La Ballona has clearly defined safety, crisis and emergency plans in place to ensure the safety of students and staff in the event of a major disaster. Students are encouraged to develop positive social skills, to take responsibility for their behavior, and to use conflict resolution techniques. All students have been exposed to conflict resolution techniques. Fourth and fifth grade students have been taught peacemaker skills and are used on the playground in a peacemaker role, assisting all students in settling differences. The school has one clear behavior management plan and each classroom follows the same format as the school plan, with clear expectations, rewards for good behavior and consequences for inappropriate behavior.
Expectations are high, support is strong and the goal of positive changes in behavior is the norm.
Classrooms review school and classroom rules throughout the year and parents receive a copy of the rules at the beginning of the year to promote a collaborative home-school support of the behavior plan. There were 5 student suspensions in 1998-99. There were no expulsions in 1998-99. The district nurse is on call for emergencies. The district psychologist is on site two days per week, primarily for assessment and testing, but also serves as a resource for students, teachers and parents.