Expectations

EXPECTATIONS

STUDENTS REPORTING TO THE OFFICE

Students are to report to the office when sent from a class or when requested by a staff member to do so. Students are to remain there until given permission to leave. Leaving without permission may result in further consequences.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Academic honesty refers to students providing original evidence of their learning and appropriately acknowledging the work of others. As athletes, character is a true measure of success. It is the responsibility of all members of the Crothers team to demonstrate the character trait of honesty in all aspects of school life, both in athletic competition and academics. A team member who cheats on a test or presents work done by others as if it were his/her own, is being academically dishonest.

Cheating is:

when a student attempts to gain an unfair advantage in an academic evaluation which may misrepresent the demonstration of a student’s learning or the learning of others. Forms of cheating include, but are not limited to, the following:

• copying from another student or permitting another student to copy material;

• using aids, materials, and assistance which are not approved by the teacher;

• obtaining an unauthorized copy of a test or examination prior to the date and time of writing;

• changing a grade/percentage mark of an evaluation; or report card mark;

• preparing work, in whole or in part, with the expectation that this work will be submitted by another student for evaluation;

• offering for sale or gratis assignments, in whole or in part, with the expectation that these works will be submitted by a student for evaluation; and

• unauthorized entry into a computer file for the purpose of using, reading, changing or deleting its contents, or the unauthorized transfer, in whole or part, of files for academic gain.

Plagiarism is:

representing someone else’s ideas, writing or other intellectual property as one’s own. Any use of the work of others, whether published, unpublished or posted electronically, attributed or anonymous, must include proper acknowledgement. Plagiarism hinders learning and the development of learning skills and work habits. Forms of plagiarism include, but are not limited to, the use of the following without appropriate reference or citation:

• someone else’s written and/or spoken idea, theory or opinion;

• misrepresenting co-authored or collaboratively created work as one’s own;

• music, drawings, designs, dance, photography, and other artistic or technical work created by someone else;

• reproductions of tables, graphs or any other graphic element produced by someone else;

• facts and information that are not generally known;

• an unusual or distinctive phrase, a specialized term, a computer code, or quantitative data;

• paraphrase or summary;

• unauthorized entry into a computer file for the purpose of using, reading, changing or deleting its contents, or the unauthorized transfer in whole or part of files for academic gain;

• copying from the Internet without giving proper acknowledgment to the source;

• submitting work prepared, in whole or in part, by another person or source and representing that work; and

• downloading research papers from the World Wide Web (www), in whole or in part, and submitting the paper as original work as one’s own.

Learning is enhanced when students work collaboratively but are also able to think independently and then submit their own original ideas. It is expected that students will demonstrate respect for the intellectual property rights of others and adhere to a code of honour in all course activities.

When a situation involving suspected plagiarism arises, it is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate that the submitted work is his/her own. Students must provide evidence, through sources such as rough drafts, study notes, resources, and discussion, that the work is original. Any information that is obtained from the Internet and/or other software programs and incorporated into the assignment must be properly documented. Expectations regarding documenting of sources will be shared with all students.

Whether intentional or through ignorance of the rules, incidences of plagiarism and/or cheating will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Acts of academic dishonesty are subject to consequences. One or more of the following steps will be taken:

The teacher will interview the student about the incident and circumstances that have led to this situation occurring:

• Parents or legal guardians will be contacted.

• The teacher will discuss with the department head and an administrator will be informed.

Consequences/responses that may occur:

• disciplinary actions that support student’s awareness of, and accountability for their actions and the impact upon the learning environment;

• completion of an assignment or task to promote a deeper understanding of the importance of academic honesty;

• redo the original, in part, or in its entirety, or complete an alternative assignment under supervision in an appropriate timeframe.

