What We Expect
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS
COURSE SELECTION, MINIMUM CREDIT LOADS AND WITH- DRAWAL FROM CLASSES
In order to allow students to graduate within three years and to provide a reasonable range of program offerings, all SCHS students are required to earn and carry the following minimum credit load : gr. 10 - 40-42 credits ( NO study periods); gr. 11 earned 35 credits AND carry 35 credits; gr. 12 - earned 70 credits AND carry 30 credits; returning gr. 12 - 15 credits unless an arrangement is made with administration. Note: If a grade 11 or 12 student has not earned sufficient credits, the minimum credit load for that particular student will be increased by adding a course(s) to the student’s program.
Significant problems arise when students stop attending a class or wish to change their course selections after the school has organized its timetable and hired staff. However, after the extensive registration process which begins in the spring with report cards, counseling sessions, Open House and registration requests, there shall be no withdrawals from any class after ten (10) days without counsellor and parental input. If a student wishes to transfer from one class to another in the same subject, and it is reasonable to do so, (i.e. Social Studies 10-1 to Social Studies 10-2), every effort will be made to conduct this change.
NOTE : A final mark will be assigned to any course withdrawals after mid-term marks have been issued.
IN SUMMARY:
Students are expected to pursue diligently their courses and their program and SCHS will submit final marks. Students may NOT withdraw from a course after ten (10) days without counsellor and parental input. Prior to this date, students must approach the administration and seek permission to “drop” a course. Only if the student still meets the minimum credit load requirement, will the administration authorize the withdrawal from a course.
DEFINITIONS OF GRADE LEVELS
A student’s grade level status will be evaluated on September 1 st of each year according to the record of credits we have on file.
Grade 10 StudentA student who has earned less than 35 credits as of September 1 st of the current school year.
Grade 11 StudentA student who has earned more than 35 credits but less than 70 credits as of September 1 st of the current school year.
Grade 12 StudentA student who has earned at least 70 credits as of September 1 st of the current school year.
Returning Grade 12 StudentA student who is returning for a 4 th year.
ALCOHOL
The use or possession of alcohol while under the school’s jurisdiction may result in one or more of the following: transfer of the student to the custody of parents, suspension from school, expulsion from school, or involvement of law enforcement agencies. This policy is in effect for all school sponsored activities on and off school property.
ATTENDANCE
Parents, the school community and the business community expect the school system to set the standards which will educate our students to become productive citizens, to maximize their potential and to be accountable. Parents/guardians must telephone the school at 780-973-3301 (24 hr.) to inform us of a student’s absence. If a student is in the building or on school property, they cannot be excused/confirmed absent from a class by a parent. SCHS considers all unexcused absences as unacceptable as students cannot achieve their maximum potential nor develop employable skills without attending all classes in a subject. We will deal with unexcused absenteeism by the counseling of students and use of various consequences such as time-outs to provide a structured environment to catch up on missed work. In severe cases, where students do not respond to these efforts to solve the problem, suspensions and even expulsions can result. According to the School Action Section 13(5) a student is excused from attending school on a day on which the school is open if: the student is unable to attend by reason of SICKNESS or other UNAVOIDABLE CAUSE.
AVOIDABLE EXTENDED ABSENCES DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
Parents/guardians sometimes choose to take students out of the school for extended periods of time for the purpose of vacations, working at a place of employment, or other avoidable reasons. In these situations, the school may not excuse these absences.
In the majority of situations, significant absences such as these will have a negative influence upon achievement and parents/guardians shall accept responsibility for these detrimental effects. Regular class attendance is essential for maximizing achievement.
In addition to this, Sturgeon Composite High School believes that the purpose of exam week is to provide formal time for the student to maximize their achievement on their final exams. Sturgeon Composite High School will not reschedule final exams for these avoidable extended absences.
If an avoidable extended absence is scheduled during the school year, the administration and the various subject teachers should be informed well in advance of the event. The teachers will advise the student of what course material will be covered during the absence. It will be the responsibility of the student to obtain notes and complete assignments which occur during their absence. Students may find this information through the use of ‘homework buddies’, teacher Moodle sites, electronic devices and other means. Although these procedures will help the student to reduce the detrimental effect of their absence, Sturgeon Composite High School believes it will not replace the positive effects of the “classroom experience” upon their achievement.
BEHAVIOUR
A student shall conduct himself so as to comply with the following code of conduct:
(a) Be diligent in pursuing his studies;
(b) Attend school regularly and punctually;
(c) Cooperate fully with everyone authorized by the board to
(d) Comply with the rules of the school;
(e) Account to his teachers for his conduct;
(f) Respect the right of others;
(g) Keep lockers, school building and grounds, clean and neat;
(h) Keep personal items in lockers or on person;
(i) Adhere to school dress code.
CELL PHONES & ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones and other electronic devices continue to present an increased disruption to instructional time and raise issues associated with bullying and cheating. Therefore, a CELL PHONE /ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY has been instituted at Sturgeon Composite High School, effective until the end of exams in June.
Cell phones, SMARTPHONES, MP3 PLAYERS, IPODS, AND SIMILAR ELECTRONIC DEVICES are PERMITTED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
Students will be allowed cell phones in the cafeteria or outside at any time.
NO cell phone use allowed in the Library at any time. Cell phone use will be permitted in the hallways between classes (at breaks). Cell phone use in the classroom will be up to the individual teacher’s discretion. Some teachers allow students to use features on their phones to assist them in class. When this is not the case, it is advised that students should turn off their phones and place them on the top of their desks where they are visible.
Violation of this policy will result in the device in question being immediately confiscated and turned over to an Administrator in the Office.
First Offence : The device in question will be picked up by the student at the end of the day from the Main Office.
Second Offence : A parent or guardian is required to pick up the device in question from the Main Office.
Third & Subsequent Offences : In school community service or suspension.
If a student must be contacted for any reason during the school day, parents/guardians should contact the Main Office and the message will be relayed to the student. For emergencies only, the student will be contacted immediately in the classroom.
Note : Alberta Education Policy States that students may not bring cell phones and/or personal audio devices into the examination room.
DRESS CODE
In keeping with the philosophy of Alberta Education, we strive to help our students become productive citizens who are ready to enter the work force or are ready to pursue post-secondary education. As a result, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates respect and to dress appropriately for a school/work place setting.
(a) Footwear must be worn at all times in the school.
(b) Students must not wear clothing or accessories that have sharp points or edges.
(c) Students must not wear clothing or accessories that are offensive or depict illegal or immoral behavior.
(d) Students must wear clothing that covers their chest, back and midriff (no spaghetti straps or strapless/off the shoulder shirts).
(e) Shorts and skirts must be a reasonable length.
(f) Make-up must be appropriate for the work place.
(g) No low riding attire that results in exposed undergarments.
The final determination about modesty and/or appropriateness of dress lies with school staff. Students who are dressed inappropriately will be asked to change; if they do not have a change of clothing, a parent will be contacted to pick them up.
FIELD TRIPS
Students must assume responsibility for completing any work missed as a result of absence from classes while on field trips. Students who are attending field trips (including band tour) will be marked absent from the classes they are missing but will be confirmed by the office. Some teachers may refuse to grant students the privilege of missing their class for the purpose of a field trip. There will be no field trips during January or June to encourage students to focus on final exams.
HOMEWORK
Students are personally responsible for obtaining and completing homework assignments when missing classes; alternate arrangements may be considered with an administrator’s approval. Parents should be contacting the school to make arrangements to pick up homework for their child if they are absent for more than two days due to illness or other personal reasons.
ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
It is the belief of SCHS that a drug culture is counter productive to the major purposes of an educational institution. Therefore, any students found in possession of, involved with, or using illegal substances will be dealt with severely and harshly. They may be brought to the Sturgeon School Division Discipline Committee with a recommendation of expulsion for a minimum of one semester. In addition, the student may be required to provide proof of external drug counselling before returning to SCHS. In the event a student becomes a repeat offender, the student shall be permanently expelled from SCHS, if the school personnel deem it appropriate. An administrator will contact the parents/guardians of students who appear to be under the influence of illegal substances while at school or school related functions.
ILLNESS
If you have a serious illness, it is your duty to notify the school. In the event of illness during school hours, an infirmary is available for students’ use. When practical, parents will be contacted to take students home. Upon entering or leaving the infirmary, students must advise the office staff. Parents are expected to inform the school of any medical conditions of their son or daughter.
INTERNET ACCESS
Students registered at SCHS have the opportunity to access the Internet and the World Wide Web through the technology available at the school. Access to Internet is a privilege and to be used for sanctioned purposes only. Violation of Sturgeon School Division policy may result in loss of privilege and further sanctions if deemed necessary by the school.
PARKING
Parking at SCHS is a privilege. Students must park in the student parking lot and in the designated parking stalls. Inappropriate student driving or parking behavior or littering from vehicles, may result in suspension of parking privileges. For fire safety and bus safety reasons, there is to be NO student parking or driving in the front bus parking lane area. From time to time students may choose to participate in activities which are counter productive to the needs of the school and student safety. Students who use their vehicles to use or distribute illegal substances, transfer other students to off school sites for the purpose of engaging in or witnessing fighting, conflicts, confrontations or operate their vehicles in an unsafe manner, will lose the privilege of parking their vehicles on school property and may also be suspended. There may also be the need to involve the RCMP. Only authorized vehicles are allowed in the vocational compound. Visitors may park in visitor parking which is connected to the student parking lot in front of the school; all visitors are required to check in at the office. NOTE : Students and visitors, who park in the parking lot, do so at their own risk.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Sturgeon Composite High School and Sturgeon School Division cannot be responsible for loss or damage to personal property brought to school. This includes property such as, but not exclusive to, calculators, clothing, musical equipment, computers, vehicles, and backpacks. Personal property is to be kept secured in a locker or kept with the student at all times. Any items left unattended in public areas will be brought to the General Office and may be destroyed.
SAFETY/FROSHING/HARASSMENT
For students to perform at their optimum level, they have to feel safe. Acts of physical violence, intimidation and harassment remove the ability of students to feel safe. Both the School’s policy and the School Division’s policy on “Harassment” recognize the severity of these types of infractions. If a student froshes or harasses another student which, (1) insults the student, (2) decreases a positive school climate and/or (3) results in damage to school, public or private property, then that person may be charged by the RCMP with “willful damage” or “mischief” and/or be suspended. Repeat or flagrant offenses may result in expulsion.
SCHOOL BUSES Parents who are not certain which buses serve their children should contact the Director of Transportation Services at 780-939-4341 or a toll free number 1-888-459-4062.
School Closure/Cancellation of Bus Service
When the temperature is below -40°C at Garrison Edmonton or roads become impassable, as deemed by the bus drivers, an announcement may be made to suspend school bus operation. This announcement will be made on radio stations K-ROCK, Big Earl, Joe FM, CHED, CFCW and CISN on the evening or morning prior to suspension of bus service. Parents are advised to obtain the telephone number of the bus driver, in the event they have questions regarding bus service. If a storm arises during school hours, the decision to transport students home early is at the discretion of the bus drivers and the Director of Transportation, who are in the best position to know the condition of the roads. Bus cancellations can also be viewed on the Sturgeon School Division website ( www.sturgeon.ab.ca ) under quick links and “Transportation”.
Student Behavior on a School Bus
If students misbehave while a passenger, the bus drivers may recommend that the principal suspend students from riding the bus. The principal may decide on the duration of the suspension and will attempt to notify the parents of the suspension. If students misbehave while on the bus ride home, the bus driver is to inform the parents they are going to request that the principal suspend school bus privileges. The principal then decides on the length of the suspension and notifies the parents in writing. Bus drivers have the authority and responsibility to assign any student to a specific seat on the bus.
SIGNING OUT
Students, who are required to leave for medical or dental appointments, or for any other reason, must sign out at the office. Students who become ill must report to the office as soon as possible and should not remain in a washroom or attempt to go home without checking in at the office. The parents of students who are ill are encouraged to inform the school by telephone. If students are required to be picked up during class time the adult driver must report to the office and request the student to be paged out of class.
SMOKING
Sturgeon Composite is a Tobacco Free facility. All tobacco products are prohibited on Sturgeon School Division property and students who do not comply with policy may serve an out-of-school suspension, and if they are under the age of 18, be fined. NOTE : This includes the use of tobacco products in vehicles.
STUDENT EVALUATION
Evaluation of students’ work will vary because many evaluative methods are used at SCHS. Students will receive, from their teachers, an outline of the evaluation plan. Some of these include the following: quizzes, written and oral presentations, projects, laboratory reports, internet searches, school common exams, computer software projects and provincial exams. Within the introductory phase of each course, teachers give the students outlines of the content and the objectives of the courses. Students will also receive information on evaluation procedures.
STUDY PERIODS
All students and teachers have a right to a quiet instructional setting. Study periods are intended for homework or quiet study in the library, the cafeteria or other rooms designated for general student use. Hallways are to be kept clear when classes are in session. Students are expected to remain at school but, if they leave the building during study periods, they assume complete and sole responsibility for their safety while out of the school. For safety reasons, students are not permitted to loiter in the parking lot (including being in vehicles) during class time.
VANDALISM
We are proud of our school and want to ensure that vandalism does not occur. The willful and malicious destruction of property will not be tolerated. Students caught damaging school property will be required to pay for damages; may be reported to the police; suspended from school; or, in some instances, may be recommended for expulsion from school. Our students are our first line of defense and act as proud citizens of our school. We rely upon students to take ownership of the school climate and environment. Any student who wishes to report any type of concern or share pertinent information is encouraged to speak to one of the administrators or counsellors who will treat the information as confidential, and are in a position to respond accordingly.
WEAPONS
Any student found in possession of a weapon, or replica of a weapon, whether on their person, in their vehicle, or in their locker or desk, may be suspended and/or recommended for expulsion: NOTE : A weapon is anything used, designed to be used, or intended for use in causing injury or death to any person, or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person.