Bridgetown REGIONAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL
School Handbook
Principals’ Message
Welcome to our learning community at Bridgetown Regional Community School!
BRCS endeavors to provide students with an excellent education delivered by a dedicated and extremely knowledgeable staff. In today’s world, students must be provided with learning experiences that prepare them for the future by stressing such learnings as aesthetic expression, citizenship, communication, personal development, problem solving and technological competence.
Our school will continue to focus on the three R’s – RIGHTS, RESPECT and RESPONSIBILITY, which will strongly support the development of a warm, caring and safe environment.
Students – this school is here to help you grow and develop. The more you give to it, the more you will receive from it!
Please feel free to call or email us at any time if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns.
Darlene Thomas & Tammy Foster-Veinot
BRCS Mission Statement
Bridgetown Regional Community School is a community of staff and students that is committed to individual achievement and collaborative work in the implementation of a rich, dynamic, diversified and differentiated curriculum in a climate that is safe and welcoming for all.
School Configuration
BRCS consists of a Pre-primary program, an Elementary Section (P-5), a Middle Level (Grades 6-8) and a Senior High (grades 9-12).
The school follows a fixed 8-day cycle. The School Calendar link on the BRCS webpage outlines the school year with days of the cycle identified.
Daily Schedule
Times High School Times Middle Level Times Elementary
8:40-8:45 Homeroom 8:40-8:45 Homeroom 8:40-8:45 Homeroom
8:45-10:03 8:45-9:24 Period 1 8:45-9:24 Period 1 Period 1 9:24-10:03 Period 2 9:24-10:03 Period 2 10:03-10:42 Period 3
10:03-10:13 Recess 10:03-10:13 Recess 10:42-10:52 Recess
10:13-11:31 10:13-10:52 Period 3 10:52-11:31 Period 4 Period 2 10:52-11:31 Period 4 11:31-12:15 Period 5
11:31-12:15 Lunch 11:31-12:15 Lunch 12:15-12:54 Lunch
12:15-1:33 12:15-12:54 Period 5 12:54-1:33 Period 6 Period 3 12:54-1:33 Period 6 1:33-2:12 Period 7
1:33-1:38 Recess 1:33-1:38 Recess 2:12-2:17 Recess
1:38-2:56 1:38-2:17 Period 7 2:17-2:56 Period 8 Period 4 2:17-2:56 Period 8 2:56 Dismissal
School Closures/Cancellations
Parents/Guardians: AVRCE will alert you via text/email using the contact information you provide in September. Inform BRCS if your email or phone number changes.
AVRCE also share announcements on: . www.avrce.ca . @AVRCE_NS on Twitter . AVRCE phone line, 902.538.4600 or 1.800.850.3887 . Local media (AVR Network, Magic 94.9, 89.3 K-Rock, CBC Radio 1, CTV Morning Live Atlantic)
For more information on storm days and school cancellations due to weather or road conditions, visit www.avrce.ca/storm-daysschool-cancellations
BRCS Communication Plan
Effective and timely communication is essential to support student success at BRCS. Please contact office staff or teachers with questions or concerns. BRCS staff will communicate with parents in the following ways:
. BRCS website: www.bridgetown.ednet.ns.ca . Student/Parent Portal (online attendance and assessment information) . Information provided in the school handbook . Monthly newsletters . School sign at the front of the school property . Course outlines from teachers; teacher websites, emails . Event/Activity memos and permission form . Automated alerts
Busing Board Policy states the “Board provided transportation is designed to transport eligible students to and from their normal place of residence and their school.” However, students may get off at a different stop or take a different bus to another location providing: a written note of request is sent to the school from the parent or guardian the note is brought to the office by the student to be signed and stamped with the school stamp the stamped note is given to the bus driver
PLEASE NOTE that a bus driver may refuse a student access to the bus if it is full. If this should happen, students will be instructed to return to the office so other arrangements can be made.
