Discipline Protocol and Behavior Contracts

At Seashore Academy, we believe in helping all students learn and grow in a safe, respectful, and positive environment. Sometimes, students may make choices that are not in line with our school's expectations for behavior. When that happens, we have a 4-step discipline system in place to guide students and ensure that everyone can have a great learning experience. Our 4-step discipline system is designed to help students learn and grow by addressing negative behavior and encouraging better choices. We believe that working together with students and parents, we can create a respectful and supportive learning environment where everyone can succeed. Please note that in instances where there is an egregious behavior – the protocol will automatically go to Steps 3 and/or 4.

Step 1: Addressing Negative Behavior With Students and Assigning Consequences

When a student exhibits negative behavior in the classroom or during lunch, snack, or recess, our first step is to address it right away. This means talking to the student and helping them understand why their behavior was not okay. We also help them think about what they should have done differently.

Examples of interventions at Step 1 (typically facilitated by teacher):

Debriefing with students about behavior and better alternatives to their choices.
Facilitating apologies and repairing peer relationships.
Requiring students to write reflective sentences like, "I will keep my hands to myself and will respect my friends' space."
Campus beautification (trash pick up, wiping down tables, straightening tents, etc.)
Communication with parents via email or phone call to address the concern (when necessary).

Step 2: Communication and Collaboration with Parents

If negative behavior continues or if we identify a pattern, we believe it's critical to include parents in the corrective process. In Step 2 parents are welcome, but not required to, be involved in the correction process.

Examples of interventions at Step 2:

The above examples from Step 1.
Integration of administration into the conversation.
Sending written communication home documenting the specific details related to the behavior.
Inviting parents to discuss their child's behavior to promote a better understanding of any potential underlying issues that need attention.

Step 3: Parent Meeting and Student Behavioral Contract:

During Step 3 parent participation is not only valued, it is required. The behavior contract is a collaborative effort between parents, staff and students. The contract is student-specific, identifying specific areas of growth and clearly defined behavioral expectations – as well as predetermined next steps in the unlikely event that negative behaviors are seen. Once created, we ask all stakeholders to sign the agreed upon plan (staff, parents and student). Please note that parent refusal to participate in the contract meeting may result in temporary suspension until the parents are available to meet in-person.

Step 4: Class Removal, Student Suspension and/or Dismissal from Seashore Academy:

Step 4 is utilized in the event that the behavior correction process has not activated change. Contingent on the established behavioral contract, a more elevated level of consequences will be issued.

Examples of potential consequences in Step 4: