Acton Academy Strike System:
Leader-directed (MS/LP leaders and guides) accountability system
Philosophy
The Guides (and eventually MS/LP Eagle Buddies) support the elementary studio Eagles in learning how to be a friend and a contributing member of the community. This includes understanding that every choice has a consequence. When one chooses to hurt another person, the consequence is to be separated from the group until one decides to help, not hurt, others. The strike system is a consistent and predictable process for learning these important life lessons. All Eagles are aware in advance of these expectations of being in the community.
Purpose
The Strike System exists to protect the safety of each Eagle. If an Eagle chooses to hurt another Eagle on purpose (See Studio Guardrails), a Strike is given. If an Eagle is in an Eagle Buck deficit of -3 or more (from breaking the contract and choosing not to contribute by working or helping the community), they are given a Strike (Eagle Buck System details will be provided, once implemented). Guides keep track of all Eagle Strikes including the date of the Strike, the purpose of the Strike, and who gave the Strike.
Progression of Strikes
1st Strike:
- The Eagle is removed from the group and spends time resetting for a period of time based on age.
- A guide speaks with him/her to ensure that he/she understands why he/she is receiving a Strike.
2nd Strike:
- The Eagle is separated from the group and meets with his/her MS/LP Eagle Buddy and a guide to discuss why the choice was made and to develop specific strategies to prevent a third Strike.
- Parents are informed about the Eagle’s two strikes through an email.
3rd Strike:
- The Eagle’s parents are informed, and the student is asked to stay home for at least 1 day at the family’s convenience.
- The Eagle may return to the community after recommitting to the contract by writing a letter explaining how he/she chooses to move forward in a way that will contribute to the community.
Additional Strikes:
- The fourth to sixth Strikes are identical to the first thru third Strikes.
- The seventh and eighth Strikes are identical to the first and second. After the ninth Strike, the learner is asked to stay home for at least 1 week.
- The tenth and eleventh Strikes are identical to the first and second. After the twelfth Strike, the learner is asked to stay home for 1 Session (5 weeks).
- The thirteenth and fourteenth Strikes are identical to the first and second.After the fifteenth Strike, the learner is asked to leave Acton Academy for the rest of the year.
Strike Reset Frequency
Until further notice, strike counts will reset at the beginning of each school year.
Celebrating the Return of an Eagle
The definition of hero at Acton is one who gets back up after falling down; or apologizes after making a mistake. The community is always happy when an Eagle makes the choice to join back up with the group. There is a tradition of joy and forgiveness as resolution to these experiences that are bound to happen to each Eagle on this adventure of learning.
