About Us : Policies : DisciplineDiscipline
Montessori stresses self-discipline of the child. In an atmosphere of freedom within limits, the focus is placed on a sense of responsibility, respect for persons and materials, consideration of others, and cooperation. Evergreen will not tolerate behavior that is deemed to be disruptive, disrespectful, cruel, unsafe, or otherwise inappropriate.
At Evergreen we feel that all members of our School community, adults and children alike, have a responsibility to themselves and to the community to make thoughtful choices about their actions and to understand the consequences of those actions. Everyone is entitled to physical and emotional safety, and all interactions with others should be based on kindness.
In order to maintain a healthy, effective, and supportive environment for all and, specifically, to help students become responsible, caring, knowledgeable individuals, we have formulated five questions that we can ask ourselves and one another about the actions we take. They are: Is it safe? Is it kind? Is it productive? Is it your best effort? Is it appropriate for our school?When actions are such that a student can answer yes to those questions,the results are a happy, positive, and safe environment where children learn effectively.
Our staff is trained to address the usual array of behavioral difficulties that arise in the classroom and elsewhere on the school grounds. Their interventions are formulated on the basis of (1) respect for the child, (2) knowledge and understanding of the developmental needs and characteristics of the child as well as the group, and (3) the understanding that appropriate behavior must be carefully taught and modeled. The goal of each intervention is to assist the child to develop self-control and self-discipline.
When a child demonstrates an inability to respond appropriately to a staff member, he/she may be brought to the office to address the situation with the Head of School. If the child continues to need assistance and/or is otherwise signaling through behavior that he/she has needs that are not being met, the teacher and/or the Head of School will meet with the parents/guardians. If these efforts do not lead to an acceptable resolution and interventions continue to be ineffective, the School will take measures to help the family find a more appropriate setting for the child.