Tilley School Handbook

Box 70
148 1st Street East
Tilley, Alberta, T0J 3K0

Telephone: 403-377-2233
Website: tilley.grasslands.ab.ca
E-mail: tilleyschool@grasslands.ab.ca
 Tilley School Handbook

Tilley School Handbook Contents

Grasslands Public Schools Vision, Mission and Values

Tilley School Vision, Mission and Values

Tilley School Staff and Office Hours

Tilley School Calendar of Events

Tilley School Bell Schedule

Tilley School Programing Highlights

Attendance Procedures

Inclement Weather Procedure

Reporting Periods / Assessment Procedures

Academic and Citizenship Awards

Student Support Services

Dispensing of Medication

Child and Family Services

Fair Notice Statement

Student Conduct Expectations

Dispute Resolution

Technology Use Expectations

Lockers

Dress Code

Busing Expectations

Volunteer Procedures

School Advisory Council

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Grasslands Public Schools Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision:​ A community of learners dedicated to student success.

Mission​: To provide educational opportunities that develop the competencies of our students to
enable them to be engaged thinkers and ethical citizens with an entrepreneurial spirit.

We value:
Engaged Thinkers who :
- Know how to learn: to gain knowledge, understanding or skills through
experience, study,and interaction with others.
- Think critically: conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate to
construct knowledge..
- Identify and solve complex problems.
- Apply multiple literacies: reading, writing, mathematics, technology,
languages, media and personal finance.
Ethical Citizens who::
- Demonstrate global and cultural understanding, considering the economy and
sustainable development.
- Demonstrate good communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively
with others.
- Manage information: access, interpret, evaluate and use information effectively,
efficiently, and ethically
Entrepreneurial Learners who:
- Identify and apply career and life skills through personal growth and well-being.
- Innovate: create, generate, and apply new ideas or concepts.
- Create opportunities through play, imagination, reflection, negotiation, and
competition.

Guiding Principles​:
As trustees and/or employees of Grasslands Public Schools, we are committed to:
- Working collaboratively for students' success
- Providing inclusive learning environments that are safe and caring
- Learning and teaching that embraces best practices and innovation
- Allocating resources based on equity, sustainability and accountability
- Making decisions collaboratively with stakeholders
- Behaving ethically and transparently

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Tilley School Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision:​ At Tilley School we create a safe, caring, collaborative community of learners working
together to achieve success for all.

Mission​: Tilley School offers a variety of student centered programs which ensure success for
all.

We value:
Honesty : being truthful with our words and doing what is right
Respect: for ourselves, peers, property and the community
Responsibility: for our actions, our feelings and our deeds
Cooperation: being a community of learners helping to achieve success for all

School Motto:​ GrEaT People Learning, Achieving, Succeeding

Tilley School Staff and Office Hours

Principal: Stuart Pietersma

Teachers: Lorraine Froese - Student Support - Kindergarten (ECS)

Amy Buday - Grade 1/2 Homeroom
Janice Jensen - Grade 3/4 Homeroom
Lindsey Lachapelle - Grade 5/6 Homeroom
Brittany Desveaux - Grade 7/8 Homeroom
Chad Martin - Grade 9 Homeroom and Tigers Hockey Academy

Support Staff: Candice Buteau - Administrative Assistant

Anita Chappell - Educational Assistant
Joan Foote - Educational Assistant
Judy Turner - Educational Assistant
Chantel Warnock - Educational Assistant
Bettina Brandt - Custodian
Donna Timko - Bus Driver
Lynn Jensen - Bus Driver

Office Hours
Tilley School office is open between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday when
school is in session. If no one is available to answer the telephone, please leave a message and
we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Tilley School Calendar of Events

An ongoing list of dates and events is available on the school website (tilley.grasslands.ab.ca)
and our Bloomz app.

