We strive to foster a cooperative, participatory learning community, and want to impart to our children that communities and nations, as well as people, are interdependent and can only co-exist successfully if they learn to cooperate with each other. Through supportive and respectful methods, we teach cooperation, mutual respect, responsibility, and self-discipline to our children. All members of the Mackintosh community are involved in ensuring a safe and productive learning environment.
Mackintosh Academy’s teachers, administrators, and staff are instructed to remain neutral in all situations involving family law matters, such as custody arrangements between parents and divorce proceedings, except in cases of child abuse or neglect as demonstrated to the school’s satisfaction. Faculty, administrators and staff will not provide voluntary statements or take a position in non-child-abuse matters. Any requests or discussions related to such matters should be communicated directly with the Head of School.
In order to facilitate a safe environment for all members of the Mackintosh community, Mackintosh Academy undertakes the following:
Background checks for all full-time and part-time employees through the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Background checks on all enrichment providers (independent businesses offering programs at Mackintosh) through a volunteer screening service.
Clear staff and student guidelines for appropriate internet use and safety (see Technology Policy).
Clear chaperone and volunteer guidelines for field trips including overnight trips (see Chaperone and/or Volunteer Driver Non-Staff Volunteer Support Guidelines).
A reporting procedure for staff dealing with suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
Annual consultation with area law enforcement concerning campus safety, drills and procedures
Implementation of periodic campus safety drills including fire drills, secure perimeter, lockdown, and evacuation drills.
Student Conduct, Discipline and Anti-Bullying, Anti-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policies outlined below.
Mackintosh Academy students take ownership and pride in upholding the Code of Conduct. Helping students understand the Code of Conduct and making it a part of everyday practice at Mackintosh is a critical piece of our social emotional curriculum. During community meetings and other learning activities we model, discuss, and practice each aspect of the Code of Conduct.
At Mackintosh Academy, as an IB community of learners, we strive to be internationally-minded citizens helping to make the world a better place. To that end, we strive to uphold the values of the Learner Profile as we work together as a community. Mackintosh students agree to maintain the following Code of Conduct:
Principled: I will hold myself to high standards of thought and action. I will not use power, physically or with my words, to control or hurt others. I will take responsibility for my own actions and the consequences that accompany them. I will practice academic integrity and uphold the Academic Honesty Policy. I will uphold school policies, including the Technology Policy and Dress Code.
Thinker: I will think before I act. I will apply thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions. I will consider the consequences of my actions.
Open-minded: I will be respectful of others and consider other perspectives. I will be open to the possibility that others, with their differences, may also be right.
Knowledgeable: I will respect the sanctity of the learning environment. I will use my knowledge to support my learning and explore a broad and balanced range of global and local issues.
Caring: I will respect and show compassion to others and myself. I will respect the natural environment and physical property. I will develop a personal commitment to the Action Cycle and service and use my learning to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to the environment.
Communicator: I will communicate my needs with peers and teachers. I will practice direct, open and respectful communication. I will strive to work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Risk-Taker/ Courageous: I will be willing to try new roles, ideas, and strategies and take safe risks to advance my abilities as a learner, communicator, and citizen. I will stand up for what is right and protect the rights of others.
Inquirer: I will ask questions and actively engage in classroom learning. I will find new ways to explore our world. I will use my natural curiosity and show independence in my learning.
Reflective: I will take time to reflect on my learning and actions. I will try to learn from my mistakes and from my successes.
Balanced: I will recognize the need to take care of body, mind, and emotions for myself and others.
Resilient: I will accept that the best learning often comes from making mistakes and will work at accepting life’s challenges as a way of making me stronger. I will strive to bounce back, be flexible, and adopt a problem-solving attitude.
The Code of Conduct includes adherence to school policies such as the Academic and Technology Policies, respectful behavior toward peers, adults, self, learning, and property, and use of appropriate communication and problem solving techniques. The Student Code of Conduct applies for all on- and off-campus school-sanctioned events including field trips, community service activities, performances and overnight trips.
During the Pandemic, students will be expected to take care of themselves and their community by paying extra attention to and following all relevant health and safety protocols.
Mackintosh Academy strives to promote a community atmosphere where each child is respected, included in problem-solving, and expected to take responsibility for his/her behavior with encouragement as the principal foundation. An encouraging and respectful discipline program teaches understanding and positive communication. The word discipline itself comes from the Latin root, disciplina, which means “to teach.” We believe that when children are nurtured in a community rich with encouragement, are allowed to learn from their mistakes and experience kind and firm support, they will learn to believe in themselves, maintain dignity and respect, and develop the critical skills of self-responsibility and self-worth.
Intervention
Violations of the Student Code of Conduct involving disruptive or disrespectful behavior toward peers, adults, self, learning, and/or property will result in age-appropriate disciplinary actions and will be handled by the classroom teacher and/or other staff members observing the behavior. Interventions will include age-appropriate logical consequences and will foster a climate of encouragement and mutual respect. All behavioral issues are handled on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the students’ needs and circumstances, support provided by parents, previous circumstances and a variety of other factors. Behaviors may be documented to help in the identification of behavior patterns or need for more specific interventions.
Repeated Violations
Identified ongoing or repeated patterns of violation of the Student Code of Conduct will result in more significant disciplinary actions and will be addressed through the development of a Behavior Action Plan. A Behavior Action Plan will be written in consultation with the Parent(s), Head of School, other relevant staff members such as the Lead Teacher or Learning Specialist, and outside professionals, as needed. The purpose of a Behavior Action Plan is to identify specific behavioral goals and the necessary steps to be taken for all involved parties, including parents, students and teachers, in helping the student assume responsibility for appropriate behaviors. These may include referral to appropriate outside evaluation and/or counseling services. Parents are responsible for arranging these services and for sharing the results and recommendations with the school within an agreed upon timeframe. The Behavior Action Plan will include a timeline for follow up assessment(s) as well as consequences for infractions occurring within this time period. Increased classroom monitoring and increased communication between school and home will occur during this time. Parent(s) and students (grades five and up) will sign the Plan. Documentation of chronic incidents may be placed in the student’s permanent files at the discretion of the Head of School.
If disruptive or disrespectful behaviors persist, beyond a reasonable time, as established in the Behavior Action Plan, a meeting will be held with the teachers, Parent(s), and the Head of School to discuss continued placement at Mackintosh Academy.
Unsafe Behaviors
Severe behaviors considered unsafe or directly harmful to people or property will warrant immediate removal from the classroom and a meeting with the Head of School or the Assistant Head of School. Incidents will be documented and the Parent(s) will be notified no later than the end of the school day. Depending on the severity of the incident and the age of the child, such acts may result in an in-school or out-of-school suspension or immediate expulsion as determined by the Head of School. Out-of-school suspensions and expulsions will be noted as part of the student’s permanent record. Where appropriate, a Behavior Action Plan may also be developed in consultation with Parent(s), the Head of School and other staff members or outside specialists.
Dis-Enrollment
Students engaging in ongoing and chronic behaviors that have not been addressed through a Behavior Modification Plan will not be invited to return to Mackintosh in the following academic year during the re-enrollment process. Mackintosh, when possible, will provide timely notice of this decision so that the Parent(s) may have the opportunity to enroll their child in another school. Dis-enrollment of a student will not be placed in the permanent record; however, it may be reflected in any teacher recommendations. Discipline records already part of the student's permanent record will remain in place.
Expulsion
Severe acts including, but not limited to, acts of violence or threats may result in immediate expulsion at the discretion of the Head of School in consultation with staff and the Board of Trustees. Expulsions are recorded as part of the permanent student record.
If at any time the Academy determines that a student is in danger of causing harm to himself or others, the Academy may require the student to receive an outside psychological evaluation before being permitted to return to school or participate in school activities. This requirement may be in addition to any relevant disciplinary actions. The Academy may also require a Safety Plan from the mental health professional and/or a Behavior Action Plan as a condition of ongoing enrollment.
Please note the Student Enrollment and Tuition Payment Agreement Document signed by parents upon admission of the student to Mackintosh Academy and upon re-enrollment, states the following in section 2A: Conditions of Enrollment: Mackintosh Academy sets high standards for student scholarship and behavior. We understand that Mackintosh agrees to accept and retain the Student only as long as the Student meets these standards. We acknowledge that placement of our child is contingent upon maintaining the standards of behavior and scholarship as outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook.
