Springfield Catholic High School Handbook | Springfield, MO Catholic HS

No handbook can anticipate and address every situation that may arise. The administration at SCHS reserves the right to make decisions regarding circumstances not addressed in the handbook.

Discipline is crucial in creating an environment for learning. Discipline is the atmosphere we create: respect for the teacher, respect for other students, and most of all, the student’s respect for him or herself.

Respect for others is a Christian value of high priority at SCHS. Respect and courtesy for students should be expressed by being friendly and considerate of the rights of others, by not monopolizing a class and by refraining from boisterous conduct.

Respect and courtesy for teachers should be expressed by greeting all teachers, yielding teachers the right of way, helping a teacher carry a load when necessary, not inspecting the items on teachers’ desks, and not eavesdropping or interrupting conversations.

Merit/Demerit System

This system is used in an effort to emphasize the importance of positive behavior and deter those behaviors which negatively affect the school climate. The system is designed to reward those students who exhibit extraordinarily positive behaviors and to deter those whose behavior violates school rules. Demerits may be issued at any time on school premises and/or at school activities on or off campus by any SCHS faculty or staff member. Merits will be rewarded throughout the year with special activities and recognition. Demerits are accumulated on a per quarter basis. Behavior violations impacting negatively on school climate will result in the issuance of one demerit per incident. These include but are not limited to: dress code, food and/or drink in classrooms, labs, auditorium, chapel, and library; language infractions, disruptive behavior, insubordination/disrespect, dishonesty, misuse of computers and truancy (not being where you are supposed to be). Consequences for demerits are as follows:

3 demerits 1 hour detention served from 3:15-4:15 (Tuesdays and Thursdays) $10.00 fine
6 demerits 2 hours Saturday school detention to be served from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. with a $15.00 fine (not allowed to attend next school dance)
9 demerits 3 hours Saturday school detention to be served from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. with a $20.00 fine (not allowed to attend next school dance)
Automatic probationary status with a mandatory conference between administration and parent/guardian regarding student’s future at Springfield Catholic High School.

Arrangements to attend detention are scheduled through the principal’s office. Detention/Saturday School takes precedence over any other school activity and fines are due at the time of serving. During detentions or Saturday School assigned for behavioral issues students may be required to assist the custodial staff or administrators with a variety of cleanup projects. The following behaviors may result in demerits being issued, but will ultimately require stronger punishment depending on the severity and frequency of the action:

Cheating and Plagiarism

Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated. (Plagiarism is a stealing the words, ideas, etc., of another and using them as one's own. Persons who plagiarize do not give proper credit for the ideas or quotations of others.) Students caught cheating, in any way; automatically earn a "0" on the assignment, project, quiz and/or test in which they were dishonest. Students who assist others in cheating earn the same grade. A student earns a "0", in the case of plagiarism.

Fighting

Disagreements should be handled in a Christian, non-violent manner. Students who engage in physical fighting are referred to the Principal. Fights may result in suspension or possible expulsion from school.

Harassment / Abuse

Christian language and behavior are expected at SCHS. Any form of physical, verbal and/or sexual harassment of students, faculty and/or staff are not tolerated during school or at school-related functions. Harassment/abuse includes, but is not limited to: name calling; insults; teasing; taunting; deliberate pushing and shoving; unwelcome touching; threats; insults; sexual jokes, stories, gestures, notes, letters, graffiti; staring at another's body; mimicking; damaging or destroying another's property; knocking books and/or materials from another's arms; kicking, violating a locker, taking another’ s books, clothing, etc. A student who feels he/she is being harassed/abused should immediately notify the administration or a faculty member of incidents and of the parties involved. Persons who harass/abuse others are subject to suspension or expulsion.

Obscene / Vulgar Language or Behavior

Any language, act, remark, expression, gestures or behavior that is offensive to Christian modesty and decency is not permitted. Students who use such expressions are subject to suspension or expulsion.

Scandal

Any behavior inside or outside of school that causes scandal or embarrassment to the school may be reason for suspension or expulsion.

Sexual Misconduct / Public Displays of Affection

Christian standards of morality and appropriate public conduct are a must at Springfield Catholic High. Actual or simulated conduct which violates the standards of Christian sexual morality or any inappropriate displays of public affection between students are not tolerated on the school campus or at any school sponsored activity/event.

Stealing / Theft

Respecting the property of others is expected. Students who steal violate this respect and are subject to suspension or expulsion. The dishonest student is also responsible for full restitution of stolen items.

