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General Information
School Day
The Valleys Senior Public School operates
on a seven day cycle. The days of the cycle do not correspond to
the days of the week.
School Hours
- 8:40 Entry Bell
- 8:50 Announcements/Homeroom
- 9:00 Tag/Literacy/DPA
- 9:20 Period 1
- 10:14 Period 2
- 11:08 Period 3
- 12:02 Lunch
- 12:56 Entry
- 1:02 Period 4
- 1:55 Period 5
- 2:50 Dismissal time for students who have
fulfilled their school responsibilities.
2:55-3:20 This time period is
set aside for extra help, review, completion of unfinished work,
detentions and extra curricular activities. If students are having
trouble with a particular topic it is recommended that they seek
help with the appropriate teacher. It is the responsibility of the
student to make up missed work during any absence from school.
It is expected that students remain for help if
requested by staff; failure to do so will result in a detention.
If your student is unable to stay on a particular evening, a note
from home is required stating the reason and the rescheduled date.
Daily Physical
Activity
All students are required to participate
in the Daily Physical Activity (DPA) program. Running shoes are
required. Activities vary and may include walking or classroom programs.
The School Year Calendar 2008 - 2009
Vacations
We have a serious concern about the
impact on student progress when students are absent from school for
family vacations. We would strongly recommend that parents use only
the scheduled school vacations to plan their holidays. It is important
to know that any time missed in school will likely have a negative
impact on the student's achievement in school. Not all of the learning
that takes place during the absence can be duplicated through assignments
done independently. Student absences that have been verified by a
note from a parent, will be entered into our computer attendance system
as "vacation". The education of the student during the absence
is the responsibility of the parent and student. Teachers will not
provide assignments for students to complete while they are away for
vacation.
Homework
Students are expected to set aside time each
evening to complete their homework. A regular time and a quiet place
to study is important. Homework may consist of completion of work
started in class, study for tests, silent reading, special projects
or review of daily notes. If your student tells you that they have
"no homework", any of the items listed above are suggested
activities.
At The Valleys, we consider the completion of homework as a Learning
Skill that impacts student achievement.
It is our expectation that the student organizer be used on a daily
basis to record your homework assignments, tests and due dates. Parents
should be checking this organizer regularly and are encouraged to
communicate with the teacher through this method.
Student Fees
In order to consolidate the demands
for money, we are instituting a one time Student Fee to cover the
majority of costs incurred by the students. The Student Fee covers
the organizer, French cahier, Math workbook, locks, student card,
yearbook, concert series and special events. The Student Fee is $45.00.
Please make cheque payable to The Valleys Senior Public School.
Please be aware there will be other incidental costs throughout the
year e.g. student pictures, field trips, etc.
School Supplies
It would be helpful if each student could have
a three ring binder to help keep their workbooks organized. Students
must come prepared for class each day with a pen, pencil and paper.
A math geometry set and a calculator are also recommended. Notebooks
that are lost must be replaced by the student.
Lates and Absences
Please phone the school at 905-275-5125 by
9:00 a.m. to advise us of a student’s absence/late or provide
a formal dated note, outside of the agenda, signed by the parent explaining
the reason for absence.
Students have plenty of time to visit
lockers and prepare for classes. A student is considered late if he/she
is not in the assigned class by 8:50 a.m. and 1:06 p.m. Students need
to obtain a late slip from the office and will be expected to make
up missed time after school.
Permission is needed from the office to leave school early (use sign
out book).
Phoning
Home
From time to time students need to call home.
Students are allowed to use the office phone when ill and for emergencies,
otherwise a pay phone is available for students to use before and
after school. The phone accepts coin, prepaid and calling cards. All
students are advised to keep (50 cents) with them in the event that
they need to use the pay phone.
Electronic
Devices
Electronic devices such as cell phones, PSP,
Nintendo DS, Ipods, MP3 players, games, cameras, etc. must not be
used in the school and must be secured in the student's locker during
instructional hours. Students found to have electronic items with
them during school hours will be asked to speak to an administrator
regarding the breach of school policy. Should the student continue
to carry these items with them after a warning from administration,
the item will be kept in the office and a parent will be required
to retrieve it.
