Bassano Handbook 2019-2020 · 6 Classes resume for students 31 Semester 2 begins February 3...

Respectful, Responsible, Involved

2019-2020

Bassano SchoolStudent Handbook

1 Box 60240 6th AvenueBassano, Alta.T0J 0B0

Telephone: (403) 641-3577Fax: (403) 641-4158Web Page: www.bassanoschool.ca

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Principal: !Mr. Scott Koller [email protected]: Ms. Brita [email protected]

Introduction

http://www.bassanoschool.ca


mailto:[email protected]






Grasslands School Division

Vision - A community of learners dedicated to student success

Mission - To provide educational o p p o r t u n i t i e s t h a t d e v e l o p s t h e competencies of our students to enable them to be engaged thinkers and ethical citizens with an entrepreneurial spirit.

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Values - We value:

ENGAGED THINKERS WHO:

• Know how to learn: to gain knowledge, understanding or ski l ls through experience, study, and interaction with others

• Think critically: conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate to construct knowledge

• Identify and solve complex problems

• Apply multiple literacies: reading, writing, mathematics, technology, languages, media and personal finance

ETHICAL CITIZENS WHO:

• Demonstrate global and cultural understanding, considering the economy and sustainable development

• Demonstrate good communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with others.

• Manage information: access, interpret, evaluate and use information effectively, efficiently, and ethically.

ENTREPRENEURIAL LEARNERS WHO:

• Identify and apply career and life skills through personal growth and well-being.

• Innovate: create, generate, and apply new ideas or concepts

• Create opportunities through play, imagination, reflection, negotiation, and competition

Section 1

Introduction

3

Respectful, Responsible, Involved

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to Bassano School. The staff and I appreciate the opportunity to share your child’s education experience with you. My Name is Scott Koller, I would like to thank all of the staff and students for welcoming me into this community, and I can’t wait to meet you and your family. I am looking forward to a wonderful year of inquiry and learning.

I know that change is always a little scary, but with change also comes an opportunity for renewal and rejuvenation. Hopefully, we are all ready to start a new school year filled with some exciting new challenges and outstanding opportunities. Please

don’t be afraid to say hi in the halls or visit me in the office. Once again, I hope that everyone has a great year and I look forward to sharing in your triumphs and supporting you in defeats.

Sincerely,

Mr. Scott Koller, Principal"

Hi!

It is with so much excitement that I write this introduction. I am thrilled to join the Bassano School family and work with such a great team. I am coming to Bassano after working in Northern Alberta for the last eight years and am happy to move back south and be closer to my family and see the prairie sky every day.

All my experience has been in K-12 schools and I can’t wait to continue this because there is a magic when you can have role models from all grades in the same building. I look forward to"

Section 2

Letters from the School Admin

4

seeing the junior and senior high students demonstrate kindness and leadership for the elementary students and the elementary students grow and learn from that. My favourite day is always graduation when every K-11 students can look at the graduating class and know that their hard work leads to such an important moment.

I am an avid reader and am looking forward to learning about each student’s favourite books and sharing my love of books. I truly believe that everyone loves to read, they just might not have found the right book yet.

I know that having a new Vice-Principal can create both anxiety and excitement but I want you to know that my door is always open and I will work hard to get to know each and every person in the school community.

I am bursting with excitement about the upcoming school year and look forward to meeting each and every one of you!

Sincerely,

Ms. Brita Goldie, Vice Principal

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Office Staff! ! ! !Principal: Mr. Scott Koller

Vice-Principal:"Ms. Brita Goldie

Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Christine Lewis

Librarian: Mrs. Laurie Lunseth

Elementary Teaching Staff

Kindergarten: Mrs. Jennifer Ballance

Grade 1: Mrs. Jennifer Schmidt

Grade 2: Mrs. Cindy Harris

Grade 3: Mrs. Tammy Miller

Grade 4: Ms. Jeneen Armstrong

Grade 5/6: Mrs. Jennifer Follis

Grade 6: Mrs. Della Armstrong

Elementary Music Ed:

Elementary Arts Ed:

Student Support Services

Mrs. Anna Petley-Jones

Caretakers:

Mrs. Sandra Oostlander

Mrs. Angelina Salinas

Mrs. Beverly Depeno

Junior/Senior Teaching Staff"

Math 8 and 9, Jr Science, PLS: Mr. Daryl Singular

Jr ELA and Math 7: Mrs. Shawna Singular

Section 3

Staff List

6

HS English: Mrs. Anna Petley-Jones

HS Math, PLS: Mr. Steven Muir

HS Biology, Chemistry, Health, Leadership, Science 10,

Social 9-12, Leadership, French: Mrs. Jennifer Hodgson

Computer Technology, Info Pro, Photography: Mrs. Janice Schaffer

Videography and Audio Engineering:

Junior/Senior Physical Education: Mr. Nathan Hodgson

CTS Trailer:

Junior High Art, Animation: Mrs. Jennifer Follis

Senior High Art: Mrs. Tammy Miller

Jr/Sr Program and Career Counseling: Mrs. Janice Schaffer

Work Experience: Mr. Nathan Hodgson

K-12 Personal Counseling:

Ms. Veronica Van Horne

Siksika Liaison

Ms. Chasity Daniels

High School Completion Facilitator:

Mrs. Allison Arsenault

Teacher Assistants

Mrs. Debbie Woods

Mrs. Irene Henry

Mrs. Carrie Lassiter

Mrs. Laura Luft

Mrs. Amanda Barron

! ! !

