The purpose of the Sentinel Code of Conduct is to establish and maintain a safe, caring, and orderly environment for purposeful learning and to establish and maintain appropriate balances between individual and collective rights, freedoms, and responsibilities. The code of conduct also outlines expectations for student behavior. Please note that special considerations may apply to specific students if they are unable to comply with a Code of Conduct expectation due to having an identified disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, or behavioral nature.
Sentinel promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code (sections 7+8), respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law and prohibiting discrimination based on (but not limited to): appearance, indigenous identity, race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and age – in respect of discriminatory publication and discrimination in accommodation, service and facility in the school environment.
ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR
Sentinel Secondary is committed to providing a safe, caring and socially responsible school environment. We promote and encourage all students to conduct themselves in a manner as laid out in the Sentinel G.U.A.R.D.S. Values Statements (see below).
UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR
Behavior or communication that discriminates based on race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex or sexual orientation, will not be tolerated. There is zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, intimidation, threatening or violent behaviors while at school, at a school related activity, on in the circumstances wherein engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school environment.
WEAPONS
Any and all weapons and/or objects imitating weapons are strictly prohibited.
CONSEQUENCES
Should a student have difficulty following the Code of Conduct in or on any school board property including, but not exclusively limited to, the classrooms, cafeteria, hallways or grounds, staff will intervene. These consequences may include, but are not limited to,
When a student fails to adhere to the Code of Conduct the staff and/or administration will follow a pattern of progressive discipline and focus on consequences that are restorative rather than punitive whenever possible and appropriate. Progressive discipline establishes a process of clear, timely, consistent, and documented communications with a student and his or her parent or guardian to reinforce an understanding of expectations, to provide an opportunity to correct an inappropriate behavior, to encourage appropriate behavior, and to assure due process.
Special considerations may apply to students with special needs if they are unable to comply with the Code of Conduct because of a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioral nature. Special considerations may also apply to students/families of indigenous ancestry, with an approach that is mindful of historical context and indigenous ways of knowing and perspectives.
The Board of Education realizes that no policy will cover all situations. Therefore, the building administrator(s) or designate will make a determination of consequence and/or disciplinary action when a student’s actions are NOT specifically addressed in this or any other policy. All actions by an administrator or designate will be made on an individual basis.
DRESS CODE
The general rule for the dress code is for students to dress in a manner appropriate to establishing a positive learning atmosphere at school. This means that clothes that may be appropriate for other settings may not be appropriate for school. The School Administration reserves the right to make the best judgment possible about what is, or is not, appropriate clothing. Students will be asked to change, should these guidelines be violated in the judgment of a school administrator. Cleats may not be worn in the school.
Students may attend school and school-related functions in dress of their choice provided that their choices:
Students have the right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. This includes students who may dress in a manner that is not consistent with the societal expectations of masculinity/femininity.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
No student shall possess, use, sell, distribute, supply or be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or an illegal or restricted drug while on school premises or at any school-organized or sponsored event. Where an administrator concludes that a student has violated this rule, the administrator may immediately suspend the student from school for up to five days and inform the Superintendent’s office of the suspension. Further disciplinary action may be forthcoming and could include a suspension to the Superintendent’s office.
Personal Digital Devices are to be appropriately used during instructional time in accordance with the District Admin Procedure 370 and the student expectations outlined within this School Code of Conduct.
If a personal digital device is required for instructional purposes, or to support a student’s medical and health or accessibility and accommodation needs, teachers/staff will provide clear guidelines and expectations around their use for these purposes and ensure that use is adequately supervised. Considerations for personal digital device use will also be made to ensure equity to support learning outcomes for any student who may be disproportionately impacted by the lack of access.
Personal Digital Devices means any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as cell phones, phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and any other portable technology device.