GLENCOE DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

We believe that all students can be successful!

COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS

• Teachers and staff, in partnership with the community, will provide all students with learning opportunities that will enable them to develop the knowledge, skills, and values to become positive, responsible, and contributing members of society.

CODE DEVELOPMENT

• This school Code of Conduct has been developed in accordance with Ministry guidelines and The Thames Valley District School Board of Education policy statements, and has been endorsed by school council, student council, and staff.

MINISTRY GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• All participants involved in the school system - students, parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members - are included in this Code of Conduct whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities.
• All members of the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity.
• Responsible citizenship involves appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community.  Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others.
• Members of the school community are expected to use non-violent means to resolve conflict.  Physically aggressive behaviour is not a responsible way to interact with others.
• The possession, use or threatened use of any object to injure another person endangers the safety of oneself and others.
• Alcohol and illegal drugs are addictive and present a health hazard.  GDHS will work co-operatively with police, and drug and alcohol agencies to promote prevention strategies and, where necessary, respond to school members who are in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Insults, disrespect, and other hurtful acts disrupt learning and teaching in a school community.  Members of the school community have a responsibility to maintain an environment where conflict and differences can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Principals, under the direction of their school board, take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school.  They provide leadership by:
  • Demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and a safe teaching and learning environment.
  • Holding everyone under their authority accountable for their behaviour and actions.
  • Communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community. 

• Teachers and school staff, under the leadership of the principals, maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour.  As role models, staff uphold these high standards when they:
  • Help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth.
  • Communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents.
  • Maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students.
  • Demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents.
  • Prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship. 

• Students are to be treated with respect and dignity.  In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour.  Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:
  • Comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn.
  • Shows respect for themselves and others.
  • Refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others.
  • Follows the established school rules and takes responsibility for his or her own action.

• Parents play an important role in the education of their children and have a responsibility to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.  Parents fulfill this responsibility when they:
  • Show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress.
  • Communicate regularly with the school.
  • Help their child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school.
  • Ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time.
  • Promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival.
  • Become familiar with this Code of Conduct and school rules.
  • Encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour.
  • Assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

Respect, Civility and Responsible Citizenship 
All school members must:

• Respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
• Respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions.
• Treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is a disagreement.
• Respect and treat others fairly, regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.
• Respect the rights of others.
• Show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others.
• Take appropriate measures to help those in need.
• Respect persons who are in a position of authority.
• Respect the need of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching.

Physical Safety / Weapons
All school members must:

• Not be in possession of any weapon, including but not limited to firearms.
• Not use any object to threaten or intimidate another person.
• Not cause injury to any person with an object.

Alcohol and Drugs
All school members must:

• Not be in possession of, or under the influence of, or provide others with, alcohol or illegal drugs.

Physical Aggression
All school members must:

• Not inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person.
• Seek staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully.

BEHAVIOURS SPECIFIC TO GLENCOE DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

Specific Behavioural Procedure
Students are required to:

Academic Honesty

• Complete all course assignments, assessments, and evaluations on their own unless otherwise instructed by their teacher.
• Submit their “own” work. Plagiarism is to steal and pass off one’s own work, the words or ideas of another to use existing work without crediting the source from where the work originates.

Achievement 

• Come to class with the appropriate book(s) and other necessary materials.
• Submit assignments on the due date and to study for tests, examinations, and final evaluations.  In the spirit of mutual respect and honouring individual needs, extensions may granted, on an individual basis. Extensions are to be negotiated in advance of a due date, not on the day the assignment is due.
• Come to class on all assessment and evaluation days. 
• Complete homework.  Homework may involve projects, assignments, independent study, and review of notes.  Students must organize and prioritize their time to meet the workload for each course.
• Students who do not submit work for evaluation may receive a mark of zero unless there is extenuating circumstances.
• Students submitting late assignments, etc., are subject to a penalty of 10% for the first day and 5% per day after up to a maximum of 30%.

Attendance and Punctuality

• Attend class on time prepared to learn.
• Schedule appointments and vacations outside of school time.
• Use the SchoolConnects App or report an absence online or by phone, on or before the day to confirm an absence. Each unauthorized absence is considered to be truancy. Consequences will be assigned.
• Go to class if they arrive late. If the attendance has been already been submitted to the office the teacher will make the attendance change through Web Attendance or by contacting the office.

Attendance is an extremely important for student achievement and it requires an effective partnership between the student, parents, and the school. At Glencoe DHS, teachers, the Student Success Team, and administration monitor attendance and communicate regularly with students and parents. Below is an example of our response to attendance concerns:

Attendance Consequences

• 1 – 4 lates/absences
  • Teacher discretion; may include teacher assigned detentions, teacher will notify parents of the attendance situation before the next step
  • 5^th late/absences
    • Student may be sent to the office by his/her teacher to complete an office referral form ( reason – 5^th late/unexcused absence)
    • Administration intervenes at this point may include:
      • Further discussions
      • Parent contact/meeting
      • Office detention(s)
      • Temporary suspension from all extra-curricular activities (sports, dances, music, field trips, clubs, etc.)
      • 6-9 absences/lates
        • Teacher discretion as stated above
        • 10^th plus absences and lates
          • Student is sent to the office by his/her teacher to complete office referral form (reason:10^th late/absence)
          • Student may not return to class until a parent meeting takes place with Administration to determine the student’s future in the class and the appropriate consequences for his/her continued defiance.

Announcements

• Arrive to class before morning exercises begin which is after the second bell. Web announcements will begin at this time.
• Stand quietly during the playing of the National Anthem and silent reflection. 
• Listen attentively to the video announcements that follow O Canada Students in the front hall are to remain in the front hallway to watch and listen to the announcements.

Assemblies 

• Attend all scheduled assemblies.  Books are to be left in class before the assembly.
• Proceed to the assembly as announced by the office.
• Directly head to the assembly and not to go to their lockers.
• Demonstrate respectful behaviour.

Bullying

• Report any and all incidents of bullying to the office immediately.  There is also an ANONYMOUS REPORTING site on our website.  Bullying is not tolerated at GDHS.  If we all work together, we CAN and WILL stop bullying.

Buses

• Ride only their bus as assigned by Student Transportation.  Students are not permitted to travel on any other bus other than the one assigned.
• Follow the Code of Conduct as well as other school and board regulations while on the bus or waiting for the bus. The rules that apply in a classroom also apply on a bus.

Cafeteria 

• Consume all food and drinks in the cafeteria, return trays to the kitchen and put all waste and recyclables in the appropriate receptacles. Bottled water is permitted in classrooms at the discretion of the teacher.
• Keep the hallways, floors and tables clean.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

• Use cell phones and other electronic devices in the hallways, cafeteria and foyer for TEXTING ONLY. Any Calls received or made should be made outside the school to avoid disruption.
• Follow the teacher’s direction and rules requiring the use of cell phones in the classroom.  

Class Start and End Time

• Attend all classes on time.  Class start time and end time is signalled by the school bell with warning bells before each class. Times are posted on the school website and around school.
• Remain in your class for the entire period.  Classes are dismissed by the teacher and not the bell.

Computer and Media Use

• Sign a Computer/Media Usage Agreement before they are given access to a computer account which outlines the requirements, as well as consequences for a violation of the agreement.
• Access their own files and use only their password.
• Demonstrate appropriate conduct when using equipment, the computer equipment and the TVDSB student

WI FI system

• Obtain express permission from administration for the use of handheld audio and video devices ( cameras, listening devices and/or cell phones) in the classroom and other designated areas of the school.

Dances 

• Possess a student card in order to be purchase a ticket to a dance. Students who have not paid their student fees will not be permitted to purchase a dance ticket.
• Enter the dance from the time the doors open to 30 minutes after doors open.  No one will be admitted after this time unless approved by administration.
• Attend school the day of the dance unless the absence can be explained by a parent or guardian.
• Complete a Dance Guest Request Form three days prior to the day of the dance. GDHS students are responsible for the conduct of their guest. Guest’s must present a student card from their own school unless they are former graduates.
• If their guest is asked to leave, the GDHS student who completed the guest form and purchased their ticket will be dismissed as well from the dance/event.  No REFUND will be provided to the guest and/or sponsoring student.
• Leave all belongings in the cafeteria and/or designate rooms. Lockers are not accessible. Valuables are to be left at home.
• Remain in the building during the dance. If student(s) leave they will not be re-admitted. 
• Comply with all Code of Conduct requirements while at a dance.  Alcohol and drug-related violations will result in a one year dance suspension as well as further consequences.

Dropping Courses

• Attend all courses on the assigned timetable.  Students wishing to drop a course must make a guidance appointment.  Students are to continue in regular attendance in each course until a completed drop sheet is returned to the guidance counsellor and is approved by guidance and/or administration. Students in grades 9 and 10 will continue in all four courses each semester.  Spares are not permitted until 20 credits have been successfully completed unless for extenuating circumstances.

Detentions

• Attend detention as it is assigned or additional consequences may result including possible suspension.
• Report to the designated detention area promptly at the beginning of lunch or when otherwise assigned by a staff member/administration. No Food and drinks permitted and no talking and/or use of electronic devices are allowed.
• Demonstrate appropriate behaviour.  Inappropriate behaviour will result in additional consequences.
• Bring homework or a book to read. Students assigned to the Main Office for their detention may work on homework but are not allowed to use computers for gaming and/or to use social media.

Examinations and Final Evaluations

• Attend end-of-semester evaluations including exams. The examination dates for the school year are set in advance and can be found by referring to the school calendar.
• Write a final examination in each course - unless otherwise noted on the specific course outline. 
  • students absent from an exam without a valid reason will receive a zero on the evaluation;
  • students may not miss an evaluation for 'holidays' or 'work' and no evaluation will be written before or after the scheduled evaluation days;
  • students who are 'ill' for an evaluation must provide a doctor's note to the Vice-Principal within 48 hours of the evaluation;
  • contact the school  requiring special arrangements for any evaluation by making arrangements with the Vice-Principal or Principal as soon as possible indicating in writing the reason(s) for the request.

False Fire Alarm

• Be diligent in reporting any unsafe or emergency situation.   Signalling a false alarm of fire by pulling an alarm or other form of communication puts the entire community at risk and is a criminal offence.  Fines and/or criminal charges will result.

Field trips and Authorized School Functions

• Complete and have signed permission forms from a parent or guardian before they may participate in a school sanctioned activity.  Students are responsible for all work missed.  Arrangements with teachers should be made well in advance of the activity in extenuating circumstances

Hallways

• Remain in the assigned area of instruction for the entire class time.  Students are excused from their class for washroom purposes on the permission of the teacher.  Time in hallways is to be kept to an absolute minimum.
• Travel quietly through the hallways.  Students are not to interrupt classes to deliver personal messages or interrupt other classes.

Harassment

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.  Harassment is any deliberate and unwelcome behaviour, suggestion, or physical contact that creates an uncomfortable environment. It is made by a person who knows, or ought to know, that such action is unwelcome.  Harassment includes, but is not limited to, sexual, racial and personal attacks.

Information Technology (IT)

• have a parent/guardian sign the Computer/Media Usage Agreement use of electronics in the school if under the age of 18 or sign an agreement if over the age of 18
• Possess a student card and have a signed valid Computer/Media Usage contract. .  

