Code+of+Behavior

= Code of Behavior =

Expected Behavior
Everyone is entitled to be treated with consideration and respect. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Do not laugh at others or hurt their feelings.

The following are examples of behaviors that are unacceptable because they show lack of consideration and respect for others: name calling, teasing, mocking or demeaning remarks; swearing, crude, rude or obscene language whether spoken, written, implied or gestured, will not be tolerated; racial slurs, sexist remarks or threatening or intimidating language is strictly forbidden. Laughing at others or comments that may hurt the feelings of others are not appropriate. (Example, comments about someone wearing glasses or someone’s personal weight, etc.)

Put downs include, but are not limited to all of the above.

Reason for Expected Behavior
Language that is offensive to others shows a lack of respect for the person. It may lead to further conflict, hurt the person’s feelings and even damage the person’s self-image. The ability to communicate with others in a positive and acceptable manner is a valuable life skill.

Expected Behavior
Fighting, pulling, tripping, spitting, biting, pushing, shaking, kicking furniture, kicking people or things, rough horseplay and shoving, (whether carried out ‘in fun’ or seriously) are not acceptable.

The taking of another’s property is forbidden. Example, taking something from someone’s desk or schoolbag without asking.

Throwing objects such as sticks, stones, food and drink, or snowballs is strictly forbidden; as well as schoolbags, articles of clothing, or books.

Weapons (knives, sticks, pens, guns) objects that could be considered weapons, whether real or toys, are forbidden.

Reason for Expected Behavior
In our school everyone has the right to be happy and to feel secure, protected and safe from physical harm. Learning to deal with frustration and anger without resorting to physical outbursts is critical to becoming a productive member of society. Violence, if gone unchecked, quickly escalates to more serious acts.

Consequences for Misbehavior
Minor incidents of misbehavior will result in one or more of the following consequences:

a. A reminder that the behavior is inappropriate and unacceptable. b. An immediate time out. c. Lunch recess detention d. Peer mediation e. Phone call to parents

For incidents that are more serious, the student will be required to meet with a guidance counselor to receive counseling and to complete a written account of the incident on the form provided (see Appendix A). The form will be signed by the student and the appropriate staff member and will be taken home for parent/guardian signature. The form must be returned to the school the next day.

Once a student receives three (3) forms indicating a pattern, then a parent meeting will be arranged to discuss strategies for dealing with the problem.

Severely Disruptive Behavior
Behavior that is frequent or serious enough to significantly disrupt the learning climate of the school, endanger the safety and security of self, others, or damage property is classified as severely disruptive. THESE SEVERELY DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIORS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND WILL BE DEALT WITH IMMEDIATELY.

Consequences of this type of behavior could be immediate removal from school, suspension, and/or other disciplinary action as deemed necessary.

Chronic Disruptive Behavior
When a student has committed repeated acts of disruptive behavior, which because of their repetitive nature could then be considered as becoming severely disruptive, the consequences could include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. conference with parents b. recommend student participate in a counseling program c. suspension d. consider an alternate learning placement for the student

SECTION B: Academic Success
“Every child is capable of learning and succeeding in school.”

Expected Behavior
To ensure success in their school year, each student with parent support and guidance is expected to complete all class and homework assignments on time and to the best of their ability.

It is expected that students will respect the rights of others by not disturbing them when they are trying to get their schoolwork done. It is the responsibility of the parents and students to provide the necessary school supplies as required to carry out the assigned schoolwork. It is the responsibility of the parents to provide a regular homework routine and a suitable place for the student to work.

Reason for Expected Behavior
Attitude, hard work, effort and determination are the keys to success. Striving to do your best and taking pride in your work will help you achieve your full academic potential.

Consequences for Misbehavior
Work that is incomplete or below standard for the student’s ability will have to be completed or done over. The student may be required to stay after school to do this, or they may be reassigned the work for completion at home.

If incomplete or below standard work becomes frequent, when it becomes difficult to evaluate, the parents of the student will be notified so that a cooperative plan of action can be implemented to make sure that the student is completing work according to their ability.

SECTION C: Behavior in the Building
“An important factor in effective schools is a safe orderly environment.”

Expected Behavior
While inside the school you are expected to behave, work and walk in a quiet, orderly manner. This applies to all areas in the building. There is to be no running in the halls or on the stairs.

Students are required to wear appropriate footwear in the building at all times. No roller blades, skateboards, etc. are permitted in the building.

Reason for Expected Behavior
Students have the right to a safe environment. These guidelines are necessary for security, safety and good order. Respectful care of school resources maximizes their usefulness, working order and general attractiveness.

Consequences for Misbehavior
You will be reminded of the expected behavior and directed to follow it. If the offense is serious or repeated, consequences will be applied using the same procedures as outlined in Section A.

SECTION D: Playground
“Playground behavior is a reflection of our school culture and should help to reinforce the behavioral and academic expectations of our students while maintaining a safe and caring environment.”

Expected Behavior
Students must stay within the designated school boundaries and in areas where they are in view of yard supervisors. In other words, students are permitted to play on the playground tarred area, the equipment area, the ball field and the soccer field. (Reminder – please take note that supervision does not begin in the morning until 7:35. For their own safety, children should not be on the school grounds before this time as there is no supervision.)

Students are not permitted to play behind the school, on either side of the school, near the garbage bin, the parking lot or in the wooded areas.

Sliding on icy paths created by winter conditions is not allowed. Throwing balls against the windows is not allowed. Playing on snow banks is only allowed with proper attire and at the Principal’s discretion. Throwing snowballs, sticks, stones, or any other type of projectile is strictly forbidden.

Showing respect for the environment (i.e. cleaning up the school grounds and disposing trash in the trash cans) is part of everyone’s responsibility.

Skateboards, and roller blades are not permitted on the school grounds during the school day. Students are expected to walk their bikes, skateboards, and roller blades on and off the school grounds.

Respect for self and others as outlined in Section A apply to the playground as well. Promoting a safe environment on school grounds is expected by all. School should be a fun place for all to enjoy.

Reason for Expected Behavior
These designated areas and rules will be enforced to ensure our students have a safe, orderly and pleasant area in which to play.

Consequences for Misbehavior
Consequences for misbehavior will be applied as outlined in Section A.

SECTION E: Attendance, Absenteeism & Tardiness
“Attendance is an essential element in a child’s educational experience.”

Expected Behavior
Students shall report to class promptly each day, ready, willing and able to work. If for any reason you should arrive late for class, you shall report to the office before going to your classroom. Absenteeism requires a confirmation call to your parent or guardian. Cumulative absences in excess of 10% of total days in a school trimester, or tardiness more than 5 times per quarter will result in written parental contact from the Principal.

Parents/Guardians should call the office if they have concerns about absenteeism.

Reason for Expected Behavior
Punctuality is a form of courtesy towards your teacher and your classmates. Punctuality is a learned skill. It involves making good use of your time at home and at school. If you are late, you disrupt your class when you enter. Students who miss a great deal of time are certain to encounter difficulty in keeping up their school work. In order for you to achieve to your maximum potential, regular attendance is essential

Consequences of Misbehavior
On some occasions lateness and absences are unavoidable. However, if habitual lateness and absenteeism appear to be a problem, your parents will be consulted so that we can discuss strategies for dealing with the problem.

Expected Behavior
Students will be allowed access to the school class phone for emergency/special situations (Teacher discretion) only.

Using the school phone to make after-school social arrangements is not permitted during the school day. Use of cell phones is permitted only in the office during non-instructional times. Cell phones are not permitted to be carried on the student’s person during the academic day. Cell phones must remain in backpacks and may not be used without permission. Use of cell phones without permission will result in confiscation.

Reason for Expected Behavior
Students need to develop responsibility in remembering to communicate with parents specifically about their daily schedule. Allowing students to call parents whenever they wish does not help to develop responsibility.

Consequences of Misbehavior
Students choosing to use cell phones outside of the expected behavior will have their cell phones confiscated and returned to parents directly.

SECTION G: Personal Appearance
“Student dress is a reflection of community standards and respect for one’s self and school community.”

Expected Behavior
You are expected to dress in a clean, appropriate manner. Clothing with offensive words, slogans or pictures are inappropriate.

Walking or dress shorts and full length T-shirts are acceptable. Halter tops, mid-drift shirts, spaghetti straps, and tank tops with shoulder straps of less than two inches are not permitted to be worn in school. All shirts should be able to be tucked into a waistband.

Pajamas are, as a rule, not allowed unless approved by the Principal for purposes of spirit days. Clothing can not be excessively tight or loose.

Any clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs or tobacco products is also inappropriate in the school. Coats, hats and outside footwear are not to be worn in the classroom. All students are expected to have appropriate footwear on at all times. Flip-Flop style sandals are not permitted. Spiked clothing is not permitted.

Hats are not permitted to be worn in the building.

Reason for Expected Behavior
Your appearance reflects your good judgment and your respect for yourself and others.

Consequences of Misbehavior
If you wear inappropriate clothing, your parents will be contacted to help resolve the matter. Students will be held to the same disciplinary consequences as Section A.

SECTION H: Care of School Property
“Respect for the school reflects community pride and demonstrates appreciation for the community’s commitment to our students’ educational environment.”

Expected Behavior
You will respect all school property, inside and outside (classrooms, halls, stairways, bathrooms, playground, gym, library, all equipment, furniture, textbooks, and supplies).

Your desk and the floor area around it are to be kept neat and tidy. When sitting down in class you should make sure that all four legs of your chair are always on the floor. Tables and desks are for doing your work, not for sitting on.

You are expected to treat the school and equipment with the same care and respect. Keeping the school in good condition provides a safe, healthy environment.

Reason for Expected Behavior
A neat and orderly environment not only ensures safety, but also reflects school pride. In taking care of school property you help to maintain attractive surroundings and useful facilities which are necessary for successful learning.

Consequences of Misbehavior
If you deface school property, you will be expected to clean it. If a textbook is destroyed, lost or stolen, you or your parents will be requested to pay the replacement cost. If you damage school property on purpose, you are expected to pay for the repairs or the cost of replacement. Intentional damage is a crime and will be dealt with accordingly.

SECTION I: Extracurricular Activities
“School trips are an educational extension of the classroom. Behavior on trips is a direct reflection of the school’s commitment to quality education and development of character.”

Expected Behavior
All school rules expected behaviors and consequences for misbehavior apply when students are involved in extra curricular activities and field trips.

Remember when you are participating in these activities you represent your school. Don’t let your misbehavior ruin the event for yourself or others. Always let others know that you are proud to be a student at Maple Street School.

Consequences of Misbehavior
Misbehavior will result in the same consequences as Section A, however students may, at the discretion of the Principal, not be allowed to participate in future trips.