Philosophy of Conduct Code

Discipline is fundamental to all education. By following a code of conduct based on Christian principles, a student develops self-discipline and good judgment. A disciplined student body can then enjoy an environment of creative learning, mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.

Sanctions for infractions of the rules and regulations are imposed with fairness, and consistency, thus promoting good behavior. It is assumed that parents also offer their children responsibilities and duties outside of school that foster good disciplinary habits. Together, parents and school share the goal of developing in each child a well-disciplined character.

Discipline: Kindergarten through Third Grade

Grade K through Grade 2 have a separate discipline program and there are daily and weekly rewards for good behavior, as well as consequences for poor choices.

Discipline: Grades 4 and 5 5

One discipline system will be used in grades 3 through 5. Students will have a discipline card in their agendas that will keep track of issues such as behavior, dress code and being prepared for class. This discipline card will be a concrete way that parents and teachers can communicate.

Students will start fresh each quarter with 100 conduct points and a student’s quarterly conduct grade will be determined by the number of points left on his/her discipline card at the end of each quarter.

If a violation is given, parents must sign off on the behavior card the day of the violation to acknowledge they have seen the violation. A second violation will be given if this does not occur. There are consequences on the card for earning five, ten, fifteen, and twenty discipline points.

Jr High Grades 6 through 8

The discipline card is meant to be a concrete way that parents and teachers can
communicate. Students will have a discipline card in their agendas that will keep track of issues such as behavior, dress code and being prepared for class. Students will start fresh each quarter with 100 conduct points and a student’s quarterly conduct grade will be determined by the number of points left on his/her discipline card at the end of each quarter.

The violations will result in the following consequences:

Junior high students who earn two points in one week will earn a lunch/recess detention.

Behavioral points are given to students for violations as listed on the card.

At 5 points a one hour detention must be served on Thursday from 3:00pm until
4:00pm.

At 10 points a two hour detention must be served at Saturday school from 8:00 to
10:00am.

Students must report in uniform with all supplies and books. At this point a parent
conference is required and a new card is issued. If the student fails to report for
Saturday school, the student will not be admitted to class until a parent conference
is held with the principal.

If a student reaches a second 10 points (total of 20 in a quarter), the discipline
committee will make a determination as to the consequences, which may include out of school suspension or possible expulsion. Loss of privileges could include, but are not limited to:

loss of school special classes
loss of recess
loss of field trip

Note: In extreme situations, the principal may circumvent all notifications and enforce appropriate consequences.

A sample of the discipline card is on pages 31-34. A Conduct Award is given at the end of each quarter to those who have 96 points or higher. A student must earn four quarterly Conduct Awards to earn a Conduct Award for the year.

Suspension

When a student is suspended, he/she is released from all school-related activities and classes for a length of time designated by the principal or not to exceed 10 days. In most cases the student may not make up the schoolwork and homework missed due to a suspension. He/she is barred from co-curricular activities during the suspension period. Out-of-school suspension must be served at home with a parent or another adult. When appropriate, in-school suspension will be used.

Expulsion

A student is told to withdraw from school. Cause for expulsion might be a severe disciplinary reason or excessive or continual violation of less serious offenses.

Unacceptable Conduct

The faculty and administration consider the following offenses examples of serious problems that need immediate action. Any offense not listed falls under the discretion of the principal.

Students involved may face suspension or expulsion or other disciplinary action if mitigating circumstances are not present. The offense may have occurred on or off school grounds, during a school-sponsored co-curricular program or curricular program. The principal determines what is considered a serious offense and the method and degree of punishment, giving consideration to the student’s age and to the severity and repetition of the misconduct.

1. Serious immoral conduct or serious violations of Civil Law, e.g.
a. Possession, sale, or use of any item the principal deems inappropriate in school
including cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, snuff, tobacco, matches, pornography, firecrackers, firearms, knives, razors, or other harmful instruments.
b. Vandalism, defacing, or destruction of property (school, staff, or student property) at
any time.
c. Breaking and entering.
d. Tampering with the fire alarm system, fire or bomb threats, or arson.
e. Sexual misconduct.
f. Stealing, including plagiarism.
g. Cheating.
h. Unauthorized and unsupervised use of the gym or any room in the school.
i. Leaving class or school premises without permission.
j. Chronic tardiness.

