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Louis Riel School

Student-Parent Handbook

Phone: 403-777-7650

School website: http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b625/

Email: LouisRiel@cbe.ab.ca

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Welcome to� Louis Riel School.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome students and their families to Louis Riel School.

We encourage and welcome partnership and support from our parent community. With your support we will develop the foundation of a strong and vibrant learning community that focuses on success for each student every day.

This handbook provides information regarding school organization, procedures and expectations. We hope this information will be useful to both students and families.

Louis Riel – Our Namesake

Louis Riel (1844 - 1885) was a renowned Metis leader, born at the Red River Settlement. He was a central figure in the Northwest Rebellion, leading two rebellions in the name of western rights. As well, he was credited for assisting in the founding of the province of Manitoba. A formal charge of treason was laid against him on July 6, 1885, and his trial began in Regina

on July 20th. His counsel proposed to defend him on the grounds of insanity, but Louis Riel repudiated that defense. The jury found him guilty and he was executed in Regina, Nov. 16, 1885. In 1991, Louis Riel received a full retroactive pardon. Politically and philosophically, his execution has had a lasting effect on Canadian history.

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School Philosophy

Our staff provides a wealth of learning activities that assists with the personalized development of the individual abilities and talents of our students. A focus on teaching and learning emphasizes the core academic subjects as well as the fine arts and physical education. Teachers offer a variety of extracurricular and co-curricular activities designed to enrich and nurture the lives of our students. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities and to strive to be the best that they can be and to achieve excellence in their daily learning.

School Information and Organization

Bell Schedule

Regular Day: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

8:15 Warning Bell

8:20 – 9:20 Period 1

9:20 – 10:20 Period 2

10:20 – 10:30 Nutrition Break

10:30 – 11:30 Period 3

11:30 – 12:30 Period 4

12:30 – 1:20 Lunch

1:15 Warning Bell

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Early Dismissal Day Fridays

8:15 Warning Bell

8:20 – 9:16 Period 1

9:16 – 10:12 Period 2

10:12 – 10:20 Nutrition Break

10:20 – 11:16 Period 3

11:16 – 12:12 Period 4

Entry and Exit of School

All students will hear a warning bell at 8:15; at that time, they can head into the school to prepare to go to class.

Please note the main doors at the front of the school are unlocked prior to the school day. All other doors are kept locked throughout the day for security purposes.

Before and After School Expectations

Parents are not to drop off students and/or students are not to arrive to school prior to 15 minutes before the morning bell. Supervision begins on the playground 8:10 each morning. Students who are coming early in the morning for study purposes, team practices, or extra-curricular activities should enter the school through the front doors and proceed directly to the appropriate area, where they will be under the

1:20 – 2:20 Period 5

2:20 – 3:20 Period 6

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direction and supervision of the teacher involved in the activity. If a student is not involved in a planned before or after school activity they should not arrive at school any earlier than 8:05. If a teacher is requesting a student to come earlier than 8:05 or stay past 3:15, parents will be notified.

At the end of the day please make arrangements to meet your children at the appropriate doors. Parents are expected to pick up students promptly at the end of the day and students are expected to leave school promptly. Student safety is important to us and we want to make sure students are where they need to be at the end of the school day.

Parents are not to drop off or pick up students in the school parking lot. Please determine an alternate site to meet your children. We wish to ensure the safety of children in this busy area.

Nutrition Breaks

Students have one 10 minute, scheduled nutrition break, each morning from 10:20 to 10:30, Monday to Thursday; and 10:12 to 10:20 on Fridays. It is recommended that all students bring a small nutritious snack and water for this break. It is expected that all grade 1-4 students will go outside during the nutrition break (weather permitting). Please ensure that your child(ren) are dressed appropriately.

Lunch Break - 12:15 pm to 1:10 pm

Lunchroom supervision is available for all students. Grades 1-6 students, who are registered for the lunch program, are not permitted to leave the school campus during the school day, unless arrangements to go home for lunch have been made.

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Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4:

Grades 1- 4 students will be required to stay in their assigned lunch areas until 12:50, unless other arrangements have been made with teacher supervisors for clubs and/or intramurals. At 12:50, grades 1- 4 students are expected to start heading outside to the field area (weather permitting), where supervision will be provided.

