Discipline Policy

Happy Valley Elementary School Discipline Plan Behaving appropriately is an essential aspect of learning. Without a disciplined atmosphere the teacher can not teach effectively and the learner can not learn. All behavior has consequences. It is the assurance that these consequences will occur that guides us as human beings in choosing appropriate behaviors. In having this Discipline Plan we are attempting to provide a safe environment in which students can learn, feel valued and develop responsibility for their own behaviors and academic progress. The Discipline Plan will provide immediate and consistent consequences for irresponsible behavior. Our Discipline Plan outlines specific, reasonable rules of expected conduct along with logical and realistic consequences for both positive and negative behaviors. The Plan consists of three components: 1. Classroom Teacher Discipline Plan 2. School-Wide Discipline Plan 3. Principal’s Discipline Plan The following is an outline of the student behaviors expected and the cycle of consequences that will result: 1. Classroom Teacher’s Discipline Plan This plan will be forwarded by the classroom teacher. It may take the form of an individual or grade level Teacher’s discipline plan. 2. School-Wide Discipline Plan At all times students are expected to be courteous and respectful to other students, teachers, educational assistants, librarians, custodians, secretaries, volunteers, substitutes and administration. A. Playground Rules 1. Follow directions of staff. 2. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself. 3. Use polite and respectful language and manners. 4. Don’t throw things. 5. Use playground equipment safely as directed by staff. 6. Come in immediately when called by the teacher to end recess. 7. Stay in designated areas of play. Specific Guidelines The following guidelines are designed to assist staff and students in managing specific behaviors in and around the school. 1. Following directions of staff (Teachers, teacher assistants, custodians, librarians, secretaries, school volunteers and principals is expected). 2. Kicking, fighting, pushing, shoving, tripping, and play fighting, are not allowe 3. Teasing, swearing, spitting, and name calling are not allowed. 4. Throwing of objects, stones, sticks, and mulch is forbidden. 5. Use playground equipment and structures safely. This means: sliding down inside the tube slides, not on the outside; sliding down one at a time, not piling up in the tubes. B. Lunchtime Rules 1. Follow directions of supervisors. 2. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself (No throwing of objects or food). 3. Use inside voices. (Shouting, Yelling and being Boisterous is not allowed). 4. Remain in your seats until dismissed. (Deposit garbage when dismissed). 5. Clean up after yourself. 6. Raise your hand if you need assistance. C. Hallways/Entrances/Exits/Bathroom Rules 1. Walk in the hallways. 2. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself. 3. Move quietly in the hallways during class time. 4. Use assigned entrances and exits. Weather In extreme cold or rainfall, recesses may be indoors. Students will remain indoors and will use the old gym. Decisions to remain indoors will be made by the classroom teacher/or principal. Common sense will prevail. D. Library Rules 1. Be quiet when using the library. 2. Handle materials and equipment with care. 3. Leave work areas neat and tidy. 4. Walk. Severe Clause Students engaging in dangerous, disrespectful/abusive or illegal behavior will be referred directly to the principal. (3. Principal’s Discipline Plan takes effect). Behavior categorized under the following will be considered severe: A. Dangerous- refers to behavior that is intended to cause physical injury to a student or staff member. B. Disrespectful/Abusive- refers to behavior in which students refuse to obey reasonable directives from any staff member and/or direct profane or disrespectful language to any staff member. C. Illegal- refers to behavior involving theft, vandalism, possession of dangerous objects, smoking, drugs, alcohol and truancy. Infraction categorized under Hallways/Entrances/Exits/ Bathrooms Rules will be dealt with by the classroom teacher. Repetitive misbehavior in these areas will be referred to the principal. Parents will be contacted to assist in changing this undesirable behavior. 3. Principal’s Discipline Plan 1. When a student is referred to the principal or vice-principal for good behavior/work as part of the Teacher’s Classroom Plan, the student will receive any of the following consequences: a. Verbal Praise b. A special certificate or note c. A phone call to the parents 2. When a student is referred to the principal or vice-principal, they will be given a Disciplinary Referral Form as part of the Teacher’s Classroom Discipline Plan or the School-Wide Discipline Plan, for inappropriate behavior, the student may receive any of the following consequences depending on the circumstance and severity. a. Verbal reprimand b. An explanation of consequences for subsequent referrals re: this behavior c. Parents will be contacted and will receive a copy of the Disciplinary Referral. Depending on the severity, the inappropriate behavior may also result in the following consequences: Loss or delay of privileges • Of activity • Of using objects or equipment • Of access to areas in the school Loss of freedom of interaction • Denied interaction with other students (e.g. recesses, special classes, etc.) Restitution • Repair or replace objects Assignments for Behavioral Improvement • From Behavioral Improvement Program (Counselor) In-School Suspension Out-of School Suspension Individual Disciplinary Action Plan (Behavioral Contract) Should the above consequences be ineffective because of frequency of referral to the principal or vice-principal or the attitude of the student, then an Individual Discipline Plan will be put into effect. This will involve a conference with parents, student, teacher, and principal/vice-principal. A Disciplinary Action Plan will be drawn up by this group. This could require: • The attendance of the parents at school to ensure the required behavior • The involvement of the school counselor Happy Valley Elementary teachers and administrators in discussions with students stress that there are alternatives other than FIGHTING to resolving conflicts. Therefore, FIGHTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED at Happy Valley Elementary. If a student chooses to resort to fighting (fisticuffs, kicking, etc. with an intent to injure) the following consequence will result. Fighting/Harassment/Bullying (Depending on Severity) 1st Offence • Student will be counseled • Parents will be contacted by phone and letter • Parent Conference if deemed necessary • Minimum ½ day in-school suspension 2nd Offence • Student will be counseled further • Parents will be contacted • One (1) day in-school suspension 3rd Offence • Student will receive an out-of-school suspension • A conference with the student and parents will be held to discuss re-entry Fighting • Where students exchange blows (hitting/kicking) in a state of anger with an intent to injure Harassment/Bullying • Where students are repeatedly engaging in behaviors such as using threats, put-downs, teasing, obscenities, gesture, and/or physical contact such as kicking, tripping, pushing, pinching, hitting, chasing, play fighting, etc.