Morning Arrival
The main front door of the school and the parking lot doors will be open at 8:00 a.m. Students who arrive early should remain in the boot rooms at these doors until invited in by a supervisor at 8:15 a.m. Other school entrance doors will open at 8:15 a.m. Full building and school grounds supervision will commence at 8:15 a.m. Students should not arrive before that time unless they are prepared to remain in the boot rooms.
SCHOOL SECURITY
For the safety of our students and staff we will lock all doors to the school, with the exception of the main doors by the office, during school hours. If you are visiting the school please come to the main office to sign in with the office staff. You will be issued a “visitor” badge that will make you easily identifiable to all staff and students. If you come to visit with staff or students at recess time please come to the office to sign in before you go out to the playground.
Lunchroom and Noon Hours
Lunchroom facilities are provided for a limited number of students. Junior High students may purchase food and snacks from the canteen. Elementary students may place orders for food from the canteen by completing an order form to be turned in at 8:30 a.m. in the morning. Students should go home for lunch if possible, unless they are involved in scheduled noon hour activities in the school. Lunches, snack foods and beverages purchased in the canteen may be consumed only in designated eating areas. The privilege of staying at school at noon hour will be revoked for any students who misuse it.
School Attendance
Numerous studies have identified regular school attendance as being a key factor in determining academic success. As well, Section 12(b) of the School Act states that it is the responsibility of the student to attend school regularly and punctually. Students should be in attendance at school unless prevented from doing so by illness, by bereavement or other exceptional circumstances. Students who are habitually absent or late for school or classes will have a letter sent home to their parents to inform them of the problem and are subject to disciplinary action.
COMMUNICATION OF ABSENCES OR LATES TO THE SCHOOL
Students do not require a note when returning to school after an absence but we do ask that a parent telephone the school office at 532-1365 on the morning of the day the student will be absent. If you call before 8:00 a.m. please leave a message on the school voice mail. If no such call is received, school personnel will telephone parents to confirm the reason for the absence. Office personnel are available to answer the phones between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you call outside these hours please leave a message on the answering machine.
Office personnel must speak to or receive a note from a parent or other responsible person before a student who must miss a class because of medical appointments or for other reasons may sign out. Students will also be asked to sign in on their return to the school. Students who become ill during the school day can not be sent home unless permission is received. For their safety, we can not allow a sick student to go to an unsupervised home.
SCHOOL FEES AND OTHER COSTS
School Fees
School fees are payable during the first week of the new school term. Students who are unable to make payment at that time should arrange with the office for payment at a later date. Please make all cheques payable to Alexander Forbes School.
ECS Fees $30.00
Elementary Text Rental (mandatory) $55.00
Agenda Fee (Grade 2-9 mandatory) $ 7.00
Junior High Text Rental (mandatory) $65.00
Student Activity Fees (mandatory) $10.00
Practical Arts 7 (Mandatory for Grade 7) $10.00
Locker Fee (grade 7-9 mandatory) $ 7.00
CTS 8 & 9 (I.A. and H. Ec.) $15.00
Environmental and Outdoor Education $15.00
Please note that Junior High students will not be assigned a locker until school fees are paid or arrangement for payment has been made.
In addition to these fees, students will be charged the replacement cost of any materials they lose or damage. If the agenda booklet is lost additional copies are available at a cost of $7.00. Please check the registration booklets for any possible additional costs associated with a course.
Insurance
The School District sponsors an optional student accident insurance plan at a low cost to the student. Application forms will be sent home early in September.
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Locks and Lockers
Locks and lockers are the property of the school. The school has the right to access student lockers at any time. The student is responsible for maintenance/care of the locker to which he/she has been assigned. Students should not share their lockers or locker combinations with anyone. If a student loses a lock there is a replacement fee of $7.00.
Personal Belongings
The school, the School Board and its insurers take no responsibility for valuables lost, stolen or damaged while on school property. To ensure safety of personal belongings, students should not share their hall locker or gym locker combinations with anyone else. If students have a large sum of money or other valuables on their person they should deposit it at the school office until the end of the school day. Teachers will not accept money or other valuables for safekeeping.
Student Transportation
Students who ride skateboards or scooters to school should carry them once they reach school property. Bikes should be locked up in the bike racks using a quality lock during school hours. They should not be ridden on school grounds at recess or at lunchtime. Students who rollerblade to school should remove them in the boot room when they arrive.
Student Vehicles
Students who attend Alexander Forbes School and who qualify for a driver’s license may not bring motor vehicles to school under any circumstances.
Laser Pointers
Laser pointers are potentially harmful if used inappropriately and are prohibited at school. Any student in possession of a laser pointer at school will be referred to the school administration for disciplinary action.
Cellular Phones and Personal Audio Players
Student mobile phones and personal audio players must be turned off and stored in their locker during the school day.
ACADEMICS AT ALEXANDER FORBES SCHOOL
Evaluation and Promotion Policy
Junior High
There are three formal reporting periods during the school year. Students will be assigned a mark in each subject in each reporting period. In addition, Junior High Students will write final exams in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies as well as other subjects as determined by the teacher. Each teacher will include as a part of their course outline information on the evaluation system, including term and final exam weightings, to be used in his or her class.
Parent Teacher Interviews will be scheduled following the first and second reporting periods.
Students will be promoted to the next grade level if they meet both of the following conditions:
1. The student has achieved a mark of 50% or higher in three of the five core subject areas (Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science and Social Studies).
2. The student has achieved an overall average of 50% in all of the courses they have taken, including option courses.
Students who do not meet these conditions will be referred to the promotions committee. At the Junior High level, this committee is composed of all junior high teachers and at least one member of the school administration. The committee will look at the situation of each student referred to them to determine whether it is in the best interest of the student to repeat the grade, fulfill further academic expectations or to be promoted to the next grade. Criteria such as the age of the student, attendance, attitude and effort, and the number of courses failed may be considered in making the decision.
Evaluation and Promotion Policy
Grade 3-6
There are three formal reporting periods during the school year. Each reporting period will contribute equally towards a student’s final mark. Parent Teacher Interviews will be scheduled following the first and second reporting periods.
Homework
It is expected that students will be required to complete assignments at home in most core subjects regularly during the school year. To help students minimize homework, time management will be stressed in class and the use of agenda booklets will help students to schedule their tasks.
Parents can assist their children by monitoring the agenda books and, when they are available, voice messages, and by ensuring students have adequate facilities and time for home study. Assignments not completed are subject to:
· Completion in detention at noon or after school
· Deducted marks for late assignments
· In cases where all other avenues have been exhausted a mark of zero being assigned
Students who continually neglect to hand in assignments may be assigned to the “Reflection Room” until they have caught up.
Students are responsible, along with teachers, to ensure that any assignments or tests given while a student is absent are completed on the student’s return. When a student arrives back from an absence the student should arrange with their teachers to complete missed work.
Student Preparedness
Students are responsible to come to school and to class with all of the necessary supplies and equipment to accomplish the tasks assigned to them. This includes having proper gym strip, two pairs of footwear (one for outside and one for inside), an adequate supply of paper, pens, pencils, all necessary textbooks and any other materials requested by the teacher.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR AT ALEXANDER FORBES SCHOOL
At Alexander Forbes one of our major goals is to help students learn to behave responsibly. In order to accomplish this we have adopted the following guidelines for student conduct:
· Common courtesy and respect define reasonable conduct in the school.
· Discipline techniques used will encourage students to be socially and academically responsible.
Discipline Procedures:
A system of increasing consequences has been developed to respond to inappropriate behavior.
1. Verbal reprimands.
2. Discussion with the student about possible better ways to handle the particular situation.
3. The student will be asked to see the teacher at an arranged time to discuss the matter further.
4. The student will be removed from the situation.
5. The concern will be discussed with parents.
6. The student will be removed from the classroom.
7. The student will be sent to the office.
8. Repetitive discipline problems and/or serious behavior incidents could result in suspension.
Each incident will generally be dealt with according to these progressions although, depending on the offense, some steps might be skipped.
Student Privileges
We believe that student effort and initiative need to be recognized and that opportunities should be made available to those who accept their responsibilities as a student. We sponsor a wide variety of activities and a reward system to support this. However, when students do not accept their responsibilities as students, they will lose their privilege to participate in these extra activities and to stay for lunch until they have demonstrated an acceptance of the duties assigned to students in the School Act. The monitoring of effort is done on a regular basis by our Junior High staff and includes such considerations as completion of homework, task commitment in class, behavior, attendance and punctuality.
Team Forbes
On three occasions during the year, Junior High students will be assessed by their teachers in the following areas:
· effort in all school related activities
· displaying a positive attitude
· participation in class and school activities
· positive interactions with classmates and staff
· being prepared for class
· punctuality
Students who excel in these areas will be rewarded for their positive citizenship by being invited to participate in the Team Forbes activity for that period. Students who, during this process, receive a poor assessment for citizenship may have their privilege to participate in school activities such as dances, clubs and teams suspended until their citizenship improves.
Dress Policy
When students are choosing clothing and jewelry for school they should remember that they must dress in a way which facilitates learning and which does not detract from the positive climate that school rules and procedures are designed to encourage. The following guidelines are intended to help students to make these choices. The school administration retains the right to make all final decision regarding the appropriateness of any article of clothing, jewelry, etc. for wear at the school.
Guidelines:
1. All clothing should be clean and tidy.
2. Clothing worn at the beach is not suitable for school (ex. short shorts, halter-tops, muscle shirts, and clothing which exposes the midriff).
3. Clothing that has crude sayings, obscene or offensive pictures, vulgar language, which advocate illegal activities, depict violence or weapons or are otherwise offensive in nature, may not be worn.
4. Students should place their hats, bandanas and sunglasses in their lockers when they arrive at school and leave them there until they are leaving the school, either at noon or at the end of the day.
5. For safety and hygiene, suitable clothing and shoes are necessary for Industrial Arts, Home Economics and Physical Education. Students must have a change of clothing for Physical Education that includes running shoes, proper socks, T-shirt or sweatshirt, shorts or sweat pants. If students do not have proper gym strip, clean gym strip will be provided for them from our supply.
Students who arrive at school dressed in an inappropriate manner will be asked to rectify the problem by covering up or removing the offensive item of clothing or jewelry. If they do not have appropriate clothing at the school they may be asked to return home to change.
Footwear
All students should have a pair of clean indoor shoes they can change into when they arrive at school. Street shoes or running shoes which have been worn outside will not be allowed for gym activities. Shoes with soft soles, which mark the hallways, should not be worn to school.
Smoking Policy
In accordance with Grande Prairie School District Policy, Alexander Forbes School is a smoke free environment. Students who attend Forbes are not of legal age to possess tobacco products and are prohibited from possessing tobacco products while at school and are also expected to refrain from smoking on property adjacent to the school at the request of property owners and community members. Students who violate this policy will be referred to the school administration for disciplinary action.
Alcohol and Drugs
The Grande Prairie Public School District Policy states that students who come to school or to a school function in procession or under the influence of alcohol or drugs are to be referred to the school or school district administration for disciplinary action.
Suspensions
Students under suspension should not be on or around the grounds of Alexander Forbes School or any other school during school operational hours without having first received the permission of the school administration.