September 3 First Day of School Grades K-9

18 Welcome Back BBQ

23 No Classes for Students - Professional Development Day

October 11 No Classes for Students - Holiday

14 No Classes for Students - Thanksgiving Day

23-24 Parent Teacher Conference

November 4 No Classes for Students - Professional Development Day

11-12 No Classes for Students- Remembrance Day Holiday

22 Report Card Day

December 2 No Classes for Students - Professional Development Day

23 Christmas Break Starts - No Classes

January 6 Classes Resume

February 3 No Classes for Students - Professional Development Day

18-22 No Classes for Students - Holiday

24 Classes Resume

26-27 Parent Teacher Conferences

March 9 No Classes for Students - Professional Development Day

20 Report Card Day

April 10-17 No Classes for Students - Spring Break

20 Classes Resume

May 15 No Classes for Students - Professional Development Day

18 No Classes for Students - Holiday

June 26 Last Day of School

Dates and events are subject to change.

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Tilley School Bell Schedule

3 Minute Warning Bell 8:30 a.m.

Period 1 8:33 - 9:10 a.m.
Period 2 9:10 - 9:45 a.m.
Period 3 9:45 - 10:20 a.m.
Break 10:20 - 10:40 a.m.
5 Minute Warning Bell 10:35 a.m.
Period 4 10:40 - 11:15 a.m.
Period 5 11:15 - 11:50 p.m.
Lunch Recess 11:50 - 12:20 p.m.
Lunch Meal 12:20 - 12:45 p.m.
3 Minute Warning Bell 12:42 p.m.
Period 6 12:45 - 1:20 p.m.
Period 7 1:20 - 1:55 p.m.
Break 1:55 - 2:15 p.m.
5 Minute Warning Bell 2:10 p.m.
Period 8 2:15 - 2:50 p.m.
Period 9 2:50 - 3:25 p.m.
3 Minute Home Room 3:25 – 3:28 p.m.
Dismissal 3:28 p.m.

Tilley School Programming Highlights

Preschool Program
The Tilley Tiger Cubs Preschool program was set up in 2006-2007 for parents interested in a
preschool program. It runs two days a week at the school. Please contact the school for more
information.

Early Childhood Services (Kindergarten)

This program operates for 2full days and an alternating Monday. Please contact the school to
register your child (children who are five years old by December 31st are able to attend).
Children who are younger and may require speech intervention may be eligible for PUF
programing support. Please contact the school (ECS Program).

Student Support Program

Students that require learning supports are integrated with regular students at the appropriate
grade level, where it is beneficial to all students. We have a designated teacher leading our

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Learning Support team. An educational assistant may be assigned to work with these children
directly or in small group settings. Students will also have access to school division consultation
services as well to support their learning. Speech, OT , Educational Psychology and Behaviour
are all available. The goal is to develop an educational program that will be productive to the
social development and academic learning of all our students.

Response to Intervention Program

Students from grades 1 to 9 receive daily literacy and numeracy support to further assist their
academic achievement. Interventions are determined using ongoing classroom assessments
and Fountas and Pinnell one-on-one reading assessments. A Leveled Literacy Intervention
program is used to support literacy skill development in small groups within the classroom.

Elementary and Junior High Clubs and Programs

1. Hockey Canada Skills Academy: Students registered in grades 3-9 have the opportunity
on Tuesday and Thursday to participate in athletic development and hockey specific
training for 1 hour during the entire school year.
2. Passion Friday Junior High Options Program: Junior high students participate in options
programing on Friday afternoons. Students will have the opportunity to participate in
options at Tilley School and travel to Brooks and area for additional variety in options
programing.
3. Swim Program: Tilley School in conjunction with JBS Leisure Centre is able to offer
elementary students a badge progression swim program. The length of each program is
usually 5 hours. Instruction is done by certified instructors wherever possible. Fees are
supported with partnership with the School Advisory Council and Tilley Home and
School Society.
4. Milk Program: The purpose of the milk program is to provide students with access to a
more nutritional diet. The profit made from selling milk and milk products is used to help
finance children’s theatres, guest speakers and other productions that may provide the
students with both entertainment and enrichment.
5. Hot Lunch: Throughout the school year a variety of hot lunches are provided to the
students at a nominal cost. The hot lunch program is offered monthly. Order forms will
be sent home prior to the hot lunch day for students wishing to participate in hot lunch or
payment can be made with the School Cash Online program. This is an optional
program.
6. Band Program: Twice a week, grade 3-6 students will spend 1 hour working on
developing their musical talents. On Tuesdays and Thursdays lunch recess, junior high
students will also have the opportunity to participate in a Jazz Band Club.
7. Tiger Cubs Program: Is a cross graded group program designed to build relationships
throughout the school. Students and staff are assigned to groups and participate in
various challenges, activities, and games throughout the year. These events help to
instill pride and spirit in our school.
8. Greenhouse Program: The greenhouse is a unique and exciting part of what makes
Tilley School a “Green School”. Built by our Grasslands maintenance team, this
greenhouse will be growing plants for the local communities to purchase. Our students
learn how plants are an essential part of the environment and the greenhouse gives
them the opportunity to put into practice what they learn.

