The First Warning

Student Behavior & Discipline — Part One

Issue 30 | THE FIRST WARNING

You didn’t think much of it the first time. Most principals don’t. That’s usually how it starts.

Jonathon was a ninth grader who is used to be invisible. Not in a bad way. Some kids are steady and quiet and present without demanding anything from you. They blend into the daily rhythm of the school, rarely drawing attention but always dependable. Their quiet presence can sometimes make it easy to overlook subtle shifts in their behavior or mood.

His teachers liked him. His attendance was solid. He showed up, did his work, and went home.

Then he didn’t.

The first office referral came from Mr. Patterson in third period. “Refused to work. Wouldn’t respond when redirected.” You read it twice because the name didn’t fit the behavior. You called Jonathon in. He sat across from you with his arms crossed and said almost nothing. You gave him the grace-and-warning conversation. He nodded. You sent him back to class.

Three days later, another referral. This one from the ha…