UPLANDS ELEMENTARY
PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK
Principal: Mrs. Lisa Edwards
Secretary: Mrs. Kim Kerr
145 Middle Bench Road South
Penticton, B. C.
V2A 8S7
Telephone: 250-770-7678
Fax: 250-492-7093
school email: uplands@summer.com
Safe Arrival: 250-770-7678
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
Schools Open
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Thanksgiving Day – schools closed
Monday, October 13, 2014
Provincial Pro D Day – schools closed
Friday, October 24, 2014
Remembrance Day observance – schools closed
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Professional Development Day – schools closed
Friday, November 28, 2014
Schools close for Winter Vacation
Friday, December 19, 2014 (last day of school)
Schools Reopen
Monday, January 5, 2015
Family Day – schools closed
Monday, February 9, 2015
Professional Development Day – schools closed
Friday, February 20, 2015
*Schools close for Spring Break
Friday, March 13, 2015 (last day of school)
Schools Reopen
Monday, March 30, 2015
Good Friday – schools closed
Friday, April 3, 2015
Easter Monday – schools closed
Monday, April 6, 2015
Professional Development Day – schools closed
Friday, May 1, 2015
Victoria Day – schools closed
Monday, May 18, 2015
Administrative Day (students not in attendance)
Friday, June 26, 2015
Number of Days in Session: 190
Number of Non-Instructional Days: 6
UPLANDS BELL SCHEDULE
Warning Bell
8:40 a.m.
Classes Begin
8:45 a.m.
Recess
10:15 - 10:30 a.m.
Lunch
12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
Dismissal
2:34 p.m.
Number of Days of Instruction: 183
Number of Administrative Days: 1
Uplands Office Hours:
8:00 am – 3:30 pm
GENERAL INFORMATION
SUPERVISION/GENERAL ROUTINES
Adult supervisors are on the school grounds before and after school, as well as at recess and
lunchtime. Supervision begins each morning at 8:20 am. Outside afternoon supervision concludes
at 2:55 pm with the departure of the school bus. Please do not drop off your children off or have
them on the playground unless you are with them or have made arrangements with another parent.
Unsupervised students on the playground are a safety concern and will be asked to wait for pick up
in the office.
Students are allotted 15 minutes to eat their lunch. Lunch must be eaten in the class and litter
must be picked up by students. When the 12:20 p.m. bell rings, students will be expected to go
outside and remain outside until the 12:45 p.m. bell rings.
All students are required to go outside at recess and lunch playtimes. Students are not to leave
the school grounds at any time, including recess or lunch hour, unless they bring a permission
note from their parents. If inclement weather necessitates children remain inside the school during
the noon hour, they will be supervised in their rooms while participating in quiet activities.
Minor discipline problems will be handled by the noon hour supervisor. A more serious or
repeated problem will be brought to the attention of the classroom teacher and/or principal.
Students are not allowed to engage in rough play.
Students with minor injuries should go to the office. If a major injury occurs, the supervisor will
inform the office for assistance.
ATTENDANCE/SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAM/STUDENTS ARRIVING LATE
Regular attendance is essential if your child is to receive the full potential of his/her education
program. Children who are frequently absent or late miss important instructional time when call
discussions and pupil-teacher interactions take place. However, if a child is ill we will contact
parents to have the child picked up. We do not have the facilities or staff to care for sick children.
Uplands School offers a Safe Arrival Program. If your child is going to be late or absent, please
call the absentee reporting line at 250-770-7678 and leave a message on the answering machine.
State your child's name, teacher, reason for the absence and the length of the absence if it is
known. Parents are contacted when students are absent and no contact has been made with the
school. Students arriving late must report to the office before going to class.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
All visitors to Uplands Elementary must report to the office when they arrive. In case of an
emergency we need to know who is in the building. Thank you for your help with this matter.
SAFETY - PARKING LOT, BICYCLES
Students must use walkways and sidewalks provided. Students are not loiter in the parking lot. All
wheeled modes of transportation are encouraged to and from school. As per Provincial Law,
children are required to wear helmets at all times. When students arrive at school they are asked
to dismount and walk. Bicycles must be kept in racks provided and left there until the owner goes
home. Safety is our concern and congested areas are not suitable for riding.
When visiting the school, parents are asked to use the parking lot for their vehicles and respect
the yellow no parking zones and disabled parking spots. Please use EXTREME caution and watch
for children. As congestion can be a concern at drop-off and pick-up we ask that parents do their
part to minimize the safety concerns by parking a little further away and walking with their child.
Parent Consent Forms/Verification Forms
At the beginning of the year students will bring home a “Student Information” verification form.
This is a record of all contact information we have for each student. In order to keep our records
up to date we require parents to make any necessary changes, sign and return it to the school.
