Laboratory Schools Standards of Behavior

The Middle School is a part of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and is governed by a Board of Directors. Members of the Board are concerned that an atmosphere conducive to learning exists throughout the Schools. To that end, the board has adopted the following statement to govern the day to day life of our community.

Introduction

As members of the Laboratory Schools' community, we believe that the standards governing our participation and behavior within the schools should be clearly stated, reasonable and just. The philosophical framework governing our standards reflects the consensus of the Board of Directors, students, faculty, administration, staff, and parents. These standards are based on the expectation that members of the Laboratory Schools will:

• Respect and show concern for one another and oneself
• Respect and show concern for shared spaces and materials
• Respect and show concern for the academic, social, and moral life of the schools

Relationship to Code of Conduct

As students mature and move from more supervision and structure in the lower grades to greater freedom in the middle and high schools, it is also recognized that greater responsibility accompanies such freedom. The code of conduct, which follows these standards, specifies behavior that is inappropriate and details the penalties for engaging in such behavior.

The code of conduct implements the following general standards of behavior, which have been approved by the Board of the Laboratory Schools, for the entire Laboratory Schools community.

Members of the Laboratory Schools community shall not:

1. Violate the law, such as the law pertaining to illegal substances.
2. Harm or degrade any individual or group by action, threat or malicious language.
3. Cheat or otherwise act dishonorably in academic work.
4. Infringe upon the property of others.
5. Disrupt by word or action an atmosphere conducive to learning in the classroom, good sportsmanship in athletics and congeniality in social situations.
6. Violate the published rules and requirements for use of school facilities.
7. Infringe upon the use of shared spaces and materials by:

• Excessive noise in and around classrooms (including lounges and landings) and the library.
• Interrupting the safe and orderly flow in hallways, stairways, on playgrounds and on sidewalks.
• Disruptive public displays.
• Defacing, destroying or otherwise damaging buildings, equipment or books.

Members of the Laboratory Schools community agree to abide by the above rules when representing the Laboratory Schools elsewhere.

Consequences for Violation
These consequences shall include one or more of the following:

• Modifying behavior appropriately.
• Discussing the violation with others involved, especially those hurt or offended by it; apologizing where appropriate.
• Notification to the dean, principal and parent of the behavior and if necessary the Director of the Schools.
• Restoring or making restitution for damaged or stolen property.
• Performing a prescribed service for the School.
• Temporary or permanent exclusion from activity(ies) or class(es).
• Suspension from school.
• Expulsion from school.
• Notifying authorities and/or legal action.

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