Grades 9 and 10 Parent Handbook - Durham District School …€¦ · The Pine Ridge Parent Handbook is just one of the tools to assist ... August Getting Ready for High School September

SECONDARY

SCHOOL

Parent Handbook Grades 9 and 10

PINE RIDGE SECONDARY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK

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From one parent to another… The Pine Ridge Parent Handbook is just one of the tools to assist parents and guardians new to our school. Whether your son or daughter is transitioning from elementary school to secondary school or switching schools in the middle of his or her high school career, the experience can be daunting. As a school community, we hope to make the transition an enjoyable and positive step into the next stage of their education. This handbook contains general information directed at parents and guardians. Detailed information is published annually in the Student Agenda which is given to every student and staff member, as well as posted on our website. Additional information is also available on our website, as well as those of the Durham District School Board and the Ontario Ministry of Education. The School Community Council Pine Ridge Secondary School www.PineRidgeSecondarySchool.ca www.durham.edu.on.ca www.ontario.ca/education

Pickering Family of Schools 905-666-5500

Lisa Millar, Superintendent [email protected] Chris Braney, Trustee [email protected] Paul Crawford, Trustee [email protected]


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Parent Engagement

Pine Ridge Secondary School values parent, guardian, family, and community engagement in education and the positive effect this engagement has on student success and well-being. You play a vital role in the life-long learning of your child. As your school, we welcome and encourage on-going dialogue, advocacy, and involvement. Parents and guardians can engage with their child’s learning at home and at school:

At Home

Review homework and assignments

Communicate with teachers Talk about the school day Have a quiet space for

homework Ask questions daily Get involved at the school

At School Join the School

Community Council* Volunteer at the school Connect with classroom

teachers Communicate regularly

with teachers Advocate for your child’s

needs

*The School Community Council (SCC) is composed of parents and guardians, school administrators, community members and students from Student Council. The role of the SCC is to provide input on a wide range of topics that affect school life at Pine Ridge. Parents and guardians are encouraged to join the SCC at any of our meetings (the last Monday of the month at 7 pm except for December, March, and June). Interested parties should check the calendar on the school website for exact dates. The SCC can be contacted by calling the school at 905-420-1885 and asking for extension 300.


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Safety and Security

Safety is our number one priority at Pine Ridge Secondary School. In order to enable 1500 students and staff members to work and learn in a safe and respectful environment, a detailed Code of Conduct has been established. Please review the entire document in the Student Agenda which is given to every student and is also posted on our website. Parents and guardians have a responsibility to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents and guardians fulfill this responsibility when they:

show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress;

communicate regularly with the school; help their child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared

for school; ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time; promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late

arrival; become familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules; encourage and assist their child in following the rules of

behaviour; assist school staff in dealing with discipline issues; and demonstrate respect for all students, staff, and parents and

guardians. Pine Ridge is a safe and inclusive place to learn. Any type of behaviour creating a safety concern and/or causing others to feel uncomfortable at school will not be tolerated. Every member of the school community has a duty to report inappropriate behaviours to a staff member.


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HOLD and SECURE If a situation occurs in the community that does not pose an immediate danger to the safety of the school, the school will proceed into a Hold and Secure mode of operation. The exterior doors of the school will be locked and the doors and window blinds in all classrooms will be closed. Staff and students will continue normal activities inside the building until the situation has been resolved. LOCK DOWN If a situation occurs in the school which poses an immediate danger to the safety of the school community, an announcement will be made that the school is proceeding to a Lock Down mode of operation. Students are to stay in their classroom and follow the instructions of their teacher. Students are not allowed to use personal electronic devices (e.g., iPods, cameras, cellphones, etc.) unless authorized by the school administration. REPORTING PROBLEMS Any person feeling ill or who has become injured at school must inform a staff member immediately. Any person who witnesses inappropriate behaviours and/or unsafe equipment or situations, must inform a staff member immediately. Staff members will help access the necessary assistance and follow-up with required reporting protocols, including the implementation of the Police/School Board Protocol when necessary. FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS School staff member are trained to prevent, de-escalate, and resolve conflicts, maintain order and control in the school environment, and respond to emergency situations. Instructions given by any staff member must be followed immediately.


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The School Year Calendar

Here is a general outline of annual events at Pine Ridge. The specific dates for these and many other events at school are published on the school’s website and in the Student Agenda.

