Code of Conduct

Overview of the Student Code of Conduct  

We believe that children can behave appropriately in a climate of warmth and support; the goal of school discipline is to help children become self‐directed citizens within a variety of environments and with different people. The Bradford School philosophy is based on a social- emotional approach to developing and learning. We believe that expectations for behavior and ways of dealing with misbehavior should be in accord with developmental goals. Clearly defined school rules and classroom procedures with incremental actions and consequences consistently carried out will foster appropriate behavior. 

 

Caregivers are an integral part in helping the school to promote positive behaviors.  The home and the school must work together to bring about a positive school experience for the student.   

  

In accordance with Policy 5600: Student Code of Conduct and Restorative Justice Practices, all students are expected to follow the Code of Conduct in a developmentally appropriate manner. Bradford School adheres to the Montclair Public Schools Code of Conduct. To learn more, please see the Montclair Public Schools District Policy 5600 Regulation 5600-“Student Code of Conduct & Restorative Practices.”  

 

Actions to be taken will always include a learning moment intervention and possibly a punitive consequence. Elementary school Grades K-5 are vital developmental years for children. It is our goal to have children learn from mistakes. 

 

The following Code of Conduct chart will help students, staff, and families to understand the expectations for acceptable conduct at Bradford School. All students are expected to follow the Code of Conduct in a developmentally appropriate manner.   

 

The following table describes some general unacceptable behaviors and associated actions, which are divided into four tiers according to severity, developmental level, and history of behaviors.   

 

                                               CODE OF CONDUCT

Behaviors 

Actions 

  

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Level 4 

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying 

**See specific information re: bullying legislation 

Defiance/Disruption 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Fighting 

 

 

x 

x 

Inappropriate Physical Conduct 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Unsafe Behavior 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Teasing/Exclusion 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Theft 

 

x 

x 

x 

Threats 

 

x 

x 

x 

Vandalism 

x 

x 

x 

x



Level One: Infractions on an infrequent basis 

  • Conference with teacher/ staff member 

  • Teacher selected response 

  • Teacher contacts parent/ guardian via telephone 

Level Two: Repeated infractions 

  • Parent/guardian conference with teacher to develop a behavior plan 

  • Possible referral to counselor/nurse 

  • Teacher selected response 

Level Three: Continuing infractions or serious infractions 

  • Teacher/staff member contacts parent/ guardian via telephone  

  • Teacher/staff member refers incident to principal  

  • Parent/guardian conference with principal and relevant staff 

  • Possible character education project 

  • Possible referral to counselor/nurse  

Level Four: Infractions that are highly serious or cause imminent danger to self or others 

  • Immediate referral to principal  

  • Parent/guardian contact 

  • Parent/ guardian conference 

  • Possible referral to counselor/nurse


*This rubric is a guideline—The principal has discretion regarding responses as they relate to individual circumstances. 

** In the event there is a conflict between two (or more) students; school personnel will discuss the details of the incident but will NOT disclose the actions/consequences taken with any other child other than yours. Consequences are confidential information pertinent to a child’s educational programming.
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Bus Conduct & Discipline

The busdriver and/or busaide will complete a Bus Conduct Report in the event of a student’s inappropriate behavior on the bus. The BusConduct Report will be submitted to the building Principal and a copy will be sent to the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This is in accordance with  Policy 8630: BusDriver/BusAide Responsibility. A student may be excluded from the bus for disciplinary reasons by the administration and their parent/guardian/caregiver shall provide for their transportation to and from school during the period of such exclusion.

  • First Offense – A warning letter will be sent to the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) informing them of the problem as well as what action was taken. The Principal will speak with the student.

 

  • Second Offense – The student will be excluded from the bus for a period of five (5) days and his/her/their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) shall provide transportation to and from school during that period. Absence from school during this period will be considered truancy. The Principal will call the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and a letter will be sent home.

 

  • Third Offense – The student will be excluded from the bus for a period of thirty (30) school days and his/her/their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) shall provide transportation to and from school during that period. Absence from school during this period will be considered truancy. Any further infractions will be subject to an additional thirty (30) school day suspension of bus privileges.

  •  

Guidelines for Student Bus Riders

1.) Be on time for your bus (5-7 minutes early is recommended).

2.) Wait at the designated stop – stay out of the street and off the homeowner’s property.

3.) Approach the bus only when it has completely stopped.

4.) Buckle your seat belt when you board the bus– IT’S THE LAW.

5.) Sit facing forward, feet on the floor, in your assigned seat.

6.) Remain seated while the busis in motion and during loading and discharging passengers.

7.) Keep your head, arms and belongings inside the bus.

8.) Eating and drinking are prohibited.

9.) Keep the aisles completely clear.

10.) Respect the bus property and equipment.

11.) Do not distract the busdriver by loud noises or horseplay.

12.)Be absolutely quiet at railroad crossing stops.

13.) Be alert to emergency warnings and instructions from the driver.

14.) In case of a road emergency, remain inside the busand wait for instructions from the driver and/or attendant.

15.) If you must cross the road, do so at least 10 feet in front of the bus quickly and orderly, and only after checking traffic from both directions and while the red school bus lights are flashing.

16.) Remember that the driver can pick up/discharge passengers only at regular bus stops properly authorized by the school administration. Requests for alternate bus stops for “play dates” etc. will be denied.

 
         
   
         
         
         
         
       
         
         
       


 

 

 
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