School Handbook - Calgary Board of Education

Acadia School9603 5 th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2J 1K4 | 403-777-8440 f | 403-777-8443 | acadia@cbe.ab.caSTUDENT HANDBOOK2013-2014Website: http://schools.cba.ab.ca/b300/9603 – 5 Street S.E. Calgary, AB T2J 1K4Phone: 403-777-8440 Fax: 403-777-8443Principal: Mrs. Barbara James, B. Ed., M.A.Assistant Principal: Mrs. Joyce M. Shurvell, B Ped, Grad Dip, MedAdministrative Assistant: Mrs. Corinne SandhurstSecretary: Ms. Christine Dechaine* * *Principal’s MessageWelcome! Acadia School serves approximately 430 students in kindergarten to gradefour from Acadia, Fairview and New Brighton communities. We share a campus withDavid Thompson School, grades five to nine. We are a community-oriented school,which focuses on a balanced educational program. Our collaborative learningcommunity has an active school council and an enthusiastic parent volunteer network.We look forward to working with you in order to provide the best educationalopportunity for all students.BELIEFS:At Acadia School, we believe...‣ in developing pride and a positive sense of worth, caring and belonging;‣ learning occurs best when students, staff and parents feel that they are in asafe and caring environment;‣ a healthy community of learners promotes personal and social responsibility inindividuals.‣ learning is a natural and continuous journey;‣ learning is a shared experience and responsibility between students, teachers,parents and community;‣ diversity enhances learning;‣ learners can be encouraged to do their best;‣ effective learning contributes to a sense of connectedness to the world;‣ assessment and accountability are essential components of learning;At Acadia School, we create a learning community where wonder, imaginationand goodness are honored through intellectual pursuits. We come together in a spiritof community to deepen our understanding of ourselves, others and the world.At Acadia, our purpose is to provide learning opportunities where students,teachers and parents share the responsibility and the rewards, benefits andadvantages of learning. Our students will become successful learners and problemsolvers in our ever-changing global community.

Acadia Student Handbook ContinuedBEHAVIOR POLICY: At Acadia School we believe: in teaching children to be accountable for their actions; positive/appropriate behavior should be recognized and celebrated.EXPECTATIONS At Acadia, all children have the right to learn in a safe and caring environment; Consequences for behavior should be logical, sequential, and carried out onan individual basis; Children take responsibility for behaving in an acceptable manner while atschool, traveling to and from school, and during school related activities; Parents and staff are partners in developing and maintaining our schoolbehavior policy.RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS: The following rights and responsibilities nurture a safe and caring schoolenvironment for every student: Everyone has the right to learn. Everyone has the responsibility to allow others to learn. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Everyone has the responsibility to be kind, fair and to use good manners. Everyone has the right to work and play in a safe environment. Everyone has the right to his or her own space and belongings. Everyone has the responsibility to take care of his or her own space andbelongings. Everyone has the right to a clean and healthy environment in and outside theschool. Everyone has the responsibility to keep our school clean.Entering School:Dress Code: Students move quickly and with care to their specified entry area when the bellrings. Students wait for a teacher to let them in. Students remove all muddy or wet outside footwear upon entering the schooland carry them to their classroom. Appropriate clothing that promotes respect for our bodies. Clothing with inappropriate messages is not acceptable. Hats are to be removed upon entering the school. Indoor shoes must be worn at all times when inside.