As a team player it is important to communicate. If you are unsure about possible plagiarism, talk to your teacher for clarification before submitting your work. Meet with the school librarian as a resource.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Although BCSS has many after school activities, only students involved directly in these activities are supervised. Students not participating in after school activities must leave school at the end of classes to allow caretakers to prepare for evening events and permits and to prepare the building for the next school day. Students awaiting pick up must wait on the first floor and work quietly on homework. Students travelling by bus/transit must leave the school when classes finish unless directly supervised by a staff member. Quiet study is permitted in the Atrium from 3:00 to 4:00 pm and all student not involved in supervised activities are expected to leave the building by 4:00 pm.

ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY

• Students in the halls are required to have a pass from their teacher to be in the halls, etc.

• Students must have pass cards detailing time they are permitted to be in and out of class for filming, photography, etc.

• If teacher is absent (on-call teachers cannot release technology equipment and should modify lesson so students remain in class).

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies are valuable opportunities for the purposes of; distributing information, building school spirit, and recognizing achievements. An important element of an assembly is attentive and respectful behaviour. Therefore the following guidelines will apply to all BCSS assemblies:

• All students will attend the assembly as required.

• All students are expected to remain for the entire assembly.

• Each student must give his/her full attention to the various presenters. This will require both listening attentively to and watching the presentation. Full attentiveness ensures that there is no talking among students.

• Students must sit with their teacher and class according to the pre-arranged seating plan. Attendance will be taken.

PARKING LOT SAFETY

Students driving to BCSS must obtain a parking pass from Ms. Chilvers in the main office. Student drivers must adhere to the following,

• Parking in designated student parking areas (two rows closest to train tracks)

• MUST have parking pass displayed in front windshield

• MUST drive safely in the parking lot, following all driver’s permit rules on the road, wear seat belts, adhere to speed limit, as per your parking pass of 15 km per hour or slower, number of passengers, etc.

• Must not transfer/share pass with another student

• Possession of a pass does not guarantee a parking spot on high traffic days/special event days at BCSS

• School is not responsible for tickets received for illegal parking on school property

• School reserves the right to rescind parking pass if these expectations are not met

ECO-FRIENDLY

GOOD NEIGHBOUR POLICY

Be a good neighbour - DO NOT LITTER……….

ECO - FOCUS

Reduce

Reuse

Recycle

Reculture

The power of one can make a drastic impact on saving our environment. If each one of us at BCSS turns off a light when we leave a room or re-cycles a water bottle instead of throwing it in the garbage we would be contributing to a better world. When doing school work, edit more on screen and print less. Use re-chargeable batteries versus disposable. Walk or ride a bike to the store instead of using a car. Be involved and support BCSS as we work at reducing our environmental footprint.

Our school has received SILVER LEEDS certification as achieved by our Healthy School team. This means all students and staff shall;

• recycle at all times

• use technology to minimize paper use

• turn off lights

• clean your table at lunch

• minimize impact on the environment

• use a metal water bottle

• not wear cologne or perfume

• make healthy choices

HOMEWORK POLICY

The Ministry of Education defines homework as “work that students do at home to practice skills, consolidate knowledge and skills, and/or prepare for the next class”. Homework is part of assessment for learning and may not be included in the determination of the grade. Our ILIP program provides time to achieve some of these homework expectations. The recommended maximum time for homework each day is:

Grade 9 - 50 minutes

Grades 10 – 12 - 90 minutes

We encourage students to meet the following guidelines:

• Keep notes that are neat and complete;

• Record the date for each new note;

• Copy class notes from a classmate when absent;

• Inform teacher of planned absences prior to the absence;

• Complete all homework assigned and keep track of difficulties;

• Seek extra help during class, ILIP, before school, at lunch, or after school;

• Come prepared to all classes with appropriate supplies;

• Attend all classes and actively participate in each lesson;

• Maintain a calendar of evaluation dates and due dates; and

• Practice good time management in completing homework and assignments;

• Make every effort to complete homework assignments to the best of one’s ability by the due date and submit their homework to their teacher;

• Recognize that attention to homework is essential to academic success and will impact overall performance;

• Accept consequences if they do not complete homework.

