School Policies & Code of Conduct

The course of study at John F. Kennedy High School is contained in the Curriculum Guide, which can be obtained from the guidance counselor.

Students in Secondary I, II and III are expected to have one and one half-hours (1 1/2) of homework per night. Students in Secondary IV and V are expected to have two hours (2) of homework per night. Parents should understand that homework includes reading and research as well as written assignments.

Participation in the Physical Education Program is compulsory for all students. If there is a medical reason that prevents a student from participating in the program, the parent must submit to the principal a medical certificate describing the particular situation. Students are required to wear the physical education uniform while participating in physical education class. All students are to have a lock for the gym/pool locker for their personal belongings. Valuables are to be left in their regular school locker. The school cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

In general, promotion is on a subject-by-subject basis. If a student fails two or more of the major subjects and does not attain these courses in summer school; he/she may be required to repeat the year.

As of May 1, 2010 the Minister shall award a Secondary School Diploma to students who earn at least 54 credits at the Secondary IV or V level. Among those credits, there must be at least 20 credits at the Secondary V level and

• 6 credits in Secondary V English
• 4 credits in Secondary V French Second Language
• 4 credits in Secondary IV Mathematics
• 4 credits in Secondary IV Science and Technology or
• 6 credits in Secondary IV Applied Science and Technology
• 4 credits in Secondary IV History and Citizenship Education
• 2 credits in Secondary IV Arts Education
• 2 credits in Secondary V Ethics and Religious Culture or Physical Education and Health

All programs of studies in general education in compulsory or elective subjects passed during the second cycle of secondary school will be taken into consideration in the awarding of the Secondary School Diploma.

Students will receive computerized report cards in November, February, and June. If you do not receive a report card for each term, please contact the office.

Students who are absent on the days of evaluations or examination will receive a mark of zero.

• Examinations take place the second week back from the Christmas break. (between January 8th and 18th) and throughout the month of June.
• Evaluations take place throughout the month of May.
• It is imperative that students not miss school during these crucial times. Students who are late for an examination will not be given any extra time. Students who arrive more than one-half hour late for an examination will not be permitted to write the examination.

Ordinarily, no changes in a student’s schedule will be made after school opening, except in the case of conflicts in the scheduling or failures.

Plagiarism and cheating of any form is unacceptable. Students are to submit original work only. The teaching staff and administration will deal with such cases accordingly.

Any parent/guardian who would like to schedule a meeting with administration or staff is asked to please call in advance for an appointment.

Students who wish to make an appointment with the Administration must see the secretary at recess time or after school.

Please notify the main office if there is a change of address or phone number – home, work or cell.

When a student is absent, a parent or guardian is required to call the school between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and give the name of the student as well as the reason for the absence.

When a student returns to school after an absence, he/she must bring a note written by a parent or guardian. The note must contain the following information:

• The date of the writing of the note.
• The name and the homeroom of the student.
• The date of the absence.
• The signature of the parent or guardian.

Students must bring this note to the secretary before 8:30 a.m.

Please Note:

We always encourage you to call in if your child will be late. However, only valid reasons will be considered. In keeping with the belief that even the most responsible individual is late from time to time, each student is given three chances per year when lates in the morning (before 9:00am) will NOT result in detention.

Timeliness is a life skill which is a value we are trying to instill in our student population.

Students are expected to be in school for 8:30 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:40 will be considered late and will be given a detention, which will be served after school that day.

NOTE: Students must report to the main office when they come in late.

The school reserves the right to send any student who arrives after 9:00 a.m. without a valid reason home.

If a student must leave early during the school day, he/she is required to bring a note requesting an early dismissal. This note must have the following information:

• Date.
• Name and homeroom of the student.
• Reason for request.
• Time of the dismissal
• Signature of a parent or guardian, including the telephone number where the parent or guardian can be contacted.

This note must be brought to the secretary before 8:30 a.m. Early dismissal notes must be picked up at the main office before leaving the school.

For the security of every child, the office will call you, should your child fall sick during school hours and wish to go home.

No student is to leave the school unless the administration has given approval.

All textbooks are the property of the English Montreal School Board and are provided to the student on a loan at no charge. Charges will be levied in cases of loss or damage beyond normal wear and tear.

The school will not absorb the cost for lost or damaged textbooks. This cost is the responsibility of the student.

A school fee is charged to partially cover a number of expenses not subsidized by the Ministère de L’Éducation (MEQ).

