Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct ensures that our school promotes a cultures of wellness that:

• Establishes and maintains a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environment for all students, staff, families and the greater community;
   
• Establishes and maintains an appropriate balance between individual and collective rights, freedoms, and responsibilities in the school community;
   
• Establishes and publishes expectations for student behavior while at school, at a school-related activity, or while engaging in an activity at any time that may have an impact on others in the school;
   
• Ensures that healthy environments exist in all schools that are free from fear, discrimination and harassment while promoting inclusive strategies to ensure that every student is treated with respect and dignity.
  Parkland School Division is a place where exploration, creativity and imagination make learning exciting and where all learners aspire to reach their dreams.

In keeping with a commitment to the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, in Parkland School Division everyone is accepted and experiences a sense of belonging. The Division supports the endeavors of staff, students, parents and the community to promote positive student behavior and conduct throughout our community of schools.

Parkland School Division has a responsibility to ensure that each student enrolled in a school operated by the Board and each staff member employed by the Board is provided with a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.

All stakeholders in the success and well-being of students, and especially the students themselves, are expected to recognize their responsibilities in developing student self-discipline within a culture of wellness. Staff members and students will not be discriminated against as provided for in the Alberta Human Rights Act or the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Education Act says in Part 3 “Responsibilities and Dispute Resolution”, “Student Responsibilities”, section 31 that:

A student, as a partner in education, has the responsibility to:

1. attend school regularly and punctually,
2. be ready to learn and actively engage in and diligently pursue the student’s education,
3. ensure that the student’s conduct contributes to a and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging,
4. respect the rights of others in the school,
5. refrain from, report and not tolerate bullying or bullying behaviour directed toward others in the school, whether or not it occurs within the school building, during the school day or by electronic means, 
6. comply with the rules of the school and the policies of the board,
7. cooperate with everyone authorized by the board to provide education programs and other services,
8. be accountable to the student’s teachers and other school staff for the student’s conduct, and
9. positively contribute to the student’s school and community.

If students are failing to meet behavioural expectations, appropriate consequences will be given, including removal of privileges, working in an alternate location, removal from class, suspension from school or bus, etc.

GCMS Student Citizenship Agreement

At Greystone Centennial Middle School, we believe that students have the right to learn in a safe and supportive environment. This can be achieved when students follow our one school-wide expectation:

Students will treat self, others and school with dignity and respect.

Our discipline process will:

• Keep student dignity intact
• Help the student learn
• Involve the support of parents and guardians as partners
• Remain confidential and private

Greystone Centennial Middle School students will behave responsibly, treat others with respect and build positive relationships. Teachers and support staff will work with students to promote and ensure appropriate classroom, school ground and off-site conduct.

The Greystone 3 Rs

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Relationships

Expectations for Students

Students are expected to demonstrate respect towards themselves, others, and property by:

• Attending class promptly
• Being prepared for learning
• Dressing in an appropriate manner
• Wearing clean footwear
• Using appropriate and respectful language
• Following directions of staff
• Behaving in a safe manner
• Showing consideration for personal and school property
• Helping to preserve the natural environment

Students show responsibility by being prepared for learning. This includes having the necessary supplies, including paper and pens or pencils. Parents are requested to check periodically to make sure their children have the necessary materials.

Consequences

Learning shall be the foundation and primary consideration of any disciplinary action.

Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to:

• Problem solving, monitoring, or reviewing behavior expectations with student and reprimand;
• Parental involvement that may include a Disciplinary Hearing
• Referral to provincial attendance board; Assignment of designated tasks;
• Temporary removal of privileges;
• Detention of student;
• Implementation of an in school short term opportunity placement involving an out-of-class learning opportunity;
• Behavioral contract with student;
• Restitution, where the Division may seek restitution for damage to Division property;
• Suspension from riding the school bus;
• Suspension from school;
• Assessment of student to develop appropriate programming;
• Involvement of police; and/or
• Expulsion from school (by the Board upon recommendation of the Principal).

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress appropriately at school. Students will be asked to change clothing if dress is not appropriate. Parents will be notified if an issue persists. Footwear is mandatory at all times, or as otherwise specified.

• Footwear that marks or damages the floor shall not be worn (no “wheelies”)
   
• Students wearing clothing deemed to be offensive or inappropriate will be required to change immediately. NO clothing with lettering that is suggestive is allowed, promotion of drug or alcohol use, sexual explicit or implicit language/images etc.

On Campus Expectation

Students are to remain on campus during the school day, unless signed out by a guardian, from the time they arrive on the bus, until the time the bus leaves. Students are not to go to the store before or after school if they are arriving or leaving by bus. Students should not leave property during nutrition or lunch breaks, except Grade 9 students with permission.

Cell Phone and Device Usage Policy 

At Greystone, we believe in harnessing the power of technology for learning while minimizing distractions. Our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy encourages students to use devices conducive to educational tasks. Below are the guidelines for cell phone usage and device management:

Cell Phone Usage:

• Cell phones should be stored in locked lockers during the school day, including recess and lunch breaks.

• Students may briefly check their devices at the start of each break for two minutes before returning them to lockers.

• Teachers will specify when cell phones are permitted for specific educational tasks, such as Media Arts projects.

• If necessary, students may use the student phone in the front office to communicate with parents.

• Students who use their cell phones for medical purposes will be allowed to have their phone, but they may only be used for the intended medical purpose.

Wireless Earbuds:

• Wireless earbuds, like AirPods, are considered an extension of cell phones and should be stored in lockers. Students may use wired headphones or school-provided pairs.

Technology Use Policy:

• Any use of technology that disrupts learning will not be tolerated, and devices may be confiscated if they become a distraction.

Support for Students:

• We will collaborate with students to develop alternative activities and foster engagement during breaks.

• Clubs and recess activities will continue to provide opportunities for connection and engagement.

• Visual reminders will be displayed throughout the school to reinforce expectations.

Support Plan for Non-Compliance:

• During the grace period until the end of June and the first week of school each year, students will receive reminders and guidance on adhering to the policy.

• After the grace period, devices not stored in lockers will be held at the office until the end of the day.

• Students experiencing difficulty complying with the policy will work with teachers, administrators, and parents to develop an alternative plan.