Grades 5 and 6:

Supervised, grade 5 and 6 students go outside for the first part of the lunch break. Students in grades 5 and 6 will re-enter the school at the 12:50, heading to the North Gym to take attendance and to eat their lunch. At that point, they must make a decision: to stay in the cafeteria to eat or to go outside to play. At 1:15, there is a warning bell where they are expected to head to their lockers and get prepared for afternoon classes.

Grades 7, 8, and 9:

Grade 7, 8 and 9 students have permission to leave the campus at lunch, provided they return to school on time for classes. Grade 7, 8 and 9 students who choose to eat lunch inside the school are to remain in the North Gym until the warning bell rings. Otherwise, students are to go outside during the lunch hour if they are not involved in clubs or intramurals.

Nutrition

At Louis Riel School our focus is on promoting a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical fitness and nutrition. Junk food is discouraged and in some cases not allowed on campus. We encourage grade 7, 8 & 9 students who are

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leaving the school for lunch to make healthy choices, if they are going to purchase their food at such places as Macs, Tim Horton’s, etc. We appreciate parents supporting us in ensuring students have healthy snacks and lunches at school.

School Calendar

Each school is responsible for scheduling days for professional development, organization, appeals, early dismissals, and parent/teacher conferences. A school calendar that

details the days our school selected for these events is posted on our website at http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b662/.

School Blog

Our school blog is available on-line http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b625/ at the beginning of each month. For those families who cannot access our newsletter online at our website they may request a copy be sent home from the office. Important dates and information about school programs and activities are included in every edition. Parents may elect to receive notification when the newsletter and other notices are posted by providing an email address to the office.

Parent & Community Volunteers

All parents and guardians are welcome to volunteer in our school. Volunteers are organized early in the year. All volunteers are required to complete a police security clearance, sign an annual volunteer registration form, and

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attend a volunteer orientation prior to volunteering in classrooms or on field trips. This process may be initiated at any time in the school year.

It is essential that volunteers respect confidentiality, refrain from discussing parents, children or school staff with others and adhere to the volunteer guidelines outlined in CBE’s annual volunteer registration form. All volunteers and visitors to the school must report to the main office and sign in. Volunteers and visitors will be given a tag to wear that must be visible while in the school. Staff members will stop unidentified guests in the school in the hall, asking them to sign in and to grab a name tag.

Volunteer opportunities are varied and may include preparing materials for use in the classroom, completing projects at home, supervising groups of students on field trips, working in the school library, and assisting with school events. The school volunteer coordinator works with staff to coordinate and schedule volunteers to support our programming and will send out periodic requests for volunteers to parents. We encourage all parents/guardians to participate as a volunteer at some point throughout the school year.

Attendance Procedures and Expectations

As outlined in the Alberta School Act it is the responsibility of the parent and/or guardian to inform the school of all changes to a student's regular anticipated attendance. Attendance is taken daily and the school must verify all absences. We would ask that all parents/guardians support us with accurate tracking of daily attendance.

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Absences

If students are going to be absent, we ask that parents call the school and leave a message on our attendance line at 403-777-7650. If a message has not been received by 8:30 AM for morning or all day absences/lates or 1:40 PM for afternoon absences/lates, a call will be made to the parents’ daytime phone number. Students who are absent from school for any reason are responsible for all work assigned or studied during their absence. Excessive absences or lates are referred to school administration and all absences and lates are documented in student files.

Lates

Students who are late to school for any reason must report to the office to sign in. An excused late is defined as being late for school because of an appointment, funeral, etc. Missing alarms, accidentally sleeping in, etc. are unexcused lates. Parents can call the attendance line to excuse the late or the student may bring in the appointment card. All other lates are considered to be unexcused.

Leaving the School during the School Day

Parents must notify the office, either in writing or by a phone call, when their child needs to leave early for appointments. Parents of students in grade 4-6 must sign out their child at the office. Students in grade 7-9 can sign themselves out as long as parents have called the school and spoken directly with office personnel. Students may not leave the school without checking with the office. If a student becomes ill at school, they are to come to the office and call a parent from the school phone. Students will not be allowed to leave school without parental consent.

