Practices and Procedures

Attendance /Sign In/Out Procedure

Regular, on-time attendance at school is very important for student learning. When your child will be absent from school, please call the office to let us know or send a note to their teacher explaining the reason for the absence.

Beginning of Day

Students should arrive at school on time (between 7:50 and 8:00 AM) so that they are organized and ready to begin the day before the anthem begins at 8:05 AM. Students being dropped off will be entering their grade level doors. (P to P/1 enter through north doors; 1/2 to 5 enter through south doors). Students arriving late (after 8:05 am) must enter through the main entrance.

End of Day

Students not travelling on school buses will be dismissed after buses leave at 2:15. When students are picked up by parents for transport home, parents are asked to wait across the driveway for teachers to bring the students out. Students are not permitted to cross the driveway, please stay in your car so the cars can move around the pick-up loop.

Early Pick-up

At times students may need to be picked up early. Parents need to send a note to let us know any time students will be picked up early. An adult must check in with the office prior to the student leaving the building. We appreciate early pick-ups being limited to only when necessary.

Birthday Invitations

We do not allow distribution of invitations at school - arrangements are to be made at home.

Breakfast and Snack Basket Program

A breakfast basket is available each morning for all students in their classrooms. We are also providing snack options in the classrooms for all students. Donations are welcome (e.g., fresh fruit, regular and multi-grain cheerios, cheese (please be mindful, as we are nut-free), grocery gift cards, cash donation). Financial support for our free breakfast basket program comes from fundraising, grants and donations. Funding over the past years have been provided by:

• Grants: AVRCE Healthy School Communities, Breakfast Clubs of Canada, Breakfast for Learning/PCCC, Show Kids You Care

• Community Groups and Businesses: West Hants Retired Teachers Organization, Martock and Windsor Forks Women’s Institute, Hants County Branch 9 – Legion, Wanda Graves, in memory of Megan Daniels

• Cash Donations from students, families, and staff members

• School Fundraising Events: Rotary Club “Food for Thought”, Nourish Your Roots

•  Please notify Mr. Ross if you would like more information on how you or your business or community group can help. New sponsors and volunteers are always welcome!

Canteen/Lunch Program

We currently offer a daily healthy lunch program, with a goal of providing healthy, affordable lunch. Orders are due a week in advance every Monday. Watch newsletters and notices for menu changes and special offerings throughout the year. School lunch programs must be self-sufficient, meaning we must make enough money to cover all expenses, including staff and supplies. Your ongoing support will help ensure that we can continue providing a daily hot lunch program.

Communication

Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the school with questions, comments or concerns. Generally, communication related to a child’s school experience is first referred to the classroom teacher. A note may be sent to the teacher or a telephone message requesting the teacher to call may be left at the office. Parent/guardians are also invited to phone the office. In many cases, school staff may be reached through email, as well. Please refer to the “Classroom Communication Plan” for details on how to best reach individual teachers. See below for information on some of the ways we will communicate what is happening at school.

Communication Plan

In September, parents and guardians will receive a written “Communication Plan” from the classroom teacher. This document will include a description of:

• Programs and curriculum

• Assessment and evaluation plan

• Approaches to teaching and learning

• Homework and home reading

• Use of agendas / communication system

• How/when to best reach the teacher

Alert Messaging

We continue to work on increasing our use of electronic communication (email, text and voice messaging via PowerSchool’s “message centre”) to distribute newsletters and other important information. After our PowerSchool messaging system was updated, it reset all parent/guardian contact preferences. This reset means parent/guardian will receive messages from the school and occasionally from AVRCE (including school cancellation notices) by email, text and phone providing you have contact information on file with the school. To change these contact preferences, please speak to the school secretary. It is important to contact us any time during the year with updates to your contact information.

Monthly Newsletters | School Calendar

Please check our on-line calendar and monthly newsletters (first Monday of each month), as well as special notices, for information on what is happening at our school and in the community, as well as changes and updates to the school calendar throughout the year

Report Cards | Parent-Teacher Conferences

Three report cards (one each term) will be sent home electronically, unless a hard copy is requested, during the school year. Report cards reflect your child’s academic achievement and progress. Following the first two report cards, there will be scheduled parent-teacher or student-led conferences. Please refer to School Calendar for specific dates.

Regional and Provincial Websites

The AVRCE website, www.avrce.ca,  offers a broad range of information relating to school board policies and procedures, programs and services, up-to-date calendars, contact information, forms and useful links.

The Nova Scotia Department of Education Website can be found at www.ednet.ns.ca. You can access curriculum documents here.

