School Handbook

The School Day (PLEASE NOTE: this is a new schedule)
Nelson McIntyre Collegiate operates on a two day cycle, with five non-rotating blocks (A, B, C, D, E).

Reporting Periods

1. Student Progress Reports are issued twice during each semester: 
   Semester 1    November (mid-term)
   Semester 1    February (final)
   Semester 2    April (mid-term)
   Semester 2    June (final)
2. Student Academic Progress meetings will be scheduled following each mid-term Student Progress Report.
3. Parents should feel free to contact the school at any time to discuss their son's or daughter's progress.

Fees
All students must pay the following fees prior to the beginning of the school year. Fees can only be refunded prior to September 30.

1. Textbook Replacement: $10 - this is a one-time fee, payable when the student enrolls at NMC, and refundable when the student leaves NMC, providing the student has returned all books and paid all fees.
2. Student Fees 2008/2009  ($70)
   1. Yearbook $35
   2. Student Council $4
   3. Athletic $10
   4. Lunch Supervision (Divisional) $10
   5. Parent Association $1

Additional fees may be required when a student chooses to work on projects requiring materials not included in the basic program, (e.g. Industrial Arts projects, Phys. Ed blocks such as downhill skiing). 

Students who require a course change must call the school beginning August 21 to arrange for an appointment. Any changes that are a result of an actual timetable conflict or because of passed or failed courses from Summer School will not be charged an administration fee. Any optional timetable changes that are requested will be subject to a $5.00 administration fee for each change. Changes will only be made if there is sufficient room in the requested course. 

Courses 

1. All students must take a minimum of two academic courses per semester at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate in order to qualify for full-time status. The exception to this rule Gr. 12 students who have earned 27 or more credits and are in their last semester or Mature Students.
2. All students must take the compulsory English courses.
3. All courses taken outside of Nelson McIntyre Collegiate must have prior approval from the school administration in order to be considered for credit and graduation from Nelson McIntyre Collegiate.
4. With special permission from administration, a student may take a maximum of 10 credits in one full year (excluding language credits).
5. Students will not be allowed to repeat a course previously passed except with special permission from the school administration.
6. In case of low course enrolment, classes/courses may be changed/cancelled.
7. Students will not be permitted to withdraw from classes after the voluntary withdraw dates.

Attendance

At Nelson McIntyre Collegiate we believe:

• regular attendance encourages development of personal skills and is vitally important to the overall success of our students
• an attendance policy helps to encourage attendance in school and increase student success
• to be considered a student at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate, students must be in good standing in at least two courses per semester. Under exceptional circumstances students may have this condition waved with administrative approval.

The Department of Education and Training requires that schools provide 110 hours of instruction for each full course. In our effort to continue to promote and enhance student attendance at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate our Attendance Policy is reviewed annually and revised accordingly. Revision is based on consultation with students, parents and teachers.

Absences

1. An absence will be considered unreported if the parents have not contacted the school within twenty-four hours of the absence.
2. A parent/guardian meeting is required for a prolonged student absence.
3. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that missed work is completed upon return to class from any absence.
4. Students who become ill during the day are to report to the General Office prior to leaving the building. The school will make every effort to notify a parent/guardian of students under 16 years of age.
5. Students who miss a test during an unreported absence will not be granted rewrite privileges.
6. Students who choose to leave class without their teacher’s permission will be marked absent.

Process

The following process will be used for students who accumulate absences:

1. After three absences from a class, the subject teacher will
   make contact with the parent/guardian.
2. After seven absences a letter will be mailed from administration to the
   parents/guardians indicating classes their son/daughter has missed.
3. After ten absences a student will have their course privileges withdrawn.
   Any student with ten absences and an average below 35% will
   automatically be withdrawn.
4. A student my appeal his/her removal from a course within two days after
   removal from the course. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the
   Vice Principal. A meeting with the Vice Principal, teacher, and student
   may be required. The agreed upon appeal is signed by the teacher,
   administration, student, parent/guardian, and represents a contract
   between the teacher and the student.

Lates

Students are expected to be punctual for their classes. Lateness disrupts the teacher and is an interruption to the learning process. The bells indicate that class has begun. Students should be in class and prepared to work when the bell sounds. The first twenty minutes of class are usually used to develop new concepts and receive direction from the teacher. Therefore, students who arrive more than twenty minutes late will be marked as absent from class. The following process will be used for students who accumulate lates.

