The intent of this document is to have one comprehensive package for Melita School so that all students, parents, and staff will be familiar with the school policies, rules, procedures, guidelines, and expectations.

MELITA SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

In Pursuit Of Excellence (Back to Top)

It is the goal of Melita School to develop within our students the knowledge and skills they require to live, meaningful, self-fulfilling lives with as much independence as possible. To this end we will not only address their intellectual, but also their physical, emotional, personal, and social needs and skills. We believe that this can best be done through a consultative-collaborative, organized and planned team approach, in an uninhibiting, healthy, caring, positive and constructive atmosphere.

SCHOOL’S APPROACH TO DISCIPLINE

Perhaps the main purpose of discipline in our school is to maintain an atmosphere that is safe and conducive to learning. Orderly, respective conduct is a must to create and maintain a positive atmosphere and discipline is merely the enforcement of a system of rules governing conduct.

Our philosophy in Melita School is that everyone is responsible for their actions and must take ownership of his/her actions. Most behaviour expectations are described and outlined in the Public Schools Act, School Division Policy or Melita School Policy. A Code of Conduct handout, which outlines conduct expectations and consequences, is handed to each student at the beginning of each year.

Discipline Procedure: – Grade 7 – Senior 4 (Back to Top)

As shown below, discipline will be separated into 2 categories-inside the classroom and general…(hallways, lunch hour, school activities, etc…). A student may reach step 4 (suspension from all classes) thorough either category.

Beginning with Incident #2, contact home will be made each time by phone or mail.

Melita School deems the following actions to be unacceptable:

-inappropriate language	-fighting	-smoking on school property
-disrespect for authority and/or property	-bullying	-laggard (lack of effort)
-disruptive behaviour	-cheating	-uttering threats

Chemical abuse, Assault (physical, sexual or verbal) and weapons on School property involve immediate suspension.

Individual Classroom	General
Incident #1-Student will be counseled by the teacher	Incident #1-Behaviour is corrected & recorded
Incident #2-Teacher contacts home…informs of incident’s 1 & 2. Minor disciplinary action may occur.	Incident #2-Admin. contacts home and counsels student.
Incident #3-2 day class suspension-Admin. is notified and counsels student.	Incident #3-Same as step 2 plus-loss of privileges such as: lunch/dances/school activities/MPR/etc.
As soon as a student receives a 2^nd 2-day class suspension from the same or any other teacher…	Next General Incident
Incident #4-1-2 days from all classes	(in or out of school-this step may be repeated)
Incident #5-3 days out	(this step may be repeated)
Incident #6-5 days out	(Prior to returning, Parent/Guardian and Student must meet with school team “Admin, Teacher, Resource, Counsellor or outside agencies etc…” Corrective plan to be discussed)
Incident #7-up to a max. of 30 days out	(Requires superintendent approval)
Incident #8-Indefinite suspension from Melita School	(Subsequent steps to be determined by Board of Trustees)

Any or all steps may be eliminated depending upon severity of the incident.

Minor offenses committed by students warrant minor disciplinary actions. These may include: removal from class, community service, loss of privileges, and writing reflective papers. However, if the student continues to commit these minor offenses, he/she will move progressively through the procedure as outlined above.

Students will be afforded the opportunity improve in spite of past behaviour. If extended “incident free” periods occur…(for ex..2-3 months), emphasis may be placed on more recent behaviour when considering a course of discipline.

SUSPENSIONS

Suspension occurs when a student is removed from the classroom or dismissed from school for a finite period of time. Teachers, principals, superintendents and school boards may authorize suspensions as follows:

Teachers: (Back to Top)

Every teacher has a right to suspend from the classroom, for a period not exceeding two days, a student engaging in conduct the teacher considers detrimental to the classroom learning environment, or which contravenes the school code of conduct.

Principals: (Back to Top)

A principal may suspend a student from school for up to six days for engaging in conduct that the principal considers injurious to the school’s welfare or educational purpose.

A school board may, by resolution, prohibit a principal from suspending a student for more than one week without the superintendent’s approval.

Superintendents: (Back to Top)

Superintendents may suspend a student from school for up to six weeks (as authorized by school board resolution) for engaging in conduct injurious to the welfare of the school.

School boards may determine the length of any suspension, which they may order.

SHSD STUDENT SUSPENSION POLICY

A Principal in Southwest Horizon School Division may suspend a student for five days. For a longer suspension, the Principal must first consult with the Superintendent. The Superintendent will have the power to suspend a student for six weeks.

In all cases of suspension by a Principal, the suspending officer shall within twenty-four hours, report, in writing, the suspension to the Superintendent, and shall set out the name of the pupil, the period of suspension, and the acts of conduct for which the said pupil was so suspended.

A suspension may constitute loss of privileges, loss of exemptions or removal from school.

Violation of school or division rules or policies, drugs, or liquor in school or at school functions, use of unsuitable language, vandalism, belligerence toward any school personnel, or fighting in school may lead to a school suspension.

Notification shall also be made to the parents of the student involved.

After three or more accounted days of suspension, the student, accompanied by parents, must meet with the Principal before the student is allowed back into school.

If a student is suspended again, the parents and student must meet with the Superintendent before the student is allowed back into school.

If a student is suspended again, the student and parents will appear before the Board to explain why the student should be allowed to remain in school. The Board may then elect to: A) expel, B) recommend corrective measures prior to reinstatement, C) suspend indefinitely or D) reinstate with conditions.

Tests to be written and/or assignments due during a period of suspension will be the responsibility of the student. They will make arrangements with the teachers involved prior to returning to school. If they do not make such arrangements, they will receive a “0” in the test or assignment.

EXPULSION

Expulsion by the school board is a serious consequence resulting when it is determined that a student’s continued presence in the school is injurious to other pupils. Expulsion requires an official motion by the Board of Trustees.

BULLYING

Bullying: when a person is exposed repeatedly, and over time to negative actions from one or more people. Bullying can be words, threats, put downs, sarcasm, obscenities, gestures, facial expressions, physical contact – kicking, tripping, cover-up, or laughing at. Direct bullying is an open attack. Indirect bullying takes the form of isolating the victim socially, using threats and intimidation.

Our goal, at Melita School, is to ensure that the school is a safe and pleasant place for all students, staff, and support staff. To this end, bullying, victimization and mistreatment of others will not be tolerated.

Conflict for many students in the classroom, on the playground and before and after school comes from being bullied.

Every student should have the right to be spared oppression and repeated humiliation in school, as well as in the community. Melita School will not tolerate bullying.

Quite often when we are informed about bullying the informer is very reluctant for us to do anything for fear of recriminations. It is our intention to document such reported incidents. If someone is repeatedly reported confidentially, and we feel that something needs to be done, we will apply appropriate consequences without betraying any confidentiality.

All instances of bullying will be documented either by a teacher and/or the administration. Minor offences will be dealt with by the teacher or supervisor and major offences by the administration.

Optional Consequences for Minor Offences (Bullying): (Back to Top)

In the classroom:

Time out inside the classroom and counseling.

Removal from the room to the hallway for counseling.

Detentions during recess, noon hour or after school provided parents are contacted and transportation home is worked out.

On the playground or in the gym:

Time out (in a designated spot chosen by the teacher) and follow-up counselling.

Loss of privileges and detentions during recess, noon hour, or after school provided parents are contacted and transportation home is worked out for bus students.

Consequences for Major Offences and Repeat Offenders (Bullying): (Back to Top)

A major offence is one where the victim is traumatized or mistreated to the point that they lose their composure and cannot, (or will not) attend classes because of humiliation and embarrassment or because they cannot collect themselves.

The offending student is to be accompanied to the office by the teacher as soon as possible. The student will explain to the administration and a meeting with the parents will be arranged. Counselling will be recommended at that time. A record of the incident and the consequences will be filed by the administration.

Optional Consequences for K – 8 (Bullying): (Back to Top)

Loss of playground privileges and school service projects, i.e. cleaning or helping some group for 5 hours during recesses and noon hours.

Noon hour or after school detentions.

In school suspension for grade 7 & 8 students with test writing privileges.

Out of school suspension, for most serious cases, and repeat offenders and referral to a counsellor.

Senior I – IV Options (Bullying): (Back to Top)

Out of school suspension as per policy 12b.

Repeat offenders – an extended suspension – 5 days and referral to a counsellor. (see suspension policy)

SCHOOL ROUTINE, PROCEDURES, GUIDELINES, RULES, POLICIES

Students, parents and staff should realize that what follows is necessary to allow for the smooth, orderly and effective operation of the school. A safe, pleasant learning environment should result with everyone’s co-operation.

Attendance: (Back to Top)

Good school attendance and punctuality are closely related; the school bell schedule is as follows:

Day Schedule:

K to Grade 6			Grade 7 to Senior 4
8:50		Warning Bell	8:50		Warning Bell
8:55	9:25	Period 1	8:55	9:58	Period 1
9:25	9:55	Period 2	9:58	10:01	Break
9:55	10:25	Period 3	10:02	11:05	Period 2
10:25	10:40	Recess	11:05	11:09	Break
10:40	11:10	Period 4	11:09	12:10	Period 3
11:10	11:40	Period 5	12:10	12:55	Noon
11:40	12:25	Noon	01:00	02:05	Period 4
12:30	01:00	Period 6	02:05	02:10	Break
01:00	01:30	Period 7	02:10	03:15	Period 5
01:30	02:00	Period 8	03:15		Bus
02:00	02:15	Recess	03:20		Town
02:15	02:45	Period 9
02:45	03:15	Period 10
03:15		Bus
03:20		Town

Kindergarten students attend full day every other day. The school will be open for the arrival of students starting at 8:30 each morning.

When a student is absent his/her parent or guardian must inform the school as soon as possible by phone or a note giving the reason for the absence. If a student leaves during the day his/her parent or guardian must inform the school by a note or phone call.

Students eighteen years of age or more may excuse themselves by informing the office or homeroom teacher of the details (reason and duration).

For Safety Reasons, Students leaving school by private vehicle at the end of the day are not dismissed until 3:35. This includes all students, whether they have class or are on spare.

School Leaving Students in grades K – 8 are allowed to leave the school grounds provided that permission has been given by way of a note from a parent or guardian on each occasion.

Lunch Time (Back to Top)

All students receive a 50-minute lunch period daily. At Melita School we have two different lunch times.

K – 6 students will eat their lunch in their home rooms from 11:55 – 12:15. Students are responsible to see that their rooms are neat and tidy and that all garbage is placed in the garbage containers.

Grade 7 & 8 students will eat in their home rooms from 12:29 – 12:45. Students are responsible to see that their rooms are neat and that all garbage is placed in the garbage containers.

All K – 8 students are to go outside at all breaks. Inclement weather or a note from parents will allow students to stay indoors.

Sr. 1 – Sr. 4 students will eat their lunch in the M.P.R. between 12:29 and 12:45. Misuse of the M.P.R. will result in temporary or permanent loss of privileges.

Town students will be asked to go home for lunch if their behaviour is not suitable at lunch time. Eating at school is a privilege for town students. It will not be abused.

Student Dress (Back to Top)

Students are expected to wear clothing appropriate to our school setting; the dress should be clean and presentable. Students are to refrain from wearing clothing with offensive logos or slogans. Students who wear something unacceptable will be asked to put something else on right away.

Physical Education (Back to Top)

All students are expected to participate in the regularly scheduled physical education classes, unless they are exempted by a Doctor’s note. Parents will be contacted if participation becomes a problem. Students must be properly dressed: running shoes, T-shirts, shorts or sweat pants.

Use of Telephone (Back to Top)

A telephone located in the front entrance is provided for students to make local calls. Student organizations needing to call long distance may get permission to use the office telephone. Generally students are to make their calls during recess, noon hour or a spare.

Incoming Calls

So as not to interrupt classes the secretary will take a message and relay it to the student.

K – 6 Students (Back to Top)

Once outside for recess or noon hour, students may only re-enter the school with permission of a noon hour supervisor. Students may only stay in during recess and noon hour because a teacher wants them to complete an assignment or because of illness. A note is required from a parent/guardian in order for a student to have permission to stay inside.

Classes (Back to Top)

All students should have their books ready for the first period or periods and be in their first class by 8:55 A.M. and by 1:19 P.M. Opening exercises, registration and announcements will be done at 8:55 A.M. If no breaks occur between periods, students should prepare for the two classes. This would result in students only at their lockers during breaks, Phys. Ed. or Band classes.

Out of Bound Areas (Back to Top)

Students are not allowed into the following areas unless they are supervised:

staff room and staff washrooms, janitor’s room(s), storage room, etc.

clinicians’ offices

staff prep room

Computer Labs and Science Labs

School Books/Library Books (Back to Top)

All students are entitled to the free use of these books. At the same time they are financially responsible for the care of the books. When textbooks are passed out, their condition will be recorded. In the event of abuse or loss, the student will be responsible for the replacement cost.

Condition Cost

New 100%

Very Good 75%

Good 50%

Poor 25%

MPR: Room 8 (Sr. 1-4) Equipment (Back to Top)

This equipment is owned and operated by the senior high student body. Students have the privilege (not the right) to use them and are responsible to see that their use does not interfere with the smooth, orderly operation of the school. Excessive noise causing disruption or interference and/or poor room maintenance, could result in the room being shut down for a period of time. Students would eat noon lunch in their home rooms.

SHSD CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BUS STUDENTS

Students must not leave their seats while the bus is in motion.

Students must maintain proper seating posture at all times (e.g. Feet, legs, arms must not protrude into aisles.)

All parts of the student’s body must be kept inside the bus at all times.

Student’s lunch pails, books, parcels, etc., must be placed on floor near feet or held on lap.

Student’s conduct shall be the same as in classroom setting. Shouting, fooling and singing are not permitted. (Singing may be under teacher supervision on a long trip.)

Student eating and drinking is forbidden on the bus. (On special excursions, noon-hour lunch may be eaten on the bus.)

Students must obey promptly all directions from the driver and/or the adult in charge.

Students and adults must not talk to the driver except in a case of emergency.

Emergency exits and equipment must not be touched unless they are needed.

Windows may be adjusted only with the consent of the driver, teacher or adult in charge.

Students riding on a bus are subject to the same rules of conduct and suspension as if in school.

MELITA SCHOOL STUDENT DISCIPLINE ON BUSES

Unacceptable Behavior by a Student on a Bus Shall Receive Disciplinary Action in the Following Manner:

Student will be warned by the driver. Warning will be recorded in driver’s logbook.

If no improvement-the driver fills out a bus conduct report and turns it into the School Administration. The administration will forward a copy to the Transportation Supervisor and the parents. The administration will counsel the student and indicate future action

If there is still no improvement-the bus driver fills out a bus conduct report and turns it into the School Administration who will forward a copy to the Transportation Supervisor. The Administration will then request “MY THINK PAPER” to be completed and returned to the bus driver as per instructions on the document. Copy to be forwarded to the Transportation Supervisor.

If no improvement-the School Administration will suspend bus-riding privileges, contact the parents and send a letter to the Superintendent.

Transportation to Out-of-town School Events, Activities. The supervising teacher(s) will arrange transportation. Each student who is unable to use the transportation provided for a legitimate reason (i.e. work) is to provide written permission from his or her parent to use alternate transportation, and to be transported as per S.W.H.S.D. policy.

Visitors/Guests (Back to Top)

Welcome to Melita School. Please let the office know you are visiting. Perhaps there is something we can help you with.

Dismissal (Back to Top)

Country students are to be dismissed at 3:30, dressed properly. Town students are dismissed at the 3:35 bell. If any country students are staying in town, they are to be dismissed at 3:35. Senior high students on spare during period five who are not going home by bus are to stay in the school until the 3:35 bell. After dismissal, students will not be allowed to remain in the school unsupervised or without prior arrangements.