Disclosure of Possible Abuse

In Nova Scotia, it is a legal obligation for all citizens to report any suspected case of child abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect). If a child indicates that he/she has been or is the victim of abuse, or if an adult in the school has suspicions that a student may be an abuse victim, that adult is required by law to inform Community Services.

Emergency Procedures

Cancellation of School: When school is cancelled before the start of the school day, announcements will be made on AVR (1450 AM, 97.7 FM), Magic 94.9 FM, K-Rock 89.3 FM, and CBC Radio (106.5 FM) beginning at 6:00 a.m. You can also check the message board on the AVRCE website. You are encouraged to go to www.avrce.ca to sign up to receive important announcement notifications by email or text message directly from the AVRCE office.

Emergency Dismissal Procedure: In the event of an emergency dismissal (weather, power outages, lack of water etc.), requiring school to be cancelled in the middle of the day, an announcement will be made on local radio (see above) and via School Messenger alert system. While we will make every effort to contact parents, it is very important that all families have an emergency plan in place so that each child knows what to do if no one is home. It is essential that your child’s teacher and the school secretary have current, updated telephone numbers and contact names and any information pertaining to an emergency dismissal.

Emergency Contact: Each September, a registration form is sent home with each student. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you update this form with current information, sign the form, and return it to your child’s teacher right away. Please send a note/email with any changes that occur throughout the year.

Footwear

Students are requested to bring non-marking sneakers, which will be left at school for daily use. Students should also have suitable (comfortable, safe, weather appropriate) outdoor footwear for recess, noon and outdoor physical education classes. If you need assistance providing indoor sneakers, outdoor sneaker, winter boots, please inquire with the teacher or school office.

School Hours

The school will be open to students from 7:50 AM until 2:15 PM. Children who are on the grounds at any other time will not be the responsibility of the school. Students who walk or are dropped off should arrive no earlier than 7:50 AM as supervision is not available before this time and picked up at 2:15 pm (11:15 am on early dismissal days). School staff providing after school help or programs will coordinate directly with parents/guardians.

School Schedule 

7:50-8:00 am: AM Bus Arrival and Drop Off

8:05 am: O’ Canada / Announcements and Classes Begin

10:15 am: Recess Begins

10:30 am: Recess Ends

12:10 pm: Noon - Dismissal to Playground

12:40 pm: Noon Break Ends and Afternoon Classes Begin

2:18 pm: Buses Depart, followed by those walking/being picked up

7:50 am -2:15 pm: Pre-Primary Program

Outdoor Recess/Noon

Please ensure each day that your child is dressed appropriately for outside play. If weather conditions are unsuitable (torrential rain, severe wind chill) students will remain inside. For health and wellness, all students are expected to go outside during recess and noon for play breaks.

Illness

Any child suffering from illness should remain at home. Your child should not return to school until they are symptom free, no longer contagious and are able to participate in all activities. Please phone the school when your child is sick so we can account for his/her whereabouts. If a student must miss time from school due to illness or for an appointment, a written excuse is required upon the child’s return. In the event a child becomes ill at school, every effort will be made to contact the parents or emergency contacts, who in turn will be requested to arrange for the student to be taken home as soon as possible.

Communicable Diseases

If a doctor diagnoses your child with a communicable disease (such as measles, chicken pox, strep throat, pink eye, etc.) please notify the school. The office will send home information/fact sheets with class members as suggested by the Department of Public Health. This is to help other parents identify and seek appropriate treatment. Your child should not return to school until they are no longer contagious (as detailed on fact sheet/directed by physician).

Medical Conditions 

If your child has a condition that may require emergency treatment (for conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies, etc.) or daily medication (for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, diabetes, ADHD, epilepsy, etc.), please be sure that the classroom teacher AND school office is aware of diagnosis, prevention and treatment. This includes when your child is taking medication for a short term (e.g., to treat an infection or temporary condition). Our school health partnership nurse supports us with medical and emergency plans for students with serious conditions.

Medications at School

Student medications (including puffers, Tylenol, etc.) may only be given at school after the proper form has been completed by a parent/guardian and is on file in the office. The medication must be delivered to the office by the parent/guardian. Please DO NOT send medications to school with children. ALL medications are to be kept in the office or in a secure location (e.g. locked cabinet) – not in student book bags, desks, etc. Any exceptions MUST be cleared through the principal. Epi-pens are to be carried on the student with a severe allergy (once properly documented following school board policy).

Moving Schools

If a family is moving out of the school boundary area, the school requests notice of withdrawal at least two school days before the student’s last day of attendance. Official records will be transferred, as outlined in school board policy, once requested from the receiving school.

