Lilian Schick School Handbook
Mrs. Linda McGinitie – Principal
(E-mail: lmcginit@sturgeon.ab.ca)
Ms. F. Hrushowy – Vice Principal
(E-mail: fhrushow@sturgeon.ab.ca)
Lilian Schick School
4509 – 54 Ave. Box 689, Bon Accord, Alberta
T0A 0K0 (780) 921-2200
Toll free – (780)973-4313
Fax: (780) 921-3113
Website : http://lilianschickschool.ca
Office Hours : 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Time of Day Activity
8:00 Doors open
8:30 Students in Classrooms
8:40 – 8:45 Registration
8:45 – 8:47 Class Change
8:47 – 9:37 Block 1
9:37 – 10:27 Block 2
10:27 – 10:39 Recess
10:39 – 10:41 Organization
10:41 – 11:31 Block 3
11:31 – 11:56 Noon Recess
11:56 – 12:11 Lunch Eating
12:11 – 12:31 Block 4
12:31 – 1:21 Block 5
1:21 – 2:11 Block 6
2:11 – 2:16 Break
2:16 – 3:06 Block 7
3:06 – 3:10 Organization
3:10 Dismissal for all students
8:00 Doors open
8:30 Students in Classrooms
8:40 – 8:45 Registration
8:45 – 8:47 Class Change
8:47 – 9:37 Block 1
9:37 – 10:27 Block 2
10:27 – 10:39 Recess
10:39 – 10:41 Organization
10:41 – 11:31 Block 3
11:31- 12:00 Student/Teacher Power Team Meetings
12:10 Dismissal
SAFE & CARING SCH
Vision and Mission Statement
Lilian Schick School is committed to excellence in education through:
- Providing a safe, caring, respectful and healthy school environment.
- Encouraging the development of creative and critical thinking.
- Meeting the educational needs of all students, with the assistance and resources of our parents and community.
School History
Constructed in 1983 and officially opened in 1984, Lilian Schick School is named in honor of Lilian Schick, an outstanding teacher and lifetime member of the community who exemplified care, understanding, and professionalism.
Mrs. Schick began her teaching career with Sturgeon School Division in 1940 at Excelsior School. In 1942 she temporarily interrupted her career to raise her family of 2 boys. In 1957 she resumed her teaching career as a teacher at Bon Accord School. After 30 years of dedicated service with Sturgeon School Division, Lilian Schick retired on January 1, 1985.
School Motto: “Quest for Success”
Lilian Schick students are:
K – Keen
N – Noble
I – Independent
G – Generous
H – Honest
T – Tireless
S – Spirited
Symbols of School Spirit
Team – LS Knights
Colors – Red and Black
Safe & Caring School
For the safety of our students please enter through the front doors of the school. During school hours all other doors are locked.
Students will be dismissed at 12:10 pm on the second Wednesday of each month.
Please note the bus lane needs to be free from all traffic during morning when buses unload (8:00 to 9:00 am) and end of day bus loading times (2:00 to 4:00 pm). Please do not drive through, pick up or park in the bus lane during these times. Instead park in the large parking lot at the east end of the school. Visitors are to park in the parking stalls. Parking in front of the school is not permitted except for emergency vehicles. Thank you in advance for following this practice to ensure the safety of our students when they are loading or unloading from the buses.
Please respect the needs of the handicapped. Only vehicles with a handicap parking tag are allowed to park in the handicap parking stalls.
Students Leaving the School During the Day
To ensure the safety of our children, students leaving the school for any reason during school hours must report to the school office prior to leaving the school premises. For safety reasons and in order to help our students learn, we will be attempting to minimize interruptions to classroom instructional time throughout the day. Parents are asked to please make arrangements for appointments, early pickup, alternate drop off points, etc., with their children before they leave for school in the morning. When an alternate drop off, pick up, etc. is necessary parents must state their request in writing and send it with their child. Only in emergency situations will we deliver messages to the classroom teachers during class breaks and only after the request has been approved by the principal or vice principal.
Fire Drills & Evacuation Procedures
Fire drills are practiced throughout the year to teach students particular emergency exit routes. If the fire alarm sounds, the building must be cleared, regardless of the circumstances or event in progress. Tampering with the fire alarm system and fire-fighting equipment is extremely dangerous and is an indictable offense that could result in expulsion from school.
A school lock down is an emergency protocol used to keep students and staff safe, to protect everyone concerned and are conducted in the unlikely event a real threat happens. Similar to regular Fire Drill practice, Lockdowns are practiced throughout the school year. At times parents, community members and students will be informed ahead of time as to when the lockdown will be practiced. At other times a spontaneous lockdown will be held. Lockdown drills are repeated regularly so that students become habituated and familiar to a passive response in the face of life threatening danger. Students are prepared well ahead of time regarding expectations and procedures. Small practices are done within each classroom as well as school-wide lockdown practices.
Lockers belong to the Sturgeon School Division and may be searched at any time by the school administration. A locker search may be undertaken by the administration if they have sufficient reason to suspect that unauthorized substances may be found in a locker. Therefore, throughout the year periodic cleaning and random searches may be held.
Buses and Inclement Weather Policy
The school will always be open during regular hours. School buses may not be operational if weather/road conditions warrant. Announcements to this effect are made over radio stations CHED, CFCW, AND CISN commencing at 6:30 a.m. The final decision to send a child to the bus stop or to school rests with the parents, even though buses may be operational.
If road conditions warrant or in the event that students are sent home early buses may bring students home without prior notification. PLEASE ARRANGE FOR A SAFE PLACE FOR YOUR CHILD TO GO if this happens and if there is not normally someone at home. Please ensure that you have filled out and returned to the bus driver the Student Emergency Card given to you at the beginning of the year.
Students should dress appropriately for the weather. Students will be kept inside the school on days when the temperature is below -20° C or if there is a severe cold wind.
Student Dress During Winter Months
All students riding on school buses shall be required to wear winter footwear and to carry with them winter headwear and gloves or mitts from December 1st to March 1st.
A bus driver may refuse transportation to a student who is not appropriately dressed as provided in this regulation.
Instruction of Students during a Period of Suspension of Transportation Service
Schools shall remain open when school bus services are suspended by the Superintendent, and will receive students who are conveyed to school on days when school bus services is suspended because of inclement weather. Parents who have brought their children to school on days when school bus services are suspended because of inclement weather or hazardous road conditions will be responsible for picking up their children at the end of the school day. On days when the Superintendent suspends school bus services, teachers shall not conduct examinations, nor introduce new material in their courses.
Absences by students on days when school buses do not operate whether as the result of bus failure, a decision of a contractor not to operate, or suspension of transportation services by the Superintendent, shall be deemed to be excusable and shall not affect the granting of credit in school courses.
Regular attendance is essential to success in school and is expected of all students. The School Act requires that every child who has attained the age of six years at school opening date and who has not attained the age of sixteen years must attend school.
Reasons of sickness or other unavoidable causes excuse a student from attendance. It is important for parents to cooperate with the school by insisting on regular attendance. It is the responsibility of the student to catch up on work missed during an absence.
When your child is absent, students should provide a signed note or a phone call from parents within 24 hours after each absence that explains why the student was away. Students registering late must report to the general office prior to going to their classes. Otherwise, the office records will indicate an absence and a call will be made to parents. Students who are habitually late will be required to meet with the school counselor or administration. Parents wishing to remove their child from the school during school hours are expected to sign them out at the office. Children will not be released to individuals other than the parent or guardian. Exceptions must receive the prior approval of the Principal.
Lilian Schick School staff communicate with parents/guardians through the following methods:
- PowerSchool Parent Portal – Parents can check on student grades, attendance, teacher comments, and fees.
- Lilian Schick School Web-Site – Please utilize this web-site for information. The web-site address is: http://lilianschickschool.ca. On our site you will find a wide range of information from our School Mission Statement, teachers’ names and classes, minutes of Parent Council meetings, homework, fieldtrip information, newsletters, etc.
