parent/student information handbook 2014 - 2015 · 2014-11-06 · parent/student information...

Parent/Student Information Handbook

2014 - 2015

200 Minnetonka Street Winnipeg, Manitoba

R2M 3Y6

Telephone: (204)257-8114

Fax: (204)257-2614

Principal: Lisa Lewis

‘Home of tHe mustangs’

PARENT INFORMATION HANDBOOK CONTENTS PAGE LOUIS RIEL SCHOOL DIVISION VISION & MISSION 3 CODE OF CONDUCT 3 BELIEFS & BEHAVIOUR 4 MINNETONKA STAFF 5 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 6 SCHOOL DAYS CYCLE CALENDAR 8 SCHOOL INFORMATION 10 Daily Schedule 10 Entrance Bells & Recess Breaks 10 School Security 10 School Attendance 10 Call Back Program 11 Absentee Notes 11 Late & Truant Students 11 PROCEDURES REGARDING STUDENT SAFETY AND SECURITY 11 Student Information Sheets 11 Administration of Medication 11 Injuries 12 Street Proofing 12 Patrols/Patrol Crossings 12 Fire Alarms & Emergency Control Procedures 13 School Insurance 13 Release of Information About Students 13 Lockers 13 VARIATION IN SCHOOL ROUTINE 14 Early Dismissal or School Cancellation Due to Storms 14 Cancellation of School 14 Early Pick-Up of Students 14 Off-Site Educational Experiences 14 Professional Learning and Administration Days 15 Staff Meeting Dates 15 Bussing Information 15 MINNETONKA PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL 16 COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS 16 Report Cards 16 Student Progress Conferences 16 School Notices 16 PROGRAM OF STUDIES 16 Elementary and Middle Years 16 STUDENT SERVICES, SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES 17 Student Services 18 Clinical Services 18 St. Amant Volunteers 18 Lunch Program 19 Canteen 19 Extra-Curricular Activities 19 EXPECTATION FOR STUDENTS 20 Text-books and Library Books 20 School Bus Conduct 20 Modes of Transportation/Food and Drink 20 Dress Code 21 Non-Smoking Environment 21 Student Drug and Alcohol Policy 21

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MESSAGE TO STUDENTS The staff of Minnetonka School hopes you will have a productive and happy year. The information in this booklet will help you with some of the rules and procedures of the school. LOUIS RIEL SCHOOL DIVISION VISION AND MISSION The Louis Riel School Division aspires to develop caring, literate and capable people who value learning and strive to reach their potential as they pursue the common good. The Mission of the Louis Riel School Division is to foster safe, inviting and inclusive learning environments and to develop responsible global citizens through respectful partnerships between home, school and community MINNETONKA SCHOOL BELIEFS

At Minnetonka School we believe that:

• Each child has unique interests, abilities and needs. Education helps to develop the potential of each individual by equipping students with techniques and strategies needed to apply acquired knowledge and skills.

• The school contributes to the social development of children by teaching respect for themselves and others.

• Students take responsibility for his or her learning and actions. • Goals will be reached in partnership – the student, the school, the family and

community

RATIONALE These guidelines attempt to provide a common basis for communications and understanding among all members of the Minnetonka School community, including students, staff, parents, and the larger community. Our beliefs, as illustrated in the above photo, are posted at every entrance to the school. These beliefs are reviewed annually by classrooms.

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BELIEFS ABOUT BEHAVIOUR Our guidelines are based on the following beliefs: • Social emotional growth and academic growth go hand in hand. • Students are capable of making positive choices about behaviour. • Students behave positively when basic needs are met. • The home and school must work in partnership and support one another. • The school must be aware of factors that affect a student's ability to behave positively. • Rights are accompanied by responsibilities. • Student input into rules enhances their commitment to the rules. • Modeling by adults is key in assisting students to choose positive behaviours. What behaviours are encouraged for and by all members of our school community? • Treat others with kindness, respect, courtesy and consideration. • Maintain a positive learning environment in each class and throughout the school. • Maintain a safe and respectful atmosphere in the school, on the school grounds and in

the community. • Learn and practice self-control. • Work and play safely • Respect the property of others within the school community. How can students meet the expectations of our school community? When they show RESPECT for:

• PEOPLE • THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT • PROPERTY

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MINNETONKA SCHOOL STAFF GRADE ROOM NAME ASSIGNMENT Ms Lisa Lewis Principal K 21 Ms Dulce Creighton 1/2 17 Ms Kim Sawers 2/3 16 Ms Samantha Quinn 3/4 14 Ms Diana Lang 4/5 3 Ms Lynda Colpitts 6/7 5 Mr. Ken Vince 7/8 6 Ms Anne Bachinski Gr. 4 – 8 French

Ms Laura Anderson K-6 Music and Gr. 7/8 Band Mr. Patrick Peacock K-8 Physical Education Ms Shannon Cyr Student Services Mr. Dean Wilson Literacy Ms Robin Plouffe-Robin Student Services `

Administrative Secretary Mrs. Sharon Cliteur Secretary Mrs. Colleen Fowler Library Technician

Ms Tracy Baranyk Educational Assistant Ms Shirley Dalman Educational Assistant Ms Nikki Darracott Educational Assistant

Ms Dale Parkinson Educational Assistant Ms Janelle Pattison Educational Assistant

Ms Cheryl Riopka Educational Assistant Ms Michelle Stecher Educational Assistant

Mr. Al Johnson Head Custodian Mr. Rene Sauvlet Evening Custodian Mr. Michael Begley Custodial Aide

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MINNETONKA SCHOOL - Calendar of Events - 2014 - 2015 September 2 No School -Administrative Day 3 Opening Day Conferences 1:00 – 4:00 pm and 5:00 – 7:30 pm 4 First day of regular classes 4 - 5 Kindergarten staggered entry 8 All Kindergarten students begin regular classes 11 First Lesson Night – New Band Students 17 Gr. 4-8 Cross Country @ St. Vital Park - Family Fun Run 4:45 PM

22 Professional Learning Day – NO SCHOOL

23 Early Dismissal at 2:30 – Staff Meeting 24 Gr. 4-8 Cross Country @ Whittier Park - 4:45 PM October 1 Gr. 4-8 Cross Country @ St. Vital Park - 4:45 PM 3 Fall Pictures (am) 8 Gr. 4-8 Cross Country Championship Run @ Whittier Park 4:45 PM

9 Immunizations 10:30 am – HPV (Gr. 6 Girls) & HepB (Gr. 4 students)

13 Thanksgiving Day – NO SCHOOL 24 SAGE – NO SCHOOL 28 Early Dismissal at 2:30 – Staff Meeting November 10 School Based PD Day 11 Remembrance Day – NO SCHOOL 14 Gr.6-8 to Rob Nash at Nordale School p.m. 14 Girlz Jam for Gr. 7 & 8 girls @ BO -9 AM - 3 PM 21 Report Cards go home 25 Early Dismissal at 2:30 pm – Staff Meeting 27 Parent Conferences 4 – 8 pm 28 Professional Learning Day – NO SCHOOL December 17 K – 8 Winter Concert 7:00 pm

19 Last day of school before Winter Break Early dismissal@ 2:30

22-Jan-02 WINTER BREAK January 5 Classes Resume

8 Immunizations 10:30 am – HPV (Gr. 6 Girls) & HepB (Gr. 4 students)

23 Gr. 5/6 Indoor Track @ Max Bell Centre 9 AM - 2 PM 27 Early Dismissal at 2:30 – Staff Meeting

February 2 Professional Learning Day – NO SCHOOL

16 Louis Riel Day – NO SCHOOL 24 Early Dismissal at 2:30 pm - Staff Meeting

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March 13 Professional Learning Day – NO SCHOOL 20 Report Cards go home 23 – 27 Kindergarten Registration Week

24 Early Dismissal at 2:30 – Staff Meeting Conferences 3:00 – 7:00

27 Last day of school before Spring Break 30-Apr-03 SPRING BREAK April 6 Classes Resume

24 Divisional Professional Learning Day – NO SCHOOL

28 Early Dismissal at 2:30 – Staff Meeting

May 7 Immunizations 10:30 am – HPV (Gr. 6 Girls) & HepB (Gr. 4 students)

14 Gr. 7/8 Track Meet @ U of M 9:30 AM - 4 PM

15 Professional Learning Day – NO SCHOOL

18 Victoria Day – NO SCHOOL 20 Gr. 7/8 Track Meet @ U of M 9:30 AM - 4 PM 26 Early Dismissal at 2:30 – Staff Meeting 27 Gr. 7/8 Championship track Meet @ U of M 9:30 AM - 4 PM 28 Dance in the Park 4 Gr. 5/6 Field Day at HS Paul School - 5's AM , 6's PM 5 Raindate - Dance in the Park 9 Raindate- Gr. 5/6 Field Day at HS Paul School - 5's AM , 6's PM 12 School Based PD Day – NO SCHOOL 29 Report Cards go home 30 Last Day of School - Early Dismissal at 2:30

Dates and events are subject to change.

