Parent Handbook

2019-2020

@ParkholmeSchool @parkholmeschool

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Transportation

Transportation Students at Parkholme School are transported to and from school by school buses. Parents/guardians are responsible for notifying the bus company (and the school) in the event of a student absence and cancel their child’s bus. Please call the bus company directly if your child is sick, or if there is a problem with the bus.

o ATTW (Attridge Mississauga) 905-855-7771 o FSTB (First Student Brampton) 905-857-4370 o PKVW (Parkview Wheelchair/Caravans) 905-450-0636 o PKVB (Parkview Brampton) 905-857-9894 o PKVC (Parkview Caledon) 905-584-0400 o SWCB (Switzer-Carty Brampton) 905-595-1261 o FSTO (First Student Orangeville) 519-941-2582

Moving during the school year: changes to bus routes take time to process. Please notify the school at least two weeks in advance.

Our family’s important bus information: Morning ROUTE number: ___________________

Pick-up time: ___________________

After school ROUTE number: _________________

Drop off time: ___________________

Bus company phone number: _________________

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Table of Contents

PAGE

Our Mission 3

Who We Are 3

Planning for Student Success 4

2019/2020 School Year Calendar 5

Key Dates at a Glance 2019/2020 6

Contact Information 7

Program Overview 8

Program and Curriculum Overview 9 - 10

Reporting to Parents/Guardians 11

School Council Welcomes Parents 11

Transportation 12 - 14

School Reminders 15

Procedures Help Keep Students Safe at School 16

Code of Conduct 17 - 20

Ministry School Food and Beverage Policy 20

D.S.O. and O.D.S.P. 21

Peel Board’s Learning and Instructional Technology Plan 21 - 22

Community Agencies 23

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Our Mission – Towards Independence As a school community, we recognize and embrace individual differences. By creating a safe, respectful and caring environment, we provide opportunities to learn with dignity. Accomplishing this will build a strong foundation to empower students to move towards independence.

Who We Are Welcome to Parkholme Secondary School. Parkholme is a school for students 14 to 21 years of age with developmental disabilities, serving students with special needs in the City of Brampton and the Town of Caledon. Our goal is to provide an individualized program that assists all of our students to develop communication skills, functional academics and life skills. Opportunities for integration into secondary schools and the community are important aspects of our program. Our special education teachers and specially trained teaching assistants provide the necessary support to help our students move toward independence. Our 2019-2020 parent handbook will provide you with information about our school and school organization. We value your involvement and want you to know it’s appreciated. We invite you to contact your son's or daughter's teacher or the school office should you have questions or require further information. We are looking forward to working with you throughout the school year.

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Peel District School Board’s Planning for Student Success The Peel District School Board’s mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each student. Everything we do in the Peel District School Board is driven by our strategic plan - what we refer to as the Plan for Student Success. The goals focus our resources where they will have the greatest impact to improve student success.

We inspire success, confidence and hope in every student.

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Peel District School Board 2019/2020 School Year Calendar

School Year - Elementary and Secondary

The school year begins September 3, 2019

First day of classes for students September 3, 2019

Last day of classes for students June 23, 2020

The number of instructional days for elementary and secondary students

187

The number of professional activity days for the elementary and secondary panel

7

School Holidays - Elementary and Secondary

Labour Day September 2, 2019

Thanksgiving Day October 14, 2019

Winter Break (inclusive) December 23, 2019 - January 3, 2020

Family Day February 17, 2020

Spring Break (inclusive) March 16 - March 20, 2020

Good Friday April 10, 2020

Easter Monday April 13, 2020

Victoria Day May 18, 2020

Professional Learning/Activity Days

Professional Learning Day: Provincial Education Priorities

October 11, 2019

Professional Learning Day: Provincial Education Priorities

November 15, 2019

Professional Activity Day: Semester Turnaround Day

January 30, 2020

Professional Learning Day: Provincial Education Priorities

February 7, 2020

Professional Activity Day: Yearend reporting, professional and curriculum development, and school closing activities (inclusive)

June 24-26, 2020

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Key Dates for 2019-2020

September 3 First Day of School September 10 Picture Day at Main Site September 26 School Council DSO Presentation September 27 Early Release Day: Students go home 11:30 AM October 11 PL Day: No school for students

