Discipline Management Plan

I believe students thrive on positive recognition and praise. I work hard to create an environment of friendship and respect in my classroom. I teach students that life is about choices, and I expect them to make appropriate choices.

I have a poster on the wall containing 25 pockets. Each pocket has a child's name on it and 10 white index cards inside. Each of the 10 cards in the pocket has the student's name on it. When a student breaks a rule, he or she loses a card and has to sign my discipline book. (This is just a 3-ring binder with notebook paper. It helps me keep track of repeat offenders. Each page is dated. I try to make a note by the studen'ts name at the end of the day reminding me of the reason.) The card goes into my pocket until the end of the week. Cards are used for rewards and consequences. For students that make wise choices, there are lots of rewards! The goal for each student is to keep all ten cards until Friday. Below you will see the list of consequences for lost cards and also the list of rewards for keeping cards.

Consequences:

** If you lose 1 card: Half of recess will be lost.

** If you lose 2 cards in one day: All of recess will be lost.

** If you lose 3 cards in one day: Sad note to go home. The student is responsible for taking the sad note home and returning it the NEXT DAY signed by you. Additional consequences are given when sad notes are not signed and returned. If your child brings home a sad note, it is an indication of repeated problems in class. Please take sad notes seriously. If problems continue, I will let you know.

** If you lose 4 cards in one day: Visit with the principal. Parents will be contacted at this time.

** There is also a severe clause. Aggressive or disruptive behavior may require an immediate visit with the principal.

It is a rare event for a student to lose more than 2 cards in a day. My students learn quickly that wise decision-making is GREATLY appreciated and is rewarded! I have high expectations for my students, and I don't apologize for them. Appropriate behavior allows every student to learn in a positive atmosphere. School should be a safe and fun place to learn. It is common for students to test the boundaries in the beginning; after all, they just want to know if I really mean what I say. I am quick to remind them of my expectations and take cards to help them move through that testing period as rapidly as possible. It usually doesn't take long for them to realize that I am true to my word.

Rewards:

** If you keep 7 of your cards: Attend Cookie Bookie! Cookie Bookie is a fun reading activity where we get together with another class to have a cookie and read with a buddy.

** If you keep 8 of your cards: Attend Cookie Bookie and choice of candy from the treat jar!

** If you keep 9 of your cards: Attend Cookie Bookie, a candy choice, and attend Free Friday (30 minutes of free center play)!

** If you keep all 10 of your cards: Attend Cookie Bookie, a candy choice, attend Free Friday, and choice of prize from the treasure box!

Remember - rewards and consequences are often more effective when they are given by parents outside of the school environment. Please let your child know that you also have high expectations for his/her conduct at school.