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Expectations
- On this page:
| Every child has the right to feel safe
coming to school and no other person
should interfere with that safety. |
It is important that an environment be established in school wherein students and faculty can concentrate on the business of learning without unnecessary interference. It is our belief that limit-setting guidelines enable children to develop academically and socially. The faculty and administration strive to develop and maintain a system of discipline that is fair, consistent, respectful, and firm. The classroom teacher is the primary source of information for parents regarding student behavior. Parents are asked to support the teacher's efforts in dealing with behavior issues in the classroom. In cases of misbehavior, it is the faculty's intent to know each child well enough so that his or her behavior can be understood and appropriate intervention can be taken. In certain circumstances, the principal may assign in-school suspension or detention as a result of inappropriate behavior. Continued inappropriate behavior may result in the child being denied enrollment.
- The following principles should serve as a guide for student conduct. If any rule is broken, immediate discipline may result according to the discretion of the administration, up to and including suspension or expulsion.
- I will be respectful to all adults and peers.
- I will respect the rights and property of others.
- I will be truthful and encourage truthful conduct.
- I will accept responsibility for my own actions.
- I understand that aggressive behavior such as pushing, slapping, punching (or any other behavior deemed inappropriate) will not be tolerated and may result in a range of disciplinary actions, up to and including expulsion.
- I understand that verbal, nonverbal, and physical bullying will not be tolerated. I will respect others feelings and will not act in any manner that makes another feel intimidated.
- I will complete homework, tests, and other work independently, unless the teacher permits otherwise.
- I will abide by school rules, regulations, and policies.
- I will not bring weapons of any kind on school grounds.
- I will not have tobacco, tobacco products, alcohol and/or drugs in my possession on school property.
- I will never self-medicate at school. I understand that all medications and instructions for administering must be turned into the office and that medications will be given to me by administrative personnel or the school nurse.
- Gum and candy are not permitted except when requested by the teacher.
- The guidelines listed above are outlined in the Student Pledge, which is included in the print copy of the student handbook and should be signed and returned to your child's teacher the first week of school.
The following are some of the rules, if broken, which can result in disciplinary action including strikes (three strikes equal a detention or an in-school suspension), suspensions, and/or expulsion.
- Attendance
- Students are to be on time to school and all classes regularly, and should not leave school grounds without administrative approval.
- Computer & Network Acceptable Use Policy
- Each student & their parent/guardian is expected to sign and adhere to the Computer and Network Acceptable Use Policy agreement.
- This agreement will detail the terms and conditions relative to the privilege of using the computers and networks at CCS, including:
- Acceptable use - The purpose of CCS's computers and network connections are to support research, instruction, and the business of conducting education. Students may only use the internet to visit websites directly related to educational assignments.
- Privileges - " The use of a computer and the network is a privilege, not a right; therefore, inappropriate use may result in cancellation of those privileges.
- Network etiquette - Be polite, Use appropriate language, Engage in appropriate activities, Respect privacy, Connectivity, Services, Do not engage in vandalism and electronic mischief
- Disrespect
- Students are to show the proper respect to each other, student and school property, and school staff members at all times. This includes verbal and non-verbal actions.
- Disruption
- Students are not to engage in conduct which causes disruption or obstruction of any school activity. This includes, but is not limited to, constant talking, throwing objects, horseplay, teasing, rude noises, and running.
- Electronic Devices
- Students are not to carry or have in their possession at school any radio, disc player, cell phones, Game Boy, tape recorder, television, or any similar device without administrative approval.
- Fighting
- Students are not to engage in any physical contact with other students. This includes, but is not limited to, punching, hitting, slapping, biting, kicking, pulling hair, pushing and tackling.
- Harassment
- No forms of harassment will be tolerated. These include: verbal intimidation, making fun of others, pushing, hitting, kicking, touching, writing notes about others, throwing anything at anyone, or encouraging others to display such behaviors to a third party.
- Insubordination
- Students are to comply with proper and authorized directions of a staff, faculty member, or parent volunteer.
- Misrepresentation
- Students are not to falsify any document, forge any name or make false statements, written or oral. Students are not to cheat on any test or assignment nor are they allowed to plagiarize any material.
