Parent Guide to BEST - John B. Riebli Elementary

John B. Riebli School Behavior Expectations and Positive Discipline Plan

B.E.S.T (Building Effective Schools Together)

The Riebli School BEST (Building Effective Schools Together) is a behavior expectation and discipline program, in which staff, students, and community support positive student behavior, target areas for student training, and celebrate student successes. BEST is research-based and builds from “what already works” in schools.

School personnel will support appropriate student behavior to nurture a safe, caring, compassionate, and collaborative learning environment. Student choices and consequences for not following school behavior expectations will follow school policy.

Positive Discipline is based on the following principles: mutual respect (I respect myself and I respect you), all people strive for belonging and significance, mistakes are opportunities to learn, logical and natural consequences that are reasonable, related, and respectful help people own and grow from mistakes, and children will develop competencies when we provide them with responsibilities and support.

Violations of expectations will be addressed in a positive, respectful, and reasonable manner. Keeping in mind that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow, consequences will be issued on a severity continuum and can include conference with the teacher, phone call to parent, written reflection or apology, conflict mediation, behavior plan, loss of privileges, suspension, or expulsion.

Mark West District and Riebli School Overarching Behavior Expectations

Be safe

Be Respectful

Be Responsible

District Principles Guiding Our Behavior and Decisions

I will respect myself, other students and adults.
I will take care of my books, other learning materials, and the school building and grounds.
I will respect and care for other people’s things.
I will make responsible choices for my behavior.
I will challenge myself to do my best work each

Riebli School Rules:

Obey all classroom rules
Do your best in class and on your homework
Respect other people’s property, bodies and feelings
Be courteous to others
Use appropriate language
Be responsible for yourself
Follow directions
Play safely

Consequences:

Student will receive a reminder/warning.
Student will correct the broken rule (Walk back through an area he/she had run through… Pick-up litter he/she dropped… Apologize to those hurt… Clean up a mess, etc.).
Student will take a time-out.
Student will lose part or all of recess or another activity which requires self-responsibility.
Student will be referred to the principal.
Student will be suspended from school for the period of time allowed by law. A fight between students will result in an automatic suspension. Students are automatically suspended for other serious offenses prescribed by law.

Riebli School Student Recognition and Celebration

A cornerstone of the BEST Program is that it recognizes and celebrates appropriate behavior. When students are being SAFE, RESPECTFUL, and RESPONSIBLE, their efforts are to be verbally praised and the Panther Paw and Panther Pride slips presented to them. Research shows that students will master behavior expectations with positive reinforcement rather than a punitive, punishment-based structure. Students need explicit instruction on what BEST behavior looks like. They need to be informed when they are not following the behavior expectations. They will need rules clarified, modeled, and re-taught. When they learn and use BEST behavior, students will be celebrated for their efforts.

Staff will present students with a Panther Paw with specific feedback as to why they received this recognition when students are observed following the rules, helping others, modeling appropriate behaviors. Staff will present students with a Panther Pride with specific feedback when the behavior is a significant importance or for assigned classroom or school responsibilities. Examples: Ongoing modeling of being safe, respectful, or responsible, for stepping up to a higher level of learning. Example assigned responsibilities in class or for the school could be classroom jobs, flag duty, lost and found collection, trash or recycle pick ups.

Staff and Student Council will introduce a monthly character trait, teaching lessons, and recognizing when students demonstrate the character or life skill. A list of Life Skills are listed below.

At weekly or monthly assemblies, specific character traits and student recognition for BEST behavior will be celebrated. At the trimester awards assembly, we celebrate the BEST awards, recognizing students who have demonstrated the school expectations to BE SAFE, BE RESPECTFUL, and BE RESPONSIBLE.

Life Skills and Positive Values

INTEGRITY: To be honest, sincere, and of sound moral principle, to act on convictions and stand up for your rights.

INITIATIVE: To do something because it needs to be done.

FLEXIBILITY: The ability to alter plans when necessary.

