<p> Lindley Middle School Discipline Policies and Code of Conduct 2012-2013 School Year</p><p>To be read by teachers and parents:</p><p>Discipline Policy and Code of Conduct Introduction</p><p>Much has been written about discipline, or the lack of it, in the public school system over the past ten years. As a staff, Lindley Middle School is committed to educating the whole child in a climate which fosters intellectual, academic, emotional and personal growth.</p><p>Behaving appropriately is an essential aspect of learning. Without a disciplined atmosphere the teacher cannot teach effectively and the learner cannot learn.</p><p>In our view, good discipline is part of the learning process and is developmental in nature. As a child matures, the level of self-discipline increases which enables the child to maintain intelligent self-control.</p><p>Our discipline policy and code of conduct is based on the principles of natural and logical consequences which encourages our children to make their own responsible decisions. The students must be accountable for their decisions. The students learn to accept responsibility for their decisions. The focus of our discipline policy and code of conduct is based on the behavior rather than on the child. We hope that our discipline policy and code of conduct will communicate that our school is a caring, child centered, and an orderly environment in which the best in each individual is expected and encouraged.</p><p>Mission Statement The staff of Lindley Middle School believes all students can learn and achieve mastery of the Common Core/Georgia Performance Standards. Our purpose is to educate our students to reach high levels of achievement while promoting them to take responsibility for their own learning.</p><p>Vision</p><p>Soaring To New Heights To be read by teachers and parents:</p><p>Beliefs in Relation to Discipline Policy and Code of Conduct</p><p>We, as part of the Lindley Middle School community, believe that:</p><p>1. All children are inherently good and will demonstrate proper and acceptable behavior if expectations are discussed and understood.</p><p>2. Every child has the right to be educated in a safe, orderly environment.</p><p>3. The goal of any discipline policy is to develop in children the inner values and self- discipline needed to behave in a responsible manner.</p><p>4. Students should learn to accept responsibility for their behavior, having previous knowledge of the consequences of their actions.</p><p>5. The focus of discipline is based on the behavior rather than on the child.</p><p>6. Discipline policies are based on natural consequences not on arbitrary punishments.</p><p>7. Discipline is instructive and based on problem prevention.</p><p>8. The discipline policy and code of conduct is communicated to the students in a positive and constructive manner as part of the teaching – learning experience.</p><p>9. The development of policies concerning behavior and discipline at our school will be collaborative in nature and will include all involved stakeholders.</p><p>10. Because behavior is learned, proper behavior will be modeled by all school personnel.</p><p>2 To be read by teachers and parents:</p><p>Proactive Measures to Encourage Positive Behavior</p><p>Research has shown that positive reinforcement is a more effective tool in producing responsible behavior in students than punishment. Students feel good about themselves when their positive behavior is recognized. The increase of student self-esteem has a positive effect on their behavior and level of achievement. The philosophy at our school is “catch children being good”. The proactive measures listed below although not inclusive are some of the ways intended to promote positive behavior in our students.</p><p>Proactive Measures for Positive Behavior At Home and in School</p><p>1. Be a good role model. Display the types of behavior that you want children to exhibit.</p><p>2. Reward children. Give praise and recognition freely for the good things they do.</p><p>3. Take children’s emotions and feelings seriously. Show them that what they say, think and do are important.</p><p>4. Use phrases that build self-esteem such as, “Thank you for helping.” or “That was a great idea”.</p><p>5. Help children set reasonable goals so they can achieve success.</p><p>6. Give children responsibility. They will feel useful and valued.</p><p>7. Define limits and rules clearly; then enforce them fairly.</p><p>8. Meet and greet children. Make them feel wanted and important.</p><p>9. Celebrate children’s successes and encourage them to achieve their best.</p><p>10. Smile a lot and enjoy the personal, social and academic sides of children.</p><p>11. Recognize milestones of children in school and at home.</p><p>12. Create a climate by having special days – hat day, tie day, etc. (School-Wide)</p><p>13. Encourage children by focusing on their strengths.</p><p>14. Focus on positive happenings in their lives.