Behavior Policy

Behavior Policy

We believe all children are created in God's image. As such, when a student needs redirection, guidance, or support from our behavioral specialist because they aren’t meeting classroom expectations, our goal is to treat your child with respect, dignity, and love through this process. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 16:14 “Let all that you do be done with love.” Below you will find our co-op’s expectations for behavior and the process we have created to help our students be successful. Every student and parent must agree to these expectations and process to be accepted into The Gathering. 

Expectations

Respect others:

When students are in class they are expected to participate and engage in the learning without disruptions to other students or the teacher. We expect they will have respect for their teachers, volunteers, and other students at all times.

Respect the building: 

When our students are in the building we expect that they will have respect for the building and items, using it in the way it should be used without damage. This includes walking in the hallways, cleaning up after themselves, ect.

Respect yourself:

When students talk about themselves they will be positive. They will respect their bodies through modest clothing and keeping their bodies safe from harm.

Accountability

If a student is struggling to follow the expectations of The Gathering the following process will be implemented to help them process their behaviors and return to class if appropriate. The behavior specialist will determine the appropriate course of action for students in a case by case scenario. 

In class struggles

The teacher will implement different methods to redirect behaviors that go against expectations. Examples: move seats, stand near student, ect.

Dismissed from class (Restorative Process)

The student continues their behaviors and the teacher determines to give the student an opportunity to talk with our behavior specialist to process their behaviors and the source of their struggles. The behavior specialist will either create a plan with the student to return to class or the parent will be contacted to pick up their student if it is considered in the student’s best interest. 

If the student is able to return to class the student and teacher will have the opportunity to restore their relationship. 

Through this process your child will be encouraged as a child of God. 

Multiple dismissals in a day

The student continues their behavior and is dismissed by the same teacher or by another teacher within the same day. Parents will be contacted, depending on the situation the student may need to be picked up by their parents. This determination is made by the behavior specialist.

Pattern of behaviors

The student has created a pattern of behaviors that causes dismissals from class. Parents will have to meet with the behavior specialist and a board member to create a behavior plan. This will be implemented and followed by staff, the student, and parents. 

Behavior plan is not followed

The student is unable to follow the expectations set forth in their agreed upon behavior plan. The case will be sent to The Gathering board to determine if this is the best fit for the child. The Gathering reserves the right to dismiss a student from our co-op if there is a determination that it is best for the community or student. 

Student Salutes

As a co-op we are a community and when someone in our community is doing well we want to recognize them for their success. It also helps motivate students to meet expectations.  We will be implementing different strategies to recognize students that are striving to meet the expectations of The Gathering. Below are some of the ways we plan to recognize our students:

• Student of the month- Every month we will highlight students that are doing well in different aspects of The Gathering.  This could be having a positive attitude, doing well academically, creating a great mentorship relationship with another student, showing leadership within their class ect.   

• Student Salutes Raffle- Staff will have the opportunity to submit good things their students have been doing. They will be given a ticket that can be entered into our student salute raffles! 

• Positive Parent Praises- Parents will be contacted about good things your student is doing while at The Gathering. 

• Opportunities for kids- For students that are showing leadership skills we will find a place for your student to exhibit those skills. Examples: Pick up and drop off aide, leading stations on our service days, starting a mentorship relationship with younger students, ect.