Trinity Lutheran School Discipline Policy

 It is considered a privilege to attend Trinity Lutheran School .  In order to promote good order in the classroom, on the school grounds and at school activities, the principal, teachers and coaches have the authority to establish reasonable procedures for maintaining order and discipline as may be necessary.

One of the most important responsibilities you have as a student in your school is good behavior.  Without good behavior, you do not learn what you should be learning, you make it hard for other students to learn, and you make it difficult for the teachers to teach.  If you do not behave s you should, discipline action will be taken by your teachers or principal.

Please do your part to follow the rules of the school.  If you do, you will learn more and you will enjoy school more.  It is the desire of the Board of Christian Education and principal to use this disciplinary policy with discretion and concern.  It is deemed necessary that teachers, parents and students be aware of the goals and expectations, as well as the consequences of failure to meet these goals and expectations.

Basic Standards of Conduct

Students are expected to follow these basic standards of conduct throughout the building and grounds.

1.  Respect the teachers and staff.
2.  Respect the rights of others.
3.  Respect the property of others.
4.  Respect the teaching/learning process.
5.  Respect the purpose of the school.

Classroom Discipline
At Trinity Lutheran School , we do not think of the term “discipline” as meaning punishment, but rather modifying behavior to teach self-control, Christian attitudes, orderliness and efficiency.  Therefore, the teacher will deal with the children in accordance with the teachings and philosophy of Christ, as it is found in God’s Word.

Classroom discipline is the responsibility of the individual teacher.  The teachers will tolerate actions acceptable for certain levels of growth, channel actions when necessary, and finally stop any undesirable behavior or conduct that interferes with the learning activity.  The children will be taught to understand that for happy living, it is necessary to love one another, serve one another and respect one another’s rights and privileges.  To assist both the students and their parents, each teacher will have a written set of classroom rules, as well as the consequences of disobeying these rules.  Students and parents are required to read and give their written acceptance of these rules.

In administering discipline, the teacher is guided by God’s Word.  In case the teacher is unable to obtain favorable conduct from a student, he will report errant behavior to the parents of the pupil.  If this does not produce desired results, the matter will be referred to the principal, and if necessary to the Board of Christian Education.  In all cases of discipline, Matthew 18 shall prevail:

1.  The teacher discusses the situation with the child and minor punishment may be administered according to the classroom policy.
2.  If the undesirable action or attitude persists, the teacher discusses the matter with the parents and informs the principal of the situation.
3.  The principal and/or pastor may counsel with the child.
4.  A consultation may be scheduled with any or all of the following involved: principal, pastor, parents, teacher, child.
5.  If the matter cannot be resolved, the child may be suspended or expelled from Trinity Lutheran School .

Guidelines which serve as a basis for administering corrective discipline at Trinity Lutheran School :

1.  Students at Trinity Lutheran School are responsible for their actions while at school and while they are representing Trinity Lutheran School to the community.  Failure to meet the responsibilities of young Christians may create the need for disciplinary action.
2.  The classroom teacher is encouraged to handle discipline measures to the best of their ability.  The teacher is encouraged to consult with both the principal and parents concerning specific problems in the classroom.  Teachers will maintain a discipline log for documentation of discipline concerns.
3.  Teachers are also encouraged to refer problem students to the principal due to repeated infractions of school and/or classroom rules, or due to the seriousness of the infraction.

Home-School Relationship Policy
The faculty wishes to work with children and parents who are willing to walk with us in ONENESS of spirit and purpose.  The home is and always will be the chief agency for the Christian training of the child.  A Christian Day School does not relieve the parents of their God-given obligation.  Rather, the purpose of our school is to serve as an important aid to and extension of the home in the vital work of Christian training.  If the home and school are both Christ Centered, your child is receiving the best education he or she can receive anywhere.

At times though, there may arise an occasion where there is a difference of opinion between the school, the teachers, the students or the parents.  Should problems arise, the procedure of rectifying these differences is as follow:
1.  Contact the teacher and discuss the matter.
2.  If the problem cannot be rectified with the teacher, then contact the principal who will set up a meeting with the parents, principal and/or teacher.
3.  If the problem cannot be rectified with the principal, then contact the Pastor, who will setup another meeting with all of the concerned parties.
4.  Should all the previous steps fail, all of the concerned parties should meet with the Board of Christian Education.  The decision of the Board will be final in all matters of policy and discipline.

It is advised for the parents wishing to speak with a teacher or the principal to call the school office to schedule an appointment.  Calls to the teacher’s home concerning school matters should be kept to a minimum.  The Board of Christian Education is always open to input from parents.  Yet, where there is a difficulty with the teacher, as Christians, we are obligated to follow the procedure outline in Matthew 18:15-20.  Malicious discussion by the teacher, student, or parents of another is wholly contrary to the Words of Jesus and the Eighth Commandment.

Student Referral to the Principal
1.  The first time a student is sent to the principal for discipline, the principal will give the student a written assignment dealing with the behavior, which will be done during the students recess period.  The principal will also send a note home with the student stating the reason the child was referred.  The parent should sign the note and return it the following school day.  If the signed not is not returned, the child will lose recess and not be able to participate in extra curricular activities for that day.
2.  The second time a student is sent to the principal for discipline, the principal will give the student a longer assignment dealing with the behavior, will schedule a counseling session with the student and will send a second note home.  A call will be made to the parent at home or work and a parent conference will be held.  At the conference, the behavior of the student will be discussed and a warning of the consequence of a third infraction will be given.
3.  The third time a student is sent to the principal for discipline will result in an in-school suspension of the student for the remainder of the school day, an F grade is subjects messed, and no allowance made for making up work missed.  Parents will be contacted by telephone and a conference will be scheduled concerning the student’s future studies at the school.
4.  For repeated behavioral problems or for gross misconduct of disobedience a student may be suspended by the principal and expulsion from the school may be recommended.

