Student Behavior Guidelines

 

 

Hillside Elementary School

Student Behavior Guidelines

 

Discipline at Hillside Elementary School reflects a philosophy of mutual respect between all adults and children.  Our belief is that effective management of behavior can be based on recognizing and rewarding appropriate behavior while at the same time demonstrating that consequences are directly associated with inappropriate behaviors and will not be tolerated within our community. 

 

Rules are simple, clear, straightforward, and positively stated. The rules are designed to insure a safe and calm learning environment for all.

 

The District's Code of Conduct is sent home for review by the students and parents, signed and returned to the school. The Code of Conduct is available on the District and School websites.

 

Consequences are logical and appropriate for the type of behavior (or pattern of behaviors) and are aligned with Hillside’s approach to a progressive form of discipline. Every adult working at Hillside Elementary School is responsible and has the authority to intervene when inappropriate behavior occurs. 

 

Hillside Elementary School utilizes the problem solving/anger management program Second Steps.  This program features developmentally appropriate ways to teach core social-emotional skills such as empathy, emotion management, and problem solving.  Central to the program are the topics:
 

• Helping students find fair ways to share
• The use of problem solving steps
  • How do I feel?
  • What is the problem?
  • What can I do?
• The use of calming down strategies
  • Say “calm down”
  • Take deep breaths
  • Count out loud

 

The Second Steps program is utilized both in the classroom and on the playground as an important part of Hillside’s approach to supervising student behavior. 

 

 

 

 

Hillside Elementary School

Progressive Discipline Plan

 

Depending on the type, severity, and frequency of student behavior the following plan will be implemented:

 

1. A verbal warning and discussion as to why the stated behavior is not acceptable:
   1. Giving an apology to those affected by such behavior
   2. A brief discussion and demonstration of appropriate behavior
   3. A verbal reminder that if the behavior persists then more stern consequences will be implemented

 

2. If appropriate a second verbal warning may be given depending on the behavior following the same steps outlined above.

 

3. A “time-out” or loss of privileges for a preset amount of time depending upon the inappropriate behavior:
   1. If a verbal warning has been given and the behavior persists the adult responsible has the authority to give the student a “time-out” for a period of time they deem appropriate – normally anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes.
   2. While at lunch a student may be moved to a separate table for that lunch period.
   3. While on the bus a student may be moved by the bus driver or school administration to the front seats.
   4. If the initial “time-out” is not effective then additional time may be administered or the student may lose his/her entire recess and building administration will become involved.

 

4. If the behavior(s) by the student is considered so serious (hitting, threatening bodily harm, the use of vulgar or disrespectful language to student or adult) in direct violation of the District’s Code of Conduct then the adult responsible for the student has the authority to remove the student and have them meet with a school administrator so that appropriate consequences may be administered. 

 

5. Depending on the type, severity, and frequency of student behavior parents may be notified and record of the behavior will be kept within the student’s file.  In all cases where a student has lost their recess privileges due to detention parents will be notified by the school administration.

 

 Guidelines for behavior During Playground/recess
 

• Students are expected to obey directions given by all supervisors and adults while on the playground.
• Students must not enter any of the play areas without adult supervision.
• Follow game and play equipment rules:
  • Slide DOWN the slides; do not climb up
  • One way only on bars
  • Swings must be shared. Approximately 5 minutes per turn if others are waiting
• While on the back playground students are not permitted on the center walkway leading to the main lobby, behind the wall leading to the Library windows, or outside the playground fence.
• While on the front playground students are not permitted near the Kindergarten classrooms, near the Communications Class window, on/or behind the stairs exiting the 1^st grade hallway, in the woods that border the softball fields/basketball courts, or behind the softball field dugouts.
• No throwing or picking up dirt, sand, woodchips, rocks, or sticks.
• Have respect for your fellow classmates. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. No play fighting, wrestling, or rough role play type games are allowed.
• Be courteous and a good sport
  • Football, kickball, soccer, box ball, tag, etc. are all “non contact” activities at Hillside
  • Games that require one person to tag the other are all “one-hand” touch
• Everyone is expected to speak respectfully to one another, foul language is not permitted.
• Remember that we share our play areas with the community. Be polite, but please don’t speak with visitors or play with animals on the playground.
• When the whistle is blown indicating recess is over students are responsible for quickly lining up, quieting down, and preparing themselves for entry back into the school building. 
• There is adult supervision evenly spread out on the playgrounds and in the APR/Small Gym.  If a student needs to speak with an adult they should report to the closest individual.  The aide/monitor will resolve the situation or notify school administration.  
• During indoor recess due to weather students must be respectful of their classrooms, fellow students’ personal property, and classroom/teacher materials.  Five minutes prior to the aide/monitor calling students to line up for lunch students will be notified to begin cleaning up and preparing for lunch.