Positive Drug Test Results

The results of all drug tests will accrue throughout the student’s attendance at Springfield Catholic High School. Any student who tests positive in a drug-use test under this procedure will be subject to the following restrictions:

First Offense

The student will be suspended from participation in all academic/athletic activities and competitions for twenty-eight (28) school calendar days.* Suspension will begin at the time of the confirmed positive test.
The student and parent/s or custodial guardian/s will participate in an evaluation/counseling program as approved by the principal. The family will be responsible for attendant expenses.
The student and parent/s or custodial guardian/s will agree to drug retesting, length between tests to be determined by the participating certified, drug-testing agency counselor. The family will be responsible for attendant expenses.

Any suspension not completed at the end of one school year will carry over into the following school year. Continuation of suspension also applies in instances of re-enrollment in Springfield Catholic High School.

Second Offense

The student will receive an out-of-school suspension for five (5) days. If, because of the suspension, the student is unable to participate in an activity which constitutes a portion of the student’s grade, the student will be given the opportunity to complete alternative assignments. The student can then earn the grade that she/he would have earned through the original activity.
The student will be suspended from participation in all academic/athletic activities and competitions for fifty-six (56) school calendar days.* Suspension will begin at the time of the confirmed positive test.
A conference that includes the high school principal, the parent/s or custodial guardian/s, the student, and the certified, drug-testing agency counselor will be held prior to the student’s return following the five-day, out-of-school suspension.

Third Offense

The student will be expelled from Springfield Catholic High School in accordance with the policies of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Expulsion waives any right to confidentiality per the Missouri Safe Schools Act.

Retest After Service of Suspension

A student who has tested positive and has fulfilled the applicable consequences will be required to undergo one or more additional drug-use tests at the expense of the student, parent/s or custodial guardian/s to determine whether the student is no longer using illegal drugs before he or she may rejoin any academic/athletic activity or competition.

Refusal to Submit or Alteration to Drug Use Test

Refusal to submit to any of the aforementioned required drug use tests or the process where an individual attempts to interfere with testing results will be taken as an indication of positive results. Consequences will be enacted as described above.

Appeal Procedure

The above described consequences will take effect at the time of the confirmed positive test result. Parent/s or custodial guardian/s may appeal the results within five (5) working days. This appeal should be made to the high school principal.

If an appeal is made, the principal will solicit any explanation of the positive result. If the student asserts that the positive test result is caused by other than consumption of an illegal drug, then the student/parent/s or custodial guardian/s will be given ten (10) working days from the date of the appeal to present evidence of such to the principal. If the appealing party either fails or refuses to present any evidence within the ten (10) day period, any right to further appeal the positive result will be deemed waived.

Springfield Catholic High School will rely on the opinion of the laboratory that performed the confirmation test in determining whether the positive test result was produced by other than consumption of an illegal drug. The principal will make a decision within five (5) working days of presentation of the student’s evidence.

Initiating appeal procedures does not suspend imposition of the consequences listed above while the appeal process is ongoing.

Substance Abuse

SCHS maintains a drug-free environment for students and staff. Students must report to school in a drug-free condition, except when under a physician's or parent's care. Students requiring medication must bring a written note from their physician and/or parent/guardian stating the need for such medication. All medication is to be brought to the office for storage during the school day. Students are not to carry medication with them unless a physician's order so states.

SCHS gives the same consideration to persons with chemical dependency as with any other health problem. Seeking assistance or being referred does not jeopardize a student's continuing education here. However, decreased performance, behavioral problems and/or poor attendance may.

The consequences for substance abuse violations are:

1st Offense

4-10 day suspension followed by a period of 28 calendar days of exemption from all extra-curricular activities. Student must obtain a chemical- dependency assessment at an authorized licensed chemical assessment institution. Automatic probationary status and a mandatory conference between administration and parent/guardian regarding student’s future at Springfield Catholic High School.

2nd Offense

Immediate expulsion from Springfield Catholic High School.

In accordance with the Missouri Safe Schools Act, a student involved in the selling and/or dispensing of any mind/mood-altering chemical (including alcohol) receives an immediate suspension pending expulsion while additional internal and external investigative efforts are being made.

Tobacco

The use, possession, sale and/or transfer of any tobacco product by students is prohibited on the school campus, in the surrounding neighborhood, at any school-related function and results in a referral to the principal. Repeated use, possession, sale and/or transfer will result in suspension or expulsion.

Vandalism

Respect for school property and the possessions of others is in accord with our Christian beliefs. Students who vandalize school property or the property of others are referred to the administration. External investigative and enforcement methods will be used. Serious or repeated acts of vandalism will result in suspension or expulsion. Students who vandalize property will also be expected to make full restitution for damages done.

