Discipline

Discipline

We will seek to provide an environment where students are encouraged and challenged to exemplify Christian behavior. It is very important that our children feel safe and secure in a loving and nurturing environment. Actions that jeopardize the safety and well-being of students and staff must be dealt with firmly and expediently.

At Rivendell, discipline will consist of restitution, apologies (public and private), swift and measured punishment (corporal punishment is left to parental discretion; it will never be administered by the tutor or the POD) and restoration of fellowship. Parents will be made aware of disciplinary action as soon a possible after each incident, as well as any other concerns or warnings given to a student by a tutor or POD.

The tutor will carry out the majority of day-to-day discipline. There are instances, however, where a stronger warning or more severe penalty is needed. The following offenses may necessitate such action:
  1. Disrespect shown to tutor or POD;
  2. Dishonesty in any situation while in class, including lying, cheating or stealing;
  3. Rebellion, i.e., outright disobedience in response to instructions;
  4. Fighting, i.e., striking in anger with the intention to harm another;
  5. Unkind, obscene, vulgar, or profane language as well as using the Lord’s name in vain.
  6. Continued disruptive class behavior.
If any of the above actions occur, the student will be sent from the classroom to the Head of Study Center and will not return for the remainder of that class. At the completion of class, an apology from the student to the offended tutor will be required. Restitution, parental attendance of classes with the child, or other measures deemed appropriate may be requested by the Head of Study Center. In severe cases, where there is no change in the student’s actions or assistance from the parents, the child will be expelled for the remainder of the academic year.

1. Suspension: The Board will normally follow the protocol below. In cases where change is evident and the student appears repentant, exceptions are possible. The Board will determine in its sole discretion (in consultation with the tutor(s)), if an exception is to be made. Appeals for exceptions will not be recognized.

  • First Offense - Warning, restitution/apologies, suspension for remainder of the day.
    (Missed work must be turned in within one day of suspension or a grade of zero will be recorded.)
  • Second Offense - Restitution/apologies, suspension for two class days.
    (Work must be turned in within two days of returning to class or a grade of zero will be recorded.)
  • Third Offense- Restitution/apologies, suspension for four classes.
    (Work must be turned in within two days of returning to class or a grade of zero will be recorded.).
  • Fourth Offense - Student will be expelled for the remainder of the academic year.

2. Expulsion: We realize that expelling a student is a very serious matter and should always be carefully dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Repentance, restitution (repairing damage through work, apologies, etc.) and forgiveness are fundamental to our discipline policy. However, should a student and his parents fail to eliminate behavioral problems before a fourth offense occurs, the student will be expelled.

3. Serious Misconduct: Should a student commit an act with such serious consequences that the Board deems it necessary, the protocol defined above may be bypassed and suspension or expulsion imposed immediately. Examples of such serious misconduct may include, without limitation: acts that seriously endanger the safety of other students or staff members; gross violence/vandalism to the facilities; violations of law; or other deliberate acts in clear contradiction of Scriptural commands that threaten serious harm to others. Students may be also subject to discipline for serious misconduct which occurs after Rivendell Study Center hours.

4. Re-admission: Should an expelled student desire to be re-admitted to Rivendell at a later date, the Board will make its decision based upon the student’s attitude and circumstances at the time of re-application.New Paragraph
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