Acadia Student Handbook ContinuedOther: Students are expected to walk quietly down the halls at all times. Students should not bring toys to school. Students will walk their bikes on school property. Skateboards, scooters, roller blades, and heelies are not permitted at school. Students are expected to use the playground equipment properly and playsafely. Students will follow lunchroom expectations and demonstrate good manners. Students are expected to adhere to all bus safety rules and guidelines. Students are encouraged to bring healthy snacks and lunches. Gum chewing is not allowed.INFRACTIONSInfractions: Rough housing or play fighting Disrespectful behaviour Name-calling (put-downs,teasing, etc.) Neglecting to show appropriatehallway/assembly behaviour Using playground equipment andthe creative playground in anunsafe manner Ignoring the bell Going into the “out of boundszone” during recess/noon hourwithout permission Littering on school propertyMajor Infractions: Fighting Defiant behaviour Threatening, harassing, orbullying others Repetitive minor infractions Swearing Vandalism Bus Misconduct Report Behaviours that endanger othersand/or selfViolent Behaviour:Possible Actions: Verbal reminder Child phones home or note inagenda Student is given a “time-out” Student will shadow a supervisorto observe appropriatebehaviours Community service specific to theinfractionPossible Actions: Administrator involvement Parents informed via phone callor letter Detentions (working on anassignment related to theinfraction or curriculum relatedactivities) Loss of privileges In-school suspension Out-of-school suspension Police involvement Payment for cost of repair orreplacementIn accordance with School Board Policy, violent behaviour and the use of any type ofweapon are serious infractions and will not be tolerated. The Calgary Board ofEducation’s Policy defines “weapons” as: “A weapon means any object which is eitherdesigned, intended, or used to threaten or inflict bodily harm on a person and includesan object that imitates a weapon.”

Acadia Student Handbook ContinuedCALGARY BOARD OF EDUCATIONSection 11.1 of the Alberta Human Rights Act and SchoolsPARENT/GUARDIAN NOTICE OF PROGRAM OF STUDY CONTENTCertain units of the Health and Life Skills courses for Grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 containsubject matter dealing primarily and explicitly with human sexuality. In compliance withthe Alberta Human Rights Act, parents will be provided with a notice of the specificcourse content and an exemption form for your consideration prior to the delivery ofthe instruction of these units.ATTENDANCE:PLEASE PHONE IN ALL STUDENT ABSENCES and LATES!Acadia School operates a safety check program whereby parents of students who donot arrive at school for morning or afternoon classes (and we have not been notified inadvance) are telephoned by the office to confirm the absence. Therefore, if your childis going to be away from school or late arriving to school for any reason, please callthe school office (403-777-8440) press #1 for attendance/late line before 8:00 a.m.or send a note to the classroom teacher in advance. Please report the student’sname, homeroom, the date, the reason for the absence.Please Note: Punctual and regular attendance is important to success at school.Students who arrive at school late for morning or afternoon classes are required toreport to the school office before reporting to their classroom. They will receive a lateslip to give to their teacher. Parents of children who are habitually late and/or absentwill be notified.We strongly encourage all parents to phone the school to inform us of studentabsences and lates. Some days may have many students away due to illness orweather, and especially on these days, phoning the school helps us to call thosestudents’ parents who have not notified us more quickly. For the safety of allour students we ask for your support!If there is a safety need, unique to your child, please phone Mrs. James so that we canestablish a method to meet such needs.EMERGENCY PHONE FAN-OUT:We have an emergency fan-out in place. The phone fan-out would be utilized insituations where the school must be evacuated.

Acadia Student Handbook ContinuedIn an emergency, our students and staff would go to St. Cecilia School or DavidThompson Middle School. Parents/caregivers would be contacted from there.Students would remain supervised at the alternate site until arrangements are madewith parent/caregivers.SECURITY:Because we want to ensure the safety and security of our students at all times, weremind parents of the following procedures:1. All doors, except for the main front door, will be locked once the bells have rungfor classes and students have entered the school. Please do not knock on theoutside doors to enter the school after they are locked. Students and adultsinside are not allowed to open the doors. Thank you for your understanding inhelping to keep our school safe during the school day.2. Before/after school and lunch – When dropping off/picking up your child/ren, weask that you please arrange to meet your child/ren in the front entrance area, oroutside on the school grounds. You are welcome to go to the front foyer to pickup and drop off your children.3. During school hours – Please remember to use our Sign-In/Out Book located atthe office when dropping off/picking up your child/ren for dental/doctorappointments, etc.4. Volunteering – If you are volunteering or visiting the school, please check in at theoffice. We have volunteer/visitor nametags so that students can identify theadults in the building. Volunteer Registration and Security forms must bekept up to date.