Weapons

In order to provide a safe environment, the possession of firearms or weapons, including concealed weapons, by a person, student or adult, or in a vehicle, on the premises or property located, leased, or used by Springfield Catholic Schools is prohibited. This penalty shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers. Penalties shall be in accordance with state and local law and Diocesan guidelines. Anything, which can be construed as being a weapon, will be confiscated and suspension or expulsion will result. In accordance with the Missouri Safe Schools Act, possession or use of a weapon or anything that could be used as a weapon (see Missouri Safe Schools Act for definitions) is grounds for a minimum suspension of one year.

Disciplinary Procedures and Actions

Student-Teacher Conference

When a student's behavior becomes problematic in school, the teacher and/or supervisor points out the behavioral concern, the change which is expected of the student and the procedures/consequences which follow if the student's conduct does not improve. Close communication between parent and teachers, regarding problems, is strongly urged. Often, misbehavior is a clue to a deeper problem. The teachers work closely with the counselor and with community agencies as needed.

Disciplinary Probation

A student is automatically placed on disciplinary probation after suspension. Serious continual behavior violations, i.e., blatant disregard of school rules chronic disrespect, actions leading to suspension, or community service, etc., may indicate a student's choice to be placed on disciplinary probation by administration. In general, probation is considered only in serious situations and is a premonition of pending expulsion if behavior is not corrected. Administration notifies and meets with the student and a parent/guardian. A statement of probation/a behavior contract, which clearly states the terms and conditions of probation, is discussed and signed by the student, parent/guardian and administration. A student's failure to fulfill the terms of the contract results in suspension or expulsion.

Suspension

Consequences for serious disciplinary violations may include exclusion from regular classes for a period up to ten school days. Student behavior may warrant suspension from class, as determined by administration.

Possible causes for suspension may include but are not limited to:

open defiance of school authority
striking a teacher or other school personnel
possession of or consumption of an alcoholic beverage at school or a school-related function
possession of or use of a controlled substance at school or a school-related function
possession or use of a weapon or anything that would threaten the welfare of anyone present in the school or at a school-related function (immediate suspension)
any verbal threat, or physical threat of violence
truancy – a pupil who stays away from school without parental or school permission

Expulsion

In extreme cases when student conduct threatens the physical or moral welfare of someone in the school community or when seriously inappropriate behavior warrants, administration may be forced to ask a student to find another school. The time of expulsion may be for the remainder of the school year or permanently. Parents are notified of the decision in writing.

Possible causes for expulsion include but are not limited to:

civil marriage
selling of a controlled substance at school or a school-related function
for a second offense during the school year for either possession or use of a controlled substance or possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage at school or school-related functions
for a violation for which there were two disciplinary suspension during the school year
for any other conduct or activity of a serious nature that is considered harmful to the school’s reputation or well-being

Disciplinary Appeal

Through the principal, a student whose behavior has forced probation, suspension or expulsion may request a hearing before the director of Springfield Catholic Schools. The director's decision may be further appealed to the Springfield Catholic School Board. The school board's decision is final and binding on students and parents.

Student Usage of Electronic Devices

In an effort to promote a healthy, safe environment, to remove distractions from the academic environment, and to protect the integrity of the curriculum, Springfield Catholic High School prohibits students from using and/or having cell phones or other electronic communication devices turned on during the school day. Cell phones do not support learning and disrupt instruction. They are not to be visible, on, or used during the school day. Use of cell phones for emergency purposes or for the accommodation of a disability must be authorized by administration and documentation carried by the student.

1st offenseSchool personnel confiscates the cell phone giving it to the principal. Cell phone will be returned to the student’s parent/guardian at the end of three (3)school days.

2nd offenseSchool personnel confiscates the cell phone giving it to the principal. The principal will return the cell phone to the student’s parent/guardian at the end of ten (10)school days.

3rd offense School personnel confiscates the cell phone giving it to the principal. The principal will return the cell phone to the parent/guardian at the end of (30) school days.

If a cell phone is confiscated during a quiz, test or exam, the student may be subject to more serious disciplinary consequences.

Confiscated cell phones will not be returned to students. Springfield Catholic High School is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones.

Parents should NOT contact students during the school day on their cell phones.

Corporal Punishment

SCHS believes that corporal punishment is an inappropriate means of discipline and is ineffective in changing behavior. Diocesan policy discourages the use of corporal punishment and its use is prohibited at SCHS.