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Bus Attendance

We are responsible for ensuring that all students get on the bus at the end of the day; and therefore, we require a phone call or written note to excuse them from the ride home or to allow them to get off the bus at a different stop. A staff member will take attendance every day before the bus departs. Be sure to notify the school ahead of time, if your child will not be taking the bus home. Students will not be allowed to make arrangements at the end of the day to go to a friend's home. It is expected that students who are participating in after school activities will notify the bus monitor if they will not be on the bus.

Family Vacations

Students who will be absent from school due to family vacations that extend beyond 2 weeks need to obtain an extended absence form from the office and consult with their teachers as soon as possible before leaving. Teachers may provide students with work to be completed prior to and/or while on vacation.

Any arrangements regarding student work must be made with the student's teacher(s) well in advance of the planned vacation time.

School Safety Plan

All schools within the Calgary Board of Education are required to have protocols in place in the event of an emergency. It is expected that schools regularly hold fire drills and practice lockdowns so that staff and students will be prepared to respond appropriately during a crisis.

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Fire Safety & Lockdown

The signal for evacuation is a loud continuous ring. At this signal all persons in the school are to evacuate to their designated areas. During a fire drill students are to watch for and listen for directions from school staff; to quietly proceed to the north soccer field where attendance is taken; remain in their designated area until the all clear signal is given (3 rings of bell). �

If an evacuation occurs during lunch/class change proceed to the location of your homeroom area for check-in on the field. Evacuation drills are held throughout the school year; consequently, all students must be wearing footwear at all times in the school. �

In case of a lockdown, all students clear the halls; students enter the nearest classroom, quietly arranging themselves in the designated location.

No cell phones are to be used during lockdown. Teachers may request students to turn in their cell phone and take cell phones away from students, if necessary.

All students remain quiet and under the direction of school staff. Outside classes will go to the alternate location and wait for instructions.

On/Off-Site Activities

We believe it is critical to enhance curricular studies, for all students, by providing them with opportunities to work with experts in the field, whether in the classroom or away from the school. The use of educational excursions and guest presentations are effective as instructional strategies, because they engage our students in meaningful

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experiences and are a means of integrating the disciplines of study.

Every trip, activity or excursion that is planned must be approved by school administration and meet the standard of CBE’s rigorous on and off campus guidelines. This requires principals and teachers to be diligent about completing the appropriate forms and submitting these forms, well in advance of the scheduled trip or activity. Once the trip or activity has been approved, we are then in a position to send home forms that will give you information about the event and require your signature. When your child is preparing to go on a field trip, you may receive up to 2 or 3 forms. We appreciate your cooperation in completing these forms and returning them promptly to the school.

There is also a new CBE policy regarding trips within walking distance to the school. For these trips, parents and students will be notified through a letter, a blog posting or the website, allowing families to pack accordingly.

All activities are considered compulsory and an essential part of the school’s curriculum. There may be costs associated with planned field trips, physical education activities and guest presenters. However, no child will be denied the opportunity to participate in classroom activities and field trips based on an inability to pay activity costs. If your family is experiencing difficulties with associated costs, please contact the school.

Extra-Curricular Activities

We believe that opportunities to pursue areas of passion and interest are critical to personalizing learning. We offer an extensive array of extracurricular activities. Many of these offerings have come about as a result of staff interest or

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student initiation. For example, students are able to participate in a wide variety of intramurals, interschool teams and special events in the morning, at lunch or after school. Students interested in music can join the choir or band. Students who choose to participate in any extracurricular activities must receive prior permission from parents.

Homework

To promote the development of effective study habits, we suggest that students, in consultation with their parents, set up an environment that facilitates both home study and daily reading.

In Division II (Grades 4, 5, and 6), formal assignments may be given for homework. Students are also expected to complete missed or unfinished classroom work. In addition, students should make recreational reading part of their daily home study routine. Supervised time on the Internet, researching areas of study being covered at school is also a valuable homework experience. Suggested study time for homework is 20 – 30 minutes daily.

In Division III (Grades 7, 8, and 9), homework expectations increase. Students may be assigned daily homework for up to one hour. Supervised time on the Internet, researching areas of study being covered at school is also a valuable homework experience. Recreational reading should also continue at these grade levels, in addition to home study. Students requiring additional instruction or support may contact their teacher to schedule a meeting for assistance with their studies.

Students and parents should refer to teacher daily blogs for information regarding homework and assignments.

