Discipline Policy
Conduct/Behavior Expectations
Consistent with Erie Day School ideals, the community values mutual respect, trust, personal integrity, and conflict resolution in a peaceful, rational manner. The school places an emphasis on the cultivation of citizenship, self-discipline, personal accountability, and promotes an understanding of what behavior is appropriate, positive, considerate, and in the interest of the community. Students need to recognize that certain expectations and clear limits are necessary and act accordingly. Enforcement of standards benefits both the individual student and the school community.
As with any community there are reasonable expectations that community members will conduct themselves in accordance with EDS standards. However, we are aware that part of “growing up” is developing those behaviors and attitudes that will assist our students in becoming the contributing members of society that we seek. It is important that home and school work closely together in guiding our students through these formative years.
Erie Day School does not approach violations of standards with punitive intent, but rather uses measured responses that it believes will help our students be responsible and accountable for their actions. The school prefers to view each violation as a separate incident and not as part of a “one size fits all” discipline policy. Each student is unique and brings his or her own set of attitudes and beliefs and each requires individual attention and response.
Therefore, any student who fails to observe the school’s or individual teacher’s standards for behavior or language may be placed in lunch inconvenience, suspended, or expelled.
Erie Day School Rules
- Follow directions the first time.
- Raise your hand before speaking and wait to be recognized.
- Stay in your seat until your teacher excuses you.
- Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
- Use acceptable language showing respect for yourself, your teachers, and classmates.
- Adhere to Erie Day School Community Standards.
Lower School Procedures
The teachers will clearly communicate their expectations for behavior.
The school rules will be posted in each classroom and sent home to each family. We believe that positive comments encourage and promote acceptable behavior and that good behavior should be recognized. Teachers use a variety of methods/rewards to reinforce continued positive behavior. In the event a student needs reminding of the school or classroom rules, teachers will handle minor problems in the classroom. Repeated inappropriate behavior may result in consequences such as loss of recess time or withdrawal of privileges. The teacher or the head of lower school will notify parents of such instances. The head of school in consultation with the parents and teacher will handle more serious issues.
Middle School Procedures
The teachers will clearly communicate their expectations for behavior and the school rules will be posted in each classroom.
Teachers use a variety of methods/rewards to reinforce continued positive behavior. The teacher handles minor problems in the classroom and may assign lunch inconvenience (loss of recess time) for minor infractions. Multiple lunch inconveniences or more serious infractions that result in the student being sent to the head of school can result in an in-school suspension. Parents will be notified of these infractions. Examples of these infractions are: cutting class, lying, stealing, using profanity, and cheating (which includes plagiarism or the copying of another student’s homework). For violations of a more dangerous nature (drugs, alcohol, weapons, etc.), the student will be immediately suspended and may be expelled from the school.
Erie Day School Anti-Bullying and/or Harassment Policy
We strive to provide an environment that is physically and emotionally safe and secure for all students. Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook to review. Additional informational videos are available here.
- Charisse Nixon, Ph.D., Program Chair, Psychology Professor of Psychology, Psychology Research Director, Susan Hirt Hagen CORE at Penn State Erie - The Behrend College, has also presented to Erie Day School students including: the Youth Voice Project; The Empirical Study of Protective and Risk Factors; and Mentoring.
Off-Campus Behavior
One does not cease being an Erie Day School student when not on campus. Therefore, any enrolled student who engages in behaviors and/or activities off campus that reflect poorly upon the school or cause physical or emotional discomfort to other enrolled students is subject to the disciplinary policies outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook.