Bel Aire Citizenship
Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome to Bel Aire School! You are entering a community of resilient learners, inventors, creators, explorers, inquirers, problem solvers, peacemakers and friends. We are proud of our team of staff, students and parents. We are proud of our school!
Citizenship is defined as the “duties, rights and privileges” of being a member of a community. Bel Aire School is a learning community of staff, students and parents working together. We seek ways to model behaviors that exemplify our MOSAIC values and scholarly attributes. We celebrate our successes, our diversity and our individuality.
This Citizenship Handbook outlines our program and the expected behavior for our community. It has been written by staff and students. Please read through it and join us in partnership as we strive to create one school, one community with respect and dignity for all.
Welcome to Bel Aire School! You are entering a community of resilient learners, inventors, creators, explorers, inquirers, problem solvers, peacemakers and friends. We are proud of our team of staff, students and parents. We are proud of our school!
Citizenship is defined as the “duties, rights and privileges” of being a member of a community. Bel Aire School is a learning community of staff, students and parents working together. We seek ways to model behaviors that exemplify our MOSAIC values and scholarly attributes. We celebrate our successes, our diversity and our individuality.
This Citizenship Handbook outlines our program and the expected behavior for our community. It has been written by staff and students. Please read through it and join us in partnership as we strive to create one school, one community with respect and dignity for all.
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Expected Behaviors
All members of the Bel Aire School community model expected behaviors. These behaviors are taught to all students and are based on the MOSAIC values, Scholarly Attributes, and the Vision of a Reed School Graduate. Students and adults are expected to uphold these behaviors in all areas of our school community, whether on the playground, at the lunch tables, in classrooms, and online.
The MOSAIC program emphasizes building self-esteem, community, and empowerment to create a peaceful future using four themes:
Each letter in the word “MOSAIC” represents a value that we follow at Bel Aire School:
- Celebration of diversity and awareness of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination
- Respect for and appreciation of self and others
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Communication and nonviolent conflict resolution
Each letter in the word “MOSAIC” represents a value that we follow at Bel Aire School:
- Mutual Respect: Be respectful, courteous, and polite to other people at all times. Take time to listen and get to know one another. Support one another to feel and be their best by being considerate, helpful and appreciative. Use kind words that are appropriate for school. Keep your hands, feet and all objects to yourself.
- Open Mindedness: Be open to perspectives, differences, and values of others. Use empathy by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and trying to understand how they feel. Make a new friend and try any new activity that Bel Aire presents to you.
- Self-Respect: Take responsibility for your own actions and learning. Be aware of the consequences of your actions and accept your part in a mistake. Be your own self, at your very best, all of the time. Celebrate you!
- Attitude: Have a positive attitude and show your appreciation to others through compliments. Be an active member of the Bel Aire community to make it a positive environment for all.
- Individuality: Have the courage to be yourself! Contribute your own special gifts and be an ally for your friends and peers.
- Community: Be an engaged citizen! Build a school community that embraces diversity. Include everyone and use teamwork and cooperation. Give other people a chance and play by the rules. Be honest and a reliable student and friend.
Bel Aire Scholars strive to be:
- Productive: Scholars come ready to learn with the necessary tools and materials. They set goals, gather resources, and complete tasks.
- Principled: Scholars do the right thing because they know it is expected. They demonstrate integrity, honesty, and fairness, even when no one is watching.
- Risk Takers: Scholars are courageous and they know that mistakes are a part of the learning process. Scholars willingly take on academic risks that will benefit their personal learning.
- Inquirers: Scholars are curious and imaginative. They ask questions and seek out knowledge, which leads to more questions. Learning is a lifelong process and never ends.
- Persistent Thinkers: Scholars ponder ideas and exercise intellect. They know it is okay to not always have the right answers and persevere through challenges.
- Reflective: Scholars understand their own strengths and limitations. They self reflect on their personal learning and always know there is room to improve.
- Communicators: Scholars express themselves with confidence and clarity. They collaborate and actively listen to others while honoring multiple perspectives.
- Balanced Self: Scholars understand the importance of emotional, academic, and extracurricular balance.
Rewards: Students are rewarded when they consistently go above and beyond expected behaviors, as outlined by our MOSAIC values and Scholarly Attributes. Details will be forthcoming.
Consequences: Students who show unexpected behaviors are given a Behavior Form that must be signed by a parent or guardian. Bel Aire staff reviews these behaviors with all students at the beginning of the school year and any staff member can give a student a Behavior Form for unexpected behaviors. Unexpected behaviors, and their level of seriousness, are as follows:
Consequences: Students who show unexpected behaviors are given a Behavior Form that must be signed by a parent or guardian. Bel Aire staff reviews these behaviors with all students at the beginning of the school year and any staff member can give a student a Behavior Form for unexpected behaviors. Unexpected behaviors, and their level of seriousness, are as follows:
Level 1 – WARNING
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Level 2 – STOP
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Level 3 – CITATION
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S.T.O.P. Students who receive a STOP will call or email parents notifying them of the STOP. The call or email is done in the presence of the referring teacher/staff member. If the unexpected behavior occurs during recess, students receive an immediate time out. Instructional aides escort students back to the classroom teacher at the end of recess.
