Dear Manhattan Park Families,
We look forward to meeting and engaging with new and returning students and families for this promising school year. I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing summer. Thank you to our caretaking staff for all their hard work in cleaning the building and ensuring that it is ready for students and staff, our teachers and educators who have created a welcoming environment for your child, and to the office staff for working diligently this past week to ensure that the school is ready to serve all of you.
At this time, I would like to welcome back Ms. Kuroda, who will work alongside Mr. Canner and the Kindergarten class. She comes with many years of experience working with students as an Early Childhood Educator. We welcome back retired teacher, Ms. Grachos-Accogli, who will be supporting some of our afternoon classes in the area of Core French and the Arts for various classes for a few weeks in September. Another welcome and familiar face is Ms. Serache, who will be supporting students in Room 2 alongside Ms. Wojtowicz for September. Ms. Serache and Ms. Grachos-Accogli come with skills and expertise working with students and families. Please join me in welcoming Acting Superintendent Sara Gogani and Administrative Liaison Kathy Clydesdale (416-394-2046 ), who are a great source of support for schools and families. A friendly reminder to please follow the Parent Concern Protocol if you have a concern that requires support.
As partners in education, we must continue to nurture a safe and caring learning environment that will allow our children/students to reach their full potential. Within this school community, we will continue to ensure that our students from the early years become proficient in reading and assist all students in developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which they can apply academically and socially. At Manhattan Park, we will continue to examine gaps, biases, and structures that prevent some of our students from reaching their full potential. This must all be accomplished in a collaborative environment involving students, staff, parents, and community agencies.
Your child's teacher and classroom will be posted on the school entrance doors by August 28. As always, please be very careful when walking to school. Due to the many vehicles, school busses, and staff vehicles, we encourage everyone to walk to school if possible. Use of designated entry/exit doors (e.g., Door #3 for Grade 1/2, Door #4 for Grade 2/3 and 4-6 and Door #2 for Kindergartens) is strongly encouraged during morning and lunch drop-off times. Avoiding front door entry during these times relieves congestion in the main hall and provides a safer environment for all our students, especially those with Special Needs. To support student success, students/families using the front door during these times will be redirected to use their designated doors to develop this best practice right in September. This is to help everyone value the importance of punctuality and responsibility. Thank you, parents/guardians, for your partnership in helping to prepare students so they are on time for school, ready to learn for the day.
School updates and information will be shared in our monthly newsletters, which will be posted on our Manhattan Park School Website. Reminder emails will be sent to families monthly so that everyone is up-to-date on what is happening at Manhattan Park. Please visit the For Parents/Guardians page often to learn about how you can support your child(ren) and family throughout the year.
Punctuality
Being on time contributes to student success and is an important life skill. However, we know that there are occasions when events do not go according to your plans. If your child is late (on occasion), please enter through the front door and check in at the office. If your child is going to be absent, please call the school at (416) 396-6445 and press 1 for the Safe Arrival line. Without a reason for a student's absence, the Safe Arrival line will call you to ensure that your child is safe.
Meet-the-Family Night
To start our home-school journey, we would like to meet Manhattan Park families as soon as possible. Our Meet-the-Family Night is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for your child's teacher to highlight some of the overall class expectations that will be covered throughout the year, share the classroom routines, and suggest ways for a successful partnership with you. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the curriculum or other aspects of the school. This is a meet-and-greet setting. An opportunity for parents to ask more specific questions regarding their child’s progress will be available at a later date.
School Council
Parental input is vital to the success of your child. It symbolizes a team mindset and directly correlates to improved student achievement. There are many ways to be engaged with your child's school (e.g., open communication with the staff, volunteering, sharing ideas/insights, etc.). Another way to stay engaged is attending School Council meetings, where other families meet to discuss how to build strong partnerships between home and school. The first Council meeting will take place on October 1st at 6:30 pm. Here is the link to join virtually: October Council Meeting. All parents/caregivers are welcome to attend meetings. If you would like to become a Voting Member, please complete the form by September 30 here: Voting Member Interest Form. You do not have to be a Voting Member to attend Parent Council meetings. Right after our Parent Council meeting on October 1st, voting members will elect the Executive Members. Our School Council page on the school website contains more information about School Councils.
Nut-Free School
Although foods such as peanuts, milk, eggs, and sesame seeds are the most common cause of anaphylaxis, insect stings, medicine, or latex can also cause a reaction. In recent years, anaphylaxis has increased dramatically among students. The TDSB is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and works with Toronto Public Health and other partners to ensure student safety. Although this may or may not affect your child's class directly, we want to raise awareness about this life-threatening condition. Students who have severe allergies to such food substances are exposed to severe health risks when such products are consumed in their environment or shared with them. As prevention is the best approach, we ask that you speak with your child about not sharing their snacks or lunches with other students, and please do not send any snacks or lunches with your child that contain peanuts/nuts.
