In situations where a child continues to demonstrate an unwillingness to comply with classroom rules or expectations, the six disciplinary steps below will be followed in an effort to change that pattern of behavior. In situations where a child’s sinful nature has exerted itself in open rebellion against God’s Word (gross misconduct such as fighting, bullying, stealing, inappropriate language, open defiance, disrespect, vandalism, cheating, etc.), the school’s administration may choose to bypass steps one through three if necessary.
Step 1 The child will lose classroom and extracurricular privileges for a period of five school days. The teacher will contact the parent(s) and plan a course of action. The teacher will document the meeting and the plan of action. This step is carried out when:
- A pattern of misbehavior is evident.
- A pattern of late work continues (Gr. 5-8: 3 late assignments in a week).
- There is an instance of gross misconduct.
Step 2 The child will lose classroom and extracurricular privileges for a period of five school days. The teacher and parent(s) will meet to discuss the situation and develop a united plan for disciplining the child. The teacher will document the meeting, the plan of action, and the potential future consequences. This step is carried out when:
- A pattern of misbehavior is evident.
- A pattern of late work continues (Gr. 5-8: 3 late assignments in a week).
- There is an instance of gross misconduct.
Step 3 The child will lose classroom privileges for a period of five school days and will be removed from extracurricular activities for the remainder of the season. The teacher, parent(s), and principal will meet to further discuss the situation and to join in a united effort in disciplining the child. The principal will document the meeting, the plan of action, and the potential future consequences. This step is carried out when:
- A pattern of misbehavior is evident.
- A pattern of late work continues (Gr. 5-8: 3 late assignments in a week).
- There is an instance of gross misconduct.
Step 4 The child will be suspended for one school day (in-school suspension). In addition, the child will lose classroom privileges for a period of five school days and will be removed from extracurricular activities for the remainder of the season. The teacher, parent(s), principal, and pastor will meet to discuss steps that can be taken at home and at school, including recommendations for possible counseling, in an effort to change the behavior of the child. The principal will document the meeting, the plan of action, and the potential future consequences. This step is carried out when:
- A pattern of misbehavior is evident.
- A pattern of late work continues (Gr. 5-8: 3 late assignments in a week).
- There is an instance of gross misconduct.
Step 5 The child will be suspended for two school days (out-of-school suspension). In addition, the child will lose classroom privileges for a period of five school days and will be removed from extracurricular activities for the remainder of the season. The teacher, parent(s), principal, and pastor will meet to discuss steps that can be taken at home and at school, including recommendations for possible counseling, in an effort to change the behavior of the child. The principal will document the meeting, the plan of action, and the potential future consequences. This step is carried out when:
- A pattern of misbehavior is evident.
- A pattern of late work continues (Gr. 5-8: 3 late assignments in a week).
- There is an instance of gross misconduct.
Step 6 The principal will request that a special meeting of the Board of Education be called for the purpose of recommending that the child be expelled from school. The pastor, teacher, and parents of the child will be asked to attend this meeting. The principal will document the meeting. This step is carried out when:
-
- A pattern of misbehavior is evident.
- A pattern of late work continues (Gr. 5-8: 3 late assignments in a week).
- There is an instance of gross misconduct.
NOTE: St. Matthew’s follows Biblical principles and uses both law and Gospel in training young Christian disciples. Students are made aware of the seriousness of sin and are assured of God’s forgiveness in Christ. Because it is our prayer that students will not fall into a repetitive pattern of sinful behavior year after year, steps 3-6 will be considered if disciplinary measures are again necessary in subsequent years.