Student Handbook
MISSION STATEMENT
Cochrane High School endeavours to prepare students who will:
- demonstrate leadership in civic, social and environmental concerns
- engage in 21st century learning
- balance academic, athletic and creative endeavours
- progress in a positive and focused school environment
- develop and have respect for self and others
- advocate for their diverse learning needs
- demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning
- develop career awareness to make informed decisions
- demonstrate social and emotional awareness and competence
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
HOURS OF OPERATION
The school office will generally be open from 8:00 am to 3:45 pm, Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 am to 1:45 pm on Friday. We encourage you to contact us at 403.932.2542 during these hours if you have any concerns.
After hours, the absence line can be accessed at 403.932.5158.
GUIDANCE SERVICES
Guidance appointments are available during school hours. Students and parents are encouraged to consult the counsellors about academic, vocational and personal concerns by making an appointment online for the Guidance Office (found on our homepage under "Guidance"). Many educational events are coordinated with the Career Centre. Students and parents can keep updated by checking the Cochrane High School website.
CAREER RESOURCE CENTRE
Students are encouraged to drop in or make an appointment to access materials and/or assistance with: Post-Secondary calendars and application procedures, occupational research, resume writing, labour market information and job search skills.
The Career Advisor also organizes several career and post-secondary events throughout the year. A listing of these and other post-secondary events and deadlines is updated regularly and posted on the website. Student volunteerism has become an important aspect of the career portfolio and students are encouraged to sign up to become ambassadors for these events.
LEARNING COMMONS SERVICES
The learning commons is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm from Monday to Thursday and 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Friday and is available to both classes and individual students for research, independent study and reading. Our learning commons features periodicals, videos and data base subscriptions, as well as a large book collection.
Internet access including email is available and wireless access for laptops. Books normally circulate for a two-week period.
RVS COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE
High school courses are offered through the RVS Community Learning Centre Cochrane Campus. This provides students with the opportunity to complete their High school diploma in special situations. Please note, these courses are not to be used as replacement for Cochrane High School classes. Please check with your Guidance Counsellor concerning regulations.
CREDIT LOADS
Grade 10 students: must be enrolled in a full schedule and are not permitted study blocks (spares).
Grade 11 students: Grade 11 students may apply to have one study block (spare) per academic year in their timetable. English 30-1 is offered to Grade 12 students ONLY.
Grade 12 students: must complete at least 30 credits for the school year. Special consideration may be granted for students who wish to complete their program early (at the end of semester one).
WeConnect Courses: WeConnect provides flexibility for students who have timetable conflicts, need to access courses that are not otherwise offered at CHS or have special circumstances. If a student is able to access a course in the regular timetable, they are required to do so. It is important to note that WeConnect courses are offered division wide and there is limited space and resources to support these requests. Students wishing to enroll in a WeConnect course should consult with their Guidance Counsellor or Grade Administrator.
Fast-Tracking: Students wishing to fast track a course (e.g. take a 30 level course in Grade 11) must have a 90% final grade in the pre-requisite course and teacher recommendation. Enrollment in the subsequent course is dependent upon room and resources.
GRADUATION
In order to take part in the program, students must have the potential to graduate. The following requirements MUST be met:
1. registered in enough courses to meet a minimum of 100 credits by the end of Semester 2,
2. have completed, or be registered in, the necessary courses to fulfill the diploma requirements,
3. if using Distance Learning/We Connect, one half of the course must be completed and submitted by April
AND
4. have a minimum mark of 50% (second semester mid-term report card) in any compulsory course to meet graduation requirements. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that these requirements
have been met!
Due to expenses incurred by the graduation committee, on behalf of the student, only a portion of the grad fee can be refunded after November 30th. Students can be removed from the grad list at any time if the above rules, or rules pertaining to attendance, are not followed.
Cochrane High School organizes and sponsors the graduation ceremony. If parents so desire, they may, independentlly from the school, organize other celebrations (e.g. banquet, dance). The school does not have any responsibility to organize graduation activities beyond the graduation ceremony.
