GRADE 8-12 Student Handbook 2015 - 2016
Home of the Golden Eagles
This Handbook belongs to:
Name: ______Grade: ______
1270 Strathmore Street, Nanaimo, BC V9S 2L9 (250) 753-2271 TABLE OF CONTENTS
The School
Timetable/Block Rotation...... 5 Student Council...... 17 School Map...... 6 Student Card/Activity Fee...... 17 Photos...... 17 Student Support Services Supervision...... 17 Telephones...... 17 Aboriginal Education...... 7 Textbooks...... 18 Addiction Services...... 7 Yearbook...... 18 Administration...... 7 Daily Physical Activity (DPA)...... 18 Counselling...... 8 Do’s & Don’t’s-Code/Conduct.....18-21 Library/Resource Centre...... 9 Cell Phones...... 21 Student Support...... 10 Classroom Attendance...... 21 Store...... 22 Programs Dress Code...... 22 Firecrackers/Stink Bombs...... 22 Hockey Academy...... 8 Hazing...... 23 Soccer Academy...... 8 Hallways...... 23 International Students...... 9 Long Term Absences...... 23 Learn @ Home...... 9 Office Attendance...... 24 Neighbours...... 24 General Information Race Relations...... 24 Safety...... 25 Reporting...... 11 Skateboards/Rollerblades...... 25 Honour Roll...... 12 Smoking...... 26 Passport to Education...... 13 Snowballs...... 26 Scholarships...... 13 Spectators...... 26 Awards...... 13 Truancy...... 27 Computers...... 13 Swarming...... 27 Extra-Curricular Drivers...... 14 Theft...... 28 Home Contact...... 14 Vandalism...... 28 Extra-Curricular Activities...... 14 Water guns, Water balloons...... 28 Leaving the School...... 15 Walkmans, Discmans, IPods...... 28 Lockers...... 16 Suspension Drug/Alcohol...... 29 Lost and Found...... 16 Emergency Procedures...... 29 Parking...... 16 Emergency Closure...... 29-30 Sport Fees...... 16 Grad Requirements...... 31 Grad Transition Standards...... 32
1 2 WOODLANDS TIMETABLE 2015/2016
Period MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Bells 8:23 – 8:30 8:23 – 8:30 8:23 – 8:30 8:23 – 8:30 8:23 – 8:30
A C B D Period 1 1 8:30 – 9:40 8:30 – 9:54 8:30 – 9:54 8:30 – 9:54 8:30 – 9:40 Room: Room: Room: Room:
Bells 9:40 – 9:47 9:54 – 10:01 9:54 – 10:01 9:54 – 10:01 9:40 – 9:47
B D A C Period 2 2 9:47 -10:57 10:01 – 11:25 10:01 – 11:25 10:01 – 11:25 9:47 – 10:57 Room: Room: Room: Room:
Lunch Break 10:57 – 11:37 11:25 – 12:05 11:25 – 12:05 11:25 – 12:05 10:57 – 11:22
C A D B Period 3 3 11:37 – 12:47 12:05 – 1:29 12:05 – 1:29 12:05 – 1:29 11:22 – 12:32 Room: Room: Room: Room:
Bells 12:47 – 12:54 1:29 – 1:36 1:29 – 1:36 1:29 – 1:36 12:32 – 12:39
D B C A Period 4 4 12:54 – 2:05 1:36 – 3:00 1:36 – 3:00 1:36 – 3:00 12:39 – 1:50 Room: Room: Room: Room: PLC 2:15 – 3:00 Silent Reading approximately 20 minutes following lunch Block Rotation on Friday rotates each week and is posted at the beginning of each week. Early dismissal Monday’s due to PLC time September 2015/16
3 FRIDAY BLOCK ROTATION 2015 - 2016 FRIDAY BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK FRIDAY FRIDAY ROTATION ROTATION 1ST SEMESTER 2ND SEMESTER Sep. 11 ABCD Feb. 5 BADC 18 CDAB 12 DCBA
25 BADC 19 ABCD Oct. 2 DCBA 26 CDAB 9 ABCD Mar. 4 BADC 16 CDAB 11 DCBA
23 PRO D Apr. 1 ABCD 30 BADC 8 CDAB Nov. 6 DCBA 15 BADC 13 ABCD 22 DCBA 20 CDAB 29 ABCD 27 BADC May 6 CDAB Dec. 4 DCBA 13 Pro D 11 ABCD 20 BADC 18 CDAB 27 DCBA Jan. 8 BADC Jun. 3 ABCD 15 DCBA 10 CDAB 22 ABCD 17 BADC 29 CDAB ROTATION
4 Woodlands Secondary School Site Map
5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
A. PRINCIPAL / VICE-PRINCIPAL
Your Principal and Vice-Principal are available to answer any questions you may have about Woodlands Secondary and the services it offers. We maintain an open door policy and are happy to communicate with students, parents and the community in order to receive feedback about the services provided and changes we can make to improve. Principal: Ms. Bailey Vice Principal: Ms. Girard
B. COUNSELLING
All students at Woodlands have a counsellor to help them in a variety of ways. You or your parents may make an appointment for help in any of the following areas: interpersonal relationships and communication, career development, educational planning, learning and study skills, human development and social awareness. Counsellors work closely with students, parents, staff and community resources to make the secondary school experience as valuable as possible for each individual. Further to our own counselling services, the school has access to various district resources and community agencies to help students.
C. LIBRARY/RESOURCE CENTRE
The Library is open every day for student use from 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., including lunch-time. The staff in the Woodlands Library are happy to help you find materials for assignments or research papers and are also available to help locate magazines and books for students and teachers to read. Woodlands participates in 20 minutes of silent reading each day and the library is a wonderful resource for this. Suggestions for good titles to purchase for the library are always appreciated as well.
6 7 D. ABORIGINAL EDUCATION
All aboriginal students have the option of an education assistant and tutor on site to provide services when needed. The focus of this department is to assist in education, learning and study skills, career preparation, and cultural awareness. Room 110 is open by appointment or drop in Monday to Friday.
E. STUDENT SUPPORT CENTRE
The Student Support Centre is designed to meet the individual needs of students. The emphasis is on strategies for successful learning, realistic goal setting and individual accountability.
F. YOUTH AND FAMILY ADDICTION SERVICES The VIHA Youth and Discovery services are dedicated to the promotion and encouragement of healthy families and healthy communities through the prevention of substance abuse, and by facilitating health and wellness where problems exist. This program serves adolescents who are experiencing problems related to alcohol or other drug use, is available for youth aged 12-19 and is confidential and flexible to allow for inclusion of any young person whose needs can be potentially met by this program. Phone: (250) 753-2271 (school) or (250) 739-5790
8 PROGRAMS
HOCKEY ACADEMY
The Hockey Academy is designed to provide additional training for Minor Hockey aged players by focusing on individual skill development as part of a regular academic program. The program is open to keen students who wish to improve their individual skills and maximize their potential on and off the ice. The program is connected to Hockey Canada Skills Academy standards and the students are on the ice three times a week with two days of class instruction on areas such as nutrition, fitness, cross training and mental imagery training. Hockey Canada supports the use of academies that maximize the arena facility use during weekday hours. Application forms are available in the front office. Registration must be accompanied by an application form.
SOCCER ACADEMY
This course is designed for keen soccer players who have the desire and commitment to develop their soccer skills and knowledge in an educational setting, as part of their regular academic program. Registrants should be participating in youth soccer at the club-level or above. The focus of the course is individual development rather than inter-school competition. For many, this developmental program will enhance their opportunity to take their game beyond high school or youth soccer, to the college or university level. Strong academic performance is emphasized throughout the student’s development. Application forms are available in the front office. Registration must be accompanied by an application.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
The Beach Volleyball Academy will focus on both technical and tactical skill development of individual athletes in the sport of beach volleyball. It will be open to any students of all ability levels who wish to participate. This is also a great way for all students interested in high performance training in beach volleyball as students will train and compete
9 against students of the same ability level. This program is fully endorsed by Volleyball BC. Beach Volleyball is a linear (yearlong) program. Students will participate in Beach Training for a minimum of 80 hours and will also participate in indoor volleyball training, weight lifting and classroom sessions focused on the sport of Beach Volleyball. Strong academic performance is emphasized throughout the student’s development. Registration must be accompanied by an application. There is a required course fee of $600 for the full 2014-2015 school year.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM
This program caters to those students from overseas wishing for a Canadian-English education. The students in this program find themselves learning English in “real-life” or meaningful situations. The student learns English while studying Canadian life and culture. This experience allows the student to interact with the English-speaking students in the school, as well as develop their English skills to their fullest potential.