Valuables
Students are not to bring valuable items to
school such as money or expensive items. Personal property is the
student's responsibility. Please label personal items. The school
cannot be responsible for lost or stolen goods.
Locks &
Lockers
At the start of the school year each student
will be assigned a locker to be shared with a partner. Dudley locks
will be provided for grade six students. Students are not to share
their combination number with other students. The locker is one
place where belongings can be stored safely. Only timetables are
to be taped inside the lockers. Pictures of any kind are not permitted.
Students should not go to their locker between classes. They are
expected to get all the items they need for the morning or afternoon
before classes commence. Lockers belong to the school and we reserve
the right to inspect the lockers at any time.
Physical Education
For reasons of health and safety we request
that all students wear running shoes
and proper attire and remove all jewellery for their gym classes.
All students are required to participate in daily physical activity
unless excused by a medical certificate.
Approved physical education equipment will be
provided for all activities. Students are not to bring items such
as baseball bats, hardballs, hockey sticks, pucks, lacrosse sticks,
etc. to school. During the school day, gym bags may only be carried
on the school day when a student has Phys. Ed.
Perfume
Sprays
Board Policy states that students must refrain
from bringing or using colognes or spray deodorant. Solid deodorant
is acceptable.
Fire and
Lockdown Drills
Six fire drills will be conducted in the
Fall and Spring. Also, at the direction of the Board, a lockdown
drill will be conducted.
Prescription Medication
If prescription medication is to be administered
at school, a form signed by your doctor is required. Please contact
us for the forms and procedure.
School
Council
Plan on becoming involved at The Valleys
through our School Council. A number of meetings/presentations are
held throughout the year to keep you informed and to seek your opinion
on such topics as school success, discipline policy, etc. Watch
the calendar, school sign and website for meeting dates.
Guidance/Counselling
Services
Assistance is available from our counsellor.
Students can make an appointment by placing a request in the appointment
box. Counselling can be arranged individually or in groups. The
counsellor can assist students in developing their study skills,
social skills, academic difficulties, and assist with applications
for regional programs and course selection for high school.
Regional Programs
The Peel District School Board offers several
regional programs that may be of interest to our students. Students
should listen for announcements regarding the timeline for applications.
- International Business and Technology
(IBT)
Entrance Grade 7 Location: A.A. Martin
Entrance Grade 9 Location: Gordon Graydon S.S.
- Regional Arts
Entrance Grade 7 Location: Queen Elizabeth
Senior
Entrance Grade 9 Location: Cawthra Park S.S.
- Science and Technology
Entrance Grade 6 Location: Tomken South
Entrance Grade 9 Location: Port Credit S.S.
Letters will be sent home outlining the application,
interview and selection process. Please note that the first term
report card is the one submitted with the application. The selection
committees expect achievement in the level 3 and above range along
with learning skills rated good and/or excellent.
Character Education
During our Teacher Advisory Group time, we focus on teaching "character
values". Many of our topics can be found at the back of the
Organizer in the Destination Character section.
Library
Students can access many excellent resources
from our library (books, videos, computer programs, Internet etc.).
All check-in and check-out procedures are done by computer. Each
student has their own library access code and are not to share this
code with other students. Students have a limit of signing out two
items for two weeks.
All overdue materials are to be returned before
new materials are signed out. Students are responsible for the materials
they sign-out and we expect that all materials will be returned
in the same condition as borrowed. It is necessary for us to impose
a recovery fee for lost or damaged materials. Lost items will require
full replacement payment by the student. As well, students who do
not return books by the due date are responsible to pay an overdue
fine.
Students and parents may check the loan status of borrowed items online.
The Valleys Internet
Use Procedure
All students will be granted access to the
internet as part of the regular program. If parents have concerns
regarding student use of the internet, they should contact the school.
Students are responsible for proper behaviour on school computer
networks. Communications on the network are often public in nature.
General school rules for behaviour and communications apply.
Internet is available for students to conduct research in relation
to school work. Access to network services is given to students
who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Access
is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, based upon the Peel District
School Board's acceptable use guidelines and those outlined in this
document, the system administrators will deem what is inappropriate
use and may close an account at any time.
