Guiding Principles

Athol Elementary

Guidelines for Student Behavior

SAFE, RESPONSIBLE, RESPECTFUL, and KIND

Dear Parent/Guardian,

In order to provide your child with a safe and orderly educational environment while attending Athol Elementary, guiding principles have been established and will be consistently followed by all staff members.

We believe that all children are different, and all actions and reactions are very personal in nature. Effective discipline involves a few overriding principles rather than a long list of specific rules. Situations will be dealt with as they arise, with the focus on enabling the child to grow and learn from his or her actions.

Guidelines for Student Behavior

1. You may engage in any behavior which does not create a problem for you or anyone else.

2. If you find yourself with a problem, you may solve it by any means which does not cause a problem for anyone else.

3. You may engage in any behavior that does not jeopardize the safety or learning of yourself or others.

In ensuring that the above guidelines are adhered to, Athol Elementary will operate with the following principles as our guide:

· We will react without haste or anger to problem situations.

· We will provide consequences that are not punitive but that allow the child to experience the results of a poor choice, enabling him or her to make better choices in the future.

· We will proceed in all situations with the best interest of the child foremost in mind—academic, social and emotional well-being will be fostered.

· We will guide students toward personal responsibility and the decision-making skills they will need to function in the real world.

· Consequences will be designed to fit the problems of the individual students and will be handled in such a way that the child will not be humiliated or demeaned.

We are encouraged by the use of this plan and we enlist your help and support. It is our belief that Safe, Responsible and Respectful students are students who will experience Freedom, Opportunity and Self-Respect.

In appreciation,

Mrs. Kathy Thomas