HONESTY: To tell the truth, even when it is not easy.

PERSEVERANCE: To continue in spite of difficulties.

ORGANIZED: To plan, arrange, and implement in an orderly way.

SENSE OF HUMOR: To laugh and be playful without hurting others.

EFFORT: To try your hardest.

EMPATHY: to understand the emotions and experiences of another person

COMMON SENSE: To use good judgment.

PROBLEM SOLVING: To seek solutions in difficult situations.

RESPONSIBILITY: To accept and take personal responsibility for your actions.

PATIENCE: To wait calmly for someone or something.

FRIENDSHIP: To make and keep a friend through mutual trust and understanding.

CURIOSITY: A desire to learn or know about a full range of things.

COOPERATION: To work together toward a common goal.

Responsibilities of the Riebli School Community

The development of school behavior, which is safe, respectful, and responsible, is a collaborative effort involving students, parents, administrators, teachers, and all school staff. The responsibilities listed below will help to create a healthy, productive learning environment at our school.

Student Responsibilities

Follow the overarching behavior expectations, rules, and routines at Riebli School
Follow school staff directions
Treat others with respect
Cooperate with others
Use school supplies appropriately
Solve problems and conflicts effectively and peacefully
Use “I statements” to resolve conflicts. If that does not work, seek help from an adult
Do your best work

Parent Responsibilities

Know, promote & support the practice of the Riebli School overarching expectations, rules and routines
Set an example which is positive, respectful and cooperative to all
Set limits on inappropriate student behavior, especially those which are high intensity and creating an unsafe climate at Riebli School
Support the Riebli School student recognition program
Follow school & class procedures
Bring your child to school & pick them up on time
Sign in at the office during school hours
Follow school safety rules & procedures

Administrative Responsibilities

Promote, support & teach the practice of the Riebli School overarching behavior expectations, rules, and routines throughout the school year
Set an example which is positive, respectful, and cooperative to all
Set limits on inappropriate student behavior, especially those which are high intensity and creating an unsafe climate at Riebli School
Support and oversee the Riebli School student recognition program
Allocate fiscal & staffing resources to carry out the Riebli School BEST Plan
Coordinate the efforts of students, parents, teachers, and school staff to achieve the BEST Plan goals
Utilize the BEST Plan forms & procedures across the various settings & situations at Riebli School
Continuously inform the school community of the goals and workings of the BEST Plan, and coordinate efforts
Remind parents to sign in during school hours, obtain a visitor badge, & wear it

Teacher Responsibilities

Promote, support & teach the practice of the Riebli School overarching behavior expectations, rules, and routines throughout the school year
Set an example which is positive, respectful, and cooperative to all
Set limits on inappropriate student behavior, especially those which are high intensity and creating an unsafe climate at Riebli School
Support the Riebli School Recognition Program
Utilize the BEST Plan forms & procedures across the various settings and situations at Riebli School
Keep parents informed of the goals and workings of the classroom discipline plan and the BEST Plan
Remind parents to sign in during school hours, obtain a visitor badge, & wear it

School Staff Responsibilities

Promote, support & teach the practice of the Riebli School overarching behavior expectations, rules, and routines throughout the school year
Set an example which is positive, respectful, and cooperative to all
Set limits on inappropriate student behavior, especially those which are high intensity and ongoing in nature
Support the Riebli School Recognition Program
Utilize the BEST Plan forms & procedures across the various settings and situations at Riebli School
Remind parents to sign in during school hours, obtain a visitor badge, & wear it