The user is expected to abide by the following
network rules of etiquette:
• Be polite. Do not write or send abusive messages.
• Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities,
racist language or any other inappropriate language.
• Transmission of obscene materials
is prohibited. Sending or receiving offensive messages or pictures
from any source will result in immediate suspension of privileges.
• Do not reveal the personal address or phone number of yourself
or other students.
• Do not communicate any credit card number, bank account
number, or any other financial information.
• Do not use the network in such a way that would disrupt
the use of the network by other users or would intentionally waste
limited resources.
• Vandalism - any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data
of another user or trespassing in another's work or files - will
not be tolerated. Any questionable action will result in the cancellation
of user privileges. Damage to any computer, computer system, network,
peripherals or software is not acceptable. Such damages will result
in the student's suspension from school as well as an expectation
that the student be responsible for the replacement cost of the
damaged item.
Violation of any of the above mentioned
rules and responsibilities will result in a loss of access.
Visitors
All visitors to The Valleys must enter by
the front doors, sign the Visitor's Book and obtain a Visitor's
Badge. Please sign out and return the visitor's badge on your departure.
Wheels
Bikes, skateboards, roller blades, scooters,
wheelies, etc. are not to be used on school property. Bikes should
be locked in the bike racks. The Valleys is not responsible for
theft or damage of bicycles.
Emergency Evacuation Site
In case of an emergency when the school must
be evacuated, the students will be moved to The Mississauga Valleys
Community Centre.
Emergency Closing
For school closings due to inclement weather,
listen to your local radio station beginning at 6:00 a.m.
Report Cards
Formal report cards will be sent home 3 times
per year. Interviews will be scheduled the evening of December 4
and morning of December 5, 2008 and the evening of March 12 and
morning of March 13, 2009. Parents are strongly encouraged to keep
in regular contact with the teachers and check the agenda daily
for notes, due dates and other information. The student agenda is
a positive, powerful tool to maintain communication with the teachers.
During the first term, all parents will be asked to attend an interview.
If you are unable to attend the school, a phone interview would
certainly be an acceptable means to communicate with the teacher.
Student Recognition
The Valleys’ students are recognized
in a variety of ways for their outstanding accomplishments. Each
month selected students are awarded a "Successful Student"
certificate for contributing positively to our school by consistently
demonstrating excellence or improving in learning skills areas identified
for that month. Also, at the end of each month, two students from
each grade level are selected as “Athletes of the Month”
for demonstrating skill and leadership in Physical Education and
extra curricular sports. Recognition for the "Arts" programs
of Music, Visual Arts, Dance and Drama is given at our monthly awards
assemblies. These certificates are displayed in the hall outside
the gym.
At the end of each school year, the following awards are
presented to one student for each grade level. Students who win
these awards have demonstrated above average commitment for expectations
in effort, behaviour, attitude and academic achievement.
| Award |
Grades |
Award |
Grades |
Award |
Grades |
| Math |
6,7,8 |
Language Arts |
6,7,8 |
Science |
6,7,8 |
| Social Science |
6 |
French |
6,7,8 |
Geography |
7,8 |
| History |
7,8 |
Vocal Music |
6,7,8 |
Band |
7,8 |
| Art |
6,7,8 |
Phys. Ed. |
6,7,8 |
Drama |
6,7,8 |
| Computer Tech. |
6,7,8 |
Citizenship |
8 |
Proficiency |
6,7,8 |
| Student Council |
8 |
Top Academic |
6,7,8 |
Dance |
6,7,8 |
| Valedictorian |
8 |
Principal Award |
8 |
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The
Valleys Values
In an effort to build conflict resolution
skills, all students are encouraged to follow The Valleys Values:
Teachers will reinforce the use of
our Valleys Values throughout the school year.
V Voice
your Feelings
Choose your words carefully and use a tone of voice
that tells the other person how you feel:
I feel…because…Avoid blaming.
A Agree
to Solve The Problem
If the problem cannot be solved right away, set up a time to meet
and talk.
