The A.R.R.A. School Advisory Council began work in January 1996.  The council is a legally recognized body comprised of the principal, representatives of teachers and support staff, students, parents and community members.  The school council was formed to ensure that all students receive the best possible learning opportunities by engaging all partners in an ongoing process of problem solving and shared decision making.

 

Council members welcome your input and value your opinions.  Council meetings are open to the public and are held on the third Tuesday of each month.

           

 

STUDENT/PARENT INFORMATION

 

1.       ATTENDANCE

 

Good attendance will enhance the student's chances of success in education.  **Poor attendance has often been the reason for frustration and lack of achievement.

 

a)       ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL

 

The Annapolis Valley Regional School Board requires that a student be present each day of the school year.  The school is responsible for keeping a daily attendance record.

**Parents are requested to call the school in the morning to provide information about their child's absence.

Upon a student's return to school following an absence, he/she must present a note to the homeroom teacher written by the parent or guardian explaining the reason for the student's absence.

 

b)       MORNING ARRIVAL

 

Except for extra-curricular activities, students are not to arrive at school before 8:30 a.m. as supervision is not available.

  

c)       LATE ARRIVAL

 

All students are expected to be punctual for homeroom registration in the morning and again at the end of the day, and for all classes throughout the day.  If arriving late, the student must report to the office to have their name removed from the absentee list and to receive a late slip.

 

d)       LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY AND/OR MEDICAL/DENTAL APPOINTMENTS

 

Students are considered to be under the jurisdiction of the School Board from the time they board the buses in the morning until they get off the buses in the afternoon.  Any departure from this routine must occur with the knowledge and consent of the school and the home.  Any student, who, for valid reasons must leave school early on any given day, MUST OBSERVE these procedures:

1.  show written parental permission at the office;

2.  check into the office to sign out when leaving;

3.  when returning from an appointment, students must sign back in at the office.

 

 e)       SPECIAL DAYS/EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

 

Students are required to be in attendance every day that school is in session. This includes those days on which special events or activities are scheduled.  Parental cooperation is requested to ensure that no truancy occurs on these special days e.g. Activity Days.  Students must maintain regular attendance to participate in activities.

Please note:  There is no such thing as a skip day on the Friday before the long weekend in May.

 

f)       LEAVING SCHOOL PREMISES

 

**All students must remain on the school property at all times.  They are not permitted to go downtown or visit AWEC.  School sanctioned activities are exempted.  If special exceptions are needed parents must contact the school.

 

g)       SCHOOL DAY CANCELLATION

 

Notice of cancellation due to weather or poor road conditions will be announced by local radio stations AVR/Magic 94.9, K-Rock 89.3 and CBC 106.5 usually between 6:00 and 8:30 a.m.  TV listings are also aired on Global Breakfast Television and the Weather Network. You may check with AVRSB at www.avrsb.ca under “Announcements” or by calling

1-800-850-3887. The Regional School Board office may be open on days when schools are closed.

* Please have your child know where he/she is to go if school is cancelled during the day.

h)       ILLNESS

 

The school is not permitted to, and will not be, distributing medications of any type without written permission from a doctor and parent / guardian. Proper permission forms may be obtained from the school.  The school will not accept permission to dispense medications over the phone. Students are to provide their own medication from home; the medication should be in its original packaging.  Should a student become ill or injured while at school, he/she will receive immediate attention.  Students should report any illness or injury to a teacher so appropriate action can be taken.  Parents or guardians will be called when necessary.  WE DO NOT HAVE A SICK ROOM AND CANNOT HOLD A CHILD HERE FOR A DAY WHILE THEY RECOVER FROM BEING ILL. **Parents should have a plan in place so that if there is an emergency, someone can pick the child up from school.

  

2.     PROGRAMS, REPORTING PERIODS, etc.

 

a)       PROGRAMS

 

All programs follow the courses outlined in the Public School Program developed by the N.S. Department of Education.

The Grade 6 program consist of English, Mathematics, French, Science, Social Studies, Health, Phys. Ed., Art and Music.

The Grade 7 and 8 programs consist of English, Mathematics, Core French and Social Studies or Integrated French with Sciences Humaines (Grade 8 only), Science, Active Healthy Living, Phys. Ed., Art or Music, Family Studies and Technology Education.

 

b)       TESTING POLICY

 

Students are required to write all tests as scheduled.  Students are required to bring a written excuse for absences.  Tests will be written on the first day back at school or on special arrangement with the teacher following absence due to serious illness, death in family, suspension or other serious reason.  Students shall write the test if they are present.  From time to time students may be required to write standardized tests as prescribed by the Department of Education.

 

STUDENT REPORTING PERIODS

 

Please note that there are three terms for the 2011 - 2012 school year.  Report cards will be issued on the following dates:

First Term:              Tuesday, November 22^nd     

Second Term:         Tuesday, March 6^th

Third Term:            Friday, June 29^th

 

The Nova Scotia Department of Education has adapted the format for reporting on student progress.  The report cards will require teachers to assess whether a student:

A - consistently demonstrates achievements of all  expected learning outcomes

B -      demonstrates achievement of most expected learning outcomes

C -      demonstrates achievement of some expected learning outcomes

D -      rarely demonstrates achievement of the expected learning outcomes

 

 e)       PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

 

It is essential for the home and the school to work together for the benefit of the student.  If parents have concerns, they are invited to call and/or make an appointment with teachers at any point during the school year.  Teachers with concerns will contact parents.  Parents are invited to attend Parent-Teacher Conferences following the First and Second terms. 

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on the following dates:

 

Term 1:    Wednesday, November 23^rd 6:30–8:00 pm

               Thursday, November 24^th 1:30-4:00 pm

 

Term 2:    Thursday, March 8^th 6:30-8:00 pm

                Friday, March 9^th 1:30-4:00 pm

 

 

 3.     SCHOOL AND/OR

        BOARD SERVICES

 

a)       BUS TRANSPORTATION

 

Students transported by bus are the responsibility of the School Board.  The privilege of riding on the school bus may be withdrawn if the actions of the student are jeopardizing the safety of others or if the student behaves inappropriately.

Bus reports on students are presented to the Principal. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken immediately by the office and will be reported to parents/guardians, the bus driver, and the Transportation Coordinator of the School Board.

  1^st offence - warning/detention

  2^nd offence - off the bus - Suspension

  3^rd offence - off the bus - Suspension (up to 5 days)

  4^th offence - off the bus - Suspension (remainder of school year)

                      

** Students are to get on and off their buses at A.R.R.A. and not at A.W.E.C.

 

If a student will not be leaving on their regular bus the following will apply.  A note explaining the reason must be signed by a parent or guardian and presented to the office for approval. The school will not allow students to call for permission to be given over the phone.  During the day, if a change is necessary, the parent or guardian can call the school and request the change.

b)       BOOKS

 

Library books and textbooks are the property of the school and are loaned to the student.  The condition of the text is noted before the student receives it.  If the book is lost or damaged during the time while it is on loan to the student, it must be replaced at current cost by the student to whom it was loaned. (Eg. Math Book $64.00, Social Studies $60.00)

 
c)       CAFETERIA USE

 

The cafeteria is available to students to buy or bring a lunch.

1.  Students are to line up in single file and proceed in turn for service.

2.  Money is not to be passed to students in line to make purchases for others.  Students are to take their turn and purchase their own food items.

3.  All food and drinks must be consumed in the cafeteria and not taken outdoors or through the building, except with special permission.

4. After eating, students are responsible for depositing waste in the appropriate containers.  We are required to properly utilize the green bin, and recycling containers.

5.  No eating or drinking is permitted during class time.

6. Students are not to "panhandle" or approach other students for lunch money.

 

d)       A.R.R.A. LIBRARY

 

Hours - The library is open every recess and noon hour for student use.  Mrs. Langpap and student library workers are in charge of signing out books.

Borrowing - Generally speaking, students are permitted two books for a period of two weeks.

Lost/Overdue Books - Parents will be advised of the overdue status of their child’s books. Lost and overdue books must be turned in or paid for.

 

 e)       LOCKS AND LOCKERS

 

Lockers are rented to the students.  Having a locker is a privilege which can be lost if the locker is not kept in good order.  Before morning registration, students are to prepare themselves for 1^st to 3^rd period.  At recess, books, materials, etc. for 4^th to 6^th period should be taken from the locker.  At the 12:57 bell, everything needed for the remaining classes of the afternoon should be taken out.  Students are not to go to lockers between classes.

***Students must provide a good quality lock.  For their own protection, students are advised to keep their locker combination confidential. 

 

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

 

 

 

f)       CELL PHONES AND TELEPHONE USAGE

 

Students are not permitted to have cell phones at school.  If it is necessary for a student to bring a cell phone to school, he/she must keep it in the office for the day.  Cell phones that are removed from students during the day will be kept in the office until the parent/guardian comes to pick it up. Students will be permitted to use the school phones solely for the purpose of contacting parents or guardians.  The legitimacy of the reasons will be determined by the office staff.  The student may be asked for the number and reason for the call which will then be placed by the staff member.  Permission will be granted only during scheduled non-class time.  

 

 

g)           SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

 

Due to sensitivities and allergies, ARRA strives to provide a safe environment for all staff and students.  Therefore we ask that staff and students refrain from wearing scented products.  ARRA also strives to be nut-free and ask that you consider this when packing snacks, lunches and when providing baked goods and treats for special events.

           

4.     EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

 

a)       ACTIVITIES/CLUBS/SPORTS

 

The staff of our school realizes that extra-curricular activities are an essential aspect of school life.  They therefore give a great deal of their time as advisors, coaches, or supervisors of the following activities.  *Students must be working to the best of their ability in order to take part in team sports.  If a student's work begins to deteriorate, the student may be placed on an academic suspension and not be allowed to participate until his/her marks improve.  Students must also maintain regular attendance to participate in an extracurricular activity.

 

Activities/Clubs     Activities/Clubs                 Team Sports

Yearbook                Winter Carnival Comm.        Track and Field

Students' Council      Dance Committee               Soccer

Enrichment/Activities Exploratories                     Volleyball

Dance                    Intramurals                    Basketball

GO Club                  Badminton                         Badminton

Jr. Band                  Soccer                              Curling

Computer                Yoga Ball                          Cross Country

Chess                     Volleyball                          Softball

Library Assistants     Basketball                         Golf

Score Keepers          European Handball            

Fr. Public Speaking    Floor Hockey                    

  

b)       DANCES (revised June 2011)

Dances are sponsored by Student Council and chaperoned by staff and parents.  Guests may attend a dance with permission from the school.  Invitations may be extended to other students in grades 6 to 9 who are under 16 years old.  

The administration reserves the right to refuse permission to an invited person.  Invitations must be in to the main office by 1:00 pm the day before the scheduled dance.

 

** Attending a school dance is a privilege and not a right.

** Students will lose their privilege to attend a school dance if: they have received an in-school or out of school suspension since the last dance.  Prior to the June Spring Dance, only, this policy will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

**Students are expected to have satisfactory attendance throughout the month in order to attend.

**Students who are absent from school, WITHOUT an approved excuse, will NOT be eligible to attend extra-curricular events on that day. (i.e. sports events, activities, dances)

**Please note our school dress code is in effect for all dances with the following exception for the June dance only:

Spaghetti straps and strapless dresses will be permitted as long as they meet the following conditions:

    - There is to be no cleavage showing

- The dress length must follow the short/skirt   guidelines as in the dress code

    - The dress doesn’t have to be continually adjusted to stay in place

      

c)       FUNDRAISING

 

Students' Council will conduct fundraising throughout the year. The money is used to support Student Activity Days, Winter Carnival, Exploratories, Sports Officiating, Educational Trips, Team Transportation, Clinics, Activity Groups/Clubs, Team Registration, Team Uniforms, and Dances.  Participation in the campaign is voluntary but support is needed if the various activities are to go ahead.

 

  

5.     PROTECTION OF PROPERTY

 

a)       PERSONAL PROPERTY

The school does not assume responsibility for the loss of personal property.  Students must take precautions to protect their property by:

1)       Using a good quality lock on their locker.

2)       Not giving their combination to anyone.

3)       Leaving valuable objects at home.

4)       Not leaving money or valuables in unattended bags or clothing, especially in the gym changing rooms.

5)       Locking valuables or money in the locker except when needed.

6)       If a student must have a large sum of money, it should be sealed in an envelope in the office and placed in the safe.

 

 b)       SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students are encouraged to take pride in their school.  STUDENTS WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR PROPERTY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THEIR ACTIONS.  PARENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF SUCH INCIDENTS.  If the damage is deliberate compensation will be sought.

c)       BOOKBAGS

Bookbags are not carried to any class except to gym class.

 

 

6.     STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

 

While teachers and parents can help and encourage, certain responsibilities must be carried by the student.  These include:

1)       Recording homework and assignments in the agenda.

2)       Doing and passing in all required homework and assignments.

3)       Checking with classmates or calling the homework hotline (532-3184) or check teacher web pages for missed homework or assignments.

4)       Taking proper care of textbooks and library books. 

5)       If a student will not be leaving on their regular bus the following will apply.  A note explaining the reason must be signed by a parent or guardian and presented to the office for approval. The school will not allow students to call for permission to be given over the phone.  During the day, if a change is necessary, the parent or guardian can call the school and request the change.

6)       Obeying the rules of the school, acting in a socially acceptable manner, and accepting responsibility for his/her own behaviour.

7)       Treating classmates and staff with respect and courtesy.

8)       Remembering that NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO INTERFERE WITH THE EDUCATION OF ANOTHER STUDENT and behaving accordingly.

7.     APPROPRIATE AND

        INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

 

Every part of our society is governed by laws and rules about acceptable behaviour.  Complying with these rules requires self discipline.  It is our goal to have students develop this.  Students must learn to be accountable for their behaviour BECAUSE no one has the right to interfere with the education of another person.  Behaviour which breaks the rules of acceptable conduct and is disruptive or disobedient or rude or defiant or destructive will result in disciplinary action. Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to the policies and rules outlined on previous pages, as well as the following:

 

a)  General rules of conduct for students

- Demonstrating respect for school property, and other people and their property.

-  Not endangering the safety of others.

-  Not interfering with the right of other students to learn or with the teacher’s teaching.

-  Not bullying and/or intimidating others.

- Being attentive, prepared and ready to support their education in the classroom.

-  Conducting oneself in a socially acceptable manner.

 

b)  Inappropriate social behaviour

-  Displaying affection beyond hand holding (i.e. kissing, necking, caressing etc.)

-  Wearing clothing which is inappropriate for school. Students will not be permitted to wear outside clothing such as hats, jackets and heavy rubber footwear in the classroom.  Outside clothing can be defined as clothing used for outer protection.  Hats and bandanas are NOT to be worn inside.

**If a student wears a hat, bandana or a scarf, it will be taken away and returned at the discretion of the Administration. Under special circumstances or on occasions, there may be exceptions.

Students are required to dress in a neat and tidy manner, appropriate for teaching and learning. 

 

The following attire is unacceptable: 
-exposed undergarments

-exposed midriffs

-shorts and skirts shorter than 15cm from the floor when kneeling

-shirts/tops that expose much of the upper chest and back

(straps should be three-fingers wide and no cleavage should be showing)

 -see-through clothing

- pyjamas

-cut-off styles

-any attire with symbols or messages that are offensive, profane, promote intolerance or violence.

 

Dress code applies to all dances except the June dance

(See section on Dances).