SCHOOL AND DISTRICT STUDENT BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

McNeely Code of Conduct

At McNeely School, we believe:

a) in promoting a love and enthusiasm for learning

b) that children should learn in a safe, supportive environment

c) that every child is unique

d) in the pursuit of personal excellence

e) in the value of our community

f) in the promotion of cooperation, participation and caring in our ever changing world

In order to maintain and develop the best environment for learning, the following behavior guidelines for students is communicated to students and reinforced by staff and parents as necessary.

BASIC RIGHTS FOR ALL STUDENTS INCLUDE:

The right to be respected.

The right to learn.

The right to have their belongings and property respected.

The right to be and feel safe.

1. McNeely students are expected to show respect at all times. (For themselves, others, personal property, school property, and the environment.)

Some ways they do this are by:

• being kind and thoughtful to others (students, staff, and guests) by using good manners, removing their hats indoors, dressing appropriately, greeting others, being helpful, sharing and taking turns, etc.

•being sensitive to others' feelings and respecting diversity in beliefs, appearance, learning styles, strengths, etc.

•respecting others' property by asking permission to use items, reporting damage to school property, and taking steps to lessen their environmental footprint through reducing, reusing and recycling

•working to meet their potential by putting effort into their own learning, working cooperatively with students and staff, and asking for help when needed

•being willing to take on leadership roles within the school, to model appropriate behavior for buddy classes and younger students, and contribute in age-appropriate ways to the school community

2. McNeely students are expected to behave in ways that ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Some ways they do this are by:

•solving problems (at times with assistance) in non-violent ways

•arriving at school on time, (8:30-8:40)

•staying in the appropriate "boundaries" (not at the front of the school or near the drive ways) at recess and lunch and not leaving the school yard without a note from their parents and permission from administration

•playing with others safely (not roughly or fighting at any time)

•signing in if they arrive late, and signing out of the school when leaving early for an appointment

•coming to school only if they are well enough to participate fully in all activities, staying home when sick

•going directly home after school or to the office for assistance if they are not picked up as planned, and contacting their parents if they are staying after school.

•following all school rule as reviewed periodically by staff including: (going in and out through classroom doors, going outside promptly for breaks, during inside days participating in appropriate inside activities, walking in the hallways, etc.)

        

KATHLEEN MCNEELY SCHOOL DRESS CODE

Kathleen McNeely Elementary has a prime obligation to focus on the process of learning. The way we choose to dress defines and reflects our attitude towards ourselves, others and the learning activities offered in our school community. Although the assumption might be that the dress code is intended primarily for students, the school’s expectation is that all employees and visitors to the school also abide by it to ensure that our focus remains on learning. Guided by our mission statement, we expect our students, staff and parents to dress in ways that are safe, respectful and responsible.

Be Safe

• Wear proper footwear for gym.

• Wear proper gym strip for PE classes.

• Wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather.

Be Respectful

• Remove hat or hood while inside the school.

• Garments and accessories with pictures and / or messages should be in good taste and appropriate for elementary students to see and read.

• Modesty should be demonstrated in picking out clothes each school day by:

- wearing the hems of skirts or shorts long enough to reach the fingers of your hand resting at your side.

- wearing tops with a modest neckline and without torso or undergarments showing.

- wearing pants, shorts or skirts high enough on hips to hide undergarments.

Be Responsible

• Make clothing choices that respect the common values of the school community.

• Take responsibility for the clothing choices that you make.

The Process

School administration will be informed discreetly of persons who are dressed in a questionable or provocative manner by staff. School administrators will discuss the concern with the person and decide upon the steps that need to be taken. The person in question may be asked to change their clothes at the school if possible. The school may provide a T-shirt or top to cover up questionable clothing. If parents are available, a student may be asked to go home to change their clothing or parents may bring a change of clothing to the school.

RICHMOND DISTRICT CODE OF CONDUCT

        

Policy 502.1.1

District Code of Conduct

The Board of Education recognizes its obligation to all members of the school community to provide a positive climate and a safe, healthy environment such that effective, purposeful teaching and learning may take place.  To that end it is expected that all members of the school community will conduct themselves in an ethical and lawful manner that demonstrates respect for self, others, property and the environment.  A violation may warrant intervention or disciplinary action.  It is expected that all members of the school community (staff, students, parents, and guests) will:

• respect the rights of others;

•  respect the health and safety of others;

•  respect the property of others - private and public;

• respect the legitimate authority of the school administrative officers and staff;

• respect and take pride in the schools' physical facilities;

• respect the diversity of the school community;

• respect the non-smoking nature of district schools and property;

• respect the individual rules within each school;

• behave in an ethical and lawful manner;

• behave in a considerate and courteous manner;

• behave in a safe and responsible manner at all times;

• comply with the purpose and spirit of the BC Human Rights Code, including not engaging in discriminatory conduct on the basis of gender, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation;

• not threaten, harass, intimidate, bully or assault, in any way, any person within the school community directly or indirectly, through print or electronic media; and

• not be in possession of weapons, dangerous articles, alcohol, or illegal drugs while in school or at school functions.

The District Code of Conduct shall apply in school and at school functions.

What is considered to be a weapon?

The definition in the Criminal Code states that a "weapon" is anything used or intended for use in causing death or injury to persons whether designed for that purpose or not, or anything used or intended for use in threatening or intimidating any persons.

What does the policy mean?

The policy means that when a school administrator or staff member reasonably believes that a student is in possession of an offensive weapon or has used such a weapon in any way, the matter will be treated with utmost seriousness by:

•       minimizing risk or injury to any other person;

•       notifying the police;

•       confiscating the weapon, where possible, and turning it over to the police;

•       notifying the parent or guardian;

•       suspending the student pending disciplinary action;

•       notifying the Superintendent of Schools.

What immediate action will be taken?

Disciplinary action shall include the following:

•       informing the police who will determine if criminal charges will be laid;

•       referring the incident to a School District Board of Review;

•       suspending the student for a period of five school days or more in order that investigations can be carried out;

•       notifying the Board of School Trustees.

What follow-up action will be taken?

Depending on the outcome of the investigations, the Board of Review may recommend the following:

        •       continued supervision pending appropriate placement;

        •       immediate transfer to another school;

        •       expulsion; or

        •       other action deemed appropriate.

What preventive measures are being taken by the School District?

        The Richmond School District is taking a pro-active approach to dealing with violence by encouraging a positive climate in our schools through the following initiatives:

        •       communicating and enforcing a firm policy on weapons in the schools;

        •       working closely with the police;

        •       acting consistently in matters involving school discipline;

        •       providing students who require support with access to trained professional staff;

        •       providing violence awareness presentations to students, staff and parents;

        •       providing conflict resolution training to students and staff;

        •       encouraging strategies which increase students' self esteem;

        •       encouraging the use in the classroom of curriculum which addresses the issue of violence.

Please discuss this policy with your children.

SMOKE-FREE Environment

All Richmond Schools and school grounds are designated as smoke-free, and no smoking is permitted at any time.