Suspension will be used only when no other disciplinary action appears to have been successful.  Gross misconduct or disobedience is that behavior which materially interferes with or substantially disrupts class of school discipline, procedures, educational processes or activities, or which endangers the health and safety of another person.  The following are example of the type of behavior which is considered by the school to constitute gross misconduct or disobedience:
a.  Physical assault, verbal threats of violence or other violent behavior.
b.  Intentional destruction of school or student property.
c.  Disrespect, insubordination or verbal abuse of school personnel, and/or
     other students.
d.  Repeated truancy or tardiness.
e.  Serious or repeated violation of the safety rules and regulations.
f.  The use of alcohol, cigarettes, or other illegal drugs.

Suspension
A suspension is not to exceed ten (10) days.  A suspension must be reported immediately to the parents or guardians of the student along with a full statement of the reasons for the suspension, the time, length, and a notice of their right to a review.  A copy of this report must be submitted to the Board of Christian Education.  At such a review (if requested), the parents or guardians may appear and discuss the suspension with the Board or its appointed hearing officer.  The hearing officer must be an impartial, noninvolved person.  The hearing officer must submit a written report to the full Board with a summary of the evidence heard at the meeting.  The Board of Christian Education may take such action as it finds appropriate.

Expulsion
An expulsion can take place only after the parents have been requested to appear at a meeting with the Board of Christian Education or its appointed hearing officer to discuss their child’s behavior.  Such request shall be hand delivered, registered mail, or certified mail.  The request shall state the time, place and purpose of the meeting.  The hearing officer shall preside at the hearing meeting.  He shall state the reasons for dismissal and the date on which the expulsion shall be effective.  The hearing officer shall submit a written report to the Board of Christian Education.  The report should include the original request letter and any evidence submitted at the review hearing.  The Board of Christian Education has the final authority in the case.

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Teachers should:
- Deal with students in Christian love and concern for their maturing faith.
- Develop and enforce a classroom management plan that is approved by the principal.
- Inform parents about academic progress and conduct of students.
- Plan and conduct an effective and motivation instructional program.
- Show concern for students’ needs and varying levels of achievement.
- Be sensitive to the behavior of students and alert to changes that require additional assistance for the student.
- Know and enforce the rules courteously, consistently and fairly; deal with misconduct quickly, firmly and impartially.
- Report undesirable school situations to the principal promptly.
- Assist with the discipline of students outside the regular classroom, on the school grounds, in the hallways and at school-sponsored activities both before and after school.

TEACHER RIGHTS
Teachers have the right to:
- Require a reasonable standard of orderly behavior in the classroom.
- Have the respect of students, parents, fellow staff members and the school administration.
- Support and assistance in the maintenance of control and discipline in the classroom.
- Instigate a conference with all parties involved when a student behavior problem has not been satisfactorily resolved.
- As a professional educator, teachers have the right to use his/her discretion in teaching and disciplining their students and to have their judgment respected by the student and his or her parents.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITY
Parents should:
- Be responsible for their child’s prompt and regular school attendance.
- Promptly notify the school of absenteeism.
- Recognize that, in matters relating to the discipline and conduct of the school, the teacher stands in relation to the parent or guardian to the child.
- Talk with their child about school activities; share with their child and with teachers an active interest in report cards, mid-terms reports and in school progress.
- Plan the time and place for homework assignments and provide the necessary supervision.
- Cooperate with the school in fulfilling recommendations made and carry out disciplinary actions taken in the best interest of their child.
- Assume financial responsibility owed to the congregation and school.

PARENT RIGHTS
Parents have the right to:
- Be granted reasonable access to school records pertaining to their child.
- Receive periodic official reports of their child’s academic progress.
- Be notified of their child’s violation of school rules and regulations.
- Be notified if their child has been sent to the principal’s office for counseling and/or discipline.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Students should:
- Come to school every day and be on time.
- Do their work.
- Ask their teachers for help.
- Help care for books, supplies and all school property.
- Obey all school rules, obey all teachers and staff both in school and at 
   school-sponsored activities.
- Be polite to all teachers and staff.
-  Not use bad words.
-  Be fair and kind to other students.
- Not fight or hurt other students.
- Dress appropriately and practice habits of personal cleanliness.
- Attain the best possible level of academic achievement
- Respect school and community property.
- Be responsible for his/her own actions.
- Take pride in school and school activities.
- Convey school messages to parents or guardians.
- Show how the love of Jesus is directing their actions.

STUDENT RIGHTS
Students have the right to:
- A meaningful learning experience.
- An appropriate and challenging curriculum.
- Protection from physical or verbal abuse.
- The opportunity to practice decision-making within the democratic process.
- Be discipline in private, if possible.
- Be disciplined in a humane and appropriate manner.
- A school climate free of violence and disruption.
-  Knowledge of the reasons for any discipline which may be administered.
- Know that Jesus forgives all of our sins daily.
- The freedom to try out for school and extracurricular activities if qualified.

(Revised 1998)