St. Peter's School promotes a positive environment of academic and spiritual growth. The Code of Conduct empowers each person with the skills to act respectfully and responsibly in a Christian manner. In order to promote academic excellence and spiritual growth, the school community establishes these expectations for all.
Conduct Expectations:
WE TREAT EVERYONE WITH COURTESY AND RESPECT.
· Students speak and act respectfully at all times. Vulgarities and obscenities, whether drawn, written, spoken, or gestured, are prohibited.
· Students readily recognize, accept, and respond appropriately to the legitimate authority of St. Peter's staff and all adults. Disrespect, direct disobedience, or physical attack toward an adult is cause for immediate disciplinary action.
· Student behavior in church reflects reverence, conscious and active participation, and respect for the worshipping community and space.
· Students refrain from any inappropriate touching and all inappropriate displays of affection.
Bullying is not a Christian behavior and is prohibited. Bullying is the intentional harmful behavior initiated by one or more students and directed toward another student. Bullying exists when a student with more social and/or physical power deliberately dominates and harasses another who has less power. Bullying is unjustified and typically is repeated. Bullying differs from conflict or bossiness. Two or more students can have a disagreement and/or conflict (which may involve bossiness). Bullying involves a power imbalance element where a bully targets a student who is not able to defend him/herself. Students and/or parents should report bullying to the teacher and if unresolved should report bullying to administration in a timely manner. All staff and parents are charged with prevention and intervention in bullying.
WE CARE FOR ALL PERSONAL AND SCHOOL PROPERTY.
· Students take care of the property of the parish and school as well as their own possessions and those of others.
· Students never mark on or otherwise deface or damage walls, furniture, or other school/parish property.
· Students never take or damage the property of others.
· Students do not remove anything from a teacher's desk without instruction by the teacher to do so even if one might think he/she has a right to do so. Teacher materials are confidential and not for student perusal.
· Each student does his/her part to keep all areas of the school and school grounds clean and attractive.
· Eating or drinking in the school buildings or on the grounds is prohibited except in designated areas or with permission. Chewing gum is hazardous to clothing, shoes, furniture and floors and is not permitted on school property.
WE SUPPORT AND MAINTAIN A POSITIVE AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
· Students move from place to place in an orderly, quiet, and safe manner.
· Students do not leave the school grounds or linger in unsupervised areas.
· Students do not engage in the use of or distribution to others of tobacco, alcohol, or other controlled substances (drugs).
Substance Abuse Policy
Students may not possess, use, attempt to possess, or be under the influence of any of the following substances on school premises during any school term or off school premises at a school-related activity, function, or event:
· Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate
· Alcohol or any alcoholic beverage
· Any glue, aerosol paint, or any other volatile chemical substance for inhalation
· Any other intoxicant, or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drug
· A student caught using, distributing or possessing any forbidden substances is subject to expulsion from St. Peter’s School.
Definitions
"USE" means a student has smoked, ingested, injected, imbibed, inhaled, drunk, or otherwise taken internally a prohibited substance recently enough that it is detectable by the student's physical appearance, actions, breath, and speech.
"UNDER THE INFLUENCE" means a student's faculties are noticeably impaired, but the student need not be legally intoxicated.
Students who violate the Standards of Student Conduct policy are subject to disciplinary action including expulsion. Lockers, student bags, and other personal property may be searched by faculty for alcohol, drugs, and other controlled substances. Any student who uses, in the manner prescribed, a drug authorized by a licensed physician through a prescription specifically for the student's use shall not be considered to have violated this policy. Any misuse of prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs will be subject to disciplinary action. The transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the above-listed substances is also prohibited under this policy. Students involved in such actions is subject to expulsion from school.
Unacceptable Items:
Weapons
· Students may not have knives, guns, or any objects that could be used to harm others on campus, on their person, in their personal belongings or locker or at any school function. Any materials, toys, or activities that are deemed offensive, inappropriate for learning, or as having a negative influence are prohibited (i.e., note passing, gambling, electronic items, occult or gang related paraphernalia).
· Any student found guilty of carrying or possessing a weapon deemed lethal by the school Administration on school/parish property during hours, outside of school hours or during any school activity or function is placed on suspension for three days. After this period of time, the parents will be notified if the student will be allowed to return to school or be expelled. If the student is permitted to return to school, he/she is automatically placed on "Disciplinary Probation.” If the student is expelled, the parents of the expelled student may appeal. The appeal must be made in accordance with the "Grievance Procedure" set forth by the school. Bringing pocket knives, sharp objects, any dangerous object, cigarettes, firecrackers, etc. results in SEVERE DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
Toys and Electronic Communication Devices
If toys are brought for "Show-and-Tell" they are given to the teacher to keep until the appropriate time. Other items that are not be brought to school include: radios, tape recorders, calculators, record albums, tapes, electronic games, individual magazines, trading cards, CD players, Gameboys, iPods, and the like.
