HIGH PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL

2008 - 2009

Information Guide & Student Planner

Commence: 8:40 am
Recess: 10:20 - 10:35 am
Lunch: 11:25 - 12:25 pm
Recess: 2:05 - 2:20 pm
Dismissal: 3:10 pm

INTRODUCTION

High Park Public School is a large dual track JK-8 school. We have students enrolled in English and French Immersion. We are a neighbourhood and bussed school with strong parental support. We have an active School Council and parent fundraising group (V.I.P.). High Park has a very caring, dedicated and respected staff.

As a school community, we recognize the self-worth, dignity and uniqueness of each child. We believe in creating a safe, positive learning environment, which is maintained through open communication, mutual respect for all and accountability for individual personal conduct. Our goal is to foster the development of each student’s academic, social, emotional, and physical growth to his/her utmost potential. Our school is committed to delivering programs, which will provide students with the necessary tools and skills to become successful, responsible members of society.

AT HIGH PARK SCHOOL WE BELIEVE THAT:

• Every person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect in a safe, secure environment.
• Our school is a place of positive learning experiences.
• Every student should have respect for the property of others.
• Every student should have the right to express ideas without fear of criticism or ridicule.
• Every person will be accepted for his/her uniqueness with regards to such things as culture, religion, gender, race etc.
• Bullying and harassment in any form (emotional, physical, verbal or sexual) will not be tolerated.
• We do not solve problems with our fists, feet or weapons.
• Every person deserves recognition to celebrate his/her successes and to recognize that a lack of success can be a positive learning tool.
• Consequences for students’ behaviour may be positive or negative; the consequences depend on the choices made by the student who must assume responsibility for them.

A SAFE LEARNING AND TEACHING ENVIRONMENT IS THE COMBINED EFFORT AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCHOOL, THE HOME, THE STUDENT, AND THE COMMUNITY.

LAMBTON KENT DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Lambton Kent District School Board Code of Conduct is established in keeping with the requirements of the provincial Code of Conduct and the standards of behaviour as set forth by the province of Ontario.

A school should be a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility, and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. A positive school climate exists when all members of the school community feel safe, comfortable, and accepted.

All students, parents, teachers, and staff members have the right to be safe, and to feel safe, in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to contribute to a positive school climate, and to be accountable for actions that put the safety of others or oneself at risk.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals who participate in the school community whether they are on school property, on school buses, or at school-authorized events or activities.

All participants in the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity, especially those in positions of authority, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

All participants in the school community share responsibility for maintaining an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed through non-violent means in a manner characterized by respect and civility. Behaviour which is aggressive or threatening in any way has no place in our school communities.

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

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

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

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

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

Respect, Civility, and Responsible Citizenship

All members of the school community must:

• respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws;

• demonstrate honesty and integrity;

• respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions;

• treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement;

• respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability;

• respect the rights of others;

• show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others;

• take appropriate measures to help those in need;

• seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully;

• respect all members of the school community, especially persons in positions of authority;

• respect the need of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching;

• not swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority.

Safety

All members of the school community must not:

• engage in bullying behaviours;

• commit sexual assault;

• traffic weapons or illegal drugs;

• give alcohol to a minor;

• commit robbery;

• be in possession of any weapon, including firearms;

• use any object to threaten or intimidate another person;

• cause injury to any person with an object;

• be in possession of, or be under the influence of, or provide others with alcohol or illegal drugs;

• inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person;

• engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias;

• commit an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property or to property located on the premises of the school.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Principals

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

• demonstrating care for the school community and a commitment to academic excellence in a safe teaching and learning environment;

• holding everyone under their authority accountable for his or her behaviour and actions;

• empowering students to be positive leaders in their school and community;

• communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community.

Teachers and Other School Staff Members

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

• help students work to their full potential and develop their sense of self-worth;

• empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school, and community;

• communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;

• maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;

• demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the members of the school community;

• prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship.

Students

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

• comes to school prepared, on time, and ready to learn;

• shows respect for himself or herself, for others, and for those in authority;

• refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others;

• follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own actions.

Parents

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

• show an active interest in their child’s work and progress;

• communicate regularly with the school;

• help their child be neat, appropriately dressed, and prepared for school;

• ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;

• promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival;

• show that they are familiar with the provincial Code of Conduct, the board’s code of conduct, and school rules;

• encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour;

• assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their child.

