Some elementary schools in West Seattle use a time-out method that many administrators believe is useful for children who misbehave. But a few parents question the validity of the consequence.

Part of the Seattle School District disciplinary policy states, "The purpose of discipline is an educational one," and should help students develop personal controls and responsibility for their behavior. Schools must keep these policies in mind but are given the freedom to develop their own disciplinary procedures.

At some West Seattle elementary schools, when students misbehave in class or on the playground, a recess supervisor or teacher can instruct students to stand in an area, usually on the playground, for a few minutes or an entire recess as a consequence.

At Schmitz Park the consequence was quickly dubbed the 'Wall' from students several years ago and the name has stuck, said Richard Mellish, the school's principal.

The Wall is part of a disciplinary process that involves warnings and teacher-student conferences about the student's behavior, he said.

"There is lots of before and after," said Mellish, especially when there is an on going pattern of misbehavior.

Mellish said there have only been four complaints from parents about the Wall in the last five years.

Nancy Swenson's son is a fifth grader at Schmitz Park.

"I'm uncomfortable with certain aspects of the Wall," she said. "Discipline is to teach and I don't think the Wall teaches."

She's uneasy that students who get the Wall at Schmitz Park are supposed to stand in a 2-by-2 square, where they are not supposed to talk, read, sing, sit, kneel or squat.

But Mellish said the school "always makes adjustments to fit the needs of the child within the parameter that it's not playtime."

If a student says they are too cold or that they are uncomfortable, they are always given alternative choices, said Mellish.

Another Schmitz Park parent, who wished to remain anonymous, thinks the Wall is "a regressive disciplinary action."

The parent said that "out of concern for wanting Schmitz Park to continue to be the great school that it is," it might be important to examine if the Wall really works and to explore alternatives.

Arbor Heights Elementary School also uses the Wall. Principal Carol Coram said the system "can be very effective," but only if it's part of a multi-step process.

"I think the Wall works because it's part of a process," she said. "It's a cool off period."

Coram said she hasn't received any complaints from parents, and in some instances parents have asked that their child receive extra time on the Wall.

At Highland Park Elementary, misbehaved students sit on a rock wall near the main entrance to the building where they can be easily supervised, said Teresa Deegan, a playground supervisor at the school.

Lafayette Elementary Principal, Virginia Turner, said the method is a great way to reduce office referrals.

"It's as old as the hills as a behavior consequence," she said. "It gives them time to reflect on their actions. There needs to be some lower-level intervention. It's part of a progressive disciplinary system."

"It's a natural consequence, when they misbehave they lose their discretionary time," said Mellish. "Our goal is to keep them in the learning environment. Recess detention doesn't take them out of the classroom."

Tom Swenson, said his son is sometimes embarrassed when he's on the Wall.

"The humiliation factor is what bothers me and that there isn't a logical consequence to what their violation is," he said. "If you didn't do your homework you shouldn't have to go stand on a wall."

Schmitz Park Parent Teacher Association co-president Christi Webster said she doesn't think kids have ever felt humiliated on the Wall.

"The kids know they aren't to tease or taunt kids," she said. "They're too focused on playing."

Mellish said he's talked to many of his students about the Wall in the last few weeks and all have indicated they think it's a fair and appropriate consequence.

"(The Wall) is considered a mild consequence to the students," said Mellish. "I think it's a parent problem more than a kid problem."

There are three rules for students on the wall, said Mellish; no talking with friends, stay in the area and dress appropriately.

If students don't have the appropriate clothing, they do their detention or recess inside, he said.

Debbie Skaar, an office assistant and recess supervisor at Schmitz Park, thinks the Wall is one of the safest places for the students to be.

"It's a visual thing," she said. "When students are on the Wall they can be seen from almost any area on the playground."

In 13 years as a principal for three different Washington school districts, Lafayette's Turner said she's never received any complaints from parents about the "time out method."

But Nancy Swenson said that parents don't always know the details about disciplinary procedures.

"Just because the kids don't say anything doesn't mean there aren't any issues," she said.

Mellish said he's in the process of reviewing the school's policies to investigate these concerns.

"We always make sure (the students) feel respected and honored," he said. "Schmitz Park really cares about their students, and it's difficult emotionally for us when that is called into question publicly."

Rebekah Schilperoort can be reached at wseditor@robinsonnews.com or 932.0300.