PHILOSOPHY

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE appearance. All other absences are deemed to

be inexcusable. Student attendance is carefully

Welcome to Summitview Middle School, home of the monitored and letters are issued at the end of

Eagles! each month to students whose absences exceed

10% of the days during which school was

We are excited to begin the 2010 – 2010 school year! operating. In cases of chronic absenteeism, the

All staff are prepared to welcome your children to our Superintendent will be informed and legal action

positive learning community. Welcome back! may be taken.



Mr. Scott Woodward, Principal At Summitview, parents are required to notify the

school if their child will be absent. Please

telephone (780-827-3820) between 8:00 and 8:30

MISSION STATEMENT and 12:30 and 12:50 or send a note to your child's

teacher. Where the absence has not been

Our Mission as a school community is to educate reported a telephone check will be initiated to

students academically, socially and emotionally, to determine the whereabouts of the student.

become life-long learners and socially responsible

citizens. Your co-operation in notifying the school will be

greatly appreciated.

VISION STATEMENT

B. Lates

High educational standards are met and are

responsive to each student’s needs. Arriving at school on time is important for students

as it allows them the opportunity to get organized

Students have the opportunity to participate in a and begin a lesson. Students must be at school

variety of complementary experiences. on time in both the morning and after lunch (see

times below). Letters will be sent home monthly

Positive social skills, citizenship and self-worth are to parents when children accumulate 5 or more

promoted. lates in a month. If the problem persists, teachers

and/or administration will contact parents by

Students acquire the skills needed to adapt to a telephone to come up with a solution. Parent

changing society. intervention and support is essential.



Collaborative partnerships are formed with the

community in order to achieve a positive, open and SCHOOL TIMES

innovative learning environment for all.

8:15 Students may enter building

Students and staff demonstrate acceptance. 8:25 First bell; Registration; students must be in

class at this time

10:00 -10:15 Recess

INTRODUCTION 11:45 Lunch dismissal

12:45 Registration; students must be in class at this

This handbook is provided to parents of all students time

attending Summitview Middle School so that they may 2:15 - 2:23 Break

become more familiar with and obtain information 3:30 Dismissal

about school activities, programs, expectations, and NOTE: Friday dismissal – 12:00 p.m.

procedures.



As well, any time that you have a question or concern SCHOOL FEES

relative to your child or the school, you are

encouraged to call your child's teacher, the Principal, In accordance with Grande Yellowhead Public School

or the Assistant Principal. Our school endorses the Division Policy the following fees are payable at the

"Open Door Policy" and encourages you to be an time of a student's registration:

active participant in your child's education.

a. $20.00 swimming fees (Grades 4, 5 & 6)

ATTENDANCE b. $7.00 student planner

c. $6.00 new locks

A. Absences d. $70.00 Instructional Fees (Grades 4, 5 & 6)

e. $80.00 Instructional Fees (Grades 7 & 8)

According to the School Act, the only absences TOTAL GRADE 4 $103.00

from school which are considered excusable are TOTAL GRADE 5/6 $97.00

illness, hospitalization, or mandatory court TOTAL GRADE 7/8 $87.00

There may be additional fees charged throughout the Prohibited Activities:

year for extra-curricular activities, field trips, sports

trips and special projects in some Grade 7/8  Use of drugs or alcohol, or having consumed

Complementary courses. In all cases we attempt to either, is strictly prohibited at school or during any

keep these as low as possible. school sponsored activity.

 Smoking anywhere on school property.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES  Profanity, fighting, or defiance to any school staff.

 Theft.

The Government of Alberta requires schools to verify

a student’s legal name and date of birth by keeping on Teachers are responsible for developing classroom

file one of the following documents: birth certificate, expectations and consequences to maintain a positive

vital statistics document, Canadian citizenship classroom climate and to ensure that classroom

document, current passport, or permanent resident/ discipline is consistent, fair, and maintains the dignity

landed immigrant documents. Failure to have proof of and self-worth of students and staff.

citizenship could affect the school’s funding from the

Government of Alberta. To meet this requirement In situations where there is frequent or pervasive non-

parents/guardians are asked present their child’s birth compliance by a student to classroom or school rules,

certificate, etc. when registering their child at the following may be applied, in accordance with

Summitview. School Division Policy on School Conduct:



TEXTBOOKS  Exclusion from class

 Parent/student/teacher conference

All students will be issued textbooks on the first day of  In school suspension

school and the responsibility for the care of these

 Out of school suspension

resides with the student. Any textbook, library book,

 Behaviour Improvement Plan

or other item of school property that is lost, damaged,

or defaced must be paid for by the student following a  Recommendation to School board for expulsion

letter issued by the school office.

Once again, parent involvement will be sought and

appreciated in efforts to deal with student

STUDENT CONDUCT misbehaviour.



To foster a positive school environment which is

conducive to effective learning, we expect students at Hands Off Policy/No Put Downs Policy

Summitview School to (as outlined in the School Act):

In order to protect and respect the safety and dignity

of children Summitview School maintains a "hands off"

 Be diligent in pursuing his studies.

policy for all students at all times during the school

 Attend school regularly and punctually.

day. This policy strictly forbids any type of negative

 Co-operate fully with everyone authorized by the physical interactions between students (i.e. slapping,

board to provide education programs and other punching, kicking, pushing, tripping, etc.). These

services. expectations are clearly explained to students at the

 Comply with the rules of the school. beginning of the school year and are consistently

 Account to his teachers for his conduct. monitored and consequences applied, if necessary.

 Respect the rights of others. Once again, it is essential to have parental support if

and when a child must be disciplined for non-

and to adherence to this policy.

 Treat other students with kindness, respect, and

consideration for their feelings. In addition, verbal abuse or harassment of students

 Arrive in class with all necessary materials. will not be tolerated as we recognize the severe and

 Complete assignments to the best of the student's prolonged negative results of such treatments. This

ability at the time specified by the teacher. kind of problem can be much less visible and more

 Show respect for the school building and its difficult to deal with therefore it is essential that

contents; pay for any school property willfully students and/or parents make teachers and

damaged. administration aware of this abuse when it occurs.

 Treat all school visitors, including substitute

teachers, with respect. Ignoring harassment does not make it disappear.

 Abide by the expectations of the Hands Off Policy. Bullies need to be confronted and held accountable for

their actions and suspension will be imposed if the

unacceptable behaviour persists. Again, parent

notification, assistance, and involvement will occur,

and will be essential to the successful resolution of the

conflict.

Cell Phones and IPODS SCHOOL DRESS



The use of cell phones has increased significantly In an attempt to keep our school building clean, we

over the past couple of years. In our school, this has ask that all students remove their outside footwear at

resulted not only in classroom disruptions, but with the entrances and place in designated bookracks or

text messaging being so convenient, many instances lockers. Each student should have a pair of shoes for

of bullying are starting to occur as students send quick in-school and gym wear. These shoes are not to be

messages to each other. worn outside.



For these reasons, cell phones are not permitted to All items of student clothing and footwear, as well as

be used during any part of the school day at skates and other special items which may be required,

Summitview Middle School, including recess and should be clearly and permanently marked with

lunch breaks, inside or outside. If students bring the child's name. This is most helpful when articles

their cell phone, it is to remain in their locker until the are lost or misplaced.

end of the day. Any cell phone that is out and visible

to staff during the day will be taken until the end of the Caps are not to be worn inside the school building. As

day and returned with a reminder not to bring it any well, we ask that T-shirts or other items which endorse

more. drugs or alcohol or which contain inappropriate

language, not be worn at school.

For concerned parents, we have replaced our entire

phone system in the school, which includes having A Lost & Found Box is located at the school's front

phones in every classroom. That means that if you entrance. Students and parents are encouraged to

need to reach your child quickly, please phone our check here for lost articles.

secretary who will immediately call down to the

classroom. EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAM



IPODS and MP3 are also prohibited from classrooms There are a variety of extra-curricular activities open to

as they disrupt the communication between the students. These vary from time to time according to

teacher and the students. student and staff interests. Staff members volunteer

their personal time to organize these activities. All

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM students are encouraged to participate.



Students may bring lunch to school and will eat in the (a) Student Council

lunch area supervised by a staff member. At 12:05 Each student is encouraged to become involved

they will proceed outside, or in inclement weather, will in the Student Council. Elections are held each

remain in the building. Some extra-curricular or year for Executive posts of President, Vice

House League activities may be scheduled at this President, and Secretary-Treasurer. Room

time. representatives also are elected at the beginning

of the school year. Meetings and activities take

Eating lunch at school is a privilege which may be place on a regular basis.

taken away if students do not comply with the

following behavioural expectations: (b) Clubs

These will be organized according to staff and

 Bring a lunch (i.e. no borrowing or begging) student interests.

 Sit quietly at your designated spot

 No throwing of food

 Clean up your personal space (c) Sports

 Be respectful toward other students and Team sports may include volleyball, basketball,

supervisors wrestling, badminton, curling, and track and field.

 Proceed outside when asked to do so

A wide range of House League activities will be

After two recorded infractions, a letter will be sent to organized for all interested students.

parents advising that lunch privileges may be

withdrawn if future problems occur.



Students who stay for lunch may not leave school

property at any time during the noon hour unless they

have a note from parents.

PROGRAMS course content, establishing goal marks, and

discussing special needs if applicable.

(a) Swimming Program (Grades 4, 5 & 6)

A review conference will be scheduled at the end

Every Grade 4, 5 and 6 student will have the of January to review student goals and academic

opportunity to participate in the school sponsored progress.

swimming lessons offered by the Grande Cache

Recreation Department. Cost to the students is C. Informal Contacts

$20.00. Swimming fees are payable to the school

upon registration. Unless a child has a note Telephone calls, letters, meetings, etc. will be

from parents explaining why they will not be scheduled by teachers or parents as required.

participating, all students are expected to take Frequent contact is encouraged.

part.

D. Student Recognition



(b) Junior High Career & Technology Studies "Eagle" Award certificates will be presented three

(Complimentary Courses)) times each year at general assemblies to which

parents are invited.

Students in Grades 7 and 8 are enrolled in

complementary courses as part of their prescribed Criteria:

course of studies. During the 2010 - 2011 school

year students will take a variety of courses offered  Students achieve 95% or higher of goal mark

at Summitview School. Complementary courses attainment average in the four core subjects

will change several times during the year, with the and French (if taken).

exception being French which is a semestered  Students do not receive any failing marks.

course. Parents will be asked to check student  Students receive 16/20 in Social Emotional

options and contact the school with any questions category.

or concerns. Fees may be charged to cover the  Students fulfill requirements of CTS courses.

cost of materials for special projects related to  No more than 5% lates for the reporting

some courses. period.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT "All Round Student" certificates will be presented

at the June assembly to students who have

The Summitview School assessment and reporting received Eagle Awards in all terms.

system is designed to meet the following needs for its

middle years students: Citizenship Award pins will be presented by

School Council to students who demonstrated an

1. To give parents and students a more accurate and exemplary level of social responsibility and who

informative picture of each student's progress. have received 48/60 in the Social Emotional

category but not less than 16/20 in the final term.

2. To give students, no matter what their abilities, an

incentive to do well academically as well as "Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards" will

socially and emotionally. be presented annually to Grade 8 students who

have received Eagle Awards during all terms in

3. To provide a variety of opportunities for students Grades 5 to 8.

to demonstrate learning outcomes based on what

they know and can do. Perfect Attendance Award is given at year-end to

students with no absences. In addition, a No

A. Report Card Lates Award is given to those students who have

no unexcused lates recorded throughout the year.

A student report card will be issued three times

yearly in November, March, and June. These Individual Athletic Awards will also be given at

reports will provide information to parents and year-end.

students though the use of percentage marks,

goal marks, and anecdotal comments.



B. Parent Conferences



Two conferences will be scheduled during the

school year. The first, in early fall will be a

parent/student/teacher meeting scheduled for the

purpose of clarifying expectations, going over

HOMEWORK/STUDENT PLANNER RECESS



Homework is an inevitable, necessary, and vital Recess and breaks are provided daily in the morning

component in reinforcing student learning and with a short break in the afternoon. Students will be

practicing required skills. A student who regularly and required to go outside during recess and at lunch

consistently keeps up with assignments will do well. . break. They should always be prepared with

appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear. Teacher

All of our students are issued a student planner on the supervision is in place for both outdoor and indoor

first day of classes. The intention is that this be used activities.

on a daily basis and checked by parents. Our school

website can be accessed to check homework for each

class at www.summitviewschool.ca INJURIES/ILLNESS



Parents should ensure that an emergency contact

Helpful hints: phone number is up to date in the event we are unable

to contact you for a serious injury or illness.

