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It is the right of the teacher to teach. It is the right of each child to learn. If a child infringes upon these rights, every effort will be made by the School to communicate and cooperate with the parents in improving the child's behavior. The same cooperation is expected on the part of the parents. If a conduct referral, a note, or a phone call is received with regard to your child's misbehavior, this indicates a situation which is serious in itself, or could develop into something serious. It must be dealt with at home immediately and strongly. In the best interest of our children, it is imperative that cooperation between home and school is obvious to the child. In the event that a parent questions a punishment or referral, this should be discussed with the teacher, and if necessary, the principal.
BASIS OF DISCIPLINE
The school discipline plan has been developed on the basis of the following criteria:
The entire staff of St. Bernadette School has the goal of establishing an atmosphere throughout the school in which children will feel safe, secure, and happy, and in addition, have a maximum opportunity to learn.
In an effort to accomplish this goal, each teacher has a discipline plan for the time the students are in his/her charge. This plan is communicated to the parents and students the first week of school. In addition, we have developed a School-wide Assertive Discipline Plan. The Plan incorporates the responsibilities and rules as articulated in the Family-Student Handbook (see Student Responsibilities and Rules), which cover the behaviors expected from our students both in and outside the classroom. The Plan also states that students who break rules will receive negative consequences, and students who follow the rules will receive positive consequences.
Students who choose not to follow the rules will receive a pink slip, which will be applied to the discipline consequences in the homeroom. A severe disruption, such as deliberately causing harm to another, vandalism, et cetera, will be dealt with immediately.
Students who choose to follow the rules or are observed doing some service for others will receive a Gold Slip. There will be weekly drawings from the Gold Slip box for small prizes. The students with the most Gold Slips in the school in one month's time will receive the Principal's Award for the month. Watch for their names in the Weekly Note. In addition, any class receiving no detentions for one week will be recognized in the Friday announcements.
We are confident that such a clearly-stated and thorough School-wide Assertive Discipline Plan will teach our children to be responsible for their actions and make the school year a positive and motivating experience.
A student who receives a suspension may not be allowed to attend field trips unless his/her parent/guardian accompanies the class on the trip.
BASIS OF DISCIPLINE
The school discipline plan has been developed on the basis of the following criteria:
- Parents, students, and school staff members are represented in the planning process and within the operation of the plan.
- The processes and strategies used reflect a continuing effort to enhance student self-esteem and encourage growth toward self-management.
- The plan incorporates a respect for student individuality.
- Punishment is a natural outgrowth or logical consequent of the behavior and reflects the gravity of the offense.
- Corporal punishment is never allowed for any purpose.
- Punishment is never indiscriminately applied to an entire group of students because of the behavior of one student or a small group of students.
- Consequences for social misconduct are not to be administered by way of academic punishments.
- Academic requirements for social participation in extracurricular activities is clearly articulated in the Family-Student Handbook and established on well-founded educational and developmental principles which are applied uniformly throughout the student body.
- Plans are consistently applied across all grade levels, respecting the developmental stage of the children.
- Suspension and expulsion procedures are to be exercised only when a student's conduct endangers property, health, or safety of others, or is disruptive to the learning environment.
The entire staff of St. Bernadette School has the goal of establishing an atmosphere throughout the school in which children will feel safe, secure, and happy, and in addition, have a maximum opportunity to learn.
In an effort to accomplish this goal, each teacher has a discipline plan for the time the students are in his/her charge. This plan is communicated to the parents and students the first week of school. In addition, we have developed a School-wide Assertive Discipline Plan. The Plan incorporates the responsibilities and rules as articulated in the Family-Student Handbook (see Student Responsibilities and Rules), which cover the behaviors expected from our students both in and outside the classroom. The Plan also states that students who break rules will receive negative consequences, and students who follow the rules will receive positive consequences.
Students who choose not to follow the rules will receive a pink slip, which will be applied to the discipline consequences in the homeroom. A severe disruption, such as deliberately causing harm to another, vandalism, et cetera, will be dealt with immediately.
Students who choose to follow the rules or are observed doing some service for others will receive a Gold Slip. There will be weekly drawings from the Gold Slip box for small prizes. The students with the most Gold Slips in the school in one month's time will receive the Principal's Award for the month. Watch for their names in the Weekly Note. In addition, any class receiving no detentions for one week will be recognized in the Friday announcements.
We are confident that such a clearly-stated and thorough School-wide Assertive Discipline Plan will teach our children to be responsible for their actions and make the school year a positive and motivating experience.
A student who receives a suspension may not be allowed to attend field trips unless his/her parent/guardian accompanies the class on the trip.
HARASSMENT
GENERAL
It is imperative to maintain an education environment that encourages optimum human growth and development. Respect for the dignity of each person is essential to Catholic tradition. It is vital that each school and religious education program maintains a learning and working environment free of any form of harassment or intimidation toward students.
It is imperative to maintain an education environment that encourages optimum human growth and development. Respect for the dignity of each person is essential to Catholic tradition. It is vital that each school and religious education program maintains a learning and working environment free of any form of harassment or intimidation toward students.
DEFINITION
Harassment is defined as a single incident or a pattern of behavior wherein the purpose or effect is to create a hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment. Harassment encompasses a broad range of physical or verbal behavior which can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Physical or mental abuse
- Racial insults
- Derogatory ethnic slurs
- Unwelcome sexual advances or touching
- Sexual comments, jokes, or gestures
- Threatening behavior
Any student who feels he/she has been subjected to harassment should contact any adult on the school or parish staff. The person who has been notified of the incident must immediately report this information to the principal, pastor, or appropriate supervisor. An investigation will be conducted immediately. If the allegation is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken. Appropriate action may include, but is not limited to:
- Written documentation of the incident
- Disciplinary sanction(s)
- Peer mediation
- Professional counseling
- Referral to an outside agency
- Probation/Suspension/Expulsion
- Probation/Termination
PROBATION/SUSPENSION/EXPULSION
GENERAL
Whenever a student's conduct is such that it demonstrates repeated refusal to obey school rules; endangers the property, health, or safety of others; or consistently disrupts the learning environment, action may be taken to restrict privileges and rights of school attendance. Such action may be of three kinds:
SUSPENSION
EXPULSION
Whenever a student's conduct is such that it demonstrates repeated refusal to obey school rules; endangers the property, health, or safety of others; or consistently disrupts the learning environment, action may be taken to restrict privileges and rights of school attendance. Such action may be of three kinds:
- Probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
A student may be placed on probation for a trial period by the school principal. After conferences are held with the student's parents or guardian and relevant school personnel, the principal sets conditions for release from the probation. The principal's decisions are final.
SUSPENSION
Suspension is justified in unusual circumstances. Parents and student will be promptly notified of the suspension, the reason for the suspension, the length of suspension, and the requirements for reinstatement. Suspension can be either:
In-School Suspension: In-school suspensions will be directed for varying lengths of time as determined by the principal but should not exceed five (5) days. The student will be directed to report to the School Office with all necessary school materials upon arrival at school. The student will spend school hours in an area removed from classmates, working on school assignments. Restroom and lunch privileges will be closely monitored.
Out-of-School Suspension: Out-of-school suspensions will be directed for varying lengths of time as determined by the principal. A maximum of five (5) days can be imposed unless a written notice of an expulsion hearing is scheduled. Such notice shall allow not more than a total of fifteen (15) consecutive school days to be served in suspension until the expulsion hearing is held. Out-of-school suspension may be given by the principal immediately following a serious disciplinary offense. Such a suspension is for investigative purposes.
In the case of out-of-school suspension, the student is to be away from school premises under adult supervision as provided by the parents. A student on suspension is not allowed on school grounds before school, after school, or during the school day. The parent is responsible to obtain all assignments for the student to work on during suspension.
The student is responsible for all class and homework during the time of suspension. This must be turned in upon readmission to class. Late work WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Before readmission to class there will be a conference with student, parents, and principal. Pastor and teacher/s may be involved in this conference if necessary.
In-School Suspension: In-school suspensions will be directed for varying lengths of time as determined by the principal but should not exceed five (5) days. The student will be directed to report to the School Office with all necessary school materials upon arrival at school. The student will spend school hours in an area removed from classmates, working on school assignments. Restroom and lunch privileges will be closely monitored.
Out-of-School Suspension: Out-of-school suspensions will be directed for varying lengths of time as determined by the principal. A maximum of five (5) days can be imposed unless a written notice of an expulsion hearing is scheduled. Such notice shall allow not more than a total of fifteen (15) consecutive school days to be served in suspension until the expulsion hearing is held. Out-of-school suspension may be given by the principal immediately following a serious disciplinary offense. Such a suspension is for investigative purposes.
In the case of out-of-school suspension, the student is to be away from school premises under adult supervision as provided by the parents. A student on suspension is not allowed on school grounds before school, after school, or during the school day. The parent is responsible to obtain all assignments for the student to work on during suspension.
The student is responsible for all class and homework during the time of suspension. This must be turned in upon readmission to class. Late work WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Before readmission to class there will be a conference with student, parents, and principal. Pastor and teacher/s may be involved in this conference if necessary.
EXPULSION
Definition: Expulsion is considered a termination of enrollment, permanently or for an extended period of time. Expulsion shall be considered as a rarity and used only as a very last measure. Expulsion results from illegal activity; repeated refusal to obey school rules; immorality in talk or action; conduct which endangers property, health, or safety of self or others; or conduct detrimental to the reputation of the school. A serious single offense may also be cause for expulsion. Students asked not to return the following year for behavior reasons are considered to be expelled. Students not allowed to return due to failure to meet required academic standards are not considered to be expelled. Those academic requirements are well-articulated in the Family-Student Handbook.
Hearing: The Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools/designee is to be informed before any action leading to expulsion is taken. Expulsion can take place only after holding an expulsion hearing before a committee as established by the pastor or designee. Parents/guardians will be notified in writing at least five (5) days before the hearing is to take place.
Before the hearing is held, the parents and student are informed of the possible recommendations of the committee and that once the hearing is in progress that the student may not have the right to voluntarily withdraw, in lieu of expulsion, unless that is the recommendation of the committee.
The hearing committee conducts the hearing in accord with Archdiocesan guidelines and makes a recommendation to the principal and pastor. The committee's recommendation will be to:
Appeal Process: The student, or his/her parent or guardian, may within five (5) school days following notification of the expulsion, appeal to the Superintendent of Schools in writing with rationale for appeal. The Superintendent will only assure that correct procedures were followed as defined by Archdiocesan policy.
Hearing: The Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools/designee is to be informed before any action leading to expulsion is taken. Expulsion can take place only after holding an expulsion hearing before a committee as established by the pastor or designee. Parents/guardians will be notified in writing at least five (5) days before the hearing is to take place.
Before the hearing is held, the parents and student are informed of the possible recommendations of the committee and that once the hearing is in progress that the student may not have the right to voluntarily withdraw, in lieu of expulsion, unless that is the recommendation of the committee.
