DISCIPLINE

Discipline in the Catholic school 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 the 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.

Parents are asked to support the disciplinary measures of the school.   

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 sarcastic or 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

Detention

• No student shall be required to remain in the classroom during the lunch break, or during any recess. All students are required to leave the school rooms at recess and lunchtime unless it would result a danger to health.
• Detention before school hours is considered an appropriate means of discipline.
• A student shall not be detained in school for disciplinary or other reasons for more than one-hour before the close of the school day.
• Under no circumstances shall a student be detained at school without the knowledge and consent of the parent or guardian who shall also be informed of the reason for detention and the exact time the period of detention will begin and end

Conduct Cards

To provide frequent communication to parents, Conduct Cards will be sent home each Monday for students in grades 3^rd-8^th. Parents are to sign these cards and return them with your child on the following day. Daily reports will also be sent home for students in grades PS-2^nd.

Grades 6^th- 8^th have a more specific behavior policy (distributed at the beginning of the year).

A student who is caught cheating may result in automatic detention.