​ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA

Schools within the LKDSB promote safe environments for all students and staff. Due to life threatening reactions to such allergens as latex, bee stings, scented products, nut products etc. specific restrictions and procedures will be in place. A number of children are required to have puffers or Epi-pens available for emergencies. Parents are required to have the authorization of medication form completed by the family doctor each school year. In consultation with parents, students will be permitted to carry their puffers or Epi-pens with them.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

Students will be directed indoors by staff no earlier than 8:35 am.  There are designated doors for the students to enter and exit.

Once at school, students may not leave the property without parental permission. At the end of the day, students are to leave the school property as soon as they are dismissed.

ATTENDANCE AND SAFE ARRIVAL

Regular attendance is necessary for student success. It is the policy of LKDSB to follow the Safe Arrival Procedures to enable the school and parents/guardians to account for any student’s unexplained failure to arrive at school. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to inform the school on a timely basis if their child is going to be late or absent. An answering machine is available to assist with this requirement.

Your message should state:

• the full name of your child
• your relationship to the student (eg. father, mother)
• the name of the classroom teacher
• the reason for the absence

If no notification is given, the school office will contact the home or a parent's and/or guardian's place of employment to confirm the whereabouts of the student.

AUDIO TAPING, FILMING, Photographing, and Videotaping of Students

During the school year, your child(ren) will be involved in a variety of school related activities consistent with the purpose of educating students in accordance with the Education Act. Examples may include but are not limited to:

• School Yearbook
• School Plays
• Field Days/Athletic Functions
• Science Fairs
• Annual Report of the Director
• School/Board Curriculum Presentations or Teaching Aids School and Class Photographs
• Public Speaking Contests
• Education Week events
• School/Board memorabilia
  

In addition, public media organizations, upon notification, may be present to cover these events by photographing, audio taping or videotaping students involved in the above-mentioned routine in-school activities.

If you wish your child to be excluded from photographing, audio taping, or videotaping as a part of activities such as outlined above, please notify the Principal of the school in writing as soon as possible. Otherwise the school will assume your consent. Special Event Student Release Form is required for the imaging or audio recording of specific programs or activities of the School or Board which are not considered part of routine activities and which may be shared outside of the jurisdiction of the School or Board.

Special Event Student Release forms will be sent home for students participating in these types of out of school/special Board-sponsored activities, or special projects, as they occur.

A signed release is also required for images or audio recordings to be included on School or Board websites. Consent will be obtained each year on student profile sheets for elementary students and through the grade 8 to 9 and subsequent years’ option sheet process for secondary students.

These procedures are designed to ensure the privacy of students in the school and for students within the jurisdiction of the Lambton Kent District School Board, and are in

accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

BICYCLES AND ROLLER BLADES ETC

The school cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage to bicycles. When bicycles are brought to school, they must be walked, not ridden on school premises, and must be parked (preferably locked) in the bicycle stands. It is necessary that all students wear appropriate safety helmets and follow the same laws as vehicles. Rollerblades and “Heelies” (roller shoes) are to be removed and regular outdoor shoes put on before entering the playground. Skateboards are not to be used on school property.

BULLYING AND PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE - CODE OF CONDUCT Introduction

The LKDSB’s Code of Conduct is established in keeping with the requirements of the provincial Code of Conduct and the standards of behaviour as set forth by the province of Ontario. A school should be a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility, and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. A positive school climate exists when all members of the school community feel safe, comfortable, and accepted. All students, parents, teachers and staff members have the right to be safe, and to feel safe, in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to contribute to a positive school climate, and to be accountable for actions that put the safety of others or oneself at risk.

Guiding Principles

This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals who participate in the school community whether they are on school property, on school buses, or at school-authorized events or activities. All participants in the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity, especially those in positions of authority, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. All participants in the school community share responsibility for maintaining an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed through non-violent means in a manner characterized by respect and civility. Behaviour which is aggressive or threatening in any way has no place in our school communities.

Student achievement depends upon the provision of safe and caring learning environments. All participants in the school community share responsibility for ensuring that their decisions and actions contribute rather than detract from the sanctity of these environments.

Personal health and well-being are enhanced through awareness and appropriate choices. They are further safeguarded through the application of prevention and intervention strategies and the involvement of community agencies including the police in responding to situations involving but not limited to those who are in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol or restricted drugs.

Responsible citizenship involves appropriate participation in the life of the school community. Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others.

