Discipline Cycle      

Our discipline cycle is in place to ensure student success.  Behavioral expectations are high at St. Patrick’s.  Our DWP program is a major part of our curriculum, and it is critical that our students recognize that success results when all students learn and follow the behaviors and expectations taught in the program.  Choosing to follow the steps outlined in our D.W.P. program ensures a positive learning environment with minimal distractions.  The incentives for choosing the proper behaviors include strengthened focus during class time, pleasant passing periods, a sense of pride in a job well done, and a quarterly drawing (for a gift card) of students’ cards that have not received demerits during the monthly period(s).  In the event that a student strays from the expectations, he/she will earn a demerit.

            Demerits are formal signs that student actions are in direct conflict with St. Patrick’s behavioral guidelines.  Accumulations of demerits indicate a lack of self-discipline and on-going behaviors which could prove detrimental to the school community and St. Patrick’s educational mission.

            The staff at St. Patrick’s will work with students to create an effective learning environment.  Inappropriate student behavior will be consistently corrected, and staff members will give demerits if/when necessary.  Demerits are cumulative over the course of each month.  Students will receive a new card at the beginning of each calendar month, allowing them to start with a “clean slate.”  The demerit card provides students and parents with a tangible record of behavior and should be reviewed regularly.  Merits will also be given as students demonstrate exemplary behavior.

            Students are required to carry their demerit card during the school day.  Failure to produce the card as requested by a staff member constitutes in lack of preparation and cooperation, resulting an automatic detention (to be served that day).

 **Lost or intentionally destroyed cards will result in an automatic 30-minute detention.  The time the detention is to be served is at the discretion of the teacher monitoring the detention.

Specific consequences for accumulating demerits and the corresponding formative action follow.

Level                            Consequence                                                   Formative Action

5 demerits                     Same day detention (30 minutes)                        Parent notification by phone

10 demerits                   1 – 30 minute detention and loss of                     Parent- notification/Conference                                                      

                                    recess for 1 week                                              with principal

15 demerits                   2 – 30 minute detentions and loss                       Parent and student conference

                                    recess for 1 week                                              with principal

Above 16 demerits         (After School) School/Parish Service hours          Parent/student/principal

                                     **as determined by principal                               conference

Positive consequences include verbal praise, notes sent home, D.W.P. Movie Points, praise cards, a better learning environment, and so much more!  We will have fun while gaining valuable information.  All it will take is all of us doing our best.  Get ready for a fantastic year!