School Policies

The school will provide all technology necessary for learning at school. If a phone is seen, heard or used without teacher permission during the class time, the phone will be taken and it will remain with the teacher and be returned before the end of the day. If the offence is repeated or if the student refuses to cooperate at any time, school administrators may assign additional consequences and confiscate the phone. A parent/guardian may be asked to pick it up.

Students must adhere to all Division policies when using student-owned or school electronic devices of any kind in the school setting. Students cannot take photos and video of other students or staff without their consent. Photos and video should not be posted to the Internet without the parental consent of the featured student.​

Worrisome behaviours may be brought to our attention in a variety of ways, including alerts being shared regarding a student's activity while using Division technology or Division accounts.

Due to the fact that these electronic items are expensive and could be damaged or stolen, it is recommended that parents allow their children to bring them to school only if they are responsible enough to take care of the item. The school is NOT responsible for lost or stolen articles.

Students are encouraged to leave their cell phones in their lockers. ​

Technology must be handed in before an exam. 

Racette administration recognizes the value of handheld technology; however, technology etiquette is required at the school. 

At Ecole Racette School, students have increased access to technology and the opportunity to work collaboratively with teachers and classmates. Student work is saved on Google Drive, which makes it accessible from any computer with an internet connection. No additional software is required.

All school user accounts are managed and monitored by the school division. When concerning user activity arises, the school is notified and the concern will be addressed.   

General Precautions:

• No food or drink is allowed next to your Chromebook while it is in use. 
• Cords, cables, and removable storage devices must be inserted and removed carefully. 
• Chromebooks should be closed when not in use to conserve battery life.  
• If a chromebook is accidentally dropped, the student should notify the teacher immediately. 
• Chromebooks should not be left on the floor.

Technology Responsible Use:

• Chromebooks are to be used for school work only and not for games. 
• Chromebooks are NOT to be used at the breaks or at lunch for ‘free’ use.  They may be used to complete school work during noon tutorials only. 

Students who choose to bring and use their own personal device to school must only use their SPERD account during school hours.  If students are found to be in violation of this, they will be asked to leave their personal devices at home.

Revised:  April 2, 2024

Schools are a place of business and learning. Students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner for a school setting during all school sponsored functions (including dances, field trips, sporting activities, etc.)​

This expectation includes clothing that (regardless of gender):

• adequately covers the student (including stomachs and backsides) and all of the student's undergarments.
• contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging; (NO monograms which use vulgar language, make references to suggestive sexual thoughts, suggest excessive violence, gangs or alcohol/drug abuse)
• is appropriate for the gymnasium during Physical Education class (i.e.: non-marking runners, shorts or sweatpants that cover during activity, etc.)

Students are expected to:

• wear appropriate indoor footwear (i.e. footwear worn outdoors must be removed and replaced with indoor non-marking footwear)
• leave their backpacks in their lockers during the school day
• dress appropriately during severe weather conditions including bus travel to and from home or on field trips.

Locker Clean-up is regularly scheduled throughout the year.  Students are expected to keep all books, binders, and lockers neat and organized!

Lost and Found box is emptied on the last Monday of every month.  Items not claimed are given to community agencies.

• At Racette Junior High School, it is our policy to ensure as few zeros are assigned as possible for assignments, quizzes and exams.
• At the Junior High level, some students would prefer to take a zero rather than put in the time to complete the necessary work.  Therefore, students are made accountable to complete their assignments, quizzes and exams. This holds true for excused and/or unexcused absences.
  
  
• Teachers do the following to ensure students are learning:
• regarding absences:
• When students only miss one day, whether the absence is excused or not, teachers catch them up on missed assignments upon their return.
• When students miss multiple days in a row, whether the absence is excused or not, rather than try to catch students up on everything missed (often overwhelming to students who feel punished and often start to miss more school), teachers have students catch up on essential assignments only.  Other missed assignments are entered as ABS (absent) which does not count as a zero.
• Students who miss exams or quizzes do those upon their return to school after an absence, whether the absence is excused or not, as long as their return is timely.  If their absence is prolonged, ABS is entered within the marks program.
• The only assignments which may not be able to be caught up on are: science labs, oral quizzes/assignments or other “one time” activities.  For these, ABS is entered in the marks program.
• Of course, for students who may miss more school than they attend, their report card marks may become inflated due to this process.  If this is the case, then teachers, using their professional judgement, may simply not assign report card marks indicating insufficient evidence to provide an accurate mark.

