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GOOD SHEPHERD
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Parent-Student Handbook
and Family Directory
2008-2009

Discipline:  Discipline 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 a 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.

Students are expected to maintain a high standard of behavior both on and off campus, achieved through positive teacher expectations, support from the
administration, and close contact with parents.  The school follows discipline policies suggested by the Archdiocese.  School rules are published in the
Parent Handbook, the classrooms and the newsletters  

In addition, a discipline plan is specifically developed for each level. This policy is distributed at the beginning of the year.  Following class discussion,
parents and students indicate understanding of the contents by returning a signed acknowledgement. These rules and regulations are based on the
school’s philosophy that “we have a responsibility to guide and encourage each student to develop a deep respect and love of God, self and others.”  
Based upon this statement, each case is handled discreetly and directly by the staff member involved.

In the case of a major discipline issue or repeated infractions of classroom or playground rules, the matter may be brought to the attention of the principal.  
A student will be placed on a contract. If no improvement is shown, and the student’s behavior is detrimental to others, the principal will meet with the
parents and a formal plan of action is implemented.  The overall approach to discipline is a positive one and in most cases students meet the standards
of good behavior that is expected.

Detentions and Probations:  Students who repeatedly disregard school rules and fail to cooperate will incur detention and/or probation.  For serious and
repeated offenses, students will receive a Student Report/Infraction Slip. These reports will be kept on file in the school office.  When a student receives a
Student Report, parents will be required to sign and return the report the next day.  Teachers will inform the students of the consequences for these
reports. If it is determined that a student has received too many reports and is showing no signs of improvement, detention and or suspension will result. If
a student has been suspended more than once during a school year, it is doubtful that he/she will be able to remain at Good Shepherd School. In addition,
any student receiving an NI (Needs Improvement) in Behavior is automatically on probation for the next report card period and must receive at least an S
(Satisfactory) in order to avoid a possible suspension.

Suspension from School:  Reasons for expulsion with mitigating circumstances are also reasons for suspension.  A student will automatically be
suspended and sent home for the rest of the school day if he or she is involved in a fight at school.  No pupil shall be suspended from an elementary
school for more than two consecutive weeks. Notice of suspension will be given to parents or guardian by phone, mail, or other appropriate method within
a reasonable time before the suspension, advising of the fact of the suspension, its duration, and the reasons therefore.  A conference with the principal,
parent and child will be required before the student will be permitted to return to school.  It is up to the administration to decide where and when the
suspension will be served.  Ordinarily, a pupil will not be allowed to make up tests missed because of a suspension.  He or she receives a failing mark for
that day’s work. In no case will a teacher on his/her own authority suspend a student.

Expulsion from School:  Reasons for expulsion are, but are not limited to, the following offenses committed by children while under the jurisdiction of
Good Shepherd School:

  1.   Actions gravely detrimental to the moral and spiritual welfare of other pupils
  2.   Habitual profanity, vulgarity or racial slurs
  3.   Assault or battery or any threat of force or violence directed towards any school personnel or student
  4.   Bullying or harassing school personnel or other students
  5.   Open, persistent defiance of the authority of a teacher
  6.   Continued willful disobedience
  7.   Use, sale or possession of narcotics, drugs or any other controlled substance
  8.   Use, sale, distribution or possession of any alcoholic beverage on or near school premises
  9.   Smoking or possession of tobacco
  10.   Stealing
  11.   Use, sale or possession of narcotics
  12.   Willfully cutting, defacing, or otherwise damaging school property.  Replacement of material will be the responsibility of the person committing the
    offense
  13.  Stealing
  14.  Forging signatures
  15.  Cheating or plagiarism
  16.  Willful cutting, defacing or otherwise injuring in any way property, real or personal belonging to the school
  17.  Habitual truancy
  18.  Possession of harmful weapons(e.g. knives, guns, etc.) or materials that can be used as weapons
  19.  Membership in, active involvement in, affiliation with a gang or group responsible for coercive or violent activity.
  20.  Actions in or out of school which are detrimental to the school’s reputation
  21.  Violation of the Electronic Communications Policy and guidelines
  22.  Inappropriate conduct or behavior unbecoming a student in a Catholic School
  23.  Leaving the school grounds before, during or after school hours without permission