Holy Cross School Policies - Discipline

To be contributors in a peaceful and just society, students must exhibit self-motivation and discipline, awareness, creative curiosity and respectful of self, others and creation.

Discipline in the school setting is not a means of punishment but rather a means to engender self-control, responsibility, a sense of order and efficient management of time and abilities. At school children have a right to receive positive support for appropriate behavior and to choose how to behave, knowing the consequences that will follow.

Principal's Guideline to Good Behavior

To create a positive learning environment, and to insure students personal and academic
success, we must have a clear understanding of what social and moral behaviors are necessary
to do well at our school. We have determined four major characteristics as being essential in helping students make responsible decisions.

1. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. At Holy Cross Elementary School each student must learn to accept responsibility for his or her own actions and well being.
Students should know what are good and bad habits for their own bodies and minds. When students are responsible for themselves they dress correctly, eat properly, never take drugs or alcohol and never smoke cigarettes. They also get enough sleep and eat foods that are good for growth and nutrition.
2. TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER. At Holy Cross Elementary School all students show respect towards each other and celebrate the diversity of our enrollment. By taking care of each other we treat others, and their property, in words and actions in the same manner we would wish to be treated. At Holy Cross Elementary School we are a family and we treat others as our brothers and sisters.
3. TAKE CARE OF THE TEACHERS. At Holy Cross Elementary School our
teachers are completely certified and well trained. They dedicate themselves to teaching at a Catholic school and we should consider them a gift. We take care of them by listening to them, following their directions, completing assignments as requested, and respecting their authority.
4. TAKE CARE OF THE SCHOOL. None of us own our school. It is a gift from the generations of students and parents that have given of themselves and their finances to keep our school a vibrant home of Catholic education. Take care of the building, keep it clean and help in its upkeep by respecting the building and the work of maintenance.

COMMON SENSE DISCIPLINE

By Federal and State law we have the responsibility to teach many different types of students.
In order to do this effectively, school personnel and parents must ensure that the school building is
safe and conducive to the learning process. Many factors affect the learning environment, but perhaps the most critical to maintaining a positive climate is monitoring student conduct.
Inappropriate conduct and a lack of consistent and effective discipline response destroy the opportunity for learning.
The Archdiocese of Chicago and the Holy Cross Board of Education have the legal authority to make all needed policies, rules and regulations for organizing and governing our school. This includes rules concerning the conduct of the students and their morale and behavior. These apply to all students in attendance in instructional and support programs, as well as any school-sponsored activities.
The administration shall involve all concerned in the development of rules and regulations needed to maintain proper behavior. Teachers shall have the authority to make and enforce necessary rules for the internal governance in the classroom, subject to the review of the elementary principal. The board expects each teacher to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct in the classroom.

CLASSROOM GOOD BEHAVIOR

To assist the children in recognizing their personal responsibility for contributing to a positive climate, teachers and students have developed classroom expectations, consequences, positive reinforcements and emergency clauses. These are posted in the classrooms.

GENERAL SCHOOL-WIDE ETIQUETTE
1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Respect the space of other persons by keeping your hands, feet and objects to yourself.
3. Use appropriate language at all times.
4. Be a peaceful, peace-making person. Think of ways to solve disagreements by using positive words rather than through
violence of word or body.
5. Use inside voices when in the school so that others might have
quiet in which to learn.
6. Help keep this world safe, clean, and beautiful. Keep good order.

SCHOOL-WIDE CONSEQUENCES
1. Student may receive a verbal warning and assistance in changing behavior.
2. Student may be referred to the principal.
3. The teacher and principal generally determine consequences
and this consequence should be appropriate to the nature and
degree of the offense.

CHURCH ETIQUETTE
1. Church is a place of prayer and worship. Be respectful of the church as a house of God where people need quiet to pray.
2. Participate in group prayer by singing, listening, praying, reflecting, and watching the actions of the priest and people.

PLAYGROUND ETIQUETTE
1. Follow the directions of your teachers and the supervisors.
2. Use equipment properly.
3. Be protective of each other by not throwing stones, snowballs
or other objects, or running without a sense of direction.
4. Let your use of language always be with respect for yourself, the people around you, and the family, school,
church and community you represent.
5. Stay in the assigned area.

*NOTE: Equipment brought outside must be carried out and in by the students and returned to its proper place or assigned classroom.
* Contact sports, such as tackle football and wall ball are prohibited.
* The throwing of snow or ice and sliding on ice is not allowed under any circumstances.
* Outside recess is not held when the weather is inclement.

