2025-2026 Parent Handbook FINAL - Flipbook - Page 64
Elementary School Discipline Policy
At Carden Conejo School, elementary discipline emphasizes accountability, character development, and
respect for community standards. The elementary years are a formative time when students are learning not
only academic skills, but also how to regulate their emotions, resolve conflict appropriately, and contribute
positively to a community. Discipline at this level is designed to teach, guide, and reinforce expectations
while holding students accountable for their choices.
Elementary students are expected to demonstrate integrity, responsibility, self-control, and respect for
peers and adults at all times. These expectations apply in classrooms, on the playground, during transitions,
at School-sponsored events, and in digital interactions connected to the School community.
When behavior concerns arise, faculty and administration respond in a manner that is developmentally
appropriate and proportionate to the behavior.
Minor Infractions
Minor infractions are behaviors that disrupt the learning environment or fall short of community
expectations but do not pose a significant safety risk. Examples may include disruptive classroom behavior,
inappropriate language, failure to follow directions, misuse of materials, or unsafe physical play that is not
intended to harm. In these cases, teachers typically respond through redirection, reteaching expectations,
and reinforcing appropriate behavior. Consequences may include a verbal warning, temporary loss of
privileges, a reflection assignment, communication with parents, recess restriction, or a behavioral
agreement designed to support improved choices. The goal at this level is correction and growth rather than
punishment.
Moderate Infractions
Moderate infractions involve repeated minor behaviors or actions that are more serious in nature. These may
include repeated aggression, verbal harassment, defiance toward adults, intentional property damage,
inappropriate digital behavior affecting the School community, or acts of academic dishonesty.
When moderate infractions occur, administration may become involved. Responses may include an office
referral, a parent conference, detention, restorative conversations, a formal behavioral contract, or
placement on behavioral probation. In certain circumstances, suspension for one to three days may be
imposed if the behavior significantly disrupts the School environment or compromises student safety.
Severe Infractions
Severe infractions are behaviors that jeopardize the safety, dignity, or well-being of others, or that
fundamentally undermine the School’s standards. These may include physical assault, bullying, threats of
violence, serious harassment, repeated aggressive conduct, possession of prohibited items, or significant
inappropriate digital conduct. Such behaviors may result in immediate removal from the classroom or
activity pending administrative review. Consequences may include suspension, behavioral probation,
mandatory counseling requirements, or dismissal from the School. The School reserves the right to
accelerate consequences when the severity of conduct warrants immediate action.
Administrative Discretion
While the School strives for consistency, each situation is evaluated individually. The School reserves the
right, in its sole discretion, to determine whether conduct violates School policy and to impose consequences
deemed appropriate based on severity, frequency, impact on the community, and the student’s disciplinary
history. The ultimate goal of discipline at Carden Conejo School is not merely correction, but the formation of
character. We seek to help students learn from mistakes, repair harm when possible, and grow into
individuals who demonstrate responsibility, empathy, and integrity.