Standards of Behaviour

The Standards of Behaviour apply to all individuals who participate in the school community including students, parents and guardians, teachers and other staff members, volunteers and visitors.
Respect, Civility, and Responsible Citizenship

• All members of the school community must:
  respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws;
• demonstrate honesty and integrity;
• respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions;
• treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement;
• respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability;
• respect the rights of others;
• show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others;
• take appropriate measures to help those in need;
• seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully;
• respect all members of the school community, especially persons in positions of authority;
• respect the need of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching;
• not swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority;

Safety

All members of the school community must not:

• engage in bullying behaviours;
• Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent, aggressive behaviour directed at an individual/s which is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear, distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.
  
• commit sexual assault;
• traffic weapons or illegal drugs;
• give alcohol to a minor;
• commit robbery;
• be in possession of any weapon, including firearms;
• use any object to threaten or intimidate another person;
• cause injury to any person with an object;
• be in possession of, or be under the influence of, or provide others with alcohol or illegal drugs;
• inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person;
• engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias;
• commit an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property or to property located on the premises of the school.

Roles and Responsibilities -School Boards

School boards provide direction to their schools to ensure opportunity, academic excellence, and accountability in the education system. It is the responsibility of school boards to:

• develop policies that set out how their schools will implement and enforce the provincial Code of Conduct and all other rules that they develop that are related to the provincial standards that promote and support respect, civility, responsible citizenship, and safety;
  review these policies regularly with students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the community;
• establish a process that clearly communicates the provincial Code of Conduct and school board codes of conduct to all parents, students, staff members, and members of the school community in order to obtain their commitment and support;
• develop effective intervention strategies and respond to all infractions related to the standards for respect, civility, responsible citizenship, and safety;
• provide opportunities for all of the staff to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to develop and maintain academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.

Wherever possible, boards should collaborate to provide coordinated prevention and intervention programs and services, and should endeavour to share effective practices.

Principals

Under the direction of their school boards, principals take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school. They provide this leadership by:

• demonstrating care for the school community and a commitment to academic excellence in a safe teaching and learning environment;
  holding everyone under their authority accountable for his or her behaviour and actions;
• empowering students to be positive leaders in their school and community;
• communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community.

Teachers and Other School Staff Members

Under the leadership of their principals, teachers and other school staff members maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, teachers and school staff uphold these high standards when they:

• help students work to their full potential and develop their sense of self-worth;
• empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school, and community;
• communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;
  maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;
• demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the members of the school community;
• prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship

Students

Students are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others, and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:

• comes to school prepared, on time, and ready to learn;
• shows respect for himself or herself, for others, and for those in authority;
• refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others;
• follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own actions.

Parents

Parents play an important role in the education of their children, and can support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfil their role when they:

• show an active interest in their child’s work and progress;
• communicate regularly with the school;
• help their child be neat, appropriately dressed, and prepared for school;
• ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;
• report promptly to the school their child’s absence or late arrival;
• show that they are familiar with the provincial Code of Conduct, the Board’s Code of Conduct, and school rules;
• encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour;
• assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their child.

Community Partners and the Police

Through outreach, partnerships already in place may be enhanced and new partnerships with community agencies and members of the community (e.g., Aboriginal Elders) may also be created. Community agencies are resources that Boards can use to deliver prevention or intervention programs. Protocols are effective ways of establishing linkages between boards and community agencies, and of formalizing the relationship between them. These partnerships must respect all applicable collective agreements.

The police play an essential role in making our schools and communities safer. The police investigate incidents in accordance with the protocol developed with the local school board. These protocols are based on a provincial model that was developed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Education.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Riding the school bus is a privilege not a right. This privilege is extended to students whose behaviour is appropriate while riding the bus. Students must behave on the bus in a way that ensures that the driver can concentrate on driving and all passengers are safe and comfortable.

Parent Responsibility:
Parents are responsible for the safety and conduct of their children while waiting for the bus, riding a bus and returning home.

Student Responsibility:

Students must take their place on the bus as directed by the driver and remain in their seats.
Students are not to eat or drink on the bus.
Students and parents will be financially responsible for any damage done to the bus resulting from inappropriate behaviour.
Students must follow the instructions of the bus driver.
Students must use polite language only.
Improper conduct may result in the withdrawal of this privilege

Bus Cancellation Policy

Buses cancelled due to fog in the morning will run in the afternoon to transport students who have been dropped off.

Buses cancelled due to snow conditions in the morning will not run in the afternoon. Bused students who receive a ride to school must also be picked up at the end of classes on a day buses have been cancelled due to snow. In the event that students are at school, we will call home, and then the emergency contact or a neighbour or friend, to notify that children are being dismissed early. Please be sure that your child has a place to go should this occur.  When feasible, radio stations will make announcements.

