Discipline Policy

Parents and teachers play a vital role in teaching children good manners and behavior. School and home will work together and cooperate to establish common goals and help students behave appropriately. We expect parents’ support and follow up in this regard. Good behavior and learning go hand in hand.  Simple rules have been established to ensure your child has positive learning experiences within a safe environment.  Children need to learn the importance of accepting responsibility for their actions and being respectful and orderly.

All students are expected to follow the rules and procedures, and we will help them learn to do so in a positive and fair manner.

Classroom Rules

Each classroom teacher will develop and enforce a classroom management plan that will not only help students maintain proper, respectful behavior, but will also create an atmosphere where learning can take place. The management system is relevant to positive reinforcement of accepted behavior.  Students are expected to follow all class rules as instructed.  Some of the class rules are as follows:

1. Keep your hands, feet, and personal objects to yourself
2. Leave your seat only with permission
3. Keep the room clean and tidy
4. No food, drinks, or gum is allowed in the classroom.

Assembly Rules

1. Be courteous and quiet during the entire assembly.
2. Be respectful to the presenter/speaker.
3. Follow all dismissal directions.
4. Follow all teacher/staff directions.
5. Students cannot enter the building before the morning line on Sundays.

Corridor Rules

In order to maintain safety and an orderly atmosphere, students must conduct themselves respectfully in the school corridors whenever changing classes, and leaving or entering the classroom areas.

1. Students must enter the classes immediately after the bell.
2. Running, shouting and playing in corridors is not allowed.

1. Students are not allowed to visit friends or interrupt another classroom.

Canteen and Cafeteria Rules

Students may purchase items from the school canteen or bring items from home. The canteen is also available during break times and lunch times. Students should go through the canteen line in an orderly, polite manner and pick up their purchases. Students should dispose of all litter in the bins placed throughout the area.  Canteen staff will stop selling by bell. Even if it’s your turn after a long line, you are supposed to leave the cafeteria/canteen when the bell rings.

Playground Rules

1. Students should not use the elementary playground equipment.
2. Students are not allowed to bring their own sports equipment from home. Students who use school equipment are responsible to return it to the proper storage place after break.
3. There will be no pushing, wrestling, play fighting or water fighting.
4. Students will stop playing immediately when the bell rings.
5. Students should not eat in the play areas/soccer field and should not sit on the tables.

Prayer Room Rules

Students should exhibit the same respectful behavior as if they were in any mosque. Students will be taught the proper procedures for ablution and prayer during their religion lessons and at the prayer time.

It is the student’s responsibility to arrange praying time. Praying is not an excuse to be late to classes.

1. Keep the prayer room and ablution areas clean
2. Keep your voice low
3. Leave your shoes outside

Computer Labs and Internet usage rules

1. Internet access is given to users who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.
2. School personnel may access Internet users’ files.

Users may not:

1. Use another person’s username and/or password
2. Use the network for commercial, political and/or personal nonacademic uses
3. Access the system to encourage the use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
4. Access material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit, or that could be construed as harassment of others based on their race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or political beliefs
5. Use the Internet in any unethical or illegal manner
6. Use personal e-mail accounts and any instant messaging programs or social networks such as Facebook.
7. Use proxy websites to access blocked websites by RISE administration
8. Violate any copyright laws
9. Use non educational games
10. Damage the computer, computer systems, or computer networks
11. Trespass in another’s folders, work, or files
12. Change the computer settings and fixtures.

Violation of the above rules may result in a disciplinary action. If the user is not sure how to do something on the computer, ask a teacher or the system administrator. Failure to comply with computer lab rules will result in a lowered grade and other disciplinary consequences.

      Prohibited Items

• Cameras, Tablets, CD players, MP4, MP3, Game Boys, PS, …
• Laptops
• Cosmetics/make up materials
• Skate boards, roller blades, balls, and items which are potentially dangerous
• Playing cards
• Jewelry
• Sports equipment from home
• Toys, beads
• Permanent markers

All such items will be confiscated and held until the parent comes in to pick it up, or until the end of the semester. School staff and administration assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of such items.

Note: The school has the right to search the students’ pockets, lockers, and bags for prohibited items at any time and without prior notice.

             Bathroom Policy

Students have enough time to meet their bathroom needs, as there are 5-10-minute short breaks after each session and a 30-minute lunch break during a day.  Students cannot use bathroom during class hours. Students must keep them clean every time.

Disciplinary Actions

Students who are found to violate the school’s code of conduct may be subject to the following penalties.

Students start with 100 discipline points/marks.

1. The students whose disciplinary marks reduced below 95 will not be granted High Honor Roll; and the students whose disciplinary marks reduced below 90 will not be granted Honor Roll.

2. The students whose disciplinary marks reduced to 90 will receive a formal warning, which requires a meeting.
3. The students whose disciplinary marks reduced to 85 will receive a further formal warning, which requires a meeting between assistant principal and parent.
4. The students whose disciplinary marks reduced to 80 will be deprived of any kind of school activity.
5. The students whose disciplinary marks reduced to 75 will not be granted any kind of certificates issued by school, nor a recommendation letter for some subjects such as Math, English and any of the science subjects.
6. The students whose disciplinary marks reduced to 70 will receive a formal warning which requires a meeting with the school’s discipline committee in order to sign a discipline probation letter.
7. The school administration and discipline committee may issue suspension punishments when it deems necessary.
8. The school administration reserves the right to change the disciplinary marking and consequence system when it considers necessary. In this regard, school administration has no obligation to inform concerned people beforehand.
9. The students whose disciplinary marks reduced to 70 will receive probation letter.
10. The students whose disciplinary marks reduced below 70 will be referred to School Ethics Committee where the decision of expulsion may be taken.

The following is the Offense Level Based (OLB) consequences for disciplinary situations.

Consequences for Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 Offenses

1. Level One
2. Warning/Counsel the student
3. Phone call home; alternate writing assignment
4. Teacher directed detention; referral to office with offence reporting form
5. Referral via Jupiter to DC for deduction of disciplinary grade

1. Level Two
2. Phone call home (Mandatory)
3. Referral to Class Advisor /Counsel the student
4. Call parent for meeting
5. Class Advisor directed detention/ Referral to office with offence reporting form as filled
6. Out of School Suspension by DC (1 to 3 days)

III.   Level Three

1. Call parent for meeting (Mandatory)
2. Referral to Assistant principal
3. Out of school suspension by DC (4 to10 days)
4. Civil citation/Arrest (Law Enforcement)

1. Level Four
2. Call parent for meeting (Mandatory)
3. Out of school suspension up to 15 school days
4. Recommendation for Expulsion
5. Back on Track- four counseling sessions and behavior contract
6. Referral to Alternative School
7. Civil citation/Arrest (Law Enforcement)

Note:

Consequences will be assessed and assigned by the Discipline Committee.

Expulsions will be recommended by the Principal and School Ethics Committee.

Arrest/Civil Citation will be recommended by the Principal and Law Enforcement.

 Suspension

Before executing a suspension, parents of the students shall be called to school to discuss and inform them of reasons and probable consequences of committed offence. The school administration shall immediately notify the parent(s) in writing that the student has been suspended from school.  Phone call notification shall also be given if the school has been provided with a contact telephone number of the parent(s). The days of out-of-school suspension are counted as unexcused absences and students will not receive credit for work done. Parents cannot pick the day of suspension. The Discipline Committee decides the date(s) and length of the suspension.

Probation Letter

Probation letter will be submitted to the parent of students who have severe behavior issues or who cannot correct their behaviors after several consequences. The letter is an agreement between school and parent about the student’s behavior. If there is no improvement in student`s behavior during the probation period, parents will accept to withdraw their child from school. According to agreement, the student may be subjected to possible immediate dismissal from school in case of major offenses.

Administrators decide upon the student’s probation letter at any time when required.

Expulsion

The decision to expel any student will be made in writing and will include the reasons for the expulsion by the School Ethics Committee.

Positive Consequences

The school staff has committed itself to encouraging and supporting the attainment of academic skills as well as social skills, such as mutual respect, friendship, alternatives to aggression, etc. To inspire and encourage students to develop their potential in all of these areas, the following incentives will be used for positive behavior:

• Individual awards/recognition
• Good behavior points
• Classroom awards/recognition
• Certificates
• Displays
• Positive contact with home
• Special activities (Parties, field trips, movie nights, picnics, etc.)
• Publications

Unacceptable Student Behavior and Due Process

    Fighting

Fighting is considered to be any instance of physical contact in anger, regardless of whether fists or weapons are used.  All students caught arranging fights or participating in fights will be held accountable for the incident.