- E-mail – Each staff member at Lilian Schick School has been provided with an e-mail address. Parents are welcome to contact any staff through their email. All staff e-mail addresses are listed in lower case letters and consist of the first initial and seven letters of the staff persons surname followed by @ sturgeon.ab.ca., eg: lmcginit@sturgeon.ab.ca. lilianschick@sturgeon.ab.ca
- Monthly newsletters – Our monthly newsletter the “Knightly News” will be posted on our website. This newsletter lists monthly school activities, upcoming events and happenings within the school as well as a school calendar. Parents may request a paper copy to be sent home.
- Student Agendas – Each student has access to a school agenda, which has been designed to help students manage their time, list homework and assignments, relay messages from the school to home and from the home to school, list absences and appointments and can be an excellent way for the school and parents to communicate.
Parents are required to sign agenda’s on a daily basis. Agendas are mandatory for elementary students and optional for junior high students. Please note: If students do not purchase agendas, they must purchase the insert containing school information.
Lilian Schick School operates on the premise that all students have the right to learn and that the school environment guides students towards responsible behavior. It is expected that students, while in school or participating in school sponsored activities, behave in an appropriate manner that does not interfere with the rights and privileges of other students. Home and school alike must share the responsibility for acceptable behavior. The school is a safe and caring location where there is a joint effort to learn, relate and grow.
Common Student code of Behavior
- Respect for authority
- Respect for other individuals
- Respect for one’s own self
- Respect for property
- Respect for the learning environment
- Consideration for safety of others and self
Code of Conduct for Students
- Be diligent in pursuing their studies
- Attend school regularly and punctually
- Cooperate fully with everyone authorized by the board to provide education programs and other services
- Comply with the rules of the school
- Account to the student’s teacher for the student’s conduct
- Respect the rights of others
It is the belief at Lilian Schick School that it is the responsibility of each individual in a position of authority to insure that these guidelines be adhered to in a consistent manner. The focus of discipline at Lilian Schick School shall be to:
- Help the student identify the inappropriate behavior(s)
- Help the student solve the problem(s) created by these behavior(s)
- Leave the student’s dignity intact
Factors such as age, grade, nature of the misbehavior, degree of flagrance, emotional stability and past history of misbehavior will be considered when action is taken.
General School Rules
- All types of electronic equipment or items that could interfere with the learning environment are not permitted in the classroom unless teachers allow the use of electronic equipment in class. When not in use, electronic equipment must be stored securely in the student’s locker. The school is not responsible for personal electronic devices brought to school.
- Bullying – which includes physical, verbal, and cyber bullying is not acceptable.
- Students are to walk quietly and safely to and from all activities.
- Students are to avoid the use of profane language and the use of inappropriate gestures.
- Students are to be in classrooms during regular class times, on time, and leave only with teacher’s permission.
- Students are to bring all required materials to class and ensure that all supplies are replaced as needed.
- Students are to keep school desks, lockers and classrooms in good order.
- Students are to report acts of vandalism, damage and criminal acts to the office.
- Students are to adhere to school dress code – see below.
- Students are to refrain from riding skateboards and bikes on school property. The bike must be placed in the supplied bike rack and secured with a lock until departing the school grounds in a safe manner at the end of the school day. It is recommended that bikers use an approved CSA helmet.
- Items which can be viewed as a weapon, or are deemed to be weapons under the Criminal Code, are prohibited from school property.
- Students are to refrain from possession, use or distribution of alcohol, drugs or tobacco at school or school sponsored events.
- Students are to follow school board regulations relative to students conduct on school buses.
- Only water is permitted in classrooms during class time.
Lilian Schick School Dress Code
In keeping with the philosophy of Alberta Education, we at Lilian Schick School strive to help our students become productive citizens who are ready to pursue high school and eventually careers in the workforce. As a result, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates respect and to dress appropriately for a school/work setting.
- Footwear must be worn at all times in the school.
- Hats can be worn to school but must be removed upon entering the school.
- Students must not wear clothing that has inappropriate language, graphics or slogans (i.e. profane language, drug or alcohol related material)
- Students must wear clothing that covers their chest, back and midriff (no spaghetti straps or strapless/off the shoulder shirts).
