Student Charter: Rights and Responsibilities

• I have the RIGHT to learn.
• It is my RESPONSIBILITY to be on time, be prepared, and to do my best.
• I have the RIGHT to hear and to be heard.
• It is my RESPONSIBILITY to communicate in a way that does not disturb others when they are speaking and learning.
• I have the RIGHT to be treated with respect.
• It is my RESPONSIBILITY to act in a way that does not tease, bully others, or hurt their feelings. When conflicts occur it is my RESPONSIBILITY to solve these conflicts peacefully through discussion.
• I have the RIGHT to be safe.
• It is my RESPONSIBILITY to move in an orderly manner throughout the school and behave in a way that does not threaten or physically harm anyone.
• I have the RIGHT to have my personal property respected.
• It is my RESPONSIBILITY to respect school property and the property of others.

Students Can Expect That Staff Will:

• treat them with respect, courtesy, dignity, consistency, and fairness
• establish and maintain a safe, secure, non-threatening learning environment
• communicate information about student progress, attendance and behaviour
• be punctual in marking and returning test and assignments
• clearly state course objectives and use a variety of teaching and assessment strategies
• provide lesson, assignments, and tests that are clear and related to course objectives
• teach the Manitoba curriculum diligently and provide the programs and services offered and prescribed by the Rolling River School Division
• be accessible to students for help concerning courses, assignments, remedial assistance, personal and career decisions and other school matters

Staff Can Expect That Students Will:

• attend school regularly and punctually with the required materials for classes
• complete work missed due to absences
• develop self-discipline and show courtesy for people in the school and in the community; treat them with dignity, respect, and fairness. Defiance of authority, abusive language and aggressive behaviour are unacceptable in all school settings including buses and extra-curricular activities. (Consequences will result)
• refrain from physical violence (i.e. fighting, pushing, play-fighting, bullying or teasing will not be tolerated)
• refrain from emotional violence (i.e. insults, profanity, discrimination - verbal or written - will not be tolerated)
• refrain from bringing prohibited substances on school property or to school sponsored events. The result will be suspension and/or expulsion from school and legal charges may be laid. (Police are involved)
• refrain from sexual harassment (i.e. unwanted comments - verbal or written) and/or touching
• refrain from performing acts of destruction /vandalism
• smoke in area designated by school administration and not on public roads and school property
• wear appropriate clothing. Clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs or tobacco products are inappropriate. Clothing that contains profanity, offensive words, pictures or slogans are also considered inappropriate
• resolve interpersonal conflicts and difficulties through discussions or by seeking help
• demonstrate behaviour that contributes to an orderly, safe, and supportive learning environment
• make the most of the educational opportunities provided at Elton Collegiate through active classroom participation and involvement in other school activities outside of class
• not use cell phones or camera phones within the school
• not use personal video camera at school unless permission is given by parents/guardians and the school administration
• not use laser pens or other related devices at school or on the buses
• be familiar with and abide by the Rolling River School Division Internet Acceptable Use Policy
• be familiar with and abide by the Elton Collegiate Code of Conduct

Parents/Guardians Can Expect That:

• teachers will teach the required Manitoba Education, Citizenship, and Youth Program Development Curriculum
• teachers will provide the assigned programs and services using appropriate teaching methods and practices
• the school will provide a positive, supportive, safe, orderly and challenging learning environment
• staff will communicate with the home to address problems with respect to discipline, learning progress, and attendance
• administration will provide leadership, support, and monitor/supervise instruction at Elton Collegiate
• students will receive fair and consistent treatment
• Elton Collegiate will provide information concerning its various in and out school activities
• Elton Collegiate is to provide the best education possible with the current technology

Parents Can Be Expected To:

• discuss the meaning of the code of conduct with their child
• be familiar with the code of conduct and promote and abide by it
• encourage their child to work to the best of their ability
• understand the importance of an education
• respect the rights of other students and staff
• respect property and resources
• recognize the authority of the school staff in promoting a safe, orderly, supportive, non-threatening environment
• maintain regular communication with their child about school matters
• ensure their child attends school regularly and punctually
• provide the equipment their child needs for school learning
• attend school meetings/events and give constructive input to support the school
• maintain open communication with all staff
• notify the school in the event of their child’s lateness or absence
• encourage life-long learning skills inside and outside of the school environment
• contact school personnel to advise them of situations or problems their child may be having which could affect the student’s behaviour and/or performance at school
• assist their child in providing restitution for taking, damaging, or destroying property, in accordance with the Parental Responsibility Act
• act appropriately at school and divisional functions

Staff, students, parents and community members are provided with the following information so that “fair notice” is given that threat behaviour will not be tolerated.

The Rolling River School Division has put in place a policy (adopted December, 2002) to provide formal procedures for our schools to assess and deal with potential violence and high-risk behaviours that threaten the safety of students, staff, and others. The policy provides procedures to identify indicators that suggest a violent act may occur and intervene to decrease the risk, prevent injury to self or others, and assist the individual(s) to receive the help he or she needs to address the issues contributing to the high-risk behaviour. The general purpose of this policy is to assist in the creating and maintaining of an environment where students, staff, parents and others feel safe.

Definition Of High-Risk Behaviours (Violence Potential)

The High-risk behaviours addressed in this policy include but are not limited to:

• Possession of weapons
• Bomb threats
• Verbal/written threats to kill or injure others or to do harm to themselves.
• Internet website threats to kill or injure others or to do harm to themselves.
• Threats may be written, verbal, drawn, posted on the internet or made by gesture only and as noted by Canadian Law, may be direst, indirect, conditional or veiled.

Guidelines For Re-entry Into School

When data suggests a student poses a threat to others or self they may be suspended from school until a more comprehensive assessment can be conducted. The Threat Assessment Team members may work with the student and his/her parent(s) (caregiver) to develop a plan for re-entry that becomes a signed contract by all participants including the student and parent(s), if circumstances warrant.

Elton Collegiate Code of Conduct

A. Pupils and staff must behave in a respectful manner and comply with the code of conduct

B. The following are unacceptable at Elton Collegiate:

i. bullying, or abusing physically, sexually, or psychologically - orally, in writing or otherwise - any person

ii. discriminating unreasonably on the basis of any characteristic set out in subsection 9(2) of The Human Rights Code (i.e. race. religion, gender)

iii. using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs at school

C. The following will not be tolerated on school sites:

i. gang involvement

ii. possessing a weapon

D. Pupils and staff must adhere to school policies respecting appropriate use of electronic mail and the Internet, including the prohibition of accessing, uploading, downloading or distributing material that the school has determined to be objectionable.

Disciplinary Consequences for Violating the Code of Conduct

Elton Collegiate’s approach to discipline is based on the belief that students learn to discipline themselves if they are allowed to experience the logical consequences of their actions. A wide range of consequences my be applied depending on the frequency and the severity of each individual incidence of misbehaviour. We are firm in our expectations and flexible with our consequences. The expected behaviour of students will be clearly communicated to students, parents/guardians, staff, and the community.

Effective management of student behaviour is dependent on cooperation between parent/guardians, students, community, staff, and administration.

At Elton Collegiate we will involve parents/ guardians as deemed necessary.

Consequences include (not an exhaustive list):

Informal Interview: School staff/administration talk with the student to reach an agreement regarding student's behaviour. In some cases the parent/ guardian may be contacted.

Support Personnel Involvement: A conference or series of conferences are held with the teacher and/or support personnel with the goal of developing a plan for changing attitudes and improving student behaviour. The parents/ guardians are involved.

Formal Interview: A conference is held with the student, teacher, and administration and/or guidance counsellor and the parents/guardians to develop a plan for changing student behaviour.

Withdrawal from Classroom Setting: Where behaviour is considered to have a negative impact upon the classroom environment, the student is asked to leave. Such withdrawal should be temporary but when a prolonged withdrawal is recommended, the parents/guardians will be contacted.

Removal of Privileges: Examples - loss of school dances, access to school grounds, canteen, library, field trips, and extracurricular activities. Parents and guardians will be notified.

School/Community Service: Examples - help clean the canteen, help clean the school grounds, desk, etc.

Detention: Parents/guardians may be notified in certain circumstances.

Restitution: The student and/or parent/guardian are required to compensate for damages caused by the student. Such restitution may be monetary but could take alternative forms such as school/community service.

Involvement of Other Agencies: Personnel from other agencies or services are involved to assist in changing unacceptable behaviour. Involvement could include alternative placement and/or access to treatment outside Elton Collegiate. If a violation of the law is involved, parents/guardians are notified immediately.

Behavioural/Performance Contract: The student is required to meet specified behavioural standards in order to avoid more serious levels of consequence. Such expectations are developed between the school, the parents/guardians and the student. Expected outcomes are defined in order to meet the behaviour standards agreed upon. Such an agreement is documented with copies provided for all concerned parties.

Suspensions: Suspensions from school is imposed subject to Division Policy. The principal can suspend up to one week without approval of the Superintendent. In all cases of suspension the parents/ guardian are notified as soon as possible.

In-school suspensions: Student works at courses isolated from others. Regular breaks and privileges are removed. All class assignments must be completed.

Expulsion: Expulsion is a very serious consequence occurring when it is determined that a student’s continued presence is detrimental to students and /or staff.

Note: Under normal circumstances, consequences will be moderate but fairly and consistently applied. Where weapons or violence are involved, immediate suspension and/or expulsion will be the consequence when a student’s continued presence is detrimental to students and/or staff.

Process for Appealing Disciplinary Decisions and Guidelines for Resolving Complaints Regarding Teacher and Administrators

From time to time concerns arise regarding teachers and school administrators. Most of these situations will be addressed satisfactorily through informal discussion between the person(s) with the concern and the teacher or the school administrator. The following guidelines are a suggested process for unresolved concerns or more serious matters that would be characterized as a complaint.

Everyone has an interest that a fair and expeditious process is in place to deal with complaints about teachers or school administrators. The purpose of this process is to find a satisfactory resolution to the complaint(s) raised. Important considerations include addressing the complaint(s) as early as possible, ensuring confidential treatment of complaints.

1. School Level

• Whenever possible, the complaint should be dealt with at the school level.
• It is important the complainant to meet first with the person against whom the complaint is made.

If the meeting with the person against whom the complaint is made does not result is satisfactory resolution, the parties would meet with the immediate supervisor in an attempt to resolve the issue.

• Where a concern or complaint is directed to a division administrator or trustee, it is important that the complaint be directed first to the school to allow for a meeting between the person against whom the complaint is made and, if necessary, with the school principal. No action should be taken by the division administrator or trustee before the concerns/complaints have been addressed at the school level.
• The school board will share its policies or procedures dealing with complaints with its employees, school advisory committees and other individuals or groups as appropriate.

2. Divisional Level

• When complaints are made directly to the school board about teachers or school administrators, they must be recorded in writing and must be signed by the person(s) lodging the complaint, with a copy to the individual named.
• The individual named shall be given an opportunity for explanation and written response.
• The individual named shall always have the right to have a representative of his/her choosing present.
• The immediate supervisor will be notified of the written complaint.

Source : Division Policy Handbook

Elton Collegiate Attendance Policy

Punctuality and reliability are essential life skills. Regular attendance promotes the development of these skills and enhances the student’s opportunity to learn. With these ideas in mind, the staff and administration are asking all parents and guardians to work as partners with us in enforcing the Elton Collegiate Attendance Policy. Parents and guardians are expected to discourage irregular attendance and to plan appointments and vacations on days when our school is closed. Teachers are expected to keep careful records to students’ attendance and daily attendance reports are submitted by teachers to the office. It is recognized that a student may miss a class for legitimate reasons. However, it is expected that not a single class should be missed unless there is a legitimate reason and an explanation for the absence. Examples of an “explained absence” might be illness, medical or dental appointments, hospitalization, compassionate leave and home convalescence. It is the student’s responsibility to catch up on work missed from the day of absence. Students can gain the information from other students or the teacher.

Attendance Procedures

All students must attend regularly scheduled classes unless excused by the parents/guardians or teacher.

The following are Elton Collegiate’s attendance procedures for students:

1. If a student is going to be absent, the parent or guardian of the student must phone the school before the absence occurs. This information will be given to the subject teacher so that they understand the reason for the absence. If a student must miss school for an extended period of time, the parent or guardian must call the principal for make arrangements ahead of time.

2. If a phone call is not possible, then the parent or guardian must provide a note to each subject teacher of the student. The note should provide an explanation for the absence.

3. If the absence is not explained by a phone call or note, the subject teacher(s) will meet with the student to discuss the unexplained absence. Unexplained absences are considered serious and can result in either the student being place on “credit withheld status” or actual withdrawal from a course(s). This would only occur in discussion with parents or guardians.

This policy applies to both semester and non-semester courses.

There is a direct relationship between attendance and academic success in school. Absenteeism leads to inferior academic performance and can lead to withdrawal of a student from a course. Students who are absent for 10 classes or more will have missed 10 hours or more of the compulsory 110 hours of instruction for course credit and will not be able to satisfy this requirement. There are unavoidable situations where a student’s attendance is beyond his/her control, such as hospitalization, long-term illness (supported by a medical certificate), funerals, court appearances, and suspensions. The circumstances would be taken into account before a student is withdrawn from a course. Elton Collegiate teachers and administration will assist students with attendance problems to develop a plan for success.

The school may request parent/guardian involvement as partners to reduce a student's educational risk. Teachers will discuss attendance issues with a student and contact parents or guardians so that they are aware of the situation and can assist their child in solving the problem.

Teachers are expected to follow these steps for unexplained absences:

1. At first unexplained absence the teacher meets with the student.

2. At third unexplained absence parents/guardian and administration is notified.

3. By the sixth unexplained absence the teacher must notify the parent/guardian and administration. Administration will follow up with a letter or phone call to the parent or guardian. A conference may be requested and it may include the student, the subject teacher, parent/guardian, and administration.

4. At eighth unexplained absences there will be parental contact and letter home (letter to originate in the office). A parent conference will be requested.

5. When a student reaches ten unexplained absences, a letter is sent home and a parent conference is held. The conference will include the parent, student, subject teacher, and administration.

6. At a total of ten unexplained absences credit may be suspended. Parental contact will be made if suspension of the credit is being considered.

7. At a total of fifteen unexplained absences the student will be required to withdraw from the course. Parents will be notified.

8. The parents or guardian must contact the principal in order to request an appeal.

9. If the student has an average of less than 40%, no appeal will be granted and a letter will be sent from the office re: withdrawal.

10. A successful appeal will give the student one more chance. Any additional unexplained absence will result in withdrawal from the course with no right of appeal. A letter will be sent from the office re: one more chance.

Lates

Students are expected to be on time for all classes. Lates are occasionally unavoidable due to inclement weather, medical appointments, late buses, etc. In these cases, the student is to report to the lateness to the office. Warning bells occur in the morning and after lunch to remind students to be on time. Consequences for late arrival will be handled by the subject teacher. If a student is consistently late the matter will be referred to the principal and further consequences will be applied.

Student Dress Code

All students attending school in the Rolling River School Division are expected to be neatly dressed and appropriately groomed. A student’s grooming and dress should be complimentary to a positive, wholesome environment.

Cut-offs, mesh shirts, halter tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps tops, short shorts, and brief and revealing clothing that is obscene, suggestive or vulgar in nature shall not be allowed.

Inappropriate messages that promote alcohol, tobacco or drugs will not be allowed. Also included are messages that are vulgar, offensive, obscene or libelous. Headgear will not be worn in school with the exception of religious headwear and for medical purposes. Gang related clothing will not be allowed. The Minister of Education, Citizenship, and Youth Program Development has directed that the wearing of gang colours, signs, symbols, or other identifying representation of gangs be banned in all schools in Manitoba.

The school administration shall have the responsibility of deciding the appropriateness of a student’s dress.

Academic Responsibilities

Homework, Assignments, and Projects: Students are responsible for completing homework, assignments, and projects according to the instructions given by the subject teacher. Parents will be notified when deemed necessary by the teacher.

Absence for Tests and Quizzes: Students absent for tests and quizzes will be expected to write them at the first opportunity upon returning to school after consulting with the teacher. Parents must contact the school if their son/daughter will be absent for tests and quizzes.

Examinations: Examinations must be written on the schedule date. With the exception of Provincial Standards Tests, extenuating circumstances may be considered.

Cheating and Plagiarism: Students cheating will receive a mark of zero for that assignment, quiz, test, or exam. The subject teacher will inform the administration and the parents. Plagiarism of assignments may result in a zero or failing mark for that assignment for those students involved. The degree of plagiarism may be considered in assessing the final mark for that assignment. Repeated infractions may result in disciplinary actions progressing from in-school suspension to out-of-school suspension.

Evaluation and Assessment

A student’s standing in academic subjects is determined by evaluation and assessment of daily work, assignments, tests, and examinations. All teaching staff are expected to use day books. All teaching staff are expected to follow the Rolling River School Division Policy: Guidelines for Student Assessment.

1. All Grade 9 to 12 students will be expected to complete all assignments to complete course requirements.

2. Grade 9 to 11 students may be exempt from writing the final exam except where required to write a Provincial Standards Test. The academic performance standard for exemption shall be 80%.

3. All Grade 12 students will be required to write final exams in all subject areas.

4. All Grade 9 - 12 students will be required to write a final exam in the core subject areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

5. The final exam will not exceed 40% of the course mark and the final exam will not exceed 30% with the exception of the ProvincialStandards Tests.

6. All Grade 9 to 12 students will receive a detailed course outline including the assessment process to be used (i.e. assessment strategies, timeline for assignments, test, and exams). Any changes will require approval by the school administration.

7. All assignments, tests, and exams are the property of the student and will be returned promptly to the student. Where time in the school year allows, tests and exams will be reviewed with students as part of the learning process.

8. Elton Collegiate will not provide supplemental examinations for students.

9. Exceptions to this policy may be made for extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the school administration.