About John Marshall

Code of Conduct

Since we are preparing our students to live successfully in the broader environment of society our code of conduct will reflect that. Our students are expected to show respect for self, others and property thereby encouraging the development of life-long citizenship skills.

Dress

Dress should be appropriate for the simulated work environment.

Tops must cover the midriff and should not be provocative. Tank tops with “spaghetti string” straps and halter tops are considered provocative. Straps must be at least 3 fingers wide. No bra straps should be showing.
Shorts and skirts should be of a respectful length (at least mid-thigh).
Excessive jewellery such as large link chains can be a safety hazard. They are not appropriate for school.
Pants should fit so that they will not fall down.
Hats or bandanas are not to be worn inside the school. Outside at recess time is acceptable.
Offensive language or graffiti on clothing and/or your body is not respectful of others and therefore not acceptable.
Gum chewing is not permitted in school.

Behaviour

Behaviour should show respect for self, others and property. It should be reflective of a safe school environment. Therefore the following will apply:

No weapons or weapon-like devices including toys.
Absolutely no fighting.
No body contact.
Follow routines established by staff.
Follow appropriate social expectations during excursions.
Demonstrate socially acceptable manners.
No roller blades or skateboards to be used on school property.
No cell phones or pagers on school property.

*** Expensive items such as walkmans, game boys and ipods are not the responsibility of the school. It is, therefore, encouraged that such items be left at home.

Students who have difficulty demonstrating appropriate behaviour will be dealt with in the following manner:

Responses to inappropriate behaviour will be determined by the nature and frequency of the behaviour. Responses may take two forms:

Positive practices that reinforce appropriate behaviours
Corrective practices that may require interventions

*(Communication between home and school will facilitate this process.)

Positive Practices include:

program modification
program accommodation
positive feedback for desired behaviours
interview between teacher and student
involvement of resources personnel (ie. Youth counsellor, resource teacher, in-school team, Board/community agencies
formal interview between student, teacher, Principal

Corrective Practices Include:

withdrawal of privileges
classroom detention
exclusion from optional activities
restitution of damages
in-school suspension
suspension from school for major or repeated offenses ranging from 1 to 20 days
expulsion for extremely serious offenses (under Board authority)

*** These steps are generally sequential. However, the office can by-pass a step if the offense is serious. Each case will be considered individually.

Fighting is an offense that requires and receives no warning because we have a zero tolerance for physical and verbal aggression.

Bullying and teasing are also serious offenses. They are also acts of aggression, but usually involve groups of children. Since this is a complex issue it will be addressed through curriculum and counselling as well as appropriate consequences.

Definition of Bullying: is typically a form of repeated, persistent, and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance. (Admin. Procedure 3-26)

Language

Students are expected to demonstrate socially acceptable language. Therefore the following will apply.

No profanity.
No suggestive comments including sexist, racist or provocative comments.
No rude or challenging comments or gestures.

Vandalism

Vandalism is an act of disrespect at great cost to all of us. Therefore the following will apply:

For minor incidences of vandalism (under $100.00) restitution will be required in addition to possible detention/suspension depending on the intention/severity of the action.
For major incidences of vandalism charges will be laid.

OUR FOCUS AT JOHN MARSHALL IS ON PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION,
COUNSELLING AND WORKING WITH OUR STUDENTS
TO DEVELOP RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS.

Student Supervision

Limits of Supervision
The school assumes responsibility for students on school premises, school buses and educational field trips. Supervision extends during school hours; 15 minutes before classes begin and at dismissal time, after classes end. Bus students will be supervised before and after school.
Students who stay for lunch are supervised as long as they remain on school property.
Please note: The school cannot be held responsible for students outside of school hours or when they are off school property.
Parents are asked not to send their child to school prior to the period of supervision in the morning, nor to have them remain after supervision ends for the day.
During periods of inclement weather, walking students should arrive 10 minutes before classes begin. Your co-operation with these issues is greatly appreciated.

Absent Students (John Marshall School 905-358-3711)

We need to know where our students are. To assist us, please contact the school before 8:30 a.m., if your child is to be absent from school or late. There is an answering machine available 24 hours per day for your convenience. If a student does not arrive at school and we have not been contacted by a parent, we will make every effort to locate the student. Your co-operation is appreciated.

