School Rules and Student Supports

  • At O.E.S., our goal is to stay “ON T.R.A.C.K.” by being:

    T - Tenacious

    R - Respectful

    A - Accountable

    C - Courageous

    K - and Kind

     

    ODENTON ELEMENTARY IS A PBIS SCHOOL 

    PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is a research-based approach for creating safe, inclusive school environments and enhancing the capacity of schools to educate all children.

    PBIS provides systems for schools to design, implement and evaluate school-wide, classroom, non-classroom, and student-specific management plans. The process focuses on improving a school’s ability to teach and support positive behavior for all students.

    PBIS IS NOT a program or a curriculum. IT IS a team-based process for systematic problem solving, planning, and evaluation.

    It is an approach to creating a school-wide culture that includes:

    • Consistent communication between families and school staff
    • Shared, positive behavior expectations in classrooms
    • Positive reinforcement that emphasizes intrinsic motivation
    • Routines and procedures for non-classroom settings within the school environment
    • A continuum of supports to address a range of behaviors

     

    POSITIVE BEHAVIOR RECOGNITION

    We recognize students for demonstrating positive, On-TRACK behaviors in different ways throughout the year. 

    CLASS DOJO POINTS: On an individual basis, students earn points through the Class Dojo application for a variety of behaviors, such as demonstrating persistence and kindness and meeting hallway expectations. When warranted, negative points can be given as a reminder for needed improvement in behavior. Parents can join their child's Class Dojo classroom to receive instant notifications of points awarded to their child.

    POSITIVE REFERRALS: When students go above and beyond behavioral expectations, they are eligible to receive a Positive Referral from any staff member. The student receives a certificate signed by the staff member and an administrator that describes in detail the behavior warranting the positive referral, a parent phone call to share the good news and a full day of wearing a badge that lets everyone in the building know that this student did something extraordinary to contribute to the positive culture at Odenton Elementary.

    CITIZENSHIP AWARDS: At the end of every quarter, students who meet the criteria for their grade level receive a Citizenship certificate and recognition at our quarterly classroom awards celebrations.

    THE GOLDEN SPOON: To recognize classes that contribute to a safe and orderly environment at lunchtime, a Golden Spoon is awarded each day to the one class per grade that best exemplified cafeteria expectations during their lunch period. That class gets to hang the fork by their door in the hallway, and they get to line up first for lunch on the following day.

    In addition to these school-wide practices, each class and grade level implements their own strategies for fostering and recognizing positive student behavior.

     

    THE ODENTON WAY

    At O.E.S., we believe in respect for all students, cultures, beliefs and family rules.  While we take these into account when handling difficult situations, we must adhere to and implement the Student Code of Conduct written by the AACPS Board of Education. In order to promote safety, tolerance, problem-solving and respect, O.E.S. students are expected to adhere to The Odenton Way while at school: 

    • If I get hit, I will not hit back.  I will Stop, Walk, and Report the incident to an adult right away.
    • If someone calls me a name or yells at me, I will Stop, Walk, and Report the incident to an adult right away.
    • If someone annoys me, I will not become mean. I will be the kind person I know I am. 
    • If I need help, I will ask.    
    • If I make a mistake, I will try to fix it and be accountable for my actions. 

    Students are taught strategies to help them handle conflict through:

    • Second Step social-emotional learning lessons
    • Community circles
    • Classroom guidance lessons
    • Cool-down corners in every classroom
    • Access to the Zen Den for self-calming activities
    • Appointments with the school counselor

     

    BULLYING

    1. Bullying - A pattern of behavior when a person repeatedly uses power in an intentional manner, including verbal, physical, or written conduct or intentional electronic communication against one or more students.
    2. Cyberbullying - The use of electronic communication to harm or harass others in a deliberate, repeated, and hostile manner.
    3. Harassment - Includes actual or perceived negative actions that offend, ridicule, or demean another individual with regard to race, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry, physical attributes, socioeconomic status, familial status, physical or mental ability, or disability.
    4. Intimidation - subjecting an individual to intentional action that seriously threatens and induces a sense of fear and/or inferiority.

    Bullying and harassment are taken very seriously by AACPS and by the staff at OES and will not be tolerated. Bullying, harassment and intimidation include any intentional conduct (verbal/physical/written/online) that creates a hostile educational environment by substantially interfering with a student's educational benefits, opportunities or performance, or with a student's physical or psychological well-being. Students at OES are explicitly taught to recognize bullying as a pattern of behavior and to understand that everyone plays a role in stopping it from occurring. If you believe your child is being bullied or harassed at school, going to/from school, or online, please report this IMMEDIATELY to a teacher, administrator and/or student services provider. In addition to a verbal report, you can go to https://secure.aacps.org/bully/bullyForm.asp to make a formal complaint online.

     

    PROHIBITED ITEMS

    Toys (including trading/gaming cards and electronic games) should be kept at home. With express approval from the teacher, some games and toys may be brought in for indoor recess or show-and-tell. Any toys that represent weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited in accordance with the Anne Arundel County Code of Conduct. Inappropriate toys that are brought to school will be kept by the teacher in a safe place and given to the parent directly or returned in June. Thank you for your cooperation. 

     

    ELECTRONIC DEVICE USE

    While we recognize that many students use personal cell phones to maintain communication with parents after school, it is vital that cell phone use does not interfere with instruction during the school day; therefore, use of cell phones or other personal electronic devices during the school day or on school buses (unless in an emergency) is strictly prohibited. ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES MUST BE TURNED OFF AND KEPT IN THE STUDENT'S BACKPACK OR LOCKER UNTIL THEY HAVE EXITED THE BUILDING AT DISMISSAL, UNLESS SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THEIR TEACHER. Any electronic device being used without permission during the school day will be confiscated and kept in the school office until a parent or guardian comes to retrieve the item.  

     

    AACPS 2021-2022 Student Handbook