Program Objectives
- To maintain an environment conducive to learning by guiding students to learn appropriate ways to interact with their peers in the educational setting;
- To help students develop self-discipline and Christlike attitudes, habits and character; and
- To help students keep a good balance in their intellectual pursuits.
Summary of Program
One of the strengths of Bethesda Christian School is its Elementary Discipline Program, which includes kindergarten through fifth grade. The system focuses on 14 character traits supported by Bible verses and displayed on a poster in each classroom. Throughout each day, all teachers emphasize these positive behaviors as they teach and carry out normal classroom procedures. Teachers verbally recognize students for exhibiting godly character, and record these occurrences on the students' conduct cards that go home weekly with each student to inform parents of the character displayed during that week by their child.
This system works beautifully. Because the emphasis is on positive godly character, the need to discipline negatively decreases significantly. At the same time, students are made aware of and trained in the various godly character traits that form the foundation of the Christian walk. The fact that the same plan encompasses kindergarten through fifth grade enables students to develop a level of competence and success. Throughout their elementary years, students become familiar with the behavioral expectations and thus do not face surprising disciplinary actions.
Mrs. Johns, a former public school teacher new to our school, recently explained why she is so excited about teaching here: "There is not enough positive reinforcement in most schools. The students thrive here partly because the system demands that the teacher look for the positive in each child. It takes effort for the teacher to follow this discipline plan, and it is worth it. The words honor, responsibility, self-control and diligence need to be used, heard and modeled for all children, even though some of the words are big. They are the building blocks of godly character."
Reprinted with permission (c) Association of Christian Schools International Magazine, Volume VI, Number 5.