Parents shall:

• Encourage and support homework completion by the student; and

• Consult the classroom teacher regarding homework as needed.

TELEPHONES

Students have access to office telephones for emergencies only. Personal and work-related messages for students cannot be accepted in the office. The use of cell phones is restricted to the main foyer or cafeteria during non-instructional hours.

TEXTBOOK POLICY/TEXTBOOK COLLECTION/LIBRARY MATERIALS

As part of resources for specific courses, the York Region District School Board supplies textbooks on a loan basis. While they are in a student’s possession, the student is financially responsible for them. At the end of the semester, it is each student’s responsibility to ensure that all materials are returned to subject teachers in good condition or payment is made for lost or damaged materials.

VALUABLES

Students must not leave money and valuables in lockers or in the Physical Education change rooms. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Do not bring large amounts of money or valuables to school. Should it be essential to bring money or other valuables to school, they may be left in the office for safe keeping. Articles found in and around the school should be brought to the office. Cellular phones are not permitted in change rooms.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

Video surveillance cameras are located throughout the school. The school premises are monitored on a regular basis. Video will be used to ensure the safety of all students, staff and visitors.

SPECIALISTS HIGH SKILLS MAJOR

The SHSM program allows students to explore potential career pathways in the sports industry. Our focus areas include Sport Performance, Management, Entertainment and Recreation. The bundle of courses in grade 11 and 12 must include 2 credits of Co-op. Application to the program takes place during the course selection process for grade 10 students moving into grade 11. For more information, see the SHSM tabs on the Guidance page of the BCSS website.

INCLEMENT WEATHER / BUS CANCELLATIONS

Schools are traditionally open on bad weather days although school bus service may be cancelled or delayed. It is the parent/guardian’s decision whether or not to send the student to school. Please read the attendance policy regarding absences. Information will be communicated through the following sources,

Twitter@yrdsb

As well, you can also visit www.schoolbuscity.com or contact the York Region Student Transportation Services School Bus Information Line at 1-877-330-3001 for bus cancellation information.

LOCKERS

Each student is issued a lock and locker for the year provided that he/she:

• Takes responsible care of the locker;

• Maintains his/her locker in an orderly fashion;

• Does not share lockers, unless assigned by staff, or give out his/her combinations;

• Does not move to another locker without office permission; and

• Keeps the locker, locked using only a combination lock (which will be provided by the school).

Locks must be left on the locker at the end of the school year. Students who remove their lock will be asked to pay an additional lock fee for the next year. School locks and lockers are the school property on loan to students. Items found in lockers will be deemed the property of the registered user. The school has the right to search lockers and desks, without notice to, or permission of any person. In addition, the principal or vice-principal, after being provided with reasonable grounds, may search a specific locker. These searches may be conducted without notice or permission from any member of the school community. The school office must have a record of the locker number and combination on file. Personal items left in lockers at the end of the school year will be given to charity.

BEHAVIOUR

BUS SAFETY PROCEDURES

When travelling on school buses, students are representatives of Bill Crothers Secondary School and their actions reflect on all at BCSS and as such they must conduct themselves in a respectful manner. It is a privilege for classes and teams to attend events off site. The school bus driver is responsible for the safety of students on the bus. Therefore, the bus driver’s instructions must always be followed. The following procedures must be followed,

• It is expected that all students will treat busses as an extension of the school and that all behaviour on the busses will be consistent with school rules and policies.

• Board quickly using the handrail and go directly to a seat and remain seated at all times

• Remain seated while the bus is in motion.

• Keep the aisle clear, and sit quietly.

• Do not talk to the driver while the bus is in motion.

• Throwing anything out a window is illegal and may incur consequences from the police.

• Inappropriate behaviour, such as shouting and fighting, is prohibited.

• Students may be suspended from the bus and school when infractions occur.

• All students must be in BCSS uniform when travelling to and from school and while attending a school field trip or sport event.