$ 180.00 per student

School fees include the following:

• Student Agendas
• Workbooks and supplementary class materials
• Interscholastic Sports Teams (GMAA fees)
• Student Council Activities
• Awards Ceremonies
• School Yearbook
• Photocopying

NOT INCLUDED IN THE STUDENT FEE BUT MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS:

• Mandatory JFK shorts for Physical Education (regular sports shorts $15, bermuda sports shorts $20
• Mandatory JFK t-shirt for Physical Education ($10)

**choice of t-shirts & shorts restricted by availability of supplies

• Mandatory school lock (8$)

Transportation allocation from the School Board can be withheld if there is any money owed to the school by the parent/legal guardian.

The safety and well being of all our students is of the utmost importance to us. Student(s) will not be sent home from school without parent/guardian notification.

Students are expected to address all school personnel politely and to show proper respect when dealing with any member of the school staff or with his/her fellow students.

Individual development, individual responsibility, and respect for all is at the root of our program. Our code of behavior reflects this commitment.

We expect all members of our school community – students, teachers and parents or guardians – to set an example, which will result in John F. Kennedy being a zone of zero-tolerance, for violence, racism, illegal substances and harassment.

Cleanliness, good grooming and appropriate dress are absolutely essential for the primary objective of being in school, which is learning. John F Kennedy High School has a simple Dress Code, which consists of the following:

SCHOOL DRESS CODE:

• SOLID WHITE, LOOSE FITTING POLO TOP WITH COLLAR OR WHITE SHIRT (NO LOGOS) FOR BOTH BOYS

AND GIRLS

• SOLID BLACK, LOOSE FITTING PANTS (BOYS AND GIRLS) OR SOLID BLACK SKIRTS (GIRLS – 1″ ABOVE THE

KNEE OR LOWER)

• BLACK JEANS
• JFK SCHOOL HOODIES
• PLAIN WHITE HOODIES
• SENSIBLE FOOTWEAR SHOULD BE WORN IN THE SCHOOL

THE DRESS CODE IS TO BE ADHERED TO BOTH TO AND FROM SCHOOL, AS WELL AS ON ALL SCHOOL OUTINGS AND FUNCTIONS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED.

MOREOVER, THE FOLLOWING ATTIRE IS ALSO NOT PERMITTED:

• NO TIGHTS.​ (Which included ‘dressy’ tights with zippers and pockets)
• NO JOGGERS

• Clothing that is frayed, patched, worn or torn.
• Headwear (unless of a religious nature) is not to be worn at any time in the building. Baseball caps, hats, tuques, hoods or bandannas worn indoors will be confiscated and forwarded to the Administration.
• Chains and jewelry that carry emblems or symbols that could be found offensive to any individual or group will not be permitted. NO excessive jewellery is permitted.
• Jackets and scarves are not permitted in the classrooms and should only be worn when entering and exiting the building.
• The Dress Code is to ensure good taste and appropriate attire conducive to an academic environment.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION DRESS CODE:

• MANDATORY JFK PHYS. ED. SHORTS
• MANDATORY JFK PHYS. ED. T-SHIRT
• PLAIN BLACK TRACK PANTS, PLAIN BLACK JOGGING PANTS, OR PLAIN BLACK YOGA PANTS (NO OTHER COLORS ALLOWED, WITH NOTHING MORE THAN WHITE STRIPES DOWN THE SIDE OF THE PANTS).

Discussion regarding inappropriate dress and personal appearance takes place individually with the administration. The administration reserves full rights to deem what is considered appropriate and inappropriate interpretations of the dress code. Dress code regulations will be strictly enforced. Non-compliance is considered insubordination and will result in serious consequences. (i.e.) Detentions, being sent home to change or suspension.

Parents are encouraged to subscribe to personal accident insurance in case their child gets hurt while participating in physical education and sports or in any other circumstances. The school will not assume fees incurred for ambulance services, medical/dental/ocular services and any other services related to an injury. Parents are encouraged to conduct their personal insurance company or any other insurer to get advice an information about accident insurance for their child.

John F. Kennedy’s mission is to empower our students to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This can be achieved by providing and maintaining a receptive and non-threatening environment for the students and staff. Bullying of any sort is deemed unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our school community. If bullying does occur, students should be assured of the fact that all reported incidents will be addressed quickly.

Bullying is repeated, aggressive behavior by one or more people, which harms others physically, verbally and/or emotionally.

