Jared Eliot Middle School
Mr. Gourdier
Thoughts & Policy
Quote: "Every choice you make helps define the kind of person you are choosing to be."
This quote reflects, what I believe, should be the middle school mindset. As children get older and enter adolescence they become more independent in action and thought. With this newfound independence comes a more personal method of decision making. We use the word "choice" a lot at Eliot. We ask students to make "healthy choices". These choices don't necessarily reflect what is good for the student alone. Students are beginning to realize that their choices often have an effect on others. Whenever I have to speak with students about the choices they make, I try to share with them the meaning of this quote. I tell them that the decisions they make now can have profound influence on their future.
We have worked this idea of choices into aspects of our discipline policy. When students are assigned a Central Detention for a poor choice, they are required to complete a reflection packet based on the reason they received the detention. This packet requires the students to think about the choices made and reflect on how to avoid similar situations. Our "Yellow Slips" initiative works staff members into the picture. When a student is exhibiting a behavior that can lead to bullying or harassment, they are issued a "Yellow Slip" by the witnessing teacher. The teacher conferences with the student, explaining why their actions reflected a poor choice. That slip serves as a warning. Students know that a second "Yellow" will lead to more severe discipline and they will, hopefully, be more cognizant of future choices.