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The Kent Road School community believes that everyone (children, staff, parents/guardians, volunteers, visitors) has the right to learn and work in a safe, respectful environment. This means that all words, actions, and appearances must be cooperative and respectful. We focus on and support learning - our own and others. Our school community does not tolerate racial or gender incidents.

Kent Road School teaches and encourages positive behaviors which include:

• respect for others; peers and adults

• respect for property

• being safe

• doing your job

The Winnipeg School Division Number 1 and Kent Road School have very clear behaviour policies and codes of conduct. Bringing weapons to school, using them, or threatening others with them is not tolerated and can result in expulsion from the school system. An expulsion means the child has lost the right to attend any school in the Division for the rest of the year and must deal with the Board to re-enter school. Please read carefully No "Ifs, Buts or Maybes" which is sent home in September each year.

At Kent Road we use many programs and personal examples of appropriate behaviours. Behaviours which promote learning, show respect, and maintain safety for everyone are acceptable. The children themselves have identified the following as unacceptable:

• fighting (including play fighting)

• verbal aggression (name calling, racial remarks, put-downs, vulgarity, swearing, talking back, etc.)

• spreading rumors

• physical aggression (pinching, pushing, tripping, hitting, threatening, throwing things, spitting, etc.)

• vandalism or graffiti (marking on or damaging the school's or other people's property)

• theft

• non-compliance (not obeying the adults who are in charge)

• interrupting the learning process (acting silly, talking when others are talking, disturbing the class or group, etc.)

Kent Road students know that they are responsible for all their own actions and that they cannot blame others or the circumstances for what they choose to do. They know that if they are on task, they don't disturb others; that if they speak respectfully or say nothing about others, they are never verbally abusive; that if they "Debug" or "Act Cool" or seek adult help, they don't put themselves at risk physically; that if they don't damage or lose property, they won't have to pay for it.

It is important that all children, parent/guardians understand that some behaviours will result in consequences. Children who are not able to play cooperatively at recess will be "walled" or lose their recess(es).

In more serious situations a consequence may include a suspension. This means that a child has lost the right to attend and learn in the classroom for a specified time. The child misses valuable learning opportunities and is responsible for the work missed. Sometimes the suspension takes place in school for part of a day, in which case the child works in a room other than his/her classroom. Other times, the child is given an out-of-school suspension. The parent/guardian is notified and the child must remain at home. S/he is not permitted in the school or on the grounds. The Board receives reports (copies of which are filed in a child's record) of all suspensions.

Children can be suspended up to five days by the principal if they physically or verbally assault other people, threaten, use alcohol or drugs (including cigarettes) on school property, fail to obey adults in charge, or display any other seriously inappropriate actions. Longer suspensions are determined by the superintendent. It is important for parents/guardians to understand that they will have to make arrangements to look after their children at home if they lose the right to attend school temporarily and are suspended. The actions of one child cannot interfere with the safety and learning of the others. Occasionally children have in their possession articles that do not belong to them or that pose a danger to others. To deal with this the division has a Student Seizure Policy. For more information please consult the Principal.

At Kent Road School we have begun a school wide social skills program. This is part of our School Wide Behavior Plan.

Elements of a School-Wide Behavior Plan.

1. Common approach to discipline

2. Clear set of expected positive behaviors

Beginning in September we will share with the students the targeted behaviors for the year at a series of assemblies and model appropriate examples. These skills contribute to a safe school, student acceptance by others and build self confidence.

Year 2000-2001 Targeted Behaviors

• Review of Greetings and use of Please and Thank You

• Walking Quietly in the Halls

• Helping Others

• On Task Behavior

• Showing Empathy

• Following Instructions

• Saying Sorry

• Not Interrupting

Teachers review the targeted skill. There is a two week school-wide ticket blitz. All staff carry tickets which they hand out when they notice the targeted behavior. At the end of the 1st and 2nd week tickets are exchanged for different valued items.

We will be extending this program into activities the students could do at home to also earn tickets to exchange at school.

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The school support team consists of the resource teachers, the special education resource teachers (SERT), the guidance counsellor and the principal. This team, either individually or together, works with children, parents and staff members as necessary.

They provide support by giving direct service, consulting and collaborating with staff, providing materials and resources, co-ordinating volunteers, assessing children, working with outside agencies and parents, and/or counselling.

At Kent Road we have the services of a psychologist, a reading clinician, a social worker, and a speech and language pathologist on a part time basis. These people work with the children, the school staff, parents, and outside agencies to address special needs of some children. Parents/guardians must give permission for services.

A Guidance Counsellor is available every second day. Students, parents and/or staff may make referrals to the counsellor. The counsellor works with individuals, small groups or classrooms to assist students to be successful at school.

