Welcome to "ABOUT US".
The following information should give you a better idea of what Happy Thought School is all about. 
The Early Years Program
Happy Thought School is an Early Years School from Kindergarten through Grade 4. Literacy and Numeracy are emphasized and other subjects taken include Science, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Music and exposure to French. Core French is introduced in grade 4. Often several subject areas are integrated in a thematic approach.
English-Ukrainian Bilingual Program
Ukrainian instruction is available to students from kindergarten through grade 4. Classes take the same subjects as the English program, plus they take Ukrainian.
Attendance
Students are expected to be in their classes before each bell. Attendance is taken in the morning and again in the afternoon. Parents should either call the school or send a note in advance if a student is absent. A callback program is in place for grades K-4. A note, signed by parents, should state the reason for the absence. Anyone who will be away for some time should arrange for homework and assignments to be sent home or to be picked up at the office. Parents should inform teachers of any communicable diseases their children might have to keep the student population aware. If students are too sick to go outside for recess, they are too sick to be at school. Being absent from school does not excuse a student from completing missed assignments.
Daily Schedule
School begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 3:35 p.m. Tones sound as follows:
8:45 - Students enter classrooms
8:55 - Opening exercises
Classes commence
10:10-10:15 - Morning Recess
11:40 - Homeroom eating period
11:55 - 12:45 - Noon Hour Break
12:45 - Students entering classrooms
12:50 - Classes resume
2:05 -2:20 - Afternoon Recess
3:35 - Dismissal
HAPPY THOUGHT SCHOOL Guidelines for Successful Learning
Guidelines are established for students to obtain the maximum benefit from their learning experience at school. For those who follow and exercise these principles, they will experience success in their work, and school will be a pleasant experience.
Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child’s education; this support will enhance students’ learning. In addition, parents can assist by ensuring that the five guidelines for successful learning are followed:
1. Attendance - all students are expected to attend all classes and be on time.
2. Preparation for Class:
-Books, Materials, Completed Assignments, Permission Slips, Gym Clothing, and Footwear must be brought to classes
regularly.
- Rest - students must have a reasonable amount of rest to remain alert throughout the day.
- Nutrition - everyone must have healthy eating habits to have the energy for a productive day at school.
3. Effort - all students are expected to put forth their best effort into their work and make effective use of class time.
4. Respect The Right To Learn - for the benefit of others and yourself.
5. Respect for People and Property - is expected for harmonious relationships and a pleasant working environment.
School Supplies and Textbooks
A school supply list is available for all grades. Check this supply list carefully. Some courses may require special materials. Students will be issued textbooks. The condition of the book is recorded when they are handed out. Any student who abuses or loses a book will be assessed an appropriate fee for that book.
Evaluation
Student progress will be assessed on a continuous basis. Marks include tests, daily work, projects, written assignments, class participation and attendance. Important tests, projects and major assignments will be sent home with the student for a parent’s signature. Between formal report cards, parents can expect to receive progress reports from grades 5 through Senior 1 classes.
Report Cards
There will be three formal reporting periods: November, March and June. Students are graded in all subjects. Parents are encouraged to come in and discuss with the teacher their child’s progress at anytime during the year. Parent conference dates are listed in the Important Dates section.
Assigned Work
At HTS, it is expected that students will complete assigned work to the best of their ability by the due date.
If a student is absent from school for any reason, it is his/her responsibility to make up any missed assignments. If the absence is for an extended period of time (eg.holiday) the teacher(s) school should be informed as soon as possible in order to make arrangements to complete missed assignments.
* Being absent from school does not excuse a student from completing missed assignments.
Emergency Closure
In case of a school closure, radio stations CBC, CKY, CJOB, CBW, CFRW, and CFQX-FM will make announcements beginning at 7:00 a.m. You may also check out the CJOB website for cancellations.
Fire Drills and Emergency Evacuation
Ten fire drills will be held during the year. Students are expected to evacuate the building in a quiet and orderly manner. Students must wear footwear in classes at all times.
At least one Code Red and one Code Green Emergency Procedure will be held each year. Parents will be notified prior to the event.
School Supplies and Textbooks
A $35.00 cheque is required for K-Gr. 2 students in order for teachers to purchase supplies. A school supply list is available for Grades 3 and 4. Check this supply list carefully. Students will be issued textbooks. The condition of the book is recorded when they are handed out. Any student who abuses or loses a book will be assessed an appropriate fee for that book.
