DALE CROWELL
Director of Operations & Dean of Students
In my new role as Dean of Students, my goal this year is to help ensure that the application of discipline is timely and consistent. Sadly, the word “discipline” often carries a negative connotation. Scripture, however, casts discipline against the backdrop of the love of God:
In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,nor be weary when reproved by him.For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,and chastises every son whom he receives.”
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:4-11).
The purpose of individual discipline at CCS is two-fold: 1) to help a student see his/her sin and the need of a Savior; and 2) to develop godly character as the student matures. More broadly, our aim at CCS is to preserve a school community that is a blessing to families and is uplifting for all students, faculty, and staff. To achieve these objectives, certain standards of conduct must be fostered and maintained throughout our campus, but the classroom is the key.
Effective and consistent classroom management is one of the most challenging responsibilities for any teacher. And yet, establishing and maintaining an orderly learning environment in which students are attentive, focused, productive, and on task is a critical priority at our school. To that end, our teachers have presented their classroom rules in a very clear and straightforward manner. They have also clearly stated what will happen if those rules are broken. This simple approach removes all mystery, confusion, and ignorance about what we are expecting from our students this year.
If the basic classroom rules are consistently followed, the result will be an orderly learning environment in which students can learn, grow, and flourish. The four simple rules are:
- Listen and follow directions.
- Raise your hand before speaking or leaving your seat (moderated according to learning activity).
- Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
- Respect your classmates and your teacher.
The plan also requires the application of clear and consistent consequences when rules are broken. Most occasions only require a simple warning from the teacher; however, repeated infractions illicit more severe consequences – temporary removal from class, a meeting with me, silent lunch (Primary School), Saturday Detention (Secondary School), etc. Of course, all of this assumes timely communication with parents.
Ultimately, all we do in the area of discipline is motivated by genuine love for all of our students. My commitment to them, to the parents, and to our faculty and staff is that I will seek to implement faithful and loving discipline for the growth, benefit and blessing of all (Proverbs 10:17).
I look forward to this new opportunity and the chance to make our learning environment the best that it can be.