Students are rewarded for meeting Columbia expectations in the following ways:
- Astro Points are given by all members of the Columbia staff for being safe, kind, respectful, or responsible. Points are tracked online using the DOJO application. Families are invited to connect with their class to receive updates on points earned. Students are able to redeem their points at the school store for items like snacks, soda, fidgets, books, etc.
- Students who go above and beyond receive a token which can be used in the front office token tower for a small prize immediately.
- Astro Awards are held monthly. Students receive recognition for meeting academic and behavioral goals.
- Staff and students have the opportunity to submit shout outs to one another which are read daily during the morning announcements.
- Verbal praise is given to all students meeting expectations.
- Individual classrooms may add additional incentive programs at their discretion.
When students are not meeting Columbia expectations the following are used as consequences:
- Stop-to-Think forms are an opportunity for students to stop and reflect on their behavior. They will consider what they should do differently next time.
- Staff support students in restorative practices where they work to rebuild trust through apologizing, considering perspectives, and mediation.
- Students will often be expected to do an act of restitution. Some examples include cleaning up if they make a mess, writing a kind letter if they call a student an unkind name, or practicing walking in the hall if they were running.
- In order to support restorative and reflective work, students may lose a privilege by missing recess time or having lunch detention in order to complete their task.
- Conferences with teachers, families, and administration may occur if necessary.
- In School or Out of School Suspension may be considered if necessary.
Columbia’s priority is student safety. Students that have repeated problems with intimidation, physical aggression, or drugs/weapons may be referred to a Due Process/Safe School Hearing or to the Jordan Family Education Center for recommended classes. Severe acts may result in immediate suspension and/or a District Level Hearing.
Discipline Approach
Teachers and Administrators use a problem solving approach when managing discipline. The goal is to prevent and replace undesired behaviors in order to support students in making positive choices.
Bullying
Bullying is defined as a relationship in which there is an imbalance of power, where one or more persons continually and negatively interacts with others over time, and with a specific intent to hurt another. A student is being bullied when they are exposed, repeatedly and overtime, to negative actions on the part of one or more students. Click here to see Jordan School District’s Bullying Policy.
In order to prevent bullying, Columbia students and staff use restorative practices to repair relationships. Students attend SEW (Social Emotional Wellness) as part of their weekly Specials classes where they learn strategies to address and stop unkind behavior. Students are instructed to report bullying and when staff receives a report it is investigated. In or out of school suspension or a district hearing may be considered as consequences in order to create a safe learning environment for all students.
Electronic Devices
The Jordan District Board of Education recognizes the importance of an educational environment that is conducive to high-quality teaching and learning. The Board also recognizes that personal electronic and communication devices are commonly used by students and although they can be valuable education and communication tools for students, they are also a source of distraction and disruption to the learning environment. Linked here is the Jordan District policy in its entirety: Jordan School District Policy AA453 Use of Personal Electronic and Communication Devices.
- Elementary – Grades K-6
Student use of personal electronic and communication devices, including cellphones, laptops, tablet computers, smart watches, listening devices, wearable technology, and other similar personal electronic devices is not permitted during the school day. In extraordinary circumstances, exceptions may be approved by the school principal in consultation with their Administrator of Schools. Devices must be silenced and remain out of sight during the school day. - Elementary - Grades K-6 Consequences for Electronic Device Policy Violation
- 1st Offense: Verbal reminder/warning and notification to parent/guardian
- 2nd Offense: Device held in the office for pick-up at the end of the day by student and notification to parent/guardian.
- 3rd+ Offense: Device held in the office for pick-up at the end of the day by parent or guardian.Schools may implement additional consequences.
- Use of personal electronic and communication devices that violate state or federal law, any District policies or regulations, or the Jordan School District Acceptable Use Policy is prohibited.
- Schools may enact additional restrictions with support of the School Community Council, in consultation with their Administrator of Schools, and notification of the Board.
