UMCA RichTree Academy Handbook

1. UMCA RichTree Academy Handbook

2. Welcome to U.M.C.A Rich Tree Academy! This handbook will serve to clarify the policies and procedures that guide us here at school. It is important that parents and students take the time needed to read the handbook together and discuss its contents.

3. Philosophy Parent/Client and Teacher/Provider Relationship At UMCA Rich Tree Academy, we view the parents of our children as worthy of our utmost courtesy and respect. The entire teaching staff at UMCA Rich Tree Academy has been specifically selected on the basis of competence, knowledge of their subject and dedication to the teaching profession, and interpersonal skills.

4. Learning Environment UMCA Rich Tree Academy enjoys exceptional harmony on all levels of involvement, from the teaching team, (made up of teachers and administration), to the learning team (made up of teachers and their students) and to the support team (made up of teachers and parents). Similarly, at all levels, we are fostering attitudes and skills to prepare our students to work well in a team, in preparation for the Canadian, and also the Global workplace.

5. Conduct and Expectations This inevitably highlights the necessity of successful conflict/resolution, when differences arise. At all levels, conflict most often arises out of differences in points of view on expectations. UMCA Rich Tree Academy has a very reasonable, considerate and fair Code of Conduct. This Code is based on Bill 212: “Progressive Discipline and School Safety.” The consequences of inappropriate student behavior are consistent with the progressive discipline approach.

6. If behavior occurs which is outside of UMCA Rich Tree Academy’s framework of expectations, we will consult with the parents. Because we value and respect the parents of the UMCA Rich Tree Academy students, our approach is both professional and sensitive to each situation. In return, we would ask that parents share our commitment to harmonious relations at all times and respond in kind, should a sensitive matter arise concerning the behavior of their child, while in the UMCA Rich Tree Academy learning environment.

7. At no time does UMCA Rich Tree Academy presume to be authoritarian in matters of enforcing its Code of Conduct. At no time would UMCA Rich Tree Academy expect to have a parent react to non-existent lack of sensitivity, mutual respect and reciprocity, from our side. We also would like parents to be mindful of how often children will mimic behavior to act out real or imagined underlying issues they perceive are taking place in their life outside of school. For example, negative behaviors such as: verbal abuse, swearing at peers or adults, bullying, physical aggression, destructive behavior, throwing objects, or vandalism, is entirely beyond the scope of UMCA Rich Tree Academy’s on private/independent school behavior expectations.

8. Language and UMCA’s Culture of Respect Swearing • In the UMCA environment, teachers actively model the use of elevated speech. Children should know how to speak properly and well. • Swearing is inappropriate speech and we have zero tolerance for it. The effect on student and school moral of being constantly exposed to verbal aggression even second hand, is destructive. • We are an elite private school with a culture of respect where language discipline is highly valued. For that reason, we reserve the right to deal immediately with students who use such language, with warning suspension and if not stopped, expulsion.

9. Suspension and/or Expulsion The most serious consequences of suspension and expulsion are reserved for incidents of very serious misconduct. Consistent with the Education Act’s legislative changes, UMCA Rich Tree Academy also takes into consideration “mitigating and other factors.” l. The pupil does not have the ability to control his or her behavior. 2. The pupil does not have the ability to understand the foreseeable consequences of his or her behavior. 3. The pupil’s continuing presence at the school creates an unacceptable risk to the safety of any person.

10. Other Factors l. The pupil’s history 2. Whether a progressive discipline approach has been used with the pupil 3. Whether the activity for which the pupil may be or is being suspended or expelled was related to any harassments of the pupil because of his or her race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation, or to any other harassment 4. How the suspension or expulsion would affect the pupil’s ongoing education 5. The age of the pupil 6. When an Individual Education Plan (IEP) has been identified; 7. whether the behavior was a manifestation of a disability identified in the pupil’s individual education plan 8. Whether appropriate individualized accommodation has been provided, and 9. Whether the suspension or expulsion is likely to result in an aggravation or worsening the pupil’s behavior or conduct.