October 14 Thanksgiving October 15 IEPs & Early Progress Reports go home October 24 Picture Re-Take Day, Parent/Teacher Interviews

November 12 Mid-Term Report Cards & IEPs go home November 15 PL Day: No school for students

December 20 Last day before Winter Break

January 6 First day back from Winter Break January 29 Early Release Day: Students go home 11:30 AM January 30 PA Day: No school for students

February 7 PL Day – No school for students February 11 Semester One IEPs and Reports go home February 17 Family Day

March 11 Interview Request Forms go home March 16 -20 March Break March 26 Parent/Guardian Teacher Interviews April 9 Early Release Day: Students go home 11:30 AM April 10 Good Friday April 13 Easter Monday April 21 Mid-term reports & IEPs go home

May 1 Grad Photos May 15 Early Release Day: Students go home 11:30 AM May 18 Victoria Day

June 22 Semester Two Report Cards & IEPs go home June 23 Last Day of school for students June 24 PA Day: No school for students June 25 PA Day: No school for students June 26 PA Day: No school for students

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Contact Us

Year of Birth Move to Transition Program 18+ Last year in PDSB

2000 September 2019 June 2021

2001 September 2020 June 2022

2002 September 2021 June 2023

2003 September 2022 June 2024

Peel District School Board: 905-890-1010 www.peelschools.org Trustees: Carrie Andrews Sohi Balbir Stan Cameron Will Davies David Green Kathy McDonald Superintendent : Matt McCutcheon Superintendent of Special Education: Shawn Moynihan Special Needs Consultant: Katrina Aveiro

Parkholme School

Principal: Therese Fitzpatrick Office Manager: Pauline Cuthbertson Vice Principal: Gillian Kajganich Office Assistant: Cindy Orchard Office Assistant: Agnes Pomietlarz

Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Phone: 905-451-1263 School Hours: 8:45 am - 2:40 pm Fax: 905-451-7626 Website: www.parkholme.ca Twitter@ParkholmeSchool

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Program Overview

G

Option 2: Exit to the Community

at the end of Grade 12 or

at the end of the Transition Prog.

Individual Education Plan

Grades 9 to 12 A4 Subjects Personal Health and Well Being

Self determination Communication

Social Functional Academics

KPM – Motor Skills KPS – Self Care Skills KPR – Relationship Skills KPD – Daily Living Skills KSA – Self Awareness Skills KSR – Self Regulation Skills KSG – Goal Setting Skills KCR – Receptive Language Skills KCE – Expressive Language Skills KCN – Non-verbal Communication Skills KSH – First Canadians KST – Personal Health and Fitness KSC – Making Choices for Healthy Living KSS – Self-Help and Self-Care KSV – Exploring our Environment KSL – Computer Skills KFR – Reading Skills KFW – Writing Skills KFM – Mathematics Skills KFT – Transport Skills KFJ – Job Skills

Option 1: Students 19 to 21 years old

End of Grade 12 Options Option 1: Transition Program Option 2: Exit school, join the community

Individual Education Plan

ENTRY: Students 14 – 18 years of age

All students attending Parkholme SS are placed in the school by the board’s Special Programs Identification, Placement Review

Committee.

Transition Program: Work in School, External Work and/or Community Experiences

All students in the Transition Program at Parkholme are placed by the board’s

Special Programs Identification, Placement Review Committee.

Parkholme Secondary School

Transition Program A4 Subjects Personal Health and Well Being

Self determination Communication

Social Functional Academics

KPM – Motor Skills KPS – Self Care Skills KPR – Relationship Skills KPD – Daily Living Skills KSA – Self Awareness Skills KSR – Self Regulation Skills KSG – Goal Setting Skills KCR – Receptive Language Skills KCE – Expressive Language Skills KCN – Non-verbal Communication Skills KSH – First Canadians KST – Personal Health and Fitness KSC – Making Choices for Healthy Living KSS – Self-Help and Self-Care KSV – Exploring our Environment KSL – Computer Skills KFR – Reading Skills KFW – Writing Skills KFM – Mathematics Skills KFT – Transport Skills KFJ – Job Skills

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Students Aged 14 to 18 Years Assessment and Achievement in Alternative Areas (A4): Programming for Students Accessing Alternative Curriculum This Alternative Curriculum organizes skills across six developmental ranges, into five broad domains of learning.

