“Home of the Falcons”

STUDENT HANDBOOK 2014-2015

Ms. K. Sweet, Principal Mr. J. Proctor, Vice-Principal

1375 California Avenue Windsor, Ontario

N9B 2Z8

24-Hour Attendance Line: 519-254-6451 (press 1) Fax: 519-254-9872

This Agenda belongs to: Name: _______________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________

2014-2015

STUDENT COUNCIL EXECUTIVE

TO BE DETERMINED

Prime Minister- Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of External Relations- Minister of Internal Relations- Minister of Finance- Ministers of Communication – Minister of Diversity –

8:15 a.m. Morning Warning Bell

8:20 a.m. “O Canada” and Announcements

8:25 – 9:41 a.m. Period 1

9:45 – 11:01 a.m. Period 2

11:01 – 11:41 a.m. Lunch

11:41 – 11:45 a.m. Warning Bell

11:45 – 1:01 p.m. Period 3

1:05 – 2:21 p.m. Period 4

Important Dates 2014-2015

Holidays & Breaks Labour Day September 1 Thanksgiving October 13 Christmas Break December 22 – January 2 Family Day February 16 March Break March 16 - 20 Good Friday April 3 Easter Monday April 6 Victoria Day May 18

School Year

Classes Begin September 2 Picture Day September 4 PA Day September 26 Picture Retake Day To be announced

Progress Reports October 14 Parent/Teacher Interviews October 15 (4:00 – 7:00 p.m.) Semester Midpoint – 1st day of 2nd half

November 10

PA Day November 21 EQAO Math January 8 - 23 Exams Semester One January 23 – January 29 PA Day January 30

Start of Second Semester February 2 Grad Pictures To be announced Progress Report March 3 Parent/Teacher Interviews March 4 (4:00 – 7:00pm) OSSLT (Literacy Test) March 26 Semester Midpoint – 1st day of 2nd half

April 20

PA Day April 27 EQAO Math May 28 – June 12 Last Day of Classes June 17 Exams Semester Two June 18 – June 24 PA Day June 25 PA Day June 26

Graduation June 25

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS Westview Freedom Academy offers every student an opportunity to participate in clubs, teams, organizations and intramurals. Examples of these activities offer Westview Freedom Academy students the opportunity to grow both physically and socially.

Badminton Baseball Basketball Business Competitions Cross Country Debate Club Football Gay-Straight Alliance Girls Slo-Pitch Intramural Sports Math Competitions Morning Announcement Team Multicultural Club

Prom Committee Science Competitions Soccer Student Parliament Students against Violence Tennis Track and Field Tutoring Volleyball Weight Room Wrestling Yearbook

GET INVOLVED! * Other clubs & activities can be started by getting a teacher sponsor.

Creating Pathways for Success

The Ministry of Education has recently released the new policy document and associated information regarding the Education and Career/Life Planning Program entitled, “Creating Pathways for Success”. Beginning in the 2013-2014, the introduction of the Individual Pathways Plan (IPP) will be used to support a student’s journey from grade 7 to their post-secondary destination. Students will receive support from their teachers, guidance counsellors, school administrators and students success teachers in the development of their IPP. Multiple opportunities will be provided to support students in their education and career/life path through active planning that continues with: course selection, curriculum connections and experiential learning within our communities. The development of the new Education and Career/Life Planning Program was designed to enable secondary school students to complete their studies in four years and make a successful transition to their initial post-secondary destination. To this end, the Ministry of Education continues to support student success with a greater focus on having students graduating from secondary school in four years. As part of this Ministry directive, boards of education will receive reduced funding for students in courses that could earn them more than 34 credits. Exemptions to this policy include: -students with an individual education plan (IEP); -credits achieved in English-as-a-Second Language; and -students enrolled in their first four years who earn more than 34 credits. Given this direction, The Greater Essex County District School Board recognizes that some students for variety of reasons may return for additional credits above and beyond those required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Should students plan to return to school beyond the thirty (30) credits required for graduation and exceed the 34 credit threshold, their program of study may not be in a regular day school program. Students exceeding the 34 credit threshold will be afforded opportunities to achieve credits through: -night school -summer school -part time studies -E-learning (on-line) courses -Blended Model Courses (combination of on line and face to face courses); and -independent study Students in consultation with their families are strongly encouraged to actively plan their respective high school course selection and initial post-secondary destination with the help of their school guidance counsellor and student success team members. Each year of secondary school brings new opportunities, programs and pathways to support a student’s journey from grade 7 to their post-secondary destination. The transition to a post-secondary destination is best navigated with the support from our guidance department and their collective expertise during this important time in the lives of our students. Should you have questions please contact the school guidance department to assist in the planning process.

Westview Freedom Academy: Expectations for Success These guidelines have been developed to outline the responsibilities and expectations of the members of this school community to ensure the success of our students. Our goal is to maintain a school dedicated to supporting our students in their learning and in realizing their full potential. Westview Freedom Academy recognizes that most students are self-disciplined and responsible, and that motivation and self-control are essential for positive growth to occur. Our mission, through a partnership with our students, staff, parents and community, is to encourage students to become responsible and caring citizens, while developing and celebrating their own individuality. We also believe that our students must be willing participants in their own success. Therefore, it is expected that all students will demonstrate and follow the ‘4 C’s of Success’: 1. Commitment to learning and achievement including: � co-operating with other students, staff and parents to promote a safe and healthy learning

environment � accepting personal responsibility for learning and achievement � attending everyday � arriving on time and prepared for all classes � exercising self- discipline (performing learning tasks when assigned by teachers, adhering to due

dates, etc.) 2. Courtesy towards every person who enters the school building: � using words and actions which show respect and dignity to all school citizens, visitors, neighbors,

and community � supporting and assisting all members of our school community, regardless of ethnicity, culture,

religion, sexual orientation, or ability 3. Care in the use of the school building, grounds, equipment and property of others including: � demonstrating respect for the property of our Board, of our school and of others (students, staff,

and visitors) � using care to maintain school buildings, grounds, and equipment � developing and demonstrating environmental awareness (4 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle and

recover) 4. Common Sense in the approach to school practices and expectations including: � adhering to all school policies (Code of Conduct, Safe Schools Legislation, attendance, late,

dress code, extra-curricular, computer use, personal communication and computing devices, etc.) � accessing available adult supports (teachers, CYW’s, EA’s, DSW’s, LST’s, SST, CYF, Guidance

Department, and administrators) as and when necessary � developing and employing positive problem solving skills in an assertive and non-confrontational

manner

Progressive Discipline Progressive discipline is a whole-school approach that utilizes a continuum of interventions, supports, and consequences to address inappropriate student behaviour and to build upon strategies that promote positive behaviours. When inappropriate behaviour occurs, disciplinary measures should be applied within a framework that shifts the focus from one that is solely punitive to one that is both corrective and supportive. Progressive discipline means that schools utilize a range of interventions, supports, and consequences that include learning opportunities for reinforcing positive behavior while helping students to make good choices (PPM 145, Ontario Ministry of Education, December 2012).

Strategies, Supports, Interventions, and Consequences

All members of the Westview Freedom Academy community are committed to the success of our students. This means that we are concerned about the safety and well-being of each of our students and that we will respond appropriately to the needs of our students. We believe that student behaviour can change and that we can influence that change. As part of a whole-school approach to promote positive student behaviour, we will: • model the behaviours that we expect from our students. • address inappropriate, unacceptable, and unsafe behaviour in a fair, consistent, caring and

respectful manner. • utilize a continuum of strategies, supports, interventions, and consequences to address

inappropriate student behaviour and to promote positive student behaviour. Individual circumstances and factors will be considered when determining the most appropriate response to student behaviour. Decisions and actions will be based on mitigating and/or other factors, the nature and severity of the behaviour, and the impact on the school climate. All staff members are encouraged to address inappropriate, unacceptable, or unsafe behaviour in and around the school (hallways, cafeteria, school property, etc.). Teachers will typically establish norms and routines in their own classrooms and determine appropriate responses to negative behaviours in their classrooms- teachers are responsible for behaviours occurring in their classrooms. Collaboration with appropriate members of staff is encouraged, and may be necessary, to ensure positive student behaviour and to support student achievement. Restorative Practices (RP) is one means of developing relationships and promoting positive student behaviour. In the RP philosophy, conflict or wrongdoing is seen as causing harm to people and relationships, and there is an obligation first to repair this harm in order for the people involved to move forward. It is a way of educating students towards self-regulated right behaviour that is respectful of all concerned. In particular, it puts the onus back on the wrongdoer to be truly accountable for their behaviour and to repair any harm caused to others. RP is a philosophy and a belief system that student behaviour can change when the ‘offender’ understands how his/her behaviour affects others (‘victims’ and ‘community members’) and actively participates in repairing the harm done. RP does not utilize punitive measures, but is based on logical consequences for negative behaviours or actions, development of trusting relationships, and the establishment of firm and fair expectations for student behaviour.

Teachers are expected to utilize appropriate strategies, supports, interventions, and consequences to promote positive student behaviour and to respond to negative student behaviour in their classrooms. Suggestions are provided below. This is not intended to be a complete list of options or the only options. Possible Responses to Inappropriate, Unacceptable, or Unsafe Behaviour • review OSR/IEP • review Behaviour and /or Safety Plans • Restorative Practices (affective statements, affective questions, circles) • consult/collaborate with STAFF • reward/recognize positive behaviour • proximity • cues/prompts, verbal re-directions • relocation in classroom • selective attention • review expectations • clarify/explain expectations • conversation with student (private/discrete) • meet with student (alternate time/setting) • develop a ‘student action plan’ • develop and implement a contract • develop an incentive program • reflection sheet/journal • provide opportunities with responsibilities/assign a role (‘job’) • research/written assignment (appropriate and logical) • apology • communication/consultation with parents/guardians • meet with student and parents/guardians • school-based team meeting • removal of classroom privileges • classroom detention (by teacher) • alternate setting (LST, Library) • access CYW support: specific behaviours- planning/programming/collaboration • mediation/conflict resolution • peer mentoring and learning • referral to LST, SST, Guidance, etc.

THE SAFE SCHOOLS’ ACT Please refer to the following website for regulations.

http://www.gecdsb.on.ca/aboutboard/PoliciesRegulations/index.html

GREATER ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD POLICY: SAFE SCHOOLS

The Greater Essex County District School Board is committed to creating a safe, secure, and harmonious learning, teaching and work environments built on a positive school climate promoting “responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.” In order to promote safe and harmonious environments, all schools, school-sponsored activities, Board properties and Board-sponsored activities must be free from conduct which infringes upon the rights of others or endangers people or property. All students, parents, teachers, staff, volunteers and community members have the right to be and feel safe. With this right comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens, to be accountable for one’s actions, and to protect the rights of others. These responsibilities also include appropriate use of technology and responsible behaviour in other activities both on and off the school property which may affect the school climate. Such activities shall not negatively impact the climate of the school or members of the school community. The Board supports these guiding principles through its Safe Schools policy, regulations, administrative procedures and related guidelines.

Adherence to these requirements and to those set out by the Education Act, Part XIII is expected of all members of the school community. School and work environments should be free of:

• �disrespectful behaviour;

• �inappropriate dress;

• �profane or inappropriate language;

• �harassment of any nature, including but not limited to, harassment on the basis of race; ancestry; place of origin; colour; ethnic origin; citizenship; religion; gender; sexual orientation; age; or, disability;

• �bullying, threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, verbal aggression;

• �physical aggression and violence;

• �theft or robbery;

• �vandalism, damage to property;

• �alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and substance abuse;

• �weapons;

• �unauthorized access to property; and, �trespassers.