CAFETERIA

Students must leave knapsacks in lockers and not outside the servery. Five students are permitted in the servery at one time. BCSS is not responsible for valuables left in knapsacks. The cafeteria is provided for student convenience. It provides meals, snacks, and beverages. Students are expected to treat the cafeteria, its furniture, and equipment in a respectful manner.

Garbage

Food and beverages must be consumed in the cafeteria only. Students should use the appropriate container to dispose of unwanted items. Students must put the refuge in the right containers as BCSS is a school with a focus on positive eco behaviours. Reduce our environmental footprint by recycling. It is the responsibility of each student to place his/ her garbage in the appropriate receptacle. Food may be consumed in designated areas only. At lunch the following areas are available for students to eat lunch; the cafeteria and the main foyer. Before school, food may only be consumed in the cafeteria.

BEHAVIOUR IN HALLWAYS AND COMMON AREAS

Students are expected to comply with the requests and directions of ALL STAFF in a polite and mature manner. The staff of the school includes administration, teachers, support staff, caretaking, coaches, athletic personnel, bus drivers and school volunteers. Noise in the hallways is both disruptive and disrespectful of our learning environments.

• Behaviour and language in the halls and common areas must not be offensive or disrespectful.

• Food is limited to the cafeteria and main foyer. Students are not permitted to loiter or sit in the hallways and staircases

• Students are expected to be in their classes during all instructional periods.

• Keep your hands to yourself, use positive statements and when addressing a fellow student, use first names appropriately.

• Language that infringes on Human Rights of any individual will not be tolerated.

• Personal listening devices with headphones may be used in hallways, with only one earphone. Personal electronic or digital devices playing through speakers are not allowed.

BULLYING AND CYBER BULLYING

At Bill Crothers, we are a team. As a team we all work together to support each other in athletic competitions, academics and in social interactions.

Bullying, as described in the Ontario Education Act, is...

Aggressive and typically repeated behaviour by a pupil where,

(a) the behaviour is intended by the pupil to have the effect of, or the pupil ought to know that the behaviour would be likely to have the effect of,

​(i) causing harm, fear or distress to another individual, including physical, psychological, social or academic harm, harm to the individual’s reputation or harm to the individual’s property, or

​(ii) creating a negative environment at a school for another individual, and

(b) the behaviour occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance between the pupil and the individual based on factors such as size, strength, age, intelligence, peer group power, economic status, social status, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, family circumstances, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, disability or the receipt of special education; (“intimidation”)

In addition, for the purposes of the definition of “bullying” above, behaviour includes the use of any physical, verbal, electronic, written or other means. More specifically, Cyber-bullying involves bullying (as defined above), by electronic means including,

1. creating a web page or a blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person;

2. impersonating another person as the author of content or messages posted on the internet; and

3. communicating material electronically to more than one individual or posting material on a website that may be accessed by one or more individuals.

“On all levels, Bullying is just wrong”

How to handle bullying and harassment:

• Learn and support your school’s harassment prevention policy.

• If you feel safe doing so, tell the person who is harassing you to stop.

• Tell an adult and keep telling them until you get help.

• Write down what happened; keep a journal of events/incidents.

• Ask what will happen to resolve your complaint.

• If you feel unsafe, angry or confused, ask for assistance or for other support.

• Use the “Report It” link on the school website. https://secure.yrdsb.ca/Forms/ReportIt/_layouts/FormServer.aspx?XsnLocation=https://secure.yrdsb.ca/FormServerTemplates/ReportItv1.xsn&Source=https://secure.yrdsb.ca&DefaultItemOpen=1

Why is it important to get involved?

• to make it stop

• to ensure the environment remains safe for you and your friends

Be an “Up Stander”, rather than a bystander. Up standers can stop bullying by getting help from adults as quickly as possible.

It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent bullying and harassment!

Students must report any bullying to a Vice-Principal. Remember - everyone has rights and responsibilities.

