What is our discipline philosophy here at OIS?
The discipline policy at OIS is a collaborative effort on the part of the school, parents, and students. Discipline does not necessarily mean punishment. Social and emotional learning is the core of everything we do at OIS. Our teachers practice Responsive Classroom procedures on a regular basis (creating, establishing, and maintaining positive classroom climate and relationships as well as modeling and reteaching all expectations). In addition, we utilize an amazing social and emotional curriculum (CharacterStrong) which students engage with weekly. In the OIS Tribune, there is a detailed update on what is being taught through CharacterStrong. We focus on the following character traits: Respect, Responsibility, Gratitude, Empathy, Perseverance, Kindness, Cooperation, Courage, Honesty and Creativity . These traits are woven into all settings from specials to academic learning.
Every October our social and emotional lessons are all related to bullying, as we place high importance on this topic. In addition, October is National Bullying Prevention month. There are many resources and activities used, planned, and carried out to make this learning experience engaging and informative for all students. When teaching students about bullying we also cover examples of unkind words, unpleasant exchanges, or behavior that causes hurt feelings as “mean moments,” as we all will make mistakes with our friends as we learn and grow socially and emotionally during our time at school. We use mistakes as opportunities to reteach and model our expectations (following our Responsive Classroom practices).
Bullying Policy at OIS
The definitions of bullying taught to our students are pulled from Social and Emotional resources (Smart Guidance and the Bullying Prevention Curriculum designed for 3-5 grade). They read as following:
- “Bullying is an imbalance of power where a person uses repeated physical or emotional actions to hurt another person’s belongings, feelings, or body on purpose.”
- “Bullying is a pattern of hurtful behaviors that harm people physically, emotionally, or socially. Bullying usually involves an imbalance of power.”
The following are general consequences. Consequences are under the discretion of the principal depending on the severity of the incident.
Incident one:
- Warning (depending on severity)
- Conference with Principal
- Perpetrator will complete an Accepting Responsibility Form #1
- Written apology to victim
- Parent/guardian letter sent home
Incident two:
- Lunch Detention or in-school suspension (depending on severity)
- Conference with Principal
- Completed citizenship contract
- Perpetrator will complete an Accepting Responsibility Form #2
- Parent/guardian called or emailed and letter sent home
- Written apology to victimWritten paper addressing the following:
- Definition of bullying/harassment; The effects that bullying/harassment can have on victims; consequences received by offenders; and suggestions on how you will avoid a third incident. This paper is due 2 days after it is assigned. If it is not completed, in-school-suspension could result until it is completed.
Incident three:
- In or out of school suspension (depending on severity)
- Conference with Principal
- Completed citizenship contract
- Perpetrator will complete an Accepting Responsibility Form #3
- Parent conference
- Written apology to victim
- Incident may be reported to District Administrator and/or Law Enforcement
At OIS students are given more opportunities to practice independence and responsibility as we are preparing them for their transition to middle school. Teachers are departmentalized and students begin their transitions in the hallway on their own as they are not with their homeroom class for the entire day. With the additional responsibility of independence, we do see an increase in negative peer interactions as social skills are being developed, learned and practiced at this age. When negative interactions occur, we process, brainstorm alternative actions or choices, and implement consequences when necessary to continue to learn and grow students socially and emotionally. Students cannot grow if they are not given the chance.
Lunch Detention at OIS
Lunch detention is a way to hold students accountable at OIS. In order for a teacher to give a student lunch detention, the student is first given three redirections for having difficulties being respectful, responsible, and/or safe. Our teachers use best practices that align with our Responsive Classroom procedures to try to provide the student with multiple opportunities to correct their behavior. The three redirections a student may receive are: a verbal reminder, visual reminder or re-teaching the expectation- with the addition of allowing a movement break, taking a break alone, or taking a break in a buddy room.
Students at OIS will participate in lunch detention after receiving 3 redirections in regards to a specific behavior concern. Lunch detention will be hosted in the office the following day. The student will go to the office at the beginning of lunch. During lunch detention, students will need to complete a reflection sheet and process with someone in the office.
Immediate Principal Referral
Behaviors/situations which require immediate Principal Referral include, but are not limited to the following: fighting, threats, racial slurs, noncompliance, sexual harassment/bullying, theft/vandalism, physical violence, weapons, drugs/alcohol/tobacco, etc.