Lawson Heights School

Lawson Heights School

LAWSON HEIGHTS SCHOOL SONG

(Tune: Notre Dame Victory March)
O Lawson Heights School

We pledge to thee:

Our fond remembrance

Our loyalty.

From morning bell, ‘till end of day,

We have our thoughts, our work, our play.

Building a future, Friends at our side.

Caring and sharing, Working with pride.

A treasure in our memories.

Our good old Lawson days

Hurrah!!!

1. ALL ABOUT US

OUR SCHOOL DAY

School Day begins 8:45 a.m. (first bell); 8:50 classes begin

Morning Recess 10:35 - 10:50 a.m.
Noon lunch 11:43 - 12:33 p.m.
Afternoon recess 2:18 - 2:33 p.m.
Dismissal 3:25 p.m.
(Thursday staff meeting 3:10 p.m. dismissal)

SUPERVISION

Teacher supervision of all students is provided at:

8:33 – 8:45 a.m.

10:35 - 10:50 a.m.

12:08 - 12:33 p.m.

2:18 - 2:33 p.m.

We suggest that students arrive approximately 10 minutes before the bell, unless they are arriving for a teacher-supervised activity. If your child must be dropped off at the school early, he/she should be registered in the Lawson Heights Extended Day program.
Students should be dressed appropriately for the weather as they are expected to remain outside before school and at recess time unless the weather is inclement or they have a scheduled activity.

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL – LATE ARRIVALS

Your child's safety is very important to us, therefore, we request that you telephone the school if your child is going to be absent. Parents may call the school between 8:00 and 8:45 a.m. in order that the message may be given to teachers before classes begin. Students that arrive late will bring a late slip to the office..

SCHOOL TELEPHONES FOR STUDENT USE

We have phones in each of our classrooms. Students must ask their teacher for permission to use the phone. Teachers can give permission to use the phone whenever necessary.

Please continue to call our office about absences and leave messages for teachers. We will continue to alert staff members to messages coming in. In some cases we are able to simply forward the voice mail message directly to the teacher.
We expect that students do not use the school phone to make arrangements to go to a friend’s house after school. These arrangements should be made before leaving home in the morning, or the day before.

NEWSLETTERS

The Lawson Heights School newsletter is published every third week and is sent home on Wednesday with the youngest child in each family. We will continue to email a copy to parents. Our newsletter can also be found on the School Community portal. The URL is http://spslearn.spsd.sk.ca/schools/LHS. Watch for our newsletter for more information. Please read these newsletters carefully as they often contain important notices and reminders (change of dates, early dismissal times, etc.) Notices concerning special events, announcements, or information that pertain to just one class are sent home or posted on the virtual classroom as the need arises by the classroom teacher.

ASSEMBLIES

Our assemblies are held monthly. Please check the portal for dates and times.

DRESS FOR WEATHER AND SAFETY

Students are expected to go outside for recesses. Therefore, during the cold months, students should dress warmly (i.e. hats, mitts, boots, ski pants and a warm coat.)

Hats and wet footwear are to be removed upon entry into the school. Students are expected to wear appropriate footwear in the school. Bare feet or only socks are not acceptable for health and safety reasons.

VOLUNTEERS – WE WELCOME YOU!

Parent volunteers provide invaluable assistance in the school. There are parents who assist in the library, work with children, create materials that are used in instruction, design bulletin boards or help in other ways. If you have time to become a part of a team to provide better education for our students, please call your child's teacher or the school office. All volunteers need to complete a criminal record check before volunteering on out of school excursions. These can be obtained at no cost with a letter from the office.

2. ACADEMICS

CURRICULUM

The academic programs at Lawson Heights School are based on curricula prescribed by Saskatchewan Learning. They are selected by the teacher from core and optional units offered in the various subjects. The choices are often made in collaboration with colleagues, and in some cases, with students.

LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER

Lawson Height’s LRC is a very busy and exciting place to be! Step inside and you’ll see students involved in a variety of learning tasks such as selecting books, reading for pleasure or doing research projects. Our LRC provides many opportunities for students to engage in a number of resource-based activities to enhance learning.

