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168StonebridgeDrive,Markham,OntarioL6C2Z8Tel:9058872427Fax:9058877841Email:[email protected]:http://stonebridge.ps.yrdsb.ca

SchoolCouncilemail:[email protected] 1

BeckettFarmPublicSchoolHomeoftheThunderbolts

FeelourThunder:Ignite,Learn,Grow

78BeckettAve.Markham,OntarioL6C0T3

SchoolHoursforStudents:9:10AMto3:40PM

Phone:(289)746-FARM(3276)

Parent/GuardianInformation/Start-UpBooklet2017-2018

78BeckettAve.Markham,Ontario.L6C0T3

Tel:(289)746-FARM(3276)Fax:(905)524-2334Website:http://beckettfarm.ps.yrdsb.ca

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September2017

DearParents/Guardians,Welcomeallfamilies(newandreturning)totheBeckettFarmP.S.community.Itrustyouhavehadarelaxingandenjoyablesummer.Aswemoveintothe2017-18schoolyear,Ihopeyouareexcitedaboutthenumerouspossibilitiesforlearningthatlieaheadforeachofourstudents.Greetingyourchildrenonthefirstdaywillbeahighlyprofessionalanddedicatedstaffwithastrongbeliefintheneedtobalancestudentwell-beingandachievementandtocreatealearningenvironmentthatisinviting,supportscreativityandwhereeveryonefeelssafeandrespected.WeareextremelyconfidentthatwithyourhelpwewillbehighlysuccessfulinourendeavorsatBeckettFarmP.S.andweanticipatetherewillbemanychancestocelebrateoursuccesseswithyou.Weshareagreatcommoninterest–helpingyourchildrenachieve!Pleasedonothesitatetocontactyourchild’steacher(s)orthemainofficeshouldyouhaveanyquestions,comments,orconcernsthroughouttheschoolyear.YRDSBrequiresthatatthebeginningofeachschoolyearImustprovideyouwithdetailedinformationthatexplainsschool/boardexpectationsandpolicies.Ihaveorganizedthisinformationintothefollowingthreebooklets:1. TheBeckettFarmParent/GuardianInformation/Start-UpBooklet(thisisyourstokeepandrefertoasneeded).2. TheParent/GuardianSignaturesBooklet(Pleasecompleteallattachedpagesandreturntoyourchild’steacher).3. TheYRDSBGuidetothe2017-2018SchoolYear(whichisyourstokeep/referto).PleaseensureyoutakethetimetoreviewallcontentandreturntherequiredformsthatareintheBeckettFarmParent/GuardianSignaturesbookletbyFridaySeptember17th,2017.Irecognizethelengthofthisbookletseries,buttheinformationcontainedwithineachbookletisimportantforyoutoreadandunderstand.WerequireyourpermissionforvariousitemsandwouldlikeyoutoreviewalltheformsintheParent/GuardianSignaturesBookletcarefullyandcompleteeachformasrequired.Thanksforyourpatienceandcooperationasyoucompletethistask.

Sincerely,MichaelMattPrincipal



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BeckettFarmPSHistory:OurschooldoorsopenedonSeptember2nd,2014.WearenamedindedicationtothepopularBeckettFarmfamilywhoraisedvarioustypesofmilkingcowsontheprizedland(withinourschool’senrolmentboundaries)forcloseto100years.WearethrilledtosharethisreputablenamethatisknownthroughouttheUnionvilleandfarmingcommunity.

BeckettFarmPSColours:Ourschoolcoloursare:Black,SilverandPowder(light)Blue.

BeckettFarmPSNickname:Wecallourselvesthe~Thunderbolts~.Interestingfact:Itthunderedonboththefirstandlastdayofschoolinourinauguralyear.J

BeckettFarmPSSlogan:FeelourThunder:Ignite,Learn,Grow

BeckettFarmPSLogo:

BeckettFarmPSTouchstone:OurTouchstonedescribesthecharactertraits/criterionbywhichallmembersofourschoolwillbejudgedandrecognizedforinourcommunity.Theimage/wordsbelowcanbefoundinthefrontfoyer.

~ AtBeckettFarmwestrivetodemonstratemutualrespect,optimism,andempathyinourthoughts,

wordsandactions.~ Ourcommunityispositiveandinclusive,whereallvoicesarevaluedandequityistreasured.~ Ourrootsofkindnesscreatecaringandsafespacestodream,takerisks,learnandgrow.~ Wenurturewell-beingandcelebrateacademicachievementthroughpatience,perseveranceandhard

worktoreachourgoals.~ Weinspireeco-friendlycitizenswhocollaboratewithcourage,purpose,wisdomandhope.~ TogetheratBeckettFarm,weplantseedsofleadershipandsocialjusticethatwillgrowtoimpactthe

worldaroundus.



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OurSchoolDayOrganization–OurschoolwillrunonaDay1-5Schedule

Period Times Beforeschoolsupervision 8:55-9:10AM(9:00AM–studentsentertheschool) Period1 9:10–9:50AM Period2 9:50–10:20AM Period3 10:20–10:50AM Recess 10:50-11:20AM(10minnutritionbreak/20minrecess) Period4 11:20AM–12:00PM Period5 12:00–12:30PM Period6 12:30–1:00PM Lunch Gr.1to8:1:00–2:00PM(20minlunch/40minrecess)

Duetolargenumberofclasses,FDKswillalternatetheirtimesasfollows:Lunch@1PM/Recess@1:30PMANDRecess@1:00PM/Lunch@1:30PM.FDKswillbegiventimetoeatsnacks/partoflunchintheirclassroomsbeforetheirassigned1:30PMLunch.

Period7 2:00–2:40PM Period8 2:40–3:10PM Period9 3:10–3:40PM Dismissal 3:40PM

CommunicationbetweenSchoolandHomeParents/guardiansareourmostimportantpartnersineducatingchildren.Wecommunicatewithyouinavarietyofwaysthroughouttheyear.

AgendaTheAgendaisforgrades1to8only.Weencourageallstudentstouseanagendaonadailybasis.TheBeckettFarmagendais:

• atoolforstudentstorecordhomework,importantdatesandnotes• ausefulwayforteachersandparentstocommunicate

Parents/guardians,pleasecheckyourchild’sagendadaily.Agendasare$5andareavailableforpurchaseonafirstcomefirstservebasis.IfyouwishtopurchaseaBeckettFarmagenda,pleaseuseSchoolCashOnlinenolaterthanSeptember15th2017.Otherwise,pleasepurchaseacommercialagenda,haveyourchilduseanelectroniccalendar/plannerdeviceortheschoolwillprovideafreenotebooktorecordagendaitems.

EmailToimprovecommunicationbetweenhomeandschoolandreducepaperuse,wecoordinateanemaildistributionlist.Thelistwillbemaintainedandusedonlybyschoolstafftocommunicateelectronicallytoparents/guardians.Youremailwillnotbesold,distributedorpubliclyposted.Theschool’sgeneralemailaddressis:[email protected]



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StayConnectedOnlineYoucanalsostayconnectedonlinethroughourschoolwebsitehttp://beckettfarm.ps.yrdsb.caandourTwitterfeedwww.twitter.com/BeckettFarmPS.Classroomswillhavewebpages,blogs,Twitterfeedsornewsletterstohelpyoustayconnected.Yourchild’steacherwillprovidemoreinformation.Inaddition,youcanfollowBoardnewsandupdatesatwww.yrdsb.caoronTwitter@YRDSB.

BeckettFarmSchoolCouncil

Important:ThefirstSchoolCouncilMeetingisonTuesday,September26th,2017from6:30to8:00PMinthestaffroom.ALLPARENTSAREWELCOME/INVITEDTOATTEND.Note:SchoolCouncilElectionswillcommenceonthisevening.

Theroleofschoolcouncilsistofocusonincreasingparentalcontributionsandcreatingpartnershipswithintheschoolcommunityasakeyfactorforsupportingstudentwell-being,learningandachievement,andtoactasa linkbetweenparentsand theprincipal/school/board toprovide input into relevantboardand school-leveldecisions.Thegoalistocreateanincreasedsenseofsharedaccountabilityforpubliceducation.Thecouncilwillbecomprisedofvolunteerparents,atleastonecommunitymemberandschoolstaffthatmustkeepaschool-wideperspectivewhenworkingtogethertodevelopcommonvisions/goalsthatalignwiththeschool’s improvementplan/visions/goals. Typically, the councilprovides feedback intopolicies and schoolimprovementplanning,participates in fundraisingactivities, assistswith theplanningof schoolevents,andadvises school administration on specific issues and encourages parental participation within the schoolcommunity.

AtthefirstSeptemberBeckettFarmP.S.SchoolCouncil(BFSC)meetingwewillbrieflyreviewtheSchoolCouncilBy-Laws(whichareavailableonourschool’swebsite)–payingparticularattentiontotheelectionprocesswhichistooccuronthissameevening.Nomination/Self-NominationFormswillbemadeavailableatthismeetingshouldtheyberequired,butparentsareencouragedtocompletetheNomination/Self-NominationFormfoundinourParent/GuardianSignaturesBookletandsubmititdirectlytotheofficewellbeforethismeeting.By-Lawsstatetheremustbeaminimumof5andmaximumof15votingmembers(oneperfamily)ontheBFSC.Oncevotingmemberstatushasbeenfinalized,Executivepositions(Co-Chairs,Secretary,Treasurer)aredetermined.Regardlessofvotingstatus,attendanceandparticipationatSchoolCouncilmeetingsisopentoallparents.

Note, regular attendance at school council meetings is important so that goals can be accomplished.Upcoming meeting dates for this school year will be posted on our front sign and published innewsletters. Meetingagendas/minuteswillbemadeavailableonourschoolwebsite. Allmeetingsareopenforallparentstoattend.ContactusFormoreinformationabouttheSchoolCouncil,orifyouhavecommentsorideasonhowtohelpyourschool,pleasecontactusat:[email protected]



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LockerandLocksLockersareavailabletostudentsprimarilyingrade7&8only,asneeded.Thesafetyofthecontentsofthelockerlieswiththestudent.Thecombinationshouldnotbesharedwithotherstudents.Thecombinationnumbermustbekeptonfilewiththeteacherandoffice.Thelockeristhepropertyoftheschoolandsearchescantakeplacewhenwarranted.Lockersshouldnotbevisitedbetweenclasses.Studentsshouldbepreparedforlessons.Note:Moneyorvaluableitemsshouldnotbestoredinlockersorbroughttoschool.Locksforschoollockersareavailableatthemainofficefor$6.00eachpleaseuseSchoolCashOnlinetomakethispurchase.

Allergies/MedicalConditionsDonotbringnutornutproductstoschool.Therearestudentsinourschoolwhohavealife-threateningallergytonutsandotherallergens.Iftheysmellorcomeintocontactwiththesefoods,theymayhaveananaphylacticreaction.Ifyourchildhasseriousorlife-threateningallergyormedicalcondition,lettheschoolknowimmediatelyandspeaktotheschoolofficeaboutcompletingtheappropriatemedicalforms.

