Davison Routines & Procedures

2014/2015

Davison Elementary School Rising Stars Handbook 2014-15 Principal: Mrs. L. Wotherspoon

Do Your Best Be Your Best Expect the Best Belonging, Responsibility, Respect, Learning and Nurturing

1

Davison Routines & Procedures

2014/2015

Davison Elementary School Welcome to Davison School where we expect you to do your best, be your best and expect the best of yourself and others! The 2014-15 school year promises to be an exciting one! Please read our staff list below to get acquainted with our list of outstanding teachers, educational assistants and support staff. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Principal Pre-Kindergarten Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 1 Intern Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Grade 500 Grade 501 Grade 600 Grade 601 Student Support Teacher Itinerant teacher Arts. Ed. Band Admin. Assistant Library Technician Educational Assistants

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Caretaker School Counselor Speech Pathologist Occupational Therapist Educational Psychologist Student Services Coordinator Superintendent of Schools

Mrs. Lisa Wotherspoon Miss Erin Nystrom Miss Marlee Hough Mrs. Laurie Koval Miss Kaleigh Maguire Mrs. Melanie Kreklewich Miss Rebecca Frick Mrs. Melissa Ball Mrs. Sara Campbell Ms. Jocelyn Molaro Miss Shaelynn Senyk Mrs. Brandy Lechner Miss Darla Nashiem Mrs. Tammy Fleury Miss Marlee Hough Mrs. Lisa Marie Kitch Mr. Tom Hearn Mrs. Brenda Ferleyko Mrs. Naomi Braun Mrs. Agnes Kormos Mrs. Karen Krieger Mrs. Sharon Young Miss Robyn Lang Mrs. Donna Schick Mrs. Sonya Svenson Mr. Rick Koval Mrs. Laura Coleman Mrs. Sherry Miles (Pre-K) Mrs. Indra Church (Pre-K) Mr. Greg Dohms Mrs. Kim Unterschute Mrs. Sharon Michalishen Miss Meredith Tyler Mrs. Tammy Taypotat Mrs. Iris Rowlett Mr. Darran Teneycke

2

Davison Routines & Procedures

2014/2015

Davison School Handbook Davison Elementary School is a very busy and exciting school. There are always a multitude of activities occurring simultaneously both during school and after hours. At Davison we are proud to offer a wide variety of extra-curricular activities combined with data that proves our academic success is above and beyond. This handbook is intended to be a guide for families to help you understand the happenings of the school. The routines and procedures outlined in this handbook are subject to change, but do provide a basic framework for the culture of Davison School. We feel that if families have an understanding of our procedures and expectations, then we are better able to work together and continue to excel in all areas of education.

Good Spirit School Division Strategic Plan Vision "Learning Without Limits ... Achievement For All" Mission "Building Strong Foundations to Create Bright Futures" Values "Belonging, Responsibility, Respect, Learning and Nurturing" Motto "Students Come First"

Mrs. Wotherspoon’s Mottos “Every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about them.” “ALL students will learn at high rates of achievement.” “NO EXCUSES!” Our Vision It is our vision that Davison School continues to be recognized as a 21st Century School that is considered to be a model for others to follow. When you visit our classrooms it is our hope that you would observe: a) happy children and adults thriving in a positive, supportive atmosphere. b) engaging, relevant lessons and tasks that are meaningful to the students. c) a variety of non-traditional approaches to teaching which might include students working in small groups, Pods, use of technology, manipulatives, seat work, standing work, small groups, large groups, a variety of spaces being used, etc. d) a resource-based approach to learning as opposed to one that is textbook driven. e) balanced instructional structures (i.e., Daily 5, Math Pods) that lend themselves to students working both independently and collaboratively. f) calm and alert classrooms that support student learning, displaying a variety of student work and learning goals in student-friendly language (“I can” statements, “Bump It Up” walls). g) parents and community members volunteering in the classrooms in a variety of capacities.

