Banbury Crossroads Independent School

Operation

This section is to delineate specifics regarding the school day, and its daily operation procedures. These may change from time to time on some items; however, the following descriptions are general policy.

Procedures:

1. School Hours:
   The following staggered times were implemented to allow for ease of short term parking and use of the lunch room.

   Grade	Start	Break/Recess	Lunch	End	Friday
   Pre.K-Gr.6	9:00am	10:30-10.55am	12:00-12:55pm	3:05pm	2:05pm
   Gr.7-9	9:00am	10 Minutes	12:00-12:55pm (except Fridays)	3:35pm	1:45
   Gr.10-12	9:00am	10 Minutes	12:00-12:55pm (except Fridays)	3:35pm	1:45

   Students should not arrive more than 15 minutes early to school, or leave more than 15 minutes after dismissal, unless they are participating in school-sponsored activities. Those who do will be expected to participate in, and will be billed for our Before and after School Care program (describer below), provided they are aged 3 through 12. The only reason acceptable for older students to arrive early or stay late at school would be if transportation issues necessitated it. In these cases, the older students are expected to quietly and tidily occupy themselves. It is recommended that this time be used for Banburywork. Appropriate behavior that respects the persons, school and community property, and belongings of others at the school is necessary at these times. Any behavior that compromises these expectations within our school environment will be dealt with on an individual basis.

2. Attendance:
   Students are expected to be in attendance at school during school hours, and at appropriate school functions. They are not to leave the school before the recognized time and dates without permission. Classes begin promptly and attendance is taken at the beginning of classes in the morning and again after lunch every day. All pre-school children need to be signed in and out each day with their teachers. If a student is going to be away for the day, he/she or a member of the family should telephone the school at 270-7787 to inform the staff, between 8:00 and 9:00 am at the latest on that day. If we have not been notified and the student is absent at attendance time, we will phone the parents or guardian. The school requests as much advance notice as possible for absences other than illness. Some high school students may find it beneficial to work at Banbury from time to time for reasons such as studying for exams, writing term papers, or needing temporary solitude. These arrangements would require sufficient communication between teachers, students and parents.

3. Breaks:
   Elementary children have scheduled breaks during the day (see above chart) and are expected to go outside to obtain some fresh air and exercise. This time is considered a very important part of the school day. There are countless studies done on the benefits of outside play and exercise on academic success and emotional well-being. Teachers may on occasion keep students in at recess times to provide remedial one-to-one assistance, or to participate in extracurricular activities and special events. Teachers may also take students out for unscheduled breaks or outside activities at their discretion. Any students who request to stay indoors during these times is dealt with on a individual basis and is subject to available supervision. Any child who is not healthy enough to partake in the entire school day should probably be at Banbury recuperating.

   Secondary students take a 10 minute break in the morning on their own time when suitable. They are not to leave school premises during this time. There are no breaks in the afternoon.

4. Lunches:
   There is no cafeteria at Banbury Crossroads School; however, there is a kitchen, which contains a microwave, refrigerator and oven, all of which can be used in the preparation and storage of bagged lunches. There is also a lunch room, and lunch times are staggered to accommodate as many people as possible. All students are to bring their own lunches from Banbury each day. If food needs to be heated, appropriate microwavable dishes and cutlery should be included. Lunches are to be eaten in the kitchen area or other areas with tile flooring, not the library, classrooms or lobbies. There are fifty five minutes allotted for lunch. Snacks should also be eaten in the lunch room during recess or breaks. Elementary children have only a few minutes in the morning to eat a quick snack, so we suggest sending items such as fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers or granola bars. We also encourage parents and students to pack healthy, nutritional lunches and snacks. Overuse of carbonated beverages or junk food is discouraged. We expect everyone to clean up after themselves.
   Any junior high student who wishes to leave the school during the lunch hour must obtain a letter of permission from their parents and provide it to the front office. Both Junior and Senior High students need to inform a teacher on the secondary side, as well as the front office prior to exiting. Students must use the front door when leaving on a break during school hours. The backdoors are off limits. This is for safety and insurance purposes. Elementary children do not leave the school without adult supervision.

5. Out-of-School Care
   Out-of-school care is available for elementary children in the mornings from 7:30am until 8:30 or 9:00am whichever time applies to your child. Then it starts up again at 3:00pm and 3:30pm until 6:00pm. All children must be signed in and out with the staff member on duty. See the Tuition and Related Fees policy for the current fees. This program has been designated a recreation program. Children will be expected to go outside, for part of the time, when the weather is good and the field is available. Supplies are also available for other activities such as crafts, games, cooking, puzzles, and movies on Friday, and they are generally initiated by the children themselves. This program is run in the lunch room and the multi-purpose room and the participants are expected to stay in these areas.

6. Academic Study:
   
   1. Modes of Delivery:
      • Projects, Modules, Units, Textbooks:
        In order to cover curriculum requirements, students use textbooks, films, audio tapes, workbooks, computers, modules, magazines and other printed matter on an individually-appropriate basis. Therefore, academic subjects are both integrated in the student's projects and enrichment activities, following a Constructivist model of learning. In addition, academic work can be studied through textbook/module study. Some leeway is possible to create and adjust assignments according to student interest and need. Decision making is a dual affair between teachers and students, and in some cases, parental communication is sought.

      • Lectures:
        Teachers also plan the delivery of lectures on selected topics, subject by subject, grade by grade, person by person. These teaching moments may come in the format of mini-lectures, demonstrations, seminars, debates and discussions. Informal, spontaneous talks may occur upon request by student or by teachers.

      • Choice Time:
        Each day, all students in our school have time and opportunities to choose the work they engage in. On the elementary side, within each classroom, students have certain times of the day when they make choices. They choose which subjects to work on, where in the room they will pursue this work, with what materials, with whom they will collaborate, and for how long. This decision making process is facilitated and guided by the teachers, who are observing the student's progress and understanding their particular needs and abilities and motivations. The duality of decision making between teacher and learner ensure an effective match between student needs and curricular requirements.

        On the secondary side, Choice Time for working on core subjects, such as English, Math, Social Studies and Science, occurs mainly in the mornings. In addition, during any given afternoon, if students are not enrolled in complementary courses, they have access to core teachers and may choose their subjects once again. The difference with this age category is that, rather than remaining within one classroom, students move from classroom to classroom at their own discretion, or by prior arrangement with individual teachers. All students design individual schedules to guide their movements and remind them about devoting enough time to each subject, although they may deviate at times from this schedule due to special circumstances or other priorities. All subjects are covered at the student's individual rate. Students choose which subjects to pursue, as well as how ling they will work on each subject, and where they will situate themselves for the study.

      • Individualized, Tutorial Instruction:
        Instruction is often given on a one-to-one basis. Any student and teacher may initiate spontaneous teaching of particular concepts and skills, according to the unique needs of the student and specific courses. It is important for students to learn to ask for instruction and for assistance with their time management. They need to speak regularly with their teachers, to receive instruction, to plan progress and to keep the lines of communication open. Regular mentoring sessions for secondary students will be conducted between all students and a chosen staff member, in order to ensure that students receive the assistance they need to progress both academically and socially.

      • Cooperative Learning:
        Because our approach emphasizes the growth of each individual to achieve their potential and chosen goals, we recognize the need to create and foster opportunities for our students to gather in groups for the purpose of collaborating with their peers on learning activities. Students themselves often form such cooperative groups and partnerships in natural ways. Great endeavours in our society always require the need for individuals to be able to gather non-competitively and work together as a team. Ensuring such collaboration during the school years prepares our students for such challenges. The skills involved in these ventures include communication and negotiation, problem solving, delegation, division of labor, brainstorming, compromising, appreciation, sharing visions, sharing pain, empathy, and so on. These cooperative learning opportunities occur through writing plays and stories, conducting experiments, preparing science fait projects and art exhibits, solving class issues, buddy reading and learning, field trip experiences, student councils, and special events such as Graduation, Ethnic Weeks, Nutritional Month, Christmas concerts, Spring presentations, etc.

