In the Lower School, a Regis boy begins to understand what the acceptable limits of his behavior are and how to effectively communicate his thoughts and feelings.
In Lower School, students begin to develop the skills and tools necessary to interact and maintain social relationships while discovering their sense of self. This personal growth includes respecting the rights of others, and learning to embrace, accept, and honor the unique differences of others. The building of community is central to the collective belief each boy in the lower school has the right to learn, play, and grow within an environment where he feels comfortable, accepted, and included. To ensure this, our educators in partnership with our families will continually develop our boys to:
- Treat all people with courtesy and kindness
- Follow classroom rules that are collectively set by the teacher and the class
- Display empathy and appreciation of others
- Problem solves without the need for physical contact
- Seek opportunities to assist others in need
- Respect the property of others
- Commit actions of honesty and integrity
Lower School students are expected to follow the playground and cafeteria rules listed below:
- Playground Rules:
- Be careful of others and avoid rough play, this includes wrestling
- Be mindful to extend an invitation for everyone to participate
- Do not make fun of others
- Do not tease or bully
- Always give others a chance to apologize for a mistake
- Do not use foul language
- Do not climb on fences or buildings
- Use playground equipment for its intended purpose
- Always ask permission to leave a designated area, this includes using the restroom
- Cafeteria Rules:
- Use inside voices at all times
- Display age-appropriate table manners
- Keep lunch areas clean
- Remaining seated while eating
- Enter and exit the area in an orderly and quiet line
DISCIPLINARY NOTICE
We as educators understand that students will have errors in judgment as they grow. We view this as a natural part of the maturation process. Therefore, we strive to give the boys the understanding necessary to make wise decisions. Learning and moving on from mistakes are as vital as cataloging successes. If students do not meet the expectations required for a safe and inviting learning environment, they will be given opportunities to discuss, correct, and reflect on their behaviors.
Regis Lower School teachers actively develop relationships with their students by clearly expressing expectations, presenting students with equal opportunities to participate in class discussions, and communicating their confidence in students' ability to achieve academic and social success.
The homeroom and ancillary teachers address minor disruptions and issues through their grade-level specific communication systems. If student misbehavior becomes a pattern, it is entered into our system as an infraction; see below.
While our discipline system strives for consistency and fairness in all situations, it is essential to note that not all disciplinary issues can fall into easily defined categories. Issues must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and will not always follow the structure outlined in this section.
The following plan outlines the behaviors and possible consequences:
LEVEL ONE
Level One infractions will be dealt with by the teacher witnessing the infraction(s) and /or the homeroom teacher, Dean of Students and/or Counselor. Communication about the incident(s) will be sent to parents.
Examples include:
- Major disturbance or disruption of the learning environment
- Continual issues in the classroom, as documented in the grade-level specific communication system
- Defiant behavior
- Disrespectful comments/behavior towards teachers/faculty/staff
- Disrespectful behavior towards peers
- Improper or unauthorized use of school or others’ property
- Inappropriate or disrespectful language, drawings and gestures
- Inappropriate physical contact (Ex. kicking, pinching, pushing)
- Inappropriate use of technology
Consequences may include:
- Verbal warning
- Taking a break or removal from the situation, thus allowing for the student to self-regulate his emotions and refocus his efforts.
- Special assignments and/or restitution
- Reflection through writing or drawing
- Discussion between student and teacher to discuss the incident, providing an opportunity for full reflection as to why a behavior was inappropriate and should not be repeated.
LEVEL TWO
Level Two infractions will be dealt with by the teacher in conjunction with the school counselor and/or Dean of Students. Communication about the incident(s) will be sent to parents.
Examples include:
- Persistent or extreme Level One infractions
- Bullying with the intent of causing physical or emotional harm
- Making racial, ethnic, or religious insults
- Abusive or profane language, drawings or gestures.
- Misbehavior during field trips or school programs
- Cheating, plagiarism, lying, forging signatures
- Vandalism
Consequences may include:
- Denial of privileges and/or modified day
- After-school or lunch Detention
- Taking a break or removal from the situation, thus allowing for the student to self-regulate his emotions and refocus his efforts.
- Special assignments and/or restitution
- Conference with parent, child, teacher and counselor/Dean of Students
LEVEL THREE
Level Three infractions will be dealt with by the Head of Lower School and/or the Head of School. A parent meeting will be required.
Examples include:
- Persistent or extreme Level Two infractions
- Biting
- Threatening or causing physical or emotional harm
- Bullying resulting in physical or emotional harm
- Any threatening comments related to school shootings
- Consequences may include:
- Student sent home for the remainder of the day
- Denial of privileges and/or extracurricular activities
- Special assignments and/or restitution
- After-school detention
- In-school suspension
- Conference with parent, child, teacher, counselor/Dean of Students, Head of Lower School/and or the Head of School
LEVEL FOUR
Level Four constitutes persistent or extreme Level Three infractions and will be sent to the Head of School.
- In-school suspension
- Out–of–school suspension
- Student may be asked to leave the school
NOTICE OF OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION
When a student receives an out of school suspension, parents receive a written and verbal notice from the school that outlines the reasons for the suspension and the terms of the suspension. The parents and student will be required to meet with the Head of Lower of School, classroom teacher(s), counselor and Dean of students to develop a behavior plan.