If the safety of your child is of concern, it is ultimately your decision as to school attendance during inclement weather. Listen to the local radio stations (FOX 99 FM or CHOK 1070 AM) for accurate information. Our school is in ZONE 2 as indicated on the first page of this planner. For up-to-date information please log onto: www.schoolbusinfo.com

CELL PHONES & ELECTRONIC DEVICES

All electronic devices, such as cell phones, media players, digital game devices and cameras, etc. are not to be used while the student is on school property before, during, or after school without the permission of school personnel. If a student carries a cell phone for safety reasons, he/she is responsible for the cell phone at all times. It must remain “off” and in a locker or backpack.

The school is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME & SCHOOL

Open communication between home and school is essential for student success. The first point of contact should always be the classroom teacher. There will be a number of occasions when you will be invited to the school for special events. We hope that you will attend if at all possible. We will keep you informed of upcoming events and activities. Staff members will contact you if they have concerns about your child’s progress. Please feel free to contact the school when you have questions.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

So that the Public Health Unit can keep track of communicable diseases like mumps, chicken pox and measles, parents are asked to contact the school as soon as they know about such health problems. This helps the Health Unit in protecting us all from general outbreaks of illness.

DRESS CODE

While at school, students are expected to be dressed in a tasteful, age-appropriate manner. Students who, in the opinion of the school staff, are inappropriately dressed will be required to correct the problem before returning to class. Inappropriate dress may include: clothing or jewelry with profanity, symbols or pictures of alcohol, drugs, sex, violence and/or display cultural and racial insensitivity, undergarments worn as outergarments, sheer tops with visible undergarments.​

For safety reasons; footwear must be worn at all times while at school.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING

Any decisions about school closing or buses not operating are made by the Director or alternate at the Lambton Kent District School Board. Closing due to adverse weather conditions or other specified reasons will be broadcast on FOX 99 FM and CHOK 1070 AM Stations by 7:00 a.m. PLEASE BE AWARE OF OUR SCHOOL IS ZONE 2. BUSES WILL BE CANCELLED BY ZONE.

FIRE DRILLS

When the long ring of the fire bell sounds everyone in the school is required to leave quietly and in an orderly, single file fashion. Each room in the school has a plan for exit during a fire alarm. Teachers will explain this plan to students early in the year. After leaving the school, students must wait with their teacher until a signal indicates that all is clear for re-entry. Fire drills are practiced in the Fall and Spring. Tornado drills are usually practiced in the Spring.

GUM

Chewing gum inside the school sets a casual tone that undermines our aspirations for excellence. Gum is a problem around the school because if finds its way onto the soles or shoes, on the underside of desks and tables and, occasionally, in hair. Students may not chew gum in the school, on the playground or on the buses.

HOMEWORK

Homework is useful in reinforcing what has been learned in class, preparing students for upcoming lessons, extending and generalizing concepts, teaching responsibility and helping students develop positive habits.
Homework is effective when it is actively supported in the home and when it represents an ongoing, three-way communication that involves student, teacher, and parent. Homework is not necessarily assigned by a teacher. In general, the amount of time spent doing homework:
JK/SK - Grade 3     15 minutes
Grade 4 - 6              30 minutes
Grade 7 - 8              45 minutes

Homework at our school is for all students and could involve:

• Quality daily reading & writing
• Work completion (daily assigned work, missed work, projects, assignments )
• Weekly review of math concepts
• Ongoing review of notes and materials for evaluation
• Teacher assigned homework will be appropriate to age, ability, special needs, and grade level of the students.  It will also support the expectations of the Ontario Curriculum.

Suggestions on how parents might assist their child with homework include:

• Provide a quiet work place
• Prioritize activities to do in the evening
• Provide appropriate materials and supplies
• Be sure lighting is adequate
• Be consistent in checking for notes, permission slips, notices, and other school communication
• Check student planner on a regular basis
• Help your child to write lists, schedules, reminder notes
• Have a consistent routine for homework, activities, bedtime
• Reward good organizational skills at home

HOMEWORK FOR ABSENT STUDENTS

When the student is absent due to illness for more than one day, homework for the previous day will be provided upon parental request and will be available for pick up at the end of the day.

ILLNESS AND MEDICATION

For the health of the entire school community, parents are encouraged to keep their child at home when they are not well enough to participate in all school activities. When a student is ill, a parent will be contacted to take the child home as soon as possible.

The LKDSB has a policy concerning the administration of medication to students by school personnel. Administration of medication at school requires parents to annually complete an authorization of medication and/or an individual medical emergency plan. These forms are available at the school office and require a doctor’s signature. All medication is the responsibility of the parents and must be delivered to school in the original container, including the student’s name and the prescribed dosage and frequency. All medication is stored in a secure location.

Any pills, ventilators, or other medications are to be brought to the school office by parents.

LICE (PEDICULOSUS)

Lice spread very quickly and require much work to eliminate. Parents must call the school if their child has lice. Parents must keep the child home for a minimum of 24 hours, ensuring the child’s hair is nit free.