Month Semester 1 Events

August Getting Ready for High School September Grade 9 Day

Homeroom Packages sent home Timetable Revisions Grade Assemblies Picture Day Homeroom Visits by Guidance

October Picture Retake Day Thanksgiving Holiday Semester 1 Progress Reports sent home Individual Education Plans sent home Parent/Teacher Interviews Student Success Day #1 Parents as Partners Conference

November Mid-term Report Cards sent home Previous Year’s Awards Assemblies Grade 9 “Take Our Kids to Work” Day

December Student Success Day #2 Credit Endangered Reports sent home Fashion Show Winter Concert

January Dance Recital Grade 9 EQAO Numeracy Test Semester 1 Final Exams Credit Completion Grade 8 Parents’ Night


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Month Semester 2 Events

February Semester 1 Report Cards sent home Timetable Revisions Grade Assemblies about course options Course Fair Course Options due Family Day Holiday

March March Break Progress Reports sent home Parent/Teacher Interviews Student Success Day #3

April Grade 10 Literacy Test Day Mid-term Report Cards sent home

May Leadership Camp Grade 8 “Making the Right Choices” Day Credit Endangered Reports sent home Student Success Day #4 Musical

June Grade 9 EQAO Numeracy Test Athletic Banquet Vocal Recital Visual Arts Showcase Music Barbecue Semester 2 Final Exams Credit Completion Prom Commencement

July Semester 2 Report Card pick-up


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How Can We Help You? If you have a concern or situation involving your child…Most situations can be resolved with dialogue and co-operation. Please use the following steps to address your concern(s):

Start by:

1. Gathering as much information about the situation as possible. (If your concern is not school related, contact any service department identified in the Community Contacts section of this guide to discuss the matter.)

2. Call the school and arrange a meeting with the teacher to discuss your concern.

3. If you require further assistance, please contact your child’s vice-principal.

4. If your concern is still not resolved, contact the principal.

5. We understand that in extreme circumstances you may need to contact the Superintendent. In these cases, the Superintendent will act as a facilitator to resolve the matter.

SCHOOL CONCERN

CLASSROOM TEACHER

VICE‐PRINCIPAL

PRINCIPAL BOARD OFFICE


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What Do You Need to Graduate?

1. 30 Credits in Total

2. 40 Hours of Community Involvement

3. Completion of the Literacy Requirement

18 Compulsory Credits: 4 credits in English* 3 credits in Mathematics 2 credits in Science 1 credit in Canadian Geography 1 credit in Canadian History 1 credit in the Arts 1 credit in Health and Physical Education 1 credit in French as a Second Language 0.5 credit in Career Studies 0.5 credit in Civics 1 additional credit in English, or French as a second language, or a

Native language, or a Classical or an International language, or Social Sciences and the Humanities, or Canadian and World Studies, or Guidance and Career Education, or Cooperative Education**

1 additional credit in Health and Physical Education, or the Arts, or Business Studies, or French as a second language, or Cooperative Education**

1 additional credit in Computer Studies or Technological Education or Science (Grade 11 or 12), or French as a second language, or Cooperative Education**

12 Optional Credits *** * A maximum of 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English literacy development (ELD) may be counted towards the 4 compulsory credits in English, but the fourth MUST be a credit earned for a Grade 12 compulsory English course.

** A maximum of 2 credits in Co-op can count as compulsory credits.

*** May include up to four credits achieved through approved Dual Credit courses.


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Grade 9 and 10 Course Types Academic, Applied or Locally Developed… which one should my child take? Applied courses have a focus on the essential concepts of the discipline. Applied courses develop students’ knowledge and skills by emphasizing practical, concrete applications of the essential concepts while incorporating theoretical applications. Academic courses have a focus on the essential concepts of the discipline plus additional related concepts. Academic courses develop students’ knowledge and skills by emphasizing theoretical, abstract applications of essential concepts while incorporating practical applications. Locally Developed courses have a focus on the most essential concepts of a discipline. These courses are offered in Mathematics, Science, English, and Canadian History. These courses will provide support for students making the transition to high school by enhancing their skills to allow them to be successful at secondary school Open courses have one set of expectations for a particular subject and is appropriate for all students.


