Student Handbook. Classroom Procedures, Guidelines, & Communications

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1 Student Handbook Classroom Procedures, Guidelines, & Communications Please take some time to read through this handbook with your child. This handbook belongs to: Parent/Guardian Signature: Family

2 Classroom Rights & Responsibilities I have a RIGHT to learn in this classroom. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to listen to instructions, work quietly, and to raise my hand if I have a question or concern. I have a RIGHT to hear and to be heard. It is my RESPONSIBILITY not to talk, shout, or make loud noises when others are speaking. I have a RIGHT to be respected in this classroom. It is my RESPONSIBILITY not to tease other people or to hurt their feelings. I have a RIGHT to be safe in this classroom. It is my RESPONSIBILITY not to threaten, kick, hit, or physically harm anyone else. I have a RIGHT to privacy and to my own personal space. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to respect the personal property of others, and to accept their right to privacy.

3 Welcome to Coronation Park This booklet will take you through most of our school and classroom procedures. Procedures set the school up for success to take place (Mr. Harry Wong). Please take some time to go through this booklet as a family to ensure you and your child are aware of how our classes will function throughout the school year. Never hesitate to call the classroom teacher or the office if you have any questions. Procedures are a part of our everyday life. We use procedures for going to an event, stopping at traffic lights, and eating in a restaurant. We have procedures so that people can function in daily life and be successful. Procedures will establish our classroom culture and help to maintain structure, routine, and organization. It is a proven fact that a child s level of success improves in a structured environment. We have very high expectations for our students regarding study and work ethic, maturity, responsibility, accountability, respect and attitude. It is essential that students are respectful and mindful of others. Learning is the Priority, Manners are a Must, and Listening is Key. We strongly believe that we need a safe environment where everyone can learn and where we can teach to the best of our ability. We will be spending a great deal of time over the next few weeks practicing these procedures until they become routine. This will help to ensure that this year is not only academically successful for all students, but that all students will enjoy coming to school to learn, interact, mature, and grow with their peers and teachers on a daily basis. These procedures will also ensure that there is a level of consistency regarding students in our school in the areas of academics, expectations, and behaviour. Morning Routine Students will enter the school/classroom quickly and quietly in the morning and complete the following: -Hang up coat and backpack and put on indoor shoes -Hand in any homework, assignments, letters, etc to the appropriate places -Hand in agenda if there are notes from home -If student has a cellphone or ipod, turn it off -Sit quietly in chair, listen to announcements, pull out any needed supplies and be ready for learning.

4 Announcements When an announcement is being made over the intercom, students will stop what they are doing, be quiet, be still, and listen. Announcements are usually followed by the singing of our National Anthem. During O Canada students are required to stand up quietly and face the Canadian flag, all hats and hoods must be removed during this time as a sign of respect. Once the announcements are over, students will immediately return to what they were doing. Should a student be in the hallway when an announcement begins, they are to immediately STOP and stand quietly until it is over. Recess and Lunchtime Routine **THE BELL DOES NOT DISMISS STUDENTS, THE TEACHER DOES** When the bell rings for recess or lunch, students must first quietly listen for instructions from teacher and then complete the following: -ensure their area is tidy, everything is put away -take off indoor shoes -put on coat and quietly leave the classroom When the bell rings to come inside, students will: -enter the school quickly and quietly -remove outdoor shoes -hang up coat and put on indoor shoes -pull out learning material, sharpen their pencil if needed and sit quietly, ready to work Desks, Lockers, and Cubbies Students will keep desks, lockers, bins, and the room clean at ALL TIMES. This means no loose papers, no unnecessary items (toys, supplies, etc), and no drawing on desk tops. It is the students responsibility to make sure that they are prepared for all classes each morning and afternoon with all necessary items from their lockers or backpacks. Papers, textbooks, duotangs, clothing, lunches, etc all have a place and are to be kept there. Any items left on the floors will be placed in the school lost and found. Graffiti on school property will result in the student cleaning the vandalized item during recess, noon, or after school. Lockers are property of the school and will be checked by administration if needed. We advise students NOT to bring toys, electronics, and items of value to school. These items will not be replaced by the school if something happens. Students are to show respect for all property at all times. Responding to Questions and Participating in Class Discussions -Students will raise their hand and speak once called upon -Students are expected and encouraged to participate in class discussions -Students must show respect for themselves, peers, and teachers when participating in discussions or answering questions.

