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INDEX
Attendance Policy 11
Awards 14
Belief Statement 5
Bell Times 3
Cold Weather Policy 9
Community Library 12
Dress Code 12
Dropping Off of Picking Up Your Child 9
Exam Exemptions – Junior High 8
Field Trips 7
Homework Parent Support 14
Illness 6
Internet Access 7
Junior High Student Union 10
Kindergarten 10
Lockers 8
Medication 6
Mission Statement 4
Newsletters 7
Parent School Council 11
Personal Property 8
Physical Education 13
Playschool 10
Progress Reports 13
School Fees 5
Special Education 9
Staff 3
Student of the Month 14
Student Record Keeping 10
Students Leaving School Grounds 7
Swimming Lessons 11
Use of Cell Phones and Electronic Devices 12
Visitors and Volunteers 8
BELL TIMES
Period 1: 8:25- 9:20
Period 2: 9:20 -10:05
Recess: 10:05 -10:20
Period 3: 10:20 -11:05
Period 4: 11:05 -11:50
Lunch: 11:50 -12:05
Noon Recess: 12:05 -12:40
Period 5: 12:40 -1:25
Period 6: 1:25 - 2:05
Recess: 2:05 - 2:20
Period 7: 2:20 - 3:00
Period 8: 3:00 - 3:40
As a result of our long school day, students receive some Fridays off in lieu of the extra time spent in class each day. (CSW)
STAFF
Homeroom
Principal Mr. Andrew Lojczyc - Administration
Teacher Mrs. Monica Paslawski -Grade 9
Teacher Mrs. Shannon Baker -Grade 7/8
Teacher Mr. John Rempel -Grade 5/6
Teacher Mrs. Nicole Bowman/Mrs. Tanya Walker -Grade 3/4
Teacher Mrs. Judy Gundersen -Grade 1/2
Instructor Mrs. Bev Lieverse -Kindergarten
Admin. & Library Asst.- Mrs.Christine Nofziger
Teaching Assistants Mrs. Merilie O’Connell
Mrs. Teresa Rempel
Mrs. Bev Lieverse
Mrs. Silvia Coulas
Bus Drivers Mrs. Ginny Lieverse
Mr. Rick Quinn
Mr. Joe Gingles
Mrs. Sharon Shanuel
MISSION STATEMENT
At Elmworth School, we believe that “education” and “success” in students can be accomplished by providing them with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be contributing citizens. We are absolutely committed to providing a safe atmosphere that encourages students to grow personally, socially and intellectually. We dare to care enough to challenge our students to be their best.
BELIEF STATEMENT
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At Elmworth School we believe that:
1) Students should be confident, capable learners.
2) Students should develop a sense of self-worth, self-control and self-respect.
3) Students learn in a variety of styles and at different times.
4) Students learn most effectively when the home and school support each other.
5) All students have the right to an effective education.
6) Every student should have the opportunity to excel in an area of their choice.
7) High learning expectations challenge all students to learn and achieve.
8) Every child can and should experience success.
9) Children must become critical thinkers, problem solvers and positive risk takers.
10) Students should have the opportunity to learn in a safe, secure and caring environment.
SCHOOL FEES
Kindergarten Grades 1-6 Grades 7-9
Textbooks $60.00 $50.00 $60.00
Swimming $50.00 $50.00 N/A
Cultural Events N/A $20.00 $10.00
Supply Fee N/A $7.00 $15.00 Computer Course N/A N/A N/A Home Ec/Shop N/A N/A $42.00
Total School Fees $60.00 $127.00 $127.00
*Cultural Events- This fund is set up to provide students with an opportunity to attend special functions of a cultural or educational nature which they might otherwise not have the opportunity to enjoy.
*Home Ec/Shop – As part of the complimentary program, junior high students will participate in Career and Technology Modules. This year, the students will cover the Clothing and Textiles Module as well as the Foods Module. The $42.00 fee covers a portion of the cost of the food materials. Students will also be required to provide a pattern and fabric of their choice.
*Textbook – The textbook fee is a rental fee. Students will be expected to pay for any lost or damaged books.
ILLNESS
Normally a student too ill to go outside for recess is generally too ill to be at school. This is especially true in the case of severe colds where continual attendance at school can delay recovery and provide a source of infection for other students.
Due to a lack of space with in the school, it is difficult to provide an ill student a comfortable place to rest during the day. Whenever possible, parents or the emergency contact person will be called and asked to take the child home. The homeroom teacher of the child shall monitor the condition of the child.
MEDICATION
Staff members may not administer oral medication of any kind to students unless the parent has completed the appropriate forms. Forms can be filled out at the school office. This includes all prescription and non-prescription drugs. Prescription medication must be accompanied with written instructions.
STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS
Pupils leaving school grounds must provide a note from their parents/legal guardians of have permission from the Principal or his designate.
INTERNET ACCESS
All students are given the opportunity to access information via the “Internet”. Failure to comply with the terms stated on the student registration form will result in limited or a total ban of this privilege as also outlined on the registration forms signed by the parent/guardians.
FIELD TRIPS
Various out-of –classroom experiences may be planned for the students throughout the year as a supplement to the school program. Parents will. Be notified in advance of all field trips requiring private or public transportation prior to their occurrence. A completed permission slip is required from each child for any field trip that extends a radius of 80 km from the school or if the field trip is outside the regular school day before he/she can attend. “Blanket” forms may be used for repeat trips such as sports teams. This consent form is your authorization for your child’s participation. Students not returning permission forms will be accommodated in other classes.
All field trips are under the supervision of at least one staff member. If parents would like to volunteer, please contact the supervising staff member.
NEWSLETTERS
In an effort to help keep you aware of the many events and happenings in the school, we
will be sending home a monthly newsletter on the first school day of the month.
LOCKERS
Students and parents should be aware that school lockers are the property of the school and may be opened by administration at any time. Lockers are not one hundred percent secure and valuables are best left at home.
VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS
For safety and security, please be aware that all visitors are required to sign in at the office unless you have been invited to the school for a special event. Also, all volunteers must sign in at the office due to workers compensation regulation. If you would like to volunteer in the school, please call your child’s teacher to arrange a time that would be most beneficial to all.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
School personnel will not accept responsibility for the personal property of the students. Please identify all outerwear, footwear, and school supplies with your child’s full name.
Students are strongly discouraged from bringing expensive personal property to the school. This includes personal music players, video games, electronic devices, etc.
EXAM EXEMPTIONS – JUNIOR HIGH
Students in Grade 7, 8 and 9 who meet the criteria described below may be exempt from writing their final exams. The criteria for exemption include:
• 80% or higher year-end average in the subject to be exempted from before exams and a minimum of 68% average in every subject
• Special exemption from the principal
COLD WEATHER POLICY
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In the interests of student safety, parents/guardians are to ensure that all students riding on school buses during the winter months be appropriately attired, including proper footwear, headwear and gloves. In the case of inclement weather our school follows division policy regarding school closure. This means that normally, even though buses may not run, parents have the option of transporting their children to school. Please note that if buses do not operate in the morning it is the parent’s responsibility to pick up their children in the afternoon. Please see Board Policy EEAF on our FTP site for specific details.
DROPPING OFF or PICKING UP YOUR CHILD
Students who are dropped off in the morning after the school buses have arrived are required to walk behind the last bus in the bus lane. Parents who are picking their children up at eh end of the day are asked to pick them up prior to any bus arrival, walk behind the last bus lane or wait until all buses have departed.
Parents are asked to park their vehicles outside of the bus lanes during bus arrival and departure times.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
The purpose of this program is to assist students who appear to be experiencing difficulty with on e or more areas of their educational program. Classroom teachers, upon parental/guardian approval will recommend students with difficulties. Specified staff will be working with these students individually and/or in small groups. Through continuous evaluation, the student’s progress is closely monitored and his/her programs are modified as required. The length of stay in the program varies with each student. Other program modifications may be designed and implemented by the regular classroom teacher within the classroom.
STUDENT RECORD KEEPING
In order to maintain and efficient level of communication, please keep the school office informed of any changes to student information such as emergency contacts, phone or cell numbers, work numbers of parents, addresses and pertinent medical information as soon as they occur.
KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten will be in operation every Tuesday and Thursday. Each kindergarten day will be for the full day and is an integral part of our school program.
PLAYSCHOOL
This year playschool, which is operated by FCSS (Family Services from the County of Grande Prairie), will be held at our school on Monday and Wednesday afternoon. For more information, please call Angie Sanderson at 354-6538.
JUNIOR HIGH STUDENT UNION
Junior High students, through their Student’s Union, help run a variety of school programs. The elected executives also help make decisions regarding recess activities and some special event days along with a supervising staff member. The Student Union executives campaign in September, and are followed by elections within the Junior High.
SWIMMING LESSONS
Although not mandatory, to fulfill the aquatic component of the elementary physical education program and by request of the Parent School Council, each year all our students travel to the Multiplex in Grande Prairie for swimming lessons. This is a program which is partially funded by the School Council.
All students are encouraged to participate, as it will provide the students with the opportunity to complete the equivalent of one swimming level. Parents of kindergarten children who are participating in swim lessons will be responsible to get their child to the school in time to catch the swimming bus on a non-kindergarten instructional day.
PARENT SCHOOL COUNCIL
All parents are encouraged to take part in School Council activities. The function of this body is to help provide effective communication between parents and staff to ensure the best education for all our children. This is the forum for you to provide input regarding the direction our school should be taking. The first meeting in September will be the AGM with newly elected executives for the upcoming school year. For further information, feel free to call the school and you will be directed to the appropriate member of the executive. The School Council has an information bulletin board located to the left of the school entrance.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Regular and punctual school attendance is expected and necessary for success in school.