   2. Time Requirements for Course Completion:
      Academic work is achieved by all students at a pace appropriate for them. Therefore, the curriculum is covered, as quickly or as slowly as each individual student requires. The goal is to ensure that progress is competency-based, and that the various aspects of a course of study are mastered to an appropriately satisfactory level before the student is encouraged to advance to a more difficult level. It is important to recognize that the amount of time taken by individual students to complete courses will vary according to the motivation, abilities, attitude, effort, work habits, English competency, prior knowledge and needs of these students. Most courses are designed to be completed within a year. However, courses may be completed in less time if the students are able to demonstrate competency within a shorter time frame. On the other hand, students struggling with the skills and knowledge required by certain courses may find that it takes them longer than a year to adequately cover these course requirements. The teacher plays a key role by knowing students thoroughly, by assisting in the development of their organizational and study skills, and by guiding their growth as complex and unique individuals.

   3. Dropping Courses:
      Secondary students who wish to add, change or delete a complementary course mid-year must do so only with the written approval of their parents and with the recognition of the school administration. The basic, core subjects, English, Math Science, Health/C.A.L.M., Social Studies and Physical Education (Grade 7 through 10), cannot be dropped in this manner, as progress is continuous until complete.

   4. Books and Stationery Supplies:
      Elementary students pay a book fee that covers textbooks that students borrow, photocopying and consumable workbooks. Junior and Senior High School students must pay $300.00 deposit in anticipation of their ordering the inevitable books. These books are owned by the students, and they will have a choice at the end of the term of selling them to other students or the school (if we need them), or else keeping them.

      The school does not provide stationery supplies to students. Every student receives a list at the beginning of the year, detailing materials needed for the entire year. Almost everything on this list has a significant and specific purpose. It is helpful if all pieces of a student's belongings are labeled with a permanent marker. Failure to obtain all of the supplies listed will result in students most likely running out of supplies, and needing to replenish these throughout the year.

      • Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6 students: All students receive a small locker for their personal belongings, such backpacks, clothing, and lunches. Children will also receive space in their classrooms for school supplies. Extra supplies are kept either in the classroom or in storage rooms in plastic bins that can be no larger than 15 liters of 2 ft. long x 1.5 ft. wide x 6 inches high. Anything larger will be returned Banbury, because it will not fit in our storage space.
        
      • Junior/Senior High students: All students receive a large locker to hold bags, lunches, extra books and supplies. We recommend using a combination lock as there have been many lost keys over the years. Any lock left on the lockers after the final day of school in June will be removed with bolt cutters.

7. Banburywork
   We do not enforce assigned Banburywork. Banburywork is a student's decision. If you want to understand our basis for this "non-policy", please read Section 24: Banburywork Policy.

8. Libraries:
   The libraries within the school and classroom are places for quite reading, study and research. Library materials, magazines, atlases, reference books and encyclopedias are not to be removed from the school. Classroom teachers who want to lend library materials to students for work at Banbury may arrange such loans, providing the materials are returned. Our selection of books is continually increasing, with both purchase and donations.

   Public libraries are used as a major source of reading material for our students. These libraries provide a variety of resources that would not otherwise be available within our small school. Besides the advantage of a revolving selection, public libraries offer us the opportunity for instruction in effective library use for pleasure and research. All students must provide their own library cards, so they may take books out on their own responsibility. If parents of young children wish, they may give their child's library card to a staff member, who can then supervise the taking out of books from the public library each week. However, this does not make the staff member responsible for books not returned on time.

9. Computer Use:
   Our school has designed its computer network so that each classroom has a number of computers for teacher/student use within it. Our Computer Tech sets up and maintains this system. All users must agree to the following care instructions:
   • To handle all equipment with the same care accorded to personal equipment.
     
