Lindley Middle School
Discipline Policies and Code of Conduct
2012-2013 School Year
To be read by teachers and parents:
Discipline Policy and Code of Conduct
Introduction
Much has been written about discipline, or the lack of it, in the public school system over the
past ten years. As a staff, Lindley Middle School is committed to educating the whole child in a
climate which fosters intellectual, academic, emotional and personal growth.
Behaving appropriately is an essential aspect of learning. Without a disciplined atmosphere the
teacher cannot teach effectively and the learner cannot learn.
In our view, good discipline is part of the learning process and is developmental in nature. As a
child matures, the level of self-discipline increases which enables the child to maintain intelligent
self-control.
Our discipline policy and code of conduct is based on the principles of natural and logical
consequences which encourages our children to make their own responsible decisions. The
students must be accountable for their decisions. The students learn to accept responsibility for
their decisions. The focus of our discipline policy and code of conduct is based on the behavior
rather than on the child. We hope that our discipline policy and code of conduct will
communicate that our school is a caring, child centered, and an orderly environment in which the
best in each individual is expected and encouraged.
Mission Statement
The staff of Lindley Middle School believes all students can learn and
achieve mastery of the Common Core/Georgia Performance Standards.
Our purpose is to educate our students to reach high levels of achievement
while promoting them to take responsibility for their own learning.
Vision
Soaring To New Heights
To be read by teachers and parents:
Beliefs in Relation to Discipline Policy
and Code of Conduct
We, as part of the Lindley Middle School community, believe that:
1. All children are inherently good and will demonstrate proper and acceptable behavior if
expectations are discussed and understood.
2. Every child has the right to be educated in a safe, orderly environment.
3. The goal of any discipline policy is to develop in children the inner values and selfdiscipline needed to behave in a responsible manner.
4. Students should learn to accept responsibility for their behavior, having previous
knowledge of the consequences of their actions.
5. The focus of discipline is based on the behavior rather than on the child.
6. Discipline policies are based on natural consequences not on arbitrary punishments.
7. Discipline is instructive and based on problem prevention.
8. The discipline policy and code of conduct is communicated to the students in a positive
and constructive manner as part of the teaching – learning experience.
9. The development of policies concerning behavior and discipline at our school will be
collaborative in nature and will include all involved stakeholders.
10. Because behavior is learned, proper behavior will be modeled by all school personnel.
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To be read by teachers and parents:
Proactive Measures to Encourage
Positive Behavior
Research has shown that positive reinforcement is a more effective tool in producing
responsible behavior in students than punishment. Students feel good about themselves
when their positive behavior is recognized. The increase of student self-esteem has a
positive effect on their behavior and level of achievement. The philosophy at our school is
“catch children being good”. The proactive measures listed below although not inclusive
are some of the ways intended to promote positive behavior in our students.
Proactive Measures for Positive Behavior At Home and in School
1. Be a good role model. Display the types of behavior that you want children to exhibit.
2. Reward children. Give praise and recognition freely for the good things they do.
3. Take children’s emotions and feelings seriously. Show them that what they say, think and
do are important.
4. Use phrases that build self-esteem such as, “Thank you for helping.” or “That was a great
idea”.
5. Help children set reasonable goals so they can achieve success.
6. Give children responsibility. They will feel useful and valued.
7. Define limits and rules clearly; then enforce them fairly.
8. Meet and greet children. Make them feel wanted and important.
9. Celebrate children’s successes and encourage them to achieve their best.
10. Smile a lot and enjoy the personal, social and academic sides of children.
11. Recognize milestones of children in school and at home.
12. Create a climate by having special days – hat day, tie day, etc. (School-Wide)
13. Encourage children by focusing on their strengths.
14. Focus on positive happenings in their lives.
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To be read by teachers and parents:
The Role of Teacher Intervention and
Classroom Management
Most inappropriate behaviors are dealt with at the classroom level and, as a result, it is seldom
necessary for them to involve the school administration. This is the result of teachers using a
variety of appropriate classroom management techniques and strategies to create an orderly and
organized atmosphere in which students are encouraged to display appropriate behavior.
Most minor misbehaviors are handled immediately by the teacher but when problems become
more severe or chronic, contact with the parents/guardians is recommended. If the problem
persists, or if it is of a very serious nature, the administration of the school will become involved.