Process

1. After three lates from a class, the subject teacher will make contact with
   the parent/guardian.
2. After seven lates a letter will be mailed from administration to the
   parents/guardians indicating classes their son/daughter has been late.
3. After ten lates a student will have their course privileges withdrawn.
   Any student with ten lates and an average below 35% will
   automatically be withdrawn.
4. A student my appeal his/her removal from a course within two days after
   removal from the course. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the
   Vice Principal. A meeting with the Vice Principal, teacher, and student
   may be required. The agreed upon appeal is signed by the teacher,
   administration, student, parent/guardian, and represents a contract
   between the teacher and the student.

Student Dress

Students are expected to dress in good taste and be well groomed. In general, choice of clothing must reflect awareness of school as “workplace” in a manner appropriately similar to that required of adults. Students may be asked to change or cover up when wearing clothing that is deemed too revealing, contains offensive language or pictures, or features advertisements or symbols for alcohol or illegal drugs. Parents are requested to ensure that they assist their son/daughter in exercising good judgment in selecting appropriate wear for classes. Clothing should be modest and in good taste and should not include, for example, such inappropriate attire as short shorts, short skirts, muscle tops, half shirts and tank tops. Coats, jackets and outdoor vests (outdoor wear) should not be worn in class. Hats, headbands, toques, or bandanas may not be worn in the school at any time.

Library Policy

This policy allows equal access for all students to library materials.

Borrowing times:

• Book/magazine – 2 weeks
• Reference book/materials – 1 day

Overdue Fines:

• $ .10 per day per book/magazine
• $ .25 per day reference book/materials

Maximum fine:

• replacement value of the item

Procedures for overdues:

1. A list of students with overdue materials is posted on the library window weekly. A list is given to the VP.
2. Any student with overdues/fines may not sign out any library materials.
3. Overdue item of more than 2 weeks –phone call made to parent/guardian
4. If an item is overdue more than 3 weeks – a letter is mailed home
5. If an item is overdue more than 1 month – administration notified, library privileges removed during spares and lunch break
6. f a student withdraws from school and has an overdue, the student’s home is phoned and a letter is sent.
7. At reporting time an overdue notification letter will be included with the report card.

School Equipment & Textbooks

Proper care and prompt return of textbooks and school equipment are the student's responsibility. If a book is damaged or lost, replacement cost will be assessed by the office.

Unassigned Time

Students may have unassigned time or spares on their timetables. Students may spend their unassigned time doing homework in the Library or Multi- Purpose Room but are not to congregate in hallways, stairwells or the foyer.

Lunch Time

The school has a cafeteria called the SNAK SHAK located in the Multi-Purpose room. In order to keep Nelson McIntyre an attractive institution, all students are requested to eat their lunch in the Multi-Purpose room, and to dispose of garbage in the refuse containers located around the building.

Personal Belongings & Lockers

The school is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Do not leave valuables in the school. DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES OR MONEY IN LOCKERS. The school will provide locks whose combinations are registered at the office. Students are not to place personal locks on the lockers. Lockers remain the property of Nelson McIntyre Collegiate. School administration reserves the right to full access to a student’s locker at any time.

Electronic Equipment

Electronic equipment such as I-Pods etc. cannot be used in classrooms unless the teacher has given special permission. Student cell phones and pagers are not to be visible in hallways or classrooms. If a student is caught with a cell phone in the hall or classroom the following procedure will be followed. The first time the cell phone will be confiscated and returned to the student at 4:00. On the second occasion the cell phone will be confiscated and returned only to the parent or guardian. If a cell phone is confiscated a third time the student will be issued a suspension for defiance of school rules.

Leaving School

Before leaving the school during scheduled class time, a student must sign out at the office. A student who becomes ill at school should notify the classroom teacher and the administration.

Visitors

ALL visitors must report to the office to request permission to sign in when they first arrive in the building. Students should arrange to have friends meet them off school property. Violators may be charged with trespassing.

Telephone
A pay phone is available for student use on the main floor. The office phone is for urgent phone calls to parents/guardians only.

