Student Planner and Policies - Schools - School District 68

PARKAVENUECOMMUNITYSCHOOLWelcome to a new school year!Your planner is an important tool to help you besuccessful at school. Each day: Fill in your homework and any information foryour parent(s). Bring your planner home for your parent(s) to readand sign.Return your planner to schoolRefer to your planner for events and assignmentdue dates.Planners enable students to use their time effectively and tokeep up with assignments and homework or nightlyreading. They ensure parents, students and staffcommunicate with each other about work completion,upcoming events and activities.Don’t miss a thing!Be on time for school every day!School HoursStudents arrive between 8:30 and 8:45 unless they attend apractice, are in the breakfast or daycare programs or thereare other special school arrangements.Breakfast Program 8:15 – 8:45 amMorning Bell8:45 amInstructional Time 8:45 – 11:30 amLong Recess 11:30 am-12:05 pmInstructional Time 12:05 – 1:05 pmShort Recess1:05 – 1:20 pmInstructional Time 1:20 – 2:20 pmStudents,Welcome to a new and exciting year at Park AvenueCommunity School. We look forward to working with youand your families in a safe, responsible and caring learningcommunity. We will do our best to use our skills, talentsand dedication to help you develop your strengths andlearn strategies that can help you.We want to see you increase your academic, athletic,artistic, personal and social successes. To help you reachyour learning potential, we ask you to be a ready learnerand to be an active participant in your school community.As a student at Park Avenue Community School, we counton you to model and teach our school-wide expectations.You will be hearing a lot about Positive BehaviourIntervention Support (PBIS) as we look to recognize you forsafe, caring and responsible behaviour at all times and inall places.Parents,We welcome your involvement in our schoolcommunity through our PAC, our School Planning Counciland with classroom, school and community activities. Theinterest and involvement you show in your child’s learningcommunity helps your child understand that we are allworking together.Please review the general policies, code of conduct andexpectations in this planner with your child throughout theyear. Should you have questions, speak with your child’steacher or with me. Working together, we can make animportant difference in increasing the level of success andthe feeling of pride in all of our students!Karina Younk, Principal

Park Avenue Mission StatementAt Park Avenue Community School, we arecommitted to working together with parentsand families in a safe, caring andresponsible learning community thatenables all students to reach their fullpotential as life-long learners andcontributing global citizens.ValuesAt Park Avenue Community School, wevalue respect for others and ourselves,respect for learning and respect for theenvironment. We teach, model and practicethese guiding expectations:Be ResponsibleWe are responsible for our actions andbehaviours in creating a positive andrespectful learning environment.Be CaringWe are caring and respect the rights,emotions, dignity and property of others.Be SafeWe must act with the safety of others andourselves in mind, in the school, on theplayground and in our community.Be a Ready LearnerWe come to school with our supplies, readyto participate and give our best effort.VisionOur vision is that all of our students be ableto reach their full potential as caring, selfregulating,responsible citizens with goodself-esteem, motivation and high standards.Our students are preparing to becontributing members of their globalcommunities by developing life-longlearning skills and empathy for others.Concerns or Questions: Parents and staffare encouraged to communicate with eachother. Please call and set up a time to meet!District Calendar DatesSept 6 Schools openOct 10 ThanksgivingOct 11 Non-Instructional DayOct 21 Non-Instructional DayNov 11 Remembrance DayDec 16 Schools Close for HolidaysJan 3 Schools Re-openFeb 20 District Based Pro-DFeb 21 School Based Pro DMar 16 Schools Close for HolidayMar 26 Schools Re-openApril 6 Good FridayApril 9 Easter MondayApril 23 School Based Pro-DMay 21 Victoria DayJune 27 Last Day of InstructionJune 28 School Based Pro-DJune 29 Administration DayMinimum Days of Instruction: 186Non-Instructional Days: 6Administrative Day: 1Safe School InformationStudent Information FormsWe must have a completed studentinformation form in the office for yourchild with up-to-date emergency numbers(local) and pertinent health, safety and legalinformation on file. Please see thesecretary if your child has a specificmedical need or plan, or if your contactinformation changes.Safe Student Arrival and DepartureWhen dropping off or picking up yourchild, please ensure you use his/her exitdoor. Give your child instructions where tomeet you or how to contact you afterschool. Please inform the school or daycare if pick up plans change.We ask adults who will be picking upprimary students introduce themselves atthe front office and to their child’s teacher.2