2. Insubordination, defiance, disrespect, disregard of school authority, e.g.:
a. Talking back to those in authority.
b. Encouraging or participating in unauthorized demonstrations or petitions.
c. Failing to follow directions of school personnel.
d. Deceiving school personnel with false or misleading Information.

3. Uncooperative attitude or behavior, e.g.:
a. Severe repeated disturbing of class or other areas of school.
b. Repeatedly not doing homework and class work.
c. Doing poor quality oral or written work.
d. Gambling, betting, or selling (other than school fund-raisers).
e. Repeatedly writing and passing notes.
f. Refusal to adhere to the dress code.
g. Chronic discipline problems.

4. Intimidation or abusive behavior, e.g.:
a. Hazing or acting so as to injure, degrade, or disgrace anyone.
b. Threats or coercion.
c. Instigating of, or participating in fighting, assault or battery.
d. Throwing things, including snowballs.
e. Offensive or obscene acts or words, whether written, drawn, spoken, or gestured.
f. Violent, vulgar, demeaning or sexual behavior, attitude, threats, or language (spoken, written; on paper or electronically, illustrated in actions or in gestures).
g. Bullying is unfair and one-sided. It happens when someone keeps hurting, frightening, threatening, or leaving someone out on purpose. This behavior occurs over time, showing an imbalance of power which is purposeful and not accidental.

Due Process

All difficulties or disciplinary matters are handled at the lowest level of authority first. If there is a misunderstanding in a disciplinary matter, the parent should contact the teacher. The parent must confer with the teacher at least twice before the principal is contacted. The parent’s final recourse is to the pastor.

Decisions on disciplinary matters including consequences are made at the most appropriate level. If a student does not comply with the school’s code of conduct, the following consequences will ensue with accompanying consequences at each level. The principal has the right to intervene at any point/time.

Level I Staff member speaks to student regarding the offense
Level II Staff member confers with parent
Level III Staff member informs principal and parent
Level IV Staff member refers student to principal
Level V Principal, staff member, and parent confer.
Level VI Principal, staff member, parents, and student confer.
Level VII Student earns out-of-school suspension and is suspended from all co-
curricular activities for one to ten school days. Zeros are earned on all missed work.
Level VIII Counselor intervention is mandated at this time and student must show
proof of counselor intervention before returning to school. Parents are
responsible for setting up a meeting with Parent, Counselor, Teacher, and
Student to determine length of treatment.
Level IX Student is told to withdraw or is expelled from school.

At each conference the student will be informed of the evidence against her/him and be allowed to present her/his version and evidence in self-defense. Some serious offenses against the code of conduct can result in immediate suspension or expulsion. (See “Suspension and Expulsion”)

Students’ Responsibilities

Students will behave in the school community with respect, charity, and cooperation.
Students will respect God by participating in daily prayer and weekly Mass with
reverence.
Students will respect themselves by taking pride in their appearance and speech.
Students will respect others by behaving appropriately in common areas of the school; walking quietly in all hallways and stairways.
Students will respect all property by being responsible for all school supplies, books and equipment. All hardback textbooks must be covered. Any damaged property or lost material; must be repaired or replaced. Malicious damage is cause for disciplinary action.
Students will be on time and have the necessary tools for class, including agenda.
Students will participate in class, cooperate, and show a willing attitude.
Students will submit class work and homework neatly, correctly, and on time.
Students will return signed papers, report cards, progress reports, permission slips, and other communications in the timely fashion designated by teachers.
Students will adhere to the specified dress code and grooming standards as they are written in the Student Handbook and in the Family Handbook.
Students will treat desks and lockers, textbooks and all school property with respect. Only school-appropriate items will be stored in desks and lockers.
Note: The teachers or the principal may inspect desks, lockers, books, and materials for any reason. They may inspect purses and pockets with “just cause” or if they suspect possession of prohibited items. Inspection does not require prior notification
Students will refrain from chewing gum.
Students will refrain from bringing toys, gadgets, fads, electronics, and valuables. Such items are not permitted in school, because they distract students from learning. The teacher may confiscate such items and keep them until the end of the school year. No playground equipment should be brought from home.
Note: If a child must bring a cell phone to school for after-school safety reasons, he or she must turn it over to their homeroom teacher, or another designated adult for safe keeping during the school day.
Students will behave appropriately in the cafeteria. They will talk in moderate voices, as if in a restaurant. Students will follow all directions from teachers, staff and volunteers.
Students will play in a Christian manner with one another on the playground. At all times they will follow the directions of the teacher on duty to student or his/her
parents.