Parking
Students are not permitted to use school parking lots. Parking is available on the streets adjacent to the school. Students should be aware of city bylaws regarding the side streets.

Property Damage
Any student who damages school property or the personal property of others by misconduct or intent will be required to pay for repair or replacement of such damaged property. Disciplinary action may result from acts of property damage or vandalism.

Students Transferring to Another School
As soon as a student knows he/she will attend another school, he/she should inform the office. Before leaving, the student must obtain a checklist from the office to be signed by each of his/her teachers and the librarian, stating that all school property has been returned and debts owing have been paid. When the form is completed, it must be returned to the office; any refundable fees may then be collected.

Awards
Nelson McIntyre Collegiate offers a number of school awards, including academic achievement awards. Graduating students must apply for awards. Both midterm marks and final marks are taken into consideration when determining recipients of awards. Community service also has become increasingly important for awards. Entrance scholarships and awards from provincial universities are also offered each year. Contact the guidance office for information.

Student Services
NMC offers many Student Services including counseling to assist students with:

• course selection and/or requirements
• post-secondary information
• personal and career counseling

• from your counselor: see the guidance counselor in the guidance office, leave a written message, or arrange an appointment.
• in changing your schedule: contact the counselor or administration.
• with personal problems: contact the guidance counselor or a teacher with whom you feel comfortable, or any other staff member you know.
• in case of sickness or injury: seek the help of your teacher.
• in case of misunderstanding: with a teacher, first, ask for a time to talk together privately, and try to work it out. If you still need help, talk to the administration or guidance counselor.
• with a broken lock or locker : report it to the office.
• with theft: report it to the office.
• police assistance: contact the police directly or talk to the guidance counselor or the administration.

Learning Centre
See the Learning Centre support teacher in room 103 to receive information about:

• Academic support (academic assessment)
• Peer tutoring • Leadership training

Clubs & Activities

* $10/yr membership fee

* Students MUST have guardian permission to participate

 
Programs & Registration
Nelson McIntyre Collegiate offers a full range of academic courses as well as alternative programming (see below). Students should consult the guidance department for assistance in course selection.

Alternative Programs

TAPP (Teenage Parents Program)

The Teenage Parents Program operates within the Family Studies Department of Home Economics. It is designed to enable teenage parents to continue their education and at the same time provide an enriched environment for their children at the school. Detailed brochures are available at the TAPP office.

Co-Operative Education Program

This program is designed to meet the educational needs of students who are unable to cope in the regular programs and who require a highly individualized education programs. It will provide students with "community functioning skills" and prepare them for independent living.

Program Requirements

The minimum requirement for high school graduation is 28 credits:
1.0 credit = successful completion of 110 hours of instruction.
0.5 credit = successful completion of 55 hours of instruction.

Compulsory Credits

* Students should consult Student Services for details.

The remaining requirements must be selected from the options listed on the registration form.

With special permission, other options may be considered, such as:

• Student Initiated Projects (max. 2 for Graduation purposes)
• School Initiated Courses (max. 8)
• Private Music Option for Credit
• Special Credits for Languages
• Independent Study Courses (ISC)*

Academic Integrity
We believe that all Nelson McIntyre students can behave with the highest academic integrity. Any dishonesty in our academic transactions violates this trust. There will be academic consequences imposed in support of maintaining academic integrity. Students are free to appeal allegations of plagiarism or cheating to the teacher, who will arrange a meeting with the administration.

 
Exams & Tests
Exams and tests will be written on the scheduled days. Should an exceptional circumstance arise, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher, preferably in advance, to discuss the situation.
There will be final in-school exams in all core and other academic subjects at all grade levels. Final exams will count for 20% - 30% of the final grade.

Post-secondary Information
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that he/she takes the courses required for entrance into post-secondary institutions. For specific information about these programs the student should make an appointment with the guidance counselor or check the materials available in the guidance room. All post secondary institutions have counselors and will supply calendars upon request. Students are encouraged to contact these institutions personally for information. Students are also encouraged to apply early for the Post Secondary Institution of their choice, and ensure the prerequisite courses are taken.

Go Card Photo IDs
These cards are provided through the school photographer. Students must have their picture taken on school photograph day to receive a card. These cards are required to attend school dances and as identification for writing exams. This photo will allow students to receive reduced transit rates and will be used in the yearbook.