Code of Conduct

West Meadow Elementary School Code of Conduct

Purpose:

At West Meadow Elementary School, we are committed to creating a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe environment where every student can learn and grow (in accordance with the LRSD Administrative Procedure 307). 

Our Code of Conduct outlines the behaviors expected from students and the procedures followed when those expectations are not met. This Code is also in accordance with the LRSD Code of Conduct (Administrative Procedure 350). 

This document and the above mentioned Administrative Procedures are also aligned with Section 31 of the Education Act. 

Together, we strive to foster a positive school culture through shared responsibility among students, teachers, administrators, and parents or guardians.

Appropriate Student Behavior

Respect and Courtesy

• Treat others with kindness and respect.
• Use polite language and good manners.
• Listen and follow directions from all staff.

Responsibility

• Come to school prepared with necessary materials and completed assignments.
• Take responsibility for your actions and their outcomes.
• Follow school and classroom rules and procedures.

Safety

• Follow safety rules in the classroom, playground, and other areas of the school.
• Follow safety rules when off school property (field trips). 
• Report any unsafe conditions or behaviors to an adult.
• Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

Cooperation

• Work well with classmates and contribute to group activities.
• Resolve conflicts peacefully and seek help from adults when needed.
• Participate actively and do your best in all school activities.

Unacceptable Behaviors

Disrespectful Actions

• Using inappropriate language or gestures.
• Ignoring or defying instructions from teachers or staff.
• Teasing, or making fun of others.
• Any bullying as is defined in the LRSD code of conduct (physical, social, verbal and/or cyber)

Disruptive Conduct

• Interrupting or disturbing the learning environment.
• Engaging in behavior that distracts or prevents others from learning.
• Damaging classroom or school materials.

Unsafe Behavior

• Roughhousing, or engaging in other activities involving physical contact between two individuals that could cause injury.
• Bringing prohibited items such as weapons or harmful substances to school.
• Leaving the school grounds without permission.
• Threats (verbal and or physical) require referral to admin and/or FSL for resulting CSTAG protocols. 

Dishonesty

• Cheating on assignments or tests.
• Lying or providing false information to teachers or staff.
• Stealing or damaging others’ property.

Teacher Responsibility and Classroom Consequences

Teacher Responsibilities

• Proactively teach appropriate student behavior through direct lessons using the Seven Habits and Leader in Me framework.
• Model and encourage appropriate behavior through use of Seven Habits and Leader in Me framework.
• Differentiate for students who may require accommodations to support executive functioning, sensory regulation and/or emotional regulation. 
• Ex. A calm space or hands-on materials to support emotional regulation within the classroom (universal strategy to benefit all students) and/or a plan for regular use of the sensory room (targeted strategy–needs to be recorded in WISE plan/ISP. Expectations have been communicated for Sensory Room use and individual students should also discuss HOW the sensory room supports their needs with their classroom teacher). 
• Seek out supports and strategies for emotional/behavioral regulation from FSL, LST and request referrals for outside supports where appropriate. 
• Monitor and guide student behavior according to the Code of Conduct & Community Agreement
• Address minor infractions promptly and fairly.
• Maintain a positive classroom environment and implement preventive measures.
• Communicate with parents or guardians regarding issues. 

Classroom Consequences

• Verbal warning or redirection.
• Loss of privileges related to classroom activities (as are appropriate for that student–ie: a student who needs physical activity for regulation purposes needs PE)
• Time-out or reflection period within the classroom.
• Report to parents or guardians regarding the behavior.

Support Staff Responsibilities

• Model and encourage appropriate behavior through use of Seven Habits and Leader in Me framework. 
• Utilize strategies that are determined to be appropriate by the school learning team or case consult team for students requiring additional support with emotional/behavioral regulation. 
• Seek out supports and strategies for emotional/behavioral regulation from classroom teachers, FSL, LST and request referrals for outside supports where appropriate. 
• Monitor and guide student behavior according to the Code of Conduct.
• Address minor infractions promptly and fairly and refer larger infractions to classroom teacher and/or administration promptly. 

Administrator Responsibilities and School-Based Consequences

Administrator Responsibilities

• Support teachers in managing classroom behaviors and enforcing the Code of Conduct.
• Model and encourage appropriate behavior through use of Seven Habits and Leader in Me framework.
• Investigate and address more serious or repeated behavioral issues.
• Facilitate communication between teachers, students, and parents or guardians.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of consequences.
• Referral to FSL or other support services.
• Support teachers in creation of behavioral contract (WISE plan) outlining expectations and goals with LST and possibly Behavior Specialist support. 
• Communicate with staff regarding office referrals and resulting consequences.

School-Based Consequences

• Short time out in office followed by reflective conversation with admin on relationship repair with any individuals affected. 
• Missed recess also followed by reflective conversation with admin. 
• In-school suspension or detention (repeated offenses require increasing length of in school suspension). 
• All in-school suspensions will be communicated to home by admin. 
• Out-of-school suspension for severe or repeated offenses, following LRSD Admin Procedure 348 regarding Progressive Discipline and section 36 of the Education Act. 
• These will also increase in length as per the LRSD Admin procedure 348.

In situations where physical altercations occur the Admin Procedure 348 

(Progressive Discipline - see number 5 from policy below) will be followed:

1. The first offense will constitute a warning. Admin discretion whether parent contact is required depending on the seriousness of the offense. 
2. Recess penalties will occur. Parent contact by admin. 
3. Following a full day of recesses missed, a part-day in school suspension will be considered. 
4. Following the institution of in-school suspensions, out of school suspensions may be considered of increasing length as needed. Parents will be notified by admin for all suspensions as mentioned above. 
5. Responding to student behaviour: When responding to unacceptable student behaviour, the principal and/or teacher must consider:
1. The age, maturity, and individual circumstances including the student's social, emotional, developmental and cognitive levels;
2. The student's learning needs;
3. The nature and severity of the action or incident;
4. The effect of the student’s behaviour upon other students, the staff, the school environment, and the community;
5. The student’s previous conduct and previous interventions;
6. The impact of proposed action on the student’s future behaviour; and
7. And other information that the teacher or principal considers relevant in assessing the response to the behaviour.

Parent or Guardian Responsibility

• Cooperate and maintain a positive and collaborative relationship with the school as outlined in Admin Procedure 307 (Welcoming, Caring, Respectful and Safe Learning Environments)
• Request a meeting with teacher and/or administration in the event of questions or concerns
• Ensure student’s regular attendance and punctuality
• Support and reinforce the WMES and LRSD Code of Conduct (Admin Procedure 350) expectations
• Attend meetings with teachers or administrators when necessary
• Comply with LRSD Administrative Procedure 132 regarding Public Civility in Schools

Conclusion

The partnership between students, staff, and families is vital for creating a supportive and effective learning environment. Please see the aligning WMES Community Agreement, co-created by staff and students, which offers a student-friendly version of these expectations. By adhering to the Code of Conduct and Community Agreement, we can ensure that West Meadow Elementary School remains a place where every student can thrive and succeed.