School Handbook
W.H. Croxford High School
School Handbook
The Croxford Way
Unity, Innovation, Excellence
2654 Chinook Winds Drive SW
Airdrie, AB T4B 0J4
Phone: (587) 775-3521
Email: whcroxford@rockyview.ab.ca
Website: https://whcroxford.rockyview.ab.ca/
Facebook.com/WHCroxfordHighSchool/
Twitter.com/WHCroxford
Mr. Derek Keenan
Principal
Ms. Nashira Dernesch
Assistant Principal
Mr. Scott Thompson
Assistant Principal
Mr. Vladimir Stelkic
Assistant Principal
HOME OF THE CAVALIERS
School Colours: Navy Blue & Orange
Changes to this handbook may occur throughout the year. It is the parents and students responsibility to check the handbook periodically for any updates.
WELCOME TO W.H CROXFORD
This document is a key resource for W.H. Croxford High School when questions arise. It provides information that will assist students and parents/guardians in understanding the programs, operations and policies of our school community. For questions regarding School Board Policy, please consult the Rocky View Schools website. For questions regarding specific classroom or course expectations, please consult with the subject teachers.
SCHOOL MISSION
At W.H. Croxford, we aspire to innovate confidently together. We are a united and caring learning community that is resilient and committed to seizing opportunities to explore new and existing passions and interests in creative and unique ways to achieve personal excellence.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Fostering Safe, Caring and Respectful Learning Environments
The safety, well-being and acceptance of all students is paramount at Rocky View Schools. In all our interactions, we work to ensure students have the understanding, skills and opportunities to contribute to welcoming, caring, and respectful, learning environments that respect diversity and nurture a sense of belonging and positive sense of self. To ensure that each and every student, including those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions, has the educational opportunities and supports needed to be successful in school, our Board endorses two administrative procedures that affirms the rights of each student – we invite you to become familiar with them:
AP 350 - Student Code of Conduct
Public education is a shared responsibility. With students, families, employees and our communities, we are working together every day to build positive learning environments for student success.
In displaying acceptable behaviour, students are expected to:
- Use their abilities and talents to gain maximum learning benefits from their school experiences
- Contribute to a climate of mutual trust and respect conducive to effective learning, personal development, and social living
- Cooperate fully with everyone authorized by the Board to provide education programs and other services
- Comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws, and the rules of Rocky View Schools and the school
- Account to their teachers for their conduct
- Attend school regularly and punctually
- Use non-violent means to resolve conflict
- Treat all other students and staff with dignity, respect and fairness at all times
- Contribute to a learning environment that is free from physical, emotional, and social abuse
- Refrain from, report and not tolerate bullying behaviour directed toward others in the school, whether or not it occurs within the school building, during the school day or by electronic means
- Take appropriate measures to help those in need
- Demonstrate honesty and integrity
GENERAL INFORMATION
Power School
Marks and attendance are posted on PowerSchool. Parents will require a login name and password that can be obtained from the school office. Power School allows students and parents to know what is happening in each course a student is enrolled in.
Our newsletter is published weekly on Fridays. Important information and upcoming events are included in this communication.
School events are updated through the year on our school calendar. We recommend subscribing to our calendar to keep up-to-date on activities in the school.
SCHOOL WIDE EXPECTATIONS
W.H. Croxford students are guided by the “Croxford Way” with respect to how they behave. In a student centred learning environment, W.H. Croxford staff and students strive to be:
FOCUSED
● establish and work towards personal learning goals
● attend classes regularly and punctually
● work to the best of their abilities
RESPECTFUL
● care for and respect self, peers, staff and facilities
● behave in a respectful manner
RESPONSIBLE
● accept responsibility for their actions
● contribute to a positive school environment
ETHICAL USE OF DIGITAL DEVICES
At the beginning of each school year, families must complete the annual Schoolengage form to gain network access for the school year. The school also makes available loaned devices for students who do not provide their own device for learning.
Students must comply with the following expectations while using school owned devices and network resources:
Students will not;
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Damage computers, computer components, computer systems or the network through physical means or through the use of software.
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Install or uninstall any programs, add-ins, plug-ins, or updates without express permission of the school technologist or teacher.
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Bypass any Rocky View Schools Internet Security Measures.
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Intentionally waste limited resources such as the school’s internet connection by downloading personal files or streaming video unrelated to course work.
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View, share, send, or post any violent or obscene messages, pictures, videos or web sites.
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Download any illegal or offensive material.
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Use someone else’s password or trespass in another person’s folders, work or files.
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Violate copyright laws.
The computers at W.H. Croxford are maintained by network administrators, therefore THERE IS NO EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY ON A SCHOOL COMPUTER. Files and communications of students are reviewed periodically to maintain system integrity and to ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Personal devices in use at school can be subject to a search of contents by school administration.