LEARN @ HOME PROGRAM
Woodland’s provides both instructors and classrooms for students taking L@H courses. Learn@Home 8-12 is an online computer-based program providing a flexible means for learners of all ages to work towards their BC Dogwood Diploma and/or upgrade their high school courses. Learners may take a full complement of courses or individual courses. Learn@Home programs are teacher directed and involve frequent interaction between student and teacher, including lessons, presentations, and scheduled face-to-face meetings. Unlike correspondence courses which often see students working in isolation, Learn@Home programs offer students opportunities to interact with fellow learners and their instructor during online and site-based activities. Please see the counsellor for details. Please note that Grade 12 students must have 60% of their Learn @ Home
10 course completed by April to be eligible for scholarships. http://schools.sd68.bc.ca/lah/812_about.htm
11 EVAUATION & REPORTING
A. ACADEMIC REPORTS
Report cards are distributed to parents throughout the school year. The report cards summarize achievement, work habits, and attendance. In addition, teachers may send an “Interim Report” to parents at times other than those indicated above. The Interim Report is designed to report special success to parents or to alert them to a problem in a given course. The following letter grade equivalencies are used to report on student academic achievement.
TERM REPORTS (Nov. & April) FINAL REPORTS (January & June)
A (86% - 100%) Excellent achievement B (73% - 85%) Very Good achievement C+ (67% - 72%) Good achievement C (60% - 66%) Satisfactory achievement C - (50% - 59%) Unsatisfactory achievement F (0% - 49%) Probable failure
* I - Incomplete - indicates that additional learning objectives must be made to satisfy minimum course requirements. In conjunction with the first reporting period in each semester (November & April), the school holds Parent-Teacher conferences so parents and students may discuss the progress of their child with subject teachers.
HONOUR ROLL
After each reporting period an Honour Roll will be published. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria. Criteria for Honours: a) Principal's List 4.00 GPA (straight A's) b) Honour Roll 3.20 – 3.99 GPA c) Honourable Mention 3.00 – 3.20 GPA Guidelines:
12 I. All courses are included whether it is three, four or five II. Any failing grades remove recognition III. Part-time students (one or two courses) are not eligible for recognition
13 IV. Eligibility is calculated on term marks V. I (Incomplete) make the student ineligible for recognition VI. Students who are enrolled in Learn@Home courses need to be aware that these courses are used in the calculation of their GPA for honour roll purposes on their report card. School Admin will use the mark provided by L@H in calculating the overall GPA for the term.
C. SCHOLARSHIPS
Grade 12 students that are interested in post-secondary education need to visit their counsellor for scholarship information. There are important timelines that have to be followed. In October, Grade 12 students will be provided with communication for this process this is very important information.
D. AWARDS
At the end of each year, awards assemblies are held to recognize outstanding achievements and efforts of students in areas of scholarship, citizenship, student athletics and service. Parents are both welcome and encouraged to attend these ceremonies, which usually occur in June.
14 GENERAL INFORMATION
COMPUTERS
Computers with Internet access are available in classrooms, labs, and the library. All students are required to have a signed (student and parent/guardian) Computer/Internet Acceptable Use Policy Consent Form on file at the school. This consent form is distributed at the beginning of Grade 8 and once this form is signed and returned, a username and password is issued to the student and usually kept for the duration of their time at Woodlands.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR DRIVERS
School District 68 has a policy governing the transportation of students to and from extra curricular activities. The school’s expectation is that teams travel together on a district bus. There may be times when parents are asked to help transport students to an activity. In this case, the parent must fill out a volunteer driver’s application (available from the office) and provide a driver’s abstract from the Motor Vehicle Branch. Students are not permitted to drive other students to or from extra curricular events.
HOME CONTACT
Teachers, counsellors and administrators may contact parents regarding concerns about pupil progress by using telephone calls, interim reports, interviews, emails and letters. Please ensure that the school has an up-to-date telephone number, email address and address for your family for both routine and emergency contacts.
15 EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Woodlands has always been noted for its high rate of participation in extra-curricular activities, and this is the direct result of the enthusiasm and volunteer effort of both staff and students. Students who are involved in extra-curricular activities have a more positive high school experience and students are encouraged to
16 participate in the following clubs or teams. If you are interested in starting a club that is not listed you may do so by finding a teacher who is willing to act as a sponsor. All athletes are expected to discuss the school’s Athletic Code of Conduct with coach or sponsor.
