In harmony with the school’s mission, the philosophy of St. Bernard High School is driven by the message of Jesus Christ and the mission of the Roman Catholic Church.
We recognize parents as the primary educators of their children and understand that our role is to assist parents in accomplishing this task by acting as facilitators to the learning and personal growth of the child.
We strive to equip students with the skills they need to live faith-filled, dynamic, honorable and productive lives in the image of Christ.
We believe in providing a challenging academic curriculum rich in student-centered learning opportunities designed to promote analytical thinking and to develop life-long learning skills.
We believe in a Christ-centered, holistic approach to education that supplies students with an outstanding college preparatory foundation and nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, social, cultural, physical, and artistic facets of the individual.
We believe each student is called in a unique way to develop the talents and potentials necessary for assuming roles of Christian leadership in our world.
Discipline Regulations
Discipline, in relation to the students at St. Bernard High School, is designed to provide moral guidance within the framework of the teachings of the Catholic Church, to provide for the growth of self-discipline based upon Christian values, to promote personal development, to assist in attaining acceptance of legitimately constituted authority, to provide a classroom situation conducive to the learning process, and to provide a safe and secure campus environment. Recognizing that discipline is most effective when there is a reasonable degree of willing acceptance on the part of the student, discipline is not considered to be merely a form of punishment, but rather the application of preventive and/or corrective measures.
The goal is to assist the student in understanding that every decision or choice made in regard to personal conduct, not just while a member of the St. Bernard community but throughout life, will result in some consequences. Hopefully, the student will come to realize that considerable thought must be given to decisions in relation to themselves and to others.
At St. Bernard High School, certain regulations have been prescribed by state law or policies established by the Administration and faculty. Additional regulations will be clearly announced to the student body.
Penalties for violations of the rules and regulations of St. Bernard will be determined by the gravity of the situation. The administration reserves the right to final interpretation of discipline policies.
School Discipline
The Viking Standard
The Viking Standard is our individual promise to our collective purpose. Each one of us is a vital member of our SBHS family. The Viking Standard combines our Christian discipleship with our human stewardship to achieve our LOYAL Viking Integral Student Outcomes (ISOs). The Viking Standard specifically highlights our 5 daily operating codes of SBHS:
- Attendance Code link: https://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/schools/09700/chapter-4/section-4-04/topic-4-04-1
- Conduct Code link: https://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/schools/09700/chapter-8/section-8-1/topic-8-1-01
- Honor Code link: https://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/schools/09700/chapter-8/section-8-1/topic-8-1-07
- Dress Code link: https://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/schools/09700/chapter-2/section-2-14
- Device Code link: https://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/schools/09700/chapter-10/section-10-1/topic-10-1-6
It is our promise to be better each day in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity; and to better each class with positivity, politeness, punctuality, preparedness, and passion.
It is our purpose to first example The Viking Standard by rule, then rule The Viking Standard by example.
Code Violation Protocol
Code violations (Attendance - tardy at school), Conduct, Dress, Device) are cumulative for the school year.
Honor Code violations are cumulative throughout SBHS tenure.
Procedure for code violations are as follows:
Each violation will be communicated and documented to the student, reported to the Dean, documented, and filed
1st = as stated
2nd = as stated and emailed to student/parent explaining 3rd Violation results in a meeting with Dean / Principal
3rd = as stated and meeting with Dean / Principal explaining 4th violation results in Disciplinary Probation
4th = as stated and phone call to parent; Disciplinary Probation / Contract sent home with student and/or emailed to student/parent
5th = as stated and phone call to parent; Disciplinary Probation (extended) or Strict Disciplinary Probation / Contract sent home with student and/or emailed to student/parent
6th = as stated and phone call to parent; Strict Disciplinary Probation or Suspension Contract sent home with student and/or emailed to student/parent
Further violations may result in withdrawal from St. Bernard High School
Honor Code
Violations do not reset … they remain throughout the student’s tenure at SBHS
1st @ SBHS = Email documentation, phone call to parent, and to schedule a meeting
- Awareness of 2nd violation consequences
2nd @ SBHS = Meeting to address Strict Disciplinary Probation
- Awareness of 3rd violation consequences
3rd @ SBHS = Dean / Principal will address the student/family accordingly
- Eligible for request to withdraw from SBHS
Violations do not reset … they remain throughout the student’s tenure at SBHS
1st Period Dress Code Check
Teachers will check uniform/dress code during 1st period. Violations are as follows:
Violation will be communicated and documented to the student, reported to Dean
Students will call a parent or guardian and inform them of the violation and return to class.
