STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

Archdiocesan Policy 4300:  Conduct

Student in Catholic schools are expected to exhibit Christian behavior consistent with their age and maturity level.  Each school shall develop specific disciplinary procedures in keeping with its mission and philosophy of Catholic education and consistent with the accepted education practices to ensure high standards of moral, intellectual, and spiritual formation of its students.

Philosophy of Discipline: 

Our goal at Our Lady of the Pillar School is to create an environment conducive to learning, and one that reflects a Christian atmosphere.  In order to do this, we must work together to teach our children respect for others and responsibility for personal behavior.

Students at Our Lady of the Pillar School are expected to act in keeping with their maturity level and with respect for the rights and welfare of others in the school community.  At the same time, we must always be mindful that children learn from example and that these expectations apply first to parents, faculty, staff, and volunteers if such policy is to be credible or effective.

It is the privilege and responsibility of family and school to set standards of conduct for children and follow through with appropriate consequences.  In all decisions of discipline, however, the desire should be to act in a Christian manner characterized by compassion, fairness, and respect for the individual.  Furthermore, in guiding the child’s growth in Christian attitudes, values, and behavior, it is best to emphasize the positive rather than the negative.  It is with this philosophy in mind that the following standards of behavior have been established.

Standards of Behavior: 

1. Students are to be attentive, cooperative, and follow all rules established by the classroom teachers
   
   
2. All staff members share the responsibility for supervising student behavior.
     
   
3. Students should respect all persons in authority and obey all established rules.
   
   
4. Students should be prompt and regular in attendance, equipped with necessary books and supplies.
   
   
5. Students are responsible for reasonable care of books and equipment and will be expected to pay for willful or careless damage.
   
   
6. Students must comply with uniform regulation.
   
   
7. All standards of behavior are to be in effect during regular school attendance, traveling to and from school or other places during co-curricular activities at the school or other places, and whenever a student may be engaged in conduct related to the school, its faculty, or staff.
   
   
8. Because students are perceived as representatives of their school, students have a responsibility to conduct themselves both in and out of school in manners consistent with values professed by the Church and in the Gospel of Christ.  The school has a right to discipline a student whose out of school conduct negatively affects the school and Church community or which seriously detracts from the reputation of the school.

Disciplinary Procedures: 

The administration shall develop specific disciplinary procedures in keeping with its philosophy of Catholic education and consistent with accepted educational practices to ensure high standards of moral, intellectual and spiritual training of its students

Behavioral Responsibility

Each student shall be responsible for his/her decisions.  If he/she knows what is expected, but deliberately acts contrary to those expectations, he/she should be ready to accept the logical consequences.  It is expected that parents will support the faculty and administration in these matters.

Disciplinary Action

A. Classroom Discipline

1. Class and school rules will be discussed in each homeroom at the beginning of the school year.  Students will be asked to help formulate these rules and will discuss reasons for each rule.
   
   
2. Teachers will inform the students of the consequences for not following the rules.  Within the K-4 classroom the type of discipline will be left to the discretion of the teacher with the guidance of the Principal. Within the departmental classrooms (5-8) the teachers will collaboratively develop a set of classroom rules.
   
   
3. Corporal punishment will not be used in this school.
   
   
4. Reasonable warnings will be given before consequences are incurred.
   
   
5. If further disciplinary action is needed, the child will be sent to the Principal.
   
   Unacceptable behavior for which the child may be given a disciplinary referral by a teacher or by an adult in a supervisory role are:
   1. Insolence toward a supervisory adult, in language or behavior.
   2. Disrespect shown to other students – fighting, name calling, any degrading word, gesture or mannerism.
   3. Lying.
   4. Profane or disrespectful language.
   5. Disruption of class.
   6. Destruction of property.
   7. Stealing.
   8. Cheating-including giving answers to another student or knowingly allowing another student to copy work.
   9. Intentionally hurting or intending to hurt another person.
   10. Being out of class without proper permission.
   11. Sexual harassment-inappropriate remarks or touching, with or without the condoning of the other person(s).

B. Administrative Discipline

If the student has been referred to the Principal, unacceptable behavior will be dealt with in the following manner:

1. Referral to the Office:  If behavior is unacceptable and cannot be remedied by the teacher or supervising adult, or if in the teacher’s judgment the behavior is beyond normal classroom parameters,  the student shall be referred to the Principal for discipline.  At this time the Principal shall determine an appropriate consequence and will notify the parents in writing
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2. Second Referral:  If a student is referred to the Office for a second serious offense, the Principal shall determine an appropriate consequence and will request a conference with the parent(s) and student.  At this time a written plan for improvement will be developed.
   

ARCHDIOCESAN POLICY 4302: Serious Disciplinary Consequences

4302.1 Suspension

Suspension is the removal of a student from all classes for a specified period of time.  The decision to use suspension as a disciplinary action is made at the local level by the school principal in consultation with the pastor.  Local policies and written procedures governing suspension should be communicated to parents and students in the appropriate manner.

