St. Ann's Discipline

Believing as we do that each person is unique and born in the Image of Jesus Christ, we strive to create a school environment that fosters the moral development of each child. To this end, we will keep in mind the different developmental stages through which all children must pass: physical, psychological, intellectual, and moral.

Realizing that different age levels and different developmental levels predicate the specific treatment each child deserves, the following general behavioral guideline are given:

Each student will respect the right of every student to learn and of every teacher to teach.
Each student will follow the school uniform regulations, except on designated days.
Each student will obey the school rules for behavior in the Church, the lunchroom, the playground, the school hallways, fire and tornado drill, arrivals and dismissals, field trips etc.
Each student will come to school prepared for classes wilth homework & necessary materials.
Each student will be respectful, obedient, use proper language, take care of school property, and care of themselves and others - physically and emotionally.

Teachers will strive to commend positive behavior through notes and phone calls throughout the school year.

If the occasion should arise when these behavioral objectives are not met, each teacher will exercise great care to take appropriate action to teach the student responsible , moral decision making. Again, the age and the developmental level of each student will predicate the action taken.

The following are the consequences that may be applied:

Patterns of inappropriate behavior and unacceptable work habits will be communicated to the parents/guardians. For the Middle School student, this most often will be a "Discipline Report" which is given to alert students and parents that work has not been completed or that behavior has been unacceptable. "Discipline Report" must be signed and returned to the teacher the following day or an additional "Discipline Report" is in order. A "Discipline Report" may earn detention for middle school students. Three "Discipline Reports" may earn a detention for grades K through 5.
A "time-out" may be given whereby a student is asked to sit alone for a short time until he/she is able to participate properly in class. For older students, this time-out may be detention time after school. After several successive or multiple infractions within a short period of time, parents may be called in for a conference. Future repeated serious discipline problems will result in a temporary or permanent suspension.
The teacher will be the first agent of discipline. The principal will be involved after continued inappropriate behavior, poor work habits, and grades, and with serious transgressions.
Fines may be assessed for loss or damage to school or church property due to carelessness or malevolence.
There are three general situations which may lead to suspension and/or expulsion:
1. When the school authority feels it is not in the best interest of the child or the student body to have this child remain in school.
2. When the moral and/or physical well-being of the student body is endangered.
3. When there is prolonged and open disregard for the school authority.

Rules

Invitations to private parties may not be handed out at school or on the playground.
Individual gifts from one student to another will not be given at school.
Snowballs and other items may not be thrown in the school, on the school grounds before or after or during school hours. Fines will be levied for the offenders. The fine is $1.00 for the first offense and keeps doubling for each additional offense. Unpaid fines may result in detention, work details, etc.
Students may not have pocket knives, weapons or other dangerous items at school. These will be taken and held at the Principal’s Office until the parent/guardian collects them. Age appropriate consequences will be given.
Some materials are not appropriate for school; unacceptable reading materials, expensive toys, large amounts of money, anything that is disruptive or dangerous. Such items will be collected by the teacher and may be sent to the Office.
Fighting before, during or after school is forbidden. Parents/Guardians may be contacted to pick up the students involved and long term suspension/expulsion would be in order for repeated fighting.
Ordinarily, no gum or candy is allowed in school.
Use or possession of illegal or unauthorized drugs or alcohol or tobacco during the school day or at any school activity will be considered grounds for suspension or expulsion. Counseling and treatment and/or screening will be required before a student may be reinstated.
Gang related paraphernalia and/or behavior and/or language are not allowed.
Damage to school or personal property is not allowed.
Foul abusive language is not allowed.
Disrespectful actions and/or language to teachers, administrators, students, or parents is not allowed.
Public displays of affection are not appropriate behaviors at school and are not permitted on school property or at school sponsored activities. This manner of expression may result in disciplinary action.

Guidance

Guidance at St. Ann's is primarily through the faculty and the administration. St. Ann's also provides a counselor two days a week through Catholic Charities.
The Counselor is available meet with students and/or parents. After the first time the counselor meets with the student individually, a permission slip must be signed by the parent/guardian.

St. Ann's School Student Assistance Board

The Student Assistance Board at St. Ann’s is composed of three teachers and the principal. The purpose of the Board is twofold: to develop approriate strategies for students having difficulty that will promote student growth; to review the progress or lack of progress which is not consistent with the mission of St. Ann’s and to recommend appropriate consequences and/or suggestions that will promote student growth and also consider the well-being of the entire student population.

A student who receives five Disciplinary Reports in a quarter is automatically called before the Student Assistance Board. Other examples, but not exclusive, are a student who has seriously violated any of St. Ann’s rules; a student with poor attendance and who has not responded to the Studnet Assistance Board; a student with behavior or emotional problems beyond the scope of the school; a student who has in his/her possession a weapon or illegal substance may be called before the Disciplinary Board. The student’s parents/guardians are required to attend. A letter is sent by the principal before the meeting informing the parents/guardians of the time and the date.

The Board will meet prior to the students and the parents/guardians meeting. The board will discuss the student’s behavior and decide upon the appropriate strategies. (the principal has the final say in this process.)

Ordinarily, before any expulsion is invoked, the following may happen:

The student is warned by the principal.
The parents/guardians are informed of the seriousness of the matter.
The Principal shall inform the Diocesan School Office and the priest of the situation and the circumstances.
The student and his/her family shall be informed formally of the expulsion.