Current School Bus Route Information and School Closures

FILE: AC

This policy was prepared by a joint Board/Association Committee that was established to address areas of common concern relating to safety and security in the schools.

The intent of this policy is to provide a safe, secure and caring educational environment that develops the qualities of self-esteem, creative thinking, a love for learning and a respect for self and others. This policy is intended to provide guidelines to ensure such an environment and to provide response guidelines to situations that would affect such an environment. No policy can meet every circumstance that might arise in specific situations. Decisions based on individual circumstances will still need to be made by administrators within the Division, but these decisions will adhere to the guidelines outlined in the policy.

All employees, students, and visitors within The Portage la Prairie School Division #24 have the right to work, learn and visit in an environment that is safe and secure. However, as with any right, the right to a safe and secure environment carries with it corresponding responsibilities. These responsibilities are outlined below.

The Board of Trustees of The Portage la Prairie School Division is committed to maintaining a school environment that is safe and secure for its students and staff.

Division staff has the authority and responsibility to maintain order and discipline in the school (PSA 96(c)). In carrying out this responsibility staff is expected to take those actions deemed acceptable and necessary to maintain a safe and secure learning environment. Staff is also expected to be responsive to the needs of the students and their parents.

Students are expected to behave in a manner that supports the goal of a safe and secure environment for fellow students, staff and others at all times, but especially while on school property, while moving between school and home, and at school-related activities.

Parents are expected to be supportive of discipline policies, to have their children attend school regularly and on time, to consult regularly with the school and to initiate contact with the school when a need is perceived.

The Board will carry out its commitment by:

a) Supporting the establishment of programs for staff and students that will prevent misbehaviour, and providing opportunities for staff training for those programs;

b) Establishing Division wide procedures for dealing with incidents of misbehaviour;

c) Responding appropriately to those involved in incidents while respecting the due process rights of all concerned;

d) Assisting and supporting staff members or students who suffer physical injury, personal loss, or trauma.

Division staff will carry out its responsibility by:

a) Setting and modeling good examples of behaviour, demonstrating respect for authority and due process, and being respectful of parents, colleagues and students;

b) Developing and implementing a school based progressive discipline plan which is consistent with School Division policies and procedures;

c) Ensuring through regular communication that students and parents are aware of school and division expectations and the consequences of violating these expectations;

d) Acquiring the skills and techniques necessary to deal effectively with student behaviour;

e) Providing physical and emotional support to those who are involved in incidents that threaten their safety or security.

Students are expected to be responsible members of the student body by:

a) Being aware of and respecting the policies and procedures of the school and division;

b) Being supportive of appropriate non-violent, non-aggressive alternatives for resolving problems and difficult situations by engaging in cooperative problem solving and conflict management activities that foster an environment of positive peer support.

c) Being respectful of all School Division staff and other students, so that everyone may have an atmosphere conducive to learning;

d) Making appropriate use of instructional resources, avoiding defacing of the physical environment of the School Division and respecting the personal property of fellow students and School Division staff;

e) Following through with the agreed procedures and activities from the remediation plan whenever they act in a manner contrary to the policies of the School Division.

Parents are expected to be partners with the Division in achieving a high quality education for their children in a safe and secure environment by:

a) Being aware of School Division policies concerning standards of behaviour, attendance, procedures for dealing with inappropriate behaviour and remediation;

b) Communicating with school staff concerning the scholastic achievement and personal deportment of their children/wards at scheduled parent/teacher conferences and on other occasions as requested by either party;

c) Being supportive of good learning through a home environment that encourages good study habits, completion of assignments on time and thoughtful enthusiasm for learning;

d) Encouraging students to be respectful of Division staff, students, and property;

e) Cooperating with the school in developing and carrying out remediation plans when incidents of inappropriate student conduct arise.

The purpose of this policy is to reinforce the responsibilities of all stakeholders in the educative process so as to provide for and ensure the preservation of a safe and secure learning environment for all involved to learn, work, visit and to remind those whose actions injure or threaten this environment there are serious consequences.

"Dedicated to the Pursuit of Excellence"