- Personal Appearance/Uniform non-compliance
- Students are to follow the guidelines established in this handbook and to be in full uniform each day.
- Profanity
- Students are not to use profanity or obscenity in words (oral and written) or actions.
- Weapons and Dangerous Items Policy
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- Weapons of any kind are not permitted on school grounds. Weapons include, but are not limited to, guns-loaded or unloaded-explosives, firecrackers/ fireworks, flammable materials, sharp-edged knives, box cutters, razor blades, tools with knives or sharp blades attached, potentially harmful chemicals, pieces of metal, glass, or similar material that may present a threat to another person, or other items which may be used to injure or threaten others. Weapons or dangerous items may also pose a threat to the CCS physical plant or property. In all cases, these items will be dealt with in the same manner as if they threatened a person. The final determination of whether or not an item is a weapon or dangerous item rests solely with the administration.
It is understood that seemingly benign items may constitute a threat to another person if they are used in an inappropriate manner. The administration has the latitude to act as (s)he deems necessary to ensure any item is not used in a manner which may threaten another (i.e., threatening use of a baseball bat may constitute its use as a weapon and will be treated as such).
- Common sense must be used in determining whether or not any item normally found in daily use constitutes a threat to any person.
- Faculty and staff have latitude to use items necessary to accomplish their jobs at CCS (i.e., the facility manager may be allowed to wear and use a Leatherman Multi-Tool, which includes a knife blade, in the accomplishment of his/her job.)
- If a student or visitor is discovered to have a weapon or dangerous item in their possession on school grounds every reasonable attempt will be made to:
- Ensure the safety of all persons.
- Remove the weapon or dangerous item from the premise.
- Every reasonable measure to have the student or person removed. This may include calling appropriate civil authorities.
- Any student who is discovered to have a weapon or dangerous item(s) may be dealt with using every venue as determined by the administration, up to and including expulsion. Common sense should be used when determining what course of action will be followed.
- Adults who are discovered to have a weapon or dangerous item(s) may be dealt with using every venue as determined by the administration, up to and including banishment from CCS property. Common sense should be used when determining what course of action will be followed.
- Any student who is aware of another student in possession of a weapon must let an adult know. Discipline action may be taken in the event that a student does not notify an adult that another student is in possession of a weapon.
Detention and in-school suspension are forms of punishment for infractions or a series of infractions involving school rules and/or policies. Both are intended to be of a serious nature. Common sense will be used when administering detention or in-school suspension. For instance, during the first week of school, a kindergartner may not be assigned to detention for hitting another student. However, a sixth grader who intentionally hits another student in the first week of school will be suspended.
Detention/in-school suspension will not be used as a form of public punishment. Detention is a set period of time which can take the shape of extended and supervised time out or some form of school community service.
- How detention/in-school suspension are administered:
- Only the administration can issue a detention or suspension. This is done as a result of documentation and/or input from the CCS faculty and staff.
- A CCS teacher or staff member will supervise detention/in-school suspension.
- Detention will be scheduled within a reasonable time from the infraction.
- A letter will be sent to parent/guardians informing them of the student's assigned detention or suspension.
- Detentions and suspensions must be served as scheduled - no exceptions. Only the administration may reschedule. This will only be done in extreme cases. Missing an extracurricular activity, etc. is not considered to be an extreme case and/or reason for rescheduling.
- A student who misses a detention or in-school suspension, unless rescheduled by the administration, will receive an additional detention and or additional days of in-school suspension. If this is a repeat offense, the student will be given an out-of-school suspension.
- CCS will use a "strike" system for issuing detention or in-school suspension. This means:
- 1. Students who have committed a series of three infractions will be given a strike.
- 2. Students who have committed a series of related/unrelated strikes will be given a detention.
Assigning either a detention or in-school suspension is an administrative decision. Repeated detentions or in-school suspensions may result in an out-of-school suspension. In extreme cases, expulsion may result. The administration reserves the right to administrate a more severe punishment.
Homework refers to an assignment made by a teacher that will positively reinforce a concept presented in class and includes both written and/or study assignments.
Homework is essential to a good school program. It helps students practice acquired skills, develop organizational skills and personal responsibility, extend knowledge, and prepare a background for new material. Homework assignments are also a means of keeping parents informed of the responsibilities placed on their children and of the activities in which they are involved.