Acadia Student Handbook ContinuedCOMMUNITY RESOURCES:Access Mental Health 403-943-1500AB Children’s Hospital 403-229-7610Aldermanic Offices 403-268-2430Calgary Information Centre 311Calgary Parks and Recreation 403-268-3800Community Association 403-252-1252David Thompson MiddleSchool403-777-7470Distress Centre 403-266-1605Distress Centre – crisis403.266.HELP (4357)Kids Help PhoneTeen LineBullying Helpline1-800-686-6868403-264-8336Lord Beaverbrook High School 403-259-5585Police (non-emergency) 403-266-1234Women’s Emergency Centre 403-232-8717SAFETY:Student Illness or Injury – If a student is ill or injured, an attempt will be made tocontact parents. Students who become ill may be taken to the nurse’s room untilparents can be contacted.ANY kind of injury to the head area is considered a serious injury. If a parent orsitter contact cannot be made, and the injury is deemed serious, school personnel willtake the child to the hospital. In the event of emergency, an ambulance will be called.Parent’s work number, home number, or emergency contact numbers will be phonedby office staff in the event of any serious injury.FIRE DRILL and LOCK DOWN:Regular Fire Drills are called to ensure that students are trained and alerted to theevacuation process. Students MUST wear INDOOR shoes so that they are alwaysprepared for emergencies. The first fire drill of each year will be an announced drill.Remaining drills will be unannounced.An Emergency Fan-Out procedure will take place if an emergency requiring evacuationof the school building should occur. The students and staff would then proceed to adesignated site and parents phoned.Lock-down drills are practiced in case there were to be an emergency, which wouldrequire students to be kept secure in classrooms.

Acadia Student Handbook ContinuedSCHOOL NURSE:The School Nurse visits Acadia approximately ½ day per week. The nurse is anexcellent source of information for public health concerns, and can help you and yourchild in a variety of ways. Services provided by the public health nurse in schoolsinclude:Immunization and control of communicable disease.Working with students and families to address physical and emotional healthconcerns.Providing consultation to teachers in the area of health education.Participating in health promotion activities such as injury prevention programs toimprove the overall health of the school community.Students, parents and school personnel may use any of the services providedby the public health nurse.SEVERE ALLERGIES and PERMISSION TO ADMINISTER MEDICATION:Please notify the school immediately if your child has a severe allergy. The school willneed to have additional information. A specific form for severe allergies must becompleted. For more information phone the school.Medication should be administered to children outside of the school hours, if at allpossible. Should your child need medication at any time at the school, a MedicalRelease Form must be signed in the school office. We cannot give childrenmedication without this form, and we have no medications available at the school. Allmedications will be kept at and given out in the main office. Medication should be inthe original container with your child’s name on it. If you must make otherarrangements for storage of the medication (example asthma puffers) please contactthe office and indicate this on the form.BUS ROUTINES:Southland Transportation provides the bussing to Acadia School. Bussing for 2013-2014 is $21.50 per month ($215.00 per year) for Kindergarten and $29.50 per month($295.00 per year) for Gr. 1-4. Please note the variety of payment options available onthe contract.Please note that Noon Supervision Fee is charged separately and is $135.00 for theyear for bus eligible grade 1-4 students that are riding the bus. Bus Eligible grade1-4 students that do not use the bus will be charged the regular rate of $200.00 for theyear. If paying by cheque, please pay with separate cheques for bus and lunchpayable to the Calgary Board of Education.

