SMS Family Calendar Working 2015-2016

SPRINGVALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
2015-2016 Family Calendar
350 Ziprick Road - Kelowna, BC V1X 4H3 - 250-870-5111 - www.sms.sd23.bc.ca
SMS TIMETABLE
Time
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
9:00 – 9:25
KAT
KAT
KAT
KAT
KAT
B
R
E
A
K
C
H
(25 min)
9:28 -10:25
(57min)
10:25 -10:40
(15min)
10:40 – 11:37
Enrichment
(57min)
11:37 – 12:34
Enrichment
(57min)
12:34 – 1:19
(45min)
1:19 – 2:16
(57min)
2:16 – 3:14
(58 min)
L
U
N
Settings
Respect
Excellence
Accountability
Cooperation
Honesty
Cafeteria & Forum
Use your inside voice
Use polite words
Clean up after yourself
Be a role model for others
Offer help to others when
needed
Make nutritious choices
Line up appropriately
Open doors slowly
Allow everyone to sit
Follow adult instructions
Don't budge
Keep food & drink in the
cafeteria or forum
Bathroom
Respect privacy
Take care of equipment
Keep bathroom clean
Put litter in garbage bin
Wash your hands
Return to class as soon as
possible
Choose an appropriate
time to use the washroom
Let an adult know if there
is a mess
Return to class ASAP
Don't ask to use
washroom to get out of
class
Hallways
Keep hands and feet to
yourself
Use calm voices
Clean up after yourself
Offer help to others when
needed
Be a role model to others
Provide space for other
students to walk
Be on time and prepared for
your next class
Follow rules without adult
reminders
Don't block hallways in
large groups / sitting on
floor
Take food to cafeteria or
forum
NO eating in the
hallways
Gymnasium
Use polite words
Accept skill differences
Participate to the best of
your ability
Invite others to participate
/ play
Return equipment to equipment
room when finished
Play by the rules
Follow rules without adult
reminders
Take turns
DO NOT eat in the gym
Play fair
Library
Use polite words
Use calm voices
Clean up after yourself
Offer help to others when
needed
Find interesting reading
material
Return items by due date; pay
for lost / damaged items
Keep food and drink OUT of
the library
Fire Drill /Assemblies
Stay quiet to allow
adults to speak to you if
necessary
Keep hands and feet to
yourself
Move quickly and quietly
from the building
Be a role model
Listen to the presenter
Clap when finished
Offer help to others when
needed (ie hold open your
door); Enter and exit the gym
/ field in an orderly (single file)
manner
Push in chairs
Follow rules without adult
reminders
Take turns with
computers
Follow adult instructions
Take turns answering
questions
Always sign out items
you wish to borrow;
Stay off inappropriate
web sites when using
computers
Line up in your KAT
line
Sit in assigned areas
Social Media
Use appropriate &
respectful language online
Post appropriate items
on sites
Budget the time spent on
the computer; making
sure that it does not
interfere with other areas
of your life
Report internet bullying &
other unsafe internet activities
Keep your cell phone in your
locker 9:00 am to 3:05 pm
Remember to log off of
your network account
Use social networking
sites for positive
interactions with others
Remember that copying
others' work is illegal
Use school computers
for school activities only
No food or drink when
using computers
August 30-31/September 2015
SUNDAY
August 30
WEB Training
On
August 27 & 28
6
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
31
September 1
2
3
4
5
10
11
Grade 8 Assembly
Tour SMS
12
18
19
New Staff Orientation
9:00 am
Gr 6 Orientation
9:00 – 11:30 am
Gr 7 Orientation
12:30 – 3:00 pm
September 7
Labour Day
Student Registration / Summer Institute Pro-D
8
School Opens
Dismissal @ 11:50 am
MyEducation Basics
for Tchrs 1 Hour
9
Grade 6 Assembly
Tour SMS
Grade 7 Assembly
Tour SMS
OE Parent/Student Mtg
6:00-7:00 pm
KAT Olympiad Week
13
14
Tour SMS
15
Tour SMS
16
Staff Mtg 7:30 am
PAC Meeting 6 pm
OE Hike to Pin Cushion
Tour SMS
17
KAT Olympiad
9:30 to 12:34
District Wide Early
Release Day 12:00
House Assembly - PM
Photo Day
20
21
22
23
24
KAT Voice
1 rep from each KAT
Meet in Lib. At Lunch
Gr 6 Immunization
25
26
29
Fire Drill 10:15 am
30
Terry Fox Run
1:19 pm
October 1
2
WCRA & SWW Ends
3
Fire Drill 9:10 am
Bistro Opens
27
28
SWW Begins
WCRA Begins
Outdoor Education – Manning Park Overnight trip
Attribute of a Learner Focus for September: Collaborator
Springvalley Middle School Work Ethic Rubric
R
Respect
E
Excellence
A
Accountability
C
Cooperation
H
Honesty
G
(GOOD)
S
(SATISFACTORY)
N
(NEEDS IMPROVEMENT)
 You always participate
enthusiastically, have a
positive attitude, are an
active listener and are a
supporter of other’s ideas.
