Hillcrest Middle School

HILLCREST MIDDLE SCHOOL 1530 Springwell Ave. Mississauga, Ontario L5J 3H6

Telephone: (905) 822-1657 Fax: (905) 822-2955

STUDENT HANDBOOK 2014 – 2015

Hillcrest’s Motto At Hillcrest We CARE Care, Achieve, Respect and Encourage

Mrs. V. McKinnon Ms N. Gonsalves Principal Vice Principal

This student agenda belongs to:

Name ______

Address ______

Phone ______Homeroom ______

Students, Parents and Guardians: Please read the enclosed pages carefully with your child and sign where indicated to show that you have read and understood the expectations of our school. Welcome to Hillcrest!

Whether you are joining us as a new student or as a returning Hillcrest student we welcome you to an exciting new beginning.

Meeting deadlines, being organized and managing time are lifelong skills which we all need in order to be successful individuals. One of the school's main goals is to prepare you for your own future. Independent study habits and responsibility for your own learning are critical to ensuring success now and in the future.

In Grades 6, 7 and 8, you will be taught by more teachers and you will be expected to complete homework and independent assignments, on time, as required by staff.

The student agenda is an important organizational tool that will help you stay organized. Student agendas are available for purchase from the school at a cost of $10.00. Your teachers will assist you in its daily use. Carry your agenda with you at all times and jot down dates, deadlines, tests, assignments, etc. If you lose your agenda, you may purchase a replacement for a fee of $10.00.

There is a 12 minute homeroom time at the beginning of each school day to make sure you have the time to organize your materials. Students must be responsible for writing down all homework at the end of each class. We are here to help you succeed, but we can't do it alone. You must make a personal commitment to staying organized.

Coming to class prepared for learning is essential for student success. In order to be fully prepared in the coming year it is suggested that each student come to school every day with the following materials: notebooks pencil case scissors binders and dividers pencils glue stick three ring lined paper eraser geometry set duotangs pencil crayons calculator ruler pens memory stick glue stick highlighters (2 colours)

Your teachers will tell you more specifically what you will need on the first day of school.

It is also suggested to have the following resources at home:

Thesaurus English Dictionary French/English Dictionary La Bescherelle (French Immersion students only)

Set your goals and plan to make this your best year yet! Everything you do makes a difference. You are in control of your own destination. We are all looking forward to working with you at Hillcrest this year!

The Hillcrest Staff

2 HILLCREST MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHING STAFF 2014-2015

Homeroom ______

Homeroom teacher/advisor ______

English ______

French ______

History/Geography ______

Mathematics ______

Science ______

P.E./Health ______

Art ______

Music ______

Drama/Dance ______

Principal Mrs. V. McKinnon

Vice Principal Ms N. Gonsalves

Office Manager Ms D. Onslow

Assistant Office Manager Mrs. M. Robinson

Hillcrest Middle School 3 DAILY TIMES AND ROUTINES

8:50 School Yard Supervision Begins 9:00 - 9:05 Entry 9:05 - 9:17 Homeroom/Announcements 9:17 - 10:05 Period 1 10:05 - 10:53 Period 2 10:53 - 11:41 Period 3

11:41 - 12:34 pm Lunch

12:34 - 12:41 Entry 12:41 - 1:29 Period 4 1:29 - 2:17 Period 5 2:17 - 3:05 Period 6 3:05 Dismissal/Buses 3:20 School yard supervision ends

ACADEMIC PROGRAM The academic program at Hillcrest follows Ontario Ministry of Education and The Peel Board of Education curriculum guidelines. The organization of the program will provide students with opportunities to experience not only teacher directed learning, but also collaborative learning with other students, independent study and investigation.

It is the responsibility of the homeroom or subject area teacher to keep parents informed of progress through the regular reporting process and through contacts, either written or telephone, as need arises.

Processes around assessment, evaluation, and reporting are governed by Ministry of Education and board policies are described in Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting in Ontario Schools, Grades 1- 12.

CHANGE OF ACADEMIC PROGRAM From time to time students decide to change from a French Immersion program to a full English program. At the Grades 6, 7 and 8 level, students who leave the French Immersion program will be expected to return to the English program at their neighbourhood senior public school.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENT/GUARDIANS Parents play an important role in their child’s education. In addition to ensuring your child attends school regularly and on time, your role is to monitor your child’s time at home and to expect your child to do academic work each night.

1) Establish a time to work on school work each evening 2) Ensure that your child has a quiet place to work, free of distractions such as television and the stereo 3) Take time to check your child's planner each day to assist with planning for assignments

The greatest predictor of student success in school is the involvement of a parent or guardian. Your role is very important if you wish your child to be successful in school and in the future. TIPS FOR STUDENTS FROM STUDENTS  be prepared for class and do your best  participate in school activities and have fun  do your homework every night  think positively  treat everyone the way you would like to be treated  follow the C.A.R.E. motto

4 ANAPHYLACTIC ALLERGIES Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction which involves several body systems (skin, upper and lower respiratory, gastro-intestinal and cardiovascular systems). The most dangerous reactions are breathing difficulties and a drop in blood pressure. The reaction can develop within seconds of exposure; it is severe and can lead to rapid death if untreated. A life-threatening reaction can be triggered by: foods, insect stings, medication, exercise, and latex.

Food accounts for approximately 50% of all anaphylactic reactions and this proportion is higher in children. Any food can cause anaphylaxis but in North America, 9 foods account for more than 90% of all reactions. These are: peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, soy, sesame seed and wheat. Parents are requested to refrain from sending peanuts, nuts, or nut products to school for lunch or snacks.

In order to create a safe environment for all students at Hillcrest Middle School  please inform us if your child has allergie s  complete an anaphylaxis emergency plan with information specific to your child if necessary  ensure that your child always carries epinephrine (Epi-pen) and wears a Medic Alert identification bracelet.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND OPENING EXERCISES School begins each day at Hillcrest with the playing of ‘O Canada’ and the reading of the daily announcements. All students are asked to stand for ‘O Canada’. Students are expected to remain stationary in the school during the national anthem. All announcements will be also posted each morning on the LCD projector in each classroom, in the hall outside of the gym and outside of the school library.

ATTENDANCE ROUTINES All students are expected to attend school on a regular and punctual basis. If your child is going to be absent or late, please call the school at 905-822-1657 and speak to the office staff or leave a message on the answering machine (between 4:00pm and 8:30am). If your child is absent without an explanation, we will attempt to phone you. Signed and dated notes are required for all absences of 5 or more consecutive days. All students must report to the school office prior to leaving the school during the school day.

Chronic lateness or absenteeism will be discussed with the parents and the principal. Students who are frequently late miss prime instructional time and disrupt the learning of others when entering the class.

The following attendance routines have been established: a. Late for school: Students must report to the office, obtain an Admit Slip and give it to the teacher upon entering the classroom. b. Leaving school early: bring a written note to the school office before school begins indicating the time you are to leave. Obtain an Excuse Slip from the school office and give it to the classroom teacher. Sign out at the office prior to leaving the building. c. Sickness during the day: student sickness should be reported to a staff member, who will make arrangements for the student to come to the health area near the school office. If, after approximately one half hour, the student appears to require on-going attention, parents will be contacted and alternate arrangements for the student will be made.

5 AWARDS

Hillcrest CARE Awards

The CARE Award is for students who Care, Achieve, Respect and Encourage each other while striving to be the best they can be.

The CARE Award is awarded monthly to up to three students from each class who:

 set high goals and strive to achieve them  demonstrate a positive attitude  strive for success  encourage classmates with positive comments  treat others with kindness and respect  act as an excellent role model for others  display conscientious work habits  stick with a task until it is completed  listen well, work hard, and do his or her best consistently

Hillcrest Graduation Awards

These awards will be granted to candidates who demonstrate CARE and meet all of the criteria:

Student of the Year: Awarded to one female or male student who consistently achieves to the best of his/her ability, is strongly involved in the school, and leads by example.