Lockers (Back to Top)

The lockers are the property of the school and they are loaned to the students. The school retains the right to examine and inspect its property at any time. The contents of the locker must be kept neat and tidy. Stickers or inappropriate posters will not be allowed. If lockers are abused a student may lose the use of the locker. Students using school lockers can rent combinations for $2.00. This will be refunded when the combination is returned. It is recommended that students use locks on their lockers for security reasons.

Student Fee (Back to Top)

Grades 5-Sr. 4 - $15.00/year. – maximum $30.00/family. This fee goes towards activities in which all students can take part. Grades 1-4 pay $5.00/person or $30.00/family. K is $5.00 or is included in the family rate if sibling(s) attend Melita School. Student agenda books are five ($5.00) each over and above the student fees.

K-4 POLICIES

Students are to play in their respective playground area unless other arrangements are made for a special activity.

For safety reasons, students and parents are to use the crosswalks provided in front of the school.

Students will spend recesses and noon hours outside. In the event of illness, a note is required from a parent/guardian in order for a student to have permission to stay inside. Students will not be required to go outside during recess and noon hour during extreme cold weather, i.e. –27 degrees C.

Students will enter and exit the building through designated entrances:

Rooms 16, 17, 19, 20 West Entrance

Rooms 21, 22, 23 North Entrance

Room 15 East Entrance

Footwear: All K – 4 students are to change into indoor footwear when coming into the school.

Discipline: Discipline is to be administered in a manner keeping with the discipline approach outlined in this document.

RULES FOR K – 4 STUDENTS

Walk in hallways, classrooms and bathrooms.

Keep hands to yourself.

Play safely:

Don’t walk up the slide.

Don’t jump off the slide.

No chasing on the new equipment.

Leave the stones on the ground.

Hang onto outdoor equipment until you are outside.

No baseballs (hard) are allowed on the playground.

Be kind to yourself and others – talk politely with positive language – no put downs – no teasing. Share.

Respect school property, other people’s property and your own property.

Consequences: (Back to Top)

1) Go to office.

2) Call home.

3) Sent home:

i) town student to go home for lunch.

ii) bus student to eat in different room.

4) Miss recesses and other fun activities.

5) Suspension – time out. Sit in hall or stand against the West wall of the elementary wing and think about it. How should I be better next time?

6) Pay for what you damaged – not your parents but YOU.

7) Note: Recess and noon hour time-outs will be supervised.

Procedure: (Back to Top)

First Offense – supervisor/teacher will talk to the child and ask-“What did you do? Why?” Teacher needs to document this on the computer under K – 4 Discipline – Word program .

Second Offense: - supervisor/teacher will talk to the child and ask-“What did you do? Why?” Teacher again documents this on the computer..

Third Offense: - this offense will be documented on the computer by the teacher and the child and teacher will go to the office with the three documentations. Teacher calls home.

Fourth Offense: - If this offense occurs within 30 days from the first offense the child will go to the office – office calls home and the child will receive a 1-day in-school suspension.

A child will receive a “clean slate” after 30 days from the first offense if no other offense has occurred.

Fifth Offense: - Child goes to the office resulting in an automatic one day suspension outside of the school. Parent and student meet with the principal before child is allowed back in the school.

Sixth Offense: - Child goes to the office where the S.W.H.S.D. Student Conduct Policy will be implemented.

For any major offense violating the Code of Conduct Policy, any or all of the steps may be omitted and punishment issued as per the Southwest Horizon School Division Policy.

The Physical Offenses are: (Back to Top)

Any hands on behaviour such as hitting, biting, fist fighting, pushing, stealing, and bullying.

If a student is seen doing any of the above, he/she will by-pass the first offense and automatically receive the Second Offense.

The Verbal Offenses are: (Back to Top)

Inappropriate language

Disrespectful to peers – name calling, verbal bullying.

Disrespectful to authority.

If a student is observed doing any of the above, he/she will receive the First Offense.

If the Verbal Offense becomes Physical, the student will automatically go to the Third Offense.

