3.23. Student Behavior Guidelines

It is nearly impossible to have an exhaustive list of all school and classroom rules. A student should obey school authorities (i.e. administrators, teachers and aides).

Ultimately, most rules are summed up by “A student may not harm himself/herself or others, damage property, or disrupt any aspect of the learning process.”

While this general statement sets the tone for appropriate behavior there are certain behaviors which demand specific attention and violation of these rules is regarded as a serious offense. The consequences listed for each category are guidelines and we may deviate from, change or alter these guidelines if necessary.

Respect, Manners and Courtesy in School:

• In a Christian community respect for one another is a basic premise of interaction; of course, this involves respect for the property and rights of others.
• Behavior on buses and field trips is expected to be the same as in-school behavior.
• Students who challenge the teacher, aide, or other school authority will be referred directly to the Assistant Principal or Principal. This may lead to suspension or expulsion.
• Misuse of computers and/or equipment in the computer lab is destruction of school property.
• Any student petitions must have the Principal’s approval before being circulated.
• Food may only be eaten in the cafeteria or specified areas.
• No gum within the school buildings because of the unsanitary disposal of gum and the damage to clothing, furniture and rugs.

Bullying: Drawing from a significant variety of expert resources, CHCA defines bullying as a written, verbal, electronic or physical act that is intentional, repeated, pervasive, malicious, sufficiently severe, and targeted toward another student which causes mental or physical harm. While other negative behaviors will continue to be corrected with appropriate discipline, not all such behavior shall be considered “bullying” unless it consistent with this definition.

Classroom Behavior:

Teachers distribute and discuss classroom behavior guidelines at the beginning of the school year. Most behavior problems occur and are handled at the classroom level. Possible consequences the teacher may assign include:

• Verbal or written reprimands
• Isolation (Time-out)
• Loss of privileges
• Parental conference or phone call
• Individual behavior plan written and implemented by the teacher
• Referral to the Assistant Principal
• Referral to the Principal

Serious Behavior Problems:

The Assistant Principal handles most discipline issues above the classroom teacher. If the behavior persists or becomes more severe, the Principal becomes involved. Serious behavior problems are handled in one or more of the following:

• Contact the student’s parents regarding the offense
• Detention, work assignments, special projects, etc.
• Social probation: Student is prohibited from participating in activities such as athletic teams, school trips, music groups, etc.
• In-school suspension: Student spends time out of class, in an office, studying. Work assignments or special projects may be assigned
• Out-of-school suspension: Student spends 1 to 5 days out of school
• Principal recommends expulsion to the Head of School

This step progression is a guideline and the Principal or Assistant Principal may deviate from it depending on the frequency, severity or nature of the offense.