​​​​​​​​​​​​Discipline​and Procedures 

For more about discipline policies in the Archdiocese, see ADLA Handbook 13.9​.​

The Following is a partial list of discipline policies relevant to Saint Anne School. They are enforceable unless they contravene​ any Discipline Policy expressly stated in the ADLA Handbook. 

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.


Maintenance of Effective Discipline

Effective discipline is maintained when there is

  • Reasonable quiet and order in the building

  • Positive correction of behavior

  • Constant encouragement of acceptable classroom conduct

  • Firm but fair treatment of difficult students

  • Consistent follow through


Disapproved Disciplinary Measures

The following disciplinary measures are forbidden:

  • All corporal punishment, including shaking and slapping

  • Language that is calculated to bring ridicule on the student, his or her parents, or background

  • Using religious exercises or important class assignments as punitive measures

  • Bizarre and unusual punishments

  • Withholding or altering rightfully earned academic grades

  • Any disciplinary action that isolates a student without proper supervision

Saint Anne School requires the following standards of all students in addition to those individual rules posted in every classroom:


  • Respect and obey teachers, staff and adult volunteers.  Respect and treat with dignity and Christian kindness all members of our faith community and all visitors to the school.

  • Complete classroom and homework assignments.  Following an absence, contact the teacher(s) and make up all work completely.

  • Remain after school dismissal only to participate in school sponsored activities.

  • Support the Saint Anne Athletic teams.  Proper behavior by athletes and spectators is to be observed at all activities.

  • Support Student Council Activities.

  • Wear the designated school uniform.

  • Refrain from chewing gum or sunflower seeds, riding bicycles, scooters, “heelies” or skateboards in the schoolyard, or climbing on or over any trees, portions of fences, buildings or any other structures.

  • Refrain from fighting, using profanity, vulgarity, bullying/harassment, cheating, stealing, lying, dishonesty, or vandalism.

  • Absolutely no possession, distribution or use of tobacco (or any other substance which is used for smoking), alcohol or any other illicit or improper substance, or materials is allowed.


Observe the following with respect to leaving the school yard and school safety:


  • Students may not leave the school grounds at any time during the school day without being signed out by a parent or guardian and clearance from the office.

  • Students should be in their assigned play areas during recess and at lunchtime.

  • Students are not allowed in the classroom at any time unless the teacher is present (California Educational Code).


Observe the following rules while on the playground or in the lunch area:



  • All students must remain seated at the benches until the 12:30 recess bell rings.  Then the teacher may dismiss them, if and only if all trash has been disposed of properly.  

  • Students should NEVER bring food into the playground area or into the restrooms.  If a student does bring food into these areas, he/she will be sent back to the lunch benches where he/she can finish eating under supervision. 

  • Throwing of food is a serious conduct violation and student will be sent to the principal.  

  • Absolutely no playing or socializing in the restrooms or hallways. 

  • Proper language is expected at all times.  No profanity is allowed.  No rudeness or talking back.  

  • No fighting, pushing, shoving, kicking, hitting, playing roughly, or play fighting.

  • Respect for the teachers, staff, and yard supervisors are expected at all times. 

  • No child may leave the school grounds without being properly signed out through the front office.  

  • No student is allowed to hang from the basketball hoops or the fence at any time.  Violation of this rule will result in serious disciplinary consequences.  

  • Respect school property – keep the bathrooms clean, take proper care of all equipment, clean the lunch area before asking to be dismissed, no spitting, throwing food or water fighting. Use playground equipment properly.  

  • Use socially acceptable behavior – keep hands, feet, and objects to self, no teasing or name calling, no wrestling or tackling, no pushing in line.


Classroom Discipline


Each teacher has an established discipline plan to which students will be held accountable regarding their behavior in the classroom.  Copies of this plan will be available to parents at “Back to School Night” (each classroom discipline plan will be kept on file in the office).



Detention is held weekly on Tuesdays for grades 3 – 8 from 3:00-3:30 p.m.  Detentions will be served on the first Tuesday following the issuance of the detention slip.  Detention slips must be signed and returned the day after they are issuedStudents who miss a detention, will have their detention the following Tuesday and in addition will serve a recess and lunch detention in the school office.  The issuance of the fourth after school detention within one trimester will result in a suspension.  A suspension can range from one to three days and may be served in school or out of school at the discretion of the principal. If you have any questions, or if a situation should arise that concern you, please contact your child’s teacher.  Mutual respect and support is critical.  


Disciplinary Notices 


Disciplinary notes sent home from a teacher or administrator are given to help the parents be aware of their child’s unacceptable behavior.  It is expected that parents seriously discuss with their children the behavior mentioned in the note.   Additionally, the signed notice must be returned on the following day.  Failure to return signed notice may result in further consequences.


Students make a negative contribution to the school community whenever they break school or classroom rules.  To emphasize the importance of making positive contributions to their community, students who break school or classroom rules may be assigned a consequence at the discretion of the supervising staff member, vice-principal, or principal.  It is expected that school staff members will experience the clear and positive support of parents at all times, especially at times of disciplinary action.

  

It is expected that students work cooperatively with the administration, teachers, aides, volunteers, and other students while at school and school sponsored events so that all children are allowed the freedom needed to study, learn, pray, and play without unnecessary interference from another.


Disciplinary Procedures


When students choose to exhaust classroom consequences or seriously disregard the expectations listed above, they will be sent to the administrative offices for further disciplinary action.  Although there may be an incident that is of extreme nature so as to warrant immediate dismissal from the school, the following are the steps of normal administrative disciplinary action:


  • Verbal or written warning to student.  This handbook will serve as written notice.  

  • Telephone call or written notice to parents

  • Loss of recess time

  • After school Detention (grades 3 - 8)

  • Parent/Teacher and Principal conference

  • Suspension 

  • Conference with Principal and Pastor

  • Expulsion


CONDITIONS OF SUSPENSION


  • Receiving four detentions in a trimester

  • Any of the reasons listed for expulsion with mitigating circumstances are adequate cause for suspension of a student

  • No student shall be suspended from school for more than two consecutive weeks, unless there is an ongoing police investigation of a possible crime, in which case the student may be suspended during the entire investigation

  • Notice of suspension must be given to the parents or guardians by telephone or in a conference

  • The principal shall schedule a conference with the suspended student’s parents or guardians to discuss matters pertinent to the suspension, especially the means by which the parents or guardians and the school can cooperatively encourage the student to improve behavior. The suspended student may be present at the conference

  • In no case will a teacher on his or her own authority suspend a student










Expulsion


Reasons for Expulsion

Reasons for expulsion are, but are not limited to, the following offenses committed by students:


  • Actions gravely detrimental to the moral and spiritual welfare of other students

  • Habitual profanity or vulgarity

  • Assault, battery or any threat of force or violence directed toward any school personnel or student

  • Bullying, harassing or hazing school personnel or other students

  • Open, persistent defiance of the authority of the teacher

  • Continued willful disobedience

  • Use, sale or possession of narcotics, drugs or any other controlled substance

  • Use, sale, distribution, or possession of any alcoholic beverages on or near school premises

  • Smoking or having tobacco

  • Stealing

  • Forging signatures

  • Cheating or plagiarism

  • Willful cutting, defacing or otherwise injuring in any way property, real or personal belonging to the school

  • Habitual truancy

  • Possession of harmful weapons (e.g., knives, guns, etc.) or materials that can be used as weapons

  • Membership in, active involvement in, or affiliation with a gang or group responsible for coercive or violent activity

  • Actions in or out of school which are detrimental to the school’s reputation

  • Violation of the Electronic Use policies and guidelines

  • Inappropriate conduct or behavior unbecoming a student in a Catholic school


Graffiti


All penalties relating to the willful defacing of school property or graffiti include restitution and the possibility of expulsion. 


Gangs


Membership in, active involvement in, affiliation with, or dress in a gang or group responsible for coercive or violent activity is grounds for expulsion. 


Procedure for Expulsion

Except in cases involving grave offenses, the following steps must be taken:

  • A conference must be held with the parents or guardians, student, teacher, and principal present to advise the family that serious action is contemplated unless behavior improves immediately. In parish schools, the pastor should be notified of the conference, given an opportunity to attend and provided a report of the discussion

  • If behavior does not improve, the final decision will be announced at a second conference attended by the principal, teacher, and parents or guardians. If the parents fail, without cause, to attend the conference, the pastor, principal, and teacher will reach a final decision. The final decision rests with the pastor in consultation with the principal

  • In no case will a teacher on his or her own authority expel a student

  • Full credit will be given for all work accomplished by the student up to the moment of expulsion




Written Record

A written record of the steps leading to expulsion must be kept on file with copies of all communications and reports.


Cases Involving Grave Offenses


  • In cases involving grave offenses, which may include a violation of criminal law or actions so outrageous as to shock the conscience or behavior of the community, the student is immediately suspended and there is no requirement to hold the initial parent-principal conference

  • The procedure involving cases of grave offenses is followed when the continued presence of the student at school (even for a short period of time) will, in the reasonable judgment of the principal, pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of another student or students, or faculty members

  • When immediate suspension is imposed, with probable expulsion, while the case is being investigated, the rules and the consequences of the violation should be clearly explained to the student and parents or guardians


Time of Expulsion




  • An expulsion may be made immediately if the reasons are urgent

  • If an expulsion is to take place during the last trimester of the school year or during the last semester in the case of an eighth grade student, prior approval of the Department of Catholic Schools is required before the expulsion can take effect

  • If such action is contemplated, approval shall be obtained before the announcement of the final decision to the parents at the meeting described above


Reporting of Expulsions

All expulsions even if they occur at the end of the year, are reported to the elementary supervisor at the Department of Catholic Schools. The County Office of Education where the school is located may require notification of pupil expulsions.

 

Right to Make Exceptions

The principal, in consultation with the pastor, retains the right to make exceptions in cases where mitigating circumstances call for a different response than policy suggests.


Home Study

Circumstances may arise which dictate that a student, at the discretion of the principal, be excluded from school attendance for a period of time. This is a remedy for unusual situations and is not considered a suspension. Students may be given tests, etc. outside school hours so that grades can be reported.



Harassment, Bullying And Hazing Policy


The school is committed to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment that respects Christian values and is free from harassment, bullying or hazing in any form. Harassment, bullying or hazing of any student by any other student, lay employee, religious, clergy, or school volunteer is prohibited. The school will treat allegations of any such conduct seriously and will review and investigate such allegations in a prompt, confidential and thorough manner.


Substantiated acts of harassment, bullying or hazing by a student will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion of the student. Students found to have filed false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. For students in grades K-2, this disciplinary action shall depend on the maturity of the students and the circumstances involved. For students in grades 3 through 8, the disciplinary action may include suspension or expulsion.


Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or a school environment that is hostile or intimidating. It includes, but is not limited to, any or all of the following:

  • Verbal harassment: Derogatory comments and jokes; threatening words spoken to another person.

  • Physical harassment: Unwanted physical touching, contact, assault, deliberate impeding or blocking movements, or any intimidating interference with normal work or movement

  • Visual harassment:  Derogatory, demeaning or inflammatory posters, cartoons, written words, drawings, and gestures

  • Sexual harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Bullying is the habitual harassing, intimidating, tormenting, browbeating, humiliating, terrorizing, oppressing and/or threatening of another person. Bullying typically consists of direct behaviors, such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, shoving, and stealing that are initiated by one or more students against a victim or victims. In addition to direct attacks, bullying may also be indirect, such as spreading rumors that cause victims to be socially isolated through intentional exclusion. Whether the bullying is direct or indirect, the key component of bullying is physical or psychological intimidation that occurs repeatedly over time to create an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse. 

Students also may be involved in cyber bullying, which occurs when they bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology. This can include, but is not limited to: 

  • Sending inappropriate text, e-mail, or instant messages

  • Posting inappropriate pictures or messages about others in blogs, web sites or social communication networks

  • Using someone else’s user name to spread rumors or lies about someone



Hazing is any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to these organizations which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any student or other person.

Students are responsible for:

  • Conducting themselves in a manner that contributes to a positive school environment

  • Avoiding any activity that may be considered discriminatory, intimidating, harassing, bullying or hazing

  • If a student is a target of harassment, bullying or hazing, when possible, informing the other person(s) that the behavior is offensive and unwelcome

  • Reporting all incidents of discrimination, harassment, bullying or hazing to the principal or teacher

As appropriate, the students involved may be asked to complete a formal, written complaint, which will be investigated and will involve only the necessary parties. Confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible.

Student Threats

All threats by students to inflict serious harm to self or others, or to destroy property, will be taken seriously. Whoever hears or becomes aware of any threat made by a student should immediately report it to the pastor, principal, or a teacher. The principal may notify the police and the Department of Catholic Schools.

 

The student who has made the threat will be kept in the school office under supervision until the police arrive. The parents or guardians of the student who has made the threat will be notified. Any adult or student who has been identified as the potential victim, or mentioned in writing as a potential victim, will be notified immediately.


The student who has made the threat will be suspended until the investigation by the police and school has been completed.


The decision to re-admit a student who has made a threat will be made by the principal and pastor on a case-by-case basis.


Practical jokes or offhand comments of a threatening nature will be taken seriously and will be investigated. The police may be notified and these actions may result in suspension or removal of a student from school.



School Searches


Students’ legitimate expectation of privacy in their person and in the personal effects they bring to school must be balanced against the obligation of the school to maintain discipline and to provide a safe environment for the school community. Accordingly, school officials may conduct a search of the student’s person and personal effects based on a reasonable suspicion that the search will disclose evidence that the student is violating or has violated the law or a school rule. 

School officials do not need a warrant or a parent’s permission to conduct a search of the student and/or the school’s or a student’s personal property, as long as they have a reasonable suspicion that a law or school rule is being or has been violated.

 

A student has a greater expectation of privacy concerning his or her backpack, purse, clothing and other personal effects. A school official who finds it necessary to conduct a search of a student’s backpack, purse, clothing or personal effects, must have a reasonable suspicion that the student is violating or has violated a law or school rule. The student’s parents should be notified of any such search.


An alert from a trained and certified detector dog is sufficient to allow the school official to have a reasonable suspicion and to conduct a search of the student’s personal property and effects. In addition to this policy on searches by the school, every student is subject to the Archdiocesan and school use and privacy policies concerning cell phones and other electronic devices, whether the devices belong to the school or to the student.


If a student refuses to cooperate in a reasonable search of the school or student property (including electronic devices), the student’s parents and/or the police may be called for assistance or referral.


Dress/Uniform Code



Parent Responsibility for Student Dress


It is the responsibility of parents to see that their children adhere to all regulations regarding dress code.  Our school’s dress code is clearly defined.  We ask that parents support the school’s philosophy by helping their children adhere to the dress code rules.  When purchasing your children’s school wardrobe, please be certain that the articles of clothing you buy are in compliance with the dress code.  You send your children to our Catholic school for good reasons.  One of those reasons is the greater structure we require to enable the learning experience.  Our dress code helps provide that structure.  Your cooperation and support in this matter is very much appreciated. 


Issues relating to dress or appearance of a student that are not specifically mentioned in the parent/student handbook, but are inconsistent with the school’s regulations, may be deemed unacceptable at the discretion of the principal.



If a student frequently offends against normal standards of dress, grooming, or hygiene, and has been corrected in this regard, the cooperation of parents shall be sought to correct the problem. 

Lack of improvement in personal appearance is grounds for the suspension of a student until the situation is resolved.  The school may also reserve the right to require that parents bring an appropriate change of clothes to school, if a student is inappropriately dressed. The principal will make the final decision. 



If a student is not in uniform that following consequences will apply:


K-2nd grade: The student’s name will be written on the board. The student will serve a half recess detention and a note will be sent home to the parents/guardians explaining the infraction.


3-8th grade: The student’s name will be written on the board. The consequences will follow the behavior policy for these grades. (e.g. If a student already has their name on the board with a check, being out of uniform will give them a second check and will result in a detention.) In addition, a pink slip will be sent home to the parents/guardians explaining the infraction.  



GIRLS


Shirt:  K-8th grade:  White or Navy Polo with school logo, polo shirt, may be worn with jumpers; skirt, pants or shorts and must be tucked in.

School Logo is mandatory on all polo shirts.


Blouse: White may be worn under the jumper only.



Skort: K-8th grade: Ford plaid, no more than 2” above the top of the kneecap. 

  


Jumper: K-5th grade:  Ford plaid, no more than 2” above the top of the kneecap.


Skirt: 6th-8th grade:  Ford plaid, no more than 2” above the top of the kneecap.  



Shorts: K-5th grade:  Navy blue twill walking shorts.  No more than 2” above the top of the kneecap.   No tight, oversize or baggy shorts permitted.

  

Pants: K-8th grade: Navy blue twill may be worn. No tight, oversize or baggy pants permitted.


Sweatshirt: K-8th grade:  Navy blue long sleeve with school logo.  Zip up or hooded sweatshirts are never acceptable with the exception of 8th grade graduation sweatshirt.

Sweater: Navy blue with logo, long sleeve



Undershirts: Solid white only


BOYS

Shirt:  K-8th grade:  White or Navy Polo with school logo, polo shirt, may be worn with jumpers; skirt, pants or shorts and must be tucked in.

School Logo is mandatory on all polo shirts.

Pants: Navy blue twill


Shorts: Navy blue twill walking shorts.  Hemline must not pass the kneecap.  No tight, oversize or baggy shorts permitted.


Belt: Plain black, blue or brown (may be worn with shorts and pants) buckle must be simple, with no symbols, logos, or designs. 


Sweatshirt: K-8th grade:  Navy blue long sleeve with school logo.  Zip up or hooded sweatshirts are never acceptable with the exception of 8th grade graduation sweatshirt.


Sweater: Navy blue with logo, long sleeve 


Undershirt: Solid white only



All Students


Clothing must always be clean, pressed, untorn, modest, and appropriate for school wear.  All shorts, skirts, and pants must be worn at the waist.  Shirts must be long enough to be worn tucked-in.


P. E. Uniforms

On days when the class attends P.E. the uniform of the day will be an Ash Grey T-shirt w/logo and Navy sweat gym shorts w/logo or Navy sweat pants w/logo.  


Shoes:

Shoes must be solid black or white or a subtle combination of black and white, which cover the entire foot.  No additional color anywhere on shoe.  Shoes must be free of holes and tears and have laces that are kept tied at all times. (Velcro is okay for K-2).  No boots of any kind, except rain boots on rainy days.  Shoes must be in good condition.  


Socks & Tights:  Black, white or navy blue.  Socks must be visible.  No ankle or no-show socks may be worn and socks may not go above the knee.  No leggings. 


Shorts:

The wearing of uniform walking shorts is allowed on any day including Mass days.  Hemline must touch the kneecap.  Tight, Baggy or hemlines below the knees are not acceptable.


Sweatshirt:

  Plain navy crew sweatshirt embossed with Saint Anne name and logo.  Any other sweatshirts are not allowed.  Students will not be allowed to wear any greatly over-sized sweatshirt.  Zip up or hooded sweatshirts are never acceptable with the exception of 8th grade graduation sweatshirt.


  

Jackets:

A navy blue Jacket and Saint Anne School jacket is acceptable.  Students will not be allowed to wear any greatly over-sized jacket or sweatshirt. Non-uniform jackets or zip-front sweatshirts are not allowed to be worn in the classroom, hall or Church. 


Hair:

No bleached, colored or tinted hair; no extreme styles (including excessive teasing, spiking or use of mousse or other products).  Any child who comes to school with an excessive haircut or hairstyle (according to the judgment of the principal) may be suspended until the haircut or hair style is corrected. Boys’ hair must be clear of the eyebrows and ears, must not touch the collar, and must be worn close to the head.  Students may not shave their heads nor have haircuts of multiple lengths (e.g. step cuts).  Girls must wear their hair neatly off the face.  This can be achieved by wearing ponytails or braids, or through the use of headbands, barrettes, or hair ornaments.  


Cosmetics: 

No make-up or nail polish. 