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9. Art Club: Students have the opportunity during lunch hour and after school to practice
their art skills.

Physical Education and Health

Tilley School offers a comprehensive physical education program as prescribed by the
curriculum. ECS to grade 9 receive daily physical education and health class weekly. Students
will have access to a wide variety of athletic experiences and facilities in the community.
Outdoor clothing should reflect the season and climate. Indoor clothing should allow freedom of
movement and safe participation.

Interschool Athletics / Extra-Curricular Activities

The Grasslands Athletic Association is responsible for organizing all junior high inter-school
sports events. Tilley School participates actively in promoting school team sports such as cross
country, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and track and field. Teachers / coaches donate their
time and energy to ensure that school teams are well coached, well behaved, and competitive.
Participation in extracurricular or athletic activities contributes to a student’s development and
adds to the enjoyment of their school experience. However, it is understood that academics
come first. If a student experiences difficulty completing homework and other classroom
assignments because of extracurricular involvement or any other reason, the student may be
removed from the activity until a change in priorities occur.

Attendance Procedures
Truancy
Students are expected to attend all classes for their continued learning success. A student who
is inexcusably absent from school for any class will make up the time at noon or after school.
According to Section 13(5) of the Alberta School Act, the only excusable reasons for not
attending school are:
(a) sickness or other unavoidable cause
(b) the day is recognized as a religious holiday
(c) suspension or expulsion

Student Attendance District Policy

According to Grasslands Public Schools Administrative Procedure 905, Student Conduct, in
severe cases of unacceptable absences, the student may be referred to the Attendance
Board, which can make an order under section 128 of the School Act. For further information,
please reference ​Grasslands Public Schools A.P. 905, Student Conduct​ .

Reporting Absences
In the event of a student being late or absent from school or leaving early, parents/guardians
are to call the school to communicate what is happening with their students. Please call the
school and speak with the Administrative Assistant or they will call you to confirm the location of
your student.

Arrival at School
Supervision of students outside of school hours is the responsibility of parents / guardians. The
school provides supervision from 8:20 am until the end of the school day. Students should arrive

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before the five minute warning bell, unless they have been requested to do so by a teacher or
special arrangements have been made. For safety reasons, all doors with the exception of the
main entrance south doors are locked after students are in the building at 8:40am. Access to the
building after that time must be through the main entrance.

Inclement Weather Procedure

For the safety of our bus students during extreme temperatures and conditions, buses may not
be running as usual. If this decision is made, radio stations in Brooks (101.1 or 105.7 FM) is
contacted to pass information on to parents. Grasslands Public Schools website
(​www.grasslands.ab.ca​) also posts information on the bus routes throughout the district. The
bus drivers also initiate their fan out communication to let parents know. Please be reminded to
check the website, listen to the radio, check for alert notifications on the Bloomz app or call the
school if you are not sure about buses running. The school will remain open, but please only
bring your students to school if it is safe to do so. Regular instruction may not occur depending
on student and staff attendance.

School Closures
Occasionally it may be necessary to close the school during the day for severe weather
conditions, utility issues or emergency reasons. Bus drivers will be called and every attempt will
be made to make sure parents are at home or the alternate family contacted before students
are permitted to leave the school. If there is a concern about the child arriving home to an
empty house, the child will be kept at school or supervised by a staff member until proper
arrangements are made. If the buses are unable to safely travelled, parents and/or legal
guardians will be responsible for picking up and safely transporting children home.