A central tenet of an IB education is to develop “...young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect”. All members of the Mackintosh community have the right to a safe environment. Acts that target an individual or group of individuals and are classified as bullying, discrimination, or harassment will not be tolerated and will be subject to specific review procedures along with suitable consequences as defined in the Discipline Policy, including suspension or expulsion, as well as reports to Law Enforcement Agencies according to applicable State law.
Mackintosh Academy recognizes the nationally accepted definition of bullying as found in stopbullying.gov, a Federal Government website managed by the Department of Health and Human Services and referenced by the Colorado Department of Education.
“Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious lasting problems.
In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:
An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.
Repetition: bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.
Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.”
Mackintosh Academy recognizes that many behaviors do not fall under the above definition and as a result, may not be considered as bullying. Such behaviors will be handled appropriately under our standard Discipline Policy. Behaviors classified as bullying will be addressed according to our Anti-Bullying Procedures.
Bullying may occur in person or via social media (cyber-bullying). While Mackintosh Academy cannot be held responsible for messaging or incidents occurring outside of school hours and off school grounds, we do recognize that the consequences of such incidents may manifest during school hours. These residual impacts may need to be addressed through school procedures.
Mackintosh Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability or religious affiliation to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Mackintosh Academy does not discriminate on the basis of these factors in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, Tuition Assistance programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs.
Physical or verbal misconduct that is determined to be based on race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, physical abilities or any other legally protected class, whether such characteristic is actual or perceived, is considered discrimination and be addressed through our Anti-Discrimination Procedures.
Harassment (including sexual harassment) is one type of discrimination often thought of as repeated or persistent conduct, including any unwelcome, hostile and offensive verbal, written, or physical conduct. Discriminatory conduct that: (1) results in physical, emotional or mental harm, or damage to property; (2) is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it interferes with an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity or creates an intimidating, hostile or threatening environment; or (3) substantially disrupts the orderly operation of school will be addressed through our Anti-Harassment Procedures.
Mackintosh Academy recognizes that bullying and discrimination are community issues and community responsibilities. Mackintosh addresses both the issues and the responsibilities though the following:
Education: Developing a culture of international-mindedness through the IB Learner Profile is a central component of daily activities and Units of Inquiry. Students are taught to respect that “others, with their differences, may also be right.” Through the standard and social-emotional curricula students practice and model appropriate communication techniques, conflict resolution and open-mindedness. Bullying awareness and prevention activities are part of the development of the social-emotional learning curriculum and addressed age appropriately in each class during community meetings at different times throughout the school year. Such activities may involve stories, group role play, discussion, and direct teaching. Specific incidents are viewed as learning opportunities to allow students to learn from their mistakes and grow as healthy members of the community. Reports or allegations of bullying or discriminatory behaviors will immediately result in increased focus on the social-emotional curriculum in the class(es) involved in addition to any disciplinary actions.
Identification and Reporting: Mackintosh Academy teachers and faculty who witness an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying towards a student will take immediate steps to intervene when it is safe to do so. Teachers and administrators will document any incidents reported or observed by students, parents, teachers or other school personnel that involve bullying or perceived bullying. The purpose of the documentation is to identify emerging patterns or potential areas of concern so that they may be addressed quickly. In addition, students, teachers and parents may file a written report of discrimination or harassment targeting students directly to the school administration, who will ensure that such reports are handled through appropriate channels. Please note that anonymous reports may be more difficult to investigate.
Investigation: Upon identification of a behavior or pattern of behaviors as bullying, discrimination or harassment, the incident(s) will be immediately referred to a Review Committee. The Review Committee is comprised of staff members who have received additional training to respond to these reports. The Review Committee will contact the appropriate parties to gain an understanding of the particular incident(s) and will contact parents of the students involved to let them know that the incident(s) is(are) under review. A complete Investigation will take place immediately and will be led by members of administration, members of the Review Committee or outside personnel designated by the Academy. The Investigation will examine a variety of factors including:
History and relationship between parties
Age and maturity of students involved
Positions and roles of parties
Frequency and severity of incident(s)
Past patterns of behavior or related incidents or reports
Current Behavior Action Plans, if any
The Investigation will be completed promptly and confidentially. During an Investigation, increased classroom monitoring will be in place. If at any time there is a concern as to the safety of an individual, appropriate actions will take place to provide for safety until such time as the Investigation is complete.