If a parent or guardian brings the appropriate dress for the student by the end of 1st period, the student will change into the correct dress code, finish the school day accordingly, AND there will be no violation.
Once 2nd period begins, the violation will be documented and filed accordingly.
- After 1st Period, daily dress code violations will follow SBHS Code Violation protocol.
Additional Code Violations:
Code violations may be issued for violation of any school rule, including, but not limited to:
1. Tardy to school or to class
2. Dress Code violation
3. Misuse and/or disrespect of the school chapel or other sacred spaces
4. Misconduct, disruption or insubordination in the classroom
5. Inappropriate behavior in assembly or Mass
6. Having food/drink/gum in the buildings and/or classrooms – including the gym and FAB.
7. Violation of school cell phone/personal electronics policy
8. Campus parking lot violations
9. Inappropriate behavior in lunch lines (e.g., pushing, cutting in line etc.)
10. Trash violations and littering
11. Inappropriate hallway behavior (e.g., shouting, running, roughhousing, etc.)
12. Failure to fulfill a Teacher’s Detention
13. Inappropriate language, writing, drawing or action
14. Being in an off-limits area during nutrition and/or lunch
15. Selling unapproved, non-school related items on campus
16. Being in the hall during class time without an approved pass
In regards to the Academic Honor Code includes, but is not limited to:
Giving or receiving answers to quizzes, tests, examinations or any assignments the student is expected to submit as his/her own work.
Loaning or copying homework in or out of class.
Plagiarism or copying the work of another and submitting it as one’s own work.
Plagiarism of information from the Internet or other electronic source.
Improper use or improper citing of resources may also constitute plagiarism or honor code violation.
Using unauthorized aids in doing course work or in testing.
Altering graded work and resubmitting it for grading.
Fabricating data, references or other information and including it in an assignment as if it were fact.
Forging the signature of a parent on an assignment, test paper, report card or other official school document of communication from the teacher or school to the parent.
Using the computer to unethically send or receive work.
Obtaining or sharing a copy of a test prior to the testing period.
Removing a test from the classroom unless specifically authorized to do so by the instructor.
Causes for Disciplinary Action
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has determined that the following may cause a student to be subject to expulsion or withdrawal from the school. In some cases, there may be reasons for expulsion without warning. These violations include, but are not limited to the following.
Harassment as defined in the Archdiocesan Handbook, i.e. sexual, physical, emotional, et al
Adopting or professing a moral conduct in conflict with the Catholic philosophy of the school. Scandalous conduct in the area of morality or life-style either in or outside of school, when such conduct would tend to damage the reputation of the school or church.
Being under the influence of, using, selling, or possessing narcotics marijuana or drug paraphernalia.
Being under the influence of, using, selling, or possessing alcohol (Non-alcoholic “beers” are also prohibited).
Possession of harmful weapons or materials that can be used as weapons.
Inappropriate sexual behavior on campus or at a school sponsored event. (i.e., intimate physical contact, immodest dress, sexually demoralizing language)
Having or participating in an abortion.
Violations of Federal, County, State or Local Law.
Possession or use of pyrotechnic devices, including lighters, matches, firecrackers, fireworks, or torches.
Verbally or physically threatening or intimidating a teacher or student.
Assault or battery or any threat of violence directed towards anyone.
Racist language or behavior.
Profanity/vulgarity in speech, writing, drawing or action.
The Administration of St. Bernard High School has also determined that the following may be cause for probation, strict probation, suspension, or expulsion:
Stealing; possession of unauthorized property not belonging to you
Smoking or possession of tobacco
Open defiance of an administrator or teacher’s authority
Truancy
Unexcused absence from class
Fighting
Continuous minor infractions
Excessive Dress Code Violations
Excessive unexcused tardies
Cheating
Forging or using forged notes or excuses
Hazing/bullying, including cyber bullying, and improper or unwanted text or other digital messaging
Defacing or destruction of school property – including lockers, desks, books, walls.
Conduct on buses: Students being transported to and from school or school related events are subject to the authority of the bus driver. Continued misconduct or refusal to obey the bus driver may be cause for Disciplinary Action
Misconduct to and from school including use of personal transportation
Involvement in food fights
Association with any person or groups that poses any kind of threat to the school community
Recording anything that is deemed by the Administration to be derogatory towards St. Bernard High School, any member of the Administration, Faculty/Staff, or student body
Submitting anything that is deemed by the Administration to be derogatory towards St. Bernard High School, any member of the Administration, Faculty/Staff or student body to Internet websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, text messaging, or other web-based sites or social media sites.
Unauthorized posting of school-related photos, video, documents or other postings to Internet web sites
Scandalous, illegal or immoral conduct on or off-campus at any time while student is enrolled in the school
Any student involved in stealing, vandalism, writing on desks or walls, graffiti, tagging, removal or defacing of school or personal property will be required to make full restitution as well as face the possibility of withdrawal or expulsion.
Possession or circulation or distribution of any advertisement, invitation, bulletin, literature or other publication NOT approved by the school, on campus or at a related event
Encouragement of illegal demonstrations
Membership in a secret fraternity, sorority or club or organizing such clubs
Falsely pulling a fire alarm
Demonstrating, whether by behavior or appearance, membership in a gang, or involvement in gang or gang-like activity, on or off-campus. This includes having gang or graffiti style writings or markings on books, bags, or other personal belongings.
Possession of any materials used for graffiti or tagging–markers, spray paint, paint markers, etc.
Gambling or possession of gambling materials
Taking unauthorized photos, video or sound recording while on the school campus.
Disciplinary Procedures
Student Discipline Reports
Student Discipline Reports are issued by teachers and given to the administration. They are designed to inform about ongoing discipline procedures enacted by the teacher and directed towards a student. The administration will determine further action to be taken in response to a Student Discipline Report.
Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary Probation indicates that the administration is seriously dissatisfied with a student’s behavior or attitude and that some indication of the student’s desire to remain a member of the St. Bernard community is necessary.
Disciplinary Probation is normally accompanied with a requirement to serve a designated number of detention hours and/or a requirement to fulfill a designated community service project. Probation forms will be written by an administrator and signed by parents and/or guardians in a conference with an administrator and the student. The length of probation is determined by the gravity of the situation.
The period may last from one to two marking periods depending upon the nature of the offense. During this probationary period, the administration will review the student’s progress. Failure to adhere to the probationary requirements set down in the probationary contract will result in Strict Disciplinary Probation, withdrawal, or expulsion.
Strict Disciplinary Probation
Strict Disciplinary Probation indicates that a student seems unable to act according to the St. Bernard code of behavior - continued disciplinary violations will result in the student’s withdrawal or expulsion from school. When a student is placed on Strict Disciplinary Probation, a contract is discussed and signed by the student, parents or guardian, and an administrator. Signing the contract indicates that the parents/guardians agree to withdraw the student from St. Bernard High School if disciplinary violations continue. Students on Strict Disciplinary Probation may not participate in athletics, student leadership and/or co-curricular activities during the period of Strict Disciplinary Probation. If a student is on a strict disciplinary probation during the school year, the student’s enrollment status for the next year will be evaluated regardless of whether or not the terms of probation have been met.
Suspension
A student may be suspended from school for violations of the school rules and regulations at the discretion of the administration. Students on suspension may not attend school, school activities or be on campus until the suspension has been lifted following a meeting between the administration and the parents or guardians. In some cases, the student may be placed on in-school suspension.
Board of Discipline Appeal
In cases where a student has been asked to withdraw from the school for disciplinary reasons, the student has the option of appeal to the Board of Discipline. The Board is composed of three faculty members: one chosen by the Principal (the Chairperson), one chosen by the faculty, and one chosen by the student. The teacher chosen by the student is not an advocate but votes his/her conscience. Legal counsel or child advocates may not be present at a Board appeal. The Board will meet with the student and parents or legal guardians only, review the appeal and make a recommendation to the Principal who will notify the parents or guardians of the final decision.
Insulting or Abusing a Teacher or School Personnel or Agents of the School
Any parent, guardian, or other person who insults or abuses any teacher, school personnel, or agents of the school (i.e., chaperones, security guards, or parent security) in the presence of other school personnel or pupils and at a place which is on school premises or public sidewalks, streets, or other public ways adjacent to school premises or at some other place a teacher is required to be in connection with assigned school activities, is subject to action by the school. (Refer to Calif. Educ. Code 44811)
