Conduct and Discipline

DISCIPLINE

True discipline is self discipline based on self respect for the dignity of the other person, as well as respect for duly constituted authority. Discipline is an aspect of moral guidance and a not a form of punishment. The purpose of discipline is to promote character training and to provide a positive classroom situation conducive to learning. In the event of serious misbehavior, parents will be informed and expected to cooperate fully in order to remedy the situation. If the problem continues, more serious disciplinary action will be taken.

Parents must be aware of the Conduct and Discipline Guidelines given upon admission and enrollment.

CONDUCT

Students are expected to practice self control at all times and be respectful and courteous to all teachers, staff, fellow students, parents/guardians and visitors. They must observe school regulations established necessary for good order. The school reserves the right to refuse re-admittance to any student who displays a consistent disregard of and negative attitude towards Dominican School rules and regulations.

STUDENT MISBEHAVIOR

Offenses subject to disciplinary action as follows:

1. Absence (unexcused) - please refer to General Policies - Attendance
2. Causing (intentionally) serios physical injury excluding self defense
3. Cheating/copying (both cheater and student who allow it)
4. Classroom rule violations (ask classroom teacher for consequences)
5. Damaging staff property
6. Defiance (refusal to follow specific instruction by a school staff member. Indicator of defiance may be verbal or by action)
7. Destruction or defacement of school property (includes graffit)
8. Disrespect to authority figure
9. Disruption on school property or classroom
10. Disturbing or damaging (intentionally) parked vehicles on school property
11. Exiting classroom/school inappropriately
12. False fire alarm or non-emergency 911 call
13. Fighting/Assault or encouraging such behavior
14. Forgery
15. Gum chewing
16. Hanging on pipes, hitting or kicking wall
17. Harassment
18. Homework failure to complete and submit
19. Hugging, groping, touching or kissing to increase or encourage intimacy between students of opposite sex
20. Immoral conduct (severe) i.e., sexual
21. Inappropriate clothing during school functions
22. Lining up inappropriately (outside)
23. Littering
24. Loitering in halls
25. Matches or lighters-unsupervised or unauthorized use or possession
26. Misbehavior in school/classroom/cafeteria
27. Misconduct (extreme)
28. Not in school uniform/incomplete (unexcused)
29. Tardiness
30. Theft (stealing) or knowingly receive stolen property
31. Threat/physical assault on school staff
32. Truancy/defiance or authority
33. Unchristian conduct particulary in matters of moral, dishonesty, or law breaking (includes student-handbook)
34. Verbal abuse
35. Violation of closed campus without permission and supervision
36. Weapons or items as weapon-possession or use

***Please refer to the Student-Parent handbook for Student Misbehavior and Progressive Disciplinary Action Chart.

OFFENSE CODE

V = VARIES (Teacher administers consequences according to severity)
VW = VERBAL WARNING
D = DETENTION
D/D = DOUBLE DETENTION
S = SUSPENSION
E = EXPULSION

Reminders

1. No running inside any school buildings including in the classrooms and hallways.
2. Toys and electronics (like “walkman”/gameboy /cellphone) are not allowed to be brought to school, unless teacher gives permission. If brought without permission, they will be confiscated and only parents will be able to retrieve them.
3. No food/drink is allowed inside the classroom.
4. No P.E. activity will be done/held inside the classrooms.

No policy is capable of covering all disciplinary infractions that can occur. Therefore, the staff of Dominican Catholic School will examine the offense and administer appropriate consequences. One or more of the following disciplinary measures, depending on the nature of the offense, will be utilized:

1. conference with the student
2. Parent-Teacher conference
3. Parent/Teacher/Principal conference
4. Notification to the parent/guardian by phone or letter
5. Detention
6. Suspension
7. Expulsion

***If and when a student incurs/accumulates three “TIME-OUT – SEE THE PRINCIPAL” notices, automatic suspension will be served. Three suspensions will mean automatic expulsion.

Suspension

A Parent-Student-Teacher-Principal conference or phone call will be held before the suspension. The mutual signing of a contract by the above will verify suspension notification. Please note that suspensions will be served even if parent/guardian refuses to sign the notification.