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Important Dates

August 26 Staff Return 30 Holiday

Sept 2 Labour Day Holiday 3 Classes start 23 School-based PD - No School The week of 30th - Missoula October 8 School Pictures 11 Lieu Day - No School 14 Thanksgiving Day November 4 District Inservice Day - No School 5 Picture Retakes/ Class Pictures 11 Remembrance Day 12 Lieu Day - No School

December 2 Prof. learning day - No School 9 Sports Photos 23-31 Christmas Break January 1-3 Christmas Break 6 Classes resume for students 31 Semester 2 begins February 3 District Inservice Day - No School 6-7 Grad Pictures 17 Family Day 18-21 Family Week - No School March 9 Interschool PLC - No School April 10-17 Easter Break 20 Classes resume for students May 15 School-based PLC - No School 18 Victoria Day June 26 Last day of school

Section 4

Calendar

8

IMPORTANT WEBSITES

www.bassanoschool.ca

See Calendar of Events for updates on upcoming events such as awards nights, exam dates, report cards, etc

www.grasslands.ab.ca

for bus route information and school status reports pertaining to weather, etc

www.q1057.ca

Brooks radio website, provides up-to-the-minute road, weather, and school reports

www.the1brooks.com

Brooks radio website, provides up-to-the-minute road, weather and school reports

Section 5

Websites



http://www.grasslands.ab.ca

http://www.grasslands.ab.ca

http://www.q1057.ca

http://www.q1057.ca

http://www.the1brooks.com

http://www.the1brooks.com

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Section 6

Class TimesElementary

Supervision 8:15 AM 8:25 AM

Transition 8:25 AM 8:30 AM

Instructional 1 8:30 AM 9:11 AM


Recess 9:49 AM 10:04 AM

Readers Workshop 10:04 AM 10:35 AM



Lunch 11:56 AM 12:11:00 PM

Lunch Reccess 12:11 PM 12:45:00 PM

Instructional 6 12:45 PM 1:26 PM

RRI 1:26 PM 1:41 PM

Recess 1:41 PM 1:56 PM



Junior High




Break 9:08 AM 9:11 AM




Break 10:32 AM 10:35 AM


Break 11:13 AM 11:18 AM


Lunch 11:56 AM 12:45:00 PM


Break 1:23 PM 1:28 PM

RRI 1:28 PM 1:53 PM





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Senior High



Instructional 1a 8:30 AM 9:08 AM


Instructional 1b 9:11 AM 9:49 AM



Break 10:32 AM 10:35 AM

Instructional 2b 10:35 AM 11:13 AM

Break 11:13 AM 11:18 AM


Lunch 11:56 AM 12:45:00 PM

Instructional 3b 12:45 PM 1:23 PM


RRI 1:28 PM 1:53 PM


Instructional 4a 1:56 PM 2:34 PM


Instructional 4b 2:37 PM 3:15 PM

2 Goal 1: An excellent start to learningGoal 2: Success for every studentGoal 3: Quality teaching and school leadershipGoal 4: Engaged and effective governance

3 Year Plan

Goals

Goal 1: An excellent start to learning

Goal 2: Success for every student

Goal 3: Quality teaching and school leadership

Goal 4: Engaged and effective governance

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EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS

There are four levels of expectations set for children and youth in schools in Alberta Schools. Expectations are set at the provincial level in law, the Division level in Board of Education policy, the school level by the administration in consultation with the staff, and the classroom level set by the teacher. Expectations at all levels carry the weight of law.

Level One: Provincial (School Act: Sections 12 and 45)

Students – Section 12

A student shall conduct himself or herself so as to reasonably comply with the following code of conduct:

a)" be diligent in pursuing the student’s studies;

b)" attend school regularly and punctually;

c)" cooperate fully with everyone authorized by the board to provide education programs and other services;

d)" comply with the rules of the school;

Section 1

3 Year Plan Summary

13

e)" account to the student’s teachers for the student’s conduct;

f)" respect the rights of others.

Responsibility to Students – Section 45(8)

(8) A board shall ensure that each student enrolled in a school operated by the board is provided with a safe and caring environment that fosters and maintains respectful and responsible behaviours.

