Discipline
Basic Presuppositions + The teacher is in charge of the learning environment.
+ Students have the ability to choose to obey or disobey the rules.
+ Students should feel good about choosing good behavior.
+ Choosing misbehavior should be consistently punished.
+ Teachers must not tolerate disobedience or disrespectful behavior.
+ Children are happiest and learn best in an environment that is orderly, caring, consistent, and mutually respectful.
School-wide Rules With the above presuppositions in mind, the following plan has been developed and used at OSLS:
Classroom Rules
1. Listen and follow directions.
2. Raise hand for permission to speak or leave your desk.
3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
4. Be part of a good learning environment.
5. Bring all needed materials to class.
Outside the Classroom Rules
1. Listen and follow directions.
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3. Use appropriate voice levels.
4. Walk while in the building.
5. Be considerate.
Consequences The first time during the day that a student decides to disobey a rule, his/her name is written on the chalkboard simply as a warning. Each time the student continues to disobey, a check is added to the name.
The consequences for the 1st and 2nd check may differ from classroom to classroom. In all classrooms the consequence of a 3rd check is an after-school detention. A special detention slip is sent home to inform the parents what has happened and when the child's detention will be held. After-school detentions are normally scheduled for Thursday afternoons from 3:15 - 4:00 PM. If a child earns a 4th check in one day, he/she will normally be sent to the principal. Instead of a 6th detention in a quarter, an in-school suspension will be served.
Our plan also has a "severe clause". For severe misbehavior the student may be sent directly to the principal. Such severe misbehavior or accumulation of numerous detentions may result in in-school or out-of school suspension.
Each teacher also uses positive rewards to encourage students who choose to follow the rules. Beyond the tangible rewards, the most meaningful reinforcement for the child is the increased self esteem that results from successfully achieving good
behavior.
Occasionally it may be advisable for a teacher, with the consent of the principal, to alter the plan somewhat for an individual student. This is not done in an arbitrary or capricious way, but is intended to serve the best interests of the child.
If a student persists in willful disregard of the principles and aims of the school, the Board of Christian Education, upon recommendation from the principal, reserves the right to expel.