EpiPensAllstudentsandstaffareentitledtosafeandhealthylearningenvironmentsinourschools.Thispositionconstitutesamajorchallengeinthosecaseswhereastudenthasalife-threateningallergy(anaphylaxis).Wheneverpossible,medicationshouldbeadministeredathome.Medication,EpiPen®(s)andinhalersmustbekeptintheschoolofficeorbeonthechild’sperson.Parentsareresponsiblefor:

• informingtheschooliftheirchildhasadiagnosed,life-threatening,allergy;• completingtherequireddocumentsnecessarytoensurethattheschoolhasthemostup-to-

dateinformationontheirchild;and• providingtheschoolwith2up-to-dateEpiPen®(s)intheeventofananaphylacticreaction.

Oneistobekeptintheofficeandoneistobewornbythestudent.Note,toattendfieldtripsyourchildmusthave2EpiPens®(theoneyouprovidedtotheofficeandtheoneyourchildmustcarry).

Studentsareresponsiblefor:

• carryingtheirEpiPen®withthematalltimes;• makingeveryeffortnottocomeintocontactwiththeproducttowhichtheyareallergic;and• alertingstaffiftheybelievetheyhavebeenaccidentallyexposedtoanallergen.



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EmergencyInformationTheofficestaffneedstoknowassoonaspossibleifanyofthefollowinginformationchanges:

• address,workorhomenumbersorothercontactinformation• emergencycontactsandtelephonenumbers• changesincustodyagreements• medicalalertorchangesinhealthcondition(e.g.allergies,medications)

ItisimportanttocompletetheEmergencyContactInformationFormintheParent/GuardianSignaturesBookletandreturnwithalltheotherforms.

ArrivalsandDeparturesWALKINGForhealth/safetyreasonsandtoreducetrafficcongestionaroundtheschoolitispreferredchildrenwalktoschool.Whereappropriate,childrenshouldbeaccompaniedbyanolderresponsiblestudentoradult.Whenwalkingonschoolpropertypleaseuseallavailablesidewalksandcrosswalks.Shouldyounotbeabletowalk,pleasereviewtheDrop-off/Pick-UpLoopinstructions.Oursupervisionstaffwillalsodirectyouasneeded.Safetyoverspeediswhatwepromoteandexpectofdrivers.Thankyou.BUSANDPARKINGLOTLOOPSStudentsafetywhendroppingchildrenoffforschoolorpickingthemupafterschoolisoursharedpriority.Pleaseadheretoourdriver/pedestrianproceduresexplainedbelow–theyaredesignedtobesafeandefficient.Weappreciateyourpatienceduringdrop-offorpick-up–duetopotentialhighvolume,therearetimeswhentheloopmaygetlinedupbeyondtheentranceandasaresultitwillmovepredictablyslowly.Again,safetywillalwaystakepriorityoverspeed.MorningDrop-OffTip,mostcarswillarrivebetween9:00AMand9:10AM.Toavoidpeakloopusageconsiderdroppingoffbetween8:55AMand9:00AM.Studentsareallowedtoentertheschooleachdayat9:00AM(onrainyorextremelycolddaysstudentsmayenterat8:55AM–thisiswhenoursupervisionstarts).TheBusLoopatthefrontoftheschoolisofflimitstoallvehiclesexcludingschoolbusesandclearlymarkedprivateminibuses/vansthattransportstudentstoandfromourschool.Parent/Caregiveruseoftheparkinglot:Astheschoolgrowsinstudentpopulation,sotoowillthenumberofourBeckettFarmstaffwhowillusetheparkinglot.Atthestartoftheyear,theremaybeafewparkingspotsavailabletoaccommodateparent/caregiverusage;however,Iexpectthistoreduceovertime.Asaresult,itisrequestedthatparentsdonotparkintheschoolparkinglotbetween8:40AMand9:10AM.Driversremember,thosewhoparkinthelot,mustescortchildrentothesidewalkinfrontoftheschool,viatheloopcrosswalk.Donotrandomlywalkacrosstheloopatanytime.WheretocrosstheParkingLotDrop-Off&Pick-UpLoop/NevercrosstheBusLoop:Whenwalkingtoschoolatnotimeshouldparentsorstudentsrandomlycrosseitherloop.PleaseusethemunicipalsidewalkparalleltoBrockAvenuetomakeyourwaytotheschoolsidewalkswhichwill



