Vision for Changes with SMS Demerit/Discipline System
A new year always brings with it new efforts to improve our educational product we give to our students and parents of South Middle School. Discipline is about learning the do’s and don’ts of what is acceptable and unacceptable. In elementary school, kids are sent home with a “strike” or a “pulled card.” Parents and teachers are then able to create a teachable moment so these minor behaviors don’t turn major. Unfortunately in middle school (with 9 different classes, many more teachers, all of the class changes etc.) it is challenging to recreate an accountability system that proactively monitors behavior. Starting January 3rd, South Middle School will embark on a change designed to improve our current system. This is a pilot program that will be tweaked even more for the 2012-13 school year. Below you will find the purpose and benefits of the new plan.
Purpose and Benefits
· Address students on minor behaviors before they become major
o The former system only addressed “Disruptions” and “Tardies” as minor behaviors (Demerit issued)
o All other behaviors were coded as major offenses (Discipline Notice issued)
o Teachers needed more discretion on making that judgment call
· Parent and student notification on a Demerit (minor offense)
o Just as in the elementary school analogy, students will be sent home a copy of the demerit
o Also, a one-call will be sent notifying parent of the Demerit
o This allows parents to intervene before behavior turns major
· 4 minors (Demerits) equal a major (Discipline Notice)
o Teacher specific
o Individual teachers can monitor patterns in student behavior and address by using teachable moments and quicker parent intervention
SMS Demerit/Discipline Plan
Classroom
· 4 Demerits (minor offenses) Equals a Major Discipline Notice (per Teacher or Class)
· 3 Part Demerit Form
o Teacher keeps copy (white)
o Student gets copy to take home (yellow)
o Office gets copy (pink)
o Teacher writes Discipline Notice on 4th Demerit
· One call sent home to students with demerits each day
Common Area
· 4 Demerits (minor offenses) Equals a Major Discipline Notice
· 3 Part Demerit Form
o Teacher sends white and pink copy to office
o Student gets copy to take home (yellow)
o Office places white copy in homeroom teacher’s box
o Homeroom teacher writes Discipline Notice on 4th Demerit
· One call sent home to students with demerits each day