Acadia Student Handbook ContinuedBUS AND NOON SUPERVISION FEE PAYMENTBus and Noon Supervision contracts are available at the office and on our webpage.Payments options are listed on the contracts including on-line, pre-authorized debit,credit card, and cheque or money order payable to the Calgary.If the school is forwarding payment, please enclose in a sealed envelope addressed toCalgary Board of Education, Transportation Services,Any questions or concerns year round about bussing (including late busses andlost items on the bus), please contact Southland Transportation at (403) 253-9323.Please contact CBE Transportation at (403) 817-7433 if you are moving, yourchild is changing schools or you have questions about transportation contractsand bus contract payments.Bus maps are available in the school office during the current school year. They areavailable in the lobby at the beginning of next school year at the end of August. Pleasecall the school and press “6” to hear an announcement that the maps are ready forpick up. Bus routes can change year to year.In order to have a smoothly operating bus system and to promote safety, we askstudents and parents to observe the following routines:1. Students are expected to ride their designated bus.2. Parents must inform the school by note or phone call if they are planning to pickup their child/ren.3. After dismissal, students are to go directly to their bus.4. Bus drivers will make a seating plan where students are expected to sit.5. Once the students get on the bus, they must stay in their assigned seat. They arenot allowed to get off the bus to run back into the school because they haveforgotten something unless given permission by a bus supervisor.6. Parents are asked to use the crosswalk when they pick up their child/ren. Pleasedo not cross directly in front of the busses or between the busses.7. If students miss the bus, they will be asked to phone their parents to come andpick them up. Please note that the school office closes at 3:30 p.m.8. Drivers must keep to their schedule. Please teach your child/ren the importance ofpunctuality. Help your child to be early for the bus. Students are permitted to get on oroff the bus only at their designated stops.9. Bussed students are not permitted to walk home under any circumstances.10. Parents are requested to have an alternate base for their child/ren to go to if theymiss the bus, or if the bus is late (i.e. during bad weather). The phone number ofthe ALTERNATE should be provided to the bus company along with the usualphone numbers of the parents’ home and office.11. www.myschoolbusmonitor.ca is a website to check for late/delayed businformation.

Acadia Student Handbook ContinuedAFTER SCHOOL ARRANGEMENTS:Please make sure that if you have made arrangements with your child concerning afterschool activities which are different from the regular routine, inform your child’s teacherin writing in their agenda or by a note.NOON SUPERVISION PROGRAM:ContractsAll students must register for the noon supervision program. Contracts are availablein the Acadia School office. There are a variety of payment options that are listed onthe contracts. Please indicate on your contract how you intend to pay. For moreinformation about paying fees please see the FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS sectionbelow.The noon supervision fee for bus eligible students using the busses is $135.00. Ifyou chose to drive your bus eligible child, you will be required to pay for noonsupervision at a fee of $200.00 per year (same cost as the walk students).The noon supervision fee for walk area students is $20.00 per month ($200.00 peryear).We do also offer a drop in service. Drop in fees are $5.00 per day, coupons areavailable at the office.Four Day Noon Supervision ProgramAcadia School operates a supervised four day noon supervision program, Monday toThursday. Students dismiss at 12:05 on Fridays and do not stay for lunch. Studentsare welcome to bring two snacks on Fridays. Students bring their own lunch and aresupervised by lunchroom supervisors during the lunch time. Lunch is from 12:00 pm-12:50 pm.Milk CouponsCoupons for sugar- reduced chocolate and white milk are available in strips of 10coupons for $7.50.For more informationPlease phone the office at 403-777-8440 and press 3 for lunch program.FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS:1. The options to pay on line will be available after Sept 15 th at the following link:http://www.cbe.ab.ca/Parents/fees.asp2. The option to pay by debit/credit card at the school will tentatively be available afterSept 8th.

Acadia Student Handbook Continued3. The option to pay by cheques (no posted dated cheques) is available. Please attachcheques to the corresponding contract/registration form. Please confirm that thecheque is made payable to the CBE for Noon Supervision and Transportation services.Please make cheques payable to Acadia School for school fees.PARENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM:At Acadia, we welcome parents as volunteers who assist and support in a wide varietyof ways. Volunteering fosters greater understanding of the school as a learningcommunity. During September, parents will be asked to indicate on our ParentVolunteer Survey Form areas of interest. Please complete it and return it to theschool. WE DEPEND ON VOLUNTEERS for the success of many of our programs!Active parent involvement contributes to the success of all students! VolunteerRegistration and Security Clearance forms must be kept up to date.SCHOOL SUPPLIES:PARKING:School supplies are provided by Acadia School. Please provide a backpack and indoorrunners, a healthy recess snack and a healthy lunch, if staying for lunch. On Fridays,we have an early dismissal at 12:05 pm. Students have the opportunity to eat a secondsnack before school is dismissed.Please DO NOT park in the designated BUS ZONE or in our designated Handicapspot for the school when dropping off or picking up your children. Also, do not drop offor pick up in the staff parking lot and be careful to leave neighbors’ driveways clear!Thank you for your cooperation.Please do not park in the Handicap Zone if you do not have a parking pass for thistype of spot.NOTE: U Turns are NOT ALLOWED on 5 th Street in front of the school and fields.MONTHLY NEWSLETTER:Our monthly newsletter will be posted on our school website:http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b300/publi.htm on the last day of each month. Informationregarding upcoming dates, events, and other pertinent news will be included in eachissue.SCHOOL CALENDARS:Dates to Remember for Acadia School can be found at www.cbe.ab.ca/b300. Pleasecheck the newsletter side bar calendar as well for updates.The School Calendar including Kindergarten Friday attendance Information can befound at: www.cbe.ab.ca/b300