Yard Supervisor Responsibilities

Promote, support & teach the practice of the Riebli School overarching behavior expectations, rules and routines throughout the school year
Set an example which is positive, respectful, and cooperative to all
Follow all the responsibilities in the section “School Staff Responsibilities” above
Report to the assigned area promptly/on time
Actively supervise assigned area (e.g. move around, be proactive, re-teach/clarify rules)
Constantly visually scan the play area.
Encourage students to interact with one another rather than hover around adults
Keep conversation with children brief
Never leave your area unsupervised
Actively support each other in using the Freeze Whistle
Supervise walkways as students return to class; insist that students walk.
Recognize/praise students for being safe, respectful and responsible
Be prepared with necessary materials (i.e. first aid fanny pack, Panther Paws, discipline slips, health passes, whistle, pen or pencil, orange vest, radio)
Have Riebli School radio to communicate with office

Riebli School Agreements and Rules

Miscellaneous Agreements
Recess Snacks	Eaten in assigned Area
Gum & Candy	Are not allowed
Hats	Are to be worn outdoors only
Hardballs	Are not allowed
Bats	Wooden or metal bats are not allowed
Personal electronic devices	Are not allowed
Glass Containers	Are not allowed
Spitting	Are not allowed
Make-Up	Are not allowed
Clothing	Needs to be modest and appropriate (follow district code)
Shoes	Shoes that allow students to run and play safely are to be worn at all times (no flip-flops). Our concern is safety, and we expect all students to be prepared for activity every day. Tennis shoes are highly recommended for playing and essential for P.E.

Riebli School Agreements and Rules

Below are more detailed rules for Riebli School. The purpose and audience of these rules are for teachers and Yard Supervisors who work with students at recess. The previous chart is what is shared with students. Below are the specific agreements we have in supervising students.

Riebli Playground School Rules

All school grounds and play areas fall under Riebli School rules. Failure to follow rules will lead to warning, benching, and possible closure of that area if warranted.
If there is a shortage of coverage, certain areas may not be opened such as the play structure.
Play in areas supervised by adults.
Buildings are off limits to students during recess and when unsupervised.
Except in an emergency, students must have a pass to come to the office.
Playing with balls or running games in the play structure area is not permitted.
On rainy days, students will be supervised in classes at recess and lunch (see rainy day schedule).
No balls or toys from home are allowed in the playground area.
Students are to eat in designated areas.
Maintain a clean school by throwing garbage away and not littering.
Tackling, pile-ups, pushing or other types of unsafe behavior are not permitted.
Throwing rocks, gravel, sawdust and other objects is dangerous and not permitted.
All students are included in games.
Running in grass areas or designated running areas only.
Children should remain on the playground until bell rings (unless raining)
When the bell rings, all students must FREEZE until the whistle blows and then walk.
When recess is over, students are to WALK directly to class lines in a quiet and orderly fashion.

Mediating Problems

We first encourage students to resolve their problems themselves. However, when resolution is not possible, then students are responsible to go to a Yard Supervisor. This is the script that is to be employed when students are asking for mediation.

Supervisor: “Do you want to solve this problem?” (If students want to talk, then go forward; if not, have them take a time out)Find a place to talk where you can still see in your supervisory area.
Supervisor: “There are four rules to solving your problem: Agree to solve the problem, No name-calling or put-downs, do not interrupt; tell the truth. I am going to pick a student to talk first.”
Listen to the first student. Repeat what they said. Ask this student about how he/she feels about the situation.
Supervisor: “I am going to ask the second student to speak.”
Listen to the student. Repeat back what is said. Ask how he/she feels about the situation.
Supervisor to the first student: “What can you do to solve the problem?”
Ask if the second student agrees.
Supervisor to second student: “What can you do to solve the problem?”
Get agreement from the first student
Supervisor: “What will you do differently in the future?”
Supervisor: “Is the problem solved?”
Supervisor: “Go tell your friends that the conflict has been resolved. Thank you for your hard work.”

Playground Rules	Area / Games
Blacktop Area	Only rubber balls may be used on the ball wall. Soccer balls on the field or kick ball area. Students should carry school balls to and from recess.
Play Structure and Slides	Wait for an adult supervisor to open the structure before entering (otherwise closed.) The area under apparatus is kept clear; a child who drops to the ground should not linger. Children should keep their hands and feet to themselves when on or near the equipment. When waiting for a turn, wait in line. Only go down the slide and one person at a time. Hands are in contact with the apparatus. No moving or throwing of shavings. No tag or chase games are allowed in or around the play structure. The only structure that students are allowed to climb on top of is the parallel bars. The play structure is off limits after school.
Kindergarten Play Structure	For kindergarten recess use only. The play structure is off limits after school. The area under apparatus is kept clear; a child who drops to the ground should not linger. Children should keep their hands and feet to themselves when on or near the equipment. When waiting for a turn, wait in line. Only go down the slide and one person at a time. Hands are in contact with the apparatus. No moving or throwing of shavings. No tag or chase games are allowed in or around the play structure.
Tag	Tag is only permitted on the large grassy field, not in the narrow grassy area between the fence and the blacktop. Tag will be discontinued by supervisors if not safely following rules below. Only open-hand touch is permitted. Students may only be “it” three times in one session. Students may not: Team up, be physically aggressive, play in unauthorized areas
Tetherball Rules	Basic Rules: A line divides the tetherball court in half. Each player must stay in his or her own half of the court during the entire game. Stepping on or crossing the line is a foul. The serve is determined by Ro-Sham-Bo. The winner chooses either “sides” or “serves.” The person who wins “sides” gets to decide which side and in which direction each player is hitting. The server starts the game by striking the ball with his or her heel of the hand or closed fist and sending it in the direction that was chosen. The server cannot hit the ball again until the opponent has touched the ball. The ball must be contacted with a single, sharp hit. Pushing the ball with the fingers, slapping the ball with the palm, or hitting the ball with two contacts (double hitting) is considered a foul. The server and his or her opponent try to hit the ball in opposite directions, both trying to wind the ball completely around the pole. The player who wraps the ball around the pole wins the game. The next challenger coming in has the choice of serving or choosing the side and in which direction each player will hit. 3 games in a row maximum for the winner. During primary recesses mid-morning and lunch, one court will be designated for the 3 different grade levels. Fouls that put a player out: Hitting the ball with any part of the body other than the hands or forearms. Stopping continuous play by holding or catching the ball. Hitting the ball with fingers, the palm or with two contacts. Touching the pole with any part of the body. Hitting the rope with forearm or hands. Stepping into the opponent’s court or on the line. Throwing the ball during play. The first person in line is the judge and is responsible for enforcing the rules. The game stops when a foul is committed. Each player should show good sportsmanship and responsibility by stopping when he or she has committed a foul. Don’t wait for the opponent to call you on it, or for the judge to make the decision. Stop the swing of the ball immediately and go to the end of the waiting line.
Wall Ball Basic Rules	Wall Ball must be played by 2 players. The serve is determined by Ro-Sham-Bo. The person who wins decides whether to serve or receive. The server then says, “Serving.” The server must serve within 10 seconds of announcing the serve. The server must come to a complete stop before serving. The ball can be struck from a rest position or from a toss, but not on a bounce. After the ball is served, the ball must hit the ground first, and then hit the wall. The serve must be returnable by an opponent. There are no “kill” shots on the serve. Any part of arm or hand may be used to serve and return the ball. If the ball bounces more than one time before being returned by the opponent, that person is out.
4-Square	Serve must be decent and open handed. Can’t hit back to person who hit it to you. No double hits, holding, pushing, juggling, backstopping, burning. Clean, quick hits only. No take-overs, saves, frozen squares, poisons. No slams where the ball is hit down hard enough to bounce above a player’s shoulder. No Do-overs The first person in line is the referee and makes the call (No arguing with the referee)
9-Square	Center square is server. Serve must be decent and open handed. Can’t hit back to person who hit it to you. No double hits, holding, pushing, juggling, backstopping, burning. Clean, quick hits only. No take-overs, saves, frozen squares, poisons. No slams where the ball is hit down hard enough to bounce above a player’s shoulder.
Switch	Three tries in middle to reach corner then out. Switch with everyone/anyone on corners. Stay no longer than a count of 10 on the corner. Tie only on corner. Ro Sham Bo (one time, unless tie) to decide. The first person in line is the referee and makes the call (No arguing with the referee) Don’t push foot or body off the corner or hold on to other players. If you argue you are out. Stand on painted line outside square. If you leave the line, go to the end when you return. (No saving places) Person in the middle must watch all the players, not stare one down. No poison squares, saved squares, or frozen squares. No tricking other players into thinking you will switch then not moving.
Kickball	Kickball is played like softball with two equal teams. Acceptable “pitches” include rolling the ball directly to the kicker at home plate or “babies”. Pitches that do not cross home plate are counted as “balls”. After four balls, the kicker walks to 1st base. No switching pitchers. Pitcher must be from opposing team. After 3 “outs”, teams change sides. An “out” is: A caught fly ball Tagging a runner before they reach a base Failure to return an acceptable pitch with one do-over 3 kicks to the outside of the foul lines. Advance to bases on a successful kick. If a player is on base when a fly ball is caught that player can run to the next base If a player has been leading-off base when a fly ball is caught, that player must go back and tag that base before choosing to run to the next base. Advance one base on an overthrow. Not allowed: leading off more than 3 steps from the base sliding stealing bases advancing to more bases after the ball is returned to the pitcher Except for the first half of the first inning, all kickers must have played outfield. Return to the same place in kicking line. If the teams can’t reach agreement one person may approach a yard supervisor and ask for help.
Football	Students grades 1-6 may play tag football on the large grassy field, not on the grass between the fence and the blacktop. NO football is to be played on the blacktop area, even if raining and the grass is closed. Supervisors may discontinue play if students are not playing safely.
Basketball Courts	The first students arriving at the basketball court will decide which game will be played. Students may select: Three on three Thunder HORSE Three on three Students may have substitutions. The team captain must also be substituted. Targeting students “out” is not permitted. Thunder (or any other shooting game) No more than 10 students may play per half- court Students line up; manipulation of line order is not permitted Students shoot baskets. If a student misses and the next student makes the basket, the student is out. Students may not: Team up Hit another student’s ball away from the basket Stand under the hoop
Big Square (Rules in Development)	Big Square rules to be further developed. Game is played by 4th-6th grade only. Two players on a team, stationed in two 4-square areas One team member throws the ball so it bounces inside the other team’s square. One of the players on the receiving team must catch the ball on the first bounce. If caught, then that player return throws the ball. When a ball not caught after bouncing in the square, the receiving team member stands out, and the game continues with the remaining player. Game continues until one team is eliminated from not catching the ball.