Sign-In/Sign-Out All students require permission (verbal/written) from parents to be excused during class time. BRCS is an open campus for students in grades 9-12 during non-instructional time. BRCS is a closed campus for grades PP-8 at all times. Students arriving late or leaving early are required to be signed in or out by a parent/guardian. This is necessary so everyone can be accounted for in the event of an emergency. Parents/guardians are asked to wait in the office for their child.
Safe Arrival Program BRCS offers a Safe Arrival program. The purpose of this program is to ensure all children who were sent to the school for the day have arrived safely; therefore, it is very important that you call the school (665-5400) if your child will be absent or late for the day.
Communication If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education, please do not hesitate to contact the school. However, if you wish to meet with your child’s teacher or the administration, please email to arrange an appointment.
Change of Address/Telephone Number Many students have changes to their initial registration form during the year (address, telephone number, parental employment number, medical concerns, etc.). Any changes should be reported to the office immediately to ensure our records are kept up to date.
Bicycles/Scooters/Skateboards Parents are asked to remind children that bicycle rules such as helmet use, must be strictly adhered to. Failure to follow these rules will result in the loss of their privilege to ride their bike to school. Locks are advised for protection during the day.
Field Trips Various field trip experiences are provided for students throughout the year as a supplement to the school program. Parents will be notified in advance of all field trips requiring students to leave the school property. Permission slips and related fees are required of each child before he/she can attend such events. This consent form gives authorization for your child’s participation.
Parents who wish to volunteer/chaperone to drive students on field trips must fill out a “J” form for driving students (which must be completed each year), a Child Abuse Registry form, a Criminal Record (background) Check form, and Volunteer application (every 3 years). Please submit all forms to the office.
Volunteers BRCS is fortunate to have the support of many dedicated volunteers who supplement the efforts of our staff by providing assistance to students in a variety of ways. Volunteers are identified by name tags (available at the office) so students and staff may easily identify them. Volunteers are also required to fill out the necessary forms to be a school volunteer (listed above).
Provincial School Code of Conduct
Students, parents, teachers, support staff, principals, and education centers share responsibility for creating a school-wide approach to maintaining a positive and inclusive school climate where all students are supported to develop healthy relationships, make good choices, and achieve success in their learning.
All members of Nova Scotia’s school communities have a role to play in the awareness and prevention of unacceptable behaviour. The provincial school code of conduct policy applies to all public schools and education centers in the Province of Nova Scotia.
All students and school members in Nova Scotia are required to follow this provincial school code of conduct policy, which is governed by the Education Act.
Acceptable Standards of Behaviour All students and school members will: . show respect for the rights, property, and safety of themselves and others . accept personal responsibility for their behavior . demonstrate socially appropriate behavior . respect and appreciate diversity of all school members regardless of their race, culture, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability or mental disability, mental illness, age, national or aboriginal origin, socio-economic status, or appearance • treat school property and the property of others with a reasonable standard of respect . attend regularly and punctually as required under section 24 of the Education Act . show respect for the roles and responsibilities of students, principals, teachers, parents, volunteers, and the school board . demonstrate respect for the learning environment of the school and the classroom and school activities and events . demonstrate and promote positive behaviour through the avoidance of all types of violence . use information and communications technology, including the Internet, digital resources, and e-communication, and all forms of social media in a responsible and acceptable manner consistent with the Nova Scotia Public School Network Access and Use Policy and the Cyber-safety Act (2013) . refrain from all forms of bullying and cyberbullying, intimidation, racism, and discrimination . refrain from the possession of any weapons . refrain from the use of items as weapons intended to harm another person or themselves . refrain from the possession of, or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and all other forms of intoxicants on school property
The full Provincial School Code of Conduct Policy may be accessed online at the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website (http://www.ednet.ns.ca/).
BRCS Code of Conduct We Show Respect for All at BRCS
Showing Respect for Ourselves Means: We are proud of those things we do that are positive for our lives by striving to achieve/maintain good health and personal hygiene, by avoiding all substance abuse, by trying our best in all situations and by dressing in an appropriate and inoffensive manner.
Showing Respect for Others Means: We accept the culture, opinions, race, religion, privacy and rights of all by contributing to an environment free of insults, intimidation, vulgarity, extortion, coercion, gambling, profanity, and any form of physical violence against others.
Showing Respect for Our School Means: We treat all school property and the belongings of others with consideration, care and caution by allowing them to be left unsecured without willful damage or theft and by contributing to the cleanliness and order of the school premises through responsible behavior.
Showing Respect for Education Means: We make it a priority to attend school regularly, be prepared, and on time, for classes, participate, listen to others, and giving each challenge a fair try without infringing on the educational rights of others.
Showing Respect for the Adults in Our Lives Means: We understand that all school personnel, volunteers and visitors are here to help us and show this by listening carefully, by accepting their suggestions openly, and by responding in a courteous manner.
School Policies
Scent Policy BRCS strives toward a scent-free environment. We have asked all students, staff and visitors to refrain from wearing scented products such as deodorants, hair sprays, gels, colognes or perfumes. We will ask offending students to wash or go home and change when scents are affecting school community members.
Tardy Policy Students who are tardy disrupt school and classroom operations and jeopardize learning. Teachers and/or office staff will record the student as “late” in student records. Classes missed prior to the arrival will be marked “absent unexcused” unless notification has been received from parents by a written note, an email or by phone. Excessive unexcused lateness by students will result in various disciplinary actions by school administration.
Attendance Policy Consistent student attendance is important, as frequent absences can result in missed learning experiences including specific skills and knowledge that may be necessary for further learning. It is understood there are legitimate reasons why students must miss school. However, when this occurs, the school will work with students and parents to ensure the student does not fall behind. The Provincial Student Attendance and Engagement Policy states “students are expected to be present for a least 80 percent of class time. Loss of credit may occur if a student misses 20 percent or more of class time due to any absences.
An excusable absence is an absence from class for illness, medical or dental treatment, urgent family matters, or other reasonable causes. Each absence must be confirmed from a parent/guardian via a written note, phone call or email from a parent/guardian either before or immediately following such an absence.
Credit for any evaluation or assignment due to be completed or passed in during a class, may not be given for unexcused absences. Skipping classes may lead to internal suspension and ineligibility status. Students must be in attendance during the school day in order to participate in any school function or activity that day, including the afternoon or evening. (refer to NS Attendance Policy)
Cellular Phone/Digital Camera/Communication Devices Policy At BRCS, cell phones may be used in the cafetorium, hallways and outside the building during non-instructional times. Phones which can take pictures follow the same policy as digital camera. Photos or videos may NOT be recorded on school property unless it is to be used for school purposes.
Cell phones, MP3 players and IPods and other such devices should be turned off and put away upon entering the classroom. They may be taken out and used only with teacher permission.
Personal devices used at inappropriate times may result in disciplinary action.
Dress Code While many extremes are evident in today’s fashions, students should be aware of what constitutes appropriate school attire. Students must appreciate what is acceptable at home, is not always acceptable in a school or workplace setting. In particular, clothing that is too revealing or that displays inappropriate language, slogans, symbols or pictures (i.e. references to drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, sex, discrimination of any type or hatred towards others) should not be worn at school. While hats are acceptable in the halls, they should not be worn in classrooms, or during the playing of our National Anthem.
Smoking/Vaping Policy The Smoke-Free/Vape-Free Places Act states smoking/vaping is not permitted in school buildings or on school property in Nova Scotia. Students who are smoking/vaping on school property will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension and a referral to Addictions Services Counselling.
Acceptable Use Policy (BRCS Computers/Internet) The AVRCE encourages students to access educational information resources through various media technologies and provides clear guidelines for acceptable use of school networks and the Internet by students. Network access is a privilege and unacceptable use may result in disciplinary action including cancellation of access privileges or suspension.
RCH Policy BRCS follows AVRCE policies concerning discrimination based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Discrimination manifests itself in many ways including name calling, jokes, slurs, discourteous or condescending treatment, graffiti, threats, insults, physical abuse and violence.