Community Partners and the Police

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

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

CONSEQUENCES

Before addressing the serious measures that may be taken, it should be pointed out that the teachers usually structure pleasant consequences for positive behaviour. Stickers, certificates, treats and special activities are used to encourage responsibility and respect.

Most students follow rules without any difficulty but rules are sometimes broken and one should know what will be done when that happens. If a student breaks one of the rules, one or more of the following will result. Consideration is given to a continuum of consequences based on the severity of the incident, past behaviours, individual needs and mitigating factors.

• warning

• verbal reprimand

• interview with the classroom teacher

• interview with the principal

• telephone call to the parents or guardians

• referral to child and youth worker

• detention(s) - recess, noon hour, or after school

• interview with the parents

• time-out in or out of the room

• extra duties such as cleaning up a mess made or collecting litter

• loss of participation in special school activities

• behaviour plan or contract

• removal of privileges

• restitution - student must pay for damaged or lost school property

• informal in-school suspension (pupil must work in an area away from the other students after parents have been notified)

• formal suspension in keeping with board policy

• referral to the School Based Team, Itinerant Behaviour Teacher, Central Behaviour Team or outside agency

• involvement of the Sarnia Police Youth Bureau

• recommendation for expulsion in keeping with the board policy

ARRIVAL TIMES FOR STUDENTS

Teachers are required to be on duty by 8:25 a.m. Students should not be dropped off at school before this time because it is unwise to assume that supervision is available. Students are expected to wait outside in the designated play area until directed by a teacher to enter the school or until the entry bell at 8:40 a.m. No children are to be in areas of the school that are not supervised.

SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

High Park Public School has an excellent playground, which allows enough space for all students to play at a variety of activities. Students are expected to respect the rights of others on the playground and to play safely at all times. Play fighting is never permitted.

Bicycles, roller blades, scooters and skateboards must be carried onto school property for the safety of all on the yard. Bicycles should be locked in the bike racks to prevent theft. The school assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged equipment.

Staff members supervise the playground whenever students are outside during school hours. At no time are students allowed to leave the school or the playground without permission.

ENTERING THE SCHOOL

Students must wait outside the school in the morning until the bell rings at 8:40 a.m. except in cases of emergency and with the teacher's permission. Students will line up outside their respective entry doors where the yard duty teacher will admit them to class. By 8:45 a.m., students must be in their seats, quiet and ready to listen to O Canada.

At recesses and after lunch, students are to dress for the weather, use the washrooms and get a drink before proceeding outside. Students should stay outside and away from the entry doors, being careful to respect everyone's safety. Accidents, injuries and bad feelings happen when people get rough and careless.

When the bell rings to end break time, students will go directly to their assigned entrances where they will line up. Under the direction of the yard duty teacher, students will proceed inside in a quiet and orderly fashion. Students should move through the halls in single file, allowing for two-way traffic where needed. The schoolyard will be supervised by teachers from 8:25 a.m. until first entry, during all recesses and during the lunch break.

ATTENDANCE

Students must attend school every day and be on time. A phone call on the day of absence to the school secretary is necessary. If the office is not open or the lines are busy, an answering system will pick up messages twenty-four hours a day. When no call from a parent is received to report student absence, someone will call to inquire. This is part of our “Safe Arrival” policy. Attendance is taken immediately after entry both in the morning and in the afternoon. A note signed by a parent or legal guardian is required if a student must leave the school early for an appointment.

PREPARATION FOR CLASS

Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate in all learning activities. Homework must be completed on time and all the tools for work - writing equipment, notes and paper - must be brought to class. Parents will find it necessary to replenish these items during the school year. Students must be sure that their workbooks, desks, and storage areas are tidy and organized so that finding the tools for work can be done quickly in preparation for class. All equipment and clothing must be properly labelled with the student's name. Be sure to check our “lost and found” before the end of each term as remaining items will be donated to charity.

WASHROOMS

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

While in the washrooms, students are expected to respect the right of privacy of other students. Rough play is very dangerous in the washrooms. There are better places to talk to friends. Food should be consumed only in the classrooms.

