DISCIPLINE POLICIES
Grievances: the Matthew 18 Principle
Junior High / High School Discipline Policy
Grievances: the Matthew 18 Principle
Because the education process is an emotional journey, it is important that we establish a framework for conflict resolution. The purpose of this policy is to establish a process for timely and orderly resolution of student and/or parent concerns, questions, or appeals. It is the school’s intent that all disagreements be resolved at the source (teacher, director, etc.). If this is not possible, then resolution should take place at the lowest possible level. Throughout the appeal or complaint process, all parties should demonstrate mutual respect and the dignity of all parties involved will be preserved. The focus of discussions shall be on problem resolution that is mutually acceptable rather than an adversarial win-lose conclusion. No reprisals or retaliation of any kind shall be taken against a student or parent utilizing this procedure.
Appeal Process Steps:
1. Attempt to resolve the problem with the person most directly involved with the situation. In most cases, that person will be the teacher. It is our request that parents go to the source in any conflict, rather than someone unaffiliated with the school.
2. If the situation cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of both parties at step one, discuss it with the Director of Academic Affairs, the Director of Student Affairs, or if necessary, the President of the school.
3. Finally, if all other steps have proven unsuccessful, ask the Director or President of the school to set up a meeting with the Board of Directors. The Board is the final authority ion issue resolution.
Generally, students should abide by these basic guidelines:
1. Immediate obedience – Students should respond positively to any instruction given by those in authority. (Ephesians 6:5-7)
2. Honor Authority – Students are expected to give honor to all those in authority in both attitude and action. (Romans 13:1-2)
3. Absolute Honesty – Students should never lie, deceive, mislead, or fail to tell the truth. (Romans 13:13)
4. Christ-like Behavior – In all attitudes and actions, students should live according to biblical principles and values. (Ephesians 2:10, 5:1)
5. Complete Dependability – Students should keep their word and accept their necessary responsibilities. (Matthew 5:34-37)
The biblical and philosophical goal of
The goal of our discipline is to direct students toward acceptable behavior which helps develop self-control and to maintain order necessary to accomplish the academic and social growth desired. We do not see discipline as punishment, but rather correction. Students may be corrected for displaying behavior such as:
1. Actions that disrupt the class or interfere with the learning process of the child or of his classmates.
2. Actions that could possibly cause physical or emotional harm to the child or his classmates.
3. Actions in direct violation of a well-explained school or classroom rule.
4. Willful disrespect toward the teacher.
5. Use of profane or unwholesome language.
Most correction will be handled by the teacher through a progressive discipline policy beginning with a verbal warning, moving to the restricting a child’s privileges or freedoms. Parents will be notified if continued problems exist.
In cases where a problem persists and there is no behavioral change, a child will be sent to see the administrative staff (principal, or director of academic affairs) to discuss remaining options. If no progress is made after visiting with the administrative staff the parent will be called and further disciplinary measures discussed.
Students who consistently fail to respond to efforts of correction may be suspended or finally expelled. Much care is taken to ensure that correction is handled properly and without anger. We do not expect perfection from our students but reasonable cooperation.
Junior High / High School Discipline Policy
Students, by virtue of their enrollment at UCA, agree to accept the responsibility of adherence to the school’s standards of conduct or to be expelled if they can no longer, with integrity, conform to them. Furthermore, since UCA is a private Christian school, students are subject to searches of all personal belongings.
The purpose of the discipline system is to correct behavior, and UCA will follow a progressive discipline policy (where appropriate).
Please note that it is impractical and impossible to list every type of offense. The faculty and administration reserve the right to address and discipline any behavior or attitude that is inconsistent with the mission, philosophy, and conduct standard of the school.
Teachers will assign strikes for violation of school and classroom rules. Every 3 strikes the student will be sent to the office. The first trip to the office is a warning; the second trip will be detention or swats; the third trip will result in a one-day suspension with 0’s on all assignments; the fourth trip is a two-day suspension; the fifth trip is a three-day suspension. All strikes are erased at the end of each nine weeks.
A student with 0 strikes in all classes for a nine-week period will be rewarded.
A sampling of minor offenses is listed below:
1. Chewing gum
2. Talking without permission, or disrupting the teacher or class
3. Writing or passing notes or throwing objects in class, lunch room, or halls
4. Tardiness between classes
5. Failure to do homework
6. Failure to accept responsibility for academic work
7. Disobeying specific rules (classroom guidelines)
8. Not returning notes, progress reports, or report cards signed
9. See discipline clause above
A sampling of major offenses is as follows:
1. Carrying a weapon of any type, or anything that can be used as a weapon
2. Threatening a student, faculty member, or staff member in any form (written, verbal, text message, web log or journals, e-mail, or any other type of cyber-bullying)
3. Mistreatment of others, which includes but is not limited to, sexual harassment, tormenting, being habitually cruel, persistent teasing, making fun of or spreading rumors, mocking, belittling or encouraging exclusion, in any form; verbal, written, text message, web log or journals, e-mail, or any other type of cyber-bullying)
4. Fighting
5. Sexual immorality (includes obscene gestures, pornography, immoral actions, suggestive communication, etc.)
6. Frequent critical or derogatory remarks (toward another student or faculty)
7. Extortion
8. Disrespect, insolence shown toward authority
9. Physical display of affection (i.e. kissing, inappropriate touching, etc.)
10. Profanity
11. Leaving school grounds without permission
12. Abuse or willful destruction of school property
13.
14. Arson, false alarms, bomb threats, or other serious threats
15. Possession or distribution of: alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, prescription drugs, controlled dangerous substances, imitation controlled substances, inhalants, other intoxicants, and drug paraphernalia
16. Gambling
17. Lying
18. Stealing
19. Cheating
20. See discipline clause above
There are three types of suspensions:
- Level I in-school: Student can make up all work, but the highest mark they can receive is a 69. In-school suspensions require the child to bring their own lunch.
- Level II in school: Student receives 0’s on all work missed. In-school suspensions require the child to bring their own lunch.
- Out of school suspension: Student receives 0’s on all work missed.
School detention will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 a.m.
Corporal punishment may be administered by the school administration when deemed appropriate and necessary. Another staff member must witness it. A discipline report will be filed when action is taken. This report will be signed by the person who administered the punishment and by the witness. The action will be recorded on the child’s discipline sheet the day of the incident. The sheet must be signed and returned the following day.