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  |  BEHAVIOR CODE  |  UNIFORM POLICY |  UPPER SCHOOL  |

 

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|  CATEGORY I  |  CATEGORY II  |  CATEGORY III  |  SUSPENSION  | EXPULSION |

Student Handbook - Behavior Code Agreement Letter

 

Warning Card System
A warning card system was instituted in 2004-2005 to help parents keep informed of disciplinary infractions. Students are given the opportunity of avoiding a “detention” by changing the behavior in question. The card is carried with the student at all times. Parents may refer to this card at anytime during a trimester. After the student has received 3 demerits, a signature will be required from the parent. After 6 demerits, a detention will be issued to the student and another signature required.
It is our hope that this means of communication between school and home will assist the student in avoiding breeches in the Behavior Code.

UPPER SCHOOL 
The policies of Immaculate Heart of Mary School have the aim of helping the student to assume responsibility for his/her actions as a member of a community.  Whenever all individuals freely accept this responsibility, it may be said that discipline exists.  Good discipline, impartially administered, is not an end in itself.  Its ultimate purpose is to develop true Christian character and sense of responsibility, establish an atmosphere conducive to academic excellence, and protect the welfare and reputation of the individual, as well as the school community. 
Because every student at I.H.M. is an integral part of the faith community of the school, each must be aware that what he/she does affects the entire community.  Each student is expected to accept the responsibility for conduct rightfully expected of a Catholic School student.  The following regulations governing behavior fall into three (3) categories.  Each student has the responsibility to adhere to these regulations at all times.  This includes conduct to and from school, as well as on school and parish property.
CATEGORY I
This section includes regulations which will be administered by the individual teachers.
  1. Students are to complete home assignments neatly and accurately, and punctually.  Failure to do so will result in the student being kept after school until the work is completed to the satisfaction of the teacher.
  2. Students are to prepare for and participate in all classroom activities to the best of their ability.  Failure to do so will result in the student receiving a demerit.
  3. Students are to obey established rules for lunch time and recess.  Failure to do so will result in the student receiving a demerit.
  4. Students are to wear the complete approved uniform for IHM School.  This includes proper haircuts and jewelry.  Failure to do so will result in a demerit.
CATEGORY II
Failure to observe these rules shall result in the issuance of a demerit. If a student receives (6) demerits, this will result in the issuance of a 30 minute detention.
  1. Students are not to chew gum on school property.  Snacks should be eaten only at lunch time or as a special treat from a teacher.  Food purchased in the kitchen is to be eaten in the classroom.  Failure to follow these rules will result in the issuance of a demerit.
  2. Students are not to engage in sports or other strenuous games/activities on the playground in the morning, prior to the opening of school.
  3. Students are to be on time for school and for all classes, unless legitimately excused.
  4. Students are to arrive for class(es) with all books and materials required.
  5. Students are to report to a teacher after class hours when requested to do so.
  6. Students are to return parent-signed DETENTIONS/DEMERIT CARDS/TEST PAPERS, etc as directed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
CATEGORY III
Failure to observe the regulations of this section shall result in an issuance of a ONE HOUR DETENTION.
  1. Students may not leave school grounds once they have arrived in the morning.
  2. Students are not to cheat on any test or class assignment.
  3. Students are to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous and orderly manner.  They are not to be a source of disruption in school, or to and from school.
  4. Students are to act in a respectful manner toward all adults (teachers, parent helpers, visitors), as well as toward other students.  A student may never argue with a teacher or volunteer.
  5. Students are not to fight at any time on school property, or on the way to and from school.
  6. Students are not to harass or threaten other students.
  7. Students may not forge another's name.
  8. Students are not to leave class without a teacher's permission.
  9. Students are not to use unbecoming or vulgar language.
  10. The School occasionally sponsors social activities for students, e.g. dances.  Students should arrive at the time published as the beginning time for the affair.  The student must remain in the stipulated area, and may not leave early unless picked up by a parent.  Parents are requested to arrange for a pick-up of their son/daughter from all evening affairs.  We do not approve of students walking home ... even a short distance.
  11. Students are not to possess or distribute indecent literature, or pictures.  (THIS WILL RESULT IN AN IN HOUSE SUSPENSION)
IN HOUSE SUSPENSION
Repeated violations of CATEGORIES II or III may result in an "In House Suspension". 
The Principal will promptly notify the parents if this action occurs. 
SUSPENSION
The Principal may suspend a student whose conduct is unacceptable in light of the goals and regulations of the school.  In case of intended suspension, the Principal shall promptly arrange a meeting with the parents.  The time lost from school as a result of the suspension shall be made up in the manner decided upon the Principal.  A written note of the suspension will be kept on file.
  1. Any student who repeatedly disregards the regulations will be considered for suspension.
  2. Students are to respect, never mutilate or destroy the property of the School/Parish.
  3. Students are not to smoke or use alcohol on School/Parish premises.
  4. Students are not to have in their possession at any time a dangerous object on School/Parish property or to and from School.
  5. Students are to respect the property of another, never hiding or stealing the property of another.
EXPULSION / EXCLUSION
This section includes regulations, the violations of which may subject the student to expulsion or exclusion.  In case of expulsion, the situation will be reviewed by the Principal, who will in turn submit a written report to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.  Depending upon the gravity of the incident, a student may be excluded by the Principal/or expelled by the Superintendent.
  1. Students may never assault a teacher or volunteer.
  2. Students may not use, sell, or give any drug or medication, regardless of its nature, on School/Parish grounds, at officially sanctioned school functions or to and from school. 
  3. A student who continues to threaten or inflict serious bodily harm on another person will be expelled.
  4. A student must attend school on all days, unless legitimately excused, never being truant.
  5. Students with repeated violations will be referred to the Principal.
  6. Students are expected to serve detentions at the designated times.  Parents are asked to cooperate in this manner.
  7. Students who have repeatedly violated the rules and regulations, after conferences and counseling will be asked to withdraw.
It is presumed that every Middle School Student has freely chosen to be a member of the I.H.M. School community and by this choice has agreed to promote the Christian atmosphere and the common good of the school.  Therefore, it is anticipated that infractions of the rules will be minimal.  An excessive number of Detentions may be considered an indication that the Student does not seriously desire to be a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary School and appropriate action will be taken.  It is also presumed that parents having chosen to have their child/ren in a Catholic School, will support the efforts of I.H.M. School Administration in its efforts to ensure a safe, wholesome environment where a strong academic and faith values are evident.