8.1.1 DISCIPLINE AND PROCEDURES
SCHOOL WIDE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Assumption BVM School students are taught to live out the values expressed in our mission, vision, and school- wide learning prayer by being Faithful Disciples who CARE. We follow the example of Jesus and live out the Catholic faith by being:
Critical Thinkers:
Who…..
Consider the ideas and opinions of others.
Solve conflicts in constructive ways, integrating the values of our faith.
Reflect upon, and learn from experience about success and set-backs.
Academic Achievers:
Who…..
Study, do their best, and complete work on time.
Produce high quality work and strive for excellence.
Use a variety of thinking strategies to learn.
Persevere through obstacles.
Responsible Citizens:
Who……
Show respect and promote the dignity of all people.
Respect other people's personal space (No pushing, crowding, hitting, or grabbing).
Take the initiative to help others without being asked.
Seek justice, appreciate diversity, and are locally and globally aware.
Respect their environment, the earth, and the property of others.
Use technology and research in ethical and effective ways.
Demonstrate honesty (no cheating or lying).
Respect punctuality and the time of others.
Effective Communicators:
Who….
Welcome and include all students, especially those who are new to Assumption BVM School.
Report inappropriate words or actions to an adult.
Use respectful language. (No swearing, insults, bragging, or put-downs).
Call others by proper name only; refrain from inappropriate or derogatory names.
Listen carefully.
Speak, read and write effectively and fluently.
If a student’s conduct is not compatible with the school’s discipline policy, the school administration reserves the right to make the final decision regarding discipline. Students should expect that their parents will be informed of any infraction of a serious nature.
Individualized Discipline
Within reason of maintaining a safe school, not all children have the same needs or circumstances. Students will be treated with respect and concern for their well-being. Discipline is individualized and appropriate for a student’s growth and development, keeping in mind the good of the whole student body as well. The disciplining of one student may differ from that of another who might have committed a similar infraction. We strive for equity in order to ensure the success of all students. Equity (fairness) does not always mean equal.
Discipline Procedures
Each teacher shall review the rules and regulations of the school and the classroom in order to clarify what is expected of students and staff. Non-conformity to the rules as set by the school may result in one or more of the following consequences to the discretion of the teacher and/or the Principal and Assistant Principal.
Verbal Warning or Reprimand (for minor misbehavior)
The teacher or adult staff shall discuss the problem with the student in order to solicit his/her cooperation.
2nd / 3rd Verbal Warning or Reprimand (for ongoing minor misbehavior)
The teacher or adult staff shall discuss the ongoing problem with the student in order to solicit his/her cooperation. When a student is struggling with inappropriate behavior and the student repeatedly disregards the rules, the teacher will make contact home to notify parents of the incident(s). There also may be consequences given or loss of privileges within the classroom at the teacher’s discretion.
Loss of Privileges/Behavior Contracts
When inappropriate behavior is more serious in nature or a student repeatedly disregards the rules, a loss of privileges (including recess, field trip attendance, lunch detention etc.) may be used as a consequence.
Parents will be notified by the Teacher, Assistant principal, or the Principal. Parents may be scheduled for a conference in order to discuss the behavior, reconciliation, and strategies for student growth and development.
Behavior contracts may also be used for repeated or serious inappropriate or disruptive behavior. These contracts allow for documented communication between the teacher, student, and parents to allow for meaningful reflection and at-home consequences to support improved behavior.
Classroom and Playground Expectations:
Come to school ready to learn.
Do their homework.
Are well groomed and observe the school dress code.
Follow classroom and school rules.
Are on time for school each day and do not leave without permission.
Have the necessary supplies and materials for each class.
Cooperate with the teachers and all adults in positions of authority at the school.
Play in a way that is fair and kind.
Settle problems with a Christian attitude and, when necessary, ask adults for help in finding a peaceful solution.
Use manners and behave with respect toward classmates, staff, and visitors.
Respect and care for all school property.
Keep a low noise level in the building and on the breezeways.
Leave personal play equipment, toys, video games, tapes/players, laser pointers, valuables, etc. at home unless requested by a teacher.
Rules Related Specifically to Technology and Social Media
Students who engage in social networking in their personal time should conduct themselves in a manner that preserves the dignity of the person (his/her own, as well as that of others). Students are not permitted to tamper with files, or folders not designated for their use. Students, and their parents, will be asked to sign a technology agreement (The Acceptable Use Policy) yearly.
Students are not allowed to video or record any staff member or student without explicit permission or as part of a teacher supervised project. Students are expected to use technology in a responsible manner.
Cellular Phone and Other Electronic Equipment
Cellular phones and all other electronic equipment must be turned off and kept in the student’s backpack throughout the school day. Cellular phones may only be used after school under the supervision of the office staff in the office. Students may NOT use cellular phones or iPads during morning and afternoon Gator care, nor on the breezeway before the first bell. They may only use cellular phones in an emergency under the supervision of a Gator Staff member.
School-Wide Discipline Guidelines
Parental cooperation is essential for the welfare of the students. If, in the opinion of the administration, parent behavior seriously interferes with the teaching/learning process (including gossip that is detrimental to the student’s/teacher’s/school’s reputation), the school may require parents to withdraw their children and sever the relationship with the school.
The staff of Assumption BVM School commits themselves to seeking restorative measures whenever possible, encouraging students to develop the ability to make appropriate choices. To this end and with these goals in mind, all staff will develop a set of expectations for student conduct, and will make these expectations known to students.
