As another school year begins, we extend a warm welcome to everyone in our school community. We trust you had a wonderful summer.  Our entire staff is thrilled to welcome everyone back to school! 

Our communication plan outlines the procedures designed to support all Horton learners. Please review the attached and reach out with any questions or concerns. We are committed to keeping families informed throughout the year, and we encourage you to contact us whenever needed. As a united team, we can make this a remarkable school year filled with growth and learning for all students.
School Communication Plan 

Horton ADMIN team
We are excited to announce a new addition to our Horton administrative team! Please join us in extending a very warm welcome to Ms. Davinia Melanson, who will be joining us this year as vice principal.  Ms. Melanson brings a wealth of experience and a passion for fostering a supportive environment, qualities that will be invaluable to our school community.
Mr. Jodye Routledge – Principal and Grade 9
Ms Davina Melanson – Vice Principal and Grade 10
Mr Peter Morse – Vice Principal and Grade 11
Ms Kay Greene – Vice Principal and Grade 12 

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.  
• NO Student Fee at Horton again this year.  
• School Bus

 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

Horton tours guided by Student Services 

Many students, especially grade 9’s and new registrations, request school tours before the first day of classes.  This year, we will offer tours from Tuesday, August 26th to Friday, August 29th, beginning at 11:00 AM.

Forms / Forms and More Forms 

School startup typically involves numerous forms that need to be completed and returned. On Day 1, students will bring home various documents for signatures. Of particular importance is the School Demographics form, which all Horton community members must update and return. Accurate Student Demographic Data is crucial for PowerSchool. We require email addresses and cell numbers for all parents, if available. Emergency contacts need special attention. Please return all forms as soon as possible.

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

September Open House
Our September parent “Open House” is scheduled for the evening of Thursday September 11th, 

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

7:00-8:15 Open House format
Staff 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 

Provincial School Code of Conduct Policy: 

The new Provincial Code of Conduct establishes standards of behaviour for all Nova Scotia public schools and sets expectations around response to unacceptable behaviours.  Nova Scotia’s Safe Schools initiatives aim to create welcoming and supportive learning environments for all students. The goal is to foster positive outcomes for students, teachers, and the school as a whole by promoting learning, health, well-being, and positive relationships.  This collaborative effort ensures Nova Scotia schools prioritize student learning and provide a safe working environment for all staff.  

Provincial Code of conduct poster – Students
Provincial Code of conduct poster – Parents

Horton has been preparing for the September launch of the Code of Conduct.  Last spring we  used a safe school model to develop positive behavior expectations to support the implementation of the new code of conduct directive.

Horton’s Positive Behavior expectations:  

Please review these slides to be introduced to our positive behavior expectations for Horton spaces, classrooms, washrooms, hallways, etc.  

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.

Other important notes:

Cell Phones:
Our classrooms are guided by the Provincial Cell Phone policy, which clearly states that all cell phones be turned off and stored away in instructional areas. For specific procedures at Horton, please refer to our Cell Phone Directives.

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

School Attendance and Engagement:
With your support, Horton will continue to move towards AVRCE’s target of 75% of our students attending 90% of the time.  Last year’s attendance improved to just over 64% of students attending 90% of the time but well short of the AVRCE target.

Please review the Provincial Attendance Policy. 

We require community support to meet these attendance targets. Therefore, you can expect frequent communication requesting your assistance in ensuring all students arrive for school on time, attend all classes and avoid missing assessments..  

Take Care

Horton administration 

Important September Dates: 

• Sept 2 – First day for Staff
• Sept 3 – Regional Professional Development 
• Sept 4 – First Day for Students 
• Sept 11 – Parent Orientation
  • 6:30-7:15 – Parents visit ADMIN in PC 
  • 7:15-8:30 – Parents to Visit Staff (Open House Format)
• Sept 16 to 18 – School Photos
• Sept 26 – Terry Fox Walk/Run 
• Sept 29 – No classes – Professional Development
• Sept 30 – No Classes (Truth and Reconciliation Day) 
• Oct 1 – Treaty Day