Pictures of Saint Agnes School

Discipline Code

  

Assessment of Behavior

Grades 1 to 8 employ a CALENDAR system, a method of assessing a student’s responsibility for self and daily tasks. The CALENDAR is used as reinforcement, as communication with parents, and as a visual reminder to students who need strengthening in a particular area.

The students are encouraged to maintain a monthly calendar which reflects good effort and self-control. Special pride should be taken for a clear or almost clear (less than 3 monthly checks) calendar.

Student’s Code of Conduct

The essence of Christian discipline is self-discipline. The rules for conduct for St. Agnes School students aim at developing an inner discipline which will be shown by a respect for authority and by a recognition of the rights of all members of the school community. With this in mind, a code of conduct is mandated. Any infraction(s) of the code will result, at the least, in a calendar mark that month. Every five calendar marks will result in an after school detention.

  1. Students should be aware that their first obligation is to give service to God and to others.
  2. Students should cooperate with all school personnel by following directives willingly and by offering service.
  3. *Students should give proper respect and courtesy to all school personnel: faculty, staff, aides, and volunteers.
  4. Students are required to wear the complete uniform of the school unless other permission is granted, and to wear it properly.
  5. Students should be on time for school and may not leave the school premises once they arrive in the morning.
  6. Students should try to use class time as effectively as possible by taking pride in doing their best and by helping to provide an atmosphere in which real learning takes place.
  7. Students are responsible for completion of all homework assignments and projects on time.
  8. Students should obey all the rules and regulations of the school and their individual classrooms.
  9. * Students who are found cheating will receive an automatic detention and failure for that particular test.
  10. Students are required to take care of the things given them for their use. Textbooks are to be covered and given proper care.
  11. *Students may not chew gum anywhere on the school property.
  12. Students should walk through the building and maintain a quiet atmosphere so that classrooms are not disturbed.
  13. Immediate silence is expected in the morning yard once the bell has rung.
  14. Students are never to be in any part of the school building without permission of the teacher.
  15. *Students are expected to show a Christian attitude toward one another. Therefore, fighting, abusive/foul language, obscene gestures, excessive taunting, or any similar conduct is forbidden.
  16. Students may play only with balls of soft material; no violent games are permitted. In general, students are to keep their hands and feet to themselves.
  17. *No electronic equipment is permissible on/in school premises or school bus. This includes cell phones, tape recorders, walk-men, video games, CD players, electronic devices or any toy of this nature.
  18. *Students may not deface school property (e.g. books, desks, instructional material, etc.).
  19. Students may not wear watches to school that contain alarms, radios, etc.
  20. Students may not have laser devices on their person or school property.
  21. Only students issued permission may use the school’s computers to access the Internet. Use of stations is limited to those who have a clear need for research and whose assignment can be verified by a teacher assignment paper. Any violation of the Acceptable Use Policy may result in loss of Internet access and/or disciplinary or legal action by the school or other involved parties.

*AUTOMATIC DETENTION will be given for these infractions.

Lunch Time Play

Each student is responsible for appropriate personal behavior. There is always a yard supervisor(s) on duty with assistance from an appointed teacher. (Additional parent help is encouraged!) For safety reasons, students in grades 1 to 5 may not run at any time. Good sportsmanship is expected at all times. Games and activities are to be non-competitive in nature.

Balls, games, etc. are coordinated by the yard supervisors.

Rationale

The rationale for these rules follows from two educational rights:

  1. the right of students to be taught and
  2. the right of the teacher to teach

The school and classroom rules provide for an environment in which these two rights are respected. Therefore, observing the stated rules is mandatory for all students.

Violation of any of the stated codes of conduct will result in at least a detention, ranging from a lunch detention to an after school detention depending on the seriousness of the situation. This consequence applies to all students, grades K to 8.

Process for Enforcement of Rules

Most students realize the need for school and classroom rules and appreciate a positive and disciplined learning atmosphere. The staff will continue to establish positive reinforcement rewards to encourage this attitude.

However, the process of growth for every child will sometimes involve mistakes. If necessary, detention will be held once a week ( 2:50 to 3:45 PM). Notice in writing will be given to the parent at least “24 hours” in advance if detention is warranted unless an extreme situation arises. A note from the parent or a phone call to the office to confirm the detention is necessary. Transportation after detention is parental responsibility. If student is not picked up by 3:50 PM he/she will be sent to CARES (a fee will be charged). Parents can pick student up at CARES.

Suspension and Expulsion

Types of offenses that will result at the least in an in-school suspension, formal suspension or expulsion of a student from St. Agnes School :

  1. Violation of Criminal Code of Pennsylvania – an offense involving police.
  2. Possession, use, or sale of alcohol, drugs or illegal items. (Students who raise reasonable suspicion by action, speech, dress, etc. can expect to be searched for evidence.)
  3. Destruction of school property.
  4. Immoral or indecent behavior especially when it infringes upon the rights of others.
  5. Chronic truancy – repeated absences from school without proper excuses.
  6. Fighting, abusive/foul language, obscene gestures, excessive taunting, or any similar conduct is forbidden.
  7. Assault, physical or verbal, toward teachers or staff personnel.
  8. Theft
  9. Extortion – threatening the safety of an individual by demanding money, personal property or services.
  10. Possession of a weapon – a weapon is considered to be any dangerous item which could inflict bodily harm on another person when used for that purpose.
  11. Any act that endangers the health and safety of the school community.