We have a half-time teacher librarian at Lawson Heights. The teacher librarian is an integral part of the LRC. She develops the library collection in accordance with curricular needs. She works collaboratively with classroom teachers to ensure that resource-based skills are integrated with various units of study. In addition to providing resources for

teachers, she also works with whole classes, groups of students, and individuals. She also enjoys introducing literature to students and simply helping them find that “special book” as she promotes the love of reading and our Just Read program!

We also have a library technician who works very hard to maintain our library. Students use the library on a regular basis with their class; however, they are also welcome to exchange books after school until 3:45 p.m.

JUST READ!
Just Read is a Saskatoon Public System initiative to increase students’ out of school reading of fiction and non-fiction books. Students become independent readers who read for fun, pleasure and information and start on the part of developing a life long love of reading. Just Read reinforces an integrated language arts curriculum and supports the goal to improve literacy among school students.

RESOURCE ROOM

In this program, the resource teacher works in a collaborative role of shared decision making and problem solving with classroom teachers and other personnel to identify the instructional needs of learners in the classroom. This includes guided learning in small groups outside of the classroom as well as co-teaching in class. Individual assessment is also included. The role is flexible to allow for opportunities to meet the individual needs of our students.

BAND PROGRAM

Our band program is open to students from Grades 6 to 8. Students learn to play their instruments in a group setting in which they work together towards their common goal to create music. Instruction is offered twice a week during school time. All students in grade 6 are required to participate in our band program. Students who join band, are expected to honour this commitment for the full academic year. Performances will take place throughout the year in our school and community.

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

Assessment of student progress is continuous. Teachers assess students on both their oral and written work each day, as well as on their performance on written tests. The information gained by the teacher is used as a basis for decisions to re-teach concepts not learned or to proceed to teach new work.

Three times a year, teachers summarize their assessment of students to report progress to parents. Three-Way conferences in November and March allow us to involve students, along with their parents, to set important goals. The report cards have two main categories on which evaluation is made: effort, which tells you how hard the teachers believe your child is working, and achievement, which indicates how much of the work your child has mastered.
It is our desire to establish strong two-way communication. Parents are encouraged to phone the school if they wish to initiate additional interviews. Your support and your responses to us are of great benefit in our joint effort to provide your child with a sound education.

CARE PARTNERS

Care Partners are an important part of our programs and activities. Big and little buddies get together for projects, reading, physical education, etc. The Care Partner Program promotes positive interaction among students of all ages.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL EXCURSIONS

Elementary students in our school have the opportunity for a range of out-of-school experiences. Students enjoy many excursions in the course of a school year. Parents will be given advance notice of any out-of-school field trips.

Out-of-school education is an important part of our total school program. Field trips are not just “something to do on a nice day” but rather they are well-planned experiences which take advantage of the resources of our city to enrich the regular school curriculum. They provide alternate methods that enable staff and students to achieve the educational goals of the school year. Although field trips are taken all through the year, they are more frequent during the months of May and June as warm spring weather facilitates learning in outdoor settings.
3. SPECIAL PROGRAMS

LANGUAGE LEARNING PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Our school houses this special system preschool for children who have a hearing loss or who are delayed in their language development. The program helps children learn to communicate orally through natural conversational interaction and individual language instruction. The preschool has a teacher and teacher associate and is held mornings, Monday through Thursday.

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)

The Elementary EAL Program is for students in grades one through eight, whose first language is not English and who are unable to function to the best of their potential in an appropriate age-grade level due to a lack of English. We have an EAL centre of instruction at Lawson Heights School.

4. STUDENT ACTIVITIES

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Our school offers many different extra-curricular activities for students of many interests.

We remind students that membership on a school team is a privilege, not a right. Students who join a team or activity are expected to honour their commitment until the season has ended or the program is completed.

JUST SAY NO CLUB

The Just Say No Club in Lawson Heights School offers many activities for students in Grades Four to Six. In these grades, peer influences continue to grow. Some older elementary children may be curious about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. They need information and stronger motivation to avoid drugs.
Just Say No is a self-supporting club run by parent volunteers with assistance from a teacher representative. A positive and supportive peer group is instrumental in helping students make healthy life choices. Through group meetings, which involve entertainers, speakers, videos, movies, fitness instruction, and fun, the students acquire knowledge and find alternatives to turning to drug use.

5. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

REQUEST FOR EARLY DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS

Early dismissal for individual students is discouraged except under unavoidable circumstances. Please try to arrange such activities, as private music lessons, etc., after school hours. Sports and other outside participation should also be planned after school hours to prevent disruption in the school program and to prevent the development of a casual attitude towards the value of regular attendance at school. If there are extenuating circumstances the principal would be pleased to discuss them with you.

Homework

Homework is usually a direct result of the day’s lessons. Some extra practice of newly learned skills will assist students to become proficient in applying the skills. Most homework is work that was assigned in a class work period to be finished during that period, spare time or at home. The completion of homework is necessary and some at-home work time should be part of a student’s schedule of activities.

LOCKS AND LOCKERS

Locks for student lockers are optional. Students are responsible for providing the locks for their lockers. Whether the lock is a key type or a combination type, it should be of high quality. A copy of the combination or an extra key must be left with the classroom teacher. Lockers are subject to inspection at any time.

Internet/Wireless Services Acceptable Use Procedures for Students

Saskatoon Public Schools believe that the use of the Internet and/or personal digital devices supports relevant and challenging life-long learning for our students.  All activity conducted on hardware owned by Saskatoon Public Schools is logged. Activity logs may be viewed and used where necessary to ensure our Administrative Procedure 140 – “Computer/Online Services Acceptable Use” is followed.
To support additional learning opportunities, Saskatoon Public Schools has also provided Internet wireless access in all schools and initiated broad education efforts related to “Digital Citizenship in the 21^st Century”. Students are provided with individualized computer accounts and passwords to access computers and online/wireless services to support their learning. Students who elect to bring personal digital devices to school have the ability to access the Internet with their account. This access is subject to the school’s overall rules regarding personal digital devices. Examples of personal digital devices include cell phones, smart phones, MP3 players, Ipods, Ipads, and notebook computers.
When using digital devices, students must adhere to the following principles:

• 
  Digital devices are to be used to enhance the learning that takes place in schools. They are not to disrupt that learning.
  
  
  
• 
  Digital devices are to be used in a manner that is respectful of all students and school staff. For example, students using digital devices to photograph or video any member of the school staff or students in the school without the permission of those staff or students is considered disrespectful.
  
  
  

1.       Access to the Internet and wireless services, either with school division or personal digital devices is an individual privilege enjoyed by students, not a right.
2.       A student's conduct on the Internet and wireless services, either with school division or personal digital devices, is governed by the same expectations which guide his or her behaviour at school.
3.       In elementary schools, access to the Internet with school division digital devices is provided only when students are supervised. 
4. In collegiates, students may access the Internet with school division digital devices without supervision.

5. If students choose to bring personal digital devices to school (at both the elementary and secondary level) they can access the Internet (whose sites have been filtered as per point 7 below) without supervision during non-instructional time (e.g. lunch hour, before or after class). During instructional time they can access the Internet with their teacher’s permission.

6. Students who choose to bring personal digital devices to school should be aware of the following:

• 
  In the event the digital device is used in an in appropriate manner, (or inappropriate use is suspected), the digital device itself can be confiscated and may be searched by a member of the school’s administrative team. If parents/students do not agree with this condition students should not bring the digital device to school.
  
• 
  Schools are not responsible for the theft or loss of personal digital devices that students may choose to bring to school.
  

7.       Saskatoon Public Schools actively blocks access to inappropriate Internet sites.  If a student deliberately seeks to access inappropriate material or uses the computer services provided in a malicious manner, the consequences are governed by the Saskatoon Public Schools’ Administrative Procedure 140 – “Computer/Online Services Acceptable Use” - which can be found on the Saskatoon Public Schools’ public website at www.spsd.sk.ca/files/board/AdministrativeProceduresManual.pdf

  Consequences are outlined in Administrative Procedure 140 and appear in the student version of the procedure as follows:
What can happen to me if I break the rules?

1. 
   I won’t be able to use the computers.
   
2. 
   I might be disciplined.
   
3. 
   I might have to pay for what I broke.
   
4. 
   The police may be called.
   

8.       If you do not want your son/daughter to access the Internet at school, please contact the school and request the Internet Use Denial Form.  This form is then signed by the parent or guardian and returned to the school.

