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CHHS School Policies

EXAM POLICY

The following policy applies to junior and senior high school-based final exams.

 Purpose

  • To ensure the validity of exams written at times other than the scheduled time

  • To establish communication between the school and families regarding the exam schedule
  • To clarify student and parent responsibilities regarding the writing of school based exams

Policy

  • Exam pick-up will be consistent for all school-based exams, and will be as follows:
  • When a student has completed the exam or when the time is up, he/she will raise his/her hand.
  • A teacher will collect all the exam materials from the student.
  • The teacher will dismiss the student.
  • There will be zero tolerance for cheating.  Students caught cheating will receive a zero for a final exam mark
  • There will be no re-writes of school based exams.
  • All students must remain in the exam room for a minimum of 60 minutes before they are dismissed.
  • Electronic devices (cell phones, MP3 players, etc.) are not permitted in examination rooms.

 

Ensuring the validity of exams written at times other than the scheduled time:

  • Students not able to write an exam at the scheduled time must complete and submit an Exam Conflict Application and Approval formto the VP responsible for examinations.
  • Students who do not show up for the exam within the first 60 minutes and have not made prior application must submit a Missed Exam formto the VP responsible for examinations.

 

Communication between school and families regarding the exam schedule:

  • The exam schedule will be printed in the school calendar and website for the following year and in all senior high subject course outlines.

 

Student and parent responsibilities regarding writing exams at the scheduled times:

  • Families are encouraged not to schedule activities that will require a student to be absent from any school exam.
  • Students who arrive within the first hour of the exam will be permitted to write the exam within the remaining scheduled time. Any exceptions are at the discretion of the administration.
  • Students who do not show up for the exam within the first 60 minutes and have not made prior application must submit a Missed Exam formto the VP responsible for examinations. 
  • If a student knows in advance that they will be absent for an exam, they must make written application at least 2 weeks priorto the last scheduled day of that course.  The Exam Conflict Application and Approval form will be available from the VP responsible for examinations and are to be returned to that VP for consideration.
  • The student will be notified by the VP of the decision regarding writing the exam.

Diploma exams are scheduled by Alberta Education and cannot be rescheduled or rewritten. If a student misses a diploma exam, he or she must apply to rewrite at the next available sitting.

 

ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

(Electronic devices, recording and playback devices, handheld games, etc)

 The CHHS faculty and administration recognize that electronic devices are integrated into the lives of students. We would like to work with parents and students to discourage the negative impact these devices can have, encourage their responsible use and explore how they can positively impact our learning environment. CHHS is committed to community; the faculty and administration would like to see electronic devices enhance our sense of community.  

In order to protect the personal property of students we suggest:

  • Students not bring electronic devices to school. These devices can be easily misplaced, and are increasingly the target of theft and vandalism. Once a device has gone missing it can be very difficult to recover.
  • In the case that an electronic device is brought to school, keep it in a safe place at all times.

In order to maintain a learning environment that is free of distractions for all, students are to:

  • Ensure that electronic devices are powered down during class time.
  • Only use electronic devices during class time when they have the permission of their teacher.
  • Electronic devices are prohibited in the hallways during class time, but may be used appropriately in the cafeteria or library during the school day.

In order to protect individual’s privacy students are to:

  • Refrain from recording audio, images or video within the school without explicit permission from your teacher and any individuals being recorded.

In order to maintain integrity of examinations, students are not allowed electronic devices in their possession during quizzes or tests. Any student caught with an electronic device during a quiz or test will have the test taken away and a score of zero will be assigned.

Use of electronic devices for harassment or intimidation is strictly prohibited and will be treated according to the Crescent Heights Harassment and Intimidation Policy.

Policy Violation Consequences

CHHS staff will confiscate an electronic device when there is a violation of this policy.  The confiscated electronic devices are secured in the school office.

  • 1st offense:             Students pick up electronic device from the office after school.
  • 2nd offense:             Students pick up electronic device from the office after school the next day
  • 3rd offense:             Parents pick up electronic device from the office after school the next day.
  • 4th offense:             Parents set up meeting with administration to pick up the electronic device.
  • 5th offense:              Student will be suspended from school if they continue to violate the electronic device policy. Suspension can range from 1 to 3 days.