</p><p>3 To be read by teachers and parents:</p><p>The Role of Teacher Intervention and Classroom Management</p><p>Most inappropriate behaviors are dealt with at the classroom level and, as a result, it is seldom necessary for them to involve the school administration. This is the result of teachers using a variety of appropriate classroom management techniques and strategies to create an orderly and organized atmosphere in which students are encouraged to display appropriate behavior. Most minor misbehaviors are handled immediately by the teacher but when problems become more severe or chronic, contact with the parents/guardians is recommended. If the problem persists, or if it is of a very serious nature, the administration of the school will become involved. Teachers and administrations will keep careful documentation of misbehaviors and subsequent parental contact.</p><p>Parental Responsibility</p><p>The purpose of this Discipline Policy and Code of Conduct is to help develop in children the ability to make age appropriate, responsible decisions about their behavior based on the knowledge of what is expected of them in certain situations. The responsibility to do this does not rest entirely with the school – it should be shared among the other stakeholders in the children’s lives. Parents are an integral part in helping to form responsible decision-makers capable of appropriate behavior based on understood expectations. For this reason, it is hoped that every parent or guardian discusses this Discipline Policy with their children. It is also expected that parents/guardians will not only form a strong partnership with the school in communicating this policy to their children, but will also join with the school in implementing and maintaining our Discipline Policy and Code of Conduct.</p><p>4 5 To be discussed with students by teachers and parents:</p><p>Reasons for Expected Consequences of Expected Behavior Behavior Misbehavior If you fail to put forth your Effort and determination To ensure success this best effort in class and are keys to success. If Academic school year, you are homework assignments are you put forth your best expected to complete all unacceptable, then you will Success effort and take pride in class and homework complete your assignments your work, then you are assignments on time and or redo them, possibly after more likely to achieve to the best of your ability. class time. (i.e. before your potential. school, during connection, and after school) Reasons for Expected Consequences of Expected Behavior Behavior Misbehavior You will benefit from You must realize that proof your relations with others You are expected to be of dishonesty carries very only by being open and honest in all your serious consequences. In honest in what you say relationships with other the case of lying, cheating, Honesty and do. Dishonesty in students, staff and or stealing, a meeting will your words or actions or community. Lying, be arranged with you, your written work has a stealing and cheating are parents and your teacher to negative effect on your unacceptable behaviors. discuss the situation and reputation and that of your possible consequences. school.</p><p>Reasons for Expected Consequences of Expected Behavior Behavior Misbehavior Punctuality is a form of courtesy towards your On some occasions teacher and your tardiness and absences are classmates. Punctuality is unavoidable. However, if a learned skill in making habitual tardiness and You shall report to class good use of your time at Attendance, absenteeism appear to be a promptly each day, ready, home and at school. If problem they will be Absenteeis willing and able to work. you are late, you disrupt investigated. Your parents Absenteeism requires a your class when you enter. m and will be consulted and you written excuse. Habitual Students who miss a great will be required to make up Tardiness lateness and absenteeism deal of time are certain to work that you missed. (5 will be reported to the encounter difficulty in days = parent notice from office. keeping up their teacher; 10 days = parent schoolwork. In order for notice from principal; 15 you to achieve to your days= social worker maximum potential, contact) REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS ESSENTIAL.</p><p>6 Disrespect or unacceptable behavior will result in action being taken by Students at Lindley Middle school authorities. The School are expected to Each and every person frequency and severity of behave in a manner which attending Lindley Middle the infraction will dictate exhibits respect and School has the right to be the type and consideration for treated with respect and appropriateness of the themselves and others. courtesy. Learning how consequences. This action Your school is not the to interact in a positive may include one or more of appropriate place for way with our fellow the following: Respect for exaggerated displays of human beings is a disagreement or affection. valuable skill essential in Self and - a warning by a teacher Activities such as pushing, today’s society. In or supervisor Others tripping, kicking, fighting, addition, rough behavior play fighting, rough play, may result in personal or - contact made with the rock throwing; snowball physical injury to others. home throwing, hugging, kissing, Remember the Golden etc. are not acceptable Rule “Treat others as you - being