Prior to instruction in a unit, course, or program of study, students shall be provided with:
•a list of learning expectations which they will be expected to achieve;
•appropriate samples of assessment items or expectations which will be used to measure achievement of the learning outcomes;
•an outline of the components, criteria, and mark value for all elements of the final grade.

Formal Examinations

A formal written examination, oral presentation or culminating activity may be a compulsory part of a course. A student may be excused from these final assessments ONLY with a medical certificate and/or approval of the Principal. Any student who fails to take a compulsory final assessment without formal approval shall receive a mark of zero for that assessment. If Board of Education transportation is cancelled or school is closed due to inclement weather, scheduled examinations for that day will be rescheduled to the next school day. The balance of the examination schedule will be advanced accordingly.

Examination Length
Grade 9 - one hour minimum (90 minutes if needed)
Grades 10 & 11 - 1.5 hours
Grade 12 - 2 or 2.5 hours

Plagiarism – It is a serious offence for students to hand in work that is not their own or that has been “borrowed” from books, journals, or other sources such as the Internet without proper documentation and credit given. Paraphrasing or direct quotations must be properly acknowledged. Such dishonest submissions will be assigned a mark of zero and may lead to other consequences such as disqualification for scholarships.

Cheating – The receiving and giving of answers during a quiz/test/exam is strictly forbidden. Those involved will be assigned a mark of zero for that assessment and may receive other consequences as well.

A formal Report Card shall be provided to parents/ guardians, or students who are of the age of majority, at the middle and end of each semester. In addition, Grade 9 students also receive a Progress Report after 4 weeks of classes in each semester. Gr. 10 to 12 students who are having difficulty will also receive a Credit at Risk Notice at this time. A parent-teacher conference will be held following each interim (mid-semester) reporting period to allow parents to meet with teachers.

Full Disclosure on Transcripts
As of September 1999, the following applies for all courses attempted at the senior level
(3, or 4):

(1) If a student withdraws from a senior level course after 5
instructional days following the issuance of the Interim Report
Card, a “W” is entered in the credit column and the student’s
mark at the time of withdrawal is expressed as a percentage
in the achievement column of the transcript,
(2) If a student repeats a senior level course, each course attempt
and its mark will be recorded on the transcript, however only
one credit will be granted. The course with the lower mark
will receive an “R” entered in the credit column,
(3) Senior courses with failing grades will be recorded.

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The District School Board of Niagara recognizes the rights and responsibilities of all students in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Human Rights Code of the Province of Ontario, the Education Act, and the policies of the District School Board of Niagara.

The District School Board of Niagara recognizes the goals of education as outlined by the Ministry of Education and interpreted in the school course calendars. Within the goals there is recognition for the establishment and enforcement of a code of behaviour.

The District School Board of Niagara recognizes as equal partners the following student rights and responsibilities as they relate to the student code of behaviour. Failure to display responsibility will lead to a range of consequences which may include a reduction or loss of privileges.

In order to achieve their maximum potential students have the right to:
• learn in a safe, undisturbed, positive environment.
• be accepted as a valued individual, treated with respect, dignity and fairness.
•be assisted in the development/enhancement of a positive self-image free from harassment, abuse, ridicule, sarcasm, inappropriate language and prejudice.
•receive instruction that is diligent and reflective of individual learning needs, effective educational practice and professional competence.

Likewise, students have the responsibility to:
•be diligent in their studies
• develop self discipline.
• meet the expectations of the code of behaviour at all times while in class, on the school property or at extra-curricular activities.
• attend classes regularly and punctually, and come prepared for class with all appropriate materials, books, and supplies.
• participate actively in class and complete all assignments on time.
• be responsible for all assigned work in a course, including work missed as a result of field trips, illness and extra-curricular activities.
• take credit for their work ONLY and never to plagiarize others' work.
• be courteous and respect authority and the people in positions of authority.
• respect the rights and personal property of others.
• care for school property and equipment.
• report damage of school property to the office immediately.
• use only the locker assigned to them. • assume the additional responsibilities associated with age of
majority status when applicable.

