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Discipline Code
Any student who engages in conduct, whether inside or outside of school that is detrimental to the reputation of the school and/or inconsistent with the mission, philosophy, or teachings of the Catholic Church may be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.
St. Mary's Discipline Philosophy
By modeling the actions and words of our Lord and Savior, St. Mary's School seeks to be a truly Christ-centered community that values students, faculty, and parents in an environment that promotes:
Safety, Respect, Responsibility, and Discipline
St. Mary's promotes a safe environment both physically and emotionally. This environment is established by building trust within our faith community. A safe environment promotes a sense of belonging for students, enabling them to perform to the best of their abilities while respecting their peers.
St. Mary's promotes respect. Respect is showing love for God, others, self, and environment through mutual kindness in words and actions.
St. Mary's promotes responsibility. Responsibility means coming to school willing and ready to learn. Students, parents, and faculty share this goal.
St. Mary's promotes a disciplined environment, valuing responsibility, collaboration, problem solving, and individual dignity.
St. Mary’s School encourages students to learn how to solve conflicts between themselves. A formalized conflict resolution program based on “Talk It Out,” (Porro) teaches the students to step out of a conflict and use the following steps:
St. Mary’s school encourages students to live virtuous lives. The Catholic influences at St. Mary’s School are a constant reminder to all involved in our school to reflect upon their own lives in Christ and to continue a process of building a strong relationship with God and his Church.
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Expectations
Every student is expected to live up to all the rules of the school, to obey the directions of all teachers, to be courteous and respectful to school authorities, and to observe good order in all school-sponsored affairs. Therefore:
Students must observe all rules of safety in the building and on school and parish grounds.
Students must show respect for themselves, fellow students, faculty, staff, and guests in the building.
Students must protect and respect school property.
Students must take responsibility for their actions and education.
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Electronic Devices
No electronic devices may be used during the school day. Electronic
devices should be left at home. If a student must bring an electronic
device to school for before or after school use, it must be out
of sight and in the student’s backpack before entering the
building, and must remain in the backpack until the child leaves
school grounds at the end of the school day. No cell phones are
allowed in student possession. Cell phones needed for after school
activities must be left in the school office during the day.
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Code of Conduct
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When in church, students are to keep in mind that they are in God’s house, a place of worship. They are to be reverent and respectful at all times.
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Rules of safety and good conduct are to be observed during all hours while on school property.
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Students are to remain on the designated play areas of St. Mary's School.
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Students are expected to walk quietly on the right hand side of the hallway while in the school building.
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Electronic devices including: radios, tape players, electronic games, and/or toys of any kind may NOT be used during the school day and should remain at home or out of sight in the child’s backpack. No cell phones are allowed in student possession. If needed for after school activities, they must be left in the office. The school phone may be used, with permission, when and if appropriate.
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Candy and soda are allowed only during special classroom activities. Candy may be provided at lunch at discretion of parent but must be consumed in the cafeteria. Gum is not allowed in the building at any time.
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Students may distribute birthday invitations at school if everyone in that class is invited. Otherwise, they should be distributed outside of the school setting.
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Students may only use the office phone for emergencies. After school arrangements and parental permissions should take place before students come to school in the morning.
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Students are expected to follow uniform, athletic code, and other school policies outlines in this handbook.
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Gross Disobedience or Serious Misconduct
Gross Disobedience or Serious Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, any of the following acts or behaviors which occur at school, at any school related or school sponsored activity or which directly hinder the operation of the school:
- Repeated minor incidents of misbehavior, which other disciplinary measures have failed to deter;
- Possession, use, delivery, sale, transmittal (or aiding in the possession, use, delivery, sale, or transmittal) of any substance containing alcohol, or possession, use, delivery, sale, transmittal (or aiding in the possession, use, delivery, sale or transmittal) of look-alikes or substances recognized as drugs in the official United States Pharmacopoeia, official Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, or official National Formulary (or any supplement to any of them) unless specifically prescribed by a licensed practitioner for medicinal purposes for use by the student in the manner provided, or any substance containing cannabis, marijuana or hashish, including any materials which are represented by the student, or the student believes to be any of the above substances, regardless of their true nature, or the appearance of the substance. (See Drug Policy, page 28);
- Being under the influence of (or purporting to be under the influence of) any of the substances listed in the second paragraph (2) above, other than those prescribed by a licensed practitioner for medicinal purposes;
- Excessive unexcused absences;
- delivery, sale (or aiding in possession, use, delivery, sale) of tobacco products;
- Being in possession of a firearm or ammunition
- For the purpose of this paragraph (6) "Weapon" means:
- Any weapon including a starter gun which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive
- The frame or receiver of any such weapon;
- Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer;
- Any destructive device as defined in 18 USC 921, including, but not limited to, any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas bomb or grenade rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces; missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more that ¼ ounce; mine or device similar to any of the devices described in the preceding clauses;
- Possessing, selling, using, or threatening to use any weapon or instrument capable of inflicting or intended to inflict bodily harm. Such weapons or instruments include but are not limited to: Knives, guns, firearms, rifles, shotguns, brass knuckles, billy clubs, or look-alikes thereof. Such items as baseball bats, pipes, bottles, lock, sticks, pencils, or pens may also be considered weapons if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm. See attached Diocesan Policy D-150 found at: http://www.cdop.org/files/cdop_documents/D150.pdf
- Vandalizing or otherwise intentionally damaging property of a teacher or administrator on or off-campus or harassing or intimidating a teacher or administrator on or off-campus;
- Violating the Code of Computer Ethics or the Internet Authorization Policy;
- Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal school property or another person’s personal property;
- Hitting or fighting;
- Using violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, or other comparable conduct toward anyone or urging other students to engage in such conduct;
- Harassment and discrimination based on race, sex, physical or mental disability, national origin, or religion;
- Refusal and failure to serve appropriate punishment imposed for any discipline violation;
- Pornography;
- Cheating, plagiarism;
- Bullying, harassment, or teasing of other students, staff, or faculty.
