Office Referral Form (Page 2 of 8) in pdf

Purpose:

The purposes for a clear and consistent building-wide discipline policy are to help ensure the safety of all

students and staff, reduce disruptions to the educational process, and prepare students for participation

as citizens of a democratic society.

Rationale:

The management of students’ behavior is a constant and significant part of a teacher’s time. Reducing

instances of behavioral issues allows the teacher to focus more attention on instruction and less time on

dealing with behavioral disruptions to the educational process. Having a building-wide disciplinary

system increases students’ and parents’ awareness of behavioral expectations and consequences and

reduces subjectivity in the disciplinary process. Instead of students and parents relearning a new set of

rules, policies, and expectations each school year, a building-wide disciplinary system allows parents and

students to be aware of behavioral expectations from the first day of each school year.

Definitions:

In order to reduce ambiguity in the building-wide discipline plan, it is important to define some relevant

terms.

Bullying- When one or more students are repeatedly exposed to intentionally negative actions from

another student or group of students over time. The action is intended to cause physical or emotional

harm, is repetitive in nature, and is the result of an imbalance of power between the bully and the

victim.

Minor Behavioral Infractions- Behavior infractions that may result in a change of color on the behavioral

color chart. These infractions should not be confused with major behavior infractions that may result in

immediate referral to the principal’s office. A list of some common minor behavioral infractions follows:



Talking in the hallway



Shouting out in class without raising hand



Running in areas where students should walk



Breaking classroom rules



Chewing gum outside of the classroom (and in classrooms where gum is not allowed)



Saying something mean to another student



Breaking other building rules

* This should not be construed as a complete list of minor behavioral infractions.

Major Behavioral Infractions- Behavioral infractions that may result in immediate referral to the

principal’s office. A list of some common major behavioral infractions follows:



Fighting (physical)



Use of profanity

Office Referral Form Page 2