Personal Health and Well Being Skills

Self Determination Skills

Communication Skills

Social Skills

Functional Academic Skills These five domains work in tandem and focus on the development of Functional Independent Skills to support students as they prepare for living with the highest degree of independence as possible, whether their needs be social, emotional, intellectual, physical or a combination of needs.

Students Aged 19 to 21 Years Transition Program When students turn 19, they move into the “transition years”, their last two years in school. A4 – Assessing Achievement in Alternate Areas continues to be used to create and support the Individual Education Plan for students with developmental disabilities who are in the Transition Program In addition to this, work and community experience may be part of the program for students 19 to 21 years old. Community Work Experience Some Parkholme students work in various community businesses. This provides students with the opportunity to develop and strengthen work skills, build relationships with others and confidence in the community. Regular monitoring and evaluation by the staff team, along with direct teaching of life skills and community skills, encourages students to progress toward independence according to each student’s ability. The purpose of the program is to provide a variety of experiences both at school and in the community.

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Community Partnerships and Work Experience The focus of the Transition Program at Parkholme School is to provide a variety of work and community related experiences to students.

Some of our current work experience partnerships include:

Brampton Public Libraries

Brisdale Public School

Camden Door Controls

Canadian Tire

Cassie Campbell Community Centre

Children’s Place

Chris Gibson Recreation Centre

Dollarama

Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary Library

Fortino’s

Giant Tiger

Knight’s Table Food Bank

Larkspur Public School

Melgor Trophies

Mini Skool

Peel Regional Police

Pizza Pizza

Region of Peel Recycling

Salvation Army Food Bank

Salvation Army Thrift Store

Shalimar Flower Shop

Winners

In-School Work Experience There are a variety of in-school work experience opportunities including the Fluff and Fold Laundry, Bubble Bucket Carwash, Wooden Spoon Cafe and Contract. These programs provide students with opportunities to develop work and life skills within the main site building. Contract Work Students assemble piece work for a variety of businesses, organizations and charities. The contract program is always looking for new opportunities. If you, or someone you know, has a business that requires work for mailings, collating, packaging, light assembly and sorting, please contact Nadine McRae at 905-451-1263. No job is too small!

Bubble Bucket Car Wash All classes have the opportunity to participate in the car wash. If you would like to become a customer, call the office for times and to book your appointment. Fluff and Fold Laundry Our students provide a laundry service to the Fletcher’s Meadow hospitality program and the physical education department. In addition, all school generated laundry is done by our students. Wooden Spoon Café Students prepare lunches and snacks daily under the direction of the food services Co-ordinator: Tanya Deschenes.

Transition Planning Planning for life after graduation is an important part of each student’s program plan. Our goal is to work in partnership with families and community partners to support the transition from school years to adult years. We will do this through information evenings and meeting with families directly to set goals. Together we have the opportunity to support each student with a meaningful transition plan throughout their years at Parkholme.

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Reporting to Parents/Guardians In September, all parents/guardians are contacted to discuss their child's Individual Education Plan. As a semestered secondary school, we have two final reporting periods in February and June. We take pride in our school and encourage open communication between staff and families. Many of our teachers use a communication book or a school agenda to share information between school and home. If at any time you would like to speak to your child’s teacher, please call the school or write a note in the communication book.

School Council Welcomes Parents

Welcome to Parkholme School. The School Council is a volunteer group made up of parents, staff and a community member. The school council meets to:

support our school community by encouraging active participation in our students' education

provide advice on a number of areas that lead to school wide success and improvement

oversee fundraising activities to enhance learning resources and enrich school programs All parents are welcome to attend meetings and participate in school council activities. Meeting dates and other pertinent school council information is communicated in school newsletters, through phone messages and flyers.

To find out more about our school council, or if you would like to server on school council, please attend our meetings or contact the office.

Our first school council meeting will be on Thursday, September 26 at 6:30 pm, immediately followed by our School Council DSO Presentation.

We look forward to seeing many of you there.

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Transportation

Transportation Students at Parkholme School are transported to and from school by school buses. It is the responsibility of all parents to notify the bus company, and the school, in the event of a student absence and cancel the bus for their child. Please call the bus company directly if there is a problem with the bus or your child is sick.

ATTW (Attridge Mississauga) 905-855-7771 FSTB (First Student Brampton) 905-857-4370 PKVW (Parkview Wheelchair/Caravans) 905-450-0636 PKVB (Parkview Brampton) 905-857-9894 PKVC (Parkview Caledon) 905-584-0400 SWCB (Switzer-Carty Brampton) 905-595-1261 FSTO (First Student Orangeville) 519-941-2582

Visit http://businfo.stopr.ca to get information regarding busing routes, times, delays and cancellations. Click on Student Login and enter information as outlined below.

Students are expected to follow the standards of behaviour outlined in the Code of Conduct while they are on the school bus. Appropriate behaviour on buses is essential. Persistent difficulty on the bus may result in suspension of bus privileges. Some students may require additional support to travel safely to and from school due to severe health, medical or behavioural needs. This will be decided in consultation with the Coordinator of Special Programs and the school administration.

School Closings Due To Bad Weather In the event of severe weather conditions, it may be necessary to close the school. This decision will be made before school starts, usually by 6 a.m., and is communicated by radio on most major stations. You may also visit http://businfo.stopr.ca for a listing of school closures and bus cancellations. A phone message will be sent to your home number by 6:30 a.m. should there be a disruption in bus service or schools are closed. One of the following messages will be broadcast: “Buses are cancelled” This message means that schools remain open for students, but all bus transportation provided by the Peel Board is cancelled. When schools are open, but buses are not running in the morning, the buses will also not run in the afternoon. “The schools are closed” This message means that, due to the severity of the weather conditions, schools are closed to students.

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Delays and

Cancellations:

WANT UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON YOUR STUDENT’S BUS?

REGISTERING FOR BUS DELAY NOTIFICATIONS.

OEN NUMBERS CAN BE FOUND ON YOUR STUDENT’S IEP OR BY CALLING

OUR OFFICE AT 905-451-1263

1. Navigate to the ‘Delays and Cancellations’ page via www.stopr.ca or https://businfo.stopr.ca

- https://businfo.stopr.ca/Cancellations.aspx

2. Click envelope on the top right corner

3. Under the ‘Other Options’ select ‘Subscribe’

4. Type in your email address and click subscribe. A confirmation email will be sent to your email address with a verification link. Click the link to verify the account and select a password.

5. Once you have registered and chosen a password, you can login and begin managing your subscriptions.

Late Bus Email Notifications:

This new feature allows parents and students to subscribe to receive email alerts when a bus is posted late by a Bus Operator.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO BUS DELAY EMAILS

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2

To subscribe to Email Notifications for a student’s bus, Click ‘My Children’, and add students

to the account

1. Click ‘Add’ to subscribe to each student’s bus routes. Multiple students can be added

2. Enter Ontario Education Number (OEN), House/Street number, School and Grade

3. Click checkbox beside name and Click ‘Update Subscriptions’

4. Subscriptions to buses can be verified by clicking Route Delays and Cancellations button.

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS

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3

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Student ID is the OEN number found on your child’s IEP

Select location: PARKHOLME

For Grade select: Grade 9

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School Reminders Lunch Bring a lunch prepared at home to eat at school. Please make sure the lunch items are ready to eat. Send a spoon or fork if needed, beverages and snacks are recommend, in warm weather please ensure food is safe in the heat. Throughout the year parents/caregivers will be notified of any special event lunch options, along with pricing.

Supervision Parkholme students are supervised by staff between the start and end times of the school day. Throughout the day, students are supervised by staff in the classroom, throughout the school environment and on excursions in the community.

Medication Our school is staffed with a teaching assistant Medical Coordinator. All students requiring medication must complete an Administration of Prescribed Medication Form. It must be signed by the physician who issued the prescription and the parent, and returned to the school. Medication will be administered at school when all forms have been completed. Daily records will be kept regarding the administration of any medication. This form is available on the school website or from the school office.

