October 5, 2007 

I wanted to share a little more information about the purpose and philosophy of our new discipline plan at the elementary. When we talk about discipline, we are not simply talking about a system that identifies offenses and assigns consequences. Even though it is very important that we identify and communicate our expectations, this is just one small part of the system. What we really are focusing in on is how we are going to purposefully and consistently communicate, train, and mold the thinking, perspectives, attitudes, behaviors, and lives of our children to be more like those of Jesus Christ. Our focus is on the children, not the system. We will seek to follow the model that God uses to mold and train us, His children.

• His mercies are new every day
• His motive is love
• His love is unconditional
• His plan is to prosper us and not to harm us
• His consequences are real
• He is faithful to His word
• He brings blessings to those who are obedient to His commands

After 5 full weeks of using our new color discipline system, there are a couple of items I wanted to emphasize in communicating and understanding its’ utilization. If a student changes his/her color to yellow, this is simply a warning. The purpose of these warnings is to draw the child’s attention to these behaviors or attitudes and stress the importance of making a change. It is the responsibility of each staff member not only to identify the area of needed improvement but also to teach to the desired behavior or attitude. It also provides great opportunities for each parent to do the same. Most children are going to get numerous yellows. If you look at the Conduct Scale in the Parent/Student Handbook, you will notice that a student can have up to 15 moves to yellow and still receive an excellent in conduct. If you are noticing that your child moves beyond yellow on numerous occasions, then at that point I would encourage you to get more involved in what is going on so you can support the teacher and find ways to encourage your child to make adjustments or changes.

As you know, discipline is usually not a pleasant thing because it carries with it consequences and a need for change. As I reflect on my own children’s development, I begin to see that it was many times the struggle that brought about the most growth. When James Garfield, former President of the United States, was principal of Hiram College in Ohio, a parent asked him if expectations could be simplified for his son. "Certainly," Garfield replied, "but it all depends on what you want to make of your boy. When God wants to make an oak tree, He takes a hundred years. When He wants to make a squash, he requires only two months. Do you want him to be more like a squash or an oak tree?" James 1:2-4 reminds us that enduring trials is not the easiest way, but it is the best way.

One of the many blessings of NCS is that when my children do make mistakes and go through trials, as they will, there are loving, Christian people surrounding them, not to just pass over it but address it and give it the kind of attention and godly training that is needed. Our children receive so many blessings through rules, expectations, and consequences. Communicated and carried out in a loving manner, these produce a long-term feeling of security, value, and worth. Environments low on expectations, rules, and consequences tend to produce just the opposite, children with feeling of low value, worth and expectations.

The positive reinforcement system within each grade level at NCS is also an important part of our discipline system. Molding and shaping our children’s attitudes and behaviors through positive reinforcement is vital. Young children are pleasers by nature. We want to use that God given quality to help shape their attitudes and behaviors.

The theme for this school year is, “Are You Being Transformed?” It has already been a tremendous blessing to see the children being transformed over the past several weeks. The Lord is the center and source of all true transformation, but many influences impact that growth. As I think back on my life I realize that my family, friends, and my teachers all played huge roles in helping to transform me from what I was to what I am. We are blessed to be in a place like NCS where all of these influences are seen as important.

Thank you for your prayers and support as we partner together to lead each of our children to a transformed life in Jesus Christ.