KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY (K4, K5, 1st - 6th)
DISCIPLINE POLICY OF CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
The discipline policy of Calvary Christian School is an outgrowth and extension of the following principles:
1. LOVE - The Christ of Calvary showed His love for each one of us when He died on the cross to redeem our sins. This ultimate example of love serves as the type of selfless love we should show one another. Therefore, all discipline at Calvary Christian School will be rooted in love.
2. BOUNDARIES - The administration believes that before a student can be expected to obey rules that serve as school and classroom boundaries, the rules must be explained and clearly understood by the student.
3. CONSISTENCY - We believe that classroom and school rules need to be consistent throughout each class and the school as a whole. Additionally, these guidelines need to be implemented in a consistent manner in order to be effective.
4. THE PARENTS' AUTHORITY - Because each student is the responsibility of the parents, and Calvary Christian School is sharing in this responsibility through the education of the student, we will look to parents to help the school maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning.
5. POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT - We have found that rewarding desired behavior is one of the best ways to maintain the desired behavior.
Based on these five principles, Calvary Christian School will operate with the following two discipline systems in order to provide an orderly school and classroom environment, and achieve maximized learning.
REWARD SYSTEM: Each classroom teacher will develop and implement a system that rewards positive behavior within the classroom. The rewards should come at an interval that is age appropriate. An example of this is a "good day" badge which would be awarded on a daily basis to four year old students. This is a reward that is achievable in the mind of a four year old. A longer time frame will be used as well as more substantial reward given as the students become older.
TALLY SYSTEM: The Tally System has been used in many Christian schools with a large degree of success. This system is based on a pre-described set of classroom rules. These rules are consistent throughout all classrooms, and therefore can be implemented by any staff member. The acronym "HOW I ACT" describes the basis for behavior.
H - Hullabaloo - Unruliness and rowdiness.
O - Out Of Order - Out of the seat at the wrong time, pushing in line, or some sort of other behavior that is known by the student to be unacceptable.
W - Work Not In - No homework or class work turned in.
I - Intentional Disobedience - Purposely and knowingly not obeying a staff member in authority with a spirit of rebellion.
A - Attitude Lacking - Verbalizing or showing an attitude that leads to poor performance or disrespect.
C - Courtesy Lacking - Calling names. Unmannerly conduct.
T - Talking - Talking at a time that is known to be unacceptable, such as when a teacher is teaching a lesson.
During the first few weeks of each school year, all teachers will review this system with their students in order to be sure each student is aware of class rules. After this time, warnings will be given prior to a tally being given to a student. The physical tally is simply a piece of construction paper placed by the student's name. (Example: A worm in an apple that has the student's name on it.) Tally reports will be sent home each week to parents along with tests, quizzes, and class work. This is also a means of continued communication between the teachers and parents.
The administration at Calvary Christian School HIGHLY recommends that parents respond to tallies in the following manner:
0-2 Tallies in a Week - Verbal praise with a possible reward system at home. We are working with students, and perfection (i.e., zero tallies) should not be expected.
3-5 Tallies in a Week - Encourage your student to pay closer attention to their behavior, but we recommend no disciplinary action at home.
6-9 Tallies in a Week - A problem exists. Your attention to this situation is needed. Minor discipline from you as well as encouragement is needed.
10+ Tallies in a Week - Students that receive 10+ Tallies in a week or 5+ Tallies in a day receive an office visit. Parents will be called for a conference. Repeated occurrences can result in suspension or expulsion.
It is very important that parents and teachers work together on the Tally System. If a parent disciplines a student (spanks) for one or two Tallies in a day or week, it will weaken our system. Teachers may be less likely to give a Tally to that student and consistency will be lost. We also recommend that Tallies by addressed on a weekly basis, not daily.
Please remember that warnings are given to a student in order to allow the student to correct their behavior. Also remember that this system exists to allow us to teach your student. It is NOT meant to be stringent, or become legalistic. It is meant to be an orderly way to allow a teacher to control a class, thereby achieving academic goals. The system is further intended to develop character qualities that will help students grow into caring, responsible, loving individuals.
One final note: You have probably noticed that we rely heavily on your support. We need you to believe in and back up our teachers. We pray that through a loving and caring team effort, our goals will be reached.