LEAVING THE SCHOOL (Contact) If you are planning on leaving the school during regular school hours, including lunch time, you must report to the office to sign out. Permission will be given for: Doctor/dentist/other appointments that cannot be arranged outside of school time. Sickness, providing the school can contact the parent(s). Or other reasons sanctioned by the parent(s) providing a note to the office staff specifying the reason. Approved study blocks
Note: The Principal and Vice-Principal reserve the right to determine the validity and importance of early dismissal.
LOCKERS A locker is provided to all students at the beginning of the school year. This locker is provided as a convenience to the student and while the school takes all reasonable precautions to protect a student’s belongings, the school cannot assume liability for articles left behind.
All Grade 8’s must purchase a school lock from the main office for $5.00. All students are encouraged to use a school lock. See “Locker Permission Form” for more information.
LOST AND FOUND
The lost and found is located in front of the school office and can be accessed during regular hours. Items not claimed by the end of each term will be donated to a charitable organization.
17 PARKING
Student parking is behind Woodlands gym and is accessed off Strathmore Street. The area behind our portables is considered staff parking. If there is no room in student parking, a parking pass must be obtained through the office to park in the portable area.
SPORT ACTIVITY FEES
All students participating on sports teams are asked to pay an Athletic Fee of: First Team $30 ($15 to Athletic Fee, $15 to Athletic Events Fund & Uniforms) Second Team $15 Third Team $15 An additional fee will be required to cover the costs of such things as tournament registration, referees and some transportation. These costs will be determined by the team schedule, individual coaches and the Principal.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The Student Council provides leadership opportunities for students to organize school events and be actively involved in their local and global community. Please listen for announcements as to when Student Council meets. New students are always welcome.
STUDENT CARDS/ACTIVITY FEE
All students are asked to pay a $15 activity fee which provides them with a student card (photo ID) and entry to special events and activities. Activity fees should be paid to homeroom teachers in September
STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS
18 Student photos take place in early in the school year. Retakes are usually scheduled for shortly afterward. These photographs will be used for student cards and yearbook; therefore all students must have their picture taken, even if not buying a package.
TEXTBOOKS
Teachers issue textbooks that are barcoded in order to accurately track texts issued. Charges will be assessed for books lost, stolen or damaged. Please take care of the books and return all of your texts to the teacher who issued them.
19 GUIDELINES FOR SAFE ORDERLY AND CARING BEHAVIOUR
WOODLANDS SECONDARY SCHOOL: CODE OF CONDUCT
A. Statement of Purpose
The staff and students continue to work hard to maintain a positive reputation in our school and community.
• To create a positive and safe learning environment that fosters student learning. • To establish and maintain an appropriate balance between individual and collective rights, freedoms and responsibilities. • To clarify and publish expectations for student behaviour while at school, while going to and from school, and while attending any school function or activity at any location.
B. Conduct Expectations
Acceptable Conduct
• To be considerate of others, so that all can learn, work and feel safe while enjoying the school facilities and community without disruption. • To help to make the school a safe, caring and orderly place. • To report to an adult, in a timely manner, all incidents of bullying, harassment or intimidation and illegal activities. • To accept responsibility for your own learning and actions. • To respect themselves, others and school property and take pride in their school and community. • To attend school punctually and regularly with proper equipment and supplies. • To accept responsibilities, as students, seriously and work to the best of their ability.
Unacceptable Conduct
The following points are examples only and are not an all-inclusive list;
• Behaviours that: - Interfere with the learning of others. - Interfere with an orderly environment. - Create unsafe conditions. • Acts of: - Bullying, cyber bullying, harassment or intimidation. - Physical violence. - Retribution against a person who has reported incidents. - Using language (not just swearing) insinuating racial stereotypes and prejudice. • Illegal acts, such as: - Theft, damage or vandalism to property. - Possession, consumption/use, sale or distribution of illegal or restricted substances. - Possession or use of weapons – imitations. - Public mischief such as false alarms, graffiti, grad pranks. 20 C. Rising Expectations
As students become older, more mature, and move through successive grades it is expected that: • They increase personal and social responsibility and self-discipline. • There are increased consequences for inappropriate behaviour
D. Consequences
• Responses to unacceptable conduct are pre-planned, consistent and fair (see process below). • Disciplinary action, wherever possible, is preventative and restorative, rather than merely punitive. • Students, as often as possible, are encouraged to participate in the development of meaningful consequences for violations of the established code of conduct.
Step 1
Discussion between the student and staff member occurs. When a student chooses not to meet behavioural expectations, there will be natural, logical and consistent consequences. Staff members will handle minor indiscretions; frequently the consequence will be in the form of a detention. Parents are often informed.
Step 2
Office Referral Forms are issued for major offences (i.e. bullying, fighting, physical abuse of others, defiance of authority, truancy, disrespectful/abusive language) and continual defiance of school rules. Students are referred to an administrator for further consequences. Parents are informed.
21 Step 3
Parents are contacted for serious incidents of misbehaviour or if minor incidents persist beyond step two. Consequences will depend on the severity and/or frequency of the inappropriate behaviour which may include suspensions or restorative justice. • Persistent inappropriate behaviour, which disturbs, interrupts or disquiets the usual, orderly operation of the school. • Inappropriate behaviour judged to have a harmful effect on the safety of other pupils or staff members.
In addition to applying School Board policy, natural and logical consequences for misbehaviour, our discipline procedures include such methods as developing behaviour contracts and counselling for students, referral to our School Liaison RCMP Officer, referral to other community agency/intervention programs or ADAPT (Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment). The school will recognize all individual student and unique circumstances when considering consequences for students.
E. Notification:
Expectations are to be clarified and published for student behaviour while at school, while going to and from school, and while attending any school function or activity at any location. In cases of serious or ongoing breaches of the Code of Conduct, the school will advise other parties as deemed necessary by administration.
22 STUDENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Appropriate Attire
Board Policy 3590 - Student Dress Code In School District No. 68, it is expected that students will dress in a manner that is appropriate and conducive to a positive and safe learning environment. Woodlands School Policy At Woodlands the following are the expectations for school dress:
Students and staff will not wear clothing that promotes • Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco use • Signs slogans and pictures that diminish gender, race, or religion • Gang related clothing/paraphernalia • Violence or anti-social behavior • Offensive language • Defamation/put down of others • All students and staff are expected to adhere to the Woodlands Secondary Dress Code Policy. • Students who wear clothing that is not appropriate will be asked to change into acceptable attire
WSS has a NO HAT tradition inside the school building. Students are expected to take off hats upon entering the building; and store them in lockers. A hat is defined as anything that covers the head (i.e. scarves, hoods, etc.). Head covering for religious reasons is acceptable.
Visitors – All visitors must report to the front office and receive a visitor’s pass. We are not able to give visitors passes to students from other schools.
Pagers and Cellular Phones, Digital Cameras and Electronic Entertainment Devices
1. During instructional time students are not to use any personal electronic device, unless deemed for educational purposes by the instructor of the class.
2. Inappropriate use of technology within the building includes, but is not limited to, loud music, recording of images, sound or video without explicit permission and sharing or transferring of others’ personal information through social networking.
3. Woodlands Secondary reserves the right to extend the school code of conduct policy on personal technology for the purpose of maintaining safety of students and staff.
23 4. Woodlands Secondary is not responsible for electronic devices that are lost, stolen, or damaged while on school property.
24 Laser Pointers, Water Guns and Other Related Toy Items
Students may not bring laser pointers, water guns and other related toy items to school. Violations will result in the confiscation of these items. This is true for any and all related items (i.e. knives, box cutters, etc.)
Skateboards/Rollerblades
Skateboards are not to be ridden on school property for safety reasons. Students are encouraged not to bring skateboards or rollerblades to school. Improper use of skateboards, rollerblades and scooters may result in confiscation and detentions.
Firecracker/Fireworks
The possession, selling or igniting of firecrackers/fireworks will result in suspension and the items confiscated and destroyed.
Snowball Policy
Students throwing snowballs and any other inappropriate action with snow will be dealt with through the Code of Conduct.
Attendance
Regular attendance at WSS is compulsory!
It can be demonstrated that a high correlation exists between attendance and good grades. Our office uses a computerized attendance program that will phone all absent students nightly.
Students and parents should arrange appointments for times outside school hours.
In the case of unavoidable student absence, parents are requested to phone the school by noon the same day. Students are required to provide the office and their teachers with a note upon their first day back if a call has not been made to the office for the period of the absence.
