Consequences/Disciplinary Infractions

Consequences

All choices involve consequences. Disciplinary actions include, but are not limited to the following:

Meeting with the student

Students will be asked to reconsider their actions, to search for alternate ways of handling problems, to make proper amends as is necessary and to observe the proper code of conduct. This typically is the first step in assisting a student. This may include: a verbal warning and/or time out. Referral to teacher/principal/appropriate personnel with the possible consequence of a discipline referral form to be signed by parents and returned to school where it is kept on file.

Loss of privileges

Students using inappropriate language or conduct in the cafeteria or on the playground may lose the privilege of using the cafeteria or participating in recess. Parent/Guardian(s) may be asked to come and sit with their child if there are repeated infractions. Inappropriate behavior may also result in being excluded from assemblies, field trips and other school related activities. Loss of privilege may also include temporary removal from a class or play area to a supervised location and/or an official suspension.

Making restitution

Students who destroy property, mar or deface property, classrooms, cafeteria, restrooms, etc. will be required to clean, repair, or replace damaged items.

Detentions

Students may be required to report for a supervised after school detention. Parent/Guardian(s) will be notified of infractions with a detention slip prior to the day of the detention. After school detentions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Detentions for students in grades K-3 will be 30 minutes long and will be held in a classroom in the primary building supervised by a K-3 teacher. Detentions for students in grades 4-8 will be 45 minutes long and will be held in a classroom in the main building. Late arrival at detention will delay the student’s release by as many minutes as he/she was tardy. Parent/Guardians are responsible for transportation after detention. Students will not be permitted to do homework during detention.

Failure to return a detention slip the day after it issued or failure to serve a detention each warrant issuance of a subsequent detention.

Conferences with parents

Students who repeatedly disregard rules will attend a conference with their teacher or appropriate personnel and one’s parent/guardian(s). This may include students who accumulate more then 3 detentions.

Saturday Detention

If a student has received 3 detentions and/or at the discretion of the principal, he/she will be issued a Saturday detention. This detention will be held on a scheduled Saturday from 8:00 A.M. until noon. The detention will be supervised by the principal and a designated teacher. Sports and other extra curricular activities are not an excuse for missing this detention. Students who fail to serve a scheduled Saturday detention will receive an in-school suspension. This detention will be issued to the student in writing.

Suspension

A suspension is the exclusion from school or classes for a specified time at the discretion of the principal or a faculty member designated by the principal. In the event of an in-school suspension, the student will be asked to work in the school in a supervised area, but is excluded from classes, the cafeteria and recess. Parent/Guardian(s) may be asked to sit with their child for the day. An out-of-school suspension excludes the student from school for specified period of time. In either case, students on suspension are responsible for making up all the work that they missed. Any student suspended from West Park Catholic Academy will not be readmitted until a conference takes place between the parent/guardian(s) and the principal. Suspensions may be issued as a result of the following:

• Accumulation of five (5) detentions.
• Physical violence or excessive verbal abuse toward another student, teacher or person on school premises. (all parties involved are subject to suspension)
• Threatening violence toward any person
• Leaving the school grounds at any time during school hours without permission.
• Theft, deliberate destruction or defacing of school property or another’s personal possessions.
• Possession, distribution, attempted sale or use of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, pornographic materials or weapons on the school property.

This is not a complete list of all infractions that may result in a suspension. Other situations may also result in a suspension at the discretion of the principal.

Probation

When reasonable measures have been taken to correct a problem and no significant improvement is noted, a student may be placed on probation by the principal. The terms of the probation will be clearly stated in writing. Students who do not comply with the terms of probation may be asked to leave the school at the conclusion of the probationary period or before that time if the seriousness of the situation warrants such action.

Emergency Removal

A student may be sent home immediately if the situation warrants danger to the student, other students or adults. Parents will be called to pick the student up. A conference must be scheduled before the student can return to school.

Expulsion

In cases of extreme offense or lack of parent/guardian(s) support, students may be removed from school. Expulsion from school is very severe and usually the last resort in the discipline process. Expulsions become part of a student’s permanent record. In some cases the principal may deem an action by a student so severe that it would result in immediate expulsion from school. This decision is the right and responsibility of the principal. A designee of the Board of Directors will be notified of the situation.

