McGilvra Code of Conduct

In order to foster a safe and respectful environment at McGilvra Elementary, we have developed the following Code of Conduct, which explains the positive behaviors we expect of our students. It also identifies five major unacceptable behaviors and the consequences that would follow should they occur. At such times, each case will be treated individually and, if needed, the principal will be involved. For additional information, please refer to the pamphlet, the basic rules of Seattle Public Schools, which was sent home with your child.

Teachers have shared with all students our five school expectations:

• I will listen and cooperate with the adult who is speaking to me.
• I will follow directions the first time.
• I will be responsible and show respect for myself, others, and property with my language and behavior.
• I will wait quietly in line and walk in the building.
• I will give all things my best effort.

There are five main areas of unacceptable behavior:

1. Insubordination (Failing to Cooperate)

• Deliberate defiance (e.g. walking away when spoken to)
• Ignoring repeated direction or correction
• Open defiance (e.g. repeated talking back)

2. Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment

• Threatening an adult or student
• Profanity
• Taunting/bullying
• Encouraging or inciting others to fight
• Harassing others by making ethnic or sexual comments

3. Fighting

• Hitting or attempting to hit with a hand or foot between two parties
• Play fighting

4. Vandalism/Theft

• Malicious Mischief

5. Weapons

• Using any object as a weapon
• Being in possession of a weapon or toy weapon
• Using objects that may symbolize or be perceived as weapons including guns, knives, toy guns, laser pointers, etc.

Disciplinary Consequences:

If any of the five unacceptable behaviors occur, the following procedure will be followed:

Step 1 – Warning and school-based consequence

• Student fills out a contract concerning the behavior which student and parent(s) sign off
• NO official suspension write-up

Step 2 – School-based and family conference

• Parent conference by phone or in person
• Official report is entered in student information system

Step 3 – Family conference and consider modifications to student’s environment

• Parent conference by phone or in person
• Official report is entered in student information system

Step 4 – Family conference and create behavior plan

Step 5 – Official suspension

Step 6 – Emergency expulsion: While under investigation which may result in a Long-term suspension

An offense in which a child seriously threatens or endangers the life or safety of another student or staff may result in going directly to Step 4, particularly in areas 2, 3, and 5.

Under any of the above-mentioned steps, students will be expected to take responsibility for their misbehavior by making amends to the concerned student(s) and restoring to the school some community service time which will benefit the school. In meeting with parents, there may also be interventions for which the family will be responsible. These may include seeking family counseling or consulting a family physician for behaviors possibly related to a physical condition.

Behaviors which are problematic but are not considered severe will be handled by the classroom teachers or staff according to their classroom management program. Examples of this behavior include, but are not limited to: distracting behavior, spitting, running, pushing, not lining up, loitering, put downs, and not following classroom, bathroom, playground, lunchroom, and hall expectations.