The school website https://www.lrsd.net/Schools/Minnetonka/A6/ is regularly updated.

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https://www.lrsd.net/Schools/Minnetonka/A6/

Louis Riel School Division 2014-2015 School Calendar

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Labour Day 2 Day 1

Schools Open 3 Day 2 4 Day 3 5 Day 4 6

7 8 Day 5 9 Day 6 10 Day 1 11 Day 2 12 Day 3 13



28 29 Day 2 30 Day 3

Oc

tob

er

20

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Day 4 2 Day 5 3 Day 6 4


12 13 Thanksgiving Day

14 Day 6 15 Day 1 16 Day 2 17 Day 3 18

19 20 Day 4 21 Day 5 22 Day 6 23 Day 1 24 Day 2 SAGE Day

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26 27 Day 3 28 Day 4 29 Day 5 30 Day 6 31 Day 1

No

vem

be

r 2

01

4 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1


9 10 Day 1 11 Remembrance Day

12 Day 2 13 Day 3 14 Day 4 15


23/30 24 Day 4 25 Day 5 26 Day 6 27 Day 1 28 Day 2 29

De

ce

mb

er

20

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Day 3 2 Day 4 3 Day 5 4 Day 6 5 Day 1 6


14 15 Day 1 16 Day 2 17 Day 3 18 Day 4 19 Day 5 Last day of school

20 Winter break begins

21 22 23 24 25 Christmas Day

26 Boxing Day

27

28 29 30 31

Jan

ua

ry 2

01

5

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

New Year’s Day 2 3

4 Last day of Winter break

5 Day 6 Schools reopen

6 Day 1 7 Day 2 8 Day 3 9 Day 4 10




March 24, 2014 SF

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Louis Riel School Division 2014-2015 School Calendar

Fe

bru

ary

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15

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Day 2 3 Day 3 4 Day 4 5 Day 5 6 Day 6 7


15 16 Louis Riel Day

17 Day 6 18 Day 1 19 Day 2 20 Day 3 21


Ma

rch

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15

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Day 3 3 Day 4 4 Day 5 5 Day 6 6 Day 1 7



22 23 Day 6 24 Day 1 25 Day 2 26 Day 3 27 Day 4 Last Day of Classes

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29 30 31

Ap

ril 2

01

5

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3

Good Friday 4

5 6 Day 5 Schools reopen

7 Day 6 8 Day 1 9 Day 2 10 Day 3 11



26 27 Day 2 28 Day 3 29 Day 4 30 Day 5

Ma

y 2

01

5

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Day 6 2



17 18 Victoria Day 19 Day 5 20 Day 6 21 Day 1 22 Day 2 23

24/31 25 Day 3 26 Day 4 27 Day 5 28 Day 6 29 Day 1 30

Jun

e 2

01

5

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Day 2 2 Day 3 3 Day 4 4 Day 5 5 Day 6 6




28 29 Day 4 30 Day 5 Last day of school

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SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Daily Schedule for ALL students Morning: 8:50 - 9:00 Students enter building.

9:00 - 11:45 Registration, opening exercises and classes 11:45 - 12:40 LUNCH

Afternoon: 12:40 - 12:45 Students enter building 12:45 - 3:30 Registration, announcements, classes and