Citation: A citation is given for any major infraction. Bel Aire School has NO TOLERANCE for any physical violence, name-calling, or teasing. It is an immediate (no warning) citation and could (depending upon severity) result in suspension. A citation is followed by a loss of privilege, such as a field trip or school related activity, as determined by the teacher or principal. After two citations for the same offense, the third citation may result in a suspension under Ed Code 48900, (k), “disrupted school activities or willfully defied school personnel.” Parents are notified by the classroom teacher if a citation is given to a student. Parents must review, sign and return the citation form. Citations will be noted on each trimester report card. Behavior Contract: Habitual citations or suspension, result in a meeting with school counselor, teacher, principal, student and parent. Parents are notified and given appointments for this meeting. The team works with the parents to develop a “contract” for behavior for the particular student. This contract can include specific goals for behavior. It also can include consequences for failure to uphold the terms of the contract including loss of privilege for all school related activities. Suspension: California Education Code Section 48900 outlines “suspendable” offenses. Some of which include: A. "Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened physical injury to another person." B. “Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense.” C. “Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object, unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the principal or the designee of the principal.” f. "Caused, or attempted to cause, damage to school property or private property." g. "Stolen, or attempted to steal, school property or private property." h. “Possessed or used tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel. However, this section does not prohibit use or possession by a pupil of his or her own prescription products.” i. “Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.” k. "Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties." n. Sexual Harassment (grades 4-12) o. Engaged in harassment/threats/intimidation against student(s) which disrupted class work, disorder, invaded rights of student(s) by creating an intimidating OR hostile environment Suspension from school requires that the student remain at home under the personal supervision of parents during the regular school hours. The student is not to be on or near a school campus during the time of suspension. The student also may not attend, as a participant or spectator, any school event. Depending upon the terms of the suspension, it can result in the immediate loss of privilege to participate in any subsequent school activity. |
Bel Aire students understand their responsibility to serve their school, their community and their world. They understand their call as a “community” of learners to be positive, contributing members of their school. Several programs are in place to foster that sense of community responsibility and citizenship:
All School Assemblies/Spirit Days: The school community will come together on a regular basis. During assemblies, students or outside guests may perform. There will be recognition of classes for their contribution to the school. There will be designated “spirit days” organized and run by students. These will include a variety of fun activities during the lunch hour.
Buddy Classes: All classes are paired with a buddy class. These classes meet together to work on common projects and engage in special activities.
“Heartsmarts, ” by the Institute of HeartMath: There’s enormous pressure to perform well in all aspects of life to simply and fit in; in addition, there can be numerous distractions based on relationship challenges with family, friends and teachers. HeartSmarts teaches students to manage stress, improve learning, strengthen relationships, and perform in their “optimal zone.” The program is based on the Institute of HeartMath’s innovative research into the physiology of learning, teaching students a core set of tools and strategies that become part of the meaningful rituals and routines in their classrooms.
MOSAIC: All students at Bel Aire participate in MOSAIC value training and ongoing activities. The staff provides age appropriate workshops for each grade level. These assemblies focus on MOSAIC “tools” and give students practical strategies and techniques for getting along, standing up for one another, empathizing and for solving conflicts.
NEW Wednesday Enrichment: Various enrichment activities will be offered for students on Wednesday afternoons. These may include Technology, Multi-Media, Gardening, Yearbook, Book Clubs, etc. Students will have an opportunity to sign up for different programs.
Peace Keeper Program: Every student will participate in a school-wide training program, which involves Conflict Resolution and Heart Smarts. Student volunteers may also sign up to participate in the active Peace Keeper program, which helps maintain a peaceful playground by applying their Conflict Resolution skills.
School Gardens: Students are provided many opportunities to learn to be true environmental stewards. There are gardens throughout the campus, and parents are asked to volunteer and support “planting and harvesting”. Students can participate in a school Green Team which leads the school community to reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink about our environmental footprint.
School Television: Bel Aire produces a daily TV show. Students announce the news, day events, sports, and recognition of fellow students. There are also special guests, weekly features and mini documentaries on school events. This year, students will also be able to participate in a weekly, dedicated hour of broadcast on Marin Public Access Television. In order to participate, parents must grant permission on the “Use of Student Image” form.