WE COME TO SCHOOL PREPARED FOR SUCCESSFUL LEARNING AND ALL DAILY ACTIVITIES.
· Students have readily available and organized materials needed for each class and daily activity and are dressed in full uniform.
· Students contribute to creating a successful learning environment by remaining focused and participating positively in all class activities.
· Students report to school and to each class in a timely manner.
· Students exhibit a positive attitude toward learning and a pride in their work by preparing all homework/classwork assignments neatly and on time.
· Students follow all oral and written directions as well as school and classroom rules.
· Students use appropriate methods for communicating with the teacher as outlined in the classroom rules.
· Students do not disrupt class in any shape, form or fashion, thus impeding the continuous flow of the educational process. At St. Peter’s School, students have a right to learn and teachers have the right to teach.
WE ACT RESPONSIBLY AND ACCEPT CONSEQUENCES FOR OUR ACTIONS.
· Students recognize the choices they have made and take responsibility for their actions, and avoid blaming others.
· Students are honest and will refrain from lying, cheating, and copying.
· Students accept the consequences of their behavior in a mature fashion. Pouting, temper tantrums, etc., are not allowed.
Stealing
· Students do not take the property of others. A student found guilty of stealing is subject to suspension or expulsion, depending on the gravity of the offense.
· Any student acting as an accessory to a theft is subject to the same punishment.
· Any student withholding information about such actions is subject to suspension.
Cheating
· Cheating is a serious compromise of a student's integrity. If cheating is discovered, the student's work is confiscated, and a "0" is automatically recorded for the work. The parent is notified.
· Cheating in any form results in disciplinary measures that may include detention or suspension and is cause for expulsion.
The schools of the Archdiocese do not condone harassment of any kind. All students, staff and parents are treated with dignity and respect. Harassment in any form is prohibited. This prohibition against acts of harassment applies to all people engaged in all school related activities: all students; regular or temporary, part-time or full-time employees; volunteers, itinerant instructors, and consultants.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when:
· Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student's academic success or achievement of any other nature.
· Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions affecting the student.
· Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonable interference with a student's school performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive school environment.
Verbal harassment includes derogatory remarks, jokes, or slurs, and can include belligerent or threatening words spoken to another person and/or communicated via electronic communication systems (including facebook entries, texting, etc.).
Physical harassment includes unwarranted physical touching, contact, assault, deliberate impeding or blocking movements, or any intimidating interference with normal school work or movement. Students are NOT to hit or grab another student at any time. Teachers are to report any physical contact to the parent and administration on the first occasion and any subsequent occasions.
Students at St. Peter’s School follow the Code of Conduct outlined in the handbook. Students are expected to demonstrate acceptable levels of behavior at all times. Disciplinary action is taken when a student engages in actions outside the Code of Conduct and is designed to help the student develop self-discipline and internalize the Christian behaviors supported by the school. It also serves to create a positive and productive school atmosphere conducive to learning.
D Democracy
Ø Highest level of social/moral behavior
At this level students are motivated to be responsible because they know:
ü Their behavior is based on their belief that this is the right thing to do regardless of what their classmates might do or be doing.
ü When operating at this level a student is
-Caring, considerate, shows respect for self, others & property,
-Responsible for his/her own actions & is trustworthy and honest.
ü When operating at this level, a student’s motivation is internal and shows self-discipline.
C Cooperation
Ø Appropriate and acceptable level of social/moral behavior
At this level students are connected with their classmates:
ü They follow the values and rules so that they fit in
ü When operating at this level a student is
-Considerate
-Complies with class and school rules and conforms to peer pressure
ü When operating at this level, a student uses external motivation to gain approval or avoid punishment. (i.e. A teacher or administrator must discipline you to get you to stop or think).
B Bossing/Bullying
Ø Not an appropriate or acceptable level of classroom or school behavior
At this level students try to rule others and do not behave courteously:
ü They disrupt class and are bullying/bothering the teacher by interrupting the lesson, they bully/bother classmates by interrupting their learning.
ü When operating at this level a student
-breaks the rules
-tries to make their own rules and standards.
ü When operating at this level, a student must be bullied/bossed to get desired behavior.
A Anarchy
Ø Lowest and most unacceptable level of classroom or school behavior (it comes from the Greek word that means “without rule”)
At this level, students do not follow rules:
ü They are loud, noisy and boisterous,
ü They often ending up hurting others physically.
ü When operating at this level, a student is not behaving in a civil manner & must be removed from the group.