In addition, a consent form is required that will be valid for the school year. The consent form
provides permission for:
access to the Networked Information System (including the Internet),
travel on authorized school activities,
the release of names, addresses, phone numbers for the organization of special events
the use of a child’s name, photograph and comments in school district publication or in the
news media (related to special events or activities which we may participate in)
sending of newsletters and information by email
Home/School Communication
Communication between the home and school is a key to student success. Parents may contact
the teacher by leaving a message at the office (250-770-7678) or by using the child’s planner
when they have questions, concerns, or information to share. Parents are encouraged to voice any
concerns as they come up and not wait for a parent/teacher interview.
Should you have a concern, please address the issue with the classroom teacher first. If a
resolution is not reached or you need additional assistance problem-solving, please contact the
school principal. If and when a situation necessitates, the Superintendent or designate at the
School Board Office may be contacted if a resolution has not been achieved.
NEWSLETTERS
The Uplands School newsletter is issued during the first week of each month of the school year,
(or as close as possible after vacations). These are sent home with students, and contain
schedules and other pertinent information, as well as reports on various activities in the school.
Shorter, supplementary newsletters may be sent as the need arises. Individual teachers also send
home classroom newsletters. These are intended to keep the families of students up to date with
information on particular classes. From time to time, School District or Education Ministry
newsletters are also sent home.
Newsletters sent home electronically by email. Should you prefer a paper copy be sent with your
child please contact the office to be added to the list.
CALENDAR
A monthly Uplands Calendar will be included in each newsletter. It outlines most of the important
dates for that month which are known ahead of time. Occasionally, events are scheduled after the
calendar is sent home and parents will be informed in a different manner. The District calendar is
included in this handbook and available on the website www.sd.67.bc.ca.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
The Ministry of Education has mandated that there be at least five reports to parents or guardians
during the school year. Three formal report cards are issued throughout the school year. This
year they will occur in November, March and June. Parent/teacher conferences will be held in
the fall for all students and as needed throughout the year. Two Informal reports to parents can
take a variety of forms including: parent/teacher/student interviews or meetings, phone calls
home, letters and written interim reports. A record of each report to parents will be kept.
Parents are encouraged to establish a relationship with the classroom teacher in order to open
lines of communication. Telephone contact information and email addresses will be provided at
the beginning of each school year in our September newsletter.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Regular fire, earthquake and lock down drills are held throughout the year. When parents and/or
guests are in the school they are expected to participate. Teachers review procedures at the
beginning of the year and throughout the year in order that we are all prepared should an
emergency occur.
ASSEMBLIES
Uplands students and staff participate in assemblies to learn, share, celebrate and promote our
school. These assemblies are designed to promote pride in our country, to practice acceptable
audience manners, to perform for an audience, to recognize accomplishments, and to inform
students of events. We also arrange additional gatherings for all students, or for the primary or
intermediate divisions as needed, in order to pass on messages of importance to the school or the
community. At different times during the year students are assembled to learn from, and be
entertained by, professional cultural groups. We welcome parents to attend assemblies.
PHOTOS
Individual photos, class photos, and a school photo are taken each year. Prices are available for
packages, family plans, or single photos. Notice will be given well before the photos are
scheduled.
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Uplands School is a community school with of parental involvement in a variety of capacities. The
PAC supports education at the school and works diligently to fundraise in order to provide more
educational and enjoyable experiences for students. The group meets once a month and is always
looking for volunteers for both executive positions and members at large. A PAC bulletin board is
located outside the main office.
The PAC has offered a hot lunch program on Wednesdays; both to give parents a break from
making lunches and to raise funds for the school. Volunteers are needed to coordinate this
program and to help distribute lunches on Wednesdays. The program follows healthy eating
guidelines set out by the Ministry of Education.
DPAC PARENT CONTACT INFO – dpac@summer.com
SCHOOL PLANNING COUNCIL
The School Planning Council helps the school develop its school growth plan. There are three
parents including at least one PAC Executive member and the administrator on this very important
committee. Teachers (OSTU) and Support Staff (CUPE) are also invited to participate.
STUDENT PHONE
The UPAC has made a phone available for student use. It is expected that students will use this
phone for special circumstances and not for social calls. Play-dates should be made at home with
knowledge of all parents involved. Students must obtain permission before using the phone
If a child is ill they are required to make calls home from the office. This is to ensure that we are
able to reach a parent or emergency contact and that those students are under supervision while
waiting.
SPECIAL SERVICES
At Uplands we have Special Education support for students that require an Individual Education
Plan (I.E.P.). We offer an Early Literacy Intervention program to qualifying students and Learning
Assistance to help students develop their academic skills. We have Counsellor Psychologist
services provided once a week and a Speech and Language Pathologist who makes regular visits
to the school.
Our School-based Team (SBT) is comprised of the Special Education Resource Teacher, Principal,
Speech and Language Pathologist, Counsellor Psychologist and classroom teacher(s) of students
who are having challenges in school. Should you have any questions or concerns, please
communicate with your child’s teacher and the situation may necessitate a referral to the SBT.
