Explanation:
In any organization, it is important to have standards to follow and appropriate consequences for not following those standards. We understand that not everyone will agree with every rule or procedure, but we ask each student to demonstrate a willingness to comply. As a Christian school, it is not only our goal to educate the mind, but to make disciples. Discipleship involves training and building character into the lives of students (Matthew 28:19; Proverbs 22:6). Although discipline may be at first perceived as difficult and even bringing sorrow (Hebrews 12:11, 2 Corinthians 7:8-9), sorrow that leads to change of heart and behavior makes the sometimes painful experience of discipline worthwhile (Hebrews 12:11; II Corinthians 7:10; Proverbs 23:13-14).
For the very reason that the child’s character is not yet formed, we must, as parents, be discipline for the child. Christian life demands thorough training of the attitudes, habits and manners (Pro 22:6 NKJV – Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.). Children are instructed, shown and helped to do what they are supposed to do. This training can require great patience and detail, and is directed toward the many specific traits of character needed for the whole person (II Timothy 3:16, 17).
We believe there is a distinction between childishness and foolishness. Childishness is when a child does something wrong or inappropriate because of their lack of knowledge, training, or physical ability (A wet glass slipping out of a child’s hands). Foolishness is when a child knows what is right, but chooses to do the wrong. There are times when the sin nature gets the better of the child, when he chooses his way instead of God’s way. The Scriptures give us three basic approaches to correction: instruction (for childishness), rebuke and chastisement (for foolishness). The goal of all correction is to provide or restore a Biblical course upon which the child may proceed. Therefore, the appropriate form of correction needs to be administered, and always in love.
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is profitable for doctrine (instruction), reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. Instruction, correction, and training are appropriate for childishness and reproof (causing conviction) is appropriately added for foolishness.
When a gentle but firm rebuke does not do its effective work in the heart and outwardly in action, chastisement is the next resort (Proverbs 22:15; 23:13,14; 29:15; 19:18; 29:17; 20:30; Hebrews 12: 6,7; Ephesians 6:4). Chastisement is correction through punishment that may take the form of detention, loss of privileges, or of spanking (paddling, from the Greek word paideia, which implies to nurture from a strike or sting). Swats should be administered when it has been determined that there is insufficient effort to self-correct. Spanking should be seen as a positive good for our good children, not retaliation against bad children. We request that spanking be administered at school by the parents soon as possible after the occurrence; but when this is not possible, spanking may be delayed until the child’s parent is able to administer the spanking. Detention will be prescheduled for after school hours and will consist of various kinds of maintenance and cleanup. For further details on disciple policies and procedures, please inquire through our contact page.
Practically speaking, little chastisement should be necessary. When teaching Christian self-government, the result will be that children understand their part in a happy and successful classroom. Most children will cheerfully work hard at their subjects and at proper conduct so that gentle reminders are all that are usually necessary to correct classroom problems. When discipline is first trained in the heart, children will love to do right which in turn, love school. For the most part, we trust that parents will be diligent to correct character issues as they arise in the course of learning, so that little will be required at school.
Table Rock Christian School 