CHS SENATE
The Students’ Council has evolved into the CHS Senate, a group which oversees and coordinates all the leadership, spirit, and fundraising activities in the school. The following groups are represented: Cobra Spirit Council, Interact, Sustainable Development, Girls’ Athletic Council, Boys’ Athletic Council, Performing Arts, Drama, Grad, Healthy Eating Initiative, Psychology Class, Student Engagement, and the Prep Group. The Senate meets once a month, and the individual groups meet weekly. We encourage you to become involved in any of these groups in order to develop your leadership skills. Click here for the CHS Senate https://sites.google.com/a/rvschools.ab.ca/chs-senate
EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS & ELIGIBILITY
Interscholastic sports, intramurals, clubs and service groups are a part of the extra-curricular program offered at Cochrane High. Administration recognizes and supports a well organized and supervised extracurricular program and we encourage students to get involved. The school is primarily a learning institution
and therefore classes must receive the highest priority. The following regulations reflect this priority!
A. A student must normally be registered in a minimum of 15 credits in the semester(s) in which the activity is taking place. (Correspondence and Alternative Courses IF APPROVED may be included.)
B. If a student is absent from school on the day of an event, he/she may not be eligible to participate in the event (except in very special cases).
C. Students are to follow the regulations of the school, either at or away from school, while participating in a school-organized event.
D. Because students are representing their school and the community, their behaviour should be beyond reproach.
E. Students should give careful consideration to their academic course load before participating in one or more extra-curricular activities.
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Annually a Junior Varsity and Varsity female athlete and a Junior Varsity and Varsity male athlete are selected for Athlete of the Year.
Criteria and Procedures:
Students must participate in a minimum of four Cochrane High sponsored athletics. These sports include cross-country, football, volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and field, golf, curling, soccer and rodeo. The athlete must complete the season as a member of the team. Attendance, punctuality, effort, commitment, cooperation, and dedication are taken into consideration when determining the finalists. Athletes must display sportsmanship and leadership and be coachable. Final nominations will be voted on by the Athletic Council and the respective coaches of the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams and approved by the principal. (Parent coaches or parent staff members of students nominated will excuse themselves from the voting process).
FEE SCHEDULE
We will endeavor to have the fee schedule updated by October 31 of each year.
PICTURES
School pictures will be taken at the beginning of the school year.
- Students will be photographed on a “proof program” and will receive a proof order form containing a few different images to order from.
- The proof order form will arrive to the school approximately 10 days after picture day.
- Orders must be returned to the school by the due date indicated. Orders can be made online through Lifetouch.
- Retake Day will be posted on the school calendar.
- Upon receipt of your proof, if a retake is required, you must check the retake box on the proof order form and return it to the school on or before retake photo day.
- If it is your first time getting your photo taken you will follow the instructions as stated in the initial photo session.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Each year we ask for parents of our students to assist the administration in reviewing and formulating school policy. If your parents might be interested in being a part of this committee, which would act as a liaison between community and school, please have them contact the school. We envision this committee meeting once a month on an informal basis for approximately 1.5 hours. It is hoped that this two-way communication should help our policies reflect the views of the community we serve. We sincerely hope your parents will consider taking part.
AWARDS CELEBRATION
This year we would ask you to join us in recognizing those students who have excelled in various aspects of the past years school program in October in the Cochrane High School theatre. The grade 12 and Athletic Awards celebration will be held in June in the Cochrane High School gymnasium.
CAFETERIA - SNAKE PIT
Students who stay in the school during lunch are required to eat in the cafeteria. The cafeteria provides lunches and snacks for a reasonable cost. We would ask all students to assist in keeping the eating areas clean.
BUSING
Rocky View Schools has developed extensive policies, which cover all facets of their school bus operation. Rural students and their parents should become familiar with these. Copies of the aforementioned policies are available online.
In addition, if you have any concerns you may first contact your bus driver. You may also contact Southland Transportation at 403.932.7100 or RVS Transportation Department at 403.945.4104.
Students at this age should realize the need for proper conduct conducive to the safe operation of the vehicle.
The bus driver is in full authority and his/her wishes must be respected. Students who do not comply with the direction given by the bus driver or to board policy may have their transportation privileges revoked.
The urban bus and rural bus registration forms for new families can be applied for online through your PowerSchool account under "School Engage" from the Rocky View Schools website.
Information on busing can be found on the Rocky View Schools website under "Transportation".
STUDENT PARKING
Student parking is first come first served.
SCHOOL CLOSURE
Once students have been transported to the school, the school will not be closed by the school administration until the regular school dismissal time or until it is deemed safe to allow school buses to depart for the home journey.
Decisions to close school because of inclement weather or other emergencies will be announced on radio stations CBC, CHFM Lite 96, 66CFR, FAN960, QR77, Q107, Country 105FM, Jack FM, CJ 92, City TV and on the Global News Morning Edition. It is the responsibility of parents to listen for school closures. This information will also be available by phoning the “late bus line” 403.945.4138 or by going on-line to the Rocky View Schools website.
