Student Behavior Expectations

• Be ready for class – not tardy or without needed materials
• Be dressed properly – not against uniform-dress code.
• Show respect toward all personnel, volunteers, visitors
• Cooperate in class – no disruptions or refusal to work
• Speak respectfully – no inappropriate/slanderous language
• Speak and act honestly – no cheating or lying
• Preserve school atmosphere – no running, roughhousing, yelling, chewing gum, bringing of unauthorized items, etc.
• Respect all school and personal property – no theft or destruction, or removal of school property without staff permission.
• Observe proper conduct at Mass, prayer services, etc.
• Observe classroom, assembly and lunchroom rules
• Observe restroom rules – no loitering, misbehavior or disrespect of privacy
• Observe playground rules – no play fighting, leaving area, etc.
• Observe traffic/safety rules – no disobeying supervisors on duty, including parent volunteers
• Observe team and extra-curricular activities’ rules
• Observe bus/car rules on school-sponsored trips
• Observe premises rule – no leaving class/school without staff permission

Guidelines for Discipline

Depending of the seriousness of the infraction and judgment of school personnel, these procedures will be followed:

• First occurrence: Re-teaching of expected behavior by responsible school personnel;
• If no progress is shown: Principal will be notified; Documentation of events will occur; Conferences in one or more of the following modes:

Level I

• Teacher-student
• Teacher-parent/guardian
• Teacher-student-parent/guardian

Level II

• Principal-student
• Principal-student-teacher
• Principal-teacher-student-parent/guardian
  
  Actions determined at conference may include but not be limited to the following list:
• Staff directed time-out or consequence at school
• Student behavioral contract
• Written notice to parents/guardians
• Parent/guardian directed time-out outside of school for remainder of the day
• Loss or privilege or extra-curricular position
• Apology where appropriate
• Repair-replacement or payment for damage
• Student’s parent/guardian monitoring class
• Appointed task
• Removal of student from classroom
• Outside help for student/family

As Christians, it is our belief that all actions described herein should be handled-by all concerned – with confidentiality, privacy, and respect.

In the event the actions described above are unsuccessful, or a particular situation warrants more immediate and stringent action, the Principal may initiate the following actions:

Probation – Probation is a formal warning – unless set conditions are met, more serious action will be taken. It is used for serious or repeated offenses. Student and parent/guardian will be informed in conference with the Principal and conditions of the probation period will be set. Examples of serious or repeated offenses are: continued conduct code violations, skipping class or assigned activity, hurtful or slanderous gossip, misuse or careless use of computers, intimidation or coercion, or blatant disrespect towards peers or adults.

Suspension – Suspension is the removal of a student from the classroom for a period of one to five days. It may be carried out in the school or in the home with academic work completed during this time. Suspension occurs when a negative pattern of behavior persists OR when it is necessary for serious offenses, such as those that follow. Suspensions are usually imposed only as a last resort – when the child’s behavior is so disruptive that the reasonable action is to remove the student from the school environment. If a student is suspended, parents/guardians will be informed and required to confer with the Principal and teacher before reinstatement can take place. Examples of serious offenses requiring immediate action are:

• Use or possession of drugs/alcohol/tobacco or related paraphernalia
• Use or possession of weapon or explosives
• Willful threat or injury to another person, including but not limited to written, verbal, or physical communication
• Willful damage or theft of property
• Willful sexual, racial or personal harassment
• Blatant disrespect of authority
• Failure to meet conditions of probation.
• Other inappropriate conduct

Expulsion – when a student’s behavior is extremely detrimental to himself/herself and/or the school community, expulsion steps are taken. Expulsion is the permanent removal of a student from the school rolls. Parents/guardians then must find educational accommodations elsewhere. Parents/Guardians will be notified by telephone and in writing. Parents/guardians have the right to appeal in writing within 5 school days. (see grievance procedure in section on communications) Except in extremely serious cases, expulsion may be used only after probationary and suspension measures have proved ineffective. Dismissal takes place after conferences with the parents/guardians, Principal, and Pastor. (Archdiocesan Policy No. 1420)

Search and Seizure

Lockers and desks are the property of the school and may be opened without the presence or permission of the student(s) who use them when we have reasonable grounds.

Parent/Guardian Cooperation

Parental cooperation is essential for the welfare of the students. If, in the opinion of the administration, parent/guardian behavior seriously interferes with the teaching/learning process, the school may require parents to withdraw their children and sever the relationship with the school.

