Welcome to the start of another new school year.  We hope that everyone in our school community had a great summer.  

Teachers and support staff are excited to welcome everyone back to school.  Our school communication plan highlights the procedures we have in place to support all Horton learners.  Please take time to review our school communication plan and reach out if you have any questions or concerns.  As the school year progresses, we aim to keep our families as informed as possible but never hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.  As a school community, we make this school year a remarkable journey for all students, filled with growth and learning.
School Communication Plan 

Popular questions at the start of the school year 

• Supply lists – Horton does not have a supply list for any classes.  Students are asked to come to class with binders, paper, pens, and pencils.  

• There is NO Student Fee at Horton this year.  

• Horton will provide details on a new donation option for families that wish to contribute to our food program via schoolcashonline.   

• School Buses – Please review the attached message regarding the Bus Planner / Routes sent to families in August by AVRCE . It is essential that you access this information before the first day of school to get bus pick up time(s) and location.
  AVRCE Bus Planner information

Forms / Forms and More Forms 

School start up usually kicks off with many forms to be completed and returned to the schools.  At the end of Day one, students will bring home various things to be signed, most important is for all Horton community members to update and return the School Demographics form.  Student Demographic Data is crucial for PowerSchool.  We need the email addresses of all parents and cell numbers if available. Emergency contacts need special attention.  Please return ASAP

AVRCE has set Self identification as a Board Priority.  Please review this AVRCE release  AVRCE Self Identification information. 

September Open House
Our September parent “Open House” is scheduled for the evening of Thursday September 12th, 

6:15-7:00 – School ADMIN will meet parents in the Horton Performance Center

7:00-8:15 Open House format

• Teachers will set up desks throughout the main lobby of the school for parents to meet.  
• Various information tables will be available for parents; school advisory council, athletes, safe grad, IB, O2, clubs and activities, etc. 
• Students Council will help as guides 

Nut-Free Environment:
A friendly reminder that Horton must maintain a nut free environment, in order to keep students safe while at school.  Please review the attached poster that is displayed throughout our school.
Allergy Aware School Poster 

Scent-Free Environment:
Due to the health concerns arising from exposure to scented products, Horton High School requires a scent-free environment for all employees and visitors.  The use of scented products will not be allowed within the building at any time.
Scent Free Alert

Parking Lot:
Please use the student drop-off zone listed in the diagram.  This diagram will show that cars should not entire the crosswalk area to drop off or pick up students.  When picking up students, please find a parking location and have the student come to you.
Horton Parking lot directions

This year we have a new Drop off / Pick Up walkway created to encourage the use of this zone.  Please do not cross the DO NOT ENTER sign.  

Cell Phones:
Last year at Horton we asked that all students keep cell phones in their bookbags and out of sight when in Horton classrooms.  The NEW Provincial Cell Phone policy now addresses this concern in our classrooms and states that all phones must be off and away when in classrooms. 

Cell Phone Directives (PLEASE REVIEW).  Horton will have a student assembly on Day 1 to outline these new provincial directives.

School Attendance and Engagement:
One student success target this year is promoting positive attendance and engagement.  With your support, Horton will move our attendance towards AVRCE’s target of 75% of our students attending 90% of the time.  Last year’s attendance was just below 60% of students attending 90% of the time. 

Please review the Provincial Attendance Policy. 

2 Hour Early Dismissal:  (This will help improve our attendance)
This year the AVRCE is moving to a 2 hour early dismissal for PD sessions, reduced from the previous 3 hour early dismissal.   Horton students will now be dismissed at 1:22.  The additional 15 minutes per class will increase class contact time at Horton.  Therefore, please SEND your student to school on early dismissals.  Teachers will be operating classes with new work and assessments on these days.  

We always encourage all community members to promote these Expectations for Success:

• To be respectful of others.
  ·To use appropriate language.
  ·To attend all classes and to be on time.
  .To put forth your best effort in class
  ·To have a positive attitude.

Take Care
Horton administration 

Important September Dates: 

• Sept 3 – First day for Staff
• Sept 4 – Regional PD 
• Sept 5 – First Day for Students 
• Sept 12 – Parent Orientation
  • 6:30-7:15 – Parents visit ADMIN in PC 
  • 7:15-8:30 – Parents to Visit Staff (Open House Format)
• Sept 16 – 18 – School Photos 
• Sept 25 – 2 Hour Early Dismissal (Dismissal at 1:22)
• Sept 25 – AARAO Tour (University Visits – Per 1 and 2)  
• Sept 27 – Terry Fox Walk/Run 
• Sept 30 – No Classes (Truth and Reconciliation Day) 
• Oct 1 – Treaty Day