HONOR ROLL
Students in grades 2-8 will be eligible for six weeks and semester honor rolls by maintaining the following averages and obtaining a satisfactory conduct grade:
1. All A’s — (Excellence in Achievement) A grade of 90 or above in all subjects.
2. A and B — An average of 90 in four of the academic subjects and an average of 80-89 in all other courses.
3. Any conduct grade except “unsatisfactory.”
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
The following is the current Diocesan policy regarding promotion and retention.
1. Elementary grades: To be promoted from one grade level to the next, a Student shall attain for the year an overall average of 70 or above which is derived by averaging the final numerical grade for language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and religion. In addition, a student shall attain an average of 70 or above in language arts and in mathematics. Grades for health, fine arts, and physical education will also have the numerical grading scale outlined above.
2. Middle school (5-8): To be promoted from one grade level to the next, a student shall attain an overall average of 70 or above for the year in all courses taken. In addition, a student shall attain an average of 70 or above in four of the following subjects: language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and religion.
A student may be retained if the teacher, principal and parent agree that this would be in the best interest of the student, even though the student attains the above policy. This is a local school policy. A student will not under any circumstance be permitted to advance to the next grade if she/he does not meet the criteria explained in items 1 and 2 above. No student will be required to repeat the same grade or subject more than twice, regardless of the student’s grade or any other reason(s).
HOMEWORK
The purpose of homework should be “an extension, reinforcement, enrichment and enhancement of skills generated as a result of daily activities and experiences.” It is the student’s responsibility to complete homework in accordance with teacher directives. We request that parents make homework a top priority at home.
FIELD TRIPS (local Board policy approved by the pastor and adopted June 1996)
Field trips and other excursions involving one or multiple students should have clear objectives that relate directly to curriculum objectives. These activities should, for the most part, be “extensions” of those learning goals being pursued at the classroom level. Field Trips will not be taken as a reward or “just for fun.” All field trips will relate to instructional objectives.
1. The staff member or other party responsible must advise the principal at least ten (10) school days prior to the projected trip. The purpose must be aligned with the objectives stated above, type of transportation to be used, plans for transportation both ways (including the names of drivers and their relationship to the school), and the names of any other chaperones.
2. After the principal’s approval, the staff member or other person(s) responsible will send a memo of explanation to all parents/guardians by way of the students involved with a waiver signed by the parents/guardians acknowledging permission for the student to participate. The memo must be cosigned by the principal prior to delivery. This memo will be transmitted to the parents/guardians at least five (5) attendance days prior to the day of the trip, unless an unforeseeable situation develops that is acceptable to the principal. Failure to return the signed waiver portion of the memo prior to the trip will prevent the student’s participation (this is a liability protection for the school and a safety precaution for the student). Verbal confirmation on the part of the parents/guardians by whatever means will not be accepted. Verbal confirmation can not be verified if a liability issue arises as a result of the trip. The legitimate signed waiver by the legal parents/guardians returned and verified by the teacher(s) and principal shall constitute permission for the student to participate. The parents/guardians must understand and appreciate the school’s highest priority in safeguarding the safety of each student and its concern for any liability claim which it might have to endure as a result of not having written permission from the parents/guardian. Parents/guardians have every right to deny their child(s) participation in any field trip, regardless of the reason. Not signing the waiver form is an acceptable means of denying this participation. Suitable in-school supervision and assignment will be issued to any student not participating in a field trip.
3. It is the sponsor’s responsibility to strictly enforce rules of conduct that will insure ultimate safety and maximum accomplishment of the objective. “Field trips are a privilege, not a right.” (Diocesan Education Board, May 1999). Only pupils who act responsibly will be permitted to go on field trips.
4. Special care will be taken to not overload transportation vehicles that may jeopardize safety. No more than five (5), including the driver, will be allowed when transporting by a vehicle, unless the vehicle is a van or similar type mode of transportation designed to transport more than five (5). The school has a small bus/van that will safely transport fifteen passengers, including the driver.
5. Only designated grade level(s) students will be allowed to participate. A parent/guardian driver and/or chaperone are asked not to request permission to take a sibling from a grade not designated to participate in the field trip. This interrupts the student(s)’ academic day and places the school in a situation of being held liable should the student be injured.