Level Two: Division Grasslands Regional #6, Policy 9.8.1 Discipline/Attendance

Bassano School aims to maintain a safe, caring, and inclusive learning environment that effectively accommodates and inspires all students. The purpose of discipline is to develop a student’s self control in the learning environment and to maintain school conditions which contribute to effective learning. As such, disciplinary measures will not include verbal, emotional, or physical abuse.

Students who attend school regularly have a greater opportunity to benefit from the school program. Regular attendance is, therefore, a requirement for all courses at all grade levels.

Level Three – School

In Bassano School, it is expected that all students will demonstrate

1)" Respect for and consideration of the rights, property and feelings of others.

Examples:

• the right to safety of others must be respected

• movements in hallways must be purposeful and orderly

• requests of persons in authority must be responded to in a polite and positive manner

• interactions with other people must demonstrate sensitivity and caring

• students will be held responsible for the repair or replacement of school property that has been intentionally damaged or stolen. The Bassano School Student Council will assume the associated costs if those responsible are not identified.

1)" Behaviours that convey a positive and healthy life style.

Examples:

• to abstain from involvement with alcohol/drugs during the school day and at all school functions, including all

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extracurricular activities, field trips, and school-sanctioned travel

• to wear attire that is appropriate for a k-12 school (clothing cannot promote alcohol/drug use, display sexist connotation, or be provocative in nature)

• cell phones may only be used for instructional purposes at the discretion of the individual teacher during school hours

• bandannas or other associated gang symbols are not allowed at school

• to use appropriate language (not offensive to others)

• to use appropriate physical conduct (not offensive or dangerous to others)

• to be respectful, responsible and involved

Although most behaviour issues will be dealt with in collaboration with students and parents, the following offences will receive out of school suspensions and possible involvement with our Disciplinary Committee:

• Use, possession or sale of alcohol or drugs

• Involvement in violent activity

• Uttering of threats

• Repeated negative behaviours

Level Four – Classroom

Teachers establish and enforce expectations for student performance and behaviour in each of their classes. Since teachers are individuals, students can expect that expectations will vary slightly from class to class. Students must conform to individual teachers’ expectations toward matters such as punctuality, food in class, and the interpretation of assignment deadlines. Expectations set by classroom teachers have the support of administrators and the Board of Education.

3 Everything we do revolves around - Being respectful - Being responsible - Being Involved

School Procedures

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Coming to School

Attendance at school is a key variable for student success. Bassano School recognizes that regular student attendance provides the best opportunity for meaningful learning.

There are three distinct components to student attendance that are addressed by the staff at Bassano. They are absenteeism, lateness, and skipping. Expectations around each component are set below. It is each student's responsibility to adhere to these expectations.

There are conditions deemed acceptable for absence. All other reasons are deemed unacceptable. When students are absent from school, the reason for the absence is categorized in one of four ways, namely:

(1)" Unexcused, meaning no contact with the school was made by a parent;

(2)" Excused for an acceptable reason, by

" (a)" a parent for

• illness

• medical/dental appointment

• court appointment

• family holiday beyond five days with prior consultation with the principal

• compassion

" (b)" teachers for

• suspension from school/class

• work experience

• extra-curricular activity

• field trip

(3)" Excused for an unacceptable reason, meaning the parent contacted the school, but the reason was not one listed in (2) above.

Section 1

Student Attendance

17

(4)" In addition, students who miss excessive amounts of school (extreme medical conditions are exempt) will likely be withdrawn from classes. Parents will be contacted and the individual situation of each student will be considered before they are withdrawn. Depending on individual factors, students may also be referred to the Grasslands Disciplinary Committee.

Leaving the School during the Day

Students who need to leave the school between 8:30 AM and 3:15 PM must get sign-out permission at the office. Students must contact a parent by phone to confirm the need to leave the school. If a student leaves during the school day without having properly signed out, the absence will be considered skipping and parents will be notified.

Lateness

Teachers and administrators will monitor student punctuality using appropriate measures to solve any problems. Consequences for habitual tardiness, lates and/or skips may include loss of noon hours to complete missing assignments, parent contact, withdrawal from specific classes. Punctuality is a critical component of success and we value our role in preparing students for success beyond high school.

Student Safety

Bassano School is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students. Supervision begins at 8:15 AM and ends at 3:25 PM, including all breaks, recesses and lunch hour. Please note these times to avoid having your children on school grounds while unsupervised.

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Academic Focus

Elementary (Grades K-6)

Program Highlights

Bassano School’s elementary classrooms utilize specialized reading and writing programs which have proven very successful at improving literacy skills for our students. Our Grade 2-9 Language Arts program has been enhanced by initiatives such as Accelerated Reading and Precision Reading. The implementation of these programs has helped generate considerable improvements to the literacy skills of our students, while instilling a love of reading in Bassano School’s students. Our Math for Success program, in conjunction with the use of math manipulatives, integrates all five math strands in a practical, hands-on, problem solving approach.