 You always put forth your
best effort on assignments,
asks for and accepts extra
help when needed, and
demonstrate understanding
and application of the
concepts taught.
 You always complete your
work in a timely manner (in
class or at home), arrive in
class on time with required
materials, and minimize
your class time disruptions
(requests to leave class, off
task behaviors etc.)
 You always solve minor
problems on your own,
respect the emotional and
physical boundaries of
others, contribute to
discussions in class, and
demonstrate leadership
qualities.
 You always follow the
class rules and school code
of conduct without
reminders, are honest about
infractions, and you ‘do the
right thing.’
 You usually participate
enthusiastically, have a
positive attitude, are an
active listener and are a
supporter of other’s ideas.
 You usually put forth your
best effort on assignments,
asks for and accepts extra
help when needed, and
demonstrate understanding
and application of the
concepts taught.
 You usually complete your
work in a timely manner (in
class or at home), arrive in
class on time with required
materials, and minimize your
class time disruptions
(requests to leave class, off
task behaviors etc.)
 You usually solve minor
problems on your own,
respect the emotional and
physical boundaries of others,
contribute to discussions in
class, and demonstrate
leadership qualities.
 Greater effort is needed to improve
your enthusiastic participation,
positive attitude, active listening and
supporting of other’s ideas.
 You usually follow the class
rules and school code of
conduct without reminders,
are honest about infractions,
and you ‘do the right thing.’
 Greater effort is needed to follow
the class rules and school code of
conduct without reminders, to be
honest about infractions, and to ‘do
the right thing.’
 Greater effort is needed to put forth
your best effort on assignments, to
ask for and accept extra help when
needed, and to demonstrate an
understanding and application of the
concepts taught.
 Greater effort is needed to complete
your work in a timely manner (in class
or at home), to arrive in class on time
with required materials, and to
minimize your class time disruptions
(requests to leave class, off task
behaviors etc.)
 Greater effort is needed to solve
minor problems on your own, to
respect the emotional and physical
boundaries of others, to contribute to
discussions in class, and to
demonstrate leadership qualities.
October 2015
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
30
October 1
2
WCRA & SWW Ends
3
REACH Focus for October: RESPECT
September 27
28
29
Fire Drill 10:15 am
OE – Manning Park Overnight trip 2 nights/3 days
4
5
6
7
8
9
Interims go home
Implementation Day
No School
10
Interims to students to take to teaching teams
11
12
13
14
Thanksgiving Day
No School
18
25
19
20
Earthquake Drill
9:45 am
PAC Mtg 6:00 p.m.
21
WE Day 2015
Vancouver
26
27
28
15
5671
Student Conferences
2-4 5-7
Dismissal @ 1:00pm
22
Photo Retake Day
PM
29
KAT Voice
1 rep from each KAT
Meet in Lib. At Lunch
16
2345
17
Parent Conferences
By Appointment Only
Dismissal @ 1:00 pm
23
Professional
Development Day
No School
24
30
31
Hallowe'en Assembly
Phone: (250) 870-5111
Fax:
(250) 870-5011
Website: www.sms.sd23.bc.ca
SPRINGVALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
“A Community of Learners…and Leaders”
THE SCHOOL WE ARE
FACTS IN BRIEF
Welcome to Springvalley Middle School. The
staff at our school is dedicated to teaching
every student how to achieve to the best of their
ability and to recognize achievement as it
applies to each individual.
Population: Expected for September 2015
Students: 425
Teachers: 27
Non-teaching staff: 26
Grades: 6, 7, 8
MISSION STATEMENT:
Through the Growth Goal process, and with
parent, student, staff and community input, our
mission statement was developed and revised to
reflect the growth that continues to take place at
Springvalley Middle School.
The purpose of Springvalley Middle School
is to connect with students in a caring
environment that enables them to
demonstrate
Respect,
Excellence,
Accountability, Cooperation, and Honesty
(REACH).
SPRINGVALLEY MIDDLE
SCHOOL STUDENTS REACH
Facilities:
Classrooms - 34 including:
An open forum for student gatherings and
activities
Portables: 2
Applied Skills:
Wood Shop, Metal Shop and Foods Lab
Fine Arts:
Art Room, Band/Music Room, Drama Room,
Stage
Computer Labs:
There are 30 computers in the library. Students
will have access to wireless laptops in their
classrooms.
Science Labs: 4 large, equipped labs
LRC: includes a teacher-librarian and
technology-based resources
Gymnasium: a full size gym with mezzanine,
weight facility and bleachers
350 Ziprick Rd.
Kelowna B.C.
V1X 4H3
Cafeteria: seating for over 400 students and
secure office space for SMS PAC
Grounds: includes two outdoor basketball
courts, outside weight circuit training and large
playing fields
Career and Counselling Centre: includes our
Counselor and 2 Aboriginal Advocates
THE STUDENTS WE SERVE…
Who am I?
I don’t know!
I’m 11 - 15.
I’m changing.
I don’t like myself sometimes.
I’m up one minute and down the next.
I like to try new things.
I’m in the middle.
I wonder why all the time.
I can’t sit still.
I need lots of friends.
I like to succeed.
I need to feel secure.
I need some rules, but . . .
I need to be me!
November 2015
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
Lockdown Drill
10:50 am
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
PAC Mtg 6:00 pm
Remembrance Day
Assembly
10:20 – 11:20 am
Remembrance Day
17
18
19
20
Exploratory Term 1
Marks go home
21
24
25
26
KAT Voice
1 rep from each KAT
Meet in Lib. At Lunch
27
Cultural Performance
Peter & Chris
2:00 p.m.
28
15
16
Exploratory
Term 1 Ends
No School
Exploratory
Term 2 Begins
22
23
29
30
REACH Focus for November: Excellence
OUR CORE VALUES AT SPRINGVALLEY
The middle school program is designed to meet the unique needs
of the early adolescent. Middle schools were created to help the
adolescent successfully move through this important stage of life.
For a school to be successful, students, staff and parents must be
committed to a clearly defined set of core values. The National
Middle School Association has developed a set of core values that
characterize developmentally responsive middle schools. All
middle schools in School District 23 support these core values:
DEVELOPMENTALLY RESPONSIVE MIDDLE SCHOOLS
ARE CHARACTERIZED BY:
Educators committed to young adolescents
A shared vision
High expectations for all
An adult advocate for every child
Family and community partnerships
A positive school climate
THEREFORE, DEVELOPMENTALLY
RESPONSIVE MIDDLE SCHOOLS PROVIDE:
Curriculum that is challenging, integrative and exploratory
Varied teaching and learning approaches
Assessment and evaluation that promote learning
Flexible organizational structures
Programs and policies that foster health, wellness and safety
Comprehensive guidance and support services
COOPERATIVE DISCIPLINE
Our core values also support a strong model of cooperative
discipline that involves parents, students and all school staff in
a common model for dealing with the needs of adolescents.
This model relies on all staff using a consistent approach in
both dealing with student misbehaviours and building selfesteem in students. We encourage parents to participate in the
cooperative discipline process by developing and carrying out
home strategies that parallel the school action plans for their
child.
THE THREE Cs
The middle school philosophy believes that all students have specific
needs, which, if met, will ensure success at school and at home. We
strongly support the following:
Capable:
All students need to feel capable of completing the tasks given to
them in a manner that meets the standards of the school.
Connected:
All students need to be able to connect successfully with both their
peers and the adults in the school.
Contributing:
All students need to know that they can contribute in a significant
way to some aspect of school life.
We believe that if students feel they are capable, connected and
contributing to an environment of active learning that is visible to
others, enjoyed and celebrated, they will then meet with success.
December 2015
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
November 29
November 30
1
2
3
4
SATURDAY
5
Attribute Focus
for December:
Contributor
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
PAC mtg 6:00 pm
15
16
17
Term 1
Recognition
Assemblies
Report Cards Issued
18
Assembly - PM
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Merry Christmas
26
Boxing Day
31
January 1
Happy New Year!
2
Winter Break
27
28
29
30
Winter Break
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
The middle school curriculum is based on student needs and balances
academic goals with other human development needs. Each student in grade
6, 7 and 8 will receive:
English
Science
Social Studies
Math
Physical Education: A quality P.E. program is provided for all students on a
rotating basis. This program offers a diverse number of opportunities to
develop life-long skills and attitudes toward healthy living.
Health and Career Education: This curriculum includes career exploration
and the development of planning skills (study habits, goal setting, etc.)
In Grade 6, 7 and 8 students will take:
KAT (Kids and Teachers)
It is important that every youngster has an adult who knows him or her
well and is in a position to give individual attention. KAT is an advisory
program that provides students with regular opportunities for interaction
with a small group of peers and a caring adult. At Springvalley Middle
School our school day begins with KAT.
KAT sessions provide opportunities to share ideas and to discuss matters of
interest and experiences. Groups will also participate in a wide variety of
activities, including study skills, fundraising, and hampers for the needy at
Christmas.
Enrichment: Each Wednesday students will be able to select from a number
of different opportunities to enhance their learning at a deeper level four (4)
times throughout the year.
French as a second language
Exploratories – this includes an exploratory program of some of the
following:
Foods
Metalwork
Sewing
Keyboarding
Woodwork
Digital Literacy
Fine Arts: Grade 6, 7 & 8 students receive an exploratory program of band,
visual and performing arts. In grade 8, students choose between band or
general arts.
TEAMING:
At Springvalley Middle School we have implemented the teaming concept
for Grades 6, 7 and 8. Teaming brings together several teachers and a
common group of students. Teachers come to know their students very well
and better communication with parents is achieved.
Health and Career Education (HACE) program for adolescents
It is important to incorporate into the middle school curriculum programs
that help students develop a positive self-concept and skills in decision
making. Our HACE curriculum, planned by teachers according to Ministry
guidelines, provides such a program.
Daily Physical Activity: Students will be encouraged to make healthy
lifestyle choices and to be active on a daily basis.
