Student Policy

All students of Balsam Academy are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that is appropriate to good citizenship. Student conduct shall be founded on the basic concept of respect, consideration for the rights of others, school policies, and applicable policies and laws.

The philosophy of our faculty and staff is that all students are provided with a safe learning environment which helps develop a positive concept of themselves, enhances individual potential, and increase respect towards others.

These policies are the standard for all Students. The policy is developed to define the expectation for appropriate behaviour and goals at the school.

• Students are expected to show respect and behave appropriately with teachers, school staff, administrators and campus guests at all times.
• Students must use respectful, proper language when speaking to each other and to staff members. Profanity is prohibited at all times.
• Students must carry their student identification (I.D.) cards at all times. If an I.D. is requested, the student must show it to the adult staff.
• Students must have a valid hall pass or office summons when out of class during instructional time.
• Students may not bring any of the following items to school:
  • Weapons.
  • Alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, matches, lighters, drugs.
  • Paint, markers, or "white-out".
  • Pets.
  • Anything that would be considered a safety hazard by school official.
• Must not use pictures taken in school on any of the social networking sites.

Students are fully expected to adhere to Balsam Student Expectations, as follows:

• Learn and follow school and classroom rules.
• Attend school/classes on time, every day, and be prepared to learn.
• Resolve conflicts without physical or verbal violence.
• Keep a safe and clean campus that is free of graffiti, weapons, and drugs.
• Create a positive school environment, reporting any bullying or harassment.
• Display good sportsmanship both on and off the athletic field or anywhere on campus.
• Keep social activities safe and fair.

In addition, students will:

• Conduct themselves in an appropriate and respectful manner, fulfill their responsibilities as successful students and citizens, and respect all school-adopted policies.
• Demonstrate appropriate and positive behaviour conducive to academic success and individual achievement.
• Recognize and exercise their rights while fulfilling all of their responsibilities.
• Respect and understand the rights of others, the laws of our society and all school policies.
• Commit to participate and capitalize on the educational opportunities provided at school.

The purpose of this Policy of Conduct is to nurture students and prepare them to make meaningful and positive contributions to their school, community and society, during and after their high school experience. In an effort to help students understand and accept the consequences of their actions, students in nonconformity with the Policy of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action.

STANDARDS OF STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

All students are responsible for knowing and obeying all school policies, rules and regulations. Students are responsible for the consequences of their behaviour. Students are responsible for following all procedures, rules, and regulations necessary to make effective the school policies relating to the student standards of behaviour.

• Students are responsible for knowing and obeying all school rules and regulations.
• Every student is expected to be on time to school, to attend all classes, to behave in a proper manner, adopting good study habits and abstaining from using vulgar or profane language.
• Students are expected to comply with all reasonable requests from adult staff members.
• Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner respectful to the school, home, family and community.
• Students are expected to resolve conflicts or personal problems in a socially acceptable manner with the help of deans, counsellors, or other members of school related organizations.
• Bicycles are to be parked in the designated area. The school is not responsible for theft or damage to bicycles.
• Clothing and accessories that are considered distracting to the instructional program are unacceptable.
• Gang-related clothing or supplies may not be worn.
• Electronic game or music devices are not to be brought to school.
• No objects related to gambling are to be brought to school.

All students are responsible for knowing and obeying all school policies, rules and regulations. Students are responsible for the consequences of their behaviour. Students are responsible for following all procedures, rules, and regulations necessary to make effective the school policies relating to the student standards of behaviour.

Principal shall be responsible for informing the parent/ guardian of any student whose behaviour is in serious conflict with established policies, rules, and procedures.

Discipline

Students have the right to education, but they are responsible for complying with the rules and regulations of the school and the instructions of all school personnel, and for accepting the authority of the faculty and school officials on school property and at school-sponsored, off-campus activities. Failure to meet these responsibilities will be cause for disciplinary action.

Academic Work

Students are responsible for completing class assignments on time and according to the instructions given by the teachers. A student who has been excused from school has the right and responsibility to make up the work missed during any excused absence. Students are responsible for bringing to class all materials required for daily classroom use.

Attendance and Tardiness

Students are responsible for being in attendance at the beginning of the school day. Students arriving late are to report to the proper school authorities. If absence from school is necessary because of illness or other legitimate reasons, students are responsible for bringing a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian upon return to school. Absence or tardiness of students because of religious holidays and observances shall be recorded as excused absences or tardiness at the written request of the parent.

If students are to be excused before the end of the day, they should bring a written request signed by a parent or guardian to the school office, preferably upon arrival at school.

Sufficient time is allowed between classes for students to arrive at the next class on time. If a student is detained after class by a teacher, a pass should be obtained from that teacher so that tardiness will be excused in the next class.

During a class hour, students shall not leave a classroom without the teacher’s permission. Under no conditions shall a student leave school during the day without permission of the school administration.A student leaving the building without proper authorization may be subject to disciplinary action.

Students are under the authority of school officials and are responsible for obeying school rules while at school or any school sponsored activity and while going to and from school or any school activity such as:

1. Follow the behaviour policy.
2. Actively contribute to the school by participating, helping others and doing your best work.
3. Be a positive role model for younger students
4. Be polite and follow through on commitments when working in the community.
5. Complete all assigned work. Keep your grades up.
6. Turn work in on time. Independent work should be initialed by a parent or mentor when it is turned in.
7. Maintain an organized school notebook and a portfolio that has evidence of achievements.
8. Take good care of all school property, including textbooks, library books and computers.
9. Attend a comprehensive meeting whenever requested by a teacher.
10. Be on time to class and school related activities.
11. Whenever you miss a class, obtain assignments as soon as possible from the teacher or classmate.
12. Ask the teacher for help whenever you do not understand an assignment.
13. Follow the Balsam School rules. Be safealways.

PHONE USE

Students should not use school phones for personal use except to call parents or guardians. To use a school phone, students must get permission from an adult. Students should not receive any personal calls during school hours, except those from a parent, guardian or adult who is working with them on an independent or community project.

COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

Students will be responsible for any community service that is assigned in classes. This will be incorporated into their grades in those classes. Aside from that, there is no longer a school-wide expectation of community service. HOWEVER, students who wish to perform community service over and above classroom expectations can earn elective credit. Students wishing to do so should check with the office to ensure that their community service meets the school's parameters. Students must turn in evidence of their community service.