Reesor Park Public School - Code of Conduct



Table Of Contents

Part A - Introduction
Part B – Consequences For Inappropriate Behaviour
Part C – Setting The Tone For Learning
Part D – Expectations For Playground Area
Part E – Student Dress Code
Part F – Homework Policy
Part G – Lunch Program

 

Part A - Introduction

Basic Beliefs

At Reesor Park Public School, our Code of Conduct is based upon the following shared beliefs:
Every person has rights which must be respected.  These rights are:

• to work in a safe school environment
• to be treated with dignity
• to be shown respect for one’s self and one’s property

Responsibility

• Each person has a responsibility to:
• accept the consequences for his/her own behaviour
• model the School’s Code for Learning
• abide by the Code of Conduct
• follow the School Dress Code
• promote an environment conducive to learning
• learn from his/her experiences

Part B – Consequences For Inappropriate Behaviour

• Failure to meet the expectations of the Code of Conduct will be met with consequences which are intended to lead to corrective action.  The Consequences levied will be chosen to match the severity and frequency of the offence and will be determined with the input of staff, and in the context of the York Region District School Board’s Safe Schools Policy (#668) and Discipline Policy (#630).  Parents who wish to read these documents may obtain them from the office.

Corrective Practices

• (1) Reasonable consequences could take one or more of the following forms:
• counselling
• a verbal or written warning
• contact with a parent/guardian
• detentions
• withdrawal of privileges and/or exclusion from special activities (eg. sports teams, house league dances, school trips, etc.)
• extra work assignments
• restitution
• restoration or replacement of damaged property
• formal suspension from school (in serious situations) Y.R.D.S.B. Policy #668 & #630
• expulsion for specific actions that fall within the Y.R.D.S.B.’s Safe School Policy
• (2) Suspensions may be issued for those more serious situations such as:
• habitual neglect of duty
• persistent truancy     
• wilful destruction of property
• conduct injurious to the moral tone of the school
• conduct injurious to the physical or mental well being of others
• persistent opposition to authority
• profane or improper language
• an infraction committed off school board property for which mandatory suspension criteria would otherwise be required

• (3) Mandatory Suspensions
• In keeping with the Y.R.D.S.B.’s Safe School Policy, students ‘shall’ be suspended from school if the student commits one or more of the following while at school or engaged in a school related activity:
• *uttering a threat to inflict bodily harm on another person
• *possessing alcohol or illegal drugs
• being under the influence of alcohol
• swearing at a teacher or another person in a position of authority
• *committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the student’s school or to property located on the premises of the student’s school
• *committing an act of extortion
• committing an act of intimidation
• *committing an act endangering the lives of others
• *being found in possession of a knife (not prescribed for program)
• *if ordered by the Medical Officer of Health
• (4) Mandatory Expulsion
• In keeping with Y.R.D.S.B.’s Safe School Policy, a student “shall” be expelled from school if the student commits one or more of the following while at school or engaged in a school related activity
• * possessing a weapon or replica weapon, including a firearm
• *using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person
• * committing physical assault that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a   medical practitioner
• *committing sexual assault
• *trafficking in weapons, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs
• *committing robbery
• *giving alcohol to a minor
• committing an infraction off Board property, for which mandatory expulsion criteria would otherwise be required

NOTE:   *  DENOTES INCIDENTS IN WHICH THE YORK REGION POLICE WILL BE  
                   INFORMED.
BULLYING WILL BE CONSIDERED INTIMIDATION, AND AS SUCH, WILL BE DEALT WITH ACCORDING TO THE SAFE SCHOOLS POLICY.
                                                           

