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Goals of Discipline
St. James of the Valley School is committed to providing a safe, positive learning and working environment for everyone in the school community. Discipline means the systematic development and training of a child’s physical, social, moral and spiritual capacities through guided instruction and controlled self-activity. It is the purpose of SJOV to aid parents in the formation and education of Catholic children. Discipline is not regimentation; neither does it imply the detailed surveillance of every action of each child.
The Student Code of Conduct and Discipline governs student activities at all times on or off school property when such student conduct is reasonably related to the health, safety, and welfare of students, or such conduct would unreasonably interrupt the educational processes of SJOV. As part of the disciplinary procedure, administrators may speak with students without a parent/guardian being present. Discipline goals focus on fostering respect for all and recognizing the dignity of each person. The following code is not intended to place undue restrictions on the students, but rather to prescribe and encourage students to act in a proper manner.
Responsibilities
Student Responsibilities
- Come to class prepared - have necessary books, supplies, and assignments.
- Fill in the homework notebook.
- Exercise self-control and be accountable for his/her personal actions.
- Know and observe all school and classroom rules.
- Show respect for yourself, for others, and for others’ property.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
- Encourage and support your child.
- Be sure your child attends school daily and is on time.
- Make sure your child is dressed appropriately.
- Teach your child, by work and example, respect for the law, for school rules and regulations, and for the rights and property of others.
- Encourage and support all school personnel.
- Provide a time and a place for homework and assist when appropriate.
- Read the homework notebook daily.
- Assist your child in having the necessary materials for class.
- Keep the lines of communication open with your child and with the school.
Teacher Responsibilities
- Be prepared for class.
- Establish and maintain a challenging environment where all may learn and achieve.
- Work with students to establish classroom rules.
- Enforce school and classroom rules impartially and consistently.
- Communicate child’s progress and behavior to parent/guardian.
Administrator Responsibilities
- Work in collaboration with students, teachers, and parents/guardians to improve the school.
- Support teachers and students in their efforts.
- Provide instructional leadership.
- Organize and supervise the work of teachers and staff.
- Ensure adherence to SJOV and Archdiocesan school policies.
School Rules
General School Rules
- Walk in the hallways.
- Speak softly in the hallways.
- Use appropriate language at all times.
- Do not chew gum.
- No selling of any items unless approved by administration.
Cafeteria Rules
- Be courteous while moving through the lunch line.
- Use appropriate table manners.
- Eat your food only in the cafeteria.
- Keep your hands to yourself and do not touch others’ food.
- Remain seated until dismissed.
- Clean your place and leave in an orderly fashion.
Playground Rules
- Stay in designated area.
- Maker proper use of the equipment.
- Be concerned for the safety of others.
- Play fairly.
- Try to make sure everyone enjoys recess.
Teachers may remove inappropriate items from a student’s possession for a period of time that may include the remainder of the school year. Any item confiscated by a school employee and not collected by the end of the school year will be donated to charity.
Students may not bring to school electronic devices of any kind, including but not limited to: video games, palm pilots, radios, CD players, or pagers. Students may not bring items such as CDs, tapes, toys (unless requested by the teacher), and aerosol cans to school. All items will be confiscated. Cell phones are permitted as long as they are kept off and in the student’s backpack. Phones will be confiscated if seen, heard, or used at school.
As corrective measures are taken to ensure appropriate behavior in the classroom, it is critical that the staff, teachers and administration have the full support of the parents in an effort to insure an environment that promotes access to education. Without this support, the efforts of the staff, teachers, and administration to maintain discipline will be severely hampered. If parents or guardians fail to accept corrective actions or discipline, the child may be asked to withdraw from St. James of the Valley School.
Inspection/Searches of School Property
School authorities, in the interest of maintenance, health, and safety, may inspect school properties. Desks and lockers, though assigned to students, are school property and may reasonably be inspected. The location of drugs, narcotics, liquor, tobacco products, weapons, poisons, and missing properties is a matter relating to health and safety and may be regarded as reasonable purpose for inspection by school personnel. Such inspection may also be part of an attempt to rid the building of fire hazards. In the case of a bomb threat or other emergency, school officials and/or police and fire officials may make a search of all desks. The SJOV administration may also search a student and his/her possessions when suspected of inappropriate activity.