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Communication

D2L & BLOGS�

Each classroom teacher will communicate class information either through a blog or a D2L shell that is updated on a regular basis. These sites are accessed directly on our school website by the appropriate teacher.

SYNERVOICE�

Occasionally an automated phone or email message system will leave parents a message regarding upcoming events.

E-MAIL�

All teachers CBE emails are available to parents and students as a communication tool and are posted on the school’s website.

Personal Information Updates

Please notify the school office immediately with any changes of address, telephone number (home, business and/or cell), email address, emergency contact number, or custody agreements. It is critical that we have a current record of emergency contact information on file in the event that we cannot reach parents/guardians. It is imperative that copies of current custody agreements are on file in the student’s record.

School Council

School Councils formalize parents' voice in educational matters at the school level and reaffirm their meaningful involvement in their children's education. For this reason, all parents are regarded as members of the school council and

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are encouraged to attend monthly meetings to provide advice about important issues that impact our school and get involved in planning community building events and fundraisers. Meetings dates will be advertised in the school newsletter and on our school website.

Student Code of Conduct

Student Expectations

Our discipline policy is based on the Alberta School Act and on guidelines established by the Calgary Board of Education. Staff will endeavor to deal with discipline problems in an objective, professional manner, treating each child with respect and considering each student's individual needs.

It is our expectation that students will consistently demonstrate their commitment to the school's expectations for citizenship, character and personal development in order to create a learning community, where all members feel valued, respected and safe.

Whenever a student interferes with the rights of others, then disciplinary procedures will be initiated. The staff member who first encounters an incident is the initial person responsible for intervening and determining the best course of action. Staff will use problem solving approaches and due process to resolve the situation, applying natural and logical consequences in response to behavior difficulties. Staff will determine whether incidences should be formally documented, whether administration involvement is required and/or whether parents/guardians should be contacted.

Ongoing, recurring, and escalating difficulties (i.e. disrespectful treatment of others, abusive language, threats,

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physical aggression, vandalism, defiance of authority, repeated harassment, criminal activity) will automatically be referred to administration. Parents will be contacted to make them aware of the nature of the concern and to enlist their support. Parents are considered essential in helping students understand the consequences of their actions.

For serious concerns, teachers, students, and parents will be asked to formulate a plan of action with administration. Serious misconduct may result in loss of privileges, removal from class, assignment of community service duties, an in school or home suspension (1 – 5 days), a referral to student services, involvement of our Calgary Police Service Resource Officer, or suspension to our Area V Office. All matters of discipline, including recommended consequences, will be dealt with in a confidential manner. Each incident will be documented and treated on its own merit.

By applying logical, natural, and consistent consequences for actions, and by providing students with opportunities to become responsible and caring members of our learning community, we believe our students will learn that the choices they make impact how they live in community with others.

School Expectations

To be punctual and to arrive at school and class on time.

To be prepared, organized, and ready to work in class

To take ownership and responsibility for learning.

To respect school and private property.

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To respect the rights of others to learn.

To demonstrate respect and responsible behavior when using digital �technology and/or engaging in online activities.

Digital Citizenship

All members of our school community are expected to be digital citizens who demonstrate respect, responsible behavior and overall good character when using technology and/or engaging in online activities. The use of technology is an integral part of teaching and learning at our school. Teachers and students use digital technologies to access information, communicate ideas, and demonstrate fundamental understandings.

Students may use their own devices, at their teacher’s discretion, to personalize their learning in the classroom, interfacing through Learner Accessible Wireless Network (LAWN). The use of personal devices by students with the guidance of parents and teachers will assist in addressing individual student preferences and needs for learning.

�� all students are expected to follow school guidelines for Acceptable use of Electronic Devices and Networked Information Resources.

��electronic/digital devices (cell phones, computers, cameras, etc.) are not permitted in gym change rooms or washrooms at any time.

��staff and students are reminded that all digital recordings, audio or visual, may not be shared or distributed via the Internet or through social networking sites, without the written permission of those people

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recorded. These restrictions are in place for all students, staff and visitors to the school.

���cell phones must not interfere with the learning environment. Students are not to make calls or text during instructional times.

���parents who wish to communicate with their children during class time should go through the office, as texting and phone calls are not permitted during instructional time.