SCHOOL HARASSMENT POLICY
In order for students to succeed academically they must feel safe from threats and harassment. As it is the aim of our school to have all students be successful to the best of their abilities, it is to be understood that harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Students who feel that others are harassing them need to take responsible action to protect their rights. It is our recommendation that the following steps need to be taken by those being harassed:
¨ Advise the person who is causing a problem that you wish them to stop.
¨ Ask a teacher, administrator, counselor or parent to help solve the problem.
¨ Keep telling people until the harassment stops.
Our school takes this issue seriously. Those involved in harassing others will be firmly dealt with by school administration. Continuous harassment will result in a suspension from school.
AWARDS PROGRAM – JUNIOR HIGH
Our Student Awards Program has been designed to recognize the efforts and achievements of our students. It is also designed to express our appreciation to those students who achieve excellence in school.
Academic and Participation Awards
Principal’s List
Students that maintain an average of 90% or higher are placed on this list.
High 5 Club
Students that raise their overall average by 5% or more are recognized for their effort.
Honor Roll (all subjects)
A list of all students who achieve a mark of 80% or higher in any subject will be posted after each reporting period. The roll will be divided into subject areas and grades. (A mark of "A" or "Excellent" will be considered equivalent to over 80%) Students who maintain an average of 80% or higher for terms 1, 2 and 3 will receive an award at the Awards Ceremony.
Participation Awards
Certificates will be given to all students involved in a service organization or a school representative group such as sports teams, canteen, and lunch supervision.
Outstanding Citizenship Awards
The Outstanding Citizenship Award recognizes the student or students in each grade whose overall contribution to the school community is significant. The levels at which they achieve success in academics, athletics and the arts is a consideration, but more importantly, their positive and supportive attitude towards others serves as a model for good citizenship and leadership.
Outstanding Athlete Awards
Each year we recognize the outstanding male and female athlete or athletes in each grade level. The students must exhibit outstanding athletic performance while maintaining a sense of fair play and good sportsmanship. Of equal importance, these students must also demonstrate the ability to lead, support and mentor other students.
Outstanding Academic Student Award
This award will be presented to the student in each grade with the highest overall average calculated using all of the student’s courses.
Top All-Round Student Award
This award will be presented to the student in each grade who best combines exceptional academic achievement and a high level of involvement in other school activities such as the arts, clubs and sports while demonstrating positive leadership in the school.
Most Improved Student Award
The Most Improved Student Award recognizes the student or students in each grade who has/have shown the most personal and academic growth over the course of the school year.
Linda Chang Memorial Award
This award is given to the choir student who has notable singing ability and, more importantly, an enthusiastic and supportive attitude towards the choir as a whole.
AWARDS PROGRAM GRADE 1 TO 6
Participation Certificates
Certificates will be awarded to any grade 5 or 6 student recognizing participation in an inter-school athletic event and/or membership in school clubs and organizations which provide service to the school.
Academic Certificates
Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 who achieve a mark of 80% or higher in all subjects in term 3 and in one of either term 1 or term 2 will receive a certificate at the end of the year recognizing them for their academic achievement.
Student of the Month
Certificates will be presented at the monthly assembly for reasons such as academic achievement, citizenship and sportsmanship.
Power Lunch
Power Lunch Draw tickets are presented to students when they have done a “great job”. A draw is conducted in each class once per month and the student whose name is drawn is invited to lunch with a member of the school administration.
SERVICES TO STUDENTS AT ALEXANDER FORBES SCHOOL
Extra-curricular Activities
The school may offer extra-curricular activities to students in grades 5 to 9, as well as a more limited range of activities to younger students. Specific opportunities such as lunch room supervisor, library helper, and elementary choir would be advertised throughout the school term and students encouraged to take part in as many activities as possible. It is the responsibility of all students to ensure that they have fulfilled all of their academic responsibilities as a first priority. Students who fail to fulfill their classroom responsibilities may have their extra-curricular opportunities withdrawn to encourage an acceptable academic focus. Homework assignments, detentions and other classroom expectations are given priority over extra-curricular involvement.