ABORIGINAL EDUCATION
An elementary Aboriginal Education CEA is assigned to the school to support the academic needs
of all aboriginal students (First Nations, Inuit and Métis). All that is required to take part in the
program is self-identification of Aboriginal heritage. A permission form is available through the
office and no other formal documentation is required.
LIBRARY
The Uplands School library serves the divergent literary and fact finding needs of a K-5 school.
We have a multi-leveled library inventory that provides an excellent selection of books and
magazines for general interest and as part of our Accelerated Reader program. Levels and point
values are on the inside cover and indicated by a coloured dot on the spine. Students visit the
Library as a class once per week and individually as scheduled times if needed.
DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The Ministry mandates that elementary school students are to participate in 30 minutes of physical
activity each school day. Uplands is pleased to provide a variety of activities including cross
country running, Actions Schools, movement/aerobic activities, PE classes and extracurricular
activities such as Yoga and gymnastics. Students must have a pair of running shoes at school so
they are ready to take part!
COMPUTER LAB
Uplands is fortunate to have a computer lab complete with 30 student computers, teaching
computer with LCD projector and two printers. Students are able to improve their keyboarding
skills, publish text and graphic works and access the Networked Information Services including the
Internet (with permission).
MEDICAL ALERTS/MEDICATION
Students with life-threatening health conditions and/or allergies must complete Medic Alert
Planning Forms which must be signed by a doctor and parent. If a student requires medication of
any kind, parents must submit a “Request to Administer Medication” form also signed by a doctor
and parent. Please see the office if your require forms for your child.
LOST AND FOUND
A lost and found box is located in the foyer outside the gym. Please check items frequently as they
are donated at the Winter break, Spring break and end of the year. Labeling clothing and lunch
kits assists in their speedy return. Small items such as keys and jewelry are normally kept in the
office.
Uplands Elementary School Code of Conduct
Rationale
Uplands Elementary School believes that student learning is optimized in an environment that is safe,
caring and orderly. Such an environment is built on a foundation of respect. Respect for self, respect for
others, and respect for property and procedures. Expectations for student conduct should help create such
an environment.
1.
Scope of the Uplands School Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct applies to students of Uplands School engaged in, present at, or attending:
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school or any school activity on school premises.
travel in a school bus or other transportation arranged by the school.
any activity sponsored by, organized by or participated in by the school regardless of time or
place.
Expectations:
Uplands School expects students to show respect:
for self by:
• attending school daily and on time.
• working diligently at their studies.
• maintaining a healthy lifestyle and attitude.
• maintaining appropriate standards of language, dress and hygiene.
for others by:
• adhering to classroom and school rules.
• maintaining courteous and respectful relationships with fellow students, staff and
volunteers.
• demonstrating respect for all people and for the diversity of people.
for property by:
• respecting personal property.
• respecting the property of others.
• respecting school and public property.
• respecting neighbourhood property.
for procedures by:
• walking bicycles and wheeled toys on the school grounds.
• arriving at school after 8:20 am unless supervised by an adult or staff member.
• leaving the school grounds by 3:00 pm unless supervised by an adult.
• following lunch etiquette and eating times 12:00 to 12:20 pm.
• entering the school using classroom doors or south and west doors.
• using learning areas only when there is adult supervision.
• remaining on school grounds or at school activities while school is in session.
Uplands School regards the following as examples of serious misconduct which are not acceptable
in the school or on school outings:
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3.
physical or emotional violence.
verbal or physical harassment or intimidation.
bullying, including cyber bullying.
discrimination contrary to the BC Human Rights Code.
possession, trafficking or use of illegal substances such as drugs or alcohol.
possession and/or use of weapons.
possession and/or use of noxious or toxic substances.
possession and/or use of fireworks or incendiary devices.
Consequences of Unacceptable Conduct
Where appropriate, consequences for unacceptable conduct should involve restitution. Restitution is
an approach to discipline that is based on the recognition that young people will make mistakes. By
focusing on how a young person can correct a mistake, rather than on punishment this approach
emphasizes positive solutions to problems and enhances student responsibility and self discipline
while leaving the child’s dignity in tact.
On those occasions when corrective efforts fail to result in a student complying with the expected
conduct standards disciplinary action will recognize and follow these principles:
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misconduct must be dealt with on an individual basis.
each case of misconduct shall be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.
as students become older expectations become higher and consequences become greater.
disciplinary consequences should be progressive in nature.
when deemed appropriate, parents/guardians shall be involved.
severe, group or retaliatory behaviour will warrant stronger consequences
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In cases of property damage, the School Act assigns a liability for costs to the parents and student(s)
involved.
Special consideration may be given to students with special needs if these students are unable to
comply with expectations due to a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or
behavioural nature. When students with identified special needs require intervention regarding their
conduct the school will ensure that:
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such students have been adequately assessed.
appropriate interventions are in place.
planning is undertaken to prevent further incidents of a similar nature.
The Code of Conduct is reviewed on an annual basis.