Spruce Discipline Intervention Plan

It is the responsibility of all students, parents and staff to contribute to a quality-learning environment at Spruce Elementary.

We believe Spruce Elementary is a place where children come first.  All students have the right to an orderly, productive and safe learning environment.  No student has the right to deny another student’s right to learn.

The adults in the educational environment are responsible for achieving and maintaining a quality-learning environment.  Adults have the right to teach and guide students in an appropriate and respectful atmosphere.

Parents are entitled to receive information regarding both positive and negative behaviors that their student is engaged in.  They are expected to assist in carrying out the school expectations.  We welcome questions, comments and concerns from parents regarding the expectations and their contributions to it.

We recognize that students must know and understand the behaviors and work habits that they are expected to exhibit.  These behaviors will be taught and reinforced throughout the school year under our character education program and classroom curricula. 

We know that recognition of correct behaviors tends to encourage repetition of expected and appropriate student behaviors.  Therefore, we will recognize and reward positive behavior, in classrooms, in student assemblies, and through our Dragon Flame and Character Education programs.

Students who choose not to follow the procedures and practices outlined at Spruce can expect to receive guidance in making more appropriate choices, including the Behavior Intervention Steps outlined below. 

The Discipline Intervention Steps for Spruce Elementary are as follows:

Step #1:

The first step in addressing negative student behaviors will consist of application of various interventions.

 

Step #2:

The teacher and student call the parent to report the misbehavior. 

 

Step #3:

In the event that the behavior continues after step 2, a written report (discipline slip) is to be written out for the student and the student will be removed from recess until the form is returned to school, signed. 

 

Step #4:

Principal will conference with student and parents to develop a plan to improve student behavior and address school concerns. 

 

Step #5:

Suspension by Principal or Principal designee.

Please note that severe behavior, including behaviors that fall in the “Zero Tolerance” category may result in skipped steps. 

 


Please sign below and return to your child’s teacher as soon as possible

Adult Signature

Date

 

Student Signature

 

Date

Zero Tolerance Offenses

The following behaviors will result in immediate suspension (in house or out of house as appropriate)

·         Fighting:   According to district guidelines, fighting includes punching, hitting, kicking, pinching, play fighting and inappropriate touching.  http://school.edmonds.wednet.edu/users/kernsj/8000/8220r1.htm

·         Possession or use of firearms or dangerous weapons, drugs or alcohol.

·         Possession or distribution of pornographic material of any kind, electronic or printed.

·         Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying:  The Edmonds School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying for all students, employees, volunteers, and patrons. "Harassment, intimidation, or bullying" is intentional written, verbal, electronic, or physical action which:

 

  1. Physically or emotionally harms a student or damages the student's property; or
  2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education; or
  3. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
  4. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

 

The act of bullying is repeated negative and intentional actions, such as exclusion and intimidation designed to target and hurt a specific person. In bullying situations an imbalance of power exists in which the target has difficulty defending him or herself. Bullying can be physical, verbal, non-verbal or psychological and may be done by a single individual or a group. Bullying, harassment, or intimidation can also be carried out via electronic means by a student on school grounds during the school day.

 

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying can take many forms including slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, verbal, or physical actions. These acts may be motivated by characteristics in RCW 9A.36.080(3) including race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or by other distinguishing characteristics such as physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socio-economic status, gender identity, and marital status. The victim does not actually have to possess the characteristic for which he/she is being bullied, harassed, or intimidated.

Character Education:  In addition to providing students with a safe welcoming place to learn and grow in the classroom, we are dedicated to expanding that safety and sense of community throughout the entire school environment.  To do this, we will be focusing on one character trait per month.  That focus will include school wide use of terms, implementation of lessons, and many opportunities for students to be recognized for their understanding and use of the traits presented.  Please watch for further information on this process, including how you can help your child to develop a true understanding of our purpose, in your monthly newsletter.

 

The monthly traits are planned as follows:

 

September – Respect                                      December – Kindness                          March -- Patience

October – Responsibility                                  January – Perseverance                      April -- Honesty

November – Compassion                               February – Fairness                               May --Courage                       

                                                                                                                                    June -- Citizenship