sent to an student behaviors. would like to be treated”. administrator . -ISS</p><p>- OSS</p><p>Reasons for Expected Consequences of Expected Behavior Behavior Misbehavior The use of inappropriate or unacceptable language may result in such consequences The language used by all as the following: individuals in and around Being able to use Lindley Middle School - a warning by a teacher appropriate and tasteful will be of a nature that or supervisor Appropriate language is a valuable shows respect for staff and life skill. When language Language other students. Name - contact made with the is offensive to others the calling, swearing, crude, home hurt feelings it may cause rude and obscene language can lead to further spoken, written, implied, - being sent to an conflict. or gestured are administrator unacceptable. -ISS</p><p>- OSS</p><p>7 Reasons for Expected Consequences of Expected Behavior Behavior Misbehavior Students are prohibited You will be reminded of from being in the the rule and may have hallways without a hall restricted privileges for a pass. All students must These guidelines are time in designated areas. remain in their designated necessary for your own Students who violate this Designated areas and not wander the protection, safety, and for rule will face the halls or try to interact Areas proper security of following consequences: with students on another specialty equipment grade level. Students are which assists in your -teacher detention not allowed to enter instruction. teacher lounge, locker - referral to administrator rooms, gym, or any other area in the school without -ISS permission.</p><p>Reasons for Expected Consequences of Expected Behavior Behavior Misbehavior Students will be reminded In the morning students of the required behavior will wait in the The safety and security of and will be expected to lunchroom until the 8:45 the students in Lindley follow it. If the offense is bell. While inside the Middle School is serious or repeated, action building students should dependent, to a large will be taken and students Student walk in a single file on extent, on the orderly will face the following: the burgundy line in a Movement movement and conduct quiet, orderly manner. of its students. Children -teacher detention When walking in hallway have a right to a quality -administrative referral and transitioning to education in a safe -administrative detention classes students should environment undisturbed -ISS keep to the right and by unnecessary noise. remain quiet on *repeated violations may Character. result in OSS</p><p>8 Reasons for Expected Consequences of Expected Behavior Behavior Misbehavior You are expected to dress in a clean, neat If you wear inappropriate appropriate manner. clothing, and are not in Clothing with offensive standard school attire each words, slogans or day then suitable action Personal pictures is considered will be taken to solve the inappropriate. Any Your appearance reflects problem. The following Appearan clothing that promotes your good judgment and consequences will be ce alcohol, drugs or tobacco your respect for yourself given for dress code products is inappropriate and others. violators. in the school. Hats are to -warning be removed while you are -phone call home in the building. Students -administrative are expected to be in detention standard school attire -ISS each day.</p><p>Reasons for Expected Consequences of Expected Behavior Behavior Misbehavior In your formative years Appropriate disciplinary Tobacco, we want to help you action will be taken. First You will not partake of develop good self-esteem offense 10 days OSS, Alcohol, any tobacco, alcohol and and a healthy lifestyle. Second offense 10 days illegal drugs while on and Drugs The use of tobacco, OSS plus recommendation school property. alcohol and illegal drugs for Ombudsman is dangerous both to you Alternative School. and those around you. Reasons for Expected Consequences of Expected Behavior Behavior Misbehavior You should remember that on these activities Appropriate disciplinary Extra- you represent your action will be taken. A On school buses and at school. Don’t let your serious offense could Curricular extra-curricular activities misbehavior ruin the result in your removal all relevant school rules Activities opportunity for others. from the activity or event, apply. Always let others know and exclusion from further that you are proud to be a activities is possible. student at Lindley Middle School.