Bullying may include, but is not limited to, any of the following inappropriate and harmful conduct:

• Physical violence, attacks and punitive behavior.
• Cyber bullying.
• Verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs.
• Threats and intimidation.
• Extortion or stealing of money or possessions.
• Exclusion and isolation from peer groups and group activities.
• Religious, racial or ethnic-based verbal abuse.
• Gender or sexual orientation based putdowns.

Parents (Guardians)

Often the first people to know or suspect a student is bullying or suffering from any form of intimidation are the parents of the student. Parents are encouraged to do the following.

Parents of the Victim

1. Watch for signs of distress in your child, including an unwillingness to go to school, a sudden change in attitude, attire, torn clothing or bruising, and/or sudden change in appetite.
2. Take an active interest in your child’s social life: ask your child about school, his/her friends and what is happening in his/her daily lives.
3. If you suspect that your child is being bullied at school, immediately contact the school principal.
4. Keep a written record of what your child tells you and the dates and times of any occurrences of bullying against your child. All written records should be provided to the school principal.
5. Do not encourage your child to hit back or retaliate in any fashion.
6. Contact the police if you are concerned about the immediate physical or emotional safety of your child and notify the school.

Parents of the Bully

1. Be alert for signs of bullying and victimization. For example, bullies may have extra money and/or new clothes. Most importantly be aware of boasting about their exploits.
2. Meet the principal to discuss the bullying by your child, so that we can work together to develop strategies, consequences and amends.
3. Parents monitor bullying problems at home and work with school support staff to deal with similar problems if they arise at home or in the neighborhood.
4. Communicate regularly with teaching and administrative staff on your child’s progress.

Students

1. Respecting the safety, well-being, and property of the school, staff and fellow students.
2. Contributing to a considerate, respectful, and safe school and classroom-learning environment.
3. Participating in the development and support of the school’s bullying prevention policy.
4. Taking a stand against bullying and participating in bullying prevention activities at the school.
5. Positively encourage friends in school to realize that suffering in silence is not the appropriate response to bullying behavior.
6. Support anyone being bullied to speak out, to start the procedure of putting an end to this type of behavior.
7. Ensuring that previous victims of bullying are not isolated from groups of friends and encouraging the victim to join in activities and groups
8. Informing a member of the John F. Kennedy High School staff of an act of bullying experienced or observed, immediately for further investigation, or anonymously through the bully box located in the library.
9. Being informed that they are entitled to protection against bullying behaviors and the right to file a complaint if they believe they have been the victim of bullying behavior.
10. Not retaliating against another for reporting bullying. This student will also be subject to consequences.

Staff

1. Watch for early signs of distress in students and maintain a written record to be shared with the school administration.
2. Offer immediate support and help to the victim. Take time to listen, ask questions in a sensitive manner with care and compassion.
3. A staff member will take no action before it has been discussed with the school administration, unless the staff member determines immediate intervention is needed in order to protect a student in an urgent situation.
4. A staff member will be supportive to the victim, and reassure the student that he/she has done the right thing in reporting the bullying.
5. All staff members are required to report any bullying incident to the administration in writing within 24 hours of obtaining the information or witnessing the bullying.

Administration

In keeping with the terms of this Policy, John F. Kennedy will not tolerate bullying in any form, and will immediately respond to any reported bullying in a quick and compassionate manner. The response of the administration may include, but not be limited to the following specific responses:

1. Separating the victim from the bully while the situation is dealt with. Such separation will involve the removal of the bully from any possible contact with the victim. All efforts will be made by the administration to ensure that the victim will not be inconvenienced by this separation.
2. The administration will speak to both the victim and the bully about the bullying, but not at the same time. The victim will be spoken to first and the bully spoken to afterwards.
3. The parents of the victim and the bully will be contacted and advised of the bullying situation. They will also be kept informed of the outcomes of the investigations and disciplinary procedures implemented by the administration in response to the Bullying.
4. A formal written report of occurrence, investigation and disciplinary procedure will be placed in the student records of both the victim and the bully, and a copy with be forwarded to the Director General and to the Student Ombudsman as per Bill 56.
5. The administration may require that the parents of the victim and the bully come in to school for a meeting to discuss the occurrence.
6. The administration will report to the Governing Board on a regular basis on all incidents of reported bullying.
7. Depending on the nature of the situation, the Police may be contacted.

Where it is the bully’s first act of bullying, the bully may be subject to discipline by the administration, which may include, but not be limited to, any of the following specific or combined forms of discipline:

1. An apology in writing to the victim as well as a copy on file.
2. A verbal apology to the victim.
3. Detentions after school for a period of time to be determined by the  administration.
4. Banning from activities at John F. Kennedy High School for a period of time to be determined by the administration.
5. Suspension from John F. Kennedy for a period of up to 5 days to be determined by the administration.
6. In any given case, the administration reserves the right to refer the bully for a case conference with the EMSB for immediate relocation from John F. Kennedy High School, or any other action deemed necessary.

