Code of Conduct

The SMS Code of Conduct applies while at school, at school related activities, and in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on our school environment.

Shuswap Middle School promotes the values of The Canadian Charter for Human Rights and the BC Human Rights Code.

This means that we respect the rights of individuals in accordance with the law. The school will treat any infringement on these rights very seriously. This prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

In addition, with specific reference to sexual orientation and gender identity, in accordance with School District Policy we recognize:

Homophobic and gender-based comments, discrimination and bullying are demeaning to all regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation.

Any language or behavior that deliberately degrades, denigrates, incites hatred, prejudice or discrimination or harassment towards individuals on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation, or harassment towards individuals on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation will not be tolerated.

Violent Risk Threat Assessment Protocol

School District #83 and our school are part of the collaboration that occurs between government agencies to ensure the safety of students, staff, parents and others. The information below provides a description and an outline of the Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) process in our district and our school

Student behaviours that initiate a VTRA include, but are not limited to, serious violence or violence with intent to harm or kill, verbal/written threats, internet website/MSN threats, possession of weapons (including replicas), bomb threats, sexualized threats, and fire setting.
To keep our school safe and caring, staff, parents, students and community members must report all threat-related behaviours.
A threat is an expression of intent to do harm or act out violently against someone or something. Threats may be verbal, written, drawn, posted on the internet or made by gesture. Threats are taken seriously, investigated and responded to.
All threat making behavior by a student will be reported to the school administrator who will organize the response which may involve the RCMP, Ministry of Children and Families, SD 83 Central Office and others.

Smoking And The Use of Tobacco And Vapour Products

Healthy school and workplace environments are essential to the quality of learning and working. In accordance with SD 83 policy, SMS is a smoke-free facility which includes all buildings and property. Tobacco and vapour products of any kind are not permitted.

The use or possession of tobacco or vapour products by any student is a “Bottom Line Behaviour” and is immediately referred to school administration.

Consequences for Student Breaches of the SMS Code of Conduct

S.O.A.R is a cornerstone of our beliefs at SMS. Behaviour that is, in any way, disrespectful or unsafe will trigger the progressive discipline process.

The progressive discipline process often starts in the classroom with an individual conversation or correction by the classroom teacher. If inappropriate behavior continues, the classroom teacher will contact home and discuss the situation with a parent or guardian. However, repeat behavior will result in an office referral. In serious circumstances, an office referral is made immediately.

Office referrals will result in consequences which depend on the circumstances. These consequences may include:

Restitution
Natural and logical consequences
Parent/teacher/student/administrator meeting
In-school suspension
Out-of-school suspension
School-based team meeting

First Office Referral

a meeting with the Principal or Vice-Principal; an office time out and referral sheet will be completed by the teacher and the student

Second Office Referral

a parent or guardian becomes involved; phone contact will be made with a parent by a school administrator

Third or Subsequent Office Referrals

possibly an in-school suspension. An in-school suspension involves the student completing their school work in the office under supervision. Nutrition break and lunch are taken at separate times from the rest of the student body. In-school suspensions often involve parent/student/ staff meetings and the development of a behavior plan for the future

“BOTTOM LINE BEHAVIOURS”

These behaviours are immediately referred to the Principal or Vice-Principal. SD #83 Policy 1030.10R “Student Suspensions” will be implemented.