Late or AbsentFor the safety and protection of yourchildren, please contact the school between8:00 and 8:45 am if your child is late orabsent from school for any reason. We willcontact parents of children who are not inschool and have not phoned.Students who Become Ill at SchoolWe will call parents or emergency contactsshould a student become ill at school.Students will be cared for in the medicalroom in the interim.Visitors to our SchoolWe lock school doors during the day exceptfor the main entrance and washroomentrance to ensure student safety. We askall school visitors to check in at the office.Leaving School Grounds during the DayStudents must remain on school premisesduring school hours unless a parent orguardian provides written permission.Noon SupervisionQualified supervision aides oversee theplayground during the main recess breakunder the direction of the principal ordesignate. The supervisors provide directsupervision in key outdoor areas andwashrooms. We ask children to report anyunsafe situations to the supervisors on duty.Student use of cell phones and telephonesStudents may use the school telephone foremergency or safety situations. Studentsmust have a phone pass from their teacher.Students turn cell phones off and put themaway when they arrive at school and leavethem away until the end of the school day.Care of School PropertyWe expect students to treat our buildingand books or equipment with care andrespect. We expect anyone wilfullydamaging school property to cover the costof replacement. If you witness someonedamaging our school property or equipmentafter hours, please contact the police.Bicycles, Skateboards and ScootersStudents must walk or run at all times onschool grounds. Wheels are stored in classor locked at the bike racks during the day.Internet SafetyTo ensure students are safe on the Internet,we ask students to adhere to our Internetand computer use guidelines and we requireadult supervision. Please ensure your childis aware the Internet is a communicationnetwork that extends across the globe.Head LiceHead lice show up in classrooms and canbecome a nuisance if not treated. Shouldhead lice appear, we send notices homewith information for treatment andprevention. We recommend regularly „wetcombing‟ hair with an inexpensiveconditioner and a specific lice comb. Formore information regarding head lice,please call VIHA or the school.School Dress CodeIn accordance with School District 68, weexpect students to dress in a manner that isappropriate and conducive to a positive andsafe learning environment.We consider appropriate dress to be:SafeFree of any reference to alcohol, drugs,gangs, hate, obscenity, profanity,racism/discrimination sex and/orviolenceNot disturbing or distracting to otherswithin the school settingNot displaying excessive amounts ofskin – i.e. No halter-tops with spaghettistraps, tube tops or backless tops, shortskirts.We view the school setting as a workplaceand believe students and adults must wearclothing that is suitable for learning.3

School EmergenciesWe have monthly fire, earthquake andlockdown drills throughout the year toensure students know the safety procedures.All staff members have training to supportchildren in the event of an emergency.Emergency ProceduresIn the event of an emergency (earthquake,fire, etc.) requiring closure of the school,we will follow these procedures:• No student is dismissed from schooluntil a parent (or guardian designatedby the parent) signs for him/her.• No student is allowed to leave with anunknown person, even a relative orbabysitter, unless written permission tothat effect or that person is listed on thestudent‟s emergency form in our files.• All parents or designated guardianswho come for students must have themsigned out at the office or StudentRelease Station at the entrance to theschoolyard. Signs will be posted if thisalternative location is being used.• We are prepared to care for children inthe event of a critical situation, or ifparents are not able to reach the school.• We will supervise unclaimed childrenat school for up to 24 hours. After thattime, we will post the specificarrangements at school.General GuidelinesLearning ReadinessTo get the most out of each school day, weexpect parents ensure their child: Has a regular bedtime Eats nutritiously Arrives to school on time each day Wears suitable clothing for outdoors Comes to school with a positive attitudeand with the materials needed to be aready learnerCompletes homework or reads everynight as part of the home routineComes to school with planner signed.AttendanceRegular attendance at school is important:we teach new skills and concepts every dayand a child‟s sense of belonging is linked toself-esteem, confidence and feelings ofbeing successful.We ask parents to consider carefully theimpact of taking your child out of schoolfor reasons other than those stated in theProvincial School Regulations. Pleaseremember that these absences also createadditional work for classroom teacherswho then must take time from otherteaching responsibilities to assist thestudent upon his/her return to school.HomeworkPrimary: There is no formal homework inthe primary grades. This follows Ministryof Education guidelines. However, readingeach evening with your child is highlyrecommended during these early years.Intermediate: Ministry guidelines indicatethat approximately 30 minutes ofhomework each day is appropriate duringthe intermediate grades. It is essential thatstudents keep up with daily assignments orprojects, as each year‟s skill developmentbuilds the capacity for following years.Please assist your child by setting up aspecific homework routine each night andchecking their planner to ensure they areup to date.Assessment of Student ProgressWe measure individual student progressthrough teacher observations, classroomwork and curriculum-based tests. Parentsare encouraged to contact their child‟steacher to discuss their child‟s progress.Teachers issue three formal written reportsin a school year in November, March andJune. Parent-teacher conferences are inOctober and parents or teachers mayrequest a meeting at other times during theyear. Regular home-school communicationplays an essential role in a child‟s progress.4

