Open Roads Public School

Handbook

2025/26

20 Davis Street

Dryden, ON

P8N 1R4

807-223-4418

Visit us at ors.kpdsb.ca/#/ or join us on Facebook

Table of Contents

Page 2         Welcome Letter

Page 3         Staff Directory

Page 4         School Year Calendar

Page 5         School Day Instructional Times

Page 6        Safe Arrival and Attendance

Page 7        Transportation/Parking/Drop off/Dismissal/Communication

Page 8-9        Programs and Support

Page 10        Student Illness and Medical Plans

Page 11        Emergency preparation        

Page 11-12        Daily school information

Page 12        Parent and community involvement

Page 13-15        School code of conduct and progressive discipline chart        

Welcome to Open Roads!

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We are delighted to welcome you to the Open Roads community!

This handbook has been created to provide you with helpful information about our school. If you notice something missing or have suggestions for improvement, we invite your feedback—your voice matters.

At Open Roads, we hold high expectations for all learners—socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and academically. This handbook outlines our policies, procedures, and the shared standards we believe help students thrive.

We take a strength-based approach to education. Our focus is on building upon students’ individual strengths while supporting them in approaching challenges with a growth mindset. By fostering resilience, problem-solving, and perseverance, we help students develop the essential skills needed for success in school and in life.

We are committed to ensuring Open Roads is a safe, caring, and inclusive environment where every student feels respected, valued, and free from harassment, discrimination, and violence. While this handbook will be reviewed in class, we encourage you to read it together with your child and discuss the school’s expectations.

I warmly welcome you to our school community and encourage you to connect with teachers, office staff, and administration. Family engagement makes a meaningful difference in student achievement, and we strive to maintain a welcoming, collaborative atmosphere.

Best wishes for a successful and fulfilling school year. If you have comments, questions, or concerns, our doors are always open. Please feel free to stop by, call us at 807-223-4418, or email me at brad.bartlett@kpdsb.ca.

Sincerely,
Brad Bartlett

Principal

Staff Directory

Daily Schedule

Safe Arrival

For students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, attendance is taken twice daily—once at 9:00 a.m. and again at 1:50 p.m. after lunch recess. If your child is marked absent and we have not received notification, we will contact you as quickly as possible. This process ensures that every student is accounted for and safe.

Playground supervision begins at 8:20 a.m. each morning. For safety reasons, please do not send your child to school before this time, as supervision is not available.

If Your Child Will Be Away: Planned Absences

If your child will be absent, arriving late, or leaving during the day for an appointment, please notify the office as early as possible. Clear communication helps us ensure that every student’s safety and attendance are carefully monitored.

Families may report absences using one of these three convenient options:

1. SchoolMessenger Mobile App – Download from your device’s app store.
   
2. SafeArrival Website – go.schoolmessenger.ca (select Sign Up the first time to create an account).
   
3. Toll-Free Phone – Call 1-833-326-7957 to use the automated system.

Attendance and Punctuality

Consistent, on-time attendance is essential for your child’s learning and success. Even brief absences or late arrivals can impact academic progress and social connections, as students learn and participate at a rapid pace.

If attendance or punctuality becomes a concern, school staff will reach out to collaborate with families. At Open Roads, we are committed to working together to support regular and timely attendance.

Parent/Guardian Availability

To ensure the safety and well-being of all students:

• Parents/guardians must be reachable during the school day by phone, text, or other reliable means.
• Please ensure that up-to-date emergency contact information is always on file.

In the rare case of an emergency where we cannot reach you or your emergency contacts, we may request assistance from local authorities to ensure your child’s safety.  Please notify the school immediately of any changes to your contact information.

Transportation

• Bussing questions: Northwestern Ontario Student Services Consortium (223-1256 or www.nwobus.ca).
• JK/SK Policy: A parent/guardian must be present at the bus stop for pick-up and drop-off.
• Early Dismissal: Families must select a dismissal option via Permission Click (pickup, bus, or stay until 3:10).
• Bus Cancellations: Families will receive text/email alerts. Schools remain open.
• Closures: If school must close due to weather or safety, families will be notified by local radio and communication systems.

Parking & Drop-Off

• Use the parking lot and park in designated spots.
• Do not block bus loading zones or driveways.
• Drive slowly for student safety.

Dismissal (3:10 p.m.)

• Bus students go directly to buses.
• Walkers leave immediately after the bell.
• Students are not permitted to change dismissal plans mid-day.

Communication

We are committed to open communication and will connect with families in the way that works best for you—phone, text, email, or other apps. Please let your child’s teacher and the office know your preferred method.

Important information:

Teacher names and extensions can be found on the staff directory on page 3.

Teachers can be reached by classroom phone, only before or after school, by dialing 807-223-4418, then entering the extension when prompted.