January 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
December 27
28
29
30
31
1
2
Winter Break
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
First day of school
after Winter Break
10
11
PAC mtg 6:00 pm
12
13
14
15
16
17
Family Life →
18
19
20
21
22
23
Satisfaction Surveys
begin
24 / 31
Family Life →
25
REACH Focus for
January:
Accountability
26
27
28
KAT Voice
1 rep from each KAT
Meet in Lib. At Lunch
29
Exploratory
Term 2 Ends
30
Springvalley Middle School CODE OF CONDUCT
This Code of Conduct applies to any student who is on school property, who is in
attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any
time or place, including to and from school and/or online behaviour, that negatively
impacts the safe, caring, or orderly environment of the school, and/or student
learning.
staff and parents, detentions and community service, with a focus on consequences
that are restorative in nature.
Special consideration may apply to students with special needs if they are unable to
comply with our Code of Conduct.
More serious violations of the Code of Conduct are dealt with in the following ways:
MAJOR OFFENCES
Expectations:
Springvalley Middle School promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights
Code respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law – prohibiting
discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status,
family status, physical or mental disability, sex or sexual orientation – in respect of
discriminatory publication and discrimination in accommodation, service and facility in
the school environment. The school will treat seriously any behaviour that
contravenes the grounds set out in the BC Human Rights Code.
Misbehaviour:









At S.M.S. we value, and agree to conduct ourselves, in a manner consistent with our
REACH mission statement:
Respect (showing consideration for self, others and property)
Excellence (striving to produce quality work)
Accountability (taking ownership of actions)
Cooperation (working together towards a common goal)
Honesty (acting and communicating truthfully)
Student Rights and Responsibilities:
1. Students have the right to learn. Students have the responsibility to actively
participate and be responsible learners
2. Students have the right to be respected. Students have the responsibility to
respect others (not to bully, tease, pick on, or harass others).
3. Students have the right to be safe. Students have the responsibility to behave in
a safe manner and to protect the safety of others.
4. Students have the right to privacy and security of personal space. Students have
the responsibility to respect the property and privacy of others (students, staff
and community).
5. Students have the right to use school equipment and property. Students have the
responsibility to use the equipment and property according to all applicable
rules and with care and respect.
We recognize that most members of our school community conduct
themselves in a positive and responsible manner. From time to time, violations of
the Code of Conduct will occur, and when these infrequent violations occur,
parents/guardians could be contacted. Violations of the Code of Conduct that are
minor are dealt with in a variety of ways, including meetings with students, school



repeat offender of minor offences
willful disobedience
entering into a power struggle with an adult
inappropriate touching/language
spitting/gleaking
leaving campus without permission
involvement as a witness or participating in a serious offence
tampering with the property of others
pain or injury to another person (bullying, teasing, tripping, intimidating,
harassing, pushing, swearing, or kicking)
Consequences:
attend a meeting with staff member(s) and in most cases, with parent(s) to discuss
both a plan to improve behaviour and the consequence (parent will view a copy of
‘Action Plan’ form that was completed by the student)
complete an assignment as per plan (including any related worksheets, classroom
sessions, counselling or referral to outside agencies)
accept the consequence as agreed upon
SERIOUS OFFENCES
The following serious offences may lead to a Definite Suspension, an Indefinite
Suspension and/or a Restorative Justice referral:
Repeat offender of major offences, truancy, use or possession of weapons, defiance,
uttering threats, smoking, sexual harassment, vandalism, assault, fighting, theft, use
of alcohol, drugs and/or drug paraphernalia
If there is sufficient evidence, in the opinion of the administrative officer that a student
while under school supervision has violated a federal or provincial statute, the matter
shall be reported to the R.C.M.P. and the student’s parents.
This document is regularly revised in consultation with staff, parents and students.
February 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
January 31
1
Exploratory
Term 3 Begins
2
3
4
5
Exploratory Term 2
Marks go home
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
19
20
7
Family Day
School Closed
EOL Presentations
Prep for Exhibitions of Learning
14
15
16
PAC mtg 6:00 pm
21
28
22
29
Leap Day!
Once every 4 years!
17
18
Professional
Development
Day
School Closed
Harmony Day
23
24
25
KAT Voice
1 rep from each KAT
Meet in Lib. At Lunch
26
27
Term 2 Marks
to office
REACH Focus for February:
Co-operation
DISTRICT INFORMATION
All middle schools in School District 23 have a set of common policies, which
help to promote the healthy growth and development of their students.
STUDENT APPEARANCE
The following regulations pertain to the dress of students:
 Clothes and appearance must not create a distractive or disruptive
situation in the classroom or present a hazard to the student or to others.
 Clothing with bare midriffs or low-cut fronts and beachwear are not
permitted. Undergarments must remain unseen at all times. No tank
tops and all tops must provide adequate coverage of cleavage and torso.
No bare backs or bras showing. Shorts and skirts must be suitable in
length for a work environment.