- Shorts and skirts must be a reasonable length.
- The final determination about appropriateness of dress lies with school staff.
Personal Electronic Devices
Students may bring wireless Personal Electronic Devices to Lilian Schick School once they and their parents have agreed to the policies stated in the Personal Electronic Device Agreement. Lilian Schick School is not responsible for any loss or damage sustained to personal electronic devices. Cell phones and other devices may be used for personal use during recess and lunch breaks only. Students may not use PED’s in class unless a teacher requests they be used for instructional purposes.
Electronic devices that are used inappropriately will be confiscated for the day. The student can reclaim the item from the office at the end of the day. The second time an item is confiscated, the item must be picked up by a parent/guardian from school administration.
Liability for Damage to School Property
Lilian Schick School will charge parents the cost of repairing damaged property pursuant to Section 16(1) of the School Act of Alberta.
School Store
The school store is available to students from 11:56 to 12:11 pm every day. It offers a variety of hot food and snack selections. Under the supervision of school staff, selected students are responsible for the operation of the store. Profits from the store are intended to support identified student needs and school needs. Price and availability of items is subject to change. Lilian Schick School strongly believes that it is our responsibility to provide our students and staff with healthy food choices in our school store.
Lilian Schick School offers a comprehensive school guidance and counseling program which is centered on helping individual students meet their growth and developmental needs – educational, personal, social and career. Delivery of these programs is collaborative and multidisciplinary, involving the school counselor and other school staff. Program success is based on a close partnership among school, home and community.
Schools in Sturgeon School Division aim to be as open in their dealings as possible and welcome the involvement of community members, especially parents, in a variety of activities. As with all human interaction, concerns will arise. The Healthy Interactions program is intended to help deal with those concerns in a consistent, comprehensive and credible manner.
To ensure that concerns are handled with consistency, comprehensiveness and credibility and that all steps in the process have been taken, a template has been developed. This template will be used throughout the Division and is currently available from Sturgeon Schools and on the Sturgeon School Division website.
The steps in the process as outlined in the template are:
1. Involvement of the right parties
2. Correctly defining the problem
3. Determining the interests of all
parties
4. Generating Solution alternatives
5. Development of an action plan
6. Follow-up action
For more information regarding the Healthy Interactions Program contact your local school or Sturgeon School Division.
After School Detention
Students serve detentions after school from 3:15 to 4:15 pm, Monday to Thursday. Homework Room is held daily during lunch recess.
Homework Room
Students may be assigned to homework room to complete homework assignments
Medication
Students who require the school to administer medication must have a school system form completed by a doctor and returned to school. These forms are available through the school office.
PYRAMIDS OF INTERVENTION
How do we respond when students are not successful?
The staff at Lilian Schick school is dedicated to providing intervention strategies for students. In addition to classroom teacher expertise on differentiation and modifying curriculum the following resources are available:
-school based counsellor
-school based special education coordinator
-division based special education team that includes: speech/language specialists, behavior specialists, psychologists and occupational therapists.
-a solid relationship with Capital Health, Family and Community Services and Morinville RCMP.
What to do if your child needs help?
- Talk to the homeroom teacher. Express your concerns and ask for the teacher's input.
- The teacher might then refer your child to the Special Education Coordinator for informal/formal assessment with your consent.
- As a team, you, the homeroom teacher, and the Special Ed. Coordinator will determine possible program modifications or specialized placement for your child.
- The key to appropriate intervention is effective communication between teacher and parent.
Division Wide Programs
When a student's needs are more specific and require additional support, Sturgeon School Division offers the following programs within our division. These programs have limited enrolment and students must meet specific qualifying criteria.) Further information regarding these programs is available from the school office.
- Academic & Social Enhancement Program
- Challenge Programs
- Life Skills Program
Lilian Schick School Homework Policy
Developing a regular study pattern and skills at an early age helps students achieve success in their education. A regular schedule for homework helps to develop these skills. Homework for grade 5-9 students is posted on Power School.
Purpose of Homework
Homework assignments vary according to the purpose for which they are designed.
