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RSS School Code of Conduct

Statement of Purpose          

Rutland Senior Secondary takes pride in the tradition it has established within the community.  This code exists to provide a foundation for the development and maintenance of a safe, caring and orderly environment for school members.

Rationale

Strike an appropriate balance among individual and collective rights, freedoms, and responsibilities; and

Outline and clarify expectations for students while at school, going to and from school, and at any school function or activity at any location.

Rutland Senior Secondary upholds and promotes the BC Human Rights Code – respecting the right of all those in accordance with the law – prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation – in our school environment.​

 

Conduct Expectations

All school members will:

• Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and their school,
  
• Treat school property and the property of others with a reasonable standard of care,
  
• Express themselves with socially acceptable language and gestures,
  
• Exhibit behaviour that is free of all forms of intimidation, harassment, racism, and discrimination,
  
• Dress in accordance with the school dress standards,
  
• Promote positive behaviour through the avoidance of all types of violent acts,
  
• Inform a school official of any unsafe situation (individual or behaviour),
  
• Make every effort to attend scheduled classes and arrive on time,
  
• Respect the rights of others to learn in an environment free of unnecessary distracters,
  
• Refrain from the possession of any form of a weapon while on school property,
  
• Refrain from the possession and use of all forms of intoxicants,
  
• Assist in making the school a safe, caring and orderly place, and
  
• Model respectful and responsible behaviour not only at school, but within the community, and whenever acting as a school ambassador.
  
• School members include students and all adults whose role or jobs place them in contact with students in school settings.
  ​

Examples of Unacceptable Conduct

Unacceptable conduct includes (the areas cited are examples only and not an all-inclusive list):

Behaviours that:

• interfere with the rights of others to learn (e.g. getting into a power struggle with another school member or members).
  
• create an unsafe situation for any school member (e.g. not complying with safety procedures when working with equipment).
  
• distract others from focusing on instruction or concentrating on prescribed tasks. (e.g. having a cell phone ring in the middle of a class or text messaging a fellow student within a class or in another class).
  

Acts of:

• bullying, harassment or intimidation (e.g. directing intimidating behaviours toward another school member or systematically excluding an individual from a group activity; this includes by electronic means).
  
• physical violence (e.g. fighting or encouraging other school members to fight).
  
• retribution against a person who has reported incidents (e.g. threatening to hurt someone because of their attempt to prevent a violent act).

Illegal acts, such as:

• possession, use or distribution of illegal or restricted substances (e. g. being in possession of marijuana while at school or within the "Drug Free Zone" or associating with an individual or individuals who are using a controlled substance).
  
• possession or use of weapons (e. g. having a knife at school or threatening a school member with a tool).
  
• theft of or damage to property (e. g. tagging the walls in a school bathroom or destroying a school members personal possession). ​
  

Rising expectations

It is understood that students require assistance in developing and subscribing to these socially responsible values and behaviours. One role of school staff is to educate and guide student social development by increasing expectations and consequences as students mature both physically and socially.  As result, responses to behaviour will vary according to these variables.  Generally, as a student matures, expectations will increase and consequences will be adjusted accordingly.

Consequences

We believe that discipline is intended to promote the development of pro-social behaviours.  To this end it is partially our responsibility to actively teach these attitudes and skills.   In this process, it will be necessary to draw on consequences to enhance student learning.  The use of consequences will be governed by the following principles:

Consequences will:

• be appropriate to the student's stage of development,
  
• reflect the intensity, frequency and/or duration of the inappropriate behaviour,
  
• be chosen primarily for their educational value,
  
• make sense to the student as much as possible, and be appropriately time.

Following are some examples of consequences that may be considered (it should be understood that this is not a complete list of consequences):

• Informal meeting with a student to address the situation
  
• Phone call to parent to discuss the situation
  
• Formal meeting involving student and guardian
  
• Make up or rehearsal time assigned (morning, lunch, after school)
  
• Removal of an assumed school privilege
  
• Referral to appropriate Vice Principal
  
• Withdrawal from course
  
• Restitution, either monetarily or through school-based community service
  
• Referral to school-based team
  
• Involvement of school RCMP liaison officer
  
• Definite in-school or out-of-school suspension
  
• Indefinite suspension
  

        

Suspension

A "suspension" is, by definition, a removal of a student's right to attend regular class instruction sessions.  Suspension may be either:

• Directed Suspension – supervised suspension up to 10 days in length served at our Graham Road location.
  
