Parent Handbook

 

INDEX

Goals of Elementary Education Timetables and Bell Schedule Parking Report Cards Grading Awards Policy Rental Fees School Properties Personal Properties Footwear Library Books Lunches

Physical Education Clothing Medical Treatment of Students School Health Care Attendance Policy Student Discipline School Rules Discipline Policy Bus Policy Cold Weather Parent Council Horse Lake Band Council and School Committee

 

GOALS OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Revised August/05

The staff of Hythe Elementary School is committed to helping our students to:

--develop appreciation for learning.
--acquire fundamental learning skills which will enable them to progress to more difficult learning.
--acquire requisite knowledge in the physical, intellectual, and personal functioning areas
--acquire the requisite social skills which enable them to function effectively both in school and in the community.
--develop certain desirable attitudes and commitments towards themselves, their peers and the world as they know it.

TIMETABLES AND BELL SCHEDULE

If you wish to have a copy of your child's timetable, please let your teacher know or call the office and we will see that you get a copy.

Bell Schedule

8:30 Warning Bell 8:35 Classes Begin 10:05 Morning Recess 1 10:20 11:55 Noon Hour

12:35 2:10 Afternoon Recess 2:25 3:30 Warning Bell 3:35 Dismissal

PARKING

Visitors are asked to park their cars in the WEST PARKING LOT . We request that you DO NOT DRIVE in the service lane immediately in front of the school. Children play in this area and their safety is of the utmost concern to the school staff.

Buses and/or service vehicles only are allowed to use this service lane.

 

REPORT CARDS

There are four reporting periods. Notice of dates will be provided in newsletters.

 

GRADING

Gr. 1-2: Checklist

Gr. 3-6: Report card marks in core subjects--Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies--are given in percentages and the class average is indicated. The pass mark is generally 50% but in some cases may be higher. The teacher concerned will indicate if the mark is below the minimal acceptable standard.

Report card marks in other subjects--physical education, health, music, art-- will be given according to the following scale:

A Excellent C Good (average) F Failure
B Very Good D Needs Improvement

The following categories will be used for reporting on effort and personal development.
Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement

Only core subject marks are used to determine Honor Roll and Honorable Mention.

 

AWARDS POLICY

Monthly

1. Student of the Month - every student may receive at least one during the year (Teacher's discretion)
2. Citizenship Draw - Draw is in classroom
- names submitted to office so Principal can announce in assembly

Term (per report card)
1. Monthly Awards - these awards are usually combined with the term awards at the same assembly
2. Grades 1 & 2 "Top Achievers"
- approximately top 3 - 4 students

Grades 3 - 6 "Honors"

• as per grade averages and teacher / principal discretion.
• The following will be used as a guide: Grade 3-4 90

Grade 5-6 85

- certificates & announced in assembly

3. Music / Athletic - certificate

Year End

1. Attendance - best overall per class
- certificate & memento

2. Top Academic - certificate & trophy (split classes have 2)

3. Citizenship - certificate & memento

4. Effort Award - certificate & memento

 

RENTAL FEES

The Peace Wapiti School Division and Hythe Elementary School levy a textbook rental which includes a fee to cover most school supplies, pencils, erasers, notebooks, art paper, etc.

This fee also covers the swimming program, skating program, theatre groups, and the year-end picnic. Fee payment is mandatory for student participation.

Information regarding these fees is included in the first Principal's Newsletter of each September.

 

SCHOOL PROPERTIES

Children are held responsible for unnecessary damage to school property including textbooks. Damages will be assessed and bills mailed to parents.

 

PERSONAL PROPERTIES

Students are responsible for personal property. We request that all clothing be identified with the student's name and that each student be encouraged to put their name on their personal property. Unlabelled footwear is a particular problem.

Cell phones, electronic equipment/games and game cards should not be brought to school. Property of value should not be brought to school and money should not be left in desks or lunch bags.

 

FOOTWEAR

Students should have a set of footwear for the indoors and outdoors. All students are asked to remove outside footwear at the school entrance.

LIBRARY BOOKS

A small fee or replacement is required for lost library books. The amount of this fee is indicated when letters are sent home for lost books.

