Michael A. Kostek School
5303 – 190 Street
Edmonton, AB T6M 2L2
489-7277
2011-2012
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
IN LEARNING
MICHAEL A. KOSTEK SCHOOL
School Motto:
“I HAVE CONFIDENCE. I am strong and resilient. I CAN DO IT!”
Edmonton Public Schools
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chair: Dave Colburn
Cheryl Johner
Christopher Spencer
Michael Janz
Catherine Ripley
Ken Shipka
Heather MacKenzie
Sarah Hoffman
Leslie Cleary
Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Edgar Schmidt
Principal Mrs. Nancy Iriye
Assistant Principal Mr. Bill Wright
THIS AGENDA BELONGS TO:
NAME:___________________________________________________
ROOM #_______________ TEACHER __________________________
MICHAEL A. KOSTEK SCHOOL
SCHOOL HOURS OF OPERATION
Mon., Tues., Wed. & Fri.
8:37 a.m.
Morning bell
10:15 a.m.
Recess
11:30 a.m.
Lunch begins
12:30 p.m.
Afternoon bell
2:00 p.m.
Recess
3:30 p.m.
Dismissal
8:37 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
2:05 p.m.
Thursdays
Morning bell
Recess
Lunch begins
Afternoon bell
Dismissal
Please ensure that your child arrives at school no sooner than 15 minutes before the
first bell in the morning and after lunch.
Staff will be on supervision at 8:27 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. as well as at recesses. They can be
identified by their bright orange vests.
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2011-2012
First Day of School
Labour Day
Parent Information Night
Student Picture Day
Thanksgiving
Remembrance Day
Professional Development Day
Reporting Student Progress
Professional Development Day
Christmas Recess
Professional Development Day
Progress Report Card
Family Day
Student Led Conferences
Teachers Convention
Spring Recess
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Teacher Day in Lieu
Victoria Day
Last Day of Instruction/Final Progress Report
Thursday, September 1
Monday, September 5
Thursday, September 15
Tuesday, September 20
Monday, October 10
Friday, November 11
TBA
During Month of November
TBA
December 24 – January 8, 2012
TBA
February 17
Monday, February 20
February 21, 22 & 23
March 1 & 2
March 24 – April 1
April 6
April 9
Friday, May 18
Monday, May 21
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
SCHOOL HISTORY
Michael A. Kostek School, which opened in September 1994, is named after Michael
Alexander Kostek, a longtime Albertan, born in 1926 to Ukrainian parents who immigrated
to Canada shortly after his birth.
In 1953, Mr. Kostek joined the staff of Edmonton Public Schools as a junior high school
teacher. When he retired 30 years later, Mr. Kostek was Executive Assistant to the
Superintendent. Currently he is a volunteer working as the school Archivist-Historian at
MacKay Avenue School.
His experience teaching on three continents enriched Mr. Kostek’s outlook on education.
Mr. Kostek’s many contributions to public education were recognized in 1984 when he
received an Alberta Achievement Award for Excellence in Education. In recognition of his
many contributions as a volunteer with many historic associations, Mr. Kostek was inducted
into the city’s “Historic Hall” in 1982 and, in 1989, he received the City of Edmonton
Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition as an Outstanding Citizen in Alberta. In 2002,
he was awarded the Award of Merit from the Edmonton Historical Society and, in 2003,
was the recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Michael A. Kostek students experience success and become independent learners and
responsible citizens with the combined efforts of students, parents, staff and community
members. At Michael A. Kostek School, we value consideration for each student and
believe that each child has the right to a quality education. There is an emphasis
throughout the school on promoting success in academics, life-long learning, exemplary
citizenship, healthy, active lifestyles and global awareness.
DISTRICT PRIORITIES 2011 – 2014
1. Provide supports and programs that will enable all students to complete high school.
2. Deepen students’ understanding of equity and empathy as key citizenship traits.
3. Ensure all students and their families are welcomed, respected, accepted and
supported in every school.
4. Promote health and wellness for all students and staff.
5. Listen to staff, honour their contributions, and support their opportunities for
collaboration, growth and professional development.
SCHOOL INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS
The district has moved to a district-wide instructional focus.
Edmonton Public Schools will focus on student engagement in learning through 21st
century literacies across the curriculum.
Our school plan is to deepen our understanding of the criteria for quality student
engagement and 21st century literacies by focusing on:



Assessment for Leaning
Inquiry-based Instruction
Effective Integration of Technology
STUDENT CONDUCT
At Michael A. Kostek School, as in most schools, common sense and practical approaches to
discipline pay off. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a reasonable,
responsible and respectful manner at all times. At M.A.K., we will strive to underscore the
following expectations:
SCHOOL-WIDE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:
1. Be on time, be prepared and ready to work
2. Keep your hands, feet and body to yourself
3. Show respect by being polite and cooperative
4. Take care of everyone’s property
5. Work and play safely and responsibly in and out of the school
All minor misbehaviors are handled on the spot in class, hallways, lunchroom or other
general areas of the school. If an offense is considered severe or highly dangerous, the
appropriate consequences will be determined by the severity of the act. Major offenses
include, but are not limited to, such things as fighting, swearing, threats, persistent
disruptive behavior, defiance, disrespect, vandalism and theft. Parental contact and
meetings may be used to effect positive change in a student’s behavior. If the behavior
continues or is severe enough, an in-school or out-of school suspension may occur.
These expectations are based on The School Act (1999) and Edmonton Public Schools
Student Behaviour and Conduct Policy
MICHAEL A. KOSTEK CHARACTER EDUCATION
Character education is an important part of students learning their roles as productive,
well rounded and caring members of society. The Alberta Health Curriculum lists
outcomes that Character Education programs support and underscore:
Wellness Choices: Students will make responsible and informed choices to
maintain health and to promote safety for self and others.
Relationship Choices: Students will develop effective interpersonal skills that
demonstrate responsibility, respect, and caring in order to maintain healthy interactions.
Life Learning Choices: Students will use resources effectively to manage and
explore life roles and career opportunities and challenges.
This year we will concentrate on our empathy, respect and fostering resilience. This will
support children as they develop ability to deal more effectively with challenges, to bounce
back from disappointments, to develop clear and realistic goals, to solve problems, to
relate comfortably with others and to treat one’s self and others with respect.
RESPECTFUL LEARNING AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTS
Edmonton Public Schools, in co-operation with its staff groups, is committed to creating a
healthy, respectful learning environment for students, staff members, trustees, parents,
volunteers and contractors.
We recognize the worth of every person without discrimination. We are committed to
working toward the elimination of objectionable behaviour in our schools and workplaces
and to maintaining an environment that is respectful, safe, nurturing and positive for
everyone.
Please help us achieve this goal by interacting in a manner which respects the dignity and
value of others.
MICHAEL A. KOSTEK PROMOTES HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Healthy Lunches
School is where children come to learn, play and develop skills that will last them a
lifetime. You can help your children to be their best at school by fueling their days with
healthy food choices.

“Cool” Lunches – Between grade one and the end of high school, a student may eat
more than 2,400 lunches at school! Creating tasty, nutritious school lunches is a
challenge for many parents. The good news is that with a little bit of planning and a few
ideas, you can put together a lunch that not only tastes great but also packs a
nutritional punch.
“Cool” Lunches happen when kids get to plan and make the foods they love to eat. Have
your child pick one food from each of the columns to prepare a fun interesting lunch to go!
Starting with
the grain
On top, in
between, or on
the side
-Bagel
-Pita bread
-Hamburger/Hot
dog bun
-Bread
-Flatbread
-tortilla
-Pasta/noodles
-Rice
-Cheese
(shredded,
cubed, sliced)
-Cream cheese
-Luncheon meat
-Hard boiled egg
-Leftover chicken
or turkey
-Canned fish
Crunch!
-Carrots
-Celery
-Lettuce
-Peppers
-Cucumber
-Apple
-Pear
-Strawberries
-Oranges
Thirst
Quenchers
Kid pleasing
additions
-Water
-Milk
-100%
fruit
juice
-Vegetable
juice
or
cocktail
-Yogurt
and
fruit shakes
-Yogurt – for eating
or dipping
-Cereal bar
-Pudding
-Canned fruit
-Squares (date, rice
cereal…)
-Mini-cupcakes
-Cookies (oatmeal,
-English muffin
-Muffins
-Crackers
-Breadsticks


-Tofu
-Hummus
-Canned beans
-Bananas
-Broccoli
-Cauliflower
-Sunflower and
sesame
seeds
-Pickles
raisin…)
Pack In/Pack Out – Students are asked to take home any lunch leftovers as well as any
empty wrappers. (Milk cartons and other drink containers can be recycled at school.)
We have found that this not only encourages recycling but parents are better able to
monitor their children’s diet at school. In addition, we encourage garbage–less lunches
which in turn promotes healthier choices
Moo Club – School Milk Program offered by the Alberta Milk Producers to students
who eat lunch at school as well as those who eat lunch at home.
Daily Physical Education
Being physically active on a daily basis is crucial to the health and wellness of everyone.
The benefits of daily physical activity are numerous including an increased understanding
of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, improved self-esteem, and an overall
improvement in health. At Michael A. Kostek, every student participates in a physical
activity for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. We also invite parents to find ways to
increase their children’s physical activity at home and in the community.
Proper Hand Washing
Proper hand washing can greatly reduce the number of school days your child misses due to
illness. One study of 305 school children found that youngsters who washed their hands
four times a day had 24% fewer sick days due to respiratory illness and 51% fewer days
due to upset stomach. In fact, hand washing, when done correctly, is the single most
effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. At Michael A. Kostek, we
teach and encourage our students, staff and visitors to follow these five steps.
Step #1 – Wet your hands with warm water.
Step #2 – Apply soap.
Step #3 – Rub your hands together and even get between your fingers for 20
seconds.
Step #4 – Rinse the germs away under running water.
Step #5 – Dry your hands thoroughly.
ATTENDANCE & ABSENTEE CHECK - TELEPHONE NUMBER - 489-7277
There are several reasons why regular attendance at school is important for every
student. First, it is difficult for young students to learn if they are not in class. The
teaching-learning process builds upon itself; each lesson presented to students is based
upon the lessons that were taught earlier. It is also important that children arrive at
school on time so as not to interrupt the learning that is taking place in the classroom.
If your child is sick, however, please have him/her stay home. This will not only help your
child get well quickly but it will prevent further spreading of the illness. No child with a
fever or a nasty cough should be at school.
In the event of an absence, you need to inform the school by written note or a telephone
call. For safety and concern of the students, parents will be contacted if a student is
absent without notice from a parent or guardian. It is extremely important that we have
your current work and emergency contact numbers at the office.
Students who are late for school must register at the school office and pick up a late slip.
This ensures our office staff is aware of your child’s attendance thereby eliminating the
absentee check. If a student is required to leave school early for an appointment, parents
are advised to send a note to the teacher. Parents are asked to sign the student out at
the office.
BICYCLES/SCOOTERS/SKATEBOARDS/ROLLERBLADES
The school has a bike rack situated at the front of the school. Students are required to
walk their bikes once on school property and all bikes should be locked when left in the
bike racks. Students who roller blade to school must remove their roller blades once on
school property. Roller blades are not to be worn in the school at any time. Scooters and
skateboards must also be walked once on school property. This will ensure the safety of
all students.
DROPPING OFF AND PICKING UP YOUR CHILDREN
PLEASE CHOOSE SAFETY OVER CONVENIENCE
The safety of our students is a priority. Please do not use the parking lot for
student drop-off or pick-up.
Numbered parking stalls in our parking lot are reserved for staff and, therefore, are not
available for parent and visitor use during school hours. A few visitor-parking stalls are
available for use by parents working as volunteers in the school and substitute teachers.
Additional parking is available on the street. We also ask that parents do not park in the
drive through area at the front of the school as it will cause serious traffic problems and
endanger the safety of students. We are asking parents and others to respect the
following when at the school:
A. Please do not park in the area designated for busses.
B. Please use the drive through lane in the front of the school to pick up or drop off
your children (do not leave your car unattended to pick up or drop off children).
C. No left turns in or out of the drive-through lane area.
D. Please DO NOT drive into the parking lot to pick up or drop off children.
D. Parent volunteers are invited to use designated visitor parking stalls.
E. Students getting off ETS buses should cross the drive through lane using the
marked crosswalks.
F. Please encourage your child to walk to school if possible. This will help encourage a
healthy lifestyle.
G. Please follow directions of our Safety Patrols.
DRESS CODE
We believe that students should dress appropriately for school at all times. In keeping
with this belief, students should “Dress for Success”. Students are expected to dress in
such a manner that reflects the positive nature of the school. As such, our dress code
includes being neat, clean and modest. Also included:
 The type and style of clothing is appropriate for a school setting (for example, do
not wear tube tops. Spaghetti straps for Div II girls or shirts with low necklines at
the front and or back, short shorts or short skirts)
 Tops and bottoms should meet (as one stands straight there should be no need to
pull down or pull up)
 Slogans and pictures on all clothing are positive and appropriate for the school
setting
 Hats and hoods are not to be worn in school (exceptions will be made for special
theme days)
This list is not intended to be exhaustive but provides example of intent.
If a student comes to school dressed in an inappropriate manner, staff will take steps to
help the student meet the acceptable standard of dress. If need be, parental contact will
be made.
PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
At MAK, we believe that technology is a powerful learning tool that enables students to
access information and work collaboratively with others. While we recognize that Personal
Electronic Devices allow students the ability to enhance their learning, we also believe that
there is an appropriate time and place for them. With the classroom teacher’s permission
and completion of the Responsible Use of Technology Agreement, students are allowed
to bring their own Personal Electronic Devices for educational purposes only. Michael A.