The chart on the following pages outlines the expected behaviours, examples of misbehaviour, and a range of possible consequences for misbehaviour. Normally, students will proceed through a range of consequences. The real aim will be to eliminate the misbehaviour and to promote student self-discipline. While attempting to treat all students fairly and consistently, the Administration also recognizes that each student is a unique individual with his/her own needs. Any consequence assigned as a result of a misbehaviour, will remain in effect for a fixed time period. A range of consequences will not be followed in cases of serious misbehaviour. Serious misbehaviour (eg. drug/alcohol abuse, assault, sexual harassment) will result in immediate suspension. In severe discipline cases, the student will be referred to the Discipline Review Committee. This is a school committee made up of the Principal, Vice-Principal and staff members. It has as its mandate the task to review serious discipline cases and to make recommendations which would lead to the resolution of the problem in the best interest of all parties concerned.

Alcohol and Drugs
The use or possession of alcohol or illicit drugs on school property at any time is prohibited by the District School Board of Niagara policy. Any student who appears at school or at a school activity under the influence or in the possession of alcohol and/or illicit drugs will be immediately suspended from school. Where applicable and appropriate, other consequences will follow.

Tobacco
The use of tobacco by any person is not permitted anywhere on District School Board of Niagara property. In addition, possession of tobacco by any student under the age of 16 years is prohibited. Violations will result in referral to the local Tobacco Enforcement Officer of the Ministry of Health. This will result in a fine levied upon the student and a suspension.

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EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

1. Respect for Authority

Respect for authority is required on the job and in society at large. The teachers, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria staff and bus drivers deserve courtesy, consideration and respect.

2. Respect for Peers

One way to gain self-esteem is to show esteem for others. School staff are available to assist students who cause or suffer from conflict with their peers.

3. Respect for Property

Schools should be treated with respect at all times. The cost of maintaining school buildings and restoring vandalized equipment is borne by the taxpayer – your parents and neighbours. School pride and reputation suffer from property abuse.

4. Respect for Self

Self-respect is impossible unless students first respect other people’s authority and property. Students will always be treated with dignity and respect, but more significantly they must treat themselves and others appropriately.

5. Regular Attendance and Punctuality

The habit of regular attendance and punctuality not only provides a basis of school success but also helps to prepare the student for the world of work. Teachers and other students are inconvenienced by misbehaviour in this area. The Education Act outlines that the only legitimate reason for missing school is medical. Therefore if a student is away due to a vacation or any other unauthorized reason, teachers will not be required to provide extra assistance or make up tests. Missed tests and assignments will be assigned a zero.

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1. Students who are absent for a full day must have a parent notify the school Attendance Office by 1:00 pm THAT SAME DAY. This process ensures that accurate data is entered into our Attendance Tracking system, and that students may proceed directly to class upon their return to school. Please remember that you are able to call the school the evening before or in the morning prior to office hours and leave a message regarding ;your child’s absence (905-358-5753, ext. 245).

2. Students who are absent for multiple days need to have a parent call for each and every missed day. Our records must be accurate, and therefore, each day a child misses requires verification. If you know in advance of a series of days to be missed you may inform the attendance office at one time prior to the absence.

3. Students who arrive to school but need to leave MUST SIGN OUT IN THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE. We are liable and accountable for knowing your child’s whereabouts once they have been recorded as ‘present’ in school. In case of school emergency, we may put people at risk looking for your child if we are unaware that they have left the building. Help us by keeping us informed. Any student who leaves without signing out or without prior parent notification will receive a DETENTION. Please understand that communication between child, parent and school is vital. Your child needs to take the responsibility in ensuring effective communication exists between the parent and school.

4. Students who are absent from school without parent notification will be recorded as ‘TRUANT’. A note from a parent will be accepted on the day of their return to school prior to the commencement of the day (before 8:20 am). Students may have to wait in the Attendance Office to see the Vice-Principal. This can often be a very busy time and students may end up missing even more class time. Please ensure that you call the school on the day of absence, prior to 1:00 pm in order to avoid the long line-ups in the Attendance Office in the morning. Phone calls that are made after 1:00 pm on the day of an absence will result in the student waiting to receive an ‘admit slip’ as well.

5. Students who are ‘TRUANT’ will be assigned progressive detentions, suspensions, and may ultimately be removed from a class, or school entirely. All missed assignments and tests will receive a mark of ‘0'. Once detentions are assigned they will not be removed. For example: A note arriving 2 days after the fact will not remove a detention. It may, however, allow for a re-test or make-up assignment depending on the circumstances.
RANGE OF
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
(1 or more of the following may be used)

•warning from teacher
•counselling
•detention
•restitution
•interview with
administration
•behaviour contract
•work detail
•attendance contract
•controlled timetable
•parental contact
•parental interview
•temporary removal from class
•supervised study
•removal from school teams and/or school activities
•loss of school privileges
•removal from course
•program change
•change of school
•police referral
•suspension from school
•expulsion (by Board) only)EXAMPLES OF MISBEHAVIOUR

1. late to school, late to class, unexcused school absence, unexcused class absence
unacceptable attendance pattern

2. rudeness, insolence, refusal to act, verbal abuse, threats, physical assault

3. disruption of class, mockery,slander, libel threats,intimidation, bullying assault, fighting,
harassment

4. littering, vandalism of textbooks,lockers, school premises and equipment theft, unauthorized use of vehicles, vandalism of safety devices, buses, and school premises

5. lack of preparation for class, inappropriate language, behaviour and dress, copying, cheating, plagiarism, cigarette,alcohol,drug use, weapon possession

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It is the policy of the District School Board of Niagara to foster and maintain a safe environment for its students, staff and community through the implementation of effective measures to deal with violence in schools and at school sponsored events. Disciplinary actions shall be based on zero tolerance for acts of violence including such areas as assault, intimidation, abusive language and harassment.
Responses to violent behaviour shall include student interview, parent/guardian contact, suspension, police contact, referral for counselling services, alternate placement and/or expulsion, behaviour remediation, and restitution where applicable.
Parents, students and staff who are victims should be advised of their rights to seek further recourse through the police and other community agencies.
For students 12 years of age or over the following categories of serious violent incidents must be reported to the police:
• possession of weapon (including pen knife or laser light);
• threats of serious physical injury;
• physical assaults causing serious bodily harm;
• sexual assault;
• any hate motivated violence;
• vandalism causing extensive damage to school property.

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Accident Insurance
Accident Insurance is available at a moderate cost during the first few weeks of the shchool year. This insurance does not cover any accident or medical expenses which could (but may not) be covered by a government medical plan. It is board policy that any student who participates in school sports programs is required to have a form signed by parents, stating he/she has school insurance or satisfactory equivalent insurance. The accident policy is recommended as it covers dental work. If involved in an accident, each student (insured or not) must immediately report to the office. Personal property is not covered by the District School Board of Niagara insurance policies.

Age of Majority
The District School Board of Niagara Policy regarding students who have reached the Age of Majority is as follows: As a condition of enrolment, school policies apply to all students. The onus for advising that the Age of Majority status has been reached, rests with the students, not the school. A student who exercises the Age of Majority status (reports, notes for absences) shall notify the school in writing, notify his/her teachers, and also let his/her parents know that notification has been given to the school. Age of Majority forms are available in the Attendance Office.

Arrival and Departure
Normal school hours are from 8:25 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a forty-six minute lunch period. Classrooms will be opened by 8:10 a.m. A bell at 8:20 signifies that students should proceed to their home rooms. After 2:30 p.m. students are recommended to take part in the various school activities, get extra help from teachers or work in the library. Otherwise, students are to leave by 2:45 p.m. You may not linger in the halls. No student is to engage in extra-curricular activities during or after school hours unless there is a supervising teacher or permission has been given by the Vice-Principal or the Principal.

Cafeteria
Students may purchase a lunch, bring their own lunch, or supplement their lunch with soup, milk, juice, fruit, etc. from the cafeteria. The south section of the cafeteria may also be used daily for study periods.

Students are required to:
1. Cooperate with supervisory personnel and staff in the cafeteria.
2. Line up in orderly fashion to make purchases.
3. Consume food and beverages in the cafeteria; no throwing of food or beverages.
4. Place all debris in garbage containers; no littering.
5. Share responsibility for keeping the cafeteria clean.
A student who fails to comply with these guidelines will lose cafeteria privileges.

Care of School Property
Every student should be proud of the appearance of the school building, both inside and outside, and must share the responsibility of keeping it in the best possible condition. Careless or willful destruction of school property is a serious offence and offenders are (1) subject to formal suspension and/or (2) liable for damages assessed either by the school and/or by the courts.