Classes may be checked to prevent further spread of the lice. Letters will be sent home to affected classes asking parents to check their children for signs of lice or nits.

PLAYGROUND - DANGER OF STRANGULATION

Each year in Canada, thousands of children get hurt on playgrounds playing on slides, monkey bars or swings. Some children have died when their clothing or drawstrings have become caught on playground equipment or fences or when they have become entangled in ropes or skipping ropes attached to playground equipment. Loose clothing, hoods, scarves, drawstrings, mitten cords, ropes and skipping ropes can strangle a child!

Safety Tips

• Remove cords and drawstrings from children's hoods, hats and jackets.
• Tuck in all clothing that can get caught on playground equipment.
• Wear a neck warmer instead of a scarf.
• Take off bicycle helmets before using playground equipment. Bicycle helmets can get trapped on equipment and strangle a child.
• Make sure children do not tie ropes or skipping ropes to slides and other playground equipment.
• Supervise children on the playground.
• Teach children how to use playground equipment and play safely

Rules Governing Acceptable Use of Computers:

• Users are responsible for knowing and following the rules and etiquette of computer use.
• Students will only use computers and the Internet under direct teacher supervision.
• Users will use only their assigned, personal network accounts and passwords.
• Sharing of accounts and passwords is never permitted.
• Users may not use the network for anything but school-related activities.
• Students will not use Internet sites or software that is offensive at any time.
• User should always respect the privacy and personal information of other users.
• Users are responsible for knowing and respecting all school rules and laws (including laws about copyright, profanity, prejudice and hatred).
• Users will never copy or steal the work of other people.
• Users will not purposefully damage the computer network or hardware.
• Users should avoid wasting time, supplies, and space (e.g., hard drive, network, bandwidth).
• Students will NEVER give out personal information over the Internet, such as first and last name, home address, and phone number.
• Students should NEVER agree to meet with keypals unless supervised by a teacher or parent.
• When users discover sites containing unacceptable information, they must report the incident immediately.
• The LKDSB reserves the right to monitor the system to ensure adherence to the above rules.

Students who break any of these rules will be subject to school disciplinary policies.

SCHOOL INSURANCE

Ontario law does not permit School Boards to insure students for accidents or injury. Instead, the school sends home a package with information on how to purchase student insurance by mail from a major insurance company. The school keeps a supply of claim forms in the office. Please call the school office for more information.

SCHOOL ITEMS ON LOAN

Most items necessary for school programs are supplied by the school. These items are loaned to students with the understanding that they will be returned in good condition.  Students may also have the opportunity to borrow school equipment, including uniforms. Replacement costs may be charged for any school articles or equipment lost or unnecessarily damaged.

Students are also assigned desks and sometimes lockers. These are Board property and are subject to search under the direction of school administration. Students are not to leave valuables in their desks or unlocked lockers. 

STUDENT PLANNER

Students are expected to be responsible for their planner at all times. If it is lost, a replacement may be purchased at the school office.

Teachers will direct the students in the use of the planner. Parents are encouraged to check the planner with the student on a regular basis. Parents may be asked to sign the planner.

Students and staff should review the planner daily to make sure the planner is up-to-date and that they have the necessary materials for homework.

SCHOOL RECORDS

Changes of address, telephone number, custody status, job, emergency contact person, doctor, etc. must be reported to the school secretary so that records are accurate and current.

TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

It is illegal for anyone to use tobacco, alcohol or drugs on school property and prohibited at school related activities. If students are suspected of using, or are in possession of these substances, disciplinary action will be taken. When appropriate, police will be involved.

USE OF SCHOOL TELEPHONE

The school telephones are used for school business. Students are not permitted to use the school telephone, except in an emergency, or with the permission of school personnel.

VISITING THE SCHOOL

All parents, visitors and guests must sign in at the school office. To ensure a safe environment for all students, access is restricted to the front door. At dismissal, parents are asked to meet their children outside the appropriate exit door. When picking students up during the school day, please report to the office and staff will page your child to meet you.

VOLUNTEERS

Our goal is to have many volunteers in the school while still maintaining the safety of the students in our care as well as the safety of our volunteers. Volunteers assist with hot lunch days, excursions, one-on-one or small group remediation, sports, graduation, fundraising and School Council business. The Safe Schools Act mandates police check protocols to be completed for volunteers. Please see the principal if you are interested in volunteering at our school.

WASHROOMS

Students should use their breaks to go to the washroom. Teachers will be understanding of students who need to be excused more often; however, it is important to keep classes free of interruption in order to make the best use of our time.

While in the washroom, students are expected to respect the right of privacy of other students. Playing, loitering and consuming food should never take place in washrooms.