BiKES/SKATEBOARDS/SCOOTERS/ROLLER BLADES

For reasons of your child's safety while traveling to and from school, we encourage all students to wear an approved helmet when riding their bikes, skateboards, scooters, and roller blades.

Bikes, scooters and roller blades are not to be ridden on school grounds, in the parking lot or on the sidewalks in front of the school leading down to the cross walk. Bikes, if brought to school, must be locked to the fence east of the school. Skateboards, scooters and roller blades are to be put in lockers upon arrival in the classroom.
The school can assume no responsibility for equipment which is lost or damaged. Theft and vandalism are police matters and should be reported to the police.
HELMETS

As of the fall of 2007, Saskatoon Public Schools requires the use of helmets for students who are on ice during supervised non-instructional time such as recess and lunch hour. Use will be required during those times of the school day when students are normally supervised out-of-doors by a staff member or noon hour supervisor.

LOST ITEMS

School Board insurance does not cover items lost in school. Lost and found articles are put in the lost and found box. Articles that are not picked up at the end of the year, will be donated to a charitable organization. Labeling coats, boots, mittens, scarves and other school supplies will help lost items to be returned. Your cooperation in this regard is appreciated.

Please be sure to check our Lost ‘n Found bucket for missing items.

LUNCH ROOM PRIVILEGES

The Board of Education believes that, under normal circumstances, children should eat lunch at home. There are occasions, however, when parents, because of special circumstances, request the assistance of schools to provide noon lunch supervision such as the absence of working parents from home during the day.
Noon lunch supervision is provided for students who require this service. We expect our students to behave appropriately. Children are made aware of the behaviour standards that are expected in the lunchroom. Inappropriate behaviour may result in the loss of lunchroom privileges for the student. Parents will be contacted if this becomes necessary. Students who stay at school for lunch are not to leave the school grounds during any part of the noon hour. On days that a lunch student needs to leave the school grounds parents must inform the teacher.

LUNCHROOM EXPECTATIONS

Students bringing lunch to the school are to eat in the designated area for their class. The following lunchroom expectations guide our practice and are posted in our classrooms and lunchrooms:

• 
  Find your seat and stay seated.
  
• 
  Raise your hand for assistance.
  
• 
  Speak to your friends in a quiet voice.
  
• 
  Wait at your seat for dismissal.
  
• 
  Put your chair away.
  
• 
  Return for your garbage and lunch kit.
  
• 
  Recycle items in the proper location.
  
• 
  Walk to your locker and outside promptly.
  
• 
  Follow the school guidelines regarding recycling.
  

The lunchroom supervisor will direct a student to leave the eating area for inappropriate behaviour. A phone call or note of warning may be sent home giving details of the problem. A student may have lunchroom privileges removed for a period of time following the incident. If a student is removed a second time, he/she may be suspended from eating lunch at school for a week or longer.

PARKING AND PICKING UP STUDENTS

School bus loading zones are a designated “No Stopping/No Parking” area. We ask parents to refrain from picking up or dropping off students in the Staff Parking Lot and in the posted zones in front of our school, as this not only creates a safety hazard for children, but may also result in a costly ticket.

6. SAFETY

EMERGENCY AND SAFETY PROCEDURES

« Students are required to wear shoes at all times.

« When an accident happens at school, parents will be contacted. We have members on staff with First Aid training.

« It is important that family information be kept up-to-date. If you have moved or changed your telephone number, please let us know as soon as possible. It is important that we have an up-to-date emergency contact to call when parents are unavailable.
Should we have to evacuate the building for any reason during the school day, teachers would accompany students to Lawson Heights Penticostal Assembly. Procedures have been developed for fire drills, lockdowns and shelter in place.
Information regarding procedures for parents to follow would be sent out using the Everbridge Notification System or broadcast on the radio and parents would be telephoned. (In the event of such an emergency, parents are requested to listen to the radio or come to the school - but not to phone.)

We will never send children home unless we can be sure of their safety. It is hoped that we never need to use these plans, but we are prepared should a crisis arise. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us care for the safety of your children.

Tips for Student Security from



1. Avoid bringing large amounts of money to school.

2. Avoid bringing expensive accessories to school - outerwear, jewelry, electronics, etc.

3. Students should not reveal their lock combination to anyone.

4. Students’ lockers should be closed and locked at all times unless they are present.

5. During physical education classes and athletic events ensure that all personal belongings of value are locked in a locker.