Acadia Student Handbook ContinuedThe monthly calendars can be found at: http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b300/calendar.htmand will have the most current information.EMAIL:Acadia School communicates with parents via notices by email whenever possible.Please send your email address to the office, or email Corinne Sandhurst, AdminAssistant, at cpsandhurst@cbe.ab.ca with “SUBSCRIBE” in the subject line. Pleaseinclude your child’s name in the message.ACADIA SCHOOL COUNCIL:School Council Link on Acadia Website: http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b300/council.htmThe School Council of Acadia School is committed to working with the schoolcommunity to ensure that quality learning opportunities are provided for all of ourstudents. We support the many diverse and innovative programs offered in our schooland work closely with our administration to enhance the educational opportunitiesavailable in our school.All parents and legal guardians of children enrolled in our school are members of ourschool council. Executive positions are filled at our fall meeting, usually held inSeptember of each year. Parents are encouraged to attend the regular meetings ofthe school council and we remind all parents that your input and feedback are veryimportant in ensuring the success of our school! Many important topics arediscussed at school council meetings and they are a good source of information aswell as a great opportunity to speak up and have your opinion heard. Every voice isimportant and we encourage each one of you to attend meetings and share youropinions with us.For more information on school council activities please watch your newsletter, on theAcadia School website or check the School Council Bulletin Board located in theschool.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:School Website: http://schools.cba.ab.ca/b300/School Profile: http://www.cbe.ab.ca/schools/view.asp?id=128Principal: Mrs. Barbara James, B. Ed., M.A. – bmjames@cbe.ab.caAssistant Principal: Mrs. Joyce M. Shurvell, B Ped, Grad Dip, Med -JMShurvell@cbe.ab.caAdmin Secretary: Mrs. Corinne Sandhurst – cpsandhurst@cbe.ab.caSecretary: Mrs. Christine Dechaine – cddechaine@cbe.ab.caCalgary Board of Education information for parents can be accessed at www.cbe.ab.caand includes:The Traditional Calendar (NOTE: this does not include Acadia School specificdays)

Acadia Student Handbook ContinuedGeneral Media Coverage NoticeSchool District Use of Personal InformationFees information for Noon Supervision and TransportationFee payments on-lineQUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?If you have any questions or concerns, please call the school office at 403-777-8440.Press “0” for the main office.2013-2014 TEACHER LISTTeacher Room Grade VoicemailTBA ECS AM only 7711Mrs. Stubbs 11 ECS 7711Mrs. Enders 12 ECS 7712Ms. Ferguson 10A ECS 7010Mrs. Poole 02 Grade 1 7702Mrs. Greenhough 05 Grade 1 7705Ms. McInnes 06 Grade 1 7706Mrs. Thomas 07 Grade 1 7707Mrs. Langmead 20 Grade 1 7720Mrs. Faulkner 01 Grade 2 7701Mrs. Forsyth 03 Grade 2 7703Mrs. Jemmott 04 Grade 2 7704Mrs. Brunt 08 Grade 2 7708Mrs. Flaman 09 Grade 2 7709Mrs. Pawlick 13 Grade 3 7713Mr. Grunebaum 14 Grade 3 7714Ms. Maron 15 Grade 3 7715Miss Olynik 17 Grade 3 7717Ms.Brown 18 Grade 4 7718Mrs. Kruk 19 Grade 4 7719Mrs. Ennis 19 Grade 4 7721

Acadia Student Handbook Continued