- Any use of an electronic device that exploits personal information, disrupts the educational process, invades personal privacy or compromises the integrity for educational programs is strictly prohibited. Students in violation will be disciplined in accordance with District Policy AS67 - Discipline of Students (http://policy.jordandistrict.
org/as067/). Photographs and/or videos are not to be taken of any person using such devices.
Classroom Snacks & Birthdays
Any food being distributed to students must be store bought, nut-free, and approved by the classroom teacher. Please do not bring cakes, balloons, party favor bags, gifts, flowers, etc. as they are disruptive to classroom instruction.
Dress Code
Please click hereto see the Jordan School District dress code policy.
Weather
Students go outside for recess daily and need to be dressed appropriately for the weather. If there is inclement weather it is up to the school administration team to determine if students will still be sent outside for recess.
If the weather prevents students from being outside, they will have indoor recess where staff will supervise while they engage in non-academic activities as a break.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance and punctuality are important for academic achievement and social/emotional connection. It is the responsibility of students, families, classroom teachers, and school administration to ensure that a student is in attendance. For the health and safety of students and staff, if your child is sick, please keep them home.
Attendance Procedures
- Compulsory Education Letter (attendance letter #1) is sent home in the first day packet.
- Under Jordan District Policy, AA432, legitimate absences are defined as: verified illness, medical appointments, bereavement, court appearances, emergencies, pre-approved educational leave, and special family or religious events.
- After five unexcused absences the teacher makes personal contact and expresses concern about the student’s attendance. Improved attendance is encouraged.
- After 10 unexcused absences, the principal sends attendance letter #2.
- After 15 unexcused absences, attendance letter #3 is sent and an attendance meeting is scheduled with the administration, teacher, parent/guardian and student.
- After 20 unexcused absences, attendance letter #4 is sent by certified mail requesting attendance mediation or referral to court.
- An appropriate amount of time will be given for making up work.
- A parent or authorized designee must come to the office to check out a student (with ID)
- Attendance letters will be printed on a monthly basis.
Arrival Procedures
School begins promptly at 8:55 AM. Students can begin arriving at the school as early as 8:35 AM. Students who arrive early will go to their designated grade level playground. Parents and guardians may not join their students and will be expected to drop them off at the front of the school. Please do not send your student to school prior to 8:35 AM. Morning supervision does not begin until 8:35 AM, therefore Columbia Elementary is not responsible for any incidents that may occur prior to this time.
Students wanting to purchase breakfast may do so starting at 8:35 AM. These students should enter the building through the cafeteria doors located on the blacktop towards the back of the building.
Students arriving after 8:55 AM should report to the front office to be checked in as tardy. In order to have this marked as excused a parent or guardian must call the front office.
Checking Out Early
Students may not leave school grounds during the regular school day for any reason unless they have been appropriately checked out through the office. To check out a student you must have your government ID issues and be listed on the student’s profile as a family member or emergency contact.
Students cannot be checked out during the last ten minutes of the day as it is a disruption to end of day preparation.
Vacation - Educational Leave Guidelines
- A student may be granted up to ten days of excused absences for Travel/Vacation each school year provided that an Educational Leave Form is submitted to the office at least five school days prior to the absences.
- Once the Educational Leave Form has been submitted to the office, the student’s Parent/Guardian must make homework arrangements with the teacher. Teachers will provide copies of any work that needs to be completed as a result of the absences. Work may not be provided before the vacation, but given to the student after they return.
- The student will receive a comparable number of days to complete homework. For example, if a student is absent five days, homework will be due five school days after the end of the vacation.
Disruptive Items
Fidgets, cards, toys, sports equipment, etc. brought from home must remain in backpacks during classroom time, instructional activities, recess, and field trips. Exceptions may be made for designated activities or with teacher and administrator approval. Any student bringing items from home is responsible for their care. Columbia Elementary is not responsible for theft, damage, or loss of any personal property brought onto school grounds.