GETTING ALONG WITH OTHERS We have the responsibility to work together to make Westview Freedom Academy an inviting place for all of us, a place that represents our global society, a place that we enjoy coming to and where we feel we belong. We must ensure that we work towards eliminating threats, physical and verbal abuse, sexual, racial, religious and ethnic harassment, sarcasm, teasing, gossip, harassment and bullying. Harassment: It is an unwelcome comment or behaviour that causes a person to feel degraded, embarrassed, offended, threatened or hurt in any way. These actions are intentional and repetitive, exerting some form of power and control. Bullying can become assault if there is physical contact. Types of Harassment/Bullying: • Sexual/Gender: Negative reference to gender-specific traits, unwanted comments, jokes and

nicknames of a sexual nature. • Racial/Ethnic/Cultural/Religious: Negative reference with respect to any of these areas including

derogatory comments, stereotyping and generalizations that promote negative characteristics. • Individual Differences: Negative reference to traits specific to the victim (e.g. size, weight,

clothes, etc.) Forms of Harassment/Bullying: • Physical: Intimidation and threat, property destruction, physical contact. • Verbal: Oral or written comments, rumours, graffiti, internet. • Non-Verbal: Exclusion, intimidation, gestures, negative manipulation. • Cyber-bullying: Use of any computer/program (e.g. MSN, My Space, Facebook etc.) for the

purposes of bullying, harassment or intimidation. Consequences of Harassment/Bullying • Harassment is prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Code. • If bullying becomes assault, it is a chargeable offense. • School consequences can include: � suspension and/or expulsion � referral to the police � removal of school privileges and other consequences

Examples of harassment: • remarks, jokes or stories of a sexual, racial or ethnic nature • display of sexually suggestive or racially offensive pictures and literature • refusal to work or converse with a person because of his/her ethnic or racial background, religion,

or sexual orientation • mockery of a student’s appearance • persistent, unwelcome social invitations • sexual orientation • suggestive gestures or staring • unwelcome physical contact such as touching, patting, hugging and other unwelcome advances. If you encounter such a problem, help is available through: the Principal, Vice-Principal, a guidance counselor, teacher, coach or the CYW or any other support staff.

WELCOME TO WESTVIEW FREEDOM ACADEMY Accidents Any accident or physical injury that occurs on school property or on any approved school activity or event must be reported promptly to the classroom teacher or to the main office. Alcohol, Drugs, Weapons There is a zero tolerance policy concerning the use and/or possession of alcohol or drugs on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities. Any student found to be in possession of, distributing, or under the influence of either drugs or alcohol will be suspended or expelled according to board policy (Part G: Safe School Legislation). Books If a textbook or library book is signed out by the student it is the student’s responsibility to return it. A lost book must be paid for. Cafeteria and Lunches In an effort to maintain a neat and sanitary school environment, all food, snacks and beverages are to be consumed in the Cafeteria, outside, and in designated areas. After eating, students are expected to clean up and dispose of their garbage in a responsible manner. No food or drink is to be consumed by students or staff in the classrooms, gymnasium or library (NOTE: water is permitted). Your co-operation is important. Cheating and Plagiarism If you are found cheating and/or assisting another student to cheat on an assessment, you will be assigned a mark of zero for that assessment, and suspended. If you are found cheating and/or assisting another student to cheat on a final examination, you will be given a mark of zero. Course Changes For information about course changes, please contact a guidance counselor. Dress Code Students at Westview Freedom Academy are expected to take pride in their appearance by dressing cleanly, neatly and appropriately. In general, all clothing worn to school must be conducive to an academic environment. This helps our students to develop an awareness of workplace attire expectations. Clothing or accessories containing inappropriate or objectionable pictures and/or words such as references to alcohol, drugs, profanity, obscene language, statements promoting violence, racism or illegal behaviour, sex (including phrases or words with double meaning), or gender-offensive language are not acceptable. Sleeveless undershirts or muscle shirts worn as outer clothing are not acceptable. No revealing torn clothing, no undergarments (this includes bra straps and boxer shorts) are to be showing. Tube tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, bare backs, bare midriffs and mesh style apparel are NOT acceptable. Sleeveless tops and dress straps that are two inches (or more) wide on the shoulders (not around the neck in a “halter style”) are permitted. Pajama tops or bottoms are not appropriate, nor are slippers.