5 What To Do When You Are Finished Your Work Students are to take the responsibility of finding something to occupy their time when they have completed school work. Visiting, disrupting others, or wasting time are unacceptable. Students are expected to use free time to do the following: -Finish other homework -Work on an upcoming assignment -Read silently -Clean and organize their space Homework and Assignment Expectations **** We believe that homework is necessary, at times, for practicing skills that have been learned or for enriching the classroom experience. In most cases, homework is simply class work that was not finished due to class time not being used well. We are all strong believers in family time, therefore, if students put in a good 5 hours in school each day of utilizing their time well, then home time is for family. There may be times throughout the year when a major project may require additional time at home. Students will record any homework in their agendas. This makes the student responsible for their own homework completion. We ask that parents and guardians check your child s agenda and initial it nightly. the teachers if you have any questions about assignments or projects. We expect all homework and class work to be turned in and completed on time. All work is to be done neatly and handed in based on the Final Copy Checklist attachment. As a general rule, incomplete assignments are unacceptable. Should a student be a part of an extra-curricular activity, they may have to miss a few meetings, practices, events, etc, until the work has been properly completed. Students will NOT be allowed to call home if they forgot their work or band instruments. Organization is the key to success. If you require help on an assignment or an extended time to finish it, please discuss it with the teacher PRIOR to the due date. Extra-Curricular Activities **** Extra-curricular activities are a privilege and are provided outside of the regular curriculum by teachers who volunteer their time. Academics are our first priority at Coronation Park. Failure to complete homework or assignments, negative attitudes or behaviour may result in the student being unable to participate in extracurricular activities for a period of time. Evaluation Students are evaluated both on performance and participation in all subject areas which are then reported to parents in Term Progress Reports. Performance will consist of daily assignments, tests, quizzes, written assignments, reports, oral assignments, projects, group work, and self-evaluation. Participation will consist of listening skills, responsible/mature behaviour, following instruction and direction, willingness, positive attitude, positive effort, answering questions, contribution of ideas, and self-evaluation.

6 Student Absences **** Regular school attendance is critical to the learning process. When your child is absent, they miss valuable instruction time. Parents are to contact the office when their child will not be in school. Students will check the homework bin upon return for any missed handouts. Every student has chosen a homework buddy to ensure they get caught up on what they missed. Students, NOT the teacher, are responsible for obtaining all assignments missed during their absence and to make up any missed work. This goes for all absences including school/band trips and sporting events. Should a student know they will be away for an extended period of time, they are to notify the teacher in advance so the appropriate homework can be pre-assigned. Lates It is important for students to be on time so they do not miss valuable instruction time. Should a student need to enter class late, they must first notify the office. When they enter the class they will: -Quickly and quietly enter the classroom and put away their belongings. -Sit quietly in their chair and immediately begin working or listening to instruction -DO NOT disrupt the class -Only after instructions are completed will the student ask a fellow student what they missed if necessary Bathroom, Drinks and Food Students are not permitted to leave class during instruction time unless it is an emergency. Outside of that time, students are to retrieve the bathroom or fountain sign from its spot on the wall, place it on their desk, and leave the room quietly. Once students return, they are to place the sign back in its place and immediately return to work without disrupting others. Abuse of this privilege will result in its removal for that child for a period of time. Water is the only drink permitted in class. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school to be kept on their desk, in their buckets. Food is not permitted in the class. Phone Usage and Cell Phones/Ipods **** (Please refer to Technology Policy Handout) CELLPHONEs Cell Phones are not allowed to be used during class time unless permission is given by the teacher. Also, students are not allowed to photograph, take video, or record students/teachers without permission. Students who do not comply with these rules may have their cell phone confiscated. Guests in the Classroom Students are to show respect to all guests in our classroom and school. Students will adhere to class and school expectations at all times. Substitute teachers are no exception!! It is important for students to remember that their behaviour towards a guest is a showing of their character and is an opportunity to show our community what a wonderful school Coronation Park is. Dress Code The general rule for the dress code is for students to dress in a manner appropriate to a positive learning atmosphere. School administration may deem some clothing inappropriate. The following list provides guidelines around school dress code: -Footwear must be worn at all times