The Review Committee will prepare a written report stating whether allegations were substantiated and whether they appear to be violations of Mackintosh Policies. The Review Committee, in consultation with the Head of School and other parties, including outside professionals as needed, will then prepare a recommended plan of action guided by the Discipline Policy. These may include development of a Behavior Action Plan, suspension, expulsion or notice of dis-enrollment for the next school year. The recommended plan of action will also include recommendations as to the documentation to be placed in a student’s permanent record. In the case of allegations involving Mackintosh Academy personnel, specific interventions and responses will be put in place according to Mackintosh Academy Employee Policies and Procedures. Involved parties will be notified of the plan of action. To respect confidentiality specific details of consequences and actions may not be communicated to all parties; however, all parties will be notified that actions are taking place.
Retaliation Protection
Submission of a good faith complaint or report of bullying or discrimination including sexual harassment or other forms of harassment will not affect the complainant or reporter’s academic standing, learning environment, or opportunities at Mackintosh Academy. The school will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, or staff member who retaliates against someone who reports an incident of alleged bullying, discrimination or harassment, or any person who participates in an investigation relating to such harassment. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment.
Mackintosh Academy recognizes that gender identity is a core aspect of personal identity. Members of our community have the right to express themselves and live authentically according to their identity. Discrimination, bullying, and harrassment on the basis of gender identity or expression is prohibited and is included in our Anti-Bullying, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy. Every member of our community has a right to be addressed by a name and pronouns that correspond to that person’s gender identity.
All personally identifiable information relating to transgender and gender non-conforming students shall be kept confidential. Transgender and gender nonconforming students have the right to discuss and express their gender identity openly and to decide when, with whom, and how much to share private information. Where possible, student records will reflect the student’s chosen name and appropriate gender markers.
All students shall have access to facilities (restrooms, changing areas) that correspond to their gender identity. Any student who is uncomfortable using a shared gender-segregated facility, shall, upon student request, be provided with a safe and non-stigmatizing alternative. All facilities at Mackintosh designed to be used by only one person at a time shall be accessible to all students regardless of gender.
Drug and alcohol use or possession by any student is strictly prohibited except for medications prescribed by a licensed physician and with appropriate documentation on file with the campus Nurse Delegate. Students found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to immediate disciplinary actions including possible suspension or expulsion and involvement of law enforcement personnel. According to State Law, no use of Tobacco or Marijuana, in any form, is permitted on school property.
Weapons are defined as any device, instrument or substance intended to inflict bodily injury and are not permitted on campus, on field trips or in any school sanctioned off-site event. Weapons include but are not limited to firearms, pellet or BB guns, and knives. Possession of such a device will involve immediate suspension and possible expulsion from Mackintosh Academy as well as involvement of law enforcement personnel.
Shoes will be worn at all times, unless shoes are excessively muddy/wet (and then may be removed only at the teacher’s discretion). To avoid injury, shoes with an enclosed toe and heel will be worn at all times during physical education. Teachers may also request appropriate safe shoes for certain science, design, or arts classes.
Student backs and midriffs will be covered by clothing. Mesh shirts, half-shirts, tube tops, or halter tops will not be worn.
Undergarments will be covered by clothing.
Hats (including hoods from hoodies) are permitted as long as the child can appropriately see, hear, and communicate effectively with others. Students may be asked to remove hats or hoods where appropriate for events or field trips.
Sunglasses will not be worn inside the buildings.
Clothing that depicts or promotes tobacco, alcohol, and/or other drugs will not be worn.
Clothing of a sexual or violent nature will not be worn.
Clothing that makes suggestive or profane statements, or that is disrespectful to and intolerant of others will not be worn.
If a child does not follow the above guidelines, he/she will be asked by teachers or the administration to change to appropriate clothing, if possible, while on campus. This might involve requesting that parents bring appropriate clothing to school so that their child can change. Parents will be notified regarding the dress code violation and encouraged to have a discussion with their child to modify their clothing. Students will be sent home if the violation is deemed highly inappropriate by the teacher and the Head of School. Chronic violation of the dress code policy will result in a meeting with the student, his/her parents, the student’s teachers and the Head of School.