   • To replace any components that break due to negligence or willful damage.
     
   • To use only installed software on all units.
     
   • To not tamper with other users' files.
     
   • To not rearrange computer peripherals.
     
   • To not tamper with software or hardware settings.
     
   • To not access the school network from a personal laptop.
     
   • To not use the computers for recreational use during school instructional hours.
     
   • To refrain from accessing Internet sites where content may be considered morally questionable.
     
   For more details on technology use, see our Technology Policy, Section 22.

   Personal laptops may be brought to school for appropriate student use. The same expectations that we hold for school computers is in effect. The school will not be responsible for lost or damaged equipment.

10. Care of Persons and Property:
    Respect must be shown for the other people in this building, in order to ensure a peaceful environment for the businesses and professional practices in Plaza 14. As well, we all have a responsibility to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning within the school. Thus, we must observe a reasonable quite in the public lobbies, hallways, classrooms and library.

    Care of persons is maintained through respectful communication and negotiation of differences. We believe that all people have a right and a responsibility to problem solve when disagreements occur, and to seek assistance from a teacher if necessary. See our Conflict Resolution Policy in Section 10 for a detailed description of procedures.

    It is also expected that students only touch the property belonging to the school or to others if they have requested and received permission to do so first. Lockers and study desks are for the primary use of the occupiers, and their privacy must be respected. Accidents do happen, but if they do, the person causing the damage should make amends by replacing the broken or lost item. If the perpetrator of the loss or damage cannot be ascertained, the school declines responsibility for replacing the lost or damaged item.

    Audio-visual equipment may only be used under teacher direction or supervision, or under the supervision of the person who owns the equipment.

    Students must take responsibility for their own tidiness within the facilities, by placing rubbish in available garbage cans and recyclable containers in bins (after emptying them out), as well as by generally cleaning up after themselves. Food is not to be eaten in carpeted areas of the school. There are no water fountains in the school; thus, all students are required to have a water bottle with a lid that reseals to address thirst during the day. Any dishes used from our kitchen need to be washed by each user. Lockers should be cleaned regularly to prevent molding food or other health hazards.

    All visitors, parents, teachers and students must leave wet or dirty footwear at the door. It is a good idea for all teachers and students to have a pair of inside shoes, which should remain at the school, and weather appropriate outdoor footwear. Slippers are fine for indoors and should have some kind of grip on them for safety reasons.

11. Illegal Substances:
    Smoking is not allowed on or near school premises, for several reasons, the primary one of which is to safeguard the health of staff and students from the effects of second-hand smoke. It is now a widely-known fact that smoking has a multitude of adverse effects upon health. Another safety issue regards fire prevention. In addition, cleanliness is an issue when cigarette butts are strewn on the ground. Moreover, from a legal perspective, smoking has been banned for persons under the age of 18, and therefore, the school cannot condone smoking by students under this age. The final, and even more important reason is to provide a non-smoking role model for our younger students.

    The use of alcohol or street drugs is also not permitted on school premises nor is attending classes under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To protect the other students from exposure to drugs, and as well, to assist problem drug users, parents will be informed of their children's problematic drug use, and rehabilitation will be required of students whose drug participation interferes with their academic or social health. Expulsion, according to Section 11: Student Suspension and Expulsion Policy, will result if the safety of our staff and other students is in jeopardy by the persistent drug use of certain students, and if remedial measures are unsuccessful.

12. Parking:
    Students will not be allowed to park behind the school at any time. This space is for drop-offs, pick-ups and short-term parking only. There is free parking available within a short walk of the school, or parking spaces in the basement garage can be leased for $110.00 per month. Students wishing to lease this space may contact the Office.