• regarding incomplete class work:
• Students who do not complete an assignment are kept in or assigned Noon Tutorial until it is completed.  If this is unsuccessful, parents will be contacted via phone, e-mail, or letter home within a reasonable period of time after the assessment has been given.  Parents/Guardians will continue to be informed of student progress by regular updates on the marks program.  Assignments that are not handed in or that are incomplete will be identified as such.
• Students who have many incomplete assignments or are uncooperative with teacher interventions are kept in the office until all work is complete.

• Due to certain circumstances there are times when it may be necessary to assign a mark of zero:
• if a student, after repeated attempts or assistance, absolutely refuses to complete an assignment or exam.
• If teachers cannot catch up to a student prior to report card time, they may enter NHI (not handed in) in the marks program.  NHI means that the teacher will catch up with the student at a later date; however the marks program will count this as a zero until the mark is entered.
• term work will be accepted up to one week prior to the report card.
• late assignments will not be deducted marks

• In keeping with St. Paul Education Division standards and protocols, Racette School teachers will provide one second chance on any summative assessment per student per course with the option of providing more at their discretion.
• We want students to always demonstrate their best work the first time around.  The ultimate goal is to have students master curriculum outcomes.  If students have failed to do this, then teachers may implement a second chance, re-do or do-over.  PLEASE NOTE – this strategy to improve student success comes with a plan of action.  Students may need to bring a signed note from a parent/guardian indicating reasons why the student on the first attempt did not achieve a more acceptable mark and/or need to attend mandatory tutoring during SST or lunch hour.  We know that junior high students will often settle for any mark they receive, but, by making parents/guardians aware of these options, we hope to build student accountability and success.
• As per assessment policies, new marks will not be averaged with old marks.  The sole purpose of the second chance is to learn the material better and achieve mastery of the outcome.  Any student is eligible for a second chance.

The Ecole Racette School community (a partnership between staff, parents, and administrators) strives to develop self-sufficient individuals who are aware of their rights and responsibilities and are sensitive to and respectful of the rights of others.  This can only be achieved in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment where the individual is free to express himself emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually without fear of ridicule or reprisal.

Parents, staff, and students are viewed as role models for their peers.  All students deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.  Discipline should be designed to teach responsibility, self-control, and foster an understanding for the need for appropriate behavior.

References: The Alberta School Act and Administrative Procedures
AP 160 Welcoming Caring Respectful Safe and Inclusive Learning Environments
AP 165 Smoke Tobacco Free Environment
AP 350 Student Conduct
AP 354 Dangerous Weapons in the School
AP 356 Student Suspension and Expulsion

STUDENT CONDUCT

According to the Section 31 of the Alberta Education Act, a student, as a partner in education, has the responsibility to:

• attend school regularly and punctually,
• be ready to learn and actively engage in and diligently pursue the student’s education,
• ensure that the student’s conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging,
• respects the rights of others in the school,
• refrain from, report and not tolerate bullying behavior directed toward others in the school, whether or not it occurs within the school building, during the school day or by electronic means,
• comply with the rules of the school and the policies of the board,
• cooperate with everyone authorized by the board to provide education programs and other services,
• be accountable to the student’s teachers and other school staff for the student’s conduct, and 
• positively contribute to the student’s school and community.

 

BREACH OF STUDENT CONDUCT STANDARDS

Classroom Level

Strategies used by teachers to manage student behavior within each classroom might include:

• applying consequences specific to the teacher’s individual classroom management plan;
• referral to the Counselor or Success Coach;
• asking the student to leave class for all or part of a period;
• contacting parents;
• arranging for a Student-Parent-Teacher Interview; and/or
• referral to administration when repeated or serious behavior occurs.

Administrative Level

Once a student is referred to the school administration, strategies used to address student behavior might include:

• discussing the behavior with the student and attempting to identify and solve the problem;
• determining restitution and assigning tasks (including restorative learning when appropriate);
• setting up the behavior modification plans and contracts;
• contacting parents;
• arranging for Student-Parent-Teacher-Administration meetings;
• referral for counseling service or specified treatment;
• assignment of a suspension (see below); and/or
• referral to the Board of Education for expulsion.

School Suspensions

A principal might suspend a student from school, from one or more class periods, courses or education programs, or from riding in a school bus.

An automatic suspension will be given to a student who:

• is found to possess, consume or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs on school premises, or while attending a school-sponsored activity;
• is suspected of using marijuana.  This means that if a student smells of marjiuana, he/she can be suspended.
• is caught using any form of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, etc.)
• is caught vaping on school property, at school sponsored events, or on the bus.  This includes vapes containing nicotine or any other type of non-nicotine vape juice.
• is caught sharing and/or selling vaping products.
• is caught vaping THC (marijuana product) will result in a an out of school suspension. 
• are found to be taking, requesting and sharing nude or partially nude photos/videos of other students will be a 3-5 day out of school suspension.  In most cases, the RCMP will also be contacted.