Only unexcused absences will be reported to parents.
LONG TERM ABSENCES Homework for 1 - 2 week absences
25 Have your parent phone the school and ask that homework be collected from your teachers. Either your parent can come in to pick up the work or you can arrange for a friend to pick up the work and take it home for you.
26 We encourage parents, when possible, to avoid removing students from classes for extended periods of time. Although teachers make every effort to catch students up or provide missed work, it cannot be as effective as classroom instruction.
Truancy
Truancy from individual classes and from school will be dealt with as follows: • Detentions and parent contact. • Parent interview and student counseling. • Suspensions.
Office Attendance / Lates
Student attendance will be recorded by the office during the first class in the morning and first class after lunch. Students arriving after 8:30am or 12:09pm must report to the office to sign in or for a late slip. Late slips are not issued to students for lates between classes.
In the Hallways
Hallways are to be clear of students during regular class times. If a student must leave a class because of illness, referral to office, going to the library, going to the washroom, appointment with the counsellor, he/she must do it quietly and directly.
Homework Expectations
Students are expected to become involved with their learning both at school and at home, and develop the habits of a lifelong learner.
Computer Lab Rules and Expectations
The computers and printers available for student use in School District 68 exist to support the curriculum. All activity of computer use is to be monitored according to this principle.
Computer hardware and software are expensive investments that all users are expected to respect and maintain through proper use.
Computer labs are a classroom and are to be left in a state ready for another class.
Access to games, social networking sites and e-mail is not permitted unless use is curriculum related and access is under teacher supervision.
Passwords are confidential and are not to be given to, used or shared by another person. Doing so can result in the loss of computer privileges.
27 Food, gum and drink including bottled water are not allowed in the labs and library.
Students are to be asked to check the state of their computer, keyboard, mouse and workstation at the start of each class. Any problems are to be reported to the teacher immediately.
Computers are to be logged off, chairs pushed in, garbage and recyclables placed in their respective receptacle at the end of class.
All doors to the computer labs are to be closed and locked at the end of each class. Our Neighbors
Students are requested to be respectful of our neighbors’ properties. Please do not litter on, smoke near, or damage property in any way. Smoking
The use of tobacco products and illegal drugs in school buildings and on school property is against the law. This includes E-Cigarettes. Spectators
Woodlands Secondary appreciates the show of support that spectators give our team members. However, being a spectator at school events is a privilege not a right and may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior. Be loud, be proud, and be respectful. Swarming
Swarming is the act of being on the way to or attending a potentially violent situation and/or
a. promoting violence b. refusing to leave c. engaging in verbal abuse d. physically hampering a person from leaving, or any act or omission that is endangering to the well-being, health and safety of any person under the care of the school. In our efforts to continue to provide a safe learning environment for all, we expect that you will conduct yourself in a respectful and safe manner in and around the school. Recognize that when you participate in a group, you become liable for the group’s actions. Students continuing to engage in potentially violent situations, in particular SWARMING, could face consequences in keeping with the district’s suspension policy. Vandalism
Any student who willfully or carelessly mutilates or destroys, or removes any school property without permission will be held financially responsible jointly with parents or guardians, and
28 could receive other consequences. Needless damage is not only displeasing but also very costly. LET US TAKE PRIDE IN OUR SCHOOL!
29 Theft Items which are ‘stolen’ from lockers, change rooms and classrooms are the responsibility of the student. Students are advised to leave valuable items at home. If a student has lost items, please take the following steps:
a. Inform the classroom teacher
b. Inform the office and fill out a ‘theft’ form
c. Contact the school RCMP Liaison Officer
The school does not have the money to replace stolen items. The school will take steps in helping with the investigation. Academic Misconduct
Woodlands Secondary School is concerned about the integrity of all our students and the work they produce. To this end, WSS will not tolerate any plagiarism of student work, resource material (whether hard copy or Internet related), or cheating of any type or description. This includes but is not restricted to having another student write and submit written work on another student’s behalf. As in other cases of a breach in the student Code of Conduct, WSS will respond to any such behavior and will investigate the matter fully. Parent contact will be made by the teacher accompanied by a referral to the Principal/Vice Principal as a part of the process, and any student found guilty of such an offense will face immediate disciplinary action, including receiving a 0% on any of the plagiarized work. Ignorance of this policy will NOT be deemed a suitable position on the part of the student.
