Clearly defined school rules and classroom procedures with incremental consequences consistently carried out help foster appropriate behavior. All students are expected to follow the Code of Conduct in a developmentally appropriate manner. In keeping with the Responsive Classroom philosophy, we believe in logical consequences for infractions. Logical consequences allow students to fix and learn from their mistakes while preserving their dignity. The following Code of Conduct chart describes some general unacceptable behaviors, which are divided into four tiers according to severity/developmental level/student’s history of behaviors.
| Behaviors |
Actions |
| |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
| Defiance and Disruption |
First Offense |
Second Offense |
Third Offense |
Fourth Offense |
| Fighting |
N/A |
N/A |
First Offense |
Second Offense |
| Inappropriate Physical Conduct |
First Offense |
Second Offense |
Third Offense |
Fourth Offense |
| Unsafe Behavior |
First Offense |
Second Offense |
Third Offense |
Fourth Offense |
| Theft |
N/A |
First Offense |
Second Offense |
Third Offense |
| Threats |
N/A |
First Offense |
Second Offense |
Third Offense |
| Vandalism |
First Offense |
Second Offense |
Third Offense |
Fourth Offense |
Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying incidents will be dealt with based on the specific N.J. bullying legislation and district procedures.
*This rubric is a guideline—The principal has discretion regarding actions as they relate to individual circumstances. Further, in an instance where the behavior may not clearly be listed above, the principal will use their discretion to determine an appropriate action for a particular behavior.
Disciplinary Course of Action
Level One: Infractions on an infrequent basis
- Conference with teacher/ staff member
- Teacher selected consequence (such as discussion with student, apology of action, logical consequence, student completes a reflection form)
- Teacher contacts parent/ guardian via telephone
- Record of contact submitted to administration and parent/guardian for signature
Level Two: Repeated infractions
- In-school parent/guardian conference with teacher/staff member to develop a behavior plan
- Possible referral to counselor/nurse
- Teacher selected consequence (see above)
Level Three: Continuing infractions or serious infractions
- Teacher/staff member refers incident to principal
- Parent/guardian contacted by principal
- Parent/guardian conference with principal
- Possible community service or character education project
- Time out from classroom (working in alternate location)
- Possible short-term suspension*
- Possible referral to counselor/nurse
Level Four: Infractions that are highly serious or cause imminent danger to self or others
- Immediate referral to principal
- Parent/guardian contact
- Parent/ guardian conference
- Possible suspension*
- Possible referral to counselor/nurse
*Parents/Guardians will accompany the students back to school for re-admittance once suspension is over.