Students observing or experiencing any form of discrimination by others students. AVRCE employees or visitors to the school are expected to report the incident immediately to a staff member for investigation. Consequences for such incidents are generally educational in nature but also includes suspension. Support and counseling to both the complainant(s) and respondent(s) may also be deemed appropriate. All reported RCH incidents are documented at the school and AVRCE levels.
Textbook Policy Textbooks are provided each year. Each teacher assigns numbered booked to students and records the numbers and the condition of the books along with the students’ names. It is expected that textbooks will be returned at the end of a course in good condition. Any books not returned, or returned in much worse condition, must be paid for.
Plagiarism Plagiarism is defined as taking and using another person’s thoughts, writings or inventions as one’s own. Examples of plagiarism include copying exact words without giving the author full credit; rephrasing someone’s ideas without giving that person full credit; copying homework that someone else did; getting or buying any academic work from someone else; and cutting and pasting work from Internet sources.
Students who plagiarize will receive no value for the assignment and will also lose the opportunity for an exam exemption in that particular course.
Dance Regulations BRCS school dances are for eligible BRCS students. Eligibility is based on attendance, behavior and academic performance. Students are to follow all school rules and regulations. Elementary students are required to be signed in when they arrive and signed out before leaving the school. ML/HS are required to sign in only. ML/HS dances begin at 7:00pm and end at 9:00pm. Elementary dances are 6:00pm-7:30pm. Students are not permitted to leave and re-enter the building during a dance. An appropriate dress code is in effect for all dances. Food and beverages must be kept in the cafetorium at all times.
Students in grade 6-12 may invite one guest who has been approved by their administrator. BRCS students must sign in with their guest. All students, including guests, must follow BRCS Dance rules.
Bus Policy Students have the privilege of traveling to and from school on buses provided by the AVRCE and are required to follow AVRCE and BRCS policies. The bus driver, as a staff member in the school community, has authority equal to a teacher over students on the bus. Students must not indulge in behaviours that are harmful to the safety of fellow students, must remain seated, and must not distract the bus driver with excessive noise. Bus drivers will submit a written report to BRCS and AVRCE identifying student misbehavior. This report will also be forwarded to parents/guardians. Repeated or serious offenses may result in the removal of bus privileges for a specified period of time.
Students wishing to travel home on a bus other than their own MUST bring a signed note to the office, and will be stamped by office staff.
Parents/guardians are asked to contact the main office regarding busing concerns or questions or the bus garage (902-825-5300).
Student Eligibility Excellence in academics and extracurricular activities are desired outcomes of BRCS. To achieve these outcomes, an academic eligibility policy has been developed. The intent and purpose is to encourage all students to strive toward higher academic achievement. It is our sincere hope that the expectations set out by this policy will help students to recognize the importance of academic success and focus on improving their standing. Students are eligible for participation in extracurricular activities if they meet the following criteria: Students fulfill all NSSAF requirements for athletic teams Students have course loads that ensure they have full-time student status. For grade 10-12 students, this means that they must be taking at least 3 per semester. Students must maintain acceptable academic performance. Students failing two or more courses will be ineligible until they receive a marks review with less than two failing marks. Students must have satisfactory attendance and behavior records (no internal or external suspensions) as deemed by the school administration. A written appeal can be made to the appeal committee which consists of school administration, and a teacher from an appropriate area of concern (ie. Athletic Director might represent athletic concerns). If a student wins an appeal, he/she may resume activities immediately. As an O2 student, all requirements as outlined in the O2 Learning Contract must be fulfilled.
Athletic Fees and Agreement Non-officiated individual sports: Cross country and Golf ($20) Track & Field and Badminton ($20) Junior Team Sports: Soccer, Volleyball and Basketball ($40) Junior “B” Teams: ($20) Senior Team Sports: Soccer, Volleyball and Softball ($50) Senior Basketball: ($70)
Athletes are responsible to pay fees to their coach.
