AF Amistad High School Family Handbook 2017-2018 | 50 Achievement First has a strict disciplinary policy. We raise the bar of behavior by setting high expectations and enforcing them with PIC (Persistence, Insistence, and Consistence). Our high expectations are crystal clear to our scholars, and poor behavior choices are addressed quickly and effectively. We establish a positive, caring, warm-strict atmosphere where scholars feel safe and successful. Achievement First teachers are trained in an array of classroom management techniques. They will identify and address the antecedent causes of behavior. Teachers will manage minor disruptions in their classrooms and teach the common routines and behaviors necessary for our scholars to be successful. The AFAHS advisory system will enable teachers to build strong, supportive, and respectful relationships with scholars. Teachers will use the Achievement First values as opportunities for teachable moments and positive reinforcement. Frequent contact with parents will provide opportunities for teachers and parents to work together to problem- solve when behavior problems occur. Our discipline policies hold all scholars to high standards. From the moment our scholars board their buses and all through the day, they are expected to act in a way that befits Achievement First scholars – respectful of themselves and others. As necessary, we will make thoughtful modifications and provide additional supports so that our scholars receiving special services have the support (consistent with their IEPs and 504 plans) they need to be successful. Scholars with disabilities as well as those with behavior support plans or behavior interventions may have specific adjustments made to ensure these scholars do not receive consequences as a result of their disability. At Achievement First our approach to discipline is primarily preventative. Achievement First teachers use a range of lower-level consequences (non-verbal cues, conferencing with scholar, giving a Wolf Point Deduction, loss of privileges, etc.) before resorting to more serious consequences. Scholars who are suspended will be required to make appropriate amends for their actions before being welcomed back into our community. Suspended scholars will also be responsible for making up all missed work within an agreed upon timetable. In case of severe or repeated violations that endanger the physical welfare of scholars and/or staff, the principal may recommend that a scholar be expelled. Expulsion only takes place after a hearing with a hearing officer or panel designated by the Board of Directors. Code of Conduct AFAHS provides a safe and structured environment that promotes scholars’ academic and social development. The school’s disciplined environment is largely responsible for the school’s academic success. Scholars who fail to meet AFAHS’s clearly defined standards for appropriate and acceptable conduct are not allowed to disrupt the education of others. Scholars are held accountable through clear consequences for violating the school’s rules.