In order to build and sustain a caring community in which learning can take place, certain expectations for behavior need to be established. In an effort to be consistent throughout the building, and be clear regarding what is appropriate and inappropriate, we have listed specific behavior we expect to see as well as the counter behavior that is not acceptable.
Behaviors are grouped into three categories that reflect the various aspects of life at Guilford Central School. Each category has a list of specific behaviors that are expected, followed by the opposite of that behavior. We hope that by listing the behaviors in this manner, we will make clear for all students what is acceptable as what is not acceptable. These behaviors have been adopted by the staff and will be enforced and reinforced by all staff in all areas of the school.
These behaviors focus primarily on ways students approach their work. The expected behaviors/ and their opposite, or problematic behaviors in this are include:
| What is expected of you | We do not expect |
|---|---|
| Being on time for class | Tardiness |
| Having supplies | Not having supplies |
| Choosing to participate | Refusing to participate |
| Being attentive | Fiddling in desk |
| Being visually attentive | Being visually distracted |
| Following directions | Not following directions |
| Doing your own work | Copying, cheating and plagiarism |
| Working on assigned assignment | Working on an assignment not assigned |
| Listening | Not listening |
| Sitting or standing in an assigned area | Wandering around the room or sitting in a seat not assigned |
| Speaking when appropriate and speaking appropriately | Talking out of turn Talking too loud |
| Listening to directions at all times in all places (HR, lunchroom, halls, gym, playground, etc.) | Not listening to directions at all times in all places (HR, lunchroom, halls, gym, playground, etc.) |
These behaviors are some of the most important ones to the smooth functioning of a community, whether it be a town, school, classroom or family. They are essential to the maintenance of an environment in which students can learn to take full advantage of the learning opportunities made available to them. Behaviors that demonstrate ones sense of caring, responsible and respectful approach to others and the school, followed by their counter behaviors include:
| What is expected of you | We do not expect |
|---|---|
| Respecting physical space | Inappropriate physical space |
| Including everyone | Excluding others Refusing to sit or work with others |
| Courtesy | Rudeness |
| Proper behavior in emergency situations (fire drills) | Not following directions |
| Upholding school policies | Bringing drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, gum, candy to school and unethical use of the internet |
| Honesty | Lying |
| Treating others fairly | Scapegoating, taunting |
| Doing what you are asked to do | Being deliberately argumentative, refusing reasonable requests |
| Having all four legs of a chair on floor | Tipping chairs |
| Encouraging comments and actions | Put downs Name calling Harassment Intimidation Threatening behavior |
| Being accountable for actions | Not owning up for actions |
| Being accountable for place | Wandering in halls Hanging out in bathrooms, gym, library, cafeteria, juice machine |
| Resolving conflicts peacefully | Physical assault |
| Proper classroom etiquette | Throwing spitballs |
These behaviors include how you treat school property, the property of others as well as your own property. These behaviors also include common courtesies. Behaviors that promote an orderly school environment and demonstrate a concern for property, and their counter behaviors, include:
| What is expected of you | We do not expect |
|---|---|
| Walking in halls and classroom appropriately | Running and jumping in halls Dragging shoes Excessive noise Ceiling and door hopping |
| Proper cafeteria etiquette | Not saying please or thank you Handling food and trays appropriately Taking or touching someone else's lunch Throwing food |
| Cleaning up your space in cafeteria | Creating a mess Leaving a mess |
| Handling equipment and supplies with care | Misuse of materials Breaking pens and pencils Shooting rubber bands Destroying and throwing paper clips Throwing things |
| Borrowing with permission | Taking without permission |
| Putting things back where they belong | Not returning things to the correct place |
| Proper bathroom etiquette | Misuse of bathroom facilities |
| Proper library etiquette | Misuse of bathroom facilities |
| Contributing to the care of school property | Refusing to maintain a clean school because the mess “wasn't mine” |
| Proper bus etiquette | Inappropriate bus behavior |
| Respecting others property | Theft, destruction of property |
| Trail etiquette | Not respecting all plants and animals |
| Respecting newsroom | Misuse of newsroom and computers |
| Proper playground etiquette | Destruction of property |