dismissal ENTRANCE BELLS Bells ring to indicate to the students that they are free to enter the building. Students are asked not to enter before the bells ring unless they are participating in a school activity. Bells occur at 8:50 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. Students are requested to ensure that they arrive at school no earlier than 8:45 a.m. and 12:35 p.m. If the weather presents a problem, students will be allowed inside the doorways and must wait there until the bell rings, before they go to their classes. We appreciate parental co-operation in ensuring that the children do not arrive too early since this creates issues for supervision and unnecessary congestion at the doorways. RECESS BREAKS All children in Grades 1 to 6 are expected to go outside for a fifteen minute recess, in both the morning and afternoon. Recess is indoors if it is raining or if the winter windchill is below -28 as measured by Louis Riel School Division’s website. www.lrsd.net Recess breaks are at 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. and at 2:15 to 2:30 p.m. Kindergarten students will begin recess in the spring. SCHOOL SECURITY At Minnetonka School we value the assistance that parent and community volunteers bring to the school. We are also concerned with maintaining a safe and secure environment. To that end, parents and community members volunteering in classrooms are required to report and sign into the office. We also request that parents or guardians picking up students during the day report to the office before going to the classrooms. Please note that all school doors, except for the north parking lot entrance doors, will be locked during the day and opened at 3:30. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE Students of school age can be excused from classes for reasons of sickness, unavoidable causes, or doctor/dental appointments. The Public Schools’ Act places the responsibility on parents to ensure that their children attend school on a regular basis. School authorities are required to determine that children of school age are in attendance on a regular basis and to report cases of non-attendance.

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http://www.lrsd.net/

CALL BACK PROGRAM If a student is going to be absent from school, parents are required to phone the school at (204)257-8114. Since we have voice mail, parents may call the school before school hours in order to leave us a message that their child will not be in attendance. This pertains to all grades from K to 8 and includes those days when grade 7 and 8 students are to be at Practical Arts or Home Economics classes. ABSENTEE NOTES Students are required to bring a note signed by a parent or guardian to their homeroom teacher explaining the reason for any absence. If a student is required to leave school for an appointment, the office is to be notified in advance also by a signed note or by phone. All students must be signed out at the office prior to leaving and signed back in if the student is returning to school that day. LATE STUDENTS AND TRUANCY Students, who arrive late for school or late for classes, must report to the office for a late slip before entering the class. Lates will be recorded and parents will be notified if the habit continues. Students who are habitually truant or late may have to make up the time they have missed. Truancy cases may be referred to the divisional attendance officer at the discretion of school administration. PROCEDURES REGARDING STUDENT SAFETY AND SECURITY STUDENT INFORMATION SHEETS Student Information Sheet is required to be completed by the parent/guardian during Opening Conferences. Parents are asked to review and complete this form accurately since we refer to these sheets on numerous occasions, including emergencies and whenever students are to go on field trips. If any changes occur during the year, parents are requested to phone the school office to have these records adjusted. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS It is the responsibility of the parents to inform the school of serious medical conditions. School Board policy states that in order to administer medication to a student (including inhalers and non-prescription medication) an ‘Administration of Prescribed Medication to Pupil’ form must be completed, as well as an Individual Health Care Plan. Children must not have medication in their school bags, except in the case of EpiPens. With respect to students requiring EpiPens, the school requests one for the child to wear in a pouch and one for staff to keep in a central location.

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STUDENT INJURIES Parents will be notified promptly of any reasonably serious injury to their child(ren) which might require medical attention. If a parent is unable to transport their child to a doctor or to a hospital school staff will either take the child or call an ambulance on the parents’ behalf. Parents are reminded that emergency phone numbers, Manitoba Medical numbers and other important information should be accurately listed on the Student Information Sheet. STREET PROOFING: A DIVISIONAL STRATEGY FOR STREET SAFETY AWARENESS Communication between the police and the Board Office occurs whenever a situation arises which makes street safety important. It is imperative that consistent and reliable information be conveyed to parents and the school community. After consulting with school administrators, police and other school divisions, the following process has been developed to ensure the consistency and reliability of information: 1. At the request of law enforcement agencies, information will be sent to school administrators who

will send information home to parents the same day it is received. If time is such that this is not possible, the principal/vice-principal will instruct teachers to caution students about street safety before they are dismissed. Information will be sent home the next day. The notes to parents will contain the information exactly as contained in the police communication.

2. To ensure reliability, only information received from law enforcement agencies will be distributed.

Citizens who possess additional information will be asked to convey it to the Winnipeg Police. The Board Office and school will then act on the decision of the police as to how much information is to be shared.

