Parent & Student Handbook 2019-2020 - Kanata Academy Student... · for outdoor protection....

1 Kanata Academy Private School

www.kanataacademy.com 180 Huntmar Drive, Stittsville, ON K2S 1B9

Parent &

Student Handbook 2019-2020

http://www.kanataacademy.com/



Contents

Contents .................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

Goals and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................. 3

Student Goals ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

Respect for Self, Others, Authority and the Community ................................................................... 4

Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................................. 4

Administration ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

Academic Progress - Reporting and Conferences................................................................................ 5

Contracts.............................................................................................................................................................. 5

Files........................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Snow Days ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

Communication ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

Chain of Communication ............................................................................................................................... 7

Health......................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Illness .................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Medication .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Weather................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Absences and Appointments ....................................................................................................................... 8

Food and Food Allergies ................................................................................................................................ 8

Schedule .................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Before and After School Program .............................................................................................................. 8

Recess ................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Scholastic Books ............................................................................................................................................... 9

Photographs ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

Security and Drop-off/Pick-up ........................................................................................................................ 9

Drop-off ................................................................................................................................................................ 9

Pick-up ............................................................................................................................................................... 10

Drop-off/Pick-Up Door ............................................................................................................................... 10

Permissions ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

Agendas .................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Dress and Uniform ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Lunches .................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Other Important Information ........................................................................................................................ 12

Play Structure ................................................................................................................................................. 12

Birthdays .......................................................................................................................................................... 12

Cell Phones/Electronics.............................................................................................................................. 12

Extra-Curricular Activities ......................................................................................................................... 12

Piano Lessons ................................................................................................................................................. 12

Homework Guidelines ................................................................................................................................. 12

Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgement ...................................................................................... 13

Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form ..................................................................... 14




Introduction This handbook is designed to provide you with details concerning the daily operations of school life at Kanata Academy. As the school grows, there will inevitably be changes and new developments taking place. Therefore, the information is frequently subject to change. We will endeavor to keep you up to date with all significant events and happenings. Our teaching staff is dedicated to providing a positive and enjoyable learning atmosphere for your children. Every effort will be made to design an academic program that will meet the needs of the students. We believe that a "love of learning" developed at an early age will provide children with a positive attitude toward school and life in later years. Communication between parents and teachers plays an integral part in the development of each student. We hope to work with you as a cooperative team so that we can provide every opportunity for your children to reach their full potential in academic learning and life skills. We are delighted that you have chosen Kanata Academy to share in the responsibility of the education of your children. Together, we look forward to an exciting and richly rewarding academic year. Shannon Rattray Principal/Director

Goals and Responsibilities

Student Goals

The common goals of Kanata Academy students are:

Pursuit of academic excellence Development of a positive self-image Development of personal growth Development of self-discipline Development of independence Development of a sense of responsibility




Respect for Self, Others, Authority and the Community

The student is expected to:

Act as a person who values self-worth Maintain high standards of truthfulness and honesty Treat others with courtesy Respect the property of others Consider the feelings of others Refrain from using physical violence Respect the rules of the school Show respect for authority Demonstrate a good attitude Respect all school property Use washrooms and outdoor play facilities appropriately

We hope that students and teachers will be able to work in a mutually respectful environment that is supportive of individual needs. Responsibilities

Teachers have a responsibility to:

Treat each student with respect Plan effective programs Demonstrate respectful behaviour Maintain communication with parents

Parents have a responsibility to:

Make it possible for their child to be punctual Take an active interest in their child's progress Provide an appropriate place for homework Check agenda and parent section of binder daily for updates Ensure that your child is wearing the proper uniform each day Maintain open communication with teachers




Administration

Academic Progress - Reporting and Conferences

Parents are kept aware of their child's development in numerous ways:

Report cards will be issued twice a year (in December and June). Interim reports will be sent home each term (in October, March and May). All parents are invited to parent-teacher conferences in December and March. Parents wishing to meet with the teacher after that time are invited to make an

appointment either through emailing the teacher or the school. A "Meet the Teacher" event will be held in September. Agendas, blogs, and newsletters will keep you informed of all school activities and

information concerning your child. It is the responsibility of the parents to read our weekly newsletter which is sent out every Sunday throughout the school year. It is the responsibility of the parent to notify us if you are not receiving the weekly newsletter.