I have the right to:

• Be treated fairly and with respect;

• Feel safe;

• Be included in groups and activities;

• Ask for help when I need it;

• Say “no” to unwanted behaviours;

• Make my own decisions about keeping myself safe;

• Be protected from bullying harassment and abuse;

• Make truthful statements of complaints;

• Be informed of statements of complaints made about me;

• Have both sides of an issue heard;

• Be informed of consequences that affect me;

• Have a fair appeal process;

• Have a supportive adult advocate for me.

I have the responsibility to:

• Treat others fairly and with respect;

• Include and welcome others;

• Help protect myself from harm;

• Respect other peoples’ boundaries;

• Give help when needed;

• Listen when others say “no” to inappropriate behaviour;

• Not overpower, bully, harass or abuse anyone;

• Control my anger;

• Report mistreatment of other people;

• Get help when something is wrong;

• Respect others’ decisions to keep themselves safe;

• Not participate in spreading rumors;

• Encourage a safe and supportive environment.

The York Region District School Board believes that a healthy school/workplace climate has a positive impact on student achievement and success. This climate also contributes to employee health, well-being and service delivery and is essential for students and employees to reach their full potential.

FIELD SAFETY

• Do not leave school bags or personal belongings unattended on the field

• no food on fields

• no jumping or hanging on/from nets

• ensure safe distance between activities

• inclusive environment using appropriate language

RAILWAY

• DO NOT trespass onto the train tracks (fine $125.00)

HEALTHY SCHOOLS

We believe that healthy habits support student achievement and success. The York Region District Board supports school communities through its Healthy Schools Framework which fosters an integrated approach to healthy behaviours. At BCSS, students are taught and encouraged to support their own wellbeing by attending to the following lifestyle habits,

• Healthy eating

• Physical activity

• Inclusive Practices/Bullying prevention

• Personal Safety and Injury prevention

• Refraining from substance use and abuse

• Stress/Time Management

EXAMINATIONS

The examination days for both semesters are listed in the school calendar included with this agenda. All exams must be written at their scheduled time. Vacation, camps, employment and/or appointments must not be scheduled during the examination period. If an examination is missed, students must present supporting documentation, such as medical certificates and court orders, to a school administrator within 24 hours.

FIELD TRIPS AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Field trips are a vital and integral part of the many courses offered at BCSS. They provide a diverse and valuable learning experience for each and every student. Participation in a field trip requires all students to complete a permission form for each field

trip that they attend. The permission form will include the location, date and cost of the field trip to the student. The expected behaviour for all staff and student participants is the same behaviour as in the school. Any violation of school policies while on a field trip will have the same consequences as would apply in the classroom or on school property. All field trip participants must use the transportation provided. Exceptions to this policy must be arranged in advance with an administrator and require parent/guardian approval. Any missed school work from other courses must be made up and is the responsibility of the student to make up this work. All students must be in BCSS uniform when attending a school field trip.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PROTECTION OF PRIVACY

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act affect local governments, including the York Region District School Board. The law relating to the information contained in Ontario Student Records and in suspension letters has not changed.

Parents, guardians of students have access to this information until the student reaches the age of 18. Thereafter, parents and guardians have access only with the written consent of the student. The school may disclose student information, without written consent, in some circumstances, pursuant to a court order and to the following officials or institutions:

Medical Officer of Health, Supervisory Officers,

Principals and Teachers, The York Region District School Board, Ministry of Education

The principal may use the information in respect of the student to prepare reports as required under the Education Act and its regulations; for an educational institution in respect of an application for further education; and in respect of an application for employment when requested in writing by the student. Student information is private and the school board has a legal obligation to protect it under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. To satisfy other legal obligations, certain information is routinely released to the Ministry of Education, the Board's insurance company, etc.

It may also be disclosed beyond the Board for informational and promotional purposes such as:

• School Council, Parent/Teacher Association;

• Student Council use;

• Media publicity;

• Yearbooks;

• Newsletters;

• School displays; and

• Videos

• Internet / Website

If you do not consent to the release of student information for these purposes, or if you do not wish to have your name, photo or work displayed, published or broadcast, please inform the principal in writing.