Hartney School strives to provide a school atmosphere that helps students feel welcome, cared for and important as individuals.  The cooperation of staff, students and parents is necessary to ensure a safe orderly environment for learning.  This Code of Conduct is designed to help all members.

STUDENTS:

Have the right to expect that . . .

• All staff will treat them with courtesy, consistecy and fairness.

• Clear, relevant lessons will be presented, along with explanations for the evaluation procedures to be used.

• They will be able to work in a school atmosphere which is safe, pleasant, orderly, respectful, and conducive to learning.

• School personnel will be accessible for extra help concerning courses, assignments, remedial assistance, personal decisions, and other school matters.

• Teachers will prepare for class and mark and return assignments promptly.

• School administrators will monitor programs and instruction in the school.

• They will be able to participate in a wide range of activities.

Will be responsible for . . .

• Respecting their own and other’s rights to an education.

• Taking pride in their work, their appearance and their accomplishments.

• Working to the best of his/her ability making the most of educational opportunities through active classroom participation and involvement in other school activities

• Attending school regularly and on time.

• Being prepared for all classes by bringing required materials and completed homework assignments.

• Any work missed due to absence.

• Developing self-discipline, showing courtesy for all people in the school community and respecting property.  Disagreements should be settled in a fair, nonviolent way through discussion or by seeking assistance from school staff. CONSEQUENCES FOR ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR

• Daily recognition of positive behavior will be made verbally by classroom teachers, administration and playground supervisors.  Classroom teachers will set up their own system for recognizing positive behavior in their own classroom.

• To behave in a respectful manner and comply with the School Code of Conduct

TEACHERS:

Have the right to expect that . . .

• Parents/Guardians/Students will treat them with respect.

• Students will attend classes regularly and on time, with homework assignments completed, and with appropriate materials.

• Students’ behaviour will promote a positive learning environment.

• They will have the positive assistance and cooperation of students.  They will have the support of parents and colleagues in the performance of their duties.

• Everyone associated with the school will be treated with courtesy. 

• Students will observe all school rules of conduct.

Will be responsible for . . .

• Behaving in a arespectful manner and comply with the school code of conduct.

• Planning, teaching, and supervising assigned courses.

• Establishing and maintaining a learning environment which is pleasant, orderly, respectful and conducive to students’ learning.

• Evaluating student achievement and explaining the evaluation procedures to be used in each course.

• Communicating information about student progress, attendance, and behavior to students, parents, and administration.

• Providing an environment that will promote self esteem.

• Treating students fairly and consistently.

• Providing role models in establishing a positive tone in the school.

• Ensuring that students are referred to appropriate special services when necessary.

PARENTS:

Have the right to expect that . . .

• Teachers will inform parents/guardians regularly of the attendance, behaviour and academic achievement of their child in school.

• Teachers will provide effective instruction for students, display enthusiasm for learning and show respect for others and property.

• Staff will enforce the Code of Conduct.

• Administrators will exhibit leadership, provide support, and monitor programs and instruction in the school.

• Reasonable precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of students to and from school, and while in school.

Will be responsible for . . .

• Providing role models in order to establish positive values concerning achievement as well as respect for fellow students, school personnel, and property.

• Regularly discussing school matters.

• Ensuring regular and punctual attendance and completion of all school assignments.

• Contacting the school when their child will be absent.

• Contacting the school if there are areas of affirmation and concern.

• Attending school events and meetings when possible, and giving positive support to the school.

• Cooperating fully with teachers and other school/division employees to ensure their child complies with the school/division discipline and behaviour management policies and the school’s code of conduct.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The following will not be tolerated on the school site or any other site related to school activities:

• Bullying, or abusing physically, sexually or psychologically — orally, in writing or other wise by any person to any person.

• Discriminating unreasonably on the basis of any characteristic set out in the Human Rights Code.

• Using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs at school, on the school bus or at any school sanctioned function.

• Dangerous driving in and around school grounds

• Gang involvement will not be tolerated on school sites

• Possession of a weapon, as weapon is defined in section 2 of the criminal code (Canada) will not be tolerated on school sites

• Vandalism will not be tolerated on school site

DISCIPLINE OPTIONS

Failure to comply with established expectations for classroom and playground behavior will result in definite consequences.  The discipline option chosen will depend upon the severity and repeated incidences of misbehavior by the student.

LEVEL 1 A reminder is given to the student.

LEVEL 2 Interview with teacher or supervisor.  A time out is given.  On the playground students may be asked to walk with the teacher or supervisor or may be sent indoors.  In the classroom students may be asked to move to a different place in the classroom or may be asked to leave the classroom. A referral form is filled out.

LEVEL 3 Interview with the teacher/supervisor and principal.  Completion of a referral form by the teacher/supervisor and the filling out of an action plan sheet by the student.  A phone call home is made.

LEVEL 4 Interview with parents and student to establish a contract of expectations and consequences.

LEVEL 5 An In-School Suspension of one day will be served during the next day of classes immediately following a student reaching Level 5. Parents will be notified of the suspension both by a phone call and by letter.  The student will be removed to a supervised area away from other students.

