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Mission Statement

Working Together, Learning Together, Growing Together

L’énoncé de mission

Travailler Ensemble, Apprendre Ensemble, Grandir Ensemble

Vision Statement

River Valley is a community of independent, well-balanced, and enlightened global citizens.

 

We will be:

§  Innovative

§  Critical thinkers

§  Caring contributors to society

§  A collaborative community

 

We want to ignite a passion for meaningful learning in all students.

L’énoncé de vision

École River Valley est une communauté de citoyens indépendants, équilibrés, éclairés, et globaux.

            Nous serons :

§  innovateurs

§  dotés d’un esprit critique

§  des contributeurs à la société

§  une communauté collaborative

Nous voudrons faire naître une passion d’apprentissage réfléchi à tous nos élèves.

 

EXPECTATIONS FOR WRITTEN WORK

1. Write the title in the center of the top line of your page.
2. Write your first and last name in full on the left side of the 2^nd line of your page.
3. Write the date on the right side of the 2^nd line of the page.
4. Always write on the lines and start at the left-side margin.
5. Crumpled, torn, folded, or stained paper will not be accepted.
6. Too many crossing out or liquid paper corrections on your final copy may require you to redo your work.
7. Use a ruler when underlining and when creating charts or tables.
8. When using a pen for final copies, use only blue or black ink (teachers may make exceptions depending on the assignment).

 

ANGLOPHONE SOUTH SCHOOL DISTRICT                                                                 2020-2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR
September	7 8 - 11	No Classes - Labour Day Students return through a staggered entry process scheduled by the school.  Families will receive communication from the school.
October	12	No Classes - Thanksgiving Day
November	11 20	No Classes - Remembrance Day No Classes for K-8 students - Professional Learning (1/2 day) and Report Card Preparation (1/2 day)
December	1 4   18	Report Cards Issued grades K-8 No Classes for K-8 students - Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences (1/2 day) and School Improvement Planning (1/2 day) Last Day of Classes before holidays
January	4	First Day for Students
February	1 15	No Classes for K-8 students – Professional Learning Day No Classes - Family Day
March	1-5 19    31	No Classes - March Break No Classes for K-8 students - Professional Learning (1/2 day) and Report Card Preparation (1/2 day) Report Cards Issued grades K-8
April	2 5 14	No Classes - Good Friday No Classes - Easter Monday No Classes for students K-12 - Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences (1/2 day) and Professional Learning (1/2 day)
May	7 10 24	No Classes K-12 - NBTA Council Day    No Classes K-12 - NBTA Branch Meeting Day No Classes - Victoria Day
June	25	Last Day for Students – Final Report Card Day (K-12)

                  DUTIES OF PUPILS

 

The policies in the handout are based on River Valley Middle School and Anglophone South School District policies and the Education Act of the Province of New Brunswick. The following is a list of pupil duties as outlined in the Act.  It is the duty of a pupil to:

• participate in learning opportunities to his or her potential
• accept increasing responsibility for learning
• attend to assigned homework
• attend school regularly and punctually
• contribute to a safe and positive learning environment
• be responsible for conduct at school and while on the way to and from school
• respect the rights of others
• comply with all school policies

 

ROLES OF PARENTS

• encourage his or her child to attend to assigned homework
• communicate reasonably with school personnel employed at the school his or her child attends as required in the best interests of the child
• cause his or her child to attend school as required by the Education Act
• ensure the basic needs of his or her child are met
• have due care for the conduct of his or her child at school and while on the way to and from school

 

The parent of a pupil has a right to reasonable consultation with the pupil’s teacher or the principal of the school the pupil attends with respect to the education of the pupil.

It is the responsibility of the parent and of school personnel to conduct themselves in a respectful manner and to follow established procedures when involved in communications concerning the pupil.

 

ATTENDANCE

In keeping with the Provincial School Law, students must attend each day that school is in session. Everyone is required to be prepared and on time for each class.

• Excessive absence will result in a letter of concern being sent home (phone call – 5 absences, 1^st letter – 10 absences, 2^nd letter – 15 absences), a parent conference or a referral to the Department of Social Development if the problem persists.
• School law requires that a written excuse for each absence be presented to the homeroom teacher upon the student’s return to school.
• Students who are late for school must report to the school office for a Late Pass. Repeated tardiness (5 or more) will result in a lunch detention.
• Parents are asked to make every attempt to schedule trips and appointments around times that school is closed.

