Conduct and Student Discipline
School Rules:
- Respect people
- Respect property
- Respect learning
School Habits:
In addition to the school rules, the five habits we are helping students master are: respect, improvement, diligence, empathy, and resilience. (The first letter of each word spell our mascot RIDER). Each year, all students are explicitly taught and trained on how our school rules and habits should look in each area of the school (classroom, lunchroom, hallway, bathroom, playground).
Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS):
At Pony Express, teachers and staff look to foster positive relationships with students while maintaining high expectations for behavior. We actively teach behaviors and habits that promote respect for all. As such, teachers are skilled in handling most behavioral problems within the classroom.
Rule infractions will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Pony Express staff is focused on teaching correct behaviors and habits, minimizing punitive punishments. We believe in using restorative practices when handling behavior difficulties. Questions that may be used in conferencing with students are:
- What happened
- What were you thinking of at the time?
- What have you thought about since?
- Who has been affected by what you have done?
- What do you think you need to do to make things right?
Teachers and administration hope to partner with you in helping our students be successful in all areas. If you have a specific concern, please reach out to your child’s teacher first.
For serious offenses, such as aggressive behavior, fighting, destroying school property, ongoing bullying, students will meet with administration and a plan will be created with the input of parents, administration, and the teacher.
Other Class Time-Out:
For disruptive or defiant behavior within the classroom that does not warrant an office visit, teachers may make use of our Other Class Time-Out intervention. Students will be given a think sheet to complete, along with any schoolwork, and escorted to another teacher’s classroom where they will complete their work quietly. They will return to class within a short time period (10-20 minutes).