On a regular basis, information will be supplied via email to assist parents in streetproofing their children. Although communication for emergency situations is important, the Division believes that the most effective education should be positive, consistent, and suited to a variety of situations. In this way, children’s confidence in their problem-solving abilities can be strengthened. PATROLS/PATROL CROSSINGS Our school patrols perform a very important safety function for our students. These student volunteers attempt to provide a safe passage or a safe traffic corridor for those students who walk to and from school. It is vitally important that all adults, students, and vehicle drivers watch and obey our patrols. Junior High students must obey and follow patrol instructions so that they set a safe and positive example for our younger students. Once again, timing is most important. Patrols are only on duty for approximately 15 minutes per duty session. We ask that parents and students co-operate by not having the students arrive too early or too late. Our patrols are on duty at:

• Greendell and Minnetonka • Minnetonka and River Road

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FIRE ALARMS AND EMERGENCY CONTROL PROCEDURES When the fire alarm sounds students are to leave the building through the designated exit of the classroom in which they were attending. If a student happens to be one of the first two students exiting that doorway, the student is asked to stop and hold the door open for all other students and adults who are also exiting that doorway. Each homeroom class has a designated area on the grounds where it is to assemble. Each student is expected to remember the location of this assembly area. If regular classes are not in session or if the student is separated from the rest of his/her homeroom, the student should leave the building through the nearest exit and report to the normal assembly area. Students are expected to remain calm and attentive during the alarm and afterward while the teacher takes attendance and accounts for every student. Emergency control procedures are also in place and practiced throughout the year in the event of an unsafe situation in or around the school site. If it is ever necessary to evacuate the building, we will sound the fire alarm and follow the above procedures to exit the building. After attendance is taken on our grounds, the students and teachers will walk to St. Amant (440 River Road – phone 256-4301) to re-assemble and once again take attendance. Parents will then be notified and asked to pick up their children. SCHOOL INSURANCE The Manitoba Association of School Trustees has approved the student insurance plan offered by Reliable Life Insurance Company, administered by Reed Stenhouse Limited. This is to provide insurance for various items not covered under Medicare (ie) dental accidents, ambulance services, etc. Insurance application forms are available to all students. Applications and payment are to be remitted by the parents directly to Reed Stenhouse Limited by mail. Participation in any Student Accident Plan is voluntary, however we strongly recommend that parents obtain extra coverage. SCHOOL RELEASE OF INFORMATION ABOUT STUDENTS The information the school has about a child is only available to his/her parents or guardians, to school personnel, or to school division personnel. It is not available to other persons or agencies without the written permission of parents or guardians. Both parents have an equal right to information about their child(ren) or access to them, unless there is a court order restricting access to one parent. The custodial parent must provide a copy of any judicial court order regarding the child if they wish the school to comply with the court order. Otherwise the school is compelled to share information equally with both parents. LOCKERS Middle Years students are assigned two to a locker in order to store books and belongings. Students will need a lock for their locker since all lockers must be locked when not in use. Some students prefer a combination lock while others prefer a key lock. Whichever type the students choose, the lock must be durable. The students’ homeroom teacher will record the combination or will request a key for the lock, in case the student forgets the combination, leaves his/her key at home, or in case we need to get books when the student is ill. It is important that students keep their locker clean and organized. Please be advised of the fact that lockers are school division property and are subject to search.

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VARIATION IN SCHOOL ROUTINE EARLY DISMISSAL OR SCHOOL CANCELLATION DUE TO STORMS Regarding early dismissal due to stormy weather and blizzard warnings, the following procedure will occur: Non-bussed students • Non-bussed students will be dismissed at regular dismissal times only, at noon or at afternoon end, even if transported students are taken home early due to storm warnings. • In the event of an all-school noon dismissal, announcements will be made over various radio stations. The school will attempt to telephone the parents of children scheduled to have lunch at school to inform them of the noon dismissal. • During dangerous weather conditions, parents, after speaking to the teacher, the principal, or to the secretary, may pick up their children at any time. • Parents are requested to develop a plan so that their child knows what to do if no one is at home.

Bussed students • Announcements will be made over various radio stations. • The school will attempt to phone parents of all bussed students to inform them of the early

dismissal. • Parents are requested to ensure that their child knows what to do if no one is home.

