Policies & Procedures: Discipline Policy
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DISCIPLINE POLICY
September 1, 2006
Philosophy:
Discipline at Agia Sophia Academy is characterized by love and forgiveness above all things; seeing the student as one who bears the image of God. The teachers and Headmaster will determine the kind and amount of discipline. Discipline will be administered in light of the student's problem and attitude. All discipline will be based upon biblical and patristic principles, e.g. restitution, reconciliation, asking for forgiveness (public and private), swift consequences, repentance, restoration of fellowship, and reflection upon one's own actions.
Office Visits:
Every effort will be made by the teacher to swiftly deal with minor behavioral problems in the classroom. There are however, four behaviors that will automatically necessitate discipline from the Headmaster. Those behaviors are:
- Disrespect/Rebellion-the staff of ASA is to be respected and obeyed. If disrespect is shown to any staff member, including but not limited to, outright disobedience in response to instructions, the student will sent to the Headmaster.
- Dishonesty-if the student practices dishonesty, or bearing false witness, in any situation while at school, including but not limited to lying, cheating, or stealing.
- Fighting-fighting is defined as striking another student with the intent to harm, or verbally provoking another student with the intent to emotionally harm.
- Obscene Behavior-obscene, vulgar, blasphemous, or profanity, including taking the Lord's name in vain.
Consequences:
During the visit with the Headmaster, the nature of the discipline will be determined. Possible consequences for poor choices include, but are not limited to:
- Public and or private asking for forgiveness
- Janitorial work
- Parental attendance during the school day
- Silent lunch
- Loss of privileges such as recess, break time, or free time
If for any of the above or other reasons, a student receives discipline from the Headmaster, the following accounting will be observed, within the term of the school year:
- The first two times a student is sent to the Headmaster for discipline, the student's parents will be contacted and given details of the visit. The parent's assistance and support in averting further problems will be sought.
- A meeting will follow the third visit with the student's parents and the Headmaster.
- Should the student require a fourth visit, a two-day suspension will be imposed upon the student.
- If a fifth incident occurs, the student will be expelled from the school with no refund of tuition.
We realize that expelling a student from school is a very serious matter and should always be carefully dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Forgiveness and restitution are fundamental to our total discipline policy however, should we not be able to eliminate the behavioral problems, the student will be expelled.
Should a student, at any time, commit a serious act of misconduct
(see below), the discipline process may be bypassed and suspension or
expulsion could be imposed immediately. Students may be subject to
discipline for acts of gross misconduct even if those acts take place
after school hours. Some examples of gross misconduct are:
- Endangering the life of another
- Gross violence or vandalism
- Violations of civil or federal law
- Violations of spiritual laws
Should the expelled student desire to be readmitted to ASA at a later date, the school board, or its delegated subcommittee, will make a decision based on the student's attitude and circumstances at the time of reapplication.
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