RMS CODE OF CONDUCT
Revised June 29, 2021
WHO DOES THIS CODE OF CONDUCT APPLY TO?
This Code of Conduct applies to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity. It also applies to any student whose conduct at any time or place, including to and from school, and/or online behavior, has an impact on the safe, caring, or orderly environment of the school and/or student learning.
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS
Rutland Middle School promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law. No person shall discriminate against another based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, physical and mental disability, gender, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation within the school environment or through the school system and its related function through publication, or in accommodation, service or facility. The school will treat seriously any behavior that contravenes the grounds set out in the BC Human Rights Code.
At RMS, we value and agree to conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with the principles of respect, rights, and responsibility in creating a safe, caring and orderly school:
We will display RESPECT for the rights, property and safety of ourselves and others, by…
Honouring the RIGHTS of others through the process of learning and demonstrating appropriate behaviours, and by…
Assuming RESPONSIBILITY for our own behavior in order to sustain a safe and productive learning environment.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
In the event of a violation of our Code of Conduct, the staff will endeavour to act consistently by:
-- communicating with all individuals involved;
-- determining all of the facts; and
-- treating students with fairness and respect.
The staff recognizes that each incident must be dealt with on an individual basis, dependent upon severity, circumstance and history. Every effort will be made to suit the consequence to the student and the situation through the use of a progressive disciplinary model. Whenever possible, the student, with the assistance of the administrator, teacher, behaviour intervention teacher, counselor, and/or parent/guardian, will be involved in solving the problem.
OFFENCES AND POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES
Most members of our school community conduct themselves in a positive and responsible manner. From time to time, violations of the code of conduct will occur, and when these infrequent violations occur, parents/guardians could be contacted. Minor violations of the Code of Conduct are dealt with in a variety of ways, including collaborative problem solving, meetings with students, staff and parents, detentions, school service and other consequences that are intended to be restorative in nature, and lead to the development of pro-social behaviours.
More serious violations of the Code of Conduct (detailed below) may lead to a definite/indefinite in/out of school suspension, a Restorative Justice referral and/or RCMP involvement. Offences and possible consequences are detailed below:
MAJOR OFFENCES
Repeated minor behaviours
Willful disobedience
Power struggle with an adult
Inappropriate touching or language
Leaving campus without permission
Tampering with property of others
Pain or injury to another person (teasing, tripping, intimidation, pushing, swearing or kicking)
Lying
Bullying behaviours
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES
Collaborative problem solving meeting with staff, student, parents
School/community service
Behavioural contracts
Behavioural assignments
Disciplinary work station - detention
In-school/out-of-school suspension
SERIOUS OFENCES
Repeated major offenses
Truancy
Cyberbullying
Use/possession of weapons
Defiance
Uttering threats
Smoking and vaping
Sexual harassment
Vandalism
Assault
Fighting
Theft
Use/possession of alcohol or drugs
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES
In-school/out-of-school definite suspension
Indefinite suspension
Legal intervention (RCMP, Restorative Justice)
APPEAL POLICY 460
Parents and guardians of a student who is entitled to an educational program in SD 23 may appeal the decision of an employee of the school board which significantly affects the education, health or safety of the student.
STEP 1: Parent meets with employee (eg. teacher)
STEP 2: Parent meets with principal
STEP 3: Parent meets with the superintendent or designate (eg. director)
If at this point, the issue remains unsolved and the parent is not satisfied, the parent has a right to a final appeal to the Board. Details of this process are available at the school.
This district policy is in place to help ensure that effective communication is part of the problem solving process.
This document is reviewed regularly with staff, students, and parents.
RESPONSIBLE STUDNET USE OF PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY DEVICES, SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY, AND DISTRICT NETWORKS
The purpose of using network services and digital technologies while in educational settings is to engage in responsible educational activities. Therefore, the use of personal technology devices, school technologies, and district network services requires students to abide by the school’s Code of Conduct and procedures, as well as Central Okanagan Public Schools Policy 486: Student Use of Network Services and Digital Technologies.
Some examples of responsible use with district and personal devices include the following:
- Act responsibly when accessing technology and district networks, including the Internet in their school.
- Use technology equipment and property according to all applicable rules and with care and respect.
- Engage in appropriate use as directed by school staff.
- Respect the safety and privacy of self and others and do not provide personal contact information about themselves or other students.
- Treat others with respect and kindness when using digital devices and network services.
- Respect resource limits of the network services and do not engage in activities that jeopardize the integrity, security or performance of the network.
- Understand the importance of privacy and security and take all reasonable precautions when accessing network services and digital technologies.
The use of Personal Technology Devices, School Technology, and District Networks is a privilege and usage may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct. Schools will not be held responsible for any misplaced, lost, stolen, or broken items brought to school by students. Use of network services and digital technologies which violate the terms outlined in policy and/or the School's Code of Conduct may result in serious consequences including definite or indefinite suspensions and/or police intervention.