 Clothing/jewelry with references to drugs, alcohol, sex, violence,
prejudice or profanity is not permitted.
 Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
 Headgear is not to be worn in the school building at any time.
(Hats/Bandanas/Hoodies)
 Outside jackets are to be left in lockers.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOURS
 It is not appropriate for middle years' students to display behaviours of
a romantic or sexual nature at school.
TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT
When accessing electronic communication systems and social media, students
are expected to:
 demonstrate appropriate digital citizenship, both during and outside of
school hours.
 practice safe online behaviour and report any inappropriate
communication or distribution of harmful material to an adult
immediately.
 respect the privacy of others including but not limited to the sharing of
photos, videos and personal information. Due to privacy issues, the
only students permitted to take pictures at school are those students
taking pictures for an approved course. Permission must be given by
both the staff member(s) and/or student(s) being photographed.
Students who take pictures with their cellular phones/personal cameras
without permission are in violation of the Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act, and will have these items confiscated and the
pictures deleted.
 ensure that personal use of electronic communication systems neither
interferes, with nor distracts from, their learning or the learning of
others.
Teachers have the professional autonomy to permit or deny the use of
personal electronic devices in their classroom at any time. The school
will not be held responsible for any misplaced, lost or stolen items
brought to school. Students should not be using their cell phones to call
home when they are ill. For safety reasons, a staff member will call if a
student needs to go home due to illness.
Laser pointers are not to be brought to school.
VISITORS TO THE OFFICE
All visitors to the school must report to the office and state their reason
for visiting the school. Students are asked to make after school
arrangements to meet friends who do not attend this school off of school
property.
CLOSED CAMPUS
All middle schools in SD 23 are closed campuses.
 Students may not leave the school campus at any time during the school
day.
 Students who go home for lunch are required to bring a note of
permission from their parent. This permission does not extend to
friends.
SKATEBOARDS/BICYCLES/SCOOTERS
 Students may not skateboard on SMS property.
 Bikes should be walked on school property. Helmets must be worn if
participating in a school-based biking activity.
 The school will not assume any responsibility for loss/damage to
bicycles.
SMOKING, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Cigarette smoking is a health hazard both for the smoker and anyone in the
vicinity of the smoke.
 All middle schools in SD 23 are part of a Drug Free Zone. This means
that there is zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol being used or
distributed at school or anywhere within the school’s Drug-Free zone.
 It is illegal for anyone under the age of sixteen to be in possession of
cigarettes. This means that smoking is not permitted anywhere within
the school, on school grounds or within sight of the school. Students
may not smoke at any school sponsored field trip or activity.
 Cigarettes and other smoking paraphernalia (e-cigarettes/vaporizers)
are not permitted at school.
 Students are not permitted to possess or consume caffeine-containing
energy products on school property as the effect of these products is in
conflict with the school’s stated mission.
March 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
February 28
29
1
2
3
4
5
Attribute Focus
for March:
Innovator
Leap Day!
Once every 4 years!
6
13
7
PAC mtg 6:00 pm
14
8
15
9
16
10
Term 2
Recognition
Assemblies
Report Cards Issued
11
Assembly – PM
12
Last day of school
before Spring Break
17
18
19
24
25
26
Spring Break
20
21
22
23
Spring Break
Good Friday
School Closed
27
28
29
Welcome Back!
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
School Closed
First day back to
school after
Springbreak
30
31
KAT Voice
1 rep from each KAT
Meet in Lib. At Lunch
April 1
2
Strategies for Student Success
Research has shown that when students learn to balance school assignments,
extra curricular activities, home commitments and their social life, they have
more time for creativity and problem solving - and they're less stressed!
As students enter or continue in middle school, they are faced with more
choices, activities and demands on their time. It is even more important that
they learn solid organizational and study skills.
At Springvalley Middle School, our goal is to help students "Learn How to
Learn". We do this in a variety of ways.
All students will receive instruction in Study Skills during KAT Block.
During this unit they will learn about homework, time management,
organization, studying for tests and learning styles.
The Agenda is used to record homework, test results, meetings, practices and
items that were completed at school each day.
In addition, students will be expected to supply the following basics:
- a set of seven subject index tabs
- lined and unlined binder paper
- pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, geometry set
- calculator
- pencil crayons and/or felts
Your child may wish to purchase the following optional items:
- scissors, glue stick, tape, pencil sharpener
- thesaurus, pocket dictionary
Note: The use of "white-out" is discouraged by many teachers. Check with
your child's teachers before purchasing this product.
A few other specialty items may be requested by teachers. However,
sufficient warning will be given to allow students the time to purchase these.
Students will receive instruction on the most effective uses of any planning
system. Student goal setting is recorded in the agenda so individuals can
chart their progress in this area.
DID YOU KNOW??
All students should be doing homework EVERY EVENING. Work that is
assigned to be completed at home is just one small part of homework. Your
child should also be reading nightly for 20 minutes and reviewing for any
future assignments and/or tests.
The Agenda also serves as a way for parents to communicate with the school.
Parents are encouraged to review the Agenda weekly with their child.
