School District 42 allows its students to be able to access curriculum based information resources no matter where they may be via the Internet.

The Internet can provide students with access to the most recent research and the most up-to-date statistics and opinions.

However, the Internet can also provide the students with access to less than desirable information.
While it is impossible to completely protect students from accidental exposure to inappropriate materials, it is important that the District have an Acceptable Use Policy to provide guidelines for the use of the Internet by its students.

Code of Conduct

Maple Ridge Secondary’s Code of Conduct has been created to maintain a safe, caring and orderly school environment.  The purposes of the Code of Conduct are:

- to encourage the development of socially responsible behaviour resulting in a positive reputation for students and the school community.

- to foster a safe, respectful and welcoming learning environment for all students, staff and parents.

- to clearly communicate behaviour expectations to the school community. 

The Code of Conduct applies to all members of the school community at school, traveling to and from the school, at any school-related activity at any location, or any circumstance/activity that will have an impact on the school environment.   

Expectations for student conduct for younger students differ from those for older students as they do for students with special needs who are unable to meet expectations due to a disability. It is expected that as students move through successive grades and become older and more mature, they will be more socially responsible. 

Attendance

Statement of Purpose:

To achieve a healthy learning environment we, the students and staff of the Maple Ridge Secondary School community, value consistent attendance, punctuality and readiness to learn.

To ensure all students have the best opportunity to have success and achieve graduation level standards.

Conduct Expectations:

Students will recognize the importance of being on time to classes, prepared to participate and equipped with the necessary materials.

Parents will support the importance of regular attendance by encouraging (ensuring) their children/child attend all classes.

Students who arrive to school late are required to sign in at the office. 

Students who must leave the school during the school day must report to the office and sign out.  Students must present confirmation (e.g. note, phone call) from a parent/guardian granting permission to leave.

If illness or other unavoidable reasons cause a child to miss school, the parent will write a note in the Student Planner and/or phone the school before 8:30 a.m. on the day the student missed.

Students who participate in extra curricular events should contact the sponsors before the event if they must be absent.

School staff will inform parents and students in a timely manner when absences are a concern.

Students will miss no more than fifteen excused days of school. Four missed classes is the equivalent of one school day.

Students missing more than 15 days may be required to make up learning time through mandatory tutorials. The decision to make up time is made by the Administration.

Part-time students should calculate the portion of fifteen days applicable to them.

Unacceptable Conduct:

Inconsistent attendance.

Not informing the school of illness or reasons for absences.

Skipping classes and/or hall wandering.

Dress Code

Statement of Purpose:

To foster respect for oneself and others through action, including attire.

To promote attire throughout the school year that is suitable for a school and learning environment. The clothing should be comfortable and conducive for the activities required and should take into consideration the type of tasks at hand.

Conduct Expectations:

Tops must sufficiently cover the majority of the upper body including the back, chest, and stomach.

Shorts, skirts, and dresses should cover the majority of the upper thigh

Undergarments must not be exposed.

Transparent or see-through clothing is not acceptable school attire.

Hats, toques (including bandanas) and coats must be removed upon entry to the school (unless there is a special theme day such as ‘Hat Day’).

Spikes and chains are not considered acceptable school attire.

Students not dressed in appropriate school attire, may be sent home to change their clothes or directed to adjust the clothing (e.g. turn a shirt inside-out, wear alternative PE clothing).

Parents/ guardians will work alongside school staff to ensure appropriate styles of clothing are worn to school.

Unacceptable Conduct:

Clothing that promotes or advertises alcohol, drugs, violence or gang affiliations in any way is not permitted.

Waistbands of pants/ shorts / underwear below the waist.

Tops with spaghetti straps, muscle shirts, tank tops.

Smoking

Statement of Purpose:

To promote healthy bodies and to prevent students from being in an unsafe situation (e.g. second-hand smoke), MRSS supports School District 42 Policy, which requires that all District facilities be smoke free.  Therefore, smoking in the building or on school property is not permitted.

To educate students about the addictive potential of nicotine and health risks associated with smoking.  Maple Ridge Secondary discourages student smoking and attempts to educate students through the support of the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Worker, curriculum integrations (PE, Science, Home Economics, Planning, Health & Career Education, etc.).

Conduct Expectations:

Before school, at lunch and after school, students who smoke are required to be off of school property.  There is absolutely no smoking permitted by any student on school grounds. 

To avoid congestion and in respect of our neighbours, students must not congregate nor leave any litter. 

Any student who chooses to smoke on the school grounds is liable for disciplinary action, including suspension and referral to a counsellor. 

Unacceptable Conduct:

Smoking on school property, between classes, at Merkley Park, side streets, or anywhere within two blocks of a school.

Standing/ loitering or leaving litter on side-streets or on neighbours properties. 

Electronic Devices and the Internet

Statement of Purpose:

To promote a learning environment with few distractions.

To foster appropriate social interaction and respect for the instruction in the classroom.

To develop study-habits and strategies for learning.

To maintain a quiet school environment when required in certain areas.

To provide respectful, safe and responsible access to technology (see also Internet Acceptable use Policy).

Conduct Expectations:

Cell phones can be used before school, at lunch and after school. Students are NOT permitted to use their phones inside the building during instructional time or between classes. 

