May 4th, 2016

Dress code comments:

-can negotiate a reasonable dress code with the kids
-open the dialogue about self-respect and body image
-focus on teaching not the kids clothes
-can enforcing a dress code lead to ‘shaming’?
-style doesn’t dictate dignity
-equal expectations for boys and girls (do boys ever get violations?)
-everyone has a unique style, respect them
-find an ideal dress code, one that respects the factors the students cannot control (develop empathy without shaming)
-no uniforms
-have the conversation with the kids why have they chosen what they choose
-extreme violations, have the parent deal with it
-toonie for dress down days?
-address it at home, if there is a violation, student wears gym clothes
-dress up day, fancy Friday, dress up like my mom
-poor use of limited resources
-concentrate on education rather than dictation
Enforce the dress code
-where can parents view the official dress code? Is it on the website?

How do you engage parents at school?

-games night, for families to mingle, have food and community outreach
-vendors at low cost
-electronic feeds
-follow the Mr. Atkins model
-physically send home newsletters, etc., use all levels of communication
-meet the teacher nights, not just when in trouble
-phone/text
-parents need to be proactive and engaged
-social nights with teachers
-ask for our email address, give yours
-emails and twitter
-email and newsletters to teachers
-school day
-tweets
-social media updates, homework boards, social event updates (dances, etc.)
-call when you check off the box to be contacted on the report card

Cell Phones

-inform students of appropriate use
-mandatory info session
-defocuses kids (lock it or drop it)
-zero tolerance for misuse (phone or iPad revoked for rest of class) (4)
-can be a beneficial learning tool (2)
-have students sign the code of conduct
-phones face down when not in use (3)
-concerned about: safety, cyber bullying, open door –distress policy
-set cell phone etiquette on day 1, same standard for every class (4)
-look at bigger picture (board policy)
-parents/teachers/admin need to model good use
-cell phone bucket, see misuse take it and put it in the bucket
–if misuse, contact parents, 3x you are done
-binary tattoo session for parents and kids (2)

Community Outreach

Get front door and other organizations that support youth with mental health and anxiety
-join forces with the Forest Heights Community food/fruit tree grid
-food bank volunteer opportunities
-student volunteers at the Perimeter Institute
-youth groups for various groups, i.e. gaming
-addiction counseling (drugs, gaming)
-visit assisted living, play music in community
-volunteer at feeder schools breakfast programs
-Kidsability
-Education on autism
-open the gym to students after school (drop in centre, for all kids, sports, music, crafts, volunteers to run (high school kids, parents)
-pen pals to Northern Ontario (with high suicide rates), set up a program to support from our school
-Canadian registered dieticians or counsellors to support healthy food choices
-support for low income families
-share/exchange urban vs. rural benefits, 4H
-refugee welcome to our community night
-outreach programs (counselling, self-image, acceptance).
-motivational speakers
-region of waterloo waste management
-breakfast or lunch programs

Supports for Students

Fundraising for field trips
Aid for clothes and shoes (2)
Donate gym clothes when leaving the school
Send a list of organizations that provide back to school gear
-fashion show using used clothing day (Value village road trip)
Connect them to send them back smiling campaign
Run a drive to start a breakfast program
-charge a small fee for concerts to help pay for activities
-field trip to the food bank and info on how it works to families
-Dedicate a student council fundraiser to keep a fund for student needs
-Set up a snack program in each class (NFL) (3)
-start a breakfast club (3)
-ask for clothes donations
-Ask for school supplies

New Curriculum

Coles notes version on changes
More info for parents (meeting)
Respecting family values
Online resources with details of the new initiatives should be shared
Is the gov’t eliminating Phys Ed?
How will the new one hour of math be brought in?
Specific info nights for parents, maybe offer several throughout the year
Better communication with parents (websites, letters home)
Use SchoolDay
Use many mediums
Be proactive
Be available
Send the documents or have them available to parents to read (website)
School supplies provided mid-year as well as beginning of the year
No fundraisers (identify costs at beginning of the year; have parents who can afford to pay cover the cost)
-charging stations
-no chocolate selling, have kids organized events to raise money at the school

Discussion Bullets at School Council Meeting

Dress Code:

Students may come to school in clothes that are ‘in style’. Some clothes are in style and often times it can be difficult for parents to buy clothes that meet a dress code.

Parent Engagement

Parents play an integral role in their child’s education. Research proves that parents that are actively involved in a supportive role of a child at school ensure success. In the middle school parents often feel disconnected and out of touch. How do we address this?

Supports for Students

Students will often need extra supports at school. From school supplies, to food and clothes. How can we help?

New Curriculum.

There have been some new additions including our Physical and Health Curriculum and sex education, along with new math initiatives. How can we support parents understanding about these changes?

Community Outreach Programs

Neighbourhood associations, Churches, municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments, counselling groups, and youth groups can all take an active part in supporting a school and its culture. What groups can we seek out to support Westheights?

Cell Phones

This generation of students is very connected to the outside world. The use of cell phones and other digital devices can be a real asset in a classroom setting and a real drawback from learning as well. How do we manage the use of such devices so that students are empowered and are taught about how to use such devices responsibly at school and in the community? How can we support this?

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