TELEPHONES

The telephone at the school can become very busy and sometimes there is a long wait to make important calls. We limit the use of the phone and we ask students to organize their day so parents do not get surprise phone calls. Parents appreciate knowing about practices and games in the morning before everyone leaves home for the day. Parents are advised that a note to the teacher in the morning about a change in plans is the best way to ensure that the message gets through. No cell phones are allowed at school.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

In the interest of everyone's safety and so that classes can work free from interruptions, anyone visiting the school for any reason is asked to report in at the Office if you are not expected. We have a sign-in sheet at the front door for any visitors entering the building. It is important that all visitors sign in.

When a teacher does not recognize someone picking up a student, we all worry. A note from a parent saves any embarrassment. If we are uncertain we will ask for identification and call the parents before we will allow the student to leave.

BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS

In the case of severe winter weather, announcements are made on local radio stations (CHOK 1070, FOX FM 99.9, K 106.3) to inform you of any school cancellations, delays or early dismissal plans. In most cases, the school will remain open. An announcement will be made between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m. if the buses are not running or are delayed. High Park School is in Zone 2. If buses are cancelled because of snow or ice, you will be required to transport your children to and from school. If buses are cancelled due to fog, they will return students home at the end of the day. If the weather changes during the day and buses are called to send students home early, we will not send students home if we are not certain there will be someone to receive them. It is very important that parents give us correct phone numbers for home, work and emergency contacts for these occasions.

On rainy and extremely cold weather days, we have indoor recess and lunch. Generally parents and students know what the weather is like in our area, so students are expected to dress for the weather so that they can go outside except when it is extreme.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the Fall and Spring, the entire school practises fire drills so we are prepared in case of an emergency evacuation. Tornado drills and severe weather discussions occur to assist the children in deciding what to do if threatening weather approaches.

Emergency responses have been planned for all anticipated emergency scenarios. A plan is on file in the office outlining all the details.

If we need to evacuate to a safe location away from the school, High Park United Church on Brenchley Street is our alternate site.

ALLERGIES

Due to a number of students having severe and fatal reactions to nut products, we are a NUT/PEANUT-SAFE school. Our school is also FRAGRANCE-SENSITIVE (no perfumes or colognes please). We have students who are allergic to strawberries. This is followed for snacks and lunches. Allergies and asthma are becoming more of a concern with children. A number of children are required to have puffers or Epipens available for emergencies. Parents are asked to get the necessary forms completed by the family doctor early in the school year. Students will be permitted to carry their puffers or Epipens with them when their doctor provides written permission.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES/PEDICULOSIS

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

Lice and scabies are not considered diseases; however, they spread very quickly and cause much annoying work for families to get rid of the problem. Parents must call the school if the problem occurs. Students need to stay home to allow time for their parents to ensure that the special shampoo treatment is given and all the necessary laundry is done. All nits (eggs) need to be pulled from the hair. We send a letter home with affected classes asking parents to be extra-careful to check their children for signs of the problem. Children with “live” lice are asked to leave with their family for immediate treatment. We contact the families of children identified with nits only and ask that they be treated immediately. Students must be “nit-free” to be re-admitted to class.

ILLNESS AND MEDICATION

Students who are not well enough to do their work and play outside at school should stay home. If parents are in doubt about a child's ability to be at school, they should get in touch with the teacher or office to discuss the best plan.

If a student becomes ill at school, someone in the office will contact a parent to ask that the child be taken home as soon as possible. Please ensure that emergency phone numbers are kept up-to-date.

Giving medicine at school is always difficult. We require parents to complete an authorization for medication form. The medication must be provided in its original pharmacy container with the original label and instructions intact.

All kinds of medicine must be kept at the office. Medicine like aspirin and Tylenol will not be given to students at school without the necessary written permission.

LUNCHROOMS

Students eat their lunch in their specified lunchroom. A staff member supervises each lunchroom. Lunch is a time to eat and have quiet conversation with classmates. Students should behave as they would at the dinner table at home. When they have finished eating, students are expected to clean up their individual eating area, putting garbage and recyclables in their respective containers. Milk is available on a daily basis for a small cost. Our lunchrooms are nut/peanut-safe. Students not following the rules of the lunchroom will be counselled about appropriate behaviour and will be given the opportunity to practice acceptable conduct. Further inability to follow the rules will result in the loss of lunchroom privileges.