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Bullying
St. Mary’s School shall actively seek to provide a supportive, caring environment that is safe from all forms of intimidation including bullying.
Bullying is repeated behavior involving a deliberate, conscious intent to hurt, threaten, frighten, or humiliate someone. In may include physical and/or verbal intimidation or assault; extortion or taking belongings; oral or written threats; outrageous teasing, mocking, taunting, putdowns, or name-calling; threatening looks, gestures, or actions; cruel rumors; suggestive comments; false accusations, and/or social isolation.
Bullying shall not be tolerated in any form at St. Mary’s School or school-sponsored programs and activities.
Anti-bullying procedures will be as follows:
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All members of the school have a responsibility to recognize bullying and to take action when they are aware of it happening.
- Discussion of bullying and anti-bullying will take place in each class on a regular basis. St. Mary’s will continue to communicate anti-bullying messages to students throughout the year.
- All faculty and staff will treat any report of bullying seriously and take action. Teachers will be in serviced yearly to discuss bullying and reviewing the reporting and investigation procedures, prevention strategies, and disciplinary approaches.
- The faculty and staff member who receives a report of bullying behavior shall make a written summary of the information and pass in on to the principal, who will take appropriate action.
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Harassment and Sexual Abuse
Diocesan policies regarding harassment and sexual abuse may be found in the diocesan policy book located in the school office or on-line at:
Harassment Policy #C-401: http://www.cdop.org/files/cdop_documents/C401.pdf
Sexual Abuse Policy #C-402: http://www.cdop.org/files/cdop_documents/C402_revised.pdf
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Loss or Damage
Students that lose, damage, or destroy items that belong to the school or other individuals will be held financially responsible for replacement or repair costs. This does not include routine wear and tear. Similarly, if an individual causes injury to another person, that individual may be held responsible for some portion of medical costs.
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Search Policy
There may be random searches of students’ belongings for illegal drugs, alcohol and/or weapons or any other items that are contrary to school rules and policies. The principal and one teacher, other than the student’s classroom teacher, will conduct the search. If an illegal item is found, the parents and the police will be notified immediately.
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Drug Policy
1. IT IS AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS VIOLATION OF THE POLICIES OF ST. MARY’S SCHOOL FOR A PERSON TO POSSESS OR TRANSACT ANY DEAL INVOLVING AN ILLEGAL DRUG ON PARISH PROPERTY OR AT ANY PARISH-SPONSORED EVENT OR ACTIVITY.
Students found to have violated this policy will be subject to the following consequences:
A. AT THE MINIMUM, the student will be suspended for the balance of the school year. The maximum may be expulsion from the school.
B. A student who has been suspended may apply for readmission at the end of the suspension period. Prior to readmission the student and the family must successfully complete a family substance abuse program approved by the Pastor, and he will determine, in consultation with the program administrator, if completion requirements have been met. The student and the family must also successfully complete any other stipulations or restrictions placed on the student and/or the family by the Pastor. The Pastor has complete freedom and discretion in this regard.
C. When readmitted to the school, the student will be permanently placed on probation for the entire period of future enrollment at St. Mary’s. The Pastor has complete freedom and discretion in setting the terms of the probation.
2. IT IS A SERIOUS VIOLATION OF THE POLICIES OF ST. MARY’S SCHOOL FOR A PERSON TO POSSESS OR TRANSACT ANY DEAL INVOLVING AN ILLEGAL DRUG, EVEN IF NOT ON SCHOOL GROUNDS OR AT A PARISH-SPONSORED EVENT OR ACTIVITY.
Students found to have violated this policy will be subject to the following consequences:
A. At a minimum the student and the family must successfully complete a family substance abuse program approved by the Pastor. Prior to readmission the student and the family must successfully complete a family substance abuse program approved by the Pastor, and he will determine, in consultation with the program administrator, if completion requirements have been met. The maximum penalty may be expulsion from the school. The student and family must also successfully complete any other stipulations or restrictions placed on the student by the Pastor. The Pastor has complete freedom and discretion in this regard.