The hearing committee conducts the hearing in accord with Archdiocesan guidelines and makes a recommendation to the principal and pastor. The committee's recommendation will be to:
- Expel
- Recommend other disciplinary action in lieu of expulsion
- Exonerate the student of any wrongdoing
Appeal Process: The student, or his/her parent or guardian, may within five (5) school days following notification of the expulsion, appeal to the Superintendent of Schools in writing with rationale for appeal. The Superintendent will only assure that correct procedures were followed as defined by Archdiocesan policy.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
GENERAL
In the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, a parental grievance occurs when there is a disagreement between the parent(s) or guardian(s) of a student enrolled in the school or parish religious education program and an employee (e.g. Principal, Teacher, DRE, Youth Minister, Catechist) of the parish. Before any formal grievance can be initiated, the parent(s) or guardian(s) must meet with the employee with whom there is an issue to see if reconciliation or meeting of the minds can occur, consistent with the philosophy of the Archdiocese. If resolution occurs, there is no need to proceed. An informal grievance not raised within ten (10) days shall be considered to be waived.
In the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, a parental grievance occurs when there is a disagreement between the parent(s) or guardian(s) of a student enrolled in the school or parish religious education program and an employee (e.g. Principal, Teacher, DRE, Youth Minister, Catechist) of the parish. Before any formal grievance can be initiated, the parent(s) or guardian(s) must meet with the employee with whom there is an issue to see if reconciliation or meeting of the minds can occur, consistent with the philosophy of the Archdiocese. If resolution occurs, there is no need to proceed. An informal grievance not raised within ten (10) days shall be considered to be waived.
STEP 1 PROCESS
If there is no resolution, the parent(s)/guardian(s) can initiate the formal grievance process by providing a letter to the employee's supervisor no later than ten (10) working days after the informal meeting noted above. The letter must contain the following:Date/time/place of the informal meeting Name and position of the employee with whom the disagreement exists Factual information and background regarding the disagreement Specific recommendations for resolution of the issue After receipt of the letter, the supervisor will provide the employee five (5) work days to respond and then schedule a meeting of all parties within ten (10) days to work through conciliation toward resolution. Should resolution occur, the process is concluded. If resolution does not occur and the potential concern involves elementary schools or parish programs, proceed to STEP 2.
If there is no resolution, the parent(s)/guardian(s) can initiate the formal grievance process by providing a letter to the employee's supervisor no later than ten (10) working days after the informal meeting noted above. The letter must contain the following:
STEP 2 PROCESS
If resolution does not occur in the informal meeting or STEP 1 and the concern involves elementary schools or parish programs, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will provide the pastor with a copy of the letter noted in STEP 1 within five (5) working days of the completion of STEP 1.
The pastor will immediately call on the employee for his/her response and attempt to resolve the situation in one of the following manners:
If resolution does not occur in the informal meeting or STEP 1 and the concern involves elementary schools or parish programs, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will provide the pastor with a copy of the letter noted in STEP 1 within five (5) working days of the completion of STEP 1.
The pastor will immediately call on the employee for his/her response and attempt to resolve the situation in one of the following manners:
- The pastor will convene the parties in an attempt to reach mutual agreement. (Disputes in which the pastor is the immediate supervisor begin here.)
- The pastor may contact the Archdiocesan Office for Schools, Child, and Youth Ministry for assistance in resolving the matter. If agreement is reached, the process is concluded.
- The pastor may direct a local grievance committee to proceed with a review of all details and submit a recommendation to him. Proceed with STEP 3.
STEP 3 PROCESS
If there is no resolution through STEP 2, issues of concern will be heard by a local grievance committee. The local committee of three to five members will hear all sides of the dispute no later than thirty (30) days after the parent(s)/guardian(s) forward a copy of the letter noted in STEP 1 to the committee. The committee, appointed by the pastor and drawn from a pool of candidates who possess qualifications that would allow them to discern impartially the issues at hand, will render a decision to all parties. If there is consensus of all parties, the process is concluded. If resolution does not occur, a final STEP 4 may be initiated.
If there is no resolution through STEP 2, issues of concern will be heard by a local grievance committee. The local committee of three to five members will hear all sides of the dispute no later than thirty (30) days after the parent(s)/guardian(s) forward a copy of the letter noted in STEP 1 to the committee. The committee, appointed by the pastor and drawn from a pool of candidates who possess qualifications that would allow them to discern impartially the issues at hand, will render a decision to all parties. If there is consensus of all parties, the process is concluded. If resolution does not occur, a final STEP 4 may be initiated.