Some of the purposes of homework are:
- to reinforce lessons taught during class time;
- to give students extra drill in an area where they may need practice;
- to help students develop self-reliance and good study habits;
- to strengthen the ties between home and school, particularly when parents can help in some way with assignments.
- to catch up on work or assignments missed due to absences.
Parents Can Help
There are many ways parents can help with homework. These include:
- providing a quiet, regular place to work, helping their children organize their time for assignments;
- being the "audience" for reading practice and spelling and math drills;
- providing information and knowledge for projects;
- using the "agenda" to check for homework and communicate with the teachers.
The support and interest of parents will have a large influence on students' attitudes toward homework. If you have questions about the assignments your children are bringing home, don't hesitate to talk to their teachers.
General The actual time required for homework will vary with: the grade level; the student's ability; and the student's use of class time.
Report cards are sent home three times per year – November, March, and June. Parent/teacher interviews are held in November and March. Student progress can be checked regularly through Parent Portal. Interviews are on a drop in basis in the gymnasium. Should concerns arise during the school year parents are encouraged to contact the teacher or the school at any time.
Report Card 1 November 30, 2011
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Nov 30 / Dec 1
Report Card 2 March 19, 2012
Parent/Teacher Interviews
March 20/21
Report Card 3 June 29, 2012
A Christian-based perspective:
- LOGOS is a non-denominational Christian-based program offered in a nurturing setting, where children are taught to love god and others
- The Christian environment is enhanced through daily activities such as prayer, assemblies, devotional time, Scripture readings and singing
- Supports the spiritual values parents teach at home, ensuring each child’s faith is nurtured, reinforced and sustained at school.
A strong educational focus:
- LOGOS is part of the public school system and teaches the Alberta curriculum
Children remain involved in school-wide events, programs and other activities
- Students learn the same subject matter as others in the school system, but most courses are taught with a Christian viewpoint.HEALTH ERVICES
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents are encouraged to volunteer to help the school, both in the classroom and elsewhere. Volunteers can make many different contributions to the educational process in school. Tasks may include: reading to children and listening to them read, assisting with classroom discussions, helping with plays, demonstrating and instructing in arts and crafts, cooking for outdoor education, making charts and games, and accompanying classes on field trips.
Volunteers are asked to sign in at the office so that their contribution and attending in the school may be recorded. Volunteers wishing to offer their gifts of time and talents are asked to contact the school office or their child's homeroom teacher.
Lilian Schick School has an elected school council consisting of parents, teachers and community representatives:
The purpose of school council is:
- to provide for more effective communication among parents and teachers on matters of common interest
- to work toward effective school/community relations
- to act in an advisory capacity to the Principal and/or the Board of Trustees;
- to work cooperatively with the school for the purpose of improving school programs and facilities
- to provide leadership for the school
- to serve as a forum for items of mutual concern.
All parents are welcome to attend the regularly scheduled monthly meetings held at the school. Minutes are recorded at all meetings and are available at the office.
An award ceremony is held annually.
Minor First Aid
Students that come to the school infirmary for minor first aid will be required to bring their agenda books with them. Staff will provide a brief description on the minor first aid report in the agenda. Parents will not be otherwise informed of minor issues, but will be able to check the record found in their child’s agenda book. Please review the first aid report often and feel free to contact the office if you have any concerns.
Accident
If a student is seriously injured, a qualified person at the school will give any necessary first aid. Parents will be advised immediately. If the parent cannot be reached, we will notify the emergency contact person indicated on our school records. Parents are asked to ensure that phone numbers on record at the school are current. If required, the student may be taken directly to the hospital or clinic. In the event that an ambulance is required, parents or guardians should forward their Alberta Health Care invoice for the trip to our Director of Transportation Services at our Central Office in Morinville. Payment will be authorized from the School Board’s Student Accident policy insurers.
Extra Curricular and Field Trips
The staff at Lilian Schick School believes that field trips and extra curricular activities are a useful tool for enhancing the curriculum. Students who wish to participate are expected to meet the following conditions:
- All homework and classroom assignments must be completed
- All detentions/suspensions must be served
- Recent behavior must be acceptable