 

Lunches

Students may not go downtown for lunch without adult supervision.
Hot dog program runs on Fridays. $1.25 per hot dog.
Milk program runs daily. $0.75 per milk.

 

 

Physical Education Clothing

Indoor clothing should allow freedom of movement and should be comfortable. The following is recommended:

1. T-shirt top

2. Gym shorts or sweat pants

Outdoor - Year-round outdoor activities are part of the physical education program, and clothing should reflect the season and climate.

 

Medical Treatment of Students

The Board of Education policy requires that:
1. Education employees act as would a reasonable and prudent parent.

2. Employees do NOT have all the authority that a parent would have. I.e. employees DO NOT have the authority to provide consent for the medical treatment of a student.

3. Non-prescription drugs such as, but not limited to, aspirin shall not be:
a. purchased on the accounts of the Board or School.
b. distributed to any student enrolled in a school operated by the Board.

4. If, under exceptional circumstances, prescription drugs, life support medication (eg. insulin) or medication for allergies is required to be administered or monitored by school staff, detailed instructions must be filed with the school and signed by parent/guardian and doctor. More information regarding these exceptional circumstances will be provided to those affected.

5. A form must be filled out for each student by the parent/guardian identifying any medical problem that a student may have.

6. In the case of serious injury, appropriate first aid and transport action shall be taken. Parents/guardians shall be notified immediately or as soon as possible, since only they can give legal consent for medical treatment.

 

School Health Care

The community Health Nurse has responsibility for the Hythe Elementary School. She will be doing vision and hearing screenings, vaccinations and referrals.

Consultations can be arranged through the Health Unit in Beaverlodge at 354-2647.

 

Attendance Policy

School Act Section 7B requires students to attend regularly and punctually. Failure to comply may result in cases being referred to the Attendance Board.

Hythe Elementary School Policy

1. Students missing more than 15% (3 days) per month will be referred to the principal.
2. Three lates will equal one day absence.
3. Students arriving after 8:35 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. will be considered late for that part of the day.
4. Students arriving after 10:05 a.m. and 2:10 p.m. will be considered absent for that part of the day.

B. Excusable absences that are not counted include:
1. Illness with letter or telephone call from parents.
2. Field trips, suspensions and other school related activities.
3. Excusable absences other than 1 and 2 will be at the discretion of the principal.

* Attendance records will be sent to appropriate authorities each month.

C. Parents will be notified by phone or letter of excessive inexcusable or unexplained absences at the end of each month. D. If excessive absences occur for a second month, a conference to review the problem will be set up with parents, teachers, principal and student.
E. If the conference cannot be set up, or if the problem continues, the principal shall refer the case to the Superintendent and/or Band Office.
F. Participation in Extra-Curricular activities will be jeopardized by excessive absences. For example: any Grade Six student with more than 15% inexcusable absences will not be allowed to participate in the end of the year field trip.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

The basic goals of discipline procedures are as follows:
1. To create an atmosphere that is conducive to the development of self-respect for other persons and for property.
2.. To foster a setting within which young people develop self-discipline and responsibility.
3. To establish and maintain order in the school so that a positive, productive learning atmosphere prevails.
4. To provide a safe, secure environment for our students.

Every pupil shall be required to adhere to the following:
1. To attend regularly and punctually.
2. In case of absence or tardiness, to provide the teacher with a reasonable excuse, orally or in writing as the Principal may require.
3. To obtain the authorized textbooks and other school requisites.
4. To be clean in person and appropriately clothed.
5. To be diligent in studies.
6. To be kind and courteous to classmates.
7. To be cooperative and respectful to all school staff.
8. To be respectful of the property of the school and that of other persons.
9. To conform to the policies and regulations of the school.

 

 

School Rules

One of the prime concerns of the Staff of Hythe Elementary School is the health and safety of our students. Thus, it is imperative that all students are aware of and follow the following rules and guidelines.

1. Students are not to use playground equipment in any way which may cause injury to themselves or others. Pushing, shoving, rough play or fighting is not allowed on school premises.
2. Students are at all times to play or be present in designated areas only. In no circumstances are students to enter areas designated out-of-bounds.
3. Students are to remain in classrooms and in designated play areas unless otherwise directed by staff or supervisors. Students are to eat their lunch in their homerooms under the supervision of the homeroom teacher.
4. Students are not allowed to leave the school premises during the school day without prior authorization of parents or legal guardians. In cases of emergency this authority shall be at the discretion of the principal or designate.
5. Students are always to conduct themselves in a responsible manner with regard to the safety and well-being of themselves and others.
6. Students are to report immediately to the supervisor any situation which may be harmful to themselves or others.
7. Students must prepare for and load busses in a safe and orderly manner.
8. Students must behave in a safe and orderly manner while riding busses and obey all directions of the bus driver. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of riding privileges.
9. Students are not to use abusive or foul language on school premises.
10. During fire drills or any emergency situation, students are to proceed in a safe and orderly manner as directed by their teacher and/or supervisor.
11. Upon the ringing of the first or warning bell students are to proceed immediately to their homerooms.
12. Running is not permitted in hallways or classrooms.
13. Students are not allowed to be in the gymnasium unless under the direct supervision of a teacher.
14. Students are to obey all rules and directions which may be made by teachers and/or supervisors.

 

Discipline Policy -(Sept. 1994)

Goal: To create a working, learning and playing atmosphere for both students and staff that is SAFE, REWARDING and PLEASANT.

Classroom
1. Expectations will be discussed and posted in each room.
2. Positive and negative consequences will be explained to students.
3. Parents will be informed, upon need, as to student positive and/or negative behavior.
4. Teachers will keep a discipline log of student behavior and consequences.
5. Classrooms will be paired for Room 13 referrals.

Examples of Behavior:

Desirable Be seated and ready to work by second bell. Follow directions Behave in a manner that does not interfere with anyone’s work. Do not do or say anything that will hurt others. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

Undesirable Tardiness Ignoring directions. Unkindness and rudeness Disrupting others work. Defiance of authority. Violence Vandalism

 

Examples of Negative Consequences:

Moderate Warning Private talk with teacher. Time out Apology Room 13 attendance In school suspension

Severe Parent interview. Detention. Parent attends class Loss of privileges with student Suspension Expulsion.

Examples of Positive Consequences:

Phone call to parents.
Notes home.
Rewards of stickers, bookmarks, etc.
Announcements on intercom.
Citizenship tickets.
Student of Month Award.

Playground

Stay in your designated area of the school.
Grades 1-3 - west side
Grade 4-6 - east side

Stay on the north side of the service truck road.

Stay on school premises.
Listen and Follow directions given by ANY ADULT immediately, with no argument or rude tone of voice.
Consequences for not following this rule will be immediate and shall be administered by the supervising person.
Students are always to conduct themselves in a responsible manner with regard to the safety and well-being of themselves and others.

Use equipment safely.
No pushing, shoving, rough play or fighting.
No swearing, name-calling, teasing or put-downs.
Students are to report immediately to the supervisor any situation which may be harmful to themselves or others.
At the first buzzer, head into school immediately.
Undesirable behavior will be given a consequence suitable to the infraction.

Classroom and Playground Discipline

Extreme misbehavior or Repeat Offenses will result in more severe consequences.

1. Phone call home. and/or
2. Student sent home.

These consequences will be administered at the discretion of the principal.

Bus Policy

See attached Peace Wapiti School Division No. 76 Policy.

Cold Weather

See attached Peace Wapiti School Division No. 76 Policy.

 

School Council

The School Council is a body made up of any parents concerned about their children's education and school affairs. They come from all the different areas of the Hythe school attendance area. This body includes: President, Secretary, Treasurer and three Directors.

It provides for local input into school and Peace Wapiti policies. It may advise the School Committee of the Peace Wapiti School Division on any matter of concern. It provides for a communication channel between the school and the community.

 

Horse Lake Band Council and Band Committee

 

The Horse Lake Band Council and the Horse Lake School Committee work with the school to determine policy and procedures for Horse Lake students.