Jewelry: 

 Pierced ears (girls may wear two pair of studs in the lobe only) may be worn during school hours or extra-curricular school events.  One necklace – a cross or saint medallion - may be worn but kept underneath school shirt. Only SLE bracelets may be worn. One ring may be worn on each hand. Boys may not wear earrings. 


  • Non-Uniform Birthday Dress

Birthdays are special, and as the Saint Anne School family, we love to celebrate them.  Each morning during announcements, the name of students celebrating a birthday will be announced.   Students celebrating birthdays will be allowed to wear free dress that day or another day that week.  


  • General Guidelines


The following is a partial list of items that are not appropriate at any time for Non-Uniform dress days:

Sleeveless shirts     Bare midriffs   Short shorts

Oversized shirts   Baggy pants or shorts Low-cut blouses or dresses

Makeup/nail polish    Cut-offs       Sweats/athletic pants 

Halter tops Spaghetti straps   Low rise jeans  

Tight fitting or “clingy” shirts, pants, skirts, or dresses.

Skirts or dresses more than 2” above the knee (including  miniskirts)

Shorts more than 2” above or 2” below the knee


  • Clothing must always be clean, pressed, untorn, modest, and appropriate for school wear.

  • Shirts must be long enough to be worn “tucked-in” – shirts that expose a bare midriff are not allowed.  Dress shirts must always be worn “tucked in.”

  • T-shirts with negative or inappropriate messages, slogans, or pictures are not allowed – any logo or graphic present must be appropriate for a Catholic school environment

  • All shorts, skirts, and pants must be worn at the waist

  • Makeup is not allowed.

  • Nails must be kept short – no nail polish or artificial nails

  • Socks must be worn at all times.  Socks must be “crew” style and at least 2” above the shoe and ankle line, covering the ankle completely.

  • No sandals, open-toed shoes, high heels, platforms over 1”, or slip-on shoes are allowed for safety reasons.  

  • No excessive jewelry.

  • No tattoos, temporary tattoos, stickers or writing on the body (temporary tattoos may only be worn when sold by student council for special occasions). 

  • Girls may wear only two stud earrings in the lobe of each ear.  No dangling or hoop earrings are allowed.  

  • Hair must be of a natural color with no extreme or fad hairstyles.  Noticeable changes in student hair color are distracting to learning, therefore, bleached and/or dyed hair is never permitted.  Students and parents are asked to refrain from the use of any chemical process that changes students’ hair color.  Infractions will result in written notice to parents in which a request to re-dye the hair to the natural color will be made.  Excessive hair adornments are not allowed.  Boys’ hair must be cut above the eyebrows, above the ears,  above the collar, and must be worn close to the head.  Girls’ hair must be neatly combed and off the face and eyes.

  • Any clothing, haircut, or accessory that becomes a distraction to the student, the teacher, or the class in general and therefore interferes with the learning process is not appropriate.  The principal reserves the right to define what is “appropriate.”



The administration and staff reserves the right to make the final determination of whether an individual student is in accord with the dress code policy.  If, in the judgment of the staff and/or the administration, a student is in violation of the rule or the spirit of the dress code, the student may be sent home to change and may not return to school until the problem is corrected.  Failure on the part of the staff and/or administration to invoke consequences for violation of the Uniform or Non-Uniform Dress Code on one occasion shall not in any way be construed as a change of policy.

  

Archdiocesan Policies and Procedures

The following policies are implemented by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Department of Catholic Schools.  They cover a variety of sensitive issues.  While we would normally never expect to encounter such problems at Saint Anne, the Archdiocese now mandates that these statements appear in every school handbook.    



HIV/AIDS Infection Policy

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles reserves the right to revise the following guidelines at any time for any reason including developing medical knowledge, changing legislation and law.


HIV/AIDS is not spread by casual, everyday contact; therefore, barring special circumstances, persons infected with HIV/AIDS may be employed in Catholic schools. Usually, these employees are entitled to all rights and services accorded to other employees. Their situation will be responded to as their circumstances require. Decisions regarding these employees must take into account Christian concern and compassion, community health and well-being, and individual privacy and needs.


The schools will undertake an educational effort to inform staff, students and parents about serious communicable diseases in general and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), in particular.


The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FERA) prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of physical handicap or medical condition (Cal. Govt. Code 12940 a). The Fair Employment Housing Commission has held that AIDS constitutes a physical handicap within the meaning of FERA. The Superintendent of Schools must be consulted before any decision is made to terminate a school employee with HIV/AIDS. 


Should any school employee be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, the employee should inform the principal, as he/she should in the case of any other serious communicable disease. The employee should also keep the principal informed about the progress of treatment.

Subject to the requirements of the law and Archdiocesan guidelines, the school will keep in strict confidence all information it receives from any source regarding those employees that may be informed of the infection. The principal must keep all medical information, notes and documentation of telephone conversations, proceedings, and meetings in a locked file. Infected employees should be advised that this file relating to their illness is being kept separately from their other records. Access to this file will be granted only to those persons who have the written consent of the infected employee. To further protect confidentiality, names will not be used in documents except where they are essential.

Any person who willfully or negligently discloses the results of an HIV test and thereby causes economic, bodily, or psychological harm to an affected employee is guilty of a misdemeanor and can be imprisoned and/or fined up to $10,000 for each disclosure. Current law further provides for a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each willful disclosure of a person’s test results and $1,000 for each negligent disclosure (Chapter 1.11 of the California Health and Safety Code). Any violation of confidentiality by a school employee will be referred to a special committee composed of the principal, the pastor, the regional supervisor and the Superintendent of Schools.


Any school employee who learns of a breach of confidentiality must immediately report that information to the principal and, in turn, maintain confidentiality.  

It is the position of the Archdiocese that any person, whether or not employed by the Archdiocese, who in any way breaches confidentiality by disclosing the name of an HIV infected employee shall be liable as an individual for this breach and individually responsible for any penalties that may be levied. The school will not provide any defense or liability coverage for any acts that contravene the confidentiality laws mandated by the State of California.


Conclusion



We, the pastor, administration, faculty, and staff of Saint Anne Catholic School, welcome you to our school community, which is firmly committed to providing a quality Catholic education for your child.  The success of our school community demands the commitment and dedication of the administration, staff, and parents to the philosophy and goals of the school.  Thus, we ask you to read the following Agreement and to sign it as an indication of your acceptance of your obligations to the school community.  


1.  We understand the school is a Catholic, parochial school under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese

     of Los Angeles.  We accept therefore:

    a. That the pastor of the parish is the ex-officio chief administrative officer of the school who carries out Archdiocesan policy, determines policies appropriate to the needs of the school.

       b.   That the principal is responsible for the immediate direction and supervision of the school program.


    2.  We understand that certain responsibilities require our continuous support if the school is to achieve its goals. 

 

We agree, therefore, 


a. To participate at Mass at least weekly and to regularly participate in the sacraments and parish activities so that our children may have a sense of the importance of their faith commitment and community in their lives.

  

b. To participate in the religion program, sacramental preparation program, and related activities in order to make the teaching of religion a reality in the lives of our children.

 

c. To encourage our children to learn by providing the environment, space, and time suitable for home study.

 

d. To abide by all school and Archdiocesan policies and regulations and to positively accept all disciplinary actions for non-compliance with these policies and regulations.

 

e. To communicate respectfully with all school personnel at all times and to communicate to our child (ren) our positive support of school personnel and policies.

 

f. To promptly complete and return all forms and records necessary to comply with school, Archdiocesan, and state regulations.


g. To attend all General Parent Meetings which occur during the school year and to respond to all requests for conference appointments.


h. To abide by the Archdiocesan Code of Christian Conduct Covering Students and Parents/Guardians.


i. To abide by all school policies as stated in the Parent Student Handbook.  


3. We understand that tuition and fees cover only a part of the total costs of providing education at Saint Anne School.  


We agree, therefore, 


a. To make regular and prompt payment of tuition and fees by the scheduled due dates.

 

b.  To assist the fundraising efforts of the school.



c. To devote a minimum of 25 service hours to the school between September through June. 


  1. To abide by the decision of the pastor should our circumstances lead us to request exemption from all or part of our obligations.