3

Davison Routines & Procedures

1. Attendance Policy

2014/2015

Davison School 306-728-3955

a. Students are expected to attend each day on time. b. If students are to be absent a parent must call the school to explain. c. If the student is absent for an extended period of time for medical reasons the school must be provided with a doctor’s note of explanation. d. Students who are late must report to the office prior to going to class.

Guidelines e. Attendance is a crucial part of being a successful student at Davison School. Most of what students learn on a day to day basis is from the conversations they have, the collaboration, and the hands on activities. Catching up on homework after being away only helps students to catch up on some of what was learned. f. If your child is going to be absent we ask that the school be notified on or before the day of occurrence. If no call is received, we will phone as quickly as possible to establish where a student is. We ask that parents call the school at 306-728-3955 and leave a message with Mrs. Ferleyko or the answering machine whenever a student will be missing or late.

2. Entering the School a. Students may arrive anytime between 8:30 and 8:55 a.m. b. After the bell rings, students enter the school at their assigned door in an orderly fashion. K-2 students line up at their assigned door and wait for an adult to give them permission to enter the school. c. Grades K, 1 & 2 line up at the main doors by the school office. d. Grades 3, 4 & 500 line up at the south doors at the back of the school. e. Grades 501, 600 & 601 line up at the west doors near the bike racks. f. All outdoor shoes are to be placed on the boot racks assigned to your class. g. Hats are to be removed upon entering the school unless it is an SRC spirit day. h. All visitors in the school are asked to use the main doors and to check in at the office. i. Late students must report to the office. j. All entrance doors are locked at 9:00 with the exception of the main doors.

Davison School Hours Period 1: 8:55 a.m.-9:45 a.m. Period 2: 9:45 a.m.-10:35 a.m. Recess: 10:35 a.m.-10:50 a.m. Period 3: 10:50 a.m.-11:50 a.m. Lunch: 11:50 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Period 4: 12:45 p.m.-1:35 p.m. Period 5: 1:35 p.m.-2:25 p.m. Recess: 2:25 p.m.-2:40 p.m. Period 6: 2:40 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

4

Davison Routines & Procedures

2014/2015

3. Walking School Bus a. Students who are within close proximity of the school are encouraged to use the walking school bus which starts at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. b. Teacher supervisors will walk north on Montreal to 5th Avenue, west on 5th Avenue to Prince Edward, south on Prince Edward to 3rd Avenue, and then east on 3rd Avenue back to Montreal Street and Davison School. Students can join the walking school bus at any point along the way. c. To ensure your child catches the walking school bus, please have them standing at a spot on: i. 5th Avenue by 8:30 a.m. ii. Prince Edward by 8:35 a.m. iii. 3rd Avenue by 8:40 a.m. d. Students will meet the walking school bus supervisor outside the Gr. 501,600 & 601 door when city students are dismissed and will walk the same route home at 3:30. e. The walking school bus will not run if it is -29 degrees or colder or there is heavy rainfall. f. Students will earn In Motion points for every day they take the walking school bus.

4. Morning Announcements Each morning students are asked to rise for O’ Canada at 8:55 a.m. followed by announcements. Usually morning announcements provide information on upcoming clubs, events, celebrations, and birthdays.

5. Recess a. There are two 15-minute recesses each day from 10:35-10:50 a.m. and 2:25-2:40 p.m. b. All students are expected to go outside for recess so please dress appropriately. c. Students will use the washroom and get a drink on their way OUT for recess. When entering the school after recess, students will go directly to their classrooms. If they need to use the washroom they will need to ask their classroom teacher for permission to go. d. We only stay indoors if the temperature is below -29 degrees or if it is storming/raining heavily. e. Any students staying in due to illness or needing to complete work must have permission from their teacher who will then issue them a courtyard pass. f. Students are never to be in their classroom alone and unsupervised. g. Playground supervision- there are 3 teachers and at least 2 EAs on supervision daily. If there are problems, students are encouraged to solve it themselves first using an approach taught in their Character Education class. If that approach is not successful, students may talk to any adult on supervision or their classroom teacher.

5

Davison Routines & Procedures

2014/2015

6. Noon Hour a) b) c) d)

Noon supervision is provided daily for those students needing to eat lunch at school. Grades K, 1, & 2 eat in the courtyard. Grades 3 & 4 eat in their classrooms and students take turns cleaning up after lunch. Grades 5 & 6 eat in their classrooms - grade five and six students clean up the classrooms and grade five students clean up the courtyard for the little ones. Please talk to the noon supervisors for necessary duties. e) There is a reverse lunch hour with lunch recess taking place from 11:50-12:15. Students then enter the school and go to their lunchroom from 12:15 to 12:45. f) Students who go home for lunch are dismissed at 11:50 and are not to return to school until after 12:35: at which point they will go directly to their classrooms. There will not be supervision on the playground from 12:15 to 12:45. Students who go home for lunch are welcome to stay and play on the playground until 12:00 or until a parent/guardian picks them up. g) Students who regularly stay for lunch but wish to leave the school during the noon hour must have written permission from their parent/guardian to do so.

8. Davison Dairy Milk Program Davison School offers a noon hour milk and juice program and will begin operation for the coming year on September 8. Available for purchase are white and chocolate milk, as well as a variety of lunch box drinks for $.75 each. In September and May/June a variety of ice cream treats are available for $.75 each. The Davison Dairy offers a “Dairy Card” for $12.00. Dairy Cards can be purchased each day at the sales counter outside the grade one room. Please make cheques payable to Davison Dairy. The business end of the Dairy will be handled by the grade six students who will be responsible for daily sales, ordering & scheduling. Supervisors from grade six will oversee daily milk sales and the sale of “Dairy Cards”. The profits, derived from the sale of drinks, will be returned to the students in various forms such as: ‘special days’ contests, visiting speakers, microwaves, video projectors, etc. Another important part of the Davison Dairy is to provide the grade six students with hands-on experience running a business and participating in activities such as setting up a sales schedule, ordering and receiving stock, stocking coolers, and running contests.

Davison School Rules 1. Hands off. 2. Remove hats in the school. 3. No junk food (including sunflower seeds). 4. Walk in the hallways. 5. Demonstrate the 5 School Values.

6

Davison Routines & Procedures 9.

2014/2015

Behaviour a) Each classroom has a Behaviour Plan posted which all students are responsible for knowing and following. If there is a persistent problem in any classroom leading to a parental concern, parents are asked to talk to their child first and then the appropriate teacher. b) Bullying- Davison School is a member of the “League of Peaceful Schools”. Bullying behaviour will not be tolerated and we will make every effort to put an end to it when we are aware it is happening. If you suspect your child is being bullied please talk to your child’s teacher. Please keep in mind: I. Bullying is an act that is ongoing and deliberate. II. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish if a school problem is bullying or a conflict between two or more students. If you have any questions talk to your child’s teacher as they can usually paint a clear picture of the whole scenario. c.) Hands-Off Policy At Davison School the main priority is to foster a safe and caring environment to facilitate learning. In order to ensure a safe and caring environment a hands-off/no- contact policy is in place. Hands-on/Contact includes, but is not limited to: -pushing -body-checking -kicking -punching/hitting -tackling/head locks -rough housing/horseplay One of the most important lessons our children need to be taught is self-discipline. Self-control, character and courtesy are basic expectations of self-discipline. It is the key to good conduct, proper consideration and respect for oneself, other people, property and the environment. Students are expected to maintain self-discipline while at school. Many supports are implemented by the school to foster self-control such as: -whole class lessons with the school counsellor on self-control and conflict resolution strategies -bucket-filling and team building activities -collaborative planning of recess teams -playground zoning -behaviour contracts -positive rewards for making good choices -extra-curricular clubs that promote making good choices, sportsmanship and respect -presentations by community members

7

Davison Routines & Procedures

2014/2015

Students who are unable to exercise self-discipline and choose to make the school or playground unsafe by not following the hands-off/no-contact policy will face consequences. Consequences for this behaviour will be at the discretion of the teacher or principal and include the following: -loss of recesses for a determined period of time -loss of extra-curricular activities for a determined period of time -in-school suspension/out-of-school suspension for a determined period of time The bottom line is there is NO EXCUSE for using aggression or violent behaviour at school and it will not be tolerated. Students are given a wide range of strategies for self-control and are expected to use these strategies and Be Responsible for their own actions.