Teachers and administrations will keep careful documentation of misbehaviors and subsequent
parental contact.
Parental Responsibility
The purpose of this Discipline Policy and Code of Conduct is to help develop in children the
ability to make age appropriate, responsible decisions about their behavior based on the
knowledge of what is expected of them in certain situations. The responsibility to do this does
not rest entirely with the school – it should be shared among the other stakeholders in the
children’s lives. Parents are an integral part in helping to form responsible decision-makers
capable of appropriate behavior based on understood expectations. For this reason, it is hoped
that every parent or guardian discusses this Discipline Policy with their children. It is also
expected that parents/guardians will not only form a strong partnership with the school in
communicating this policy to their children, but will also join with the school in implementing
and maintaining our Discipline Policy and Code of Conduct.
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To be discussed with students by teachers and parents:
Academic
Success
Expected Behavior
Reasons for Expected
Behavior
To ensure success this
school year, you are
expected to complete all
class and homework
assignments on time and
to the best of your ability.
Effort and determination
are keys to success. If
you put forth your best
effort and take pride in
your work, then you are
more likely to achieve
your potential.
Expected Behavior
Honesty
You are expected to be
honest in all your
relationships with other
students, staff and
community. Lying,
stealing and cheating are
unacceptable behaviors.
Expected Behavior
Attendance,
Absenteeism
and Tardiness
You shall report to class
promptly each day, ready,
willing and able to work.
Absenteeism requires a
written excuse. Habitual
lateness and absenteeism
will be reported to the
office.
Reasons for Expected
Behavior
You will benefit from
your relations with others
only by being open and
honest in what you say
and do. Dishonesty in
your words or actions or
written work has a
negative effect on your
reputation and that of your
school.
Consequences of
Misbehavior
If you fail to put forth your
best effort in class and
homework assignments are
unacceptable, then you will
complete your assignments
or redo them, possibly after
class time. (i.e. before
school, during connection,
and after school)
Consequences of
Misbehavior
You must realize that proof
of dishonesty carries very
serious consequences. In
the case of lying, cheating,
or stealing, a meeting will
be arranged with you, your
parents and your teacher to
discuss the situation and
possible consequences.
Reasons for Expected
Consequences of
Behavior
Misbehavior
Punctuality is a form of
courtesy towards your
On some occasions
teacher and your
tardiness and absences are
classmates. Punctuality is
unavoidable. However, if
a learned skill in making
habitual tardiness and
good use of your time at
absenteeism appear to be a
home and at school. If
problem they will be
you are late, you disrupt
investigated. Your parents
your class when you enter.
will be consulted and you
Students who miss a great
will be required to make up
deal of time are certain to
work that you missed. (5
encounter difficulty in
days = parent notice from
keeping up their
teacher; 10 days = parent
schoolwork. In order for
notice from principal; 15
you to achieve to your
days= social worker
maximum potential,
contact)
REGULAR
ATTENDANCE IS
ESSENTIAL.
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Respect for
Self and
Others
Students at Lindley Middle
School are expected to
behave in a manner which
exhibits respect and
consideration for
themselves and others.
Your school is not the
appropriate place for
exaggerated displays of
disagreement or affection.
Activities such as pushing,
tripping, kicking, fighting,
play fighting, rough play,
rock throwing; snowball
throwing, hugging, kissing,
etc. are not acceptable
student behaviors.
.
Disrespect or unacceptable
behavior will result in
action being taken by
school authorities. The
Each and every person
frequency and severity of
attending Lindley Middle
the infraction will dictate
School has the right to be
the type and
treated with respect and
appropriateness of the
courtesy. Learning how
consequences. This action
to interact in a positive
may include one or more of
way with our fellow
the following:
human beings is a
valuable skill essential in
- a warning by a teacher
today’s society. In
or supervisor
addition, rough behavior
may result in personal or
- contact made with the
physical injury to others.
home
Remember the Golden
Rule “Treat others as you
- being sent to an
would like to be treated”.
administrator
-ISS
- OSS
Appropriate
Language
Expected Behavior
Reasons for Expected
Behavior
The language used by all
individuals in and around
Lindley Middle School
will be of a nature that
shows respect for staff and
other students. Name
calling, swearing, crude,
rude and obscene language
spoken, written, implied,
or gestured are
unacceptable.
Being able to use
appropriate and tasteful
language is a valuable
life skill. When language
is offensive to others the
hurt feelings it may cause
can lead to further
conflict.
Consequences of
Misbehavior
The use of inappropriate or
unacceptable language may
result in such consequences
as the following:
- a warning by a teacher
or supervisor
- contact made with the
home
- being sent to an
administrator
-ISS
- OSS
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Expected Behavior
Designated
Areas
Students are prohibited
from being in the
hallways without a hall
pass. All students must
These guidelines are
remain in their designated
necessary for your own
areas and not wander the
protection, safety, and for
halls or try to interact
proper security of
with students on another
specialty equipment
grade level. Students are
which assists in your
not allowed to enter
instruction.
teacher lounge, locker
rooms, gym, or any other
area in the school without
permission.
Expected Behavior
Student
Movement
Reasons for Expected
Behavior
Reasons for Expected
Behavior
In the morning students
will wait in the
The safety and security of
lunchroom until the 8:45
the students in Lindley
bell. While inside the
Middle School is
building students should
dependent, to a large
walk in a single file on
extent, on the orderly
the burgundy line in a
movement and conduct
quiet, orderly manner.
of its students. Children
When walking in hallway
have a right to a quality
and transitioning to
education in a safe
classes students should
environment undisturbed
keep to the right and
by unnecessary noise.
remain quiet on
Character.
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Consequences of
Misbehavior
You will be reminded of
the rule and may have
restricted privileges for a
time in designated areas.
Students who violate this
rule will face the
following consequences:
-teacher detention
- referral to administrator
-ISS
Consequences of
Misbehavior
Students will be reminded
of the required behavior
and will be expected to
follow it. If the offense is
serious or repeated, action
will be taken and students
will face the following:
-teacher detention
-administrative referral
-administrative detention
-ISS
*repeated violations may
result in OSS
Expected Behavior
Personal
Appearance
You are expected to dress
in a clean, neat
appropriate manner.
Clothing with offensive
words, slogans or
pictures is considered
inappropriate. Any
clothing that promotes
alcohol, drugs or tobacco
products is inappropriate
in the school. Hats are to
be removed while you are
in the building. Students
are expected to be in
standard school attire
each day.
Expected Behavior
Tobacco,
Alcohol, and
Drugs
You will not partake of
any tobacco, alcohol and
illegal drugs while on
school property.
Expected Behavior
ExtraCurricular
Activities
On school buses and at
extra-curricular activities
all relevant school rules
apply.
Reasons for Expected
Behavior
Consequences of
Misbehavior
Your appearance reflects
your good judgment and
your respect for yourself
and others.
If you wear inappropriate
clothing, and are not in
standard school attire each
day then suitable action
will be taken to solve the
problem. The following
consequences will be
given for dress code
violators.
-warning
-phone call home
-administrative
detention
-ISS
Reasons for Expected
Consequences of
Behavior
Misbehavior
In your formative years
Appropriate disciplinary
we want to help you
action will be taken. First
develop good self-esteem
offense 10 days OSS,
and a healthy lifestyle.
Second offense 10 days
The use of tobacco,
OSS plus recommendation
alcohol and illegal drugs
for Ombudsman
is dangerous both to you
Alternative School.
and those around you.
Reasons for Expected
Consequences of
Behavior
Misbehavior
You should remember
that on these activities
Appropriate disciplinary
you represent your
action will be taken. A
school. Don’t let your
serious offense could
misbehavior ruin the
result in your removal
opportunity for others.
from the activity or event,
Always let others know and exclusion from further
that you are proud to be a
activities is possible.
student at Lindley Middle
School.
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Expected Behavior
Alternative
After-School
Arrangements
The school must be
notified in writing of any
requested change in
student’s regular
after-school travel
arrangements. Unless an
emergency arises, the
school should be notified
in writing before noon on
the day of the requested
change. Students will
not be allowed to make
changes in transportation
without written
permission from their
parents.
Expected Behavior
Care of
School
Property and
Property of
Others
You will respect all
school property
(classrooms, halls,
stairways, bathrooms,
cafeteria, gym, and
library: all equipment,
textbooks and supplies as
well as the property of
others). Your desk and
the floor area around it
are to be kept neat and
tidy. School furniture is
to be used for the
purpose intended for it.