L Listen
to Each Other
If you have listened well then you should be able to say back to
the other person what they have said. Listen for feelings, and think
about what is being said rather than what you want to say.
U Understand
the Options
Brainstorm solutions to the problem. Remember the solution must
be safe and able to be achieved. Try to come up with more than one
solution.
E Employ
the Best Option(s)
Agree to when, how long and where the solution will take place.
Agree to honour the decisions made.
S Self Reflect
Did your solution(s) work? Why or why not?
Were you able to express yourself so that you were listened to?
Did you listen well to the other person?
Valleys Code of Conduct
OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
The Valleys Code of Conduct applies to all members of the school community
including students, parents and guardians, volunteers, visitors, and
school staff whether they are on school property, on school buses,
at school-authorized events or activities, or in any other situation
that may impact the school climate. All
members of the school community have a responsibility to respect
and honour the school Code of Conduct, to behave appropriately and
to take responsibility for their own actions.
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
All members of the school community are expected to:
• demonstrate honesty and integrity
• treat one another with dignity, respect and fairness, regardless
of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnicity, citizenship,
religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability,
socioeconomic status, or any other attribute
• take appropriate action to help those in need seeking assistance
to resolve conflict constructively and respectfully
• show proper care and regard for school property and the
property of others
Parent and guardian responsibilities
include:
• taking an active role in their child's education by ensuring
their child is prepared for learning, including attending school
regularly and on time, promptly reporting absences or late arrivals
and ongoing communication with the school
• reviewing the school Code of Conduct with their child and
helping him/her follow school rules
• helping their child understand that it is not appropriate
to tease or bully others
• monitoring their child’s internet use and taking responsibility
for his/her behaviour when accessing electronic resources from home
Student responsibilities
include:
• demonstrating a commitment to learning through punctual
and regular attendance, being prepared and ready to learn
• practicing honesty and integrity by not participating in
plagiarism and misrepresentation of original work
• following school rules and taking responsibility for his/her
own actions
• refraining from bringing anything to school or using anything
inappropriately that may harm the student or others
• showing proper care and respect for school and community
property, as well as only visiting other schools for school related
and authorized activities
Staff responsibilities include:
• helping students achieve to the best of their ability, to
develop self-worth and preparing them to become responsible citizens
• maintaining order in the school and holding everyone to
the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour
• communicating regularly and meaningfully with parents/guardians
• establishing a range of clear, fair and developmentally
appropriate interventions, supports, direct skill instruction and
consequences for unacceptable behaviour
BULLYING PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
We are teaching students to identify bullying behaviour and giving
them strategies to deal with, and stop it from happening.
Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent
and aggressive behaviour directed at another person that is intended
to cause (or should be known to cause) fear, distress and/or harm
to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation.
Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived
power imbalance.
When someone experiences or observes bullying
behaviour, he/she is expected to report it to a teacher, teaching
assistant or school administrator immediately. Bullying behaviour
will be dealt with using a progressive discipline approach.
PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE
The Valleys encourages, supports and recognizes acceptable behaviour
in our students through a variety of positive practices. Progressive
discipline is an approach that makes use of a continuum of interventions,
supports and consequences, building upon strategies that promote
positive behaviours.
We encourage students to take responsibility for
their behaviour and to accept the consequences of their actions.
A progressive discipline approach will be used to deal with inappropriate
behaviour. This may include: oral reminders, review of expectations,
contact with parent(s)/guardian(s), written reflection, volunteer
services in the school community, conflict mediation and resolution,
peer mentoring, and/or referral for support services.
We recognize that each student is a unique
individual and that every situation that requires disciplinary action
has its own set of extenuating circumstances. All factors that may
have affected the student’s behaviour will be considered before
progressive discipline is applied. Students who behave inappropriately
will receive an age and developmentally appropriate consequence.
For a student with special education or disability-related needs,
all progressive discipline approaches will be consistent with his/her
Individual Education Plan and his/her demonstrated abilities.
Suspension and expulsion
The Valleys also supports the use of suspension
and expulsion for serious incidents as outlined in the Peel District
School Board's Safe Schools Policy.
