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CHARACTER FIRST EDUCATION
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Hampton Christian Elementary School is dedicated to developing young people of Christian character and integrity. Our goal is to help students conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner at all times. From Bill Gothard's Institute of Basic Life Principles, we focus on a specific character trait each month. These character traits will incorporate scripture, music, visuals, and much discussion through chapel programs as well as classroom emphasis. This is a four-year program in which we will eventually cover 36 character qualities.
Philosophy The faculty, staff, and administration want to work with families and students to make each person feel welcome and safe at HCES. Because we serve over 300 students, there are necessary standards, values, and rules that must be in place. Our discipline program at HCES is based upon the Biblical model and goals of "Discipline for Discipleship." Outward actions and hidden motives behind moral choices and decisions are carefully examined in light of the Scriptures. As each human stands accountable before God, we look to our Savior for strength to walk out the steps of confession, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. As we respond to the call of discipleship, we must ask, "Where will it lead us?" Only Jesus Christ, who bids us to follow Him, knows the journey's end. But we know that it will be a road of boundless mercy and love. Discipleship means JOY! Discipleship means choosing to do the right thing because it brings honor to the name of the Lord. Discipleship means choosing to do the right thing in response to the Savior's sacrificial love toward us. Discipleship means that as adults our walk in obedience to our Lord and to our earthly authorities is directly related to how our children will respond to us. As we follow policies and procedures of our school with a cheerful willingness to comply, our children will take their cue from us. Discipline for discipleship also means helping our students understand how the consequences of their actions have negative impact upon others. Parents may not always agree with every disciplinary decision or policy. However, we seek the prayers, cooperation, and loyalty of each family in upholding the specific standards contained within this handbook. May the Lord lead each of us to reflect in words, actions, and motives the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16).
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The teacher is the first line of discipline in any classroom setting. Teachers and administrators will use a variety of discipline intervention methods to maintain a positive, safe school environment. Teachers will focus on the positive behaviors, words, and actions of the students as we study the monthly "Character First" traits. The teachers and support staff will practice positive encouragement, appropriate to grade level. A teacher may need to refer a student to the principal for cases of unsafe, disruptive, or habitually negative behaviors. Decisions regarding follow up consequences for discipline infractions will point the students to the Scriptures as a part of the process. The goal, of course, is to become a mature believer who recognizes the "wiles" of the enemy. If a student is responsible for a disciplinary infraction, he/she will be expected to cooperate with school authorities to arrive at a solution. The student will also be expected to be accountable for the consequences of his/her actions. A student who is unable to meet these expectations may be asked to withdraw from the school. Distracters to Education Radios, cassette players, comic books, electronic games, beepers, questionable or offensive reading materials, and toys which cause distractions are not permitted at school or on the bus during school sponsored activities/trips. School supplies, book bags, clothing, and accessories should be free of offensive language, symbols, evil or violent characters, wrestling figures, etc. Disruptive Behavior Respect for self and others, and respect for property are significant expectations for students at Hampton Christian Elementary. Continually disruptive students will not be permitted to remain in school. Students are instructed not to take matters into their own hands and to follow the Biblical imperatives by seeking the assistance of the nearest staff member if there is an issue between students. HCES maintains high supervision standards and will model for the students how to apply scriptural guidance while helping to resolve issues between them. Examples of Serious Misconduct Include:
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Searches The school reserves the right to search and inspect any of its property and seize any suspicious or inappropriate items found. If reasonable suspicions exist, a student may be asked to surrender items located in lockers, book bags, pockets, etc. Corrective MeasuresWhen misconduct occurs, corrective measures will be employed to help the student modify his/her attitude or behavior. Corrective measures, which will typically be employed, are as follows:
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