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ACCIDENTS

In the case of an accident, we need to reach a parent as soon as possible. Please make sure your emergency contact number is up-to-date and available to get a message to you. In the case of a serious accident, it may be necessary to call an ambulance. Since this cost must be borne by parents, you may want to examine your supplementary health coverage or purchase student accident insurance. If it is necessary for a child to go home because of an accident (or illness) it is the responsibility of the parent to pick the child up at school.

No staff member is allowed to give a child any medication. Arrangements can be made by the school, the parent AND a doctor to give a prescription drug only. If a child requires medication, an Individual Health Care Plan must be completed by the school, the parent, and the doctor.

The parents need to request this and a letter from a medical doctor must accompany the request (form letter is available from the office).

Students who need inhalers or epi-pens are to carry them on their person at all times. These students require Individual Health Care Plans.

Except for "Show and Tell" toys, dolls, action figures, game boys, pokemon cards should not be brought to school. There are too many problems relating to loss, breakage or disagreements.

Students in grades 1-3 are discouraged from riding their bikes to school. Students who bring their bikes must have signed parental permission. Bikes must be walked on the sidewalk and hardtop. Bikes must be secured at the bike rack with a U lock. The school is not responsible for damaged or stolen bikes. A bicycle helmet is strongly recommended.

If there is a court order limiting the access of a parent please bring it to the office so a copy may be placed on file otherwise we have to provide equal rights to both parents.

All children and staff at Kent Road School follow the provincially mandated curricula.

Staff use combinations of assessment strategies.

The report cards (four a year) indicate how well a child does in his/her academic work, skills, attendance, collaborative skills, independent work habits, responsibilities as a learner and citizen, behaviour, and homework. There is also a clear statement as to whether the child achieves at, above, or below grade level.

Kent Road has opportunities for children, parents/guardians, and staff to meet. The first is an Open House in September. This is a time for children and staff to show parent/guardians what we actually do in class and the learning/curriculum and behaviour expectations.

The second and third opportunities are conferences in November and April to discuss how well each child is learning. Some classes favour the traditional conference format, while others use Student-Led conferences.

The most important thing to remember is that we encourage your involvement with your child’s learning and welcome calls, notes or visits throughout the year to exchange information.

Homework contributes to successful learning. All children at Kent Road have homework every day. It may be 15-20 minutes of reading, practice activities in mathematics (eg. number facts, timetables), completion of assignments given in class, review of notes, studying for a test, working on a project, learning a spelling list. Parents are encouraged to be involved i.e. listening to home reading. Please check with the teacher if you are unsure about amount and type of homework.

Each child in grades 2 to 6 will have a Kent Road homework or agenda book. The cost is $5.00, payable to the school in September. It is part of a program to teach study and organizational skills to the students and a means of daily communication between school and parents.

Homework time works best (and causes the least opposition) if the parent/guardian and child negotiate a commitment to a regular daily time and place.

Field trips have a direct link to the curriculum outcomes for the children and/or are opportunities to foster appropriate social skills. Field trips occur throughout the year.

Extra-mural activities also have a specific purpose - eg. a tournament, a reward for service (i.e. Patrols and Conflict Managers), or an earned activity in a behaviour management program.

Behavior Management applies to all students, staff, and volunteers. The No Alcohol, No Drugs, No Smoking policy is in effect, even though the event takes place out of the school building.

The Kent Road nursery program for 4 year olds is a child-centered environment which provides a wide range of activities designed to meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of the developing child. Children are free to choose, to sample and to experiment with different types of play.

Particular emphasis is placed on language development. Research indicates that rhyming is an important skill in Language development. Nursery incorporates a Mother Goose program to teach nursery rhymes to the children and their parents. Other skills developed are cooperating with others, self confidence and independence. The half day program runs daily for eight months.

The Special Education students adaptive programming is organized and monitored by the special education resource teachers (S.E.R.T.) and is available to all students in nursery to grade six. The program aims to meet the academic, social, emotional and life skill needs of the students so they may progress at their level successfully within the mainstream of education. The following supports are provided:

Consultation, collaboration and direct service as defined in the resource model.

Depending on the level of need, an Adaptive Education Plan or an Individual Education Plan is developed for each special needs child. All special needs students are integrated into age appropriate classes.

The resource program is available to all students and teachers from nursery to grade 6. It is organized by the resource teachers who support the classroom teachers in meeting the needs of their students. The resource program aims to meet the instructional needs of the student, so that the student can progress successfully within the mainstream of education by providing the following types of support:

Consultation involves discussion, sharing of ideas and materials regarding the student or class with the classroom teacher, support teachers, clinicians, parents and students.

Collaboration involves a resource teacher teaming with other professionals, particularly classroom teachers, support teachers, clinicians to meet the needs of the students by team teaching, providing programs, materials, strategies and demonstrations.

Direct Service involves a process which includes referrals, observations, diagnostic assessments, educational plans, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and case closure. The resource teacher, resource teacher assistants, or volunteers trained by the resource teacher provide the direct service individually/or in small groups in the regular classroom where possible.