They will spend most of their time working on school work and the rest of their time reflecting on the cause of their suspension and forming a plan to return to class.

LEVEL 6 Out of School Suspension – The administration will inform the parents of the suspension with a phone call and a letter.

Students must pick up homework from the homeroom teacher or from the office as pre-arranged.  A meeting with parents, student, and administrator/teacher will be held after the suspension has been served and prior to the student returning to class. All work assigned during the suspension must be completed before returning to class.  Any tests written on the day of the suspension will be given as retests when the student returns to school.  However, the student must make appropriate arrangements for the test to be written outside of class time.                                                                                                 

RIGHT TO APPEAL

All parents/guardians have the right to appeal any disciplinary action. The following protocol shall be followed:

1. Parent/guardian meeting with Principal

2. Parent/guardian meeting with Superintendent

3. Parent/Guardian presentation to the School Board

EXTRA-CURRICULAR EVENTS AND FIELD TRIPS

It is recognized by the school that extra-curricular events and field trips are a valuable learning experience.  However, it is also true that these events and trips are a privilege which may be denied to any individual within a class, if the behavior and/or efforts of the individual are not appropriate throughout the school year.  Consultation between the classroom teacher, parents, and administration will be held before a final decision is made.

If behavior during an event or field trip is not appropriate, students may be requested to return home.

INTERNET

All pupils and staff must adhere to Divisional 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. 

THE ABOVE CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SAFE SCHOOLS CHARTER OF THE PROVINCE OF MANITOBA

Attendance Policy: Hartney School

Hartney School has a closed attendance policy for Kindergarten to Grade 10 students. Except where otherwise determined, all students in Kindergarten to Grade 10 are to be at the school for the entire day.

Grade 11 and Grade 12 students are encouraged to be in school. However, with parental permission, full-time Grade 11 and Grade 12 students may leave the school during their spares providing:

• students are passing all courses in which they are currently enrolled.

• students are on time for scheduled classes.

• students sign-out and sign-in.

            **These are privileges that can be taken away from the student**

If a student must be absent, it is the parent's responsibility to notify the school with a written note or a phone call prior to the absence. The parent may call the school the day of the absence - preferably by 10:00 AM - to advise of the student absence. If necessary, the parent may need to provide documentation for an extended absence. Teachers may check with the office for confirmation of the absence.

Attendance for Kindergarten to Grade 8 students will be recorded at 8:55 AM and after lunch.

Attendance for Grade 9 to Grade 12 students will be recorded at the beginning of each class. The classroom teacher will report any absences to the office via the intercom or via email conference. The office will attempt to make contact with the home regarding any absences for which we have not received parent notification. The office will log all calls made to parents regarding attendance.

Absenteeism Regarding Tests and Assignments

Tests and assignments are an integral part of the development of a student’s academic performance. In the event a student is absent on days where tests occur and when assignments are due, the following process shall be observed to ensure fairness as well as student accountability.

1) A student whose absence has not been reported to the office by a parent and who misses a test may be declared ineligible to receive full credit for that test.

2) A student whose absence has not been reported to the office and who fails to submit an assignment that is due may be declared ineligible to receive full credit for that assignment.

Lates To ensure a respectful and distraction-free teaching and learning environment, Hartney School requires students to be on time for every class. The classroom teacher will be responsible for developing procedures relating to consequences for a student that is late.

Attendance Procedures/Consequences

The school will attempt to make contact with a parent/guardian regarding all unexcused absences via PowerSchool Message.

School-sanctioned events will not be considered an absence. Some examples include, but will not be limited to, field trips, school-wide activities, sports, and other extra-curricular activities.

When a student is absent for 10% of the possible classes in a year or semester, the Principal will send a letter to the parents identifying the problem.  Examples of interventions that could occur at this point include scheduling a meeting with the student and the parents, engaging Student Services or the school counselor.  An assessment for possible learning difficulties might also be appropriate.

When a student is absent for 20% of the possioble classes, he/she may be put on an alternative program.  This may include the following:  Referral to the Family Outreach Facilitator who will meet with the parents and the student to reach agreement on a mutually-acceptable alternative program (modified day, work placement weighting, home program), other mutually acceptable agreements.

Absenteeism and Extra-Curricular Programs

Hartney School acknowledges the importance of extra-curricular programs and provides a number of them throughout the school year. Participation from students and staff is encouraged. It is important to note that participation in extra-curricular programs is a privilege and not a right. A student, therefore, shall not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activity if on the day that the said activity is to occur, the student is absent for more than one half day and that absence has not been declared excused.

Appeals

Should any of the consequences listed above raise concerns, the parents and students have the right to appeal. (Please see process in Code of Conduct section of policy manual)

Cell Phone Policy

The staff and students at Hartney School recognize that cell phones cause a significant distraction in the classroom.  As a result staff and students have worked together to develop the following protocol for cell phone usage.

1. For grade K – 6 students, NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES at all are allowed in the school.  If a student does bring a device, it remains in the locker until home time.  If it is out during school time, it will be confiscated.  Hartney School assumes no responsibility for  stolen/damaged devices.

2. Cell phones may be used in grades 7-12 only in the hallways and the Multi-Purpose Room during morning break (11:05 - 11:15) and noon break (12:20 – 1:05) only.  A student who is on spare may use their cell phone during that spare in these areas. 

3. Cell phone use in the 7 - 12 classsroom is upon the discretion of the teacher.  When entering a classroom, a teacher may ask the cell phones to be:

   1. turned off

   2. silenced

   3. placed in the cell phone box at the front of the classroom
      NOTE:  The Library is considered a classroom and will be treated as such.

4. If a student leaves a classroom during scheduled class time they must put their cell phone in the box.  They may pick it up upon their return. If a student leaves the classroom during class time to use their cell phone in their locker, it will be confiscated.

5. Staff will confiscate any cell phone that is visible and/or in use during class timewithout approval.

6. Staff will confiscate a cell phone if a student is late for class as a result of using his/her cell phone at break or noon hour.

7. If it is a first time offence, the cell phone will be returned to the student at the end of the day. 

8. If it is a second time offence, the cell phone will be confiscated and held by the school until a parent is able to come to the school to pick it up.

Hartney School Dress Code:

The following dress code requirements are expected of students when attending Hartney School and/or representing the school and its programming.

1. Students will be dressed in some appropriate form of footwear. Bare feet are a health hazard in a public building.

2. Students who choose to wear shorts to school will ensure that shorts worn include a leg component. Also, if skirts are worn they must be of an appropriate length.

3. T-shirts and shirts that contain offensive slogans,(i.e., profanity, lewd slogans, obscene pictures, and racial slurs) will not be worn in school.

4. The wearing of clothing that promotes such things as, but not exclusive to, alcohol products, tobacco products, and illegal products is prohibited.

5. The wearing of sleeveless shirts, spaghetti strap shirts, camisoles, and halter tops will be permitted only if covered with another garment or worn overtop of a garment which results in appropriate covering of the upper body.

6. The wearing of any clothing item that exposes an inappropriate amount of the torso is prohibited.

7. Except in exceptional circumstances (i.e. health reasons, spirit week, Hallowe’en) all headgear is prohibited.

The school reserves the right to arbitrate and judge what is or what is not appropriate in terms of dress for the school beyond what is written in the dress code. This policy has been adapted from Southwest Horizon School Division Policy.

Smoking Policy

Please note the following facts:

1. It is illegal for minors (under the age of 18) to purchase tobacco products - cigarettes or chewing tobacco.

2. It is not illegal for minors to possess or use tobacco products - cigarettes or chewing tobacco.

3. Hartney School is a Public Building – Smoking is Banned on School Property.

4. Southwest Horizon SD policy states that the use of tobacco products is banned on School Division property.

Specifically, it states:       Smoke Free Division

In compliance with the Non Smokers Health Protection Act and in the interest of creating a healthy learning environment, the board prohibits all use of tobacco products in all schools, on all school grounds and in all division buildings and grounds.

While we do not condone or support students smoking at our school we also recognize that what they are doing is not illegal.  As a result, we must work together to set parameters that make the situation manageable for all students and staff.  In other words we need to create a system that allows the teacher to teach and the student to learn in an environment free of disruption.

Parameters:

1. Students are only allowed to use tobacco products prior to school, during the morning break (11:05 AM – 11:15 AM), and at noon hour (12:20 PM – 1:05 PM)

2. Students are only allowed to use tobacco products in the designated area off school grounds or anywhere off grounds that does not result in trespass on private property

3. Students must be on time for all classes.

Consequences for Smoking on School Property:

(If a student is late for class they will receive one warning.  After that they will not be allowed to enter the classroom)

1. First offense – Phone Call Home

2. Second offense – ½ day In-School Suspension

3. Third offense – 1 day Out-of-School Suspension

EXAMS POLICY:

All exams will last a minimum of 90 minutes. Morning Exams begin at 9:00 AM.  Afternoon Exams begin at 1:00 PM, unless otherwise specified by the teacher.  Gr. 9-12 students do not have regularly scheduled classes when they do not have an examination. If a student does not write an exam on a given day, and they are at school, they are required to report to the library to study and do project work. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO “HANG OUT” IN THE HALLWAY. In past years students have been allowed to leave the school after they have completed the exam(s) for the day. This will still be the case IF all outstanding assignments have been handed in to your teacher(s). Any students Grades 9-12 with outstanding assignments will not be allowed to sign out during school hours but will be required to work on outstanding assignments in the library or in the classroom with the teacher. Once all outstanding assignments are in, sign out privileges during exam week will resume.  If Gr. 9-10 students are leaving for the day after they have completed their exam AND have no outstanding assignments, they must have a note signed by a parent giving permission to do so - unless it is their parents who are picking them up, they can report to the office. Gr. 9-10 students must have permission from a parent to leave the school after their exam to go uptown or to a friend's house.  All students must sign out before they leave. This request is for safety reasons, and is asked to be respected. Some teachers will schedule specific exam review periods during the afternoons of exam week. Otherwise, it is the student's responsibility to ask for further assistance from a teacher to review for an exam.