In order to effectively prevent discipline problems, it is essential that students understand what behavior is expected of them. The standards of appropriate behavior have been taught by each classroom teacher. We ask you to take time to read and discuss these standards with your child. The most effective discipline occurs when the home and school work together.

Thank you,

CHESTERTON SCHOOL STAFF

Our vision is to be a school in which all students achieve their highest potential.

Our purpose is to educate students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

To accomplish our mission and realize our vision, we will:

• Recognize our students as our primary focus.

• Create an environment where constant improvement and innovation are key elements.

• Plan and encourage innovative thinking.

• Recognize that people are the source of strength and quality and foster the professional growth of our multitalented staff.

• Strive to continually improve communication.

• Support the staff to enhance the teaching-learning process.

• Recognize that people are the source of strength and quality and foster the professional growth of our multitalented staff.

At Chesterton School we are dedicated to helping children develop respect and responsibility. Age appropriate rules and consequences are clearly stated, effectively taught, implemented and consistently reinforced by both staff and parents. All students can then learn to the best of their ability and all teachers can teach in an optimal instructional environment.

We thank you and appreciate your cooperation.

        1.  I have the right to be safe at school.  This means that no one will hit
             me, kick me, threaten me or hurt me.

        2.  I have the right to be treated fairly.  This means that no one will treat me
             differently and that the school rules will be applied equally to all people.

        3.  I have the right to be treated with compassion.  This means that no one
             will purposely hurt my feelings.

        1.  Respect and immediately follow the directions of all adults.

        2.  Use safe conduct at all times.

        3.  Take care of school property such as textbooks and other school
             materials and equipment.  Respect the property of others.  Leave personal and valuable
             items not related to learning at home.

        4.  Be courteous, kind and thoughtful in words and actions towards others.

        5.  Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

        1.  Students are expected to attend school regularly and be on time.
        2.  Students should arrive at school between 7:45 and 7:55 a.m. and report
             directly to their assigned area or line.
        3.  Students are not to leave the school grounds without permission. Parents
             must check children out by signing them out in the school office.
        4.  Toys, balls, skateboards, rollerblades, roller shoes and inappropriate electronic equipment are not 
             permitted at school.  Leave all personal and valuable items not related
             to learning at home.
        5.  Lunch bags, backpacks and clothing items should be clearly labeled.
        6.  Trading or selling of personal items is not permitted.
        7.  Gum chewing is not permitted at school.

• I will obey school rules as I walk to school each day.
• I will walk only on sidewalks, not through the parking lots, to enter and leave school.
• As soon as I arrive I will line up quietly at the designated place.
• I will keep my hands and feet to myself while in line.
• I may walk to the bathroom and return promptly.
• If I am in grades 4-5,1 may ride my bicycle to school. I must wear a helmet. I will walk my bike on the school grounds and lock it in the bike racks. I will not take my bike into the court yard.
• I will not play on the playground equipment.

• I will walk at all times.
• I will wait for brothers, sisters and friends in the lunch arbor.
• I will walk only on sidewalks, not on the grass or through the parking lot, to leave school grounds.
• I will obey school rules as I walk home each day.
• I will go home immediately upon dismissal and check in at home. If I am not going home, I will report immediately to my after-school program.

• I will use the restroom at recess and lunch to prevent frequent classroom interruptions
• I will use a quiet voice in the bathroom.
• I will not run or hide in the bathroom.
• I will not visit with my friends in the bathroom.
• I will respect others' right to privacy.
• I will treat school property with care and respect.
• I will not waste paper or water.
• I will place all paper in the proper containers.

• I will not waste food.  I will only take what I can eat.

• I will respect and follow the directions of all staff on duty.

• I will stand quietly in the lunch line, not cutting in front of others nor allowing others to cut.
• I will use good manners and language at the lunch table.
• I will keep my hands to myself and not ask for others' food.
• I will not throw food.
• I will dispose of my lunch trash and stack my tray properly.
• I will leave all food in the lunch court/cafeteria area and not take it out to the playground.
• I will walk to the playground when I am excused from lunch.

• I will enter and exit the assembly quietly.
• I will show courtesy to the person/group on stage.
• I will sit quietly on the floor, not blocking anyone's view.
• I will use applause to show my appreciation.
• I will turn my attention to my teacher for directions when the program is over.

