DTHS School Policies

8:36 a.m. Warning Bell

8:40 a.m. – 9:38 a.m. Period One

9:41 a.m. – 10:39 a.m. Period Two

10:42 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Period Three

12:15 p.m. – 1:13 p.m. Period Four

1:16 p.m. – 2:14p.m. Period Five

2:17 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Period Six

8:36 a.m. Warning Bell

8:40 a.m. – 9:25 a.m. Period One

9:28 a.m. – 10:13 a.m. Period Two

10:16 a.m. – 11:01 a.m. Period Three

11:04 a.m. – 11:49 a.m. Period Four

12:29 p.m. – 1:14 p.m. Period Five

1:17 p.m. – 2:02 p.m. Period Six

14. COMPUTER USE PRIVILEGES

The MANDATORY School fees set by the Board of Trustees, at David Thompson High School are: $70.00 for Junior and $100.00 for Senior High Students.

Supplementary Fees: Supplementary fees may be levied by schools in consultation with the School Council for CTS courses, complementary courses (junior high/middle school), Marine Biology, Outdoor Education, Physical Education 20/30 on a cost-recovery basis. The school also has voluntary fees for the following: Yearbook, large CTS Projects (50% deposit required).

The library is available to all students for research assignments as well as for free reading. There are nearly 3,500 volumes of non-fiction and slightly over 1,500 volumes of fiction, so the choice is quite wide. In addition to books, there are a large variety of periodicals, which may not be taken from the library. The rules of the library are kept brief so they should be learned and remembered. The rules are as follows:

1. Noise levels must be kept low so others may work.
2. Books may be signed out for up to two weeks.
3. Books must be returned after two weeks.
4. No food or drinks are allowed in the library.

The librarian controls circulation through a computerized system. Assistance with research on the computer is also available. Access to the library is restricted to times when the librarian, teacher, or TA is there to supervise.

Physical Education is based on measurements of activity, benefiting health, cooperation and demonstrating an active and safe lifestyle. Because of this, student participation and attendance is a must in the proper assessment of the above measurements. At David Thompson High School students are fully encouraged to participate to their fullest extent and to try new games and activities in a hope to broaden their appreciation of Physical Education. The following requirements must be met for all Physical Education students at David Thompson High School.

• All students must come changed to class; if they are unable to, then clothing will be provided. A failure to change will be deemed as a failure to participate and the student will sit on the side and do an assignment of the teacher’s choice.
• All students that do not participate in PE class will have to have a signed parent’s note with a reasonable excuse.

In high school PE, students will be docked one mark for each failure to participate and unexcused late. Failure to comply with the above guidelines will result in the following:

• 5 Failure to Participates/Un-excused absences/Un-excused late 1 in school suspension and a phone call home
• 10 Failure to Participates/Un-excused absences/Un-excused late 1 in school suspension and a phone call home
• 15 Failure to Participates/Un-excused absences/Un-excused late the student will be removed from PE class and put on distance education to work in a supervised classroom

In junior high PE, students as well will be docked one mark for each failure to participate, and unexcused late. Failure to comply with the above guidelines will result in a noon-hour study hall and the following:

• 3 noon-hour study halls will result in a in school suspension and a phone call home from the teacher
• 6 noon-hour study halls will result in a in school suspension and a phone call home by the administration
• 9 noon-hour study halls will result in a in school suspension and a meeting between the parents, teacher and administration

Although academics are of the utmost importance at David Thompson, we feel that it is essential for students to be involved in activities outside of the regular classroom. Students are therefore encouraged to participate in some of the many extra-curricular activities offered. All extra-curricular and some curricular events are supported by the Students' Association. It is important to note that only students in good standing can participate in extra-curricular events. Good standing means: good behavior, 60% or higher in core subjects, and ALL FEES PAID or a payment plan set up through the school office.

Students who are involved in extra-curricular activities are expected to behave in an acceptable manner both at home and away. As representatives of David Thompson School, students are to be respectful, well behaved and forthright. Students who behave inappropriately will not be permitted to participate in extra-curricular activities. The Three R’s (Respect for Self, Respect for Others, Responsibility for your Actions) are always in effect.

The Students' Association is a student run organization that serves as an umbrella organization for all extra-curricular activities and some curricular related events. The Association oversees the fundraising for events, groups, and teams through the running of the canteen, vending machines, and a number of other fundraising events. Students are able to enjoy a variety of activities with very little cost because of this group. This includes, but is not limited to the following: intramurals, team uniform purchases, yearbook, field trips, and the student phone.

Students are encouraged to join the Yearbook Club, which is a year-long project that produces a unique yearbook each year.

You can keep up to date with all activities at David Thompson High School by visiting our webpage.

Newsletters are produced monthly and distributed to all students. If you don't get one just ask your student to pick one up at the office.

English 15 credits Career Transitions 3310

Social Studies 15 credits CALM 3 credits

Mathematics 10 credits Physical Education 3 credits

Science 10 credits

• A mid-term mark of 50% must be maintained in all courses required for a high school diploma
• A minimum of four 30 level courses and 105 credits
• Students must take a minimum of 35 credits in their grade 12 year.
• Students enrolled in Distance Education courses must have completed 4/5 of all other Distance Education courses required for graduation by May 1st to be eligible for the Graduation Exercise

• All Distance Education courses must be handed in to the school by May 31st and final exams in each course completed by June 15^th
• All school and shop fees must be paid before graduation.

*If an issue occurs due to lengthy illness, the principal will assess this matter.

Students not fulfilling these requirements SHALL NOT be permitted to participate in the formal aspects of the Graduation Ceremonies.

One member of the graduating class in good standing will be chosen to deliver a valedictorian address at the academic graduating ceremonies. The individual will be chosen as follows:

Student averages will be calculated according to the Alexander Rutherford criteria. Average of 80% or higher in 5 subjects including:

• Social 30 or 33
• English 30-1 or 30-2 or Français 30
• Pure Mathematics 30 or Applied Mathematics 30

• Biology 30
• Chemistry 30
• Physics 30
• A language other than the one used above at the Grade 12 level (3000 series)

Students qualifying for valedictorian status will have complied with the following school policies:

1. attain a minimum of 105 credits upon graduation
2. maintain 90% attendance throughout the school year*
3. attend school both semesters in the school year

All students who are given permission to take distance education courses will be required to sign a Distance Education Contract and pay a performance bond of $125.00 and $200.00 for English courses which will be cashed and refunded once the student successfully completes the course as scheduled.

• The Distance Education coordinator will establish a schedule which will specify when lessons and tests are due. Students must keep this schedule in order to be reimbursed their performance bond
• All Distance Education students will be assigned to a room to work on their courses. Students must have permission from the administration in order to be excused from reporting to that classroom. All Distance Education courses must be completed by May 31st and the final exam must be taken on or before June 15th. Extenuating circumstances will only be considered after consultation with the marker, principal, and student.

Report cards will be issued twice per semester for the Senior High School students and four times per year for the Junior High School.

Academic awards are presented, along with other awards, in October of the following year.

Certificates of Merit are presented to all students who achieve a final grade of 80% or higher in any core or complimentary course.

Certificates of Honour and Principal’s List of Distinction are awarded based on the following:

• Junior High Honour Roll is based on a cumulative average of 80% or higher in the four core subjects. Principal’s list is based on a cumulative average of 90% or higher in the four core subjects.
• Students will be recognized at spring awards for semester one success and at fall awards for semester two success of the previous school year.
• Senior High Honour Roll at each term is based on a cumulative average of 80% or more in two or more core subjects. Principal’s list is based on a cumulative average of 90% or higher.
• For annual fall awards, marks from each of the following will be considered: Math, Science, Social and English.
• For Grade Twelve students, the grade used will be the combined school awarded mark and diploma exam mark.

Plaques are awarded to the students with the highest average in each grade. To be eligible for a plaque in Grade Ten and Eleven, students must have completed five courses during the year, one of which must be English. Students in Grade Twelve are required to have completed four courses, one of which is English.

Community, Provincial and National awards and scholarships will be presented as well at the Fall Awards Program.

In the spring, students who participate in any extracurricular events at the school are recognized with the presentation of certificates and plaques at an afternoon awards ceremony.