Reporting Periods / Assessment Procedures

Tilley School reporting and assessment practices will be In accordance with ​Grasslands Public
Schools Administrative Procedure 825​.

Student assessment and evaluation are integral components of teaching and learning. On-going
assessment informs the teacher of the degree of mastery, and gaps in learning, exhibited by
students. The evaluation of student achievement provides information to students, parents, and
teachers on the level of learning attained. This information can be used by teachers to revise
their instruction and make placement decisions. Therefore, continuous attention to gaps in
student learning, and evaluation of student growth and achievement, is required of every
teacher in every classroom. Ultimately, the purpose of on-going assessment and evaluation is
improved student achievement.

Learning feedback to students and parents will be achieved with three reporting periods a year
for grades K-9. As a result, you will receive three report cards outlining student progress
throughout the school year. Dates are sent out in the Tilley School Monthly Newsletter and
Tilley School Calendar of Events.
Reporting Period 1: September - November
Reporting Period 2: December - March
Reporting Period 3: April - June

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Formal parent/teacher conferences will be held in October and February. For those parents
who cannot make it during that time, simply phone the school and arrange a time with the
teacher. Conferences are a very important part of sharing information between the school and
home, so it is important to participate.

Plagiarism and Cheating

Plagiarism is theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated in Tilley School. Students
who plagiarize or cheat can expect disciplinary action to occur. A student who plagiarizes or
cheats will still be required to meet the learning outcomes of the course. Plagiarism and
cheating include, but are not limited to, using other people’s homework answers and claiming
them as your own; taking information from the internet or books without properly quoting and
referencing it; recording, storing and or sharing answers in/through electronic devices such as
calculators, handheld computers, telephones; and, using signals to communicate answers
during exams or individual work times.

Homework Requirements
Tilley School recognizes the need for balance between school and home life activities. We
promote the development of good study habits that can contribute to this objective as well as
the reinforcement of learning. We also believe that the motivation and encouragement that
children receive from parent interest in their school work is of great value to them. Parents are
encouraged to discuss their child’s daily school activities and to look over their books,
assignments and other items brought home.
Division 1 (grade 1-2)​ homework assignments of a short duration will only be assigned if the
child would benefit from doing additional work in a certain area. All of our Division 1 teachers
expect each of their students to read at home for 20 minutes each day. Daily practice of basic
arithmetic facts is also encouraged.
Division 2 (grade 3-6)​ homework assignments may be given at the discretion of the teacher.
All of our Division 2 teachers expect their students to read at home for 30 minutes each day.
Again, daily practice of basic arithmetic facts is also encouraged.
Division 3 (grade 7-9​) homework will be assigned by each subject teacher as required. Weekly
review and study of class content is recommended for long term success.

Academic and Citizenship Awards

Students who contribute in a highly positive way to the betterment of themselves and/or Tilley
School should be recognized for their efforts. At Tilley School we do this through a system of
awards, which are listed below:
1. K – 9 Monthly Citizenship Awards
Students should be recognized for their academic efforts, citizenship qualities as well as
their positive attitudes towards school and learning. These awards are given out during
the award ceremony held in the gym at the end of each month.
2. End of Year Awards
a) Academic Awards - Award Certificates
b) Citizenship Award is presented to students who continuously exhibit the school values
of honesty, respect, responsibility and cooperation. This award is presented to students

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in Grades 1-6, who exhibits active participation in school activities and a positive attitude
toward fellow students, teachers and the school in general.
3. Junior High Awards
Academic Awards will be awarded at the conclusion of the school year.
a) Academic Achievement - Certificates awarded to each student who attains an overall
year-end average of “Proficient” and “Excellent” in all subjects.
b) Leadership Awards - This award goes to one or more students in each homeroom
who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, citizenship and academic effort over the
year.
4. Junior High Athletic Awards
a) Most Improved Athlete - This award is given to the athlete who through hard work and
effort has shown the most improvement over the course of the season in their sport.
b) Most Valuable Athlete - This award is given to the student who participates in
inter-school sports and exhibits a high degree of skill and ability in these sports.
c) Grade 9 Appreciation - Award is given to Grade nine students who participated in two
or more inter-school sports teams throughout the school year.
d) Athlete of the Year - This award is given to a male and female student who
participates in inter-school sports and exhibits a high degree of skill and ability in these
sports. Preference is given to athletes who compete and excel in multiple sports.

