Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

The Anderson School utilizes school-wide positive behavior interventions and supports. The emphasis is on instruction and prevention. PBIS establishing shared expectations and explicitly teaching and reinforcing them in each environment of the school so they are ABLE to be successful.

The Anderson School Expectations – (ABLE)

  1. Achieve academic and personal success

  2. Build Positive Relationships

  3. Learn self-regulation

  4. Engage in self-advocacy

Students’ alignment with these expectations is measured on daily point sheets which may also include possible individual goals or interventions. An example is depicted below. Students will also receive extra gratitude tickets for aligning with expectations when in common areas of the building.

Acknowledgement and Reinforcement

Acknowledgment is any action that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood of future occurrence of the behavior. As with academics, acknowledgment and reinforcement of expectations assists in the learning of new skills. To foster ABLE, the following reinforcements occur at The Anderson School:

Fun Fridays

Students earning 85% or more points for the week (Friday through Thursday) on their ABLE point sheets will have the opportunity to earn their choice of free time at the end of each week. Fun Friday activities include, but are not limited to: recreational room, basketball/gym, video gaming, crafts, and more. Students who do not earn Fun Friday would engage in a restorative session with a teacher and counselor.

Gratitude Tickets

Tickets are given to students by staff for engaging in ABLE beyond what is expected or expressing gratitude throughout the day. Tickets are entered for a drawing for prizes on a weekly basis. Student input is gathered each year on prizes that will be available.

School Store

Students can choose from the school store when their ticket is drawn, and for the accomplishment of any quarterly awards. They also may trade 10 tickets for a visit to the school store. There are simple “vending machine” type snacks as well as fidgets, stickers and sketchbooks. The school store is open in the morning during Morning Matters and during 7th period.

BINGO Whole School Rewards

A large BINGO board is posted in the school cafeteria. Students work together in the homeroom on weekly goals and when they meet goals, choose a number on the BINGO board. The principal and dean of students can also award BINGO numbers for times when they notice outstanding behavior in general. Students work towards 5 in a row on the BINGO board. When BINGO is met, the students vote on a whole school reward. Examples include but are not limited to: movies, special snacks or lunch items, pie in the face events, and more.

Honor Roll

First Honor Roll:Any student who receives A’s and one B on their report card.

Second Honor Roll: Any student who receives A’s and more than one B.

Student and Staff of the Month

Staff members value the effort that is being made by students and want to congratulate that student. Each staff member casts a vote for a student of their choice for the month. The focus is on any student who has made significant strides academically, behaviorally, and social-emotionally. Students and staff will cast votes for a staff member of their choice for the month. Staff members will be selected based on their impact on students and the school as a whole.

Attendance Awards

Students who have 100% attendance will receive attendance awards at the end of each quarter.

Quarterly Awards

Students and staff will provide input each year on other awards that will be given at the end of each quarter. These awards will be voted on by the students and staff. Examples will include: most improved, most kind, etc.

Student Advisory Council (SAC)

Student Council is a voluntary and staff-approved, student led organization to bring leadership and positivity to the Anderson Community. This council is made up of students who act as role models, demonstrate strengths in many areas, set high expectations for themselves and others, and have great ideas to better their school. These students participate in think tank sessions to plan events and determine important issues to be addressed for the student body. They also provide tours and mentor to new students. The SAC will meet with the principal and dean of students on a regular basis.

Corrective Consequences (Interventions) 

The Anderson School feels that discipline should be instructive in nature and include more reinforcement and feedback to students. As all situations will be handled individually, 

All consequences are confidential, and the consequences given to one student are not communicated to other students, even if they were involved in the incident. 

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Program:
The Staff at The Anderson School are trained using the Safety Care model to provide for the care, safety and security of all students. The Staff are certified annually to respond using nonviolent crisis intervention. Staff will intervene to manage disruptive student behavior using “physical intervention only as a last resort – when an individual presents an imminent danger to self or others”. This program is “non-harmful, non-invasive”, and designed to maintain the individual’s dignity emphasizing respectful communication and student well-being.

MINOR INFRACTION:
Depending on the offense, it may include interventions such as a restorative conference, reteaching of Expectations, classroom consequences, loss of school privileges, conversation with the student, and will include parent contact. Examples of a minor infraction could include, but not limited to: disruption to the class, inappropriate gestures or language, tardiness to class. Students also would lose points on ABLE as appropriate. If the behavior is repeated after intervention from case manager, it may move to a major infraction. Minor infractions are reported to the student’s case manager. 

MAJOR INFRACTION:
Depending on the offense, it may include interventions listed under minor infractions as well as ones listed in greater detail below. and/or various others as determined at the discretion of the principal. Counseling is automatically provided to the student when a major infraction occurs. Examples include: possession of vape device, technology violation, bullying, physical aggression, threats. Major infractions are reported to the principal, family, and case manager and are documented in the student’s discipline record. 

• Threat Assessment with school team (in cases of threats to safety of self or others) 

• Parental conference or IEP meeting 

• Restitution such as a letter or research on the dangers of the behavior 

• Loss of school privileges 

• Exclusion from school-sponsored activities 

• Detention/removal from specific classes or activities 

• Suspension – IN or OUT of school 

• Referral to law enforcement officials 

• Manifestation Determination if appropriate 

Below are examples of Minor and Major infractions and the likely consequences. Each situation is individual. Anderson administration reserves the right to adjust consequences to be most meaningful, and this chart serves as a guideline. The length of consequences is at the discretion of the administration. In addition to the consequences listed, students must complete the restorative process appropriate to the infraction. 

 

BEHAVIOR LEVEL POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Disruptive to environment Minor/Major Lunch detention; ISS
Cursing, general Minor Points and/or classroom privileges removed
Leaving class without permission and returning Minor Points and/or classroom privileges removed
Disrespectful Attitude Minor Points and/or classroom privileges removed
Off task behavior Minor Points and/or classroom privileges removed
Refusing staff directive Minor Points and/or classroom privileges removed
Sleeping during class Minor Points and/or classroom privileges removed
Abuse of Staff or School Property Major Detention/ISS/loss of privileges
Bigoted or racial comments towards students Major Detention/ISS/loss of privileges
Bigoted or racial comments towards staff Major Detention/ISS/loss of privileges
Bringing drugs of any kind Major 2 days ISS; OSS; police contact
Bringing tobacco or vape Major 2 days ISS
Bullying/Yelling Insults publicly/Breaking Peace Contract Major ISS
Leaving class without permission and refusing adult directive Major Lunch Detention
Instigating an argument/threatening a student Major ISS; threat assessment
Threatening staff member Major ISS; threat assessment
Fighting physically/Aggression Major ISS; threat assessment; OSS; police contact
Inappropriate computer use (looking up weapons, sex, drugs, etc. or chatting with others) Major Suspension of computer privileges
Not returning to class for extended time Major Lunch detention
Being out of area without permission; skipping class completely Major Lunch detention; ISS
Public display of affection Major Lunch detention; ISS
Sexual harassment Major ISS
False accusations towards students or staff Major ISS
Bringing a weapon to school Major ISS; OSS; contact with police; removal from Anderson
Dress code violation with refusal to change or cover up Major ISS

 

The Anderson School is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for students. The Anderson School recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Bullying and harassment are not permitted at The Anderson School and is considered a major infraction.

Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following as determined by the administration of the Anderson School.

  1. Substantially interfering with a student’s education.
  2. Creating a threatening school environment.
  3. Substantially disrupting of the orderly operation of the school.

School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school.

 

Bullying includes cyberbullying and electronic harassment. The Anderson School recognizes the importance of teaching acceptable use and online safety to students.  The Anderson School curriculum includes instruction for educating students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking.

 

The Anderson School staff is trained in OLWEUS bullying prevention and intervention and effectively responds to, intervenes in and reports incidents of bullying The Anderson School encourages students who have been bullied to promptly report such incidents to an adult.

Complaint Process When bullying or harassment is reported, the staff member who was informed of the incident will assist the student to complete a Student Support Form.  Staff should inform an appropriate supervisor when they receive complaints of harassment or bullying and provide them with a completed copy of the Harassment Report. Complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified.

 

Each student shall be responsible for respecting the rights of others and to ensure an atmosphere free from bullying or harassment.

When bullying or harassment is reported, the staff member who was informed of the incident will assist the student to complete a Harassment Report. Staff should inform an appropriate supervisor when they receive complaints of harassment or bullying and provide them with a completed copy of the Harassment Report. Complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. 

Each student shall be responsible for respecting the rights of others and to ensure an atmosphere free from bullying or harassment. 

The Staff at The Anderson School are trained using the Safety Care model to provide for the care, safety and security of all students. The Staff are certified annually to respond using nonviolent crisis intervention. Staff will intervene to manage disruptive student behavior using “physical intervention only as a last resort – when an individual presents an imminent danger to self or others”. This program is “non-harmful, non-invasive”, and designed to maintain the individual’s dignity emphasizing respectful communication and student well-being. 

Before leaving the classroom for any reason students must have staff permission. It may be necessary to check the availability of the location the student is requesting. Often, a staff member will accompany the student to the new location. If this is not possible, the student must have a written pass. If a student is in the hall without permission, then the student will be asked to return to the classroom. No student is permitted to be in hallways, offices, or classrooms unsupervised unless they have a pass completed by a staff member. Refusal to comply will be a minor or major infraction at the discretion of the staff involved. 

It is the practice of The Anderson School to respond to a student attempting to leave campus as follows: 

1. Use Safety Care Training which includes non-physical strategies such as offering a neutral area, physical proximity, active listening, peer mediation, or individual counseling with a preferred staff member. 

2. If the above strategies are not successful, staff is to make phone contact with a parent/guardian, probation officer (if applicable), and Lower Providence Police Department. 

3. Physical restraint is utilized to prevent the student from leaving campus as a last resort and only if the student is displaying one of the following three criteria: continuous high magnitude disruption, continuous aggression, or continuous self-injurious behavior. 

4. Leaving the school building/grounds is a major infraction.

Fighting and physical aggression, even if horseplay, are NOT permitted at the Anderson School and are taken extremely seriously as a major infraction. Suspensions will be given to participants in physical aggression. The police will be contacted in the case of a fight between students. Video footage and staff accounts will help determine appropriate consequences. 

Students/parents/guardians are reminded of the following: Any distribution of, delivering, selling, passing, sharing, or giving of any alcohol, drugs, narcotics, marijuana, counterfeit chemical, anabolic steroid, look-alike substance, mood altering substance, or drug paraphernalia from one person to another is an offense that will be referred to law enforcement. If a student is suspected of having an illegal substance on them, the school has the right to search them. A student who possesses and/or uses any of the above named substances will incur a major infraction and referral to the local law enforcement authority. 

Under Pennsylvania Statute it is unlawful for any student (including those who are 18 years or older) to use tobacco or vape products in school buildings, school buses, and on school property. Students possessing lit or unlit tobacco in any form, smoke-like products, and non-prescribed smoking-related products will be required to turn the product over to school faculty to be discarded. Upon confiscation, administration has the authority to test vape devices for illegal substances. Examples include, but not limited to: tobacco, smokeless cigarettes, vaping devices, e-cigarettes, non-prescription Nicorette, lighters, and matches. It will be a major infraction, appropriate consequences will be applied and law enforcement agencies may be notified. 

A student who damages the property of The Anderson School, school personnel, or other persons authorized to be on school property may be penalized as follows: 

Major infraction 

• Required to make full and complete restitution for all damages 

• Referral to local law enforcement authority 

The Anderson School recognizes the importance of a safe school environment relative to the educational process. Possession of weapons in the school setting is a threat to the safety of students and staff and is prohibited by law. A weapon includes but is not limited to any knife, cutting instrument, firearm, replica of a weapon, or any tool capable of inflicting serious bodily injury. The student in violation of the weapons policy will be referred to the local law enforcement agency and it is considered a major infraction. 

Students are expected to demonstrate their own work so that they can progress towards their goals. Cheating or plagiarism will be addressed at the discretion of the teacher. Plagiarism means taking credit for someone else’s work. Students will be taught how to compose and format all academic writing appropriately. If a student continues to plagiarize after learning correct formatting and receiving repeated support from his/her teacher, the teacher reserves the right to penalize that student’s grade and/or institute other intervention.