 

 The following rules apply when early bus arrival and late bus dismissal are indoors:

• • Students are expected to obey directions given by all supervisors and adults.
  • Students should sit with their classes.
  • Playing soccer or the throwing of any balls (objects) is not allowed. Balls and or other objects will be taken by the aides/monitors.
  • Students are encouraged to talk with their friends and fellow classmates, however screaming and yelling will not be tolerated.
  • Keep your hands and feet to yourself. No play fighting, wrestling, or rough role play type games are allowed. 
  • Students are not allowed to swing or throw their backpacks.
  • Students are allowed to play games that require everyone to be seated, and if an object is to be slid from one player to the next it needs to be done in a safe responsible manner.  Students that do not follow these rules will lose the opportunity to participate.
  • There is adult supervision evenly spread out in the APR/Small Gym.  If a student needs to speak with an adult they should report to the closest individual.  The aide/monitor will resolve the situation or notify school administration.  

 

Guidelines for Behavior During Lunch

·        While eating lunch, students are expected to display the same manners and types of behavior they would have at home around the dinner table or at a restaurant.  Out of respect for their fellow classmates students should not:

o       Scream or yell

o       Throw food/lunch items

o       Leave their table a mess with food, wrappers, milk containers, etc.

·        Before using the bathroom or water fountain students must raise their hand and receive permission from a lunch monitor/aide before leaving the cafeteria.

·        Students should remain in their seats with their classmates until their teacher arrives to walk them back to class.

Guidelines for Behavior In The Hallways

·        Hillside students have the utmost respect and concern for safety when it comes to their fellow classmates, therefore the following behaviors are expected at all times when one is in the hallways:

o       Absolutely no running

o       Speak with an inside voice, no yelling

o       Keep your hands and feet to yourself

o       Be courteous to other students in the hallway and walk on the right side

While students are riding the bus to / from school and during field trips they are expected to follow directions given by the bus driver or accompanying teachers.  While on the bus students are expected to:

·        Sit in the appropriate section of the bus – Kindergarteners at the front, followed by first grade, second grade, third grade, and finally fourth grade at the rear of the bus.

·        Students should sit two to a seat; backpacks and instruments should be on the floor.

·        Students should use an indoor voice, no screaming or yelling.

·        Students are not permitted to stand or change seats while the bus is moving

·        Students are not permitted to eat, drink, or use a musical instrument while on the bus.

 

Consequences for not following the Rules at Hillside Elementary

 

If students do not follow the above rules students will be subject to the following disciplinary actions:

 

1.      A verbal warning and discussion as to why the stated behavior is not acceptable.

2.      If appropriate a second verbal warning may be given depending on the behavior following the same steps stated above.

3.      A “time-out” or loss of privileges for a preset amount of time depending upon the inappropriate behavior.

4.      While in the hallways a student may be asked to return to his/her class to walk if they are found running.

5.      While in the cafeteria a student may be moved to a separate table and lose the privilege of eating with his/her classmates for that lunch period.

6.      If the behavior(s) by the student is considered so serious (hitting, threatening bodily harm, the use of vulgar or disrespectful language to student or adult) in direct violation of the District’s Code of Conduct then the adult responsible for the student has the authority to remove the student from recess and have them meet with a school administrator so that appropriate consequences may be administered. 

7.      Depending on the type, severity, and frequency of student behavior parents may be notified and record of the behavior will be kept in the student’s file.  In all cases where a student has lost their recess privileges due to detention parents will be notified by the school administration.