Bussing
Parents can get the latest transportation information by signing up for the transportation portal to receive email notifications when bus companies report late buses. Delays will also be posted to https://www.torontoschoolbus.org/. Occasionally, severe weather conditions may require the TDSB to cancel transportation. Visit www.tdsb.on.ca or https://www.torontoschoolbus.org/, check Twitter @tads, or listen to local radio or TV stations starting at 6 am. for bus cancellations. In addition, parents can contact the Toronto Student Transportation Group at 416-394-4287 in the case of delays of more than 15 minutes. Please note, however, that at the beginning of each new school year, there is always a short adjustment period as drivers familiarize themselves with new routes and students, so there may be short delays during this time.
Start-of-Year Forms
The TDSB will be sending all families an email to update student records that you want on file at the school. Families will need to create an account to complete the forms. If you have used the enrollment tool previously to register your child/ren in a TDSB school or program, that same account can be used. These digital forms provide us with necessary medical information and consent for school activities. They include:
- Permission to Participate in Offsite Walk Excursions
- Student Media Release Consent (for School/TDSB Events)
- Student Media Release Consent (Media Organizations)
- Permission to Leave School in Severe Weather Conditions (Grades 6-12)
- Medical Information Form (511E)
For added safety, the school will also be sending a hard copy of the Lunchtime procedures form home for families to complete. We ask that you complete this form to be returned to school.
Upcoming Important Dates:
Terry Fox Run is on September 25
Meet-the-Family Night is Thursday, September 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
P.A. Day is on September 26, 2025 (NO SCHOOL)
P.A. Day is on October 10, 2025 (NO SCHOOL)
Thanksgiving is on October 13, 2025 (NO SCHOOL)
Parent Council Meeting and Election on October 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Picture Day is on October 28, 2025
Below is some important information. On behalf of the staff and myself, I wish you and your child a great school year, and I look forward to talking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Sharon Lin ~ Principal
School Day Schedule
Yard Supervision 8:35 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Period 1 8:50 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.
Period 2 9:20 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
MORNING RECESS 10:00 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.
Period 3 10:10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
Period 4 10:50 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
LUNCH 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Period 5 12:30 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.
Period 6 1:10 p.m. - 1:50 p.m.
AFTERNOON RECESS 1:50 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Period 7 2:00 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.
Period 8 2:40 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Yard Supervision 3:10 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Manhattan Park JPS ~ Code of Conduct
Our Commitment
Manhattan Park JPS is committed to providing a healthy learning and working environment by promoting respect, civility, safety, responsible citizenship and academic excellence. A positive school climate exists when all members of the school community feel safe, included and accepted and actively promote positive behaviours and interactions. Equity, inclusion and respect are critical components embedded in the learning environment.
The Manhattan Park Code of Conduct is developed in accordance with the Education Act, the Provincial Code of Conduct1, the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) Code of Conduct and all other TDSB operational procedures. The General Crerar Code of Conduct also reflects the values and expectations of the MP community.
The standards of behaviour outlined in the Manhattan Park Code of Conduct will apply to all members of the school community, including students, parents, Board staff, permit holders, volunteers and visitors:
- on school property
- while travelling on a school bus that is owed by the Board or that is under contract to the Board
- in-school sports activities
- in off-site school-sponsored activities; or
- in circumstances where engaging in an activity will have an impact on the school climate
Standards of Behaviour
All members of the school community are expected to:
- respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws;
- demonstrate honesty and integrity;
- respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions;
- treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, especially when there is a disagreement;
- respect and treat others fairly and promote a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting of all pupils, including of any race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability;
- respect the rights of others;
- show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others;
- take appropriate measures to help those in need;
- respect persons who are in a position of authority;
- respect the needs of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching.
Progressive Discipline
When students breach the code of conduct, consequences will be consistent with progressive discipline strategies. Progressive discipline is a whole-school approach that utilizes a continuum of interventions, supports, and consequences to address inappropriate student behaviour and to build on strategies that promote positive behaviours. When inappropriate behaviour occurs, disciplinary measures should be applied within a framework that shifts the focus from one that is solely punitive to one that is both corrective and supportive. Schools should utilize a range of interventions, supports, and consequences that include learning opportunities for reinforcing positive behaviour while helping students to make good choices.
