1. DISCIPLINE CODE

We believe that discipline is fundamental to life. Discipline is a necessary reflection of the Philosophy of a Catholic School which attempts to develop a fully committed Christian - a Christian committed to the observance of just rules and regulations which will assist the individual in responding to his/her responsibilities and obligations to himself/herself and others.

Correct training in discipline means that a child learns to accept rules and regulations presented by lawful authority. Students are expected to act in such a fashion that their behavior will reflect favorably on themselves and the school. They are expected to show consideration and respect for their fellow students and teachers, thus creating a harmonious atmosphere within the school. All students must recognize their individual responsibilities and obligations and discharge them in accordance with school regulations. Children who fail to comply with school policies and regulations must accept the consequences.

Disciplinary Procedure for PRE-K, Kindergarten, Grades 1 to 3 will be handled individually by the classroom teacher.

Disciplinary Procedure for Grades 4 to 8 will be handled by a demerit system.

The following chart is only a guideline for the classroom teacher in the issuance of demerits. The number of demerits may be adjusted accordingly by the teacher/principal.

The following infractions may warrant at least one (1) demerit per infraction:

1. Not prepared for class - not having proper supplies or books for class repeatedly. Demerit will be issued after the first warning.
2. Improper behavior - including, but not limited to disturbances in class/playground/lunchroom; i.e. note passing, slamming books, unnecessary noises, talking to oneself or others, throwing food, loud, boisterous sounds, any disruption deemed by the classroom teacher to interrupt the educational process.
3. Cheating - the taking or giving of schoolwork that is not one’s own - or if the teacher has probable cause to suspect such an action.
4. Disrespect - any improper attitude displayed towards any teacher, staff member, volunteer parent, and administrator or fellow student.
5. Abusive language - any inappropriate language used on school premises
6. Forgery - any school paper or handing in any paper signed by anyone other than a parent or guardian or handing in a paper written by someone else.
7. Invading the privacy of another’s desk - teacher or student.
8. Gum chewing/eating in class - gum is not permitted on campus, including the school/church/parking lot; snacks may be eaten only at the designated time.
9. Dress code violation - any infraction of the uniform dress code. This demerit is issued only by the homeroom teacher.
10. Damaging any school, church, or personal property.
11. Failure to return a signed demerit slip. Demerits must be returned within 2 school days.
12. Unsigned test papers/mark sheets - Tests and mark sheets must be returned within 2 school days.
13. Out of bounds - any student who is in wrong place at the wrong time.
14. Other - any other behavior which warrants attention not specified on the above list.

1. Truancy - unexcused absences.
2. Violent behavior - any fighting or behavior which causes physical injury.
3. Blatant disrespect for authority - to any adult in the building.
4. Possession and/or use of drugs, narcotics, tobacco or alcoholic beverages on campus or on bus.
5. Irreverence.
6. Vandalism - destruction or defacing of parish or school property.
7. Profane/obscene language or gestures or engaging in immoral conduct.
8. Possession of any item which may present a danger to others in school or out.
9. Cutting class.
10. Leaving campus without permission from a school authority.

When a student receives a demerit, it is to be signed on the night the demerit is issued and returned the following day to the school official issuing that demerit. A parent’s signature indicates that the parent has seen the demerit. It does not indicate the parent’s permission for the student to receive the demerit. The teacher issuing the demerit and the principal have already made that decision.

For every three demerits received a student will serve a mandatory one-hour detention after school. This detention will be held from 3:15 to 4:15 PM and will be monitored by a faculty member. Parents will be notified in writing of the date and will be expected to pick up their child from the detention promptly at 4:15 PM. Teachers will alternate monitoring of detentions.

Conferences with parents, teachers, principal and student will be held if a student has been receiving detentions on a consistent basis (more than three detentions per marking period). Demerits will be accrued per marking period.