SOURIS SCHOOL
Box 639
Souris, MB R0K 2C0
483-2161 (phone)
483-2828 (fax)
MIDDLE YEAR’S HANDBOOK
2008 – 2009
Mr. Bob Young – Principal
Mrs. Leanne Rolfe – Vice Principal
(Middle Years)
Mr. Glenn Wallmann – Vice Principal
(Early Years)
WELCOME
The Middle Year’s team includes students, teachers, assistants, parents, specialists, administration and the community. Our expectation of each team member is as follows:
R – respect each individual and their property.
E – effort in achieving goals is each individual’s responsibility.
S – safety is the prime priority for everyone at all times.
P – prepare, and be prepared for each class.
E – every day expect and offer the positive.
C – cooperate with all team members
T – try your best at all times.
The end result of following these expectations should be academic growth and an enjoyable journey through Middle Years.
WHAT IS MIDDLE YEARS?
Middle Years in Souris School is that period of time of approximately three years when students are between the ages of 11 – 14. This period of time is generally marked with many changes in students lives; physical, emotional, social and mental. To help students cope and progress during this stage, we have a philosophy that is meant to encourage and provide growth opportunities for everyone. Our philosophy includes:
a. That activity is vital. We therefore have compulsory physical education.
b. It is more important to teach the student than it is to teach the curriculum. We take time to talk with students about problems and concerns, and attempt to give help and suggestions.
c. An attempt to provide stability amid much change. We have homerooms with one teacher per homeroom as much as possible.
d. Pupils are often quite undecided about options and their future, so we are offering courses like Phys. Ed. and French to everyone, and a choice of Art or Band in Grades 7 and 8.
e. Students need to learn to work independently and in collaboration with others. We structure our lessons to include independent and collaborative activities.
f. Each student learns at a different pace and uses a different learning style. Our team is working to give instruction that includes differentiation and use of the multiple intelligences.
g. Every student can learn and attain a level of success.
h. Our learning environment is the world. We encourage field trips, community excursions, presentations from the community to our students, use of technology and communication and cooperation with the home.
TEACHING STAFF FOR 2008-2009
Middle Years – Leanne Rolfe – Vice Principal
Grade 6
Mrs. Sharon Kreusch – ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies
Mr. Trever Penner – P.E.
Mrs. Lori Denbow – French
Mrs. Glenda McConnell – Music
Grade 7
7E – Mr. Elder
Mr. Brian Elder – ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art
Mrs. Rhonda Young – P.E.
Mrs. Lori Denbow – French
Mrs. Glenda McConnell – Band
7K – Ms. Keyes
Ms. Barb Keyes – ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies
Mrs. Rhonda Young – P.E.
Mrs. Lori Denbow – French
Mrs. Glenda McConnell – Band
Grade 8
8A –
– ELA, Art
Mr. Cory Skelton – Math, Science
Ms. Barb Keyes – Social Studies
Mrs. Lori Denbow – French
Mr. Trever Penner – P.E.
Mr. Cwir – Band
8R – Mrs. Rolfe
Mrs. Leanne Rolfe – Math
Mrs. – ELA, Art
Mr. Cory Skelton – Science
Mrs. Sharon Kreusch – Social Studies
Mr. Trever Penner – P.E.
Mrs. Lori Denbow – French
Mr. Cwir - Band
TIMETABLE
9:00 – 9:38 – Period 1
9:38 – 10:15 – Period 2
10:15 – 10:30 – Recess
10:30 – 11:00 – Period 3
11:00 – 11:30 – Period 4
11:30 – 12:00 – Period 5
12:00 – 12:40 – Lunch
12:40 – 1:10 – Period 6
1:10 – 1:40 – Period 7
1:40 – 2:10 – Period 8
2:10 – 2:15 – Break
2:15 – 2:45 – Period 9
2:45 - 3:15 – Period 10
We run a four day school cycle.
REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION
We have established formal times for communicating and reporting to parents.
a. Mid November and mid March are formal interview times. We send home a formal written report, and then schedule interviews that include parents, student and teacher.
b. Throughout the year we encourage incidental communication as the need dictates. The Green Slip system has structured very definite times of communication if behaviors and attitudes so require.
c. We are using a portfolio system of collecting/reporting which sends materials to the home on a regular basis. These packets include projects, tests, activities, goal-setting and personal reflections the students have recently completed. These portfolios are for parental perusal, and then are to be returned to school.
d. Homework Agendas: All Middle Years students have received an agenda this year. Teachers will be assisting our students in the implementation of our agendas – a tool to enhance communication between parents and school, as well as to improve our students’ organizational skills. As the agendas should be taken home daily, parents, please feel free to comment and utilize the agendas to your advantage as well as ours.
THE GREEN SLIP POLICY
The Green Slip policy has evolved over the past several years in our school to give the Middle Year’s team members a clear understanding of the guidelines and expectations at school.
We believe this policy addresses our school’s mission statement: Souris School seeks to provide a positive and safe environment where students can develop personal potential and life long learning skills for a changing world.