Contracts

All contracts are to be signed by all parents or guardians who are responsible for accounts. Files

It is important that Kanata Academy has your files up to date. For Preschool and new entries from outside Ontario, this includes a copy of your child’s immunization records and birth certificate, as well as his or her registration form which includes any allergies and emergency numbers. All immunization records are now filed at the Ministry of Health Office. Parents are responsible for forwarding updated records to the Ministry. Please notify the school office if there are changes of address, etc. Ontario School Records (OSRs) are kept in the school office. If your child has been transferred from another school, the main office will request the transfer of all documents from your child's previous school. Forms are available for you to sign.

Snow Days

In the unlikely event that students are to be dismissed early because of weather conditions, a member of staff will contact parents during the day. In the case of extreme weather conditions, the school will be closed and parents will be notified via email by 7:00 a.m.




Communication

Teachers and staff pride themselves in maintaining effective communication with all parents. We do this in the following ways:

Agendas are updated by students and checked by teachers daily. A weekly blog contains all important upcoming dates and events. A monthly calendar is given to students outlining all major assignments, field trips,

and special days. Teachers are will check emails from 3:30 to 5:00 to answer any questions. The school email is checked regularly to ensure that messages are received. The school website and Facebook page is updated regularly.

We understand that parents lead busy lives and that raising your child is a full-time job in itself. We feel that the communication methods listed above will help you to stay up to date with what is going on in your child’s school. Our teachers’ days are very busy and we ask that you look to the above methods to obtain important information before contacting the office or the homeroom teacher. We can also appreciate that your child’s care is of utmost importance to you and we take our responsibilities very seriously. We ask that if a concern arises that you address our staff and teachers immediately with respect. We are a team; teachers and parents and students must work together for your child to achieve success.

At times you may have a concern regarding your child’s educational experience. Concerns need to be handled with respect for all involved. Schools are workplaces, governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Under that legislation, we must take every reasonable precaution to protect all workers, including teachers, in the school setting.

In rare circumstances, concerns may escalate into harassment. Harassment may consist of comment or conduct that is known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be unwelcome such as:

persistent parental or community criticism of, or interference with, school programs or school staff performance;

verbal abuse, threats, belittling or humiliating; physical gestures that intimidate or threaten; inequitable and harsh treatment; excessive monitoring; yelling, swearing, public reprimands; and other objectionable behaviour designed to torment, pester, or abuse someone.

Teachers have a right to protection in their workplace. They are not required to tolerate behaviour which threatens their safety and/or well-being. Reasonable measures will be




taken to assist school communities to foster mutual respect among staff, parents and students. Chain of Communication

With a goal to keep email traffic as efficient as possible, please use the guide below to determine the point of contact for any questions or concerns.

1. Classroom Teacher Homework, projects, evaluations Classroom activities Social interactions

2. Office Administrator Contracts Finances, receipts Uniforms

3. Principal and Vice-Principal Safety concerns School policies New enrollment information/tours.

The principal/vice-principal should be contacted if the classroom teacher and/or office administrator are unable to provide answers to parent questions or concerns.

Health

Illness

If your child is ill or has symptoms of an illness, please do not send him or her to school. A sick child cannot perform at his or her usual standard and may infect fellow students and teachers. Please inform the school if your child has a contagious disease so that parents of other children in the class may be alerted. Any student with Strep throat, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, must stay home for a minimum of 24 hours after the start of treatment. If symptoms have not resided within 24 hours, students are not permitted to return to school. Because the school does not have the physical or human resources to care for sick children, we must call parents to pick up children who become ill during the day.

Medication

Parents of children who require administration of oral medication or an EPI pen injector must complete a release form each year. These forms are available at the school office. Medication administered during school hours must be clearly marked with




the child's name and accompanied by written instructions and a spoon, if required. The medication should be given to the homeroom teacher. Weather

Please ensure that your child is adequately protected in extreme temperatures. A KA sun hat is required as part of our uniform. The KA sunhat and sunscreen can be left at school for outdoor protection. Similarly, extra mittens, hats and headbands can be left at school for very cold days during the winter months. Absences and Appointments

It is important that students attend school regularly except when ill. Whenever possible, parents are requested to make medical appointments after school hours. Please call or email the office or Stacey at [email protected] if your child is going to be absent or is leaving early for any reason. The office will then notify your child’s homeroom teacher. Students leaving early must be met at the office. If we have not been notified of your child's absence by 9:00 a.m., we will attempt to reach you at your contact numbers. Food and Food Allergies

Students at Kanata Academy are asked not to bring any food to school containing peanut butter or nuts of any kind. Please read labels carefully regarding food contents. This is extremely important for class parties and special occasions. Sharing of daily lunches and snacks at school is not allowed.

Schedule

Before and After School Program

The Before School Program is available from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and the After School Program is available from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please notify the school if you would like to sign up for either or both of these programs. Fees will be charged on a "daily user basis", and billings will occur at the end of each month. Discounted fees may also be paid in the form of postdated cheques; contracts are available in the office and must be signed by both parents/ guardians. If you do not wish for your child to remain for a full session, fees will be charged by the hour. A fee will apply if your child is brought to school before 8:30 a.m. or not collected by 3:30 p.m. Children in JK/SK – Grade 1 who are not collected by 3:30 p.m. will automatically be part of the After School Program. After 5:30 p.m. late fees will apply. There is an automatic $20 late fee, plus $1 for every minute late. Interest will be charged on overdue accounts.


mailto:[email protected]



Recess

Unless the weather is inclement, we will have outdoor play each day. All students in Preschool-Grade 8 are expected to go outside. If your child is sick, please keep him or her at home in the interest of others. Scholastic Books

Scholastic Book orders will be sent home every month. If you wish to place an order, complete the form and please send only cheques to school (made out to "Scholastic Books") or pay online using the Scholastic website. This is a wonderful opportunity to add to your child's home library at a reasonable cost. Photographs

Individual and group photographs will be taken in the fall. Information will be sent home indicating the date and cost of each session.

Security and Drop-off/Pick-up

Cars are only permitted to turn right when exiting the school during drop off and pick up in order for the traffic to flow smoothly as Huntmar is an extremely busy road at rush hour. All students and parents must enter and leave through the office outside of arrival or dismissal times. Drop-off

School doors will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. An adult supervisor will be at the curbside door to greet students and ensure that they enter the school in a safe manner. The adult supervisor will close this door and deadbolt it at 8:45 am.

Preschool and JK students are to enter the school with a parent/guardian through the back entrance off the parking lot and proceed to their classrooms. This door will only be unlocked from 8:30-8:45.

Students in SK to Grade 12 are to be dropped off at the curbside drop off door at the front of the school. This is the only door with a keypad and code on it. Parents must drop off quickly as we must not impede traffic flow on Huntmar Drive.

If you arrive late, please ring the bell at the main office door. The staff will take your child to the classroom.




Pick-up

All students in SK to Grade 12 are to be picked up at the curbside drop off/pick up door. The door will remain dead-bolted until the first afternoon dismissal at 3:00.

Dismissal for Preschool to Grade 1 and Gr. 9-12 is 3:00-3:15 pm. The back entrance off the parking lot will be unlocked for Preschool and JK students from 3:00-3:30 pm.

Dismissal for Grades 2 to 8 is 3:15-3:30 pm. Please adhere to the pick-up time assigned to your child’s grade. This is an extremely busy time and it is crucial that we keep cars moving through the pickup line. If you arrive early, staff will ask you to return at your designated time. Drop-off/Pick-Up Door

All students arriving prior to 8:30 will enter the school through the front drop off/pick up door. The code for the door is 5342. Upon arrival, students will put their belongings on their hooks outside of their homeroom. Students will then proceed directly to the JK/SK classroom to the Before Care Program. Parents picking their child up later than 3:30 pm are to park out front and use the drop-off/pick-up door to enter the school. Students will be either in the gymnasium, JK/SK classroom or the Grade 1/2 classroom for pick up. Permissions

Students in Grade 9-12 need parental permission to leave school property during their lunch hour. Students MUST sign out in their classroom and exit through the code door only. Students will re-enter through the code door upon their return and sign in with their teacher in their classroom. Students who do not follow this rule will lose their privilege to leave school property and parents will be notified. If you wish an alternate caregiver other than a parent to be responsible for your child after school dismissal, we require you to fill out a letter of permission and photo I.D. If your child is invited to visit with a class friend after school, please send a note giving permission. These measures are taken in order to maintain maximum security.

Agendas

Grade 1-12 students purchase a daily agenda. Information regarding daily activities and/or homework will be recorded and sent home by the class teachers or by teachers and students in the upper grades. This will be done on a daily basis, or as frequently as time allows. We encourage you to respond, especially if you feel that we should be aware of evening events that might affect your child's emotional behaviour during the following day.