This will be recorded on the student’s chart on the computer.

Noon Hour And Recess Supervision (Back to Top)

Noon hour supervisors are to circulate around the school, checking through the hallways and washrooms.

Students are to sit in seats until 12:15. Their lunch is to be finished by 12:15 also.

All students (except those with notes from home) are to be outside during noon hours.

Students are to get a drink and go to the washroom by the 5-minute bell (10:33 A.M. & 2:03 P.M.) and then be outside for the rest of the recess.

Students who are to stay in during recess or noon hour because of illness or to complete assignment are to remain in their rooms at all times or go to time-out-room.

Teachers should leave a note on the board telling supervisors who has permission to stay in.

Climbing apparatuses are for climbing, not sitting.

MIDDLE YEARS STUDENT CONDUCT POLICY

OCTOBER

Cheating Policy: (Back to Top)

Any student who is apprehended cheating or conspiring to cheat (in any form) will have the following consequences imposed:

He/She will receive a zero for the work involved, and:

i) The principal and all other teachers involved with the student will be informed.

ii) The student may receive a suspension.

iii) The parents will be notified and provided an opportunity to come to the school to discuss the situation and be informed of consequences for a second offence.

The student will not be eligible for the Honour Roll.

Students will lose exam exemption privileges in that subject.

Absent Without Permission: (Back to Top)

An application of classroom policy.

Homework assignment in subject area.

Parents will be notified.

School Leaving: (Back to Top)

Bus students must have a note from home each time they leave the school at noon or at any time to carry out a errand.

Smoking: (Back to Top)

Loss of smoking privileges.

1 day in-school suspension.

Gr. 5 – 8 cannot smoke at all.

Late: (Back to Top)

Lates will be handled in accordance with the Melita School discipline procedure.

Mci Evaluation Policy: (Back to Top)

Grades V and VI - The evaluation is based on term work such as quizzes, tests, projects, assignments and other components of daily work. There are no formal exams in Grades V and VI. Please see classroom teacher for more details.

Grades VII and VIII - Evaluation is based on term work but in Language Arts and Math, there will be compulsory exams with no exemptions. Grade VII will write Mathematics, Grade VIII will write English Language Arts. 75% of the final mark will be based on the year’s work and 25% on the final exam. Exams on other courses are also at the discretion of the teacher.

SOUTHWEST HORIZON SCHOOL DIVISION

GUIDELINES FOR GRADE 7 AND 8 PROMOTIONS

For purposes of identification, subjects will be grouped:

Language Arts

Mathematics

Science

Social Studies

French or alternative course offered in place of French

Art

Health/Physical Education

Computer Awareness, Keyboarding, Band, etc.

A student will be required to repeat a grade if he or she fails:

Both subjects in Group A

One subject from Group A and two from Group B

Marks:

75% of the final mark will be based on the year’s work and 25% on a final exam. Exemptions are allowed in all courses except the compulsory course to be written.

MIDDLE YEARS RECESS & NOON RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Teachers’ Responsibilities: (Back to Top)

At recess each teacher is responsible to clear the room in which they are teaching.

No students are allowed near the school or doorway. Use the foot scraper as a guide.

Keep your own playground equipment in your homeroom. Teacher is responsible for that equipment. This will eliminate equipment room problems.

Supervisors in charge are responsible for administering outside rules.

Strategies for Inclement Weather:

In severe weather students will take a bathroom break and go to their homerooms for the balance of the time.

Participation in Track and Field is mandatory for all Middle Years students. It will be part of the Physical Education Program. Students at this level will be introduced to the various disciplines of track and field, with the emphasis being on participation in all events of field day. All students will receive a participation mark for taking part in our school meet. A mark of zero will be issued to those students not taking part in field day. Students may be excused by a Doctor’s certificate. The emphasis is on participation. We realize that, as in academic work, not all students will excel. Those who qualify will go on – others will have a regular school day.

K–6 Student Responsibilities – Recess & Noon (Back to Top)

Students are to play in a safe and responsible manner. The playing area includes the soccer field north of Rooms 8-14, the tetherball area, the ball diamond north of the well and the football field east of the well.