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Grade 11 and 12 Course Types Courses in grades 11 and 12 are destination based courses. These courses reflect a student’s destination after secondary school. It is important to start thinking about what your future career/educational goals and interests are to ensure you have chosen the most correct pathway. Students should always consult and update their Individual Pathway Plan (IPP) to reflect your goals and interests. College These courses are designed to include the knowledge and skills to prepare students for entrance to most college programs following high school. University These courses are designed to prepare students for entrance to university programs. University/College These course are designed to prepare students for both college and university programs. Workplace These courses are designed for students planning to enter the workforce.


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Special Programs (After Grade 10)

Cooperative Education Students can choose to take a Cooperative Education program – 2 or 4 credits. Co-op programs provide many benefits including hands-on learning, credits, development of essential skills and work habits. Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) SHSM is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and assists in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace. Pine Ridge offers SHSM programming in Arts and Culture, Environment, Health and Wellness, and Hospitality. Dual Credit Programs let students earn high school credits AND College credits simultaneously through joint instruction in a particular area of study by both a high school teacher and a college professor. Pine Ridge Secondary School has partnered with Durham College, Fleming College and Centennial College to offer Dual Credit programs. Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program. Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.


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How Parents and Guardians Can Help Below are three important skills necessary for student success. For each skill, recommendations are outlined, followed by early warning signs which may lead to difficulty, and finally recommended strategies for improvement.

Recommendations

Students attend school every day. Students arrive to class on time.

Warning Signs Your child is missing school. Your child’s report card shows more absences that you expected.

Strategies Discuss your child’s attendance record with the vice-principal. If your child is absent, ensure work missed is brought home and completed.

Recommendations

Students should spend approximately 1 – 1.5 hours a night on average finishing work started in class, reviewing notes, or completing homework.

Complete and submit all assignments for evaluation. Warning Signs

If you do not see your child doing homework regularly or your child says, “I don’t have any homework” on a regular basis.

Strategies Contact the subject teachers and get more information about upcoming

assignments and/or the amount of homework being assigned. Encourage your child to read, review, and study for 1 – 1.5 hours every

day. Recommendations

Take accurate notes and keep binders well organized. Use an agenda to plan for assignments, projects, quizzes, and tests. Manage study time so that you are preparing well in advance for tests.

Warning Signs Your child does not have or use an agenda. Your child’s notebooks are disorganized or appear incomplete.

Strategies Obtain an agenda for your child, if he or she has misplaced the one provided. Talk to your child to set-up a time management and organizational plan. Monitor the use of the agenda and notebooks. Offer help in organizing binders of notes.

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Getting Support

Parent and Guardians Strategies for Success Contact the classroom teacher. Encourage the use of lunch time and after school success

programs Inquire about student success options and program

support Classroom Teacher Always start with the classroom teacher with any questions about the work being done in class AND what types of extra help may be available in that particular department. Special Education Department The Academic Resource (AR) staff members are available to support students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Parents and Guardians have the right to request that their child appear before an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) to determine if there are special needs, which make their child exceptional. The process is explained fully in the Special Education Parent’s Guide which is available on the Durham District School Board’s website. A parent or guardian has the right to:

• request an IPRC by writing to the school principal; • attend the IPRC and the following annual IPRC meetings; • request a placement in a regular class; • appeal the IPRC decision; • request in writing a review of your child’s identification or placement after three months; • receive a copy of your child’s IEP within 30 days; and • request an application for Support Services.


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Guidance and Career Education Department Guidance Counsellors

course planning, Individual Pathway Planning, career and educational planning,

community agencies and/or DDSB service referrals, volunteer opportunities, student success programs (alternative education, credit

recovery), tutoring applying to college, apprenticeships or university resources on post-secondary programs, application

processes and financial assistance. Student Success Assistance with regular classroom work as well as Credit Recovery/Rescue for grades 9 & 10 students who have fallen behind in their compulsory credits. Student Success provides new and relevant learning opportunities that build on students’ interests and strengths, as well as their learning needs. Career Cruising Career Cruising is an interactive career, guidance and pathways planning tool designed for students of all ages. The tool can help students find the right career, explore different career options, manage course selection online and plan various pathways to meet the requirements for their desired career path. Students from Grade 8 onward will perform their course selections through the Course Planner module on the Career Cruising site and use the Individual Pathway Plan to develop a portfolio to plan career and educational goals.