Students with severe allergies, including bee stings or food, should carry an Epi-Pen with them. Two Epi-Pens need to be sent to school and labelled with the student’s name. One will stay with the student and the second will be stored in the office. An Administration of Prescribed Medication Form is required for any child who requires an Epi-pen. Upon receipt an Individual Plan of Care will be developed for the student.

Food Allergies We have students in our school with severe life threatening food allergies to peanuts and nuts. This is a medical condition that causes a severe reaction to specific foods and can result in death. Although this may or may not affect your child’s class directly, we want to inform you so that you choose to send foods with your child that are free from peanuts or nut products. For this reason, students have been asked not to share their snacks or lunches with classmates. At the beginning of each year, you will be notified if there is a student in the class with a severe food allergy. A letter will be sent to you asking for your assistance in helping to minimize exposure to foods that cause an allergic reaction in students with severe allergies.

Sabrina’s Law Sabrina’s Law requires every principal to establish strategies to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic substances. Information about life threatening allergies is communicated to school staff and all staff are trained in case an emergency arises. Current medical information and an Individual Plan of Care for each student who has an anaphylactic allergy is maintained in the office.

Ryan’s Law Ryan’s law supports the well-being of students with asthma in all Peel schools. It is important that parents inform school administration of their child's asthma, provide information regarding treatment

and include the physician’s instructions for administering medication when completing the Administration of Prescribed Medication Form so that an Individual Plan of Care can be developed. Parents need to

provide the school with inhalers labeled with the student’s name.

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Procedures Help Keep Students Safe at School Peel schools provide a safe environment for staff and students to work and learn. The board has many procedures to ensure safety – including regular fire drills, evacuation plans and criminal record checks for all staff and volunteers.

Together with the Peel Regional Police and the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board, the Peel board has developed specific procedures to help keep schools safe during various kinds of potentially dangerous situations. These procedures are called Lockdown, Hold and Secure and Shelter in Place.

Lockdown Lockdown is used in the very rare situation where a suspect who is perceived to be dangerous may be inside the school building. During lockdown rehearsals, the principal will announce on the PA, “Initiate lockdown procedure.” The school bell will ring continuously for a period of time. Students and staff inside the school will:

Go to the closest room and close the door and lock it if possible

Lie down on the floor away from sightlines or doors and windows

Remain on the floor until further directions are given Note: Police have cautioned against parents calling their child’s cell phone as this interferes with the safety measures put in place

Students and staff outside the school will:

Move as far away from the building as possible

Remain outside until the bell is rung once to signal re-entry or until further directions are given If a Lockdown continues past dismissal time, police will direct the process of how and when students will be released to their parents. As a part of the school’s overall safety plan, rehearsals will take place a minimum of two times during the school year.

Hold and Secure Hold and Secure is used when there is a potentially dangerous situation in the community near the school. For example, if police are involved in apprehending an armed suspect in the community, they will instruct the school administration to follow the Hold and Secure protocol. This means that all outside doors will be locked, all windows will be shut and no one may enter or exit the building without police permission. Classes inside the school continue as usual. If a Hold and Secure continues past dismissal time, police will direct the process of how and when students will be released to their parents.

Shelter in Place Shelter in Place is used in the event of an environmental or weather related situation in the community of the school that could be potentially harmful to students. For example, if there is a spill, leak or release of some kind of noxious chemical in the environment near the school, the school will follow the Shelter in Place protocol. This means that windows, doors and air vents to outside air will be shut until the problem is resolved. If a Shelter in Place continues past dismissal time, police will direct the process of how and when students will be released to their parents.

Fire Safety Plan and Bomb Threat/Suspicious Item Plan We have updated our Fire Safety Plan and implemented a Bomb Threat/Suspicious Item as per PDSB protocol and policy. Both have been communicated to and reviewed with our staff. In all instances requiring these protocols, Peel schools and parents are expected to take direction from Peel police. Information about critical situations or dismissal delays will be sent out to subscribers by e-mail or phone message. To subscribe, visit the school website, click on ‘Subscribe’ and fill in the form. You can find a list of all schools with the links to their websites at www.peelschools.org in the ‘Schools’ section. In addition to email and/or text message updates, a letter will be sent home after the situation to inform parents of what happened.