Nut Smart School

We have students at WFDS with a potentially life-threatening allergy (anaphylaxis) to nuts. We feel the best way to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to this student is to respectfully ask for your co-operation as the parents/guardians within our WFDS community to: AVOID SENDING ANY PRODUCTS THAT MAY CONTAIN NUTS. If you are sending something that might be confused with a nut product (e.g., Wow Butter), please send a note. We realize that this request may pose an inconvenience for you when packing your child’s snack or lunch. However, we hope you will appreciate the seriousness of the situation and assist in our efforts to create as safe an environment as possible.

*Parents/Guardians are asked to contact the principal in the case of students with severe allergies. The health and safety of our students is a very important priority.

Personal Belongings

Students must be responsible for any personal items brought to school. Please be sure to mark names on all items such as book-bags, lunch boxes, shoes, jackets, etc. There is to be no trading/selling (e.g. Pokemon cards) of personal belongings at school unless part of an organized event.

Students have access to a phone at all times if there is a need to contact a parent/guardian throughout the school day or after school activity. There is no need for any student to have a cell phone at school. Any cell phones which are visible to staff or students will spend the remainder of the day in the office, a parent/guardian will have to come to the school to retrieve the item. This is due to privacy and safety of entire student body.

Personal Information

The school does not provide telephone numbers or other personal information to other students or parents.

Photographer

All students will be photographed by a professional photographer for school records and to be included in our school yearbook. Purchasing information will be sent home for interested parents.

Photos at School Events

We understand the desire to capture special occasions for future memories. We expect cameras to be present at public and special events such as concerts and class trips. Photos taken at school events that include people outside your immediate family should not be posted on the internet. While we certainly cannot control this, we ask your cooperation in practicing good internet etiquette by always asking parent/guardian permission before posting another child’s photo on internet sites.

Publishing Student Photos and Work

Parent/guardian consent forms allowing student photos and/or work to be shared are kept on file in the school office.

Scent-Free Environment

Scented products are harmful to those with allergies, environmental sensitivity or chronic heart or lung disease. For the health and respect of others, students, staff and guests are requested to refrain from using perfume, cologne or other scented products.

School Calendar

Please refer to our School Calendar for school-based Professional Development days, special events and additional dates of interest. Watch for updates/changes in monthly newsletters and special notices, and on our school website calendar.

School Trips and Extra-Curricular Events

School trips are considered to be a worthwhile extension of a student’s learning. Such trips offer various benefits and value to students. Safety and welfare of students and staff will be paramount in the planning and preparation. School personnel or volunteers will supervise students in compliance with AVRCE policy and procedures. Teachers will advise students of expectations and potential consequences before they leave for their class trip/outing. No student will be denied participation based on financial need. Please talk to your child’s teacher or the principal if you have questions, or if assistance is required.

Student Agendas | Homework

Homework is an important activity to reinforce learning that occurred during the school day and to gradually develop study habits, which are an important part of success in school and of developing commitment to lifelong learning. It is important that students get into the habit and routine of completing homework during their elementary years. Students are encouraged to read or be read to on a daily basis. Student agendas are provided for students in upper grades at a reasonable fee to recoup costs. Lower grades have communication bags/notebooks provided as part of school supplies. Parents should check and return agenda/daily communication bag/notebook daily.

Student Services and Supports

Along with classroom, PE and Music teachers, educational assistants, and administration, the school offers a number of other supports to help ensure each child’s success:

Resource/Learning Centre Program: Academic Support Teachers are here to support the educational programs of individuals and groups of students with identified needs. Teachers, parents or students themselves may make referrals to the TST (Teaching Support Team) for consideration. Resource programming includes academic, social/behavioural and life skills.

Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support: These programs are provided daily starting in February and have a trained teacher working directly with individuals or small groups of students to develop their early literacy skills.

Speech-Language Pathologist: A Speech-Language Pathologist assigned by the school board will have scheduled days in our school throughout the year. Services include assessment, consultation, program planning for school and home, and some direct intervention for students who require support in speech and/or language development.

Guidance Counsellor: We have a Guidance Counsellor 2 days a week, and alternate Wednesdays. If you think your child could benefit from support, please talk to the guidance counsellor, teacher or principal.

School Psychologist: A School Psychologist assigned by the school board provides services which include assessment, consultation and program planning for students who are experiencing significant difficulties. Parental consent will be obtained prior to any formal assessment or direct service from the School Psychologist.

Schools Plus: Schools Plus is a joint project among school and community. A coordinator, outreach worker and mental health clinician provide supports for children and families in the home, in school and in the community. Watch for regular newsletters on supports available. Contact the school or Schools Plus office for more information or to make a referral.