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General School Information

ACADEMIC INQUIRY and EXCELLENCE The staff at Pine Ridge is dedicated to promoting academic inquiry. Special recognition is given to students who obtain Honours standing throughout the school year. To achieve Honours standing, students must meet the following criteria:

Grades 9-11: 80% average in 8 credits over the school year Grade 12:80% average in best 6 credits over the school year Ontario Scholar 80% average in best 6 grade 12 courses

ACCIDENTS/INSURANCE Accidents must be reported to the teacher in charge no matter how minor they may seem. Insurance forms are sent home during September of each school year. ALLERGIES Pine Ridge is an Allergy Awareness Zone. Signage is posted throughout the school with updated and revised community awareness information. Safety of students, staff, and visitors is always our number one concern. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY From September until June each year, every weekday is a regular school day unless it is a statutory holiday, PA Day, or board-designated holiday (at the Winter, March, and Easter Breaks). If any other school days are to be modified from the regular schedule, it will be posted on our website. Students are encouraged to take special care with all the attendance procedures to avoid unnecessary interruptions to their day and their parents’ or guardians’ day. The school contacts


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parents and guardians of each absent student. School administration requires that each student account for irregularities in attendance. Responsibility for accounting for legitimate absences (e.g., illness) with notes rests with the student and the parents or guardians. A phone call into the school and a written note confirming the legitimate absence will assist in ensuring accountability. Failure to account for legitimate absences may result in missed marks. Medical documentation may be required for extended absences greater than 3 days.

Lateness to class disrupts students and teachers. If students are late without a valid reason at any time, they will be issued an “unexcused late”. Students who have excessive lates will follow a progressive discipline process that will include a letter home, contact with a vice-principal, a Support and Responsibility Agreement meeting, detentions, and/or suspensions. Students who skip a class to avoid a late charge may face additional consequences. If it is absolutely necessary to leave school during the school day, students must bring a note with them from their parents or guardians requesting that they be excused at a certain time. This note should be presented to the main office before school begins. A sign-out slip will be issued to the student which can be presented to the teacher, thereby avoiding the need to page into a classroom, which can be disruptive to the learning environment. A student who is returning to school from an appointment or a part day absence must first report to the office to sign in. He/she will be given a sign-in slip to present to the teacher. There should not be a significant time lag between the arrival at school and sign-in to class.


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COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET ETHICS Computers are for authorized school purposes only. When using computers, the Acceptable and Safe Use Procedure of the Durham District School Board must be followed. Students and Parents/Guardians (if student is under 18) must sign an Acceptable Use Agreement form before they may use the computer and Internet facilities. Certain labs may be available before school, during the lunches or after school. COURSE ENHANCEMENT FEES Schools are required to develop strategies that recognize and reduce barriers to participation and work to effectively include all students in programs and activities. Successful completion of a grade or course required for graduation cannot be dependent on the payment of any course fee. Fees may be charged for:

optional programming; extracurricular trips, events or activities that are

extensions to the curriculum Extended student study tours or excursions that are not necessary to meet the learning expectations of a particular grade or course;

optional supplies; student activity fees; and co-curricular activities, special events, program

enhancements or field trips.

DRESS CODE A Dress Code for students, supported by parents/guardians, staff, and students, promotes a safe and respectful environment for teaching and learning. Under the Safe Schools Act established by the Ministry of Education, Pine Ridge has established a Dress Code that respects the diversity and complies with the Human Rights Code and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.


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PINE RIDGE SECONDARY SCHOOL DRESS CODE

E.Q.A.O. NUMERACY and LITERACY TESTS Every year, the Ministry of Education administers, through the schools, province wide assessments in both literacy and numeracy. All students are required to write these assessments in their respective grades or while taking the related course. Attendance for both assessments is mandatory and a Ministry requirement. The Grade 9 EQAO Numeracy Assessment is worth 5% of the course mark as mandated by the Board. The passing of the Grade 10 EQAO Literacy Test is a graduation requirement.


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EXAM WRITING POLICY Examinations are held at the end of each semester. All students must write exams as scheduled in applicable courses. The examination period is published in the Calendar portion of the Agenda. The specific time and date for each course exam will be clearly posted around the school closer to the exam time. Students who are:

LATE for an exam: must report to the main office immediately.

ABSENT from an exam: The school must receive a doctor’s note or other acceptable documentation within 24 hours of the scheduled exam otherwise a mark of zero for the exam is given. In the event of an emergency school closure, the exam schedule will be adjusted accordingly.