Cell phones, wireless headphones and all other electronics will not be permitted in the classroom. All electronics including cell phones and wireless headphones will be collected at the front entry way door as students enter the building and then given back at dismissal before students exit the building. If the student is found with a cell phone in the classroom they will have disciplinary consequences to serve. Bringing your cell phone to school is at the discretion of the parent/student; however, The Anderson School will not be responsible for lost or stolen cell phones. No student is to videotape (using their phone or any other device) another student on the bus going to school or leaving school. To do so will be considered a major infraction. Bringing a cell phone to school is a privilege not a right!!! 

Procedure for Violation of Cell Phone Policy: 

• The student’s cell phone will be confiscated. 

• For the second offense, the student will receive a major infraction in their file. 

• Parent or guardian must pick up the phone. The phone will be held in the office until a parent/guardian picks it up, even if the parent/guardian cannot make it in until another day. 

 

Our office phone is available to those students who need to make necessary phone calls during their lunch time only. In case of an emergency, please call Mrs. Fortune at the front desk and we will contact your child. The office number is 610-635-2400. Students will not be permitted to leave class or therapy just to “chat” with a parent or guardian. The school staff reserves the right to determine what is necessary. 

The Anderson School supports the use of computers, networks, and internet to facilitate learning and teaching. Each student will have a chromebook assigned to them when they enroll, but it must stay at Anderson. Students will be given a bag to carry the chromebook around the school and are responsible to charge it in the classrooms. It is the student’s responsibility to use the computers, network resources, and internet according to the directions of the teacher. Students are expected to act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner in accordance with the Anderson School computer procedures and federal and State Laws. Students will be provided with an MCIU student email upon enrollment. This email is utilized for educational or career/college purposes only. 

The following are prohibited usages: non-educational purposes; modify, harm, or destroy hardware, software, network, and another user’s data; accessing confidential information; harassing others; obscene or pornographic material; and loading any unauthorized media. Accessing prohibited sites = Major infraction and loss of computer privileges. 

Please note: a student must have a signed computer usage form or they will not be permitted to use school computers. 

Conduct on the bus is expected to adhere to ABLE expectations, same as in the school building. Bus drivers are consulted on a regular basis by school staff. Bus discipline referrals will be treated seriously with consequences and could be a major or minor infraction based on administrative determination.

The Anderson School holds the firm opinion that school is not the appropriate place for displays of affection between students. Such displays are in poor taste and do not reflect proper respect for the individuals involved. Public displays of affection are prohibited and will trigger a major infraction. 

Students are prohibited from gambling, extorting money, betting and/or selling anything to other students. Students are not to bring large amounts of money into school. If a student brings a large amount of money into school, the principal or secretary will hold the money until dismissal. Anything over twenty dollars could be considered a large amount at the discretion of the principal. 

Students are expected to dress in a manner deemed appropriate by the school staff. Students are not permitted to be barefoot, wear slippers, have midriffs exposed, wear skirts higher than arm’s length, wear muscle/sleeveless-shirts or clothing revealing underwear, wear low cut/revealing tops, or pajamas.  In addition, clothing (including socks) with tobacco, drug, alcohol, weapons, racially or politically charged language or symbols, inappropriate language or sexual references is prohibited and must be replaced or concealed.  Hoodies can be worn in the building however, hoods must stay down during the school day and are not allowed to be worn on the head. Students may not wear costumes unless it is approved for a special event (on Halloween for example). Red or blue bandanas may not be visible, worn or used as masks due to their association with gang activity. Heavy coats, pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals must always remain in lockers. Students may not wear sharp objects on their clothing.

Administration reserves the right to deem an article of clothing distracting to the educational environment and to ask it to be covered, replaced or removed. Students will be asked to change or cover their clothing if it is inappropriate. Violations of this policy may result in exclusion from classroom activities on that day and communication to parents/guardians. Refusals to abide by the dress code will be an infraction.

A suspension is a consequence that could be given when a student commits a more serious offense or has repeated the same offense multiple times. When a student is suspended from school a mandatory reinstatement meeting needs to be scheduled through the main office. It is important for us to discuss the reason of the suspension and how we can help the student make appropriate choices. If the parent/guardian needs to attend via phone or zoom, that may be arranged, however, if a student has been suspended multiple times it will be mandatory for the parent to come in for the reinstatement meeting. The case manager, parent, and principal will all be a part of the reinstatement meeting. The district will be notified of the suspension and will have the option of attending the reinstatement meeting. IEP meetings may also be called when suspensions are given.