• Definite – up to ten school days or
  
• Indefinite – in excess of ten school days

Administrators of schools, and teachers authorized by the board and the principal, may suspend a student when the Administrator concludes that:

• A student is willfully disobedient to a teacher or any other employee of the board carrying out responsibilities approved by the board
  
• The behaviour of the student has a harmful effect on the character or persons of other students
  
• A student fails to apply her/himself in her/his studies or fails to comply with the rules of the school and does not, after due warning, make a reasonable effort to reform.

The following are some examples of consequences that would not be appropriate based on the established principles:

• Corporal punishment
  
• Use of collective responsibility (group punishments) as a disciplinary process
• Use of academic work as a disciplinary procedure (e. g. assigning extra academic work to punish misbehaviour  
• Use of an evaluation procedure as a disciplinary act (e.g. arbitrarily assigning a test to an individual or class that is behaving inappropriately).
• Using an individual as an example to deter misbehaviour in others (e. g. reprimanding an individual in front of his/her peers).           

Major Infractions – Students involved in major infractions (smoking, fighting, vandalism, drugs, defiance) will be dealt with by the administration.  Parents will be contacted immediately and informed of disciplinary procedures.  A suspension may occur as a result of a major violation. The RCMP will be contacted if the incident is illegal and an indefinite suspension may result.  Such incidents will be dealt with in accordance with School Board Policy and Regulations.  In a report of illegal or dangerous activity, the school reserves the right to search a student, locker, vehicle and belongings.


Notification - In instances where a student or group of students engage in a serious breach of the code of conduct, it may be necessary for school officials to advise other parties.  Specifically we will adhere to the following guidelines:

•   parents of student offender(s) – in every instance
  
•   parents of student victim(s) – in every instance
  
•   school district officials – as required by school district policy
  
•   police and/or other agencies – as required by law
  
•   all parents – when deemed to be important to reassure members of the school community that school officials are aware of   a serious situation or incident and are taking appropriate action to address the matter.

In addition to the above, we have a responsibility to the district and the Ministry of Education to track and generically report data collected on student misbehaviour patterns.  This information is used to determine trends, re-tool responses, and determine existing policies and practices.  

If you have any questions about this code and related applications, contact the school administration.

 

School Search and Seizure Policy 

Student searches may be made based on reasonable suspicions of a violation of school rules and/or law.  The search shall be made pursuant to the reasonableness, under all circumstances, of the search.  The search of a student shall be justified at its inception, based on reasonable suspicion and reasonable scope in light of the age and gender of the student and the nature of the infraction.  Contraband and other property unauthorized to be on school property or school sponsored activities will be seized for evidentiary purposes in a school hearing and/or legal hearing.  Return of the property may be made to the parents/guardians of the student.  Illegal contraband or other property will be turned over the proper law enforcement. 

 

Rutland Senior Secondary School Code of Conduct - Expectations Regarding Student Behaviour 

Every student shall be subject to the School Code of Conduct while on school premises, in going to and returning from school, and at all games and functions under the school's jurisdiction, whenever and wherever held.

 

Alcohol and Drugs – students found to be in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while at school or while involved in any school event will be immediately suspended.  Any illegal substance on our campus will result in the police being called and the possibility of charges being laid.  There is no place for any drugs or alcohol at RSS.

 

Attendance - RSS takes attendance very seriously and has an attendance policy that can be found in our calendar and on our web site.

 

Language – courteous, respectful language is required at all times.  Expectations for student language are higher in school than in many other settings.  Swearing is only one of our concerns.  Racial or cultural insults will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and may result in suspension.

 

Dress Code - RSS staff and students take pride in their school and the community they work and live in.  Consistent with this perspective, and our Code of Conduct, the dress code is based on the following principles:​

• Respect for learning, and the rights and dignity of others
• Cleanliness and decency
• Safety of persons and property
• Promotion of a drug and alcohol-free environment
• We encourage parents to play an active role in helping to promote appropriate dressing practices for their son(s) and  daughter(s)

To maintain a safe learning environment, students are expected to:

• wear footwear while in and around the school  (note: roller blades, roller skates, and shoes with built-in roller(s) are not appropriate within the school building),
• have a change of clothing for activities, like Phys. Ed or Dance, where they may perspire, and
• wear special, safe clothing items in workshops or lab areas.
  
   
  Consistent with many work sites, There is an expectation that individuals dress in a comfortable and appropriate manner.  Some examples of inappropriate items of dress include:

• Clothing items with words or graphics that are racist, sexist, profane, or demeaning to another person; advocate violence; and/or promote or depict use of alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Clothing that is not clean or consistent with creating and sustaining the desired working and learning atmosphere.  For example, shirts, slacks, tops, and shirts that are dirty, smelly or that are more associated with an informal setting (i.e. low cut tops, muscle shirts, skirts or shorts above mid-thigh length, and skirts, shorts or slacks worn far enough below the waist to expose underclothing).
  
  
  All school members need to take an active role in ensuring appropriate dress.  School members who violate the dress code may be asked to change or reverse clothing, cover-up, or be sent home.  Situations requiring final judgement will be referred to a member of the administration team.
   ​

Driving – the roads around RSS are very congested.  Drive with care at all times and be especially aware of younger students from RMS and RES walking near our school.  Students who drive recklessly will face suspension and/or lose the right to bring vehicles to school.  The RCMP may also be contacted in more serious situations.  Students are also reminded that under no circumstances are they allowed to drive other students on school-sponsored activities.

 

Lockers – Lockers are the property of the school and are assigned to students for school use.  Students hold neither expectation of privacy in their lockers nor on any other school property.  Students leave articles of value in lockers at their own risk.  School officials have the authority to search all school property (including lockers) at any time without notice, and to seize any property prohibited by law or school policy.

 

Neighbours – Students must be courteous to the families living in our neighbourhood and respectful of their property.  Please do not trespass, drop garbage or cause disruption on the property of any of our neighbours including the YMCA and the Rutland arena.  Rutland Middle School and its grounds are off limits to RSS students unless you obtain permission from their office on arrival.

 

Parking – students may park in either the school's front parking lot, or in the 'arena' parking lot off Dodd Road.  The parking lot at the rear of the building is for staff use only.  All vehicles must be parked in marked stalls.  Illegal parking may result in tickets and/or towing.  For the protection of all students and vehicles, students are not permitted to "hang out" in the parking lots.

 

Plagiarism / Cheating / Academic Integrity Policy – RSS takes academic integrity very seriously. 

Type of offense	1st Offence	2nd Offence Mandatory	3rd Offense Mandatory
Copying another student's work or a student knowingly allows another to copy his/her work.  This includes during a Quiz or a smaller exam/project/ assignment.	Teacher records event. Term Work Habit is recorded as “N" with supporting Report Card comment. Discretionary: one or more of the following actions: Zero on assignment or redo assignment in front of teacher outside of class time. Consideration should be given on the size and scope of the assessment exercise. Phone call to parents. Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List and MyEd. Research cheating/ plagiarism and provide an essay to the subject teacher.	Student receives zero. No opportunity to redo assignment. Phone call to parents. Report Card Comment with “N" work habit. Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List and MyEd	Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List and MyEd. Report Card Comment with “N" work habit. Letter home and in Permanent file. Suspension.
Copying from a periodical, text, or another type of published work. (i.e. plagiarism).	​	Assignment receives zero. No alternate assignment. Phone call to parents. Report Card Comment with “N" work habit. Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List & MyEd.	Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List & MyEd. Report Card Comment with “N" work habit. Letter home and in Permanent file. Suspension.
A student writes or completes an assignment for another or hands in someone else's work.	​	Letter home and in file. Suspension. Report Card Comment with “N" work habit. Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List and MyEd. No recommendation letters. Gr12: RSS will not endorse COBSS application	Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List & MyEd. Report Card Comment with “N" work habit. Letter home and in Permanent file. Suspension. Grade 12:  No Grad events
A student uses non-approved materials (cheat sheet or copying neighbour, etc.) or devices during a major unit test/project/assignment.	Assigned an “I" on the next report card, student then makes up assessment / re test at a time following report card. The time, to be determined by the teacher. The makeup assessment may reflect an increased level of understanding to compensate for an increase in study and preparation time. Failure to complete this assessment instrument will result in a failing mark for the term. Term Work Habit is recorded as “N" with supporting Report Card comment. Phone call to parents. Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List.	Student receives zero. No opportunity to redo assignment. Phone call to parents. Report Card Comment. Gr. level admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List & MyEd​. RSS will not endorse COBSS application No recommendation letters No grad activities Suspension	Gr. level admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List & MyEd. Report Card Comment with “N" work habit. No grad activities Letter home and in Permanent file. Course withdrawal and/or indefinite suspension.
A student steals marked written work from another student without consent.	Teacher records event. Report Card Comment with “N" work Habit. Letter home/Per. file. Suspension. Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List. No recommendation letters Grade 12: No Grad Activities. Gr12: RSS will not endorse COBSS application	Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List & MyEd. Report Card Comment with “N" work habit. Letter home / Per. file. Course withdrawal and/or indefinite suspension.	​
A student steals / copies or photographs teacher materials, exams, or answer keys.	Teacher records event. Report Card Comment with “N" work Habit. Letter home /Per. file. Course withdrawal. No recommendation letters Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List. Grade 12: No Grad Activities. Gr12: RSS will not endorse COBSS application	Gr. level admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List & MyEd. Report Card Comment with “N" work habit. Letter home and in file. Course withdrawal and/or indefinite suspension.	​
A student cheats or another student knowingly provides information on a final exam by copying, using unauthorized electronic devices, making test materials accessible for copying, bringing unauthorized materials or removing exam materials from the room.	Admin to be informed with entry on the Assessment Watch List & MyEd. Assigned an “I" on the report card, student then makes up test at a time following report card. The time, to be determined by the teacher. The makeup assessment may reflect an increased level of understanding to compensate for an increase in study and preparation time. Failure to complete this assessment instrument will result in a failing mark for the course. Letter home and in file. Report Card Comment with “N" work habit. No recommendation letters. Gr12: RSS will not endorse COBSS application No Grad Activities. Possible Course withdrawal.	​	​
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Promptness – Start times are clearly outlined on the daily timetable.  You must be in your classroom by these times.  Welcome bells will ring 3 minutes in advance, but it is your responsibility to monitor the time and reach classrooms on time. Students arriving late must sign in at the office and receive a late slip.​​​​​

Responsible Student Use of Personal Technology Devices, School Technology, and District Networks

The purpose of using network services and digital technologies while in educational settings is to engage in responsible educational activities.  Therefore, the use of personal technology devices, school technologies, and district network services requires students to abide by the school’s Code of Conduct and procedures, as well as Central Okanagan Public Schools Policy 486: Student Use of Network Services and Digital Technologies.  

Some examples of responsible use with district and personal devices include the following:

• Act responsibly when accessing technology and district networks, including the Internet in their school.

• Use technology equipment and property according to all applicable rules and with care and respect.

• Engage in appropriate use as directed by school staff.

• Respect the safety and privacy of self and others and do not provide personal contact information about themselves or other students.

• Treat others with respect and kindness when using digital devices and network services.

• Respect resource limits of the network services and do not engage in activities that jeopardize the integrity, security or performance of the network.

• Understand the importance of privacy and security and take all reasonable precautions when accessing network services and digital technologies.

The use of Personal Technology Devices, School Technology, and District Networks is a privilege and usage may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct. Schools will not be held responsible for any misplaced, lost, stolen, or broken items brought to school by students. Use of network services and digital technologies which violate the terms outlined in policy and/or the School's Code of Conduct may result in serious consequences including definite or indefinite suspensions and/or police intervention.