S.T.A.R.
(Schools Together Are Responding)
Say it Clear…No Bullying Here
Since the 2003 – 2004 school year, “Schools Together Are Responding” has been and continues to be a focus of Darien’s elementary schools. The Board of Education adopted and/or revised important policies related to student behavior. A committee of elementary educators developed a number of classroom curriculum related activities to be implemented at each grade level throughout the year. In addition, carefully selected literature will be shared between home and school in order to support the goals of a socially responsible community. To celebrate the end of the S.T.A.R.’s first year in 2004, a star in our galaxy was dedicated to our schools and named “Darien Elementary”. This continues to serve as a memento for the expectations we have for our students in the years to come.
This is the “Kids’ Code” that we expect students in our elementary schools to practice:
At our school, we are
kind and accepting,
honest and responsible,
safe and peaceful,
respectful to all.
The Darien Elementary School’s Kid’s Code is on display in every teacher and learning space in our elementary schools. The code, intentionally written in simple, memorable language, is intended to remind students about our expectations for appropriate behavior at all times.
It is also necessary to provide detailed information to parents and students about our expectations for student behavior while at school, on school buses, at bus stops and at school sponsored activities. While the information details our expectations, it is not intended to be an inclusive list; other situations may also warrant intervention in the form of focused education, counseling, and disciplinary consequences.
Parents are asked to take some time to review these expectations and discuss them with their children, in age-appropriate terms, at the start of the school year and throughout the year.
At our school, we are: …
kind and accepting,
Students are expected to treat each other with consideration at all times. Students are expected to be tolerant of others, to accept differences, and to find ways to show kindness to others. Teasing; cruel degrading remarks; or obscene language will not be tolerated in any school setting r at any school sponsored event. Bullying, or overt acts over time by a student or students against another student with intent to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the other student, violates Board of Education Policy IC2.4 and will not be tolerated.
…honest and responsible,
We strive to develop a climate of trust within our school community. Students are expected to be forthright at all times with all school staff members, as well as with their fellow students. Students are expected to take responsibility for their behavior and for their school commitment such as participating in class, completing homework, and contributing positively to the school environment. We understand that assuming responsibility is a process of growth and development; expectations for students’ understanding of their responsibilities will increase with their age and level of maturity.
…safe and peaceful,
Students are expected to behave safely at all times at school and at school-sponsored events. Rules of safety apply when students are at school bus stops, in school buses, inside the school building, on
school grounds, including the playground, or on field trips to other locations. In keeping with the Board of Education Policy IC5.1, students are not to engage in prohibited behaviors. These include, but are not limited to: aggressive physical contact, throwing objects to cause injury to another, or bringing potentially dangerous objects to school. Students are expected to demonstrate tolerance and patience with those around them. They are expected to seek peaceful resolutions to the conflicts or problems that are inevitable in the busy, active environment of school.
…respectful to all.
Students are expected to show respect to all people with whom they come into contact at school. This includes all students, regardless of grade or age, as well as staff members, volunteers, bus drivers, guests at our school, and all other children and adults. Students are expected to demonstrate respect for property, both their own and that of others.
Through STAR, we realized that inappropriate behavior might occur at times when students are in less supervised situations. Safety is the most important concern for your child and others. Therefore, we ask that parents support our efforts by co-signing your child’s contract for appropriate STAR behavior on the bus.
S.T.A.R. Bus Contract
I recognize that riding the bus is a privilege that depends upon my appropriate behavior. In order to ride the bus, I promise to do the following:
- I will be safe and kind while riding the school bus
- I will do my best to be a responsible Darien student at all times
- I will show respect to the bus driver
- I will use kind words
- I will stay seated at all times
- I will keep my hands and feet to myself
- I will talk to my neighbors in a quiet voice
We have read and discussed the bus safety contract together.
______________________ ______________________
Parent Signature Child Signature
Consequences for Misbehavior
In all cases, consequences for misbehavior are intended to suggest and reinforce positive attitudes and actions to teach students effective behavior management strategies.
Teachers, administrators, and other school staff members seek individually appropriate and effective consequences to best respond to a student’s behavior. Corrective consequences for misbehavior may include education, counseling, or disciplinary action.
Disciplinary action, in keeping with Board of Education Policy IC5.1, may be a simple plan, jointly determined between the student and the teacher, to avoid the misbehavior in the future. In those cases in which further reinforcement is needed, more options will be explored. These options may include a student’s removal from class for a specified amount of time, or it may result in a student’s suspension from a particular activity