Interventions (in no particular order) may include:
- Discussion with a teacher, member of the support staff, or principal
- Attendance/performance/ behaviour contracts
- Time Out
- Reflection Sheet
- Parental contact and involvement in applying an appropriate remedy
- Loss of privilege to participate in specified school activities
- Peer mediation
- Individual or group counselling
- Assessment
- Detention
- Restitution for damage or stolen property
- Community service
- Restorative justice practices
Student breaches of the Board’s Code of Conduct and Manhattan Park’s Code of Conduct will be dealt with in accordance with Operational Procedure PR697: Promoting a Positive School Climate.
Suspension
The behaviours for which a principal may consider suspending a student include:
- Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person;
- Possessing alcohol, illegal drugs or, unless the pupil is a medical cannabis user, cannabis;
- Being under the influence of alcohol or unless the pupil is a medical cannabis user, cannabis;
- Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the pupil’s school or to property located on the premises of the pupil’s school;
- Bullying (continuous targeted oppression/harm/intimidation/harm/coercion of another student);
- Willful destruction of school property; vandalism causing damage to school or Board property or property located on school or Board premises;
- Use of profane or improper language;
- Use of tobacco;
- Theft;
- Aid/incite harmful behaviour;
- Physical assault;
- Being under the influence of illegal drugs;
- Fighting;
- Possession or misuse of any harmful substances;
- Extortion;
- Inappropriate use of electronic communications or media devices; and
- An act considered by the principal to be a breach of the Board’s or School’s Code of Conduct.
Expulsion
The behaviours for which a principal will consider recommending to a Committee of the Board that a student be expelled include:
- Possessing a weapon, including possessing a firearm;
- Using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person;
- Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner;
- Committing a sexual assault;
- Trafficking in weapons or in illegal drugs;
- Committing robbery;
- Giving alcohol or cannabis to a minor;
- Bullying if,
i. The pupil has previously been suspended for engaging in bullying, and
ii. The pupil’s continuing presence in the school creates an unacceptable risk to the safety of another person;
- Sexual harassment;
- Racial harassment;
- Hate-motivated occurrences;
- Distribution of hate material;
- Possession of explosive substance;
- Any activity listed in section 306(1) motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other similar factor; and
- An act considered by the principal to be a serious breach of the Board or School Code of Conduct.
- Trafficking in cannabis
Attendance and late policies
Students will be on time for classes and will attend classes regularly. Students are responsible for the work missed due to their absence. Students who skip classes or repeatedly arrive late may receive consequences based on the principles of progressive discipline.
Cell Phone Policy
Please take a moment to read some of the parameters for cell phone and personal device use to ensure they are being used at appropriate times and in proper ways. The following is a brief outline of our rules for cell phone use, based in part on the provincial government's regulation of personal device use:
- Cell phones are not to be out during class time unless a teacher has given permission. Cell phones can be great learning tools, but they can also be major distractions. We have had cases where students are texting with friends, taking inappropriate pictures or videos, or playing games. This causes a major distraction, both for the student who owns the phone and for others. This rule is in place to minimize distractions and have a safe learning environment.
- The use of personal mobile devices is permitted during instructional time for educational purposes, as directed by the educator in the classroom, for health and medical purposes, or to support special educational needs (e.g. SEA claims). You can read more about cell phone use in the Ministry's policy/program memorandum 128.
- Cell phones are not to be taken to the bathroom as they are places where students should feel safe and where their privacy is respected. We have had students take videos and photos in the bathroom, and even in cases where the videos are innocent, there is the danger that someone is incidentally photographed. We have had students ask to go to the bathroom not because they need to, but because they wish to use their phones for texting, games, etc. Students who have phones are expected to keep them in their bags or lockers. This rule is in place to protect students’ emotional safety in the bathrooms and to minimize time spent out of class.
- Students who break these rules may be asked to store their cell phones in the office. We understand that students may need their cell phones before school, after school and at lunch; students who are in this position will be asked to check their phone into the office in the morning and pick it up at times when they need it. This helps to balance the safety concerns of parents and guardians who wish for their children to have phones for transit to and from school.
- Students are expected to follow our Online Code of Conduct and the Manhattan Park JPS Code of Conduct. Cyber-bullying is a very real phenomenon, and cyber-meanness is just as big an issue. Online activities can have a major impact on the students, their classes, and on school climate. Students will be held responsible for any online activity that negatively impacts school climate, even if that activity occurred outside of school hours.
Please review and reinforce these expectations with your children. As partners, it is important that we work together as we guide students through how to use technology in a productive, appropriate and respectful way.
Policy/Program Memorandum No. 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct; Operational Procedure PR585: Board Code of Conduct; G02(R:Secretariat\Staff\G02\03\OP\PR585)sec.1530