The Superior Elementary School Discipline Plan has four levels. Each level outlines escalated behavior problems and consequences.

Level 1 - “Time Out for Thinking”

When a student’s behavior is causing a problem that interrupts learning for him/herself or others, “Time Out for Thinking” shall occur. Each classroom teacher will designate a place apart from others in the classroom (or the place where the incident occurred) to which students are sent for “Time Out.” Time out allows the student to regain control of his/her behavior before rejoining the class or activity. This is a time to reflect on problem solving strategies, calm down or answer the question: “What do I need to do differently to be a good learner and a responsible community member?” Immediate improvement is expected. The staff member should debrief the situation fairly quickly before the behavior occurs again. A reasonable length of time should be used - depending upon the age of the student. The classroom teacher will contact parents if time outs are frequent. Parents are expected to be partners in helping support the school and are an important part of the reinforcement process. In some cases students may be asked to phone their parents or write a note to them describing the problems that have been occurring. Teacher judgment is used in these matters.

Level 2 - School Wide Discipline Referral: “Problem Solving Time”

The following offenses are considered Level 2 problems and should be dealt with using a School Wide Discipline Report (pink slip):

Verbally harassing or threatening behavior
Physical, hurtful behavior
Defiance of authority
Damaging property
Obscene language or gesture
Continuous disruptive behavior

If one of these problems occur, the staff member will complete a Discipline Report (pink slip) detailing the incident. The form is completed by the staff member at the time of the incident and sent with the student to the office. The student will spend a 30-minute period in the office in “Problem Solving Time”. During this time the student will sit in an isolated desk in the office area reflecting upon the problem and completing a Problem Solving Sheet. The student answers all four questions and signs his/her name. During this time no talking, reading, work or games will be permitted. At the end of 30 minutes (15 minutes for Kindergarten) if the student has calmed down and completed the P.S. Sheet, he/she may return to the classroom.

Debrief: The teacher who sent the child will then find a 5-minute period some time within 24 hours to “debrief” the incident with the student. This is an essential component of the process. At this time the staff member discusses the problem solving strategies suggested on the sheet. This is not a time to escalate the problem again, but to confirm that there are alternative ways to solve this sort of problem more positively in the future. The staff member completes the comment section on the bottom of the sheet and signs it. This sheet is returned to the office so that it may be copied and sent home with the student for a parent signature.

Parent Signature: We expect that the student will return the Problem Solving Sheet to the office the next day. If this does not happen the student will call his/her parents to ask assistance in returning the form the following day. One day of grace is permitted. The student will not be permitted to go out to recess the following days until the Problem Solving Sheet is returned, with parent signature.

Repeated Discipline Reports

Level 3 – In School Restriction

Level 3 offenses are those that are detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of others in the school environment or interfere with learning and will warrant immediate principal involvement. These may include possession of tobacco, alcohol, or controlled substances, theft, fighting, vandalism, skipping school, causing a false alarm, gender or ethnic intimidation, possession of a weapon or facsimile, or frequent disruptive behavior. The student accused will be given the opportunity to explain his/her position prior to disciplinary action being taken. If the student was involved in such incidents, he/she would be assigned to in-school restriction until a parent was notified. A meeting to discuss the situation would be requested immediately - or as soon as was convenient for school representatives and parents. These offenses may result in in-school restriction or out-of-school suspension for up to 5 days. Written notice will be mailed to the parents in the event of a Level 3 out-of-school suspension. A suspension conference with the parents and principal and appropriate staff members would be required during the period of the suspension. The principal would make the decision regarding additional consequences for a Level 3 offense.

Office staff will keep a master file of Level 3 offenses and will compile reports as needed by the principal for documentation purposes. A Remedial Discipline Plan may be written if deemed necessary to improve or redirect student behavior. Parents and staff members will be included in writing this plan.

Level 4 - Suspension

Level 4 offenses warrant immediate suspension from school, with school district involvement that could lead to recommendation for expulsion from school. These offenses would include: possession of a dangerous weapon, assault, robbery, sale of controlled substance, and habitually disruptive behavior that repeatedly interrupts the learning environment. A dangerous weapon is defined in the expulsion statute as “a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, a firearm facsimile, a pellet or BB gun, a fixed blade knife (3”+), spring loaded or pocket knife (3 1/2”+), or any object, material, instrument or substance which is used, or is intended to be used, to inflict death or serious bodily injury.”