A. Procedures for Suspension

Proper communication should take place at the time of suspension. 

1. Notice of the suspension is orally conveyed to the parents/guardians as soon as possible.
   
   
2. A written statement to the parents/guardians follows the oral notice.  This statement should include:
   
   
   1. Clear reasons for suspension
   2. Length of time of suspension
   3. Process for and conditions of the student’s return to school
   4. Procedure for student making up class work

The written statement should be signed by the parents/guardians indicating that they understand and accept the terms of the suspension.   The original signed statement is to be kept on file at the school, and a copy is given to the family.

3. Third Referral/Suspension:  If a student is referred to the Principal for a third serious offense, the student may be suspended from school.
   
   
4. Immediate Suspension:  In extreme situations, students may be suspended from the school without the above procedure.  The following are examples of unacceptable behavior which in some, but not all, circumstances would warrant immediate suspension:
   
   
   1. Insolence toward authority – the use of obviously disrespectful language or attitude of defiance toward any teacher or adult in a supervisory role in the school.  This includes volunteers, playground supervisors, maintenance workers, and hot lunch workers.
   2. Disrespect shown to teachers or other students – fighting, harassment, name calling, any degrading word, gesture, or mannerism.
   3. Stealing – from the school, teachers, or other students.
   4. Destruction of parish or school property, or the property of others.
   5. Smoking or possession of cigarettes and/or matches or lighters.
   6. Cheating – including giving answers to another student or knowingly allowing another student to copy work.
   7. Sexual Harassment – where a student’s actions either verbal or physical and sexual in nature, are likely to be offensive
   8. Absence from school without parental permission, absence from class without teacher and Principal permission, or leaving school grounds during the school day without written parental permission and the Principal’s permission.
   9. Any violation of the firearms and weapons policy.
   10. The possession or use of drugs, alcohol, or imitation controlled substances by students on school grounds.
   11. Harassment/bullying of another student in writing, verbally or physically, including via electronic transmissions (email, instant messaging, text messaging, etc.)
   12. Inappropriate us of cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices.
       
       
5. Indefinite Suspension: If, after all reasonable procedures have been followed, a student’s behavior continues to be unacceptable, or if a student is found in possession of an illegal substance or weapon, the student will be placed on indefinite suspension pending a review of the situation by the Pastor and Principal.
   

4302.2  Probation

Probation is the continued enrollment of a student, but with specified conditions.  The decision to use probation as a disciplinary action is made at the local level by the school principal in consultation with the pastor.  Local policies and written procedures governing probation should be communicated to parents and student in the appropriate manner.

Guidelines:

Probation may be a condition of a suspension or multiple suspensions.  If a student is placed on probation, the parents/guardians and student should be informed in writing.  This communication should indicate:  the reason for the probation; the period of time of the probation; the conditions of the probation; and when or under what circumstances the probation will be reviewed, continued or ended.  The school should request that the parents/guardians and student sign a statement indicating that they understand and accept the terms and conditions of the probation.  The original signed statement is to be kept on file at the school, and a copy is to be given to the family.

The following may generally lead to probation:

1. multiple infractions of school rules;
2. an individual infraction of a major school rule;
3. a single suspension for an infraction of a major school rule;
4. multiple suspensions for infractions of school rules.

At the specified time for review, probation may be continued or terminated, based on an evaluation of the student’s conduct during the probation.  Any time during the period of probation, any major infraction of a school rule or series of minor infractions may result in withdrawal for cause.

4302.3 Withdrawal for Cause

Withdrawal for cause is the permanent end of enrollment of a student from a school.  Ordinarily a student would not be subject to withdrawal for cause unless there has been a period of suspension or formal probation and the consequences of further infractions clearly communicated to both student and parents/guardians.  A student may also be subject to withdrawal for cause as the result of a single, extremely serious conduct violation or action contrary to the mission and purpose of a Catholic school.

The decision of withdrawal for cause is made at the local level by the pastor of the parish, with the recommendation of the principal.  This decision should only be considered when withdrawal for cause is appropriate to reflect the serious nature of the conduct, and must be undertaken with the utmost Christian charity, caution and prudence.

When considering the decision regarding a withdrawal for cause, the principal and pastor need to realize the potential effect, if the parents seek to enroll the student in a public school.  Under certain circumstances, Missouri’s “Safe Schools Act” may prevent a public school from enrolling a student who has been permanently removed from another school as a disciplinary action.

Procedures for withdrawal for cause

1. The student is placed on indefinite suspension and the parent/guardian and student are notified that expulsion is being considered.
   
   
2. The situation is discussed with the Catholic Education Office Director.
   
   
3. The Principal recommends withdrawal for cause to the Pastor.
   
   
4. A conference is called with parents/guardians of the student, the Principal and the Pastor for the purpose of discussing the recommendation of withdrawal for cause.
   