Student Support Worker (SSW) and Native Student Advisor (NSA): These specialists might be available (dependent on AVRCE allotment) to students of African and Native descent as well as their families in order to make their schooling a more positive experience. Contact the principal for more information.

AVRCE Student Services Support Staff: We also have access to Behavioural Psychologists, Autism/Learning Centre Specialist, Learning Disability Specialist and Assistive Technology Support. Referrals can be made through classroom teachers or the resource department.

Outside/Community Agencies: Our school team works closely with outside agencies, such as APSEA, public and private psychologists and medical doctors, to support our students. We value the input of all parties serving your children. If your child/family is receiving support from any outside agencies, we encourage you to let us know so we can confer (with parent’s written consent). Parents/Guardians may make referrals directly to:

• Mental Health Clinic at Hants Community Hospital (902-792-2042)

• Public Health Nurse (902-798-2265)

• Department of Community Services (902-798-2289)

Transfer Requests

Students are expected to enroll in their community school, as determined by school board boundaries. In special circumstances families may request permission for transfer. Approval for transfer requests must be granted by principals from both schools. Each year parents must apply for ongoing permission to continue with the transfer. Transfer request forms are available from the school office or AVRCE website.

Transportation Plan Changes

Please send a dated and signed note if there is a change in routine transportation plans. Students will only be able to travel on a different bus if space is available. Students are to give notes to classroom teachers upon arrival at school; teachers will send notes to the office to be stamped; students will pick up bus notes from their teacher at the end of the day and present the note to the bus driver upon boarding the bus. In rare cases, when plans change throughout the day, please call the office as early as possible (prior to 1:45PM) and speak directly to office staff.

Video Surveillance Systems

The Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education uses video surveillance to ensure a safe, positive and effective learning environment. CCTV systems are used to protect property against theft, vandalism and unlawful activity. CCTV systems may be used to monitor for the compliance of Board policies.

It is recognized that video surveillance captures personal information and we have taken steps to protect privacy rights. Only designated staff have access to view the information recorded and access is strictly controlled.

Further information pertaining to our use of video surveillance may be obtained by contacting the Coordinator of Information Technology.

Visitors

To ensure the safety and security of our students, all visitors are required to report to the office upon entering the building/playground. There is a sign-in book for everyone entering the building.

Volunteering at School

Volunteers have an extremely important role to play in the successful operation of a school. Please consider how you can best support your child and our school. Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis for activities such as noon supervision and classroom support. We also count on volunteer support for a number of special events such as Christmas Brunch, Shopping Bazaar, Book Fairs, Spring Fling and class trips.

Why Volunteer? Research shows that students achieve better in schools where there is strong parent and community involvement. We value the input and assistance provided by parents in our school and at home. Being an active supporter of your child’s education in school and at home is very important. Here are some general ways parents can help:

• Ensure regular attendance at school

• Make sure your child arrives on time

• Maintain regular communication with your child’s teacher(s)

• Help prepare your child for school each day with proper rest, nutrition and clothing

• Encourage/support regular homework completion

• Participate in your Home & School Association

How to Volunteer at School: The Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education policy requires that all volunteers in schools in the AVRCE complete a Volunteer Application Form, have a Criminal Records Check and a Child Abuse Registry Check completed. Both checks must be completed every three years to be considered current and must be provided to us within 6 months of the issue date.

1. Volunteer Application Form - Complete the form and return it to the school.

2. Child Abuse Register (CAR) Request of Search Form - If you have not yet submitted an approval letter, OR, if your last approval letter was completed more than three years ago, please complete the form, and mail to the address on the form, along with a copy of your driver’s license or health card. This step can take several weeks – so don’t delay! Check with the school office if you are not sure if your check has expired or not.

Applications can now be completed online at https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-child-abuse-register-search. Click apply on-line button at the bottom of the screen. This will eliminate the need to mail the form.

Note: Once you receive the approval letter in the mail, bring a copy to the school.

3. Criminal Records (CR) Check Letter - If you have not yet submitted a CRC, OR, if your last check was completed before more than three years ago, please visit the local detachment of the RCMP and have the check completed. You will need two pieces of ID.

Note: Once you get your completed form from your local RCMP detachment, please bring the form to the school.

Be sure to complete your Volunteer Application Form and update CAR and CR checks now so you can help out with events throughout the year. Your volunteer support is very valuable to our school! All checks are good for three years with the AVRCE. Going forward, once you are entered in the new AVRCE data base as an approved volunteer, you will receive a 6-month and 3-month expiration notification (by email) before you need to re-new.