Discipline is one of the most important factors for a school to function effectively. This is the reason why Benchmark is continuously working to develop, refine and implement a culture of discipline that alone can pave the path for a conducive learning environment. This policy outlines the basis of our disciplinary framework that stems from our aspirations of extremely well-researched, positive discipline techniques and their firm, fair and consistent implementation.
It may however be borne in mind that strict student discipline in Benchmark will function only after being balanced out with fairness. Before any disciplinary action is taken, every effort will be made to resolve student discipline issues through one-to-one counseling with a teacher or school administrator/Principal. This clearly spells out that the underlying purpose of creating this policy, in the first place, is NOT to remove any student from classroom or school, NOT until it is inevitable. In fact, the objective is to make every child come to terms with the principles of safety, responsibility, respectfulness, commitment towards his or her academics, honesty, and life-long learning. However, after every effort to redirect our student’s potentials is thwarted and every option exhausted, the school will NOT hesitate to resort to the more serious actions starting from warnings and ultimately resulting in expulsions.
HEALTH AND HYGIENE
BmSS believes that schools not only impart knowledge, but also play a major role in shaping the personality of an individual. What a student learns in school is not just confined to the four walls of a classroom but the whole school environment is a source of knowledge. Apart from knowledge, a student learns lessons of discipline, honesty and cleanliness from school and therefore, it is important for us to maintain a good hygienic atmosphere.
Students are urged to maintain their hygiene properly, come to school neat and clean. They should bathe properly, daily and should smell good with hair properly combed and teeth brushed daily.
A. SCHOOL RULES
The stated school rules/policy failing to adhere to which can result in students’ suspension, relegation, non-promotion and/or even expulsion from Benchmark School System. Suspension followed by expulsion: Every time a child is reported/found defying the school rules listed below, a fact-finding effort be undertaken by the school administration and the student will be given a fair chance/hearing to explain his or her position. If the probe determines the child guilty, he or she will be served a warning in writing and his or her parents will be informed accordingly.
This warning can follow reportage (of breaking the school rules) from the same source twice or from two different sources. Two warnings will result in the student’s immediate suspension.
However, two suspensions will automatically result in the student’s expulsion from Benchmark School System with zero chances of reinstatement.
Direct expulsion: Suspension is not the only way that will result in expulsion. If the nature of violation is more serious, direct expulsion with no chances of reinstatement will automatically follow.
Non-promotion: After every effort is made to help a child improve academically, if he or she shows no signs of improvement, the school will NOT promote him or her to the next grade. Thus non-promotion (in other words repeating the same class) will be the only option the child can take provided he or she has no history of creating behavioral/disciplinary issues that can lead to the child’s removal from school.
Relegation/demotion
Despite the best possible efforts to help him or her out, if a child remains non-responsive or refuses to change and so registers no tangible academic progression, he or she will have the following options: either relegation—in other words demotion from the current grade—or leaving school.
Note: Preliminary rules may be appended. It therefore follows that we will continue to add more rules and that disciplinary action can also be taken against offences other than and similar to the ones listed above.
B. CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
Students are encouraged to think and act for themselves, as it is the basic purpose of education.
However, they must also understand that the school has non-negotiable values, which are strongly believed. These values include “integrity, respect, diligence, excellence, inclusiveness and diversity”. The purpose of the code of student conduct is to inculcate these values to the school community and promote an environment conducive to students’ success and engagement.
If a student violates the school’s standards of conduct, that student may be held accountable by the school. The school may, at its sole discretion, pursue disciplinary action against the student. A legible fine will also be imposed on the student, if the school deems the act, worthy of being fined.
The codes, that are to be very careful about, are as follows:
- Wireless communication devices (but not limited to mobile phones), including cameras, MP3 players, iPods, e-readers and other electronic devices are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. In case of any violation, the device will be confiscated and the student will be suspended/ expelled.
- The possession, use, distribution or sale of illegal products within the school premises such as Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs will be dealt with, severely and will lead to direct expulsion of student from the school.
- Repeated late arrival to school. Students arriving late will be fined heavily for unpunctuality.
- Engaging in any form of academic misconduct. Examples include (but are not limited to):
• Plagiarism
• Cheating
• Copying
• Accessing records
• Altering records
• Assisting another student in any of the above actions - Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings or other Benchmark activities, by creating noise or other disturbances on campus, including classroom instructions.
- Acts of dishonesty or criminal offenses, including (but not limited to) the following:
• Furnishing false information to any Benchmark official, faculty member or office.
• Forgery, alteration or misuse of any Benchmark document, record or form of identification.
• Theft, Deceit, Assault, Vandalism or Fraud. - Any conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person, including (but not limited to) physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercions or stalking.
- Any kind of offensive behavior towards any member of the Benchmark Faculty, Administration or any person linked with Benchmark School System.
- Discrimination of any person on the basis of Race, Gender, Creed, Religion, Disability or Social Standards, is strictly intolerable and strict action will be taken against it.
- Conduct or behavior, that lacks regard, civility, politeness and/or courteous consideration, which goes beyond the bounds of acceptable student behavior.
- Saying or doing something that upsets the normal school day or any school activity. This includes trying to disrupt the morning assemblies.
- Refusal or failure to comply with a direction or an order from a Benchmark employee.
- Non-conformity to established dress code.
- Not showing respect to the teachers, faculty members, members of the school administration and management.
- Any unlawful participation in games (or activities) of chance for money and/ or other things of value.
- The unlawful and willful entry or attempted forcible entry into any Benchmark property or misuse of school premises.
- No student is allowed to leave during school hours, unless a parent/guardian comes to pick them up, providing a necessary reason.
- The school will not be responsible for any loss of anything valuable or any belonging. Therefore, all parents/guardians are requested to monitor on their child.