Student Support Services

Pyramid of Interventions​:
Interventions used at the school to support and ensure student academic, social, and behavioral
success are as follows: Feel free to contact the school for more information.

Level 1 Strategies For All Students - Identify and diagnose students needs

Level 2 Strategies for Students Experiencing Difficulties: Access the resources of the school
based team.

Level 3 Strategies for Students with Persistent Difficulties - Targeted Interventions with
support from community based / school division resources

Counseling Services:​ Personal counseling is available through referral from the student,
teacher or parent. If a parent wishes to make a referral they may contact either the homeroom
teacher or the school administration. These services are centered on assisting the student in
his/her development in the following areas: Personal (Emotional/Psychological), Academic
(Progress in School), Social (Relationships/Interactions with peers, etc.).

Community Based Services:​ Student access to community based specialists and services are
also available through referral from the student, school staff member or parent. If a parent
wishes to make a referral they may contact either the homeroom teacher or the school
administration. These services are centered on assisting the student in his/her development in
the following areas: Personal (Emotional/Psychological), Academic (Progress in School), Social
(Relationships/Interactions with peers, etc.).

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Dispensing of Medication
In accordance with ​Grasslands Public Schools Policy 9.9.3.5, Administration of Medication /
Personal Care​, responsibility for administration of prescribed medication shall rest with the
student and/or his/her parent or guardian. Upon written request of the parent, the school shall
assist by providing safe storage for prescribed medications. Parents are encouraged to advise
schools of medication which are being carried and self-administered by students.

If your child has any medical conditions or requires any medication, forms must be obtained
from the school office and must be signed prior to the storing/administering of any medication at
school. Staff are not allowed to administer any over the counter or prescription medication
without the necessary paperwork filled out and filed with the school office.

Child Services
The school has a ​MORAL​ and ​LEGAL Responsibility​ in ensuring the protection, safety and
well being of all children. For the purpose of clarifying the role of the school, the legal
responsibilities are outlined below:
1. A teacher who suspects that a child is being abused MUST, BY LAW, REPORT the
suspected abuse. It is important to note that on a percentage basis; very few reports
originate from the school. If Child and Family Services receives a report FROM ANY
SOURCE alleging abuse, they have a LEGAL responsibility to investigate and the school
has a LEGAL responsibility to cooperate.
2. Cooperation involves allowing access for interviews by a Child Care Worker and/or the
RCMP. It is important to note that, from this point on the school has NO CONTROL OR
INVOLVEMENT in the investigation. The interview could take place on or off school
property at the discretion of Child and Family Services and/or the RCMP who also have
the responsibility to contact parents. For obvious reasons (i.e. a parent may be the
perpetrator), this contact would likely be made during or following the interview.
Recognizing the tense and emotional nature of the situation, school personnel will offer
as much support to the child as possible during the school’s initial involvement and
following the child’s return to school.

Fair Notice Statement

Notice to parents and community that Grasslands schools are required to respond, as provided
for in local policy, in all cases of students posing a threat to themselves or others. The safety of
our children is a top priority for all of us. Grasslands Public Schools have plans in place for
responding to all situations in which students may pose a threat to themselves or others.

The Grasslands Public Schools policy requires that principals complete formal threat
assessments in all cases of students making significant threats to harm themselves or others.
This message is intended to provide fair notice to all that, as a school community, we will be
responding to all high risk behaviours to ensure we can protect the existing healthy, caring

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learning environment. When students’ behaviours pose a potential threat to safety or serious
harm, the Grasslands Public Schools Violence Risk Threat Assessment (VTRA) Protocol helps
Administrators take further steps to protect students’ well-being. The protocol helps schools
respond quickly to threatening incidents such as: possession of a weapon or a replica weapon,
bomb threats or plans, verbal, written or electronic (internet, text) threats to kill or injure oneself
or others or other threats of violence, fire setting.