Junior High (Grades 7-9)

Courses of Study

The following courses of study are offered in teacher-led courses, unless specified otherwise:

Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Math, Personal Living Skills, Physical Education, Art, Grade 7, 8 and 9 Career and Technology Studies and Computer Literacy. Students benefit from additional reading classes each week, as reading comprehension and fluency are critical components of student success across all curricula. Accelerated Reading and Precision Reading programs are also applied for junior high students.

Student Groupings

There are many benefits to placing students in homerooms. While students benefit directly from improved communications and organization offered through our homeroom structure, they are further benefited through improved opportunities for student-centred teacher collaboration. Homeroom teachers plan and meet regularly to coordinate instruction strategies and improve consistency of policy implementation.

Section 2

School Program

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Student Support Services

Bassano School offers extensive student support services from K-12. Our Student Support Services Team is comprised of a Student Support Service Coordinator, Principal, Vice Principal, Career Counsellor, High School Completion Officer, Siksika Liaison worker, Mental Health Therapist and School Counsellor. These team members collaborate with teachers and educational assistants, along with external agencies, to implement learning supports on an individual basis. If adaptations or special programming are needed, Individualized Program Plans and/or Behaviour Plans will be developed collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and the Student Support Service Team.

Secondary Level (Grades 10-12)

* A minimum of 100 credits must be obtained. The majority of students graduate with far more than the required 100 credits. 3 credit courses are 1 period per day for 1 semester; 5 credit courses are 1 period per day for both semesters or 2 periods per day for 1 semester.

Courses CreditsReq.Min.Credits

RequiredCourseDiplomaExam

English5cr.eachcourse

15 5cr.mustbeinEnglish30-1or30-2

Yes,forEnglish30-1and30-2

Social5cr.eachcourse

15 5cr.mustbeinSocial30-1or30-2

Yes,forSocial30-1and30-2

Math5cr.eachcourse

10 5cr.mustbein20-1,20-2,or20-3Math

Yes,for30-1and30-2.Nodiplomafor30-3.

Science5cr.eachcourse

10

Science20or24orBio20orChem20orPhysics20(orScience10andanyother5cr.Sciencecourse)

Yes,forBiology30,Chemistry30andPhysics30

CALM20 3cr. 3 CALM20isarequiredcourse

No

PhysicalEducaKon

3,4or5cr.eachcourse

3 PhysicalEducaKon10isarequiredcourse

No

CTScourses1cr.permodule

10

10cr.fromCTSorFineArtsorSecondLanguagesorPE20and/or30ortwo35levelcoursesfromanytradeintheRAPprogram

No

30levelcourses(inaddiKontoEnglish30-1,30-2andSocial30-1and30-2.)

5cr.eachcourseusually

10

Any30levelcoursesor3000seriesinCTSortwo35levelcoursesfromanytradeintheRAPprogramor35levelWorkExperienceoranycombinaKonofthese.

Dependingonwhich30levelcourseisbeingcountedtowardsthesecredits

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Course Challenge (8.9.7)

High school students may challenge any course that they are eligible to take – contact our Career Counselor, Mrs. Schaffer, for details and resources.

Analysis of Achievement and Diploma Exams (8.10.4)

Bassano School actively utilizes its own achievement data to inform practices. Results for provincial exams in grades 6, 9, and 12 are compiled and distributed to all schools by Alberta Education every year. Each year, Bassano School teachers and administrators analyze our results, which include:

1. School comparisons with provincial averages (acceptable standards and standards of excellence)

2. Multi-year trend data for all subject areas in grades 3, 6, 9, and 12 (SLAs, PATs, and Diplomas)

3. Specific learner outcome performance for all subjects in grades 3, 6, 9, and 12

The information provided by this analysis serves to inform individual teaching practices and future directions for programming, professional development, and student support services. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are harnessed to implement the necessary changes supported by

our annual results. In this way, Bassano School will continue to ensure that all students receive the best educational opportunities possible.

Alternate Course Offerings

Students who have previously experienced serious difficulty in a compulsory subject area may enroll in adapted educational courses (for example, Science 14 instead of Science 10). These adapted courses may not provide direct admission to many post-secondary programs. Students require the permission of the Career Counsellor, parents, and the Principal to be enrolled in these courses.

For more information about courses of study, graduation requirements, and post-secondary requirements, contact our Career Counsellor, Mrs. Schaffer.

Distance Education

All persons with questions pertaining to distance learning courses are encouraged to contact our Career Counselor, Mrs. Schaffer, or our Principal, Mr. Hill.

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Special Project Credit Policy

Students involved in comprehensive learning programs outside of school may qualify for high school credits. Some examples include: Royal Conservatory of Music, Girl Guides, and 4-H Clubs. For more information contact our Career Counselor, Mrs. Schaffer, our Work Experience Coordinator, Mr. Hodgson, or the Principal, Mr. Hill.

Individual Student Timetable Changes

Requests for timetable changes must be made with our Career Educational Counsellor, Mrs. Schaffer, within the first 8 school days of each semester. Changes may involve consultation with parents, and must be approved by the Principal before the timetable change takes effect.

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Improved Student Achievement

To positively impact student learning through use of effective assessment practices. Strategies to achieve the goal:

1. Develop a common understanding and school wide use of the 1-4 rubric using Alberta Education Achievement Levels - Primary -12. Teachers will collect and find samples to use with students to show what level 4 quality achievement looks like, aid in self-assessment and descriptive feedback

2. Teachers will involve students in the assessment process.

3. Teachers will develop and use both formative and summative assessment to improve student achievement and guide teacher practice.

4. The school will develop a communication plan to inform parents of effective assessment practices.

5. The school will have a systematic and tiered model of intervention (literacy/math support blocks, school referral process and program planning team: action steps clearly d e fi n e d ) .

Report Card Descriptors

Teachers use multiple sources of evidence, collected in a variety of ways, to look at most recent work and trends in student learning over time to make a professional judgment of a students’ grade.

Understanding the Report Card

The purpose of a report card is to provide a student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) with a summary of how well a student understands what is being taught, and their level of academic achievement and social development. Report cards should be used in addition to other forms of communication between the home and school such as, parent-teacher meetings, newsletters, websites, ongoing assessment through students feedback/communication, e-mails...

Report cards for grades 7 – 12 have three parts:

Section 3

Assessment

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I. Attendance/Lates - Reports the number of days the student has absent from school. Teachers monitor student attendance daily using PowerSchool and include the information in report cards.

II. Course comments – A short summary of what the student has learned, which includes:

i.Strengths (areas of the curriculum where your child is having success);

ii.Learning needs (areas of the curriculum where your child is still developing); and

iii.Suggestions to support further learning.

III. Student Achievement - Grades represent academic achievement only. Although social development and work habits impact student achievement, they are reported in the Learner Profile.

SchoolEvalua<onRubric(StudentVersion)ofthe

1-4AchievementLevels

1Limited

2Adequate

3Proficient

4Mastery

Assistanceisneededtocompleteallofthesimplerdetails,thereisliUleornounderstandingofthecomplexprocesses

Withassistance,thereisagoodunderstandingofthesimplerprocessesandparKalunderstandingofthecomplexprocesses

Nomajorerrorsoromissionsregardingthesimplerprocesses,butafewomissionsregardingthecomplexprocesses

Nomajorerrorsoromissionsregardinganyoftheoutcomesand/orprocessesthatwerelearnedbythestudent

1.5 2.5 3.5

HalfpointscoresindicatestudentachievementthatisparKallydemonstratedatthenexthighestlevel.Inthecaseof0.5,parKalknowledgeofsimplerdetailsisdemonstratedwithhelp.

StudentVersionoftheRa<ngscoreMastery(4)doesnotmeanyouhavetobeperfect

1Limited

2Adequate

3Proficient

4Mastery

Ineedhelptocompletealloftheeasyparts

Withhelp,Iknow(cando)theeasyparts,butneedalotofhelpwiththehardparts

Iknow(cando)alltheeasyparts,butneedsomehelpwiththehardparts

Iknow(cando)everythingthatwastaughtwithminimalhelp

This rubric was created with student involvement to ensure students understand each component of the achievement level.

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We continue to work with students and provide samples using this rubric to refine it, so students know what quality work looks like, and so teachers develop clear expectations/criteria and continue to involve students in the process of self/peer – assessing. The outcome is that students are then able to recognize quality work and give both themselves and others feedback.

Our 1-4 scale at Bassano School is based on the quality of work and level of understanding the student demonstrates. Mastery (4pt) demonstrates that the student is able to communicate their understanding to new and novel situations – showing application and analysis for example.

All grades will use the Bassano School wide evaluation rubric for formative assessment; the calculation of a percentage grade for grades 10-12 will be determined using the summary of rubric scores.

Student Involvement

Teachers will work towards developing and maintaining learning environments that promote student involvement. In such learning environments, the students:

• Understand and are able to express the expected learning outcome.

• Know what good quality work looks like and are able to collect and refer to samples that show ideas and a range of quality work.

• Are able to describe evidence of learning.

• Assist with the development of rubrics by co - constructing criteria and defining quality.

• Use scoring guides to evaluate real work samples, give descriptive feedback, and/or revise the work.

• Have time to learn, practice and apply their skills and knowledge. Receive specific, descriptive feedback as they learn.

• Collect information regarding their learning from self, peers and others. Self-assess and set goals.

• Revisit and revise the criteria as they learn more.