6. Every driver of a personal vehicle used on a field trip must show proof of active liability and a valid in-force commercial license having no restrictions and must be on file in the office prior to any trip. Drivers should be aware that their insurance could be summoned in the event of an accident or injury. Any person having been convicted of a driving related incident other than “minor” traffic violations will not be allowed to drive a vehicle containing one or more children who are not his/her own sibling(s).
7. Prior attendance at a Protecting God’s Children workshop is a requirement for driving a vehicle transporting students or for attending a school field trip.
8. Out-of-town trips will be limited to approximately 100 miles from the school. Distances greater than this will be at the discretion of the principal.
9. Overnight trips will not be approved by the principal. Again, this significantly increases the danger to the participants and increases liability potential.
10. All expenses necessary for the student to participate will be the full responsibility of the student, unless otherwise noted.
11. Students not participating, for whatever the reason, can not receive an excused absence for not attending school during the time that classes are in session and the time in which the field trip is being conducted, unless there is a valid reason for being absent, such as personal illness. A student at school at the time the field trip is in progress will not be permitted to leave the school until the designated release time. The student will be assigned to a supervised locationand provided with suitable academic pursuits.
12. If parents organize a non-school trip, the principal will not take responsibility for preparations for the trip, such as participation in fund-raising or dissemination of materials, etc. (Diocesan Education Board, May 1999).
STUDENT CONDUCT: PROMOTING A CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING
The staff will attempt at all times to conduct themselves in such a manner that will convey love and respect for all students and parents. Likewise, the staff should expect students and parents to act the same toward them. St. Mary’s School has high expectations for excellent student behavior. Students are responsible for conducting themselves properly, in a manner appropriate to their age and level of maturity.
When a discipline problem occurs, depending on the act, the student involved and other circumstances, the following course of action may be conducted or modified as best meets the needs of the student: personal conference with the student, conference with parents, loss of minor privileges, lunch detention, detention after school, or other courses of action designed to modify negative behavior.
DETENTION or (alternative, or added punishment at the discretion of the principal)
The principal may assign detention or apply additional punitive action for any violation of the following. The principal may suspend or invoke additional or alternative disciplinary action as he/she deems necessary.
1. Disrespect to staff, another student or adult (such acts include but not limited to abuse name-calling, disrespectful response to one in authority, etc.).
2. Consistent disruptive behavior.
3. Intimidation, bullying (threats of physical harm, actions to induce fear, offensive language - name-calling) toward another student. Repeated violations can result in student suspension and/or ultimate expulsion.
4. Refusal to complete assignments.
5. Disrespectful or profane language or gestures any place in the school or on the school grounds before, during, or after school, or at a school sponsored event.
6. Stealing, destroying or defacing school property or the property of others. Student or parents are subject to being required to repair any damage or replace any stolen item.
7. Fighting (student can be suspended by the principal).
8. Cheating on tests and other assignments: student will be given a “0" for the test or assignment and the parents will be notified. Repeated violations will result in additional punishment.
9. Excessive tardies, excused or unexcused. Habitual tardiness to school in the morning is mostly parental fault.
10. Forging another person’s signature: parents will be notified.
11. Leaving the school building or grounds from the time of first arriving until designated dismissal time.
12. Bringing cell phones, electronic toys, and any other item that can be disruptive. These and other deemed as
disruptive and/or dangerous items will be confiscated.
13. Bringing a knife or similar object. It is the parent’s responsibility to monitor, as best they can, inappropriate items that the student may attempt bringing to school.
14. Any other offense that the teacher or principal feels is appropriate to warrant detention.
After notification of parent/guardian or other designated individual(s), detention can be scheduled on the day of the offense, if the principal so decides. If a student does not show up for detention on the day assigned, the student may be assigned detention for two or more consecutive days and/or other punitive action deemed appropriate.
SUSPENSION
“When disciplinary measures have failed to bring about desirable behavior, including parent conference, the principal will contact the parent/guardian that the pupil will be suspended from school for a period of up to three days. A reasonable attempt will be made to hold a conference to explain the situation and the specific requirements for the suspension. The principal will explain in writing the offense(s) committed and the details for the suspension and other restrictions the student may incur after the suspension. The student will be restricted from entering the school premises during the full time of the suspension. The pastor will be informed of the suspension, including a copy of the suspension letter.” (Diocesan Education Board, May 1999) In addition, the student will not be allowed to make up any assignment or test missed during the time of the suspension and the teacher will record a “0" for any test or assignment given or due during the duration of the suspension. The acts listed below (not inclusive) are examples that can result in student suspension and being placed on probation:
1. In possession of drugs (legal or illegal), consuming legal or illegal drugs or distributing legal or illegal drugs to
another student(s). Only drugs prescribed by a physician and distributed to a student as described elsewhere in
this handbook are permissible.