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Code of Conduct

Our Commitment Parkholme School recognizes that students achieve their best when they feel safe, nurtured, welcomed, respected and included. We are committed to providing a healthy learning and working environment that supports student success by promoting caring, responsibility, respect, and independence. Our goal is for every student to progress towards independence and to provide assistance and encouragement towards developing behaviours that are age-appropriate. For our students to be successful, schools must be free of negative factors such as bullying, discrimination, intimidation, hateful words and actions, as well as physical violence in any form.

We believe that parents, the school and community must all work together to help students grow and develop in their daily living skills as they progress toward graduation at age 21. We must clearly demonstrate sensitivity for the diverse, cultural and special needs of individual students.

Code of Conduct The Parkholme School Code of Conduct applies to all members of the school community including students, parents, guardians, volunteers, visitors and school staff, whether they are on school property, on school buses, at school-authorized events or activities, or in any other situation that may impact the school climate.

All members of the school community have a responsibility to respect and honour the school Code of Conduct, to demonstrate age and developmentally appropriate social behaviour and to take responsibility for their own actions. We recognize the varying and unique needs of our students and will support each and every one to have a successful school experience.

Our Responsibilities All members of the school community are expected to:

demonstrate honesty and integrity

treat one another with dignity, respect and fairness, regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnicity, citizenship, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or any other attribute

take appropriate action to help those in need, seeking assistance to resolve conflict constructively and respectfully

show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others Parent and guardian responsibilities include:

taking an active role in their son/daughter's education by ensuring that he/she is prepared for learning, including regular attendance, promptly reporting authorized absences and late arrivals

ongoing communication with the school and preparation for post-secondary transition

reviewing the school Code of Conduct with their son/daughter, if appropriate, and helping him/her follow school rules

helping their child understand that it is not appropriate to tease or bully others

when applicable, monitoring their child’s internet use and taking responsibility for his/her behaviour when accessing electronic resources from home

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Student responsibilities include:

demonstrating a commitment to learning through regular attendance, being prepared and ready to learn

following school rules and taking responsibility for his/her own actions

refraining from bringing anything to school, or using anything inappropriately, that may risk the safety of themselves or others

showing proper care and regard for school and community property Staff responsibilities include:

helping students achieve to the best of their ability, developing self-worth, and independence

encouraging and reinforcing socially acceptable and age-appropriate behaviours

modeling the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour

communicating regularly and meaningfully with parents/guardians

establishing an array of extensive, clear, fair and developmentally appropriate interventions, as per the positive behaviour intervention plans, supports, direct skill instruction

Bullying Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is knowingly intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear, distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance. We will teach students self-advocacy skills to help them learn how to deal with situations. Individual support plans will be developed where necessary.

Individualized Behaviour Support Parkholme School encourages, supports and recognizes acceptable behaviour in our students through a variety of positive practices. An individualized support approach makes use of a continuum of interventions, supports and individualized plans, building upon strategies that promote positive, socially acceptable behaviours. We encourage students to take responsibility for their behaviour and to accept responsibility for their actions, if appropriate. An individualized behaviour support approach will be developed to deal with inappropriate behaviour. This may include: oral reminders, review of expectations, individual behaviour plan, contact with the family, and/or referral for support services. We recognize that each student is a unique individual and that every situation requires careful consideration. For all students with special education or disability-related needs, all support approaches will be consistent with his/her Individual Education Plan and his/her demonstrated abilities. Support plans will be developed in partnership with parents and school staff.