10. Dismissal Procedures a) Bus Students- at 3:25 p.m. the bus bell rings and all bus students must gather their items and head down to the main doors outside the office. Students will wait there for the supervising teacher to dismiss them when the 3:30 p.m. bell rings. Once dismissed they will head outside with the supervising teacher who will help the students board the correct bus. b) City Students – the 3:25 p.m. bell is also known as the ‘get ready bell.’ Teachers will have students gather their items and wait patiently in the classroom. City students are not dismissed at 3:30 p.m., but shortly after. As soon as all the busses have gone Mrs. Ferleyko will announce “city students may now be dismissed” and at that time all city students may leave. Students taking the walking school bus will line up outside the grade 501 & 6 doors at 3:30 and wait for the supervisor to start the walk. c) Parking- parents parking on the west side of the street are asked to exit their vehicle and cross the street to pick up and drop off their children. Please do not motion for your child to run across the street independently as we have had many “close calls.” Parents are also asked to be aware of the bus zones and please not park in them. Sometimes it appears as though all the busses have come and gone, which often isn’t the case. Parking is available behind the bus zone and behind the school. Please do not park in the parking lot. d) Bussing within Melville is now available. Good Spirit School Division offers a bus service with pick-up at various points within Melville. Maps are available in the school office. In the winter months when the bus is fuller there will be two bus routes: students getting off at bus stops on the west side of Main Street will go first and then the bus will return to pick up students living on the east side of Main Street. A reminder that the walking school bus is available to students before and after school.

11. SALAMI a) If you hear the word SALAMI being called out, don’t worry, you are not in the wrong place. SALAMI stands for “STOP AND LOOK AT ME IMMEDIATELY. “ Teachers use this term to get your attention. b) Give me 5. If you ever see an adult holding their hand high in the air this means they need your attention and would like you to do the same as quickly as possible. c) If you ever hear an adult clap a funky rhythm to you out of the blue they are asking you to repeat it back and follow up by listening to something important they need to tell you.

8

Davison Routines & Procedures

2014/2015

d) Mrs. Wotherspoon also likes to use “if you can hear my voice clap once, twice, three times” during assemblies. After clapping three times you are to stop and listen immediately.

12. Monthly Assembly At the end of each month there is an assembly to celebrate student achievements; to which parents and community members are invited to attend. Each month a different classroom will host the assembly. Students are recognized in the following areas:

a) Davison School Values Award -is given to one student from each classroom for demonstrating one or more of the school values: Belonging, Responsibility, Respect, Learning and Nurturing. Students who receive this award are also given a coupon for A & W fries and a root beer (Gr. K-4) or an A & W Teen Burger (Gr. 5 & 6). b) In Motion Award- is given to the top 10 students who earn the most In Motion points each month by maintaining an active lifestyle, modelling a good attitude and good sportsmanship, participating in Phys. Ed., extra-curricular activities and at recess time, as well as taking the walking school bus. Students who receive this award are given a certificate of recognition and an item donated to the school. c) Paul Coughlin Courage Award- award given randomly to students demonstrating random acts of kindness.

13. Medication All students are asked to report any medication or medical concerns to both their teacher and the office and relevant medical forms need to be completed. If there is medication to be kept at school all teachers are made aware of what to do with it and how to use it. The medication is kept in a safe place in the staff room and substitute teachers are made aware of necessary information. Davison is not designated a peanut-free school; however, we do ask that students please refrain from bringing peanut products to school in their lunch, or for snack.

14.

Scholastic Book Orders Children will bring home a book order approximately once a month. If your child/children wish to place an order, please return the form, along with payment, to the classroom teacher before or on the date stamped on the order form. Cheques should be made payable to Scholastic Canada Ltd. Scholastic book fairs are also held twice per year as a school fundraiser.