7 -Shorts, pants, and skirts must be of sufficient length. Undergarments must not be visible. -Shirts must reach the top of the pants, have an appropriate neckline, must cover the majority of the upper body, and not be see-through -Beachwear is not appropriate -No bandanas of any colour permitted -Shirts/tops condoning violence, profanity, hatred, discrimination, negative stereotypes, or illegal drug use/abuse of alcohol are not appropriate Valuable Items Valuable items should be left at home. If they are brought to school they are the responsibility of the student. Cell phones are to be given to the teacher. Skateboards and scooters are not permitted on school property. LOST & FOUND All lost and found articles are to be reported to the office. Lost and found bins are located in the hallway. All items not claimed will be taken to Goodwill each reporting period. VISITORS All visitors, including family and friends, are required to report to the office upon arrival (NO EXCEPTIONS) and will be directed to the appropriate area. Playground and School Rules- WE ARE A HANDS OFF SCHOOL- NO EXCEPTIONS -No fighting, swearing, or smoking on school property -Students must line up on the playground when the bell rings and will enter the school upon instruction from playground supervisors -Students are not to be hiding in bathrooms or hall areas during recess times -Students are to be on their designated side of the playground -Students are to be in the classroom at all times unless permitted by the teacher to leave -When entering from recess/lunch, students are to go directly to their classroom -No gum or candy is permitted on the playground or bus -Respect all others -Keep hands, feet, and all objects to yourself -Students are to be respectful on the bus at ALL times. Failure to follow rules on the bus may lead to expulsion from the bus. Physical Education We believe physical activity is important for the body and the brain. As such, we will take part in physical education almost daily. It is imperative that your child have appropriate footwear (indoor sneakers) every day. *Students without appropriate footwear will not be able to take part in physical education for safety reasons.

8 Plagiarism In our fast-paced computer world plagiarism is unfortunately now becoming a common occurrence. We will spend a good deal of time learning how to properly document sources and using original text. This is a life-long skill in today s world. Reward and Discipline Plan (Some classes follow this) It is essential that all students feel important, accepted, smart, safe, and happy in our school and especially in our classroom. To ensure this, it is necessary for students to understand the structures in place so they can make a choice regarding their own behaviour. Our plan is based on one simple principle: TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More). Students must realize that their choices affect others and that they can support and encourage others to be their best self. In our room, we will focus on the positive, desirable behaviour so all students are able to feel good about themselves and their choices. How It Works: Each month, students will be divided into 4 teams. Teams will work together to earn the highest amount of points in a month. The winning team will receive a reward. Some examples might be: a movie party, treats, free period, etc. How to Earn Points: Points may be awarded for ANY and ALL types of desirable behaviours. The teacher will decide when to award points so the more a student follows procedures and is at their best self, the more likely they are to receive points. Some examples include: -working silently -completing an assignment on time -raising a mark to the next letter grade -immediately listening when the teacher asks for attention -having a tidy spot/locker -participating respectfully in class discussion -walking quietly in the hall -helping another student when appropriate -showing kindness to others COMPUTER USAGE RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. It is a privilege to have Internet access. 2. The Internet access is free to users. 3. A RESPONSIBLE user of the Internet may have access as long as the user is a teacher or student Responsible Users May:

9 Use the Internet to research assigned classroom projects. Use the Internet to send electronic mail ( ) to other users. Use the Internet to explore other computer systems. Responsible Users May NOT: Use the Internet for any illegal purpose. Use impolite or abusive language. Violate the rules of common sense and etiquette. This includes accessing sites which contain inappropriate content or material. If you are not sure, ask. Change any computer files that do not belong to the user. Send or get copyrighted materials without permission. Give their password to anyone. System operators will have access to all user accounts, including . If the rules above are not followed by any person, use of the network will be cancelled. If the user is not sure how to do something on the computer, ask a teacher or the system administrator in the school. RESPECT Noted disrespect by a student toward a staff member will require a consultation between the teacher and Principal or Vice-Principal regarding the circumstance. Also discussed will be the intervention strategy necessary for resolution, or whether the student will be suspended. LANGUAGE Staff will correct students who use profane language. If the profane language persists, the Vice-Principal will meet with the student and make contact with home. If the profanity still persists, a meeting with the parent/guardian will be arranged, which will lead to either a resolution or suspension Undesirable Behaviour Everyone makes mistakes. In our school we want to focus on desirable behaviour. Thus, in most instances, if a student is choosing undesirable behaviour a simple signal from the teacher will provide an opportunity to correct the behaviour. If the student chooses to continue with the behaviour, the student will be asked to minus points from his/her team. If the undesirable behaviour continues even further the student will be given time to resolve this by completing a Think Paper. This will enable the student to identify the poor behaviour, to come up with a solution, and to share this information with the parent or guardian who will be asked to sign the Think Paper before it is returned to school and kept on file. The teacher and student will discuss the student s plan for resolution and, when needed, the student s plan for restitution. At times, a student s behaviour will require further corrective action which we refer to as committing restitution. This enables the student to take responsibility for their actions and to see the logical consequence of their choice as well as providing an opportunity for the student to feel good about making it right. If a student does something disrespectful to someone else, they will be asked to write a respect essay. Instructions will be given by the teacher and the student will need to complete the essay prior to returning to class. This will

10 also allow the student to reflect on their actions and to gain empathy by considering how they made the other person feel. Circle Of Courage At Coronation Park all of our learning and daily routines, center on the Circle Of Courage philosophy which has been adopted by many cultures around the world. The Circle Of Courage uses four guiding areas for all of life s choices and learning: Generosity, Belonging, Mastery, and Independence. We will spend a good deal of time identifying how one gains balance in all four areas and applies this philosophy to life s decisions. The Circle of Courage empowers students to gain a strong sense of self and control over their own path in life. It allows everyone to work in harmony and teaches life-long skills. This philosophy will be the basis of our reward plan, team building activities, and all other learning. Team Building Activities(Some classes) Most weeks we will take a bit of time to ensure our classes are functioning as a team and that each member is feeling great. We will begin with a class meeting to clear the air, give praise, and work on team building. We will end with an uplifting activity so all students leave feeling great about school. These activities will be based upon a variety of topics including: family skills, self-esteem, positive relationships, citizenship, kindness, and communication. Parent/Guardian Communication **** Students are most successful when everyone is on the same page. It is essential that parents and guardians remain involved in their child s education. In an effort to keep parents informed about classroom and school goings on, periodic updates will be sent home. Please include all addresses you would like the updates sent to in the Family section on the front page of this document. In addition, should you have questions or concerns regarding your child s education, you may contact the teacher or the office and we will respond as quickly as possible. Please note, if sending an in the evening or on a weekend/holiday, we may not respond until back at school. Please also use student agendas and for regular communication and updates on due dates. The school website is a great place to visit for all school information. We look forward to getting to know each student and the gifts that each has. Every child is unique and worth it. I hope each of you feels successful and proud of your choices during this grade school year. Welcome to Coronation Park!

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