Shorts are permissible. However, both shorts and skirts must be arm length to thumb tip and must not have holes or be torn. Swimwear, transparent clothing is not acceptable. No hats, bandanas, kerchiefs, hoods or headbands are allowed. Religious head coverings are respected and may be worn. Sunglasses are not to be worn indoors (unless a medical note is filed with the office). Specific dress requirements for technical classes, physical education classes and co-operative education will be outlined by your teacher. For health and safety reasons, long pants and closed toed shoes must be worn in all technical classrooms. No outerwear, jackets, coats or backpacks are allowed in the classroom. They must be kept in your locker during class time. Cinch bags, backpacks and items of clothing (including pins and badges) which contain lettering and/or symbols which are obscene, sexually suggestive or abusive towards racial, ethnic or religious groups, or which make reference to alcohol or drugs, are not permitted. This dress code policy must be adhered to at all times including field trips, sporting events and excursions to other school events. Students will be asked to alter their dress if in violation of the code. Repeat violators will be subject to progressive discipline. Due to constantly changing variety of apparel style, the Principal/Vice-Principal have the authority to determine if a clothing item not specifically covered in this dress code is, in fact, appropriate for school attire. Reasonable rules concerning dress, neatness and cleanliness are vital not only to the individual student but also to those with whom he/she shares a class or activity. Clothing should not interfere with the learning environment. Grooming, dress and appearance are positive indicators of the serious purposes of attending school. Examinations Examinations are scheduled at the end of each semester. It is your responsibility to know where and when your examinations are to be written. You will be assigned a mark of zero for any exam that you fail to write unless your absence is verified by a medical certificate, appropriately dated, which clearly states the medical necessity for your absence from school. Field Trips and Extra-Curricular Events Participation in school activities is a privilege. As a representative of Westview Freedom Academy, your behaviour must be exemplary at all times. All school rules and Board policies apply. Fighting/Intimidation/Bullying - Cyberbullying/Horseplay All students have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect in a safe, enjoyable learning environment. The use of physical force as a means to resolve conflicts or to intimidate others is unacceptable. All instances of FIGHTING, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING/CYBERBULLYING AND HORSEPLAY must be reported to the main office. Students involved in such behaviours will be disciplined according to board policy (Part G: Safe School Legislation).

Fire/Lockdown/Tornado Drills These drills are required fire by law. Remain calm and orderly for fire and/or evacuation drills. Follow the exit route posted in your room or instructions given by the teacher. You may return to class after receiving instructions from the school staff.

Hall Passes Each classroom has a hall pass available for student use. Students must have a hall pass with them when in the halls during class time. Inappropriate Language A student must be obedient and courteous to those persons placed in positions of authority in the school. This includes the use of proper language. A student who uses vulgar, offensive, sexist or racist language should be referred to the main office. Students will be disciplined according to Board Policy (Part G: Safe School Legislation). Late Policy It is the responsibility of each student to arrive to each class on time (before the bell and prepared to participate in their learning). As a staff, we realize that students may require support in developing the organizational and time management skills necessary to be punctual. If a student arrives late for class, there are many ways to influence the student’s behaviour and choices so that he/she will act in a responsible and respectful manner. Students and parents/guardians can expect teachers to deliver organizational lessons that begin promptly with activities that engage learners. Students respond best to clear and concise expectations and routines, and to positive reinforcement. All staff will share with students that it is an expectation and a responsibility to arrive on time for each class. All staff members will help students understand that their tardiness impacts the school environment/culture, the teacher, other students and their own learning. Students and parents/guardians can expect teachers to have conversations with students that fail to arrive on time to determine the causes for the late arrival. Students will be expected to collaborate with the teacher to develop a plan for being punctual. Students may be referred to a CYW for organizational or personal support to address reasons for arriving late to class. If the behaviour continues, despite interventions from teachers and CYW’s, an administrator will collaborate with the student, staff and parents/guardians to promote punctuality. The focus will be on positive interventions (consultation, skill development sessions...) that are designed to change the behaviour. Administration will consider progressive discipline when determining appropriate consequences should the pattern of tardiness continue. Consequences for Being Late to Class: Lates #1 and 2: Consultation with Teacher Late #3 Parent Contact by Teacher Late #4 CYW Support: Contract Late #5 CYW Support: Skills Session Late #6 Consultation with Administration Late #7 Parent Contact by Administration Late #8 Letter to Parent with Daily Attendance Record Lates #9 and #10 Consequence to be determined by Administration 11 or more lates: Progressive Discipline will be utilized.

