See Also

Policies

This is an unofficial copy of the School Policies. For the latest, official copy, please consult the Student Handbook, found at the front of every student agenda.

Table of Contents

  1. The Code of Student Behaviour (Overview)
  2. A Community of Character
  3. Busing Regulations
  4. Care of School and Surrounding Area
  5. Communication Devices (i.e. Cell Phones)
  6. Dress Code
  7. Dance Policy
  8. Fire Drill Procedures
  9. Hallways
  10. Laser Pointers
  11. Lockers
  12. Lost and Found
  13. Parking on School Property
  14. Requests to Leave Prior to the Exam Period
  15. Smoking
  16. Visitors
  17. Safety Procedures
  18. School Climate
  19. Physical Education and Athletics
  20. School Attendance
  21. Assessment and Evaluation Policy
  22. Missed Evaluations
  23. Academic Dishonesty
  24. Internet Use Guidelines

The Code of Student Behaviour (Overview)

The Code of Student Behaviour is intended to help students develop fully as responsible members of society. This requires a cooperative relationship between students, parents and educators regardless of race, religion or gender. Our code mirrors the Policies and Procedures of the OCDSB and the Provincial Code of Conduct. Respect is the foundation for all relationships; respect for self, others, and property both in school and in our community. This code applies to all Bell students on OCDSB property, school buses and school related activities such as field trips, sports events and all other school sponsored events. Bell HS enforces a zero-tolerance for weapons. This includes knives of any sort and size. Students are encouraged to report any concerns about weapons at school. Confidentiality is assured. We recognize that students make errors in judgement and our philosophy is to provide support and encouragement to help students through these situations. Bell staff use a continuum of practices in order to support the standards of behaviour within the school:

Prevention: is the establishment and use of activities designed to promote the building of healthy relationships and appropriate behaviours, such as:

  • Bullying prevention
  • Citizenship Development
  • Character development (see below)

Progressive Discipline: is a whole-school approach involving students, staff and parents. We utilize a continuum of interventions, supports and consequences that include opportunities for reinforcing positive behaviour while helping students make good choices. Failure to maintain the Code of Behaviour will result in consequences that depend of the seriousness of the situation. A progressive discipline approach may include:

  • Early intervention strategies
  • Restoratie Justice and Student Success conferences
  • Suspensions/Expulsions

A Community of Character

Bell High School endeavours to promote a caring, respectful community through the following values:

ACCEPTANCE: I reach out to include others. I accept others for who they are. I am gentle with myself and others when mistakes are made.
APPRECIATION: I am grateful for all that have. I am thankful for the support that others give me. I am generous in recognizing the contributions of others.
COOPERATION: I work with others to make a peaceful community. I am willing to listen to others ideas and suggestions. compromise and negotiate to solve problems and differences of opinion.
EMPATHY: I am compassionate, caring and kind. I am a true friend, I will walk in your shoes in order to understand you. I am slow to judge and quick to forgive.
FAIRNESS: I make decisions based upon the whole picture. I treat others the way I would like to be treated. I am just.
INTEGRITY: I behave ethically and honourably. I am honest loyal and trustworthy. I am truthful and courageous. I stand up for what is right even when it is hard. I am a person of my word and people who know me understand that.
OPTIMISM: I believe that challenges are opportunities. I choose to see goodness. I have hope for our future.
PERSEVEPANCE: I will work hard and I will not give up. I will finish what I begin and I will not give up. I will care enough and I will not give up.
RESPECT: I honour myself and others through my words and actions. I support our diversity of beliefs. I treat our world and everything on it with dignity.
RESPONSIBILITY: I am accountable for the decisions I make. I realize that my decisions impact my community. I honour my commitments.

Busing Regulations

All rules which apply to students in the school also apply while travelling on school buses or OC Transpo buses.

  1. Be at your scheduled bus stop on time. In bad weather, buses may be late but rarely more than a few minutes. If the weather is very bad and the buses cannot run, announcements will be made over all local radio stations shortly after 7:00 a.m.
  2. Obey the bus driver promptly and courteously.
  3. Carry your student identification card at all times and present it whenever the bus driver asks to see it. The driver is fully authorized to refuse transportation to any student who disobeys his/her instructions, and he/she will report the matter to the school authorities.
  4. Smoking on school buses is strictly forbidden.
  5. Except for emergencies, buses are required to stop only at the designated intersections. Do not ask the driver to stop at any other place.
  6. Provincial regulations impose heavy penalties for the overloading of buses, and each bus is given a full load by the school authorities. When you are assigned to a particular bus, travel on that bus only. The Board does not provide buses to transport students to or from any place other than the stop nearest their home.
  7. Students are expected to exercise care and courtesy in getting on and off the buses, both at the school and at the loading points throughout the school area.
  8. Students failing to comply with bus regulations are liable to suspension of bus privileges and/or of OC Transpo pass withdrawal.

