Discipline is an aspect of moral guidance and not a form of punishment. The purpose of discipline is to provide a school climate conducive to learning and one that promotes character development. Discipline is maintained in a classroom or school when students work cooperatively with the principal, the teachers, and their classmates towards the attainment of the class and school objectives. However, it should be noted that the legitimate interest of the school extends beyond the school day and beyond the school hours. At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School, we affirm the Catholic values expressed in our philosophy of education and mission statements. To teach these values we must maintain an atmosphere of respect for self and others. As there are times when students fail to meet their responsibilities and adhere to a code of conduct, we have formulated a system of discipline.
The purpose of discipline is to provide an atmosphere:
- of respect for oneself and others that is conducive to learning and teaching;
- to provide a model of good conduct and instill a sense of community and virtue
- that will guide the students throughout their lives;
- to teach responsibility and accountability for ones own actions.
RULES & REGULATIONS
Every Our Lady of Mount Carmel student is required to follow the guidelines set forth in the Code of Christian conduct and the following behaviors:
· accept responsibility for ones own behavior;
· show a caring attitude towards others;
· be respectful towards all during class and any school activity or function;
· be punctual;
· exhibit fair play and respect for all involved in any play or athletic event;
· come to class prepared and ready to learn;
· complete all assigned work and homework;
· keep the school, classroom, desks and themselves neat and clean;
· properly maintain all school equipment and property;
· wear the proper uniform to school and P.E. uniform to P.E. class and after school sports;
· use proper language always;
· place trash in the proper containers and help keep the school clean;
· follow all classroom and rules;
· act in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.
CONSEQUENCES
Failure to meet the responsibilities and expectations of a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School community will result in the application of the following discipline policy.
Grades K-5:
Students in grades K-5 monitor their behavior by using the card system of colors. Students strive to stay on "green," while "yellow" denotes a warning; "red" and "blue" are used to signify a note home or meeting with the principal.
Grades 6-8:
Each violation will result in the issuance of a Behavior Report by the person witnessing the violation. Consequences for violations will be consistent with behavior chart.
Serious Behaviors
Often, student misbehaviors are resolved most effectively by school staff directly responsible for supervising a group of students. However, severe misbehavior will result in the student being referred to the principal. Serious misbehaviors are defined as follows:
- Physically dangerous behavior
- Inappropriate use of electronic/computer technology
- Defiance
- Vandalism
- Stealing
- Bullying/harassment: Bullying is unfair and one-sided.
It happens when someone keeps hurting, frightening, threatening, or leaving someone out on purpose. Language that is intended to harass, humiliate, or intimidate another student is considered serious behavior. This includes racial slurs, threats of physical harm, demeaning speech, and sexual harassment. Students or staff can submit a bullying report.
The administration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School reserves the right to inspect anything brought on campus and to take into account all extenuating circumstances of any discipline situation and make a final and confidential decision based upon this information. The principal, in consultation with the pastor, retains the right to make exceptions in cases where circumstances call for a different response than policy suggests. The above list is not exhaustive, but does delineate types of behavior required or disallowed. Students can be held accountable for behavior inside or outside of school that is detrimental to the reputation of the school as determined by the principal. Any other behavior detrimental to the students, staff, families or facilities of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School may also be subject to discipline.