Lockers and Locks The lockers are the property of Westview Freedom Academy and are on loan to you for the year. Therefore, the school reserves the right to search any locker. Where possible, the student will also be present. If the Administration has reasonable and probable cause to believe that a student has been or may be involved in a criminal offence, the police may be called to assist in the search of the locker. Lockers are not to be damaged or defaced in any way. The school sells combination locks. Keep your lock combination number to yourself. All locks must be combination locks. If it is not a school lock, you must give the office your combination. The school is not responsible for articles lost or stolen from your locker. If you share a locker with someone, all occupants of that locker will be held accountable for items stored in the locker.

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION AND COMPUTING DEVICES POLICY The Greater Essex County District School Board recognizes that personal communication and computing devices such as cellular phones, Smartphones, laptops, Netbooks or other electronic communication and computing devices have value and can be used effectively to support learning. However, within the confines of the school environment, their use has the potential to be disruptive when it undermines the integrity of an individual’s right to privacy; adversely affects the quality of teaching or learning; and/or interferes with the safe and efficient operation of the school.

Student Use 1) Use of personal communication and/or computing devices is only permitted in school buildings or on school grounds during instructional time when permitted and supervised by a staff member for educational purposes. 2) Students who choose to bring personal communication and/or computing devices to school do so with the understanding that: i) Personal communication and computing devices that are brought to school are the responsibility of the owner. The GECDSB and/or the school are not liable for damage, loss or theft of the device or data that is stored on the device. ii) Personal communication and computing devices that are brought to school, are to be off during instructional time unless use is approved by a staff member; iii) Personal communication and computing devices may not be used at any time where individual privacy must be protected such as washrooms, locker or change rooms. iv) Unless expressly permitted by a staff member, personal communication and computing devices are not to be used during a curriculum assessment or evaluation (test or examination). 3) Students will be subject to school discipline, suspension, expulsion and/or police involvement, as per the school and board policy relative to the Code of Conduct and the consequences for the inappropriate use of personal communication and computing devices by students shall include: a verbal warning; parent/guardian contact; confiscation of communication device; detention(s); suspension(s); expulsion; referral to Police.

Parking Students are asked to park at the back of the building (Canadian Tire side). PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN AREAS RESERVED FOR THE FIRE ROUTES AND THE AUTO SHOP. Smoking Westview Freedom Academy is pleased to offer you a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not allowed in any part of the building or on school property. Students who are of a legal age to smoke must remember to respect our neighbours and their property. For assistance in stop-smoking programs, contact the Teen Health Centre or our guidance counselors.

Spare Periods A spare is viewed as a study period. Students must be working in the cafeteria, or the library. They are not allowed to wander the hallways. Student Activity Cards Pictures are taken in early September and the cards are ready shortly afterwards. This is an important piece of I.D. that will allow you into our activities but is also required to get into activities at other secondary schools. Your student card will be required when using computers and participating in activities at Westview Freedom Academy and other secondary schools. Do not let anyone borrow your card! Team Uniforms Team uniforms are issued to students on a loan basis. Team uniforms remain the property of the school and must be returned at the end of the scheduled season. Students will be required to pay for any lost or damaged uniforms. Report cards, transcripts, diplomas, or additional textbooks will be withheld until all outstanding items have been accounted for. Vandalism A student must show respect for all school property including lockers and textbooks as well as, the property of others. Each student is responsible for the care, treatment and prompt return in good condition of library books, assigned textbooks, team uniforms, lockers and other school equipment lent to him or her during the course of the school year. Please report immediately to the main office any acts of vandalism. Students involved in this type of behaviour will be disciplined according to Board Policy (Part G: Safe School Legislation). Visitors/Trespassing During the school day, the grounds and building are out of bounds except to students registered at Westview Freedom Academy, their parents or guardians, Board of Education employees or persons having business with the administration or staff. All visitors must obtain permission from the office to be on school property. Individuals on the property without permission risk being charged with trespassing. As well, students who are on a suspension from school will be charged with trespassing if they are on school property without the prior permission of the principal or vice-principal. NOTE: Administration reserves the right to make decisions regarding any issue not covered by these expectations and rules, especially if it presents concerns regarding the safety and well-being of students, staff, and/or visitors or the moral tone of the school.

