CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE POLICY
The climate of the classroom is a very important part of the learning and teaching process. I strive to create an environment that is challenging, positive, encouraging for our students and supportive to learning. I consistently focus on appropriate behaviors and use a system of rules, consequences, and rewards to help motivate students to be responsible for their own behavior.
Penalty Passes
Every student starts with three “penalty passes” at the beginning of each day. If a student makes an inappropriate choice (see list below), he/she must give up a penalty pass by placing it in the penalty basket on the teacher’s desk.
If redirection with positive reinforcement is ineffective, and the student has given up 3 penalty passes in one day, he/she will not earn Independent Worker status at the end of the week (see Independent Worker sheet for more detail). However, a student may earn back his/her passes and Independent Worker privileges if the student takes responsibility for his/her actions, makes positive choices and does not lose a single penalty pass for the remainder of the week (provided all other Independent Worker expectations are met).
If a student loses three passes during the day, the student will be required to stay in at recess to discuss the behavior and write a letter home explaining why they missed recess and what they plan to do to improve their behavior. The student’s parent will be contacted and the letter will be sent home at the end of the day and will require a parent’s signature.
If inappropriate behavior continues, a behavior contract will be drafted based on the student’s needs and will be reviewed and agreed upon by the student, teacher and family.
Severe disruption to the class that compromises student safety will result in removing the student to the principal’s office immediately.
A student may lose a penalty pass for not:
Giving “5” immediately (a signal directing students to give immediate attention)
Allowing others to learn without being distracted
Following directions the first time they are given
Waiting to talk until an appropriate time
Waiting to get out of your seat until an appropriate time
Being prepared for class (with books, pencils and other supplies)
Using appropriate voice levels in class
Standing straight and tall during the Pledge of Allegiance
Lining up straight and quiet
Keeping your hands to yourself
Sitting in your chair without tilting
Refraining from throwing anything around in the classroom
Showing behaviors that follow our class rules
Steps to Respect
In an effort to reduce bullying incidents at school, Thorndyke Elementary has implemented the Steps to Respect bullying prevention program. The school staff is trained on how to handle bullying situations and coach students involved in bullying situations. The program enables teachers to present lessons and teach skills for making friends and handling students who bully. The students learn how and when to report bullying by engaging in lessons through role-playing, literature lessons dealing with making friends, discussion sessions, and both small and large group activities that deal within the framework of respecting, caring, and responsible actions.
Students who are bullied or those who witness a bullying incident are encouraged to report the action immediately either in private or by completing a bullying report form. The adult receiving the report will take immediate action to determine the full extent of the situation and work toward resolving the conflict.
Class Rules
Our class rules reflect our “Strive for 5” principles:
1. Be Safe
2. Be Respectful
3. Be Responsible
4. Be Accepting
5. Be Here to Learn
During our first week of class, we will define actions that support and contradict these principles.
The climate of the classroom is a very important part of the learning and teaching process. I strive to create an environment that is challenging, positive, encouraging for our students and supportive to learning. I consistently focus on appropriate behaviors and use a system of rules, consequences, and rewards to help motivate students to be responsible for their own behavior.
Penalty Passes
Every student starts with three “penalty passes” at the beginning of each day. If a student makes an inappropriate choice (see list below), he/she must give up a penalty pass by placing it in the penalty basket on the teacher’s desk.
If redirection with positive reinforcement is ineffective, and the student has given up 3 penalty passes in one day, he/she will not earn Independent Worker status at the end of the week (see Independent Worker sheet for more detail). However, a student may earn back his/her passes and Independent Worker privileges if the student takes responsibility for his/her actions, makes positive choices and does not lose a single penalty pass for the remainder of the week (provided all other Independent Worker expectations are met).
If a student loses three passes during the day, the student will be required to stay in at recess to discuss the behavior and write a letter home explaining why they missed recess and what they plan to do to improve their behavior. The student’s parent will be contacted and the letter will be sent home at the end of the day and will require a parent’s signature.
If inappropriate behavior continues, a behavior contract will be drafted based on the student’s needs and will be reviewed and agreed upon by the student, teacher and family.
Severe disruption to the class that compromises student safety will result in removing the student to the principal’s office immediately.
A student may lose a penalty pass for not:
Giving “5” immediately (a signal directing students to give immediate attention)
Allowing others to learn without being distracted
Following directions the first time they are given
Waiting to talk until an appropriate time
Waiting to get out of your seat until an appropriate time
Being prepared for class (with books, pencils and other supplies)
Using appropriate voice levels in class
Standing straight and tall during the Pledge of Allegiance
Lining up straight and quiet
Keeping your hands to yourself
Sitting in your chair without tilting
Refraining from throwing anything around in the classroom
Showing behaviors that follow our class rules
Steps to Respect
In an effort to reduce bullying incidents at school, Thorndyke Elementary has implemented the Steps to Respect bullying prevention program. The school staff is trained on how to handle bullying situations and coach students involved in bullying situations. The program enables teachers to present lessons and teach skills for making friends and handling students who bully. The students learn how and when to report bullying by engaging in lessons through role-playing, literature lessons dealing with making friends, discussion sessions, and both small and large group activities that deal within the framework of respecting, caring, and responsible actions.
Students who are bullied or those who witness a bullying incident are encouraged to report the action immediately either in private or by completing a bullying report form. The adult receiving the report will take immediate action to determine the full extent of the situation and work toward resolving the conflict.
Class Rules
Our class rules reflect our “Strive for 5” principles:
1. Be Safe
2. Be Respectful
3. Be Responsible
4. Be Accepting
5. Be Here to Learn
During our first week of class, we will define actions that support and contradict these principles.