Code of Citizenship:
CARING
A caring school is one in which members of the school community feel a sense of belonging and have opportunities to relate to one another in positive, supportive ways. All aspects of school life embrace and reflect diversity. The school is an inviting place for students, staff, parents and visitors.
Respect for Self and Others:
I have the right to learn in a respectful environment and be treated with courtesy and respect.
I have the responsibility to treat all individuals with courtesy and respect regardless of their differences.
Why?
Every person should feel valued, be treated respectfully and be free of harassment. Therefore, I will not engage in behaviours such as rudeness, intimidation, bullying, fighting, or inappropriate physical displays of affection.
Positive, Supportive Learning Environment:
I have the right to a positive and supportive learning environment.
I have the responsibility to demonstrate a commitment to my learning.
Why?
A positive, supportive learning environment is necessary for success. Therefore, I will actively engage in the learning process, come to class on time prepared to learn, complete all class and homework assignments, and use my school agenda.
Appropriate Language:
I have the right to be spoken to respectfully.
I have the responsibility to speak politely and use language and tone of voice that is respectful to all members of the school community.
Why?
Being able to use appropriate and tasteful language is a valuable life skill. When language is offensive to others, hurt feelings may lead to further conflict. Therefore, I will not engage in name calling, yelling, swearing, or crude, rude or obscene language, whether it is spoken, written, implied or gestured.
Respect for School, Public and Private Property:
I have the right to a clean and well-maintained school-learning environment.
I have the responsibility to respect school property, as well as the property of staff, students and the people who live in our neighborhood.
Why?
Taking care of the school and its surroundings demonstrates pride in the school. A clean school offers a healthy and pleasant place to work. Therefore, I will use garbage cans and recycling bins appropriately. All students and staff should feel that their personal belongings at the school are safe. Therefore I will respect school property and other people’s belongings, and I will be accountable for any willful damage.
ORDERLY
An orderly school is one in which members of the school community are informed about and exercise their rights and responsibilities as school citizens. Expectations about acceptable behaviour, respect and decorum are generally understood. Responses to violations are based consistently on sound principles and are appropriate to the context.
Attendance:
I have the right to attend school without excessive disruptions.
I have the responsibility to attend all my classes and be punctual.
Why?
Success comes through respect, responsibility, honesty, trust and fairness. The most basic level of student responsibility is attending school. Therefore, I will be present and on time to the best of my ability, and I will bring in a note from my parents/guardian if I have been sick at home. I will also sign in or out if I am late to school or leaving early.
Personal Electronic Devices:
I have the right to a learning environment free from distractions such as walkmans, ipods, mp3 players, cameras, cell phones, game boys or other personal electronic devices.
I have the responsibility to keep my personal electronic devices at home or, if I bring them to school, off and secured in my locker during school hours.
Why?
Electronic devices can be distracting to student learning. Therefore I will ensure that my cell phone is turned off and stored in the office during the school day. I will also ensure that my personal technological devices will not be worn inside the school and will be stored in my locker during school hours.
Personal Appearance:
I have the right to dress comfortably in a way that reflects my personal style, and not be distracted by the clothing of other students. I have the responsibility to dress in a manner consistent with school expectations.
Why?
Positive personal appearance reflects good judgment, respect for others and respect for ourselves. Therefore, I will wear clothing that covers my underwear, is not unreasonably revealing (for example, no tube tops, low-cut t-shirts, spaghetti straps, or bare stomachs). I will not wear sunglasses, hats or hoods inside the school building or clothing with offensive words or slogans (for example, references to alcohol, drugs, violence, sex or racial slander). Exceptions may be considered for medical or cultural reasons.
Student Movement and Designated Areas:
I have the right to attend an orderly and safe school.
I have the responsibility to demonstrate orderly and safe conduct.
Why?
Students should be able to enjoy a peaceful and orderly environment. Therefore I will walk in the hallways, be respectful of people’s personal space and be in the areas that are designated for me at any given time during the school day.
SAFE
A safe school is one in which members of the school community are free of the fear of harm, including potential threats from inside or outside the school. The attitudes and actions of students, staff and parents support an environment that is resistant to disruption and intrusion, and ensures a constant focus on student achievement.
Closed Campus:
I have the right to be safe at school during my school day.
I have the responsibility to abide by school bells and boundaries.
Why?
The safety and security of students is of primary importance. School administration is legally responsible for student safety and whereabouts during the school day. Therefore I must bring written permission from my parent or guardian (or have a parent speak directly to office staff) in order to leave the school grounds.
Bikes, skateboards, roller blades, scooters, etc.:
I have the right to be in a safe environment that does not pose threats to my physical well being.
I have the responsibility to walk my bike, and carry my scooter, roller blades, and/or skateboard on school property.
Why?
The use of the above equipment or other wheeled vehicles on school property can be dangerous to the students themselves as well as others. Therefore I will walk my bike or carry my scooter, roller blades, and/or skateboard on school property during the school day.
School Bus:
I have the right to be safe and respected while riding any bus to and from school, or when on a field trip or an extra-curricular activity.
I have the responsibility to follow the school bus guidelines established by School District No. 62 (reference School District Policy C-320). I also have a responsibility to be viewed by the public in a positive manner.
Why?
The safety of students is a main concern. Therefore as an ambassador of the school I will abide by this Code of Citizenship when riding a school bus. In particular, I will get on an off the bus in a safe manner, ride facing calmly forward, and follow any directions given to me by the bus driver or other adult supervisor (reference School District Policy C-320).
Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco:
I have the right to be in a learning environment free of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.
I have the responsibility not to be in possession of, under the influence of, or involved in providing to others alcohol, drugs, or tobacco at any time at school or during any school function.
Why?
For our own protection and the protection of others, the law forbids the use or possession of these substances by students. Therefore I will not be in possession of, under the influence of, or involved in providing to others alcohol, drugs or tobacco. I understand that forbidden items include, but are not limited to: alcohol, illicit drugs as defined under the Criminal Code of Canada; unauthorized prescription drugs, and other chemical substances which impair a person’s judgment and ability to participate appropriately in the learning environment established by the school (reference School District Policies C-314).
Weapons, Violence or Intimidation:
I have the right to be in a learning environment that is free from weapons, violence (acts or threats of), or intimidation.
I have the responsibility to not be in possession of any weapons, fireworks, or any other illegal items nor be involved in violence (acts or threats of), or intimidation. I have a responsibility to report to school staff if I believe there are acts of violence, threats of violence, intimidation, or if there is a weapon in the school.
Why?
Weapons, violence (acts or threats of), and intimidation will not be tolerated at school. Therefore I will refrain from any involvement with weapons, fireworks or any other illegal items, and I will not be involved in any acts of violence, threats or intimidation. I will report violence, weapons, intimidation or threats to individuals’ safety immediately to school staff (reference School District Policies C-316).