Evaluation
Student progress will be assessed on a continuous basis. Marks include tests, daily work, projects, written assignments, class participation and attendance.
Report Cards
There will be three formal reporting periods: November, March and June. Parents are encouraged to come in and discuss with the teacher their child’s progress at anytime during the year. Parent conference dates are listed in the Important Dates section.
Leaving The School
Bus students must remain on the school property unless accompanied by a parent, teacher or designated person.
Parents who are picking up their children during the day must check in at the office. The office will contact the class. Students must register in the Sign In/Out Book in the office when arriving late or leaving early. When parents are picking up their children at 3:35, they are asked to remain at the office or in the foyer.
Student Services
The following services are available to students who are experiencing challenges:
Resource: The Resource Teachers help staff and students to plan academic programs that will meet the needs, interests and abilities of all students.
The Public Health Nurse visits the school on a regular basis to consult with staff and meet with students who have health concerns.
The Community-School Worker (social worker) assists students and their families.
Clinicians - Staff members from the School Division’s Student Support Centre visit our school regularly. They assist the school with programming for students. Speech and language Development, Reading Clinician, and Psychologists are some of the services available to our school.
RCMP Liaison is a program whereby a member of the force spends time in our school to make classroom presentations or to answer questions from students and staff.
School Buses
Riding on the bus is a privilege; improper conduct on the bus will result in the withdrawal of bus riding privileges. Loss of bus privileges will begin on the fourth bus report for K-4.
K-4 students:
1st -3rd reports - warnings
4th report -5 days
5th report -10 days
6th report - 20 days/meeting with board
7th report - suspended indefinitely
* An immediate suspension may be implemented if the bus report is of a very serious nature.
Students riding school buses must have a single designated drop off and pick up point on a specific bus route. Variations to this (such as using a different bus, or getting off at a different stop) may be granted once or twice per year, and only for exceptional circumstances. Permission for such variations is given by a school administrator, provided a written note with the following information - regular bus #, requested bus #, destination with reason, signed by parent and must be submitted immediately following morning announcements. In such cases, a Bus Boarding Pass will be given to the student, allowing the variation to occur.
Volunteers
Volunteers are welcome in many areas of our school including classrooms, the library, special events, field trips, and the office. Badges are available in the office and must be worn at all times. All volunteers must have a current criminal records, confidentiality and child abuse registry check.
School Accident Insurance
School Accident Insurance policies are available from private insurers each fall. The policy offers 24 hour coverage and parents are encouraged to consider this insurance.
Spotlight Newsletter
The Spotlight will be distributed to the youngest family member on the third Thursday of each month. Students and parents are asked to check the publication for important dates and up-coming events.
Library Books
Books are available for students to borrow, and should be returned promptly or a renewal arranged. There is a fine for overdue books for students in middle years. Lost or damaged books will be assessed a replacement or repair fee. This fee must be paid or the book must be returned in order to receive the end of the year report card.
Bicycles
Bikes brought to the school must be parked at the bike racks and locked. Bikes should not be used except to come to and from school.
Medication
Parents are encouraged to develop medication schedules so that it is not necessary for students to take medications while at school. For minor periodic medications, such as cough syrup, parents should include a note for the teacher and a single dosage in their son’s/ daughter’s lunch kit. In cases where medication must be taken at school on an ongoing basis, a Medication Form should be completed and returned to the school. Such medication must be secured in the office.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed on school property or during any school-sponsored activity.
Assigned Work
At HTS, it is expected that students will complete assigned work to the best of their ability by the due date. If a student is absent from school for any reason, it is his/her responsibility to make up any missed assignments. If the absence is for an extended period of time (e.g. holiday) the teacher and school should be informed as soon as possible in order to make arrangements to complete missed assignments.
Code of Conduct
Refer to Divisional Pamphlet
School Dress Code
Students are expected to maintain a reasonable appearance and to wear clothing that is appropriate for school. Hats and caps are to be worn outside, and hoods are pulled down inside. Messages on clothing must be appropriate. Be sure to dress for the weather. Layered, warm clothing, mittens, boots, and headgear are critical for winter months.
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