St. Bernadette School is committed to creating a safe, caring, respectful learning environment for all members of the school community. As disciples of Jesus, we understand that personal discipline is a Code of Christian Behavior that calls each of us to personal responsibility and respect for ourselves and others. Saint Bernadette School staff will employ techniques that enable students to problem solve while keeping their dignity and self-worth intact. 

CODE OF CONDUCT

Students at St. Bernadette School are expected to

·     treat everyone in a Christian manner, showing respect and courtesy in their speech

       and actions.

·     accept responsibility for their own actions.

·     respect the opinions and property of others and to care for the school’s materials.

·     conform to the school’s regulations for conduct and for dress.

·     exercise self-control on all occasions.

·     observe the rules for safety and quiet in the halls, on the stairs, during safety drills,

      etc.

·     recall that their conduct reflects the education received from their home and their

          school. This includes their conduct at extra-curricular activities.

·     learn and to conduct themselves so as to allow others to learn while in school.

 

We believe that discipline is fundamental to life. Discipline is a necessary reflection of the philosophy of a Catholic school which attempts to develop a fully committed Christian – a Christian committed to the observance of just rules and regulations, which will assist the individual in responding to his/her responsibilities and obligations to himself/herself and others.

Correct training in discipline means that a child learns to accept rules and regulations presented by  authority. Students are expected to act in such fashion that their behavior will reflect favorably on themselves and the school. They are expected to show consideration and respect for their fellow students and teachers, thus creating a harmonious atmosphere within the school. All students must recognize their individual responsibilities and obligations and discharge them in accordance with school regulations. Children who fail to comply with school policies and regulations must accept the consequences.

 

The individual classroom teacher will customarily handle disciplinary procedures for PRE-K through Grade 8. Policies are developmentally appropriate for each grade level. Policies, expectations, and consequences of inappropriate behaviors (words and actions) are explained thoroughly in each new year to both students and families. Behavioral charts and strategies are displayed in every classroom where students collaboratively plan for personal growth and academic success with their teachers. The Principal, who promotes and encourages both consistency and ongoing parent communication in the growth of a healthy school environment, reinforces individual policies that are within the framework of this handbook. The Principal is always available to all faculty, staff, students, and families and acts as an additional resource for the strategies necessary to plan for individual student growth and learning.

Please note: The school reserves the right to search anything brought on school premises. 

Archdiocesan Discipline Policy: Section 319

The school is the co-tenant of all storage areas and desks and reserves the right to search them at any time without notice.  Defacing desks, chairs, books or any shool related item is strictly forbidden.  Students will be financially liable for any cleaning and/or replacement. Administration also reserves the right to examine all items brought on to the school grounds including backpacks, phones and other items.

Occasionally parent(s)/guardian(s) disgruntled with the school will direct that the student not be spoken to by the administrator or any other school official regarding conduct unless the parent(s)/guardians are present or given prior notice. The school should advise the parents that the school cannot teach the student under such circumstances and, therefore, the student should be removed if the parent(s)/guardians insist on such conditions. 
St. Bernadette School views educating students as a partnership that relies on support from home and school. It is our hope that together we are able to redirect misbehavior and move forward. 

St. Bernadette School employs a Positive Behavior System (PBIS) to recognize students' behavior that follows the Be's of Bernies - Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be a Good Citizen.

Golden tickets are awarded for these behaviors. (see examples listed below)  Students who receive 3 golden tickets are placed on our Wall of Fame - a student recognition award bulletin board displayed prominently in our school.  These students are eligible to receive prizes throughout the year.

       Exhibiting leadership qualities

       Active participation

       Respectful

       Helpful to Faculty/Administration

       On task in class

       Supports classmates

It is our goal to reinforce and support our students as we work with our parents to instill Christian values and promote the virtues of courtesy, fairness, gratitude, generosity, peace, integrity, empathy, forgiveness and fortitude.
 

At times, it is necessary to give a consequence to students who struggle to make choices that are in line with the Be's of Bernies.  