Part C – Setting The Tone For Learning

(1)        Expectations for Student Behaviour

When students arrive at school, they are expected to promptly enter school property, and move quickly to the back of the building.  Students are also expected to remain on school property until dismissed.  Students who normally stay at school for lunch must bring a written request each time they wish to leave school property.  These requests are to be given to the classroom teacher and initialled during morning attendance.  At lunch time students are to bring the note to the Office Administrative Assistant.  They must sign “in” and “out” in the sign out book in the office.  Students are to remain on the school grounds once they return to school after lunch.
While students are dismissed at 2:55 p.m., the school day does not officially end until 3:30 p.m.  Students will not be dismissed at 2:55 p.m. unless their work assignments are up to date and their behaviour has been acceptable.  Parents or guardians may confirm alternate arrangements with teachers for bus students to complete assignments and/or serve detentions.   (Extra curricular activities for students are privileges and occur after teachers release students from their daily classroom responsibilities.)

• On the school property, students will:

• not have in their possession lighters, matches or any flammable objects
• not have in their possession drugs, alcohol, tobacco, firearms (or replicas), weapons or knives that are not related to program use
• not have in their possession mini-sticks, lacrosse sticks, baseball bats, hardballs, skateboards and rollerblades
• not have in their possession cell phones or laser pointers
• not have in their possession electronic games, computer games, radios and walkmans
• refrain from throwing or kicking of any objects (i.e. sticks, stones, sand, snow or snowballs, etc.)
• students who ride their bicycles or scooters to school are to:
• walk their bicycles or scooters on and off school property before and after class
• park bicycles or scooters in bicycle racks
• use a bicycle lock on their bicycle or scooter
• remain within the boundaries of the school yard

Note:  Bicycle racks are out of bounds during the day.  Only students parking their bicycles or scooters are to go into this area.
(3)        When preparing to enter the school building, students will:

• quickly line up outside their respective entry doors when the entry bell rings unless free entry is permitted
• wait in an orderly fashion for their teachers to escort them into the school
• enter the school quietly, in a single file
• remove all hats as they enter the school
• refrain from chewing gum, eating candy or food

(4)        When in the hallways, students will:

• “walk quietly”, from one area to another, on the right hand side of the hall
• hold doors for others as required
• keep hands and feet to oneself
• avoid loitering or lingering
• refrain from marking lockers, bulletin boards, walls, etc.

(5)        In the classroom, students will:

• be on time for class
• behave in a manner which facilitates the learning of others; enables the teacher to instruct effectively; and allows all students to feel safe from verbal and physical abuse
• follow all classroom rules and routines (Active Listening)
• treat others with respect
• be prepared to enter the room to work quietly
• listen carefully to the teacher and other students
• willingly share classroom materials
• work in his/her work space (with all furniture legs on the floor)
• complete homework assignments
• endeavour to work to the best of their abilities at all times
• be expected to be active participants in all classroom activities
• keep back packs and coats in lockers or on their coat hook

(6)        When in/at the washroom, students will:

• follow the classroom routines/rules with respect to the use of the washroom
• travel directly to and from the washroom
• model good hygiene
• use all materials appropriately and refrain from vandalism

(7)        In assemblies, group presentations and events, students will:

• enter and leave the gym, library or classroom area in an orderly fashion
• remain seated until dismissed by a teacher
• show respect to performers or speakers by practising good audience behaviour – ie. Keep hands and feet still, wait quietly and show appreciation by clapping only

(8)        On the bus, students will:

• board and leave the bus safely
• remain seated in the assigned seat, facing forward, until the bus stops
• listen to and follow the bus driver’s and teacher’s instructions
• speak quietly using appropriate language
• keep all belongings safely stowed away
• not eat or drink

• Attendance
• Students are expected to demonstrate a consistent pattern of punctual and regular attendance.  After a student has reached 15 days absence, the school will contact the parents.
• After a student has reached 20 days absence, the attendance counsellor will be contacted.

• Use of student lockers
• Students who are assigned a locker should:
• have a combination lock on the locker with the combination and serial number registered with the teacher
• do not adhere anything to the outside of the locker
• do not “place” anything on the inside of the locker before having the teacher’s permission
• no stickers
• treat their locker with care at all times.
• Lockers are the property of the school and may be opened at any time by the Principal, Vice Principal or designate.

• At lunchtime, students remaining for lunch will:
• remain on school grounds unless parental permission is given in writing and the appropriate “sign out” procedures are followed in the office
• be prepared to start eating their lunches as soon after the bell as possible
• sit in assigned seats in a designated area to eat their lunches
• use good table manners and speak in a quiet voice
• raise their hands for assistance
• leave the area in which they have been eating clean and tidy, properly disposing of waste materials and recyclable items
• engage in quiet games and activities during indoor lunch hour
• follow the rules and routines established by the school, classroom teachers and lunch supervisors
• ask permission from the lunch supervisor before leaving their seats
• exit the building promptly when dismissed from lunch

Part D – Expectations For Playground Area

(A)  ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND PROTOCOL
In addition to the schedule for the adventure playground, please post and review these rules with your class:
 

• Only students in the designated grade are allowed within the wooden enclosure of the playground.
• The protective stone within the enclosure stays on the ground and stays within the enclosure.  It is not a play material for students outside the wooden enclosure.
• The monkey bars are for hanging from or swinging from.  This does not include sitting on top of the structure.
• Slides are for sliding down, on their behinds, feet first, when the way is clear.
• The fire pole is for sliding down, when the way is clear.
• The sloped parallel bars are for sliding down using arms or legs.
• The straight bars are for swinging on, hanging from, but not sitting on.
• The rings are for swinging from and hanging from.
• Students within the wooden enclosure are there to play on the structure, or with the stones on the ground.  This does not include running or chasing games of any kind.
• During the lunch hour, the grade designated for the day must wait until the bell to enter the enclosure.
•  GENERAL PLAYGROUND EXPECTATIONS

• No physical contact.
• Play equipment (tether balls, basketball nets, tarmac games) to be shared.  Follow established schedules.
• Receive yard supervisor’s permission before entering the school.
• Follow the Code of Conduct and all requests made by the yard supervisor.

Part E – Student Dress Code

The Student Dress Code has been established as part of the Code of Conduct.  Respect for self and others is evident when students dress in a suitable and proper manner for all school activities.  Student dress then, should reflect the position of school as a place of work or business.  Appropriate student dress reflects a respect for the learning environment and respects the right of all students to learn in an environment which is free from distraction. 
The following is not permitted:
SAGGING:  The waistline of any pants, shorts or skirts should be at the top of the hip bone or higher,
            CLOTHING that portrays:

• alcohol, tobacco, drugs (or any other harmful substances or products), through the use of symbols or mascots
• profanity or sexually explicit words or pictures (implied or blatant)
• overt references or implied references to gangs or gang language
• pictures, symbols or writing that directly or indirectly demean the ethnicity, race, culture, religion, national origin, gender or handicap/disability of an individual or group,

TANK TOPS or MUSCLE SHIRTS (unless they are doubled up and not revealing chests or midriffs), spaghetti straps, crop tops, no underwear showing,
TORN CLOTHING that reveals underwear or skin in inappropriate areas,
SUNGLASSES inside the building (unless required for the school program or medical reasons),
CAPS, HATS, SCARVES, BANDANAS or other types of head covering inside the building (unless required for religious or cultural reasons),
            WALKING SHORTS and skirts of similar length may be worn to school,
            WEATHER:

• dress appropriately for the cold weather and winter conditions.

NOTE: Disciplinary actions and/or the loss of privileges may result if personal dress and grooming are inappropriate.

Part F – Homework Policy

Homework provides an opportunity for a review of the concepts and the skills learned in school.  Homework constitutes the return of requested information to the school, the completion of regular classroom assignments, special projects, and the reinforcement/consolidation of skills, as determined by the classroom teacher.  Homework enables students to develop planning and organizational skills and provides students with opportunities to apply what they have learned in a variety of situations.  As well, homework establishes the essential work habits and responsibilities for students to be successful life long learners.  This policy assumes that class time has been used wisely.  It also assumes that the guidelines may vary according to the needs of the students and the objectives of the assignments.

