K.D.S.S. CODE OF CONDUCT
The Bluewater Board of Education and the Kincardine and District Secondary School, respect and support the goals of education identified by the Ministry of Education. This code of student behaviour focuses on the students' freedom to learn within a positive and a supportive school environment. It presents a set of clear rules, the reasons for these rules, and consequences, which are consistent and fair, for transgressions of the rules.
MUTUAL RESPECT: STUDENTS' AND STAFF RIGHTS
Staff members are mediators, counsellors, motivators, instructors, and facilitators. Everyone has the right to learn within a positive environment without undue disruptions. All students and staff have the right to expect honesty, courtesy, consideration, and respect, in their daily inter-actions. It follows, therefore, that every student and every staff member has the responsibility not to deny this right to anyone. Everyone has the right to receive support from school administrators should he/she not be treated in a manner that reflects courtesy and consideration by others in the school. Bullying and Cyber-Bullying are forms of harassment that will NOT be tolerated.
DRESS AND APPEARANCE
In order to foster a safe and respectful learning environment, with a view to appropriate dress for future employment and courtesy and consideration for others,
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO OBSERVE CERTAIN STANDARDS OF DRESS AND APPEARANCE WHILE ATTENDING KDSS.
Students are asked to follow these guidelines during the school day, including such out-of--school activities as trips presentations and meetings where students represent KDSS; at the discretion of the teacher in charge of an after school activity, (eg. PROM) the dress code may be adapted to fit the needs of the activity.
Rule 1: Clothing
PROFANITY AND BANNED SUBSTANCES:
Clothing and belongings (i.e. binders, knapsacks, jewelry, hats) bearing profanity or inappropriate words or pictures will not be worn at school. E.g. clothing that contains questionable messages or denigrates others is not appropriate. Clothing that advertises school-banned substances. (i.e. alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco) will not be worn. Clothing that is not appropriate or respectful of the learning environment will not be worn.
CLOTHING STANDARDS:
1. Shoulder to mid-thigh must be covered. (i.e. No backless tank top, no spaghetti straps, shoulder straps and/or sleeves must be at least 1 inch thick)
2. Undergarments must not be revealed.
3. Bottoms and tops must overlap AT ALL TIMES.
4. Necklines should not reveal excessive cleavage
5. At the discretion of the teacher, upon entering the classroom, coats, jackets and hats are to be removed.
Rule 2: Head Covering
In the school, head covering which conceals a student's identity must be removed.
CONSEQUENCE
Students who break the Dress Code will be sent to the office, required to change immediately. Failure to comply may lead to:
1. A Detention
2. An In-school suspension
3. Suspension for opposition to authority.
ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND OTHER DRUGS
BEHAVIOUR
Students will be in violation of the Board's policy if they:
- use tobacco on school property;
- use or possess alcohol;
- use or possess inhalants for the purpose of intoxication;
- use or possess illicit or performance enhancing drugs;
- are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (excluding tobacco);while on school property or on Board-sponsored co-curricular trips or events.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
The Bluewater Board of Education's Policy on the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs clearly outlines offences and consequences regarding the use of these substances. A copy of the entire policy is available upon request. The Education Act directs schools "to protect the health and safety of all students."
CONSEQUENCES: ALCOHOL / OTHER DRUGS
FIRST OFFENCE
* suspension for a minimum of 3 days. * involvement of parents/legal guardian;
* counselling. * local police notified;
SECOND OFFENCE
- as above except that the length of the suspension is increased.
- the parent/guardian and student must meet with the Principal prior to the return to class.
FURTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The Principal may impose more severe penalties after consulting with the Superintendent of Schools. This may include suspension of up to twenty (20) days or expulsion;
- 90 school days for school dances
- 90 school days or the remainder of the season, whichever comes first for a school team or club.
TOBACCO
Students who smoke on school property will receive a warning letter for the first offense. Should a second infraction occur, a fine will be imposed by the Tobacco Control Officer.
RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
You are expected to obey the rules of the school in our classrooms, halls, cafeteria, assemblies, school trips, on school buses, or on the school grounds. You are expected to respond immediately and politely to the requests of teachers, supply teachers, secretaries, custodial staff, or the bus drivers.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Our positive attitude toward others will gain respect in return.
Education Act Reg. 23: "A pupil.. .shall exercise self-discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm, judicious parent."
Education Act Sect. 22: "A principal may suspend a student (for up to 15 days) for opposition to authority." Throughout your life you will have to respect the authority of people who, because of their position, have been given the right and duty of imposing authority. The teachers and principals of Ontario schools are given that authority under the Education Act.
CONSEQUENCES
Disrespectful behaviour in class is usually dealt with by the teacher. Students may also be referred to the Administration. If you are told to leave a class and requested to go to the office or the Resource Room, the teacher will contact the office and the student will report immediately to the designated place. At the discretion of the Administration, further action will be taken.
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
A POSITIVE AND COOPERATIVE APPROACH FACILITATES A GOOD SCHOOL/WORK ENVIRONMENT. You are expected to be courteous and considerate in your dealings with both students and staff. Verbal or physical harassment will not be tolerated. This includes any sort of fighting, sexual comments snowball throwing or any form of harassment, bullying OR cyber-bullying.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
The office professionals, custodial and cafeteria staff, and bus drivers all work hard to make your years at KD.S.S. happy and an enjoyable learning experience. The development of a positive learning environment starts with respect for others and shows a sense of self-esteem and personal responsibility.
The Ontario Human Rights Code defines harassment as verbal abuse, unwelcome remarks, jokes, taunts, suggestions about a person's body, attire, age, ethnic or racial origin, job or religion.
In no place is harassment acceptable.
CONSEQUENCES
Harassment, bullying or cyber-bullying (reported and/or suspected) of any form will not be tolerated and will result in one or more of the following:
1. counselling3. police action
2. suspension4. charges under the Human Rights Code.
RESPECT FOR PROPERTY
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
You are expected to treat the school grounds, the school building and everything in the school with respect.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
School custodians are hired to keep the school clean and tidy, but not to clean up messes deliberately made by the students.
The textbooks are provided by the Board for normal use. They must last for years.
Any individual who damages or vandalizes the school or anything on school property is infringing on the rights of other individuals. Such actions are unfair to all students and cannot be tolerated.
CONSEQUENCES
If you lose or damage a book or school equipment, you must cover the cost of repair or replacement.
Students who steal the property of others, will, in addition to paying any cost incurred, face possible suspension, parental involvement and/or police action.
TRESSPASS
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Individuals other than students or staff must announce their presence at the Main Office.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Students under suspension or persons who are not registered at the school must not be on school property without the permission of the Administration.
CONSEQUENCES
Trespassing charges will be laid after an official warning.
INTIMATE CONTACT
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Excessive signs of personal affection, such as intimate embracing and kissing are not acceptable forms of public behaviour in a school setting.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Such intimacy, which is both personal and private, may be offending to others.
CONSEQUENCES
Students indulging in this intimate behavior will be reminded of its inappropriateness and will be told to stop. Should this behaviour continue, parents will be informed, and suspension may follow.
PREPARATION FOR CLASS
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
You are expected to be prepared for each class, to have note-books, texts, and materials that the teachers have indicated are necessary. You are expected to contribute and to do your best in class each day, to have assigned homework completed, to hand in assignments on due dates and to be prepared for tests and examinations.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Education Act Reg. 234: "A pupil shall be diligent in attempting to master such studies as are part of the program in which the pupil is enrolled."
To get the most from each class, you must be well-prepared so your attention and the teacher's attention can be focused on the lesson.
Good preparation for class inevitably results in better chances for success.
CONSEQUENCES
If you come to class unprepared, you may be required to make up time at noon or after school, or be assigned some other penalty at the teacher's discretion. Persistent lack of preparation may result in exclusion from class. Continued neglect of duty can lead to suspension or loss of credit for the course.
PUNCTUALITY
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Arrive at all classes on time, (before the bell).
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Being on time, to class, shows consideration for others. Punctuality is a good habit that will be expected of you, both on the job and in your personal relationships. Also being late results in continual interruption of the learning of others.
CONSEQUENCES
Occasional lateness is unavoidable and may be excused. However, frequent lateness is unacceptable. Your classroom teacher will advise you of his/her consequences. Habitual lateness will result in Administration involvement.
CAFETERIA
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Students are expected to eat in the cafeteria. While in the cafeteria, you are responsible for your own clean-up.
PLEASE dispose of your garbage / recycling when you are done!!!!
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
It is the adult and responsible thing to do. It is important to respect yours and others' spaces by keeping them clean.
CONSEQUENCES
Students may be asked to leave the cafeteria for the inappropriate behaviour, and/or assigned further clean-up responsibilities.
FIELD TRIPS
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Behaviour expectations for students are the same on field trips as in the classroom. The teacher establishes the necessary ground rules for an effective and safe learning environment.
ALSO - Students are expected to ride the bus to and from co-curricular events. The Bluewater District School Board does not approve of students driving to sponsored events. (with the exception of Cooperative Education Students).
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
The classroom is simply extended to another site.
CONSEQUENCES
Students who do not comply with the teacher's stated expectations may be suspended from school/or school team and/or lose other privileges.
PARKING
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Students may not park in the Staff parking zone (lot at north end of school). Student vehicles may be parked in the designated student zone, or, obviously in any legal parking areas on town streets.
The fire route along the east side of the school is out of bounds for vehicular parking.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Parking facilities are quite limited at KD.S.S. The opportunity for students to park their vehicles is a privilege granted by the Board of Education: it is not a right.
CONSEQUENCES
The parking areas will be checked periodically by the school. The OPP will enforce parking violations on town streets.
The school administration may have illegally parked vehicles towed at the owner's expense.
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM
WHAT IS PLAGIARISM?
Plagiarism occurs when you copy or use ideas from someone else's work and say they are your own. You are plagiarizing when you copy exact phrases or paragraphs without using quotes and citing the section. Also, if you use an idea that you did not come up with yourself you must give the author credit by citing his/her work. If in doubt give the person credit by putting the author in your bibliography.
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Cheating and plagiarism are completely unacceptable.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Examinations, tests, essays and projects are means by which your teacher can grade your achievement. You are fooling yourself to pass off other people's work as your own.
CONSEQUENCES
A failing mark will be assigned for either cheating or plagiarism.
ATTENDANCE
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Attendance is an essential component of all courses at KD.S.S. If a student is going to be away for a planned absence or illness, parents are asked to call the school advising as to the reason of absence. If you feel ill while you are at school, you are to report to the Office. Parents will be called and arrangements will be made. If you are absent from a class YOU are required to ensure that you know the information that you missed. Even though you missed it, it is still an expectation of the course that you know this information OR make up the test/assignment!!!
As indicated in the Education Act...
"A person is EXCUSED from attendance at school by reason of sickness or other unavoidable cause... The only acceptable reason for absence should be due to illness, bereavement, or other extenuating reasons." This does not include reasons such as taking holidays, getting a haircut, going shopping etc.
ATTENDANCE DURING EXAMS:
Examination dates are set out and approved prior to the beginning of the school year. It is expected that students will write their examinations on the scheduled date. If, however, due to extenuating and/or unforeseen circumstances a student is unable to attend an exam, permission to write the exam at a mutually agreeable time may be sought through administration.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Regular attendance is a habit that will stand you in good stead with the world of work and will provide you with the best opportunity to succeed academically.
