The school counselors discuss the definition of bullying in their classroom lessons at the beginning of each school year.  Bullying behavior is aggressive, repeated, and has an imbalance of power.  If it is a true bullying situation, the assistant principals will address it and administer the appropriate consequence(s) following the GCPS Discipline Policy and Procedures.  If the situation is a conflict, the school counselors will work with the student(s) to solve the problem.  It is important for students to let an adult know if they feel they are being bullied here at Mason Elementary School.

During the first week of school, all grade levels meet in the cafeteria for the beginning of the year talk about The Mason Way - Being RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and READY (the kindergarten talk takes place in the classrooms).  Mr. Jones and the assistant principals discuss the expectations at Mason ES with the grade levels and what the Mason Way looks like in the various locations throughout the building. For example, being Respectful in the Hallway means to respect the learning environment of others.  Being Responsible in the cafeteria means to raise your hand for help and to clean up your area. And when you remain seated and are facing forward on the bus, you are being Ready. 

Click on this link to view the Mason ES Expectations Schoolwide Rubric

The administration also went over all 12 of the GCPS Rule violations that will warrant a student discipline referral.  However, there are times when a minor referral is issued instead of a discipline referral. This is a time when the student reflects on his/her behavior and the parents and/or guardians are made aware of the incident. In this case, it is documented, but it does not go in the student’s permanent record. Bullying is also discussed at these grade level talks.