The VTRA Protocol outlines how a school responds immediately to threatening behaviour.
Administrators may first bring together a School VTRA Team. If the situation is serious, the
Administrator may also consult with the Superintendent of Schools, and call in members of the
community. This community team may include representatives of community agencies who
work with us to keep our schools safer such as local police, children’s mental health
organizations or Human Services. Parents and guardians will be notified as soon as possible in
the VTRA process. If parents/guardians cannot be reached, or if they choose not to provide
consent, but a concern for safety still exists due to threatening behaviour, the threat assessment
may still proceed. Personal information shared throughout this process will respect and balance
each individual’s right to privacy with the need to ensure the safety of all.

As always, student safety is our first priority. If you have any questions regarding the
Grasslands
VTRA Protocol, please contact your local school Administrator.

Student Conduct Expectations

Student Conduct
At Tilley School it is expected that student behavior will contribute to a positive school climate
and learning environment in accordance with the Alberta School Act and Grasslands Public
Schools policy, and our school values of ​honesty, respect, responsibility, and cooperation​.

Tilley School Student Discipline Philosophy

Tilley School operates on the philosophy that all students have the right to learn in a school
climate that is safe, caring and collaborative. A safe and caring school is defined as “a
physically, emotionally and psychologically safe for students and staff. It is an environment
wherein everyone is accorded respect and dignity, and their safety and well-being are
paramount consideration.” It is therefore essential and expected that all school community
members act in a manner that is appropriate and acceptable. Promoting a safe and caring
school requires the support and assistance of all members of the school community, especially
parents / guardians. It is fundamental that there is a partnership between home and school in
teaching students attitudes and behaviors, which are positive, and to the betterment of society.

Our school-wide approach to discipline will:

1. Help the students to identify and understand the/his/her problem(s).
2. Help the student to find solutions to the problem(s) and change future behavior.
3. Preserve a student’s dignity and self-esteem.

All discipline shall be administered fairly, according to policy, and with due process. Whenever
possible, consequences shall be a logical and appropriate in severity of the behavior / action. A

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written record will be kept of all incidents, with a description of the offenses and the
consequence given on infraction forms.

For further information on Section 12 of the Alberta School Act that outlines student
responsibilities necessary to foster a productive learning environment, please reference
Grasslands Public Schools A.P. 905, Student Conduct.

Dispute Resolution
In accordance with ​Grasslands Public Schools Policy 120​, the Grasslands Board of Trustees is
committed to providing a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning and working
environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. It is recognized, however,
that periodically disputes will arise when large numbers of people interact. The Board expects
that processes will be in place to ensure that concerns and complaints identified by parents,
students or community members are dealt with in a candid, cooperative and timely manner.

Technology Use Expectations

Tools for Learning:​ Personal technology devices are welcomed as tools for learning. During
class time teachers may request students to use technology as a tool for completing their
learning activities. Grasslands Public School technology and personal digital devices (i.e. cell
phones, Ipods, Ipads, Tablets, etc.) may be used by students according to the Grasslands
Acceptable Use policy

Drills and Emergencies:​ Student use of technology during drill and emergency situations is not
permitted. If students must contact parents in the case of an emergency or illness they may do
so at the office or with staff permission, on their personal devices.In an emergency situation,
parents can contact their child/children through the office.

Electronic Surveillance
In accordance with Grasslands Public Schools Administrative Procedure 505, the use of
electronic surveillance shall be permitted, within defined parameters, to promote the safety and
security of students, to deter and prevent criminal activities, to enhance the ability to enforce
school rules and to protect Board, student and staff property. In school administrators or their
designate are the only ones able to access video footage.

​Lockers
Students are provided with a school locker for their personal use during the year; however, it is
the property of the school. Therefore, lockers can be searched if deemed necessary by the
school administration. Students are issued a locker and lock at the beginning of the school year.
Students should be aware of the following matters with respect to the use of school lockers:
a. Valuable items or money should not be stored in unlocked lockers.
b. The school cannot accept responsibility for any items lost or stolen from lockers.

