* To download a complete copy of Riverwood Acaademy's 2011-2012 Parent Handbook click here.

* To download a copy of our school Calendar which outlines the various activities taking place throughout the year click here

It is important to note that Riverwood Academy has a number of students who have allergies to a variety of foods, scents etc. Please review the following list of items that are not permitted in Riverwood due to allergies. We ask that parents/guardians be aware of how serious Allergies can be among children. Several students in Riverwood will react poorly to any of the items below, including anaphylactic shock. We understand the challenges that allergies can present, and appreciate everyone’s effort to keep all of our students and staff safe from harm.

Please do not send to school the following foods:

* Strawberries,

* Kiwi,

* Bananas

* Eggs

* Fish

* Latex

* Nuts (All forms of nuts including tree).

* Peanut Butter

*Scents (This is a scent-free school, students wearing scents such as colognes, or perfumes may be sent home to change clothing/shower).

 Students who have anaphylaxis must carry their Epi-pen on their person at all times.

 It is recommended that students who require an Epi-pen present one to the school as an added measure of security.

Student attendance at school is essential for their overall success. When students miss valuable class time, they are missing an opportunity to learn and are potentially hindering their chances of success. Therefore, we ask that you:

þ Call the school if your child is away sick. This allows us to keep up-to-date records.

þ Ensure children are in school everyday unless they are away due to illness or family emergencies.

þ Please ensure students remain in school all day and do not miss class time unless the absence is due to illness or a family emergency.

þ Please note that if a child is absent for three consecutive days, we will be calling home to ensure the child is absent with a valid reason.

þ When signing students out, you must speak with the school secretary, Principal, Vice-Principal or another staff member indicating you will be signing a student out.

þ  Students are not permitted to leave school grounds during the school day unless permission has been granted.

Medical Procedures

When a student becomes ill or has an accident, the office will contact the parent. 

Medication or treatment can be administered only by trained school personnel and/or with parent’s permission.  No child may bring or take medication unless parent’s permission is obtained and the proper forms are completed and signed by medical personnel and then ONLY under the supervision of a teacher.

We ask that your child have their hearing and sight tested regularly to ensure they can properly see the board and hear the staff member when speaking.

Dress Codes for Students

Riverwood Academy stresses the importance of proper dress codes for all our students.  As professionals, we are all expected to dress as such. Students are expected to comply with our dress codes at all times. Please keep in mind that:

?        Students must bring proper gym clothes including shorts, track pants and non marking sneakers for use in the gym.

?        Students are not permitted to wear shirts that: have offensive slogans (racial; sexual; promoting alcohol or drugs); strap shirts (females).

?        All caps and jackets are not permitted to be worn in school or classrooms and must be stored in lockers. Please ensure the safety of these items in lockers by purchasing a lock.

?        Jeans must not be worn low so as to expose a students buttocks. Students are required to wear a belt when wearing jeans that may not fit properly.

?        Pyjamas are not permitted in school during the school year (this includes the examination period) and can only be worn on designated pajama days.

Student Success

Student Achievement is an integral part of any child’s education.This year, we will be asking for parental/guardian support in an effort to increase the chances of success for our students in a number of ways.

Homework

Homework study enhances learning.  A general understanding is that homework is 10 minutes/grade. (Eg: grade 2 - 20 minutes, grade 6 - 60 minutes) Homework serves as a reinforcement of skills and should not require a lot of parental instruction.

If students are not completing homework and/or assignments we will contact the home immediately by telephone to inform parents and have them assist in ensuring students are completing homework.

Riverwood Academy also has a Homework Page that is updated on a regular basis and we encourage parents to make us of this important tool. It can be found on our homepage page at: http://www.k12.nf.ca/riverwood/.

Assessment: Testing and Assignments

If students miss a test, a note or phone call must be provided to the school and the students teacher explaining why the student missed the test/exam. Students will then be given the opportunity to re-write the test/exam. Studenst will be given every opportunity to complete missed work and tests.

Exams 

Students from grades 7-12 will be completing mid-term and final exams. Mid-Term exams will take place from January 23^rd (Day 7) – January 27^th (Day 11) 2012 and final exams will take place during the exam period in June. Please note the following change this year. A tentative mid-term exam is attached to this guide.

Supplementary exams

In the event a student misses and exam due to an emergency, illness or another reason deemed valid by administration, a supplementary exam will be given after consultation between the teachers(s) and principal.  No student will unreasonably be denied from writing a supplementary exam.

Tutorials

As part of our commitment to student success Riverwood Academy offers numerous tutorials throughout the year in most subject areas. Students will be made aware of tutorials scheduled and we ask for parental support in ensuring they attend tutorials when offered.

Academic Mentors (implemented October 2011)

This year Riverwood Academy will have put in place shortly after the start of the school year an Academic mentor Program in which the Administrative Team will be responsible for working with students to advise them of course selection, ensuring they attend tutorials where possible and working with them to experience success. The students from grades 9-12 will be taking part in this program.