Student Fees Elementary Level: $45.00 ($35.00/School Supplies + $10.00/Fine Arts each to a maximum of $25.00 per family) Middle & Senior Level: $50 (student handbook, BRCS ID card, lock/locker rental, special fine arts presentations or guest speakers, ML Exploratories)
Course Information Grade 6-9 At Grade 6, students are enrolled in the following courses: Science, English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Health Education, Physical Education, Music, Visual Art, ICT, and French.
For Grade 7 and 8 students, compulsory subjects: are English, Social Studies, Science, Math, Healthy Living, French, Tech Ed/Family Studies and one of Music or Art. Students may choose between Core French/Social Studies or Integrated French/Sciences Humaines. Students may also choose between Music or Visual Arts. Course selections for electives occur in the spring of each year.
Grade 9 students continue with the same compulsory subjects choosing either Music (unsemestered) or Visual Arts/Tech Ed (semestered) as elective courses.
Grade 10-12 For Senior High, students must earn a minimum of 18 credits in order to graduate. Of these credits, 13 are mandatory and 5 are electives. Students may have a maximum 7 grade 10 credits and 5 credits must be at the grade 12 level. BRCS students are required to have a full course load each year but may apply for a study period in grade 12.
BRCS Courses: Please visit the BRCS website for the Course Description Booklet under the Student Services tab.
Assessment and Reporting at BRCS Middle Level Assessment at Middle Level is based on achievement of learning outcomes in a specific subject area over the course of the year. The purpose of a report card is to give parents a summary of student achievement. Report cards focus on two areas: social development and work habits (Attendance and Learner Profile) and student achievement in relation to the learning outcomes (letter grade/percentage and anecdotal comment). At Elementary/Middle Level, report cards are issued 3 times a year (see the calendar for specific dates).
Reporting descriptors for Grade Primary-6 are used to indicate how well the student is doing: A – The student demonstrates a thorough understanding and application of concepts and skills in relation to the expected learning outcomes. B – The student demonstrates a good understanding and application of concepts and skills in relation to the expected learning outcomes. C – The student demonstrates a basic understanding and application of concepts and skills in relation to the expected learning outcomes. D – The student demonstrates a limited understanding and application of concepts and skills in relation to the expected learning outcomes. The student has not met expectations. N/A – Not applicable at this time INS – Insufficient evidence to report on achievement
Reporting descriptors for Grade 7-8 are used to indicate how well the student is doing: 90-100% - Demonstrates excellent understanding and application of concepts and skills in relation to the learning outcomes. 80-89% - Demonstrates very good understanding and application of concepts and skills in relation to the learning outcomes. 70-79% - Demonstrates good understanding and application of concepts and skills in relation to the learning outcomes. 60-69% - Demonstrates satisfactory understanding and application of concepts and skills in relation to the learning outcomes. 50-59% - Demonstrates limited understanding and application of concepts and skills in relation to the learning outcomes. Below 50% - Has not met minimum requirements of the course INS – Insufficient evidence to determine a grade IP – In progress until all components of the course are completed NOTE: Percentage grades do not represent an average of the marks awarded on assessments completed over a term. They are based on achievement of course outcomes.
Senior High Assessment at Senior High is based on achievement of learning outcomes in a specific subject area. Reports cards focus on two areas: social development and work habits (Attendance and Learner Profile) and student achievement in relation to learning outcomes (numerical grade and anecdotal comment). The passing grade at Senior High is 50%.
As many courses at Senior High are semestered, report cards are issued 4 times a year (see the calendar for specific dates).
After reading the report card, there should be: a clear understanding of how the student is doing in that class; an understanding that the student has an area(s) of strength; an understanding that the student has an area(s) of need; and an understanding what can be/will be done to support/further the student’s learning. Parent-Teacher communication is essential at any time during the school year, not just at report card times.
Academic Opportunities Advanced Courses (Art, English), Advanced Placement courses, Career Exploration, Certificate Programs (Fine Arts, First Aid, WHMIS, Food Handlers, Passport to Safety, Babysitting Referee-Soccer), Community Based-Learning and Job Placement Opportunities (Co-Op Ed, Life Skills, Community Outreach, Enrichment), Encounters with Canada (Terry Fox Center Ottawa), English Second Language classes, Enrichment Groups, Exploratories (Middle Level), Field Trips, Independent Studies, Integrated French Program with DELF Proficiency Testing, Legion Leadership Program, O2 (Options & Opportunities Program), Student Exchanges, Take Your Kid to Work Day (Grade 9), Test Drives/Over Drive (NSCC), Virtual School (Online Courses), Weight Room Safety
Co-Curricular Events and Programs Band Program (Beginner, Intermediate, Senior, Jazz), Band Trips (Symphony NS), Book Fairs, Breakfast Program (Life Skills-Cooking), Bridgetown Craft & Market Expo (O2/Entrepreneurship), Call to Remembrance, Concours d’Art Oratoire (CPF French Speeches), Country Expo (Grade 6), Community Based Learning Projects, Guest Speakers, Heritage Fair, Junior Achievement, LOT (Leaders of Tomorrow), Me to We, NSSSA (NS Secondary Schools’ Association), O2 Services (Catering, DJ, Print Shop), Remembrance Day (Posters, Poetry, Essays), Science Fair, Service Learning Projects, Student Art Gallery, Visiting Conductors/Music Artists, Exploratories
Extra-Curricular Activities, Events and Programs Nova Scotia School Athletics Federation Badminton, Baseball Basketball, Cross-Country Running, Curling, Golf, Hockey, Soccer, Softball, Softball, Softball Slow Pitch, Table Tennis, Track & Field (Junior, Intermediate, Senior), Volleyball
AVRCE/BRCS/NS Archery Club, BAM (Body and Mind), Breakfast Club, BRCS Dances, Cafeteria Student Workers, Climate Change Committee, Drama Club, Drive Away Hunger/Food Bank, Film Club, GSA (Gender Sexuality Awareness), International Students’ Club, Prom/Grad Committee, RCH (Race Relations, Cross-Cultural Understanding & Human Rights), Recycling Group, Robotics, Safe Grad, Social Justice Club, Spirit Club, Student Government, Student Leaders, Writers’ Club, Yearbook, Youth Advisory Council, Elementary Sports Club, Zumba, Open Mic Friday, SAC, Big Bunch
Technology at BRCS for Students Acceptable Use Policy for School/Board Technology 1. Students are responsible for the chrome book they are issued and if damaged from neglect or misuse, the student may be held responsible and/or lose the privilege of using a BRCS chromebook. 2. Personal information which identifies users, such as pictures, addresses, telephone numbers, parents’/guardians/ names, will not be web-published 3. Users will not install/run applications on AVRCE devised that have not been approved for use by authorized school or school board personnel 4. Users will not play games or engage in the use of Chat liens or various of Internet Relay Chat (IRC) without prior approval of authorized school or school board staff 5. Users will not use the AVRCE Network to access, review, upload, download, store, print, post, or distribute pornographic, obscene or sexually explicit material, or materials that use language or images that advocate violence, harassment or discrimination toward other people (i.e. hate literature) 6. Users will not use the AVRCE network to transmit or receive abusive, profane, vulgar, rude, threatening or disrespectful language or images 7. Users will not use the AVRCE network to gain unauthorized access to information resources or to access another person’s materials, information or files 8. Users will only use email accounts provided to them by their school or the AVRCE. Users will not use anonymous email accounts. 9. A user will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the AVRCE network or any other network accounts, access codes or network identification other than those assigned to the user 10. Users will not attempt to connect unauthorized hardware (including personal laptops, tablets, etc. without the express permission of AVRCE technical staff 11. Users will not use the AVRCE network to violate copyright laws or usage licensing agreements and will not plagiarize works they find on the internet 12. Users will not download or transfer pirated software to or from any school computer or device 13. Users will not use the AVRCE network for unauthorized commercial purposes including product advertising and to offer goods and/or products for sale 14. Users will adhere to other guidelines that individual schools adopt in response to specific requirements of their environment. Such additional guidelines will be communicated in a manner consistent with the normal running of the school