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL When we know of severe storm conditions before school opens, the Superintendent informs the radio stations as early in the morning as possible. Occasionally schools will be kept open for the non-bussed students even if school buses are cancelled because roads are impassable. EARLY PICK-UP OF STUDENTS

Occasionally parents wish to pick up their children prior to our regular dismissal times. We ask that parents make arrangements to come into the school and pick up their children at the office. Please do not ask your child to wait at the door or on the playground. All students must be signed out at the office prior to leaving and signed back in if the student is returning to school that day! OFF – SITE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES All of the off – site student trips are considered educationally and socially worthwhile and are compulsory for all students identified to go. Students who have demonstrated ongoing behavior concerns may require alternate arrangements. Parents will be notified of upcoming field trips. Parents have the opportunity to give their general approval to all one-day trips within the city of Winnipeg by completing the appropriate section on the Students’ Information form. Regardless, individual permission slips will be sent home prior to the trip taking place. Please note that all students must return a signed permission slip form; as verbal consent will not be accepted! The school will help to pay the costs for any student whose parents need subsidization. Parents need only make a discreet call to the child’s homeroom teacher or to the principal, and we will ensure that the child is included.

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We expect all students to actively participate in any fund raising venture to reduce the school’s cost. We also expect school subsidized students to earn their subsidy by assisting or working for the school when requested. In the event that a child is unable to participate in an off-site opportunity; it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to provide appropriate supervision at home or elsewhere and to ensure the student has all needed materials / assignments with them. As well, in the case of off–site trips requiring deposits; any student who pays the deposit but does not attend the event will not be refunded. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND ADMINISTRATION DAYS In-Service Days are days during which teachers engage in Professional Development. Administration Days are days during which the school schedules administrative activities for teachers such as completion of report cards, special staff meetings for program planning and evaluation of existing curriculum. The Provincial Government allocates 10 of these days per school year to each school division. The dates of these days and other school events and activities are shown on the Tentative Schedule of Yearly Events which is listed elsewhere in this handbook. However this list is subject to change. Please check our weekly email for all dates of up-coming events. STAFF MEETING DATES General staff meetings take place throughout the school division and will usually be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month except in December and in June. All students in Grades K - 8 will be dismissed at 2:30 on these days. Buses will arrive at the school at 2:30 p.m. to take the bus students home. Please make a note of the following general staff meeting dates: Tuesday, September 23rd Tuesday, February 24th Tuesday, October 28th Tuesday, March 24th Tuesday, November 25th Tuesday, April 28th Tuesday, January 27th Tuesday, May 26th Tuesday, June 30th (last day of school)

BUSSING INFORMATION School Buses: We have students arriving by school bus each day, usually between 8:30 and 8:50 a.m. and departing between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. It is absolutely imperative that the bus loop not be used during these arrival and departure times by any other vehicles. It needs to be clear for emergency vehicles.

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MINNETONKA PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP Our Parent Council is a very important part of Minnetonka School. Without the help of dedicated parents many events would not take place. The Parent Council also acts as an advisory body to help administration and staff in providing an excellent learning environment. Parent Council meets monthly. COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS REPORT CARDS Divisional student assessments will be sent home three times during the school year – November, February and June. STUDENT PROGRESS CONFERENCES There will be two scheduled opportunities for parents and students to meet with teachers to discuss student progress and goals – November and March. We encourage all parents to attend these Learning Celebrations and invite regular communication between the home and school throughout the year to ensure a positive and productive year for our students. SCHOOL NOTICES Weekly emails will be sent to notify students and parents about the issues and events taking place at our school. School notices will also be sent as circumstances warrant. Please provide an up to date email address so we may keep in contact as the year progresses. MINNETONKA SCHOOL’S PROGRAM OF STUDIES Minnetonka School follows provincial guidelines in all subjects in all grades. Elementary Program: The elementary program at Minnetonka School offers instruction in the following compulsory courses:

English Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies Physical Education Music Health Information Technology Art Basic French (in Grades 4 to 6 only)

Some of these courses may be integrated when instruction is conducted.

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Grades 7 & 8: The grade 7 & 8 program at Minnetonka School is offered through a combination of required subjects and optional subjects. Required Subjects: English Language Arts Mathematics Social Studies Science French Physical Education (Health and Lifeskills) Human Ecology and Practical Arts: It is the policy of the School Division that this is a compulsory course for all students in Grades 7 and 8. Grade 7 students receive instruction in both Practical Arts and Human Ecology.

Aesthetic Courses Grade 7 and 8 students participate in both Band and Art NOTE: Options can only be offered providing a sufficient number of students choose that option. STUDENT SERVICES, SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES Our Minnetonka Student Services Team is available to facilitate the identification, diagnosis, and intervention on behalf of students with learning difficulties. Students do not all learn in the same way, and it is with this understanding that programs are designed to develop the students’ abilities with special consideration for their needs. Access to assistance and resource support is also provided to classroom teachers and parents who must plan for the students’ academic needs. The specific goals of our Student Service Program are to provide:

- consultation with teachers and parents - accurate diagnosis - assisting teachers with the development of programs which promote the intellectual, social,

emotional, and physical growth of each child. This year our Student Services team will consist of Mrs. Shannon Cyr, Mrs. Robin Plouffe-Hingley and Mr. Dean Wilson.

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CLINICAL SERVICES UNIT (CSU) The CSU provides valuable assistance for teachers and parents through the service of a Speech and Hearing Clinician, a Social Worker, and a Psychologist. We also have access to Psychiatric services. All CSU services are free of charge to parents and students. Before a student is referred to the Clinic for individualized assistance we must secure the parent’s approval. Parents may terminate the services at any time. Our Clinic Personnel this year is: Ms Naomi Goerz Speech and Language Ms Luanne Monk Social Worker Ms Cheryl Marks School Psychologist Ms Dawn Tecter Occupational Therapy Ms Shannon Hughesman Physiotherapy ST. AMANT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM The St. Amant Centre on River Road requires volunteers to assist staff in the many activities they offer to children with difficulties. Programs such as physical education, swimming, home economics, art and outings require a one-to-one ratio that can only be provided through volunteer efforts. Therefore, volunteers are an important and necessary part of the St. Amant Programs. A number of students from schools across Winnipeg, including Grade 7 and 8 students from Minnetonka School, annually volunteer assistance to St. Amant during regular school hours. In order to be a St. Amant Volunteer from Minnetonka, the student must:

- obtain written permission form his/her parents and from his/her teachers; - miss one-half day per week from regular classes at school; - pick up and complete regular classroom work or assignments that were missed on one half

day. NOTE: The student, school or the child’s parents may recommend that the student drop out of the program if academic work is significantly affected; or if the student no longer appears to benefit from the experience; or if St. Amant feels that the student is no longer performing up to its expectations.

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LUNCH PROGRAM Any student who wishes to stay for lunch must follow all of the expectations of our lunch program. In the past we established a Lunch Program at Minnetonka School to assist:

a) Students who receive transportation assistance from the School Division in order to attend Minnetonka School.

b) Families with very young children who have to walk a fair distance to school. c) Families with both parents working outside the home. d) Families who, on occasion, need assistance with lunch arrangements.

To help cover supervision costs our lunch fee is $12.00 per student per month, to a maximum of $480.00 per family per year. Students who wish to stay for lunch occasionally or for Intramurals are required to send an advance cheque for $20.00 / child ($10.00 if you expect your child will only stay rarely!). $1.00 will be deducted per Lunch period. We wish to maintain this service in the most cost effective manner possible. However, in order for us to operate our Lunch Program effectively, we need the full co-operation and assistance of parents and students, especially in terms of paying their fair share for this service. All students who stay for lunch are to eat in their specified lunch rooms. Students may first purchase food items from the canteen area before 12:05 p.m. and then return to their designated eating area. All students are expected to remain in the room until dismissal at 12:10 p.m. All lunch students are expected to clean up after eating their lunch. At 12:10 p.m. all remaining students are to go outside for recess of go to the designated area for any pre-scheduled extra-curricular activity. From 12:15 to 12:40 p.m. students should not be in the halls and students are not permitted to return to their home rooms. If students stay for lunch at school they are expected to remain on the school grounds. If parents of a full-time lunch student want their child to go somewhere else during the lunch hour, then they must write a note for each occasion when this will happen (unless, of course, it is a situation where, for example, you want your child to be away every Thursday. You would need to write a note stating that your child will not be at school for lunch on Thursdays.) For legal and safety reasons we cannot accept a blanket note from a parent allowing a child to leave the grounds whenever the child wants. In order that our lunch supervisors know who they are supervising, students need to be either on the grounds for the entire lunch hour or off the grounds for the lunch hour. There will be some leeway for all Gr. 7 & 8 students on Industrial/Human Ecology days. Extreme or persistent behavioural difficulties at lunch may result in suspension from lunch at school for a period of time as determined by administration. Students who do not adhere to the above will not be allowed to remain in the lunch program. CANTEEN The school provides only space and supervision for the students who stay for lunch. Lunch students should provide their own lunches. Milk and some snack foods can be purchased at the school canteen. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES There are many activities open to students at Minnetonka. We have intramural sports open to all appropriate Grade level students. For junior high students primarily, we have interschool sports, as well. We adhere to divisional FAIR PLAY practices and try to avoid try-outs or “cuts” if at all possible. We expect students who participate to maintain a high level of commitment and standards of behaviour. Each year various clubs and activities are offered to all students. We encourage all students to participate in these opportunities.