   
5. A decision is reached by the Pastor and communicated to the parents/guardians and to the Catholic Education Office.
   
6. “Withdrawal for cause” should be recorded on the student’s cumulative record, along with the date of the action.  No other comment or information about the action should be included in the student’s cumulative record.

ARCHDIOCESAN POLICY 4303: Specific Conduct Policies

4303.2:  Alcohol, Drug and Substance Use and Abuse

The use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs poses a threat to the health of young people and creates an obstacle to their full development as Christian persons.  In addition, under present federal and state laws, the possession and use of certain unprescribed drugs, including narcotics, depressants, stimulants, marijuana, and hallucinogenic drugs are illegal.
Therefore, the possession, use, or transfer of un-prescribed or illegal drugs, or the use, possession of, or being under the influence of alcohol on the school premises or at school sponsored functions are not permitted.  Students violating this policy will b subject to suspension and/or withdrawal for cause from school.  In addition, civil authorities may become involved.

Guidelines for Applying Policy

1. Efforts are made for preventive approaches through counseling and other educative methods.
   
   
2. All prescribed medication should be kept in the school office with proper documentation on file, unless an exception is made and noted for a particular situation.
   
   
3. Possession or use of drugs or alcohol, including tobacco, narcotics, depressants, stimulants, marijuana, and hallucinogenic drugs is illegal.  Law enforcement authorities will be notified.  Suspension and/or withdrawal for cause may result. At a minimum, intervention, assessment for chemical dependency, and treatment if professionally indicated will be required as part of the conditions for readmission.
   
   
4. Distribution of drugs or alcohol, including tobacco, narcotics, depressants, stimulants, marijuana, and hallucinogenic drugs is illegal.  Law enforcement authorities will be notified. Suspension and/or withdrawal for cause will result.

4303.3:  Violence and the Threat of Violence

Catholic schools shall provide a safe learning environment for all members of the school community.  The climate of Catholic schools shall reflect Gospel values including an emphasis on the dignity of all persons which is necessary for respect, the interdependence of all persons that is the basis of community, and the rights and responsibilities of all persons which are the foundation of justice.

Violence is inconsistent with the unity and peace which are essential to living the Catholic faith in community.  Violence also inhibits human development and successful learning.  Therefore, violence is not tolerated in Catholic schools.

Violence consists of words, gestures, and actions that result in or have the potential to result in hurt, fear, or injury.  Violence includes threats of injury, harassment, assault, possession and/or use of a weapon, and theft or vandalism of property.

A weapon is anything used or intended to be used to threaten, intimidate, and/or harm persons.  The possession or use of firearms, other weapons, or explosive devices on school/parish premises in not permitted.

All reported or observed instances of threatened or actual violence must be addressed by school administration.  Appropriate actions may include parent/guardian conferences, mandatory counseling, suspension, withdrawal for cause, and legal action depending on the severity of the incident.

Guidelines

1. Lockers, desks, etc. are school property, provided to students for their use, and are subject to search by school officials with proper reason.
   
   
2. Jackets, backpacks and the like are personal property and will not be searched.  However, school officials have the right to request that a student empty the contents of pockets, purses, or backpacks, and to take appropriate steps, such as suspension, if the student refuses.
   
3. With appropriate reason school officials may search without prior notice to parents or students.

Archdiocesan Policy 4303.7:  Harassment

Catholic schools shall maintain a learning environment that is free from all forms of harassment.  No student in the school shall be subjected to any type of harassment.  Catholic schools forbid harassment because it is not in keeping with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and the standards of its programs.

Harassment is defined as any unwanted and unwelcome behavior that interferes with a student’s performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment.  Harassment includes conduct that is verbal, physical or visual.

Each Catholic school investigates every harassment complaint thoroughly and promptly.  All investigations will be conducted in a sensitive manner and, to the extent feasible, confidentiality will be honored.  The investigations and all actions taken will be shared only with those who have a need to know.

If, after investigation, the school determines that a student has engaged in sexual or other forms of harassment, appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and withdrawal for cause, will be taken.

Guidelines for Applying Policy

Harassment is defined as any unwanted or unwelcome behavior that interferes with a student’s performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment.  Harassment includes physical, visual, verbal and sexual forms of behavior.  Instances of harassment will be addressed using appropriate disciplinary consequences, counseling methods, and parental/guardian contact and involvement in accordance with the nature and frequency of the offense

Weapons Policy

The following policy applies to employees, volunteers, parents of students, visitors, and all other persons who come on the premises, regarding the presence of concealed firearms on the property, as follows:

“In order to provide a safe environment, the possession of a concealed firearm on the property of Our Lady of the Pillar School, including the buildings, parking areas, sidewalks and other premises is strictly prohibited.”

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