Conduct Policy: Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility

Students are expected to conduct themselves with respect for their community and their environment. Respect does not allow for abusive language or destructive behavior either toward another or toward oneself. If a lack of respect occurs, the student will be asked to step aside and speak to an adult. Any concerns will be reported to the parents. The first step will be a conversation between the student and teacher to discuss the choice made and its ramifications. The steps that follow will be dependent on the nature of the incident. Adolescents are entering the third plane of development where independence, personal accountability and the ability to work with others is being practiced. The Middle School follows the Oak Farm Montessori Guiding Principles: Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Each Other and Take Care of the Environment in each area in which we work. Students create guiding principles as a community and are expected to follow those throughout the year. We have confidence that all students will endeavor to interact with others respectfully, positively and with grace and courtesy. However, if adolescents do not follow these guidelines, they are supported by redirection toward making the necessary changes in their behavior. There are several types of negative interactions that affect oneself and the community. Generally, teachers will offer a reminder or a change in environment for the inappropriate behavior to stop. If the behavior persists, the advisor and student will have a meeting with the Director of Curriculum and Student Services. The family will also be contacted.

Personal Electronics Policy

Electronics at school, including smart watches, are a privilege and allowed based on how students handle this freedom. If students show that they cannot handle this freedom responsibly, they will not be allowed to bring them to school. Misuse includes texting/calling or receiving communications from parents, family members, or friends. Personal electronic devices may only be used at school for meaningful learning purposes, with prior discussion and approval of the teachers, and with a teacher present in the room. Outside of approved classroom use, devices must remain off and stored in the locker for the school day. Electronics will only be allowed on field trips or outings where agreements and ground rules have been predetermined. Violation of those ground rules may result in the loss of electronics for the remainder of the trip or outing. If at any time a student is found to use electronics in a manner that is disrespectful or disruptive to the learning environment, the permanent loss of electronics privileges may occur.

Computer Usage and Treatment and Technology Policy

Students will be assigned a computer for the year. Students will be expected to adhere to the Guiding Principles of computer usage.

Listed below are the provisions of your agreement with Oak Farm Montessori School regarding computer network and Internet use. If any user violates this Policy, the student’s access will be denied, if not already provided, or withdrawn, and he or she may be subject to additional disciplinary action.