"Research shows that the most effective schools are those with a well-ordered environment and high academic expectations." (H. Wong, 1998)

Dear Parents,

The key to an effective discipline plan is that everyone knows and understands the plan and supports it with consistency. To that end, the staff of El Camino Creek is committed to an effective plan which will allow all teachers the ability to teach and all students the ability to learn.

The function of a rule is to prevent or encourage behavior by clearly stating student expectations. There are two kinds of rules; general and specific. General rules are the more encompassing and may cover a plethora of behaviors. These should be easy to remember and therefore few in number. Specific rules are to the point and clearly cover one behavior. The specific rules for our school are outlined in the next section of this plan.

Respect others

Take care of your school

Be polite and helpful

Be prepared to learn

Follow directions the first time

If a student chooses to disregard the rules, the following consequences will be implemented;

Warning

Loss of Recess

Time out

Call Home

Student will be sent to the Principal

4^th –6^th grade students who are in time-out more than three times in a track segment will be assigned detention.

4^th-6^th grade students assigned detention more than three times in a track segment will be assigned to "in-school" suspension.

Students violating the following regulations will automatically be suspended for five days and could face possible expulsion from school;

Possession of any dangerous object of no reasonable use to the student at school. (E.g. gun or knives). Students may not be in possession of a gun or knife of any size on school property!

Unlawful sale of a controlled substance (e.g. drugs, tabacco, or alcohol)

Causing serious injury to another person

Robbery or extortion

We also believe in stressing the positive aspects of discipline. As stated in our school’s tenets, we believe that everyone deserves to be recognized for their efforts and accomplishments. In accordance with this tenet, we believe students should be recognized for following rules and demonstrating good behavior. Students who are "caught being good" will be given an "Explorer Passport" which they can redeem at the school store on a weekly basis.

As a staff, we will do everything possible to ensure your child’s academic and behavioral achievement. You are the most important person in your child’s life, so it is in the best interest of your child that we work together and support the discipline program. We appreciate your help and support in this area.

After reading this letter and discussing the attached school rules with your child please sign and return the "tear off" below.

Sincerely,

Kathy Brown
Principal

Respect others
Take care of your school
Be polite and helpful
Be prepared to learn
Follow directions the first time

• Students are lined-up and ready to go into class when the bell rings.
• Students keep their hands, feet, and all other objects to themselves.
• Students do not behave in ways that are dangerous or threatening, such as fighting, teasing, name calling, pushing, tripping or acting in any way that is hurtful to another student.
• Students may not bring toys, electronic games, or trading cards to school. Items brought to school for "sharing time" are to remain in the classroom and should not be brought onto the playground. Anything brought from home is brought at your own risk, realizing that items can be misplaced, lost, or stolen when brought on the school campus.
• Students do not bring dangerous items that can be used in a harmful manner to school.
• Students do not use profane, vulgar, or offensive language.
• Only those students having a disability or valid need, use the elevator.
• Students wear appropriate shoes, (no flip-flops) and clothing at all times at school. Hats are not worn in doors. Clothing that displays profanity, promotes violence, or advocates the use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol is not worn at school. Students do not wear make-up. Students wear clothes that cover their midriff and underwear.
• Students have a pass when they leave their classroom, particularly if they are going to the office or restroom. They will go directly to their destination and then return to class.
• Students are never in a classroom, pod area, or the media center unless under the supervision of a staff member. (This includes lunch and recess times.)
• Students who ride their bicycles to school wear a helmet and park and lock their bikes in the designated fenced area.
• Bikes, skateboards, and skates are not ridden on school grounds or on the sidewalks surrounding the school.
• Students use restrooms properly and do not play near them.
• Food is not eaten in the classrooms or media center except under approved circumstances. Gum is not chewed on the school grounds.
• Students make arrangements for being pick-up from school or going home with a friend before coming to school.
• Students do not use unkind or hurtful words.
• Students respect and care for all school property.

• Students follow the rules of the Peaceful Playground program when playing the designated games at recess and lunchtime.
• Students use playground equipment in the correct manner and for its intended use.
• Students walk at all times on the sidewalk, blacktop, stairs, and in the lunch pavilion.
• Students never throw anything from the top floor balcony.
• Children play only in their designated areas at recess.
• Students allow any student who wants to participate in a game to play.
• Students sit at the lunch tables with snacks. They never run or play with food in their mouth.
• All trash is deposited in appropriate recycling containers.

• Students remain seated for at least ten minutes while they eat their lunch. They do not leave their seat without permission during this ten-minute period.
• After the noon duty supervisors blow the whistle, students raise their hand and wait to be excused before leaving their seat.
• Students leave the lunch tables and floor area clean.
• Students throw all trash into the appropriate containers.