Contact a school administrator or your child’s teacher if you would like
information on how to help your child with homework.
“Smart is not something that you are....
Smart is something that you can get.”
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
The S.M.S. Material and Time Management System includes a three
ringed binder (2 inch ) with a zippered closure. This system allows students
to house everything in one safe and convenient place. Students are taught the
process of "pruning" their notes for organizational and study purposes.
SCHOOL FEES
Cultural and Activity Fee - $30.00: This fee covers the cost of the
cultural assembly program which is offered at each school and includes the
cost of lock rentals, student planners, and other student equipment/activity
needs. Optional purchase of Yearbook – $40.00
Music Program Fee – $30.00. This fee covers licensing, sheet music,
production, sound systems etc. If you rent an instrument from the school it
will be a further $50.00 which covers cleaning, repairs, & replacement.
Further information will be provided by the band teacher in early
September.
Payment Options: We encourage parents to use the safe and secure on
line service at https//CentralOkanagan.SchoolCashOnline.com. Payment
by cash and cheques are still accepted at the office.
April 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Cultural Performance
Rainbow Dance
9:00 a.m.
9
10
11
PAC mtg 6:00 pm
12
13
14
15
Exploratory
Term 3 Ends
16
17
18
Exploratory
Term 4 Begins
19
20
21
KAT Voice
1 rep from each KAT
Meet in Lib. At Lunch
22
Exploratory Term 3
Marks go home
23
24
25
26
27
28
Parent Conferences
By Appointment Only
Dismissal @1:00 pm
29
30
REACH Focus
for April:
Honesty
Reporting Student Progress
At Springvalley Middle School, our reporting procedures inform parents of:
 how well the student is achieving in relation to the Provincial Learning
Outcomes;
 what areas of improvement are required; and,
 what support is available to the student to assist in achieving these goals.
This year, students will receive three formal report cards and two interim
reports. The dates for these reports are listed in our calendar.
SYMBOLS
The following symbols are used to report your child's progress:
Achievement:
A:
B:
C+:
C:
C-:
I:
F:
Excellent Achievement
Very Good Achievement
Good Achievement
Satisfactory Achievement
Minimally Acceptable Achievement
Work In Progress (Incomplete)
Fail
Effort:
G:
S:
N:
Is working harder than average
Satisfactory effort
Effort needs improvement
encourage you to take advantage of three-way conferencing. This is when
parents, students and teachers meet to discuss student progress and work
together to develop goals for the next term.
Studies show that communication between the home and school improves
when parents and students are both involved in conferencing. Please bring
your child to school conferences so that s/he hears both the positive
information and the strategies that will bring about improvement.
RECOGNITION LISTS
Students receive a Certificate of Merit for achieving any of the following
standings:
Work Ethic: 6 or more Gs/ no Ns
Principal’s List: 3.7 GPA or better/ no Ns
Honour Roll: 3.0 GPA (B average)
Students must have a minimum of 5 letter grades per
term to allow for calculation of their GPA
Recognition Events
At the end of every term there will be award assemblies to recognize
academic excellence. At year end there will be award assemblies to
recognize academic excellance, athletic excellence and excellence in
regard to behaviours identified in our REACH acronym as well as our
SD#23 Attributes of a Learner
Written Comments
Written comments are included with each report. These comments should
provide you with more specific information regarding your child's progress.
The progress report cover includes a section for both parents and students to
respond to the report. This provides you with a set procedure in which to
celebrate your child's successes and discuss ways that performance or effort
can be improved.
CONFERENCES
At various times throughout the year the school schedules conference days,
but parents may arrange individual or group meetings with teachers to
discuss academic and/or personal issues at any time. We would like to
What is an "I"?
If your child receives an “I” on his/her report card it means that s/he has
not yet mastered the minimum requirements of the course. Students will
advance to the next level of their program when they have reached at least
a minimum level of competency in their courses. It provides students with
more opportunities to improve their learning and increases the level of
student responsibility for their education.
If you are unclear about the grading practices that are used on your child's
report or would like additional information about this reporting process,
please contact the school.
May 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
PAC mtg 6:00 pm
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
KAT Voice
1 rep from each KAT
Meet in Lib. At Lunch
27
28
Fire Drill 9:10 am
Victoria Day
School Closed
OE – Ok Mtn Park Overnight trip
29
30
31
June 1
2
3
4
ATTENDANCE
Not only is regular attendance a legal requirement, it is also a major
factor contributing to a student's success. A close reporting of student
attendance is, therefore, a major feature of this school.
Parents are asked to call the school if your child will be absent or
send a written note to excuse your child from school.
