Disciplinary Procedures

Alcuin School’s educational philosophy is centered on self-motivated learning and exploration. Therefore, the environment is designed for children’s experiences to be engaging, yet offer appropriate developmental challenges.  Every effort is made to teach students to use good judgment at each developmental level through practical life experiences, interactions and experiences. The following factors contribute to the child’s absorbing good standards of behavior:

• Modeling by adults: The adults at Alcuin School and our families must consistently model the type of behavior they wish to instill in the child.
• Classroom environment: Children who are challenged by an exciting and creative environment are stimulated to create their own inner discipline. This program encourages intellectual, emotional, social and behavioral growth. Characteristics of such an environment include: setting clear limits, consistency, warm and open communication, support and encouragement of positive behavior and fair application of rules and consequences.
• Self-esteem: Children who feel good about themselves and others rarely become discipline problems. The staff must be firm in consistently setting limits while, at the same time, being respectful of each child.
• Parents’ Role: If there is a serious infraction, parents will be called.

The guide/faculty member of each class is in charge of the ordinary discipline in the classroom. The student is expected to comply with classroom rules, Community Trust Agreement, school policies, guidelines, and the General Conduct section of this handbook. Each situation will be handled at the School’s discretion in accordance with the School’s rules, policies, and practices. 

Disciplinary matters, or incidents in violation of School rules and regulations, will be handled initially at the most immediate level possible. Violations will subject the student to disciplinary consequences.  The level of disciplinary response for any violation of School rules will depend on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Whether any person was harmed;
• Whether there was property damage or other loss of property
• The level of any class or School disruption caused by the student's behavior;
• The number, if any, of prior infractions of School rules and regulations;
• Whether the student has been previously disciplined;
• Whether there were illegal substances (for example, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.);
• Whether the student had been earlier warned about the same or similar conduct;
• Whether there was a weapon or other dangerous item involved; and/or
• Whether the conduct is of the kind also prohibited by criminal law.