Code of Conduct

Student Code of Conduct

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts (ASIA) Sumas Mountain’s Code of Conduct is to promote a safe, caring and orderly school for the purpose of learning. We value diversity and strive for an environment where everyone is equal in dignity and rights and free from all forms of discrimination including gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation regardless of time and place, as stated in the BC Human Rights Code.

CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

All ASIA Sumas Mountain students are expected to be ambassadors and positive role models of the school. This includes coming to school in the morning, breaks, lunchtime, going home after school, attending all school functions, including performances, field trips, team events and games as a participant or as a spectator. Students are also expected to demonstrate high standards of work habits and consistent attendance, arriving to school and class on time, with the necessary supplies and materials, and completing all school assignments to the best of their ability.

ACCEPTABLE CONDUCT

  • Treat other individuals with dignity and respect
  • Be honest and forthright
  • Arrive at school on time and be ready to learn
  • Respect property, the surrounding community, and the environment
  • Inform an adult of any known bullying, intimidation, or harassment
  • Wear appropriate clothing and respect the school’s dress code

UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT

  • Any conduct that negatively impacts the safety and security of the learning environment
  • Any acts of bullying: cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or physical violence (BC Human Rights Code)
  • Any acts of retribution against a person who has reported something to an adult
  • Any discrimination which may be in the form of electronic, social media, printed, and/or oral based statements which negatively target a specific person or group based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, or age (BC Human Rights Code)
  • Possession of banned substances and items which could include vapes, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, weapons, replica weapons, fireworks, lighters, and laser pens

Note: Thoughtful consideration may apply to students with special needs who are unable to comply to expectations due to a having a disability.

STUDENT DRESS POLICY & EXPECTATIONS

ASIA Sumas Mountain's Student Dress Policy supports equitable educational access and is written in a manner that does not reinforce stereotypes and that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, or body type.

The purpose of a Student Dress Policy is to set expectations to assist students, staff, and parents in decision-making with respect to clothing and to provide a level of clarity so that correction or discipline is not required.

The Student Dress Policy is intended to incorporate individual preferences for students and their families to dress in the manner they choose. Individual choice is, however, tempered by a responsibility to recognize that school is a learning and working environment, and as such, students are expected to dress in a reasonable manner. Clothing should demonstrate a respect for the school community.

School dress code standards include, but are not limited to:

  • Wear clothing and accessories that are safe for the student and others participating in any school activity and does not conceal one’s identity.
  • Specific attire may be required for various learning settings and experiences, including Science labs, PE classes, Art classes, field trips, performances etc.
  • Clothing must cover undergarments.

UNACCEPTABLE CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Articles of clothing that promote hate or the diminishment of others based on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, alcohol or drugs, display offensive language or images, direct or indirect messages or graphics referring to gang culture, sex or pornography, weapons or violence

If a student is dressed in a questionable manner, the principal or vice-principal will work with the student to address the manner in a way that maintains the student's dignity.  The principal or vice-principal may require the student to change their clothing to meet school standards. Note: jewelry, hats, and tattoos are considered attire. (AP 318, sec 3.6)

CONSEQUENCES

The goal of consequences for misbehavior is for students to learn from the experience. Consequences for behavior that does not meet expectations will be logical, realistic, and consistent. Each case of misbehavior will be dealt with on an individual basis. These consequences may range from a discussion, or an office referral, to a suspension from school. Continued misbehavior will be dealt with through a progressive discipline plan where inappropriate behaviors will receive increasing consequences.

NOTIFICATION

Depending on the nature of offense, the school administrators may have a responsibility to advise the following:

  • parents of the offender and victims
  • School District officials, as required by Abbotsford School District policy
  • the police and/or any other agencies, as required by law
  • all parents when it is deemed important to reassure the entire school community

 

USE OF PERSONAL DIGITAL DEVICES IN SCHOOLS

All schools in our district follow AP 345: Student use of Personal Digital Devices in Schools. Personal Digital Devices can include: phones, headphones, smartwatches, Airpods, tablets, etc.

1. Without the permission of the school administrator / teacher, personal digital devices are not to be operated during regularly scheduled hours of instruction or during any school-sponsored activity, such as an assembly or talk by a guest speaker.

2. Personal digital devices are to be placed in silent mode during instructional time and school sponsored activities.

3. Personal digital devices are not taken into test or examination settings unless students have been given permission to do so by the teacher administering the test or exam.

4. Personal digital devices are not to be used in settings such as change rooms, washrooms, or private counselling rooms that have the potential to violate a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy.

5. Use of personal digital devices during non-instructional periods (breaks and lunch) and while being transported on a school bus, should be restricted to the access of information related to school or home communication.

Students who do not follow the expectations above can expect some or all the following:

1. Request to place device in a secure place where it will not be a distraction

2. Conversation/reminder about importance of following code of conduct

3. School Administration notified, incident documented, and parents / guardians informed.

4. Student asked to leave phone with school official until end of day/ or arranged time

5. Repeated offences may result in an escalation of consequences

It is highly encouraged that personal digital devices are kept at home. If students do choose to bring their personal digital devices to school, they should be kept in their backpack or in their student locker.

The security and storage of personal digital devices are the sole responsibility of the owner/user. The School / District assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair or replacement of personal digital devices.