Before considering whether to impose a suspension
or make a recommendation for an expulsion, a principal must consider
mitigating and other factors.
The behaviours for which a principal may consider
suspending a student include:
• swearing (written or verbal) at a teacher or at another
person in a position of authority
• bullying
• uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another
person
• damaging or destroying school property
• possessing alcohol or restricted drugs
• being under the influence of alcohol
• committing any act considered by the principal to:
o have a negative impact on the moral tone of the school
o have a negative impact on the physical or mental well-being of
one or more school community members
o be contrary to the school or Peel District School Board Codes
of Conduct
Incidents for which a principal will consider
recommending to the board's Discipline Committee that a student
be expelled include:
• physically assaulting another person causing bodily harm
that requires medical treatment
• possessing a weapon or using a weapon to threaten or frighten
another person
• trafficking in restricted drugs or weapons
• giving alcohol to a minor
• committing robbery
• committing sexual assault
• behaviour that:
o is significantly detrimental to the school climate and/or to the
physical or mental well being of others
o causes extensive damage to school property
o causes his/her continued presence at the school to pose an unacceptable
risk to other members of the school community
o a pattern of behaviour so inappropriate the student's continued
presence is detrimental to the effective learning or working environment
of others
o demonstrates a persistent resistance to changes in behaviour that
would enable him/her to be successful
o is a serious violation of the school or Peel District School Board
Codes of Conduct
Students who are suspended or expelled will be given an opportunity
to continue their education through educational programs offered
by the school board.
DRUGS
The school recognizes the benefits of a smoke-free environment for
all persons. By law, smoking is not permitted at The Valleys on
any other board property, on school buses or while attending any
school-related event or activity. School property includes cars
that are on school grounds and all lands to the edge of the street.
The no smoking rule will be enforced within these areas.
Providing tobacco products to anyone under 19
years of age is illegal.
Alcohol and restricted drugs may be addictive
and represent a health hazard. Possessing, using, trafficking in,
or providing others with restricted drugs and/or alcohol will not
be condoned at The Valleys, on Peel District School Board property
or at any school-related event or activity at any time. Lighters
and drug-related paraphernalia that can be used for substance abuse
are not permitted on school property.
WEAPONS
Possessing or displaying weapons of any kind, including real, toy
or replica, and all other objects that could inflict or threaten
bodily harm will not be condoned at The Valleys, on any Peel District
School Board property or at any school-related event or activity
at any time.
Dress Code
The Valleys is a school ~ a place for learning.
Students are expected to dress in a manner that reflects proper
self respect and respect for our school. This code has been reviewed
by our School Council, Valleys' staff and aligned with neighbouring
schools.
The intent of our Dress Code is to promote and
maintain a respectful environment for learning.
Use of Technology
Students will demonstrate appropriate online
conduct and manners and refrain from improper/unethical use of technology,
including computer hacking and cyber-bullying. The Internet must
not be used for any purpose that violates The Valleys Code of Conduct.
This applies to school, work and home internet use.
From The Computer Committee:
The use of technology has made available
a new avenue of research and a seemingly infinite source of information;
all of which our students should be encouraged to use. Students,
at the first of the year, are given a computer access code. This
code is not to be shared with other students. With the use of this
technology comes the responsibility of knowing how to properly acknowledge
the authors and publishers within the student’s writing. Students
and parents should be aware that it is never acceptable to plagiarize
material directly from the internet or print resources.
The computer committee has produced a continuum
of skills to assist in teaching our students the proper format for
citing sources (bibliographies and footnotes). Most people are familiar
with the uses of resources; however, we would like to stress that
any pictures, maps, charts, graphs, etc. taken off the Internet
and scanned into reports are also subject to copyright and need
to be cited beneath the picture and in the bibliography section.
Responsibility Room
The Responsibility Room is an area where
students are referred after the classroom teacher has exhausted
all other alternatives. Generally, it is not a time for the student
to complete classroom work, it is a time for students to plan more
effective behaviours to use when they return to their class. Missed
work should be made up for at home or during remedial time at the
end of the day. Students are only removed from class in which they
have displayed unacceptable behaviour which interfered in the teaching
or the learning of the other students in the class.