When threatened with physical violence by another student, the proper and expected response from students is to go directly to the nearest school staff member. Fighting or hitting back is not an acceptable option to defend oneself. If a student responds with violence to a provocation, both students will be held accountable and will suffer the consequences.

Horseplaying

Any kinds of inappropriate physical contact, throwing objects, chasing each other in the hallway, etc. will have severe consequences.

Cell Phone Policy

Use of cell phones in school premises can be disruptive to the educational environment and is not acceptable.

Contact with parents in the event of illness or other urgent matter will be managed through the school office after a student has been referred to or attended by the school doctor for treatment or assistance.

The use of cell phones on school premises is prohibited. Cell phones must be switched off and not visible anywhere in the school premises during the school time. Exceptions will be made for medical or emergency situations with consultation and approval by administration. School and staff are not responsible if a student’s mobile telephone is stolen or lost. If a student is caught using the cell phone and refuses to hand it over to the teacher or administrator, the student will be referred to the Discipline Committee.

Any form of picture taking can be considered an invasion of personal privacy; therefore before students take any pictures of the building, staff or students, permission must be obtained from the administration.  Permission must also be gained before the image can be used in any way. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary measures.

Standard policies on offences:

• First offense: Confiscation for a week
• Second offense: Confiscation for a semester
• Third offense: Confiscation till the end of academic year

It is the school policy to suspend the students if found involved in recording, distributing, or uploading inappropriate images or videos of other students, parents, or staff on school premises or on trips.

 Tardiness

Unusual tardiness will be considered as disciplinary action.

Skipping Class

Being late to class 3 minutes or more is considered skipping class. Students who skip or leave class without teacher permission will be referred to the discipline committee.

Class disturbance

Teacher warns distracting students. This warning may include verbal or written warning, private meeting, talking to parent, depriving from a reward, cutting his/her behavior points, etc. If a student doesn’t correct his/her behavior, the teacher may deduct disciplinary points according to the severity of the disturbance.

Disrespect towards an authority

It is an offence not to follow the directions of teachers, principal, or other supervisory staff the first time given. Disrespect towards authority may be by arguing, talking back, questioning orders given or display of inappropriate attitude, including inappropriate body language. The consequence of committing any one of the above offences (depending on the case) will require point deduction or referred to discipline committee.

   Bullying & Cyber Bullying

Bullying, verbally or physically, such as making unwelcome advances or any form of improper physical contact; and any speech or action that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive is unacceptable in learning environment. Each student deserves an equal opportunity to education without dealing with the negative pressures of peers. Bullying consists of any of the following: “pushing, shoving, hitting, spitting, name calling, picking on, and making fun of, laughing at, and excluding someone physically.” Bullying causes pain and stress to victims and is never justified or excusable as “kids being kids”, “just teasing”, “joking”, “playing around” or any other rationalization.

Cyber bullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.

Examples of cyber bullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. The consequence of committing any one of the above offences (depending on the case) will require point deduction and/or referral to discipline committee.

Morning Assembly

Students are supposed to follow the directions of morning supervisor or teachers. Morning supervisor/ Vice Principal keeps record of misbehaviors. Point deduction will be applied.

Academic Dishonesty

Cheating on tests, plagiarism, and/or any other types of deception to get credit without effort are unacceptable conduct. Students are expected to know and abide by the standards and procedures set by the administration. Cheating and/or plagiarizing will result in severe consequences and the teacher will issue a failing grade (0) for the assignment and refer to the discipline committee.

Bringing Illicit/Pornographic,  etc. Material to School

Any material of this nature is not permitted at school or school functions.  Students found with such materials will be referred to Discipline Committee.

 Vandalizing Private or School Property

Students should take good care of school property. When an item is damaged due to negligence, unauthorized use or vandalism, the parent of the student at fault is held financially responsible. Students may be held accountable for their actions and consequences issued. Depending on the case, point deduction or decision of Discipline Committee will be applied. If a student does not fund the cost of the damaged item by the due date, other penalties and consequences will follow until the cost is paid.

