Fourth Infraction:
i. Student is suspended from buses for five days.
ii. Other consequences as deemed appropriate by the principal.
iii. Written communication to parent (up to a six week suspension
warning included, in consultation with the superintendent).
e. Fifth Infraction:
i. Student is suspended up to six weeks from buses.
ii. Other consequences as deemed appropriate by the principal.
iii. Written communication to parent stating that student will not be
reinstated on buses until a meeting is held between the Principal,
parents, student, bus driver, and the Superintendent or his/her
designate. The parent must call the Principal to arrange this meeting.
f. Further Infractions:
i. Any further infractions may result in permanent loss of rider ship
privileges.
Note: Students may be suspended from the bus for any infraction if their actions seriously jeopardize the safety of those on the bus.
6. In the event that a bus driver feels that other students on the bus are threatened and that their safety is in jeopardy, the bus driver can refuse pickup of a student. The transportation supervisor will be notified immediately of such action.
7. Where there are teachers and/or adult supervisors on the bus, the teacher and/or supervisor will be responsible for the discipline of students.
8. Students suspended from their bus loose all rider ship privileges (i.e. shops, extra curricular field trips, etc.).
9. Schools shall make bus drivers aware of any special needs that a student may have so that all students can ride the bus in a safe manner. (It should be noted that consequences may vary somewhat for these students, based upon their Individualized Educational Plan, Behavior Plan, or special circumstances.)
10. Video surveillance is one tool used by the transportation department to ensure the security and safety of Individuals and property. Tapes may be used to assist division personnel to ensure that the rules for transported students are upheld.
11. A parent or student over 18 years of age may view any file, written or electronic, with a qualified staff person present. They are not allowed to alter the file in any way, but can add a written, dated note, which details corrections or objections to information in the file. Transportation video tapes are the property of the Interlake School Division and cannot be removed from the Interlake School Division offices or copied. However, parents may view tapes at the Interlake School Division Board Office, by appointment, under the supervision of the transportation supervisor.
12. If an appeal is launched, the student could be readmitted on the bus, pending the appeal. If however, the principal is of the opinion that the student’s presence on the bus will be injurious to other students or staff, alternative arrangements may be made with the consent of the Transportation Supervisor. The student may be required to remain off the bus until the appeal is satisfied. Transportation to the student’s school will become the responsibility of the parents. An appeal of a suspension shall be directed by the superintendent. S/he she will investigate the circumstances leading to the suspension from the bus and appeal. If the appeal is not resolved between the divisional staff and the parent or the student, then a request for a hearing before the Board will be arranged by the superintendent. The superintendent will prepare a report on the case and arrange for its presentation at an in camera session of the Board.
The student, parent and school division personal shall be informed of the date and time of the in camera Board meeting, and shall have the right to attend and address the Board. The appellant may require that the hearing be held in public. The notice will indicate that if the party notified does not attend, the Board may proceed and the party will not be entitled to any further notice of the proceedings. A request by a parent or a student where s/he is an adult, to have the case presented by legal council shall be granted. The Board will hear the appeal within thirty (30) days of receiving the formal written request.