B. The student will be permanently placed on probation for the entire period of future enrollment at St. Mary’s School. The Pastor has complete freedom and discretion in setting the terms of the probation.
3. UNSOLICITED CONTACT WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS IS OF SIGNIFICANT CONCERN TO THE PASTOR, PRINCIPAL AND EDUCATION COMMISSION.
Students who are directly contacted by anyone for the purpose to possess, use or deliver an illegal drug at the school or at any school-sponsored event or activity must report this incident immediately to the police, principal, teacher, coach, chaperone, or other adult connected with the school.
Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action. A maximum penalty of expulsion may be applied.
4. IT SHOULD BE CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD THAT IN APPLYING THESE POLICIES TO THE SITUATION OF AN INDIVIDUAL STUDENT AND HIS/HER FAMILY, THE PASTOR WILL CONSIDER THE TOTALITY OF THAT STUDENT’S CIRCUMSTANCES IN DECIDING THE APPROPRIATE MEASURE TO TAKE. PRIOR VIOLATIONS OF ANY SCHOOL STANDARDS OR POLICIES TAKEN IN CONSIDERATION WITH ANY VIOLATION OF THESE POLICIES CAN RESULT IN IMMEDIATE EXPULSION.
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Progressive Discipline
It is the responsibility of the school staff to work positively and proactively and in a respectful and dignified manner with students, their parents, and all other support personnel to help our students improve their behavior and strive to lead virtuous and moral lives. All progressive disciplinary actions shall be directed toward protecting the welfare of the school community as well as helping the student develop age appropriate self-discipline and conduct.
When determining the response for a specific breach of discipline, school personnel will consider the nature of the act, the student’s previous school history, his or her age and maturation, any mitigating circumstances, and the effect of his or her actions on the welfare of St. Mary’s School.
The Administration reserves the right to consider individual student needs and special circumstances that may warrant the intervention of counseling or other services rather than, or in conjunction with, the disciplinary measures described in this handbook.
Forms of discipline include, but are not limited to, the following:
Verbal warnings by teachers or administrators
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Withholding of privileges
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Detentions inside or outside school hours
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Assignment of school/and or community service
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Notification of parent(s) or guardian(s)
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Removal from classroom
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Removal from co-curricular activities
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Removal from all school activities
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Restitution for damages to school property or property of others
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Suspension from school and all school sponsored events for up to 10 school days provided that appropriate procedures are followed
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Expulsion from school provided appropriate procedures are followed
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Detentions
Any faculty member may assign students to detention for misconduct. The faculty member will give at least a 24-hour notice so that parents may arrange transportation. Teachers must notify the parents of the detention by telephone or by written communication informing the parents that their child has been issued a detention. The teacher who issues the detention will also supervise the detention.
Morning detentions will not begin prior to 7:00 am and will end by 8:00 am.
Afternoon detentions will start at 3:00 p.m. or at the end of the school day.
The maximum length of detention time will be 60 minutes per day.
After 3 detentions in one semester, the principal may assign an in-school suspension for the 4 th infraction.
Suspension, Request to Withdraw & Expulsion
The disciplinary action of suspensions, requests to withdraw from school and expulsions are serious actions affecting a student’s permanent record.
A SUSPENSION is the temporary removal of a student from all classes. The length of a suspension may range from 1 to 10 days at the discretion of the principal. The suspension will be served, at the principal’s direction, either in school, or at home under parental supervision. Class work assigned during a suspension must be completed; however grades over that period of time may be reduced or entered as zeros. Suspensions are to be given for one of two types of situations:
1. For a deliberate violation of the religious and moral values that we teach at St. Mary’s. Example: immoral behavior, use of drugs-alcohol-tobacco, pornography, fighting, bullying, destruction of property, blatant disrespect, profanity and truancy;
2. For repeated violation of school rules that are less blatant and/or less significant in nature. Examples: reckless conduct, impolite conduct, disregard for dress code, failure to complete schoolwork.
SUSPENSIONS in school or at home, regardless of length of time, are deemed to be serious actions. They are given as a warning that if the undesirable behavior is not corrected it may result in a request to withdraw or an expulsion.
REQUEST TO WITHDRAW is a request made by the principal to the parents of a student, asking that the parents voluntarily withdraw their child from St. Mary’s. It should be understood that only one such request shall be made. If the parents choose not to remove their child, then a suspension will be issued and the parents will be advised that upon the next significant violation of school policy the student will be expelled.
EXPULSION is an immediate, permanent and irrevocable removal of the student from St. Mary’s School. Such an action may result from repeated suspensions or violation of the stipulations set forth in a Request to Withdraw. It may also be brought on by deliberate words or acts that violate the basic principles of our faith and social values. Examples: Sacrilegious words or actions, inflicting injury to another person or major damage to property.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE: Only the principal may initiate a suspension, request to withdraw or expulsion. In order to make a request for withdrawal or to expel a student, the principal must have prior approval of the Pastor.
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