��privileges to use cell phones and other digital devices during the nutrition and lunch breaks are also at the discretion of school staff.

��Failing to follow school expectations for cell phones or digital devices will result in escalating consequences up to and including loss of privileges. �

Physical Education

For hygiene and safety reasons, students are expected to change into Louis Riel gym strip, which will be available for purchase at the school. If a student cannot participate in PE for a medical reason, a note signed by a parent is required. As with school washrooms, cell phones or other digital devices are not permitted in gymnasium locker rooms. Note that grade K- 6 students do not change for gym class. �

Dress Code

School is a work place for students and teachers. Young people should dress in a manner that is not distracting to the learning of others and that is not provocative. Some current fashion may be inappropriate for the school setting, and students are asked to use good judgment when choosing

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school attire. For security reasons and respectfulness, it is expected that all hats will be removed and coats/bags be placed in lockers before class time. �Clothing that promotes the use of drugs or alcohol, makes sexual inferences or innuendo or that has crude language, is unacceptable. In addition, for the safety and security of all members of our community clothing that obscures a person’s identity, including wearing a hood or hat, is not permitted. Students who do not follow the recommended dress guidelines will be asked to put on alternative clothing, and in some cases, may be asked to go home and change after their parents have been contacted. �Inappropriate clothing may include:

��Halters, tank tops, tops with thin/no straps, short tops, and tops that expose excessive amounts of skin (ex. see-through tops, open backed tops, tank tops with large arm holes)

��Pants, shorts, dresses or skirts that show skin above the fingertips when the student’s hands are by their side

��Sunglasses, bandanas, chains and hats

Locks and Lockers

Students will be assigned a hall locker to use during the school year. Should a lock be lost, the replacement cost is $5.00. It is critical that the combination of the lock be kept confidential to avoid theft. All bags and backpacks are to be stored in lockers during class time to avoid congestion. Lockers are the property of the school and are loaned to students on a yearly basis. �

A principal or designate may search a student, their locker, a school storage area assigned to a student, and

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articles/objects belonging to or used by the student when there are reasonable grounds to believe a breach of school regulations or discipline policies has occurred on the premises or during sponsored events. �

Bikes/Skateboards/Scooters and Inline Skates �

Effective August 2001, the Calgary Board of Education prohibits the use of skateboards on all CBE property for safety reasons. CBE transportation providers (charter buses) have also banned skateboards from their buses. Students who skateboard or scooter to school must pick their up skateboards and scooters when they come onto school property (including sidewalks surrounding the building). Scooters and skateboards carried into the school should be locked in the student’s locker. Skateboards may be used on city sidewalks, as long as they do not pose a risk for pedestrians. Riding skateboards on the road is dangerous and is not allowed by city bylaw. �Students riding bikes must dismount and walk their bike to the bike lock area. Please ensure that your child has a lock to secure their bike. The school is not responsible for any stolen bikes, scooters or skateboards.

School Bus Expectations

School rules and discipline consequences apply on the bus in addition to the following considerations:

The driver is in charge of the bus; his/her directions must be obeyed at all times.

Drivers are required to report misconduct to the school administration for resolution.

Students are expected to remain seated, not extend arms or heard out of the bus.

Students responsible for any damage or vandalism will

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be required to pay for repair costs or cleaning that is a result of vandalism.

Learning Commons

The Learning Commons functions as a central location providing access to books, information technology and other shared materials. Books can be borrowed for a two-week period. Reference books and current magazine issues do not circulate outside of the Learning Commons.

Respect for Property

Students are expected to do their part in helping to keep our school and community neat and tidy. This includes picking up after themselves at all times and using the garbage cans that are located in the school and on the school grounds. Students are expected to participate in the school's recycling program. Recycling bins will be placed both in the hallways and in the lunchroom area. It is expected that students will follow the protocols for recycling in all areas of the school including the playground.

Articles of value are brought at the owner’s risk and the school does not accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Bikes should be locked in the bike racks and taken home each night.

Links to Important Information

Louis Riel School Website: http:/schools.cbe.ab.ca/b625/

CBE Website http://www.cbe.ab.ca Alberta Program of Studies

http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/program.aspx Alberta Education: Resources for Parents

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http://education.alberta.ca/parents/resources.aspx Desire 2 Learn (D2L) http://d2l.cbe.ab.ca