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c. Lockers should be locked at all times and especially before the student leaves school
for the day.
d. Students are expected to keep their lockers neat and clean at all times.
e. School authorities reserve the right to inspect or search student lockers in special
situations such as suspicion of rule violation and concerns for student health and safety.
f. Willful damage done to lockers will result in the offending person(s) being charged for
the full cost of all repairs including labor and materials.
g. Lockers should be cleaned and emptied by students with lock returned at the end of
the school year or upon leaving the school.

Dress Code
School is a place of learning and you are expected to dress accordingly. Students wearing
clothing, which could be considered inappropriate, will be asked to change their attire. If they do
not have a change of clothing, they will be provided with appropriate school clothing or contact
with parents/guardians will be made for the student to return home to change. It is at the
discretion of administration as to what is or is not appropriate.
The following guidelines apply::
- No bras or underwear showing
- No clothing with reference to alcohol, drugs, sex or profane language
- Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. Dirty or wet footwear must be
cleaned, dried, or changed before entering the school.
- The wearing of hats or head coverings inside a school building is not proper
etiquette. Hats or head coverings will not be worn by students or staff in the
school unless for religious purposes or special circumstances are warranted.

Busing Expectations
Parking at School
Visitors are asked to park their cars in the South Parking Lot or along the street to the north of
the school. We request that you do not park in the bus lane immediately in front of the school.
Please back into the stalls.

Loading and Unloading of Buses

Please be aware of the following: Bus drivers are required by provincial law and division policy
to engage their Stop Sign Arms and Red Flashing Lights when loading and unloading students
in our parking lot. Please be aware of the following two rules when they are doing this.
1. No vehicle is allowed, by law, to pass a bus in either direction when they have their red
lights flashing and stop sign arms extended. The fine for passing a school bus with its
red lights flashing is approximately $402 and six demerit points.
2. You are not allowed to walk between buses when they are loading and unloading as it is
a safety concern as well. You must walk behind the last bus or in front of the first bus but
never between them.
If you are picking up your child from school please be aware of these rules and regulations. To
help avoid any issues, it is recommended that you park further west in the parking lot (towards
downtown Tilley) so that you are beyond the first bus and can leave legally and safely while the
buses are loading.

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Student Conduct on Buses
Grasslands Public Schools has set up busing for students attending their schools. If you have
any questions concerning bus routes, please contact the Grasslands Public Schools Office at
403-793-6703.
Grasslands Public Schools Policy 525​ – Student Conduct on Buses states: “In order to ensure
the comfort and safety of those using the school buses, student conduct on buses must be
exemplary.”

Volunteer Procedures
For specific information concerning volunteering in our schools, please consult ​Grasslands
Public Schools Administrative Procedure 760​ .

Classroom and School Activities

Anyone wishing to volunteer (in the classroom, supervise/coach activities or field trips) must
have a current Criminal Record Check. These will be forwarded to the superintendent for final
approval and once approved your name will be added to our approved volunteer list. To save on
the cost of the criminal record check, a letter indicating you are wishing to volunteer can be
picked up at the school prior to conducting the check with the local RCMP detachment.

A Volunteer’s Code of Ethics

1. Respect the confidentiality of the teacher and the children.
2. Remember that the teacher is the professional in charge of the classroom.
3. Strive for acceptance of all the children.
4. Notify the teacher in advance if you would like to volunteer in the classroom.
5. Be dependable.
6. Understand that the classroom is designed as a place of learning,

Volunteer Drivers
Grasslands promotes the use of school buses whenever possible but permits the use of private
vehicles for student transportation when other means are not available, or it is deemed to be in
the best interest of the students and supervisory personnel. We would like to thank all of our
volunteers for the important contribution you are making to the education of the children at Tilley
School

School Advisory Council

School advisory councils are collective associations of parents, teachers, principals, staff,
students and community representatives who seek to work together to promote the well-being
and effectiveness of the entire school community and enhance student learning. A school
advisory council is a means to facilitate cooperation among all the concerned participants in the
local school community. Effective school advisory councils reflect the priorities and attitudes of
the school parents and the community at large. School advisory councils do not make unilateral
decisions about what happens in a local school. They are participants in the decision-making
process along with teachers, the principal and the school board. They can also participate in the
development of initiatives in the school’s three year plan and review the annual budget to
provide feedback to the administrator.

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