It is important that you read these notes on a daily basis so that you will be aware of the various activities, field trips, etc. that are taking place.

Dress and Uniform

Our full dress code can be found on our school website at https://kanataacademy.com/dress-code.html Please note that no refunds will be given for purchased uniforms.

On dress down days and special occasions, children will be notified if permission is given to wear regular street clothes or Halloween costumes, etc.

Please label all clothing, especially coats, sweaters, hats and boots with your child's name. Lunch boxes, bags and ice packs should also have the child's name on them.

Please make sure that on cold days your child is sent to school with appropriate gear. The weather is so variable at times that it is better to send too much than not enough clothing.

Lunches

Students bring their own lunches to school. It is recommended that students place a small ice pack in the lunch bag. Please try to label all containers with your child's name, as items sometimes go astray. Junior/Senior Kindergarten/Grade 1 children also bring two snacks, one for the morning recess and one for the afternoon. For these children, it may help if you label the snacks with a letter "S" so that they can differentiate between lunch and snacks during the first few weeks of school. Grades 2-8 students may bring a snack to eat during the morning. There is a microwave available in each classroom if you wish to send soups or other warm items for lunch. If your child is participating in the aftercare program, please ensure they have extra snacks for after school. Students will be given the option to order hot lunches. Information will be sent home each term with regard to the menu. The menu with your selections and exact monies are to be returned by the date specified. Orders sent in after the due date will not be filled. If your child forgets his or her lunch, Emergency Lunches are available. Fast food lunches are not permitted to be dropped off to students, or brought back to school by students. You will be invoiced for the cost of the lunch at the end of each month.


https://kanataacademy.com/dress-code.html



Other Important Information

Play Structure

Our play structure is designed for children ages 5-12. Students will be supervised by staff at all times during school hours while on the play structure. If Kanata Academy parents allow children to play on the play structure outside of regular program hours (8:30-3:30 pm), parents will assume all responsibility and liability for their child. If you take your child to the play structure after dismissal, you are also responsible for their behavior and their care. A Permission form/waiver will be sent home for all children in JK.

Birthdays

Invitations to any party celebrations, that do not include all the children in the class, must not be distributed at school. Treats may be distributed, but all food must be nut free. Cell Phones/Electronics

The use of cell phones and iPods are not permitted to be used during school time. Electronic devices are not to be used for personal entertainment. All students must have permission from a teacher before using any electronic device. We ask that parents refrain from texting or emailing their child during the school day. Any student not following this rule will lose electronic privileges. We suggest that students do not bring to school any items of value as the school will not be held responsible for them. Any electronic devices that are brought to school must be given to the homeroom teacher before school starts. These will be returned to the student at 3:15 pm. Please note that your child’s electronic device will be confiscated if your child does not adhere to the rules. Extra-Curricular Activities

Opportunities are provided for students to participate in activities during free time that will enable them to further interact with their peers and also learn new skills. Piano Lessons

Mrs. Keogan will notify families of her availability for piano lessons. Homework Guidelines

Homework is a part of the school program that is completed outside the normal classroom time. Homework is assigned for the following reasons:




Encourages independent work Gives parents an insight into the curriculum Teaches organizational skills Provides opportunities for confidence building Reviews and practices concepts taught

The amount of time for students to spend on homework will vary according to age, developmental level, learning style, and individual needs. As a guideline, the following times are suggested and in general should not exceed:

Grade 1-2: 15-20 min/daily Grade 3-4: 30-45 min/daily Grade 5-6: 45-90 min/daily Grade 7-8: 90-100 min/daily

The After School Program for Grades 1-8 is a supervised time that gives students an opportunity to obtain help, develop organizational skills and complete homework.

Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgement

Please read and complete the form on the following page. Please return a signed copy of this form to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday September 6, 2019. The list below is a summary of the important details within the handbook, but in no way represents the entire document.

Students must arrive between 8:30-8:45 am Students must be in the proper uniform each day. Students must be dressed appropriately for all weather conditions. Students are not permitted to use personal electronic devices during the school day. Parents are expected to check agendas and ensure that homework is completed. Parents are expected to communicate positively with all teachers and office staff.




Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form

This form is to be printed, signed and returned to the student’s homeroom teacher. By signing this form, it verifies that my child and I have received, reviewed and agree to adhere to the information in the Parent and Student Handbook.

Parent Name: ____________________________________________________________ Parent Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Student Name: ____________________________________________________________ Student Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Date Signed: ____________________________________________________________


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