Valedictorian: One female or male student who demonstrates leadership throughout her/his years at Hillcrest, high academic standards, the CARE philosophy consistently, gets along well with and is respected by both peers and staff, is involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities, is comfortable speaking in front of an audience and demonstrates a positive attitude in all settings.

Top Academic Student Learning in English: Awarded to one female or male student with the highest mode of all subjects. All subjects counted once (Language, French, Math, Science, History, Geography, the Arts, PE).

Top Academic Student Learning in French: Awarded to one female or male student with the highest mode of all subjects. All subjects counted once (Language, French, Math, Science, History, Geography, the Arts, PE).

Principal’s Award for Citizenship: Awarded to up to 3 female and/or male students who consistently exemplify and model C.A.R.E. policy.

OPC Principal’s Award for Student Leadership: Awarded to one female or male student who demonstrates strong leadership in school activities (in classroom and extracurricular). Shows great initiative and inspires others.

Most Improved Student: Awarded to up to 2 female and/or male students who demonstrate an improvement from Grades 7 to 8 in academics (grades) or Learning Skills.

Student Athlete of the Year: Awarded to up to 2 female and/or male students who demonstrate consistent work ethic in practice and games, dedicated to improvement in athletics, exemplary sportsmanship, and demonstrates excellence in athletics.

Kyle Nemecek Award: Awarded to the female or male French Immersion student who is a quiet leader, a good citizen, hard-working and respected by others.

Fine Arts Award: Awarded to up to two female or male students who demonstrate excellence in the three Arts areas: Music, Drama/Dance, and Visual Arts.

6 ENTRANCES AND EXITS Early in the school year, teachers will direct students to use specific entrances and exits. If students are late or must leave early, they must use the main entrance to the school and be signed out by a parent or guardian. Students may not use the front doors of the school at other times.

On days with inclement weather, students will be allowed to enter the building prior to normal entrance times.

EXCURSIONS AND FIELD TRIPS Throughout the school year, Hillcrest students will have several opportunities to travel outside the immediate school environment to areas of learning and enrichment within Mississauga and nearby communities.

Student involvement in school trips is conditional upon the signed permission of parents. We endeavour to keep costs to a minimum and provide maximum value for money.

While on school trips, students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible Hillcrest manner, demonstrating respect for trip supervisors and co-operation in fulfilling all policies of the area visited. In this respect, failure to demonstrate satisfactory in-school conduct may preclude a student's participation in an out-of- school trip.

GUIDANCE COUNSELING SERVICES Students at Hillcrest are encouraged to make use of counseling services to assist them with personal and/or school-related difficulties. Appointments to see the Guidance Counselor may be made at any time. On occasion, staff members may initiate an interview when they feel there is a need. Students have, in the past, made excellent use of this service.

HILLCREST SCHOOL COUNCIL The Hillcrest School Council acts in an advisory capacity to the Administration of our school. The Council is comprised of parents, teachers and a community representative. Meetings are held monthly in the school library. Parents will be informed of all meeting dates early in the school year.

Hillcrest Middle School is fortunate to have parent volunteers who are commited to organizing fundraising initiatives at the school in conjunction with our School Council. These dedicated volunteers assist in school fundraising and spirit activities. Parent/guardian help with fund raising is invaluable! All funds raised go back into the school to purchase resources and learning materials for student use.

HILLCREST STUDENT GOVERNMENT  provide leadership for the students attending Hillcrest  provide opportunity for students to discuss and implement ideas  provide a student voice at Hillcrest  plan and organize various school activities throughout the school year  develop school spirit

The Student Government meets once a month over the lunch hour. It is made up of 2 representatives from EACH homeroom. Elections take place each fall.