Detentions
From time to time, a student may have to serve a detention as a consequence. It is the duty of the student to report promptly at the time and place designated by an individual teacher or by the school administration. Detentions have priority over any extra-curricular activity. Students are required to bring work with them and to work quietly in the assigned detention area. Missed detentions are considered to be a serious breach of discipline and will be followed up with a suspension from school.

Dress
All students shall adhere to reasonable standards of taste in dress and grooming for this place of educational business. The assessment of what is appropriate is decided by the administration. The following guidelines will be used:
• Students are required to wear clean clothing appropriate for an educational institution. Inappropriate dress includes ripped jeans, low slung pants, cut-offs, tank tops, skimpy low slung tops or those exposing a bare midriff, shoulderless tops or those with spaghetti straps, shirts bearing racial, anti-religious, sexual or obscene messages and dangerous accessories such as large-link chains, studs or metal bracelets.
• Students wearing inappropriate dress will be refused entry to classes and will be referred to the office to see the Vice-Principal or Principal.
• Caps, hats or head gear are not to be worn anywhere inside the school. They must be removed prior to entering the school building and stored in the student’s locker.
• Outdoor clothing such as coats, should not be worn to class.
• Appropriate gym attire is required for Physical Education and sports activities. Sport attire is available at a reasonable cost from the Physical Education Department.
• Safety glasses must be worn in classes where machinery is in operation and in laboratories when chemical experiments are conducted. Long hair must be securely fastened out of the way.

Fire Drills
Fire drills will be held during the school year. The exit to be used in the event of fire is posted above the door inside each room. Become familiar with the route and the alternate route from each room in which you have a class. When the fire drill signal (a continuous long ring) sounds, proceed quickly by the proper route from the school. Move well away from the building. Do not return until the ALL-CLEAR Signal (a series of rings of the class change bells) is sounded. The law requires that Fire Extinguishers be placed throughout the school. It is a federal offence to tamper with the extinguishers. Students who fail to heed this warning will be prosecuted by the law.

Hallways
All school hallways are out-of-bounds while classes are in session. Loitering in the hallways or washrooms during class periods is prohibited. Students with spare periods are asked to use the Library or Cafeteria for study, or to leave the school. Students with spare periods who wish to visit lockers or washrooms should do so at the beginning or end of the period.

Health Services
The school nurse provides a broad range of services for students such as counselling and educational assistance concerning adolescent health issues and is in the building once each week. Announcements are made regularly for this. If for any reason you wish to consult the nurse, please see a secretary in the main office to make an appointment. If you are ill you must not spend the period in the washroom. Report your illness to the attendance or main office.

Library-Resource Centre
The Library-Resource Centre is the school’s resource-based learning centre which accommodates only those students who use it in a meaningful way. Subject to Library rules and the approval of the Librarian, students may:
• Borrow the materials for such periods as the library loan times specify or otherwise incur a fine.
•; Use materials such as CD-ROM Data Bases and the INTERNET in the library to assist in projects, homework and career planning.
• Read the magazines and newspapers provided.
• Use available equipment that has been signed out by a classroom teacher who is responsible for supervision.
• Obtain audio-visual materials such as video tapes from the Board through the classroom teacher.
• Use the photocopy machine.

Lockers
Each student will be assigned a locker, and must use a DUDLEY combination lock. Locks are available for sale at the office. Other types of locks may not be used. Do not reveal the combination of your lock to anyone else. ALL LOCKS MUST BE REGISTERED IN THE OFFICE. Students cannot be reimbursed for goods stolen from lockers. All lockers are the property of the District School Board of Niagara. Damaged lockers must be reported to the office as soon as possible.

Lost and Found
Losses, thefts and found articles should be reported to the office immediately. Do not leave sums of money or valuables in your locker or in the physical education change room. We recommend that valuables such as calculators and money be left in the office for safe keeping. Enquire at the Attendance Office for lost articles.

Parking
a) Vehicles
All student vehicles must be parked in the area allocated for student parking; i.e. the south half of the parking lot with access from Huggins
Street only. Parking is provided as a convenience and this privilege is subject to the following regulations:

•The Staff Parking lot is out-of-bounds to students at all times, unless going to or from physical education classes.
•The vehicle must be registered at the school office.
Speed must not exceed 10 km/hr.
•School exits, fire lanes and driveways must be left completely clear.
•Vehicles must remain out-of-bounds to all students during the entire school day. Loitering around or sitting in vehicles during school hours is not permitted.
•Vehicles must be operated in such a manner so as not to disturb others.
•Student vehicles must not be parked in numbered reserved spaces at any time.

b) Bicycles
All bicycles must be locked to prevent theft. Bicycles are left on school property at your own risk.