It is, of course, the responsibility of the parent to determine whether or not it is safe for their child/children to leave for school.
When school bus departures are delayed beyond the normal departure time due to unsafe conditions, an attempt will be made to alert parents by means of the telephone and/or radio broadcasts.
The bus driver on each route is responsible to advise the families on the route concerning delays or cancellations. The schools are required to process the radio announcements.
EXAM & DIPLOMA POLICIES
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
To attain an Alberta High School Diploma, a student must:
- earn a minimum of 100 credits
- complete and meet the standards of the following courses:
- English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 or Français 30-1 or 30-2
- Social Studies 30-1 or 30-2
- Mathematics 20P, 20A or 24
- Science 20 or 24 or Biology 20 or Chemistry 20 or Physics 20
Note: Completion of a diploma examination is required for English 30-1 or 30-2 or Français 30 and Social Studies 30-1 or 30-2.
Note: For those taking Mathematics 30P, Mathematics 30A and 30-level science courses, successful completion of a diploma examination is required.
However, successful completion of these courses is not a condition of Alberta High School Diploma graduation requirements.
- complete and meet the standards of the following:
- Physical Education 10 (3 credits)
- Career and Life Management (CALM) 20 (3 credits)
- 10 credits, in any combination, from: career and technology studies (CTS)
OR
fine arts or second languages
OR
locally developed/acquired and authorized courses in CTS, fine arts or second languages - earn, in addition to English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 and Social Studies 30-1 or 30-2
- 10 credits in any 30-level courses, including:
locally developed/acquired and authorized courses
3000 series courses (advanced level) in career and technology studies
35-level work experience
DIPLOMA EXAMINATIONS PROGRAM & REGULATIONS
Provincial diploma examinations are in place for the following courses: English 30-1 & 30-2, Social Studies 30-1 & 30-2, Mathematics 30P & 30A, Science 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30, French Language Arts 30 and French Social Studies 30. These examinations will be course-specific, based on the required content of each of these courses.
To receive credit in these courses, students will be required to write the provincial diploma examinations.
Students who are absent from Alberta Education Diploma exams receive an incomplete and must write the next scheduled government exams or may apply for an Alberta Education exemption.
There are many more regulations governing the issuance of the high school diploma and it is incumbent on each student to be familiar with these regulations. Further information can be found on the Alberta Education website
REPORTING RESULTS OF DIPLOMA EXAMS
Students who write diploma examinations will be provided with a statement of results showing three marks for
each examination subject:
A. the school-awarded mark,
B. the diploma examination mark, and
C. a final course mark based upon a 50/50 weighting of A & B.
APPEAL PROCEDURES ON DIPLOMA EXAMS
Students may appeal their diploma examination mark by requesting that their examination be re-scored or by
rewriting the examination at a subsequent administration.
COURSE PRE-REQUISITES CHANGING STREAMS
A minimum mark of 50% is required in order to receive credit in a course. To proceed to a subsequent core course a student should obtain a 60% (eg. English 10 to English 20).
Extensive regulations exist with regard to changing streams and these are outlined in the Course Description Handbook or are available from your counsellor.
CHANGE OF LEVEL 30-1 & 30-2 PROCEDURES
On occasion there is educational value in changing a student's registration from a 30-1 level course to its 30-2 level counterpart. In Social Studies 30-2 and English 30-2, a concurrent registration process with time lines is necessary in order to ensure appropriate placements and adequate supply of exams.
The change in registration may take two forms:
A) STUDENT REMAINS IN EXISTING 30-1 LEVEL CLASSROOM:
Teacher/Student Discuss Change
↓
Teacher Recommends Change to Counsellor
Counsellor Initiates Paperwork
↓
Recommendation to Principal for Approval/Rejection
↓
Paperwork to School Office Assistant if Approved
↓
Inform Assistant Principal so proper exam can be ordered
Note: In this case, the change must be made by mid-November/mid-April date set by Alberta Education.
B) STUDENT RELOCATES TO 30-2 LEVEL CLASSROOM
A student MUST have a mark between 40-50% to make this request.
Teacher/Student Discuss Change
↓
Teacher Recommends Change to Counsellor
↓
Counsellor Consults Receiving Teacher for
Approval/Rejection
↓
If Approved by Receiving Teacher Counsellor
Initiates Paperwork
↓
Recommendation to Principal for Approval/Rejection
↓
Paperwork to School Office Assistant if Approved
↓
Inform Assistant Principal so proper exam can be ordered
Note: This process must be completed by made by mid-November/mid-April date set by Alberta Education.
C) COURSE WITHDRAWALS
- Gr. 9-11 students CANNOT WITHDRAW from any course as they must have a full timetable.
COURSE CHANGES
Once students have registered in a particular program, they have contracted to complete the program. THEY MAY NEITHER ADD NOR DELETE COURSES WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORIZATION GIVEN BY THE PRINCIPAL/GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR.
During the first two weeks of each semester, students may adjust their program BY SEEING THEIR GRADE COUNSELLOR.
Students in Grades 9-12, may not withdraw from a 5 credit course under normal circumstances after the beginning of November for the first semester and the beginning of April for the second semester. If extenuating situations exist, this policy may be appealed to the principal.
Failure to attend classes in courses not officially dropped will result in disciplinary action.
EVALUATION AND REPORTING
FAIR AND JUST TREATMENT OF STUDENTS
To ensure that the rights of students are protected and the student evaluation practices followed, all policies and adopted procedures used, and judgments made, must be fair and just. Implicit in the meaning of 'fairness' and 'justness' are the following three basic principles:
A. Objectivity - meaning impartiality and freedom from prejudice.
B. Equity - meaning equal treatment of all concerned, unless special consideration is warranted in extenuating circumstances, ie. positive discrimination.
C. Justice - implying the exact following of a standard of what is right and proper.
TEACHER EXPECTATIONS
Students of senior high schools shall receive from teachers in advance of instruction a clear statement
of:
A. course objectives,
B. course content,
C. evaluation procedures with weightings assigned for various facets of required term work and the final
examination, plus
D. other course expectations beyond those normally in place.
FINAL EXAMINATION
All secondary school students shall be required to complete an appropriate final examination.
A. The final examination normally shall encompass the total term work covered in a course.
B. The weighting attached to the final examination shall be from 25 to 50 percent of a student's final standing with term work constituting the balance.
C. Graded final examinations shall be secured for a period necessary for appeal purposes.
D. A doctor’s note is required if a student is unable to write any exam for medical reasons.
E. All students are expected to be present for their final exams. The only acceptable excuse for missing a final exam is illness for which a medical certificate is required. Alternate writing dates must be arranged with the teacher and grade administrator.
F. In accordance with the concept of 'Fairness and Justness', the school evaluation of individual students may be appealed. The deadline for appeals is March 1st, for the first semester and August 30th for the second semester. Deadlines for appeals of Diploma Exam results can be found on the Alberta Education website at www.education.alberta.ca
REPORT CARDS
One report card is issued each semester. The report cards will be handed out to students as per the specified dates below. Report cards will not be mailed home. If you wish to have your report card mailed home please provide the office with a stamped, self addressed envelope.
Semester I
Midterm report card will be available online.
Final report card issued at the end of the semester one.
Semester 2
Midterm report card will be available online.
Final report card issued at the end of June.
These are formal reporting periods; however parents are encouraged to check PowerSchool Parent Portal regularily to track their child's progress. https;//ps.rockyview.ab.ca/public
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
There are many awards and/or scholarships available in the academic, vocational, practical arts, and business education fields of which students should be aware. We will be publicizing these during the school year so please take note of those that are applicable in your situation. Lists of scholarships are available online under guidance department.
HONOUR ROLL
Each year Cochrane High School establishes an Honour Roll to recognize the academic excellence of our students. The Honour Roll recognizes students who have achieved an average of 80% or better in their 5 credit core academic courses.
PROCEDURES, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
RETURNING GRADE 12 STUDENTS
Students may return to Cochrane High School ONLY under the following circumstances:
a. a pre-arranged 4-year high school educational plan has been in effect, and
b. funding and resources are available.
c. Students with extenuating circumstances may be considered on an individual basis.
- Returning students must make application to the Principal prior to May 31st to discuss the possibility
of a program.
- Returning students will be required to take 15 credits per semester or 30 credits per year.
- Returning students will be on higher accountability than other students for attendance and behaviour.
ACCIDENTS
We ask that in case of an accident, minor or major, the student(s) involved report it to the supervising teacher or to the office. Our ability to respond to emergencies depends on the accuracy of our database. Please ensure all parent contact information is current.
STUDENT CONDUCT (GENERAL)
You are attending Cochrane High School because you have definite educational goals. You should have reached a certain level of maturity and your behaviour should reflect this maturity. Teachers are here to help you achieve your educational goals. You are expected to show respect for your teachers at all times and to be courteous and considerate to everyone!
Students may be accountable to school administration for their behavior both on the way to school and on the way home.
SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT
Cochrane High School is committed to providing a safe and secure environment in which students may flourish and therefore will not condone any behaviours that endanger the moral or physical well-being of its students and staff. The high school will respond strongly and appropriately with respect to the following actions or behaviours on school property or in school-sponsored or related activities:
- The use, possession or sale of tobacco, alcohol, vapourizers or illicit drugs;
- The possession or use of weapons or items which are intended to be used as a weapon; including laser pointers, pellet guns, paintball guns or knives of any type;
- Any physical assault, threats of assault, intimidation, harassment or bullying;
- Any gang/youth group displaying a pattern of delinquent behaviour or disruptive activity;
- Any sexual, religious, ethnocultural and/or racial slurs or harassment;
- Any acts of vandalism on the physical facilities and the personal property of the student or staff;
- Any act of theft with regard to personal property of the student or staff on the physical facilities.
- Any behavior or dress that violates reasonable expectations of modesty (that is, streaking, mooning or pulling down trousers or shorts).
The policy is intended to be a guideline, which will be used by Cochrane High School in response to those students who violate this policy. Violators face suspension and or the possibility of expulsion.
NOTE: The criminal code defines words such as weapon, assault, gang, harassment, and vandalism.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
“Students shall behave so as to reasonably comply with the following code of conduct:
(a) be diligent in pursuing their duties
(b) attend school regularly and punctually
(c) cooperate fully with everyone authorized by the board to provide education programs and services,
in accordance with this Act
(d) understand and comply with the rules of the school
(e) be accountable for their conduct and behavior
(f) respect the rights of others.”
Section 12, School Act
The school is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Any form of verbal, psychological, physical or sexual harassment or bullying will NOT be tolerated within the school. The staff and administration are committed to responding to any form of harassment or bullying.
CHS ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
We at Cochrane High School (CHS) believe Academic Integrity supports intellectual growth and creates a fair learning environment. Teachers and Administrators at CHS recognize that there are significant expectations and pressures to achieve academic excellence, this pressure can lead individuals to be dishonest and/or cheat. However, we firmly believe that cheating diminishes the value of education, damages the ethical character of the individual student and undermines the integrity of our school community. CHS Academic Integrity affirms that we value learning, and that we expect personal integrity and intellectual honesty.
WHAT IS ACADEMIC INTEGRITY?
- Intellectual honesty
- Personal truthfulness
- Learning for its own sake
- Representing your work honestly and accurately
- Giving full credit to others who have helped you, or whose work you have incorporated into your own
WHAT IS CHEATING?
Cheating is defined as seeking to obtain (or aiding another to obtain) credit or improved scores through
the use of any unauthorized or deceptive means.
Some examples of what cheating looks like:
- Presenting information collected, organized, or envisioned by someone else as your own (with or without the author's permission) or allowing someone else to present your work as his or her own
- Taking shortcuts (such as unauthorized use of study aids) that allow you to bypass steps of an assignment
- Using forbidden material to "help" during an exam, such as cheat sheets, graphing calculators, or cell phones.
- Asking about or sharing questions and/or answers to quizzes and exams.
- Submitting the same work for more than one assignment without express permission from your teacher(s).
- Altering corrections or scores with the intent of changing your grade.
- Misrepresenting yourself in any way to your teachers in regard to the work you have done, such as saying you've turned in an assignment when you did not, or that you've worked hours longer than you actually did to complete an assignment.
- Fabricating information to try to earn more time, more credit, or grading leniency on an assignment, project, or exam.
- Missing class in order to avoid turning in an assignment or taking a test.
- Doing more or less than your share of a group project without permission from your teacher
APPEAL PROCEDURES
In accordance with the concept of “Fairness and Justice”, any decision or consequence outlined by policy or procedure may be appealed. A teacher’s, administrator’s, principals or Board decision may be appealed to the next higher level of authority. The appeal should be made in writing to the next appropriate level. In all cases, a discussion with the individual(s) should take place in the hope that a satisfactory resolution of the issue could be made prior to any written appeal.
