Behaviour Code at Jackman ICS
The Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study provides a safe and caring learning environment for all students through emphasizing the need for:
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Equity and respect for self and for others
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Respect for the property of others and of the school
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The avoidance of inappropriate behaviour (any type of bullying, hurtful words or actions, exclusion, discrimination, rudeness, dangerous activities) and anything that infringes upon others’ rights
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Parent partnerships to encourage appropriate behaviour. Parents and teachers will be in touch regarding student behaviour, and we ask parents to work with teachers in support of this code.
When inappropriate behaviour occurs, the Lab School has several steps, which aim to encourage collaborative problem-solving skills as well as ownership of one's own actions and the consequences, which arise from these. The teacher(s) and principals become involved in helping with this process in many ways.
This code was developed by teachers, students, and parents. It is expected that all members of the school community will work together to support this code.
The Behaviour Code
At Jackman ICS we value different ideas and celebrate the wide diversity of backgrounds, interests, and learning styles in our classrooms. This behaviour code is supported by these values.
The Jackman ICS Behaviour Code is based on respect.
Expectations Regarding Behaviour
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Members of the school community will show respect and kindness in all their interactions.
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Actions that contribute to a respectful school culture include:
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Use of considerate actions and language that promote inclusiveness, fair play, sharing, turn-taking, and a spirit of helpfulness.
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Use of actions and language that promote a sense of ease and security for everyone, allowing others to comfortably learn, concentrate, listen, and respond to other perspectives.
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All members of the school community respect the property of others and of the school.
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Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:
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Disrespectful language or actions that create discomfort for others.
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Any physical or psychological aggression, such as the use of social exclusion, intimidation, or abusive language.
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Dangerous actions that place self, others or property at risk.
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We encourage children to intervene appropriately when another student’s rights have been infringed upon.
Procedures for Administering the Behaviour Code
A clear, developmentally sensitive process is in place for dealing with inappropriate behavior
at Jackman ICS. Each step of the process encourages children to take responsibility for their actions as they develop social problem-solving skills. Final responsibility for the administration of the Behaviour Code rests with the principal.
Steps in the Process:
We attempt to address and resolve issues as they arise. As children grow and learn, we encourage increasing autonomy and peer support as they develop the cognitive and emotional skills to resolve difficulties with others.
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In cases of minor misbehaviour or conflict, children are first encouraged to resolve difficulties through conversation with peers. Teachers will provide as much support as needed in this process, helping children clarify intent, build empathy and awareness of other viewpoints, and recognize the impact of their actions on others.
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The principals will become involved when either children or teachers need additional support, or a situation is ongoing or reoccurring.
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Parents will be contacted and involved at the stages which require or benefit from parental support in the administration of the behaviour code. Open, two-way communication with between the school and parents is a priority at all stages.
Consequences:
Consequences for inappropriate behaviour at Jackman ICS will depend upon the severity of the misbehaviour, the age of the participants, and the effectiveness of early-stage interventions. A history of inappropriate behaviour or repeated incidents may have an impact on disciplinary decisions. Consequences are dealt with in a developmentally appropriate way involving the students, teachers, principal and parents, as needed. Consequences are logical in order to provide a learning opportunity for students. The child is included in the problem-solving/ decision making process.
The range of possible consequences include:
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Withdrawal from an activity or learning situation, ranging from a few minutes to a longer period out of the classroom.
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Withdrawal from recess to the periphery of the playground.
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Withdrawal from recess to a supervised in-school activity.
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Discussions among teacher, child, principal, and parents to plan for change including: the use of specific consequences at home and at school.
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A day of in-school suspension.
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One to three days of out-of-school suspension.
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An extended suspension from the Wednesday Afternoon Program or other extra-curricular activities.
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Extended suspension from Daycare (after repeated episodes of inappropriate behaviour in Daycare).
The Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Laboratory School community is committed to upholding the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Canadian Bill of Rights, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. All forms of discriminatory behaviour are unacceptable.
Behaviour Code in Child Friendly Language
The students at JICS know that we expect everyone to treat each other with kindness and respect at all times. But we know they also need occasional reminders and opportunities to reflect on what this means in practice. Teachers discuss expectations proactively with their students, and as different situations arise, work through what respect looks like, sounds like, and feels like for everyone involved. This year we are inviting students to share their ideas about this in their own words, with an aim to write a code of behaviour that makes sense to the children within and across divisions. Last year’s JKs shared their thoughts about how students should treat each other:
Be nice
Let them play with you
Use your words, not hands
Use nice words
Share
Don’t throw things at another person
Be kind and caring
Do nice things that you want done to you
Say that you like them
Keep your promise
The Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Laboratory School community is committed to upholding the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Canadian Bill of Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. All forms of discriminatory behaviour are unacceptable.
