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Information for Parents
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Gilbert Paterson School Council is a partnership of administration, teacher reps, parents and community who meet once a month to discuss issues, concerns and topics of interest acting within the framework of their bylaws. Research clearly shows that if parents are actively involved in children’s learning, children will be more successful at school. The school council vision is that a collective association of parents, teachers, principals, staff and community work together to promote the well-being and effectiveness of all in the school community and thereby enhance student learning. This shared commitment will make the common goal a reality – better education.
The school council operates under a town hall model whereby all parents/guardians of children attending Gilbert Paterson are members of the school council. GPCS School Council strives to communicate with all of the parents of the school.
STUDENT FEES
To ensure that all students have ready access to textbooks and certain supplies, the Lethbridge Public School Board provides these and levies an instructional fee. The present fee structure is as follows:
Middle Level Fees (6, 7, 8):
a) Compulsory Annual Fee - $110.00 – This fee does not include such items as: yearbooks, geometry sets, binders, pens, paper, etc.
b) Yearbook Fee - $30.00 – This fee is optional and only for those who wish to purchase a yearbook.
LATES
Students are expected to be punctual in the morning and afternoon and to all their classes. Students coming late – after the 8:25 a.m. bell - must report to the main office, otherwise they are marked absent and a phone call to home may result. Students who are late are required to remain after school to make up the time that they miss.
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
We ask that all students be prompt and attend school regularly. School doors open for Middle Level students at 8:09 a.m. each day (earlier in inclement weather). Elementary students are supervised outside until the bell rings or should the weather warrant it students may be permitted to enter earlier. Parents are asked to report all absences by telephone (before 9:00 a.m.) to the main office. The office telephone number is 329-0125. Upon return to the school, the student is to check in at the office. If no telephone contact has been made by the parent (guardian), the student is asked to provide a written explanation signed by the parent (guardian). Students who return to school without a previous phone call from a parent, or a note, will be recorded as truant. All absences for reasons other than illness (e.g. trips, religious events, court appearances, etc.) shall be reported in advance, if possible. Regular attendance is required by law to the age of 16. Poor attendance has a direct negative effect on achievement.
DISCIPLINE
Gilbert Paterson Middle School operates on the philosophy that all students have the right to learn. To do so, each student must be in a school climate that is satisfying and productive, without the disruptive behavior by any student infringing upon the rights of others.
Home and school alike must share the responsibility for teaching appropriate, acceptable behavior. By working together, we can ensure positive student conduct. Discipline is essential in building accountability, responsibility and respect for others. Students must understand that they are responsible for their behavior, and they must recognize that any behavior which disrupts or distracts from the educational climate of the school is unacceptable. Any behavior that encroaches upon the rights of others is not responsible behavior. Paterson students are expected to follow reasonable rules that are established for the benefit of the student body as a whole, as well as the community. During school hours, conduct should be governed accordingly.
A school-wide discipline program based on the above philosophy has been adopted by the staff at Gilbert Paterson Middle School. This program is based on a set of expectations and consequences both school-wide and in the classrooms.
A) SCHOOL-WIDE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
The staff of Gilbert Paterson Middle School believes that the majority of students behave in a reasonable, responsible, and positive way and understand the need for the following expectations:
1. To show consideration, courtesy and respect to others and their property.
2. To walk in an orderly, quiet and safe manner while in the school and during all school related activities. Common sense and safety are our guides.
3. To avoid the use of profane language, inappropriate gestures and smoking while participating in school activities on or off campus or in the immediate vicinity of the school’s property. Cigarettes may be confiscated from students who choose to bring them on school property.
4. To use school equipment appropriately and not get involved in activities that will harm or potentially endanger others.
5. To arrive at school no earlier than 8:09 a.m. and to leave the school property within 15 minutes after the dismissal unless involved in a staff supervised activity.
6. To treat all school property (walls, desks, lockers, floors, etc.) with care and respect.
7. To behave in law abiding ways. School is not a sanctuary outside the law.
8. To dress in accordance with the dress code in this school because good social judgment includes knowing what is appropriate to wear. More specifically, students are expected to dress appropriately – clean, neat, modest clothing – no offensive language or advertising of illegal substances are to be found on clothing. No hats are to be worn in the school. Low cut tops, spaghetti straps and shirts that rise above the waistband are not allowed. Students will be sent home to change if they do not have appropriate clothing.
B) CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Each classroom teacher/grade level team has developed a list of reasonable expectations which incorporate elements of the school philosophy. These have been discussed with students and posted in every classroom. The rules include the following concepts:
1. Students are to be polite to other students and the staff.
2. Students are to go to class prepared to work.
3. Students are to hand in assignments on time except under exceptional circumstances.
4. Students are to respect the school’s property and the property of their classmates.
5. Students are to follow all other “school rules” as adopted by the staff or individual teachers/teams.
ACCEPTABLE USE OF COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY
The following requirements apply to all students enrolled in Gilbert Paterson Middle School and all computer and technological facilities in the school. Students shall at all times demonstrate the highest level of respect for the school’s computers and other hardware, software and networks, and shall use these resources only in ways that are appropriate and consistent with the educational goals and values of the school. Student misconduct while using the computer facilities may be treated as theft, vandalism, willful damage to school or student property, or as some other violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Students should be aware that the Criminal Code of Canada, The Copyright Act, Lethbridge School District #51 policy 265 and other laws have provisions regulating the use of computer technology.
Examples of misconduct arising from these expectations include the following:
· Unapproved access to school or classroom networks.
· Unapproved downloading, storage, copying of school files.
· Unapproved access , display, downloading, storage, copying, or other use of information, pictures, games, or other programs from the Internet.
· Any action, which obstructs interrupts, or interferes with the rights of other users.
· Damage to or destruction of school files or other files not belonging to the student.
This is not a complete list of violations, but it serves the purpose of illustrating the expectations of the school. Consequences for students in violation of these expectations may include:
· The loss of all privileges to use the school’s computer and technology facilities.
· Withdrawal of the student from the course.
· Suspension from school.
· Financial compensation to the school for the cost of necessary repairs, replacement, or restorations.
· Referral to police for legal action.
Terms and Conditions: the operation of our computers and technology depends on the responsible and proper conduct of it’s users. Guidelines are provided so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. The use of this equipment is a privilege, not a right. In general, this requires efficient, ethical and legal use of our computer and technological resources. If a student violates any of these provisions, his or her involvement in the use of these resources will be terminated. Inappropriate behavior may also result in the implementation of punishment deemed appropriate by our school and or school board. The Gilbert Paterson Middle School technology committee expects the co-signing teacher to monitor the student’s accounts for which he or she is responsible. This may include random checks of files and/or e-mail to determine whether the accounts are being used in a manner that is consistent with this agreement. Students using the school’s computers and technology will be expected to consent to such monitoring. Responsibilities: The Gilbert Paterson Middle School Technology Committee believes that the valuable information and interactions obtained from the Internet far outweigh the controversial materials, which can also be found. The Internet is a very interesting and exciting place to visit, but you have to remember that the Internet is just like society. Most of the people that you encounter are decent and respectful, but there are some people that may be mean, obnoxious, or even exploitive. In order to make your networking experiences safe and enjoyable there are a few simple guidelines, which must be followed. Keep these rules in mind and make your electronic journey a productive one.
· I will talk with my teacher to set up rules for going on-line. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be on-line, the length of times I can be on-line, and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules.
· I will not cause or take part in any electronic vandalism. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, network, or agency connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
· I will not send chain mail to individuals and organizations across the Internet.
· As a computer/technology user, I will aid anyone within my school community requiring technological assistance.
· I will not give out personal information such as my Internet password, home address, telephone number or the name and location of my school without my parent or teacher’s permission.
· Files and data belonging to others are to be considered private property unless the owner of the files gives explicit authorization.
· I will never agree to get together with someone I “meet” on-line without first checking with my parents and teacher. If my parents and teacher agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and that I bring an adult along.
· I will agree to random checks of the files and/or e-mail I have been using to determine whether these accounts are being used in an appropriate manner.
· I will never use vulgar, abusive, or obscene language on the Internet. I understand that the language that I use can harm and upset other people.
· I will never send anyone my picture or any personal information without first checking with my parents and my teacher.
· I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I receive a message of this type. If I do, I will tell my teacher right away so that he or she can contact the service provider.
BUSES
Students living in the Paterson boundary and more than 2.4 km. (1.5 miles) from the school, as determined by school district maps, will be issued bus passes. The school district buys enough passes each month from the city to provide each student living outside this limit with a bus pass. If a student loses his/her pass, the school will not be able to provide a replacement. Students who lose their bus pass are responsible for paying their own way on the bus for the remainder of the month. Bus passes are a valued commodity and should be looked after carefully. On the first day of each month, we also have a limited number of city bus passes for sale. In addition, middle level students living 2.4 km or more from Gilbert Paterson Middle School will ride a yellow bus. Bus maps pinpointing the route and student pick-up locations are available in the office.
These rules do not apply to students whose home school is Wilson Middle School.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Students moving or transferring from our school should bring a note from home indicating where and when they are moving. Any change of address and/or telephone number should be reported to the teacher and the office.