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V. BEHAVIOR
Catholic Faith and Moral Standard
As a condition of initial and continued enrollment as a student in the diocesan schools, a student’s conduct must be consistent with Catholic faith and morals. Conduct, which is inconsistent with Catholic faith and morals, which is a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of other students and/or which causes scandal, impairs or threatens to impair the reputation of the Church or its schools, is grounds for disciplinary sanctions up to and including immediate dismissal/expulsion.
The school/parish is co-tenant of lockers, desks, etc. and reserves the right to search them at any time without notice.
A. BEHAVIOR CODE
1. The aim of Saint Peter Interparish School is to help students develop into Christian Leaders who are responsible for themselves, exhibit proper behavior in specific situations, and work to the best of their abilities. Parents are the initiators of these positive behaviors. If a student fails to express or develop these behaviors, parents/guardians will be contacted to conference with teachers and/or administrators.
2. St. Peter Interparish School looks to the best interests of all students and persons who are members of the school community. All who are members of this school community deserve to experience a friendly, peaceful and secure Christian environment.
3. The B.I.S.T. Model of discipline calls for “Grace” (unconditional support) on the part of the adults. The school wants students to stay out of trouble and to be OK and safe. “Accountability”, on the part of the student, calls for responsibility from the student in acknowledging their behavior, being sorry for the disruption, realizing it is his/her problem, accepting consequences and the need for help in order to change.
When a student disrupts a class, he/she will be redirected to proper behavior. If the student cannot gain self-control, she/he is choosing to go to the “Safe Seat.” A disruptive student who is not safe in the classroom “Safe Seat” is choosing to go to a “Focus Room” to complete a “Think Sheet” regarding his/her behavior, and he/she is to reflect upon a plan for changing that behavior. The “Think Sheet” is filled out properly by the student, then she/he conferences (processes) with the sending teacher to determine whether he/she is ready to return to the classroom/playground. The student is NOT allowed back into that classroom/playground until the process is completed successfully. Following a “Focus Room” visit, the teacher will call home to inform parents of the incident. This notification is made to keep communications open between home and school. If a student is disruptive in the “Focus Room”, he/she is then sent to an administrator and the administrator calls parents.
When a student is disruptive during transitional times (these are times outside of the classroom, e.g. recess, hallways, and cafeteria), there are clearly defined procedures that are followed. Students are redirected to proper behavior. If the student cannot gain self-control, she/he is choosing to go to the “Safe Seat”. Disruptive students who are not safe in the transitional “Safe Seat” are sent to an “Administrator Focus” to complete a “Think Sheet” regarding his/her behavior, and she/he is to reflect upon a plan for changing behavior. The student then conferences (processes) with the sending teacher/supervisor to determine whether she/he is ready to return to the classroom/playground. Following an “Administrator Focus” visit, the administrator will call home to inform parents of the incident.
An After-school Focus, held from 3:05 to 4:00 PM every Thursday, will be required for students who demonstrate behavior issues that require repeated ‘Focus Room’, dress code, and/or homework issues. Parents will be contacted anytime a student is assigned to ‘After-school Focus Time’.
The third time a student chooses a “Focus Room” (from the classroom) or “Administrator Focus” (transitional times) or ‘After-school Focus Time’, the student is suspended from extra curricular activities; and teachers/supervisors will sit down and create a “Plan for Success”. Parents will be sent a copy of the plan. When a student successfully completes his/her plan, he/she is removed from the plan and the student starts again with a “clean slate”. If a student continues inappropriate behaviors while on the plan and he/she receives a “Focus”, parents are contacted to come in for a conference with the student, teachers/supervisors and administrators. If inappropriate behaviors continue after the conference, a “Recovery Day” is required.
The “Recovery Day” consists of a day in which the disruptive student takes all classes, breaks, and lunch with a substitute teacher. The goal of the “Recovery Day” is to help the disruptive student do a better job on creating a plan that will help him/her have a better day in his/her classroom and/or during transition times. Parents/guardians are required to pay the going rate per day for the substitute fee for the “Recovery Day/Days.”
Prohibition of Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment is not used under any circumstances in the diocesan schools. The school administrator/principal is responsible to report immediately to the superintendent of Catholic schools any violation of this prohibition. Any extreme or unusual form of punishment or any touching of a child in a manner that is considered punitive is to be avoided. (DSR 5310)
4. Candy, Gum, Birthday Treats
a) Students are not allowed to engage in eating outside of the cafeteria except when teachers or administrators note a special occasion.
b) Students are not to chew gum during normal school hours. Students are not to eat candy during normal school hours, unless a teacher or administrator has given permission. For students who bring their lunches to school, sodas and candy are not allowed. If a student uses or is consuming one of these items during normal school hours without permission, she/he is asked to throw it away and is sent to the office. A parent or Guardian is called regarding the fine and a form letter is sent home regarding the $5.00 fine levied. The fine and signed form is turned in to the school office the next school day.
Students who refuse to cooperate with the gum/candy rules or dress code policy waive the privilege to any, and all, dress down days for the remainder of THE YEAR upon his/her fourth violation of either (combined) policy/rule. CONTINUAL VIOLATIONS will result in ‘After-School Focus’.
Birthday Treats shall be one treat to share with the classmates and possibly office personnel at 2:45 or 20 minutes before the end of the school day. Only one treat, as the school does not have birthday parties. Treats are to be packaged individually or sent in individual serving sizes. BE AWARE OF FOOD ALLERGIES, LIKE TO PEANUT PRODUCTS. Teachers do not have time to cut party sized cookies or cakes. There is no need to bring treats for the entire faculty or staff, as the school desires for the children to spend quality time with their friends, and not just be walking around the building delivering treats.
5. Physical Fighting
Fighting is not tolerated. When physical fighting occurs, students are sent to the office. At the time of the first offense, students are counseled and warned or immediately suspended, and parents/guardians are notified. If a second or third offense occurs, depending on the degree of offense, the student may experience in or out of school suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.
6. Harassment
Harassment
Policy:
All Catholic schools of the Diocese of Jefferson City shall maintain a learning environment that is free from harassment. No student in any school or PSR shall be subjected to any type of harassment.
Harassment is defined as any unwanted and unwelcome behavior that interferes with the 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 are to be addressed using appropriate disciplinary consequences, counseling methods, and parental/guardian contact and involvement in accordance with the nature and frequency of the offense.
a. Sexual harassment deserves special mention.
1. Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature, or unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. “Unwelcome verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature” includes, but is not limited to, “the deliberate, repeated making of unsolicited gestures or comments, or the deliberate, repeated display of offensive, sexually graphic materials which is not necessary for school purposes.”
2. No student shall be subject to sexual harassment as a student.
3. Any student or employee who engages in sexual harassment shall be subject to severe disciplinary measures.
4. Any student who believes that he or she is being sexually harassed shall report immediately such information to the school administrator/principal. Any information reported shall be treated as confidential. All claims of sexual harassment are to be immediately reported to the superintendent of Catholic schools and/or chancellor and/or review administrator and shall be thoroughly investigated by the school principal after consultation with and direction from the Superintendent of Catholic schools.
No student shall receive any retaliation or disciplinary action for reports of harassment made in good faith. (DSP 5820)
Sexual Abuse of Minors
PASTORAL POLICY REGARDING ALLEGED CASES OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINORS BY CLERGY OR OTHER CHURCH PERSONNEL OF THE DIOCESE OF JEFFERSON CITY
INTRODUCTION
Since 1990, the Diocese of Jefferson City ("the Diocese") has had a policy and procedures to give guidance to its employees, volunteers, religious and clergy in the Diocese on the subject of child abuse and to address the needs of persons affected by child abuse. The following policy and procedures have been adopted to address the particular situation in which a member of the clergy, or an employee, volunteer or religious working in the Diocese or in any parish, school or agency of the Diocese (the latter hereinafter referred to collectively or individually as "church personnel") is accused of sexual abuse of a minor. i For the purpose of this policy, any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor. An allegation of this type of abuse has serious consequences for the person alleged to have been abused and his/her family, for the person accused, and for the larger community.
Section II A – Bringing an Allegation
1. A person may bring an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy or other church personnel by calling the Chancery Office and asking to speak with the Review Administrator or by writing to the Chancery Office. The address and telephone number are as follows:
Address:
Chancery Office
Diocese of Jefferson City
PO Box 104900
Jefferson City, MO 65110-4900
Telephone:
573-635-9127
(See full DSP 5825 in principal’s office)
b) St. Peter Interparish School does not condone any form of harassment. All students and adults are to treat everyone with dignity and respect. If harassment occurs, the following procedure will be used:
(1) Name calling and aggressive behavior - The classroom/supervising teacher or an administrator will address the issue.
(2) Verbal abuse, written defamation of a more serious nature, physical abuse, repeat offenders or retaliating against a fellow student for reporting an offense – The parent/s will be contacted by an administrator with the student possibly assigned to attend “Recovery Room” or experiencing referral to juvenile authorities. (See B.I.S.T.)
(3) Demeaning verbal or written sexual innuendoes, sexual touching or graphic pictures of a sexual nature or retaliating against a fellow student for reporting an offense – After investigation by an administrator or counselor, parents will be called in to conference and the following consequences are possible: documented professional counseling, a long term ‘Recovery Room” experience, out of school suspension, dismissal, expulsion, and/or referral to juvenile authorities. (See B.I.S.T.)
7. Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Pornography
St. Peter Interparish School maintains smoke and tobacco free buildings. No tobacco products are to be used in these buildings.
Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
The possession, conveyance, use, or storage of weapons or look-alikes on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in or around a school vehicle is prohibited. This ban applies to students, employees, and visitors, except for those acting in a law enforcement capacity. This prohibition expressly includes those persons licensed to carry concealed firearms. Schools are to formulate specific local policies regarding reporting weapons and dangerous instruments to law enforcement. (DSP 5315)
The possession, conveyance, use, or storage of weapons or look-alikes (or other harmful or illegal items) on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in or around a school vehicle is prohibited. Being under the influence of illegal drugs, making use of, or having illegal drugs in a student’s locker or in their possession illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, pornographic materials, etc. is prohibited. Students who violate this policy will normally will be placed on in school suspension immediately. This suspension normally will last until parents/guardians, principal and/or pastor, and other appropriate staff members confer to review the facts of the case. The pastor and principal will determine the outcome after consultation with the superintendent of Catholic schools. The outcome could result in a recommendation for counseling, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion from school. In addition, law enforcement officials may be contacted after consultation with the superintendent of Catholic schools.
Dismissal – a student may be allowed to return at some future time under an ‘agreement with conditions’.
Expulsion – a student may never return.
No alcoholic beverages will be sold, served or consumed at school-sponsored functions that involve student participation or student promotion (i.e. ticket sales) of the function.
No tobacco products are to be used in the presence of students at school-sponsored functions.
8. All electronic devices, including but not
limited to walkmans, cell phones, televisions, walkie-talkies, laser pointers, MPS players, IPODS, etc.
These are NOT to be used during school hours (7:00am – 3:10), as the staff cannot monitor student use of these devices, nor can the school or staff be responsible for lost items. They are to be left at home, in backpacks, or in lockers for after-school or emergency use only (Cell phones to be in’ silent’ mode, so parents can leave messages for students). The first time any student uses or has a device ring, it will be confiscated and may be picked up by the student in the main office at the end of the day. The second time a student uses or has a device ring, the device will be confiscated and a parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up the device at the office. The third time there is a problem; the school administration/parent will not allow the child to bring the device to school.
9. Spray deodorant and aerosol spray cans
of any type are NOT to be brought to school. Stick deodorant is allowed.
10. Toys and personal games brought to
school can be a dilemma (like cell phones), because we have the crossover of morning care, school time, and after care. Therefore, they may be brought to school and used when and where the teacher or director in charge allows. Limits on use and where they must be stored and may be used will vary, and it will be up to students to honor the wishes of the adult in charge.
11. Search and Seizure
School or Parish Property: The school/parish is the owner of lockers, desks, etc. and reserves the right to search them at any time without notice.
B. MISSING ASSIGNMENTS GRADES 3-8
1. All assignments are to be turned in on the day they are due. In case of emergency, or in unforeseen circumstances, a note from a parent explaining such is necessary.
2. Teachers will share their homework policies with parents and students. Policies will vary among teachers and grades due to the workload for each grade or subject.
3. Students who habitually do not turn in assignments on time are sent to an administrator and spend lunchtime recess working on assignments. Students ARE NOT allowed to dress down on the Friday of the week they attend. An administrator will notify parents when a student is not successful using noontime study. A student that continues to have incomplete work may be assigned to ‘After School Focus Time’ in order to work toward meeting required expectations of completing assignments on time. If the student continues to not meet the required expectations, an ‘In-school Recovery Day’ will be required at the parent’s expense.
4. In the event of any special circumstances, teachers will work closely with the student and his/her parents.
C. EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROBATION/SUSPENSION POLICY
Academics are important. Students are encouraged to do his/her best. Extra curricular activities are important in order to help develop the best talents of every student. However, the school holds the right to limit participation in extra curricular activities sponsored by the school if a child is having difficulties academically and/or behaviorally. The school encourages parents and guardians to limit other outside activities for students in order for them to be adequately prepared mentally, psychologically and physically for the daily rigors of school.
1. If a student receives an “F” in any subject or a “D” average on a mid-quarter report or quarterly report, he/she is subject to a period of probation or suspension from any school sponsored extra curricular activity. Dated Probation/Suspension Warning notices are mailed to the parent or guardian of the student and a copy will be given to the student to take home. Students are allowed one probationary period per year. ON probation (the warning time), a student may participate in all activities. If a student chooses to be placed on probation for poor academics at any point in the year, clears up the problem, and then has a problem again, he/she will automatically be choosing suspension until the end of the next grading period or mid-quarter.
