Gibbons School Policies

In an organization like a school system, conflict occurs from time to time. It is part of human nature. However, if not handled carefully, all conflict comes with a very high human cost. Healthy Interactions is an interest-based, problem solving approach to conflict resolution that creates and maintains open lines of communication. The program is intended to help staff, parents, and community members more effectively and efficiently resolve potentially difficult issues while minimizing unproductive conflict. Therefore, it is important that all possible participants be familiar with the process and understands that in Sturgeon School Division there is one standard and consistent manner in which complaints, problems and issues will be handled.

• Consistency: all people in all schools follow consistent procedures and use consistent terminology - people know what to expect.
• Comprehensiveness: the interests of all parties involved (parent, staff, student, others) will be considered every time a concern arises - nobody is ignored.
• Credibility: all people in the community must know that all concerns are handled in an interest-based manner that is fair to everyone.

Healthy Interactions meets the needs of staff, parents, students and community by building stronger relationships. It is an ongoing process within which all parties commit to making relationships work – a winning approach for staff, parents, community and especially for students.

Dr. Michele Dick, Superintendent, Sturgeon School Division

It is the mission of Gibbons School to work cooperatively with parents, students and staff to provide a safe and caring learning environment. Our belief is that through the creation of a positive learning environment students will gain self-esteem and be provided the opportunity to:

• realize their full potential (intellectually, socially, physically, artistically & emotionally).
• become productive life-long learners and citizens.
• develop their unique strengths and celebrate individual differences.
• foster respect for self and others.

Generally, the school office is open between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Before and after these times an answering machine is available to receive calls.

Staff meetings are usually held the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Student dismissal is at 12:17 p.m.

Approximately 7 days throughout the year are designated as Professional Development Days for school staff. These days are announced well in advance and are shown in the Divisional Calendar and on the calendars sent home with students with each month’s subsequent newsletter. These days are designed to allow staff an opportunity to upgrade skills and/or learn about new curriculum or teaching/learning strategies and thus better prepare our students to do well academically.

Bussing is provided to students who reside a prescribed distance from the school. Some general guidelines regarding riding a bus are:

• Only students registered as passengers may ride on their assigned bus.
• Students may be denied permission to ride a bus if not dressed properly or do not have in their possession suitable clothing for cold weather.
• Disruptive and/or destructive behaviour is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action, such as making restitution.
• Most luggage/equipment should be stored under the bus seat and stored in a durable case/bag.
• Other bus rules apply, as provided by the driver at the beginning of the school year.
• Bussing may be available for students less than the prescribed distance from the school providing there is no route change needed, space is available and if safety considerations warrant this service.

Bus concerns should first be directed to the bus driver. If necessary the Director of Transportation (1-780-939-4341 or 1-888-459-4062) should be contacted. School personnel generally respond to bussing issues after being informed by the driver and/or Director of Transportation.

School Board Policy dictates that schools remain open at all times regardless of weather conditions. However, at the bus driver’s discretion during extreme cold, hazardous road conditions or blizzard situations students may be taken home early.

Also, other emergency situations (i.e. sewer back-up, electrical or water outages, etc.) may necessitate school closure. Parents should ensure that alternate arrangements for emergency situations are in place and discuss them with their child/children and are provided to the school office.

The Superintendent of Sturgeon Schools may suspend school bus operations on days when extreme temperatures may cause safety concerns or for other weather conditions noted above. Announcements will be made over various radio stations (CHED, POWER 92, CFCW, CISN, CFBR (“Bear”), MIX96, KROCK).

For the safety of our students all visitors and parents must report to the General Office. Visitors are allowed during the noon break or in classes with prior notification and at the discretion of the School Administration.

Newsletters are distributed generally on the last Thursday of each school month. Newsletters will be sent home with the youngest child in each family and are also available on the school’s website at http://www.gibbonsschool.ca. Newsletters may be mailed, if so desired. There is an annual fee for this service. Please ask at the office for details. Special newsletter or information items may be distributed on an as needed basis at various times throughout the school year.

Students will be allowed to use office phones for emergency purposes only and with the permission of a staff member. A pay phone is located near the main school entrance for personal calls. Please refrain from using during class time. Please keep calls short and to the point. Students will only be called from class for parental phone calls of an emergent nature.

Textbooks are rented to students for a nominal fee established by the School Division. Payment of Instructional Material Fees (IMF) is required at the commencement of the school year. Families who experience financial difficulties are expected to make arrangements with the school Principal for alternative payment plans. Payments may be made at the school office and are due by September 4th, 2009. One half of the fee may be post-dated to January 29th, 2010. Non-payment of IMF monies may result in the use of a collection agency to obtain payment.

Non-returned materials (library books, texts, etc.) and damaged materials will result in student/parent notification and the replacement cost assessed against the student/parent/guardian.

To offset costs, all Junior High students will be charged a one time Complimentary Course Fee of $100 per year. There are also fees assessed for participation on school sports’ teams.

Lockers are provided for the convenience of students. The lockers are the property of Sturgeon School Division and Gibbons School and therefore, may be entered by school personnel at any time.

A combination lock is required for each locker and students are expected to keep their assigned locker neat and tidy. Students using the locker are held responsible for any damage to the locker. Please keep your locker combination private, as the school will not be responsible for any items lost, stolen or damaged from lockers.

Student Agendas are a requirement for all Elementary students and are recommended for Junior High students. Agendas may be purchased from the school for a cost of $5.00. This book is to act as a communication link between the school and the home and is designed to encourage assignment completion and organizational skills. Elementary Teachers will check student agendas on a regular basis. We ask that parents monitor student progress on a regular basis through the student agenda and contact the teacher with any concerns.