 

BUS REGULATIONS

Issued by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

• Be on time.
• Never stand on the street or highway while waiting for the school bus.
• Be absolutely quiet while the bus is approaching and crossing a railway.
• Pupils shall be picked up and discharged only at bus stops approved by the School District.
• Obey the driver promptly and avoid any unnecessary conversation with the driver while the bus is in motion.
• Do not cross the road behind the bus. Crossings are made in front of the bus, not nearer than ten feet, and only after looking in both directions.
• Occupy seats assigned by the driver or other official.
• Obtain approval of the driver to open emergency doors or windows.
• Do not throw anything out of the windows or extend hands, arms or legs through the opening.
• To help keep the bus clean, do not throw refuse on the floor of the bus.
• Smoking in any form, or use of tobacco in any form, is not permitted on the bus.
• No food or drink is permitted.
• Be courteous to the driver and fellow passengers. Rough or boisterous conduct will not be permitted on the bus.
• In case of any road emergency, remain seated in the bus until ordered to vacate.

§  Damage to a bus must be paid for by the offender.

 

ANGLOPHONE SOUTH SCHOOL DISTRICT – STUDENT PLACEMENT & PROMOTION GUIDELINES

Anglophone South School District follows the protocols for grade placement and promotion in accordance with the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s Inclusive Education Policy (Policy 322). Further information about the policy can be found on the Government of New Brunswick website under the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development policies (http://www.gnb.ca/0000/policies.asp).

SCENT FREE & NUT FREE SCHOOLS

 

Anglophone South School District has both a scent free (banning the use of perfumes, colognes, body lotions and sprays) & nut free policy (food products must be nut free). The use of perfume and colognes must be avoided because of sensitivities and allergies, so we ask anyone who comes into our building to refrain from wearing scents that may cause discomfort to others. Students who wear or spray strong scents will be asked to wash it off or change their clothing. They may be sent home or removed from classes for the day. If a student persists in jeopardizing the health of others, disciplinary action will be taken. Food items that are not nut-free cannot be consumed at school. If students have such items, they will not be permitted to eat them and will be asked to take them home.

 

USE OF ELECTRONICS

The use of cell phones or other electronics, texting or taking pictures while on school property will be closely monitored and limited to specific times. Students who fail to comply with expectations for use of electronics will lose the privilege of accessing those items while on school property.

At RVMS, we believe that it is important to model acceptable use of technology for our students. Students using electronics or other forms of technology on school property during the school day must adhere to the following guidelines:

 

§  Electronics may be used in the morning before the 8:30 bell, at lunch in the cafeteria, and during Activity Period.

§  Electronics may not be used between classrooms, in washrooms, in hallways or in any unsupervised areas.

§  Teachers may choose to allow use of electronics in their classrooms at specific times but these times will be clearly set and monitored by that teacher and will only apply to that teacher in that classroom for that time and not to other classrooms or time periods.

§  Electronics will not be used to send inappropriate, harassing or negative texts, messages or images.

§  Under no circumstances will students be allowed to take pictures and/or videos; nor will they be allowed to post any information, pictures and/or videos to public internet sites.

Students wishing to contact parents during the school day must do so in the school office. Parents wishing to contact their child during the school day must contact the school office directly. Students should not be receiving texts during instructional time.

If a student is found to be in violation of the standards above, the following consequences will apply:

§  First violation: cell phone/device confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Note sent home to parent/guardian.

§  Second violation: cell phone/device confiscated and held in the school office to be picked up by parent/guardian. Official warning of suspension from school.

§  Third violation: cell phone/device confiscated and held in the school office to be picked up by parent/guardian. Student suspended from school for defiance of school rules. Loss of use of electronics privileges, as per the above policy, for a time period up to and including the end of the school year may also apply.

If management of the above policy becomes excessive due to student abuse of the policy, RVMS reserves the right to return to usage of the more restrictive guidelines as suggested in the provincial policy.

 

STUDENT FEES

 

Our annual student fee is $35/student. This includes the cost of a school lock nd locker rental. The remainder of the fee is used to support extra-curricular activities and events throughout the school year.

 

POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

River Valley Middle School has adopted a Raider Responsibility Code to provide a safe and orderly environment for learning.  Students are to behave in a responsible and respectful manner in school and during school organized trips or activities.

• Students are to be on time with required material for all classes.
• Assigned work is to be completed at home or during class time as directed by the teacher.
• Students are to respect the school environment and assist in keeping it neat and tidy.
• Students are required to respect the rights of others by not interfering with the positive learning environment.

 

The Raider Code should be used as a guide to a positive school environment.

