Professional Honor Code - The Pine School

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To demonstrate integrity and honesty, we will:

Insure that our actions and words are always in concert
Demonstrate clarity about our intent in all situations
Be truthful with one another without doing harm
Demonstrate openness to positive criticism and new ideas – avoid defensive behavior
Never sacrifice a colleague when faced with a difficult situation – support the group
Demonstrate moral courage - strive to do the right thing, always
Strive to be as transparent as possible
Admit when we make mistakes – be brave enough to apologize when necessary

To show concern for the welfare of others and act responsibly, we will:

Support and adhere to the mission, philosophy, and policies of The Pine School
Provide for a safe learning environment at all times - place the emotional/physical well-being of our students ahead of personal needs
Review and understand emergency preparedness procedures
Seek advice from direct supervisor when problems arise - communicate any issues to the necessary supervisor/division head/headmaster so they can be addressed in any expedient manner
Support a learning environment where all students are doing serious intellectual work
Be knowledgeable about each of our students’ academic needs
Avoid the use of sarcasm and cynicism at all times - use positive re-enforcement as much as possible
Do not participate in gossip or give students a forum to speak negatively
Be available for parents when they seek information at the appropriate time - communicate with parents in a timely and professional manner
Show an interest in each individual student; have the student’s best interest at heart
Make an effort to connect – participate and attend school sports and activities
Work together more in finding ways to reach every student
Acknowledge that every person in the school is important and valuable

To demonstrate respect for the rights of others, build trust in professional relationships, and demonstrate professional demeanor, we will:

Interact consistently with peers in a professional and cooperative spirit
Respect the demands on others, timeliness in communication and response
Lead by example and demonstrate professionalism in dress, manner, and conduct
Communicate with respect and thoughtfulness, avoiding language and gestures that could be considered as offensive to anyone
Address difficult or challenging situations with all community members in a face to face manner first, a telephone conversation second, and email never
Take personal responsibility for communications, actions, and decisions
Maintain composure when faced with the pressures of professional stress, fatigue, and personal problems and seek professional or collegial support as needed
Model appropriate behavior in a group setting, respecting divergent decisions
Maintain and respect the confidentiality of both personal and professional information
Adhere to all policies in the employee handbook (and read it)
Respect each person’s expertise