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Code of Conduct

KLO Middle School Code of Conduct

The purpose of the École KLO Middle School Code of Conduct is to maintain a safe, caring and orderly environment for student learning. The Code of Conduct applies to any student:

· on school property

· in attendance at school or any school-sponsored activity (field study, extra-curricular activity etc.)

· whose behavior at any time or place, including to and from school as well as online, has an effect on the school environment or student learning

EXPECTATIONS

The École KLO Middle School Code of Conduct promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the right of individuals in accordance with the law. All participants in school business, activities or events shall conduct themselves in a manner that does not contravene the BC Human Rights Code and its basic principles of respect and fairness. No person shall discriminate against another based on race, color, ancestry, gender, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation within the school environment or through the school system and its related function through publication or in accommodation, service or facility.

At École KLO Middle School we value and agree to conduct ourselves in a manner that creates a school community which:

· honours diversity

· fosters creativity

· encourages adaptability

· celebrates learning

STUDENTS RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITES

· Students have the right to learn and the responsibility to actively participate and be responsible learners. 

· Students have the right to be safe and the responsibility to behave in a safe manner and to protect the safety of others.

· Students have the right to privacy and security of personal space and the responsibility to respect the property and privacy of others (students, staff and community).

· Students have the right to use student equipment and property and the responsibility to use the equipment and property according to all application rules and with care and respect.

TRUANCY

Truancy is defined as being absent from school without a valid reason. Students absent from class without permission are truant. Truancy is a serious offence and will be dealt with accordingly by the school. Attendance is taken every period. Absences from school should occur only for valid reasons. Parents/Guardians need to sign out students if they are leaving during school hours.

VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

We recognize that most members of our school community conduct themselves in a positive and responsible manner. However occasionally, violations of the Code of Conduct will occur, and when these infrequent violations occur, parent/guardians will be contacted. Violations of the Code of Conduct that are minor are dealt with in a variety of ways, including meetings with students, school staff and parents.

As students move through the grades in middle school there is a higher expectation of responsibility, therefore consequences for violations of the code of conduct may vary from grades 7 through 9.

Special considerations may apply to students with special needs, if they are unable to comply with the Code of Conduct due to having a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioral nature. The following are examples of major and serious violations of the Code of Conduct and do not constitute an entire list.

OFFENCES

· Repeat offender of minor offences

· Defiance

· Inappropriate touching / language

· Spitting

· Leaving campus without permission

· Involvement as a witness or participating in a serious offence

· Tampering with the property of others

· Pain or injury to another person (teasing, tripping, intimidating, harassing, pushing, swearing)

SERIOUS OFFENCES

· The use of physical violence, verbal threats, bullying or any other forms of harassment (including sexual and racial) in or around the school

· The use of technology (cell phones, texting, internet, e-mails, etc.) to bully, discriminate or harass another individual or group

· Bringing weapons or potentially dangerous items to school

· Causing a false fire alarm or tampering with fire extinguishers

· Being under the influence of, or in possession of drugs including tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapes , alcohol or drug paraphernalia, while at school or at a school function

· Causing willful damage (vandalism) to school property, or the property of school staff

· Willful disobedience of school staff

· The use of offensive language towards school staff or other students in the building

· The theft of school property or the property of others

· Truancy, or unexcused absences (includes leaving the school grounds without permission)

· Bomb Threats

POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING THE CODE OF CONDUCT

· Attend a meeting with staff member(s) and in most cases, with parent(s) to discuss both a plan to improve behaviour and the consequence (parent will view a copy of reflection form that was completed by the student).

· Complete an assignment (including any related worksheets, classroom sessions, counseling or referral to outside agencies).

· Accept the consequences as agreed upon when appropriate, students are given the opportunity to make amends for their misbehavior.

· Definite or indefinite suspensions.

For the sake of the safety of the entire École KLO Middle School community, students are encouraged to report violations of the Code of Conduct to school staff. Students who come forward will have their anonymity protected.

CLOSED CAMPUS

All middle schools in the Central Okanagan Public Schools are closed campuses. Once school commences, students must stay on school grounds. The college campus, adjacent mini mall, church property, and any surrounding residential private properties are off limits to KLO students during school hours. Students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible members of the surrounding community, including travelling to and from school. Students are not permitted to order food delivery to the school from any online food delivery service.

DRESS CODE

Discussions regarding student dress require the careful balance of the individual's right to self expression with the school's responsibility to ensure an appropriate learning environment. Consideration should be given to the health, safety and welfare of the school community. Although choices regarding student attire rest primarily with the parent and student, the school dress code identifies some standards that should assist these decisions and identify consistent expectations for the school as a learning community.

To that end, our Administrative Team along with the Parent Advisory Council, offer the following guidelines so that students learn to make good, independent decisions regarding their choice of clothing.

All members of the school community are expected to dress in ways that are appropriate for their particular roles and show respect for themselves, for others and for the school.

For safety reasons– hats, toques and hoods are not to be worn in school. Footwear must be worn at all times. It is not appropriate to wear clothing that:

· Makes sexual references

· Uses inappropriate language

· Depicts or promotes violence, racism or other discrimination

· Is intimidating to others, has brand names that relate to profanity

· Promotes drugs and alcohol

SOCIAL BEHAVIOURS

It is not appropriate for middle school students to display behaviors of a sexual nature at school.  Students will be reminded of this expectation if necessary and communication home may occur if the behavior continues.

SMOKING, VAPORIZERS, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Vaping and smoking is a health hazard both for the vaper/smoker and anyone in the vicinity of the vape/smoke. It is illegal for anyone under the age of nineteen (19) to be in possession of vaping products or cigarettes. This means that vaping/smoking is not permitted anywhere within the school, on grounds or within sight of the school. Students may not vape/smoke at any school sponsored field study or activity. Cigarettes, vaporizers, e-cigarettes and other smoking paraphernalia are not permitted at school. All middle schools in the Central Okanagan Public Schools are drug free zones. This means that there is no tolerance for students in possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This includes any school sponsored field study or activity. Offenders in a drug free zone can expect a maximum school suspension, RCMP involvement including a fine and a possibility of criminal charges.

SCHOOL SEARCH AND SEIZURE POLICY

Student searches may be made based on reasonable suspicions of a violation of school rules and/or law. The search shall be made pursuant to the reasonableness, under all the circumstances, of the search. The search of the student shall be justified at its inception, based on reasonable suspicion and reasonable scope in light of the age of the student

TECHNOLOGY POLICY

Students using computers and laptops at school are expected to use them responsibly and in compliance with the Central Okanagan School Public Schools Network Account and Internet Agreement; the Student  Acceptable Use Guidelines; and the Central Okanagan Public Schools  Code of Conduct. Students may only use computers for activities that are specified or approved by an Ècole KLO Middle School staff member or teacher-on-call. All use, content and language must be appropriate for school. Students may not download software from the Internet. Students who damage computers or laptops on purpose or due to irresponsible use will be responsible for any repairs that are required. Consequences for violation of any of the agreements listed above will be determined on an individual basis.

PICTURE OR VIDEO TAKING

Due to the privacy issues, the only students who are permitted to take pictures or video at school are those students doing so for educational purposes under a teacher's supervision. Permission must be given by both the classroom teacher and the student for such purposes. Any online sharing of such images shall only take place under the teacher's discretion and with parent permission. Students unable to respect the privacy of others may have their devices confiscated and images deleted.

RESPONSIBLE STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY DEVICES, SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY, AND DISTRICT NETWORKS

The purpose of using network services and digital technologies while in educational settings is to engage in responsible educational activities.  Therefore, the use of personal technology devices, school technologies, and district network services requires students to abide by the school's Code of Conduct and procedures, as well as Central Okanagan Public Schools Policy 486: Student Use of Network Services and Digital Technologies.  

Some examples of responsible use with district and personal devices include the following:

· Act responsibly when accessing technology and district networks, including the Internet in their school.

· Use technology equipment and property according to all applicable rules and with care and respect.

· Engage in appropriate use as directed by school staff.

· Respect the safety and privacy of self and others and do not provide personal contact information about themselves or other students.

· Treat others with respect and kindness when using digital devices and network services.

· Respect resource limits of the network services and do not engage in activities that jeopardize the integrity, security or performance of the network.

· Understand the importance of privacy and security and take all reasonable precautions when accessing network services and digital technologies.

The use of Personal Technology Devices, School Technology, and District Networks is a privilege and usage may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct. Schools will not be held responsible for any misplaced, lost, stolen, or broken items brought to school by students. Use of network services and digital technologies which violate the terms outlined in policy and/or the School's Code of Conduct may result in serious consequences including definite or indefinite suspensions and/or police intervention.

​DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

When accessing electronic communication systems and social media, students are expected to:

· Demonstrate appropriate digital citizenship, both during and outside of school hours.

· Practice safe online behaviour and report any inappropriate communication or distribution of harmful material to staff member immediately.

· Respect the privacy of others including, but not limited to, the sharing of photos, videos and personal information.

· Ensure that personal use of electronic communication systems neither interferes with, nor distracts from, their learning or the learning of others.​