CELLPHONE POLICY
Cell phones are expected to be out of sight (put away) during classes. All of our classrooms are no cell phone areas unless specifically directed by the teacher/staff member in the space. If you need to contact a student during the school day, please contact the office. The office staff will inform the students by calling down to the classroom or passing a message on through the teacher. Students using cell phones inappropriately in class will be expected to give them to the respective classroom teacher if asked. If this policy is contravened, then a student’s cell phone may be confiscated and remain in the office until the end of the day. Further occurrences will result in a parent conference and the phone will be returned to the parent or guardian with the student entering the progressive discipline cycle and a recommendation to leave the cell phone at home on an ongoing basis.
The school will take no responsibility for lost or stolen electronic equipment such as iPods, personal computers, laptops, cell phones, etc. If brought to school, these should be left in lockers or backpacks at all times unless required in class. Students are discouraged from bringing digital devices, money, or other valuables into the change rooms, unless locked in a locker.
The parking of student vehicles on W.H. Croxford property is a privilege and students are asked to comply with the guidelines in the interest of public safety and security, including operating a vehicle in an area where many and younger children are present. These parking lots are wholly owned by Rocky View Schools and as such, are subject to school policy. Students who do not follow the rules and directives may be suspended from school, lose parking privileges, and/or have the vehicle towed at owner’s expense. While vehicle search and seizure is applicable to law enforcement, students may face school consequences should items in vehicles be clearly visible that are in contravention to school procedures, including the Prohibited Substances and Items policy. Students may sign up for a parking pass at the office to allow them to park in the school parking lot.
With various activities taking place at any given time, hallways and shared spaces must be used in ways that are respectful to others. This includes moving through hallways efficiently and quietly and minimizing disruption during transitions. With our large school population, hallways cannot be used as locations to gather or spend considerable time over lunch. There are various designated spaces in the school for students to eat lunch, or students may leave the school and spend time outside during lunch. Students are expected to eat in designated (seated) areas only.
Gym strip is required for physical education classes. Students may bring their own gym strip or purchase one from the school through SchoolCash at a reasonable cost. We also offer other wearables that can be ordered at an additional cost through our Spirit Wear store on the homepage. The hoodies and sweats are not part of the gym strip, but they are acceptable substitutes during inclement weather.
BIKES AND SKATEBOARDS
Bike racks are provided at the south end of the school. Students are encouraged to bring their own lock and lock their bicycles. Skateboard racks are located at the north end of the school. Students are encouraged to also lock their skateboards and scooters on the racks. Bicycles, skateboards, scooters are not to be ridden inside the school building, nor on the sidewalk in front of the school. Safety would dictate that wearing a helmet and other protective equipment is a practice we recommend.
Individual photographs will be taken in September. Retakes are taken in October/Early November.
Student Dress Students are requested to dress appropriately for a learning environment. Principals have the authority to require any student to be sent home and change to more suitable attire before being readmitted to class.
● Footwear must be worn at all times.
● Heavy outdoor clothing and footwear should not be worn in class and is to be stored in lockers, if possible.
● Students must not wear items that include suggestive or distasteful slogans or images.
● Physical Education classes and various options classes may have specific dress requirements.
● Shorts and skirts should be of a modest length.
● No accessories that pose a potential danger to self or others are permitted.
SPARE PERIODS AND STUDY BLOCK
Students with spare periods in their schedule have the option of leaving the school grounds or signing in at the office to indicate they are remaining in the school during the spare period. Students signed in on spare will be required to carry a ‘spare pass’ to show they are signed in. Expectations for student behaviour during spare periods are the same as in a classroom setting, meaning respectful behaviour; appropriate levels of discussion and maintaining a positive impact in the school are required. Should students not behave in an appropriate manner, they will be asked to leave the school during their spare period.
PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES POLICY
No Smoking Policy
All students are prohibited from having or utilizing tobacco products at school, or at school sponsored events including field trips and off-campus activities. Students are not allowed to smoke on the school grounds. This includes possessing or using e-cigarettes and vaporizers of any sort. Any violation of this regulation may result in suspension. Students are not allowed to use chewing tobacco in or near the school. Repeated violation of this policy may result in further suspension and recommendation for expulsion.
Alcohol & Other Intoxicants
The possession, consumption and/or trafficking in narcotic drugs, alcohol or other intoxicants, on school time or when involved in school activities, will result in a suspension. Ongoing concerns may result in expulsion and referral to the appropriate outside authorities Possession or use of the aforementioned may also lead to removal of other privileges, i.e. field trips, and extracurricular participation. Rocky View Schools and WH Croxford High School are committed to dealing with possession, trafficking and being under the influence of narcotic drugs, alcohol or other intoxicants in the school environment in the serious manner it deserves. The issue of any drug use is a school and community issue and all members of this community need to be involved in educating our youth to refrain from this kind of activity. Parents and guardians will be contacted immediately and, if deemed appropriate, the RCMP will be involved.
Students are encouraged to take pride in, and care for, their school. Every effort will be made to discourage vandalism, however, when vandalism can be attributed to specific individuals, recovery of costs and/or support in rectifying the damage will be pursued. Vandalism will be considered grounds for suspension and possible expulsion. Full restitution will be required. Please note many of our school locations are monitored by video surveillance, which supports us in assessing these occurrences.
ATTENDANCE & LATES
General Attendance
Please be advised that any absence/s not excused within 24 hours of absence will remain permanently unexcused on the student’s record. It is imperative that a parent or guardian leave a message on the school attendance line regarding a student’s absence, preferably on the day of the absence. If a student has notified his/her teachers of an absence, it is still important that a parent/guardian phone the attendance line. Phone calls go out every evening, through our SYNERVOICE system, informing parents of any absences that have not been excused during the school day. Please report unexcused absences to the school attendance line within 24 hours of receiving a phone call. Once again, any absences not excused within 24 hours will result in a permanent unexcused absence on the student’s record. Parents have 24/7 access to student attendance information through the PowerSchool parent portal.
Extended Absences
Parents may wish to have their son/daughter absent from school for an extended period of time (longer than 3 days) for reasons other than bereavement or illness. The school does not grant approval for a student to be absent, but rather records the parent/guardian’s intent to remove a student from the school. An Extended Leave Notification Form is available at the office. Students are asked to check their teacher’s webpage to ensure work is not missed during their time away. Upon returning, it is the student’s responsibility to make up work missed. Teachers may provide assistance during class time but due to the voluntary nature of the absence, they are not required to spend time outside of regular school hours.
Absence Protocol
Students’ absences and lates are monitored regularly. Students whose attendance profiles reveal patterns of absenteeism and/or tardiness that are of concern, may meet with teachers, School Counsellors or Administration. Chronic attendance issues may result in disciplinary consequences and may preclude students from being able to participate in co-curricular or extra-curricular activities.
Excused Absences
While parent knowledge and permission is important for absences, absences can still impede the ability for the student to keep up with the rigors of the high school curriculum. Students who are frequently absent, even if the absence is excused, can experience similar issues that unexcused absent students do. It is incumbent upon the school to inform parents when absences reach a critical point. If a student reaches an absence rate of 10 or more, whether excused on unexcused, parents may receive a letter of concern from the school.
Absences Due to Extenuating Circumstances
From time to time, students need to be away from school for a variety of reasons: illness, bereavement, hospitalization, and so forth. In these cases, it is important to inform the school. By calling the office and stating the issue, the office staff are able to inform the staff affected by the absences. Emailing your child’s teacher is another way of keeping all stakeholders informed of the circumstances. There may be scenarios that arise where the student will be expected to obtain a medical notice to confirm the illness. Should the parent have further concerns of a social emotional nature for their child, please book an appointment with your School Counsellor.
Marks and attendance are posted on PowerSchool. Parents will require a login name and password that can be obtained from the school office. Power School allows students and parents to know what is happening in each course a student is enrolled in.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND DRILLS
Students are informed as to the quickest and safest routes from the school. Practice drills are carried out throughout the year for various emergency situations. Exit maps are available in each classroom and gathering spaces in the school. W.H. Croxford incorporates Hour Zero practices in its emergency planning.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Updated inclement weather information can be found on our home page.
Parents can check the RVS and W.H. Croxford website for updates as well bus information can be found on the Rocky View School Division web page.
STUDENT SERVICES
Concession & Food Programs
Family/School Liaison
Infirmary
RURAL TRANSPORTATION
Rural students requiring busing must complete a Transportation Form and mail it to Rocky View Schools. The forms are available on the webpage, at the school office, or you may contact the Transportation Department at Rocky View Schools office @ 945-4000. School bus policy will be implemented by the bus driver. Parents are advised to phone the driver to discuss concerns.
W.H Croxford has a school nurse in conjunction with AHS who supports the school with health questions and provides immunization and information to both students and parents regarding health-related issues.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
SCHOOL COUNCIL
The School Council is comprised of parents, community members, administrators, at least one teacher and our local trustee. School Council executive members usually are elected from the community.
VOLUNTEERING
Parents and community members are invited to share their expertise and interests by becoming volunteers in a variety of ways. Please note all volunteering requires a current criminal record check including vulnerable sector check and a signed privacy form. Further information is available in the school office.
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2024-2025 WHC High School Course Handbook
- About Our School
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AP152 Dispute Resolution
- Contact Us
- Croxford Conference Manager
- Friends of Croxford
- Learning in RVS
- Office 365 for Students
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- School Supplies
- Staff
- Student Absence Procedures
- Volunteer Information
- Welcome to W.H. Croxford!
- WH Croxford School & Sports Calendar
- If you would like to subscribe to our calendar, please click on the "+ Google Calendar" button on the bottom right. This will allow you to subscribe to the WHC calendar and the RVS calendar.