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Alternatives to Suspension for Students with Special Needs In January 2003, a committee from the Peel District School Board revised the board’s Alternatives to Suspension for Students with Special Needs. The purpose of the document is to provide a framework of strategies that would diminish the need to exclude students with special needs from school. There was general agreement that suspension for students with special needs should normally be seen as a “last resort” course of action in response to behaviours which may be related to their exceptionality. Every reasonable effort should be taken to exhaust other strategies and alternatives before resorting to exclusion through suspension. At the same time, it was acknowledged that suspension continues to be one viable option available in very difficult circumstances, particularly when safety issues are involved and that, in the final analysis, it is the responsibility of the principal to exercise his/her professional judgment depending on the particular circumstances involved. In every case, effective communication with parents is essential. The following is emphasized to ensure ongoing dialogue and communication:

early consultation with the parents of students who experience behavioural difficulties

program plans (IEPs) that effectively respond to student behavioural needs and are developed in partnership with parents and school staff

informing parents, at the outset, of the Ministry Guidelines and the Peel Board’s Safe School’s Policy as well as Parkholme’s Code of Conduct

clearly distinguishing between formal suspensions and any informal agreement made to have the student excluded from the school or from school activities for any length of time

stressing that any informal agreement is mutual and in no way mandatory, and must be documented

that community agencies and parents are valuable partners in providing support to both schools and families

that an ongoing cycle of evaluation and review is essential to ensure that the program plan continues to reflect the student’s changing needs over time

No Smoking on Board Property The school recognizes the benefits of a smoke-free environment for all persons. By law, smoking is not permitted at Parkhplme, on any other board property, on school buses or while attending any school-related event or activity. School property includes cars that are on school grounds and all lands to the edge of the sidewalk or street. The no smoking or vaping rule will be enforced within these areas. Providing tobacco products to anyone under 19 years of age is illegal.

Drugs Alcohol and restricted drugs may be addictive and represent a health hazard. Possessing, using, trafficking in, or providing others with restricted drugs and/or alcohol will not be condoned at Parkholme School, on Peel board property or at any school-related event or activity at any time.

Weapons Possessing or displaying weapons of any kind, real, toy or replica, and all other objects that could inflict or threaten bodily harm will not be condoned at Parkholme School, on any Peel board property, or at any school-related event or activity at any time.

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Dress Code Our school dress code require students wear appropriate dress that promotes a safe, respectful and inclusive, learning and teaching environment that is free from discrimination and that permits self-expression. Compliant to the Human Rights Code, which prohibits discriminatory conduct on the grounds of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability. Discrimination may be intersectional when it occurs based on two or more grounds, which may produce a unique experience of discrimination or harassment for the individual experiencing it. For example (but not restricted to) general specific expectations regarding prohibited apparel includes: logos, sayings and pictures that address/display sexual content, substance abuse, including alcohol, illegal, controlled or restricted drugs, violence, profanity, inappropriate references to nationality, race or gender or any other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code, and/or dress or logos that demean or threaten an identifiable individual or group, (e.g. items with indigenous mascots, symbols or images). The student dress code is enforceable as a component of the school’s Code of Conduct; as such the progressive discipline approach applies to these concerns. In the event that a student breaches the school’s dress code, the administrator connects with the student/family to review their choice of dress. Requests for accommodation must be accepted in good faith and fully considered by administrators. The standards for school dress at Parkholme School are based on common sense and are intended to support the comfort, safety and modesty of all students. There is a strong relationship between neat, clean and appropriate clothing and a positive learning environment.

Scent Free Use unscented personal care products. Help us keep the air we share healthy and fragrance-free. The chemicals used in scented products can make some people sick, especially those with fragrance sensitivities, asthma, allergies and other medical conditions. Please do not wear perfume, cologne, aftershave and other fragrances.

Ministry’s School Food and Beverage Policy The Ministry of Education’s School Food and Beverage Policy encourages healthier choices by removing less-healthy food and beverage items from schools. Food and beverages offered for sale in publically funded schools in Ontario must meet the nutrition standards set out in the policy. Parkholme’s Wooden Spoon Café strives to meet the standards of healthy eating as outlined in Canada’s Food Guide. Research shows that children who eat healthy options are more attentive, ready to learn and more likely to be successful in school.