ATTENDANCE
#School Every Day
http://www.rockyview.ab.ca/21stC/supporting/rvs-attendance
CHS Policy
http://cochrane.rockyview.ab.ca/news/cochrane-high-school-attendance-policy
WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES
1. Parents must first meet with their student’s grade level Administrator.
2. Students must complete a withdrawal form.
3. Students must clear their locker, return textbooks, and settle all accounts.
TRANSPORTATION TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL
Students are NOT to drive themselves unless they have written permission from a parent submitted to the principal. Students CAN NOT drive any other student in a vehicle. For liability reasons, the importance of this policy cannot be overstated.
DRESS REGULATIONS
All students are expected to adhere to reasonable standards of taste in dress and grooming and in keeping with the building's function. Student dress and grooming shall not disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or detract from school activities. A sweater, shirt or sweatshirt must cover tube tops, halter-tops, and spaghetti strap tops. Midriffs should be covered and shorts and skirts should be an appropriate length.
SMOKING
Consistent with the law, no smoking is allowed on the school grounds or in the immediate vicinity of the school. This includes any form of a vapour cigarette.
It should be noted that it is illegal for anyone under 18 to smoke or be in possession of any tobacco product.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS POLICY MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL.
STUDENT PARKING LOT
All students parking in the Cochrane High School:
CHS and RVS are NOT responsible for any damage to vehicles in the parking lot.
Parking for our students continues to be a challenge at Cochrane High School. The school has two parking areas for students and students are welcome to park on a first come first served basis. One lot is in the front of the school, the other is beside the old arena. Students are not allowed to park in staff or visitor parking at any time.
PARKING LOT RULES:
- The speed limit is 15 km/h.
- Students are expected to drive in a safe and responsible manner.
- Students are expected to yield to bus drivers, and after school exit the parking lot from the north exit only,
- Students must have a visible parking pass displayed on the front dash of the vehicle in order to park in the student parking lot.
- Students may not park in staff parking, visitor parking, fire lanes, and driving lanes or on concrete medians at any time.
- Students are to use the parking lot as an arrival and departure point only; students are not to loiter in the parking lot or sit in vehicles during the school day.
- The parking lot is part of school property so appropriate school behaviour as outlined in the Student Handbook applies.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The deadline for submitting announcements to the Learning Commons is 8:00 am from Monday through Friday. Please keep your announcement brief and to the point.
LOCKERS
Each student in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 will be assigned a locker.
Students will be issued a lock. Lockers are to be kept clean and tidy or this privilege may be withdrawn.
While the student does have a degree of privacy with the locker, impromptu locker searches may be conducted to maintain the integrity and safety of the school environment.
CHANGE ROOMS in the school are not secured and students should NEVER leave valuables in the locker rooms at any time.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
We would ask that all students assist in making all visitors to our school welcome. A friendly smile or an offer of assistance leaves those who visit with a positive feeling about our school.
It is also important that we maintain a positive relationship with residents and businesses in the area. Please refrain from disposing garbage in and around the school which includes 4th Avenue.
ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE
All students, staff, and parents should be aware that Cochrane High School is equipped with security cameras around the outside of the building, the parking lots, some hallways, and in the stairwells leading to our change rooms. This security further enhances our ability to maintain a safe and caring environment. DO NOT leave valuables in change rooms or vehicles.
TELEPHONE USE AND MESSAGES
There is a phone available for student use in the office. Students are also reminded that messages will only be taken for emergencies.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES and CELL PHONES
The use of CD, MP3 players, cellular phones, and paging devices are permitted but they must be put away and TURNED OFF while in the classroom.
Devices capable of capturing, transmitting, or storing images or recording and storing audio may NOT be operated in restrooms, dressing rooms, or other areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Under NO circumstances shall any video, picture capturing or audio recording device be used in any classroom without the express consent of the teacher and school administration. Special consideration shall be given to protect the privacy of students in the classroom if such permission is granted. Operation of any electronic device is prohibited in testing situations or where testing materials are present.
Items in violation of the policy will be dependant upon the severity of the offence.
STUDY PERIODS
Grade 9, 10 and 11 students will not have spares. Grade 12 students with spares may leave the building if they so desire. All students on spares who remain in the school may be in the Learning Commons or the Snake Pit.
Students are not to congregate in the hallways and/or bother other classes in progress.
HOUR ZERO PROCEDURES
The divisional policy requires that we conduct planned evacuations of the building and emergency procedures during the year. We do ask for your cooperation during these practices. Your teachers will make you aware of procedures.
