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Catholic Formation, Academic Rigor,
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Discipline
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One of the most important lessons of Catholic education is discipline. which requires the implementation of a discipline code that respects the dignity of all members of the school community. Discipline is the training that develops self-control, character, efficiency and the ability to cope with the responsibilities of adult life. In line with the vision of Sacred Heart School, a Discipline Policy has been designed to create an orderly and disciplined environment, that will result in the formation of academically well-rounded, respectful, confident, young men and women who are prepared to take leadership roles within the community and the Catholic Church.
Because it is impossible to foresee all problems which may arise, this handbook empowers the faculty and administration to take disciplinary action for any behavior which violates the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, the spirit, philosophy and code of conduct of the school, even if the negative behavior is not specified in the handbook. The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and, in his/her discretion, may grant an exception or variance relative to any disciplinary policy for good cause.
Because a student’s behavior can serve to injure the reputation of Sacred Heart School, both as a parochial education institution and as a school community, the Administration reserves the right, in its discretion, to take disciplinary action for any misconduct of a student for school- sponsored events and/or if the child is dressed in attire which identifies he/she has a student of Sacred Heart School (i.e., school uniform, athletic uniform, spirit group uniform, letterman jacket, or any uniform associated with Sacred Heart School).
The discipline policies are intended to: promote personal responsibility and self-control, provide a classroom environment conducive to learning, provide for the well-being and safety of each student and promote cooperation between teachers and parents in supporting proper behavior.
The student’s rights are:- to have a teacher who is in a position to, and will, provide the student with positive support for his appropriate behavior.
- to have a teacher who is in a position to, and will, help the student limit his/her inappropriate behavior.
- to choose how to behave and know the consequences that will follow.
The teacher’s rights are:- to establish a classroom structure and routine that provides the most desirable learning environment in light of his/her needs and encourage the positive spiritual, social, educational and emotional development of the student.
The parents’ rights are:- to expect a quality Catholic education; that their children’s safety will be paramount; that they will have reasonable access to instructors and administrators; and, that they can present concerns and receive fair hearings.
The school’s rights are:- to require a parent to withdraw his/her student(s) from the school in order to achieve our mission to…provide an environment, which instills the morals, ethics and values according to the Catholic faith, enhances academic excellence and encourages social development.
DUE PROCESS
Disciplinary investigations will be determined by the circumstances and egregiousness of the reported misconduct. Absent extenuating or emergency circumstances calling for immediate action in the interest of safety, no student shall be subjected to disciplinary action without (1) being advised of the alleged misconduct and (2) being given an opportunity to tell his/her side of the story and identify witnesses and/or potentially relevant evidence in his/her defense. Whether additional investigation is warranted shall be determined by the Administration based on the facts and circumstances presented. If there is any disagreement or dispute as to relevant facts, the administration shall make a determination of the facts based on its interpretation of the totality of the evidence available (including the credibility of the witnesses involved). If the Administration is convinced that the misconduct “more probably than not” occurred, disciplinary action may be taken.FOLLOWING PROTOCOL
When a parent/guardian has a question or concern regarding a school matter and would like to speak to someone at the school, he/she should follow protocol:- Teacher/Sponsor/Coach
- Guidance Counselor/Athletic Director (if applicable)
- Principal
- Pastor
- Grievance Committee meeting with the Sacred Heart Advisory Council and Administration
CODE OF COURTESY
As a means of ensuring Sacred Heart School is continuously instilling its mission and vision in our students by assisting in the formation of disciplined and confident young men and women, all students are expected to be polite and respectful toward others both on and off the campus.The following are etiquette guidelines every Sacred Heart School student is expected to follow at all times:
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- Always address faculty and parent volunteers with appropriate respect, using titles proper to their positions (Father, Coach, Miss, Mr., Mrs., Ms.).
- “Thank you” is the expected expression of gratitude when adults and/or fellow students provide assistance.
- Say, “Yes Ma’am” or “No Sir” to respond to a question. Do not say “Yep” or “Nope.”
- Say, “Excuse me” when you don’t understand and are requesting an adult repeat something for you. Do not say, “What?” or “Huh?”
- Excuse yourself when you want to interrupt an adult who is busy. Wait your turn when the adult is talking to someone else.
- Classroom decorum ordinarily requires a student to raise his/her hand and wait to be recognized before speaking.
- Common respect for adults requires you to allow adults to pass before you when entering a building or room, and that you hold the door open for persons coming behind you into a building or room.
- Be quiet and listen until the adult is finished speaking.
- Answer all questions politely.
- Do what you are told to do immediately.
- If you have something to say, wait until the adult is finished speaking and request permission to speak.
- Accept the adult’s decision. Don’t argue, make faces or walk away while the adult is speaking.
- Courtesy demands respect for school property. Students are asked to help maintain the appearance of the campus by keeping the campus free of liter and by treating the landscaped and parking areas with respect.
- While in the classrooms and buildings, students are asked to deposit trash in the trash receptacles located in each classroom and throughout the school.
INITIATIONS/HAZING/ANTI-BULLYING
The Diocesan policy (DP 3018) for anti-bullying and hazing applies to all students and shall be in effect while students are on school property, while on school-owned or school- operated/leased vehicles, while attending or engaged in school sanctioned activities and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and/or the reputation/welfare of the school.
Definition of Bullying
Bullying is a deliberate and malicious pattern of behavior having the effect of physically, psychologically and/or emotionally harming another.
