Discipline Policy

Discipline is an integral part of a learning process. In order to develop self-control, the student must be helped to understand his/her emotions and impulses, to live in harmony with others, to respect the rules of family, to keep the laws of the country and to obey the laws of God. 

 

Every teacher, vice-principal and principal shall have the right to exercise the same authority as to student conduct and behavior as do the parents or guardians of the student. Student responsibilities include regular school attendance, conscientious effort and classroom work, and conformance to school rules and regulations. Foremost, all students share with the administration and faculty, the responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living.

 

No student has the right to interfere with the education of his fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators and all others who are involved in the educational process. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner so as not to offend or slander others.

 

If a student presents any serious disciplinary problem, the following procedures will be put into effect:

 

§    Detention: Students may be detained after class hours for repeated tardiness, unexcused absences and infractions of the Code of Conduct. Parental notification will be given and acknowledged in writing prior to the detention. Students will be assigned work to make up for any missed during any absence or tardiness.

 

§    Suspension: For a serious infraction of school regulations or the Code of Conduct, a student may be temporarily suspended by the principal. The time of suspension will become effective after the principal has notified the parents/guardians by certified mail and will not exceed three days. Suspension may be in school or out of school. In all cases, the student will be required to complete any class work missed.

 

§    Expulsion: Expulsion is a severe punishment which is used as a last resort and after serious deliberations or when circumstances otherwise warrant. In the event of an expulsion, the following procedure shall be used. A time of suspension will first be imposed during which there will be private consultations of parents with pastor, principal, guidance counselor and teachers. The final decision concerning expulsion will rest with the principal. Before any such administrative decision, the principal must consult with the pastor, appropriate local authorities, and the Office for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Greensburg.  A written report of the expulsion will be submitted to the Office for Catholic Schools, and the parent/guardian may, within five school days of the decision of the principal to expel the student, appeal to the superintendent of the Office for Catholic Schools, whose decision will be final.

 

Reasons for which a student may be subject to detention, suspension or expulsion from school include, but are not limited to:

 

·         Infractions of school regulations, or the disciplinary codes applicable to each school.

·         Continued misconduct or conduct detrimental to the physical, educational or moral well-being of other students.

·         Continued malicious disobedience or disrespect for authority.

·         Possession, use or transporting of any weapon or look alike weapon.

·         Possession, use, sale and/or conveyance of any controlled substance, drug, look alike drug, alcohol, or anabolic steroid.

·         Assault or battery of a fellow student, teacher, administrator, or an employee of the school.

·         Bomb threats.

·         False alarms.

·         Use of vulgar or obscene language.

·         Excessive absence or tardiness.

·         Fighting.

·         Disrespect toward the school in word or action.