11. Expectations for Positive Behavior in the Classroom UMCA Rich Tree Academy uses a team approach in both our teaching and our learning environments. Our education program is delivered in an enriched environment where all students enjoy the same advantages. Our expectations in the preschool and early primary years is that children will experience well rounded development by the use of social as well as academic guidance and training.

12. Progressive Discipline and School Safety If a child has difficulty or unwillingness to make the social adjustment necessary for enriched education to take place, UMCA Rich Tree Academy teachers have recourse available to carefully initiate the following steps as part of “Progressive Discipline and School Safety” -Flag negative or counter-productive behavior -Teacher/ peer teacher/ consultation -Teacher/student/ consultation -Teacher/parent/student /consultation -Teacher/parent/principal/student/consultation -Student suspension /from class -Principal suspension/ from school

13. Categories of Behavior Leading to Suspension There two categories of Suspensions. The first category leaves the length of suspension to the principal’s discretion from a 1-19 day time period and whether or not to notify the Police. The second category leaves the length of suspension to the principal’s discretion from a 1-19 day period, and whether or not to notify the Police, but in four instances mandates the Principal to notify the Police.

14. Suspensions Pending Expulsion and Involving Police Suspensions pending expulsion or possible expulsion under Education Act, Part XXI, Subsection 310, would necessitate calling police, be effective 1-20 days, and be of a very serious nature. Only the following are in any way potentially relevant to the Code of Conduct at UMCA: • Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner • Committing robbery • Possession of an explosive substance • Any act considered by the principal to be a serious breach of the school’s code of conduct.

15. Categories of Behavior Leading to Suspension However, the following misconduct would merit suspension, not involving police, from 1-19 days: l. Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority. 2. Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the pupil’s school or to property on the premises. 3. Bullying 4. Fighting 5. Inappropriate use of electronic communications or media devices. 6. An act considered by the school principal to be a breach of the school code of conduct.

16. Discipline, when needed, will be designed to direct the student toward a more meaningful acceptance of UMCA Rich Tree Academy rules of conduct. Generally, procedures for directing students toward resolution shall include: • Teacher works with student on a one-to-one basis • Teacher works with parents and student. • Teacher works with principal, parents and student. • Teacher suspends student from class. • Principal suspends student from school. After reviewing the situation, the school may dismiss the student.

17. Attendance: Safe Arrival Ensuring the safety of your children is our priority. Our Safe Arrival Program is in place so that we can account for the whereabouts of absent students. It is for this reason that we ask all parents to inform the school of the child’s absence. Where it is possible, we ask that this be done in advance. Call the school and leave a message on the answering machine or with the school secretary. Also, whenever a child is dropped off or picked up, please make sure that the staff member on duty is notified. The children are supervised at all times and are never out of the care of the staff. The only one who will be dropping off or picking up your child will be you or your designated persons. We cannot allow a breach in this system of safety at any time.

18. Attendance: Safe Arrival If you have not informed the school of your child’s absence in advance, the following steps, in order from l to 5 will be implemented by the school to ensure your child is safe: Step 1: We will call your home. Step 2: If we are unable to reach you at home, we will call your place of employment and/or cell phone. Step 3: If we are unable to reach you at your place of employment and/or cell phone, we will next call your Emergency Contact Person. Step 4: If we are unable to reach all of the above, and your Emergency Contact Person does not have any information on the whereabouts of your child, we will ask your child’s sibling, if one is in the school. Step 5; If we are still unable to reach you, or obtain information from the above sources, we will check with a friend of your child.

19. BUS INFORMATION Our school offers a bus service to pick up and drop off students at home. Students also use the bus when traveling to extra-curricular activities. Students riding the school bus must observe the following procedures: • Be at the bus stop five minutes early. • Keep well away from the road until the bus has stopped. Do not move toward the bus until it has stopped. • Watch for the bus driver’s signal before crossing the road. Look both ways and then cross the road. • Board the bus quickly. Use the handrail. Go directly to your seat. • Remain seated while the bus is in motion. • Do not eat or drink on the bus. It is not allowed. • Keep the aisle clear of books, knapsacks, lunch bags and other items. • Keep windows closed unless the driver permits you to open them. Never put hands, arms, legs or head out of the window. • Never throw anything out the window. • Talk quietly. Do not disturb the attention of the driver. All shouting, horseplay, fighting are forbidden at any time. Students will be suspended for doing any of the above.

20. “NO BUS”DAYS If road conditions force cancellation of bus services, we will post it on the Website as early as possible. Parents must check the Website. The school will not be calling any parents regarding this information. School Closed “No Bus”Days: On days when buses are cancelled due to extreme weather, the school may or may not still be open. Parents must check the Website. The school will not be calling any parents regarding this information.

21. Drop Off Procedure The school is open from 7:30a.m. Classes start at 9:00 a.m. Make sure that Administration or a Teacher knows that your child has arrived before leaving the building. Pick Up Procedure On “NO BUS” DAYS: Dismissal on “No Bus” days is the same if the school is open. Pick Up Procedure: Dismissal and Sign Out Dismissal is from 5-6:30 p.m. You will be required to use the Sign Out book.

22. Child Safety/Security Sign Out must take place before a child leaves. Only a parent, Grandparent or a designated person known by the school may sign out a student. Parents must leave the name of the designated person(s) with the Office in writing. Pick Up Waiting Area: Parents, Grandparents or designated persons are asked to wait at the front door reception area for a staff member to get your child. Please do not walk into the building with boots on (seasonal footwear). The school must know exactly who every adult is / where every adult and child is, within the building at all times.

23. Our belief is that school is a place of learning and, to be successful, students must focus their attention and energy on school-related matters. For this reason, it is important to minimize any distraction that clothing could cause. Clothing which demonstrates respect for oneself and for others is expected at all times.

24. The following section gives an overview of what is considered acceptable wear at UMCA: • Students studying in grades 1-12 must wear the uniform which is a white shirt and the blue UMCA vest during assemblies or special occasions. • The preschool students must wear a uniform of white top and dark/(black) pants or skirt on assemblies or special occasions. • Appropriate gym clothing must be worn during gym. All students must wear the white UMCA T-shirt. • Indoor shoes must be worn at all times, or sandals in the hot weather. No shoes with wheels are permitted in school. • Language or graphics on clothing will not display provocative, suggestive sexist or racist slogans, or reference to smoking, drugs, alcohol, or anything unsuitable for a minor. • Clothing must cover midriffs and undergarments, shorts and skirts should be mid-thigh or longer, clothing should not be sheer/flimsy or extremely tight. Tube tops, halter-tops, and other tops with narrow shoulder straps or “spaghetti straps” are unacceptable. • Except for religious or medical reasons, head coverings of any description will not be worn inside the school. • Pajama-like clothing will not be worn at school.

25. HOMEWORK POLICY Homework serves the purpose of reinforcement, fostering of self-discipline, and involving parents in an overview of progress. It can be either an accommodation of the curriculum for your child, or an additional supplement to classroom work. All homework is considered necessary. It is given out with the expectation that it will be returned completely done, with parent signature. Homework is given out on Friday and taken up first thing on Monday morning.

26. Homework Posting Homework is posted online every Wednesday to ensure time is managed accordingly. If you will be absent, please request homework earlier. All parents need to check both their child’s agenda and the website postings every week, for homework information and other important announcements. Parents always have two sources of information regarding homework.

27. Homework Co-operation In all cases there is a spirit of cooperation between school and home, in order to fulfill the goal of maintaining excellence in your child’s education. There is no assumption by the school that a parent has to teach or re-teach material. All homework is based on material the teacher has already taught to your child. The parent fills the role of encouragement, approval and support. It is the responsibility of the student only, to do the actual homework. Students can take home their binders throughout the week.

28. Homework Follow-up As a general rule, for every day a student is absent, the student needs a day to make up the missed work. It is considered the responsibility of the student to take initiative to find out about the assignments missed. This is the case regardless of whether the absence was due to a sports event, music tour, medical visit or illness, or any other factors. The teacher is the resource person there to help and provide material. In the case of a planned absence such as a vacation, all work that will be missed must be obtained beforehand. It is expected that the parent will return the homework signed, and on the first day of the child’s return to school. Teachers require notification of an upcoming planned absence at least 2 weeks prior, for the best accommodation to take place.