Access to public transportation is a privilege and not a right.

Bus Passes (Revised OCDSB Policy)

Students in the Urban Transit Area are required to provide their own transportation to and from school.

You must apply for a bus pass every year in September. It usually takes at least 10-14 days for your application to be processed so you should have alternate travel arrangements or purchase tickets. Any bus application received after the middle of any month will be processed for the following month. The Bus Transportation application form is for students whose families are experiencing severe financial difficulties. For families on social assistance you must provide a copy of a recent OW Cheque Stub AND a copy of the Drug or Dental Eligibility Card.

Under certain circumstances, the provision of transportation on "medical" grounds will generally be limited to cases of injury and post-surgery (short-term in nature). A reoent medical certificate from a physician must indicate the medical condition or disability (how it prevents walking to school) and an estimate of the length of the recovery period. Reassessments may be required.

Families must understand that an OCDSB school representative or a School Social Worker or the appropriate staff of the City of Ottawa Social Services (Welfare) may contact them to verify the information on the application form. All information will be treated confidentially.

Students will NOT be issued a bus pass if you:

  • reside fewer than 3 km from the school.
  • are registered at Bell HS under the Student Transfer Policy (in other words Bell HS is not your home school but you are choosing to come here).
  • are an International student. (OCDSB Policy)

Care of School and Surrounding Area

Bell staff and students are very proud of our facifty and our surrounding community. As such, students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for keeping the school grounds and community clean. Students are reminded to stay off private property and to pick up their garbage especially when in nearby parks or forests. Students are ambassadors for our school community. Students are requested to represent us well when visiting our local businesses during lunch.

Communication Devices (i.e. Cell Phones)

Communication devices may be used before and after school and at lunch. They must be turned off and put away all other times. It is important the we respect the needs of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching.

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress in clean, neat clothing that is appropriate for a safe and respectful learning environment. Our dress code reflects Ministry of Education and OCDSB policies. The following articles of clothing are not permitted on school property:

  • sexually explicit or revealing dress; dress that reveals under garments
  • clothing with wording/graphics that is racist, sexist, or demeaning to others;
  • clothing with wording or graphics that advertise or suggest violence or the consumption of alcohol or illicit drugs;
  • cothing that is recognized by the OCDSB Safe School's Committee to be associated with gang membership (e.g. bandanas)

Someone wearing an article of inappropriate clothing will be asked to cover it with another piece of clothing, to turn a shirt inside out or to change the article of clothing. In some cases, students will be required to go home to change.

Dance Policy

Bell's Students' Council and the school administration will continue to plan for successful school dances. The following guidelines adhere to the Board's clearly articulated policy on school dances:

  • Admission (7:30 -10:30 pm) will be by advance sales only, not at the door.
  • Two police officers, staff volunteers, and a member of school administrator will supervise.
  • All students, including visitors and guests, must show current student identification at the door.
  • Applications for guest passes must be submitted to the main office by 3:30 pm on the day before the dance. Administration will check with the guest's school. Each Bell student is permitted to sponsor only one guest. Guest must show ID from their school. The school reserves the right to refuse admission to guests.
  • Doors open at 7:30 with no admission after 9:00.
  • Students who leave will not be allowed to re-enter the building.
  • Lockers & hallways are out-of-bounds during a dance.
  • All coats, bags, and knapsacks (definition at the discretion of administration) must be checked in the coatroom. Bell HS cannot accept responsibility for students' property.
  • Dances take place in a smoke, drug, alcohol, and weapon-free environment. To ensure safety, Bell HS staff reserve the right to check coats and bags as deemed necessary prior to entry. Failure to adhere to any of these conditions will result in parental contact and students being immediately released only to their parent/guardian. Additional consequences and suspensions may apply according to Board policies at the discretion of the administrative team.

Dances held off school property are neither supported nor sanctioned by Bell HS.