Each student will be asked to choose at least two "Homework
Buddies" in their classes. These will be the people your son or
daughter will contact if they need to find out their homework
assignment during an absence from school. We encourage you to
contact the parents of your child's homework buddies to help the
students become familiar with this process. Homework buddies
name(s) should be listed on the first page of the student agenda.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
At the beginning of the year, each student will be assigned a school
lock and locker. Personal locks are not to be used. Student lockers
remain the property of the school and the school retains access to the
lockers throughout the year. They may be opened where the school
administration deems it necessary. A replacement fee of $6.00 will be
charged to students who have lost their locks. In order to ensure
students' belongings are safe, lock combinations and lockers must not
be shared. STUDENTS ARE NOT to give their locker combination to
any other student or leave anything of value unlocked in the gym
change rooms. All backpacks must remain in students’ lockers and are
not permitted in classrooms due to tripping hazards.
Students are not to bring unnecessary items, valuables, or large
amounts of money to school. The school is not responsible for
stolen/missing items. Students are to safeguard their valuables by
keeping them on their person or turning them in to the office for
safekeeping.
All equipment, books, sports clothing, musical instruments and
other school items should be marked with the student’s name.
If an item is lost, students should immediately report the loss to their
teacher and check the “Lost and Found”. It is recommended that items
of value brought to school on a regular basis (e.g., band instruments)
be insured through your homeowner’s policy.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
School District No. 23 does not insure expenses for student injuries
that happen on school grounds or during school activities. It is possible
for parents and guardians to voluntarily purchase private accident
insurance at a reasonable cost.
Application forms for a program underwritten by Industrial-Alliance
Pacific Insurance will be sent home with students at the beginning of
the school year.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
At Springvalley Middle School, students are encouraged to become
involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Our staff
members volunteer their time to sponsor these activities and
appreciate any parent support and assistance. Please encourage your
child to GET INVOLVED! Check with the administration for more
information about these activities:
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
Cross-country
Track and Field
Basketball
Volleyball
Golf
Office Monitors

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Guitar Club
Homework Club (AI)
Cafeteria Helpers
School Store
Fly tying Club
and many more…
June 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
May 29
30
31
June 1
2
3
SATURDAY
4
Attribute Focus
for June:
Learner
5
12
6
8
9
10
11
PAC mtg 6:00 pm
7
Grade 8 Celebration
Green Bay Camp
13
14
15
16
KAT Voice
1 rep from each KAT
Meet in Lib. At Lunch
17
18
24
Presentation of
Learning
25
Presentations of Learning - Preparation
19
26
20
Term 3 Marks
to office
27
Completion Day
Feeder Schools Gr 5
students to SMS
9:30-11:30 am
21
Recognition
Assemblies
Year Book
Distribution at
Lunch time
22
Presentation of
Learning
23
Presentation of
Learning
28
Completion Day
29
Report Cards Issued
30
Administration Day
Students'
Last day of school
9:00 – 10:00 am
For Staff only
POL Completion Assemblies - PM
July 1
Canada Day
2
Middle Level Students are Unique
(from “Schools in the Middle” – March 2000)
Middle level students, the 11 to 14-year-olds who attend grades 5-8,
experience unique physical, psychological, social, intellectual, moral, and
ethical developmental characteristics. These include:
Physical Development
 Accelerated physical development marked by increases in
weight, height, heart size, lung capacity, and muscular strength
 Maturation at varying rates of speed
 Faster bone growth than muscle development
 Wide range of differences in prepubertal and pubertal stages of
development, with boys lagging behind girls
 Biological development five years sooner than adolescents of the
last century
 Responsibility for sexual behavior before emotional and social
maturity have occurred
 Changes in bodily features
 Anxiety about physical changes
 Ravenous appetites
Psychological Development
 Erratic and inconsistent behavior
 Chemical and hormonal imbalances
 Easily offended and sensitive to criticism
 Tend to exaggerate and believe that personal problems,
experiences, feelings are unique to themselves
 Moody, restless, self-conscious, introspective
 Searching for adult identity and acceptance
 Searching to form a conscious sense of individual uniqueness
 Optimistic and hopeful
Social Development

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Face traumatic conflicts due to conflicting loyalties to peer
groups and family
May be rebellious toward parents but still strongly dependent
upon parental values
Affected by high level of mobility in society
Often confused by new settings
Act out unusual behavior at times – aggressive, daring,
boisterous, argumentative
Fiercely loyal to peer group values
Need frequent affirmation from adults
Establish positive social relationships with members of same and
opposite sex
Challenge authority figures; test limits
Intellectual Development
 Intensely curious
 Prefer active to passive learning experiences and interaction
with peers during learning activities
 Enjoy using skills to solve real-life problems
 Egocentric, argue to convince others; exhibit independent,
critical though
 Consider academic goals as secondary to personal and social
concerns
 Experience metacognition-the ability to know what one knows
and does not know
 Display a wide range of individual intellectual development
while making the transition from the concrete-manipulatory
stage to the capacity for abstract thought
Moral and Ethical Development
 Essential idealistic with strong sense of fairness in human
relationships
 Ask large, unanswerable questions about the meaning of life
 Reflective, analytical, and introspective about thoughts and
feelings
 Confront hard moral and ethical questions for which they are
unprepared to cope
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Springvalley Middle School maintains a community partnership with
Windsor Manor. This partnership supports the middle school core value of
service learning as it allows our students to become meaningfully and
actively involved in activities and projects with the senior residents at
Windsor Manor.
