Toronto District School Board

MILLIKEN PUBLIC SCHOOL

CODE OF CONDUCT

Our Commitment

Milliken P.S. 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, comfortable and accepted.

The Milliken P.S. Code of Conduct is developed in accordance with the Toronto District School Board’s Code of Conduct, the Board’s policies and operational procedures, the Education Act and the Provincial Code of Conduct. The Milliken P.S. Code of Conduct also reflects the values and expectations of the Milliken community.

The standards of behaviour outlined in the Milliken P.S. Code of Conduct shall apply to all members of the school community, including students, parents and guardians, teachers and other school staff, Board members, volunteers and visitors:

• on school property
• while traveling on a school bus that is owned by the Board or that is under contract to the Board
• in-school sports activities
• in off-site school-sponsored activities
• 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 and other with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is a disagreement
• respect and treat other fairly, regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, gender, gender identity, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, creed (faith), socio-economic status, same sex partnership status, age 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 need 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 techniques. 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, vice-principal 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
Written or oral apology
Essay / poster campaign
Detention
Restitution for damage or stolen property
Community service
Restorative justice practices

Student breaches of the Board’s Code of Conduct and Milliken’s Code of Conduct will be dealt with in accordance with Operational Procedure PR697 – Consequences of Inappropriate Student Behaviour.



Cell Phones and Electronic Devices


All cell phones and personal communication devices are to be powered off and stored out of view while on school property or on school trips during school hours unless otherwise authorized by the principal.

All other electronic devices (e.g., i Pods, MP3 players, video game systems), must be left at home unless specifically authorized by the school principal.

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 or illegal drugs
Being under the influence of alcohol
Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority
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
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
Sexual harassment
Racial harassment
Fighting
Possession or misuse of any harmful substances
Hate-motivated violence
Extortion
Distribution of hate material
Inappropriate use of electronic communications/media
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 to a minor
Possession of explosive substance
An act considered by the principal to be a serious breach of the Board’s or School’s Code of Conduct

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 absence. Students who skip classes or repeatedly arrive late may receive consequences based on the principle of progressive discipline and in accordance with Operation Procedure PR.697 Consequences of Inappropriate Student Behaviour.

School Dress Code

It is expected that, subject to the discretion of the principal to permit exceptions regarding compliance in appropriate circumstances, every student in the school will comply with the Dress Code.
The Dress Code does not apply to religious or ethnic forms of attire. The Dress Code does not restrict, in any way, a student’s right to dress in a manner that is prescribed by religious, ethnic or similar tenets and custom.

The “Dress Code” is the appropriate dress policy established by the school in consultation with parents through the school council, and may include a school uniform. Students should come to school in clothing that is clean, tidy, and in good repair.

“Inappropriate Dress” refers to a standard of attire, which does not meet the school community standards of decency. Inappropriate Dress at Milliken P.S. includes the following:

• language and/or any representations on attire that indicates gang affiliation
• attire that depicts violence, profanity, racial or gender discrimination or discrimination of any kind whatsoever
• attire that otherwise demeans an identifiable individual or group
• For Girls: tops that expose bare midriff and/or bare back; tops with straps less than two fingers wide; clothing that reveals underwear (e.g., short skirts, low-riding pants, revealing tops)
• For Boys: low-riding or torn pants that reveal underwear

Students should wear appropriate Gym Clothing (pants or shorts, t-shirts, running shoes).

The Dress Code applies to all students in Milliken P.S. Failure to comply with the dress policy may result in disciplinary consequences, up to and including suspension.

Lockers and Desks

Lockers and desks are the property of the Board and are subject to inspection by the Administration at any time.