Infractions

The following infractions may result in disciplinary actions:

Abuse of computer hardware and/or software

A student must have permission to use West Park Catholic Academy’s computers and network. Use of the internet must occur within the guidelines established by the school. The School/Diocese’s Acceptable Use Policy must be followed at all times.

Alcoholic beverages, drugs, drug paraphernalia and controlled substances

Students will not possess, use, sell, and carry on or about the person any of the above.

Assault on a student or staff member

A student will not knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to another student or staff member.

Academic Dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism)

Under no circumstances will a student obtain and/or use the work of another student or falsely take credit for something that is not their work (tests, quizzes, homework, papers, projects or any assignments).

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones are not permitted to be turned on or visible during the school day. Cell phones must be turned off in the student's book bag during the school day. Cell phones will be taken away from any student seen with one during the school day, including but not limited to carrying the cell phone in his/her pant pocket, skirt pocket, belts or socks. West Park Catholic Academy is not liable for any cell phone that is lost, stolen or damaged while on school property. If a cell phone is taken from the student:

• 1st Offense: Parent/Guardian(s) must come to school to claim the phone and a detention will be given.
• 2nd Offense: Detention is given to student for not following school policy and the cell phone is taken until the end of the school year when a parent/guardian(s) must then claim it.

Dangerous Weapons

The policy is on file in the principal's office.

A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or conceal any weapon, explosive device or sharp metal objects, foreign metal objects such as tools that could be used to inflict harm, stun guns, firearms (any weapon which can "expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.")

Electronic Devices - possession and use

Electronic and/or technological devices are not permitted to be brought to school or used during school hours. The list includes, but not limited to, beepers, pagers, hand -held gaming devices, MP3's, digital cameras, blackberries, I-pods, and any other nuisance device and/or object that disrupts the learning process. Cellular phones are not permitted to be used at school for any reason. Cell phones that are required for safety purposes only, must be turned off and stored in the student's book bag during the day. Parent/Guardian(s) are required to also sign off on the cell phone policy sheet. (See form at the back of the hardcopy handbook).

Excessive unexcused tardiness or absences

The above will not be tolerated. The Department of Children's Services may be contacted in severe cases.

Failure to provide evidence-lying

Students will be expected to be honest concerning violations of the code of conduct. Students shall be expected to cooperate with school officials.

Fire Alarm

A student will not attempt to disrupt school in any manner by illegally pulling or attempting to pull a fire alarm, falsely calling emergency 911 or making a bomb threat. (Police may be notified.)

Food

Food is allowed only during snack, lunch or under the supervision of a teacher.

Group or gang related activity

Policy on file in the principal's office

Gangs or gang related activities will not be tolerated.

Gum chewing is prohibited

No gum is ever permitted on school grounds.

Harassment

Complete policy on file in the principal's office

Harassment of any type will not be tolerated. Examples may include, but are not limited to: verbal or written taunting, bullying, sexual innuendoes or comments; jokes, stories, pictures, cartoons, drawings or objects which are offensive.

Insubordination

Showing disrespect (rude or discourteous behavior) to a teacher and/or any adult in authority.

Leaving the school buildings and/or school property without permission

A student will never leave the school property before dismissal without first obtaining the consent of the principal.

Misconduct away from school

Students will be expected to abide by all rules and regulations when attending school functions, field trips or school sponsored activities off school property.

Possession of flammable object (lighters, matches, etc.)

Students will not have in their possession an object that could produce a flame or spark.

Re-entering school building after dismissal

Students are not permitted to enter the school building after dismissal without the permission of the principal or any member of the faculty or staff.

Smoking

A student will not smoke, possess or use any tobacco substance on school grounds or at any school sponsored activity.

Theft or damage to private or personal or school property

Students will be expected to respect the property of others and the school. Students' families will be expected to make restitution regarding theft or damage.

Use of profane vulgar or abusive language or gestures

Students will not engage in any of the above.

Use of cameras or video equipment

Students must have prior approval of principal or designee and be under the direction of a teacher while using any type of camera or video equipment

Violation of Dress Code

All students will be expected to follow the dress code at school and at all school related functions.

Other types of conduct

In recognition that any list of prohibited conduct cannot encompass every conceivable action, which may properly be subject to discipline, the authority to administer discipline for conduct not specifically set forth will be at the discretion of the principal.

Additional Discipline Policies

Each grade and classroom will have their own policy that includes rewards and consequences. Parents are asked to read and sign the agreement each school year.