The Policy is most effective when there is cooperation between home, school and community.
If a student does not attend school (other than for medical reasons), they will not be allowed to attend a school sport or social function on that day.
BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES
Each of the following behaviors may result in one green slip. These guidelines are shared with every student in Middle Years.
1. Disruptive behavior.
2. Running, pushing or throwing objects.
3. Swearing, using foul language.
4. Hitting someone or damaging school property.
5. Not having assignments or homework done.
6. Being late for class.
7. Failing to respond appropriately to reasonable requests such as: hurry outside, listen up, sit down, work quietly, etc.
8. Interfering when a teacher is attempting to discipline another pupil.
9. Provoking another student by constant aggravation, bullying, name calling, teasing or other harassment.
10. Any form of cheating or talking during tests. As well, the student will receive a mark of “0”.
11. Unprepared for class.
12. Lying.
13. Any other behavior that is judged inappropriate by the teacher if it is reasonable to expect the student to know that the behavior is unacceptable.
It is recognized that all of these items are not of equal severity and that additional consequences to green slips may also be applied. i.e. students work on assignments outside of class, service (cleaning desks, washing windows, etc.)
WHAT IS A GREEN SLIP?
A Green Slip is a record of all the information listed on a green slip of paper that allows us to monitor student behavior. This information is stored on a computer in the main office. We then have access to this information to monitor student behavior. When a student makes an infraction, he is told that a green slip is being recorded. This is a sample of what it looks like.
RESULTS OF GREEN SLIP ACCUMULATION
1. Three (3) green slips – call home by homeroom teacher.
2. Five (5) green slips – half day in school suspension accompanied by a letter from the office.
3. Eight (8) green slips – call home.
4. Ten (10) green slips – one day out of school, suspension, letter home.
5. Thirteen (13) green slips – call home.
6. Fifteen (15) green slips – three day out of school suspension – letter home. At 15 green slips, a student is not allowed to participate on school teams, or extra curricular outings and activities.
7. Eighteen (18) green slips – call home.
8. Twenty (20) green slips – five day suspension – letter home – referral to the superintendent.
*Five consecutive days with no green slips removes one green slip from the student’s record.
We aim for our school to be a place where students exercise self-control and teachers look for and encourage positive behaviors. Each year we plan to provide more incentives and encouragement for students whose behaviors and performances are improving.
LOCKER POLICY
Lockers are the property of Southwest Horizon School Division. Each Middle Year’s student is assigned a locker. It is expected that the locker be locked at all times and that students clean lockers regularly. Lockers and their contents may be searched at any time for reasons of health and safety.
EACH STUDENT MUST HAVE ONE PAIR OF SHOES FOR INDOORS AND GYM ONLY, AND A SECOND SET OF SHOES/BOOTS FOR OUTDOORS.
NOON HOURS
At Souris School, we request that all students not going home for lunch remain on the school grounds during noon hour. This will allow our school to provide more efficient supervision and address the safety and liability issues that have begun to arise. If you have any questions resgarding this issue, please contact Leanne Rolfe.
In the case of medical appointments or early pick-up by parents, please notify your child’s teacher in person or in writing.
AWARDS DAY
An Awards Day ceremony is held the last school day of the year. At this time, students are recognized for their achievements and successes, both academic and athletic.
Male and Female Athletic Awards
Student Council Effort Awards
Character Awards
Highest Standing in each subject
Certificate of Merit – 70% + in all subjects
Certificate of Honor – 80% + in all subjects
Certificate of Distinction – 90% + in all subjects
General Proficiency – highest scholastic average in each grade
Superintendent’s Shield
Various other awards are presented and vary from year to year. This information is made available in our school newsletter in May.
SCHOOL TEAMS
Souris Middle School encourages participation in team sports for volleyball, basketball, badminton and track and field. Often the good turn out for these teams requires us to get coaching help from the community.
Our philosophy about Middle Year’s Teams is:
Regardless of the skill level, if effort is demonstrated and practices are attended, each player will be allowed to play, and receive equal playing time. Skill development and enjoyment are the key priorities.
A user fee will be charged for each team sport. As well, one team T-shirt will be required for new participants. This shirt will be adequate for all sports, and will cost around $17.00. Practices and games are usually held from 3;15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on school days with some weekend tournaments.
TRANSPORTING MIDDLE YEAR’S TEAMS
Whenever possible, students will be transported by school bus. However, there may be times when parents are called upon to drive, particularly when student numbers do not warrant the cost of a bus.
DISPERSAL OF MEDICATION
If a student is to be administered medication throughout school hours, we request that parents bring the medication in its’ original container to the homeroom teacher. This medication will then be dispersed and recorded in a medical log.
SSPAC - Souris School Parent Advisory Council “PAC Facts”
Mission Statement:
A community organization dedicated to the education and well being of children.