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safelyleadyouontoschoolproperty.WhenwalkingontoschoolpropertyfromthenortheastcornerbyBrockAvenueandFoshanAvenueyouareexpectedtofollowtheschoolsidewalksthatcrosstheParkingLotLoopviatwocrosswalks.Thesecrosswalksareclearlymarkedonschoolproperty.Remember,whencrossingaroad,theentrancetoourdrivewayorourParkingLotLoop,continuallylookbothwaysformovingvehicles.Safetymustbeeveryone’stoppriority.8:55–9:10AM:Driversaretoentertheparkinglotloopandremainsinglefilealongtherightcurbsidelane.Vehiclesarenotpermittedtopark,butareexpectedtocometoafullstopbeforeinstructingtheirpassengerstoexitthevehiclebywayofthepassengersidedoorsonly.Staffondutywillprovidedirection.Driversarenottoleavetheirvehicles(unlesschildsafetylocksareused)andmustchecktheir“blindspot”beforeproceedingoutoftheloopviatheleftlane.Alsopleaseremembertomoveslowlywhenentering/exitingtheloop,stopateachcrosswalkandfocussolelyondrivingratherthanlookingoverashouldertowatchyourchildmakehis/herwayontotheschoolgrounds.3:40–3:55PM:Driversaretoentertheparkinglotloopandremainsinglefilealongtherightcurbsidelane.Vehiclesarenotpermittedtopark,butmaystopandwaitfortheirchildrenwhomustenterthevehiclethroughapassengersidedoor.Staffondutywillprovidedirection.Driversarenottoleavetheirvehicles(unlesschildsafetylocksareused).Oncepassengersaresafelybuckledinthevehiclethedrivermustcheckhis/her“blindspot”andthenproceedoutoftheloopusingtheleftlane.Driversmustremembertomoveslowlywhenentering/exitingtheloopandtostopateachcrosswalk.Lunchtime(1:00–2:00PM):TheDrop-Off/Pick-UpLoopsareclosedduringlunchtimeduetolackofavailablesupervision.Pleaseparkontheroadandwalkontoschoolproperty.Yourefforttofollowthisexpectationisappreciated.Further,studentsareencouragedtobringtheirlunchestoschoolatthebeginningoftheday.Shouldlunchbedroppedoffduringthemorninghoursacartwillbejustinsidethefrontdoorsforparentstoleavelunches(ensurethechild’snameisclearlymarkedonthem).Forsafetyreasonsparentswillnotbepermittedintotheschooltohandoffalunch.Rather,aschoollunchassistantwillcarryoutthisresponsibility.BUSSINGBeckettFarmPSboundariesaresuchthatstudentsarerequiredtowalktoschool.Onlyspecialneedsstudentsreceivebussing.STUDENTSWHOUSEBICYCLES,ROLLERBLADES,SKATEBOARDSORSCOOTERStotraveltoschool:

• Mustwearahelmet.• Mustwalkwhileonschoolproperty.• Shouldlockbicyclesonthebikerack.• Muststorerollerblades,skateboardsorscootersintheirlockerorbackpack.

Theschoolisnotresponsibleforanylostordamagedpersonalitems.



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LunchTimeAgreementAllstudentswholeaveschoolpropertyforlunchmusthaveparent/guardianpermission;otherwisestudentsmuststayatschool.CompletetheenclosedConsent/AgreementFormtoindicateyourpreference.

SafeArrivalProgramParents are asked to notify the school by phone or by sending a note to their teacher if any of theirchildrenwillnotbeatschool.Theansweringserviceisonatalltimes(7daysaweek/24hoursperday).Weexpectparents touse this toreportanabsenceor latearrivalbycalling(289)746-FARMto leaveamessagethatincludes:yourchild’sname,teacher’snameandreasonforabsence/beinglate.Through our Safe Arrival Program, a member of the office staff will telephone the parents of thosestudentsaboutwhomtheschoolhasreceivedno information. Ifwehavetheslightestconcernforyourchildren’ssafety,theYorkRegionalPolicewillthenbenotified.

PunctualityandAttendanceChroniclatenessisaconcerntous.Children,cominglate,regularlymissanimportantpartoftheclassdayand theopeningexercises. Theydeveloppoorhabitsandattitudesaroundpunctuality thatwill remainwiththemintoadultlifeandtheyarealwaysbeginningtheirdayina“catch-up”stateofmind.If late, children are required to check in at the office before going to class. We will track andremediatelatecomers’behaviourthroughletterstoparents,detentionsandtheservicesoftheAttendanceCounselorwhennecessary.Parentsshouldkeeptheirchildrenathomewhentheyareilluntiltheyarewellenoughtoparticipatefullyin theschoolprogram. Studentsmustgoout forrecessandparticipate ingymclassunless theyhaveadoctor’sletterrecommendingexemption.

ExtendedVacationsInconsiderationoftheimpactofmissedschooltimeonachild’slearningandinlightofthedemandsofthecurriculum,itisstronglyrecommendedthatparentsplanvacationsduringthedesignatedschoolholidays.Parentsneedtobeawarethatvacationsthatextendbeyondoneweekmayhavesignificantimpactonthestudents’progress.Intheeventthatextendedvacationsarescheduled,parentscandownloadMinistrycompiledworkpackagesfromwww.edu.gov.on.ca.Whilespecificprogrammaterialwillnotbeprovided,generalsuggestionsandideascanbegivenbyclassroomteachers.Ifyouaregoingtowithdrawyourchildfromclassformorethan15schooldays,youwillberequiredto:1)submita“NotificationofExpectedReturntoSchool”formtotheoffice;2)contacttheschoolbeforetheendofthefirst15dayperiodtoconfirmyourchild’sexpectedreturn;and3)contacttheschoolevery15daysafterthattonotifytheschoolofyourchild’sexpectedreturn.Failuretofollowthisproceduremayresultinremovalofyourchildfromtheschoolregister.



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Safe,CaringandSupportiveSchoolsPolicyPleasereadabouttheSafe,CaringandSupportiveSchoolsPolicyfoundinTheYRDSBGuidetothe2017-2018SchoolYeartounderstandwhatitentails.TheBoardCodeofStudentConductispartofPolicy#668.0,CaringandSafeSchools.

Behaviour/CodeofConductStudentsareexpectedtodemonstratebehaviourthatisrespectfulandcourteousatalltimes.Thisincludesdemonstratingrespectforeachotherandourcommunities.Theseexpectationsareindicatedinourschool’sCodeofConduct.