13. Clothing:
    We wish to encourage individual expression and development at our school. Therefore, there is no uniform for students at Banbury Crossroads. Children can easily choose their own clothing, and doing so is a particularly suitable means of satisfying our quest of providing meaningful choices for children. Clothing should simply be neat, clean and appropriate for a multi-aged learning environment. Suitable sportswear, particularly shoes appropriate to the activity, shall be worn in all Physical Education classes.

    In case of inclement weather, a pair of indoor shoes must be provided. Recess, physical education activities, and field trips can occur outside all year round, so appropriate clothing such as hats, mitts, snow pants, sweatpants/sweatshirts, sunscreen, ect. may be required from time to time. Since lockers are provided, coats and hats are to be stored there during class time.

14. Field Trip Conduct:
    Any excursions outside school walls (eg. to Mohawk, North Hill Mall, etc.) made by students without a teacher, are limited to lunch hours only. Morning breaks are only 10 minutes long, and therefore, do not allow for walks to these distant locations. During class field trips with the teacher present, students' conduct should reflect a concern for safety, consideration for docents, and respect for the reputation of the school. Staff- and supervisor-given instructions should be followed. For safety reasons, pupils must stay with the group during all outings. If a student wishes to go Banbury directly after an event that ends at 3:00 or thereafter, prior approval by parents must be communicated to the front office. This is a liability issue. For further details, see the Off-Campus Safety and Procedures Policy, Section 12.

15. Safety Policy:
    Provisions are followed for safety and security as outlined in our Off-Campus Safety and Procedures Policy, Section 12. An Annual Authorization for Field Trips Form, for low risk activities, and an Advised Consent Form for moderate to high risk activities must be signed by parents prior to any excursions. The school has purchased a blanket Accident Insurance Policy, which covers all students and staff for physical injuries incurred through accidents that occur during school activities. Parents may contact the Office for more information, if necessary. Just a reminder that helmets must be worn by all students and teachers for the following activities: all types of skating, skiing and bicycling, riding scooters, skateboarding, tobogganing (including recess), and any other activities we deem applicable.

16. Transportation:
    Where possible, we use city transit or commercial bus/van rentals to transport students on field trips. At times, we may use volunteer drivers from amongst our parent and teacher group. We recommend that all such drivers obtain liability insurance for these trips. Any high school students who have an Alberta Operator's License may drive themselves on field trips, but they may not carry other students or teachers as passengers. We recommend this policy for any excursions during school hours, even at lunch hour, to prevent liability and safety problems for the student driver and the passengers. Many accidents involving young drivers occur while their cars are occupied by friends. See our Field Trip Policy for further specific excursion information.

17. Extra-Curricular Activities:
    Through the course of the year, a variety of extra-curricular activities and clubs will be offered to students in all grades. Examples and: ski trips, camping trips, out-of-province travel, chess club, arts and crafts clubs, student council, music lessons and clubs, cooking classes, sports, games, or outdoor education. These programs will run outside of school hours, or through the lunch hours. Fees may be applied for materials and off-campus costs.

18. Communication with Parents:
    Parents should obtain information regarding special events, classroom calendars, test dated, excursions, supplies and equipment needs, and current issues by the following means:
    
    
    • Monthly newsletters
      
    • Notices and consent forms sent Banbury personally or by mail
      
    • School's web-site: www.banburycrossroads.com
      
    • Teachers' web-sites, accessed by links from the School web-site
      
    • Telephone calls
      
    • Notice Boards within the School
      
    • Yearly calendar
      
    • Personal conversations
      
    
    Parents need to keep themselves abreast of the variety of activities that are constantly occurring here. We make every attempt to inform parents effectively about issues and events. Nevertheless, message sent is not always message received. Parents need to complete the communication process on their end. For important communications such as Report Cards, we will use mail service or personal delivery.

19. Privacy:
    Care will be taken to ensure the privacy of the personal information of students, parents and teachers at Banbury Crossroads, as per new legislation. Our registration and operation policies and procedures are in the process of being amended accordingly. There is as appointed Privacy Officer on staff, who is kept abreast of the new regulations and procedures.