Every student has the right to come to school safely, be at school safely, and go home safely.  Every student has the responsibility to follow school rules and maintain a safe presence at all times. The Ocean Avenue Staff strives to create a culture of safety.   Parents are encouraged to help their children respect adults, fellow students and the property of others.   An appropriate discipline system is crucial to effective teaching and learning. 

At Ocean Avenue we practice Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS). PBIS is a system of tools and strategies for defining, teaching, acknowledging appropriate behavior, and correcting inappropriate behavior.  PBIS is for the whole school, it is preventative and it changes the paradigm of focus from negative behaviors and exchanges to positive expectations and interactions.  School-wide means that we support appropriate behaviors in the classroom and non-classroom (bathrooms, playground, hallways) areas.  The goal is to create an environment that sets ALL students up for success. For your child’s safety, Ocean Avenue School has the following rules to guide appropriate student behavior:

General Rules (we call them expectations)

• We are responsible

• We are respectful

• We are safe

Unacceptable Behavior
Students who break school rules will have consequences which may include:

• Conferencing with staff or administration

• Notifying parents/guardians

• Loss of privileges; time out of class

• Restricted Recess or Lunch

• Community service

• Reflection activity

• A request for a meeting with parents/guardian

• Participating in a restorative process

In general, we use a restorative approach at Ocean Avenue School.  Behaviors such as fighting, overt student disruption, bullying, use of foul language toward others, vandalism of school property, leaving an assigned area, throwing objects in anger and hitting staff members are all considered to be serious matters that are addressed swiftly and thoroughly.  In rare cases of serious or repeated misbehavior, students may be suspended from school.  Parents/guardians are responsible for paying for any school or other student’s property that is lost or damaged by their child. Suspensions may be “in school” or “at home”.  After a suspension, Parents must meet with the teacher and administration before the student returns to regular classes. Parents/guardians will be informed when school staff is concerned about your child’s behavior.  You can support your child’s efforts to improve behavior by communicating with school personnel.