Student Behavior

It is the aim of the administration and staff to provide an environment that is conducive to quality learning. This is achieved, in part, by establishing clear, concise guidelines for student behavior.

Students and parents must understand that any disruptive behavior, in the classroom, in the hallways or on any part of the school grounds could have a negative effect on the learning process and/or could jeopardize the health and safety of students or staff members.

The first line of discipline authority, in this district, is the classroom teacher. All teachers are expected to delineate clear behavior guidelines for students on the first day of school. It is further expected that these guidelines will be firm, fair and consistent for all concerned.

Teachers should exhaust all efforts to resolve any student discipline problem at the classroom level. In some situations simply speaking to the student will suffice. In others, it may be necessary to call the student’s parents/guardians. Still in others, it might be necessary to assign a teacher’s detention. When such efforts do not bring about the expected results, or when disruptive behavior is observed on other parts of the school grounds instead of the classroom, students should be referred to the building principal. The principal will attempt to modify student behavior rather than focus on assessing punishment. In such cases, the following procedure will be used:

1. The problem will be discussed with the student in order to give him/her an opportunity to provide a personal perception of the situation.

2. Whenever possible the problem will be resolved by discussion with the student.

3. Wherever appropriate the principal will discuss the problem with the student’s parents. This communication will be directed toward the modification of the student’s behavior and should not seek to further punish the student in his/her home environment for school actions.

4. Wherever appropriate, the typical assignments for behavior problems will include, but not be limited to: apologies, time spent in the noon room, or detention. Under no circumstances will a student be punished through the use of academic exercises for violations against social rules and regulations.

5. Suspensions and exclusions will be used wherever it is felt that such action will help to achieve the primary focus of the elementary program. Such decisions will be made by the building principal in conjunction with the Superintendent of Schools.