Academic Integrity

DSS values honesty, therefore, any form of academic misconduct is not tolerated. Plagiarism is the copying or reproduction of any work without the proper recognition of the original authors. Cheating includes having someone else do an assignment for you, submitting the same assignment more than once, deviously getting answers to a test, and consciously assisting another student to attain marks through misrepresentation.

THESE BEHAVIOURS COMPROMISE THE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY OF YOUR SCHOOL AND YOUR GOOD REPUTATION. A student deemed to have committed an act of academic dishonesty will receive no mark for their assignment/test until an arrangement has been made for the student to reconcile the assessment. The incident will be recorded and communicated to the parent/guardian.

Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of the school’s code of conduct and can result in:

• A letter of discipline placed in the students file
• School Suspension
• Possible ineligibility for academic awards
• The behavior of academic dishonesty may be reflected in the student’s work habits mark on their report card.

 Automobiles

Students are reminded that special care must be exercised in driving near the school and in the parking lots.  New drivers should display the appropriate decal and observe all traffic laws.

Please do not park in the staff parking lot at the front of the school or in spaces that are designated as “handicapped parking”. Students are also asked to avoid parking in the stalls reserved for our automotive program at the back of the school.  Please avoid the bus loading zone and fire lanes. Students who disregard parking regulations may have their vehicles towed away. These regulations also apply to the Genesis Theatre area.

Conduct And Discipline

At Delta Secondary we believe that common sense, courtesy, respect and safety should guide our actions.  If you get into some sort of difficulty, we will make every effort to understand the situation, and where necessary, administer discipline fairly and consistently. We have been successful in keeping serious discipline problems to a minimum by working closely with students and parents.

Any person who jeopardizes the safety, health or well-being of an individual or group in the school or demonstrates a lack of respect for school or personal property will be subject to appropriate consequences. For more specific information, refer to the District Code of Conduct in this book.

Dress Code

The guidelines for clothing at Delta attempts to balance the individual’s right to choose and school values. Students should always make good independent decisions regarding clothing and dress appropriately, keeping in mind that school is a professional environment that requires clothing to be respectful and safe.

Clothing worn at school should be appropriate for all learning environments; and

• should be free of inappropriate writing, messages, or images.
• should be free of language that advocates illicit drugs, alcohol, any tobacco product, sex, violence, offensive language, discrimination and/or racism.
• should be free of insignias, symbols or adornments that denigrate or promote hatred of a person or persons, including, but not limited to, clothing that denigrates or promotes hate based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or age.
• should be free of pornographic, profanity, or obscene images.

Personal Digital Devices (PDD’s):

Personal Digital Devices (cell phones, tablets, personal computers) have the potential for positive communication and enhanced student learning. Conversely, there are also associated risks and concerns regarding personal safety, privacy and a disruption to instructional time and learning. The Ministry of Education has also changed the expected code of conduct for all students to exclude the use of cellphones in the classroom.  As a result the following policy will be in place in ALL Delta Schools.

Personal Digital Devices (PDD’s) are NOT to be operated during instructional time, unless permitted by the teacher for learning purposes. During instructional time, PDD’s must be securely stored in a designated area, separate from the owner, to ensure an environment conducive to learning. PDD’s are not to be used in settings such as washrooms, changing rooms, private counselling rooms, that have the potential to violate a person’s privacy. Exceptions are made for a student’s medical needs in accordance with their IEP.  Non-compliance with this policy will initiate a process for student discipline as per Procedure 350 – Student Conduct and Discipline.

The school assumes no responsibility for the loss, recovery, repair, or replacement of any device brought onto school property.

Facilities

Custodians best fulfill their duties when they have the cooperation and respect of members of the school community.  Our custodial staff works hard to keep our facilities clean and safe, occasionally having to clean up accidental spills and messes. However, anyone willfully creating a mess or causing damage to the school or its grounds will be asked to take responsibility for its clean-up or repair.

All staff and students should assist in keeping our school and its grounds clean and litter-free.

Fire Alarms

Whenever a fire alarm sounds and classes are in session, the teacher will lead students to the nearest exit (locations are posted on the classroom wall). Students are expected to exit in single file, without talking or running. Students are led well away from the buildings, keeping access roadways open for entry by the fire department. Students are to remain with their teacher. If a fire alarm sounds and classes are not in session (lunch, after school, in between periods), you are to proceed to the nearest exit without talking or running as per the procedure above and return to the meeting spot of your last class.  Students who have a study period should check in with their counsellors at the oval. Students will return to the classrooms upon the “all clear” signal of three sets of rings on the school bell.

Reminder – all fire alarms are to be taken seriously and evacuation procedures followed! It should be noted that tampering with fire equipment is an offence under federal law.  There will be serious consequences for students found to be tampering with fire alarms or firefighting equipment.

Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol and Drugs

Vaping and smoking by students on the school premises, school bus, or at school functions is prohibited. Consuming, possessing, distributing, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.

 Violations of any of these regulations will result in consequences that may include suspension and exclusion from school activities.

Student Threats to Safety – Fair Notice

The safety of our students is a top priority for all of us in the Delta School District. When a threat or violent incident occurs it is taken very seriously and a student threat assessment is started.

As partners in educating our youth, everyone in the community has a duty to report all threat-related behaviours. These threats include expressing an intent of harm to themselves, another person or property, or acting out violently against them.  Whether the threat is spoken, drawn, made with gestures or on social media, they must all be taken seriously. We will investigate and respond to all harmful threats to our students.

Study Blocks

Study Blocks are intended primarily for students in Grade 12 that have a heavy academic load (5 or more academic courses) for post-secondary education. Students who wish to obtain a study block need to complete an application form their school counsellor.  Approval will be given by the school Principal. Students who choose to be at school during a study period are expected to not disturb students or teachers in other classes. During a study period, students should:

1. Confine study block activities to the Library, Cafeteria, or some other reasonable study area inside the school for the entire period; and
2. Refrain from spending time at lockers, in hallways, or outside on the school grounds.

 Textbooks

The cost of texts continues to rise (up to and more than $150). As students are responsible for lost or damaged texts, be sure to be careful in the care and handling of them.