</p><p>9 Reasons for Expected Consequences of Expected Behavior Behavior Misbehavior The school must be notified in writing of any requested change Alternative in student’s regular For your own safety and After- after-school travel protection Permission will be denied arrangements. Unless an School parents/guardians and and parents/guardians may emergency arises, the teachers should be be informed of the Arrangeme school should be notified informed of your appropriate policy. in writing before noon on nts whereabouts. the day of the requested change. Students will not be allowed to make changes in transportation without written permission from their parents. Reasons for Expected Consequences of Expected Behavior Behavior Misbehavior You will respect all school property If you damage school (classrooms, halls, property, you are expected stairways, bathrooms, to pay for repair or cafeteria, gym, and replacement costs and Care of library: all equipment, In taking care of school could face the following School textbooks and supplies as property you display disciplinary actions. well as the property of pride in your school; you Property others). Your desk and also help to maintain -Administrative/parent and the floor area around it attractive surroundings conference are to be kept neat and and useful facilities -ISS Property of tidy. School furniture is which are necessary to -OSS Others to be used for the successful learning for -Restitution for the full purpose intended for it. you and your fellow value of the property You are expected to treat students. destroyed the school and equipment with the same IT’S YOUR SCHOOL care and respect as you – KEEP IT would your own valuable CLEAN personal possessions.</p><p>10 School Bus Rules 1. Students must be at the designated bus stop at the time the bus is scheduled to arrive. The driver designates the bus stop. 2. Students who must cross the road before getting on the bus shall wait for the bus to arrive and display the proper warning signs before crossing the road. 3. All students must cross the road in front of the bus, never behind the bus. 4. Students shall always stand a safe distance off the road and never in the road while waiting for the bus to arrive. 5. While at the bus stop students should: a) Conduct themselves in an orderly manner b) Avoid littering c) Respect nearby private property rights 6. Students shall take seats promptly after boarding the bus. No seats can be reserved. Should the driver assign a pupil a seat, the pupil must comply. Students will remain in their seats while bus is in motion. 7. Students shall not open windows on bus unless asked to do so by driver. 8. Students must keep arms and head inside the bus. 9. While a passenger on the bus students MUST NOT: a) Smoke (Board Regulations) b) Throw any object on bus or out of windows c) Disturb the driver d) Litter e) Make loud or unnecessary noise f) Eat food or drink beverages g) Transport items which may endanger the health or safety of any other passenger h) Use offensive language i) Fight nor call other students names 10. Students must use the service entrance door while unloading and not the emergency exit door. The emergency exit is to be used only in emergency situations. 11. Students who must cross the road after getting off the bus should cross at least ten (10) feet in FRONT of the bus, after looking both ways to be sure no traffic is approaching from either direction. 12. Obey the driver promptly and avoid any unnecessary conversation with him/her while the bus is in motion.</p><p>11 13. In case of any road emergency, remain seated on the bus until ordered to vacate.</p><p>14. Students delivered to the school by school bus must remain on school property at all times. The staff, students, and parents at Lindley Middle strive to create a balanced learning environment. Students, parents, and staff must all take an active part in each child’s education. </p><p>At Lindley Middle, we are committed to ensuring that all students will meet or exceed state standards and be prepared for middle school. In pursuing this goal, we are creating a passion for learning within our community. We need everyone’s help in implementing our discipline policies. The discipline policies should be discussed by parents, students, and staff. Please commit to making Lindley an environment focused on learning, where dreams and goals are realized and met.</p><p>12 The discipline policy should be discussed by the parents, teacher, and student. This form should be signed by the teacher, parent, and student and returned to the child’s homeroom teacher NLT Friday, January 18, 2013. </p><p>I, ______, have discussed the discipline polices with the student. Teacher’s Name I have answered questions and helped the student to understand the expectations. I agree to follow through with the appropriate consequences as needed and will communicate effectively with parents, students, and the administration in regards to the student’s progress. </p><p>______Teacher’s Signature Date</p><p>I, ______, have discussed the discipline polices with my child. Parent’s Name(s) I have answered questions and helped my child to understand the expectations. I agree to support my child’s teacher and the school’s administration with the appropriate consequences as needed and will communicate effectively with my child, his/her teacher, and the school’s administration in regards to my child’s progress. </p><p>______Parent’s Signature Date</p><p>I, ______, have discussed the discipline polices with my teacher Student’s Name and my parents. I have asked questions and understand the expectations. I agree to follow the discipline policies of Lindley Middle. I agree to make good discipline choices and will abide by the consequences if I do not follow the guidelines of the discipline policies. </p><p>______Student’s Signature Date</p><p>13</p>