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EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS TEXTBOOKS/LIBRARY BOOKS When a student is issued textbooks by the teacher(s) or if a student signs out a library book, they become the student’s responsibility. Students are expected to take good care of them. Textbooks and library books are only loaned to the students and must last at least 4 or 5 years. If books are lost or abused we must insist that the student to whom the book was issued be responsible for its replacement or repair. We charge a replacement fee that is adjusted to reflect the age and condition of the book when it was last issued. If lost books are found after the replacement has been paid, we will gladly refund the fee. The cost of replacement of a text or library book can range anywhere from $4.00 to about $50.00. CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES It is the policy of the School Division that students on school buses behave in a safe, respectable and responsible manner. Because the bus driver is responsible for the safety of all who are on the bus, students are expected to follow the instructions of the driver at all times, since the driver’s ability to operate the bus safely is of paramount concern. Students who persist in disruptive or dangerous behaviour on school buses will be referred to the principal. STUDENT MODES OF TRANSPORTATION / FOOD AND DRINK / ELECTRONIC DEVICES

1.) Water bottles and snacks are acceptable for consumption during classes.

2.) Students are responsible for all personal modes of transportation used to and from school. Bikes should be left in the bike racks and secured with a solid lock.

3.) Skateboards, Roller Blades and ‘Wheeled’ Shoes are not to be used in or on school property.

Proper storage of these items is also expected and left at school at the owner’s own risk.

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DRESS CODE School dress reflects the importance of the educational environment and is a statement of mutual respect for one another. During the school day, students should always be wearing indoor runners or shoes. Bare backs or midriffs, spaghetti straps, short shorts, clothing with inappropriate language or pictures should not be worn to school. The school reserves the right to require changes in dress that is deemed inappropriate for school wear. Every environment has guidelines for specific types of clothing and it is our belief that our school has a responsibility for helping students to prepare for the outside world and the workforce. It is also important that students are allowed the freedom to reflect their personality and personal taste without offending others. These guidelines also extend to our school staff. Students inappropriately dressed for school will be sent home to change. Physical Education Program:

• Students are required to have a t-shirt, shorts or track/sweat pants. • Clean running shoes are required for class.

Head Wear:

• No head wear at all, including hats, bandanas and hoods. Shirts/Shorts/Skirts/Pants:

• Shirts need to reach the top of jeans and fully cover upper body. • Skirts and skorts should be no shorter than one hand width from the knee to the bottom of

the skirt. Messages/Slogans:

• Please avoid alcohol, drug-related, profane or inappropriate messages on clothing, backpacks, gym bags, etc.

Footwear: • Students should have clean indoor shoes during inclement weather. • closed-toed shoes needed in Industrial Arts.

NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT The School Division is declared to be a “smoke free” environment. As a result there is a “No Smoking” policy in effect in all schools, Division buildings, and vehicles and during all school related activities no matter where they are located. The school grounds are also to be “smoke free” during all school related activities. Students and adults are expected to respect this policy. Students who contravene these expectations will be given one warning. On the second occasion the student will be required to inform his or her parents and the student may be sent home for the remainder of the day. STUDENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY The School Division recognizes that the use of drugs/alcohol is illegal and detrimental to the mental and physical health of students, as well as being detrimental to the student’s educational and social development. Therefore the School Division has developed Division-wide policy whereby the professional staff may refer, where appropriate, students for treatment and follow-up procedures. The procedures contained in the policy provide for intervention, referral for treatment, and disciplinary action by the school or school division. The procedures may vary somewhat according to the student’s grade level and flexibility is recommended in the application of the procedures. NOTE: Copies of these policies are available at online at www.lrsd.net

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parent/student information handbook 2014 - 2015 · 2014-11-06 · parent/student information...

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