 If the planner does not come home, send the In the event of minor bumps or bruises treatment will

student back to school to get it and any necessary occur at school. Parents are always contacted

books. The main doors are open until 5:00 p.m. whenever there is a medical judgement to be made,

for all head injuries, and for any potentially serious

 Have your child do their homework in an injury. In the most extreme circumstances an

observable location (kitchen table) so you can ambulance will be called.

keep an eye on them. A regular set-aside time is

advisable. BICYCLES



 Have a consequence for those times when Bicycles brought to school must be left at the bike

planner and/or books do not come home (i.e. no racks and must be locked. The school can accept no

T.V.) and stick with it. responsibility for theft or damage that may occur.

Students are strongly encouraged to wear helmets.

 Contact the teacher if your child never has

homework. This is likely not the case! HOME AND SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS



 Ensure that all books and materials are returned We have found that the more involved and active a

to school each morning. student's parents are in the life of the school, the

better that student achieves. We welcome parent

involvement and encourage parents to keep in touch

With your assistance and careful monitoring and with the progress of their children. During the year we

communication by teachers, the homework situation ask for parent help of one sort or another, and are

can greatly improve, and along with it, a student's delighted with the response.

progress.

LOCKS & LOCKERS The school has an open door policy which encourages

parents to drop into classes throughout the year.

Students are assigned a locker at the beginning of Please contact the school principal prior to your

each year. All new students and students entering planned visit.

Grade 4 will be charged $6.00 for a lock which will be

theirs for their entire time at Summitview. Should a When it is necessary for parents to drop off items for

lock become damaged or lost it is the student’s their children or come to pick them up for

responsibility to purchase another one from the appointments we would ask that everyone please

school. As the school cannot be responsible for lost check in at the office before heading to the classroom.

property from lockers it is important that students not

share their combination with anyone. School Newsletters are sent home monthly with the

youngest child in the family. You may subscribe to our

newsletter by visiting our website,

DETENTIONS www.summitviewschool.ca.



If students must be kept after school to complete work,

as a general rule they will leave the building by 4:00 WEBSITE

p.m. or may use the office telephone to call home and

advise of their whereabouts. Information regarding news, events, calendars, and

homework assignments by class can be accessed

Students who stay to use the library or computer labs from our website at www.summitviewschool.ca.

will be dismissed by 4:00 p.m.

 Early in the school year become familiar with the

school and classroom teacher.

 Contact the teacher or principal with any

questions, concerns, or problems your child may

be experiencing.

 Support your school in reinforcing expectations

SCHOOL COUNCILS and standing behind decisions.



Annually, a school council will be formed to provide

advice, assistance, direction in matters relating to the

operation, programs, and expectations of the school

community. This group is comprised of parents/

guardians, staff, community members, principal, and

where appropriate, students. Parents are urged and

encouraged to become involved and to have a voice in

discussions which can directly affect and influence the

education of their children.



PARENT VOLUNTEERS



Over the past number of years our school has enjoyed

the cooperation and involvement of a great number of

parent/adult volunteers who have come into the school

on a regular or occasional basis. Some of the

activities which volunteers may assist with are listed

below:



 Classroom aide (working with individuals or small

groups)

 Field trips

 Track meet

 Resource persons (guest speaker, slides,

collections, hobbies, cooking, etc.)

 Phoning for the absentee checklist program

 Office/secretarial help

 Library clerical assistance



If you are interested in helping with any of the above

activities, please contact the school. Your

involvement and assistance is needed and greatly

appreciated.





ROLE OF THE PARENT



As a parent, it is recommended that you:



 Establish definite times and locations for

homework

 Attend parent/teacher conferences and other

school activities

 Join the School Council

 Keep the school calendar handy and check it on a

regular basis

 Volunteer if possible

 Stay informed about school events

 Get to know your children's friends

 Teach your children how to say "no" to peer

pressure.

 Make sure all parties have adult supervision.