15.

Bike Safety Students riding bikes to school must park them in the racks provided as soon as they arrive at school. Bikes should remain there until the student is leaving for home. Students should wear a bike helmet and follow bike safety rules. For safety reasons students are asked to walk their bikes/scooters/skateboards down the sidewalk in front of the school. We encourage students to lock their bikes.

9

Davison Routines & Procedures

2014/2015

16. School Communication a. Most school information is available on our school website www.dav.gssd.ca. b. Many classrooms have blogs/websites depicting classroom events and information. c. All correspondence from the main office is e-mailed. Paper copies will be sent with those families who do not have access to a computer or e-mail. d. Good Spirit School Division initiatives and calendars can be found online at www.gssd.ca e. Follow us on Twitter @DavisonSchool for all of the events and activities going on at Davison School.

17.

Dress Code ● ● ● ● ● ●

18.

Students may not wear clothes that portray alcohol, drugs, profanity or sexual innuendos. Student may not wear any type of hat or head covering (such as baseball hats, bandanas, or hoods) in the school unless it is part of a special event. Students’ abdominal and back area must be covered. Undergarments must not show. Shorts and skirts must be no shorter than mid-thigh in length. Shoes with wheels are not permitted in the school.

Tuesday Team Spirit Every Tuesday, students and staff are encouraged to wear their Davison School t-shirts or clothing from their favourite team. Students are also encouraged to wear their Davison School clothing during extra-curricular events.

Important Calendar Dates Labour DaySchool PhotosOpen HouseThanksgiving DaySchool Based PD DaySchool HolidayRemembrance DayTerm 1 ReportsTri-ConferencesChristmas HolidaysInservice DayWinter BreakTerm 2 ReportsTri-ConferencesSchool Based PD DayGood FridayEaster HolidaysVictoria DayInservice DayLast Day of ClassesAdmin. DayReport Cards-

Monday, September 1–School holiday Wednesday, September 24 Wednesday, September 24 Monday, October 13-School holiday Tuesday, October 14 –No school for students Monday, November 10 Tuesday, November 11-School holiday Monday, November 24 Wednesday, November 26 & Thursday, November 27-4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, December 22-Friday, January 2 Friday, January 30-No school for students Monday, February 16-Friday, February 20 Monday, March 23 Wednesday, March 25 & Thursday, March 26-4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, March 27-No school for students Friday, April 3-School holiday Monday, April 6-Friday, April 10 Monday, May 18-School holiday Tuesday, May 19-No school for students Friday, June 26 Monday, June 29-No school for students Tuesday, June 30-9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

10

Davison Routines & Procedures

2014/2015

Assembly Dates Date

Time

Classroom Host

Tuesday, September 30 (Day 3)

Period 6 (2:45)

600

Wednesday, October 29 (Day 4)

Period 3 (11:00)

500

Thursday, November 27 (Day 5)

Period 6 (2:45)

601

Thursday, December 18 (Day 2)

Period 3 (11:00)

Kindergarten

Wednesday, January 28 (Day 3)

Period 3 (11:00)

1

Thursday, February 26 (Day 6)

Period 6 (2:45)

501

Monday, March 30 (Day 3)

Period 3 (11:00)

2

Thursday, April 30 (Day 2)

Period 6 (2:45)

3

Wednesday, May 27 (Day 1)

Period 3 (11:00)

4

Thursday, June 25 (Day 4)

9:00 a.m.

Awards Assembly

We Are Responsible Each of us is responsible for our actions. To get the best education possible we have to be accountable for our actions.

We Belong A sense of belonging is a team effort. Our classroom is a safe learning environment where we connect and learn from one another, regardless of who we are or where we come from.

We Learn We are a classroom where we learn from each other. We are all learners and teachers; all of our daily interactions are going to develop special life experiences.

We Nurture We promote intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being within our classroom. The leaders of tomorrow are in our schools today!

We Respect Our classroom celebrates fairness, respect and responsibility. We respect each other, our belongings and values. 11