Ridgecliff Middle School
STUDENT HANDBOOK
35 Beech Tree Run
Beechville, Nova Scotia
B3T 2E5
Telephone (902) 876 - 4381
Fax (902) 876 - 4385
www.rms.ednet.ns.ca
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................2
MISSION STATEMENT ............................................................................................................................................2
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION .................................................................................................................................3
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES ........................................................................................................................................3
RMS SCHOOL CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2015-2016 ........................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.4
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS AND PROCEDURES ................................................................................................6
APPROPRIATE DRESS AT RIDGECLIFF ........................................................................................................................6
RMS EXPECTATIONS REGARDING USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES, CELL PHONES AND CAMERAS. .............................6
LEAVING SCHOOL PROPERTY ....................................................................................................................................7
ATTENDANCE POLICY................................................................................................................................................7
DROPPING OFF AND PICKING UP OF STUDENTS ...........................................................................................................7
ALLERGEN AWARE SCHOOL ......................................................................................................................................8
STUDENT SUPPORT ....................................................................................................................................................8
STUDENT RECOGNITION ............................................................................................................................................9
STUDENT FEES ...........................................................................................................................................................9
STUDENTS NOT IN GOOD STANDING .........................................................................................................................9
BICYCLES AND SKATEBOARDS ..................................................................................................................................9
CAFETERIA SERVICES ................................................................................................................................................9
TEXTBOOKS ...............................................................................................................................................................9
LIBRARY ....................................................................................................................................................................9
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ...............................................................................................................................................9
PROVICIAL SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY .................................................................................... 11
2
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Ridgecliff Middle School (RMS) is to provide an inclusive learning
environment that ensures academic growth and personal development by creating a
caring, respectful, orderly climate using effective teaching practices in a
technologically enriched facility.
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Jamie Moore
Sohael Abidi
Ann Slaunwhite
Principal
Vice Principal
Administrative Assistant
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
7:55….……………………Homeroom Bell (O Canada, announcements)
8:00…………..…………...Classes in session.
10:00 – 10:15……………..Recess (6/7’s)
10:30 – 10:45.…………….Recess (8/9’s)
11:15 – 11:55….………….Lunch (6/7’s)
12:15 – 12:55……………..Lunch (8/9’s)
2:00….……………………Announcements/Dismissal
Students are dismissed, with teacher’s permission, at the bell at the end of the day. Detentions,
extra help, and extra-curricular activities may take place after dismissal. If required,
arrangements for transportation home should be made prior to dismissal.
3
RMS SCHOOL CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2015 – 2016
September
September 3
September 7
September 9&10
September 10
September 15
September 28-Oct 9
October
October 5
October 12
October 23
November
November 11
November 13
November 13
November 16-19
November 23
November 26
November 26
December
December 18
January
January 4
February
February 15
March
March 14-18
March 25
March 28
April
April 1
April 1
April 4-7
April 4
April 12
April 14
4
First Day of Classes for Students
Labour Day (school closed – no classes)
School Picture Days
Stand up Against Bullying day
Curriculum Night (7:00pm – 9:00pm)
Gr. 6 NS Assessments-Reading, Writing and Math (90 min. x 4 days)
Gr. 7 Immunization Clinic
Thanksgiving Day (school closed – no classes)
Provincial Conference Day (no classes)
Remembrance Day (school closed – no classes)
Elementary / Junior high Assessment & Evaluation Day (P-9)
(no classes)
End of First Term – Elementary / Junior High Students (P-9)
Report Cards Home (P-12)
School Based – Professional Development Day (Bus Cluster 2)
(no classes – all day)
AM Professional Development Day (P-12)
PM – Parent / Teach Interviews (P-12) (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
(no classes)
Parent/Teacher Interviews (6:00 – 8:00pm)
Last Day of Classes before Holiday/Christmas Break
School Re-Opens
Joseph Howe Day (school closed - no classes)
March Break (school closed - no classes)
Good Friday (school closed – no classes)
Easter Monday (school closed – no classes)
Elementary / Junior High Assessment & Evaluation Day (no classes)
End of Second Term – Elementary / Junior High Students (P-9)
Reports Cards Home – Elementary / Junior High School (P-9)
Gr. 7 Immunization Clinic
Parent/Teacher Interviews (6:00 – 8:00pm)
AM - Professional Development Day
PM - Parent/Teacher Interviews-pm (1:00 – 3:00pm)
(no classes – all day)
May
May 13
May 23
May 23-June 6
School Based - Professional Development Day (P-12) (no classes)
Victoria Day (school closed – no classes)
Gr. 8 NS Assessments-Reading, Writing and Math (90 min. x 4 days)
June
June 9
June 22
June 28
June 29
Student Recognition Assembly (am)
Year-End Dance (7:00 – 9:30pm)
Assessment & Evaluation Day (P-12) (no classes)
Last Day of School (Report Cards sent home)
5
All Settings
Classrooms
Halls/Stairwells
Pods
Cafeteria
Gym
Washrooms
Change rooms
Library
Labs
School yard
School Buses
Activities






