Policies
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We take all of our policies very seriously here, in order to keep all of our students as supported as possible. We hold our Safe & Caring policy in high regard, ensuring that everyone who crosses our threshold is loved and cared for.
To navigate the Parent Handbook and the Safe & Caring policy, just click on the tabs below.
Entrance Criteria
Parkland School is designed to meet the educational needs of students with severe disabilities. Funding is available for students between the ages of 5 years 8 months and 19 years of age. Although there is no standard criteria for admission, the needs of each student is assessed prior to admission in order to determine suitability.
School Hours
7:30 - 8:45 am School bus runs
8:45 - 12:00 pm Morning classes (Periods 1-3)
12:00 - 12:30 pm Supervised lunch
12:30 - 1:00 pm Hygiene
1:00 - 1:30 pm Staff supervised Outdoor Rec/Mobility Training (Period 4)
12:45 - 2:45 pm Afternoon class (Period 5)
2:45 - 3:00 pm Ready for dismissal/load buses
3:15 pm Final bell
Students are expected at school no earlier than 8:45 am. Students being transported by parents should be dropped off no sooner than 8:45 am and picked up between 2:45 - 3:00 pm unless otherwise notified.
Daily Communication Books
Every student has a daily communication book which allows the teacher/aide and parent/residential staff/proprietor to maintain close communication regarding the student.
Monthly Calendar
Each month the school sends home a calendar with significant events of the month noted - days of early closure, special events, field trips, meetings, and holidays. Please post this in your home and refer to it to prevent any confusion. It is also posted on the calendar page of our website.
Supplies Needed
Parents are requested to send supplies on the first day of school.
Student Registration and Fees
In April of each year, re-registration forms are sent out to all parents to determine student count for the following year. These registration forms are DUE BEFORE JUNE 25th. By October 31st, registration fees are due in the amount of $60.00. This amount includes regular registration fees and a yearbook in September.
Statements of Account
A statement will be sent to you by the accounting office at Parkland Community Living and Supports Society for any money owing and they will issue a receipt for money paid.
Recreation Fees
Once per year, parents will be asked for a $10.00 contribution to the recreation fund to help pay for special field trips. All other recreation is paid for by the school or through donations received.
Nut & Scent Aware Environment
Parkland School is a "Nut & Scent Aware" environment due to some students and staff having sensitivities. If your child has any sensitivities, please contact the office so that we are aware.
Dress Code
It is unacceptable for any staff or students to wear short shorts, mini skirts, shirts showing midriff or t-shirts with rude or suggestive logos/notations on them. It is also unacceptable to have any underwear showing.
Lost and Found
To prevent the loss of your child's belongings, please mark everything clearly with the first and last name (in permanent marker).
School Pictures
You will receive information on different packages in the Fall. Yearbooks will be printed and distributed in September.
Required Information
There are occasions when a parent or guardian needs to be contacted immediately. It is your responsibility to ensure that the school has current information. Please notify the school if there are any changes in address, phone number, work numbers or alternate emergency phone numbers. It is imperative that an alternate emergency phone number be made available in the event that we cannot contact you.
Birth Certificate
It is imperative that parents/guardians present a birth certificate/live birth certificate upon enrolling a student at the school. No student will be allowed to start school without this documentation in place.
Absenteeism
If your child is going to be absent, please notify the bus driver or Action Bus before 7:00 am. If your child is not transported by bus, you are asked to phone the school and leave a message on the answering machine regarding the child's absence.
Open Door Policy
Parents/Guardians/Residential Staff/Proprietors shall have access to the school at any time during operational hours to visit their child or talk with the Teacher/Classroom Leader/Aide. All visitors mentioned above must follow correct procedure in order to access the school and personnel:
Unauthorized Visitors Policy
No persons other than Parents/Guardians/Proprietors/Current Residential Staff are allowed to observe or visit students or staff on the playground or in the school without authorization from the CES or Designate. All visitors to the school MUST CHECK IN with the Office before proceeding into the school.
Student Illness Policy
DUE TO THE EXTREME MEDICAL FRAGILITY OF MANY STUDENTS AT THE SCHOOL AND OUR DESIRE TO KEEP OUR STUDENTS AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE, IT IS IMPERATIVE TO IMPLEMENT A ZERO-TOLERANCE ILLNESS POLICY.
IN THE EVENT THAT A TEACHER/CLASSROOM LEADER FEELS THAT A STUDENT IS ILL AND THAT STUDENT’S SUBSEQUENT BEHAVIOR IS INTERFERING WITH CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT OR PUTTING OTHER STAFF AND STUDENTS AT RISK; IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTACT THE PARENT/GUARDIAN/RESIDENTIAL STAFF/PROPRIETOR OR EMERGENCY PERSON DESIGNATED BY SAME TO COME AND TAKE THE STUDENT HOME SO THAT APPROPRIATE CARE CAN BE GIVEN. STUDENTS SHALL NOT RETURN TO SCHOOL UNTIL ALL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE ILLNESS ARE GONE.
No Nits Policy
In the event that a student has head lice, the Parent/Guardian/Residential Staff/Proprietor will be instructed to treat the condition with appropriate solutions (Nix, etc.) and return the student to school ONLY after all nits have been removed from the hair. If nits are still seen in the hair upon the student's return to school, the Parent/Guardian/Residential Staff/Proprietor will be asked to take the student home again and remove all nits before returning.