Resource Programs at the Early Years presently in place include:

• Nursery Parent-Child Mother Goose Program

• Kindergarten Phonemic Awareness Program, Basic Motor Skills Program

• Grade 1-3 Guided Reading Program

• Grade 1-3 Guided Math Program (in development)

 

Room 5 at Kent Road is a Special Education program for students in grades 4 to 6 with severe behavioral problems and/or emotional disturbances. This program provides a small classroom setting with an intensive staff/student ratio and a behaviour support component. Room 5 provides a safe and nurturing environment in which our students can grow socially, emotionally and academically. The focus of the program is to successfully integrate our students into mainstream classrooms whenever possible. This occurs with the support of the Kent Road School staff.

Volunteers provide support with field trips, classroom activities, fund raisers, Parent Council, library, hot dog sales, special events, and assistance with individual students in the classroom and resource program.

The volunteer program is coordinated by the resource teacher who recruits volunteers each fall and invites them to attend an Orientation in October with the Winnipeg School Division #1 volunteer coordinator. Their hard work is capped off when the staff and students host a Volunteer Reception in June in appreciation for all their support and hard work.

Conflict Managers are trained to help children solve conflicts and problems before they escalate. Students in grade 5 & 6 are selected, by students and staff, based on a specific set of criteria. They are given in depth training to provide them with skills to use in solving their own personal problems as well as the skills necessary to help others solve theirs.

Our team usually consists of approximately thirty members. They work on a rotational basis. Conflict Managers are easily recognized by their bright yellow vest and the clipboard they carry at recess.

Many of our grade 5 & 6 students volunteer their own time, in all kinds of weather, for the responsibility of being a school safety patrol. They are trained to help children get to school safely.

They are on duty from 8:40 to 8:55 a.m., 12:00 to 12:10 p.m., 12:45 to 12:55 p.m. and 3:30 to 3:40 p.m. These are the times to have the children travel to and from school. Please note that we cannot cover backlanes and children are expected to use the streets.

The computer lab consists of twenty-four work stations. All classes have access to the computer lab. There are numerous programs for the children to access, which range from drill and practice to creative applications. The program is delivered by classroom teachers for students from Nursery to Grade 6. Computer Mentors assist Nursery, Kindergarten and/or Primary students in the computer lab.

The library collection is tailored to support and enrich classroom programs. Classroom teachers use the library to enhance and deepen student learning. The collection aims to engage the students as learners and increase motivation and success. The library is also a good source for recreational reading.

Book Buddies will read with your children, helping them become more independent, fluent readers.

Physical education is taught to grades N-6 and promotes good health and fitness for all students. We encourage life-long physical fitness and the love for sports, recreation and physical education.

Intramurals take place at noon hour for grades 3-6. Interschool competition takes place between schools in the Division and involves soccer, volleyball and baseball for boys and girls.

Leadership students are a group of grade 5 & 6 students who learn to organize and run intramurals, recess games, and field days.

Playground Pals are a group of grade 4 students who play with grade 1-3 students at recess. They organize games and activities to encourage safe and fair play.

The Kent Road Parent Council is an important component of the school. The parents/guardians of all students currently registered at the school are welcome to participate in any or all of the Council's activities. These include its monthly business meetings, workshops, various committees, special events and on-going activities in the school.

The council, staff and administration share information and ideas concerning what is best for the children in an open, respectful, practical manner.

Parents can help by making sure their children DO NOT BRING the following to school:

Children are to wear appropriate clothing (No gang colors, bandannas, T shirts with wrestling, drug, alcohol or crude language) short shorts, tube tops, spaghetti straps or belly buttons showing. In school students do not wear hats, outdoor jackets or jackets tied around the waist.

Some children are unable to return home during the noon hour because their parents work outside the home, the distance is too great, or there are special circumstances. Unless a child is registered in a special education program or the school asks children to remain at school for a special event, there is no lunch supervision provided by the staff of Division No. 1.

The Kent Road Parent Council, however, offers a lunch program (supervision, activities, milk) in exchange for a reasonable fee. Children are to bring their lunch from home in clearly marked containers. The staff will heat food in a microwave or provide hot water.

Please note the following if you plan to register your child for the Parent Council Lunch Program.

1. Spaces in the program are limited. The number is determined by fire safety regulations.

2. Children must be registered each year for either regular or casual participation before they are allowed to stay at noon. Forms are available in the office.

3. The Lunch Program is both a service and a business. The fees must cover the expenses - salaries, staff training, equipment, utensils, microwaves, etc. Therefore, fees are due on the first school day of the month for regular users and on the day the child stays for casual users.

4. The Lunch Program uses the Division's and the school's codes of conduct. Children who act inappropriately can be suspended from the program, either temporarily or permanently.

5. If your child is a "regular" in the program and you allow him/her to eat elsewhere, please notify the lunch supervisor by calling the school.

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