Probation for Transfer Students
As a condition for enrollment of any student new to St. James of the Valley School, the student and the parent(s)/guardian(s) agree that the student will be on a probationary status for the first quarter of attendance. During the probationary period, the student will:
- Achieve appropriate academic progress
- Comply with the discipline code of the school
- Attend school regularly and promptly
- Meet all financial obligations
At the conclusion of the probationary period, a meeting may be held with the administration and parent(s)/guardian(s) and a decision will be made regarding the student’s enrollment. The decision made by the faculty and administration is binding and must be accepted by the parent(s)/guardian(s) on behalf of the stu dent.
Behavior Policies for Students in Grades
K - 3...
...are determined by the Classroom Teachers
Behavior Policy & Procedures for
Students in Grades 4 – 8
Every student will be issued a behavior card to be kept in a location as agreed upon by teacher and student (e.g. stapled in HW planner). When an inappropriate behavior occurs, the supervising teacher or staff authority will issue points and mark the child’s behavior card accordingly. Written or other consequences may be assigned along with points. Parents are encouraged to check this behavior card regularly. This card is cumulative through the semester.
1 Point Violations
- Gum/Food
- Uniform violation
- Lack of cooperation
- Not following classroom rules
- Excessive talking
- F.. Inappropriate language during school hours or functions
- Inappropriate behavior
- Not on task
- Failure to have papers signed
- Failure to produce behavior card
5 Point Violations
- Disruptive behavior
- Disrespect/defiance/lying
- Profanity
- Damage to property
- Encouraging or cheering fighting
- Lost behavior card
- Copying/providing answers
10 Point Violations
- Endangering others
- Blatant refusal to follow directions
- Misuse of the internet or computer
- Misuse of school equipment
- Possession of/use of cell phone
15 Point Violations
- Verbal assault toward adult or by due date student
- Bullying/relational aggression
- Forgery - signing parent’s name
- Cheating on tests
- Fighting
- Harassment
20 Point Violations
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Leaving school grounds
- Physical Assault to assignments
- Possession of/use of alcohol or tobacco products
Step 1: After a student accrues five points, a conduct slip will be issued. The first conduct slip is a warning. The parent must sign the conduct slip and the student must return it to the office by the due date to avoid further consequences.
Step Two: After a student accrues ten points, a detention will be issued. Notification of the detention will be written on a conduct slip that must be signed and returned by the due date to avoid further consequences.
Step Three: After a student accrues fifteen points, two detentions will be issued. Again, notification of the detentions will be written on a conduct slip that must be signed and returned by the due date to avoid further consequences.
Step Four: When a student accrues twenty points, the student must serve an In-School Suspension. School work will be provided but the student will be removed from their classroom setting for that day.
Step Five: After a student’s first In-School Suspension, a new behavior card is issued to the student. If a student accrues a second In-School Suspension, there will be a conference to discuss expulsion from St. James of the Valley School.
Out of School Suspension
In certain situations that are extreme or not provided for in the point system, the administrator may find it necessary to issue an out of school suspension. The administrator will determine the terms of and the length of the out of school suspension and notify the parents. No work will be sent home. Assignments will be available to the student upon return. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the assignments and complete the work within a specific amount of time determined by the administrator.
Expulsion
Definition
A student is removed from the school community.
Offenses Resulting in Immediate Expulsion
A student is liable to immediate expulsion from school for the following reasons:
- Use of alcohol or tobacco products.
- Possession, use or sale of illicit drugs, or other hallucinogenic substances on school grounds or at school-sponsored events.
- Physical assault or verbal harassment of any student, member of the staff, or other person in authority.
- Possession of firearms, knives, explosives, or other dangerous objects and any facsimiles thereof.
- Arson.
- Bomb threat.
- Gross misconduct.
Procedures to follow in case of expulsion:
- The case will be discussed with relevant staff, parents, and pastor.
- The parents and student will meet with an administrator.
- Written notice will be sent to the parents stating the reasons for the student’s expulsion.
- The student’s withdrawal/expulsion will be reported to the Attendance Department of the student’s local school district.
The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive or impose a disciplinary action for just cause. Notification will be given in writing to the parents of the disciplined student.
Violent or Threatening Behavior
Threats of physical violence or emotional intimidation will not be tolerated at SJOV. Students exhibiting any behavior considered threatening, overly intimidating, or violent in nature will be subject to immediate disciplinary action. Disciplinary action is at the discretion of the administration. Indefinite suspension or expulsion may result as a consequence to such behavior. Any student falsely reporting a threat of violence, for the purpose of harming another student, will be subjected to a minimum one-day suspension from SJOV. Any student who makes a bomb threat to school or a school activity will be expelled.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Students who engage in sexual harassment on school premises or off school premises at a school-sponsored activity will be subject to appropriate discipline, including suspension or expulsion. Sexual harassment is any activity of a sexual nature that is unwanted or unwelcome, including but not limited to, unwanted sexual touching, patting, verbal/written comments of a sexual nature, sexting, sexual namecalling, pressure to engage in sexual activity, repeated propositions, and unwanted body contact.