Impetigo Policy
In the event that a Teacher/Classroom Leader, with the help of the school's medically trained staff, suspects that a student has Impetigo, it is her responsibility to contact the Parent/Guardian/Residential Staff/Proprietor and have the student taken home. The student must have medical intervention and be on antibiotics for a period of 48 hours before returning to school due to the highly contagious nature of Impetigo.
Medication Policy
Our medication policy states that any medication sent to school on a permanent basis must be in bubble pack or individual syringes (if liquid). If temporary medication is sent in, it must be in original packaging bearing all details of what, when, Doctor, etc. If this information is not available, the Executive Assistant will call you to confirm. If you cannot be reached, the medication will not be given. Any medication sent to school should be given directly to the bus driver or rider, or school personnel. Please do not sent medication in lunch kits or pockets - it could fall into other hands!!! All medications at school are administered by Joy Martin, Monica Lawes, Trudy Lewis, or Stephanie Schmale.
Any changes/termination of medications must be reported to the school office. Paperwork will be necessary for any medication given at school and will be sent to you from the office.
Policy re: Parent Concerns (taken from Special Education Programming, Consultation Planning & Problem Solving - Feb/07)
Assessment/Curriculums
Carolina Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers, Carolina Curriculum for Preschoolers with Special Needs, Brigance Inventory or Early Development, Brigance Inventory of Basic Skills, Brigance Inventory of Essential Skills, Brigance Life Skills Curriculum, and Alberta Education's Programs of Study are all assessments used at Parkland School once per term to evaluate the students' progress. From these assessments, an IPP (Individual Program Plan) is developed and updated throughout the term.
Parent-Teacher Interviews are held 3 times per year to complete IPP's and to share results of assessments. Parents are requested to provide input into the development of the IPP through questionnaires sent out twice per term and through Parent-Teacher Interviews. Attendance at interviews is compulsory!
Professional Services
There are 2 types of therapy required for students with special needs. First and foremost is home-based therapy (physio, occupational, speech, behavioral, vision, hearing, feeding, seating clinics and hospital/doctor consultations). Secondly there is school-based therapy for those issues not covered by home-based therapists and/or are unique to the school environment.
In addition to the community-based therapists you utilize for the above-mentioned areas, Parkland School offers the following specialists/services/consultations:
Copies of assessments and recommendations by our therapists will be sent home to parents for information and use in the home environment if applicable.
Monitoring
Parkland School is monitored and evaluated by Alberta Education and the board of Parkland Community Living and Supports Society on a regular basis. We are a designated special education accredited private school in excellent standing with Alberta Education.
Areas of Instruction
Students attending Parkland School receive skill development and training in reading, fine motor, numeracy, literacy, GEMIINI speech program, snack program, physical education, health, speech development, hygiene, self-concept, iPad technology, computers, sensory integration, music, living vocational skills, pre-vocational skills, community awareness, social skills and recreation. Skill development in these areas are prioritized to provide the student with the most necessary skills needed to lead a productive and fulfilling life.
In the Primary and Secondary classrooms, the students with multiple disabilities receive additional specialized programming in sensory stimulation, feeding, toileting, range of motion, physio and occupational therapy, mobility training, sensory integration therapy, computers, communication, sensory integration, socialization and community awareness. Please feel free to ask the Teachers/Classroom Leaders or Director for any details regarding these areas of instruction. We welcome your questions and input into our programs.
Extra Curricular Activities
During the school term, various activities are held in the evening. The Halloween Dance is a family affair and all are encouraged to attend in costume! The Christmas Party and Graduation & Awards Night are special occasions for the entire student body and their family/caregivers. Please come join us for these celebrations! They are held on Thursday evenings and due to fatigue for many students, there is no school for students on the following day.
Field Trips/Recreation
Details of all trips are sent home ahead of time for preparation. Parents are asked to send in $10.00 per year for the field/recreation trip fund. The due date for this is October 31st.
Awards
Positive reinforcement is practiced continually at Parkland School to reward diligence, persistence, courage, compliance, and proper conduct. Formal awards are presented to students at Graduation exercises in June, and WOW Awards are awarded on a monthly basis for all who receive them.
Cold Weather/Closure Policy
In the event of temperatures of -30C or below at 6 AM, the Parkland School bus will not make its scheduled runs that day. The school staff will be onsite and the school will be open and operational for students being transported by alternate means (to be arranged by Parent/Guardian/Residential Staff/Proprietors). The school will be closed only in the event of major storms/blizzards/disaster/extreme cold. These decisions will be made by the Director and shall be announced on local radio stations after 6 AM. When deemed necessary to close the school due to severe weather, you will be informed by bus drivers or school staff. If students are sent home due to an emergency situation, the office will endeavor to contact parents before the students are bused home. Again, most important to have an emergency contact in case!
Sure-Loc Policy
Before any bus transporting wheelchairs is put in motion, the driver must check all wheelchairs to ensure tightness and security of all Sure-Locs. If the brakes, straps or mechanics on any wheelchair are not in good working order, the driver must notify the classroom Teacher/Leader who shall notify the parent/Guardian/Residential Staff/Proprietor to have the problem rectified immediately. No wheelchair with faulty brakes can be transported on a school bus as the Sure-Loc system is not reliable unless the brakes are fully operational.