Library 

• Uphold a quiet atmosphere and respect for school computers/Chromebooks and property when using the library before, during and after school.
• The library will be opened at lunch from 12:05 pm to 12:25 pm for quiet study and/or activity.
• Only use the E learning room for online courses unless assigned there by a supervising teacher

Locks and Lockers

• Use only the one locker assigned to them.  Lock combinations are to be registered with the front office. Lockers are to be kept free of graffiti and damage.
• Display text, graphics or photos that are in good taste, do not promote illegal activity, and do not contravene any section of the Code of Conduct.  You have signed a locker agreement that lists the following:

• Empty and clear their locker of belongings, books, pictures, posters, stickers and trash by the specified time.
• Your lock may be removed if it is NOT an approved brand of TVDSB/GDHS.
• Lockers are the property of the school and are subject to inspection at any time.
• You may only use the locker that is assigned to you.
• Protect your combination number.
• If your lock combination changes, please notify the office.
• You are responsible for your locker so please keep it clean and tidy. 
• DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR LOCKER. 
• Please sign this form to indicate you understand the above information.

Loitering

• Socialize in the cafeteria.  Hallway traffic is not to be impeded.
• Keep the entrances to the school clear in order to promote safety as well as a positive school image.
• Not linger in the parking lot or parked vehicles during instructional time.

Lunch Hour

• Use the cafeteria during lunch. Students using the hallways during lunch may do so as long they use the waste bins and recycling cans located in the hallways.
• Wear proper attire and footwork if use the gym and/or weigh room during lunch. Supervision must be present in order for the gym and weight room to be used.

Missing Classes to Complete Work for another Course

• Attend all scheduled classes.  Missing a class to complete assignments for another course is considered an unauthorized absence.

Music Devices

• Use sound equipment and instruments, for educational purposes, in a responsible manner that is not a distraction.  Sound equipment may be used in class at the discretion of the teacher.
• Use ear buds for listening to their music from personal electronic devices.

Parking

• Use only the parking lot located to the west of the school.  Parking in any other area is prohibited.  Safe and lawful driving practices must be demonstrated.  Violations of the parking agreement may result in suspension of using the GDHS parking lot.
• Students driving to school need to complete a Student Parking Permission Form outlining the conditions for use of the student parking lot.

Posters and Pamphlets

• Receive permission from the principal or vice-principal to distribute or post material on school property.

Public Displays of Affection 

• Express affection in a tasteful manner.  Public displays of intimate behaviour are not acceptable and make others feel uncomfortable.

Quest Centre

• Use the Quest Centre after school hours.  Students are permitted access to the Centre during school hours only on the permission of a teacher.

Shop Safety

• Return the shop safety and training contract to their teacher after signed by student and parent.
• Wear safety glasses, appropriate clothing and footwear while in the shop work areas.
• Keep the work areas clean, return all equipment to assigned locations and follow safety guidelines.
• Attend all shop training sessions before using shop equipment

Signing In and Signing Out

• Report to the Attendance Office with a note/phone call/electronic communication from their parent or guardian in order to leave the school during the school day.  A call may be made to confirm the note.
• Failure to sign out of school is considered an unexplained absence.   Parents/guardians will receive a phone call home for any period their child has missed where a note or call was not received.
• Report to the Attendance Secretary when they return to school from an appointment to sign in and to receive an admit slip.
• Students 18 years of age or older may sign their own absence notes.  If this is abused, then their absences must be approved by an administrator. 

Smoking

• Adhere to all provincial and federal legislation regarding smoking. Smoking is permitted only off school property in the designated area (west side of the school only) or risk a fine from the Health Unit. This also applies to E cigarettes and/or vapour cigarettes as well as chewing tobacco.

Spare Time and Study Periods

• Be in the cafeteria or library during a spare period.  Hallway wandering is not a productive use of time and violates the intent of the study period.

Student Lounge

• Sign in with the office when using the student lounge.  Access is granted to those who are in Grade 12 and have applied and been approved to use the student lounge through the office by administration.

Surveys

• Receive permission from the principal prior to conducting a survey for any purpose.

Textbooks, Supplies, and Equipment

• Exercise caution with materials in their care.  Students are responsible for the textbooks, library materials, supplies and equipment loaned to them and will have to pay for loss or damage.