We encourage parents to come out and support this community partnership
by volunteering their time to help with our service projects.
The role of the PAC is also to advise parents on how to present their
individual concerns to the school and to ensure that an appropriate
procedure is in place so that these concerns are heard at the school or if
required, at the district level. For your information the following process
should be used:
Appeal Bylaw #501
Parents and guardians of a student who is entitled to an educational
program in SD#23 may appeal the decision of an employee of the school
board, which significantly affects the education, health, or safety of a
student. The following steps should be followed:
THE PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Your Voice at the School Level
WHAT?
The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is the officially recognized
voice of parents at the school level.
WHY?
Many schools already had parent groups prior to the introduction
of the new School Act in 1989. PACs simply make a good idea
official. The School Act requires that School Boards recognize
PACs when so requested by parents.
WHO?
The PAC is composed of parents registered in the school. School
staff may be invited to meetings.
HOW?
The PAC meets on a regular basis to consider school issues of
concern to parents and to organize presentations and topics of
interest to parents.
WHEN?
On Tuesday, September 8th at 6:00 p.m. Springvalley Middle
School parents are invited to the first PAC meeting of the
2015/2016 school year. Please plan to attend this very important
evening.
THE PURPOSE OF THE S.M.S. PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
IS...
... to communicate with parents about school programs, policies and
activities. The PAC has a regular system of communication, which
includes a newsletter, an information bulletin board, information mailings
to parents and monthly meetings, which are open to all parents.
1. Parent will meet with employee to solve the problem, e.g. teacher
2. Parent will meet with the employee’s supervisor to solve the
problem, e.g. principal
3. Parent will meet with the superintendent or designate to solve the
problem, e.g. Director
If at this point the issue remains unsolved and the parent is not satisfied,
the parent has the right to a final appeal to the board. Details of this
process are available at the school.
This district policy is in place to help ensure that effective communication
is part of the problem solving process and that parents and schools work
as partners in providing quality education to their students.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED??
There are many opportunities for parents to become involved in the
education process at S.M.S. Any of the following areas would benefit from
increased parent involvement:
School Planning Council, driver for field trips, classroom helper,
planning committees, hot lunch program, assisting sports coaches,
Grade 5 BBQ, Grade 8 Celebration.
The Springvalley PAC is very involved in all areas of school life. The
administration, staff and parents are working hard to be equal partners in the
education of our children. The PAC at S.M.S. has an area located off our
cafeteria. Please feel welcome to visit.
LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER
Students, parents, and staff of SMS are invited to use the resources and
facilities of the Library Resource Centre (the LRC).
The LRC contains books for recreational reading as well as for completing
research assignments. There are magazines, audiotapes, videotapes and
DVDs that students, parents and staff may borrow. A parent resource
section containing items of particular interest to the parents of adolescents
is also part of the LRC.
During the school day, it is the teaching of information skills that is the core
of the LRC program at SMS. Our students learn how to locate, record, and
organize information and then to communicate it to others. Classroom
teachers work with the teacher-librarian to provide students with as many
opportunities as possible to learn and practice these skills that will be so
important to our students’ success in the future. The LRC is open during all
school hours as well as before school, lunch break, and after school.
Technology is important to the services and operation of the LRC. The
catalog of school and library resources is computerized and available from
student laptops and LRC computer stations, as well as from the internet.
Encyclopedias, full-text magazines and newspapers, and other information
sources are also available from laptops and computer stations.
In addition to accessing information, LRC computer stations may also be
used for word processing and for producing audiovisual presentations using
various multimedia programs. Audiovisual production using the school’s
video cameras and editing programs are centered in the LRC too.
Information & Communication Technology support is also provided by the
teacher-librarian.
COUNSELLING and CAREERS
In-house counseling is available to assist students with their course
information, educational planning, career exploration and personal
concerns. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the counselling
department at any time by phoning the school or dropping by our
counseling centre.
GUARDIANSHIP
Occasionally concerns have been known to arise concerning the custody of
children after a divorce or other legal action. Please make an appointment
with a counsellor or administrator to discuss any special custody concerns
you may have. Also, please bring a copy of any restraining order or other
pertinent documents. Name changes can also be detailed at that time.
LOST and FOUND
Any clothing or items left behind by students are placed in the lost and
found which is located by the front entrance. Articles are kept for about
three months and if they remain unclaimed, are donated to the Thrift Shop.
Students and parents are encouraged to check the lost and found regularly
to reclaim misplaced belongings.
EMERGENCIY PREPARDNESS (Fire, Earthquake, Lock Down Drills)
Our school takes part in fire drills at least six times throughout the school
year. If you are in the building during one of our fire drills, please make
sure that you vacate the building through the closest exit and report to the
"Check in Station” on the back field.
GYM STRIP
Students are expected to change to suitable attire for their P.E. classes to
ensure freedom of movement and good health habits. Shorts or sweats, a Tshirt and running shoes are required. We encourage you to consider buying a
school T-shirt and shorts as your child’s P.E. uniform.