Parents are encouraged to foster systematic study habits in their children. The following is a general guideline according to grade that a child should devote to daily homework. Teachers wish to be informed if a child is consistently experiencing difficulty in completing homework during the target times. Homework is the student's work, not the parents.
Grades 1 and 2 - approximately 20 minutes;
Grades 3 and 4 - approximately 30-40 minutes.
Grades 5 - up to 60 minutes.
Middle School - approximately 60-90 minutes
Weekend homework will not be assigned to grades 1-5 (except for long-term assignments or making up missing/incomplete assignments.)
When your child is absent from school, homework is not due the day the child returns from a one-day absence. Due dates will be determined by your child's teacher(s). Homework and classwork missed during absences that last two days or longer can be picked up at the front desk at the end of the second missed day and each additional day.
Students are expected to assume the responsibility of maintaining and cleaning their classrooms and lockers. This includes putting things away, stacking chairs, wiping tables, taking out trash, taking care of text and Library books, and any other responsibilities deemed necessary by the teacher and staff.
All property, including clothing, brought to school must be clearly marked with the student's name. This includes lunch boxes, water bottles, etc. CCS is not responsible for lost belongings.
Students must not bring large amounts of money, electronic devices (including Game Boys, CD players, cell phones, etc.), jewelry, trading cards, or high-cost items to school. Toys, trading cards, and sporting equipment are only to be brought to school when requested by the teacher.
At CCS, we foster inclusion and encourage a family atmosphere among our children. Please keep this in mind as you plan your children's private events. We ask that invitations and thank you letters NOT be issued at school. This is to ensure that children do not feel excluded from activities as young feelings and self-esteem are easily hurt. We also ask that you consider not departing in groups from the school grounds for these events (i.e., limousine rides).
Membership in groups is certainly welcomed and modified uniforms other than our CCS uniform may be worn at school on meeting days. This requires prior approval from the administration. For example, a kindergartener belonging to a Daisy troop may wear the smock to school on the day of the meeting. Your child may bring another group uniform to change into after school if their meeting is held on-site or if s/he is participating in a sport at another location. Clothes may be changed before car line.
- Under Diocesan policy, all Diocesan-sponsored trips or excursions of any kind that require travel of students off school grounds are restricted to:
- Those directly related to an essential educational objective, approved in advance by the administration for a specific course or class (grade level), that can only be achieved by an off-campus visit OR
- Participation in scheduled school-sponsored extra-curricular athletic events OR
- Participation in school-sponsored religious programs.
- Students may be transported by commercial transportation or by volunteer car pooling. Volunteer drivers need to be "Registered Volunteers" and need to complete the driver approval form. Drivers are asked to insure that student conversation and music is consistent with CCS values. DVDs shown in vehicles must be approved by the classroom teacher
- Field trips to the Nation's Capital are allowed as long as the National Security warning remains in the yellow zone. Once it advances to orange or red, field trips to Washington, DC are suspended
Students may share a simple snack for a birthday celebration with their classmates, but this must be arranged in advance with the classroom teacher. These snacks must accommodate any special dietary needs of all of the students in that class. Please do not send in punch, candles, messy food items, or decorations. Party invitations may not be distributed during school time.
(The following "Just for Parents" portion is presented at the very beginning of the printed handbook. It is to be signed and returned to your child's teacher the first week of school. We have included it here for your reference.)
Parents are encouraged to cooperate with the school in spiritual matters, especially by setting an example of sincere Christian living at home and in relationships with members of the school community.
Parents share the responsibility for their child's understanding the philosophy of the school and the rules that flow from that philosophy.
Accept your child for what (s)he is able to do. True acceptance is basic to healthy physical, emotional and spiritual development. Valuable learning can come as a result of making mistakes. Remember academic problems may stem from factors over which (s)he has no control. Excessive pressure from parents to compete for grades can be detrimental to a child's esteem.
Try not to compare your child to others. Give your child opportunities to do things in which they might excel. A child who has the sense of being capable of things is a child who will be confident to explore new areas in which undiscovered talents, gifts and abilities come to light. Praise him/her for skills even though they may be small. Your child will sense your much needed support.
Work closely with your child's teachers. Be quick to support. Be slow to criticize.
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