All staff emails are formatted the following way- firstname.lastname@kpdsb.ca

• For emergencies, please call the main office (223-4418).
• Updates may also be shared through email, texts, Facebook, or other school-approved platforms.

Programs & Supports

Kindergarten

Our Full-Day Early Learning Program for JK and SK provides all-day, every-day learning for children starting at age four. Programs are taught by a certified teacher and, in many classrooms, a qualified Early Childhood Educator.

The program focuses on the whole child, with a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and social development. Families are welcome to visit our Early Learning spaces anytime!

Primary Grades Program (Grades 1–3)

In our Primary Program, we focus on building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while helping every child grow as a confident, capable learner. Through engaging lessons, small group instruction, and hands-on experiences, students develop the skills they need to read, write, and problem-solve with success.

Equally important, we emphasize self-regulation and social-emotional learning (SEL). Children learn strategies to manage their feelings, build positive relationships, and develop independence as learners.

Our dedicated staff meet each student where they are at, tailoring instruction to individual strengths and needs so that every child can reach their full potential.

Junior & Intermediate Program (Grades 4–8)

Our Grades 4–8 program builds on strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning (SEL) while encouraging students to take on greater independence and leadership in their learning.

Students have access to woodwind instrument instruction, as well as rich Ojibwe and French language and cultural programming, helping them connect with diverse perspectives and traditions.

Beyond the classroom, we offer a wide variety of clubs, sports, and activities that reflect student interests and staff strengths, ensuring every learner can explore their passions, discover new skills, and thrive as part of our school community.

As students prepare for the next stage of their education, we place a strong focus on supported transitions to high school. Through guidance, orientation opportunities, and collaboration with secondary school staff, we help each student feel confident, prepared, and excited for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Special Education

We are proud of our strong Special Education team, which includes:

• SERTs – Special Education Resource Teachers
• SEL – Special Education Leader
• EAs – Educational Assistants
• SLP – Speech and Language Professional/Assistant
• OT – Occupational Therapist
• PT – Physical Therapist
• SC – Student Counsellor
• FC – Family Counsellor Support Worker
• Administration – Principal/Vice-Principal
• Parents/Caregivers – Key partners in planning and support

Together, we create individualized plans to meet each student’s needs.

Transitions North Program

Open Roads is home to a specialized Care and Treatment Program (CTEP).  Its purpose is to provide highly supported, intensive, individualized education and treatment in a specialized classroom setting for a limited time, with the goal of re-integrating students into a regular classroom or supporting their long-term needs. Families are encouraged to contact the Principal for more information.

Student Success Meetings

If concerns arise about a student’s academic, social, or behavioural progress, a Student Success Meeting may be arranged. These meetings bring together the student’s “team” (parents/guardians, teacher(s), Special Education staff, and administration) to problem-solve and create a success plan. Parents may also request a meeting at any time by contacting their child’s teacher.

Student Illness and Medical Plans

Medical Conditions & Plans of Care

If your child has a diagnosed allergy, anaphylaxis, diabetes, or another medical condition:

• Notify the office immediately.
• A Student Safety Plan will be developed and reviewed with families each year.
• Plans are shared with all staff to ensure consistency and safety.

Anaphylaxis

• Students must have immediate access to their EpiPen.
• Parents must complete a Plan of Care so staff know the steps to take in an emergency.

Medication at School

• Prescription medications require a signed medical form (available at the office).
• Parents are responsible for providing updated medication and notifying the school of changes.

Classroom Posters

• Signs are posted outside classrooms to indicate restrictions (e.g., nut-free, fish-free). Please respect these restrictions.

Illness & Injuries

• Sick students will be made comfortable until picked up.
• Please keep children home if unwell (e.g., vomiting, contagious illness).
• Injuries are handled based on severity (ice packs for minor, parent calls for moderate, ambulance for serious emergencies).

Communicable Conditions

Children must be treated before returning to school if diagnosed with: chicken pox, strep throat, mono, ringworm, scarlet fever, etc.

Head Lice

If lice are found, families must treat and remove all nits before returning.

Emergency Preparation

Emergency Drills

We practice safety drills throughout the year so students know what to do in an emergency:

• Fire Drills – 6 per year
• Lockdown Drills – 4 per year
• Tornado Drills – 2 per year
• Shelter-in-Place – used if outside conditions are unsafe
• Full School Evacuation – once per year (to Riverview Lodge or Arena parking lot)

Daily School Information

Class Assignments

On the first day, staff wearing orange vests will be on the playground to help students find their teachers and class lines.

School Supplies

We provide most school supplies (pencils, paper, notebooks, etc.). Students need only:

• Indoor & outdoor shoes
• Backpack
• Lunch box
• Some older grades may require binders/dividers. If needed, the school will help provide these.