• Collect evidence of their learning. Know when and how to ask for help.

• Communicate and present their evidence of learning to others, and receive feedback.

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Homework Policy

Bassano School believes that homework assignments are a constructive tool in the teaching/learning process when they are geared to the age, health, abilities and needs of students. Purposeful assignments not only enhance student achievement but also develop self-discipline and good working habits. As an extension of the classroom, homework assignments must: be planned and organized, have a clear purpose, clearly state deadlines and be returned to the student in a timely manner, along with descriptive feedback that students can use to improve their learning.

When homework is assigned, the teacher should make clear to the student the purpose of the assignment, the basis for evaluating the work, and the guidelines or rules.

It is important for students to complete their assignments on time so that teachers can provide timely feedback. Timely assessment information helps teachers and students to make decisions and plan next steps for instruction and learning.

Assignments require due dates. When timelines and due dates are specified, teachers must make provisions for students who legitimately miss the dates. In such cases, the teacher and student should consult together in order to set an absolute deadline and negotiate a plan for successful completion.

There may be an occasion when a student is not able to complete homework on a given night. If this situation arises, parents can write a note to the teacher explaining the circumstances. The work still has to be done but arrangements can be made for the student to complete the work after school or hand in the homework or assignment on the next school day. Students should also take advantage of the RTI Block or after-school or noon support that teachers provide on a regular basis.

Homework Time Guidelines:

Grades 7-12: " (daily maximum total time in all subjects, based on 4 nights/wk.)

Grade 7-9: " 60 minutes/day (4 hrs. /wk.)

Grade 10-12: " 90 minutes/day (6 hrs. /wk.)

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What’s the cost?

Course fees are required for specific courses to ensure their sustainability. The fees are determined by the actual costs incurred to the school and are comprised primarily by consumables for the specific course.

Sports Teams

Something new we have implemented for the upcoming year is that an athlete must have all fees paid up in order to continue playing in the sport they are signed up in. We will not be permitting athletes to carry over their fees from one sport team to another and over the year.

• Jr Volleyball 50.00

• Int Volleyball 100.00

• Sr Volleyball 160.00

• Jr Basketball 60.00

• Int Basketball 100.00

• Sr Basketball 200.00

• Golf – Athletes pay for green fees

• Cross-Country – School supported

• Track & Field – School supported

• Badminton – fees based on tournament entry fees.

Special Events

• Ski Trip 95.00

• Heritage Park - Gr 6 10.00

• Heritage Park - Gr 4 10.00

• Royal Tyrell Museum - Gr K-3 8.00

• Swimming Lessons Gr 1- 6 40.00

• Graduation Fees 120.00

Visual Art: Grades 10-12

High School Art classes require fees of $20.00 per student. These fees allow Bassano School to offer an industry-leading

Section 4

Student Fees

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Art program, providing learning opportunities and special projects that enhance the educational program for our high school students.

Career and Technology Studies: Food Studies

Food Studies fees of $30.00 per student are required from grades 9 to 12. These fees purchase food supplies and to replace small kitchen tools and utensils. Some projects may require additional funding.

Career and Technology Studies: Trailer

Industrial Arts fees of $30.00 are required from any students enrolled in the CTS Trailer from grades 10 to 12. Students may choose to complete projects that require additional fees. The products of those special projects become the property of the students and can be taken home (for example, a furniture project).

Career and Technology Studies: Digital Photography and TV/Video Production

Bassano School offers industry-leading photography and TV/Video Production courses. Consumable costs for special printing and recording will be $15.00 per course. Students keep CD’s, DVD’s, and pictures that they create within these courses.

Student Council

• Grades K-6 - To facilitate meaningful student-initiated activities including special events, guest speakers, and Student Council leadership opportunities, there is a $15.00 Student council fee for our younger students.

• Grades 7-12 - In order to facilitate meaningful student initiated activities and provide leadership opportunities for those who choose to join the Student Council there is a $25.00 student council fee. These fees cover special days organized by the student council and subsidize many extracurricular activities for our students.

Athletic Fees (Optional)

Students who join extra-curricular teams will pay a fee as determined by the individual program. Each team has varying expenses. This fee is only a small portion of each team’s actual expense. The remainder of these expenses is covered by

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school-generated funds including the canteen and vending machines.

Yearbook (Optional)

Bassano School has a yearbook committee and publishes a hardcover yearbook. Sales begin in September at $45 per book. Get your order in early!

Locks and Lockers

The initial charge for a new school lock is $7.00. Any locks lost or damaged will be replaced with another school lock for an additional $7.00. A limited number of used locks will be available for $5.00. The use of locks not issued by Bassano School is not allowed. Students are strongly encouraged to keep their combinations private. If a student is concerned that someone else knows their combination, they are encouraged to trade their lock in at the office free of charge. Bassano School is not responsible for items damaged or stolen from lockers. School lockers are the property of Grasslands. As such, school administrators reserve the right to open lockers provided to students at any time, for any reason.