Inappropriate use of an electronic device (e.g. MP3, cell phone, iPod, etc.) may result in confiscation for a period of time, and/or a parent meeting.

Computer use must be in compliance with all aspects of the code of conduct (e.g. see Respect for Each Other), and be used for educational use only.  

Unacceptable Conduct:

Phoning, text messaging or participating in other disruptive practices involving electronic equipment in classrooms or in the hallways during instructional time.

Headphones in use during instruction.

Viewing, displaying or using inappropriate content on electronic devices, such as computers or MP3’s, including saved photos, video footage, etc.

Respect for Each other

Statement of Purpose:

To foster a healthy school community where all members treat each other with courtesy and respect.

To work together in developing a sense of community-mindedness and accountability.

To promote and maintain an environment where students and staff are safe to learn and achieve greater success.

To ensure that students and staff have the right to a learning environment free from bullying, harassment, intimidation, and dishonesty. 

Conduct Expectations:

All members of the school community will endeavor to be honest with one another.

Students and staff must be treated with respect and courtesy through display of appropriate behaviour and speech.

Members of the school community must display tolerance for all people, including, but not exclusive of: ethnicity, appearance, abilities, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Bullying, intimidation (verbal, physical, mental, etc.), harassment and possession or use of weapons are each forms of violence.  These actions, whether uttered as threats or acted upon will not be tolerated.

Unacceptable Conduct:

Slanderous comments, sexual suggestions, profanity, or other discriminatory terms.

Bullying, harassment, physical, verbal or mental abuse, fighting.

Social segregation, isolation, ignoring other students.

Apathetic, unfriendly or manipulative behaviour towards other students or staff.

Respect for the Learning Environment

Statement of Purpose:

To promote a caring and success-orientated environment.  As learners we need to have a sense of respect for our common learning environment, our own learning needs and those of others.  In general, a learner needs to be actively involved in the task at hand. 

To ensure each student has access to a quiet, orderly, clean, well-equipped classroom.

To promote a learning environment where each learner can achieve the highest level possible.  This can only be done when students are safe and have a clear understanding of learning expectations, assessment criteria and how to achieve high standards.

Conduct Expectations:

To respect the rights of others to work and learn free of distractions.

To dress appropriately (see Dress Code).

To complete assignments in a timely manner in order to demonstrate understanding of the learning outcomes. 

Students are expected to use their planner to record work assigned by teachers. Homework may be assigned as practice, a means to complete work not done in class, to prepare for future classes, or to complete larger projects (such as reports).

Students under the influence or in possession of illegal drugs or alcohol at school or at school events will result in disciplinary action, and may include suspension, referral to a counselor/assessment program, or possibly referral to Suspension Review Committee.   Personal assistance, with drug or alcohol related concerns, may be obtained from the Drug and Alcohol counselor, or the school counselors. 

Unacceptable Conduct:

Talking or socializing during class time when instructions are given to complete work.

Off task behaviour such as not following instructions, fooling around, or horseplay in class and hallways.

Not taking responsibility to improve behaviour and learning, such as attending tutorials, detentions or Wednesday School.

Respect of Facilities & Equipment

Statement of Purpose:

To promote a safe environment through responsible use of facilities, equipment, and vehicles.

To ensure safety regulations are followed for the safety of all students and staff.

To care for the school and its property including textbooks, lockers, furniture and school equipment.

Conduct Expectations:

Facilities and Grounds - students and staff are expected to keep the school facilities and grounds tidy and neat. Individuals are expected to clean up after themselves.

Lockers – are school equipment and therefore subject to search at any time..  Students may store school related materials and supplies in them.  Disciplinary action will be taken if lockers are used to store stolen property, drugs or alcohol, and/or other materials, which jeopardize the safety of the school.  Students will be charged for damage to lockers.

Rollerblades, skateboards and long boards - are not permitted at MRSS because the school cannot provide safe storage for these items and because of student safety concerns.

Safety Rules in Classrooms – students are expected to know and abide by the safety rules for specific areas (e.g. cafeteria, gym, science labs, industrial education area, etc.)

Textbooks & Library Books – Students are responsible for textbooks and library books.  Lost, damaged or stolen books must be found or paid for. 

Transportation and Parking – All staff and students are expected to demonstrate safe, careful and courteous behaviour both when driving/riding motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and when taking transit to and from the school.  Parking is allowed only in specific designed areas. Violators will be towed at the owner’s expense. Parking passes and specific parking information are available at the office.

Visitors  - must report to the office and receive administrative permission to be in the school.  Student guest passes must be applied for at least one day before the guest is expected to attend.

Unacceptable Conduct:

Intentional destruction of property, such as graffiti, vandalism, theft of personal and/or school property.

Parking in restricted areas.

Careless use of other student’s materials or school equipment, such as lab equipment or of school equipment.

Leaving garbage in hallways, on school grounds or on neighbouring streets.

To foster respect for learning with the school community.
Objectives:
To improve assignment completion and homework to support learning.

To improve students' accountability to their learning.

To increase staff's knowledge and implementation around best practices regarding instruction and assessment.

To improve students' ability to comprehend course content.
Objectives:
To provide strategies that allow students to organize and retain the large amount of content they receive in courses.

To provide reading strategies that will improve achievement across the disciplines.