EXTENDED ABSENCES The Ministry of Education requires regular attendance for the granting of credits. Extended absences must be approved by an Administrator. “Extended Absence Forms” are available in the main office. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the teachers and administration well in advance. Students will be responsible for all work, assignments, and tests held during the time they are away. Formal examinations must be written as scheduled. Please take note of the specific examination days published in the agenda and on the school’s website. GETTING READY FOR HIGH SCHOOL At the end of August, Grade 8 students are encouraged to sign up for “Getting Ready for High School”. This program is open to all students entering Grade 9 and provides them with a brief introduction to the Grade 9 English and Mathematics curriculum, as well as study skills, time management, and steps to success. Registration forms are available in the Guidance Department or at www.dce.ca


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i AM WHO i AM is a campaign initiated by a committee of inspired students to create schools and communities that honour the equity and worth of all. We recognize the value and dignity of each individual. We strive to inspire our students, parents and guardians, staff members, and community members to support each other in learning, working and living together. LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY It is the responsibility of the student to seek assistance from the subject teacher when he / she is unable to complete a task or assignment due to insufficient knowledge or skill. It is not acceptable to advise a teacher of difficulty the day before or on a due date. Every assignment provides evidence of learning and deducting marks for late assignments could misrepresent the student’s true level of achievement. However, there should be clear boundaries on student adherence to deadlines and known consequences for not submitting assignments for evaluation or for submitting them late. The window of opportunity for submission of work will be posted by the teacher and where possible, be established in consultation with the student. These deadlines will be clearly communicated to students and where appropriate to parents/guardians. The last day of this period of time will be deemed an absolute deadline. Despite on-going assessment for and as learning, some students may not submit a major assignment within the given time period. The teacher may determine an absolute deadline for submission of work for evaluation. It is possible that marks may be deducted for late assignments up to and including the full value of the assignment. Teachers will ensure that mark deduction will not result in a percentage mark for the report card that, in their professional judgement, misrepresents the student’s actual achievement.


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LIBRARY The Library (or Resource Centre) is the hub of communication and information technology; internet, presentation software, multi-media production, resource/book borrowing, daily newspapers, audio-visual previewing, photocopying, and current magazines. Most resources may be borrowed for a period of two weeks with a Student ID Card. Fines will be charged for late returns. The Library is a classroom. Students are welcome in the Library for quiet study and research on their own time. They are required to bring all their own supplies for project work. The Library is open before and after school, and during lunch. The weekly schedule is posted on the doors. MEDICATION and MEDICAL CONCERNS Students are to bring to school only the required dosage for one school day at a time. Parents and guardians are requested to ensure that this procedure is followed. No persons shall give any medication to another person. This practice could be grounds for suspension or expulsion. The school does not store, distribute, or administer any medications for students. It is a student’s responsibility to inform the office if he/she has any serious allergies or medical conditions. Forms to advise teaching staff of serious allergies are available at the beginning of the school year in home room and are available in the main office. The school also requests that students contact their vice-principal to discuss the medical concerns. PARENTS AS PARTNERS CONFERENCE The Durham District School Board is proud to host an annual Parents as Partners Conference in the fall of each year. The conference features motivational speakers who provide parents and guardians with helpful information on ways to better understand and support their children.


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PARKING Pine Ridge Secondary School in located in a unique section of Pickering. At the end of Liverpool Road there is a dead end. As a result, access to and from PRSS is limited. Enter at the south entrance and exit at the north end of the parking lot. The drop off area is directly in front of the school. Do not drop off in the Student Parking or Staff Parking areas. Visitor parking is located at the North end of the Parking lot, near the main entrance. PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES Personal electronic devices may only be utilized off school property or in designated areas and during times assigned by the school. If parents or guardians need to contact a student at school, they are to phone the main office at 905-420-1885. Unauthorized video or audio recording at school for any purpose is prohibited. Misuse of personal electronic devices will result in confiscation, detentions, and/or suspension. The school cannot assume the liability for lost or stolen items. PLAGIARISM and CHEATING In cases where there is a suspicion of plagiarism or cheating, the teacher will notify the office and discuss the issue with students and parents or guardians. All students are responsible for reporting the plagiarism of their own work as soon as they become aware of it. Possible consequences for plagiarism and cheating include mark reduction, a mark of zero, detention, and/or suspension.