First-Day Packages

Within the first week, families will receive electronic consent forms through Permission Click (also available on the school website). These may include:

• Student Insurance Forms
• Computer Use Agreement
• Medical/Allergy Forms
• Parent Council Letter
• Inclement Weather & Emergency Dismissal Form
• Volunteer Request Form
• Short Excursion Consent
• Media Release Consent

Nutrition Programs

Through our partnership with the Northwestern Health Unit, we provide:

• Breakfast Program (8:20–8:40 a.m., drop-in style)
• Classroom Snack Bins (fruit, granola bars, applesauce, etc.)
• Bagged Lunches (available if needed)

Excursions & Field Trips

• Short Excursions: quick, local trips (e.g., arena, pow wow, community walk). Consent is given through the Short Excursions form.
• Field Trips: longer, planned trips require a separate permission form.

Important: If your child requires medication at school, ensure it is with staff when leaving the building for trips.

Lost & Found

Bins are located in primary, junior, and intermediate wings, as well as outside the library. Items not claimed by year-end are donated.
Please label your child’s clothing and belongings.

Additional Supports

A student counsellor is available during the week. If your child is waiting for outside counselling, the school may be able to provide interim support.

School Photos

Taken in fall and spring by Lifetouch. Families will receive proofs to review and choose packages.

Parent & Community Engagement

School Council

The council includes parents, staff, and administration who meet monthly to provide feedback and support school programs. Interested parents may fill out the School Council Volunteer form via Permission Click.

Parent Volunteers

We welcome volunteers for special events, classrooms, and trips. Volunteers must:

• Complete an Oath of Confidentiality
  
• Obtain an OPP Criminal Reference Check (Vulnerable Sector)
  

Student Code of Conduct

Introduction

The following section outlines the expectations for behaviour at Open Roads Public School to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment conducive to learning and personal growth for all members of our school community.

In all instances, the Provincial Code of Conduct and KPDSB Code of Conduct (Policy 322), govern our expectations and consequences of misbehaviour.

Expected Behaviour

All members of the school community must:

• Comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws
• Follow all Ministry of Education, school board, and school policies
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity
• Treat one another with dignity and respect, both in person and online
• Respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability
• Respect the rights of others
• Show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others
• Help those in need
• Seek assistance from school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflicts peacefully
• Represent the school positively and exhibit sportsmanship and teamwork during extracurricular activities
• Refrain from using abusive language or swearing at another person
• Respect the need for a conducive learning and teaching environment
• Not use personal mobile devices during instructional time except under specific circumstances (for educational purposes, health and medical purposes, or to support special education needs)

Unacceptable Behaviour

All members of the school community must not:

• Engage in bullying behaviours, including cyberbullying
• Commit sexual assault or sexual harassment
• Traffic in weapons or illegal drugs
• Commit robbery or theft
• Be in possession of any weapon, including firearms
• Threaten or intimidate another person
• Use profane or improper language
• Be in possession of alcohol, cannabis (except by a medical cannabis user), illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia
• Use, or be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, illegal drugs, or related products
• Provide others with alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, or cannabis
• Inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person
• Engage in hate propaganda or behaviour motivated by hate or bias
• Commit acts of vandalism that cause damage to school property or the property of others
• Record, take, or share non-consensual recordings or photos of members of the school community

Progressive Discipline

Cell Phones & Valuables

• Cell phones must be stored with the teacher or in backpacks (turned off).
• If seen during school hours, phones will be confiscated until a parent picks them up.
• The school is not responsible for lost/stolen devices or valuables.

Washroom Use

Students may use the washroom as needed. If patterns suggest avoidance of work, families will be contacted.

Bullying Prevention

As outlined in Bill 13 – Accepting Schools Act (2012):

• Bullying is aggressive, repeated behaviour that causes harm, distress, or creates a negative environment.
• Includes physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying (impersonation, harmful posts, etc.).
• We are committed to prevention, education, and intervention.

Technology Use

• Technology is a privilege, not a right.
• Students in Grades 4–8 are assigned Chromebooks after families sign the KPDSB Digital Technology User Agreement (renewed yearly).
• Inappropriate use may result in suspension of privileges.

Substance-Free Environment

• Our school is free of tobacco, vaping, and drugs.
• Possession or use will result in confiscation and discipline

Dress Code

We follow the KPDSB Appropriate Dress Policy (Policy 320).

Bus Behaviour

Bussing is a privilege, not a right. Students must:

• Stay seated facing forward.
• Speak quietly and respectfully.
• Follow the driver’s instructions.

Unsafe or disrespectful behaviour may result in bus suspension.