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 upheld.

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 authorities is directly related to how our students will obey us. As we follow policies and procedures of our school with a cheerful willingness to comply, our students will take their cue from us. Discipline for discipleship 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).

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.

Radios, cassette players, comic books, electronic games, beepers, questionable/offensive reading materials, and toys which cause distractions are not permitted at school or 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.

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.

Examples of Serious Misconduct Include:

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.

When 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: