Discipline Policy
In order for J.M. Young
School to provide a quality educational community in which all can
develop to their fullest potential, parents, staff and students must all
accept their various responsibilities. Furthermore, to develop a safe and
caring learning environment, the roles and responsibilities of each in
the area of discipline needs to be defined.
Parents are expected to
co-operate fully with their child’s teachers and other employees of
the school division, and ensure that the child complies with school
policies. Parents are expected to support the school policies, and where
required, tender their support towards a joint solution.
General responsibilities of
teachers related to discipline are to provide an effective classroom
learning environment, maintain order and discipline among pupils at
school activities, and advise pupils as to what is expected of them in
school. Additional goals of teachers at J.M. Young School, not related
to discipline, can be found on Page 2 of the school policy handbook.
Discipline, especially self
discipline, is an integral part of every student’s educational
experience. Our goal is to have students control their own behavior (to
a standard acceptable to the school), to the greatest extent possible.
It is assumed that student
behavior is promoted by having a clearly defined and understood set of
expectations, along with an appropriate range of consequences. This
range of consequences will allow staff to use their professional
judgment in assessing each situation, and is subject to revision, as in
no case is it acceptable that a student accept a punishment as a trade
off for non-compliance with a school rule.
The following code of
conduct is designed as a guide for acceptable student conduct at J.M.
Young School.
Students are expected to:
1) show respect for all
individuals,
2) show respect for
personal, school and public property,
3) obey school and public
authority,
4) complete homework
assignments as part of their educational experience,
5) be positively occupied at
recess and noon hour whether inside or outside the school,
6) be punctual when going to
class,
7) remain on the school
grounds, unless given permission to leave by a teacher,
8) wear appropriate clothing
for school. This includes proper clothing for playing outside at recess
and noon hour.
9) abide by the general
playground rules (see page 5 of the policy handbook).
Examples of unacceptable
behavior would include, but not be limited to, the following:
i) the use of foul language,
ii) fighting or wrestling
(this includes play fighting, as it can escalate),
iii) all aspects of
bullying, whether it be
a) physical (hitting,
pushing, etc.)
b) social (excluding, etc.)
c) verbal (gossiping,
mocking, teasing, etc.)
Student Misconduct
Procedure
1) Minor disciplinary action
will be handled by the home room teacher or teacher on duty.
2) Disciplinary action of a
more serious nature will be handled by the principal (in consultation
with the staff).
3) In all cases,
disciplinary action will involve counseling, and depending on the
severity of the case, students may lose student activities, free time,
sports activities, or the right to attend school, i.e., in school or out
of school suspension.
4) Parents will be informed
whenever the principal or teacher feel it is warranted.
5) In cases where damage is
done to the school or school materials, (eg., equipment, texts, library
books, etc.) the student may be required to provide the labor to repair
the damage, and in all cases where damage requires replacement, students
doing the damage will be responsible for payment.
6) Misbehavior on a bus or
while walking to and from school will be treated like any other
misbehavior, as students are under the supervision of the school during
those times as well.
Minor Violations
Response Range
- failure to bring materials
to class - warning, detention, writing assignment
Major Violations
Response Range
- fighting - counseling by
principal, in school suspension
Illegal Activities
Response Range
- drugs or weapons in school
- confiscation, incarceration, calling authorities
