search

KLO Middle School Code of Conduct

The purpose of the École KLO Middle School Code of Conduct is to maintain a safe, caring and orderly environment for student learning. The Code of Conduct applies to any student: ·

  • On school property 
  • In attendance at school or any school-sponsored activity (field study, extra-curricular activity etc.) 
  • whose behavior at any time or place, including to and from school as well as online, has an effect on the school environment or student learning.​

EXPECTATIONS

The École KLO Middle School Code of Conduct promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the right of individuals in accordance with the law. All participants in school business, activities or events shall conduct themselves in a manner that does not contravene the BC Human Rights Code and its basic principles of respect and fairness. No person shall discriminate against another based on race, color, ancestry, gender, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation within the school environment or through the school system and its related function through publication or in accommodation, service or facility. 

At École KLO Middle School we value and agree to conduct ourselves in a manner that creates a school community which: 

  • honours diversity
  • fosters creativity
  • encourages adaptability
  • celebrates learning

STUDENTS RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITES

  • Students have the right to learn and the responsibility to actively participate and be responsible learners. 
  • Students have the right to be safe and the responsibility to behave in a safe manner and to protect the safety of others. 
  • Students have the right to privacy and security of personal space and the responsibility to respect the property and privacy of others (students, staff and community). 
  • Students have the right to use student equipment and property and the responsibility to use the equipment and property according to all application rules and with care and respect.

TRUANCY

Truancy is defined as being absent from school without a valid reason. Truancy is a serious offence and will be dealt with accordingly by the school. Attendance is taken every period. Absences from school should occur only for valid reasons. Parents/Guardians need to sign out students if they are leaving during school hours.

VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

We recognize that most members of our school community conduct themselves in a positive and responsible manner. However occasionally, violations of the Code of Conduct will occur, and when these infrequent violations occur, parent/guardians will be contacted. Violations of the Code of Conduct that are minor are dealt with in a variety of ways, including meetings with students, school staff and parents. 

As students move through the grades in middle school there is a higher expectation of responsibility, therefore consequences for violations of the code of conduct may vary from grades 7 through 9. 

Special considerations may apply to students with diverse abilities, if they are unable to comply with the Code of Conduct due to having a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioral nature. The following page provides examples of major and serious violations of the Code of Conduct and do not constitute an entire list.

OFFENCES

  • Repeat offender of minor offences
  • Defiance
  • Inappropriate touching / language
  • Spitting
  • Leaving campus without permission (see “Closed Campus” section)
  • Involvement as a witness or participating in a serious offence
  • Tampering with the property of others
  • Pain or injury to another person (teasing, tripping, intimidating, harassing, pushing, swearing)

SERIOUS OFFENCES

  • The use of physical violence, verbal threats, bullying or any other forms of harassment (including sexual and racial) in or around the school
  • The use of technology (cell phones, texting, internet, e-mails, etc.) to bully, discriminate or harass another individual or group
  • Bringing weapons or potentially dangerous items to school
  • Causing a false fire alarm or tampering with fire extinguishers
  • Being under the influence of, or in possession of drugs including tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapes , alcohol or drug paraphernalia, while at school or at a school function
  • Causing willful damage (vandalism) to school property, or the property of school staff
  • Willful disobedience of school staff
  • The use of offensive language towards school staff or other students in the building
  • The theft of school property or the property of others
  • Truancy, or unexcused absences (includes leaving the school grounds without permission)

POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING THE CODE OF CONDUCT

Attend a meeting with staff member(s) and parent/guardian(s) to discuss both a plan to improve behaviour and an appropriate consequence. 

Appropriate consequences may include: 

  • Apology to heal the harm
  • Counselling or referral to outside agencies
  • Definite or indefinite suspension 

For the sake of the safety of the entire École KLO Middle School community, students are encouraged to report violations of the Code of Conduct to school staff. Students who come forward will have their anonymity protected.

CLOSED CAMPUS

All middle schools in the Central Okanagan Public Schools are closed campuses. Once school commences, students must stay on school grounds. The college campus, adjacent mini mall, church property, and any surrounding residential private properties are off limits to KLO students during school hours. Students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible members of the surrounding community, including travelling to and from school. Students are not permitted to order food delivery to the school from any online food delivery service.

DRESS CODE

Discussions of student dress require the careful balance of the individual’s right to self expression with the school’s responsibility to ensure an appropriate learning environment. Consideration is given to the health, safety and welfare of the school community. Although choices of student attire rest primarily with the parent and student, the dress code identifies standards that assist these decisions and identify expectations for our learning community. 

Our Administrative Team along with the PAC, offer guidelines so students learn to make good, independent decisions regarding their choice of clothing. All members of the school community are expected to dress in ways that are appropriate for their particular roles and show respect for themselves, others and the school. For safety reasons, footwear must be worn at all times. It is not appropriate to wear clothing that:

  • Make sexual references
  • Use inappropriate language
  • Depict or promote violence, racism or other discrimination
  • Is intimidating to others, has brand names that relate to profanity
  • Promote drugs and alcohol

SOCIAL BEHAVIOURS

It is not appropriate for middle school students to display behaviors of a sexual nature at school. Students will be reminded of this expectation if necessary and communication home may occur if the behavior continues. Only one student is allowed in a bathroom stall at a time due to health and safety reasons.

SMOKING, VAPORIZERS, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Vaping and smoking is a health hazard both for the vaper/smoker and anyone in the vicinity of the vape/smoke. It is illegal for anyone under the age of nineteen (19) to be in possession of vaping products or cigarettes. This means that vaping/smoking is not permitted anywhere within the school, on grounds or within sight of the school. Students may not vape/smoke at any school sponsored field study or activity. Cigarettes, vaporizers, e-cigarettes and other smoking paraphernalia are not permitted at school. All middle schools in the Central Okanagan Public Schools are drug free zones. This means that there is no tolerance for students in possession of, under the influence of, or associated with drugs or alcohol. This includes any school sponsored field study or activity. Offenders in a drug free zone can expect a maximum school suspension, RCMP involvement including a fine and a possibility of criminal charges.

SCHOOL SEARCH AND SEIZURE POLICY

Student searches (person, bags, lockers, belongings, etc.) may be made based on reasonable suspicions of a violation of school rules and/or law. The search shall be made pursuant to the reasonableness, under all the circumstances, of the search. The search of the student shall be justified at its inception, based on reasonable suspicion and reasonable scope in light of the age of the student.

BACKPACKS, BAGS, SATCHELS, PURSES and FANNY PACKS 

These items need to be stored in lockers. They are not permitted in classrooms, and are not to be worn or carried around during lunch time, unless requested by a teacher or staff member.

TECHNOLOGY POLICY

Students using computers and laptops at school are expected to use them responsibly and in compliance with the Central Okanagan School Public Schools Network Account and Internet Agreement; the Student Acceptable Use Guidelines; and the Central Okanagan Public Schools Code of Conduct. Students may only use computers for activities that are specified or approved by an KLO staff member or teacher-on-call. For all use, content and language must be appropriate for school. Students may not download software from the Internet. Students who damage computers or laptops on purpose or due to irresponsible use will be accountable for any repairs that are required. Consequences for violation of any of the agreements listed above will be determined on an individual basis.

PICTURE OR VIDEO TAKING

Due to the privacy issues, the only students who are permitted to take pictures or video at school are those students doing so for educational purposes under a teacher’s supervision. Permission must be given by both the classroom teacher and the student for such purposes. Any online sharing of such images shall only take place under the teacher’s discretion, student consent and with parent permission. Students unable to respect the privacy of others may have their devices confiscated and images deleted.

RESPONSIBLE STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY DEVICES, SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY, AND DISTRICT NETWORKS

In accordance with  requirements from the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care, École KLO Middle School's Code of Conduct has been updated accordingly. Please see below for KLO's Code of Conduct:  Personal Use of Cell Phones and Personal Digital Devices.