Teachers will continue to reinforce this policy on a regular basis and outline with the students their responsibility with this policy in regards to testing, assignments, and evaluation.
30 TWO IMPORTANT SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICIES
Multicultural Education
In recognition of the multicultural diversity of our Canadian society and the contributions made by the various cultures within the community, the Board is committed to providing school and classroom environments, and educational practices leading to respect for the cultural traditions of all students.
The Board recognizes the role of the school in promoting an awareness of the multicultural nature of our community and believes that such awareness will encourage respect for human dignity.
Discriminatory Behaviour
The Board calls upon all employees, students, and their families to develop and promote an understanding of differences among human beings, and a compassion for others.
Discriminatory acts arising from prejudice against race, religion, socioeconomic status, physical or mental differences, sex or age, shall be actively discouraged.
31 EARTHQUAKE SAFETY PROGRAM
Woodlands Secondary School staff, as part of School District 68 Earthquake Safety Program, has developed a detailed plan to help assure the safety and well-being of your children in the event of an earthquake. This plan includes training of staff and students in “Duck & Cover” and school “Evacuation” procedures, hazard reduction, and the storage of supplies for first aid, search and rescue, and long term care.
In the event of an earthquake requiring the closure of the school, the following procedure will be followed.
No student will be allowed to leave with another person, even a relative or babysitter, unless we have written permission to that effect or that particular person is listed on the student’s Information Form in our files.
All parents or designated guardians who come for students must have them signed out at the office or at the alternative Student Release Station at the entrance to the school yard. Signs will be posted if this alternative location is being used.
We are prepared to care for children in the event of a critical situation, or if parents are not able to reach the school. Unclaimed children will be kept at the school for up to 24 hours. Subsequent arrangements will be posted at the school.
In the case of a major earthquake or disaster, please:
Do not call the school; we must have the lines open for emergency calls Do not immediately drive to the school; streets and access to our school may be cluttered with debris; the school access route and street entrance areas must remain clear for emergency vehicles. Park away from the school. Turn on your radio to 106.9 FM or 102.3 FM on the dial; information and directions will be given over the radio.
It is absolutely necessary that we have your instructions as to the release of your children if you are unable to reach the school due to the severity of the earthquake.
Please complete the Student Information Form. The alternate person should be someone who is within walking distance of the school, as it is likely that driving will not be possible in the hours after a severe earthquake.
When you have the completed the Student Information Form please have your child return it to the homeroom teacher or the office.
32 IT IS MANDATORY THAT EACH STUDENT HAS A RELEASE FORM ON FILE IN THE SCHOOL.
33 EARTHQUAKE PROCEDURES Students will be given specific instructions from classroom teachers in regards to their room(s). Earthquake drills will be conducted during the year. Students should remember the following in the event of an earthquake:
Duck, cover, hold and count to 60 Wait quietly and listen for instructions from your teacher When shaking stops, recount calmly to 60 Your teacher will instruct you to check carefully for injuries and dangerous objects before moving and standing up If your teacher is injured, two designated students will give instructions to the class When instructed, students will evacuate the building in single file with shoes on Walk slowly, shuffling feet to ensure no debris is underfoot, and look up, down, left and right for dangers Students will be led to an assembly area by their teachers Students must wait to be reunited with parents/guardians
FIRE DRILL PROCEDURES Teachers will advise classes of the appropriate exit from each room at the beginning of the year. When the fire bell rings:
1. Teacher will ask the class to stand. 2. Teacher will lead the class in single file out the appropriate exit. 3. Students leaving the room are expected to act in a quiet and orderly manner.
INJURIES/ILLNESS In the event that you sustain an injury or feel ill, inform your teacher or the office as soon as possible.
POWER OUTAGES In the event of a power outage, you will remain in the classroom you are in until you are notified otherwise. Some outages last 10 minutes, and some a lot longer. In any case, school is not dismissed unless there is a complicating factor such as below freezing temperatures. As in any unexpected event, you will abide by your teacher’s directions and remain in the classroom.
LOCKDOWN In the event you hear “LOCKDOWN” over the PA, your teacher will lock the
34 classroom door. If you are in the hallway, move to the nearest classroom or, if in the washroom, leave immediately and enter the nearest classroom
35 EMERGENCY CLOSURE INFORMATION
Schools may be cancelled or delayed in case of snow, extreme cold or other emergency situations. When the weather is bad, but schools are open, parent/guardians must make a family decision regarding attendance or late arrival for their children. A personal contact by the parent/guardians or a written note will excuse a student’s late arrival or absence during these conditions.
Is my child’s school closed? Tune in to one of the following radio stations by 7 AM on the day of the possible closure. Please do not call the radio stations – tune in and list for the announcements, which will be made on a regular basis.
CKWV 102.3 FM (WAVE) OR CHWF 106.9 FM (WOLF)
36 SENIORS & GRADS
Woodlands Secondary School - Grade 12 Outline and Expectations
Students are encouraged to make the most effective use of their time at Woodlands Secondary School. An emphasis is placed upon academic achievement and skill development. Challenging students to reach their potential and to have as many options available beyond secondary school graduation is paramount. Woodlands Secondary School offers a wide variety of programs to meet the needs of students and to enable students to explore new areas and discover and develop new skills.
Study Blocks and Career Explorations
STUDY BLOCKS are made available to grade 12 students. In most cases all grade 12 students are expected to be enrolled in a full-time academic program of eight courses during the school year. However, on a case-by-case basis study blocks can be approved by the principal (see application).
Graduation Requirements: Grade 10 – 12
Students are required to take a total of 80 credits in their Grade 10 – 12 years. Each course counts for four credits. While a course may be taken more than once, credits for that course are only counted once.
Language Arts 10 4 credits Language Arts 11 4 credits Language Arts 12 4 credits Social Studies 10 4 credits Social Studies 11 (OR BC First Nations Studies 12) 4 credits Science 10 4 credits Science 11 or 12 4 credits Mathematics 10 4 credits Mathematics 11 4 credits PE 10 4 credits Fine Arts or Applied Skills 10-12 4 credits Planning 10 4 credits Grad Transition Standards 4 credits Elective courses 28 credits
37 A minimum of 16 credits should be at the Grade 12 level.
38 Things to know when you withdraw from a course late in the school year—it could be the one you need to graduate. Do this in consultation with a counsellor.
Post-secondary institutions often require you to complete specific courses for acceptance into certain programs. Careful pre planning in Grades 10, 11 and 12 will ensure you have all the courses and credits you need.
GRADUATION PROGRAM The new Graduation Program requires all students to write five (5) provincial exams:
English 10 Mathematics 10 Science 10 Social Studies 11 (or BC First Nations Studies 12)
These exams are worth 20% of the student’s final mark.
English 12 or Communications 12 This exam is worth 40% of the student’s final mark. Though most grade 12 academic courses end in a provincial exam, English 12/Communications 12 is the only mandatory provincial exam students must write. All other grade 12 exams are now considered optional. Students need to be aware of post- secondary admission or scholarship requirements, and meet with their counsellor before deciding not to write an exam.
GRADUATION TRANSITION STANDARDS
As part of your graduation requirements, all grade 12 students must participate in the Graduation Transition Standards by demonstrating you have met the following requirements for:
39 Personal Health – It is expected that students will demonstrate the knowledge, attitudes, and positive habits needed to be healthy individuals, responsible for their own physical and emotional well-being, by engaging from Grade 10 to Grade 12, in at least 80 hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity in additions to PE 10 developing a long-term personal healthy living plan appropriate to their lifestyle that describes sound nutritional habits regular exercise routines emotional health management ( e.g. ways to manage stress) positive health choices
Community Connections - It is expected that students will: Demonstrate the skills required to work effectively and safely with others and to succeed as individuals and collaborative workers, by
participating in at least 30 hours of work experience and/or community service describing the duties performed, the connections between the experience and their employability and life shills, and the benefit to the community and to the student participating in at least 30 hours of work experience and/or community service and describe what was learned.
Career and Life - It is expected that students will: Demonstrate the confidence and competency needed to be self-directed individuals, by
developing a comprehensive plan that indicates they are prepared to successfully transition from secondary school, which includes completion of transition activities that are relevant to and support their career, life, and learning goals identification and communication of achievements that reflect the development of the attributes of a BC graduate
40 identification and communication of costs and funding sources associated with education, career, and life options after graduation present selected components of their transition plan to members of the school and/or community
For more details go to: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/graduation/grad- transitions/welcome.htm
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