Students in Grades 4 through 8 sign a Contract with the school. This contract is aligned with our Standards of Conduct and the Levels of Behavior expected (successful students operate at levels C or D.) Parents are asked to review the Code of Conduct and Levels of Behavior with their child(ren) on a regular (at least weekly) basis. Generally, a student who acts outside the classroom procedures is given a reflective essay to complete; a second offence merits a Self-Diagnostic Referral that is to be signed by the parents before readmission to a class. Students who disobey school rules, such as the dress code, homework requirements, chewing gum, etc, earn demerits. A second demerit in any of the areas merits a referral to the office for a conference and evaluation of the contract. The principal or assistant principal generally assigns a one-hour after school detention for second demerits in a contract area; the student is assessed $10 per detention. A third demerit in the same area earns a Saturday detention: the student is assigned campus chores and is assessed $25 per detention. On occasion, students may be sent to the office for other infractions; conferences with the administration generally include a phone call or note to the parent and may result in detention or suspension.
Lunch detention is assigned for infractions related to misconduct and results in a student eating without his/her companions in silence while others are in the lunchroom.
After-school detention is one hour in length after school on the assigned day. The student reports to the designated detention room and is assigned campus chores as well as a written report related to the offense and re-establishes a commitment to their Personal Tiger-Integrity Contract (PTIC). A fee of $10 is assessed for this service. Generally, a student who has attended after-school detention twice during a semester is assigned Saturday detention upon the next referral.
Saturday detention is three hours in length on the assigned Saturday. Students report to the Annex at 8:00 am in full school uniform. Students spend two hours in activities to improve the school, such as cleaning desks, pulling weeds, or washing walls. Time is also devoted to a self-reflection related to the infraction. A fee of $25 is assessed for this service.
In-school suspension is assigned for repeated or major infractions of the discipline policy. A $50 fee to cover the cost of a substitute teacher is assessed. The student completes class and homework assignments away from classmates and is prevented from participating in group activities such as PE, clubs, electives and cafeteria lunch.
Suspension is reserved for serious violations of school regulations and is imposed after the above means have failed to align the student’s behavior with their Personal Tiger-Integrity Contract (PTIC). A student may be suspended after a single major violation of rules when his/her actions have resulted in injury to others. The school carefully documents violations and reasons for suspension and includes the parents in the process. A single suspension ranges from a minimum of an overnight to no more than three days. During suspension, a student is marked absent but is required to complete all missed classwork and homework. All work from a suspension is due on the day the student returns to school. A parent conference is required prior to re-entry for any suspension.
Expulsion is required when a grave violation, a series of serious violations, or when other means of discipline have failed. When a student’s continued presence in St. Peter’s School is likely to hamper the school in fulfilling its mission to educate the students, expulsion is initiated. When such action is considered, a conference with the Administration that includes the parent(s), student, teacher(s), and Pastor is held. After this conference, the Principal and Pastor agree to either readmit the student under a special Personal Tiger-Integrity Contract (PTIC) or to expel the student. The Archdiocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools is notified in writing of the expulsion and is provided a brief explanation of the circumstances and decision.
Immediate expulsion is required for extremely grave behaviors such as gang involvement, possession/use/delivery of any drugs or alcohol, weapon possession, threat of bodily injury or harm to another, assault or vandalizing. (See the Code of Conduct for definitions).
The school principal and/or the assistant principal or a designee may search student’s desks, lockers and belongings including, but not limited to, handbags, briefcases, backpacks and other items in a student’s possession at any time.
Investigating Claims of Harassment:
The following procedures are followed for filing and investigation of any harassment claim:
1. The person chooses to tell the individual causing the harassment that the conduct is offensive and must stop. If the objectionable behavior does not cease immediately, the person must report the harassment to the Principal or Assistant Principal.
2. If the complaint is against the Principal or the Assistant Principal, the person reports the incident to the Pastor or the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
3. As soon as the verbal report has been given, the school reports the incident to the Parent and Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
4. The person alleging harassment is asked to complete a formal, written complaint. The claim is investigated thoroughly, involving only the necessary parties. Confidentiality is maintained as much as possible.
5. The investigation includes a meeting with the person alleged to have harassed, sharing with that person the nature of the allegations and the name of the person bringing the allegation.
6. When the facts of the case have been gathered, the Principal, in consultation with the Pastor and Superintendent of Catholic Schools, decide what, if any, disciplinary action is warranted. The disciplinary action relates to the nature, context, and seriousness of the harassment and includes disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion.
7. If the complaint is against a non-employee such as a parent, parishioner, volunteer or vendor, the school takes steps, within its limited power, to investigate and eliminate the problem.
Grievances
St. Peter’s School Grievance Council composition:
1. Three to five members appointed by the School Council.
2. Individuals appointed to this Council are persons of integrity with some expertise in education, human relations, and conflict management when possible.
3. One member is generally a parent or former School Council member. The other two members have no direct relationship to the school.
