Discipline
MCS believes in the power of the Holy Spirit and one of the purposes of discipline is to nurture in the children one of the Fruits of the Spirit, namely “self-control.” This process is ongoing; members of the school staff will act as facilitators along the way.
The role of the staff is to:
*Use appropriate limits and expectations
*Teach children rules of behavior, explain them in a positive non-threatening, but firm manner.
*Allow children’s suggestions to be included in a discussion of appropriate behavior
*Deal with the behavior rather than labeling the child
*Use appropriate methods of changing behavior
*Re-direct/help child into a less stressful situation
*Remove child from an area or activity
*Call for a time-out—explain to the child why he/she is being removed from a situation or activity when time-out is imposed. The child is usually given the option of rejoining the group when he/she is ready to behave in an acceptable manner. The staff will not put children in an unsupervised or locked area for time-out (break).
*Prevent children form doing anything that will hurt themselves, others, school property, or the building. Reasonable force or physical restraint may be used when it is essential for self-defense, protection of a child’s welfare, safeguarding school property, or keeping order. Meadowlane Christian School does not practice corporal punishment.
All children should conduct themselves in such a way for the following to occur:
–Treat all school and personal property with respect and dignity at all times
–Treat peers with respect and dignity at all times
–Treat all in authority with respect and dignity at all times
Unusual problems will be brought to the parents’/guardians’ attention by the teacher in a timely manner. Parents/Guardians with discipline concerns are asked to speak with the teacher, not with the aide or helper. Be assured that the staff with not discipline children in any physical manner or speak to them in an abusive way.
At all times the child’s feeling and needs will be respected and he/she will be helped to not only grow in self-control, but also develop a good sense of self.