6. Bicycles brought to school should be properly secured in the bicycle parking area. The school is not responsible for stolen property.

7. Whenever possible mark all personal belongings.

8. Report all acts of theft, vandalism, violence, and alcohol or drug abuse in and around your school to school administration.

7. EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

Every child has the right to feel safe and happy at school. Therefore, every child has the responsibility to ensure that he/she does not violate the safety and happiness of others.

Students should be treated with dignity and respect, and it is expected that they treat adults and other students with dignity and respect. Our expectations of students are based on this premise.
Student behaviour problems are dealt with on an individual basis: privileges may be withdrawn or an appropriate consequence may result. If inappropriate behaviour is continuous or severe, parents will be informed.

1. Co-operation is very important for maintaining a positive learning environment. Students are expected to:

1. 
   cooperate with all students and staff members and respond in an appropriate and respectful manner.
   
2. 
   behave in a manner that supports the teaching-learning process.
   
3. 
   apply themselves academically to reach their potential.
   
4. 
   contribute to our learning community by volunteering their time and talents when opportunities arise.
   
5. 
   use good judgment in situations where specific rules do not apply.
   

2. Students should move through the school in an orderly manner with purpose, school staff knowledge, and permission.

1. 
   Students should walk when moving throughout the school building.
   

2. 
   Students in Grades 4-8 are to enter and exit the school through the senior boot-room doors on the north side of the school. Students in Grades 1-3 are to enter and exit the school through the junior boot-room doors on the east side of the school.
   
3. 
   The front doors may be used by visitorsl, preschool and kindergarten students, and students waiting to be picked up during the school day for appointments.
   

3. During break times (recess, noon) students are expected to play co-operatively in designated areas.

1. 
   Generally, students (K-8) are expected to go outside at break times.
   
2. 
   Students are expected to go outside during recess breaks when the weather is suitable.
   
3. 
   Students may re-enter the building to use the washrooms or to warm up in the boot room and then return to the playground.
   

4. Behaviour that endangers the safety of others is not permitted.

Examples of this include bullying (verbal or physical), hands on play (play-fighting), throwing snowballs or stones, face-washing, and possessing harmful or dangerous objects.
5. Students are expected to show pride in and respect for our school facility. In an effort to ensure cleanliness of our school:

1. 
   students are not permitted to chew sunflower seeds at school.
   
2. 
   drinks in glass bottles are not to be brought onto the playground or into the school during the school day.
   
3. 
   pop and “junk food” is not to come to school. Students are asked to model nutrition-positive habits.
   
4. 
   muddy or wet footwear is to be removed at the entry point into the school building.
   
5. 
   personal belongings should be kept in lockers, desks, or areas designated for storage, rather than on the floor.
   

6. We believe that the way we dress affects our attitude and our behaviour. Inappropriate clothing can be disruptive to the learning environment. Inappropriate clothing which will not be allowed includes:

1. 
   items that display foul or suggestive language, inappropriate signs or symbols, messages of violence, racism, drug/alcohol use or information/pictures that are sexual in nature.
   
2. 
   clothing that is revealing. General guidelines include a covered back, midriff, chest and buttocks area.
   

Administrators and/or teachers will use their discretion in deciding the appropriateness of clothing. Students who are dressed inappropriately will be required to cover up or be sent home to change.

7. Duties of Pupils under the Education Act are as follows:

1. 
   Attend school regularly and punctually.
   
2. 
   Provide self with such supplies and materials not furnished by the Board of Education.
   
3. 
   Observe standards approved by the Board of Education with respect to cleanliness and tidiness of person, general deportment, obedience, courtesy and respect of the rights of other persons.
   
4. 
   Be diligent in his/her studies
   
5. 
   Conform to the rules of the school approved by the Board of Education and submit to such discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm, judicious parent.
   

Every pupil shall be accountable for his/her conduct on the school premises during school hours and during such hours as the teacher is in charge of pupils in class or while engaged in authorized school activities conducted in out-of-school hours.

CONCLUSION
We are looking forward to another wonderful year of learning and fun. At Lawson Heights School, we believe in teamwork and providing the best possible learning environment for our students.

Saskatoon Public Schools