A suspension may be given to a student who, in the opinion of the teacher or principal:

• fails to reasonably comply with the code of conduct as stated in Section 31 of the Alberta Education Act (referenced above);
• willfully damages any property of significant value in the eyes of the school Principal that belongs to the Board, Board employees or other persons (Policy ECAB Vandalism);
• enters illegally into the premises belonging to the Board;
• steals or is found to be in the possession of any property of significant value that belongs to the Board, agents of the Board, employees, or other students;
• is found to be in possession of a weapon; Weapon refers to any object which is designed or intended for use in threatening or inflicting bodily harm;
• threatens the physical safety of, or assaults another student or agent of the Board;
• who participates in, or associates with, gang-related criminal activity; and other forms of criminal activity;
• displays conduct, whether or not the conduct occurs within the school building or during the school day, that is injurious to the physical or mental well-being of others in the school.

In-School Suspension

When a student earns an in-school suspension, they remain in the school and away from their peers and scheduled classes.  Students serving an in-school suspension are expected to complete the work that their classmates are working on in class.  In-school suspension can be served for ½ day, a full day, or multiple days.  In-school suspension protocol:

• Students must submit their cell phone/personal electronic devices to office staff.  These items will be returned after the suspension is over.
• If technology is required to complete assignments during the suspension, students will be given a chromebook with access to their Google Drive only.  The rest of the internet functions may be locked out.
• Students will bring their lunch to the assigned suspension room, and will remain in the assigned room  over the lunch and recess breaks.
• If a student is given a ½ day in-school suspension, it will begin in the morning and end after the lunch recess, or it will begin at 12:00pm and end after period 6.
• A student may be assigned to serve the in-school in a classroom.

 

PARENT CONDUCT

According to Section 32 of the Alberta Education Act, a parent of a student has the responsibility:

• Act as the primary guide and decision-maker with respect to the child’s education,
• to take an active role in the student’s education success, including assisting the student in complying with section 31,
• ensure that the child attends school regularly,
• to ensure that the parent’s conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment,
• co-operate and collaborate with school staff to support the delivery of supports and services to the child,
• encourage, foster and advance collaborative, positive and respectful relationships with teachers, principals, other school staff and professionals providing supports and services in the school, and
• to engage in the child’s school community.

Reference: The Alberta Education Act

Parents can take an active role in their student’s educational success by ensuring that students attend school promptly, regularly, well rested and by encouraging their children to be both prepared for and engaged in their learning.

The school provides communication through memos, newsletter, report cards, Facebook, Instagram, and the school website in order to help parents to engage in the school community.  We encourage parents to make contact with the school any time they require information about their child’s program or progress.  Attendance at parent-teacher interviews, school council meetings and other school events also helps keep parents informed about school policies and procedures.

ATTENDANCE

All students attending ERS are expected to have regular, punctual attendance to all classes.  Parents/guardians are asked to inform the school if the student will not be in and give the reason for the absence.  Contact can be made by phone or text using the numbers at the front of this document.  If there is no call made to the office, parents will be contacted to find out why the student is not in attendance.

THINK TANK BEHAVIORS: 

THINK TANK INFRACTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Swearing:  certain words identified by staff will be shared with students at the commencement of the school yea
• Late:  after using up 2 classroom ‘Oops’ per subject, per month
• Unprepared:  after using up 2 classroom ‘Oops’ per subject, per month
• Disrupting a class
• No gym clothes – after using up one ‘Oops’ per month
• Skipping a teacher detention that is shorter in length than Think Tank or leaving a teacher detention
• Continued roughhousing after being warned once to stop
• Leaving class without adult permission

When a student has received multiple Think Tanks, a warning letter will be sent home informing the parent/guardian of the infractions and the next consequences:

• 8 Think Tanks – Initial warning letter - ½ day in-school suspension
• 16 Think Tanks – One day in-school suspension.

(NOTE:  If this does not occur the student will face a full day In-School Suspension)

• 24 Think Tanks – Member of administration team will meet with student and parent
• 32 Think Tanks – One month suspension from all school activities
• 40 Think Tanks – Suspension from all team sports, school activities, and field trips

School lockers & locks will be issued at the beginning of the school year, students will be required to pay a $3.25 non-refundable fee.  Random locker checks may be made from time to time by Administration if, in their opinion, a situation requires this course of action.  Students, not the school or agents of the Board, are fully responsible for the contents contained in lockers.  We advise all students to keep their combination confidential.   

Ref: AP 353 Students' Lockers, Locks and Desks