Playground And Game Rules
Exercise and play are very important for a student's health and growth. Assumption BVM School wants to ensure that all activities are carried out in a safe environment. Therefore, students are required to follow the playground and game rules at all times.
All games are open to any student who wants to play (within their grade level).
Students must play in designated areas.
Students should attempt to solve conflicts between themselves. If this is unsuccessful, they should notify an adult supervisor.
No roughhousing, pushing, shoving, or violation of another's personal space is allowed.
No running or playing with yard equipment in the breezeway.
Students shall play with their own class equipment.
No playing is allowed in or around the bathroom areas.
Dodgeball is not permitted.
Walk quietly to class when the whistle blows.
Return all play equipment to the ball bucket.
No food is permitted on the playground or play structure.
Students may not bring personal play equipment to school or Gator.
Play Structure and Lunch Area Rules:
Food may not be taken onto the play structure area.
Running in the play structure area, climbing up the slide, and flipping upside-down are not permitted.
Monkey bars are off limits for TK and kindergarteners.
No climbing on the outside of the safety gates.
Each student is responsible for cleaning up after their recess or lunch and placing all trash in the cans.
Food must be eaten at the lunch tables during lunchtime.
No food is permitted on the playground.
Delivery of fast food is disruptive, and is therefore discouraged.
Playground Supervision Guidelines
For Staff and Volunteers
The safety of the students and staff is our primary concern at Assumption BVM School. Thank you for helping us maintain an environment that is welcoming and safe for all. It is a privilege to be able to interact with the students and all efforts should be made to safeguard them physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Arrive on time
Continually circulate and encourage safe play within designated areas.
Help resolve any disagreements or conflicts. Be firm yet pleasant when reminding students of rules.
Remove students from games if behavior warrants it.
Be vigilant at all times. Do not be distracted by texting, talking on the phone/or by lengthy conversations with students or adults.
If a behavior is serious, unsafe or repeated write an Incident Report and send the student to the Assistant Principal with the written report.
Send students who have minor injuries to the health office.
Report serious injuries to the Office Administration and nurse.
All information regarding students should be respected and confidential as appropriate.
Know the rules of the games and ensure that students follow them.
During lunch-time, supervise students at lunch tables. Ensure that the lunch area is left clean and that all trash is placed in the trash cans.
KnK Lunch volunteers should sign in at the Office, distribute food according to KnK directives and then go to the designated supervision area.
Enforce the “No food on playground or play structure” rule.
Protocol for Reporting Behavior Incidents
Initial behavior infractions are primarily handled by the teacher or playground supervisor. Before reporting behavioral problems to the Principal, teachers and playground supervisors will provide students with disciplinary measures that may include, but are not limited to:
Class point or incentive system (example: Class Dojo)
Verbal warning
Student-teacher conference
Removal from activity/time out
Privileges revoked
Written Reflections
Call to parents
Parent conference
Behavior Contract
Community Service (clean up or restitution)
Demerits/Detention (6th,7th, 8th only) –3 demerits includes an Office Referral to AP
Demerit slips signed by the teacher/staff is sent home for parent signature and returned the following day
If these measures are not effective, intervention may take place. Some possible interventions may include, but are not limited to:
Student-Principal conference
Written Reflections
Privileges revoked
Call to parents
Conferences with parents, teachers, students – as appropriate
Detention (during recess, lunch, or after school)
STEP process (Support Team Education Plan)
Behavior contract
In-school suspension
Suspension from school
Suspension and/or Expulsion (only after determination by Principal and Pastor)
In the event that parents strongly believe the consequence is unfair, then they are free to schedule an appointment with the Principal and make an appeal. If not resolved at that level, the Pastor will become involved.
Description of Disciplinary Measures
1. Verbal Communication
The teacher will discuss inappropriate behavior with the student, encouraging the student to understand the consequences of the behavior and to explore more acceptable choices for future behavior. Teachers may call parents to discuss a student’s behavior.
2. Written Communication
Conduct referrals will be sent home to inform a parent of a discipline problem. This normally occurs after verbal discussion fails to change a student’s behavior. The referral may be sent to inform the parents or to request an action. It should always be signed and returned the following day.
3. Assignment of Special Tasks
Teachers may assign tasks such as clean-up or written work to discourage negative behavior or as reparation for damage.
4. Detention (possible for any grade)
Detention is assigned as a result of continued irresponsible or inappropriate behavior, after alternate disciplinary actions have proven ineffective, or when the severity of the offense warrants such a consequence. Once a student earns 3 demerits he/she will serve 45 minutes to one hour of detention. Behaviors that may warrant detention include:
Disruptive classroom behavior.
Failure to observe school/classroom/lunch area or yard rules.
Continued tardiness. (3 times within a trimester)
Failure to comply with teacher instructions
Earning 3 demerits issued by the teacher
Disrespectful language to peers, teachers or staff
Parents will be notified by phone and in writing if detention has been assigned. Students will be excused from detention only if they have a prearranged medical or dental appointment which will be verified by the doctor/dentist. A missed detention must be made up the following week. Detention is scheduled for the duration of one hour after school.
Demerits
Demerits are given for all infractions in the junior high grades. Demerits have a direct result on report card Behavior grades, eligibility to play sports, be on Student Council and participate in school activities/festivities. Determinations are made by the homeroom teacher and the principal, on a case by case basis.
5. Loss of Privileges
Continuing behavioral problems may result in a loss of privileges, including participation in extracurricular activities (participation in Student Council, after school sports, field trips, etc.), or non-academic events (Halloween carnival, Mardi Gras carnival, etc….)