Lates

If a child is late, he/she should bring a note or have their parent call the school, indicating the reason. He/she must report to the office before going to the classroom.
Punctuality is important and it is the responsibility of our students to be on time for school.

Heelies

Heelies are not permitted on school property as they are a safety factor. All wheels must be removed and placed in backpack prior to arriving at school.

Lunch at School

Many of our students will be able to go home for lunch during the lunch break.
Students must remain on school property and maintain acceptable behaviour while staying at school for lunch.
Students will be allowed to leave school property only with WRITTEN permission. Students will not be permitted to call their parents/guardians anytime during the lunch hour to get verbal permission to go home for lunch. The office phone cannot be used under these conditions.
Students leaving the school grounds or not following lunchroom rules may lose their lunchroom privileges, and parents will be asked to find an alternative lunch location. It should be noted that lunchroom use is a privilege.

Clothing & Gym Apparel

Students are expected to dress in accordance with the time and place. Outdoor footwear should not be worn indoors. Students must however, have footwear on their feet at all times. Please send indoor shoes for winter months.
Proper clothing for physical education is necessary for both health and safety. Indoor, non-marking soled, running shoes are required.
Names should be placed on all items of clothing and personal property. At the end of the school year, all unclaimed items from the lost and found boxes are sent to local charities.

Bicycle Safety

It is important that all students observe the basic bicycle safety rules. The school cannot be responsible for bicycles that are brought to school.
We strongly recommend that any bicycles brought to school be securely attached to the bicycle racks with a chain and lock.
Bicycles must be walked at the crosswalks and on school property.

Textbooks

Each student will be provided with required textbooks for his/her studies. The care and return of these books is the responsibility of each student. Books are to be returned in good condition. Payment will be made for lost or damaged books. This policy also applies to library books.

Visitors to our School Check-in Procedure

ALL VISITORS are welcome in our school. In the interest of care, welfare, safety and security of our students, ALL VISITORS (including parents and guardians) are asked to check in at the office when visiting school. We have a sign-in book and identification badges will be issued.
The front door will be unlocked between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day. Students are not to use the front doors to enter or exit the building. Visitors are asked to enter through this door.
All other doors will remain locked for security reasons, since anyone entering these doors would not be readily seen by staff or students.
We greatly appreciate your co-operation in this matter as we want to maintain a safe and happy school environment for all of our students.
Please wait at the office if meeting your children. Waiting at classrooms can cause confusion at a time that is already very busy

Our Parking Lot - A Safety Concern

An ongoing concern at our school is the safety of everyone. It is with this in mind that we ask for everyone’s co-operation regarding traffic in our school parking lot, as well as at the front and side of our school.
In order to avoid traffic congestion and the danger that comes with it, the use of the parking lot should be avoided as much as possible between 8:30 - 9:00 a.m., 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. and 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Parents picking up their children must avoid parking in the bus loading zones. This would be greatly appreciated.
Please make sure your children know where they are to meet you to avoid any unnecessary confusion. We want our children to arrive and depart our school happily and safely.

Field Trips

Throughout the year, teachers may take their classes on educational field trips approved by the Board.
To ensure that parents are kept informed and approve of having their children take part, consent forms are sent home prior to each field trip.

Medication at School

At times it is necessary for students to have prescription drugs administered at school. This is done by the principal or his/her designate according to Board policy.
No medication will be administered without a physician’s signature. Each change in medication will require a new signature. Forms are available at the office and can be faxed at your request.
All medications must be kept in the office. Your co-operation is appreciated.

Student Accident Insurance

Each year the Board of Education through the Reliable Life Insurance Company makes available to parents on an optional basis, insurance for their children.
Please read carefully the section regarding coverage to damaged teeth.
Experience has shown that this is coverage worth having.

Lockers

All students will be provided with a school locker. It is the students’ responsibility to keep his/her locker neat and clean. .

Telephone

The office telephone is for emergency student use only. Students must receive a note of permission from their homeroom teacher prior to using the phone. After school arrangements must be made the night prior at home. Telephone usage will not be permitted for any student trying to make plans with their friends.

Use of Cell Phones, MP3 Players, iPods, etc.

The use of cell phones, MP3 players, iPods etc. is not permitted during school hours. Students must keep these items secured in their lockers at all times.