NSU University School Student/Parent Handbook 2016-2017

Page 8 2. bullying through social exclusion or isolation 3. physical bullying such as hitting, kicking, shoving, and spitting 4. bullying through lies and false rumors 5. having money or other things taken or damaged by students who bully 6. being threatened or being forced to do things by students who bully 7. racial bullying 8. sexual bullying 9. cyber bullying (via cell phone, Internet, social media, etc.) Children Are the Solution Bullying is a social control phenomenon within the peer group. Adults have an important sideline role as teachers, cheerleaders, and disciplinarians. Children themselves have the primary responsibility and the power to change bullying. Bullying exists when targets are willing to be victims and onlookers remain passive and when victims inaccurately believe the situation cannot change. Children themselves have to take a primary role in stopping bullying. LOWER SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY Discipline, responsibility, and behavior by choice are essential behavioral standards for success in the Lower School. Students are expected to conduct themselves cooperatively and with positive attitudes at all times. Established school rules and procedures for safety, respect, and smooth operation dictate expected behaviors. These expectations are for all students and parents. These policies clearly define the conduct required of each student and parent. In order to ensure a safe, peaceful, and cooperative atmosphere for all children, we will closely, yet fairly, adhere to the standards for behavior of this school, and expect students and parents alike, to assume responsibility for supporting these behavioral expectations. There are two basic expectations for Lower School self-discipline: 1. “I will be a responsible student.” 2. “I will be respectful and caring of my classmates and teachers.” These basic expectations are posted in each classroom area. They are described as “expected behaviors” for all students. Through guided activities and direct instruction, students generate a list of age/grade-appropriate specific behaviors for each category. These specific behaviors are incorporated in behavioral agreements or “contracts and commitments” signed by all students. Copies of the contracts and commitments, with a cover letter, are sent home with all students. A “sign and return” portion ensures that parents are aware of Lower School behavioral expectations. The focus of our behavioral philosophy is for each student to be self-disciplined. Each student must individually understand and fulfill his or her role in ensuring a productive and safe learning environment. It is also important that students know that there are rewards and consequences for their good and bad choices. Remember that we expect students to be responsible and self-disciplined. These are basic values and character traits. They are acknowledged, but rarely rewarded with special performances. The types of behavior that will be addressed with disciplinary action include, but are not limited to physical aggression, inappropriate language, lying, cheating, stealing, and destroying property. Should the student engage in behavior that is recurrently irresponsible, disrespectful, disruptive, or dangerous to him/herself or others, disciplinary action will be rendered immediately in accordance with administrative guidelines. Disciplinary action always includes notification of the parents, as we consider our job a partnership. In the event of misconduct, consequences will be applied that are both age and developmentally appropriate in an effort to elicit the desirable behaviors. Disciplinary Action may, at times, require a student to participate in an in-school Reflective Time Out. Self-reflection is an effective approach that encourages the child to accept responsibility for his/her actions and seek ways to correct misbehaviors. During the In-school Reflective Time Out, a student will be removed from class to a more isolated area, supervised by a school administrator or other school personnel. Books, games, hand held electronic devices, etc. are not permitted during Reflective Time Out. Students may receive a full day out