Promotion and retention of students is the responsibility of the Principal and teaching staff of each school, in cooperation with parents or guardians. Parents or guardians of students whose programs warrant either possible retention or additional time for completion shall be given this information as soon as possible during the school year. For guidelines and regulations of our divisional promotion and retention policy, please contact the school.

A grade average of 60+% is expected when transitioning from one grade level to the next (ie. ELA10-1 to ELA20-1 to ELA30-1). This applies to all core subjects (English, Social Studies, Math, and the Sciences).

If a grade average below 60% is achieved the student will enroll in an alternate route (ie. ELA10-2 / ELA20-2 / ELA30-2). This applies to all core subjects (English, Social Studies, Math, and the Sciences).

Parents are urged to insure that their children are warmly dressed during times of very cold weather. Parents and students should listen to any public announcements on CKGY, CKRD, and BIG 105 concerning school closures or busses not running. If you deem the weather or roads to be unsafe, please consider the well being of your children and keep them home. Because the buses are running doesn’t mean your child is safe waiting for a bus in poor weather. The school will NOT close during inclement weather.

Parents are encouraged to actively participate in our School Council. At the first meeting of the

School Council of each school year, a new executive will be elected and the objectives for the year will be established. Please consult our newsletter for the exact date.

In an effort to meet the needs of all students, DTHS has a variety of qualified staff to assist your son or daughter in dealing with a wide range of personal issues, including those which are academic or career related. If there are any questions about counseling availability, do not hesitate to call the school and the office will set you up with the appropriate staff member. A personal counselor is available on a regular basis, and is willing to discuss classes, issues concerning school, or any personal problems that may be hampering a student's ability to successfully get through the school day. Programs and aid from outside agencies are also available through the guidance office. DTHS also has access to a Family/School Liaison worker who will be at the school a minimum of once a week to complete counseling with students whose issues go beyond the realm of school. The career centre also provides career counseling.

The Career Centre, led by the Career Planning Coordinator, provides students with a wide range of in-school services including career planning resources and services; academic advice as it relates to career planning; occupational information; post-secondary information and assistance; scholarship and other financial assistance; job search information and support; guidance in the development of career planning portfolios by all students; and coordination of safety courses and other presentations provided by outside experts.

The Career Planning Coordinator also organizes, coordinates, and supervises a variety of off-campus career planning programs including:

• Work Experience – are matched with employers who provide appropriate work according to the interest and aptitude of the students, for which the students are regularly evaluated. Students may earn up to 15 credits for Work Experience and will enhance their employability skills, as well as have the opportunity to explore various career path options. Mr. Bob Bryant is our work experience facilitator.

• Registered Apprenticeship Program – Students choose a career path in a trade, become indentured to a journeyman in that trade, and are registered with the Apprenticeship Board. RAP students work for and learn from the journeyman, and are evaluated similar to Work Experience students. Students may earn up to 40 credits toward their high school diplomas, as well as complete up to 1000 hours of the required hours for a first year apprentice.

• Green Certificate – The Green Certificate is a collaborative program by Alberta Learning and the Department of Agriculture. Students may choose to become a Green Certificate Technician in one of seven strands and learn and practice with the assistance of a trainer. They are tested three times a year at Olds College. Students earn 16 credits for the completion of a Green Certificate.

• Mentoring Project – Students who are interested in researching a career may choose a Mentoring Project where they job-shadow a person in that career for three days. After completing the job-shadow and required assignment, they may earn 1 credit.

• Community Volunteerism – Students are encouraged to give to the community with their time, talents, and energy. A credit in Community Volunteerism will be awarded to students who complete the required assignment and 20 hours of recognized volunteer work.

David Thompson is a Career Prep High School. Students who complete the required elements in career planning including a high academic standard; 200 hours of off-campus learning; 20 credits in CTS or equivalent courses; First Aid/CPR and other safety courses; and a career planning portfolio are eligible for a Tech Prep Credential. The credential is noted on the student's high school transcript indicating to post-secondary institutions, scholarship committees, and employers that they have completed these career planning requirements, and have earned an enhanced diploma.

For specific information on Wild Rose School Division policy please select the logo below.