School Expectations


We believe all students can learn, and choose to act responsibly. Our goal is to help students learn to work independently, or with others, to the best of their ability and to develop a mutual respect for each other. In order to create a positive learning environment where all students can be successful and responsible, we adhere to the motto Work, Respect, Belong.

Our behavior standards are designed to enhance students' learning in our school. (These standards can be found in your child's planner as well.) Please review the following behavior standards with your child:

1. We take responsibility for learning. This means:

2. We try to settle our differences in a peaceful manner. This means:
  • We arrive at school on time.
  • Homework is carefully and thoughtfully completed and on time.
  • We demonstrate a serious and responsible attitude in daily work.
  • We are prepared for class.
  • We respect other people's property.
  • We do not physically or verbally fight with other children.
  • We do not take anything that does not belong to us.

 

 

3.We follow the directions of adults in charge, the first time directions are given. This means:

4. We are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

This means:
  • We look at the speaker.
  • We do not talk back to teachers, paraprofessionals, or other supervising adults.
  • We practice the qualities associated with being a person of good character each day.
  • We use appropriate language at all times.
  • We do not bully or tease other children.
  • We practice good sportsmanship in school in all areas (gym, lunchroom, classroom, etc.).
  • We are willing to help each other.
  • We are friendly and courteous.

 

 

5. We are expected to move safely through the school.

This means:

 
  • No playing around in the hallways or restrooms.
  • No running in the hallways or other walkways.
  • No running to or from the bus loading or drop-off areas.

 

Our staff practices a discipline approach that reinforces and teaches positive behaviors based on the ideas of Corwin Kronenberg, a nationally recognized expert on behavior management. Our discipline plan is called Above-the-Line/Below-the-Line.

We expect every student at Tracy Area Elementary to make Above the Line choices. When students make choices that are Below the Line, we intervene and identify the unacceptable behaviors. Examples of unacceptable behaviors at Tracy Area Elementary School include being disrespectful, uncooperative, irresponsible, rude, unsafe, negative, or dishonest.

Bottom Line choices refer to when students act in a way that might require the immediate removal from class for being disruptive or negatively impacting the welfare of others at our school. Fighting, possession of a weapon, harassment, bullying, vandalism and inappropriate language are all examples of behaviors that would require timely and appropriate action by the staff involved.

The goal of our Above-the-Line program is to promote a safe and respectful environment where all students acknowledge the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behavior. We work with students to promote positive life choices. Students usually have the opportunity to go back and fix their mistakes if they are willing. In our program, behavior is divided in three groups: Above-the-Line, Below-the-Line, and Bottom-Line. A graphic representation of the three categories is below:

Above the Line

Below the Line

Bottom Line

Promotes internal pride, satisfaction, and success by being:

Detracts from a successful learning experience by being:

May cause danger or threaten the learning experience by:

 Respectful

 Responsible

Safe

Honest

 Disrespectful

 Irresponsible

 Unsafe

Dishonest

Fighting

Harassing / Bullying

 Having Weapons

Having Illegal or Look-Alike Substances

A portion of this page has been adapted from Comprehensive Classroom Management, 7th Edition, 2004.