Discipline Policy for Catholic Elementary School

Following the mission statement of our school, the purpose of Catholic of Pointe Coupee is to provide a religious, academic, and disciplined education whereby students develop in the image of Christ, by utilizing their gifts in service to the school, church, and society. Our discipline program is designed to assist and encourage students to meet this goal.

Students are required to adhere to general school-wide rules as well as specific rules relating to the church, classroom, cafeteria, playground, bus, and campus movement. Please see below for a list of behavioral expectations.

All teachers will incorporate a positive behavior management program within the classroom, based upon the developmental age and needs of the students. “Caught you being good” coins will be issued to students who follow the general school and classroom rules. Teachers will use their discretion when issuing the coins. On the last Friday of each month, students will be allowed to “spend” their coins for a variety of rewards such as: spirit items, free dress day, eating at a special lunch table, extended recess, etc. Surprises will also be shared at unannounced times!
 
Exceptional student behavior will be recognized by school administration in the form of “Office Specials.” Students who are recommended for office specials will be publicly recognized for their “model” behavior.

Students in grades 3-6 will receive a weekly school conduct card. This card is based upon our 100% grading scale. Appropriate points will be deducted for infractions and the weekly conduct grade will be based upon the number of points accumulated at the end of the week. Students will be recognized for good behavior.

Additional privileges will be allowed on specified days for students who have no tardies, absences, detentions, or office referrals. Examples may include: extra tokens issued for Fall Festival and May Festival activities, names placed in a “hat” for special drawings, free dress days, etc…

Consequences for Misconduct:

The consequences for inappropriate behavior and for violating school rules shall be fair. Consideration will be given to the individual student and situation.

Discipline Referral Process:

Behavior warnings will be given to students who do not follow the behavioral expectations.

Examples of consequences:

• 1st offense-Teacher will conference with the student and will restate behavioral expectations.  The teacher will issue a warning.
• 2nd offense-Teacher will conference with the student and will use his/her discretion about issuing a “time-out” period or recess detention.
• 3rd offense-4th offense -Teacher will contact the parent/guardian to discuss the problem. An educational assignment (such as additional schoolwork or project) or the denial of a special privilege may be used at the discretion of the teacher/administrator.  The student will also be sent to recess detention.
  5th offense-After 3 visits to recess detention, or at the principal's discretion, the student will be assigned to morning detention.
• 6th offense or Major Disturbance-Automatic Office Referral
  o  Referral-The school principal will evaluate the situation and will determine the consequence. Parents will be contacted by phone or in writing. Teachers will be informed, in writing, of the consequence.  An office referral will result in an in school or out of school suspension.

***Any student who receives any type of written referral will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities that day or the next closest event (Ex. Sunday football game)

**Teachers in grade 3-6 will also deduct 5 points from the weekly conduct card, after the 1st offense and each offense thereafter.  Any student who is sent to the office will automatically lose 20 points in conduct for the 9 weeks, as well.

Definitions of Problem Behaviors

Problem Behaviors (Students who exhibit these behaviors will receive consequences according to the referral process.)	Definition
Inappropriate verbal language	Low-intensity instance of inappropriate language
Physical Contact	Not serious, but inappropriate physical contact
Defiance/Disrespect/Noncompliance	Brief or low-intensity failure to respond to adults. This includes misbehavior in church, assemblies, daily prayer, or class.
Disruption	Low-intensity, but inappropriate disruption in class, bus, cafeteria, hallways, restrooms, or playground
Property Misuse	Low-intensity misuse of property
Other (such as uniform violations, chewing gum, lack of sportsmanship and any other inappropriate behavior)	Any behaviors that do not fall within the above categories
Major Problem Behaviors (Students who exhibit these behaviors will receive an automatic office referral.)	Definition
Defiance/disrespect/insubordinate/noncompliance	Refusal to follow directions, talking back and/or socially rude interactions
Abusive/Inappropriate Language/Profanity	Verbal message that includes swearing, name calling or use of words in an inappropriate way; This includes threatening messages.
Harassment	Behavior that is intended to be or perceived to be harassing, intimidating, or humiliating; This includes nonverbal communications, writings, or drawings.
Electronics	During school functions, students may not use or have visible the following: cell phones, ipods, CD players, game boys, etc.
Cheating/Forgery
Tobacco/Narcotics/Alcoholic beverages	Students in possession of or is using the substance
Arson, Combustibles, Weapons and Dangerous instruments	Student plans and/or participates in malicious burning of property; Student is in possession of substances/objects readily capable of causing bodily harm and/or property damage
Other	Any other behaviors that do not fall within the above categories.