4. The appointment to the Grievance Council is for one year and is renewable.
Duties and Process of Grievance Council
1. Both parties to the grievance prepare a complete written statement of the nature of the grievance and the remedies sought. The Grievance Council reviews these statements and the procedures followed and decide if additional steps need to be taken or if it will uphold the decision of the Principal or in the case of a grievance by the Principal, of the pastor/authorized agent.
2. If the decision of the Grievance Council is to uphold the decision, the process moves to Number 8.
3. If the decision of the Grievance Council is that an additional airing of the situation needs to take place, it calls a meeting of both parties to the grievance.
4. Each party to the grievance is accompanied by one other individual who is not an attorney and who acts as observer/advisor. This individual does not directly address the Grievance Council.
5. Both parties appear before the Grievance Council together and make an oral presentation of the written statements presented. The aggrieved party makes the first presentation. At no time is there cross-examination or direct discussion between parties to the grievance.
6. After both presentations have been completed, the Grievance Council moves to a closed session to consider the oral and written presentations.
7. The Grievance Council may recall, together, both parties to the grievance for clarification of the points that may have been raised in either of the written or oral presentations.
8. The Grievance Council renders its decision in writing according to the prescribed Grievance Procedure.
Grievances may be heard from individuals, parents and parent organizations. However, in all cases, the opportunity to be heard shall be forfeited if the procedures outlined below are not followed precisely. This policy and procedure shall apply only to instances of student expulsion and employee termination.
If there is not a satisfactory resolution of the complaint, the following are steps in the formal grievance procedure.
1. Prepare a written statement of the complaint (including to initiate a grievance) to include a brief summary of the initial conference and file it with the School Council Secretary within (3) three school days of the conference, or decision resulting therefrom, whichever is later. The date and time of filing is recorded on the original of the complaint.
2. The School Council Secretary will, within 24 hours of filing, inform and forward the grievance to the Local Grievance Council who will review the grievance. If it deems necessary, the Grievance Council may hear further statements, evidence or arguments within (7) seven school days of its receipt of the grievance. The Grievance Council will render a decision within (10) ten school days of its receipt of the grievance.
3. If the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the decision of the Grievance Council, an appeal may be made to the Pastor within (3) three school days of the decision of the Grievance Council. The Pastor reviews all documentation of the grievance procedure and sets a date for hearing the grievance with all parties of the initial grievance in attendance. This meeting takes place within (7) seven school days of the Pastor’s receipt of such an appeal. The Pastor then renders his decision within (5) five school days.
4. If the aggrieved party remains unsatisfied with the decision of the pastor, the avenue of further appeal is the Archdiocesan Council of Conciliation. Such an appeal must be sent in writing within (5) five school days of the Pastor’s decision.
5. Pending outcome of the formal grievance, only the principal or pastor may, with or without condition, abate the expulsion or termination.
In the instance of principal termination, prior to the initiation of a formal grievance, the terminated principal who seeks redress must confer directly with the pastor (conference) for resolution of the situation. If there is not a satisfactory resolution of the complaint, the following are steps in the formal grievance procedure:
1. A written statement of the complaint, including brief summary of all the pertinent conferences must be prepared and filed with the school council secretary within three (3) schooldays of the conference, or decision resulting there from, whichever is later. The date and time of the filing will be recorded on the original written statement of the complaint.
2. The School Council Secretary will, within 24 hours of filing, inform and forward the grievance to the Local Grievance Council (LGC) who will review the grievance proceedings. If it deems necessary, the LGC may hear further statements, evidence or arguments within seven (7) school days of its receipt of the grievance. The LGC will render a decision within ten (10) school days of its receipt of the grievance.
3. If the aggrieved party remains unsatisfied with the decision of the Local Grievance Council, the avenue of further appeal is the Archdiocesan Grievance Council. Such appeal must be sent in writing within five (5) school days of the LGC’s decision.
4. Pending outcome of the formal grievance, only the pastor/authorized agent may, with or without condition, abate the termination.
Grievance Process for Non-Expulsion/Non-termination issues (Complaints)
Complaints that do not result in expulsion or termination are resolved at the local school level. Neither the Grievance Council nor the Archdiocesan Council of Conciliation hears these matters. There must be an attempt on the part of the individual lodging the complaint to resolve the problem at its lowest level.
1. Complaints against a student for a specific incident should be addressed with the teacher prior to approaching administration.
2. Complaints against a student for a history of misbehavior should be addressed with the principal.
3. Complaints against students for acts that occur outside the regular school day should be addressed with the child’s parent or guardian.
4. Complaints against a teacher must be addressed with the principal prior to approaching the pastor.
All complaints should be made within (3) three days of the event or the point at which the parent/individual is made aware of the situation.