LUNCHROOM ETIQUETTE
1. Follow the lunchroom rules and those of the supervisors.
2. Remember that eating lunch in school is a privilege and that
each member of the school has a right to a pleasant atmosphere
in which to eat and carry on a conversation.
Rules:
1. Students are escorted by their teacher to the Community Room.
2. Students remain seated unless given permission by a lunch supervisor.
3. Students do not leave the lunchroom without permission of supervisor.
4. Students will be dismissed for recess in small groups only
after the table and surrounding area has been cleaned as expected.
5. When, on occasion, a student leaves the premises for lunch,
a note from a parent should be sent to the homeroom teacher
who informs the lunch supervisor. The child must be signed
out and in at the office and return on time for the afternoon
session.
6. Food is eaten only in the Community Room or designated area.
7. Gum chewing is not allowed at any time in the school building.
8. Students who are requested to skip recess and return to a classroom must
have a written permission slip signed by the teacher and presented to the
lunchroom supervisor.
Consequences:
1. Verbal reminder, warning and redirection
2. Time out table
3. Homeroom teacher is informed and he/she determines appropriate consequences
4. Principal is informed who may contact parents. Student is served with a detention or required to eat lunch in the office for a specified period of time or required to go home for lunch under the supervision of the parent.
5. Student is not allowed to have lunch in school as determined by the
Principal.

CONSEQUENCES REQUIRING THE INTERVENTION OF THE PRINCIPAL
1. Anytime a teacher or school employee recognizes a need to
redirect a student's behavior the principal may become involved. The principal may see cause to reprimand, suspend or dismiss a student. Suspensions or dismissals will not occur without parent involvement.

HALLWAY ETIQUETTE

1. Follow the directions of the staff.
2. Always walk, never run.
3. Respect anyone you meet. Greet them.
4. Respect the silence necessary for others to learn.
5. Keep the hallways clean and safe.

SCHOOL BUS ETIQUETTE

1. Contribute to a safe trip by: Staying in your seat, respecting the space and opinions of others, speaking in a refined manner and tone.
2. Respect the bus driver.
3. Care for each other.
4. Do not throw articles, eat or drink beverages on the bus.
Consequences:
1. Parents are notified by way of a citation issued by the bus driver and/or a phone call from the principal.
2. Rider maybe suspended from riding the bus for one week.
3. Rider may not be allowed to ride the bus.

JUNIOR HIGH ETIQUETTE

1. By your actions, attitudes, and achievements you teach the
younger children who look up to you.
2. Lockers are provided for the convenience of storing your school materials and coats. Students are not to display any sexist,
sexually suggestive, crude, lewd, racist, or alcohol or drug related materials in the locker. A fine will be imposed for lockers that are defaced or damaged. Lockers may be checked at random by the
teacher, principal, assistant principal or their designee.
3. The uniform code applies to all students, Kindergarten to
Grade 8 and will be strictly enforced.
4. On occasion work orders are given to Jr. High students.
This involves a half-hour of cleaning, as assigned by the teacher. The Jr. High retains a demerit system:
> Three (3) demerits result in one detention.
> Three (3) detentions in one marking period may result
in an at-home suspension.
5. Pre and post parties on nights of our scheduled dances are discouraged.

DETENTIONS - will be issued when deemed necessary by any member of the faculty. Such reasons might include: Frequent and repeated tardiness, infractions of rules and points of etiquette, disrespect, incomplete assignments, dress code violations, or reasons determined by the teacher. Depending on the infraction and the age of the child, the detention might last from ten minutes to a full hour. Three detentions in one marking period may result in a one-day at-home suspension. The other detentions are served on the day indicated on the notice sent home. The detention slip is returned to the issuing teacher the day following issuance, having been signed by a parent. The signature of the parent is necessary to notify the parent of the infraction so as to elicit support, and as a safety precaution.

SUSPENSIONS - involve being temporarily dismissed or excluded from attending regular classes. The difference between it and expulsion lies in the possibility of the student being readmitted to the system. This however, can only happen when the reason for the suspension is removed by a combined assurance and effort of the student and parent. In-school suspensions require the student to attend school, but be separated from ordinary activities and classes. Out-of-school suspension bars the student from the school entirely.
The administration determines the number of days a student is suspended. A student who has been suspended loses any eligibility for merit awards for that quarter. For tests missed during a suspension, the student receives a zero.
Suspension may include but not be limited to any of the following:
* Insolence toward any adult
* Continued disruptive behavior, which hampers the teaching and learning process
* Defacing parish property Monetary compensation will be expected.
* Truancy
* Physical fighting and endangering the well being of others
* Abusive language to an adult or peers
* Possession and/or use of harmful materials and substances, such as knives, guns, explosives, weapons, questionable reading materials,
tobacco, drugs alcohol.
* Three detentions in one marking period.
* Any other reason not listed but deemed necessary and appropriate

EXPULSION - involves the permanent dismissal of a student from attending Holy Cross School. It is invoked rarely and then only as a last resort.

STUDENT-TEACHER RELATIONS

If teachers are to provide time and effort in helping students learn, it is necessary that students cooperate. Acceptable conduct may be different in each classroom. Adjusting to varied personalities, teaching/learning strategies, subject areas, routines, and standards of teachers is part of the student's learning process. Students are to follow the directives, expectations, and deadlines set by the individual teachers. Students whose conduct is distracting or contrary are to realize that their lack of cooperation is denying other students their right to an academic atmosphere in which to learn and the teachers the right to teach. Following a reminder, disciplinary steps will be taken.

