Our philosophy of discipline begins with the recognition that the authority and responsibility to discipline come from God. Discipline has a moral content, and therefore, must be based on God’s standards of righteous conduct found in the Bible.
But while these standards are based on righteousness, they are also founded on love, for even God said that He chastens those He loves. We recognize that actions are often only a symptom of a deeper problem, so we will seek to address the root issue. Appropriate discipline will lead our children to growth in becoming disciples— followers of Christ.
Our purpose in discipline is to help students recognize their need to be accountable to God for their attitudes and actions, to be respectful of the authorities He has placed in their lives, and to develop self-discipline, which will reflect maturity in Christ.
Godly conduct from students will be expected in five areas (examples listed below each area):
1. Compliance with the school’s Honor Code
2. Orderly Conduct at School/Safety at School
a. no running inside building (walk quietly and orderly)
b. no toys, electronic music devices, etc.
c. no leaving school without permission
d. no fighting or abusing anyone physically
e. no possession of dangerous items (weapons, drugs, etc.)
3. Consideration of Others
a. complimenting, not name calling
b. cheering, not booing
c. encouraging words and actions, not hurtful and harassing ones
d. listening, not talking when others are talking
e. cleaning up after oneself
f. waiting one’s turn
g. showing courtesy and friendliness to all students, staff, visitors
h. valuing the inherent worth of another person
4. Respect
a. for God (no irreverent or rebellious attitudes and actions)
b. for property (no littering, misusing, defacing, destroying, forcing entry)
c. for staff, guest speakers, visitors
d. for others (no profanity, obscenity, suggestive language or gestures)
5. Obedience
a. to God’s Word (no lying, cheating, stealing)
b. to parents
c. to staff members
d. to school rules
e. to society’s laws
Discipline Procedures:
Staff will pray regularly for the students, and prayer will be integrated into the discipline process. The Discipline Plan will focus the student’s attention on the following five areas:
1. Recognition of the problem
2. Responsibility for the problem-causing action
3. Repentance to seek God’s forgiveness and help
4. Reconciliation to restore harmony and make amends/restitution
5. Resolution to do better in the future
Minor offenses will be handled by the teacher or other adult in charge. Teachers will have a sequential disciplinary plan for their own classrooms, which will be discussed with students and made available to parents. Additionally, teachers will document all disciplinary actions taken. Generally, if a child is separated from the classroom for disciplinary reasons, the parents will be notified. Repeated minor offenses will be treated as a major offense.
Punishment for major offenses will be tailored to the offense. A variety of disciplinary actions could be utilized depending upon the offense. However, two actions will always occur.
A. Parents will be notified when a major offense occurs.
B. Students will be required to complete a Discipline Action Plan, which parents
will sign, and which will become a part of the student’s permanent record.
Other corrective measures may include the following:
Detention (may include special tasks to be served concurrently)
Conference with administrator and parents
Suspension
Notification and/or conference with School Board
REPEATED offenses will be considered seriously and may be referred to the School Board for review and/or recommendation for student withdrawal from Madison Christian School.