2. Smoking or possession of tobacco in any form on school property or at any school sponsored event. The school has the right to require any student to deposit all items in his/her possession if there is a legitimate reason for doing so.
3. Fighting (for whatever the circumstances) on or near school property or at any school sponsored event.
4. Consuming or under the influence of alcohol, possession of alcohol on or near school property or at any school sponsored event. Law enforcement authorities will be notified for possible investigation of violations in providing alcohol to minors.
5. Profanity and/or vulgar gestures directed at a member of the staff or other adults and students.
6. Possessing a dangerous weapon (may result in expulsion).
7. Other acts in which disciplinary measures have not positively changed student behavior.
8. Any other act(s) which the principal deems such action is appropriate.
PROBATION
Probation is given for relatively serious or continued misconduct. A student is put on probation for a specified period of time. Probation means the school has taken the first step toward expulsion and a repetition of the offense that brought about the probation could result in expulsion. During the probationary period, the student will be required to fulfill specific requirements in order to be removed from the probation. A copy of the probation letter and the requirements for conduct during this time will be placed on file.
EXPULSION
The expulsion of a student from a Catholic school is a serious matter and should be invoked only as a last resort. The principal, with the approval of the pastor, expels the pupil from the school for the remainder of the school year. The principal then notifies the superintendent of the expulsion. A copy of the expulsion notice is sent to the pastor and superintendent (Diocesan Education Board, Apr. 1997). In order for an expelled student to be re-admitted at the beginning of the next academic year, the student and parents must meet with the principal and the pastor for consideration. The decision to accept the student with a probationary clause shall be at the discretion of the principal and pastor. There is not an appeal process.
“Attending a CatholicSchool is a privilege, not a right. The Catholic schools reserve the right of the principal to withdraw a student when such is in the best interests of the school and/or the student.” (Diocesan Education Board, May 1999) Reasons for expulsion include but are not limited to the following:
1. “Sexual harassment and sexual violence directed from staff to student, student to staff, staff to staff or student to
student.” (Diocesan Education Board, Apr. 1997). Any suspected violation of this policy should be reported
immediately to the principal.
2. Possession of, consuming, or under the influence of an illegal drug or alcohol or distributing a legal, illegal drug or alcohol to another student(s). Law enforcement officers will be promptly notified.
3. Physical or verbal aggression toward a staff member, student teacher, substitute teacher, or any other individual acting with authority.
4. Possession of a firearm or any other item considered by the principal as a highly dangerous instrument designed to inflict bodily harm and/or death. As a precaution, students are not to bring to school any item designed to be a weapon, which includes any kind and size of knife or instrument that includes a knife.
5. After a second suspension in the same academic year.
6. Any other conduct or act that the principal determines to be an expulsion offense.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
Lockers, desks, and other storage spaces are school property. The school may, at any time, unannounced, and selectively check any of these spaces and their contents to insure the health and safety of the student, other students, staff and all others. Students may also be instructed to display any item(s) they may have in their possession when there is reasonable concern that such item(s) may be prohibitive. Again, it is the parent’s responsibility, within reason, to monitor what the student brings to school.
STUDENT PHYSICAL APPEARANCE (dress code) Revised and adopted 5/23/03
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO SEE THAT A STUDENT IS DRESSED AND GROOMED ACCORDING TO THE STANDARDS OF ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL DRESS CODE.
Teachers have the responsibility to enforce the dress code and are instructed to do so. The final authority to interpret the dress code rests with the principal or designee.
Staff and students are expected to be appropriately dressed at ALL school functions conducted both on and off campus (this includes dances, sporting events, 8th grade graduation, etc…). The principal or designee has the discretion to determine the appropriateness of any clothing, jewelry, etc. worn by students.
1. No articles of clothing with suggestive writing or pictures, or inappropriate advertising, slogans or symbols
which portray anti-Christian themes.