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PUBLIC TRANSIT Durham Region Transit operates a regularly scheduled bus service to Pine Ridge with extra service at the beginning and end of each day. Discounted bus passes will be sold in the main office at the end of each month. RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS Pine Ridge Secondary School follow the Guidelines and Procedures for the Accommodation of Religious Requirements, Practices, and Observances, which is available on the website of the Durham District School Board. If you anticipate that you or your family might require religious accommodation at any point during the school year we ask that you inform the administration at your child’s school as early as possible, preferably at the start of the school year. Areas that you might consider include, but are not limited to, the following:

Observation of major religious holy days and celebrations Accommodation in, or exemption from, specific areas of

the curriculum or other school activities Religious attire Modesty requirements in physical education School opening and closing exercises Prayer Dietary requirements

You are also welcome to speak to your school administration about unanticipated religious accommodation needs as they arise. REPORT CARDS and PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS Report Cards are issued twice each semester. Student progress reports are issued in October and March and are followed by parent-teacher interviews within a few days. Provincial Midterm


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Report Cards are issued in November and April. Students, who are in danger of failing a credit, will receive mark updates from subject teachers in December and May. The final semester reports are issued in February and July. Signed report cards must be returned to the school within 3 days of reports being issued. SCHOOL CLOSURE In the event of a heavy snow/ice storm, families will be advised as soon as possible, on the website of the Durham District School Board or local radio stations, if schools are to be closed. STUDENT ACTIVITY COUNCIL The Student Activity Council (S.A.C.) is a group of students who are elected by their peers to represent the student body. Throughout the year, the S.A.C. plans and organizes events such as talent shows, spirit weeks, fashion shows, and the Prom. Campaigning and elections for S.A.C. positions are held at the end of second semester and run for a week. Interested candidates must maintain a satisfactory record of academic performance and attendance. STUDENT ACTIVITY ENDORSEMENT Students participating in extra-curricular activities will pay an additional $30.00 for an Activity Endorsement Sticker which will go on the back of the Student I.D. card. This fee includes participation on sports teams, clubs, school dances, the Prom, musical and drama productions, and other school activities. Additional fees may apply.


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STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS All students will receive a photo Student Card with a personal bar code. This I.D. card must be with students at all times to sign in or out and to help distinguish Pine Ridge students from trespassers. The card will allow students to gain access to special events and will allow special privileges. The student identification card is also used as a Library card. This card must be presented to borrow materials and to work on the computers. TESTS It is the responsibility of each student to know tests dates, prepare for them, and write them on the set date. If a test is missed due to illness, legal issues, or other substantiated reasons, it is the responsibility of the student to provide a note from his/her parent or guardian to the subject teacher indicating the reason for the absence and the awareness that a test was missed. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate test date arrangements with the subject teacher. A student may receive a mark of zero if he/she skips the class on the day the test was administered.


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Extra-Curricular Activities*

All students are encouraged to participate in whichever extra-curricular activities interest them.

Groups Arts Society Athletic Association Bands Best Buddies Choirs Crochet Club Dance Clubs and Team DECA (Business Club) Gamerz Club Gay Straight Alliance Green Ridge Improv Impact Christian

Fellowship Library Volunteers Me to We Muslim Interscholastic

Tournament Outdoors Club Pine Craft Creations Prom Committee Puma Productions

Sewing Club Student Activity Council White Pine Book Club

Sports Basketball Cross Country Golf Rugby Soccer Softball Tennis Volleyball Badminton Hockey Swimming Baseball Dragonboat Mountain Biking Track and Field

*These are only examples. Each year extra-curricular activities vary based on participation and interest.


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Community Contacts Addiction Services (Pinewood) 905-683-5950 Alcoholics Anonymous and Alateen 1-800-921-3555 Autism Ontario (Durham Region) 1-866-495-4680 Bereaved Families of Ontario 1-800-969-6904 Big Brothers and Big Sisters (Ajax/Pick) 905-831-3777 Children’s Aid Society (Durham) 905-433-1551 City of Pickering 1-866-683-2760 Community Legal Clinic 1-888-297-2202 Continuing Education (Durham) 1-800-408-9619 Deaf Services (Durham) 905-579-3328 Denise House (family violence) 1-800-263-3725 Distress Centre Durham 1-800-452-0688 Durham District School Board 1-800-265-3968 Durham Region 1-800-372-1102 Durham Region Transit 1-866-247-0055 Eating Disorder Information Centre 1-866-633-4220 Epilepsy Durham 905-571-2099 GO Transit 1-888-438-6646 Government of Canada 1-800-OCANADA Government of Ontario 1-800-267-8097 Housing (Durham Region Non-Profit) 905-686-1278 Information Durham 1-866-463-6910 Kid’s Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Mental Health (Ontario Shores) 1-877-767-9642 Police (Durham Regional) 1-888-579-1520 Public Health Department (Durham) 1-800-841-2729 Rape Crisis Centre (Durham) 905-668-9200 Red Cross (Durham) 1-866-723-2933 Rose of Durham (pregnant teens) 289-385-1160 Rouge Valley Health (Ajax Hospital) 905-683-2320 Unemployed Help Centre (Durham) 905-579-1821 Youth Centre 905-428-1212


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Frequently Asked Questions Can a student change course types? Students can change course types between grades 9 and 10. Do a student’s courses have to be all of the same type? Students are encouraged to take the type of course that best suits their interests, goals and learning style. Students may select a variety of course types. How do I pick my child’s courses for next year? A good place to start is with the grade 8 teachers to assist with course selection. Guidance Counsellors visit elementary schools and hold course assemblies to assist in the decision making process. A Course Fair is held each February for parents, guardians, and students to find out more about course offerings. What if a student has an appointment during the school day? Students must bring a note with them from their parent or guardian requesting that they be excused at a certain time, as it is disruptive to classes in progress to page a student to come to the office to sign out. The note should be presented to the main office before school begins. A sign-out slip will be issued to the student which can be presented to the appropriate teacher. What if a student is arriving late due to an appointment? A parent or guardian must send a note with the student. As soon as he or she arrives at school, the student must submit this note to the secretary and get an admit slip to class. What if a student is going to be absent from school for a day? A parent or guardian must call the school office and provide the student’s name, reason, and duration of absence.


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How will I get information about my child’s progress in a class? Pine Ridge provides mid-term progress reports. Students at risk are clearly identified so that early interventions can be made. The Progress Report is an informal report and does not normally include a percent grade, but it is useful for identifying strengths and areas of need. What if my child does not bring home the reports? A parent or guardian with legal access to their child can request a report from the office, unless the student is already 18 years old. Parent or guardians may also speak to the teacher. Do you have scheduled times to meet teachers? Yes. Each semester we have a “Parent-Teacher interviews”. The afternoon and evening sessions allows for parent-teacher discussions. Alternatively you can schedule additional time for the teacher for a later date. What if I am working or otherwise cannot attend an interview on that date or what if my child’s teacher is all booked? If this occurs and you still want an interview, then please contact your teacher. They will be happy to arrange an alternative time that is mutually convenient. If such a time cannot be found, you may have a phone interview instead. How do I get information about my child’s courses and what they should be expecting? Each student will receive a copy of a course outline at the start of every course. It will include information regarding the units of study and the overall course marking scheme. The course outline may include specific dates of tests and details of specific assignments. If your child does not receive a course outline, contact your child’s teacher.


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How will I receive information about upcoming tests and assignments? This information is disseminated in different ways. Many teachers write critical dates on the board for students to copy into their agendas. Assignment sheets typically have instructions and due dates on them. Some teachers also have course-based websites. If you are not certain which methods your child’s teacher uses, contact your child’s teacher. What if I have a discussion with a teacher and I disagree with the teacher? There are virtually no problems that cannot be resolved with a respectful dialogue between a parent or guardian and their child’s teacher. In the rare instance where there is a specific issue, please contact your child’s vice principal.

Notes


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Keeping Up-to-Date with Pine Ridge Secondary School

2155 Liverpool Road North, Pickering ON L1X 1V4

905-420-1885

905-420-3714

[email protected]

PineRidgeSecondarySchool.ca

Facebook.com/PineRidgeSecondarySchool

Twitter.com/PineRidgeSS

YouTube.com/PineRidgeSS

Other ways to keep up to date: A quarterly newsletter posted on our website, an electronic information sign at the entrance to our driveway on Liverpool Road, and a network of 8 large-screen televisions throughout the building that are updated regularly with recent successes, upcoming events, and other important information.

Documents

Grades 9 and 10 Parent Handbook - Durham District School …€¦ · The Pine Ridge Parent Handbook is just one of the tools to assist ... August Getting Ready for High School September