Playground Rules & Procedures

These playground rules and policies were developed by PEP's conflict resolution team in concert with school administration and with respect to LAUSD policies.

 

"We treat everyone with sensitivity, respect, and empathy".

 

The Main Objective is to provide an opportunity for children to learn to play in a safe, cooperative and non- aggressive manner. We incorporate concepts from our school's Tribes program to help students make choices and manage conflicts to ensure a safe and orderly play environment.

 

• Mutual Respect
• Attentive Listening
• Right To Pass
• Appreciation/No Put-Downs

 

• Students are only allowed to play in the designated play areas.
• Coaches will rotate games on the grass area such as soccer, gaga and some free play.
• Painted areas have been designated for; basketball, four square, and handball. No other games should be played in these areas and students should not walk through these areas unless they are playing.
• No playing is allowed behind any of the bungalows or sheds.
• Toys are not to be brought on campus.
• The blue canopy area has been designated as an area for quiet activities, such as board games and drawing.
• There is no jumping down from the play structure. Students should slide or climb down the slide carefully, making sure no one is below.
• When the bell rings for dismissal the children will be asked to "freeze" (stop play). The students will then walk to their designated area to join their teacher.

 

• Students must request permission from one of the aids or coaches to go to the bathroom.
• Students must go to the bathroom with a partner. No more than four students may be in the bathroom at one time.
• If there are too many requests for the bathroom, an aide will give out passes (one pass per two person group).

 

• Students must request permission from one or the aids or coaches to go to the library.
• Students must go to the library with a partner. If a partner cannot be found, a Peacemakers may be assigned by the coaches to accompany the student to the Library.

 

• Food may only be eaten at the tables. No candy or toys are allowed on the yard.
• When students finish their lunch, they must wait to be dismissed. The yard supervisor will dismiss the students and instruct them to walk to the play area.
• Citizenship related topics will be discussed in groups as needed.

 

• Handball, kickball, basketball, four square, Uncle Sam, volleyball, and prisoner are encouraged on the yard. *Peacemakers are familiar with the rules of these games and are there to help make calls and should be respected.
• Students should take turns. There are no "holding spaces for friends", or cutting in line.
• All students who want to participate in a game can play. Students should play fairly and allow others to rotate into the game.
• Contact sports are not allowed. Students should keep their hands and feet to themselves. There is no pulling or tugging of clothing, wrestling, fighting or even "play fighting".
• All equipment should be signed out in the yard shed and returned when the bell rings for dismissal.

 

*Peacemakers are third, fourth and fifth graders. These student mediators, work in teams, acting as role models on the yard, working to resolve game disputes, minor disagreements, and helping with games. They are taught the rules of the games, and how to help diffuse conflicts by actively listening and working together to resolve minor issues. Their presence on the yard helps to reduce conflicts and encourages an atmosphere of cooperation, where all children are more likely to feel safe and protected.

When a conflict begins to arise, students will be encouraged to think "S-T-A-R"

Ask yourself:

 

• S -stop…what is the problem?
• T -think…what are the choices? (Is it respectful? Is it kind? Is it safe? Does it promote learning? Does it protect property?)
• A-act... on the best choice
• R-review… did it work?

 

When further resolving needs to occur, the children will be encouraged to use the Tribes Conflict Resolution Process under the supervision of a yard aide.

Conflict Resolution Process:

1. Agree to the ground rules (no interruptions, no name calling and agree to solve the problem) 
2. Tell your side of story using "I" statements
3. The second person restates what the problem is for the first person. 
4. Then the second person tells their side of the story using "I" statements and, the first person repeats what the problem is for the second person. 
5. Both suggest solutions
6. Both agree to work on it.

 

Warnings will be given for the following behaviors:

 

• Inappropriate language.
• Disrespect of teachers, aides, other students.
• Teasing or name calling.

 

A warning of any of the above behaviors on the yard means that a student receives an "S", an initial warning. A second warning receives an "I" and the third warrants a "T". Put these together and the word SIT is spelled, meaning it is time to sit out.

 

Upon entering the third warning, or the letter "T", the student will sit out of recess for no more than 10 minutes. They will be asked to fill out a "Responsibility Statement" (see attached). Parent(s) will be notified and asked to discuss with their child their Responsibility Statement paper, sign it and return it to the yard supervisor the following day.

 

Immediate Sit out and visit with the Principal for:

Inappropriate physical or sexual harassment (unwanted touching or derogatory comments, see our parent handbook on LAUSD's policy for sexual harassment).

 

​​​​​​​Any student(s) involved in a fight will be removed from the yard and sent to the principal or her designee for further action.