Code of Conduct Meeting Notes

Code of Conduct Redesign - Student Input

Introduction

  • The school district is redoing the code of conduct for all schools, including the high school (Anderson) and elementary schools.
  • Student input is desired in this process.

Initial Discussion

  • Participants are asked to read the introduction to the code of conduct.
  • Reading speeds vary among individuals.
  • The room can be perceived as scary.

Purpose of the Meeting

  • The meeting aims to gather student input on rules and expected behaviors.
  • Students were selected for their valuable experiences and perspectives.

Understanding Code of Conduct

  • The term "code of conduct" is explored.
  • It is likened to laws for the school.
  • An example is given: just like traffic laws, code of conduct defines acceptable conduct.

Rules and Behavior Expectations

  • Listening without disturbing others should be a rule.
  • Increased expectation of no fighting is suggested.
  • No cursing should be included, especially in elementary school.
  • Expectations can differ among individuals; some people have different values.

Specific Rules

  • No spinning the spinner too fast on the playground.
  • Respectful behavior towards teachers, other students, and everyone, in general, is essential.

Consequences for Disrespectful Behavior

  • Writing an apology letter.
  • Apologizing in front of the principal.
  • Having a sit-down conversation to understand the issue, unless decided otherwise by the teacher.

Playground Safety

  • Having a parent or teacher supervise the spinner to prevent it from spinning too fast.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

  • Holding parent-teacher conferences approximately five times a year.

Food Allergies

  • Ensuring students with food allergies (e.g., dairy) are safe by restricting those products in the classroom.

General Safety

  • Don't cut in my own lane.

Consequences for Breaking Rules

  • Minor infractions: writing an apology letter.
  • Major infractions (e.g., hitting someone): going to the principal's office.
  • Seriousness of the rule dictates the consequence.

Playground Conduct

  • Rules about playing hand shots are questioned to be allowed only after school hours.

Comparison with Other Schools

  • Students share their experiences at other schools.
  • Previous schools may have been stricter with more rules.

Sense of Safety at Nora School

  • Students feel safer at Nora due to:
    • teachers.
    • rules.
    • drills.
    • office staff.
    • staff members.
    • trusted students.

Blue Ticket Reward System

  • Students receive blue tickets for respectful, mature, and safe behavior.
  • These tickets can lead to school rewards.

Checkbook System (Fourth Grade)

  • Students recall and appreciate the checkbook system, where they could earn rewards.

Positive Reinforcement

  • Reward systems should be part of the code of conduct.
  • Focusing on positives rather than just negative consequences.
  • Address misbehavior with guidance instead of immediate punishment.

School Safety

  • Practicing more shooting drills.
  • Students should know what to do in emergency situations.

Code of Conduct Differences by Grade Level

  • Rules should differ for elementary, middle, and high schools.
  • Older students are more mature and understand their situation better.

Rewards in Middle School

  • Rewards should continue but may be less frequent.
  • Rewards could be different for middle schoolers to be more impactful.
  • Reward size could vary based on grade level, with eighth graders receiving the largest.

Reviewing Rules

  • The school reviews rules (Hawk's Honor) at the beginning of each year.
  • Rules should be explained simply, especially for elementary school.

Support System

  • Students should have someone to go to if they have a problem (e.g., Miss Georgia).

Additional Questions

  • No significant concerns or questions were raised.
  • A student humorously suggests adding pepperoni pizza to the school menu.