Code of Student Conduct

Respect for self, others, and property is the foundation of any moral code. It is the one rule that covers all our actions and words. It is our responsibility as parents and teachers to teach respect in all forms. Students learn that cooperation and courtesy are the building blocks of respect. We ask your cooperation and active role in helping to nurture self-discipline in all students. A primary goal of Our Lady of Victory Catholic School is to promote growth in self-discipline.

Discipline Plan

The purpose of discipline is to disciple students as Christ would. Discipline is instruction that molds, shapes, corrects, and encourages appropriate behavior. Discipline provides the opportunity to redirect learning. Maintaining discipline provides the framework necessary to build faith in Christ. Discipline is based on a direct and positive approach that makes it possible teachers to teach and students to learn. It is based on several principles:

Teachers have basic rights as educators:

• The right to teach
• The right to maintain an optimal setting for learning.
• The right to expect appropriate behavior.
• The right to expect help from the principal and parents when appropriate.

Students have basic rights as learners:

• To learn without interference.
• To receive help when it is my turn.
• To have my work respected.
• To have my property respected.
• To have my feelings respected.
• To have my opinions respected.
• To express my feelings appropriately.
• To be listened to when I am speaking.
• To listen when others are speaking.
• To work and play in a safe environment.

Appropriate Expected Behaviors

Respect the Learning Environment.

• Raise hand and wait to be recognized.
• Remain in seat unless permission is granted.
• Be prepared for class – supplies, homework, proper books, etc.
• Listen to person speaking – one person speaks at a time.
• Follow directions.
• Display a cooperative attitude.
• Uniform worn correctly.
• Absolutely no chewing gum or eating in class.
• Textbooks kept covered.
•  Assignments completed as instructed and by due date

Verbal Respect

• Use encouraging and affirming language about one another.
• Compliment others.
• Call people by their appropriate name.
• Use good manners – please and thank you.
• Use positive body language.
• Smile – acknowledge greetings and give them freely.
• Answer with yes/no sir/ma’am.

Respect outside of class

• Keep hands to oneself.
• Hold doors for others.
• Clean space before leaving – library, cafeteria, art, etc.
• Help each other.
• Always walk.
• Applaud appropriately at assemblies.
• Participate in songs, responses, and prayers – especially in Church.
•  Always follow expected Church etiquette

Respect for property

• Care given to all belongings, one’s own and others.
• Pick up all trash where ever seen.
• Care given to all equipment, games, PE, Library, Computer, etc.
• No writing in textbooks or any books, desks, or other school property.
• Restrooms kept neat and clean: toilets flushed, paper towels in receptacles and hands washed.

When correcting inappropriate behavior, the teacher shares a teaching and learning moment with the student. The student is to explain why the behavior was inappropriate, what should have happened, and what will be done the next time. This guides students in making better choices. Students are supported in their efforts to improve by being given consequences.

Each classroom teacher and his/her students, develops a behavior management plan that builds on student self-discipline while maintaining an appropriate classroom demeanor for instruction and learning. If students have difficultly following the plan, the following consequences may be implemented:

• Silent lunch away from others
• Time out in the classroom
• Name marked on board
• Notification to parents – verbal and/or written
• Work detail
• Individual Behavior Contract (IBC)
• Counseling with Guidance Counselor or Principal
• Parent-teacher conference
• Serving detention before/after school with teacher / administrator
• Inability to attend School and/or class functions
• Out of school suspension for persistent or serious lack of respect.
• Expulsion.

Individual Behavior Contract (IBC)

If a student is a repeat offender in lack of respect, the student will meet with the Guidance Counselor and the parents will be notified. A behavior plan will be devised and signed by both the student and Guidance Counselor and will be reviewed regularly by both. This contract will remain in the student file until the end of the year.

Disciplinary Referral

Administrators only may issue disciplinary Referrals. Referrals are written notices to parents of a persistent or serious discipline problem. The original white copy is to be retained by the parent and the yellow copy returned to the staff member whose initiated the referral to the administration. The pink copy becomes the property of the principal and is placed in the student’s cum file. Failure to return the signed Disciplinary Referral the next day will result in an immediate consequence to the student. Failure to sign the Disciplinary Referral on the parent’s part demonstrates a lack of support for the policies of the school and a mandatory parent conference will be called.

Repeated Violations/Lack of Respect for School Rules

Repeated infractions include but are not limited to:

• Repeated uniform violations
• Repeated chewing of gum or eating food outside of the cafeteria
• Repeated tardiness for class

Serious Disciplinary Action/Lack of Respect That Warrant an Immediate Disciplinary Referral and Consequences

• Disrespectful conduct (verbal or physical) toward other students
• Verbal assault, physical assault or battery of and disrespectful conduct toward persons attending school-related functions
• Verbal assault of teachers, administrators and other school personnel
• Physical assault or battery of teachers, administrators and other school personnel
• Disrespectful conduct toward teachers, administrators and other school personnel
• Cheating
• Forgery
• Lying in order to cover up one’s own misdeeds, or the misdeeds of others.
• Theft of property
• Vandalism
• Bringing to school objects deemed to be harmful or dangerous
• Harassment
• Failure to observe school rules listed in this Handbook
• Truancy
• Plagiarism
• Any other conduct, which in the judgment of the school Administration constitutes a violation of the spirit and philosophy of this school, which would bring discredit on the school community.

The Principal reserves the right to search the person, property or locker of any student suspected of possessing items the School deemed unacceptable.

Expulsion

By definition, expulsion is considered termination of enrollment during a school year. Expulsion shall be used only as a final measure or in response to an egregious offense.

Expulsion results from repeated refusal to obey school rules or from conduct which endangers self and others, property, health or safety of others and is deemed to be in the best interest of the School community. One extremely serious offense can be the cause for expulsion.

Students asked not to return the following year for behavior reasons are not considered expelled. The student was not accepted for re-enrollment. Students not allowed to return the following year due to academic concerns are not considered expelled.

The Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools is to be consulted before any action leading to expulsion is taken.

All disciplinary actions taken by the School shall be preceded by internal procedures and supported by defensible written records.

Expulsion Procedures

In keeping with Canon Law, the Archbishop or his designee reserves the right to make the decisions in all matters regarding Archdiocesan Elementary and Secondary Schools.