Discipline Policy

“All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness.” Hebrews 12:11 NASV

A peaceful school environment nurtures security in the hearts of the children and receptivity to learning in their minds. A peaceful environment also maximizes the effectiveness of the teacher for the good of all children.

In the ideal sense, all disciplinary actions within the school will meet the following criteria and be communicated in a loving way. We will strive to maintain clear lines of communication with the home to prevent serious problems from developing. Generally, discipline problems are handled at school unless parents specifically request otherwise.

The GOAL of Discipline:

That the child might learn a lifestyle in conformity with God’s Word, not just a set of facts, standards or skills.

The FACTS of Discipline

1. Discipline means instruction; it is training that molds character.

2. Discipline is not punishment—punishment is one method or attempt to teach discipline. At Grace we stress natural consequences—not punishment.

Discipline motivates students to learn, to do, and to accomplish tasks.

The GUIDE of Discipline

Our biblical ideal for teachers and staff:

Doctrine: The teacher’s knowledge of what is right and wrong from God’s perspective.

Reproof: The teacher pointing out the offense of the child in a way that nurtures and encourages the child to do right.

Correction: The teacher showing the child how to make right the wrongdoing—teaching restitution.

Instruction: The positive teaching which gives the child direction for the future—how to cope with the same or similar problems tomorrow—how to discern right
from wrong.

The METHOD of Discipline

1. Children are individuals with special kinds of needs and they may respond differently to the same method, but all need firmness, fairness and consistency.

2. The mode of discipline should fit the offense when possible (e.g. litterbugs pick up litter). This helps us teach that there are natural consequences to our behavior.

Staff members are taught and regularly reminded that discipline of children is a delicate art, requiring a keen sense of judgment and gentleness from the Lord. Proverbs 14:17; 13:24, Hebrews 12:11

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

II Timothy 3:16