LEARNING MATERIALS AND PERSONAL PROPERTY Throughout the school year students will have access to and use of a variety of school supplied learning materials and texts. We would ask that these materials be used with care so as to provide maximum opportunity for availability to the student body. Loss of or willful damage to materials will result in a monetary request to assist in replacement. Similarly, students are to respect the personal property of others. Bicycles left on school property are left at the owner’s risk. All bicycles left on school property must be locked in the bicycle racks provided.

7 LIBRARY The Library Program at Hillcrest is based on the Ministry of Education document "Partners in Action". This document requires teachers and teacher-librarians to work together to plan learning situations in which students use research and information skills to acquire knowledge and apply it to their curricular studies. The library also houses our main computer lab. Computers are used in an integrated approach to curriculum studies.

All students may borrow 2 items at any given time for a two week period, after which time these items should be returned or renewed. It is the responsibility of the student to pay for lost or damaged library materials. Students may use the library during school hours, on an individual basis, for borrowing materials, browsing and researching their own interests but must act responsibly and respect the rules of the library at all times.

LOST AND FOUND It is recommended that materials and items of clothing regularly used at school be labeled with the student's name. The school cannot be responsible for the personal materials of students. A "Lost and Found" box is maintained in the hallway near the gymnasium. Please check it regularly for missing items of clothing. The lost and found box will be cleaned out once a month and the unclaimed contents donated to charity. Items which have considerable value, and have been turned in will be kept in the school office.

Electronic devices, including IPODS, IPhones, IPads, IPad Minis, MP3 players, cell phones, cameras etc may be used at school as instructional tools. The school cannot, however, assume responsibility for these valuable items if they are lost. If found, the electronic device will be held in safe-keeping in the school office. Students may retrieve cellphones and all other electronic devices from the school administration after school hours.

LUNCH HOUR Students who travel by bus to school are expected to eat lunch at school. Due to safety and supervision concerns, we strongly urge that all other students eat lunch at school or are supervised at home for lunch. Students are discouraged from going to the two local plazas. A history of serious problems is associated with this practice. We cannot monitor students if they leave the school grounds.

Students should bring a lunch to school with them. There are a variety of lunch options available on a regular basis, which students will have the opportunity to order in advance.

All students are expected to follow these lunch hour procedures:  Students must eat in their assigned lunchroom; attendance is monitored daily  Once in the lunchroom, students must remain seated until dismissed  Directions given by the lunchroom supervisor must be followed at all times  All garbage or recyclable materials must be deposited in bins  No food or drinks are to be consumed in school hallways or outside the school at any time

If a student, who regularly stays for lunch, wishes to leave the school at over the lunch hour, a written and dated request from the parent/guardian must be provided to the homeroom teacher during attendance on the day of the requested absence. Verbal permission will not be accepted. The homeroom teacher will send the notes to the office in the attendance folder. Our prime concern is the safety of all our students. We are unable to monitor the whereabouts of our students if they leave the school grounds without permission. Students who leave the school property over the lunch hour, with parent/guardian permission, must sign in and out of the school in the binder provided in the front hall of the school.

8 MEDICATION We ask that no medication be sent to school with students at any time. It is the policy of the Peel District School Board that any student medication be hand-delivered to the school office by a responsible adult. Medication is not normally dispensed at school. If, however, it is necessary for the on-going welfare of a student, documentation must be completed and signed by a physician. This documentation must be returned to the school office, where it will be kept on file.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION All students are expected to take part in Physical Education classes. For reasons of good hygiene and safety it is essential that appropriate dress be worn during these and other athletic activities. A uniform dress for team sports, house league activity and physical education classes enhances school spirit. It is expected that all Grades 6, 7 and 8 Hillcrest pupils will wear the required uniform.

The Hillcrest Physical Education student uniform consists of:

 running shoes with light coloured soles  Hillcrest T shirt  hemmed physical education shorts  tube socks  track pants may be worn for outdoor classes in cool weather with the teacher's permission

Students may purchase T-shirts from their physical education teachers early in the school year.

Non-participants in physical education classes are required to present their physical education teacher with a medical certificate for long-term excuses and a note from parents for short-term non-participation.

TELEPHONES

From time-to-time students may wish to use a telephone to contact home during the day. At the Grades 7 and 8 level, it is expected that students will use the pay telephone, located in the hallway near the gymnasium, only after school hours. The phone accepts change as well as Bell payphone cards.

Cell phones may not be used in the school during the school day, unless with staff permission.

All students must seek assistance at the school office if they are ill. Our office managers will call home.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL All visitors and volunteers must report to the school office upon entering the building and sign in. All visitors and volunteers must wear an identifying nametag. When leaving the building, visitors and volunteers must sign out at the school office and return the nametag.

For safety and security reasons all doors are locked after the students have entered the building.

9 THE HILLCREST CODE OF CONDUCT AND CONTRACT PAGES

Please review the following pages with your child and sign where indicated  The Hillcrest Code of Conduct  The Hillcrest Dress Code  Neighbourhood Excursions, Pictures and Videos, Safe Arrival  Personal Property at School  Email Guidelines for Students  Parent Expectations re Lunchtime  Student Busing Agreement (bus students only)

THE HILLCREST CODE OF CONDUCT The Hillcrest Code of Conduct applies to all members of the school community including students, parents and guardians, volunteers and school staff, whether they are on school property, on school busses, at school- authorized events or activities, or in any other situation that may impact the school climate. The Hillcrest Code of Conduct is aligned with Bill 212 of the Education Act.

Please read the following pages with your child and sign below indicating that they have been reviewed.

We have reviewed the Hillcrest Code of Conduct together.

______Student signature Parent/guardian signature Date

HILLCREST DRESS CODE Hillcrest Middle School is a place of learning. Our Dress Code reflects the standards of our school. It has been shared with all members of our Learning Community: School Council, Staff and Students. We ask that all members of our Learning Community make respectful and responsible choices when dressing for school.

 All clothes must be free of discriminatory, sexual, racial, religious, alcohol and drug related slogans and pictures.  Underwear must not be visible – ie boxer shorts or bra straps showing. Tank tops must have shoulder straps. Tops that tie at the neck are not permissible.  Midriffs and cleavage must be covered.  Shorts, skirts and dresses must address comfort, safety and modesty.  Hats and bandanas may not be worn in school

We have reviewed the Hillcrest Middle School Dress Code.

10 NEIGHBOURHOOD EXCURSIONS PICTURES AND VIDEOS SHARING OF INFORMATION PERSONAL PROPERTY

Neighbourhood Excursions ______Parent/guardian signature Date

During the year, students may, as part of their program take a walking excursion within the Lorne Park neighbourhood. If a walking excursion involves crossing major roads, your child’s teacher will share this information with you before the excursion.

Pictures/Videos ______Parent/guardian signature Date

There may be times throughout the year that students may have their pictures taken during a variety of activities. These pictures may be displayed publicly, in newsletters, communication with our feeder schools or within our own school. We are aware that there are families who do not wish their children photographed or videotaped. In order to ensure privacy, we must ask for permission to photograph or videotape students.

Sharing of Information ______Parent/guardian signature Date

Permission is also required to share information (home phone and business phone numbers and emergency contacts) with volunteers who assist at Hillcrest.

I wish to give permission for all of the activities above:

Child’s Name: ______Teacher: ______

Signature of Parent/Guardian: ______Date: ______

PERSONAL PROPERTY AT SCHOOL I understand that all electronic devices, such as Lazer Pointers, or devices which are disruptive to the teaching and learning of others, may not be brought to school.

I understand that electronic devices such as IPODS, IPhones, IPads, IPad Minis, MP3 players, cell phones, cameras and electronic games etc, are the express responsibility of the owner and may only be used outside of school hours (8:50am – 3:10pm) or as an instructional tool, with teacher permission, during class time. These devices should otherwise be kept locked in the student’s locker during the school day.

11 EMAIL GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS

The Peel District School Board recognizes that e-mail is a valuable communication tool that is widely used in our society. The Board encourages staff and students to use e-mail to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our communication within the Hillcrest Learning Community and the broader community outside of our school.

The following guidelines should be adhered to when using e-mail:

 Parental consent for student use of e-mail must be provided in addition to consent for student use of the Internet.  E-mail written by students for school purposes should be treated as any other student writing. Appropriate attention must be paid to spelling, grammar, presentation and plagiarism.  E-mail cannot contain identifying information about the sender or any other students. This includes addresses, pictures and other personal information.  Students are responsible for all e-mail sent from their account and must take care to protect access to the account by keeping their password secret and by logging off when they leave the workstation.  The Board has the right to access and disclose the contents of a student's e-mail messages.

The following is acceptable student to staff member e-mail communications:  Discussions specifically related to class activities - curriculum, homework, tests, special events.

The following is unacceptable student to staff member e-mail communications:  Any discussion related to other students  Personal information about other students  Discussion about the personal life of a staff member or student (home life, vacations, relationships)

We have reviewed the Email Guidelines for students.

12 PARENT EXPECTATIONS RE LUNCHTIME

Please complete this form as soon as possible. If this form is not returned, we will assume that the student is to stay at school each day for lunch. Thank you for your support.

Student’s Name ______

Homeroom ______

Homeroom Teacher ______

I expect that my child will (please check one):

 remain at school every day for lunch

 come home to a supervised home every day for lunch

 do a combination of the above (provide details below)

Please provide details of alternate arrangements for your child:

______

If my child normally stays for lunch but is going to be off school property for any reason, I will provide the school with a signed and dated note on the morning of that day and agree to assume full responsibility for my child while he/she is off school property.

13 STUDENT BUSING AGREEMENT 2013-2014

At Hillcrest, We CARE. (Care, Achieve, Respect and Encourage each other). At all times, students must exercise care, caution, good manners, and consideration for other people. In the interest of the safety of all students, each bus student must carry a bus card in a water resistant tag at all times. It is recommended that these bus cards are attached to the student’s back pack. Bus cards will be checked. Bus students without cards will be asked to make alternate arrangements for transportation home.

Arriving at the Pick-Up Point  Students will be picked up and discharged at designated stops only  Students are required to arrive at their designated stop at least 5 minutes before pick-up time  Students must respect neighbours’ property while waiting for their bus

Boarding the Bus  Students must board the bus quickly in an orderly manner, without pushing or crowding  Students must take seats as directed by the driver

Getting off the Bus  Students must remain seated until the bus has reached a full stop and exit in an orderly manner

Conduct on School Buses  Books and belongings should be kept on the student’s lap or under the seat  Aisles must be kept clear  Students o must qualify for busing o must not talk to or interfere with the bus driver o must remain seated until exiting the bus o must not throw anything inside the bus or out of the windows o must not eat or drink on the bus o must not smoke on the bus o must ride on designated buses ONLY

Students may not ride to or from school on a different bus.

STUDENT SAFETY IS THE BUS DRIVER’S MOST IMPORTANT CONCERN! It is expected that students will appreciate the privilege of riding a school bus by conforming to all rules of conduct. A student who behaves inappropriately will be reported to the school administration and a “pink slip” will be issued to the student. Parents will be informed.

The school reserves the right to remove bus privileges. Students will be held accountable for any damages to the bus that result from their behaviour.

All bussing information, including bus cancellations, requests for courtesy bussing and permission to ride on an alternate bus may be found through the school website or at www.stopr.ca.

I have read the Student Busing Agreement and agree to conform to safety expectations outlined. I acknowledge that riding the bus is a privilege that must be earned on a continuous basis.

______Student signature Parent/guardian signature Homeroom teacher Date