On behalf of the faculty and staff of Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School, it is my pleasure to welcome you to a new school year and to introduce the expectations, policies, and procedures outlined in this Parent/Student Handbook.
The primary purpose of this handbook is to help students and families understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with being a member of the Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary community. We ask that every student and parent/guardian carefully review this handbook and become familiar with the policies and procedures contained within it. These expectations are intended not simply as rules, but as guidelines that help us maintain a safe, respectful, faith-filled, and academically focused school community. Through our shared commitment to these expectations, we can continue to pursue the ideals expressed in our school’s mission and philosophy.
Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School is a Catholic college preparatory high school owned and operated by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. CSHM is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA). As a Catholic school community, we remain committed to providing an educational environment rooted in faith, academic excellence, personal responsibility, service, and our call to Act in the Character of Christ.
Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School, mindful of its mission to be a witness to the love of Christ, admits students of any race, color, gender, and national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, and national and/or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, or other school-administered programs. Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School does not discriminate against any applicant because of gender in the admission process, educational programs, or campus activities.
We value open and respectful communication between our families, faculty, staff, and administration. Parents and guardians should always feel welcome to communicate with the school regarding questions or concerns about their student’s experience at CSHM. As a general practice, concerns should first be addressed directly with the individual most immediately involved in the situation, whether that is a teacher, coach, moderator, or administrator.
When a parent or student has a concern regarding a particular class or teacher, the first step should be to communicate directly with the teacher and allow an appropriate opportunity for the matter to be addressed and resolved. If, after communicating with the teacher, the concern has not been resolved, the parent or guardian should then contact the Assistant Principal of Faculty Affairs for additional support. If the matter remains unresolved after following these steps, it may then be brought to the Principal. Matters of a serious or urgent nature may, when appropriate, be brought directly to the attention of the Principal.
We appreciate the partnership of our students and families and look forward to working together to make this school year one of continued growth, achievement, faith, and success for the entire CSHM community.
Dr. Eric Crespo
Principal
Principal's Right to Amend
The Principal has the right to amend this handbook at any time and will give parents advance notice if at all possible. The Principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary matters and may waive any or all regulations for just cause at his or her discretion.