SAFETY AT SCHOOL

 

• Walk, do not run.
• No sliding on the banisters.
• The upper corridors are cleared at lunchtime and students are not permitted upstairs except for a teacher-supervised activity.
• Quiet movement in hallways during class time is expected.
• Students are to remain in team areas.
• At the end of instructional time, students who are going home should leave school property quickly. Students staying for Activity Period should report to activities. Students should not loiter in the area of the River Valley Community Centre (the rink).

 

LEAVING SCHOOL DUE TO ILLNESS/EMERGENCY

 

§  Student informs teacher.

§  Student must then report to the school administrative assistant, who will permit them to contact home to make further arrangements. Students are permitted to use their cell phone to call home, but they must come to the office to do so.

§  Students must follow the above procedure before leaving the building.

§  Students travelling to or from school on bikes or scooters, must wear a helmet at all times.

 

LEAVING SCHOOL PROPERTY

 

After students arrive on school property, they must remain for the day unless the school is contacted by the parent/guardian by telephone or signed excuse. Again, students are not permitted to loiter in the area of the River Valley Community Arena (the rink).

Students are not permitted to leave school property and then return to catch the bus or to participate or view sports and activities.

 

LOCKERS

Lockers are provided for each student and must be locked with a school issued combination lock. Students are required to keep personal belongings in their lockers and the school will not be held responsible for lost or stolen personal items. There will be a $15 fee for lost or broken locks or damaged lockers.

CAFETERIA

Chartwell will provide our cafeteria services  All selections are nutritious and follow the guidelines as outlined by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. All lunches must be pre-purchased online. Please go to 

No pop or “power/energy drinks” are to be at school (Rev, Redbull etc.)

DRESS CODE

 

As a general rule, clothing should be appropriate to the positive learning environment we strive for in our school. Staff and students need to dress for the working and learning environment. Staff & Students wearing inappropriate items will be asked to change.

• Low cut tops, sheer or very tight clothes are not appropriate for school.
• Tops must meet bottom clothing (abdomen should not be showing). Tops must have straps that are at least two fingers wide.
• Undergarments cannot be visible.
• Extremely short skirts or shorts are not appropriate for school. As a rule, these need to be longer than your thumb when your arms are straight by your side. Tights/leggings are not pants and must be covered by a top/skirt/shorts equally as long.
• Hats must be removed upon entering the building.
• Outdoor clothing such as jackets and boots are to be stored in lockers.
• Inappropriate messages or labels on clothing are not permitted.
• Flip flops, pajama pants, muscle shirts, and beach wear are not appropriate for school.
• Students must change for Physical Education class and have proper clothing and footwear. 
  

SCHOOL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

 

The school has an emergency plan containing detailed logistics for each of the following situations: intruder response (lock-downs), fire drills, school evacuations, tragic event response, bomb threat, and hold & secure. In the event on an emergency, instructions for parents can be found on the school website (www.rvms.nbed.nb.ca) and will be sent to families each fall.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

 

River Valley strives to accommodate all of our students’ abilities through participation in both sports and a variety of other activities.  Students who wish to participate in extracurricular activities must maintain a positive academic attitude and demonstrate acceptable behaviour. It is very important to note that students who are absent from school or leave prior to the end of the school day, are not permitted to return for after school activities (sports, dances, drama, etc).

SCHOOL DANCES (currently on-hold due to Covid restrictions)

River Valley offers many social activities throughout the year, including dances. This is an extra-curricular activity which may be withdrawn from a student who is not in good standing (not behaving, disrespectful, missing school, etc.).

 

§  If a student is absent from school on the day of a dance, or leaves sick, they are not permitted to return for school dances.

§  School dances usually occur on a Thursday evening from 6 PM to 8 PM.

§  The school dress code applies.

§  Students are not permitted to leave the school building during the hours of the dance other than to go home.

§  During a dance, if a student goes outside without permission, the parent/guardian will be called to come and pick their child up. The student will not be allowed to re-enter the dance.

 

 

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is a required subject in the school curriculum in the Province of New Brunswick.

Students with serious medical problems require a doctor’s note for exemption and will be required to complete tasks assigned by the teacher. Students are responsible for having a change of clothing for each Physical Education class. Proper dress includes: a pair of sneakers with a non-marking sole, a t-shirt or sweatshirt (not the same one worn all day), and a pair of shorts or sweatpants.(this requirement is currently on hold due to Covid restrictions)

 

 

HOW CAN FAMILIES HELP STUDENTS SUCCEED?

