St. John's School Student Handbook
General Policies

< 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 >

CODE OF CONDUCT/BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE POLICY

Students at St. John the Evangelist School are an integral part of the faith community to which they belong. They need to be aware that what they do affects the entire community as well as themselves. Therefore, the policies established place greater emphasis on:

• Developing an environment where students can grow and mature as children of God by learning self-discipline and by accepting responsibility toward themselves and their school community.

• Establishing and maintaining an academic atmosphere where learning and intellectual achievement are fostered and encouraged.

• Protecting the rights and welfare of individuals themselves and the school community as a whole.

When all individuals are aware of the expectations placed on them and freely accept responsibility for their actions, good discipline will exist.

Students will observe the following regulations at all times. The discipline record is cumulative for the year and continued misbehavior may result in exclusion from school related activities.

A. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY:

1. To show respect for administration, teachers, staff, students and school facility.
2. To obey rules, regulations and procedures established by school and administration.
3. To obey rules, regulations and procedures established by each teacher.
4. To be present and punctual daily.
5. To complete projects and homework assignments daily.
6. To participate appropriately and fully at prayer, liturgies, civic activities and school assemblies.
7. To practice courtesy and good manners at all times.
8. To abide by the dress code established in the handbook.

B. DISCIPLINARY CODE:

The progressive categories of disciplinary action are:

• Reprimand
• Detention
• Suspension
• Expulsion

1. DETENTION – Students remain after school for a designated time on an appointed day.
   
   The following types of behavior can warrant detention, but are not limited to:
   
   a. disrespect for administration, faculty and staff
   b. using obscene, profane, and abusive language or gestures
   c. disrespect toward other students
   d. disruptive behavior
   e. fighting
   f. repetition of minor offenses with no sign of improvement
   g. incomplete homework and assignments
   h. repeated tardiness
   i. gum chewing
   j. bringing any type of electronic equipment to school (e.g. walkman, radios, beepers, games)
   k. stealing, cheating, lying
   l. leaving assigned area without permission
   m. misconduct on a bus
   n. repeated infraction of uniform code
   
   The procedures for detention are as follows:
   
   When a student is given a detention, a notice is sent home to the parent(s) or guardian(s) stating the reason, the date and time the detention will be served. The parent signs the notice and returns it to school the following day. Parent signature indicates parent has been notified. No exceptions will be made after a detention is issued unless consultation with the principal or assistant principal occurs.
   
   In the event of cancellation of detention, the parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified.
   
   The parent(s) or guardian(s) are responsible for the transportation of the child on the day the detention will be served.
     
2. SUSPENSION - A student who commits a serious or repeated infraction of school rules and regulations may not be allowed to attend school for a period up to three days. This is determined by the administration. Psychological evaluation may be recommended or required for a student with persistent recurring negative behavior. Other steps may also be required.
   
   The following types of behavior can warrant suspension, but are not limited to:
   
   a. blatant disrespect to teacher, staff and/or student(s)
   b. violent fighting and acts of violent behavior
   c. verbal assault on a student, teacher or staff member
   d. threatening or intimidating a student with physical harm
   e. sexual harassment
   f. willful destruction of property
   g. truancy
   h. leaving school property
   i. refusing to cooperate with school rules and regulations
   j. refusing to serve detention
   k. repeated detention
   l. possession of matches or a lighter
   m. possession or use of smoke bombs or stink bombs
   n. extortion - seeking or obtaining a payment or other profit from another person by intimidation
   o. serious offenses of school rules or repeated infractions of school rules - this will be at the discretion of the Principal
   
   The procedures for suspension are as follows:
   
   Parent(s) or guardian(s) is notified immediately after the infraction has occurred and a conference is held with all parties involved.
   
   All classwork and homework missed during the suspension must be completed upon return.
   
   When the student returns to St. John the Evangelist School following a suspension, he/she must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and report to the Principal’s Office. Conditions may be determined as part of the student’s return.
    
3. EXPULSION – The student will not be allowed to return to school.
   
   The following types of behavior can warrant expulsion, but are not limited to:
   
   a. use or possession of narcotics, alcohol, tobacco or other substances on school grounds or at any school function
   b. use or possession of weapon(s)
   c. physical assault on teacher or staff
   d. serious or repeated assaults on students
   e. arson
   f. robbery
   g. repeated suspensions – this would be at the discretion of the Principal
   h. inability to meet academic or behavioral expectations of the school
   
   The procedures for expulsion are as follows:
   
   The Principal or Assistant Principal will contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) and arrange a conference at the earliest convenient time. The conference will include the Principal or Assistant Principal, the parent(s) or guardian(s), the student and teacher if appropriate.
   
   • The school maintains an anecdotal record, which includes the circumstances surrounding the episode, communication to appropriate parties and the recommendation of the school.
   
   • If the parent chooses to appeal this decision, the principal contacts the appropriate Assistant Superintendent and advises the parent to do likewise. Both the school and the parent submit all relevant written information to the Assistant Superintendent.
   
   • If the parent chooses to appeal the process of the school, a hearing before an ad hoc committee is called by the Assistant Superintendent.
   
   • The committee advises the Superintendent based upon their interview and review of the record.
   
   • Within one week of the hearing the Superintendent advises all parties by mail of the decision of the Division of Catholic Schools.
   
   • The decision of the Superintendent is final.
    
4. OTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
   
   If necessary, other appropriate consequences will be given if students fail to meet required expectations for behavior and/or academics. These consequences may include, but are not limited to:
   
   a. time out
   b. lunchtime detention
   c. loss of reward
   d. loss of field trip privilege (student must still attend school)
   e. consequences set by each teacher
   f. consequences set by principal
   
   The school’s personnel do not use corporal punishment.

< 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 >

Comments or suggestions about the St. John School website?
Send an e-mail to school@stjohnsp.org
St. John the Evangelist School, 669 Ritchie Highway, S.E., Severna Park, MD 21146-4011
Phone: 410.647.2283

© 2004-2005 St. John the Evangelist. All Rights Reserved.