Code of Conduct
2012 – 2013
June 2012
“Como Lake Middle School”
School Mission Statement
“Our mission at Como Lake Middle School is to build a safe community of diverse learners striving for successful future”
Como Lake Middle School Code of Conduct
I. INTRODUCTION- Como Lake Middle School
Como Lake Middle School has operated as a middle school in the Coquitlam School District since September 1997. Middle schools are designed to meet the needs of pre-adolescent and adolescent students. The organization is based on the developmental needs of children in those middle years. Como Lake is currently organized into 2 teams of grade 6/7 students and one team of grade 8 students. Timetables include all of the core subjects as well as a rotation of Explorations classes, to provide students with a well rounded, exiting and interesting curricular experience.
Students of this age need constant assurance and reassurance, reminding, role-modeling, acceptance and guidance. Behavioural expectations are built with the school community members’ input, which makes these expectations more effective than a pre-produced list of rules. Middle school students respond positively to continual references to appropriate ways to behave.
II. CODE OF CONDUCT: KEY ELEMENTS
1. Process
The process for developing the Code of Conduct began in 2007 when students, parents and staff were asked to identify the top four beliefs or concepts upon which they believed Como Lake should base its Code of Conduct on. This would include behavioural expectations, school goals in the areas of academic growth and development, as well as social and personal responsibility. From this feedback, the words RESPECT, SAFETY, LEARNING AND INCLUSION/WELCOMING were determined to be the 4 Pillars of Como Lake Middle School.
Since that time, school staff and students have been immersed in the process of describing behaviour expectations for all members of our community by providing real examples of expected and unexpected behaviours. At every stage of development, parents have been asked for feedback.
In 2008, the staff and students went through the process of identifying the areas of the school students felt were unsafe, determining the rights and responsibilities of all Como community members as they relate to the 4 Pillars, and as well as developing descriptive statements outlining acceptable and unacceptable behaviours.
These statements now form the foundation of our Code of Conduct, one of our school goals, and our positive discipline model. Staff and students call the Pillar Statements the “Como Code”.
2. Communication
Students worked with staff to help build our Como Code statements of acceptable and unacceptable behaviours which were printed on large posters and distributed to each classroom and posted throughout the school. Staff use these Como Code posters when addressing student behaviour (positive and negative). The committee met again in the fall of 2009 to review, edit and make changes to the current statements. These statements are now fully defined, and staff have been reminded of the importance of using common language and behaviour expectations in both positive/expected behaviours and behaviours that need to be modified.
We have determined that staff needs to renew our focus on using Como Code language. After safety survey results from 2 years ago indicated that students were feeling very safe, staff de-emphasized the focus on the common language. As a result, feelings of safety in the building are down (survey results 2011) and students need to be reminded of our focus on safety and behaviour expectations.
Our current school Code of Conduct (formal) and the Como Code (Behaviour descriptors) are available on our school website. As well, parents are sent this information in print at the beginning of the year. In our SPC meeting, one parent suggested that families begin to use the same language at home that the school has identified on the Como Code as a way of reinforcing the learning at school.
3. Implementation of Code of Conduct
Since 2007, Como Lake has been developing its school goals, behaviour/ discipline model and Code of Conduct. They have been based in part on the positive practises of Restitution in Education, Effective Behaviour Support Model and Building Safe School Communities, with support from Ministerial Order M276/07, the BC Human Rights Code and School District Policy #17. Working with these processes and guidelines, which are built on dignity, respect, and clear expectations, Como Lake underwent an extensive process and asked for input and feedback from staff, parents and students.
The Como Code and the Code of Conduct are both published in the students’ day planners, and the 4 Pillars are visible throughout the school. A committee of staff reviewed some aspect of the Code of Conduct at each staff meeting as the Code is closely connected to our school goal of Building a Safe and Caring School Community. The Como Code and the school’s Code of Conduct are in all staff handbooks, and teachers have been asked to place a copy of each into their TOC information binder. The safety check that each SD#43 employee is required to complete when they come to the school, regardless of whether they are on a long term contract or even just here for a few hours, includes the Como
In 2008, the Como Lake Community worked to build clear and purposeful guidelines for behaviour expectations within the school through Advisory and HACE classes throughout the year. As well, the first three days of the school year will be used to introduce or refresh the Como Code and specifically teach students behaviour expectations around this Code. During the first week of school, students engage in fun and engaging cooperative games and activities where elements of the four pillars are used. Staff models welcoming, respectful behaviour to all members and visitors of our community.
Parents are encouraged to read over the school’s Code of Conduct and the Como Code, and discuss it with their children. As well, each year the parents of the SPC review the Code of Conduct in detail.
4. Monitoring and Review
Behaviour Incident Forms (BIF’s) were used to keep track of inappropriate student behaviour (C’s and D’s on the Como Code statements of behavioural expectations), and “Gotcha’s” were used to keep track of A and B behaviours (desired behaviours). After a thorough review and a pilot of a new “staff shared” system, we have eliminated the BIF in favour of an online inter-school form. The online form is available only to staff in the school and is used to record and track both acceptable and unacceptable behaviours in students. By tracking the conversations teachers and administrators have with students regarding behaviours; students receive more consistent reinforcement of acceptable behaviours and appropriate recognition for good behaviours. We still use the “Gotcha” system of rewarding spontaneous, kind behaviours in our student population.
As mentioned above, all partner groups are provided the opportunity to review and make changes to the Code of Conduct and the Como Code to be sure that the statements are useful and effective when working with students.
5. Alignment
The newly established Hilltop and Hillside Families of Schools located in this geographic area of the school district continue to look at ways to have conversations among all three levels in order to coordinate and look for similarities between the Codes of Conduct for all 20 schools K through 12. Currently, the administrators of the schools in these families have met three times this year, to look at alignment with each other in terms of calendar coordination, behavioural expectations and other common policies and practises we can develop together to ensure overlapping expectations at elementary, middle and high schools within the families. The steps have begun to align the Como Lake Code of Conduct with the Codes of Conduct from other middle schools within this Family of Schools, as well as the School Board Code of Conduct. By 2011, the Codes will be aligned throughout all three levels of all the schools within the Hilltop and Hillside Families of Schools.
6. Standards
Como Lake Middle School promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law – prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, mental status, physical or mental disability, sex or sexual orientation – in respect of discriminatory publication and discrimination in accommodation, service and facility in the school environment.
a) Statement of Purpose
· To establish, maintain and measure students’, staffs’ and parents’ perceptions of the level of safety, caring and orderliness in the school environment for all members of the Como community, and its friends and visitors
· To establish and maintain safe, caring and orderly environments for purposeful learning
· To establish and maintain appropriate balances among individual and collective rights, freedoms and responsibilities
· To clarify and publish expectations for students behaviour while at school. While going to and from school and while attending any school function or activity at any location
b) Conduct Expectations
These expectations apply to behaviour at school, while going to and from school, and during school organized or sponsored activities at any location. Our SPC parent group has been asked for input in the updating of our Code of Conduct. The most recent guidelines are included below.
Students shall not discriminate against others on the basis of race, religion, sex or sexual orientation, disability, or for any other reason as set out in the Human Rights Code of British Columbia, nor shall a student publish or display anything that would indicate an intention to discriminate against another, or expose them to contempt or ridicule, on the basis of any such grounds. (Policy 17-4). All Como Lake community members are expected to contribute towards building a safe, caring and orderly school environment for all members.
Students may be subject to discipline under the school and /or District Code of Conduct for any conduct which interferes with learning or negatively impacts the school environment. (M276/07 – 6C ii)
Acceptable conduct
The following guidelines outline the behavioural expectations for all students at Como Lake Middle School. These guidelines are based on the Pillars determined by staff, students and parents. The language developed around behavioural expectations was determined by the students and staff.
Safety
A. When I move through the school, I walk aware of my surroundings and give other people personal space.
B. I know when and how to get help from an adult, for myself or others, when something is not right.
Respect
A. I recognize disrespectful behaviour towards the school, the students and others in the school community and I take ACTION.
B. I clean up after myself and remind others to do the same.
Inclusion/Welcoming
A. I use good manners consistently and greet people in a welcoming manner.
B. I make an effort to include and get to know others in my school community.
Learning
A. I come to class prepared and willing to participate and learn.
B. I consistently strive to do my best in every assignment.
Unacceptable conduct
The following behavioural statements outline unacceptable conduct for students of Como Lake Middle School. The behaviours cited are examples only and not an inclusive list. These statements were developed based on the Pillars of Como Lake Middle School, by the staff and students.
Safety
C. I am loud and offensive when I move through the school and interfere with the safe feelings of others.
D. I move through the school in a reckless fashion and I have no regard for the personal space or safety of others.
Respect
C. I interfere with others’ learning
D. I take advantage of times when no one is looking to break rules and use offensive language.
Inclusion – Welcoming
C. I refuse to respond when spoken to or greeted and make no effort to include others I don’t know well.
D. I physically assault and verbally attack people.
Learning
C. When I arrive at Como Lake, I am unprepared to learn.
D. I don’t take responsibility for my learning and I distract others.
Rising expectations
Students are expected to always strive to display “A” and “B” behaviours in all 4 of our Pillar areas. Team building activities and C3 (Advisory) activities have a weekly focus on positive behaviours and expectations for making the school a better place. Students will be formally recognized for their positive contributions every week through the “Gotcha” program as well as term assemblies.
c) Consequences
The Como Lake Code of Conduct follows and supports School District #43 Code of Conduct. Disciplinary action, wherever possible, is intended to be preventative and restorative, rather than merely punitive. This school maintains clear behavioural expectations for the students and staff and communicates these expectations to the school community in a number of ways.
Responses to unacceptable conduct are pre-planned, and every attempt is made to ensure that the responses are as consistent and fair as possible. Consequences are delivered in a progressive manner, always considering the severity and frequency of the unacceptable conduct.
Examples of Como Lake's approach to progressive discipline include:
· clearly outlined behavioural expectations for all students, displayed throughout the school and in classrooms;
· regular and timely recognition for positive behaviours as well as contributions to the school culture and climate;
· team and teacher interventions;
· tracking systems and follow-up;
· in-team consequences;
· office referrals;
· behaviour improvement forms based on the language outlined in the Pillars (the Como Code expectations)
· sister school support for student supervision during the school day;
· alternative locations for suspensions;
· parent notification;
· loss of privileges;
· in-school suspensions; and
· formal suspensions
On occasion, other more creative consequences are discussed with parents and may involve outside agencies.
As well, in situations where a student or adult makes a worthy complaint regarding a breach of the Code of Conduct or the Como Code, every attempt will be made to ensure the safety of the reporting individual and to prevent any retaliatory action by any person because of the disclosure.