Follow staff
instructions
Dress
appropriately
Be present and
on time
Use appropriate
language
Be an active
listener
Do your best!
Respect for Self





Be considerate of
the personal
space of others
Be considerate of
the personal
property of
others
Be on time
Take pride and
care of school
property
Be respectful of
all members of
our school
community
Respect for Others






Contribute to a 
positive learning
environment
Minimize
interruptions

Use time
effectively
Be prepared with
proper supplies, 
resources, and
equipment
Participate in

learning
Take pride and
care of school
resources,
equipment, and
property
Respect for Learning
Dispose of waste
properly (recycle,
compost,
garbage)
Keep your
personal space
clean and
organized
Keep food in the
cafeteria (unless
otherwise
instructed)
Have
consideration
and regard for
the physical
building
Respect for Environment
RIDGECLIFF MIDDLE SCHOOL
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS AND PROCEDURES
Appropriate Dress at Ridgecliff
Appropriate clothing that is acceptable in our school should allow students and staff to feel
respected and comfortable in their learning and working environment.
Clothing or accessories that contain inappropriate language/content/messages, and any other
clothing that is directly linked to illegal activities (i.e. gang colors and drugs) is not permitted to
be worn at RMS. Bandanas are not to be worn at school.
RMS expectations regarding use of Electronic Devices, Cell Phones
and Cameras.
As we focus on 21st Century Learning, students may have opportunities to use their pocket
technology in the classroom for instructional and assessment practices. Teachers may be
allowing their students to use pocket technology i.e. phones, iPods etc. to enhance learning. It is
not intended for students to send or receive personal messages during class time. We are aware
that your son/daughter may not have access to this type of technology, but there will be
opportunities to access technology resources in the classroom. If you feel uncomfortable with
your son/daughter bringing pocket technology because RMS cannot guarantee its safety, we
certainly appreciate this concern.
Students require permission from their teachers to use cell phones during scheduled class time.
The HRSB has established a set of guidelines to be followed when dealing with the use of cell
phones and cameras at school. Students should be aware that the use of cell phones and cameras
is prohibited in all locker areas/change rooms/washrooms (in classrooms with permission) in all
HRSB schools.
Any pictures/videos being taken on school property should always be accompanied by
student’s/staff’s consent to ensure that the privacy of others is respected. It is never acceptable
to post pictures/videos on a website or send them by email unless everyone in the picture/video
has seen the picture/video and consented to it being shared.
Ridgecliff Middle School assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged property. As
a result, we strongly encourage students to leave cell phones, electronic devices and
cameras at home or in your locked locker when not used for class instructional activity.
Leaving School Property
During the school day, students will not be permitted to leave the school property. For those
students who are bused to school, the school day begins the moment students are dropped off at
school. Walking students are permitted to leave school property to go home for lunch with
parent’s permission.
6
If a student needs to leave school for an appointment or other reason, parents/guardians are
requested to send a note to the homeroom teacher or contact the main office. Parents/guardians
are required to sign their son/daughter out at the main office. When students return to school, the
student is required to sign in at the main office.
Bused students are not permitted to leave school property at any time during the day, to go
to friends’ homes or local businesses such as gas stations or pizza shops.
RMS students are also not permitted to order foods to be delivered from local eating
establishments during the school day.
Attendance Policy
If a child is going to be late for school in the morning or absent for a day, parents or guardians
are to inform the school by contacting the main office at (902) 876-4381 ext. 100.
Dropping off and picking up of students
Supervision of students begins upon the arrival of the first scheduled bus (7:30am). Students
should not be dropped off for school before this time.
For the safety of students and staff, parents and guardians are asked to drop off and pick up their
son/daughter at the sidewalk near the staff parking. Please do not drop off or pick up in the
bus loop in front of the school.
Students are to be picked up promptly after school events. Students not in attendance at school
on the day of a dance or other school event may not be permitted to attend the event.
Allergen Aware School
Ridgecliff Middle School strives to provide a scent aware environment. Due to the possibility of
severe allergic reactions, all members of our school community are asked to refrain from
wearing or using scented products in school. These products include (but are not limited to)
scented deodorants and scented sprays etc.
Ridgecliff also strives to provide a nut-aware environment. It is imperative that no peanut
products be brought to school. This applies to all products that may contain traces of peanuts as
well. Please read the ingredients on the labels of all foods and snacks that your son/daughter
brings to school.
Student Support
7
Ridgecliff offers a variety of supports and programs to assist our students, including a Guidance
Counsellor, Student Support, Teen Health Centre and Learning/Resource Centre.
Janice Graham-Migel
Sue Richardson
Blake Jackson
Kassie Rose
Rick Bray
Candice Bambury
Christine Preston
Guidance Counsellor
Student Support Teacher
Student Support Worker
Resource Support
Resource Support
Learning Centre Specialist
Teen Health Centre Coordinator
Ridgecliff is pleased to provide our students with a Comprehensive Guidance and Counselling
Program. This is a total school program designed to assist the personal, social, educational and
career development of students. The Program is guided by an Advisory Committee comprised of
the guidance counsellor, school administration, teachers, students, parents, and community
members. The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to give members an opportunity for
valuable and meaningful input into guidance and counseling programs and services. There are
four main components of the Program:




Guidance Curriculum
Life/Career Planning
Professional Services
Program Management and System Support
The Teen Health Centre is also an important component of the Comprehensive Guidance and
Counselling Program. Its purpose is to increase access to information, resources and services
that promote positive health behaviors for all students.
Student Recognition
RMS will be celebrating the academic achievements of our students periodically throughout the
year through subject awards and the Honor Roll. Students achieving Honor Roll in grade 6 shall
have no mark below a B. Grades 7, 8 and 9 students shall have no mark below an 80%. Please
note: in the case of a course having more than one ‘strand’, an average of the marks will be
calculated.
In addition to academic awards, students will also be recognized during assemblies that are held
throughout the school year. The final Student Recognition Assembly will be held in June. This
assembly in June recognizes students who have been involved in various extra-curricular
activities, clubs and committees during the school year.
8
Student Fees
All students are required to pay a student fee of $15.00 in September. This fee provides students
with an agenda (optional), a locker with lock and includes a $5.00 student council fee which
helps offset the cost of extra-curricular activities and class trips. Students may be charged a fee
of $5 for lock replacement if lost.
* It is important to note lockers are the property of the school and are accessible by the school
administration at any time.
Students Not in Good Standing
Students who have been suspended or have more than five (5) combined lates and/or unexcused
absences (am or pm) may lose their privilege to participate in extra-curricular activities,
including the next scheduled school dance.
Bicycles and Skateboards
Students are permitted to bring their bicycles, skateboards or scooters to school, however they
are not to be used on school property during the school day. If a student does bring these items to
school, they should be locked up. RMS assumes no responsibility for damaged or stolen
bicycles, skateboards and scooters.
Cafeteria Services
Vending machines and cafeteria services are available for student use during their designated
recess and lunch breaks or prior to the morning classes.
Textbooks
In most cases, students are assigned textbooks to use without charge. However, students are
responsible for keeping their textbooks in good condition and are responsible for the replacement
of any lost or damaged textbooks.
Library
Ridgecliff is very fortunate to have a full service Library for the use of students and staff.
Students are able to access the Library in the morning before classes, as well as during recess and
lunch. Students are permitted to sign out materials from the Library. It is important to note that
students are responsible for keeping books in good condition and are responsible for the
replacement of any lost or damaged materials.
9
Video Surveillance
Our school uses a video surveillance system as part of our continued efforts to support a safe,
positive and effective learning environment. We recognize that the images recorded by this
video surveillance system are personal information and, as with all other personal information,
we take steps to balance privacy rights with safety and security concerns. The school has the
legal authority to collect this personal information under Section 24 of Nova Scotia’s Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Only designated staff has access to our video surveillance equipment and such access is
restricted as required by law. The system is used to enhance school safety and to deter or take
action in response to unlawful behaviors.
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19