STEP 4 PROCESS
Should resolution not occur through STEPS 1, 2, and 3, the parent(s)/guardian(s) can request within ten (10) working days, a written appeal to the Archdiocese through the Director/Superintendent of Schools, Child and Youth Ministries. Should an appeal not occur within the time period, the issue is considered closed.
The request for a hearing with the grievance committee shall be made through the Superintendent's Office. It shall contain the statements of the parties concerned. The Delegate for Parishes will convene the grievance committee and chair its proceedings. Upon receipt of the written statement, the grievance committee will set up a hearing, at a mutually convenient time and place, for discussion of the concern with all parities involved.
The findings of the grievance committee will be communicated to all parties involved. Upon such communication, the work of the grievance committee will be closed.
Should resolution not occur through STEPS 1, 2, and 3, the parent(s)/guardian(s) can request within ten (10) working days, a written appeal to the Archdiocese through the Director/Superintendent of Schools, Child and Youth Ministries. Should an appeal not occur within the time period, the issue is considered closed.
The request for a hearing with the grievance committee shall be made through the Superintendent's Office. It shall contain the statements of the parties concerned. The Delegate for Parishes will convene the grievance committee and chair its proceedings. Upon receipt of the written statement, the grievance committee will set up a hearing, at a mutually convenient time and place, for discussion of the concern with all parities involved.
The findings of the grievance committee will be communicated to all parties involved. Upon such communication, the work of the grievance committee will be closed.
PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR EXPULSION HEARINGS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
- Insure that elements of the Suspension Policy and Expulsion Policy as outlined in P&R 5144 have been followed. The local disciplinary code and policies need to be consistent with those of the Archdiocese.
- The Expulsion Hearing Committee is composed of 3-4 people. Choose members from various sources within the parish - former trustees or parish council members, parents of former students, at-large parishioners who have certain skills/backgrounds that would be a good "fit" for the situation. One of these hearing committee members needs to chair/facilitate the hearing, not the pastor.
- An expulsion hearing is not a legal proceeding; therefore, neither party may have an attorney present during the hearing.
- The pastor is present for the entire hearing itself and during the deliberations of the hearing committee.
- The school is represented by the principal, along with any teachers if appropriate. The school gets a certain amount of time (say up to a maximum of 30 minutes) to present the chronology of events that led up to the initiation of the expulsion process along with the supportive documentation and rationale as to why the expulsion is being sought.
- The student who is the subject of the hearing and his/her parents are given equal time to present their side of the story and reasons as to why expulsion is not warranted.
- Committee members can ask clarifying questions as the end of each presentation time. Representatives of the two sides are not to interrupt the other during their respective presentations.
- A brief amount of time (5-7 minutes) is given to both sides for questions, responses, and final summative comments. Any last questions from the hearing committee can occur at this time also.
- The hearing is ended and the school representatives and the student/parents leave. The hearing committee weighs the facts and issues that were presented and gives the pastor a recommendation as to what it believes is appropriate disciplinary action; this recommendation should be briefly summarized in writing.
- The pastor can accept the recommendation totally, in part, or reject it altogether. The pastor has final responsibility for the decision to expel or not.
- The family of the student is informed of the final decision within 24 hours. A formal letter is sent by certified mail detailing the final action and signed by pastor and principal no later than the day after the hearing. If the decision to expel is upheld, a date and time by which the expulsion becomes official are also indicated in the letter. Parents are given the right to still withdraw the student from school before the deadline. This withdrawal must be done through a written notice signed by the parent(s).
- Be sure the right to appeal to the Superintendent of Schools is noted in the letter to the family if proceeding with expulsion (as per the expulsion process outline in P&R 5144).