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D.S.O. and O.D.S.P. Developmental Services Ontario (D.S.O.) DSO helps adults with developmental disabilities connect to services and supports in their communities that provide social activities, learning self-help skills, residential options and respite care. DSO provides information to help plan for your son or daughter’s future. The application process helps determine which areas of support will be most beneficial after graduation. You can begin the application process when your son or daughter turns 16. For more information go to: www.dsontario.ca Ontario Disability Support Program (O.D.S.P.) ODSP offers support to adults with disabilities. Your son or daughter may be eligible for financial assistance when they reach the age of 18. For those individuals who meet eligibility requirements, the income support provides funds to help with the costs of basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter, or benefits such as drug and dental. There is an application process that should be completed at least six months before your son or daughter turns 18. For more information go to: www.mcss.gov.on.ca

Peel Board’s Learning & Instructional Technology Plan BYOD—Bring Your Own Device Today's students are leaders in the use of technology. They want to take the technology they use in their daily lives and also make it a normal part of their classroom experience. To date, all the research indicates that by reflecting this in their learning experiences, we will improve student success. This is why the Peel District School Board’s Vision for 21st Century Teaching & Learning, which trustees approved in March 2012, is so exciting. The board’s $7 million investment in technology for all Peel students will ensure our schools are increasingly connected and

relevant in the 21st

Century.

An important part of the board’s 21st

Century Teaching & Learning initiative is the board’s adoption of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model. BYOD is a technology model where students bring their personally owned devices to school for educational purposes. It’s important for you to know that students are not required to BYOD. Instead, we invite you to send your child to school with a personal device. Devices and other technology are available for student to use at school.

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Lost, damaged or stolen devices We know, as parents, you’re concerned about your child keeping his/her device safe. In a BYOD environment, smartphones, tablets and netbooks are out in the open and used more often so students are more aware of their devices. Typically, fewer thefts and lost devices are reported. This being said, ultimately, students are responsible for lost, stolen and/or damaged personal electronic devices as they are for any other personal items they bring to school. If you plan to send your child to school with a device, please consider purchasing a protective case. Also, some devices have a built-in locator. We recommend that you enable this feature, if possible. Schools will also have a plan to help students keep their devices secured.

Technology at Parkholme Technology with the right instruction, and used responsibly, has the power to make a real difference to student learning. At Parkholme, students have access to technology for instruction and communication, and to meet individual learning goals. Interactive technology such as switches, tablets, white boards and computers are used regularly to engage students in the learning process.

Parkholme Secondary School Students and Social Media Staff and students actively engage on a variety of social media platforms to enrich instructional practice and develop learning networks. Social Media Guidelines developed by the Peel District School Board help us use social media safely, responsibly and successfully. These guidelines align with Peel Board policies and procedures related to the use of technology. Social Media continues to enhance access to information and to share the achievements of our students with a greater audience. Student work and activities are frequently posted on Twitter, Instagram and our webpage. We encourage families to follow our accounts to stay informed and celebrate the accomplishments of their children.

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Community Agencies Services frequently used to support our students:

AGENCY WEBSITE TELEPHONE

Brampton Caledon Community Living

www.bcclnet.com 905-453-8841

Central West Region Transitions www.transitionscwr.ca 905-453-2747

Child Development Resource Connection Peel

www.CDRCP.com 905-507-9360

Christian Horizons www.christian-horizons.org 519-650-3241

Community Living Mississauga www.clmiss.ca 905-306-1562

Developmental Services Ontario – DSO

www.dso@dscwr.com 905- 453-8959

Family Services of Peel www.fspeel.org 905-453-5775

Humber College www.humber.ca/program/community 416-675-6622 ext: 4288

Kerry's Place Autism Services www.kerrysplace.org 905-457-1130

Kids Pathways Peel www.kidspathwayspeel.com 905-890-9432

Ontario Disability Support Program – ODSP

www.mcss.gov.on.ca 905-460-5025

Peel Behaviour Services www.peelbehaviouralservices.ca 905-712-4124

Peel Children’s Centre www.peelcc.org 905-795-3524

Peel Crisis Capacity Network www.peelcrisiscapacitynetwork.ca 905-273-4900

Peel Respite Services www.respiteservices.com 905-890-9432

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Parkholme School

10750 Chinguacousy Road

Brampton, ON L7A 2Z7

Tel: 905-451-1263

Fax: 905-451-7626

www.parkholme.ca

@ParkholmeSchool

@parholmeschool