Initiation will be defined as any type of action taken by any Sacred Heart student whereby another student or students are made to do or say anything of a demeaning or derogatorynature. No student (K-12) may be initiated as a condition for being in a particular grade level, becoming a member of an organization, group or team, or for any other reason.LUNCHROOM BEHAVIOR
Students must adhere to the procedures for entering and exiting the cafeteria and receiving their food. Food or beverages, including water purchased in the cafeteria, are not to be taken out of the cafeteria area. Students are to leave the tables and general area clean by picking up plates, milk pouches, napkins and utensils and pushing his/her chair in its proper position. Utensils are not to be thrown in the trash bends.SCHOOL RULES OF BEHAVIOR
Sacred Heart School has drawn up a list of guidelines concerning student behaviors that are considered unacceptable and opposed to the peace, tranquility and goals of the school.
Although the violations are not a complete list of unacceptable behaviors, the primary responsibility for acceptable behavior lies with the student and his/her parents.
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO KNOW AND FAITHFULLY ADHERE TO THE SCHOOL’S AND EACH OF THEIR TEACHER’S RULES, WHICH INCLUDES RESPECTING THEMSELVES AND OTHERS AT ALL TIMES WHILE PRACTICING GOOD MANNERS AND
CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES. Students, when representing Sacred Heart School, are also expected to guard the good name of the school and its students by behaving in a manner that reflects well on their school and observes the intent of the school’s code of behavior.
All adults on the campus are authorized and responsible to correct students who are in violation of these rules during the school day and/or at extracurricular events. This includes regular faculty, clergy, substitute teachers, parent volunteers assuming teachers’ duties, volunteer coaches and cafeteria and maintenance personnel. Violations should be reported immediately to faculty members and/or Administration.
The Administration reserves the right to discipline a student for violation of any school rule, including suspension.BEHAVIOR AT CO-CURRICULAR AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR EVENTS
As representatives of Sacred Heart School, whether at this school or another, Sacred Heart students should demonstrate their very best Christian and social behavior at all times. Students should seek to have their behavior reflect positively on their home and school training. The rules of behavior apply not only to the school day, but also to school field trips, sporting events and all extracurricular and co-curricular activities, whether the students are participants or observers. Sacred Heart School students, faculty and parents must remember that they represent the school at all times and must never bring discredit to our school.
Everyone must earnestly strive to live by our school philosophy at all times.VANDALISM
Acts of vandalism may result in serious disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion. Furthermore, the student and/or his/her parents shall be required to make full restitution, which could include expenses associated with labor, materials and other damages.
If the student withdraws from the school and wishes to return to Sacred Heart after being expelled or withdrawn for the specified time period, he/she must formally re-apply for admission to Sacred Heart School, and appear for a school-level committee meeting consisting ofadministration, clergy, faculty and Advisory Council members. After deliberation, the committee will meet with the student and his/her parents to explain its decision.HOME STUDY
A student that is involved in, accused of or charged with a serious wrong or some inappropriate behavior may be placed on a program of home study by the principal pending the outcome of an investigation or internal review (Diocesan Policy 3015).
In the event that a senior, at the end of the school year, is on Home Study due to inappropriate behavior according to school policy, he/she will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.ELEMENTARY DETENTION
Detention for 4th – 8th grades, report to the assigned detention classroom promptly at 7:00 AM Monday – Friday mornings. Anyone arriving after 7:05 AM will not be allowed to complete detention that day and must return the following day. Students will complete written assignments given by the teacher referring to detention. They must come prepared with all necessary supplies. After a student receives his/her 3rd detention per semester, any subsequent detentions will be an in-school suspension.SCHOOL SUSPENSION
The Rules of Behavior outline serious infractions of rules and unacceptable behaviors, any one of which, depending on the circumstances, could result in suspension of the student(s) involved. The Administration may impose suspensions after consultation with the teacher and/or investigation of the situation. The parents/guardians will be notified before the student is suspended, and the suspension may vary from one to three days and may be distinguished as in-school or out-of-school suspension. The student will be assigned an unexcused absence during the suspension period.IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
The student will be assigned to detention, beginning at 7:00 a.m. until dismissal on the specified day(s); he/she is responsible for all notes, homework, etc. missed on the specified day(s). 9th – 12th grade students will be allowed to make up any work or any tests assigned for a grade following the suspension; however, the student’s assessment and/or project will be assigned a grade of 80 before the teacher begins grading the assessment and/or project. K-8th grade students, on the other hand, will be allowed to take any test assigned on the day of the in-school suspension; however, student’s assessment and/or project in grades 7 and 8 will be assigned a grade of 80 before the teacher begins grading the assessment and/or project.OUT-OF-SCHOOL
While the student is responsible for all notes, homework, etc. missed on the specified day(s), he/she will not be allowed to make up any work nor any tests assigned for a grade following the suspension and will receive an unexcused absence. In the event a teacher assigns a quiz and/or test on the day of the student’s suspension, students in grades K-12 will earn a grade of 0. However, in the event students have been assigned a project, term paper or any other assignment which was previously in progress, the student is allowed to submit the work previously completed at that particular time.
Diocesan policy limits a suspension to three days. Violations warranting a longer suspension period will be considered as requiring a possible expulsion.
While serving an in-school or out-of-school suspension, students in grades K-12 cannot participate in nor attend any school activity or function.
The Administration reserves the right to vary the penalty and/or its general classification depending on the circumstances of the offenses. Separate policies and/or statutes dictate the penalties for some serious violations of school rules and/or criminal laws, such as the use and/or possession of drugs, alcohol and weapons at school. This also includes student use of any social networking, postings or digital communications such as, but not limited to, those made available on Facebook®, Twitter®, Instagram®, Snapchat®, etc. if the student’s content includes disparaging, threatening, negative or defamatory comments regarding the school, faculty and/or other students, or is otherwise inflammatory and/or inappropriate. (SEE POLICIES ON TESTING FOR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, ALCOHOL, POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL DRUGS, DRUG PARAPHERNALIA AND INTERNET AND NETWORK ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY)