Applewood School Code of Conduct

Introduction:

The District School Board of Niagara believes that students should place a high value on excellence, integrity, self-discipline, tolerance and respect for others. Therefore, the discipline policy at Applewood School is designed to develop self-worth, self-control and self-esteem.

Discipline is learned and it should be taught in the home, the school, and the community. It is a developmental process that ultimately should result in self-discipline and appropriate responses in society.

Expectations:

To ensure a safe and supportive learning environment everyone must meet the following expectations and responsibilities.

Behavioural Expectations of our STUDENTS:

• Exercise self-discipline and act responsibly
• Pursue all studies diligently
• Comply with reasonable and fair requests of the teachers
• Respect school property & the property of others
• Attend classes punctually and regularly
• Observe the policies and routines of our school
• Dress appropriately - no ‘short’ shorts/ skirts, halter/spaghetti strap tops, bare midriffs, or clothing with questionable messages
• Be courteous, considerate, co-operative and respectful
• Exhibit sportsman-like conduct
• Show responsible behaviour on the way to and from school and during field trips

Safety Expectations of our STUDENTS:

• Make sure someone (parent, teacher, peer) knows where you are at all times
• Walk with someone else to and from school
• Primary students are to use the buddy system when walking out of the classroom, especially when using the washroom
• A "No Body Contact" rule (N.B.C.) is always in effect (no pushing, play fighting, rough housing)
• Throw No Snow- or rocks!
• Hard balls, Baseball bates, Lacrosse sticks, are not allowed on school property
• At this point students are allowed to play with mini-sticks and have flag football games. However, these are privileges that are reviewed regularly. Neither activity is permitted before the school day begins.
• Use all playground equipment safely and properly
• Running is not allowed anywhere inside the school
• Skateboards, iPods/walk mans, Gameboys, etc. and winter sleds are not allowed on school property
• 'Wheels' (see above must) be walked on school property- helmets must be worn to and from school
• The parking area is out of bounds for students
• Pets are not allowed on school property
• Hats must remain off inside the school
• Applewood, including the yard and parking lot, is a SMOKE FREE environment. City By-law enforcers have been known to issue tickets

Consequences when expectations are not met:

The following range of consequences is intended to protect the safety and rights of all students. In selecting the course of action to be taken, the teacher/principal will consider the age of the child, the nature of the offence and the number of previous infractions. Records will be kept.

• Discussion with teacher/principal - caution/warning
• Detention: in class or at the office, sometimes this is during recess periods and sometimes after school
• Parental Involvement: phone, call, letter, meeting
• Removal of Privileges: student withdrawn from special activities/events, recess
• Alternate work environment (formally known as in-school suspension) the student works out of the classroom
• Formal Suspension: student is removed from the school and school grounds and placed in the parents’ custody for up to 20 days
• Community Service
• Restitution/Compensation for damaged property/ goods
• Formal apology

Expectations of our TEACHERS:

• Provide consistent, fair and judicious discipline to all students
• Evaluate and report student progress
• Plan and implement an effective program
• Provide a caring learning environment
• Encourage communication between home and school
• Respect the rights and needs of students

Expectations of our PARENTS:

• Be aware of the rules and expectations of our school
• Support school policies
• Communicate with teachers and school personnel
• Encourage children to follow school rules, exercise self-discipline, and act responsibly
• Assist children with any home assignments
• Promote positive public relations between the staff and the community

Expectations of our SUPPORT STAFF:

• Work cooperatively with others including students, parents and teachers
• Promote effective and positive public relations

Expectations of our VISITORS:

• Use front doors when entering the school
• Report in at the office
• Observe the rules of the school while visiting the school