Rights and Responsibilities- Students

1. I have a right to be treated with compassion at St. Mary Regional School
2. And, I have the responsibility to treat others with compassion; this means I will not hurt the feelings of others
3. I have the right to be myself at St. Mary School; this means that no one will treat me unfairly because I am black or white, fat or thin, boy or girl, tall or short, adult or child
4. And, I have the responsibility to respect other as individuals and not treat them unfairly because they are black or white, fat or thin, boy or girl, tall or short, adult or child.
5. I have the right to be safe and protected at St. Mary School; this means that no one will hit me, pinch me, kick me, threaten me, push me, or hurt me.
6. And, I have responsibility to make the school safe by not hitting anyone, pinching anyone, threatening anyone, pushing anyone, hurting anyone.
7. I have the right to hear and be heard at St. Mary School.
8. And, I have the responsibility to help maintain a calm and quiet school
9. I have the right to learn about others and myself at St. Mary School; this means that I will be free to express my feelings and opinions respectfully at appropriate times without being interrupted or punished.
10. And, I have the responsibility to learn about myself and others in this school; this means that I will respectfully allow others to express their feelings and opinions without interrupting.
11. I have the right to learn at St. Mary School; this means I can expect to get attention and help from the teacher when I need it.
12. And, I have the responsibility to learn at St. Mary School; this means that I will work on my own while the teacher helps others.
13. I have the right to expect others to be corrected if they abuse my rights.
14. And, I have the responsibility to learn self-control; this means I will recognize that others have the same rights that I have.
15. I have the right to expect that all of these rights will be mine in all circumstances as long as I am exercising my full responsibilities.
16. And, I the responsibility to protect my rights and the rights of others by exercising my full responsibilities in all circumstances.

Rights and Responsibilities-Teacher, School Personnel and Parent/Guardian

1. Teachers, school personnel and parents have the right to be respected, demonstrated by how they are treated, spoken to and referred to be all.
2. And, teachers, school personnel and parents/guardian also have the responsibility to speak, act and refer to one another and the children with respect.
3. Teachers, school personnel and parents have the right to be heard.
4. And, teachers, school personnel, and parents/guardians also have the responsibility to listen and attempt to understand.
5. Teachers, school personnel and parents have the right to be contacted about students when there are issues that impact their dealing with the children.
6. And, teachers, school personnel, and parents/guardians also have the responsibility to keep the lines of communication open and active regarding the students.
7. Teachers, school personnel and parents have the right to rules, policies and procedures which enhance their work with children.
8. And, teachers, school personnel, and parents/guardians also have the responsibility to support, abide by and apply the rules, policies and procedures of the school.
9. Teachers, school personnel and parents have the right to work in a classroom environment which is conducive to learning.
10. And, teachers, school personnel, and parents/guardians also have the responsibility to ensure the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities so that such a learning environment can be maintained.
11. Teachers, school personnel and parents have the right to work in a Catholic Christian atmosphere of respect and concern for all.
12. And, teachers, school personnel, and parents/guardians also have the responsibility to model Catholic Christian attitudes and actions toward all members of the school community.

Weapons Policy

Weapons, either toy or real, will not be tolerated within the school or on the school property.
When a child has a weapon or toy weapon on his/her person or among his/her belongings, the parents/guardians will immediately be notified. Dependent upon the context of the situation, the Principal will use his/her discretion as to what the consequences will be.

Generally, the steps outlined in the discipline procedure will be followed. However, in case of an extreme offense, suspension or expulsion may take place immediately.

Pocketknives, squirt guns, paintball guns and look-alike weapons are not allowed. If any such item is found, it will immediately be confiscated and brought to the Principal’s office. These items will not be returned.

Listed below is what is considered a dangerous weapon

Dangerous weapons include but are not confined to:
Any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as sling shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife, the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement. Also included is any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon; any device commonly known as “nun-chu-ka-sticks,” consisting of two or more lengths of wood, metal, plastic or similar substance connected with wire rope or other means; or any device commonly known as “throwing stars,” which are multipoint, metal objects designed to embed upon impact from any aspect; or any air gun, including any air pistol or air rifle designed to propel a BB, pellet, or other projectile by the discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas.

Playground Rules
All games and activities are open to anyone who plays fairly and wants to participate.
Equipment
* Students will play safely on all equipment.
* Slide on slides, feet first/No walking up the slides.
* Refrain from using big toys as an area for tag, including ball tag.
* No child under third grade on the superdome.
* No child under Kindergarten on the big toy equipment.

Safety Rules

• Students quickly and politely follow the direction of playground supervisors.
• Students will refrain from all physical contact which may cause bodily harm.
• No wrestling or tackling.
• No kicking, punching or fake fighting.
• The covered area is used for basketball and 4-square, all other ball games, including kicking games are played outside.
• Language will be consistent with the Catholic school philosophy.
• Students will remain in their assigned play area, except for bathroom visits or with permission of the supervisor(s).
• Students will ask permission from the supervisor to re-enter the building during recess.
• When a serious injury occurs, the supervisor will remain with the injured student and call the office for assistance.
• When a minor injury occurs, a second student may accompany the injured child to the office to explain the situation. The supervisor(s) will call the office to alert them of their arrival.
• The Principal, or designee, should be made aware of major injuries.
• The supervisor(s) will file an incident report before leaving for all major injuries or incidents.