- To encourage parents to take part in meaningful activities and decision making regarding their children's education
- To strengthen the role of families in education
- To serve as the forum for the voice of parents/guardians of children attending Souris School
Getting the Work Done:
Executive Committee: President, Vice-President, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, Room Reps for Early, Middle, and Senior Years, Special Needs, and Allergies in Children Representative.
What is the role of the Room Representative?
Each Classroom from Kindergarten to Senior 4 is to have a Room Rep. Their role may include:
a) attend PAC Meetings
b) be a contact person for parents and teachers
c) be familiar with school policies
d) provide the PAC with feedback on parent concerns, opinions and suggestions
e) seek parents' views on school policies and current issues at the request of the PAC
f) be knowledgeable about school procedures for channeling parent concerns or complaints, and provide information and support to parents at their request
g) treat parent concerns with confidentiality
Coordinators:
A number of coordinators are appointed for key roles. It is the coordinators'
responsibility to recruit help if needed for specific tasks with the support of the PAC Executive.
Example: Microwave Coordinator, Communications Coordinator-
Ad hoc Committees:
Commitment is very specific and of a short duration - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
Ad hoc committees have included:
- Parent Awareness Communication and Education (PACE) - Revised Student Handbooks,
developed PAC Newsletters, promoted importance of early Kindergarten registration.
Policy - Consulted parents and drafted policies. Re: Dress Code and Nutrition
PAC Meeting Schedule:
The first PAC meeting for the 2008-2009 school year will be held on September 15th (time and room will be put in first newsletter). It will decided at this first meeting which day further monthly meetings will be held. The Annual General Meeting is held once a year and everyone is welcome to attend any regular or Annual General Meeting. Childcare is available at no cost.
PAC Meeting Agreements:
Definition: Agreements are guidelines developed and agreed upon by a group to regulate or monitor itself and ensure that business is conducted within the time frame available and according to the values and objectives of the group within our PAC Constitution.
Examples:
- Requests for agenda items or speakers will be made to the President or Secretary 2
weeks prior to the PAC Meeting in order to be placed on the agenda.
- Meetings will start and end on time.
- Everyone will have a chance to hear and be heard.
- Statements will be respectful of others.
- If presenting a problem, also suggest a possible solution.
Get Informed/Be Involved Sessions:
Periodically Guest Speakers are invited to present topics of interest.
SSPAC is not a lobby group, nor is it a forum for discussion of individual school personnel, students, parents or community members. It is a forum for the voice of parents. Sharing these thoughts has often assisted in creating better understanding and/or minor changes to create a more positive educational environment.
SSPAC REPRESENTATIVES needed for the 2008-2009 are as follows:
POSTION NAME
K1- Mrs. Puhach
K2- Mrs. Farmer
1- Mrs. Hicks
1/2 - Mrs. Thomson
2 - Mrs. Falloon
3- Mrs. McGregor
3/4 - Miss Hannah
4 - Mr. Quigley
5 - Ms. O’Brien
5- Mrs. Turner/ Mr. Wallmann
6- Mrs. Kreusch
7- Mr. Elder
7- Ms Keyes
8- Mrs. Rolfe
8- Mrs. Amos
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
SSPAC EXECUTIVE MEMBERS 2008/2009
POSITION Name
President Jaycee Thexton
Past President Darcie Sabeski
Treasurer Heather Remillard
Secretary Scribe - Belinda West
Typing - Amy Heath
Communications/PR Becky Switzer
Special Needs Rep/ Gill Robertson
Allergy Rep
Before and After School Program
Hours are:
7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Snack if provided for after school.
In-service Program available on non-school days.
Government Subsidy Available.
1 session $5.85 a.m. or p.m.
2 sessions $8.00 a.m. and p.m.
Inservice Days $18.80 (full day)
For more information call Tara Mills @ The Day Care. Phone 483-0249
HELPFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
You can reach the following Souris staff by dialing directly:
Bob Young, Principal - 483-6230
Glenn Wallmann, EY Vice Principal - 483-6231
Leanne Rolfe, MY Vice Principal - 483-6233
Computer Technician - 483-6232
Rhonda Dickenson, Special Services - 483-6234
Carol McInnes - Speech/Lang. - 483-6235
AFM - 483-6236
IITV - 483-6237
To reach the school secretaries call 483-2161 and dial 0 immediately.
DIVISION SCHOOLS
Pierson School 483-6292 or 1-866-422-5112
Melita School 483-6293 or 1-866-422-5113
Melita School Board Office 483-6294 or 1-866-422-5114
Hartney School 483-6295 or 1-866-422-5115
Deloraine Collegiate 483-6296 or 1-866-422-5116
Waskada School 483-6297 or 1-866-422-5117
Wawanesa School 483-6298 or1-866-422-5118
Souris School 483-2161
Souris Division Office 483-5533 or 1-866-447-3416
Souris Bus Garage 483-3158
Melita Bus Garage 522-3426
NOTES:
WE WANT TO COMMUNICATE
If you have any questions or concerns about our school, please feel free to call your Middle Year’s Vice Principal – Mrs. Leanne Rolfe at 483-6233.
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