Dress Code Standards

Students are expected to dress in a manner appropriate to an educational environment. Their appearance should be neat and acceptable to general society and in keeping with school activities. The following guidelines are in place:

Hair shall be neat and clean.
Shoes that allow students to run and play safely are to be worn at all times (no flip-flops). Our concern is safety, and we expect all students to be prepared for activity every day. Tennis shoes are highly recommended for playing and essential for P.E.
Attire with crude or vulgar printing, pictures depicting drugs, tobacco or alcoholic beverages or those that are sexually suggestive are not acceptable.
Dress or shorts length shall be no shorter than mid-thigh, measured by extended fingertips.
Bare midriffs, low-cut or revealing tops, or “off the shoulder” blouses are not permitted. Clothing that reveal undergarments (such as bra straps and boxer shorts) are not permitted. Spaghetti straps are not allowed.
Cut-off, ragged or torn garments are not permitted.
Pants that are extremely baggy, or many sizes too big, are not permitted.
“See through” or “fish net” tops may not be worn. Boys must wear shirts at all times.
Make-up may not be worn, including glittery lip-gloss. Nail polish is acceptable.

If a student’s attire does not meet the district’s guidelines, a warning will be issued or his/her parent will be called and the student may be sent home to change into appropriate clothing.

Revised August, 2017 pdw