Wheelchair Transportation Policy
No student will be transported in Parkland School buses in a wheelchair other than their own. It is not acceptable for a student to ride in a school wheelchair on the bus due to safety concerns. Parents/Guardians/Residential Staff/Proprietors will have to transport the student to and from school until personal wheelchair is available again.
Student Accident Policy
In the event that any student sustains possible injury from an accident, either on the playground or in the school (fallen as a result of a seizure, hit by a swing, fallen off a slide, slipped on a wet floor, etc.) the following procedure shall be used:
The student must be left in recovery position for 3 - 5 minutes (if seizure, this long after seizure is over). If student shows signs of pain or discomfort (whining, crying or shock-like symptoms: pale, shaking) he/she must be covered with a blanket and left in that position with staff supervision until help arrives. Parents/Guardians/Residential Staff/Proprietors shall be called immediately and informed of the situation. They will be required to come to the school at once or give us the authorization to call an ambulance if necessary. In the event that parents cannot be notified, the school Director or Principal shall make the decision regarding ambulance.
If after 3 - 5 minutes the student is not showing signs of pain or discomfort, he/she will be asked to stand up (without assistance) and return to the activity. If the student cannot stand on their own, the school nurse/Director shall be called to assess the situation. If the student cannot stand on their own due to seizure activity and the grogginess that sometimes results, then he/she shall be transferred to a wheelchair and taken to the medical room. The student will be left there to rest (with supervision) until such time as he/she is ready to be mobile again (the student needs to stand up unaided when ready to leave). Much care must be taken in any lift or transfer. This will only be done if there are no signs of pain or distress in the student in recovery position. If in doubt, the school nurse/Director will be called upon to decide on action.
Reporting Suspected Abuse
ACCORDING TO SCHOOL POLICY, ALL TEACHERS/CLASSROOM LEADERS AND AIDES ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT ANY SUSPECTED ABUSE OF A STUDENT TO THE DIRECTOR BY MEANS OF AN INCIDENT REPORT OR VERBAL REPORTING. THE PHYSICAL AND BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS USED FOR THIS PURPOSE ARE TAKEN FROM THE PDD ABUSE PROTOCOL AND ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Physical Indicators
Student Behavior and Conduct
We expect all students to respect the school and personnel. We treat students with dignity and positive regard and expect them to respond accordingly.
At times, it may be necessary to implement structured behavioral programs when serious behaviors continually occur. Parents will be contacted in this case and asked for input and consent for such a program. Although suspensions and expulsions rarely occur at Parkland School, on occasion they may be necessary.
Suspension and Expulsion Policy
Parkland School expects students to respect the school rules and its personnel. Students are always treated with dignity and positive regard and it is an expectation for them to respond accordingly. Although it is rare that suspension or expulsion from Parkland School should be necessary, a guideline must be in place for such an occasion.
Suspension - Suspension of a student shall be used in the following situations:
Expulsion - Expulsion of a student shall only be used in extreme cases of the above mentioned situations where there is no resolution in sight. Expulsion shall only be possible after the situation has been reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer. Jurisdictions are notified immediately of an expulsion. Arrangements will be made to provide the student with an alternate form of education until year end.
Appeal Process - Parents/Guardians can appeal an expulsion by following the Appeal Process Level I & II in Policy V:I:7 (Consumer/Guardian Grievance and Appeal Process)
Swim Policy
All students with epilepsy must wear approved life jackets while swimming in any community pool or lake. Exemptions from this policy will be granted if the Parent/Guardian submits a written waiver to the school accompanied by a written statement from a Medical Doctor stating that the student does not present an existing risk of seizure activity and therefore no unreasonable risks in swimming activities without a life jacket.
Parkland School is designed to meet the educational needs of students with severe disabilities. Funding is available for students between the ages of 5 years 8 months and 19 years of age. Although there is no standard criteria for admission, the needs of each student is assessed prior to admission in order to determine suitability.
School Hours
7:30 - 8:45 am School bus runs
8:45 - 12:00 pm Morning classes (Periods 1-3)
12:00 - 12:30 pm Supervised lunch
12:30 - 1:00 pm Hygiene
1:00 - 1:30 pm Staff supervised Outdoor Rec/Mobility Training (Period 4)
12:45 - 2:45 pm Afternoon class (Period 5)
2:45 - 3:00 pm Ready for dismissal/load buses
3:15 pm Final bell
Students are expected at school no earlier than 8:45 am. Students being transported by parents should be dropped off no sooner than 8:45 am and picked up between 2:45 - 3:00 pm unless otherwise notified.
Daily Communication Books
Every student has a daily communication book which allows the teacher/aide and parent/residential staff/proprietor to maintain close communication regarding the student.
Monthly Calendar
Each month the school sends home a calendar with significant events of the month noted - days of early closure, special events, field trips, meetings, and holidays. Please post this in your home and refer to it to prevent any confusion. It is also posted on the calendar page of our website.
Supplies Needed
Parents are requested to send supplies on the first day of school.
Student Registration and Fees
In April of each year, re-registration forms are sent out to all parents to determine student count for the following year. These registration forms are DUE BEFORE JUNE 25th. By October 31st, registration fees are due in the amount of $60.00. This amount includes regular registration fees and a yearbook in September.
Statements of Account
A statement will be sent to you by the accounting office at Parkland Community Living and Supports Society for any money owing and they will issue a receipt for money paid.
Recreation Fees
Once per year, parents will be asked for a $10.00 contribution to the recreation fund to help pay for special field trips. All other recreation is paid for by the school or through donations received.
Nut & Scent Aware Environment
Parkland School is a "Nut & Scent Aware" environment due to some students and staff having sensitivities. If your child has any sensitivities, please contact the office so that we are aware.
Dress Code
It is unacceptable for any staff or students to wear short shorts, mini skirts, shirts showing midriff or t-shirts with rude or suggestive logos/notations on them. It is also unacceptable to have any underwear showing.
Lost and Found
To prevent the loss of your child's belongings, please mark everything clearly with the first and last name (in permanent marker).
School Pictures
You will receive information on different packages in the Fall. Yearbooks will be printed and distributed in September.
Required Information
There are occasions when a parent or guardian needs to be contacted immediately. It is your responsibility to ensure that the school has current information. Please notify the school if there are any changes in address, phone number, work numbers or alternate emergency phone numbers. It is imperative that an alternate emergency phone number be made available in the event that we cannot contact you.
Birth Certificate
It is imperative that parents/guardians present a birth certificate/live birth certificate upon enrolling a student at the school. No student will be allowed to start school without this documentation in place.
Absenteeism
If your child is going to be absent, please notify the bus driver or Action Bus before 7:00 am. If your child is not transported by bus, you are asked to phone the school and leave a message on the answering machine regarding the child's absence.
Open Door Policy
Parents/Guardians/Residential Staff/Proprietors shall have access to the school at any time during operational hours to visit their child or talk with the Teacher/Classroom Leader/Aide. All visitors mentioned above must follow correct procedure in order to access the school and personnel:
- Check in at the school office and gain approval to disrupt class/see school personnel (approval given by the CES or Executive Assistant).
- Visitors will be directed to classroom or asked to wait while arrangements are made.
Unauthorized Visitors Policy
No persons other than Parents/Guardians/Proprietors/Current Residential Staff are allowed to observe or visit students or staff on the playground or in the school without authorization from the CES or Designate. All visitors to the school MUST CHECK IN with the Office before proceeding into the school.
Student Illness Policy
DUE TO THE EXTREME MEDICAL FRAGILITY OF MANY STUDENTS AT THE SCHOOL AND OUR DESIRE TO KEEP OUR STUDENTS AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE, IT IS IMPERATIVE TO IMPLEMENT A ZERO-TOLERANCE ILLNESS POLICY.
IN THE EVENT THAT A TEACHER/CLASSROOM LEADER FEELS THAT A STUDENT IS ILL AND THAT STUDENT’S SUBSEQUENT BEHAVIOR IS INTERFERING WITH CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT OR PUTTING OTHER STAFF AND STUDENTS AT RISK; IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTACT THE PARENT/GUARDIAN/RESIDENTIAL STAFF/PROPRIETOR OR EMERGENCY PERSON DESIGNATED BY SAME TO COME AND TAKE THE STUDENT HOME SO THAT APPROPRIATE CARE CAN BE GIVEN. STUDENTS SHALL NOT RETURN TO SCHOOL UNTIL ALL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE ILLNESS ARE GONE.
No Nits Policy
In the event that a student has head lice, the Parent/Guardian/Residential Staff/Proprietor will be instructed to treat the condition with appropriate solutions (Nix, etc.) and return the student to school ONLY after all nits have been removed from the hair. If nits are still seen in the hair upon the student's return to school, the Parent/Guardian/Residential Staff/Proprietor will be asked to take the student home again and remove all nits before returning.
Impetigo Policy
In the event that a Teacher/Classroom Leader, with the help of the school's medically trained staff, suspects that a student has Impetigo, it is her responsibility to contact the Parent/Guardian/Residential Staff/Proprietor and have the student taken home. The student must have medical intervention and be on antibiotics for a period of 48 hours before returning to school due to the highly contagious nature of Impetigo.
Medication Policy
Our medication policy states that any medication sent to school on a permanent basis must be in bubble pack or individual syringes (if liquid). If temporary medication is sent in, it must be in original packaging bearing all details of what, when, Doctor, etc. If this information is not available, the Executive Assistant will call you to confirm. If you cannot be reached, the medication will not be given. Any medication sent to school should be given directly to the bus driver or rider, or school personnel. Please do not sent medication in lunch kits or pockets - it could fall into other hands!!! All medications at school are administered by Joy Martin, Monica Lawes, Trudy Lewis, or Stephanie Schmale.
Any changes/termination of medications must be reported to the school office. Paperwork will be necessary for any medication given at school and will be sent to you from the office.
Policy re: Parent Concerns (taken from Special Education Programming, Consultation Planning & Problem Solving - Feb/07)
- Parent concerns will be dealt with in the following manner:
- All concerns must be received in writing from the parent - any such concerns must be immediately brought to the attention of the Chief of Educational Services.
- A meeting will be arranged between the parent and teacher (CES will be present if required)
- If resolution is not found, a meeting will be arranged between the parent and CES.
- In resolution is not achieved at school level, the Guardian Grievance and Appeal Process (Parkland Community Living and Supports Society V:1:7) will be given to the parent. The process will allow the parent to grieve through the Divisional Director (Level I) and the Executive Director (Level II).
- If no resolution is found in Level II, the parent will be instructed to utilize Level III of the appeal process. Level III of this process is appeal to an alternative regional or government authority. This authority is the home school jurisdiction of the student. Their appeal procedure will then be utilized.
Assessment/Curriculums
Carolina Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers, Carolina Curriculum for Preschoolers with Special Needs, Brigance Inventory or Early Development, Brigance Inventory of Basic Skills, Brigance Inventory of Essential Skills, Brigance Life Skills Curriculum, and Alberta Education's Programs of Study are all assessments used at Parkland School once per term to evaluate the students' progress. From these assessments, an IPP (Individual Program Plan) is developed and updated throughout the term.
Parent-Teacher Interviews are held 3 times per year to complete IPP's and to share results of assessments. Parents are requested to provide input into the development of the IPP through questionnaires sent out twice per term and through Parent-Teacher Interviews. Attendance at interviews is compulsory!
Professional Services
There are 2 types of therapy required for students with special needs. First and foremost is home-based therapy (physio, occupational, speech, behavioral, vision, hearing, feeding, seating clinics and hospital/doctor consultations). Secondly there is school-based therapy for those issues not covered by home-based therapists and/or are unique to the school environment.
In addition to the community-based therapists you utilize for the above-mentioned areas, Parkland School offers the following specialists/services/consultations:
- Physical Therapist Jocelyn Glover - Assesses any/all student needs throughout the year.
- CVI Specialist Danille Hamelink - Educational consultant for all students with visual impairments.
- Nursing concerns at school (ie. students returning to school after major surgery) are addressed by the Nurse from SHOS, Red Deer.
- Parkland CLASS Behavioral Consultants are available for assessment and consultations when required for issues at school with children living in PCLASS residential settings.
Copies of assessments and recommendations by our therapists will be sent home to parents for information and use in the home environment if applicable.
Monitoring
Parkland School is monitored and evaluated by Alberta Education and the board of Parkland Community Living and Supports Society on a regular basis. We are a designated special education accredited private school in excellent standing with Alberta Education.
Areas of Instruction
Students attending Parkland School receive skill development and training in reading, fine motor, numeracy, literacy, GEMIINI speech program, snack program, physical education, health, speech development, hygiene, self-concept, iPad technology, computers, sensory integration, music, living vocational skills, pre-vocational skills, community awareness, social skills and recreation. Skill development in these areas are prioritized to provide the student with the most necessary skills needed to lead a productive and fulfilling life.
In the Primary and Secondary classrooms, the students with multiple disabilities receive additional specialized programming in sensory stimulation, feeding, toileting, range of motion, physio and occupational therapy, mobility training, sensory integration therapy, computers, communication, sensory integration, socialization and community awareness. Please feel free to ask the Teachers/Classroom Leaders or Director for any details regarding these areas of instruction. We welcome your questions and input into our programs.
Extra Curricular Activities
During the school term, various activities are held in the evening. The Halloween Dance is a family affair and all are encouraged to attend in costume! The Christmas Party and Graduation & Awards Night are special occasions for the entire student body and their family/caregivers. Please come join us for these celebrations! They are held on Thursday evenings and due to fatigue for many students, there is no school for students on the following day.
Field Trips/Recreation
Details of all trips are sent home ahead of time for preparation. Parents are asked to send in $10.00 per year for the field/recreation trip fund. The due date for this is October 31st.
Awards
Positive reinforcement is practiced continually at Parkland School to reward diligence, persistence, courage, compliance, and proper conduct. Formal awards are presented to students at Graduation exercises in June, and WOW Awards are awarded on a monthly basis for all who receive them.
Cold Weather/Closure Policy
In the event of temperatures of -30C or below at 6 AM, the Parkland School bus will not make its scheduled runs that day. The school staff will be onsite and the school will be open and operational for students being transported by alternate means (to be arranged by Parent/Guardian/Residential Staff/Proprietors). The school will be closed only in the event of major storms/blizzards/disaster/extreme cold. These decisions will be made by the Director and shall be announced on local radio stations after 6 AM. When deemed necessary to close the school due to severe weather, you will be informed by bus drivers or school staff. If students are sent home due to an emergency situation, the office will endeavor to contact parents before the students are bused home. Again, most important to have an emergency contact in case!
Sure-Loc Policy
Before any bus transporting wheelchairs is put in motion, the driver must check all wheelchairs to ensure tightness and security of all Sure-Locs. If the brakes, straps or mechanics on any wheelchair are not in good working order, the driver must notify the classroom Teacher/Leader who shall notify the parent/Guardian/Residential Staff/Proprietor to have the problem rectified immediately. No wheelchair with faulty brakes can be transported on a school bus as the Sure-Loc system is not reliable unless the brakes are fully operational.
Wheelchair Transportation Policy
No student will be transported in Parkland School buses in a wheelchair other than their own. It is not acceptable for a student to ride in a school wheelchair on the bus due to safety concerns. Parents/Guardians/Residential Staff/Proprietors will have to transport the student to and from school until personal wheelchair is available again.
Student Accident Policy
In the event that any student sustains possible injury from an accident, either on the playground or in the school (fallen as a result of a seizure, hit by a swing, fallen off a slide, slipped on a wet floor, etc.) the following procedure shall be used:
The student must be left in recovery position for 3 - 5 minutes (if seizure, this long after seizure is over). If student shows signs of pain or discomfort (whining, crying or shock-like symptoms: pale, shaking) he/she must be covered with a blanket and left in that position with staff supervision until help arrives. Parents/Guardians/Residential Staff/Proprietors shall be called immediately and informed of the situation. They will be required to come to the school at once or give us the authorization to call an ambulance if necessary. In the event that parents cannot be notified, the school Director or Principal shall make the decision regarding ambulance.
If after 3 - 5 minutes the student is not showing signs of pain or discomfort, he/she will be asked to stand up (without assistance) and return to the activity. If the student cannot stand on their own, the school nurse/Director shall be called to assess the situation. If the student cannot stand on their own due to seizure activity and the grogginess that sometimes results, then he/she shall be transferred to a wheelchair and taken to the medical room. The student will be left there to rest (with supervision) until such time as he/she is ready to be mobile again (the student needs to stand up unaided when ready to leave). Much care must be taken in any lift or transfer. This will only be done if there are no signs of pain or distress in the student in recovery position. If in doubt, the school nurse/Director will be called upon to decide on action.
Reporting Suspected Abuse
ACCORDING TO SCHOOL POLICY, ALL TEACHERS/CLASSROOM LEADERS AND AIDES ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT ANY SUSPECTED ABUSE OF A STUDENT TO THE DIRECTOR BY MEANS OF AN INCIDENT REPORT OR VERBAL REPORTING. THE PHYSICAL AND BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS USED FOR THIS PURPOSE ARE TAKEN FROM THE PDD ABUSE PROTOCOL AND ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Physical Indicators
- Unexplained or unusual bruises, ulcers or welts
- Unexplained or inconsistent explanations of injuries
- A number of scars in a regular pattern
- Multiple bruising in one area
- Imprints or bruises reflecting the shape of an article used (cord, rope, belt, buckle, clothes hanger)
- Symmetrical grip marks
- Bald spots or injury to scalp
- Dental injuries
- Human bite marks
- Unexplained burns (cigarette diameter/immersion burns/shaped like a household item (iron))
- Unexplained fractures or dislocations
- Unexplained lacerations or abrasions
- Verbal report by student
- Defensiveness in regard to injuries
- Appears to be unusually unhappy, sad or fearful
- Cannot tolerate physical contact or touch
- Reluctant to go to specific environments
- Reluctant to be with specific individual(s)
- Sudden or negative changes in behavior
Student Behavior and Conduct
We expect all students to respect the school and personnel. We treat students with dignity and positive regard and expect them to respond accordingly.
At times, it may be necessary to implement structured behavioral programs when serious behaviors continually occur. Parents will be contacted in this case and asked for input and consent for such a program. Although suspensions and expulsions rarely occur at Parkland School, on occasion they may be necessary.
Suspension and Expulsion Policy
Parkland School expects students to respect the school rules and its personnel. Students are always treated with dignity and positive regard and it is an expectation for them to respond accordingly. Although it is rare that suspension or expulsion from Parkland School should be necessary, a guideline must be in place for such an occasion.
Suspension - Suspension of a student shall be used in the following situations:
- Dangerous activity presenting risk to self or others.
- Active aggression towards student and/or staff members.
- Medical condition presenting risk to self or others.
- An unresolved crisis at school or home that causes the student to be totally unsuitable for classroom instruction due to the mental stress involved.
Expulsion - Expulsion of a student shall only be used in extreme cases of the above mentioned situations where there is no resolution in sight. Expulsion shall only be possible after the situation has been reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer. Jurisdictions are notified immediately of an expulsion. Arrangements will be made to provide the student with an alternate form of education until year end.
Appeal Process - Parents/Guardians can appeal an expulsion by following the Appeal Process Level I & II in Policy V:I:7 (Consumer/Guardian Grievance and Appeal Process)
Swim Policy
All students with epilepsy must wear approved life jackets while swimming in any community pool or lake. Exemptions from this policy will be granted if the Parent/Guardian submits a written waiver to the school accompanied by a written statement from a Medical Doctor stating that the student does not present an existing risk of seizure activity and therefore no unreasonable risks in swimming activities without a life jacket.
WELCOMING, CARING, RESPECTFUL AND SAFE TEACHING
AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT POLICY
PARKLAND SCHOOL
Updated June 21, 2021
AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT POLICY
PARKLAND SCHOOL
Updated June 21, 2021
I. POLICY REQUIREMENTS
Board Responsibility
1. The Parkland Community Living and Supports Society Board has the responsibility to ensure that each student enrolled in the Parkland School Special Ed 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.
Principal Responsibility in accordance with section 16.1(1) of the School Act
2. If one or more students attending a school operated by the Board request a staff member employed the Board for support to establish a voluntary student organization, or to lead an activity (collectively the “Requested Activity”) intended to promote a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging, the Director of the School shall, in addition to the other duties set out in this Policy, ensure that the Requested Activity promotes at the School a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.
Board Responsibility in relation to Student Organizations at the School under s. 16.1 of the School Act
3. In accordance with section 45(4)(b) of the School Act which legislatively mandates the Board to include the text of section 16.1(1), (3) (3.1) (4) and (6) of the School Act in this Policy, if one or more students attending the School request a staff member employed by the Board for support to establish a voluntary student organization, or to lead an activity intended to promote a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging, the School Director shall:
5. For greater certainty, the Director shall not prohibit or discourage students from choosing a name that includes “gay-straight alliance” or “queer-straight alliance”.
6. The Director shall immediately inform the Board and the Minister of Education if no staff member is available to serve as a staff liaison referred to above at subsection 3(b) and if so informed, the Minister shall appoint a responsible adult to work with the requesting students in organizing the activity or to facilitate the establishment, and the ongoing operation, of the student organization at the School.
7. The Director is responsible for ensuring that notification, if any, respecting a voluntary student organization or an activity referred to in subsection 16.1(1) is limited to the fact of the establishment of the organization or the holding of the activity.
Additional Legislatively Mandated Principal Responsibilities
8. As legislatively mandated by section 45(4)(c) of the School Act, the principal is responsible for the ensuring that notification, if any, respecting a voluntary student organization or an activity referred to in section 16.1 (1) of the School Act,
Section 45.1 (3) School Act Statutory Requirements
9. As legislatively mandated in section 45.1 (3) of the School Act, this policy and the Student Code of Conduct set out in this Policy (“Code of Conduct”):
Code of Conduct
10.
(10.1) As legislatively mandated by section 45(5) of the School Act, the Code of Conduct herein set out has the following purpose:
(10.2) The Parkland Community Living and Supports Society Board expects that each student’s conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.
(10.3) The Parkland Community Living and Supports Society Board believes that all students have the right to:
11. In order to ensure that students conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times, the students attending the School shall be subject to the Code of Conduct.
12. Students shall conduct themselves so as to reasonably comply with the following Code of Conduct from the School Act (April 1, 2018):
(10.4) Activities that may constitute a violation of this Code of Conduct include, but are not limited to, bullying whether in person during the school day or by electronic means, physical harm or assault upon others, harassment, hazing, gang activities, weapons in school, drug and alcohol use, and improper conduct on buses or on field trips.
(10.5) Unacceptable behavior, whether or not the behavior occurs within the school building, during the school day or by electronic means, may be grounds for disciplinary action, and provides the student with an opportunity for critical learning and reflection in the areas of personal accountability and responsibility, the development of empathy, as well as communication, conflict resolution, and social skills development.
In the assessment of the potential consequences of unacceptable behavior, the School shall also consider a student’s age, maturity, cognitive ability, individual circumstances, and frequency of the misconduct. In addition, the specific circumstances of the situation and of the student must be taken into account when determining appropriate responses to unacceptable behavior.
The Parkland School Special Ed is committed to implementing measures that will:
When a student engages in unacceptable behavior, Parkland School Special Ed will:
(10.7) This Code of Conduct shall be made publicly available on the School website and shall be provided to all staff, students, and parents.
(10.8) This Code of Conduct shall be reviewed every three years.
13. Section 45(4)(d) of the School Act requires this Policy to indicate that the Personal Information Protection Act governs the disclosure of personal information by the Board.
Legal References:
June 30, 2018
Revised June 23, 2021
Board Responsibility
1. The Parkland Community Living and Supports Society Board has the responsibility to ensure that each student enrolled in the Parkland School Special Ed 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.
Principal Responsibility in accordance with section 16.1(1) of the School Act
2. If one or more students attending a school operated by the Board request a staff member employed the Board for support to establish a voluntary student organization, or to lead an activity (collectively the “Requested Activity”) intended to promote a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging, the Director of the School shall, in addition to the other duties set out in this Policy, ensure that the Requested Activity promotes at the School a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.
Board Responsibility in relation to Student Organizations at the School under s. 16.1 of the School Act
3. In accordance with section 45(4)(b) of the School Act which legislatively mandates the Board to include the text of section 16.1(1), (3) (3.1) (4) and (6) of the School Act in this Policy, if one or more students attending the School request a staff member employed by the Board for support to establish a voluntary student organization, or to lead an activity intended to promote a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging, the School Director shall:
- immediately permit permission for the establishment of the student organization or the holding of the activity at the School, and
- subject to section 6 (below), within a reasonable time from the date that the Director receives the request designate a staff member to serve as the staff liaison to facilitate the establishment, and the ongoing operation, of the student organization or to assist in organizing the activity.
5. For greater certainty, the Director shall not prohibit or discourage students from choosing a name that includes “gay-straight alliance” or “queer-straight alliance”.
6. The Director shall immediately inform the Board and the Minister of Education if no staff member is available to serve as a staff liaison referred to above at subsection 3(b) and if so informed, the Minister shall appoint a responsible adult to work with the requesting students in organizing the activity or to facilitate the establishment, and the ongoing operation, of the student organization at the School.