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The Steps we Take:

Accidents

Any accidents occurring in the school or school grounds should be immediately reported to the office where first aid treatment will be arranged and emergency services provided if needed. In the case of a serious accident, efforts will be made to contact the parents and a physician.

Illness

If students become ill during the school day, they are to contact the office and arrangements will be made to go home or to rest in a private room. Office staff must be informed of students’ illness to ensure that students have contacted parents prior to leaving the school.

Section 5

Accidents/Illness

30

Things to Take Note:

Inclement Weather

As long as emergency systems are fully functional, Bassano School will be open every school day, regardless of weather. Bassano residents are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and use personal discretion as to the safety of school-aged children walking to school. Active instruction will be at the individual discretion of each teacher.

Grasslands’ buses will not run if the ambient air temperature reaches -37 degrees Celsius. Bus routes can also be cancelled for reasons including poor visibility, slippery road conditions, etc at the discretion of the bus driver. Please check the websites and radio stations listed above for updates. Information is typically updated approximately every half-hour during mornings of inclement weather.

Buses

Rural buses going to our rural schools may be cancelled due to deteriorating road conditions or if the temperature reaches -37 C. The Principal of the school in consultation with the bus drivers will determine if all/any of the buses routes going to their school will be cancelled. The Principal of the school will contact the local radio station Q-105.7FM or The Fox 101.1 FM by 6:30 am to put an announcement on the local radio station. The bus drivers will contact all of the students on their route or put a phone fan out into operation. Please listen to one of these local stations for any school bus cancellation announcements. If bus routes are cancelled for this reason, they will not operate all day.

School Closures

Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and apply personal discretion as to the safety of school-aged children walking to school. During inclement weather, active instruction will be at the individual discretion of each teacher.

By law, schools are expected to be open every school day, regardless of weather. However, there are potential conditions by which the Principal would consider the need to close the school:

Section 6

Support Services

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a)" Extended Power outage/utilities failure

b)" Other emergent issues

In the rare event of a school closure, the Principal will make staff attendance decisions on an individual basis, making considerations for safety, transportation, etc. The principal will notify the transportation supervisor and local radio stations as early as possible (preferably by 7:30am)

The Principal will ensure that a plan is implemented to open the main entrance to the school by 8:00 am to accommodate those who arrive at school.

School closure will normally preclude students participating in school or school-sponsored events that day or evening.

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Fire Safety

Drills

In the event of a fire alarm:

1. Leave everything as is - books, pencils, etc.

2. Close all windows if possible

3. Leave the room in single file to proper exit, as indicated by the signage in each room

4. Teachers will ensure proper status cards are used and the door is closed

5. Line up in two's at least 100 feet from the building for roll call. In the case of cold or winter weather, teachers are to move with their class to the hockey rink in an orderly fashion.

During drills, students will be told to wear their outside clothes.

6. Wait outside until the bell rings to signal re-entry or contact is made with the Bassano Arena.

Equipment

Fire alarms and fire-fighting equipment exist in the school to prevent possible injury or death in the event of fire. Because lives depend on properly functioning alarms and equipment, it is essential that they are not tampered with in any way. Fire marshals and inspectors take alarms and equipment very seriously, as does Bassano School. Students are cautioned that tampering with alarms or fire fighting equipment in the school will carry serious consequences, including school fines and/or possible suspension and recommendation for expulsion.

Section 7

Emergency Plan

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Student Responsibilities

Tobacco Use

Grasslands policy 6.14 does not allow smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco, or the use of e-cigarettes on our school grounds. Staff, students, and guests are not allowed to use these products anywhere on the school grounds.

Parking/Driving

Parking is provided for students in the area adjacent to the gymnasium on the east side of the building. All parking around the south island is staff parking. Staff and students are responsible for operating their vehicle in a safe and lawful manner. The safety of school children is the primary concern. All incidents of questionable driving practice will be referred to

the school administration who may refer the case to the RCMP. Parents are reminded that you should drop off and pick up your children on 6th Avenue and have them use the crosswalk, which reduces the possibility of accidents, as we often have many students playing near this area before and after school.

Loss & Damage

You should report all damage to school property to the office as soon as possible. Students responsible for damage to or loss of school property should expect to pay for repair or replacement (e.g. books, equipment, furnishings, property). DO NOT LEAVE MONEY OR VALUABLES IN THE CHANGE ROOMS!! Bassano School is not responsible for the theft or damage of personal items.

Section 8

Health & Safety

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What to do:

School Canteen

We have a full service food facility. Healthy meals are available before school, at the morning break, and the lunch hour.

Library/Resource Centre

The resource centre is open from 8:00am to 3:30pm to assist students with learning and to provide a quiet study area.