Student RecognitionWe believe in nurturing a child‟s sense ofself through positive recognition andacknowledgment of growth and progress.This is done in the classroom by teachersand peers, at assemblies, on morningannouncements, or for specific focus areas(teams, clubs, achievement, excellence, etc)are part of Park Avenue school life.AssembliesAt our regular month-end assemblies,students have an opportunity to showleadership and skill and to appreciateleadership and skill in others. Each month aclass has a short presentation. Parents arewelcome to attend. We call specialassemblies at various times during the yearfor any number of reasons: studentperformers, outside groups or theme relatedactivities.Healthy Snacks and LunchesWe ask children to bring healthy foods toschool. Fruit, vegetables and non-prepackagedfoods provide optimum nutritionto help children focus and learn. Studentsdo not have access to microwave ovens, soplease send hot food in thermos containers.Meals ProgramsWe provide a nutritious breakfast, snackand emergency lunch program for allstudents whose families request it. Formore information, please call the school.Toys and Technology at SchoolPark Avenue School focuses on developingpositive, appropriate relationships withothers. Electronic gadgets are to be stowedaway in backpacks during the school day.Student LeadershipOlder students provide leadership through: Morning announcements, attendance Assemblies, recycling, snack program Spirit days/special events Technical, sports, library, playgroundLost and FoundPlease label items students bring to school.We cannot accept responsibility for lost ormisplaced articles or valuables unlessstudents check them into the office forsafekeeping. We keep small found items inthe office and put larger items in the lostand found box in the hall. Either students orparents may claim them. We takeunclaimed items to the Salvation Army.Parent Volunteer OpportunitiesWe have an active Parent AdvisoryCommittee that provides great support forstudent learning. PAC funds have providedopportunities for field trips, lessons, newresources and participation in specialevents. Join the many parents who meetmonthly and become involved in thispositive, supportive group.Park School Planning Council consists ofthree parents, elected by PAC and theprincipal. The SPC meets before theregular PAC meeting to providemeaningful involvement in the preparationof our School Growth Plan, the supportingbudget and the progress toward our goals.We present the School Plan to the Board ofSchool Trustees for approval. The Boardreviews each school plan and trustees mayaccept the plan, return the plan for revision,or direct the principal to develop analternate plan.School District PoliciesSD 68 has numerous policies that directand safeguard the school‟s operation andthe students who attend our schools. Acomplete set of policies is available atevery school or online (www.sd68.bc.ca).Parent Volunteer Vehicles – Policy 4410The BC minimum third party liabilityinsurance required on each vehicle is$200,000. Volunteer vehicles are not to5

carry in excess of the number of passengersprescribed by law. Volunteer vehicles areto carry a maximum of nine passengers.The principal or delegate shall inform inwriting the volunteer driver/owner that thevehicle must meet all standard safetyrequirements, including a seat belt for eachpassenger. All volunteer drivers for anyschool event must complete a “VolunteerDriver Form” which will be provided to thedriver by the teacher involved in the trip.BC Child Passenger RegulationsSD 68 will be aligning with the Provincialregulations regarding child passengers.These include the following: Drivers are responsible for complyingwith all child restraint requirements. Infants are to be secured in a rearfacingchild seat away from an activefrontal airbag until at least 12 monthsold and 9 kg (20 lb). Children under 18kg (40 lb) are securedin a child car seat with harness. Children over 18kg (40lb) are secured: In a booster seat, in a seatingposition equipped with a shoulderharness. In a lap belt only, (no booster), if aseating position equipped with ashoulder harness is not available.Up to their 9 th birthday or 145 cm(4‟9”) tall, whichever comes first. Children at least 9 years to 16 years aresecured in a seating position equippedwith a shoulder harness or in a lap belt,if a seating position equipped with ashoulder harness is not available.School-Wide Behaviour ManagementWe expect all adults and children to besafe, caring and responsible. Staff willteach students specific behaviourexpectations throughout the year followingPBIS (Positive Behaviour InterventionSupport), our Code of Conduct and ourschool-wide expectation matrix. We teach:Safe, caring and responsible behaviourat school and in our community;Friendship skills (greeting, helping,including, cooperating, taking turns,speaking and acting in a kind way);The difference between teasing andtaunting, complimenting and criticizing,reporting and tattling;Problem solving, conflict resolution andcalming strategies;Core virtues like honesty, respect,forgiveness, thankfulness, empathy.Park Avenue Code of ConductPurpose To establish and maintain a safe, caringand responsible community of learning; To clarify and publish expectations forstudent and adult behaviour at school,going to and from school and whileattending any school function oractivity at any location. To outline our School-Wide PositiveBehavior Intervention Supports.School-Wide ExpectationsWe expect all children and adults in theschool to practice and model the schoolwideexpectations. Classes discusses theclassroom expectations and post them.Expected Behaviours for Park AvenueRising expectations for appropriatebehaviour apply to all individuals as theybecome older and more mature and movethrough successive grades and on toadulthood. Intermediate students and adultsexperience increasing personalresponsibility and self-discipline and expectincreasing consequences and restitution forinappropriate behaviour.Examples of acceptable behaviours wouldinclude, but are not limited to, individuals: Respecting others, self, environment; Attending school on time; explainingabsences and doing missed work;6