2. Parents or guardians of a student receiving a Probation/Suspension Warning notice are required to contact the teacher of the class or classes in which the “F’s” or “D’s” have been earned. Parents or guardians and appropriate staff members are to develop a PLAN OF ACTION, which states opportunities for the student to raise his/her grade between the issuance of the notice and the next evaluation date (This does not include extra credit assignments).
3. If following probation warning the student fails to raise the grade one letter grade or bring the average up to “C” within the specified period, the student moves from probation to suspension.
4. Once suspension has been chosen, the student will be evaluated at the end of the next quarter or mid-quarter. If, at the time of reevaluation, improvement is not demonstrated, the suspension continues until the next evaluation. If the student improves, he/she will be off suspension. If the student has problems later in the year, he/she moves automatically to suspension since the one probationary warning was used earlier in the year.
5. The above policy may be adapted with the approval of the principal, parents, guardians and other appropriate staff members, for students with special learning needs.
6. The administration reserves the right to make a final decision regarding probation/suspension.
7. In grades 5 – 8, B.I.S.T. procedures dictate Conduct Probation/Suspension. A teacher or administrator will call a parent to apprise him/her concerning a student whose behavior dictated a move to a ”Focus Room”. The first two phone calls (two “Focus Room” visits) are considered Probation calls, or warnings. If a student cannot control her/his behavior after the second “Focus Room” visit, an administrator is notified of the third “Focus Room” visit and the student is considered on suspension from the same activities as Academic Probation/Suspension. A Plan will be developed for the student. The student is considered OFF Suspension when the Plan has been successfully exercised and completed.
D. DETENTION POLICY
Students in grades 4-8 may be detained after school for misconduct or homework issues. Phone contact with parents will be completed before a detention is served.
E. CONDUCT REFERRALS
Conduct referrals are completed and sent to an administrator, along with the student, when supervising adults experience negative or questionable behavior. The Administrator then works with the student to resolve the issue at hand and follow-up with contact to the supervising adults. Parents are contacted if the negative or questionable behavior is considered weighty or has occurred previously.
F. SUSPENSION
Suspension may be used for weighty or habitual negative behaviors (e.g. taking from another without permission, entering a teacher’s desk without permission, destruction of property, fighting, harassment, possession of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or pornographic materials). Suspension may be in school or out- of-school. Parents are notified when it is assigned and a conference is scheduled. Students who are suspended must make up work missed. Dismissal or expulsion may follow suspension if negative behaviors persist.
G. DISMISSAL & EXPULSION
Catholic Faith and Moral Standard
As a condition of initial and continued enrollment as a student in the diocesan schools, a student's conduct must be consistent with Catholic faith and morals. Conduct which is inconsistent with Catholic faith and morals, which is a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of other students and/or which causes scandal, impairs or threatens to impair the reputation of the Church or its schools, is grounds for disciplinary sanctions up to and including immediate dismissal/expulsion. (DSP 5305)
Dismissal and Expulsion
The dismissal or expulsion of a student from a Catholic school is a very serious matter and is invoked only in extreme cases. Care is to be taken that fundamental fairness is offered the student in the process of expulsion or dismissal.
The term "expulsion" is:
Termination of a pupil as a student from the school permanently (no opportunity for reinstatement).
The term "dismissal" is:
Termination of a pupil as a student from the school less than permanently (indefinite or for a given term).
In cases of serious misconduct, which could lead to expulsion, the parents are so advised immediately and in writing. They are urged to take advantage of assistance from school, parish, or social service agencies, which can help the student with his/her difficulties. Careful documentation must be kept of all disciplinary proceedings.
In extreme cases of incorrigible behavior or when conduct threatens the physical or moral welfare of anyone in the school community, the school administrator/principal, normally in consultation with the pastor, can immediately suspend a student until a final decision is made. (See DSP #5355.)
After the school has exhausted all avenues of assistance for the student, a recommendation may be made to the pastor and superintendent of Catholic schools regarding the dismissal or expulsion. All dismissal and/or expulsions must be approved by the superintendent of Catholic schools for compliance with the law and diocesan policies and regulations. A statement of dismissal or expulsion is made in writing, including the reasons for the dismissal and a complete listing of dates and efforts made to help the student to avert dismissal. (DSP 5360)
If a dismissal or expulsion is pending, the superintendent of Catholic schools is to be notified immediately. The superintendent of Catholic schools will review the case, consult legal counsel if necessary, and make recommendations back to the school. The superintendent of Catholic schools will then approve or deny the dismissal or expulsion. (DSR 5360)
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