COMMUNICATION

SCHOOL MESSENGER

Our District has always been committed to improving communications with our students, staff, and parents/guardians. It is critical to have accurate and timely communications to help keep our school communities healthy and safe. As you may be aware, our District will be rolling out SchoolMessenger, a notification service for parental outreach. More details will be communicated soon.

SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

School announcements are read over the PA every day when deemed appropriate (and to minimize disruptions). We do not interrupt classes during the day with student messages.

MYSCHOOLDAY

MySchoolDay is a free app for iOS and Android devices.  This App shows students the year-long schedule, as well as provides news and notification updates on a daily basis.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Keep up to date about important dates and events at ACSS and please follow us on our school website www.acsstotems.ca , our Twitter feed @ACSSTotems, our Instagram account @acss.totems, and our Facebook account @aldergrovecommunitysecondary.

GENERAL INFORMATION

MAIN OFFICE

The Office Staff is always ready to assist you from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.  Please call 604-856-2521.  Please leave messages for teachers via email.  A list of all staff emails is available on the website under top tab “Our School” and “Staff Connections”. 

ATTENDANCE VOICEMAIL

Phone 604-856-2521 and leave your absentee message in the General Mailbox.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

A comprehensive calendar of events is posted on our website and is available in the MySchoolDay App.  Please refer to this calendar for school closure dates, early dismissals, bell schedules, etc.  Always check the ACSS social media accounts for any changes or updates. 

VISITORS

All visitors are required to report to the office upon arrival.  Parents should not drop off items directly to classes; please bring items to the main office. Students may not bring non-ACSS students to our school without prior approval by a Vice Principal at least 48 hours in advance.  Generally, ‘guests for a day’ will not be approved.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What supplies do I need for school?

For the first few days bring pencils, pens, erasers, and a binder.  Do not buy supplies until you have received specific instructions from each subject teacher.

What school fees will I have to pay?

Student Activity Fee is $20 (subject to change), which covers many direct and indirect services provided to students throughout the year and helps to fund co-curricular activities.

What if I need extra help with my courses?

Ask your subject teachers about how to get extra support in the classroom.  Also, Aldergrove Community Secondary may have a Homework Club available to students after school a couple of days a week.  Details to be determined.

Where do I eat lunch?

You can bring your own lunch or buy lunch in the school cafeteria.  There are a variety of items and prices are reasonable.  We also have a breakfast program daily from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.  Breakfast is free for all students!

What if I’m away from school?

           If you are absent, your parent/guardian must phone the school to excuse your absence.

What if we go on a family vacation during school?

Regular and punctual attendance for students is expected.  Students and parents should connect with the teachers of classes they will miss in order to find out what work will be covered in their absence.  Remember to inform the office of your absence before you leave on your vacation.

What are semester and linear classes?

Semester 1 classes run from September to the end of January.  Semester 2 classes run from February to the end of June.  Semester classes meet every day, while linear (or year-long) classes run from September to June (and students attend them every second day).

What does a typical day look like?

There will be 4 classes per day, and the order of classes will rotate. The rotation will be available on our school website and on the ‘My School Day’ app.

How many classes do I take in Grade 9?

All grade 9 students are enrolled in eight (8) courses (or more if they choose to take Choir /Jazz Music). Career Education 9 is completed throughout the year and is embedded within a course..

Where do I keep my books at school?

Before the beginning of the school year in August, each student will use the online locker assignment system and will be assigned a locker with a lock attached.  It is mandatory that all students use the lock provided by the school.

Do I have to pay for any textbooks?

           Some classes require students to purchase a workbook, and some classes provide textbooks.  Students will be responsible for paying for lost or damaged books.

What am I expected to wear when I attend Physical & Health Education?

Grade 9 students are encouraged to wear “Totem PHE Gear”, which consists of shorts and T-shirt with the Totems logo.  There will be a $20 fee attached to all grade 9 student accounts payable on-line or by cash or cheque.  Running shoes or athletic type shoes are encouraged. Students should lock their belongings in a PHE locker with their own lock. A lock is available for purchase at the office for $10.

Does ACSS have a Student Council?

The Student Council provides a valuable dimension to high school life and to promote positive school culture. All students are welcome to attend meetings and help with the planning of school activities such as spirit days, school-wide activities and environmental awareness.

What kinds of extra-curricular activities may be available at ACSS?

Depending on interest, we offer the following athletic and intramural opportunities: cross country, volleyball, basketball, hockey, soccer, rugby, golf, soccer, track & field, curling, and swim club.  This list may change due to student interest and availability of coaches.

School functions and clubs such as concerts, festivals, drama productions, GSA , and other initiatives will be offered based on student interest.