BeckettFarmPublicSchoolCodeofConductPromotingInclusion,respect,civilityandresponsiblecitizenshipisatthecoreofwhatwevalueatBeckettFarm.Ourcodeofconductisbaseduponthefollowingsharedbeliefsandexpectations:

• Studentsandstaffwillshowacommitmenttolearning;• Studentsandstaffwillshowrespectforthemselves,others,theschoolandtheenvironment;• Studentswillshowrespectforschoolcommunitymembersandpersonsinthepositionof

authority;• Studentswillrespectandfollowtheschoolrulesandroutinesinacourteousmanner;• Studentswilldemonstratehonestyandintegrity;• Studentsandstaffwillrespectandvalueindividualdifferences;• Studentsandstaffwillcreateapositivespaceforeachotherandestablishaninclusive

learningenvironmentforall• Studentswilltakeresponsibilityfortheiractionsandseekassistancefromstaffifnecessaryto

resolveconflictpeacefully;• Studentswilltakeappropriatemeasurestohelpthoseinneed;• Studentswillattendschoolpunctuallyandregularly;• StudentswilladheretotheGuidelinesforAppropriateDress;• Studentswilluseappropriatelanguage;• Studentswillplaysafely/cooperativelyandmoveabouttheschoolinwayswhichensurethe

safetyofall;• StudentswillrespectandfollowBeckettFarm’scodeofconductduringfieldtrips.

Thesebeliefsandexpectationswillbepromotedathomeandschoolby:• Ensuringthatexpectationsareknownandunderstoodbystaff,studentsandparents;• Acknowledgingandpraisingpositivebehaviourthrough“Character”initiatives,awards

assembliesanddailyinteractions;• Modellingexpectedconduct/behaviour;• Promotingdiscussionamongstaff,studentsandparents.

Safety–Allmembersoftheschoolcommunitymustnot:• Engageinbullyingbehaviours;• Committheft;



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• Beinpossessionofaweapon(orreplica),includingfirearms;• Useanyobjecttothreatenorintimidateanotherperson;• Causeinjurytoanypersonwithanobject;• Beinpossessionof,orbeundertheinfluenceof,orprovideotherswithalcoholorillegal

drugs;• Inflictorencourageotherstoinflictbodilyharmonanotherperson;• Engageinhatepropagandaandotherformsofbehaviourmotivatedbyhateorbias;• Commitanactofvandalismthatcausesextensivedamagetoschoolpropertyortoproperty

locatedonthepremisesoftheschool.

Discipline–Thefollowingconsequencesmaybeputinplaceasaresultofinappropriateconduct/behaviour:

• Teachers/studentcounseling/mediation;• Restorativepractices;• Detentionsand/orstudentcontracts;• Verbalorwrittencontactwithparent/guardian;• Replacementofdamagedpropertyorlosses;• Withdrawalofprivileges;• Dailycommunicationbook;• Meetingwithprincipalorvice-principal;• Sitebasedcommunityservice;• Withdrawalfromclass;• SuspensionorExpulsion.

Bullying–Bullying,asdefinedbytheOntarioMinistryofEducation,istypicallyaformofrepeated,persistent,andaggressivebehaviourdirectedatanindividual(s)thatisintendedtocause(orshouldbeknowntocause)fearanddistressand/orharmtoanotherperson’sbody,feelings,self-esteem,orreputation.Bullyingoccursinacontextwherethereisarealorperceivedpowerimbalance.

• Bullyingadverselyaffectsstudents’abilitytolearn.• Bullyingadverselyaffectshealthyrelationshipsandtheschoolclimate.• Bullyingwillnotbeacceptedonschoolproperty,atschool-relatedactivities,onschoolbuses,

orinothercircumstances(e.g.,online)whereengaginginbullyingwillhaveanegativeimpactontheschoolclimate.

BullyingTipsWhattodoifyouseebullyingorifyouarebeingbullied:

• Ifyouarebeingbulliedorseebullyingtakingplace,talktoateacher,schooladministrator,parent,orlunchassistantoutintheschoolyard;

• Ifyouarebeingcyber/internet-bullieddonotrespondtoharassingmessagesandsavetheevidence;

• Donottrytofightabullyverballyorphysically,asthiscanmakethesituationworse;• Ifpossible,avoidthebullyorbulliesandtrytostayaroundagroupoffriendsthatyoufeel

safewith;



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• Takearecordofalloftheeventsyouareexperiencingandwritedowneverythingasithappens.

WarningSignsforParents/GuardiansThefollowingarecommonsignsofachildbeingavictimofbullying:

• Unexplainedbruises,scratchesandcutsonthebody;• Damagetoclothesandotherbelongings;• Fearofgoingtoschool;• Cryingbeforeand/orafterschool;• Difficultysleeping;• Sicknesssuchasstomachpainandheadache;• Lackofappetite,weightlossandbed-wetting;• Depressionandanxiety;• Schoolgradesdroppingandincompleteschoolwork;• Havingfewfriendsandanti-socialbehaviour.

DressCodeGuidelinesforAppropriateDress:AppropriateDressisdefinedasthestandardsofdressthatmeettheschoolcommunity’sexpectationofmodestyanddecencyandpromoteasafeandrespectfullearningenvironment.In order to maintain a positive atmosphere for learning, the following principles are to befollowedinmattersofdress,cleanliness,neatnessandmodesty: APPROPRIATE INAPPROPRIATEClothingfreeofinappropriatewriting,messages,symbolsandimages/pictures.

