Learning Christian discipline is an integral part of the learning process.  Behavior expectations are clearly explained by each teacher with his/her class and are based on mutual love and respect between the teacher and student.  Christ’s love for us demands appropriate behavior towards one another as we grow in the Christian life he has in mind for us.  Age appropriate steps are in place for helping the children understand the consequences and rewards that go along with behavior expectations.

General Student Expectations (PK – 8^th)

1.      Students will demonstrate Christian love by showing respect for the school staff, parents, and classmates.
2.      Children will conduct themselves in a Christian manner at all times and in all places.
3.      All students will respect and obey all those in authority.
4.      Proper care and respect will be given to all property and equipment.
5.      Student’s attendance and promptness at school and class are expected.
6.      Students will remain on school premises at all times. This includes remaining in designated areas during all school activities.
7.      Students will wear proper school dress.
8.      Toys and electronic devices (i.e. pagers, cell phones, cameras, “Gameboys”, CD players, radios, Pokemon cards, etc.) will not be permitted.
9.      Chewing gum in school and on school grounds is not permitted.

General Behavioral Expectations and Guidelines for a Discipline System

 Philosophy:      Discipline means guidance and training to achieve self-discipline through a process of home and school working together to provide a climate of accountability and forgiveness. Children need guidance and external discipline, but must be trained to also mature toward self-discipline (internal discipline) and a high level of character and personal integrity.

Objectives of a Discipline system based on Biblical principles:  

Guide students and teach appropriate behaviors through clear expectations.

Prevent or stop behaviors that are inappropriate.

Determine responsibility (accountability) and provide an appropriate continuum of consequences that train students to make proper choices in behavior patterns.    Help students learn that negative behaviors have negative consequences and positive behaviors have positive consequences. Do not “over-protect” students from experiencing proper consequences.

Promote a spirit of forgiveness and a ministry of reconciliation.

Promote a school climate of respect and love.

Promote a school climate that is safe – physically and emotionally.

STANDARDS OF OUR SCHOOL:
a.      RESPECT FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS AND OTHER ADULTS.
b.      RESPECT FOR PEERS AND OTHER STUDENTS.
c.      RESPECT FOR THE TEACHING/LEARNING PROCESS.
d.      RESPECT FOR PROPERTY.
e.      RESPECT FOR THE MISSION OF THE SCHOOL.

CLASSROOM RULES FOR GRADES 5-8^TH:
a.      Be Ready
·        Be on time – not tardy.
·        Be prepared – all necessary books, materials, assignment book, etc.
·        Be appropriate – no gum, no disruptions, follow dress code, etc.
b.      Be Safe
·        Be polite – no physical or verbal aggression.
·        Report students acting like a bully – don’t allow them to do this.
·        Be under control – so no one gets hurt by careless behaviors.
·        Obey laws of the state of Texas and the federal government.
c.       Be Kind
·        Be respectful – don’t put down others and what they have to offer.
·        Be considerate – raise hand, take turns talking and listening…
·        Be merciful and forgiving – no gossiping or harming reputations.
·        Use appropriate language – in what you say and write.
d.      Be Productive
·        Be organized – keep your locker and study areas neat.
·        Be alert – so you don’t miss something important.  Sit up straight.
·        Be smart.   Do the work and turn it in on time – completed to the best of your ability.
·        Be spiritually wise – Learn to… Admit it, Quit it, and Forget it.

ECE
Discipline develops disciples. Discipline will be handled in a loving, Christian manner. Teachers will attempt to build good discipline through:

1.      Encouraging and praising good behavior,
2.      Changing the environment,
3.      Redirecting the child,
4.      Removing the child for a brief supervised time away from the group.

GRADES 1-4
Teachers in grades 1-4 use positive guidance methods in order to help children learn self control without loss of self-esteem.  Limits are clearly stated in positive terms.  A variety of methods for encouraging children’s cooperation are used.  These may include redirection, positive reinforcement, individual and class rewards, special treats, free time, etc.

When a child behaves inappropriately grades 1-4 will follow these steps:
1.      A verbal warning concerning the misbehavior will be given.

2.      If inappropriate behavior continues the child will receive a written warning i.e. name on the board, notice placed on desk, etc.

3.      If inappropriate behavior must be dealt with a third time, the child will receive a consequence that may include but not be limited to such things as lost recess time, extra written assignments, loving service to the school, extra physical activity and the like.

4.      If inappropriate behavior continues through the day parents will be informed via written note that must be signed and returned to school the next day.

5.      Serious problems of discipline such as fighting, stealing, using profane language, will receive immediate attention and consequences that may include but not be limited to removal from the class group, removal from the classroom, time out in the school office, a visit with the principal, after school detention, etc.  Parents will be notified via telephone call and written note that must be signed and returned to school the next day.

Grades 5-8
Teachers in grades 5-8 use positive guidance methods in order to help children learn self control without loss of self-esteem.  Limits are clearly stated in positive terms.  A variety of methods for encouraging children’s cooperation are used.  These may include redirection, positive reinforcement, individual and class rewards, special treats, free time, etc.

When a student in middle school behaves inappropriately the following steps will be taken:

1.      Detention: A detention may be assigned by the assistant principal for behavioral issues.
2.      Suspension: A student may be suspended by the principal or assistant principal for one class period to up to 3 school days. Most suspensions are “in school”. More serious suspensions are “at home”. An “at home” suspension requires a conference with the student, parent(s) and assistant principal to bring closure to the incident and provide a plan for the progress of the student. Note: All missed work must be completed and a grade of “F” assigned.
3.      Expulsion: A student may be expelled for serious offenses or a continuous pattern of disruptive behaviors. Examples include but are not limited to: assault; possession of weapon or using a dangerous item as a weapon; sale, use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs, materials, or substances or alcoholic beverages; theft; arson; serious vandalism; pattern of behavior that threatens the safety of others or consistently interrupts the learning process.

Teasing, Bullying, & Harassment

Students are prohibited from the following behaviors:
a.       Repeated aggressive teasing,
b.      Taunting,
c.       Threatening or intimidating,
d.      Name-calling, Ethnic or Racial slurs,
e.       Hitting,
f.        Stealing,
g.       Intentional exclusion of a student,
h.       Rumors, gossip or put-downs that create an on-going pattern.

Prevention –
1.    Teachers will meet with all classes during the first two weeks of school and will review issues again the first week of the Spring semester.
2.    St Paul School will create a school climate of respect and maturity – to grow in our love for each other.

Management –

1.  The teacher will document (Discipline Report forms) incidents of aggressive behaviors.

2.  The teacher will communicate with parents of children acting in aggressive ways.