Randallstown Elementary School
Discipline Plan and Code of Conduct
Discipline Philosophy
In order for all students to reach their academic potential, it is important for students to assume responsibility for their actions and to respect and value the rights of others. These values become more significant as students realize the relationship between their behavior and learning. Randallstown Elementary School’s Disciplinary plan is designed so that all students may understand acceptable and appropriate behavior.
The faculty and staff at Randallstown Elementary School want school to be a positive experience for your child. His / her elementary school years should be full of wonderful memories that he/she will always cherish. We believe that students need to be rewarded for good behavior and corrected for inappropriate behavior. In a school-wide effort, your child will learn and understand specific, reasonable rules of expected conduct along with consequences for both positive and negative behaviors.
Pillars of Character
There are enduring and universal moral truths and principles of thought and conduct that distinguish right from wrong and define the essence of good character. Among these are certain core principles, the Pillars of Character: respect, responsibility, fairness, trustworthiness and citizenship. Character is not hereditary, nor does it develop automatically; it must be consciously developed by example and demand. Our behavior expectations and classroom rules are built upon the foundations of the Pillars of Character. Lessons and activities will be presented throughout the year on character education.
Respect
Treat others with respect * Follow the golden rule * Be tolerant of differences * Use good manners, not bad language * Be considerate of others’ feelings * Do not threaten, hit or hurt anyone * Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreement
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do * Persevere – Keep trying! * Always do your best * Use Self-Control * Be self-disciplined * Think before you act – consider the consequences * Be Accountable for your choices
Fairness
Play by the rules * take turns and share * Be open minded * Do not take advantage of others
Trustworthiness
Be honest * Do not deceive, cheat or steal * Be reliable – do what you say you will do * Have the courage to do the right thing * Build a good reputation * Be loyal – stand by your family, friends and country
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better * cooperate * Stay informed * be a good neighbor * Obey the laws and rules * Respect authority * Protect the environment
Schools that implement school wide systems of positive behavior focus on taking a team based approach and teaching appropriate behavior to all students in the school. Schools that have been successful in building school-wide plans develop procedures to accomplish the following:
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Behavior expectations are defined
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Behavior expectations are taught
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Appropriate behaviors are acknowledged
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Behavioral errors are corrected proactively
To accomplish these goals we have developed a school-wide code of conduct, which you will see posted throughout the school. These appropriate behaviors are being taught to all students. As a reward for “doing the right thing” students may earn extra privileges throughout the year.
School – Wide Behavior Expectations (Codes of Conduct)
Students at Randallstown Elementary School Will:
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Be Respectful
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Be Responsible
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Be a Good Citizen
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Be Safe
Classroom rules and common area routines have been established that provide examples of expected behaviors in all settings of the school
Examples of targeted behaviors include:
- Excessive talking in the Classroom
- Disruptive behavior
- Inappropriate behavior in the hallway, bathroom, cafeteria or playground
- Defiance with an adult
Homework
Homework is a vital part of the total learning process. Grade-level practices are communicated to the students during the first week of school. The following list serves as a reminder about the importance of homework:
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Provides essential practice in needed skills
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Trains students in good work habits
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Affords opportunities for increasing self-direction
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Enriches and extends school experience
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Helps students learn to budget time
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Promotes growth in responsibility
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Brings students into contact with out-of-school resources
* Missed school assignments may be made up during after school detention (Homework Club)
Positive Behavior Incentives
“Scholar Dollars” will be used school wide as a reward for demonstrating positive behavior. Teachers may hand out dollars for a variety of reasons. These dollars will be used by students to earn their quarterly “Principal Party,” a school wide celebration to reinforce positive behaviors. Students will also be able to use these dollars to purchase different incentives to be determined by grade levels.
In addition to “scholar dollars,” students who are able to follow classroom and school-wide rules will be rewarded in other ways that may include the following:
1. PAT (Preferred activity time)
2. extra recess
3. Positive notes / phone calls to parents
4. Lunch bunch with teacher
5. “No Homework” pass
6. Weekly drawings/ treats
7. Participation in a quarterly grade-level celebration
8. Participation in bi-weekly “Friday Rewards” clubs
Negative Consequences
Students who choose not to follow the rules will be reprimanded in one of the following ways depending on the severity and/or frequency of the misbehavior:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Loss of Recess time
3. Time Out
4. Guidance referral
5. Parent Contact
6. After School Detention
7. Office Referral
Serious Offenses
When a serious offense occurs, the
student will be taken to the principal immediately. Serious offenses
include fighting, using abusive language, stealing, the possession or usage
of any weapon, and any other suspendable offense noted in the Baltimore
County Public Schools Student Handbook.
The Role of the Parent
The major role of parents in discipline is to continually show interest in and support for their child at school. The child’s knowledge that parents are actively interested and supportive of the school program almost always reduces discipline problems. Parents need to share with the teachers any helpful family information about their children, such information can help teachers deal more effectively with the special needs of each child.
Parents should spend time daily with their children. Discussing the day’s activities, problems and positive events shows the child that the parents are aware of what’s happening at school. Parents must also supervise homework and their child’s attitude toward schoolwork. This time together is one of the best things parents can do to increase children’s self-esteem.
If there are severe or recurring discipline problems at school, parents will be expected to work with the school staff to teach the child an alternative set of behaviors. Positive reinforcement and consequences must occur at home as well as at school if progress is to be made in transforming behaviors. Specific behavioral consequences will be outlined when this stage is reached and definite consequences will be shared so that all will be aware of what is desired. A written contract between the child, parent and teacher may be necessary. Failure to change behaviors may result in a child being sent home, a parent being called to school to be with the child during the day or a longer-term suspension.
Behavior Procedures
Failure to follow school rules may result in a loss of Recess time
Repeated failure to follow rules could result in being sent to time out
One visit to Time out + Loss of Recess
Two visits to time out in one day = Guidance Referral
Three visits to time out in one week = Guidance Referral
Three visits to Guidance office = Office Referral
Three visits to afterschool detention or detention = Loss of privilege
No homework may result in After School Detention (Homework Club)
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