Ontario Regulations clearly reflect the importance to the granting of credits. Section 6.4 states: "Regular attendance at school is critical for the student's learning and achievement of course expectations." New ministry regulations require students to attend school until they are 18 years of age. To encourage regular attendance by students, schools will ensure that students and their parents are informed about the school's policy on attendance through the school's course calendar." A credit is granted in recognition of the successful completion of a course.
CONSEQUENCES
If you are not attending class on a regular basis, you may not be able to properly demonstrate the expectations required of you to pass the course.
The school will contact your home by telephone in many cases of unexplained absences. Continued truancy or unexplained absences may result in -suspension from school, loss of credit, or in the case of students under eighteen years of age, referral to the Board's Attendance Counsellor. Education Act: Sect.22 "A principal may suspend a pupil for (up to 15 school days) because of persistent truancy."
CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Students may not use cell phones or other electronic communication devices, such as pagers or walkie-talkies, in school. Ideally they would be left at home. If cell phones are needed, they may only be used outside the building. Emergency calls may be made or received in the office. Non-emergency calls may be made from the Student Council and pay phones located outside the office doors. Texting is not allowed in class at all!
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Cell phones and other electronic communication devices can be a distraction from learning. It is disrespectful to the teacher and others in class to use a cell phone during a lesson.
It is a Human Rights and violation of privacy issue to take unwanted photos of individuals in the classroom, hall, or change rooms.
Text messaging and cell phoning can facilitate cheating, harassment, and other undesirable/illegal activity.
CONSEQUENCES
Students caught using cell phones or other electronic communication devices in school will have them confiscated. Items will be delivered to the administration. Students who re-offend may be suspended for Opposition to Authority. If any other Code of Conduct violations occur while using the device (cheating, harassment, etc.) they will be dealt with accordingly.
MP3 PLAYERS AND OTHER MUSIC LISTENING DEVICES
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Students may not listen to music or other recordings on personal listening devices in class unless the teacher gives specific permission to do so.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Wearing headphones and listening to music during a lesson is a distraction to learning. Wearing headphones and listening to music while others are trying to speak with you is disrespectful.
CONSEQUENCES
Students who listen to music or other recordings in class without the specific permission of their teacher may have their devices confiscated by the teacher for the remainder of the class and have a detention assigned. Persistent problems with the issue may lead to suspension for Opposition to Authority.
BACKPACKS
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Backpacks should not be in the classrooms unless the teacher gives permission to do so.
REASONS FOR THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Backpacks can be tripping hazards in some classrooms. Backpacks can be used to hold tempting distractions from learning. Backpacks can be used to conceal banned or illegal items.
CONSEQUENCES
Students will be asked by their teacher to return their backpack to their locker. Repeat offenders will be referred to the office for a detention. Habitual breaking of the rule will result in a possible suspension for Opposition to Authority.
DANCE REGULATIONS
- Times: 7:30-10:30 p.m. (unless otherwise approved by the Principal).
- Teacher supervisors are present from the starting time until the last student is out of the building (except late clean up group who will be under the Principal, Vice-principal or Custodian's supervision).
- Police will be in attendance for the duration of all dances. Students will not be admitted after 9:00 p.m. unless it is approved by the administration.
- Only registered students of a secondary school will be admitted.
- KD.S.S. graduates will be permitted as guests at Prom only.
- No student who leaves the building will be readmitted (except if he/she had permission of a staff member at the dance).
- All areas of the school with the exception of the Gymnasium and adjacent washrooms will be out-of-bounds.
- Students who are intoxicated, or whose behaviour warrants, will be turned over to the police. They will also face the consequences as outlined in the Bluewater District School Board's Education's Alcohol and Drug Policy which includes suspension from both school and dances.
- A Breathalyzer MAY be used to test for the presence of alcohol upon entry / or at any time during the dance.
- Bags and coats may be searched upon entry to the dance.
PROM AND BASH
Only students who are in their graduating year, or those who are dates of those students in their graduating year, may attend prom.
All of the above regulations also apply to prom and bash, even though it is off site.
All students will have to blow into the Breathalyzer and it must read zero before admission to prom or bash is granted.
KDSS ASSIGNMENT/TEST POLICY
At KDSS, it is an understanding that all tests and major assignments are important and it is an expectation that all tests and major assignments be submitted for assessment.
Procedure for Tests and Assignments
Teachers will provide all students with a reasonable amount of lead time for all test and major assignment dates. Students who are absent from class with school approval or for co-curricular activities, are expected to:
- Negotiate alternative arrangements with the teacher, prior to the absence.
- In the case of illness, where it was not possible to make prior arrangements, the test/assignment will be completed on the first day back after the missed class.
The teacher will determine if there will be another opportunity to demonstrate the curriculum expectations covered on the test at a later date. Students who miss a test or assignment without an approved/legitimate reason, may receive a mark of zero.
Procedure for 30% Culminating Activities
Students who are absent from class with school approval or for co-curricular activities, are expected to:
- Negotiate alternative arrangements with the teacher prior to the absence.
- Hand the assignment in ahead of the planned absence.
If a student fails to submit a final culminating activity or misses an exam without having made prior arrangement with the school, the student will not have completed the expectations of the course as required by Ontario Secondary School Grades 9 to 12 Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999 and will receive a failing grade and incomplete credit. When considering trips, appointments etc... during exam time, please consider their importance. We want all students to write their exams at the scheduled time.
*Please also see individual teachers' course outlines for specific test and assignment procedures.
CODE OF STUDENT BEHAVIOUR SUMMARY
- Cheating and plagiarism are completely unacceptable. You may NEVER use someone else's work and say it is your own!!
- Regular attendance in all classes is expected. If you miss a class YOU are responsible for ensuring that you know the information that you missed and any assignment /test that is missed MUST still be done make arrangements with your teacher.
- Lunch can be eaten in the cafeteria or outside. Garbage is to be disposed of appropriately.
- The use and/or possession of alcohol or illicit drugs is illegal.
- Smoking is permitted in the designated area only.
- Clothing having language that bears obscenities, prejudice, or suggestive language or images is not acceptable. Clothing will be appropriate for school standard.
- Out of classroom trips have the same behaviour expectations as in the classroom.
- Students may park in the designated student zone or in legal spots on the street or at the front (west end) of the school.
- Intimate embracing and/or kissing are not acceptable forms of public behaviour.
- It is expected students will come to every class on time, with the appropriate books and writing materials prepared to learn.
- Respectful, polite behaviour between students and staff (teachers, secretaries, custodians, caferteria workers) is expected. Verbal or physical harassment will not be tolerated.
- Our school and school grounds will be treated with care and respect.
- Electronic devices should be turned off in class.
- The Bluewater District School Bd. is requesting that staff and students respect a fragrance free learning environment due to the increased incidence of allergies.
SCHOOL BUS CONDUCT
School bus transportation is not a right but a privilege.
- While riding on a school bus, students are responsible to their Principal. The bus driver, under the Principal's jurisdiction, is in charge of this vehicle, so respect and obey him/her.
- Be at your bus stop on time. The bus driver is not expected to wait.
- Take your seat and remain in your seat throughout the trip.
- Talking will not be loud, obscene or distracting to others.
- Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited on a school bus.
- Do not open or close windows unless authorized by the bus driver.
- Do not create a disturbance, however slight. This could be distracting to the driver.
- Students will be held responsible for any damage done to the bus resulting from improper behaviour.
- The playing of portable listening devices, with out earphones is prohibited on a bus.
- The aisle, front door, and the emergency door must be kept clear at all times.
- Students must ride on the assigned bus. Guests / friends ( courtesy riders) are NOT allowed to ride the bus. Alternate arrangements must be made.
Failure to follow the above rules may lead to the loss of the privilege of bus transportation and possibly to suspension from school.