Clothinghavingwritingorpicturesdepictingand/orpromotingalcohol,tobacco,anddrugs.Clothinghavingwritingorpicturesdepictingand/orpromotingobscene,racist,violentorderogatorycomments.

Headdressescanbewornforreligiousandhealthreasons.

Hats,bandanas,scarves,hoodsetc.shallberemovedandplacedinalockerorbackpack.

Indoorclothing(whileinsidetheschool) Outdoorclothing(whileinsidetheschool)Allpantsmustbewornatthehip/waist.Shortsmustbeofamodestlength.

Pantssaggingtoexposeundergarmentsorshort-shorts.

Shirtsandblousesshouldbecontinuousfromnecklinetowaist.

Studentsmustnotwearclothesthatexposetheirabdomenorbacks.

Tanktopswiththickstraps(atleast4cm)thatdonotshowthemid-sectionorundergarments.

Spaghettistrapsandtubetopsarenotallowed.



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Safeitemsofadornment. Anyitemdeemedtobepotentiallydangeroustothewellbeingofothers.

Appropriateshoesmustbewornatalltimes. Barefeetarenotallowed.Theprincipalreservestherighttoaskanystudenttochangehis/herclothingifthestudent’sclothingisinappropriateforschool.Thismeansthatastudentmaybeaskedtocover-up,turnshirtinsideoutorchangeifprovidedwithacleanT-shirtorsweatshirt.Also,whengoingoutsidestudentsaretodressappropriatelyaccordingtotheweatherconditions.TheSchoolCouncilhasendorsedthispolicyoutliningappropriateattireatBeckettFarmPublicSchoolasmandatedbytheOntarioMinistryofEducation.

ElectronicDevicesCellphonesandotherpersonalcommunicationdevicesmustbeturnedoffandkeptoutofsight(eitherplacedinastudent’slockerorstoredinabackpacketc.)duringallinstructionalperiods,exceptwiththeclearpermissionoftheclassroomteacher.Theschoolisnotresponsibleforpersonalitemsthatgomissingattheschool.

PhysicalEducationClothingAppropriateathleticwearisrequiredbyallstudents.StudentsinGrades6to8areexpectedtowearclothing forphysical education classes that is separate from their regular classroomclothing. Onepairofrunningshoesshouldbeleftatschoolas“indoor”shoesandgymshoes.Thesemusthavenon-markingsoles.

LostandFoundTheLostandFoundbin is locatedbythe first floorstairwelldoorsclosest to themainoffice. Eachstudentmayvisit thisbintosearchforandclaimlostbelongings. Parentsarewelcometovisit theschoolandsearch for familypossessions(pleasesign inat theoffice). At theendofeachterm, thearticlesinthisbinwillbedisplayedsothatthestudentsand/orparentsmayclaimthem.Itemsnotclaimed at these timeswill be given to a charitable organization. Please label children’s clothing,boots,lunchboxes,etc.

ValuablesValuable items should not be brought to school. Students will be solely liable for the safety ofexpensivetoys,jewelleryorothergiftsthattheybringtoschool.Parentsareadvisedtousediscretioninthismatterandensurethattheseitemsremainathome.Weexpectstudentstorespecttheirown,their friends’, and school property. Students will be held responsible for the cost of repair orreplacementofschoolpropertywhichtheydamageorvandalize.

StormyWeatherIf the conditionsof the roads force cancellationofbus services, local radio andTV stationswill beinformed as early as possible and will be asked to broadcast this information to the community.PleasechooseoneofthefollowingstationsandlistenforinformationonYorkRegionDistrictSchool



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Boardbuscancellations:AMStations–TheFan,CJCL(590);AM640(640),NEWS(680);CBC(740);CJBC(860);CFRB(1010);CHUM(1050);CHIN(1540)FM Stations – CKDX (88.5); SRC (90.3); CISS (92.5); CHAY (93.1); CJKX (95.9); CHFI (98.1); CJEZ(97.3);CBC(99.1);CKFM(99.9);CHIN(100.7);CHUM(104.5);Q107(107.1)TVStations–CITY,CFTO,VRLAND,TheWeatherChannel,RogersCable

In the event that childrenare senthomeearlydue to a stormorplantbreakdown,parents shouldhavealternatearrangementsinplacesothatthechildrenclearlyunderstandwheretheyshouldgo.For example, your childmight go to thehomewith aneighbouror friend. The schoolwill remainopenasashelter.Wewillmakeeveryefforttocontactyouaboutanearlyclosing.

InclementWeather

Weexpectallchildrentocometoschooldressedappropriatelyfortheweatherandtoplayoutsideatbreak time. Activity in the fresh air provides the childrenwith a necessary break andhelps themconcentratefullyintheclassroom.Intheeventofverycoldorwetweather,weuseourdiscretioninsendingthechildrenout.Therecesstimeandlunchbreakoutdoortimemaybeshortened,allowingthem to get some fresh air and exercise. When the weather is just too cold or wet, the childrenremainintheclassroom,supervisedbyparents,studentlunchmonitorsand/orteachers.

Excursions/CommunityWalkaboutsTeachersmaytakeclassesonwalksaroundthecommunitytosupportclassroomprograms.Aswell,manyphysicaleducationclassesandotheractivitiesareheldoutdoors,weatherpermitting.Youwillbeinformedwheneverschoolvehiclesareusedforlongertrips.PleasecompletetheConsent/AgreementformintheParent/GuardianSignatureBooklettogivepermissionforyourchildtoparticipateintheseexcursions.

BeckettFarmHomeworkPolicyDRAFT:BasedonRevisedHomeworkPolicy(BoardPolicy#320.0,2017)TheMinistryorEducationdefineshomeworkas"workthatstudentsdoathometopracticeskills,consolidateknowledgeandskills,and/orprepareforthenextclass”.Homeworkispartofassessmentforlearningandmaynotbeincludedinthedeterminationofthegrade.Parents/guardiansprovidevaluablesupportforstudentlearning.Therelevanceofhomeworkmustbecommunicatedbyteachers.Teachersworkwithstudentsandparents/guardianstofacilitatehomeworkcompletionandprovideappropriatesupportswherenecessary.

HOMEWORKSHOULD• supporttheinterconnectionofstudentlearningandwell-being;• beageanddevelopmentallyappropriate;• respecttheneedforabalancebetweenacademic,personalandfamilydemands;



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• recognizetheinterests,strengthsandneedsofeachstudent;• adheretoaccommodationsandmodifications;• includefamiliesaspartnersinthelearningprocess;and• ensureequityofopportunityandaccesstohelp,technologyandresources.

TYPESOFHOMEWORK

Homeworktypesvarydependingonthestudent,thenatureofthelearningandthetimingwithintheteaching-learningcycle.Thequalityofhomeworkismoreimportantthanthequantity.

• Pre-learninghomeworkintroducesanupcomingtopicofstudy.Pre-learningcanstimulateinterest,activatepriorknowledgeordeterminereadiness.

• Checkingforunderstandinghomeworkusesstrategicquestionstoassesscurrentlevelsofunderstandingandhelpsteachersdeterminenextstepsforinstruction.

• Practicehomeworkprovidestheopportunitytopractisewhathasbeenlearnedinclassandrequiresagenuineunderstandingoftheskillorconcept.

• Studyhomeworkistimespentreviewingmaterialtaughtinclasstoconsolidateunderstandingand/orprepareforupcomingassessment.

• Completionhomeworkisworknotcompletedduringclasstime.

HOMEWORKTIMEGUIDELINESTeachersusetheirprofessionaljudgmenttoassignhomework,adjustingrequirementstosupportindividualstudentlearningandwell-being(withoutexceedingmaximums).Teacherswillconsiderothersubject/courserequirementswhenassigninghomework.Assignmentsforevaluationbeingsenthomeforcompletionmustbeconsideredinthetotaltimeallocation.Thefollowingtimelinesareintendedtoshowdailyrecommendedmaximumsacrossallsubjectsandcourses.Itisnotmeanttobeanaverageorexpecteddailyamount.Also,homeworkisnotassignedoverschoolholidaysoronsignificantfaithdays.

Grade Dailymaximum

Kindergarten 10minutesGrades1-3 20minutesGrades4-6 40minutesGrades7-8 50minutes

RESPONSIBILITYOFTHESTUDENT

• establishahomeworkroutine;• makeareasonableefforttocompletehomeworkbytheduedate;• communicatewiththeteacherifunabletocompletehomework;• understandthathomeworkcontributestoacademicsuccessandimpactsoverallperformance,butnotto

thedetrimentofwell-being;• usetime-managementskillstocreatebalancebetweenhomeworkandotheractivities;• understandthathomeworktaskscanbeusedasself-assessmenttofocuslearning;



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• locateandorganizenecessarymaterialsandresourcesneededforhomework;• requestclarificationorassistancewithhomeworkwhennecessary;and• self-monitorstressrelatedtohomework,communicatingwithteachersandparents/guardianswhen

supportisneeded.RESPONSIBILITYOFTHETEACHER

Withregardtorelationshipsandcommunication:• ensureclassroomhomeworkpracticesalignwiththeHomeworkpolicyandprocedureandrespecta

healthybalancebetweenschool,personalandfamilytime,• developpartnershipswithstudentsandparents/guardianstopromoteregularcommunication,• sharetheexpectationsforhomeworkwithstudentsandparents/guardians,• planhomeworkinpartnershipwithotherteachers,whereappropriate,and• providetimelyandeffectivefeedbackforassignedhomework;

Withregardtodesignandpurpose:• ensurethathomework,

o directlyrelatestoclassroominstructionandsupportslearninggoals,o consistsofclear,purposefulandengagingactivities,o meetsandaccommodatestheneedsofeachstudent,ando reflectsrealisticcompletiontimelines,

• carefullyconsiderthenatureofthehomeworkandconstructtasksthatseektostrengthencriticalthinkingandproblem-solvingaswellasself-reflectiveandmetacognitiveskills,

• considerahomeworkstructurethatcreateseffectivepartnershipsbetweenhomeandschool,• verifythatstudentshaveaccesstothetechnologyrequiredtocompletehomework,• considerEnglishproficiencyforEnglishLanguageLearnersandensureprogramadaptations

(accommodationsandmodifications)arefollowed,and• ensureaccommodationsandmodificationsareimplementedforstudentswithIEPs;

Withregardtoimplementationanduse:• teachnecessaryskillsforautonomoushomeworkcompletion,• provideclasstimeandsupporttorecordassignedhomework,• modelandprovideinstructionindigitalcitizenshipandresponsibility,• ensureprivacy,securityandinformationmanagementrequirementsarefollowed,• notassignhomeworkoverschoolholidaysoronsignificantfaithdays,• ensurelearningismonitored,appropriatefeedbackprovidedandinstructionadjusted,ifrequired,• includeinformationabouthomeworkcompletioninthelearningskillsandworkhabitsportionofthe

reportcard,whenappropriate,and• bemindfulofpatternsofincompletion,providingaccommodationordifferentiation,asneeded.