7. The Director is responsible for ensuring that notification, if any, respecting a voluntary student organization or an activity referred to in subsection 16.1(1) is limited to the fact of the establishment of the organization or the holding of the activity.
Additional Legislatively Mandated Principal Responsibilities
8. As legislatively mandated by section 45(4)(c) of the School Act, the principal is responsible for the ensuring that notification, if any, respecting a voluntary student organization or an activity referred to in section 16.1 (1) of the School Act,
- is limited to the fact of the establishment of the organization or the holding of the activity, and
- is otherwise consistent with the usual practices relating to notifications of other students.
Section 45.1 (3) School Act Statutory Requirements
9. As legislatively mandated in section 45.1 (3) of the School Act, this policy and the Student Code of Conduct set out in this Policy (“Code of Conduct”):
- herein affirms the rights, as provided for in the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, of each staff member employed by the Board and each student enrolled in the School;
- herein states that staff members employed by the Board and students enrolled in the School will not be discriminated against as provided for in the Alberta Human Rights Act or the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to the degree the same applies in law to the School.
Code of Conduct
10.
(10.1) As legislatively mandated by section 45(5) of the School Act, the Code of Conduct herein set out has the following purpose:
(10.2) The Parkland Community Living and Supports Society Board expects that each student’s conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.
(10.3) The Parkland Community Living and Supports Society Board believes that all students have the right to:
- be treated fairly, equitably, and with dignity and respect;
- have their confidentiality protected and respected;
- self-identification and determination;
- freedom of conscience, expression, and association;
- be fully included and represented in an inclusive, positive, and respectful manner by all school personnel;
- have equitable access to the same supports, services, and protections provided to heterosexual students and their families;
- have avenues of recourse (without fear of reprisal) available to them when they are victims of harassment, prejudice, discrimination, intimidation, bullying, and/or violence; and
- have their unique identities, families, cultures, and communities included, valued and respected within the school environment.
11. In order to ensure that students conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times, the students attending the School shall be subject to the Code of Conduct.
12. Students shall conduct themselves so as to reasonably comply with the following Code of Conduct from the School Act (April 1, 2018):
- be diligent in pursuing their studies;
- attend school regularly and punctually;
- co-operate fully with everyone authorized by the Board to provide education programs and other services;
- comply with school rules;
- be accountable to their teachers for their conduct;
- respect the rights of others;
- ensure that they contribute positively to the environment and culture of the School;
- refrain from, report and not tolerate bullying or bullying behavior directed towards others in the school, whether or not it occurs within the school building, during the school day, or by electronic means;
- positively contribute to the students’ school and community
(10.4) Activities that may constitute a violation of this Code of Conduct include, but are not limited to, bullying whether in person during the school day or by electronic means, physical harm or assault upon others, harassment, hazing, gang activities, weapons in school, drug and alcohol use, and improper conduct on buses or on field trips.
(10.5) Unacceptable behavior, whether or not the behavior occurs within the school building, during the school day or by electronic means, may be grounds for disciplinary action, and provides the student with an opportunity for critical learning and reflection in the areas of personal accountability and responsibility, the development of empathy, as well as communication, conflict resolution, and social skills development.
In the assessment of the potential consequences of unacceptable behavior, the School shall also consider a student’s age, maturity, cognitive ability, individual circumstances, and frequency of the misconduct. In addition, the specific circumstances of the situation and of the student must be taken into account when determining appropriate responses to unacceptable behavior.
The Parkland School Special Ed is committed to implementing measures that will:
- Define appropriate expectations, behaviors, language, and actions in order to prevent discrimination, prejudice, and harassment through greater awareness of, and responsiveness to, their harmful effects.
- Ensure that all such discriminatory behaviors and complaints will be taken seriously, documented, and dealt with expeditiously and effectively through consistently applied policy and procedures.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate administrative guidelines to ensure that minorities including gender minorities and their families are treated with respect and dignity in all aspects of the school community in a manner consistent with the school’s mission and vision.
When a student engages in unacceptable behavior, Parkland School Special Ed will:
- investigate each instance and pursue disciplinary action in a manner consistent with the principles of fundamental justice and the school’s student discipline policy;
- in grave circumstances, be forced to use suspension or expulsion;
- take into account and carefully consider the special circumstances of the situation when determining appropriate consequences (for example: any special needs including physical, intellectual, behavioral, communicational, trauma-based etc.);
- will engage in reasonable and caring efforts to support both the individual who may have been the subject of or victim of unacceptable behavior and to support the perpetrators of unacceptable conduct to improve their behavior through mentoring, restorative processes and/or counselling.
(10.7) This Code of Conduct shall be made publicly available on the School website and shall be provided to all staff, students, and parents.
(10.8) This Code of Conduct shall be reviewed every three years.
13. Section 45(4)(d) of the School Act requires this Policy to indicate that the Personal Information Protection Act governs the disclosure of personal information by the Board.
Legal References:
- Teacher Quality Standard
- Leadership Quality Standard
- Education Act, Sections 2, 16, 33(1)(d), 33(2), 35.1
- Private Schools Regulation Section 13(4)
- Alberta Human Rights Act
- Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- AISCA Draft Policy – Safe and Caring School
June 30, 2018
Revised June 23, 2021