The following areas are off limits:

a) the road and private property bordering the school grounds

b) the tree lines

c) the window areas

d) the water well

The following activities are considered inappropriate or not safe:

a) tackle football

b) climbing on football standards

c) throwing stones or other dangerous missiles like snowballs

d) climbing on the roof of the school

e) chicken fighting – where one person is sitting on another

f) playing on the well

g) fighting

h) smoking

i) offensive language

j) destroying or defacing property

k) outdoor rink, unless there is a planned activity

l) student parking lot.

Students must return equipment to the proper room.

Students should treat other people, as they would like to be treated. Abusing other people will not be tolerated.

Students are responsible for promptly returning to class following the bell signaling the beginning of the next class. At the beginning of recess, students are to move outside quickly.

SENIOR I – IV STUDENT CONDUCT

Disruptive Behaviour: (Back to Top)

Disruptive students will be dealt with according to school and Southwest Horizon School Division policies 4-5-1, 4-5-2.

Attendance Senior I – IV: (Back to Top)

ATTENDANCE IS COMPULSORY. A parent or guardian must explain all absences. Any absence not explained by a parent or guardian, will be classified as an “unexplained absence” FOUR (4) unexplained absences in a course may constitute removal from the course.

Any student who accumulated TEN (10) absences in a course will be removed from the course, resulting in a failure in that course. Absences explained by a medical certificate (which must accompany the student upon returning to school or within (48) hours excluding non-school days and absences pre-arranged with the staff and administration will not be counted as part of the ten. If the production of a medical certificate is not possible within 48 hours, contact with the school must be made within the same time frame giving an explanation.

Parents/guardians will be notified at the 5^th, 8^th and 9^th absence.

Lates: (Back to Top)

Punctuality is very important in creating and maintaining a considerate and positive learning atmosphere. Punctuality is part of being responsible and showing respect for ones classmates and teachers.

To help insure that punctuality occurs, the following late policy will be implemented and enforced.

Students are to be in their classroom on or before the bell that indicates the commencement of class. Any student not in attendance by the commencement bell will be considered “LATE.”

An accumulation of three lates in any one course will constitute an absence in that course. These absentees will count as part of the 10 absentees allowed per class before removal from the class.

Since excusable circumstances do occur, the teacher in charge may excuse a late arrival.

Defacing School Property and Graffiti: (Back to Top)

Division policy 4-5-3

Inappropriate language in the form of graffiti on personal belongings is not permissible. Students will be asked to remove it, or if the case warrants it, cover it up.

Laggard Policy: (Back to Top)

Students are expected to attend School and classes regularly and to complete homework assignments and study for tests and exams. In cases where students habitually disregard their responsibilities, parents will be consulted and students may be requested to withdraw from school.

Drugs: (Back to Top)

A student suspected to be under the influence of drugs should be brought to the office. Refer to Division policy 4 for consequences.

School Leaving Privileges and Use of Private Vehicles: (Back to Top)

Noon: Bus students in Senior I – IV leaving the school will require a permission slip signed by a parent, which will be valid for the entire year unless it is cancelled.

Spares: Senior I – IV students will require a permission slip signed by a parent, which is valid for the entire year. Students leaving the school during spares are to do so in an orderly, quiet manner so as to not interrupt classes.

Student Vehicles: Private vehicles brought to school by students are to be parked in the student parking lot. Students coming and going are to drive in a safe, prudent manner. Students leaving by private vehicle at the end of the day are not dismissed until 3:35.

Note: All permission slips refer to the local area.

Field Trips: (Back to Top)

Money for excursions is limited. Students going on field trip excursions may be required to pay for part of the cost. For overnight field trips parents must sign an approval and acknowledgment form.

Smoking Policy and Smoking Area: (Back to Top)

Melita School is 100% Smoke Free. Smoking is not permitted at any time either in the building or on the property. Violation of this policy may result in a one-day suspension based on code of conduct.

Theft: (Back to Top)

May result in any or all of the following:

Three day suspension from school.

A recommendation that the total time of suspension be extended.

Apology to the victim.

Restitution.

Community Service – work.

The matter may be reported to the R.C.M.P.

Graduation: (Back to Top)

Only students who are eligible to graduate will take part in Graduation Exercises. A student must have a total of 20 credits in order to be eligible to be in a S4 homeroom. Twenty-eight credits are required for graduation.

Evaluation Policy (Back to Top)

Sr. 1 & 2 Students will be allowed in all subjects except those in which provincial exams are written with the exemption mark being 75%. Where exemptions do not occur, final summative exams will be written in all core subjects. All final summative evaluations and will be valued at 25% of final mark in Sr. 1 and 30% at Sr. 2.

Sr. 3 & 4 Students will write summative final exams in all subjects (except special courses with pre-arranged approval) to count for 30% of their final mark. The remaining 70% to be determined by the classroom teacher for term work and major tests.

School and Student initiated courses: Exam status to be as described in the proposal for approval.

All other courses: Form of evaluation to be discussed and approved by the school administration and/or the superintendent prior to the beginning of the course. This information to be given to the student/s prior to class commencement.

Students who receive less than 35% on their final exam shall be required to repeat the course. This will not apply to Sr. 1 provincial exams.

Exam Policy: (Back to Top)

All final examinations will be available for inspection by students and their parents on an individual basis. Upon formal request a student and /or parent will be permitted to view that student’s examination paper subject to the following:

The paper and exam in any form will not be released from the school.

The subject teacher and either the principal or vice-principal, if requested by the teacher, parent, or student, shall be present. It is recommended that the student be present.

If a parent requests a third-party evaluation of an exam, this will also be subject to the above, plus the third party evaluator must be certified and have experience in the present curriculum of the subject involved.

Tests: (Back to Top)

For teachers who plan on keeping student test papers permanently – the tests should go home and be signed by a parent or guardian. The test is to be returned the next day the student is at school. Optional: to provide an incentive for a test to be returned a small bonus mark can be given to the student when the test is returned.

Alternative Procedure: Make the test that you want to keep on a separate paper with no space for answers. Students place their names on foolscap. Teachers keep the questions sheet, the students keep the answer sheet.

Cheating Policy: (Back to Top)

Any student who is apprehended cheating or conspiring to cheat (in any form) will have the following consequences imposed:

He/She will receive a zero for the work involved, and:

i) the principal and all other teachers involved with the student will be informed.

ii) the student may receive a suspension.

iii) the parents will be notified and provided an opportunity to come to the school to discuss the situation and be informed of consequences for a second offence.

The student will not be eligible for the Honour Roll.

Students will lose exam exemption privileges in that subject.

MELITA SCHOOL STUDENT CONDUCT CODE

As students of Melita School you have the right to an education in keeping with the mission statement of Melita School. Along with that right you have a number of responsibilities. The first and foremost being to become actively and productively engaged in your own academic learning.

At the same time you must respect the rights of others, such as the right of fellow students to a school environment, which is free from fears, prejudices, and distraction. You are to demonstrate a cooperative attitude, display common courtesy, avoid improper and foul language, refrain from physical and verbal harassment, and maintain an appropriate learning atmosphere. You are expected to be punctual, to be on time, to attend regularly and dress appropriately.

You are responsible for giving your best effort, showing respect for authority, the property of the school and of fellow students.

You are responsible not only for being familiar with all school policies that apply to you, but also for following them.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF
MELITA SCHOOL STAFF

All members of the Melita School staff have a professional responsibility to:

Report for supervision duty on time.

Be in our classrooms to greet our students at the following times:

- 8:40 A.M.

- Following morning, afternoon and noon hour breaks.

Provide our students with a clear understanding of our classroom rules and expectations and related positive and negative consequences.

Review with our students the list of school rules, policies, etc.

Maintain good school discipline by taking full ownership in school wide discipline. We are responsible for all children in the school, not only those in our own classroom.

See that students are not left unattended during class time and that they are dismissed at the appointed time and not before.