Fraser River Middle School (FRMS) promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code, which respect the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law. This code prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, age, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression – in respect to discriminatory publication and discrimination regarding accommodation, service, and facility in the school environment.

Students are expected to contribute positively to the school by behaving in a manner consistent with the School Act of British Columbia, the School District #40 (New Westminster) district code of conduct and the following FRMS school code of conduct:

Fraser River Middle School code of conduct

The purpose of the FRMS code of conduct is to ensure that all members of the FRMS community:

  • Establish, promote and maintain a safe, caring, structured and inclusive learning environment.
  • Create awareness and understanding of personal and social expectations while at school, at a school- related
    activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school environment.
  • Promote and uphold the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code, respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law– free of discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, age, physical or mental disability, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression – in respect of any discriminatory publication and discrimination in accommodation, service and facility in the school environment.

Acceptable behaviour for FRMS students is demonstrating SOAR everyday:

  • Safety – Safety is the physical and emotional well-being of students, staff, and visitors.
  • Open-mindedness – Open-mindedness is listening to other people’s stories, exploring new ideas and growing from them, a willingness to try new things, and taking risks without fearing failure.
  • Accountability – Accountability is taking responsibility for your actions, recognizing the impact of your actions on yourself and others, reflecting on your actions, and growing from mistakes.
  • Respect – Respect is acknowledging the value of our environment, others, and self.

We recognize that middle school is a time to learn, grow, and SOAR. Mistakes are part of learning. We must all reflect on actions that impact others in a negative way and keep us from SOARing to ensure that FRMS is a place where we can all live, learn, play, and do our work.

Unacceptable conduct for FRMS students is anything that keeps us on the ground and stops us from SOARing:

  • Behaviours that:
    • Create racist, hateful, or discriminatory conditions.
    • Interfere with the learning of others.
    • Interfere with our respectful environment.
    • Create unsafe conditions.
  • Acts of:
    • Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment or intimidation.
    • Inappropriate messaging.
    • Threatening or violent behaviour.
    • Retribution against a person who has reported incidents.
  • Illegal acts, such as:
    • Possession, use or distribution of illegal or restricted substances.
    • Possession or use of weapons.
    • Theft of or damage to property.
    • Distribution and possession of inappropriate images.

The unacceptable behaviours listed in the Code of Consequences and the district digital user agreements are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.

A student’s medical, cognitive, social-emotional and personal profile must be considered in the determination of appropriate intervention and/or consequences. Therefore the application of the school’s code of conduct must take into account the student’s ability to meet behavioural expectations.

Disciplinary action, wherever possible, is preventative and restorative, rather than merely punitive. The purpose of consequences for unacceptable behaviour is to help students learn from mistakes and be proactive about preventing further inappropriate behaviour.

Use of personal digital devices

As per Ministerial Order 89 the use of personal digital devices at school is to be restricted for educational purposes, to promote online safety and focused learning environments. Personal digital device (PDD) means any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as a cell phone or a tablet. Other examples included: smart watches, digital accessories (earbuds), gaming devices, and electronic toys.

At our middle school access to, and the use of personal digital devices will not be permitted the use of such devices supports a specific curricular objective and is part of instructional planning. These schools will follow up with further information for their school communities.

The exception to these restrictions will be for students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Learning Support Plan (LSP), or medical or health issue that specifically outlines the need for these devices for full inclusion in specific learning activities.

Security and storage

It is important to note that security and storage of personal digital devices is the sole responsibility of the owner/user. The district assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair or replacement of such devices. If students must bring a device to school, they are encouraged to ensure they are locked
away in lockers or kept in a secure location.

A student’s medical, cognitive, social-emotional and personal profile must be considered in the determination of appropriate intervention and/or consequences. Therefore the application of the school’s code of conduct must take into account the student’s ability to meet behavioural expectations.

Also, refer to the revised district Administrative Procedure 355 (Student Suspensions).