2020-2021 STUDENT and PARENT HANDBOOK 

    

    

11509 62 Street, NW Edmonton, Alberta, T5W 4C2 

Telephone 780-479-4206 Fax: 780-477-7238 email: highlands@epsb.ca http://highlands.epsb.ca 

 Maureen Matthews, Principal 

Stacey Mabey, Assistant Principal  

   

mailto:highlands@epsb.cahttp://highlands.epsb.ca/

  

Highlands School Arts Core Education 

 Principal’s Message Welcome to Highlands School! For over a century, Highlands has had a tradition of serving the students and families of Edmonton’s Upper-East Side. As we begin a new and unprecedented school year, our dedicated staff will continue to uphold this tradition by working collaboratively with students, families and the community in a manner that promotes health and safety for all. As an Arts Core school we recognize the impact an integrated arts education has on the development of higher level thinking skills and as such we work hard to weave authentic visual and performing arts opportunities into all subject areas. We are dedicated to providing all students with opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge of curricular outcomes through a variety of creative mediums. At Highlands, we understand an arts rich education supports the development of creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative problem solving. As a school staff we are committed to delivering engaging and rigorous instruction, maximizing student achievement and ensuring all students are provided the necessary supports to attain success. In addition to being a designated Arts Core school, we also offer a range of programming including Pre-Advanced Placement, Strategies and BLA. At Highlands, we provide our students with high quality opportunities to cultivate leadership skills, foster school spirit, understand our high standards for student conduct and contribute positively to both the school and greater community. We believe in building kind and caring relationships and supporting students as they acquire the skills necessary to become ethical and engaged citizens who are passionate about participating in and contributing to the world around them. Highlands staff believe that student success is a shared responsibility between school, parents and the community. We are fortunate to have a number of community partners who support the artistic, academic, physical, social and emotional growth of our students. We look forward to working with all of our partners to ensure our students reach their full potential. In this package, you will find a great deal of information about our school. We encourage students and parents to familiarize themselves with this information and if anything is unclear, please ask. We are anticipating an exciting year full of positive relationships and rich learning experiences. We are excited to work alongside your child as they continue to learn, grow, discover and explore. Yours in Partnership Maureen Matthews & the staff of Highlands School

 

 

 

 

Highlands School Staff Members 2020-2021  Administration Maureen Matthews Principal maureen.matthews@epsb.ca Stacey Mabey Assistant Principal stacey.mabey@epsb.ca Instructional Staff Sean Bradley Room 03 sean.bradley@epsb.ca Morgan Bornau Room 12 morgan.bornau@epsb.ca Alyssa Demers Room 16 alyssa.demers@epsb.ca Sarah Graham Room 17 sarah.graham@epsb.ca Robert Gray Room 14 robert.gray@epsb.ca Melissa Harmsma Room 13 melissa.harmsma@epsb.ca Cash Komick Room 19 cash.komick@epsb.ca Justin McFalls Room 06 justin.mcfalls@epsb.ca Christina Miles Room 08 christina.miles@epsb.ca Meryl Roberts Room 05 meryl.roberts@epsb.ca Paul Rousseau Room 07 paul.rousseau@epsb.ca Samuel Sir Room 13 samuel.sir@epsb.ca Ryan Vandenberg Room 01 ryan.vandenberg@epsb.ca Barb Vezina Room 18 barb.vezina@epsb.ca Kate Wightmore Room 09 kate.wightmore@epsb.ca Andrew Yaremchuk Room 12 andrew.yaremchuk@epsb.ca Winnie Yeung Room 15 winnie.yeung@epsb.ca Support Staff Mardi Bernard Office-Mental Health Nurse mardi.bernard@epsb.ca Lynn Davis Educational Assistant lynn.davis@epsb.ca Elaine Harpe-Ferro Evening Custodian elaine.harpe-ferro@epsb.ca Dahir Hassan Evening Custodian dahir.hassan@epsb.ca Sue Kopchia Room 01-Ed Assistant susan.kopchia@epsb.ca Claire Laskey Room 15-Ed Assistant claire.laskey@epsb.ca Layne Mathieu Head Custodian layne.mathieu@epsb.ca Erin Petersmeyer Room 06-Ed Assistant erin.petersmeyer@epsb.ca Sherri Rabichuk Office-Admin Assistant sherri.rabichuk@epsb.ca Karen Woods Office-Admin Assistant karen.woods@epsb.ca A.J Yakemchuk Room 5-Ed Assistant amanda.yakemchuk@epsb.ca Partners Erin Chaffey Partners Room Family Centre

mailto:maureen.matthews@epsb.camailto:stacey.mabey@epsb.camailto:sean.bradley@epsb.camailto:alyssa.demers@epsb.camailto:sarah.graham@epsb.camailto:robert.gray@epsb.camailto:cash.komick@epsb.camailto:justin.mcfalls@epsb.camailto:christina.miles@epsb.camailto:paul.rousseau@epsb.camailto:samuel.sir@epsb.camailto:ryan.van.den.berg@epsb.camailto:barb.vezina@epsb.camailto:kate.wightmore@epsb.camailto:andrew.yaremchuk@epsb.camailto:winnie.yeung@epsb.camailto:mardi.bernard@epsb.camailto:lynn.davis@epsb.camailto:elaine.harpe-ferro@epsb.camailto:dahir.hassan@epsb.camailto:susan.kopchia@epsb.camailto:claire.laskey@epsb.camailto:layne.mathieu@epsb.camailto:erin.petersmeyer@epsb.camailto:sherri.rabichuk@epsb.camailto:karen.woods@epsb.camailto:amanda.yakemchuk@epsb.ca

 Highlands School Calendar 2020-2021 

  

● Sep  03 Staggered Start - ALL DAY - Grade 7 and Room 1 students ● Sep  04 Staggered Start - AM ONLY - Grade 8 and Room 1 students  

Staggered Start - PM ONLY - Grade 9 and Room 1 student ● S ep 07   NO CLASSES - Labor Day (Monday) ● Sep 08   All students attend ● Sep 14 - 15 MIPI Testing - Measures knowledge on last year’s math curriculum ● Sep 17 Meet the Teacher (via Google Meets) ● Sept  21 Picture/ID Day ● Sep 23 School Council AGM ● Oct 12   NO CLASSES - Thanksgiving Day (Monday) ● Oct  22 - 23 NO CLASSES - PD DAY (Thursday & Friday) ● Nov 11   NO CLASSES - Remembrance Day (Wednesday) ● Nov 12 NO CLASSES - Teacher’s Day in Lieu (Thursday) ● Nov 13   NO CLASSES - Board Approved Non-Instructional Day (Friday) ● Nov  16 Quarter 2 Begins ● Nov 30 NO CLASSES - PD Day (Monday) ● Dec 19 - Jan 03 NO CLASSES - Christmas Break  ● Jan  04 Students Return to classes ● Feb  01 NO CLASSES -PD DAY (Monday)  

Quarter 3 Begins ● Feb 15 NO CLASSES - Family Day (Monday)  ● Feb 25 & 26 NO CLASSES - Teachers’ Convention (Thursday, Friday) ● Mar  12 NO CLASSES - PD DAY (Friday)  ● Mar 27 - Apr 01 NO CLASSES - Spring Break  ● Apr 02 NO CLASSES - Good Friday ● Apr 05 NO CLASSES - Easter Monday ● Apr 06 NO CLASSES - Board Approved Non-Instructional Day (Tuesday) ● April  19-23 HLAT Administration ● Apr 21 Quarter 4 Begins ● Apr 26 NO CLASSES -PD DAY (Monday) ● May  10 P.A.T English Language Arts Part A ● May  14 NO CLASSES -PD DAY (Friday) ● May 24   NO CLASSES - Victoria Day (Monday)  ● May  25   NO CLASSES - Teachers’ Day in Lieu (Tuesday) ● May 26 NO CLASSES - Board Approved Non-Instructional Day (Wednesday) ● Jun 28 Last Instructional Day  ● Jun 29 Final Progress Report Posted to School Zone ● Jun 29 NO CLASSES - Last Operational Day (Tuesday) 

 NOTE : Specific information regarding Interim & Progress Reports, HLATs and P.A.T.s and Parent/Teacher Interviews will be added at a later date   

  

Highlands School Class Times for 2020-2021  

Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8:20 -8:40 am Teachers meet & greet students outside the school 8:30 am - Grade 7 students & students in room 1 enter the school (Main/West)

8:35 am - Grade 8 students enter the school (North) 8:40 am - Grade 9 students enter the school (South)

Block One 8:40 - 9:30

Break : 9:30 - 9:34 Break

Block 2 9:34 - 10:24

Break 10:24 - 10:28 Break

Block Three - 10:28 - 11:18

Lunch/Wellness/Homeroom 11:18 - 12:33

Lunch/Wellness/Homeroom

Block Four 12:33 - 1:23

Break 1:23 - 1:27 Break

Block Five 1:27 - 2:17

Break 2:17 - 2:21 Break

Block Six 2:21 - 3:11

Dismissal Times Teachers will walk students out at the end of the day Room 1, MTWF @ 3:00 pm, TH @ 2:05 pm Grade 7 MTWF @ 3:05 pm, TH @ 2:10 pm Grade 8 MTWF @ 3:10 pm, TH @ 2:15 pm Grade 9 MTWF @ 3:15 pm, TH @ 2:20 pm

   

 

 

 

 

  

School Community Profile  

Highlands School has a strong tradition of including students, parents, staff and community members as integral                               participants in the education process. Parents and other community members assist us in the provision of                               enrichment activities for our students. Our Highlands Parent & Alumni Association works closely with staff and                               gives input into school-wide decisions. The Highlands Parents Society provides extra financial support for a                             wide spectrum of school projects and enrichment activities. 

  

   

ARTS CORE PROGRAM   

Arts Core programming incorporates the visual and performing arts into everyday learning. Students explore their creativity and self-expression through art, music, dance and drama. 

Goals 

● Enable all students to explore and communicate their understandings, feelings, and ideas in a variety of forms 

● Develop higher level thinking skills (evaluating, expressing, problem solving, creating) through the use of integrated arts processes 

● Develop artistic and academic skills 

   

Benefits 

● Engages the senses, stimulates imagination and creativity and broadens students’ understanding of themselves, others, and the world they live in 

● Contributes significantly to the development of multiple intelligence and literacies ● Fosters cross-curricular understanding ● Encourages risk taking and provides opportunities to explore personal challenges in a safe environment ● Supports competencies to think critically, creatively, and divergently ● Provides increased exposure to a wide range of artistic tools and processes ● Develops respect for individual, cultural and artistic diversity ● Builds awareness and appreciation of the arts 

Program Delivery 

● Instruction that incorporates the arts into Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies ● Enriched study of art, music, drama and dance is provided in individual classes ● Use of the arts to articulate understanding of learning outcomes ● Inclusion of guest speakers, Artist In Residence, arts-related field trips, and involvement of the local arts 

community 

   

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS  

We are an official Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre AP) site offering honours programming at all three grade                               levels. Interested and eligible students will be given extra opportunities as a member of a Pre AP cohort.                                   Highlands is also a District site for the Behaviour and Learning Assistance and Learning Strategies programs.    

Attendance  

The Alberta School Act and policies of the Edmonton Public Schools state that regular and punctual school                                 attendance is the responsibility of the student, the parents and the school system. Section 8 (3) of the Alberta                                     School Act states that the only circumstances under which students are excused from compulsory attendance                             include: 

(a) sickness or other unavoidable cause, (such as medical treatment) (b) religious holiday, (c) suspension from school (d) bereavement  

 If a student is to miss school, for any reason, we ask that the parent/guardian inform us beforehand (when                                     possible) by way of a telephone call to Highlands School at (780) 479-4206 (messages can be left on our                                     answering service if the call is made outside of office hours) or through e- mail at highlands@epsb.ca 

 Please check SchoolZone for attendance on a regular basis. 

 Late Policy 

 Punctuality is recognized as being an important lifelong habit. Students arriving after attendance in the morning                               and afternoon must sign in at the office and get a late slip. It is expected that a student who arrives late enters                                             the classroom without disruption.   

Appropriate Clothing 

As a member of Edmonton Public Schools, Highlands students are expected to dress in a manner that reflects a positive sense of self within a welcoming, inclusive, safe and healthy learning environment. School expectations for student attire take into account a student’s right to fairness, dignity and respect and will not discriminate against students based on race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, socio-economic status, or body type. 

Dress code expectations will be implemented in a manner that empowers students to make decisions that promote a positive sense of self and contribute to a respectful learning environment. 

            

 

mailto:highlands@epsb.ca

Homework  

Junior high is a critical time during a student’s educational career; this is the opportunity for students to become                                     more independent and responsible for their own learning. Students will be given time during all classes to                                 complete assignments, but if time is not used wisely, or if a student is not able to complete the assignment in the                                           provided time, then it is expected that the work will be completed at home. It is recommended that if there is no                                           specific assignment due the following day, the student should be reviewing, working on a long term project or                                   studying for an upcoming exam. If possible, students should find a quiet place to work and have a consistent                                     time every day when they can sit down and do some homework. Additional daily reading at home is                                   recommended. We encourage all parents to get involved in what their children are learning in school and help                                   them to apply those new skills at home. Students are responsible for completing schoolwork missed while they                                 are absent. Students should arrange a “homework buddy” in their homeroom to gather and record the work of                                   the day(s) missed. Many teachers also use Google Classroom and students can keep up with missed work and                                   assignments online as well. 

  

SchoolZone  

SchoolZone provides parents and students with secure access to school and student information. SchoolZone                           users will find daily attendance, news concerning school and district events, achievement results,                         progress/interim reports , timetables, course history and access to selected online educational resources. Some                         teachers use Google Classroom to share the daily work. If you require information on your SchoolZone access                                 please contact the General Office. 

 Student Behaviour 

 Students are expected to behave in an appropriate manner to support the teaching and learning process for all.                                   Should a student’s behaviour interfere with the learning of others, or cause any person to feel that their safety is                                       in danger; staff have the right and the responsibility to address the issue.  Bullying and Conflict  Bullying is defined in the School Act as repeated and hostile or demeaning behaviour by an individual in the                                     school community where the behaviour is intended to cause harm, fear or distress to one or more other                                   individuals in the school community, including psychological harm or harm to an individual’s reputation.                           Bullying also includes the distribution of an intimate image of another person knowing that the person depicted                                 in the image did not consent to the distribution, or being reckless as to whether or not that person consented to                                         the distribution.  Bullying can take different forms:  • physical (e.g., pushing, hitting) • verbal (e.g., name-calling, threats) • social (e.g., exclusion, rumours) • electronic (e.g., using technology to harass or threaten)  

Conflict occurs when there is a breakdown in relationships between individuals that results from a disagreement                               or misunderstanding. While conflicts may require adult intervention, they are considered to be a natural part of                                 how students learn to navigate relationships.  All students are expected to refrain from, report and not tolerate bullying or bullying behaviour directed toward                                 others in the school, whether or not it occurs within the school building, during the school day or by electronic                                       means. Students are also expected to resolve conflict or seek assistance to resolve conflict in a peaceful, safe,                                   and non-threatening manner that is conducive to learning and growth. School staff can help address conflict                               between students using strategies that may include counselling, mediation, consequences and/or forms of                         restorative practice.   Our ‘Student Rights & Responsibilities’ document provides further information regarding behavioural                     expectations and processes. 

  

Electronic Devices  

Cell phones and other electronic devices may disrupt the learning environment. Further, they may be damaged,                               or go missing. At Highlands school, cell phones are not to be used during class time.   

  

  

            

    

Wheeled Items  

If students choose to use skateboards or scooters to get to school, the item must be stored in the office. The                                         riding of scooters, skateboards, wheelies, roller blades or bicycles in hallways, on sidewalks, and school steps is                                 not allowed, as they can threaten the safety of students and staff in the hallway and on school grounds. They                                       also contribute to custodial concerns over the marks made and grit and dirt left on the floor. Highlands School                                     has a number of bicycle racks available to students. Bicycles should be securely locked at all times, using an                                     individual lock. Students who bring their bicycles do so at their own risk. The school cannot assume                                 responsibility for stolen or damaged bicycles, but will make every effort to assist students in recovering their                                 losses.  