Roles and Responsibilities

STUDENTS are expected to demonstrate responsibility for their own learning by:

• developing homework routines,
• establishing priorities for completing assigned homework and reviewing concepts taught,
• completing all work to the best of their abilities,
• speaking to the teacher when problems regarding homework occur,
• making arrangements with teachers for the completion of missed work or previously assigned deadlines while absent, and
• using the daily planner to ensure that deadlines are met.

TEACHERS are responsible for supporting students and parents by:

• encouraging the daily use of the agenda planner,
• ensuring that homework assignments are clear and purposeful,
• co-ordinating homework with other staff in order to avoid homework overload,
• communicating by telephone, in writing or in person with parents regarding upcoming topics, important dates and when homework responsibilities have been neglected,
• regularly checking homework and providing students with feedback,
• taking individual strengths and needs into consideration,
• providing available resources and remedial assistance,
• providing both positive and negative consequences for completion or non-completion of homework,
• teaching study skills, and
• praising accomplishments to build the student’s self-esteem

PARENTS can assist the student(s) and teachers by:

• regularly checking the student(s) homework for completeness, neatness, accuracy, etc.
• checking and encouraging the student(s) to use the daily planner
• helping the student(s) schedule homework time, set priorities and reinforce consistent homework practices
• providing support for the student(s) while homework is being completed
• encouraging the student(s) to return homework assignments on time
• praising the student(s) accomplishments
• supporting the classroom teacher’s  expectations (signature) and
• communicating with the teacher(s) regarding any concerns or difficulties

Divisional Homework Expectations

A good general rule for the amount of time to be spent on homework is 10 minutes per grade, per night.
PRIMARY STUDENTS are expected to do up to 30 minutes of homework per night, as well as spent time on pleasurable reading (eg. Kindergarten and Grade 1 – 10 minutes, Grade 2 – 15 to 20 minutes, Grade 3 – 30 minutes).  Homework may include:

• shared reading between the parent/guardian and the student
• daily practice of literacy and numeracy skills
• board games
• talking about the day and sharing the new concepts presented in class
• completion of class work
• practising new skills taught in class
• special projects/activities based on interest and/or theme work and
• participating in reading programs

JUNIOR STUDENTS are expected to do 30 to 60 minutes a night, together with spending time on daily pleasurable reading.  Homework may include:

• completing daily class work
• subject assignments, planning and preparing for class projects
• reviewing daily lessons
• practising math facts and spelling
• completing work missed due to absence
• practising oral French lessons and/or mini dictee and
• editing and revising written work

INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS are expected to do 60 to 90 minutes of homework a night together with reading for pleasure.  Homework may include:

• completing class work
• subject assignments
• reviewing daily lessons
• practising skills on a musical instrument
• preparing for presentations
• editing written work and
• completing remedial or support class work

CONSEQUENCES
Students may expect consequences for incomplete work, such as:

• being asked to complete work at school during lunch, recess, or after school
• being asked to obtain a parent signature for work incomplete and
• losing privileges such as participation on a school team or in a school activity such as a school dance

Part G – Lunch Program

(A)       STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

• observe the school’s Code of Behaviour
• follow the lunchroom program rules and routines
• practice good hygiene
• show respect for and follow the directions of the lunchroom supervisors
• remain on school property for the entire lunch period

Lunchroom Rules And Routines

(1)        Students are dismissed from class at 12:15 p.m. and are expected to prepare to eat their lunches as soon as they are dismissed.
(2)        Students are expected to:

• Eat all food only in the classroom.
• Sit in their own chairs, at their own desks, while they are eating.  Talking is acceptable, but loud noises and shouting is not acceptable.
• Ask permission from the lunch supervisor before leaving their seats for any reason.
• Clean up their own mess before they are dismissed from the classroom.
• Help clean up the room if asked to do so by the lunchroom supervisor.