Use of Technology

Grasslands Public Schools has established an Internet Acceptable Use Policy and an email policy. Information for parents is sent home at the beginning of the school year.

Lost and Found

All "found" articles should be turned into the general office. If you have lost an article it may be claimed at the office, or on a display table near the canteen.

Telephones

Office phones are reserved for school business. Telephone messages for students can be left with our office administrators and will be relayed sometime during the school day. Students requiring the use of an office phone are expected to ask politely and demonstrate patience during busy times.

Section 9

Student Services

35

School Involvement

Athletics

Students have the opportunity to play for competitive teams, or when possible, play on teams that are established to emphasize participation and skill development.

Bassano students can choose from the following sports:

" Basketball" " Cross Country"" Badminton"" Golf" " " " Curling" " " Volleyball""" Track and Field" Weightlifting" " Skipping Club"" Team Handball

During noon hours, athletic activities are often offered in the gym. A variety of activities make up our intramural or free gym activities. The emphasis on these activities is one of cooperation, participation and fun.

Singing Clubs

Bassano School students have access to grades 1-3, grades 4-6 and grades 7-12 singing clubs as well as the senior high choral class that meets during the school day.

Student Leadership

Students attending Bassano School have the option of joining several organizations that help to develop their leadership qualities. Students are encouraged to join:

•" Student Representative Councils

•" Yearbook Committee

•" Graduation Committee

•" Multicultural Connections Club

•" Teen Mentorship

Section 10

Extra-Curricular

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•" Philanthropy Group - district

•" Skipping Club

Student Ambassadors

Students involved in extra-curricular programs are expected to adhere to Bassano School’s policies and expectations at all times, in all locations. As ambassadors of Bassano School, our students must positively reflect our expectations toward being respectful, responsible and involved.

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Honouring Achievement

Bassano School values excellence in education, including academics, athletics, and aesthetics. We actively celebrate those students who display qualities identified as respectful, responsible and responsive. Throughout the year, we host a number of awards assemblies to acknowledge student achievement and accomplishments.

Honour Roll

Honour roll for grades 3-12 are calculated slightly differently depending on grade, however they all include the four core subjects of Math, ELA, Science and Social Studies. In Junior and Senior High School, there are three levels of honour roll: Honours 3pt, Distinction 3.5pt, and Great Distinction 4pt. Students who qualify for the year-end honour roll receive a

framed certificate and individual student names are engraved on a school plaque.

Top Academic Student

The student who has the highest average per grade receives an individualized plaque.

Bronco Awards 3-12

These awards are given to students who consistently display strong work ethic, positive attitude and good attendance but may not qualify for our honour roll. These students can be described as respectful, responsible and involved.

Peggy Cowan Citizenship Award

These awards recognize two students, one K-3 student and one 4-6 student, who demonstrate excellent citizenship. These student names are put on a school plaque and an individual plaque is given to the recipients of the awards.

Section 11

Awards

38

Elementary/Junior/Senior Student of the Year

These students have qualified for honour roll, demonstrated responsible citizenship and are actively involved in extra-curricular programs. These students receive a plaque.

Athletic Awards

Each sport provides individual awards such as most improved, sportsmanship and most valuable. Students receive medals for these awards. Bassano School also recognizes male and female Junior/Senior Athletes of the Year.

Scholarships

Bassano School is thankful for the support our students receive from our community. Last year, our graduating class members earned a combined total of more than $50,000 in scholarships and awards! A scholarship information booklet can be found on our website in the School Documents section, or can be accessed through Mrs. Janice Schaffer, our Career Counsellor. All of our students are encouraged to apply for local, provincial and national scholarships.

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Between School & Home

Communications between parents/guardians and school staff are paramount to the success of your children/our students. Bassano School is committed to establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with our school families. We encourage you to contact us regarding your child’s progress, to share your suggestions, or to explain a decision made at the school that seems questionable to you. In the event of a classroom-based question, concern or complaint, parents are expected to contact the teacher directly. In the event that a parent is not satisfied with the resolve of that conversation, the parent is encouraged to meet with school administration. Appointments are booked by calling the school office. The closer we work together, the better we can be at supporting our students/your children in reaching their full potential.

Section 12

Communication

40

We need your help!

There are multiple and varied opportunities for adults to volunteer in the Bassano School! Bassano School uses volunteers for the Breakfast program, in the canteen, to help with student reading, practice math concepts and sight words, work with the chess club, teach Zumba dancing, etc. Volunteers who work with students must have a current Criminal record check (with the vulnerable sector check as well). Volunteer drivers must provide a drivers’ abstract. Please contact the school if you would like to volunteer!

Section 13

Volunteerism

Bassano Handbook 2019-2020 · 6 Classes resume for students 31 Semester 2 begins February 3...

Documents

Transcript of Bassano Handbook 2019-2020 · 6 Classes resume for students 31 Semester 2 begins February 3...