Code of Conduct

Reflection...
A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

Everything we do is important because...
a child may be watching
a child may be listening
a child may be thinking
a child may be making up his or her mind.

Philosophy of Discipline
In a child-centered, Christian environment, the philosophy of discipline centers on encouraging the growth, and considering the feelings of every student. We strive to create a school atmosphere of mutual respect and compassion among students and staff. When conflicts arise, we model and teach peaceful negotiation and resolution strategies.  As age appropriate, we follow a philosophy known as Restorative Justice, which focuses on mediation rather than punishment.  

Restorative Justice Practices

• Build relationships
• Be respectful to all
• Provide opportunity for equitable dialogy and participatory decision-making
• Involve all relevant stakeholders
• Address harms, needs, obligations, and causes of conflict and harm
• Encourage all to take responsibility

Family-School Partnership
Recognizing the vital role of families in the educational process, we seek to be partners with our students' parents/guardians in establishing clear, consistent guidelines and encouraging the best behavior in our students. We need the help of our students' families to reinforce school rules and expectations, and we promise our support in return. 

We encourage parents to contact the school if there is any difficulty in your family life that we can help with, or any home situation that may have an effect on your child's school performance. We truly believe in the African proverb that "It takes a village to raise a child."

To provide a clear guide of some of the specific behaviors and expectations that create a positive learning environment, we have outlined a basic Code of Conduct for all students at St. Brigid/Our Lady of Hope School. 

These expectations will be further clarified in each classroom, and at assemblies at the beginning of each school year. Student input will be encouraged.

At times, teachers may ask for assistance from parents/guardians and/or administrators to resolve behavior issues in the classroom. Services from outside counselors may also be recommended for situations that have not been resolved with in-school interventions.

We ask that each parent/guardian discuss this Code of Conduct with their child(ren) so that St. Brigid/Our Lady of Hope Regional School can truly be an environment that fosters the growth and development of every member of the school community.


Student Code of Conduct
School-wide Rules
1. Respect the rights, feelings, and property of others. 

• Be courteous and considerate to all staff and students
• Respect school property (building, grounds, playground, restrooms), materials (library books, textbooks), equipment (computers, science equipment)
• Be a good sport
• Be attentive during teacher instruction
• When working as a team in cooperative groups, always give your individual best and encourage the same from your team members
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself; no hitting, kicking, slapping or any inappropriate physical contact
• Use appropriate language at all times; no cursing, teasing, ethnic, racial, or gender slurs
• Keep your desk neat and your classroom clean
• Respect the feelings and privacy of others
• No gum chewing at any time

2. Strive for Excellence 

• Be prepared for class with the appropriate materials
• Complete all homework assignments in a timely manner
• Be attentive
• No copying or plagiarizing

3. Be where you should be at all times 

• Do not leave classroom, cafeteria, or playground without permission
• Have a hall pass whenever you leave the classroom

4. Complete work on time 

• Begin promptly; use time wisely
• Stay on task

5. Conduct yourself in a safe, orderly, and courteous manner at all times

Recess: 

• Walk to play areas
• Follow game rules using good sportsmanship
• Walk to lines promptly when the whistle blows
• Adults must accompany students to retrieve lost items

Assembly: 

• Listen attentively while others are speaking
• Be courteous to performers

Chapel: 

• Participate in liturgy at appropriate times
• Place music sheets under your chair when not being used
• Absolutely no talking during communion time

Lunch: 

• Leave soda, glass containers, and candy at home
• Lunch must be ordered and paid for in the morning
• Be sure to bring snack money, and lunches from home with you to the cafeteria
• You may not leave the cafeteria unless accompanied by a member of the staff
• Walk to your table
• Use good manners while eating
• Use indoor voices
• Stay seated
• Raise your hand for permission to use the lavatory or to buy snack
• Be responsible about food and cleaning up
• Wait for an adult to dismiss your table
• Walk to lines
• No food or drink is to leave the cafeteria
• Snacks and drinks from the healthy vending machines are available during lunch and during after school activities with the permission of the teacher/moderator.  Bus riders may NOT purchase drinks and snacks at dismissal time.

Hallways: 

• Walk quietly in hallways in the morning, during the school day, and at dismissal
• Walk on the right side of the hallway and use the doorways on the right

6. Dress appropriately 

• Proper school/gym uniform is to be worn at all times (Please see handbook for details regarding uniform, make-up, appearance, and jewelry)
• Wearing hats, coats, or jackets inside the building during the school day is not allowed
• On Spirit Days and when using a NUT (No Uniform Today) Card, you may not dress in a manner that may be considered distracting or objectionable. This includes, but is not limited to, the wearing of T-shirts with inappropriate or provocative logos or slogans, “short shorts,” low cut blouses, midriff tops, beach wear, overly baggy or overly tight clothing that is revealing or limits movement. Pants must be belted. No slogans, words or graphics may be printed on backside of pants. All tops must have sleeves.

7. Foster an educational environment free from distractions 

• Bringing electronic equipment to school, (video games, iPods, MP3 Players, etc.), is not allowed.  These items will be confiscated, and may be picked up in the principal's office. 
• Cell phones may be kept in a students back pack.  They may not be used during the school day for any reason.  If they are found to be in use for calling, taking photos or videos, and/or texting, the cell phone will be taken from the student, parents/caregivers will be notified that the device  may be picked up in the principal's office.  Cell phones are brought to school at your own risk.  The school is not responsible for loss or damage to these items. 
• Toys, games, and/or trading cards may not be brought to school without prior permission from your teacher.  They are brought to school at your own risk.  The school is not responsible for loss or damage to these items.  
   

Consequences
Consequences for not following school/classroom rules:

1. Reminder
2. Verbal warning
3. Loss of free time/recess
4. Teacher contact with parent/guardian
5. Send to Principal

Severe and/or dangerous behavior: 

• Send to Principal immediately

Administrative Process
When a student is sent to the office, the Principal:

1. Counsels with the student to: 

• gather information from that student and then gathers information from other students and/or staff, if necessary
• determine severity of the offense
• determine involvement of others
• assesses attitude of the student about offense

2. Determines an appropriate consequence for the offense which may include any or all of the following: 

• contact parents/guardians through note, phone call or conference
• notes of apology written by student
• "working-off" time fitting the offense
• removal from class or playground
• in-school suspension
• suspension
• expulsion
• involvement of appropriate authorities (police, CPS)

3. Reports back to the teacher regarding consequences and follow-up.

Student Code of Conduct
I understand that in accordance with the School Code of Conduct...

1. I must come to school and each class prepared with materials and assigned work.

2. I will show respect for myself, my peers, my teachers and to all other members of the school community.

3. I will respect all school property including textbooks and equipment.

4. I will carry a pass at all times when I am outside my classroom.

5. I will not fight or use force or intimidation with any member of the school community.

6. I will use appropriate language at all times-no cursing or teasing. I will not use racial, ethnic, religious, or gender slurs.

7. Possession of smoking materials or illegal substances in the building or school grounds will result in suspension or expulsion.

8. I will dress in an appropriate manner as described in this Code of Conduct and the School Handbook.

9. I will not bring items to school that are distracting to myself and others (video games, iPods, MP3 Players, etc.).

10. I will seek the help of faculty, staff and/or administration to settle all conflicts peacefully.