Kostek School cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen articles.
FOOTWEAR
We are proud of our building and want to take good care of it. In order to keep our school
carpets and floors as clean as possible, all students and parents are asked to remove their
outdoor footwear upon entering the school. For health reasons, students are required to
wear indoor shoes at all times in the building. Please label your child’s footwear clearly so
items can be easily identified.
HOMEWORK
You can help your child with homework by providing a quiet, well-lit place for your son or
daughter to study. A desk is ideal, but a corner of the kitchen table is fine too. Establish
a regular “homework time” without TV, radio or distractions. Encourage and support your
child’s efforts, be available for questions, but remember – the homework is your child’s
responsibility, not yours.
Homework may include the following:
1. Completion of work that the child did not finish during class time.
2. Completion of long-term assignments.
3. Review of work taken each day.
4. Study for exams and tests.
5. Daily reading of library books or books of interest.
TRAVEL HOMEWORK POLICY
Please note that students going away on a holiday should read each day and keep a journal
of their trip. No homework will be sent with the student. Students will be expected to
catch up on work missed once they return to school.
LOST AND FOUND
We encourage parents to please label your child’s name on all materials sent to school.
This will help to avoid any problems with the identification of your child's belongings.
Parents are encouraged to regularly check for missing items in our lost and found boxes.
LUNCH PROGRAM
One of the benefits to having a neighbourhood school is that it provides students the
opportunity to go home, have a hot lunch and a rest. Research shows that students who
are able to have a break from the rigors and structure of school during the lunch hour
tend to perform better in the afternoon.
M.A.K Lunch program is offered to provide a warm and safe, structured environment for
students who are unable to go home or to a neighbour’s for the lunch hour. Our
supervisors are committed to offering high quality care and service.
In accordance with new district policy, all lunch fees must be paid in advance, either by
means of 10 post dated cheques or a lump sum prepayment for the entire year. Children
staying occasionally are requested to purchase a “lunch punch card” which can be
purchased from our Lunch Coordinator. Failure to pay lunchroom fees may result in loss
of privilege.
We have high expectations for student behavior during lunch. Please note that the use of
the lunchroom is a privilege. Each student must follow the school’s expectations.
Expectations
1.
Students are to remain seated while eating.
2.
Students are to clean up their own eating area.
3.
Pack in/Pack out – students are to take home lunch left-overs and empty
wrappers. Milk cartons (and other drink containers) will be recycled at school
with the help of parent volunteers. We encourage “garbage-less” lunches to
protect our environment.
4.
Students are to speak using “inside” voices.
5.
Students are to co-operate with the lunchroom supervision team and to follow
all school rules.
6.
Students who stay for lunch are not to leave the school grounds without
permission from their parents. Parents are asked to send a note with their
child to be given to the lunch supervisors or to call the school office.
Consequences for inappropriate behavior:
1. For the first violation the student will be made aware that his/her actions are
inappropriate. Contact with home may be made.
2. For each subsequent violation, the student will be excused from regular eating
in their assigned area for a predetermined period of time. Should inappropriate
behavior be chronic or for major infractions the student will lose the privilege
of eating at school permanently. Parents will then be responsible for making
alternative arrangements for the student’s lunch hour.
NUT AWARE SCHOOL
A number of our students and staff have life-threatening allergies to nuts. For that
reason, we ask that peanut butter and nut products not be sent to school. Again, we are
asking you to choose the safety of our students over the convenience of peanut butter
sandwiches. Your cooperation is sincerely appreciated.
RECESS AND COLD WEATHER POLICY
Recess is considered an integral part of school. As such, all students are expected to
participate in this activity. If children are well enough to attend class it is generally felt
they are able to go out for recess. All students have a 15-minute recess break at 10:15
a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. Students staying for lunch are expected to go outside after
eating their lunch, at 12:00. In-door recesses occur when the temperature or equivalent
wind chill is at –23 degrees Celsius or when it is raining.
SPECIAL AWARDS
The MAK Spelling Proficiency Award is sponsored by Mr. Michael Kostek and is presented
to the student in each grade achieving the highest score in spelling. The CIBC Wood
Gundy Math Achievement Award is presented to the Grade Six student who achieves the
highest mark in the Alberta Education Math Achievement test. Both awards are
presented at our year end assembly.
TELEPHONES
Students may use the phone in emergency situations.
Please make necessary
arrangements for after-school, lunch plans etc. at home as our telephone lines are
extremely busy.
MICHAEL A. KOSTEK HOME READING LOG
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