Holy Angels Sacred Heart School believes that discipline is necessary to academic, social, and emotional growth. To be disciplined means that the student takes responsibility for his or her actions, commensurate with his or her maturity and age. We encourage students to become responsible individuals beginning at the Prekindergarten age by expecting them to follow the rules as set out by the school and the individual classroom. It is our goal to make our expectations and the consequences clear and for the students to then make their choices and accept the rewards or punishments. To be successful, this process must be viewed as a daily learning experience and the faculty counts on the family unit to reinforce what we are trying to teach. A unified approach is the only way that students will learn to make sound judgements now and later in life.
Regulations
Students are expected to follow rules as set forth by their classroom teacher and the administration. These rules are sent home in the beginning of the year so that the teacher's expectations are clear to the family. All rules are in accordance with both school and Archdiocesan policies. The following are basic rules for all:
- Students are to walk in the classroom, hallways, stairs, and in any other building. There is no talking while in the hall or on stairs to avoid disturbing classrooms.
- Students are not to walk on any grassy areas other than the fields, which are reserved only for upper grade use.
- Students are to treat other students, faculty, staff, and any visitors with dignity and respect. No foul, obscene or inappropriate language or derogatory remarks will be tolerated and everyone is to be spoken to in a respectful manner. Insolence, physical gestures, or facial movements such as eye-rolling are considered disrespectful and will not be tolerated.
- Fighting or unwelcome physical contact are not allowed.
- Students are not allowed to chew gum while on school property.
- Obedience to all bus rules as set forth by the drivers.
- We expect reverent behavior while students are at Mass, attending liturgical celebrations and ceremonies, and during prayer times and Bible readings. Talking, looking around and disrupting others are unacceptable. First and foremost we stress the religious aspect of our school at all times.
Demerit/Reward System
A demerit/reward system has been set up to improve academic status and behavior. Within each classroom the teacher will set up a number of points a student must earn to qualify for a special reward (such as an extra recess). In all grades, points will be given for bringing back signed weekly folders, and homework assignments. Demerits will be given for missing homework, late or unsigned weekly folders, or for coming to school without wearing the entire uniform. Demerits will also be given for misconduct. Each teacher will, at the beginning of the year, send home information on his/her system so that the parents are aware of what else is required of each students demerits. Students who do not earn the required number will not take part in the planned activity.
Serious Offenses
There are a number of offenses that may constitute in-or out-of-school suspension or possibly expulsion. These offenses include but are not limited to:
- Continued disregard to the regulations listed above
- Theft
- Physical aggression
- Possession of a weapon or potentially dangerous object
- Deliberate destruction of school or another's personal propety (to include textbooks, library books, desks, chairs, restroom and cafeteria supplies)
- Cigarette, drug or alcohol possession or use
- Leaving the school property without permission
In-school suspension means that the student will be given work to do during the day and will stay with the secretary. No recess or contact with the rest of the class will occur. If a special event is scheduled on that day, the student will not participate.
Out-of-school suspension means that the student remains at home. Assignments will be given and it is expected that they be completed and turned in when the student is allowed to return to school. Any test or quizzes will be given upon the student's return but will be lowered by one letter grade.
Expulsion
Expulsion will occur when:1)it is believed that the student is no longer benefitting from attending the school,2)the student is deemed a threat to the safety and security of the school students, faculty, and staff or 3)there have been repeated serious offenses with no improvement in the student's behavior.
The following steps are generally used by the school to solve behavior/discipline problems:
- Students-teacher discussion of the problem and arrival at a workable solution
- Teacher contact of parents if orignal solution has not succeeded
- Student-teacher-principal meeting
- Principal requests a conference between parent, teacher and principal to arrive at a new solution
- Administrator meets with parent, teacher and principal to come to a final decision on how to solve the problem
The Administration Team is the final resource in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at his or her discretion.
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