ACCEPTABLE COMPUTER USE POLICY

Access to computers and the Internet should provide students with the opportunity to learn, share and discover. The teachers working in the areas offering Internet access agree that the valuable information and interactions obtained from the Internet outweigh the controversial or offensive material which is also present. The Internet is a reflection of society and therefore all elements of our society are represented. You are asked to comply by the rules outlined to ensure your Internet access is both enjoyable and productive.

Terms and Conditions:

It is essential that Internet users conduct themselves as responsible citizens of the school community. We consider the use of the Internet a privilege and not a right. Users must ensure their conduct is within ethical and legal boundaries.

  • I will talk to my teacher about when I can be on-line.
  • I will not maliciously attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, network or agency connected to the Internet.  This includes the uploading or creating of computer viruses.
  • I will not send chain mail (spam e-mail) across the Internet.
  • I will assist new users within my school community.
  • I will not give out personal information such as my password, address, telephone number or the name and location of the school without permission from my teacher.
  • I will treat the files/data of other users as their private property.
  • I will never agree to get together with someone I 'meet' on-line without first checking with my teacher and parents.
  • I will agree to random and frequent checks of the files and e-mail I have been using to determine whether these accounts are being used in an appropriate manner.
  • I will never use vulgar, abusive or obscene language on the Internet. 
  • I understand that the language that I use can harm and upset other users.
  • I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. If the messages continue I will contact my teacher.
  • I will not access sites which may be considered offensive or obscene.
  • I will not participate in chat rooms at anytime.

Failure to comply with any of the rules as stated above will result in loss of access privileges for the student.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Rationale:The CHHS community firmly believes that a strong correlation exists between consistent student attendance and a successful learning experience. This attendance policy exists to promote a beneficial educational experience for all students.

Daily or Period Absences

  • Students leaving the school at any time during the day must sign out at the office (must have parent permission) before they leave. There are no exceptions to this rule.
  • For any absences, either for a full day or for a period, a parent or guardian must excuse the absence by phoning the CHHS office by 11:00 AM the day of the absence. (if students are leaving for a period they must have a note from the parent or have the parents contact the office before the student leaves)
  • If the parent or guardian has not phoned by 3:00 PM to excuse the student’s absence, the school automated will phone home with a recorded notification message. The student will be required to report to the office before 8:25 AM the following morning with a signed note or phone call by the parent excusing the absence.
  • If the parent does not phone the day of the absence, or provide the student with a note for the following morning, the student will be considered truant.
  • Students with absences that are either not excused or cannot be verified will be subjected to the “Truancy Policy”.
  • Students who repeatedly use class time to obtain verification for excused absences will be subjected to a Thursday Afterschool Detention.
  • Students are responsible for any missed assignments or exams regardless of the whether the absence is excused or unexcused. 

Attendance Policy Procedures

STEP 1

When a student has accumulatedsix (6) absences from a class and the student’s mark is below 60%:

The teacher will:

  1. Contact the parent or guardian. 
  2. Contact the parent/guardian, grade level counselor and vice principal about the missed classes. 
  3. Record the communication with home in PowerSchool.

STEP 2

When a student has accumulated nine (9) absences from a class and the student’s mark is below 50%:

The teacher will:

1. Contact the parent or guardian. 

2. Contact the parent/guardian, grade level counselor and vice principal about the missed classes. 

3. Record the communication with home in PowerSchool.           

The grade level counselor will:

  • Meet with the student and develop a plan/strategy to improve student attendance in consultation with the student’s parents.
  • Provide each teacher with a copy of the attendance plan via email.
  • Record the communication with home in PowerSchool.

STEP 3

When a student accumulates twelve (12) absences from a class and the student’s mark is below 50%:

The teacher will:

1. Contact the parent or guardian. 

2. Contact the parent/guardian, grade level counselor and vice principal about the missed classes. 

3. Record the communication with home in PowerSchool.

The grade level counselor and vice principal will:

  • Send a letter home to parent/guardian indicating the number of absences and the student’s current mark.
  • Meet with the student and develop an attendance contract to improve student attendance in consultation with the student’s parents.
  • Record the communication with home in PowerSchool.

 

TRUANCY POLICY 

  • A student will be considered truant from a class when he/she is absent without the knowledge or consent of the parent or guardian and the school officials. The student must report to the office for each truancy. Contact with the parent or guardian will be made for each truancy.
  • When a student is truant thefirst time from a class, the student’s parent or guardian will be informed by phone. Both student and parent will be made aware of the “Truancy Attendance Policy”. The administrator or office staff will initiate and fill out a “Truancy Tracking Form”.  Students will receive a Thursday Afterschool Detention.
  • When a student is truant thesecond time from a class, the student’s parent(s) or guardian will be informed by phone.  The administrator will fill out the “Truancy Tracking Form” and the student will be required to sign a “Truancy Attendance Contract”.   Students will receive a Thursday Afterschool Detention.
  •  When a student is truant a third time from a class, the appropriate administrator will complete the “Truancy Tracking Form” and contact parents to discuss the issue and determine consequences. Students will receive a Thursday Afterschool Detention.
  • The student may be given and in school or out of school suspension.
  • Further truancies will involve a meeting with parents, counselors and administrators. Appropriate consequences will be administered.


 

STUDENT COURSE WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURE POLICY

  1. Students will be allowed to withdraw from classes until
  2. Semester 1> October 15
  3. Semester 2> March 15
  4. Student withdrawal will only be completed with parental approval. A “CHHS Class Withdrawal Request Form” must be completed.
  5. Students in grade 10 and 11 must replace withdrawn class with course on school timetable.
  6. Students withdrawing from a class and entering into an Alberta Distance Learning Centre course (S.O.S. on timetable) are financially responsible for the course.  50% of tuition will be refunded upon successful completion of the ADLC class.

 

ALBERTA DISTANCE LEARNING CRITERIA POLICY

PLEASE NOTE: Students will not be granted ADLC courses in lieu of CHHS scheduled classes.

Students may register for ADLC based on the following criteria:

In the event CHHS can’t accommodate a student course request/requirement due to timetable constraints, CHHS will cover course costs. In this situation, the student will be placed under a staff supervisor and the student is expected to meet all the CHHS guidelines as per regular classes re: attendance, task deadlines and student behavior.

Extended Studies

If a student has a full timetable and wishes to take an extra course for credit:

  • The student is responsible for payment of fees. 
  • 50% of Tuition will be returned to student upon successful completion of course.

The student/guardian is responsible for the course expectations and content without direct supervision of CHHS staff.  The student support will be provided via email or phone contact with the designated ADLC teacher/supervisor. 

THURSDAY AFTERSCHOOL  DETENTION POLICY

Thursday Afterschool Detentions are assigned to students who require a consequence for repeated disregard for school policies.  Teachers may assign detentions for things like:  missing noon detentions, truancy, missed homework assignments, or other behavioral concerns.

Procedure:

  • The staff member responsible for assigning the Thursday Afterschool Detention will contact the student’s parent or guardian to inform them of the behavior and the detention.  In accordance with the School Act parents must be contacted at least one day in advance so that they can make alternate transportation arrangements if necessary.
  • The staff member will complete the Thursday Afterschool Detention form and provide it to the receptionist for recording and attendance purposes.

Students who receive Thursday Afterschool Detentions are expected to arrive at the assigned room on time and should have homework and/or reading to do during the detention.  Electronic devices (cell phones, mp3 players, etc.) are not permitted in the detention room.

CO-CURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

Expectations: Participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege not a right.  Students are required to be positive role models both inside our school and in the broader community and must:

  • Attend classes regularly and punctually.
  • Complete course assignments and participate in class to the best of his/her ability.
  • Demonstrate a positive, respectful, and cooperative attitude with members of our school community.
  • Maintain an academic standing that reflects a personal commitment to learning.
  • Adhere to and support school policies.
  • Comply with MHSD #76 Co-curricular policy.

Failure to meet these expectations may jeopardize the student’s participation in extra-curricular activities.

DRESS CODE POLICY

Rationale:The world of work requires a standard of dress. Schools require a standard as well. Both you and your clothing should be neat and clean. Dress should be appropriate for the occasion and activity in which you are engaged while in school. Your appearance should reflect that you are in school, ready to work and learn. School dress is different than typical dress for the mall, a concert, a party, or the beach. Student dress should reflect respect and pride in each individual student and the school community.

Expectations:No dress code can itemize every item of dress that is unacceptable for school.  However, there are certain guidelines for good decision-making about daily apparel. Any type of dress or personal grooming that disrupts the educational environment, is destructive to school property, or is a threat to safety or health is prohibited.  Dress code decisions will be made at the Administrators’ discretion.

  • Head gear is NOT permitted.
  • Clothing should not contain profane or offensive language, pictures or innuendo of a sexual, racial, religious, lifestyle or cultural nature. There will be no references to drugs or alcohol, its lifestyle or emblems or labels.
  • Shirts must have two shoulder straps.  Straps should be wide enough to cover the bra strap.  Halter tops and tube tops are not permitted.
  • Shirts must cover at least 50% of the back.
  • Footwear must be worn.
  • Cleavage must not be obvious.
  • Skirts and shorts must be mid-thigh or longer.
  • Sunglasses may not be worn in the school.
  • Hoodies may not be worn with the hood covering the head.
  • Undergarments may not be showing.
  • Hockey and football jerseys are available in the office for students who are asked to change.

Policy Violation Process

  • First Violation:
  • Student will be asked to change
  • Incident recorded in PowerSchool
  • Teacher will notify the parent
  • Second Violation:
  • Student will be asked to change by an administrator
  • The administrator will notify parent
  • Wednesday afternoon detention will be given
  • Third Violation:
  • Student will be asked to change by an administrator
  • Parent will be notified
  • One day in school suspension

 

ILLEGAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE POLICY

The possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs or alcohol products is strictly prohibited. All illegal drug or alcohol related issues could involve our school resource officer who will attempt to contact parents/guardians. The school’s policy on illegal drug and alcohol related violations is as follows:

 

INFRACTION

CONSEQUENCES

Possession of drug paraphernalia (pipe, paper, knife)

5 day suspension

Possession of drugs or alcohol

 

5 day suspension

Commitment to AADAC

Smells of drugs or alcohol

(1st offence)

Parents contacted

Student sent home

Smells of drugs or alcohol

(2nd offence)

3 day suspensions

Commitment to AADAC

Smells of drugs or alcohol

(3rd offence)

5 day suspension

Voluntary removal from CHHS

or recommendation for expulsion

Evidence of trafficking

5 day suspension

Voluntary removal from CHHS

or recommendation for expulsion

 

Repeated violations may result in recommendation for expulsion.

TOBACCO USE POLICY

Students possessing tobacco products under the age of 18 are in violation of the Alberta Tobacco Act. Students are not permitted to smoke or use tobacco products on school campus.  This includes:

  • In parked vehicles on school property         
  • Parking areas
  • School grounds
  • School buildings

Policy Violation Process

  • 1st Violation
  • Warning, meet with administrator, parents contacted.
  • 2nd Violation
  • 1-day in-school suspension, parents contacted.
  • 3rd Violation
  • 3-day suspension, parents/guardians contacted.
  • Students will be required to take a smoking cessation program.
  • Students may be charged and be subjected to a fine.
  • 4th Violation
  • 5-day suspension, possible recommendation for expulsion.

Students may be recommended for expulsion for being in violation of Section 24(7) of the School Act

***Any tobacco products will be confiscated. ***

 

FIGHTING POLICY

  • The individual(s) in violation of this policy will be deemed the aggressor and the instigator of the altercation. 
  • An individual(s) in a defensive position and retaliating to protect their physical well being will not be considered a combatant.
  • If fighting occurs upon mutual consent or the individual(s) being attacked become the aggressor(s) the policy will apply to all individuals involved.
  • Students who in any way support or encourage student fighting will be subject to the same consequences outlined in this policy as the combatants.

1st Violation:

  • Students will be referred to the appropriate vice principal.
  • The vice principal may involve the school resource officer.
  • Complainant will provide names, dates and circumstances in a written statement.
  • The vice principal will contact the accused and interview all parties involved.
  • Those involved must agree to cease any offensive behavior.
  • The vice principal will take notes and will contact parents/guardians and describe the consequences of any further policy violations.
  • The offending student(s) may be suspended from school for up to 3 days.

If the initial complaint is of a serious nature the 2nd violation consequence of this policy may be implemented immediately.

2nd or Subsequent Violations:

  • Same procedure as above.
  • The offending student(s) may be suspended from school for 5 days and parents/guardians will be required to reinstate the student at the specified date and time.
  • Any further violations of this policy may result in a student being removed from CHHS or recommended to the MHSD#76 Board of Trustees for expulsion.

Parents/guardians have the right of appeal to the Principal and/or the Superintendent.  Individuals have the  right to contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission to file a complaint of harassment up to 30 days the alleged incident, and if circumstances warrant it, the police, to file a charge of assault. 

HARASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION POLICY

Rationale:  All members of our community have the right to feel safe and respected when they are on our school campus, in our broader community and when traveling on a school bus.  Consequently acts of harassment, intimidation and physical aggression are considered a serious violation of school policy and will not be tolerated on school campus, at school-sponsored activities and on the school bus.  Behaviors in violation of this policy may be verbal, physical, deliberate or unsolicited; it may be one incident or a series of incidents. 

Harassment or intimidation may include:

  • Verbal abuse or threats.
  • Unwelcome remarks, jokes, innuendoes, or taunting about a person’s body, attire, age, marital status, ethnic or national origin, religion etc.
  • Displaying pornographic, racist, offensive or derogatory pictures.
  • Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment.
  • Unwelcome invitations or requests, indirect or explicit.
  • Leering or other gestures.
  • Unnecessary physical contact such as touching, pinching, patting, kicking or punching.
  • Encouraging third parties to harass, intimidate or aggressively hit others with the body, hands or feet.

Harassment occurring off-campus will be referred to the police.

1st Violation:

  • Initial complaints should be directed to the counselor.
  • Complainant will provide names, dates and circumstances in a written statement.
  • Counselor will contact accused and interview parties involved.
  • Those involved must agree to cease any offensive behavior.
  • The counselor will take notes and will contact parents/guardians and describe the consequences of any further policy violations.
  • The counselor may involve the school resource officer.

If the initial complaint is of a serious nature the 2nd or 3rd violation consequence may be implemented immediately.

2nd Violation:

  • Complaint(s) will be referred to the vice principal.
  • The vice principal will follow the above procedure.
  • The offending student(s) will be required to attend Thursday After School Detention to complete assignments related to social responsibility.

3rd or Subsequent Violations:

  • Complaint(s) will be referred to the vice principal.
  • The vice principal will follow the above procedure.
  • The offending student(s) will be suspended from school for 5 days and parents/guardians will be required to reinstate the student at the specified date and time.

Any further violations of this policy may result in a student being removed from Crescent Heights High School or recommended to the Medicine Hat School District #76 Board of Trustees for expulsion.

 

WEAPONS POLICY

Crescent Heights High School regards the carrying or brandishing of a weapon as a serious offence against the safety of others. Any student found in possession of or brandishing a weapon on school (or school district) premises before, during or after school, or during a school sponsored activity, will receive a full five day, out of school suspension. Police will be contacted and charges may be made against the perpetrator.  School District officials will be notified and further interventions may follow.  

Weapons can be defined as objects that are intended or could be used to inflict bodily harm or intimidate others such as a firearm or a knife.

 

TRI-SCHOOL POLICY

Administrators from the city’s secondary schools have developed regulations to govern student behavior at inter-school functions.   Action will be taken when a student exhibits any of the following unacceptable behaviors during a co-curricular activity:

  • Being under the influence of or in possession of alcohol
  • Using, being under the influence of, or in the possession of illicit drugs
  • Creating a disturbance or endangering others

Policy Violation Consequences

  • A 3 day suspension from school.  This may be reduced to 1 day and 12 hrs of service to the school, AND
  • A 3 month suspension from ALL co-curricular activities.  This may be reduced as outlined in the policy.
  • Suspensions may be appealed to the superintendent.

 

GOOD NEIGHBOUR POLICY

  • Students are requested NOT to loiter on or near private property in the area of the school.  This also includes streets, sidewalks, and alleyways adjacent to these properties. 
  • Students who create problems in the neighborhood are subject to disciplinary action and may be confined to the school during school hours.

If you have any questions about any of these Policies
please contact one of our School Administrators for Clarification.