In the summer of 1995, the Douglas County Board of Education made a commitment to develop behavior expectations to stand alongside the school district's content standards. If high expectations are to be held for academic achievement, it followed reason that clear behavior expectations be adopted as well.Though the school district has a strict code of conduct that addresses misbehavior, there was no formal approach to reinforce positive behavior-until now. After more than a year in the making and through a process of incorporating views of parents, students, school employees and community members, the School Board adopted these behavior expectations in December, 1996.The next step is to begin putting the behavior expectations into practice. The goal is to create a culture of honor and respect that is consistent from school to school and can be carried over to the community.It is the goal of the school district for behavior expectations to stand with academic standards to create a total learning environment for all students, beginning with the primary grades and continuing through high school.

Students, staff, parents and community will develop and use productive work habits.Indicators:

• Complete work to the best of their ability.
• Strive for excellence in all their work.
• Honor time commitments.
• Arrive at school prepared to work.
• Work cooperatively with others and independently when appropriate.
• Persevere even when tasks are difficult.

• Participate actively in the learning process.
• Encourage parent and community involvement.
• State expectations clearly.
• Show sensitivity toward others.
• Use courteous and polite language and behavior.
• Exercise self discipline.
• Follow school and district rules.

Students, staff, parents and community will dress appropriately for the school environment.Indicators:

• Dress in a clean, neat and safe manner.
• Dress in a manner that is non-demeaning to self or others.
• Dress in a manner that promotes practices that are consistent with district policies.
• Dress in a manner which is conducive to the activity in which engaged.

• Control anger and resolve conflicts through non-violent means.
• Ensure that schools are free from weapons.
• Ensure that schools are free from harmful substances.
• Ensure that schools are free from intimidation, discrimination and harassment.

Students, staff, parents and community will be thoughtful caretakers of the school and district property and the property of others.Indicators:

• Use property and materials for their intended purpose.
• Take responsibility for maintaining school and district property.
• Show respect for the personal property of others.

• Honor commitments.
• Promote excellence by setting challenging and attainable goals.
• Serve self and others through community involvement.
• Take the initiative to help others.
• Determine the right thing to do and do it.

• Treat others with fairness and compassion.
• View diversity as enhancing the school environment and community.
• Promote and encourage increased knowledge and understanding of diversity in curriculum and school-related activities.

• Communicate with positive intent.
• Communicate in an open, trusting and truthful manner.
• Express ideas clearly.
• Listen actively and encourage feedback.
• Communicate in a timely and on-going manner.
• Clarify communication directly with the source.