Note:
The School and D.S.B.N. accepts NO LIABILITY for damages which may be caused to bicycles or vehicles parked on school property. Nevertheless, damages to your property (accidental or intentional) should be reported to school authorities immediately; also, to the police and to your insurance company where warranted. Signs are posted prohibiting parking in certain areas.

Radios, CD, Cell Phones and other Electronic Equipment
During the school day the use of cell phones and electronic devices is restricted.
*All cell phones and electronic devices must be powered off and secured out of sight, except where advance approval has been sought by the principal
*The privacy, dignity and safety of others must be maintained through the appropriate use of cell phones and electronic devices
*The instructional opportunities for all students must be protected.

Roller blades/Skateboards
Skateboards and roller blades are never to be used in the school and because of the ongoing movement in parking lots, they are not permitted in any area utilized by cars.

School Buses
Students who qualify will be provided transportation. You are reminded that riding the school bus is a privilege which will be withdrawn for misbehaviour. Students are expected to behave as they would if they were in school. The driver is in charge of the bus, and may assign students seats.

Sent from Class
If a teacher sends you from class, you must report promptly to the Attendance Office, inform a secretary why you were sent to the office and fill out a “Breach of Discipline Report”. The Vice-Principal or Principal will deal with the issue on the basis of the information and evidence provided by both the teacher and the student.

Student ID Card
A student card will be issued to the student upon payment of an activity fee. The card entitles the student to attend school dances and other school activities. A school yearbook is included with the activity fee. If your card is lost, a replacement must be purchased in the Main Office.

Suspensions
A student may be formally suspended from the school from one to twenty days per event, for extreme negative behaviour or a repeated problem (lates, skipping, etc.). If a student is suspended, parents will be contacted as soon as possible. A formal suspension notice will be mailed to the home along with copies being sent to Board personnel.
During the suspension, students are not allowed on to school property. If the suspension is longer than 5 days, school work will be made available for pick up to assist in keeping up with course work.

Textbooks
Textbooks are provided by the District School Board of Niagara. These books are on loan and students are responsible for loss or unnecessary damage. A student book deposit is collected at registration and will be applied to any books owing after the student leaves. The book deposit may be carried forward and applied upon entry into a new grade. In the event of loss or damage, students are required to pay for the book issued to them.

Telephone
Out-Calls: Students may use the public telephones located in the hallway outside the office and in the hallway opposite Gym C.
In-Calls: The office will accept calls for students only in emergencies.

Visitors/Guests
All visitors or guests to the school must register at the main office. Those persons having a legitimate reason for being in the school may be granted visiting privileges at the discretion of the Principal.

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Dance Regulations

•All Myer students MUST bring their student cards to all
dances. Students without cards will NOT be admitted.
•Only Myer students are permitted at the dance - no sign-ins!
•Students leaving the dance will not be allowed to re-enter.
•The academic wing of the school is OUT OF BOUNDS to all students at all times.
•Smoking is NOT ALLOWED anywhere on the property.
•Refreshments may be consumed only in the entrance foyer.
•All bags, backpacks, jackets and windbreakers will be checked.
•At dances, only soft soled shoes and socks are allowed in the gym.
•Students are expected to conduct themselves in a polite and orderly fashion at all times during a dance. Dress code is the same as a regular school day. No hats, inappropriate tops, etc. Staff reserve the right to send home any student for not adhering to the above expectations.

Co-Curricular Activities and Field Trips

Co-curricular activities and field trips are provided by the school as an extension of the regular school program. Students involved in the co-curricular activities and field trips are subject to all school regulations and any further regulations decided by the teacher(s) in charge. Students who participate in activities do so on the understanding that they are responsible for any work missed while participating in the activity. Students are responsible for informing their subject teachers as far in advance of the event as possible. If there is an evaluation item that will be missed, it is the student’s obligation to contact the teacher and arrange some alternative.

Students who are failing in their course work, have attendance problems and/or with behaviour concerns may be withdrawn from any co-curricular activity or event. This will be at the discretion of the administration after consultation with the sponsor and the course teacher.

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