RESPONSIBILITYOFTHEPARENT• encourageandsupporthomeworkcompletionbythestudent;and• consulttheclassroomteacherregardinghomework,asneeded.



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StudentPersonalInformationSchoolsroutinelycollect,useandreleasestudentpersonalinformation,inkeepingwiththeEducationActandotherlaws.Wheneveryourchild’spersonalinformationiscollected,itsusewillbeexplainedtoyou.PleaseseethesectiononStudentPersonalInformationintheGuidetotheSchoolYearbookletforalistofexamplesforwhenpermissionwillbesought.ParentsmustsignthePolicyAgreementForm,acknowledgingthattheyhavereadandunderstoodthisinformation.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutyourchild’sprivacyprotection,pleasecontacttheschoolprincipalortheInformationAccessandPrivacyOfficeat905-727-0022ext.2015.

VisitorsandLockedDoorPolicyAllvisitors,includingparents/guardians,must:• Usethebuzzeratthemainentranceoftheschool.Frontdoorsarelocked15minutesafterthe

morningbell.• Checkinatthemainoffice.Officestaffwilldeliverimportantmessagesandmaterialstoyour

child.• Signinandobtainavisitororvolunteerpasstowearwhileintheschool.• Ifyouwishtosetupaninterviewwithateacher,pleasecontacttheteachertoarrangeamutually

convenienttime.

Ourschooldoors,includingthefrontdoor,willbelocked15minutesafterthemorningbellrings.Thedoorswillremainlockedfortherestoftheschoolday.Allvisitors,includingBoardstaff,parentsandguardians,willberequiredtobuzzinatthefront/maindoorviaadoorbell/videointercomsystemandsigninatthemainoffice.Ourschoolcontinuestobeasafeplacewherewewelcomeandencourageparentandcommunitymemberinvolvement.Thisadditionalstepwillenhancethemeasureswealreadyhaveinplaceforstudentandstaffsafety,andensurethatallvisitorssigninatthemainoffice.Inaddition:

• Ifparents/guardianschoosetodropofflunchforyourchild,atieredcartislocatedjustinsidethefront/maindoorswherelunchescanbeleft–pleaseclearlylabelyourchild’snameonthelunchbag.Aschoolassistantwillbringthelunchesintotheschoolandassistwiththeirpickupbystudents.Forsecuritypurposes,wecannotallowparents/caregiverstoenterorcongestthefrontentrance;

• Toaccessthebeforeandaftercareprograms,parents/guardianswillusetheclearlymarked

entrance/exitdoorattachedtoourwesternkindergartenclassrooms–thismeanscuttingacrossthekindergartenfencedareatodoso.

Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecontactourmainoffice.



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VolunteeringintheSchoolWe welcome and encourage the important role that parents/guardians and community membersplay in education. There are many opportunities for you to get involved at the school. For moreinformation,contacttheschoolofficestafforreviewPolicyandProcedure#280.0,VolunteersinOurSchools.Ifyouareinterested,pleasecontacttheofficeandcompletetheSchoolVolunteerFormintheParent/GuardianSignaturesBooklet.Thefollowinggivesyousomeideaoftheextentofvolunteeropportunitiesintheschool:• Bepartoftheclassroomprogramsandhelpstudentsimprovetheirreading.• Supportstudentsonthecomputersintheclassroomandinthelibrary.• Helpthelibrarianwithbookexchangeandthetechnicalaspectsofthelibrary.• Prepareinstructionalgamesandmaterial(e.g.makeagameboard,printwordsoncards).• Helpwithspecialevents(e.g.assemblies,musicrehearsals,dramacoaching,scienceprojects).• Publishstudent’sbooksintheclassroompublishingcentre.• Teachamini-lessonona topicof expertiseor special interest (e.g., arts andcrafts, scienceand

nature,careerinformation).• Shareculturalinformationduringsignificanttimesoftheyear.• Createbulletinboardsandchildren’sartdisplays.• Manageandcalculatebookcluborders.• Sign-upandworkwithchildrenonco-curricularactivitiesandspecialevents.• Accompanyclassesonschooltrips.• SupporttheexpectationsoftheSchoolPlanforContinuousImprovement.Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC):All volunteers (including parents) are now required toprovidetheschoolwithaPoliceVulnerableSectorCheck(PVSC)FormfromtheYorkRegionPolice.VolunteersarerequestedtocontactthemainofficetopickupourBeckettFarmPSVolunteerPVCSformlettertotakewiththembeforegoingtoourlocalPoliceStationtocompletetheprocess.AnnualOffenceDeclarations (Volunteer): Returning volunteers,who have volunteeredwithin aone-yearperiodandhaveprovidedtheschoolwithavalidPVSCForm,arerequiredtocompleteanannualdeclarationwhichisavailableintheschooloffice.Thedeclarationrequiresthatvolunteerslistany convictions for offences under the Criminal Records Act (Canada) up to the date of thedeclaration.Anilreportissignedbythosewhodonothaveanyconvictions.Formoreinformation,contacttheschoolorreviewPolicy#280.0VolunteersinOurSchools.

ClassPlacementsDuetolateregistrationsandenrolments,theremaybestaffingchangesandclassreorganizationduringthefirstfewweeksofschool.Wedoourbesttokeepthesechangestoaminimumandtosupportstudentsduringanytransitions.

ForMoreInformationYoucanfindmoreinformationontheseandothertopicsintheGuidetothe2017-18SchoolYearincludedwiththispackageorontheYorkRegionDistrictSchoolBoardwebsiteatwww.yrdsb.ca.

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