Any student who leaves the school early or to go home by alternate means of transportation should be made in writing or a call made to the school office. The person in charge of picking up a child must sign him/her out at the office. The bus driver should also be contacted of any changes to their bus schedule.
A student who arrives at school on his/her own is responsible for arranging his/her own transportation home.
USE of CELL PHONES and ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cellular telephones are not to be used during the school day at any time. (A school phone is available for student’s to use in an emergency) Students who do bring cellular phones to school must keep their phones in their backpack during the school day, while on school property. A school cellular phone is taken with staff during field trips and other off-site activities.
The school strongly discourages students from bringing electronic games to school and does not accept responsibility if any of these devices is damaged or stolen. Students should use their recess time to actively play and exercise.
COMMUNITY LIBRARY
The Elmworth Community Library provides free memberships to all students. The Community Library is located in the school library and the hours of operation are: Tuesday 10am-3pm, Wednesday 2-7pm, Wednesday noon-5pm, and Thursday noon-5pm. Elmworth Community Library belongs to Peace Library System, which allows students to access books through interloan from libraries across Alberta.
A summer reading program is available for all students from June through August.
DRESS CODE
Standards of dress and personal hygiene must be maintained while in attendance at school.
The appearance of any young person is primarily the responsibility of that individual and his/her parents. We expect students to maintain that type of appearance that is NOT distracting to classmates, other students, the staff, or to the detriment of the educational process of this school. Where the student dress is felt to be distracting he/she will be informed by a staff member.
It should be noted here that “beer shirts” and T-shirt “art work” which is crude or offensive is considered distracting and too revealing and hence are also not allowed in our school. Both of these regulations are supported by the school council.
All students must have a separate pair of non-marking shoes restricted for indoor use. These shoes may be their Physical Education runners
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Evidence increasingly points to the value of physical activity in promoting overall achievement. To this end we are continuing to develop a strong physical activity program with the emphasis on participation and involvement. All students are encouraged to take part. Physical education is a mandatory part of the education program, and as such, only in very specific instances, such as physical injury or incapacitating health consideration, will students be excused from participation. Long term exemptions must be accompanied by a doctor’s certification.
Also, for hygiene reasons, all grade 5 to 9 students are expected to have a change of clothes for physical education class, complete with proper footwear.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports will be issued to students three times this year. The dates will be: Oral Interviews, Oct. 25, 2011, Report Card #1, Dec. 1,2011, Report Card #2, March 20, 2012, Report Card # 3, June 27, 2012. It is anticipated that parents will be able to monitor their junior high child’s progress via the internet on the new web based software, Powerschool, Peace Wapiti School Division is implementing.
With issuing of the second report card, time is set aside for parents/guardians to come to the school and meet with the teachers to discuss his/her progress. These parent teacher interviews will be held on March 21, 2012. Full time teacher will be available from 4-9:30pm and part time teachers will be available from 4-7pm. Parents are encouraged to keep these interviews to 10 minutes. If more time is needed, an additional meeting with the teacher can be arranged.
Junior High students achieving honors in 3 of the 4 core subjects (LA, Math, Science & Social) along with wild card students (chosen by teachers) who excel at work ethics will be chosen at the end of report cards 2 & 3. This Principa List will be posted in the hallway and recognition given to the selected students.
Parent contact is encouraged whenever there are concerns regarding the welfare and progress your child. If good news is to be shared, or problems occur, the teachers will contact you or feel free to contact him/her at the school. This sharing process and communication is vital.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Students receive student of the month slips for a variety of reasons, such as returning newsletter slips, good behavior, work ethic, extra help, kindness, etc. These slips are placed in a box and one junior high and one elementary student are drawn every other month. The winner is awarded prizes at a school assembly.
AWARDS
At Elmworth School, we offer a variety of awards. Besides the student of the month award, we recognize student achievement.
An award ceremony is held in June for the junior high student following the Grade 9 grad. The elementary have an awards day at the end of June.
Homework Parent Support
Parents can support a child’s interest in lifelong learning by encouraging good study habits and providing a learning environment in the home.
Provide a quiet, well-lighted place for your child to do homework.
Help you child budget time so that a regular schedule is set.
Take an active interest in what you child is doing in school. Ask for an explanation of particular assignments and what is being learned. Compliment good work or when improvement is shown. Make constructive suggestions, but avoid severe criticism and undue pressure. A positive attitude by parents will encourage the student to do the best wok possible.
Encourage and guide your child with assigned homework. Under no circumstances should you do it for your child.
Regular school attendance is important for you child’s continued learning.
Consult your child’s teacher as soon as a problem arises.