Student & Parent Handbook

Handbook

🏫 School Overview

Welcome

Welcome to Leslie Thomas Junior High!

We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and structured learning environment where students are supported in both their academic and personal development. Clear expectations and consistent procedures help ensure that all students are able to learn and thrive.

This handbook outlines important information regarding school routines, expectations, and procedures. Students and families are asked to review this information carefully and refer to it throughout the school year.

School Information

Leslie Thomas Junior High
Grades 6 to 8

📍 100 Metropolitan Avenue, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 2Z8
📞 902-864-6785
📧 ltjh@hrce.ca
🌐 https://ltj.hrce.ca/

🕘 Office Hours: 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Principal: Gary Miller
Vice Principal: Lisa MacNeil
Administrative Assistant: Sonja Moore

School Schedule

The regular school day begins at 9:10 am and ends at 3:10 pm.
Lunch is from 12:10 to 1:10 pm.

Delayed Opening

  • Classes begin at 11:10 am
  • Buses run two hours later
  • Lunch and dismissal remain unchanged

🔁 Daily Routines & Operations

Arrival & Supervision

Supervision begins at 8:50 am. Students should not arrive before this time.

Students may enter the building at 9:05 am and are expected to go directly to their lockers and then proceed to class.

All students are expected to enter calmly and be prepared for the start of the school day.

Late Arrivals

Students arriving late must report to the main office before going to class.

Students who do not check in may be sent back to the office.

Leaving School Early

Students must sign out through the main office before leaving.

Parent or guardian permission must be provided in advance.

School Closures & Delays

Families should monitor:

  • HRCE website
  • Local radio
  • SchoolMessenger

for updates on closures or delays.

📅 Attendance & Supervision

Attendance Expectations

Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for student success.

Reporting Absences (SafeArrival)

Absences must be reported using SafeArrival:

  • App
  • PowerSchool
  • Phone system

⏰ SafeArrival Cut-Off

SafeArrival accepts absences until 9:40 am.

After this time:

  • SafeArrival will not accept absences
  • Families must contact the school directly

📞 Call 902-864-6785
📧 Email ltjh@hrce.ca

Include student name and homeroom.

Delayed Opening Days

SafeArrival still closes at 9:40 am, even when school starts at 11:10 am.

After 9:40 am, families must contact the school directly.

Lunch Supervision & Expectations

Lunch runs from 12:10 to 1:10 pm.

Students will be outside for approximately 30 to 40 minutes daily.

Students must come prepared for weather conditions.

Indoor space may be available during severe weather, but this is not guaranteed.

Staying at School

Students registered for supervised lunch must remain on school property.

Leaving School Property

Students may only leave if permission is on file.

Occasional Lunch Changes

A signed note must be submitted before lunch.

Not accepted:

  • Phone calls
  • Emails
  • Texts
  • Students calling home

⚖️ Student Expectations & Behaviour

General Expectations

Students are expected to:

  • Show respect
  • Follow staff directions
  • Use appropriate language
  • Be prepared for class
  • Contribute to a positive environment

Code of Conduct

Students must follow the Nova Scotia Provincial School Code of Conduct.

Cell Phones & Personal Devices

Grade 6

  • No use at any time during the school day

Grades 7–8

  • May use at lunch only
  • Must be off and stored during class

Devices may not be used:

  • During class
  • In hallways during class time
  • To take photos or videos on school property

🚬 Vaping, Smoking & Substances

Vaping and smoking are not permitted anywhere on school property. This is both a school rule and a legal requirement.

If a student is found vaping or in possession:

  • The item will be confiscated
  • Parents/guardians must pick it up
  • The student will face suspension

Incidents may be referred to Halifax Regional Police under the Smoke Free Act.

🏫 School Procedures & Safety

Lockers

Lockers are school property. Administration may access lockers when necessary.

Cafeteria & Lunch Behaviour

Students must clean up after themselves and follow staff directions.

Illness & Medication

Students who become ill will be sent to the office. Medication must be administered through the office.

Allergies & Scent Awareness

The school is scent-aware. Students should avoid scented products and be mindful of allergens.

Visitors

All visitors must report to the main office and sign in.

Emergency Procedures

Fire drills and lockdowns are practiced regularly. Students must follow staff directions.

🏀 Extracurricular Activities

Students must:

  • Be in good standing
  • Attend classes
  • Follow expectations

Game Day Early Dismissal

  • All team members dismissed at 2:45 pm
  • No parent call required
  • Travel with another parent requires a note
  • Attendance recorded as ACT

🍎 School Programs

Nova Scotia School Lunch Program

  • Two healthy options daily
  • Pay-what-you-can

📅 Ordering:

📞 Communication & Support

Communication with Families

The school communicates through:

  • Email
  • SchoolMessenger
  • Website

Contacting Students

Do not contact students directly during class time. Contact the office for urgent matters.

Parent Concern Process

  1. Teacher
  2. Administration
  3. HRCE