Engaging in purposeful learningactivities in a timely manner; Helping to make the school a safe,caring and responsible place; Quickly informing an adult of incidentsof bullying, harassment or intimidation; Acting in a manner that brings credit toPark Avenue Community School.Examples of undesirable behaviour wouldinclude but are not limited to behavioursthat: Interfere with others‟ learning or theirself-esteem; Interfere with a respectful, orderly,welcoming environment;Create unsafe conditions for others orself.Unacceptable behaviours would alsoinclude acts of bullying, harassment orintimidation, physical violence orretribution against a person who hasreported an incident. Illegal acts, such aspossession, use or distribution of illegal orrestricted substances; possession or use ofweapons and theft of or damage to propertywill be reported to the RCMP.ConsequencesWe will take the severity and frequency ofunacceptable conduct, as well as the ageand maturity of the individual intoconsideration in determining appropriateconsequences for unacceptable behaviour.Consequences are: Pre-planned, consistent and fair; Preventative and restorative rather thanpunitive wherever possible; Created with the direct involvement ofthe individual so the consequences arepurposeful and meaningful; Considerate of any special needs thatmay impact an individual‟s ability tocomply with the expectations (see BCHuman Rights Code pertaining todiscrimination in accommodation,service and facility); Respectful of the rights of allindividuals in accordance with the law– prohibiting discrimination based onrace, colour, ancestry, place of origin,religion, marital status, family status,physical or mental disability, sex orsexual orientation – in respect ofdiscriminatory publication anddiscrimination in accommodation,service and facility in the schoolenvironment.Minor MisbehaviourWe will respond to individuals who makepoor choices that interfere with the learningof others, are uncaring or disrespectful inthis manner:1. The adult noticing the poor choice willmake a verbal request for the individualto follow the school expectation andwait for the individual to demonstratethe expected behaviour.2. If not effective, the adult will pause,turn to the individual and give aminimal verbal request to stop theinappropriate behaviour, clarify ifnecessary and finish with “Thank you”.3. If not effective, the adult will have adialogue with the individual and directthe individual to a different location(safe spot, triad room) for time tocomplete work and to think. The adultwill record the incident.Escalating MisbehaviourIf an individual continues to make choicesthat are unsafe, uncaring or disrespectfulafter the adult has followed the steps fordealing with minor misbehaviour, the adultwill refer the student to the office.Office Referrals1. The sending adult directs the student tocomplete a problem-solving form.2. Using the problem-solving form, thestudent and principal discuss the event,the poor choice, better choices and whatthe student can do to make things right.7

The principal may decide to withdrawschool privileges for a time.3. Students discuss the problem-solvingform at home with parents and explainhow they have resolved the problem.Parents sign the form and studentsreturn it to their teacher. If a studentforgets to return the form, the teacherwill send the student to the office to callhome the next day.4. If a student receives three officereferrals for the same type of behaviour,the principal will contact the parent(s)to set up a meeting at school to discussthe matter in person. Other staff may beinvolved to develop a behaviour plan.Some school privileges are withdrawn.Suspension and NotificationFor severe offences, in accordance withdistrict and school policy: an adult brings the student to the office,principal/designate contacts the parenta formal letter of suspension describingthe incident, the length of suspension(usually 1-3 days) and restitution planand responsibilities is sent home.School officials have a responsibility toadvise other parents of serious breaches ofthis code of conduct.Parents of student offender(s) in everyserious incidentParents of student victim(s) in everyserious incidentSchool District Officials as required bySchool District PolicyPolice and/or other agencies as requiredby lawAll parents when deemed to beimportant to reassure communitymembers that school officials are awareof a serious situation or incident and aretaking appropriate action to address itSchool staff members may involveparents earlier.It Takes a Whole VillageIt takes a whole village to raise one childIn love and beauty undefiledTo grow in wisdom or to run wildIt takes a whole village to raise one child.It takes a whole city to care for the poorThe homeless and hungry at our front doorOpen your hearts,you‟ll receive much moreIt takes a whole city to care for the poor.It takes a whole nation to build our pride.Working together, side by side,Respecting all people we have to decide,It takes a whole nation to build our pride.It takes a whole planet to set us freeFrom fear and extinction and misery,We‟ll cherish our children,each river and treeIt takes a whole planet to set us free.It takes a whole village to raise one childIn love and beauty undefiledTo grow in wisdom or to run wildIt takes a whole village to raise one child.Do your best to be a positive contributor toPark Avenue Community School!Do the right thing! Be a ready learner!Be safe, caring and responsible!8