Fire Drill Procedures

In accordance with the Education Act there will be periodic planned testing of the school’s fire alarm system. All persons must evacuate the school. Everyone must:

  • Follow route directions as indicated in classrooms;
  • Leave the building quickly and quietly, not stopping at their locker;
  • Stay clear of the building and away from all access roads and driveways;
  • Return to the school when the “all clear” bell has sounded;
  • In all cases, students must not return to the building

until the Fire Department has arrived and determined that there is no fire.

The Fire Department advises that the ringing of a false alarm constitutes a criminal offence and all violators will be prosecuted.

Hallways

Students should demonstrate good behaviour when travelling between classes. The use of athletic and/or recreational equipment (e.g. hockey sticks, Frisbees, balls, skate boards and rollerblades) are not permitted in the hallways and/or foyer at any time. Sound systems and electronic games may be used only before school, at lunch, and after school. Once classes have begun, students are to remain in class. Students with academic preparation periods must be in the Library or Cafeteria. Hallways must always remain clear. Students must identify themselves to all staff when asked to do so.

Laser Pointers

For safety reasons, students are not permitted to have laser pointers on school property. (DCDSB Policy)

Lockers

Each student will receive a locker at the beginning of the school year, usually in August when they pick up their timetable. One student per locker please. Each locker is to be secured with a combination lock. A standard Dudley lock may be purchased at the main office for $6.00. Locker numbers and lock combinations must be provided to administration. Lockers are the property of the Board and as such, the school reserves the right to open them if necessary. Bell HS is often used by the public and therefore the school cannot assume resonsibility for locker contents or broken locks. Students are advised to leave valuable items such as electronic devices and money at home. Hallways around lockers must be free of obstructions at all times. Therefore, camping chairs and cots, sleeping bags, and electrical appliances such as TV’s and gaming systems are not permitted. A student must empty their locker when withdrawing from school or on their last exam day in June. Please leave the locker in a clean condition.

Lost and Found

Any article found in the school should be brought to the main office. Students who have lost an item should inquire at the main office. Unclaimed articles are given to charity. If a student suspects an item may have been stolen, they should make a written report in the main office. Students are advised not to leave valuables or money in the gym dressing rooms or their lockers. The school cannot accept responsibility for lost or stolen property.

Parking on School Property

All students’ cars must be parked in the parking lot in front of the school (north side) or the parking lot south of the concrete barriers at the back (south end) of the school. The presence of school buses, the road conditions and the number of pedestrians using the roadways dictate that vehicles must be driven with extreme caution. Therefore, the speed limit on the school grounds is 10 km per hour. Vehicles should be locked when parked and are not to be used for socializing purposes. Students park at their own risk. Damage or vandalism to parked vehicles remains the owner’s responsibilty. Parking on Board property is a privilege.

Requests to Leave Prior to the Exam Period

Requests made by students to leave the school before the end of term cannot be approved. Evaluations of student achievement require that all students be in classes until the course is completed and that all students complete summative evaluations according to the schedule established by Bell HS and the OCDSB, Please consult the school before making travel arrangements.

Smoking

Smoking and/or holding lighted tobacco is not allowed by anyone (staff, students, parents and visitors) at any time in school buildings, on school buses, on field trips or on school property at any time. This includes vehicles on the school parking lot. Under the Tobacco Control Act if a person buys, sells or gives tobacco to someone under the age 19, then Bylaw Officers will issue a fine of $365.00 or a summons to appear in court. Anyone who smokes and/or holds lighted tobacco anywhere on school properly, including sitting inside a vehicle, will be issued a fine of $305.00 or a summons to appear in court from the Bylaw Officers. (Effective as of June 2009)

Visitors

Visitors must register in the main office and receive permission from the administration. Failure to follow this policy may result in a trespass notice being issued. Students may not bring or invite outside friends onto school property during school hours.

Safety Procedures

It is important to be proactive in response to an emergeny situation. Clear procedures are in place should such an occasion arise. A lock-down procedure would be used in response to an emergency situation that involves potential serious physical threat or harm to students and staff. Once the office has been notified of such an emergency, administration will use the PA system to announce the lock-down. In such a situation:

  • Staff & students will proceed to a secure area;
  • Outdoor classes are to report to Bell Arena;
  • Teachers will lock doors, put privacy screens in place, turn out the lights, and direct students to a place that is out of view from doors and windows;
  • Do not continue with lessons. Do not use cell phones;
  • All bells & fire alarms should be ignored unless personal safety is at risk. Everyone remains where they are until released by administration or police;
  • Students must follow all instructions given by teachers to ensure their safety.

A secure school procedure will be followed in the event of a minor medical emergency or power failure. The secure school procedure will also be used to train students what to do in case of a real emergency situation. This procedure is the same as above except:

  • Students remain in their seats & the lesson continues;
  • The house phone may be used, if necessary;
  • Secure school ends with a PA announcement.

School Climate

Our school is often used by the public. It is the responsibility of all students to maintain a positive school climate. Students are encouraged to inform a member of the administration if they become aware of any activity that would detract trom the learning environment of the school. Confidentiality is assured.

Physical Education and Athletics

Students are encouraged to participate on interscholastic teams. School sport is an avenue of activity where students can learn valuable life enhancing skills, interpersonal communications, motivation, determination, perseverance, confidence, leadership, citizenship, goal orientation, and personal satisfaction. School sports are an extension of the learning environment and an integral component of the school community. Some sports require a student to miss several classes or even attend full day tournaments. It is the responsibility of the student athlete to make up any missed assessments and evaluations. Students must be in attendance on game day in order to be eligible to play or practice. If attendance becomes an issue, the athlete may be placed on a contract or even dropped from their respective team(s).

All NCSSAA teams hold weekly practices during and before their season. Students are required to fill out a Athletic Participation Form to be signed by a parent/guardian including health card number and any other necessary information.

Students can play one sanctioned NCSSAA sport per season. If a student wishes to play for more than one team, it must be done in consultation with both coaches and the Athletic Director at the beginning of the earlier season. A student must declare a number one and number two choice of sport for team commitment. Students participating in dual sports must fill out a declaration form signed by both coaches of the sports involved, parents, student athlete and the Athletic Director

Student athletes who drop or quit a school team may be ineligible to play an NCSSAA sport for twelve consecutive months. The outcome will be decided upon by a panel of athletic and Administrative staff including the Athletic Director.

Students who have transferred from another school must see the Athletic Director to fill out a transfer appeal form to determine their eligibility.

Each student will pay a minimum participation fee of $55.00 for each extracurricular sport he/she plays during the school year. This fee will be used to cover the cost of league fees and to help defray the costs of transportation. Students for whom these fees pose undue financial burden should speak to their coach or a Vice-Principal as soon as possible. Individual teams may have other fees for participation in tournaments, uniforms, or other team- specific initiatives.

We recommend that all students get involved in intramurals and open gym times. Intramurals are a fun way to be active with friends and meet new people at lunch time. Teacher/student games, fun theme days, indoor soccer, floor hockey, basketball, badminton, dodgeball, volleyball, and Community Living games are gymnasium highlights. Intramural participants must be changed for activity and follow the gymnasium rules.

Absolutely no cell phones or cameras in the gym change rooms.

Code of Ethics for the Bruin Athletics Department

Athletes...

  1. Play for the joy of playing.
  2. Accept the responsibility and privilege of representing Bell H.S.
  3. Accept both victory and defeat with pride and compassion.
  4. Conduct themselves at all times with honour & dignity.
  5. Recognize and applaud team-mates and opponents.
  6. Treat opponents with the respect they deserve.
  7. Respect the officials’ judgment and interpretation of the rules.
  8. Show respect for their coaches.

Security of Personal Property in the Gym

The school and staff will not take responsibilty for any lost or stolen property left in changerooms while you are in the gym. Valuables are to be left at home.

School Attendance

Regular attendance on the part of students is vital to the process of learning. Class participation is an integral part of each course. Students who habitually miss class will suffer in the assessment and evaluation process because their participation and achievement cannot be fully assessed. AU students are expected to be on time and to attend all classes.

Excused Absences

An excused absence is defined as a legitimate illness (documentation may be required), a religious observance, compassionate leave or participation in a school sanctioned activity. A parent/guardian should notify the school affendance line any time at 613-828-9101 extension 100. Please identity yourself and the student that is not attending and the reason why. It is expected that the parent will provide a note for the student to bring to the main office, upon their return, that explains the reason for the excused absence. The notes are filed in the main office for reference. If a student misses a class, they cannot return to class without a permit from the Main Office.

Students are responsible for all work missed during an absence, regardless of the reason. If students have missed any evaluation during an absence, they must contact the teacher of the course to make appropriate arrangements regarding make-up tests or extensions, following department policy. As a general rule of thumb, when students return from an absence, they should be prepared to write any missed tests or submit any due assignments.

Signing In: Students arriving late to school will sign in at the office (with appropriate documentation) and proceed
to class immediately.

Assessment and Evaluation Policy

Student's Role:

  • To be responsible for completing requirements for course as outlined by the teacher.
  • To ensure that they have earned their credit honestly.
  • To recognize & respect due dates for assignments.

Teacher's Role

  • To evaluate student work using professional judgment assigning value to represent quality.
  • To provide a variety of tasks enabling students to demonstrate subject mastery.
  • To monitor the steps and processes involved in tasks to ensure individual accountability providing assessment feedback to students.
  • To assign due dates in a timely manner, in consultation with students where possible, to allow sufficient time for students to complete a task.

Missed or Late Assignments

  • Students missing assignment deadlines cannot meet course expectations and are less likely to succeed.
  • All assignments are to be submitted by their due date. Extensions may be granted provided students approach their teacher prior to the initial due date.
  • Late submissions without prior approval may result in the assignment not being graded.
  • Parental contact will occur in all cases where students have missed deadlines. Missed deadlines may result in a make-up task or request for assignment completion outside of class time.
  • Persistent disregard for deadlines will result in progressive intervention including, but not limited to, a case conference with parents, referral to the Student Success Team which includes the appropriate vice-principal/guidance counsellor, or an in-school sanction facilitating assignment completion.

Missed Evaluations

Students aware they will be absent for a test/presentation must make arrangements with the teacher prior to the day of the test/presentation.

  • Missed evaluations translate to missed opportunities for students to display their ability to meet required course expectations.
  • Students missing a test must provide a note (parental or medical) indicating that the parent/guardian is aware of the missed test. The student should be prepared to write the test on the first day back to school. When extenuating circumstances apply, the student should discuss with the classroom teacher alternate arrangements for the test or assignment.

Academic Dishonesty

Fraudulent work provides “zero evidence” of a student’s knowledge or skills related to the experience being evaiuated. A mark of zero will represent the student’s absence of evidence of that learning. Students will be provided with a second opportunity to meet the expectations with timelines determined by the classroom teacher in consultation with the department head and vice-principal.

Academic dishonesty will be addressed as a behavioural issue. Repercussions for this behaviour will include parental contact and may also include mandatory affendance before an Academic Review Commiffee made up of the classroom teacher, department head and the principal/vice-principal(s), suspension from extra-curricular sports, forfeiting eligibility for awards, bursaries, and scholarships, and/or informing the student’s other teachers.

Internet Use Guidelines

The OCDSB has taken the initiative to educate staff and students on acceptable usage of the Internet. Access to the Internet should be age appropriately controlled, however, on a global network it is impossible to control all matehals and a user may discover controversial information. This also requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. The OCDSB firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far out-weighs the possibility that users may acquire material not consistent with educational goals.

Terms and Conditions of Use

  1. The use of the Internet must be in support of education and research and be consistent with the educational objectives of the OCDSB.
  2. Transmission of any material in violation of any provincial or federal law is prohibited; this includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted, threatening, or obscene material.
  3. Network etiquette includes but is not limited to the following:
    • Be polite and use appropriate language;
    • Do not reveal personal info about yourself or others;
    • Report any actions relating to illegal activities to official;
    • Respect copyright & ownership of internet material;
    • Remember email constitutes a legal document. The same rules for libel and/or defamation of character apply. Email is also subject to legal subpoena;
    • Do not share passwords with others;
    • Back out of a Web page if you accidentally find yourself viewing inappropriate material (due to the unexpected return of a search request). Do not attract others to your workstation, but notify the teacher.
  4. Security is a high priority. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the Internet, then you must notify a staff member at your school site.
  5. It is forbidden to attempt to logon to a OCDSB computer using someone else’s user ID and password or to access other people’s passwords or computers.

Consequences:
Inappropriate use of the OCDSB resources may result in disciplinary actions for staff & students. Illegal acts involving school computing resources may result in charges being laid by regional authorities. Each school administration will decide what is inappropriate use by their students and may revoke an offending student’s privileges at any time. Access to the Internet is a privilege, not a right.