Student Council & Service Groups: The Bel Aire Student Council is a leadership group that sponsors activities that promote school spirit. Representatives from each class meet to discuss and plan activities that benefit the Bel Aire student body. In addition there are other service groups that support the school programs. The A.V. Crew assists at all assemblies and student gatherings. The S.O.S. (Serve our School) team supports school-wide activities and events. The Green Team and Solar Cookers support the overall “greening” efforts that are embraced by the Bel Aire community. Students also have the opportunity to help other students by serving as Peer Tutors, and Reading Buddies.
Technology: Technology is used in all classes as part of instructional and enrichment programs. It is important to remember that the use of technology is a privilege and students must agree to certain guidelines
All School Assemblies/Spirit Days: The school community will come together on a regular basis. During assemblies, students or outside guests may perform. There will be recognition of classes for their contribution to the school. There will be designated “spirit days” organized and run by students. These will include a variety of fun activities during the lunch hour.
Buddy Classes: All classes are paired with a buddy class. These classes meet together to work on common projects and engage in special activities.
“Heartsmarts, ” by the Institute of HeartMath: There’s enormous pressure to perform well in all aspects of life to simply and fit in; in addition, there can be numerous distractions based on relationship challenges with family, friends and teachers. HeartSmarts teaches students to manage stress, improve learning, strengthen relationships, and perform in their “optimal zone.” The program is based on the Institute of HeartMath’s innovative research into the physiology of learning, teaching students a core set of tools and strategies that become part of the meaningful rituals and routines in their classrooms.
MOSAIC: All students at Bel Aire participate in MOSAIC value training and ongoing activities. The staff provides age appropriate workshops for each grade level. These assemblies focus on MOSAIC “tools” and give students practical strategies and techniques for getting along, standing up for one another, empathizing and for solving conflicts.
NEW Wednesday Enrichment: Various enrichment activities will be offered for students on Wednesday afternoons. These may include Technology, Multi-Media, Gardening, Yearbook, Book Clubs, etc. Students will have an opportunity to sign up for different programs.
Peace Keeper Program: Every student will participate in a school-wide training program, which involves Conflict Resolution and Heart Smarts. Student volunteers may also sign up to participate in the active Peace Keeper program, which helps maintain a peaceful playground by applying their Conflict Resolution skills.
School Gardens: Students are provided many opportunities to learn to be true environmental stewards. There are gardens throughout the campus, and parents are asked to volunteer and support “planting and harvesting”. Students can participate in a school Green Team which leads the school community to reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink about our environmental footprint.
School Television: Bel Aire produces a daily TV show. Students announce the news, day events, sports, and recognition of fellow students. There are also special guests, weekly features and mini documentaries on school events. This year, students will also be able to participate in a weekly, dedicated hour of broadcast on Marin Public Access Television. In order to participate, parents must grant permission on the “Use of Student Image” form.
Student Council & Service Groups: The Bel Aire Student Council is a leadership group that sponsors activities that promote school spirit. Representatives from each class meet to discuss and plan activities that benefit the Bel Aire student body. In addition there are other service groups that support the school programs. The A.V. Crew assists at all assemblies and student gatherings. The S.O.S. (Serve our School) team supports school-wide activities and events. The Green Team and Solar Cookers support the overall “greening” efforts that are embraced by the Bel Aire community. Students also have the opportunity to help other students by serving as Peer Tutors, and Reading Buddies.
Technology: Technology is used in all classes as part of instructional and enrichment programs. It is important to remember that the use of technology is a privilege and students must agree to certain guidelines
- Privilege: The use of technology is a privilege, and unacceptable use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Accounts and access to technology devices can be cancelled at any time.
- Netiquette: Generally accepted rules include (but are not limited to) the following:
Be polite
Use appropriate language Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers of students, parents or colleagues Note that electronic mail (email) is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other user. |
Zero-Waste Initiative: The Marin County landfill is scheduled to close in 2025. The county has requested that residents produce as close to zero waste as possible. Keeping with the tradition of excellence at Bel Aire, students have designed a zero-waste program for our campus. Bel Aire staff and students are thrilled to join in the efforts made by other schools and businesses in Marin County to achieve our zero-waste goal.
What’s in place at Bel Aire:
We have a school enrichment club: Zero Waste Action Team (ZWAT) ZWAT members (“Zero Heroes”) are educating their peers via the Bel Aire TV show and monitoring where items go at lunch. Each teacher has a recycling bin in his or her classroom. There are several composting and recycling stations around the campus. Student Expectations: Students are expected to reduce, reuse, and recycle in the classroom, and during both snack and lunch recesses. Unopened food is expected to be brought home/turned in. How Can Parents Help? Parents are highly encouraged to help educate and reinforce appropriate greening policies, such as reusing, reducing, recycling, and composting. Bel Aire students and staff highly recommend that student lunches are packed in reusable containers, and that minimal landfill waste be used in the making of student lunches. Accessible Website Initiative
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