Look for everyday opportunities for teaching and learning

§  Read to them. Read with them. Model reading for them.

§  Ask critical questions “Why do you think that happened?” “What do you think will happen next?”

§  Look for opportunities to use Math daily (price of gas/gallon, % off sale items, making change for  purchases, estimating cost of take-out orders, etc.).

§  Discuss age appropriate current events.  Try to see things from different points of view.

§  Discourage making excuses and instead look for ways to solve problems.

§  Ask them to reflect on past choices. Ask them to consider what they would change or improve if they could go back and “do it over”.

§  Help them think about how they learn (verbal, auditory, hands-on etc.).

§  Help them focus more on what skills they have learned and less on what grade they might receive.

 

​READING YOUR CHILD’S REPORT CARD

The K-8 Provincial Report Card mark reflects all of the teaching and learning activities that take place in the classroom. Teachers use tests and assignments, but also observations, conferencing and conversations to determine a grade. 

Traditional Grades                                                      ​Current Grades -rank ordered students from highest to lowest                                                       -compare students to a provincial standard or outcome not to other students -often marked by comparing students                                                                   -considers many forms and methods of assessment -only considered traditional tests and assignments when calculating grades              -provides opportunities to relearn, reassess and adjust grade to show current level  -did not consider growth and improvement                                                               of achievement -did not provide opportunities to relearn, retest and adjust grade                             -focus on skills learned not grade achieved

For each subject on the report card, there is a subject strand(s) achievement indicator (4, 3+, 3, 2, 1, NA).

4 indicates that the student has shown Exemplary Performance. They have met all of the possible expectations and may have exceeded the expectations of the outcome. They showed significant growth during the learning process.

 3+/3 indicates that the student has shown Strong/Appropriate Achievement. They have met the standard or outcome and have shown growth during the learning process.

2 indicates the student is approaching appropriate and has just met the outcome but may have struggled during the teaching and learning or it means the teacher is acknowledging that the student is trying or making progress but has not met or barely meets the standard.

1 is considered to be Experiencing Difficulty. The student has not met the standard or outcome. They are struggling with the learning process.

NA means that the student has not produced enough work to make an appropriate assessment. This could be due to missed time or missing assignments or because a student has only had a few classes in that subject (Guidance, Art, etc.) so far this school year.

Learning habits (independence, initiative, interactions, organization, & responsibility) are also included and performance indicators (C – consistently, U – usually, S – sometimes, R – rarely) are used to demonstrate a student’s progress with these habits.

 

WHAT DOES MY MARK MEAN? Remember your mark doesn’t reflect how popular you are, how quickly you finish your work or how you did compared to the other students in your class. Your mark simply tells you one of two things: §  You got it! You understood the outcomes and you demonstrated that to your teacher. §  You didn’t get it yet. You need to continue to work on this outcome or give your teacher better evidence that you understood the outcome.   Do I.....                                                                  Do I.... §  Attend school regularly?                                                                                             §  Miss time?  §  Make good use of class time?                                                                                     § Goof around and waste class time?                                                        §  Bring what I need to class?                                                                                        § Lose or forget school supplies, notes and books? §  Complete and hand in assignments?                                                                          § Have missing assignments? §  Participate in class discussions?                                                                                § Rarely ask questions or participate? §  Go for extra-help?                                                                                                       § Leave early and rarely or never go to Homework Help? §  Pay attention and ask questions when I don’t understand?                                ​    § Fail to redo or improve my work when given the chance?                  §  Use teacher feedback to redo and improve my work?                                              § Hand in messy, incomplete, rushed work?                  §  Always do my best work?                                                                                           § Study at the last minute?                           §  Prepare for tests?                                                                                                       § Forget my name, date and title on my work?                                        §  Put my name, date and title on all my work?                           ​I am not meeting expectations                                         I am not meeting expectations       HELPING YOUR CHILD TO BUILD RESILIENCE Middle school is a huge transition for our students. We are aware of this and have always worked with our students on this. If they appear to be getting "stressed" over everyday situations, we remind our students that everyone deals with stress daily. If we look at a scale of 1-10 (1 = a great day & 10 = losing someone), we ask where their 'situation' would fall?  At the beginning of 6th grade, many see Workroom (done during our After School Activity Period to help students catch up, finish work that was not completed, or attend as their behaviour in class did not follow our Raider Code) as an 11, but it's really a 3 or 4.  Over the years we have found that using consistent vocabulary between home and school, as well as, reassuring our students that stress is normal, builds resilience and allows them to develop effective and healthy strategies for dealing with stress.                 ​