The school’s normal disciplinary procedures will be followed in determining the appropriate consequence for the sexual harassment. Any student who believes he/she is being sexually harassed needs to report such behavior to a parent, teacher, or the Principal within a timely manner.
Bullying and Teasing Policy
Everyone at St. James of the Valley School is committed to making our school a safe and caring place for all students. We will treat each other with respect, and we will refuse to tolerate bullying in any form at our school. Our school defines bullying as follows: Bullying is unfair and one-sided. It happens when someone keeps taunting, hurting, frightening, threatening, excluding or isolating a targeted student. Staff at our school will do the following things to prevent bullying and help children feel safe at school:
- Closely supervise students in all areas of the school and playground.
- Watch for signs of bullying and stop it when it happens.
- Respond quickly and sensitively to bullying reports.
- Take seriously parents’ concerns about bullying.
- Assign consequences for bullying and/or retaliation based on the school discipline code.
Students at our school will do the following things to prevent bullying:
- Treat each other respectfully.
- Refuse to bully others. Refuse to let others be bullied.
- Refuse to watch, laugh, or join in when someone is being bullied.
- Try to include everyone in play.
- Report bullying to an adult.
Bus Conduct: Student Regulations
The need for strict adherence to school bus discipline is critical. Children causing a disturbance are actually putting themselves, the other children, and the driver in a very dangerous position. When riding a school bus, students shall:
- Be expected to walk a reasonable distance to the bus stop.
- Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pick up time; the drivers will not wait for students to walk from their homes to the bus.
- Behave at the school bus stop in an orderly manner, not threatening life, limb, or property of any individual.
- Load in an orderly matter and go directly to assigned seats. Students must remain seated, keeping aisle and exits clear.
- Respect the driver and be aware that he/she is in charge at all times and must be obeyed promptly.
- Be courteous; no profane language or gestures will be tolerated.
- Keep noise on the bus to a minimum. Classroom behavior is expected.
- Not be in violation of safety procedures, i.e., proper street crossing procedures, no fighting, pushing, shoving, or tripping.
- Be aware that Ohio State Law prohibits eating, drinking, chewing gum, or the use of tobacco products on the bus.
- Not be destructive to the interior/exterior of the bus and take an active role in litter control inside the bus.
- No objects, toys, or pencils/pens may be in hands while on the bus.
- Not throw or pass objects on, out of, or into the bus.
- Not put objects or body parts outside of bus windows.
- Carry on the bus only objects that can be held in the laps. Animals of any kind are not permitted. Large objects and school projects may need to be transported by parents.
- Ride only their regularly assigned route. Students will board and disembark only at their designated stops.
- Have written permission, from their parent or guardian and signed by the school administrator, if they wish to leave the bus at a stop other than their normal stop.
- Go directly to their bus upon dismissal from school and go directly home when they leave the bus.
- Use the emergency door only in an emergency situation or as directed by the driver.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE RULES WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLIN ARY ACTION AND THE STUDENT MAY LOSE BUS RIDING PRIVILEGES. RIDING A BUS IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT.
Disciplinary Action
In the event that disciplinary action is required, the following procedures shall be followed:
First Offense
Driver will submit a written conduct report citing specific actions of the student. A copy will be mailed home to parents. A copy will be sent to the Transportation Supervisor. A copy will be kept by SJOV. The problem will be discussed with the student and consequences given.
Second Offense
Driver will submit a written conduct report citing specific actions of the student. A copy will be mailed home to parents and phone contact will be made. A copy will be sent to the Transportation Supervisor. A copy will be kept at SJOV. The problem will be discussed with the student and more severe consequences given.
Third Offense
Driver will submit a written conduct report citing specific actions of the student. A copy will be mailed home to parents and phone contact will be made. A copy will be sent to the Transportation Supervisor. A copy will be kept by SJOV. The administrator will discipline the student with loss of bus privilege for up to 10 days or another suitable alternative.
Fourth Offense
Same procedure as in Third Offense except exclusion from bus service may be for up to 30 days after notification of parents.
In the event of flagrant misconduct, any of the four disciplinary actions may be initiated. The Principal is authorized to suspend or remove pupils from school bus riding privileges.
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