• I will work/read quietly and be considerate of others using the media center.
• I will stay on task and complete all assignments or activities in a timely fashion.  I will cleanup after myself and place all materials where they belong.
• I will use materials and equipment according to directions.
• I will clean up after myself.
• I will follow the directions of the adults promptly and politely.
• I will return books on their due date.
• I will be responsible for lost books and damage to books and equipment.
• I will not delete programs from the computer.
• I will not go into or play restricted programs.

• I will eat snacks only by designated areas and put my trash in the trashcans.
• I will promptly follow the directions of all adult Chesterton staff members.
• I will play only in designated areas, not in bathrooms.
• I will follow the rules of the games.
• I will respect others' rights and keep hands and feet and objects to myself.
• I will use equipment in designated areas. I will return equipment back to the blue bin when recess is over.
• I will stay out of classrooms.
• I will run only on the grass field or while playing basketball.
  
• I will not play chase or tag on the field.
• I will kick only the soccer balls.
• I will get a drink and go to the bathroom before the bell rings.
• I will stop and freeze when the bell rings and walk immediately to my line or classroom when the whistle is blown.

Classroom rules, consequences and rewards are sent home separately by the teachers. Please take time to review these, as they are an important part of our Code of Conduct.

Dress Code

Clothing should be appropriate for the learning and athletic activities of the school environment.

    • Hats and bandanas are not to be worn on the school campus.    
    • Clothing should not be too tight or too loose. Bare midriff blouses, halter tops, short shorts and
       sagging pants are not appropriate.
    • Comfortable shoes suitable for physical activities should be worn (no sandals, roller shoes, high
       heels or open toe shoes).
    • No make up allowed.    
    • T-shirt slogans should not be offensive (no profanity, ethnic slurs) or inappropriate.
    • Hair styles and/or color should not disrupt learning.

    IMPLEMENTATION OF CHESTERTON'S CODE OF CONDUCT

While the principal is responsible for setting the overall tone for the school, the school staff are the key people on the school site in promoting respect for rules and positive behavior by all students.

School staff will work with students in groups and individually to maintain the established standards and thereby provide the optimum learning conditions in the classrooms.

Each staff member will assist with maintaining student standards. The authority of staff members extends to all students in the school, including those not under the immediate supervision of a teacher. 

Severe Offenses

Severe offenses will warrant an immediate referral directly to the principal or designee.

• Habitual profanity, obscene gestures
• Throwing objects to cause harm
• Fighting/hurting another
• Defiance of school personnel
• Possession of controlled substances
• Possession of weapons
• Vandalism, including defacing books or equipment

For classroom offenses, please refer to the steps followed in your child's classroom.

Offenses may result in one or more of the following consequences and will be overseen by the Student Center staff. They may include:

• verbal apology
• time out
• loss of recess (detention)
• behavior contract
• parent communication
• loss of privilege (assembly, field trip)
• parental presence in class
• in-school suspension
• formal out-of-school suspension
• parents can be held financially responsible for costs incurred by student

Awards are given each month in an outdoor school-wide assembly to students in kindergarten through fifth grade in recognition of good citizenship, academic achievements, improvement, etc.  Pictures are taken of the students being honored and are displayed in the office. Parents and students are invited to enjoy refreshments.

CLASSROOM REWARDS

Each classroom teacher rewards positive behavior in many ways. Some of these rewards include:

• verbal praise
• positive notes and phone calls to parents
• awards and certificates
• stars and stickers
• treasure chest
• classroom "Super Citizen of the Week"
• special treats
• classroom "Child of the Day"
• free time in class
• personal notes on class assignments

In addition to the many positive reinforcements done in the classrooms, staff on duty before school, at recess and at lunch time are always looking for students who are doing a super job of following Chesterton's Code of Conduct. They award "Caught You Being Good" slips. These are deposited in a "fish bowl" in each room.  Each teacher draws out a name on Fridays; that child receives a treat from the office.

Monthly one child from each classroom who demonstrates responsibility and respect for rules is invited to have lunch with the principal and/or vice principal and share in a special treat.

Thanks to our Partners in Education who continue to support our school in so many ways:

San Diego City Schools Food Services
San Diego City Schools Finance Department
University of San Diego Service Learning
Bayside Healthy Start
American Legion Larry E. Holmberg Post 731
Kyunh Hee Tae Kwon Do
USS Howard

San Diego Unified School District
Student Nondiscrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy

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