GUM

Chewing gum is a problem around the school because it finds its way onto the soles of shoes, on the underside of desks and tables and occasionally in hair. Students may not chew gum in the school or on the playground except on special days such as Privilege or Spirit Days.

SCHOOL DRESS

Students are expected to dress for school according to customary community standards. What is suitable for the beach or gym is not suitable for class. As well, pyjama bottoms are discouraged except for special days. Clothing must be free of anything that may be viewed as offensive and in particular must be free of slogans and pictures that use or depict profane language, alcohol, beer, drugs, sex and violence. Clothing must not have slogans and pictures that demean people, racial or ethnic groups, religion and education. Spaghetti straps, short shorts, short skirts, halter tops, crop tops and muscle shirts are examples of clothing that should not be worn. The bottom of the top must meet the top of the bottom. At the discretion of the staff, students may be asked to cover up inappropriate clothing, wear it inside out or be sent home to change.

To promote the Canadian tradition of removing hats in a public building, students are expected to take off their hats upon entering the school except for special days such as Privilege Days or Spirit Days.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is an important part of a child's development and all students are required to participate. Everyone must wear non-marking running shoes in the gym. Due to safety concerns, those without shoes will be expected to take part in bare feet or to sit out.

FOOTWEAR

Students must have separate footwear for indoor and outdoor use. In the wet weather, this is a matter of good personal hygiene and it keeps the floors from becoming dangerously wet and muddy.

POSITIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL

Ongoing communication between parents, students and staff will help to ensure a positive school environment for your children. You may have many questions about your child’s day, homework, or a conflict at school. If a situation arises, please remember to contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible to ask questions, clarify the issue or to express your concerns. Working through these issues together with the teacher will help your child learn strategies for problem solving and conflict resolution. You are always invited to contact the principal or vice principal either by phone or in person. Don’t be surprised, however, if you are asked, “Have you talked to the classroom teacher”.

HOMEWORK

Homework is an opportunity to build life-long learning skills such as self-discipline, task commitment, time management, responsibility, independence, initiative and problem-solving. It is a means for practicing, applying and extending the skills and concepts students have been taught in school. A student planner is available to all children from Grades 3 to 8. In the planner, students should include due dates for assignments, test dates and times, sports/club schedules and other school activities. Students should plan to have homework most nights. Homework for primary children may include reading aloud or being read to by a parent.

Student Responsibilities

• Expecting to do some homework activity each day

• Organizing their materials

• Knowing what is to be done

• Completing homework on time and promptly returning work to school

• Asking for help when it is needed

• Trying to do their best and not just “getting an assignment done”

• Setting personal goals and accepting responsibility for their own progress

Parent Responsibilities

We anticipate that parents will accept their responsibility to help children be more successful at completing homework by:

• Providing a quiet uninterrupted study place

• Encouraging a scheduled, expected time to complete daily tasks

• Supervising and encouraging their child’s independent efforts

• Providing the materials required to complete tasks

• Communicating with the school about circumstances that have interfered with homework/schoolwork completion

Teacher Responsibilities

Teachers are keys to an effective homework policy. Teachers should promote homework activities, which are meaningful and rewarding learning opportunities for students by:

• Promoting homework as an important daily activity

• Providing a balance in homework assignments so that there are a variety of skills practiced which take into consideration different learning styles

• Posting homework expectations in the classroom

• Marking homework regularly and including homework as part of student evaluation

• Implementing a system to communicate to parents if incomplete homework becomes a concern

Research has shown that when parents are aware, involved and supportive of school activities, children are more interested and successful. Teachers and parents together need to support, guide and encourage children in the belief that homework is a positive, important learning experience. Communication between home and school is essential in order for this to take place.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

The school cannot be responsible for personal property that is lost, stolen or broken at school. Students are encouraged to leave valuable property, like boomboxes, disc-players, walkmans, MP3’s, gameboys, computer games, remote control cars, skateboards, roller blades, jewellery and large amounts of money at home. Cameras must not be brought to school without permission from the classroom teacher. Student cell phones are not permitted at school.

FIELD TRIPS/ SPORTS EVENTS

When students attend special events, field trips or athletics sponsored by the school (at another school or location), they must behave respectfully and responsibly whether during or after school hours. High Park school rules must be observed. All activities authorized by the school are under the authority of the school principal.

TEXTBOOKS & LIBRARY BOOKS

All textbooks necessary for school programs and library books are loaned to students on the understanding that the books will be returned in good condition at the end of the school year or before a student leaves the school. Replacement cost will be charged for lost books or unnecessary damage. Student desks are also on loan to students and need to be maintained in good condition.

SCHOOL INSURANCE

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

VOLUNTEERS

Our school depends on volunteers to make things run smoothly. Parents and friends of the school work in the health room, in the library, in classrooms, on field trips and preparing hot lunches. Many of our extra programs would not run if we did not have these dedicated individuals. As so many parents are working during the day, we try to tailor the times we use help to the times people are available. Parents are encouraged to call the school secretary, if interested in helping at school.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

The School Council meets once a month. Meetings, which are open to everyone, are held in the library and begin at 6:30 p.m. School Council discusses issues and activities that are important to the students and the school community. The Council has been very helpful in advising administration and we look forward to a continued co-operative relationship. You may communicate with our School Council using our School Web Page, http://highpark.lkdsb.net.

V.I.P.

The V.I.P. is a group of active and interested parents who work on fundraising initiatives for the school. They help run Book Fairs, hot lunches and many other activities. Moneys raised help sponsor school trips, purchase equipment to be used by students throughout the school and support a variety of school programs and initiatives. They are always looking for interested people to help out and get involved.

TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Possession of tobacco products at school is not permitted. If found, these substances will be confiscated and destroyed and parents will be contacted. This includes not only cigarettes and cigars but matches and lighters as well.

Use of tobacco on school property or at school events anywhere is not permitted. Students found using tobacco will be suspended and required to complete an assignment on the dangers of smoking. The law provides for prosecution of offenders.

Possession of and use of alcohol and illegal drugs are not permitted at school or at school events. Students found breaking the law will be suspended and reported to the police. These substances will be confiscated and turned over to the police.

BUS POLICY

• Students are expected to be ambassadors for High Park School

• Students are expected to be at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to pick up time.

• Students are to remain seated during the bus ride.

• Arms and head need to be kept inside the bus at all times.

• Windows are not to be opened or closed without permission from the driver.

• Students are not to eat or drink on the bus.

• Students are not to use profane language.

• Students are not to do anything to distract the driver’s attention from the road.

• Students are financially responsible for any damage done to the bus resulting from improper behaviour.

• All students are to follow the instructions of the bus driver.

• Backpacks, lunch boxes and books are to be held on laps and not put in the aisle.

ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY FOR STUDENTS

September 2007

The Lambton Kent District School Board provides students with access to technology to support their educational and learning experiences. Since students have access to technology, they have a role to play in maintaining a secure environment. The purpose of these Regulations is to set out the expectations with respect to the use of technology and the responsibilities of each individual in maintaining a secure environment.

System Integrity

• The computer system including computer files, documents and electronic communications are the property of the LKDSB.

• There is no expectation of privacy in using LKDSB technology. The LKDSB may monitor and may at any time access any and all files, documents, electronic communications and use of Internet to ensure integrity of the system and compliance with these Regulations.

• Students will only use the network account assigned to them.

• The student will be responsible for any activity using his/her password. Students must not share passwords nor use the passwords of others. Passwords should be changed regularly. If a student loses his/her password or feels that an unauthorized person has accessed his/her account, he/she must report it to a teacher or school administrator immediately.

• Students must not try to hack into the computer system or gain access to any unauthorized databank.

• Students must not access or delete computer files or directories of others.

• Students must respect the integrity of the computer system by not altering hardware, software or wiring configurations.

• Computer viruses and related problems can cause extensive damage to computer systems. Viruses can be spread in a variety of ways including downloading files form the Internet, email attachments, infected diskettes, USB keys. Students should use caution when opening email attachments from unknown senders.

• All diskettes, USB keys and any other media brought from home must be scanned for viruses before use. Currently all supported workstations within the LKDSB are automatically scanned for viruses.

• Students must not connect any electronic devices in any way (wired or wireless) for any reason to the LKDSB network without the written permission of the Information Technology Department of the LKDSB.

• Students must not download or install any unauthorized materials such as programs, games or files from any source, or cause a denial of service for others.

 

Personal Safety

• When using the Board supported networks, students must not reveal any personally identifying information (such as first and last name, picture, address, telephone number, physical description, etc.) about themselves or others.