2. Shoes: Shoes must be worn at all times. Shoes must have a back. Sandals must have a back strap. No flip-flops,
thongs, slip-ons, athletic cleated shoes or shoes that may damage floor coverings. Tennis shoes must be worn in
physical education class.
3. Caps, hats, visors, do-rags, headbands or any other cap-like articles are not to be worn in school buildings.
Sunglasses will not be worn in school buildings.
4. Boys are not allowed to wear earrings. Girls may not have more than two earrings per earlobe. No body, nose or
face piercing is allowed. Tattoos are to be covered at all times.
5. Hair: Hair must be neatly groomed and not dyed to any extremes. Haircuts that are bizarre, such as punk cuts,
design cuts or Mohawks are not allowed. Boys will not have ponytails. Boys’ hair when combed straight down
must not touch the eyebrows in the front, earlobes on the side, or a standard shirt collar in the back.
6. Hemlines on all dresses, skirts, skorts and shorts must be mid-thigh or longer. No excessively tight or baggy
pants or shorts will be allowed. No low rise or hip-hugger pants. The waist area must be covered when the
student’s hands are raised. Pants and shorts must be hemmed. Clothing which has holes in any manner is not to be worn.
7. Church attire: Polo style collared shirts with sleeves are required. No shorts, skorts or denim will be worn to
Mass or Church related activities announced in advance. Church attire will be worn all day on Mass days. Changing clothes will not be allowed on Mass days, unless approved in advance by the principal. Appropriate dresses for girls are encouraged. Students not in appropriate Mass attire will be loaned clothing from the office to wear until the end of the day.
8. Shirts: No tank tops, halter tops, midriff tops, tube tops, spaghetti straps or excessively tight or baggy shirts. No
plunging necklines or cleavage should be showing. Shirts that are designed to be tucked in will be tucked in.
Shirts not tailored or designed to be tucked in will not be longer than the tips of the fingers when the arm is fully
extended at the side. See through attire is unacceptable. Shirts and blouses should completely cover the waist area
when the student’s hands are raised.
9. Appropriate under garments must be worn and covered at all times.
10.Shorts for boys and girls must be at least mid-thigh in length.
The above guidelines will be enforced at non-campus activities while the students are representing the school. These events are under the legal jurisdiction of the school and the students are obligated to follow the same standards. Suitable clothing and footwear will be kept in the school office for students to wear should he/she be in violation of the dress code. Parents will be notified and subject to bringing as soon as possible acceptable clothing and footwear. Parents may also be advised regarding discipline for future infractions.
The above guidelines will be enforced at non-campus activities while the students are representing the school. These events are under the legal jurisdiction of the school and the students are obligated to follow the same standards. Suitable clothing and footwear will be kept in the school office for students to wear should he/she be in violation of the dress code. Parents
will be notified and requested to bring the appropriate apparel to school or pick up the student in order to correct the
violation.
CHILD ABUSE/STUDENT WELFARE
All cases of identified or suspected child abuse must be reported to the Child Protective Services (CPS) of the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Any person who identifies or suspects child abuse shallconsult with the principal and report to the CPS. The principal will attempt to ascertain the facts and assist in the reporting process. The identifying person and the principal may report jointly. Section 34.02 (c) Texas Family Code requires that both an oral and a written report will contain all pertinent information and a description of the circumstances that are required in the Texas Family Code. One copy of the report shall be retained in the local school by the principal; one copy will be sent to the CPS. The above applies to identified or suspected child abuse involving parent(s) or adults other than members of the school staff who may be inflicting the abuse. This abuse can be both verbal and physical.
Suspected Student Abuse by a Staff Member
Any indication/suspicion of improper conduct by a staff member toward a student(s) must be immediately reported to the principal. Examples could be but are not limited to unnecessary physical contact and/or verbal comments that are abusive and unnatural. Timely reporting is important so that there can be an immediate investigation of the allegations. The principal will immediately inform the pastor and they will determine a prompt course of action that is in the best interests of the student(s). This will result in immediate consultation by the principal and the pastor with the alleged staff member and reported to the local law enforcement authorities. There is a written policy in the Staff Handbook that clearly addresses this topic. Anyone desiring to see the policy as stated in the Staff Handbook may do so by contacting the principal or the pastor.