School Policies

Our Code of Conduct

In partnership with parents and community, we, at Rivers Elementary School, strive to create a cli-mate, which encourages independence, good judgment, and personal excellence with respect and dignity for all people.

At our school, we are committed to maintaining a caring environment that promotes safety for all, respect for and acceptance of differences, and opportunities for academic, social, emotional, and physical growth, in an effort to prepare students to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.

Student Absence and Tardiness

For your child's safety, we request that you contact the school before 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. if your child is going to be absent. We try to keep dismissal times as routine as possible. If a change in pick up is necessary please try to call the school before 3:00 p.m. Students arriving late need to report to the office before entering the classroom.

Absences from class can detrimentally affect the child's academic progress. Please attempt to book appointments with your child outside of school hours whenever possible. If it necessary to book the appointment, please make arrangements to check in with the secretary and pick your child up at the school office.

Behavioural Expectations

At Rivers Elementary, we believe in the importance of fostering a respectful and caring community. In doing so, each teacher will be responsible for teaching and maintaining behaviour management skills which are consistent with the school and divisional model. Teachers have flexibility to manage their classes in a way that is in keeping with their beliefs and style. This will cover minor infractions and consequences will be applied by the classroom teacher.

Major infractions, include (but not limited to): -students who are in a serious fight (with intent to harm) -student swears directly at an adult -student continues to display non-compliant, defiant behaviours after classroom interventions have been exhausted -student throws a dangerous object -student is caught stealing or damaging school/personal property -no forms of racism will be tolerated -infractions as outlined in the RRSD "Behaviour Management" policy

Students involved in major infractions are subject to any of the consequences outlined in the RRSD "Behaviour Management" policy.

Dress Code

All students in RRSD are expected to come to school neatly dressed and appropriately groomed to compliment a positive learning environment. Students will remove head gear upon school entrance unless for religious or medical purposes. Cut-offs, mesh/halter shirts, revealing clothing that is obscene, suggestive or vulgar in nature shall not be allowed. Inappropriate messages will also not be tolerated. School administration will determine appropriateness and actions necessary if needed. Electronic devices should not be brought to school. The school is not responsible for the loss or damage to any of these items.

Please note: students must wear shoes at all times which is safe for school activities. Please note that clean runners and socks are required for phys. ed. classes and indoor wear.

Communication

Communication between the school and home is very important for the success of a student. The school needs to share a variety of information with families and parents should have opportunities to ask questions and respond with regard to the welfare of his/her child. Please take note of monthly newsletters, parent/teacher conferences and reports, open house, concerts, school website, and notes home. If a parent has a concern with regard to behaviour or academics, it is recommended the parent first contact the teacher and if not satisfied, then speak with an administrator. In almost all instances, problems are resolved when communication is immediate and direct.

Nutrition Policy

RIVERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IS A PEANUT-FREE SCHOOL. We have a student who is extremely allergic to peanuts, and we ask parents to help this student by not sending foods containing peanuts/peanut butter in your child's lunch.

Rivers Elementary School believes that in working with the home and community, we can encourage healthy lifestyles, which include proper nutrition and active living, both essential for the proper development of the child.

Rivers Elementary will promote healthy living through the following:
* Learning about proper nutrition and participating in physical education for all students,
through the Canadian Food Guide to Healthy Eating and the Manitoba Physical / Heath
Curriculum.
* Offering a healthy breakfast program for all students.
* Encouraging nutritional foods and proper hygiene throughout the day.

We also will not be selling soft drinks in our school. We are looking into buying juice boxes and/or veggie juice which will be available at the canteen for any student who wishes to purchase these items.