Code of Conduct:  Personal Use of Cell Phones and Personal Digital Devices is in effect from the moment a student enters the school building until the end of the school day (3:10pm). 

Student use of personal digital devices (any device used to communicate and/or access the internet), school technology, and district networks at school are for educational purposes. Students must abide by the school’s Code of Conduct and procedures, as well as Central Okanagan Public Schools Policy 486: Student Use of Network Services and Digital Technologies.

Students will:

  • Secure, power off and store all personal digital devices in their locker during instructional (i.e. class time) and non-instructional time (i.e. breaks/lunch) unless directly instructed by the Principal or school staff;
  • Use personal digital devices during instructional time for instructional purposes and digital literacy skills only as instructed by the Principal or school staff;
  • Ensure personal digital devices are not used in areas where privacy is expected, such as restrooms and change rooms;
  • Be permitted to use personal digital devices to support accessibility, accommodations, medical and health needs;
  • Always take precautions to ensure online safety, privacy, and security;
  • Treat others with respect and kindness when using digital devices and district network services;
  • Always use digital devices and district network services responsibly and with academic integrity.

École KLO Middle School will ensure that all students have equitable and developmentally appropriate access to technology to meet curricular requirements. Students are not required to have their own personal digital device, or cellphone, at school. The use of personal digital devices, school technology, and district networks is a privilege. Staff may revoke a student’s access to devices because of inappropriate student conduct.

Devices required to be powered down and stored include all devices used to communicate and/or access the internet. Some examples include:

  • Cell phones
  • Laptops
  • iPads and tablets
  • Air pods/Bluetooth headphones
  • Smart watches

Violations of the school Code of Conduct could result in appropriate restorative processes, confiscation of device/s and/or disciplinary actions including suspension and/or police intervention. 

Below are the responses to violations of our Code of Conduct for Personal Use of Cell Phones and Personal Digital Devices:

Response #1 - If a student accesses or uses a personal digital device, they will be required to take the device to the Nest, where it will be powered down and labeled. The device will be stored in a secured drawer until the end of the school day, at which time the student can retrieve their device. The parent/guardian will receive an email notifying them that the student did not follow the Code of Conduct and that the parent/guardian will be required to pick up the device, if there is a second incident.

Response #2 - If a student accesses or uses a personal digital device, they will be required to take the device to the Nest, where it will be powered down and labeled. The parent/guardian will be notified by phone to come and collect the device at their earliest convenience. The device will be stored in a secured drawer in the Nest until the device can be safely collected.

Response #3 - If a student accesses or uses a personal digital device, they will be required to take the device to the Nest, where it will be powered down and labeled. The parent/guardian will be notified by email to come and collect the device at their earliest convenience. The device will be stored in a secured drawer in the Nest until the device can be safely collected. A conversation with administration will be arranged to discuss next steps to support student learning with regards to the Responsible Student Use of Personal Digital Devices, School Technology, and District Network Services section of the Code of Conduct.  

Other important points:

  • Education around digital literacy and responsibility will continue to be embedded in all subject areas;
  • Certain devices may be approved to support accessibility, IEP accommodations, medical, health needs, etc.;
  • Students will have access to all of the technology needed for learning at school;
  • Agenda and homework items will be managed through paper-based or web-based programs (e.g. emails, Google Classroom, etc);
  • The Code of Conduct will be reviewed with your child throughout the starting week of school;
  • All communication between parents/guardians and students (e.g. early pick up, change of plans, etc.) must go through the school office or the student landline telephone (callout only), which is located outside of the main office;
  • CLAWSCO will be cash or card only;
    • No Apple Pay or Google Pay
  • We need your support. Consistent messaging from our KLO community is of the utmost importance;
  • This section of the Code of Conduct goes into effect from the moment the student enters the school until the last bell of the school day;
  • Reminder that ALL personal digital devices are to be powered down and stored in lockers.

Please take the time to review these expectations with your child.