• Web pages should not contain any personal information about students (ex: address, telephone number).

• Students must NEVER agree to meet with keypals unless supervised by a teacher.

• Students must report to a teacher or school administrator any messages they receive that request personal information, are inappropriate, or make them feel uncomfortable.

Appropriate Use

• Board supported network accounts are granted to students to further their academic goals. The LKDSB system may not be used for personal reasons.

• Students must respect the rights of other users by avoiding the waste of limited resources such as paper, print supplies, hard drive space, bandwidth and time.

• Students must use language appropriate to the school setting.

Unacceptable Use

• Students must not access director or proxy sites that contain inappropriate or offensive material (for example, pornographic or sexually explicit, profane, hate literature).

• Students must immediately exit any site that is transmitting inappropriate or offensive material. Students must immediately report accidental access to such a site to a teacher or school administrator.

• Students must not encourage the use of controlled substances, such as illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco. Accessing sites promoting such products is considered an unacceptable use.

• Students must not access or distribute material that advocates prejudice or hatred towards any identifiable group (for example, gender, ethnic, religious, minority etc.).

• Students must not create, access, download, transmit, store, distribute or print any files, messages or graphics that are profane, harassing, discriminatory, offensive or degrading (this includes posting material on social networking sites).

• Students must not access, download, store, distribute or print any files, messages or graphics that are illegal or advocate illegal acts, facilitate unlawful activity or are not consistent with the philosophy of the Lambton Kent District School Board.

• Students must not propagate chain letters or other junk mail.

• Students must not attempt to hide, disguise or misrepresent their identity as the sender.

• Students must not cause damage to computers and/or equipment including, but not limited to, computer hardware, keyboard, monitor, mouse, cables.

• Students must not use LKDSB technology for purposes unrelated to educational and curricular activity.

• Students must not use inappropriate language in files/filenames or in email communication.

Copyright

• All software licence agreements must be honoured. It is against the law to copy commercial software that has not been placed in the public domain or distributed as “freeware”.

• Under copyright laws all material remains the property of the author/creator and therefore permission is required for its use.

• Do not take and present the work of others (for example, writings, images) and present them as yours. If using the work of others proper credit must be given and permission obtained if copyright materials are used.

Consequences

• Any violation of these Regulations may result in sanctions being imposed, including the loss of computer privileges, disciplinary action and legal action or police involvement.

PLAYGROUND-DANGER OF STRANGULATION

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

Safety Tips

• Remove cords and drawstrings on children’s hoods, hats and jackets.

• Tuck in all clothing that can get caught on playground equipment.

• Wear a neck warmer instead of a scarf.

• Take off bicycle helmets before using playground equipment. Bicycle helmets can get trapped on equipment and strangle a child.

• Make sure children do not tie ropes or skipping ropes to slides and other playground equipment.

• Supervise children on the playground.

• Teach children how to use playground equipment and play safely.

Freedom of Information Notice to Parents

Re:

Consent for Imaging or Audio Recording of Students

During the school year, your child(ren) will be involved in a variety of school related activities consistent with the purpose of educating students in accordance with the Education Act.

Examples may include but are not limited to:

- School Yearbook

- School Plays

- Field Days/Athletic Functions

- Science Fairs

- Annual Report of the Director

- School/Board Curriculum Presentations or Teaching Aids

- School and Class Photographs

- Public Speaking Contests

- Education Week events

- School/Board memorabilia.

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

If you wish your child to be excluded from photographing, audiotaping, or videotaping as a part of activities such as outlined above, please notify the Principal of the school in writing as soon as possible. Otherwise the school will assume your consent.

A Special Event Student Release Form is required for the imaging or audio recording of specific programs or activities of the School or Board which are not considered part of routine activities and which may be shared outside of the jurisdiction of the School or Board.

Special Event Student Release forms will be sent home for students participating in these types of out-of-school / special Board-sponsored activities, or special projects, as they occur. A signed release is also required for images or audio recordings to be included on School or Board websites. Consent will be obtained each year on student profile sheets for elementary students and through the grade 8 to 9 and subsequent years’ option sheet process for secondary students.

These procedures are designed to ensure the privacy of students in the school and for students within the jurisdiction of the Lambton Kent District School Board, and are in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.