Removal from class is an anticipated consequence
of irresponsible behaviour, not a punishment. Continuous removal
from class to the Responsibility Room is cause for concern and will
be referred to the school Administrative Team for further consequence.
Time Out System
Time Out #1
- Initial warning when any student interferes with the teacher’s
right to teach and the student’s right to learn.
Time Out #2:
- Separation from the group (back of class, another class)
Time Out #3:
- Referral to Responsibility Room
Lunch Hour Procedures
To assist us in our effort to ensure safety
for our students at lunch time, we ask for your support and acknowledgement
of our lunch time procedures.
• Students may eat at school, in the gym,
and remain on school property supervised by school staff and lunchroom
supervisors.
• Students may join the Community Centre
Lunch Program for a fee of $25.00 per year. This membership allows
the students to eat in a room of the Community Centre supervised
by staff from the Community Centre. Students have access to the
grounds and facilities of the Community Centre after eating, however,
these areas are not officially supervised by school or Community
Centre staff. School staff, in cooperation with Community Centre
staff, monitor the students who use the facilities.
• Students are NOT permitted to go to local
malls. Students who leave school property are to be supervised by
parents and the school should be notified that the student is not
going to be on school property during the lunch break
We will continue the service of selling pizza
and subs and, in addition, the school has vending machines that
sell snacks and drinks. Please sign and indicate your choice for
your child over lunch time.
Students who return to school late after lunch
because of tardiness will be assigned an office detention.
Community Centre Memberships
A unique partnership exists between the school
and the Community Centre. Valleys students are invited to purchase
a membership in the Community Centre Amazing Lunch Program. This
special program has received praise from the Peel District School
Board and is being used as a model for other schools throughout
the Region.
Supervision is a joint arrangement with School
and Centre. The program runs September - June. Cost per membership
- $25.00 for the year.
Walking
Trips
Occasionally teachers will take their class
on an excursion in the community or for a walk as part of the Daily
Physical Activity (DPA) program. The students will be accompanied
by a teacher at all times and this trip will take place during regular
school hours.
Photographs
During the school year, student's photos
may be taken and displayed inside the school to celebrate special
events or outstanding work. The photography will consist mostly
of still photos and occasionally videotaping will occur. The purpose
of any photography used at the school is for classroom instruction
or for the promotion of academic and service programs through the
Peel District School Board. It should be noted that student photos
in which individual students can be identified, will not be posted
on The Valleys website.
The Valleys Student Commitments
Code of Conduct Statement
I have the right to learn
It is my responsibility to participate and to follow school and
classroom routines and expectations I will come to class on time
and prepared with supplies outlined at the beginning of the year.
What It Looks Like
I will follow classroom routines
I will meet deadlines
I will use my agenda daily and share it with my parents
I will raise a hand in class to ask a question
I will speak politely and respectfully with others
I will listen when others are talking
I will be considerate of others
I will be honest (tell the truth, understand that plagiarism is
not accepted)
Code of Conduct Statement
I have the right to learn in a safe
environment
It is my responsibility to work and play
safely and to respect personal and public property.
What It Looks Like
I will keep hands and feet to myself
I will discuss disagreements using an appropriate
tone of voice using The Valleys Values
I will keep unsafe objects at home
I will not draw on, rip or otherwise destroy personal or public
property
I will use hall passes when out of the classroom
I will never intimidate or bully others to get my way or take advantage
of younger students
I will walk on the right hand side of the stairs and halls
Code of Conduct Statement
I have the right to be treated
with respect and dignity
It is my responsibility to be kind, thoughtful
and considerate of others. It is my responsibility to listen to
other opinions and accept differences.
What It Looks Like
I will practice active listening skills
I will accept others’ culture beliefs, dress and ideas without
putdowns or teasing
I will express my opinion, thoughts using vocabulary that is not
offensive
I will use body language that demonstrates good manners and respect
I will help teachers and students
I will practice good manners
I will cooperate with others in group situations
I will speak with respect to adults and students
I will clean up after myself, put things away
I will follow the school dress code
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