29. School Website Our school has its own unique website (www.umca.ca). You will be able to read the latest news, articles and view upcoming events. This is also where you will be able to communicate with teachers. Each student will be provided with a login and password upon registering.

30. Report Cards There will be two Report Cards per school year. The first card will be in December and the second will be in June. Report cards serve as a document that outlines your child’s strengths and areas for improvement based on the grade level. There will be two parent/teacher interviews as well for you to talk with all teachers in person. Dates, quiz & test marks, and comments will always be posted on your child’s private on-line profile on a continuous and timely basis.

31. COMMUNICATION Communication and cooperation takes place between the parent and teacher. Role of the Parent • To monitor the student’s work by reading the agenda and the website regularly and to communicate with teachers as concerns arise. You can contact any teacher through the school website by leaving a personal message. You can also set up a meeting with the principal. Open classes are available on Wednesdays for you to sit in and observe your child’s classes.

32. PRE-EXAM MONTH The pre-exam preparation will take place during the entire month of April. Each student will receive a pre-exam package that is designed for review of the course material. This is for preparation leading into the exam month in May. There will be time provided during class and some pages will be part of the weekly homework. The teachers will provide an explanation as to what is expected. We need parents to help with the students’ organizational skills to ensure that none of the packages are lost or kept at home. If it is sent home, it must come back to school every day. The pages will be available on the website for you to print.

33. EXAM MONTH The exam month will take place in May. The purpose of exam month is for students to have a final assessment of material in all subjects in order to consolidate their skills. We want to ensure that each student is ready for the next grade level. We request that you do not plan major events such as moving to a new residence, or taking holidays at this time, in order to put Exams and studying as a priority.

34. Home Room Teachers Each grade has a Home Room Teacher. All questions, comments, etc. regarding your child may be directed to the Home Room Teacher via the Website or as a school phone message. The school administrator will pass the message directly to the teacher. Phone messages will be returned during school hours only, unless there is an emergency.

35. CULTURALDIVERSITY We believe that self-esteem and self worth are enhanced by incorporating each child’s cultural heritage into the curriculum and that all children benefit from a multicultural, multilingual education. Multicultural approach is made fully effective in that we offer multilingual teaching staff. We provide a curriculum that values equality of the sexes and promotes a non-sexist point of view. We believe as our student members are not only a team, but a family. There is no better educational setting with a non sexist curriculum in order for students to understand equality, than to be immersed in a non-gender biased atmosphere.

36. Internet Use On occasion when teachers use an education/information website, no child shall be left unsupervised on the internet. Our student computer technology is limited to supervised use. Where there is a proven attempt to breach this condition, the person(s) who do so shall be suspended from using the internet at UMCA and a meeting will be scheduled between the school and the parents.

37. Healthy Food Our school provides tasty, nutritious food for students throughout the day. Snack is provided twice a day: in the morning and in the afternoon. We also provide a hot healthy lunch each day at 1pm. Our food is delivered from Yummy Grill restaurant and we ensure that the food meets healthy eating standards. Students are provided with soup, salad, vegetables and a main course. Two adult staff supervise the luncheon meal. One staff person is in charge of food served from the kitchen, the other is a teacher supervising students.

38. Healthy Food Eating together is also regarded by our school as a social activity. Cleanliness, manners and pleasant conversation are expected. Students are invited to the table with washed hands ready to eat their food while it is warm. They are encouraged to finish the portion they are served and are free to ask for a second serving if they wish. Playing, throwing, or wasting of food is not acceptable at our school. Shouting, horseplay or aggressive behavior at the meal is not acceptable. Parents will be notified if a student does not adhere to the above guidelines. Every Friday is “Bring your own snack day.” Students are allowed to bring healthy snacks from home to share with friends.

39. March Break The school is open during March Break for children to participate in exciting and educational activities. The hours of operation are 8am-6pm. There will be different workshops that focus on academics, art, crafts, sports, and cooperative games. The workshops are designed to provide fun, encouraging, creative and safe experiences! These activities give your child the opportunity to further develop academic and social skills. UMCA will be open for extra activities during our annual March Break. If you plan to take your child on vacation, this is the next best time of the school year to do so.

40. Things to leave at home The only materials students should bring to school are those related to school studies, sports and nutrition. Exceptions require prior permission from a teacher or from the school office. Student cell phones and camera phone use is banned on school property. If any students are found using their cell phone or taking photographs without permission, they will have their cell phone and camera taken away and their parents will be asked to come in to the school office to retrieve them. The following items are not allowed at UMCA: • Gum • Cigarettes • Fireworks Laser Pointers • Lighters/Lighter Fluid Knives (also pen knives) • Valuable belongings • Matches • (electronic devices)

41. UMCA Rich Tree Academy Students and Parents Rules Each parent and student must: •Respect school property: books, notebooks, walls and outdoor equipment; •Use washrooms appropriately: Make sure to: flush, wipe toilet seat, put used paper towel in the garbage. •Absolutely do not throw any garbage at the school parking lot, neighbours lot or background; •Do not throw anything over the fence.

42. March Break The school is open during March Break for children to participate in exciting and educational activities. The hours of operation are 8am-6pm. There will be different workshops that focus on academics, art, crafts, sports, and cooperative games. The workshops are designed to provide fun, encouraging, creative and safe experiences! These activities give your child the opportunity to further develop academic and social skills. UMCA will be open for extra activities during our annual March Break. If you plan to take your child on vacation, this is the next best time of the school year to do so.

43. Care of Property Students should take pride in themselves, their personal belongings, and their school. Respect for others, safety and property is consistent with a schools moral code. It is the students responsibility to replace or pay for damage done by the students to the school or someone else’s property.

44. Each parent must: • Check our web site weekly www.umca.ca for homework messages and updates • Check your child’s school bag weekly. • Please remember: the school is not responsible for any belongings. • Do not send any money or food unless you were asked to do so. • Respect parking rules. Do not park in front of the school front door.

45. Field Trips Students go on many trips throughout the year to enrich their experiences at school. Most trips cost $25 that includes the cost of transportation and the program fees. Examples of field trips include: Royal Ontario Museum, The Riverwood Conservatory, Alliance Francais, Science Centre, Trips to Guelph, Art Gallery of Ontario, Ripley’s Aquarium, Chuldleigh’s Farm, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Famous People Players, and more! Not all trips are mandatory, however, they offer students new educational experiences.

46. Extra Curricular Classes Our school offers many extra-curricular classes in addition to our academic classes. We are fortunate to be next a sports complex which offers state of the art facilities. Swimming Class • Students have access to an Olympic sized salt water swimming pool located in the complex. They will be provided with lessons from an instructor as well as leisure time. Students are always supervised in the pool and surrounding area.

47. Extra Curricular Classes Skating Class • Students have access to an NHL sized hockey arena that is right next to the school. They receive instruction on techniques of skating as well as being able to play hockey. Each student participates in this extra activity which extends our physical education program.

48. Extra Curricular Classes Salsa Class • Our school is very proud to have salsa class as part of our extended curriculum. It also matches with expectations of the Ontario Curriculum for Phys. Ed. and Arts/Drama. Our students will learn the technique of this unique style of dance in our dance studio. They will also learn "Posodobel", which is a traditional couples dance from Spain. Students have the opportunity to perform in salsacompetitions as well as during graduation.

49. Extra Curricular Classes Design Class • We are pleased to offer a new Design Class where students learn the fine art of needlework using multi-coloured thread and fabric. Our students have the opportunity to create wonderful items using this new form of design. In order for students to use time efficiently, they need to bring in the necessary items (needles, thread, fabric, etc).

50. Extra Curricular Classes Rock Climbing Class • Students have indoor rock climbing class which is a fun and safe activity that promotes awareness and mobility. We are fortunate to use the rock climbing wall in the main gym. The climber is fastened into a safety harness and travels up the wall using their hands and feet until they reach the top. All students will be supervised and taught the correct techniques.