ATHLETIC COMMITTEE AND BOOSTER CLUB CONSEQUENCES FOR ATHLETES

The Holy Cross Athletic Committee will provide athletic policies for parents/guardians of participants in sports activities with specific instructions, expectations and consequences. Students receiving detentions and/or suspensions in school will be reported to the appropriate coach. The coach will impose consequences in agreement with the Holy Cross Athletic Committee By-laws governing school sports.

PARENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
In choosing to register at Holy Cross and with acceptance of the application, it is reasonable to expect that academic and discipline standards are compatible and that parent and school will work together to assist the child to be come the person described in the philosophy and mission of the school.
Teachers and the principal will communicate with parents by standard means: Phone calls, progress reports, and/or conferences, particularly as concerns mount. It is the school's intent and desire to work with the parents in meeting the needs of the student and to assist the child to be self-motivated and self-disciplined.
If a parent has a concern, the parent should contact the teacher. If the parent then feels that further action and/or communication is necessary, the principal should be contacted. If necessary, a meeting will be arranged with the teacher(s) and principal present. If these steps do not bring satisfaction, then a meeting with the pastor should be requested.
Non-cooperation on the part of a parent could result in the application for registration or re-registration being denied.

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SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES RELATED TO: SUBSTANCE ABUSE, GANG AFFILIATION AND WEAPONS

POLICY: Holy Cross School will provide an environment which is free of tobacco, illegal drugs and alcohol.

PROCEDURES:
The following procedure will be used as a guide when there is evidence that a student has been found to have possessed, purchased, used, sold or distributed: Tobacco, narcotics, marijuana or any related substances, hallucinogenic drugs, intoxicants such as alcohol or toxic vapors, prescription or non-prescription drugs or medication, lighters, matches or other related paraphernalia of any of the foregoing, on school premises or at school related activities, on the school bus or at the bus stop, or in transit to and from school.
The principal or designee will notify parents/guardians immediately. A period of suspension will normally follow and reinstatement will not take place until a meeting is held between the student, parent, principal and assistant principal, and/or other school personnel, along with any other affected parties as determined by the principal. The student may be required to seek counseling or certified professional assistance and appropriate disciplinary measures will follow. Following the consultation above, the school principal may enforce probationary re-entry, individual contract, and/or expulsion.
A student who is found to have sold or transferred, or attempted to sell or transfer, any illegal substance herein mentioned shall be expelled.
Based on circumstances and the severity of the matter, the police will be notified as directed by law. (Public Act 89-354, DMC Sect. 15-23, 15-23.1, ILCS 550/5.2, ILCS 5/24.5-5)

POLICY: Holy Cross School will provide an environment which is free of the presence of gang and gang-related activities.

PROCEDURES:
The following procedure will be used as a guide when there is evidence that a student has engaged in gang-related or gang activity, which includes: Affiliation, imitation, communication, body language, and/or clothing. The procedure will apply to any student identified on school premises or at school related activities, on the school bus or at the bus stop, or in transit to and from school.
The principal or designee will notify parents immediately. A period of suspension will normally follow and reinstatement will not take place until a meeting is held between the student, parent, principal and assistant principal, and/or other school personnel, along with any other affected parties as determined by the principal. The student may be required to seek counseling or certified professional assistance and disciplinary measures deemed appropriate. Following consultation, the school principal may enforce probationary re-entry, individual contract, or expulsion.
Based on circumstances and the severity of the matter, the police will be notified as directed by law. (DMC Sect. 15.5, DMC Sect. 15-10)

POLICY: Holy Cross School will not tolerate the presence or sale of weapons or use of objects as weapons to cause bodily harm.

PROCEDURES:
A student who uses, possesses, distributes, purchases, or sells firearms or explosive or destructive devices at school, at any school-related activity, or to and from school or to and from any school-related activity, shall be expelled. A weapon, for purposes of these consequences, includes any firearm or explosive/destructive device. (Section 921 of Title 18, United States Code) The principal shall notify the police of any student who brings a firearm or explosive/destructive device to school.
Objects used as weapons, but not meeting the definition of the above, include any object which may be used to cause bodily harm, including but not limited to, knives, brass knuckles, billy clubs, or "look-a-likes". Sticks, baseball bats, pipes, bottles, locks, pencils, compasses, and other seemingly benign objects may be considered weapons if used, attempted to be used, or threatened to be used so as to cause bodily harm.
Parents will be notified immediately. A period of suspension will normally follow and reinstatement will not take place until a meeting is held between the student, parent, principal and assistant principal, and/or other school personnel, along with any other affected parties as determined by the principal. The student may be required to seek counseling or certified professional assistance and disciplinary measures deemed appropriate. Following the consultation above, the school principal may enforce probationary re-entry, individual contract, or expulsion.
Based on circumstances and the severity of the matter, the police will be notified as directed by law. (Public Act 89-371, DMC 15-54, 15-56, ILCS 5/24-3.1, ILCS 5/24-1.)