Behavior & Belonging at VICS

At Valley Inquiry, we approach behavior as part of learning—helping students learn, reflect, repair, and grow. When challenges come up, our staff supports students in understanding what happened, thinking about how their actions affected others, and making things right. Most situations are handled in the classroom through caring conversations, with additional support provided when needed. We center this work around the IB Learner Profile, encouraging students to be caring, principled, and reflective, and we believe that strong relationships and growth matter most.

What We Believe as an IB School

  • Everyone can grow and learn from mistakes.

  • Behavior is a chance to practice the Learner Profile.

  • Relationships matter.

  • Making things right is more important than getting in trouble.

Our Goal: To help students learn, reflect, repair, and grow.

When a Problem Happens

A problem is anything that disrupts learning or makes school feel unsafe. An adult will help based on the situation, utilizing the four steps outlined below.

Step 1

Most Behaviors Start as Minor
(Handled by Teachers or Staff)

Minor behaviors are usually:

  • Not following directions

  • Disrupting learning

  • Using inappropriate language

  • Leaving class without permission

  • Small conflicts with others

What adults will do:

  • Reteach expectations

  • Talk with you about your choices

  • Help you reflect and reset

  • Support you in fixing the problem

What students are expected to do:

  • Take responsibility for choices

  • Reflect on how actions affect others

  • Practice IB Learner Profile traits like:

    Caring · Principled · Balanced · Reflective

These moments are opportunities to grow!

Step 2

When Behavior Becomes Major
(Handled with Help from the Office)

Some behaviors are serious right away, or become major if they:

  • Are unsafe

  • Harm others

  • Keep happening after support

Examples include:

  • Fighting or physical aggression

  • Threats, harassment, or bullying

  • Serious property damage

  • Leaving school without permission

What happens next:

  • You meet with an administrator

  • Adults ensure everyone is safe

  • Your family may be contacted

  • A plan is made to repair harm and build skills

Even when behavior is serious, the focus is still learning and restoration.

Step 3

Restorative Conversations & Making Things Right

At our school, we believe in restorative justice. This means:

  • Talking about what happened

  • Listening to others’ perspectives

  • Understanding how people were affected

  • Taking steps to repair harm

  • Learning skills to prevent future problems

Restorative conversations help students practice being:

  • Communicators

  • Open-minded

  • Caring

  • Responsible risk-takers

Step 4

Support to Help You Grow

If a student needs extra support, adults may:

  • Check in regularly

  • Help practice social or emotional skills

  • Create a plan to support success

  • Continue restorative conversations

These supports are meant to help—not to label or punish.