93 Samuel Danial Drive, Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia B3G 1S8 |
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Clothing/Dress Code Updated Sept 08 |
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Drugs/Alcohol/Energy Drinks Updated Sept 08 |
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Intramurals Updated Sept 08 |
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Resource Updated Sept 08 |
Scent Free/Nut Free Updated Sept 08 |
Telephones,
Electronic Devices and other personal equipment- Updated
Sept 08 |
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PEBS - Positive Effective Behavioural Support Descriptions of Behaviours and Procedures
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9:00 Start Time
MISSION STATEMENT
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL
REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS
PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING
Changes to Reporting Periods and Report Cards This year all junior high schools in the HRSB are using a three term reporting period with significant modifications to the report card. Our report cards will utilize a letter code for grades 7 and 8 students and a number code for grade 9 students. More detailed information will be available through parent-teacher visitations and ongoing communication throughout the year.
Grades 7 and 8 - The following chart represents the four symbols, which will be used in evaluating grade 7 and 8 student achievement in terms of the expected learning outcomes for each subject. Please be advised that the letter grades refer directly to the written descriptions beside them and are in no way tied to the more traditional number grades. * The letter grade E has been eliminated this year. Minor changes to descriptions have also been made.
| A Student consistently demonstrates achievement of the expected learning outcomes addressed during the current reporting period. The student's work may exceed program expectations. B Student demonstrates achievement of most of the expected learning outcomes addressed during the current reporting period. The student's work meets program expectations. C Student usually demonstrates achievement of some of the expected learning outcomes addressed during the current reporting period. The student's work approaches program expectations D Student rarely demonstrates achievement of the expected learning outcomes addressed during the current reporting period. The student's work does not meet program expectations. |
Grade 9 - The following chart represents the number code, which will be used to evaluate grade 9 student achievement in terms of the expected learning outcomes for each subject as established by the Department of Education. Please note that although grade 9 students are evaluated using number grades these figures are still a measure of achievement on curriculum outcomes and are not averages derived from scores on assignments, tests, quizzes, etc. Under the new assessment policy our teachers are required to do assessments and evaluations on curriculum outcomes only. For example: A grade of 70% on a math test may appear to be a reasonable grade. However, if that same test measures three different outcomes it would be possible for a student to do very well on two of them but poorly on the third. It is important for parents to keep in close contact with teachers to gain insight into the achievement of curriculum outcomes.
| 90-100% |
The student demonstrates excellent or outstanding performance in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course. |
80-89% |
The student demonstrates very good performance in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course. |
70-79% |
The student demonstrates good performance in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course |
60-69% |
The student demonstrates satisfactory performance in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course |
50-59% |
The student demonstrates minimally acceptable performance in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course |
Below 50% |
The student has not met minimum requirements in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course. |
The HRSB has adopted a new report card for the 2006-07 school year. This report card will be similar to previous years except it will display English Language Arts in three sections and French Language Arts in four sections. Significant work has also been done to improve the comment system to provide parents and guardians with detailed information on student achievement. Sample Report Card (Grade 9)
Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
Final |
Comments |
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Mathematics D. Reid |
58 |
66 |
63 |
62 |
The student has demonstrated proficiency in the areas of mental math and algebra. The student needs to focus on using level three questioning strategies when attempting word problems. |
Eng LA Speaking/Listening M. Turner |
55 |
55 |
60 |
57 |
The student demonstrates satisfactory skills while listening to instructions and attempts to use proper speaking skills in smaller groups. The student shows minimal performance in the area of public speaking. |
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
Accidents Students are to report all accidents or injuries to a teacher immediately so that they may be handled appropriately by school personnel who will, if necessary, contact parents to arrange for medical treatment.
Attendance Regular school attendance is mandatory for all students under the age of 16. If a student will be absent please call the school at 462-8401 and leave a message stating their name, grade and reason for the absence. Messages may be left 24 hours a day. Please call before 9:00 am to avoid the necessity of our school secretary having to contact the home. It is the student's responsibility to arrange for work missed on days when the student is absent. Please arrange for a fellow student to collect homework in the event of an absence or call the school's homework line. We track attendance data in the office and have structured consequences for students who are chronically late.
Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller Blades, Scooters, Wheely Sneakers Skateboards and scooters are not permitted at school for general safety reasons and the inability to provide adequate storage. Students who choose to use roller blades or bicycles are reminded to follow all of the proper safety rules regarding helmets and pads. Neither roller blades nor bicycles may be used on the school property. Bicycles must be secured by a lock to the bicycle rack at the front of the school and roller blades must be taken off immediately upon arrival to school. Sneakers with wheels built into the soles are forbidden due to saftey.
Bus Policy Secondary students who live 3.6 km or more from the school are eligible for bus service through STOCK TRANSPORTATION. Students are reminded to be at their bus stop at least 5 minutes before their scheduled time, to remain in their seats until the bus comes to a complete stop, and to follow all bus safety rules. No food or drinks are to be eaten on the school bus. Students can be removed from the bus for up to five days if this policy is not followed. Written warnings will be issued if a problem presents itself.
Clothing/Dress Code Students are not permitted to wear outside clothing such as jackets, hats, or outside vests in the classroom. Students are not permitted to bring purses, hand bags, or shoulder bags into classrooms. They can bring a small sports bag during the times they have phys ed. but these bags must only contain gym gear. Lockers are available for all students as part of their annual student fee. All outer clothing, purses, bags, phones and MP3 players are to be stored in these lockers. Students are also reminded that, since a portion of their education is to prepare them for the workplace, appropriate dress at school does not include muscle T-shirts, tank tops or clothing that can be termed skimpy or offensive. Items deemed inappropriate may include the following; skirts or dresses that fall too far above the knee, tops revealing the midriff, back, shoulders, and other areas. The presence of gestures, symbols or signals of any kind, which could be interpreted as rude, will not be tolerated. Any items of clothing with slogans referring to drugs, alcohol or sex are inappropriate dress for school. Please adhere to these guidelines as such clothing tends more to distract than to help the learning process. Where attire is considered to be inappropriate the student will then be given the opportunity to change into alternate wear. Repeated infractions will be dealt with under the school's code of conduct.
Drugs /Alcohol / Energy Drinks Should a student be found under the use of drugs or alcohol in the school, on the school grounds, during school hours, or a school sponsored activity or trip, he or she will be immediately suspended and dealt with under the school’s discipline policy. If, in the opinion of the principal and/or vice-principal, the use of such substances is more than a one-time occurrence, a referral to an appropriate agency will be made. Energy drinks containing tuarine and excessive caffeine are also forbidden at EPEC. The consumption of these drinks ahve been linked to serious health complications in teenagers. One of these drinks can contain as much caffeine as eight cups of coffe in some cases. Some common brands to watch for are Red Bull, Rockstar, NOS, Nitro, Full Throttle, Sobe, Monster and Tab Energy.
Extra-Curricular Programs Eastern Passage Education Centre enters teams in volleyball, badminton, cross country running, cheerleading, softball, basketball and wrestling. Teams compete in county, regional and provincial levels. Other clubs such as Ski Club, Leadership, Bike Club, Audio Visual Club, etc., round out each year's activities. Students who take part in extra curricular activities do so as ambassadors of EPEC and as such must maintain an acceptable level of academic performance and behaviour. Students with failing grades, missing assignments, and office referrals and/or suspensions will be subject to restrictions on their extra-curricular involvement or referral to the Effort and Attitude to Play program.
Guidance The overall aims of the Guidance Program at Eastern Passage Education Centre are to assist students:
1. To know and appreciate themselves;
Homework Research has found that teachers in effective schools require homework more often from students and provide students with feedback about how well their homework was completed. Homework tells the student that learning is more than just a schoolroom activity that expectations go beyond minimum effort and that independent learning is valued. Homework is defined as schoolwork done outside scheduled class time. The types of homework vary with subjects and teachers. Junior High School students may be expected to spend an average of one to one and one-half hours on homework. Times will vary with students and circumstances. Review for end of term may demand longer study times. In addition to completing specific homework, students should spend a few minutes reviewing the work of the day in each subject. Such review by students is highly effective in terms of the amount learned per minute.Select a regular place, quiet and well lit. Choose a regular time; maintain the schedule, even when you have few or no assignments. Advantages of these practices are as follows:
Internet Policy The Internet is a global computer network that offers a wealth of resources. Students can use the Internet to locate materials to meet their educational needs. As information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate or use. They might encounter information that is inaccurate, controversial and potentially harmful. For this reason, students are to use the school-provided Internet access only under direct teacher permission and supervision.To ensure that students benefit from the school’s Internet resources, all users are expected to adhere to the following guidelines that are in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy of the Halifax Regional School Board. The use of the school computer network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. The following are rules for responsible users:
1. Visit only sites related to your school assignments and other teacher- approved sites.
Intramurals The Intramural program at Eastern Passage Education Centre tries to provide activities of a varied background so that all students may be involved. Activities such as dances, fund raising, special days, gymnasium activities, as well as arts and crafts and drama are provided throughout the year. The program is for the students, and we hope that all students will be active in Intramurals because it needs their support to be a success. Students can participate in these activities as long as they are not referred to Attitude and Effort to Play. A referral to this intervention by a teacher will result in a temporary suspension from all extra-curricular activities.
School Late Policy Students are expected to be at school on time each morning and afternoon. Anyone entering the school after our regular entry times is asked to report to the office for a late slip. After three inexcusable lates students will receive a one-hour detention after school. After four inexcusable lates the student will not be permitted to attend the next school dance. After five inexcusable lates a student will be suspended internally for one day and/or may be referred to do community service after school or on the weekend. Leaving School: All students must check in with the school secretary if they are leaving the building for any reason during the school day. For students leaving for medical appointments, etc. you are still asked to sign in and out at the main office before leaving. Parents are requested to send a note or call the school. Bus students are not to leave the school property during the lunchtime. Also, walking students who are not going home should remain on the school property.
Dance Privileges If students have four inexcusable lates they cannot attend the next dance. If they are suspended then they also lose their dance privileges and could lose other extracurricular privileges depending on the circumstances of the incident. If they display consistent appropriate behaviour then this can be reviewed and dance privileges may be reinstated the following month.
Lockers The use of a locker is included in the student registration fee. Your homeroom teacher will give you your locker number, a lock and combination once the student fee is paid. Locks are the property of the school and are used on a rental basis only for the school year. Lost locks must be replaced for a fee of $5.00. Students may not share their locker. Locks are to be used at all times and must be secured and locked when students are not at their locker. Proper use of the locker should ensure students are able to keep their possessions safely. Students are permitted to use their lockers at the beginning of our day and during break, before and after lunch and at the end of the day. These are the only times you may use your locker, so organization is important. During cold and rainy weather all boots, coats, etc., are to be stored in the lockers for safekeeping. Please do not leave your personal belongings in classrooms. The lockers may not be used to store scooters and skateboards, as they are too large and can damage the locker. As a result, scooters and skateboards may not be brought to school. The school reserves the right to inspect lockers without notice.
Lost and Found An area has been established in the main foyer for lost and found articles. In many instances very expensive sneakers, boots, jackets, jeans, etc., go unclaimed and eventually have to be donated to charity. If your child is missing an article of clothing, a pair of glasses, a key - please send them to the office to get permission to check the lost and found area.
Lunch Time Routine Bus students are the responsibility of the school and as a result are not permitted to leave the school grounds at any time during the school day. Our school is large and therefore seating in the cafeteria at lunchtime may have to be limited to bus students and walkers who live a fair distance from the school. Because of our current numberof bus students, the school board provides some supervision funding. During the lunch period students have access to the cafeteria during the first half hour and are then asked to go outside or to another activity for the remaining fifteen minutes. Parents do not have to pay a fee to have their child or children stay at the school for lunch. During severe weather, students remain inside for the full lunch period.
Medication The school is not permitted to dispense medication for any reason without the prior written request of parents and in those cases only for medication supplied to the school by the parents and their doctor. If your child suffers from frequent headaches, asthma, or other health related concerns, please advise the school secretary and she will provide you with the necessary form and list of procedures so that we can help accommodate the situation. Should your child be under the care of a doctor to the extent that prescription drugs need to be taken during school hours, the office must be notified. Please note - our student registration forms contain a space for Health Card numbers. When you receive this form in September, please take extra care to see that this valuable piece of information is filled in. In the event of an emergency when neither parent can be contacted, please make sure that an emergency phone number is noted on the registration form. If your child becomes ill during school hours, her/she will not be permitted to leave the school until a parent/guardian can be contacted and arrangements made for the student to safely leave the school.
Special Education Programming Eastern Passage Education Centre is most fortunate to employ the services of resource and learning centre teachers. The purpose of these programs is to help students:
Scent Free; Nut Free School Because of sensitivities to strong smells by a number of students and staff, EPEC has been designated a scent free school. All students, staff and visitors are asked to be considerate of the medical needs of others by refraining from the use of scented products. Products such as AXE Body Spray, spray deodorants, scented hair sprays and gels and even scented make-up can have a profound affect on the health of staff and students. Scented products are considered a severe threat in our school and consequences for not following our guidlines on scented products can result in disciplinary action. A number of our current students also have severe allergies to nut products. As a result we would ask all students and staff to refrain from bringing nut products to school. Our school cafeteria is already nut free.
Smoking The School Board has declared a policy that smoking will not be permitted on or near the grounds or in the building of any school. This policy applies to all activities including evenings and is in effect for students, staff, parents, and all visitors. The use of tobacco on or near school property will result in immediate disciplinary action.
Student Fee There is a fee of $25.00 per year for each student to cover the cost of locker rentals, the student planner, rental locks for the lockers, and student ID cards.
Study Skills A key objective of the staff at Eastern Passage Education Centre is to have our students become proficient in study and organizational skills. The administration of the school requires teachers to model these skills for students to learn. If there are any difficulties encountered with students in this area, the Guidance Counsellor offers a program of approximately five lessons geared to help students improve their skills. A course has been designed called Personal Development and Relationships. This course should provide opportunities for students and teachers to monitor their progress in terms of study and organizational skills.
Telephones, Electronic Devices, and Other Personal Equipment While there is generally no need for students to use the telephone during a regular school day, from time to time some circumstances do arise which warrant its use. In all cases students are to get permission from the main office or their supervising teacher before using the phone. In the case of the pay phone in the main lobby, permission must be given from the main office. By following these procedures, the school can assure that students who are ill or have had a problem have been brought to our attention so that appropriate action can be taken. Electronic phone devices such as pagers and cell phones may not be used during school hours (students must lock them up for the day). Digital cameras are not permitted on the premises due to the potential safety risk of pictures being posted online. MP3, CD, and portable digital devices are permitted at EPEC if used responsibly and during break and lunch hours only. All digital equipment should be locked inside lockers during class time. We are not responsible for any theft or loss of equipment. It is highly recommended that valuable electronic devices stay home with your child. Purses, backpacks, and any other shoulder or hand bags are also forbidden in the classroom. These items have caused significant disruptions to the learning environment in the past and could potentially compromise safety should illegal items be concealed inside. Small gym bags are permitted in classes only on days when students have phys ed classes but these bags should only contain gym gear.
Textbooks Every attempt is made to provide students with textbooks in each subject area. In areas where individual texts are not required, students are given handouts of teacher-made programs. When texts are issued, including novels, a record is kept of the condition of the book at the time of issue. Since each text is numbered, it is possible to tell which student has what text. Texts, which are lost or returned in a damaged condition, must be replaced at the student or parent's expense.
Traffic All parents, staff and community members are asked to observe the blue handicapped parking zones at the front of the school. These areas are to be kept clear at all times, and do not allow for the dropping off or picking up of students except for those vehicles bearing a handicap sticker or license. Because of the large number of walking students at EPEC, parents are asked to please drop off and pick up their children on Samuel Danial Drive and refrain from coming directly onto the school property at arrival and dismissal times.
Visitors For everyone’s safety, all parents and visitors must report to the main office prior to contacting any students or staff. Students are not to encourage other student visitors to the school or school grounds. Only registered students from Eastern Passage Education Centre will be permitted on the school property
EASTERN PASSAGE EDUCATION CENTRE CODE OF CONDUCT
PEBS – Positive Effective Behavioural Support PEBS is a provincial initiative that involves providing a structured system of behavioural expectations, instruction, rewards and consequences for students. PEBS is divided into four areas of expectations; respect for self, respect for learning, respect for others and respect for the environment. The staff at EPEC spent a significant amount of time developing the system below that outlines our school code of conduct under the PEBS program. We have categorized inappropriate behaviors into MINORS and MAJORS. Minor behaviors are typically handled by classroom teachers, while major behaviours are referred directly to the administration. Students who demonstrate positive behaviour will also be recognized by our staff on a regular basis.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Respect for Self
HALLWAY AND STAIRWELL EXPECTATIONS
Respect for Self
CAFETORIUM EXPECTATIONS
Respect for Self
COMPUTER LAB AND POD EXPECTATIONS
LIBRARY EXPECTATIONS
GYMNASIUM EXPECTATIONS
Respect for Self
SCHOOL GROUND EXPECTATIONS
Respect for Self
OFFICE EXPECTATIONS
WASHROOM EXPECTATIONS
Respect for Self
SCHOOL TRIP/FUNCTION EXPECTATIONS
MINORS : Behaviors that are handled by the classroom teacher OR the attending adult
MINORS
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These behaviors are handled by the classroom teacher OR the attending adult |
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** Classroom issues such as incomplete homework, cheating/plagiarism shall be handled by the classroom teacher or homework lunch program, however depending on circumstances, they may be referred to the office**
Descriptions of Minor Behaviors
A. Teasing and/or derogatory remarks Insulting, putting down or making fun of someone
B. Inappropriate cafeteria behavior Leaving garbage on tables, not pushing in chairs, refusal to place waste in appropriate containers, lack of manners when ordering food, attempting to take food or drink out of the cafeteria, disrespecting the lunch monitor, butting in line, asking for money, loud voices, throwing objects and physical violence
C. Disrespecting other students Comments, actions and mannerisms directed toward others in a harmful manner
D. Inappropriate behavior Silly, loud, obnoxious, rude or disruptive comments and actions
E. Non-compliance Refusal to complete work, sit in designated seating or any behavior meant to disregard instructions from a teacher or attending adult
F. Failure to follow dress code Wearing of clothing with offensive slogans; tops revealing the midriff, back, and shoulders (no spaghetti straps) and other areas; skirts or shorts that fall too far above the knee; muscle shirts and anything that could be termed skimpy or offensive for school.
G. Personal Displays of Intimacy Kissing, hugging, holding hands, and all other forms of intimacy
H . Lying Changing, omitting or stretching the real details of a story or event. Not telling the truth.
I. Use of scented material The use of scented products such as perfume, cologne, hair spray, gel, deodorant, lip gloss, body spray, etc. Students should use hair products and deodorant that are unscented. We have staff members and students who have severe allergies to scented products. Spray deodorants, colognes, perfumes and all aerosol products are forbidden even if they are unscented.
J. Inappropriate Assembly behavior Talking, not listening, facing the wrong direction, horseplay, disrespect, non-compliance, defiance and any form of counterproductive behavior.
K. Inappropriate use of electronic devices The use of electronic music or video game devices during class time, failure to store electronic devices in locker during class time, use of cell phones during school hours on school property and the use of digital cameras (forbidden). EPEC is not responsible for items that go missing or are stolen. We highly recommend that electronic devices remain at home.
L. Inappropriate hallway, door & stairwell behavior Running, pushing, yelling, or any loud and disruptive form of behavior.
M. Minor Vandalism (can be repaired without cost) Destroying another student's work, writing on desks or chairs, writing in washrooms (letters not engraved), or any form of destruction that can be repaired without cost.
N. Inappropriate use of personal equipment skateboards/roller blades/hat) Bringing skateboards or scooters to school is forbidden. Riding bikes, roller blades, and using wheelies (sneakers with wheels) on school property is not acceptable for safety reasons. These items must be carried or walked onto school property. Bicycles should be locked in the bike rack in front of the school. All headgear must be removed before entering the building.
O. Inappropriate representation of school (field trips, athletics, performances etc) Inappropriate behavior on school trips, athletic functions or during guest performances.
P. Minor Theft Hiding or taking items of small monetary or sentimental value without the intent of keeping them – a form of mischief.
Procedures The following steps are taken by teachers to help students correct minor behavior:
Step 1: Verbal Reminder of Expectations - recorded
Step 2: Verbal Reminder of Expectations, Discussion of Consequences for Minor #3
Step 3: Verbal Reminder of Expectations, 15 minute detention at break, phone call home
Step 4: Referral to the office as 4 minors constitutes a major
MAJORS: Behaviors that are immediately referred to a school administrator
MAJORS |
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These Behaviors are immediately referred to the administration |
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a Racial Misconduct Comments, drawings, actions or behavior that could be termed offensive to people from different cultures, religions and beliefs.
b Weapons Possession or use of known weapons or objects that could do significant harm to others. Please note that perfume and cologne are considered weapons if sprayed into the air.
c Non-Emergency Fire/911 Pulling the fire alarm or calling 911 is a serious criminal offence. Students involved in this form of behaviour will be suspended and referred to the RCMP immediately. The parents/guardians of a student in this situation could also be fined up to $600.00 to cover the costs of the emergency response.
d Skipping It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure children go to school in the morning. Students who leave the school or go to an unsupervised area after arriving on the premises will be considered skippers. The typical consequence for such an action is a detention or in some cases a suspension.
e Inappropriate Internet sites and/or print material Visiting non-educational websites, chat rooms, or possessing inappropriate print material. This form of behaviour usually results in a loss of privileges or, in severe cases, a suspension.
f Off school grounds without permission Students who do not have parent or guardian permission to walk home at lunch are not permitted to leave the school grounds. Students who remain at school for lunch may not walk beyond the cement pad in front of the building nor the paved paths and soccer field on the sides and back of the building.
g Sexual Harassment Any comment, physical contact, gesture or behaviour that degrades or offends someone sexually.
h Defiance Chronic non-compliance and refusal to follow the rules and procedures of the school.
i Smoking/Tobacco Tobacco products are forbidden to staff and students while on school property.
j Physical Aggression A physically violent act carried out by one individual with the intent to harm another.
k Drugs and/or Alcohol Possessing or being under the influence of an illegal drug (alcohol included).
l Fighting Physical violence between two or more students at the same time.
m Bullying Chronic verbal or physical harassment usually directed towards a single individual.
n Matches/lighter The possession of or use of matches /lighter on school grounds.
o Snowballs/Rocks Throwing snowballs, rocks, or any projectile while on school property.
p Major vandalism (requires monetary reparations) Destruction of school or personal property of others.
q Theft Taking items of significant monetary or sentimental value with the intent of keeping or selling them. Procedures The following are steps typically taken by a school administrator to help a student change major behaviours. The initial steps may not be taken if the behaviour is severe or if it has already occurred numerous times.
Step 1 Warning
Step 2 Consultation with parent/guardian in the form of a phone call or meeting
Step 3 In-office rest / phone call
Step 4 Detention/letter of apology/phone call
Step 5 Referral to guidance and/or school planning team
Step 6 Referral to student support teacher/phone call
Step 7 In-school suspension
Step 8 Out-of-school suspension (up to five days)
Step 9 Referral to RCH (race relations / cultural understanding / human rights) consultant
Step 10 Referral to our RCMP liaison officer
Step 11 Referral to HRSB Safe Schools Consultant
Step 12 Referral to the school discipline committee (suspension greater than five days)
Summary of General Daily Expectations for Students at EPEC
A successful student :
1. is regular in attendance;
2. is on time for classes;
3. is prepared for class with the necesary
4. regularly spends a reasonable amount of
5. brings a homework notebook and uses it
6. gives careful attention to the organization
7. respects his/her teachers, his/her fellow
8. respects the school building and premises,
9. follows the school's policies and
10. strives to achieve his/her personal best,