 Forgery

Any attempt by a student to sign a teacher’s, administrator’s, parent’s/guardian’s, and or student’s name to any school document will be considered forgery and is referred to discipline committee.

Bus Distractions

A bus distraction may be disrespect to a matron or driver, not following directions, leaving seats frequently, hitting other students, talking loudly, etc. Improper behavior on the bus will be referred to discipline committee and might result in suspension of school bus service for a period of time. If problems continue, the student will not be allowed to use the bus service for the remainder of the year.

 Stealing

In the event of an attempt to steal private property either on school grounds or during a school activity, function, or event on school grounds, the student and his/her parents/guardians will be held responsible for any such action. Depending on the case, the student may be deducted point or referred to Discipline Committee

Smoking or Using Other Tobacco Products and/or Bring Such Products to School

This includes cigarettes, cigars, herbs, and smokeless tobacco. If a student smokes within the school premises including busses or around parking area the consequence is to be decided by discipline committee. Possession of tobacco products in purses or lockers has the same consequences.

Student Protest

Students have the rights to share their personal -nonpolitical- notions and concerns with faculty or administration through written or verbal communication, either through student council or their parents. Student protests are not allowed and are illegal.  If a protest is planned, authorities will be called and all students involved will be disciplined and a written letter will be placed in their permanent file. Any political discussion-taking place during school hours will result in severe consequences that will be decided by discipline committee.

Bringing Any Kind of Weapon to School

A weapon includes, but is not limited to, conventional objects like guns, pellet guns, knives, smoke bombs, fireworks, or club type implements as well as mace, tear gas, or other chemicals. It may also include any toy that is presented as a real weapon. It also includes objects converted from their original use to an object used to threaten or injure another. The administration reserves the right to all final decisions regarding the definition of what is a weapon. Bringing any kind of weapon to school will be referred to discipline committee. School personnel may search lockers, pockets, bags, coats, and/or any other containers at any time.

Gambling and/or Playing Cards:

Gambling includes but is not limited to card playing, dice shooting and sports pools and involves the transfer of money or personal belongings or assistance from one person to another. This kind of incidents will be referred to discipline committee

Physical Harassment

Unwanted physical touching, pinching, contact, and deliberate impeding, assault, or any intimidating interference with normal work are considered as physical harassment. Discipline committee will deal with the consequence of physical harassment.

Public Display of Affection

This means inappropriate behavior of affection, which is not for public places such as cuddling, physical contact, etc. Discipline committee will decide the consequence of any one of the above.

DISCIPLINE POINT SYSTEM

The purpose of the discipline point system is to:

1. Improve the educational environment for students, teachers, parents and staff.
2. 2. Inform students and parents of rules and policies.
3. Record discipline violations in a systematic way.
4. Predetermine disposition for violations, when possible.

Parents and students must be aware of school policy and procedures concerning acceptable and unacceptable behavior in our school.  Progressive discipline is based upon the belief that an individual does not have the right to infringe upon the rights of others.  Also, all people concerned with the school have the responsibility of creating a positive environment within the building on school property, or at any school event.

Awarding Policy

Honors

In keeping with the philosophy of the school system and its commitment to excellence in education, academic achievement will be recognized.

High Honor Roll:

A student must achieve a GPA of  3.75 to be placed on the high honor roll.

Honor Roll:

A student must achieve a GPA of 3.45 or above to be placed on the honor roll.

An F and unsatisfactory student conduct (Discipline point shouldn’t be less than “A”) will make a student ineligible for the High Honor Roll or Honor Roll.

 Merit Awards

Students receive special recognition at the school through a variety of awards and programs.  These awards are intended to promote and recognize academic skills, perfect attendance and good citizenship.

Certificate of Excellence

RISE Certificate of Excellence is granted to the students who achieve a GPA of 3.75 each semester.

Certificate of Appreciation

RISE Certificate of Appreciation is granted to the students who achieve a GPA of 3.45 each semester

Besides, the students who demonstrate an outstanding progress in the second semester receive RISE Certificate of Appreciation upon the decision of teachers committee.

Teachers and parents are expected to promote these awards as an encouragement, special contributions and incentive towards special effort and achievement by the student.  Specific awards and their criteria will be announced.