ATTENDANCE Each student is required by law to attend classes regularly and punctually. Absenteeism, for whatever reason, limits the chance of success. Absence It is the responsibility of the student to have the parent or guardian to contact the Attendance Office and explain ALL absences. The student’s parent/guardian may telephone the school on the day of the absence or must send a note on the first day back at school. If the student is 18 and over they must call in their own absence at the start of the day that they are absent. There must be a valid reason for the absence. Please note that all calls for attendance must be directed to the school’s 24-hour voice mail telephone line at 254-6451 (press 1). Please speak slowly and spell your first name and last name. Students who have an unexplained absence will meet with the vice-principal. The Vice-Principal will contact students and/or parents/guardians with excessive absences. The Vice-Principal will determine and assign the appropriate consequences up to and including removal from class, suspension, loss of credit or withdrawal from school for excessive absences. Students who arrive to school ANY TIME after 8:20 a.m., you must in at the main office before reporting to class. Students who arrive late for periods 2,3, or 4, must go directly to their assigned class.

To be excused during the school day, students must report to the attendance office in advance of the absence and submit a valid note of explanation. In the event of an emergency, a student is required to report to the office so that a parent/guardian may be contacted. Sometimes it is necessary to leave school early due to illness. Please report to the attendance office and make arrangements to be excused from school and to get home safely. Do not leave school without checking out. Failure to report to the office will result in you automatically being marked truant, which could lead to suspension. Students who have unsupervised study period 1 is not required to be at school until his or her first scheduled class. When he or she arrives at school, he or she must sign in at the main office.

Policy for Spectators at Extra-curricular Events

All spectators must be respectful of each other plus all activity participants, officials and coaching staffs. No swearing, abusive language or baiting remarks will be tolerated at any Westview Freedom Academy sponsored activity. Any student who is disrespectful toward other spectators, coaches, opponents or officials will be disciplined accordingly. All students should be made aware of the responsibilities that all players must adhere to while representing Westview Freedom Academy in W.E.C.S.S.A.A. activities. Spectators have as much responsibility at games as do the players and the coaches.

Policy for Participants at Extra-curricular Events

Students, who cause or have caused problems as a participant at previous Westview Freedom Academy activities at home or away, shall have such privileges revoked for a period of time determined by the Principal. Follow-up activities must be taken by the student after the suspension to ensure that no repeat offence shall occur. In-school review of the Spectator’s Code of Conduct shall be done. All coaches will enforce the W.E.C.S.S.A.A. Codes of Conduct for Athletes and Coaches and will review these with all team members before the activity begins. Only Westview Freedom Academy students in good standing shall be allowed to participate in or view an extra-curricular activity. Any student under suspension or sent home, shall not be permitted to participate in any Westview Freedom Academy extra-curricular activity either as a team member or as a spectator.

THE GREATER ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD’S EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

POLICY

• The Greater Essex County District School Board values the important role that extra-curricular activities play in the development of our students. Activities provided by our schools are meant to complement and enhance the academic program so that all students have an opportunity to enjoy a well-rounded educational experience. Extra-curricular programs are a privilege for students to enrich their school lives.

• Students who wish to participate in extra-curricular activities are subject to the expectations and standards outlined in the new Greater Essex County District School Board policy and that of any policies, expectations and standards found within the governing sport bodies: WOAA, WECSSAA, SWOSSAA and OFSAA.

• Attendance, behaviour and academics are considered when determining student eligibility in extracurricular activities. Although there is not a set academic average to determine eligibility, it is expected that all student participants strive towards academic success. School administration will review the eligibility of any student failing 1 or more course. Reviews will be held prior to major sports season and will be based on the last full report. Interim progress reports may also be used to determine eligibility. For all fall activities, the previous year’s results will be used. In the event that a student was successful at summer school in a course failed during the previous academic year, the failure will be considered a passing course. Elementary marks will not determine a student’s first eligibility in high school.

• Appeal Process: Students that have been declared ineligible due to extenuating circumstances may appeal their eligibility in writing to the Principal. Once the appeal is received it will be reviewed by school administration and a final decision will be made.

Check out what the library has for you!

Books

* may be borrowed for 2 weeks.

* late fees are 10¢ a day

The Book Club meets every month. Visit the library to find out what we

are reading next.

New members are always welcome!

Computers

* schoolwork takes priority.

* ask BEFORE you print.

Research Help

* the teacher - librarian is available to help you plan and research your

projects and assignments … Start early!

To access a great collection of resources go to your home page

https://publicboard.ca

Click the Students Students Students Students tab and scroll down to the Virtual LibraryVirtual LibraryVirtual LibraryVirtual Library tab tab tab tab to find:

* Destiny* Destiny* Destiny* Destiny our online catalogue

Be sure to investigate Destiny Quest Destiny Quest Destiny Quest Destiny Quest and Follett ShelfFollett ShelfFollett ShelfFollett Shelf

* eLibrary* eLibrary* eLibrary* eLibrary

A virtual libraryvirtual libraryvirtual libraryvirtual library with credible sources for all your projects

****The The The The Canadian EncyclopediaCanadian EncyclopediaCanadian EncyclopediaCanadian Encyclopedia

****Statistics CanadaStatistics CanadaStatistics CanadaStatistics Canada

Avoid plagiarism and credit your sources of information

You will use two different formats to cite your sources – MLA and APA. Ask your teacher which one s/he prefers.

For more information on correct citation: http://library.duke.edu/research/citing

For help formatting your citations and keeping track of your sources:

http://citationmachine.net or http://www.bibme.org

** Tracking sheets are always available to help you stay organized **

Works Cited

Brown, James. "Cree Language Traditions." National Geographic. 20 Nov. 2000: 70-71.

Print.

Curry, Bill. "Definition of 'status Indians' Questioned." Globe and Mail [Toronto] 15 Jan.

2008, sec. C12: n. pag. Globe and Mail Archives. Web. 15 Sept. 2010.

Harris,T. "Inuit." World Book Encyclopedia. 2005 ed. 2005. Print.

Myers, Peter L. "Killing of the Innu." Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse 1.2 (2002):

General OneFile. Web. 29 June 2010.

"Permanent Collection and Art on Loan." Museum of Inuit Art (MIA).N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2010.

<http://www.miamuseum.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61&It emid= 69>.

Russell, Dan. A People’s Dream. Vancouver: UBC Press, 2000. Print.

Your MLA Works Cited page should be formatted

exactly like this:

Use hanging indentation. First line of each entry is

left aligned; additional lines are indented.

No bolding or underlining

Alphabetical order by

authors’ last name

Double–space entire list

Your APA Reference page should be formatted exactly like this:

References

Brown, J. (2000, November 20). Cree Language Traditions. National Geographic,

198, 70-71.

Curry, B. (2008, January 15). Definition of 'status Indians' questioned. Globe and

Mail. Retrieved September 15, 2010, from

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/archives/definition-of-status-indians-

questioned/article660978/

Harris, T. (2001). Inuit. In World Book Encyclopedia (Vol. 25, p. 157). Chicago: World

Book Inc.

Myers, P L (Summer 2002). Killing of the Innu. Journal of Ethnicity in Substance

Abuse, 1, 2. p.1(8). Retrieved June 29, 2010, from General OneFile via Gale:

http://find.galegroup.com/gtx/start.do?prodId=ITOF&userGroupName=

ko_k12hs_d27.

Permanent Collection and Art on Loan. (n.d.). Museum of Inuit Art (MIA). Retrieved

September 29, 2010, from

http://www.miamuseum.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=

61&Itemid=69.

Russell, D. (2000). A People’s Dream. Vancouver: UBC Press.

No bolding or

underlining

Double–space

entire list

Alphabetical order by authors’ last name

Use hanging indentation.

First line of each entry is left aligned; additional lines are

indented.