 Food & Drink 

Edmonton Public Schools is making a concerted effort to ensure that our students are healthy and are learning                                   healthy ways of eating. Good nutrition contributes positively to student achievement by providing students with                             energy and enabling them to focus well. To promote healthy physical, mental and emotional development we                               provide breakfast and lunch for all students. The school will provide the opportunity for students to choose                                 healthy snacks (fruit, etc.) in our breakfast and/or lunch programs. Students are expected to maintain the                               cleanliness of our school by cleaning up after themselves and using the garbage and recycling containers                               provided. 

  

Leaving the School (signing out)  

During regular school hours, students are not to leave the school without confirmed permission from a parent or                                   guardian; students must sign out from the office.    

Lockers and Locks  

Currently, lockers are not available for student use. Students are expected to bring a backpack to hold their                                   personal belongings. Backpacks will remain at a student’s desk during class time.  

                   

 Extra-Curricular Activities 

 Extra-curricular activities are those that school staff members organize outside of regular class times. Student                             participation is on a voluntary basis, and everyone is encouraged to participate in activities. 

 School clubs and teams are integral to Highlands School culture. Clubs are created based on student interest and                                   staff expertise. Teams are comprised of athletes and positive ambassadors. We have teams in x-country, soccer,                               volleyball, basketball, slo-pitch, and badminton. Teams are dependent on the availability of coaches and players                             for the various sports. Student athletes will be assessed a participation fee for the use of the team uniform,                                     tournaments, travel, and officiating 

 All students demonstrating a positive attitude, a commitment to learning, appropriate skills and cooperative                           behaviour, are eligible to participate in scheduled extracurricular student activities that occur away from the                             school. We expect each person representing our school to display good citizenship. Inclusion in extracurricular                             activities is subject to the recommendation of staff members and is related to citizenship and the ability of each                                     student to represent our school in a positive manner.  Extracurricular activities are not available at this time. 

   

Physical Disabilities / Medical Issues  

It is expected that the parents or a physician provide school officials with a written statement concerning the                                   disability of a student regardless of whether the disability is only temporary or of a more serious nature. Where                                     exemption is sought from certain activities (e.g. physical education) a statement from a doctor is required. 

 If a student requires medication during the school day, parents and the student’s physician must complete an                                 official Edmonton Public Schools form prior to any medication being administered. School staff will then                             administer the medication at the prescribed time(s) and maintain a written record of administration. The                             medication will be safely stored in a locked cabinet in the office. 

 If you have any concerns about your child’s physical or medical health, please contact administration. 

 Accidents, Illness and Injury at School 

 Personnel in the school office are to be notified as soon as possible regarding an accident or injury anywhere                                     during the school day. If necessary, first aid will be administered and parents/guardians or an emergency contact                                 will be notified.  

Field Trips  

Field Trips enrich curricular programming. Before students participate in a school-planned excursion or field                           trip, it is required that a Field Trip form be signed and returned to the school. Students not taking part in a field                                             trip are still required to attend school that day. They will be given an alternate assignment that will be counted                                       as if they were a part of the field trip.   With the exception of “walking neighbourhood” field trips, there will be no other field trips at this time.  

Office Telephones  

Office telephones are for business use, but may only be used by students to call home when requested. Parental                                     messages for students will be taken and given to students at the end of the day. If you urgently need to speak to                                             your child, every effort will be made to reach them immediately. Please refrain from texting your child during                                   the school day. 

 Visitors to the School 

 All visitors to the school must report to the General Office. For security and safety reasons, only parents,                                   guardians or properly identified adults will be allowed access to students and student information. 

 Bus Transportation 

 Students may purchase an ETS bus pass at a subsidized rate which is valid for travel at any time. Passes are                                         non-transferable and will be sold from the main office for three school days before and three school days after                                     the last school day of the month. Monthly bus passes are available at a cost of $60.00 per month. Students are                                         eligible for one subsidized bus pass per month only. Bus passes which are lost can be replaced in the office, at                                         full price. Please provide exact change in cash or a cheque. Post-dated cheques will not be accepted. 

   

Highlands School has a long tradition built on community, collaboration, and student success. We look forward to sharing your journey with you!