All allegations of harassment towards students and/or staff will be taken seriously with the goal of fostering and maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment.

​The Station 30 police officers, as well as the staff at John F. Kennedy High School all work together to provide the students with a safe academic environment. The community officers listed below are available to assist you should you choose to report an incident or if you are looking for information.

Have a good and successful academic year.

Josianne Labbé
Catherine Deschênes
Mélanie Muniz

514-280-0429

Attendance is compulsory. Absence is permitted only in the case of illness or (a) religious holiday. In all cases, upon return to school, the student must have a dated note of explanation, written and signed by a parent or guardian. This note must give a reason for the absence. Parents are encouraged to use the Agenda Book for absence notes. A dated note must be written even if the school has been notified of the absence by telephone.

Since there is a direct relationship between attendance and learning, we make every effort to exert rigid attendance control procedures. Students are responsible for being in school and in classrooms punctually.

Period:  1 8:35 – 9:50

Recess:  9:50 – 10:10

Period:  2 10:10 – 11:25

Period:  3 11:28 – 12:43

Lunch:  12:43 – 13:32

Period:  4 13:35 – 14:50

Students are advised not to bring valuables, large sums of money or expensive items to school.

Students are responsible for the safekeeping of their own belongings.

The school cannot be held responsible for valuables or money stolen.

Cell phones, iPods and any other electronic device may be used ONLY in La Place and the Cafeteria Area. The usage of electronic devices is strictly prohibited in any classroom. This includes all SMART WATCHES, which will be prohibited during exams.

The administration reserves the right to confiscate the electronic devices if used in the restricted areas.

Parents are asked NOT to PHONE or TEXT their child.
​
All emergency calls must be made to the office. (514-374-1449).

John F. Kennedy High School will not tolerate the use and/or possession of alcohol or drugs at school or at any school activity. The possession or use of illegal substances is prohibited and will be subject to suspensions and/or expulsion.

The possession of or threats to use prohibited weapons or replicas is not tolerated and will result in confiscation and an immediate suspension and further procedures upon investigation.

The administration, upon serious suspicion, proceed with a locker search for the safety and security of everyone. Finding drugs or weapons will result in an immediate suspension pending further action.

Chronic disruptive behavior that prevents the learning or teaching process will not be tolerated and is subject to suspension.

The use of foul or obscene language will not be tolerated anywhere in the school or on the premises and is subject to suspension.

Skipping of classes will not be tolerated and is subject to extended detentions and / or suspension.

A parent or guardian meeting will follow suspensions. A suspension letter will also be provided. Students on suspension are not permitted on school property before, during and after school.

Detentions are to be served, after school, on the day they are issued. Unserved detentions will result in the loss of privileges and/or suspension.
Food/beverages are not permitted in the classrooms.

Each student is loaned a hall locker during the school year and is asked to purchase a LOCK that he/she may use throughout their stay at JFK. Staff members may examine these lockers when the Principal considers it necessary.

As one might expect, theft does occur. In most cases, a lock has been left unlocked, or a lock combination traded with friends, written on notebooks, schedule cards or on the locker itself. The victims are usually the younger students; the older ones have learned to be careful. The locker is not a safe place for cash or valuables. The loss of students’ belongings is not covered by any form of insurance held by the school. Students are encouraged not to bring valuables to school.

In accordance with BILL 112, John F. Kennedy High School will prohibit smoking within 9 meters of the school entrances or anywhere on school grounds. Non-compliance is subject to suspension and / or fine.

All students are required to remain on the school premises during recess. Secondary 3 – 5 students are permitted to leave school grounds during lunchtime, but Secondary 1-2 students MUST have parental permission to leave.

Students who are not participating in an after school activity, a tutorial or serving a detention must leave the building by 3:15 p.m. and not linger in the school. Dismissal for students in detention is 3:45

In case of very bad weather, the English and French radio stations will announce if schools will be closed. The school will also use the mass notification system for any school closure announcements. If our school or school board is not mentioned, you will be required to attend school that day.

You are responsible for the purchase of school supplies as indicated by your subject teachers.

Lost articles, which have been turned in, may be picked up at the main office. If you find something, do not keep it. Do not leave it lying there. Make someone happy and return it to the main office.