DISCIPLINE POLICIES

     Discipline will be administered in the light of the offense and the student's attitude. All discipline Will be based on biblical principles, e.g. restitution, apologies (public and private), appropriate disciplinary action, restoration of fellowship, etc. The vast majority of discipline problems will be dealt with at the classroom level. It is vital for parents and students to realize that maintaining an orderly atmosphere in the school and classroom is critical to the learning process. As in all other areas of education at Veritas, love and forgiveness will be an integral part of the discipline of a student. 

OFFICE VISITS
There are five basic behaviors that will automatically necessitate discipline from the Head of School versus the teacher. Those behaviors are: 
1. Disrespect shown to any staff member. The staff member will be the judge of whether or not disrespect has been shown. 
2. Dishonesty in any situation while at school, including lying, cheating, and stealing. 
3. Rebellion, i.e. outright disobedience in response to instructions. 
4. Fighting, i.e. striking in anger with the intention to harm another. 
5. Obscene, vulgar, or profane language and gestures, as well as taking the name of the Lord in vain. 
     During the office visit, the Head of School will determine the nature of the discipline. The Head of School may require restitution, janitorial work, or other measures consistent with biblical guidelines, which may be appropriate. The Head of School may contact the School Board for guidance when necessary. 
     If for any of the preceding or other reasons, a student receives discipline from the Head of School, the following accounting will be observed. 
1. The first time a student is sent to the Head of School for discipline, the student's parents will be contacted and given the details of the visit. The parents' assistance and support in averting further problems will be sought. 
2. The Head of School will meet with the student?s parents following the second office visit. 
3. Should the student require a third office visit, a three-day suspension will be imposed on the student. Missed work must be turned in when the student returns to school or a grade of zero will be recorded. The student is responsible for all missed work without the privilege of a teacher. 
4. If a fourth office visit is required, the student will be expelled from the school. 

EXPULSION 
     The Veritas School Board realizes that expelling a student from school is a very serious matter and should always be carefully dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Forgiveness and restitution are fundamental to our total discipline policy. However, should a student and his parents not be able to eliminate behavioral problems before a fourth office visit, the student will be expelled. Should the expelled student desire to be readmitted to Veritas at a later date, (not during the year of expulsion) the School Board or its delegated committee will make a decision based on the student's attitude and circumstances at the time of reapplication. 

SERIOUS MISCONDUCT 
     Should a student commit an act with such serious consequences that the Head of School deems it necessary, the office-visit process may be bypassed and suspension or expulsion imposed immediately. Examples of such serious misconduct could include: acts endangering the lives of other students or staff members, gross violence/vandalism to the school facilities, violations of civil law, or any act in clear contradiction of scriptural commands. Students may be subject to school discipline for serious misconduct which occurs after school hours.