You are expected to treat
the school and
equipment with the same
care and respect as you
would your own valuable
personal possessions.
Reasons for Expected
Behavior
Consequences of
Misbehavior
For your own safety and
protection
parents/guardians and
teachers should be
informed of your
whereabouts.
Permission will be denied
and parents/guardians may
be informed of the
appropriate policy.
Reasons for Expected
Behavior
Consequences of
Misbehavior
In taking care of school
property you display
pride in your school; you
also help to maintain
attractive surroundings
and useful facilities
which are necessary to
successful learning for
you and your fellow
students.
If you damage school
property, you are expected
to pay for repair or
replacement costs and
could face the following
disciplinary actions.
-Administrative/parent
conference
-ISS
-OSS
-Restitution for the full
value of the property
destroyed
IT’S YOUR SCHOOL
– KEEP IT CLEAN
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School Bus Rules
1. Students must be at the designated bus stop at the time the bus is scheduled to arrive. The
driver designates the bus stop.
2. Students who must cross the road before getting on the bus shall wait for the bus to arrive
and display the proper warning signs before crossing the road.
3. All students must cross the road in front of the bus, never behind the bus.
4. Students shall always stand a safe distance off the road and never in the road while waiting
for the bus to arrive.
5. While at the bus stop students should:
a) Conduct themselves in an orderly manner
b) Avoid littering
c) Respect nearby private property rights
6. Students shall take seats promptly after boarding the bus. No seats can be reserved. Should
the driver assign a pupil a seat, the pupil must comply. Students will remain in their seats
while bus is in motion.
7. Students shall not open windows on bus unless asked to do so by driver.
8. Students must keep arms and head inside the bus.
9. While a passenger on the bus students MUST NOT:
a) Smoke (Board Regulations)
b) Throw any object on bus or out of windows
c) Disturb the driver
d) Litter
e) Make loud or unnecessary noise
f) Eat food or drink beverages
g) Transport items which may endanger the health or safety of any other passenger
h) Use offensive language
i) Fight nor call other students names
10. Students must use the service entrance door while unloading and not the emergency exit
door. The emergency exit is to be used only in emergency situations.
11. Students who must cross the road after getting off the bus should cross at least ten (10) feet in
FRONT of the bus, after looking both ways to be sure no traffic is approaching from either
direction.
12. Obey the driver promptly and avoid any unnecessary conversation with him/her while the
bus is in motion.
13. In case of any road emergency, remain seated on the bus until ordered to vacate.
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14. Students delivered to the school by school bus must remain on school property at all times.
The staff, students, and parents at Lindley Middle strive to create a balanced learning
environment. Students, parents, and staff must all take an active part in each child’s education.
At Lindley Middle, we are committed to ensuring that all students will meet or exceed state
standards and be prepared for middle school. In pursuing this goal, we are creating a passion for
learning within our community. We need everyone’s help in implementing our discipline
policies. The discipline policies should be discussed by parents, students, and staff. Please
commit to making Lindley an environment focused on learning, where dreams and goals are
realized and met.
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The discipline policy should be discussed by the parents, teacher, and student. This form
should be signed by the teacher, parent, and student and returned to the child’s homeroom
teacher NLT Friday, January 18, 2013.
I, _____________________________, have discussed the discipline polices with the student.
Teacher’s Name
I have answered questions and helped the student to understand the expectations. I agree to
follow through with the appropriate consequences as needed and will communicate effectively
with parents, students, and the administration in regards to the student’s progress.
________________________________
Teacher’s Signature
_______________
Date
I, _____________________________, have discussed the discipline polices with my child.
Parent’s Name(s)
I have answered questions and helped my child to understand the expectations. I agree to
support my child’s teacher and the school’s administration with the appropriate consequences as
needed and will communicate effectively with my child, his/her teacher, and the school’s
administration in regards to my child’s progress.
________________________________
Parent’s Signature
_______________
Date
I, _____________________________, have discussed the discipline polices with my teacher
Student’s Name
and my parents. I have asked questions and understand the expectations. I agree to follow the
discipline policies of Lindley Middle. I agree to make good discipline choices and will abide by
the consequences if I do not follow the guidelines of the discipline policies.
________________________________
Student’s Signature
_______________
Date
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