Consequences include:

• Reflection time, writing a plan of action how behavior will improve
• Detention
  Detention will be held at a prearranged time after the school day. If a student is required to serve a detention parents will be given at least 48 hours notice in order for transportation to be arranged.  Parents will be notified via e-mail by the teacher issuing the detention. It is understood that for many parents detention may cause a dilemma in providing transportation to and from school. However, we believe that this consequence will  protect our respectful learning environment and promote the social and emotional growth of our students. It is our hope that this clear, consistent communication will encourage students to adjust any inappropriate behaviors before negative consequences occur. Parent must respond back to the issuing teacher via email to acknowledge the date of detention. 

 

Some examples of what may warrant a detention:

• Disrespect to teacher, staff member, student, or self
• Inappropriate, foul language or gestures
• Technology infraction including but not limited to: cell phone out on school
  property and off task use of chromebook or I-Pad
• Three unexcused latenesses, 8:01 is considered late, in a trimester is an automatic detention for students in grades 4 through 8.
• Three unexcused latenesses in a trimester for students in grades K through 3, warrants communication from the principal.

• Appropriate disciplinary policies are essential educational processes, which include procedures, which are more remedial than punitive, yet include the necessary provisions that protect the common good of the school community.

Suspension may lead to dismissal. The Principal and Pastor will inform the parents/guardians of the seriousness of suspension and seek their immediate cooperation in a corrective program designed to resolve the student’s problem, if possible.

A student may be suspended immediately for any of the infractions listed as Unacceptable Conduct:

• Blatant, explosive, disrespectful behavior toward or about any staff, student, volunteer or parent
• Serious physical fighting
• Bomb scares or triggering other false alarms
• Use or possession of drugs or alcohol
• Vaping
• Smoking
• Stealing
• Intimidation, harassment or threats of any kind
• Possession of any weapon
• Obscene language or gesture
• Inappropriate use of the internet/technology/phone
• Bullying (See section on Bully Behavior)
• Destruction of property
• Leaving class or school premises without permission
• Any behavior considered seriously unacceptable by the school

 In addition to suspension, a student is placed on disciplinary probation for one trimester.

If a student is suspended more than once, he/she may be asked to leave the school. In extreme cases, immediate expulsion may occur with the approval of the pastor.

 

• A student who has been placed on disciplinary probation will be expected to show serious effort to improve his/her behavior. During this time students will not be permitted to participate in special school activities, e.g., class trips, etc.

PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT SUSPENSIONS

1. These procedures apply to infractions of a serious nature, as determined by the School Administration.
2. Parents/Guardians of the student will be informed in writing of the suspension as soon as possible.
3. Suspensions will be implemented In School and/or Out of School, at the discretion of the Principal in consultation with the Pastor.
4. Following suspension, the appropriate school official will interview parents or guardians. Students removed from the school community will not be readmitted before a parent interview has been conducted and all other conditions for readmittance have been satisfied.
5. The student must agree to assume responsibility for future behavior.
6. When appropriate, a student will be referred to a counselor.
7. Signed agreement of parents and a written report of the suspension will be filed in the student’s record.

 

 PROCEDURES FOR DISMISSAL OF A STUDENT

1. If a student is suspended more than once, he/she may be asked to leave the school. 
2. Students who are dismissed may apply for readmission after one full year. The School will determine whether re-admittance is appropriate.
3. In certain instances the infraction may warrant immediate dismissal. The School reserves the right to dismiss any student at any time where the School considers the conduct of the student or parent/guardian to be inconsistent with School policy, the good of the School community or Catholic teachings.
4. Parents/Guardians of the student will be informed in writing of the dismissal as soon as possible.

 

 

Misbehaviors involving disrespect of adult authority figures or other students, and ridiculing or harassing others will warrant an immediate referral to the principal. These will be handled accordingly. Misbehaviors will also affect the conduct grade on the report card. Consistent misbehaviors of this level may result in suspension or a Discipline Review Board meeting.

Major infractions including, but not limited to disrespect, irreverence in church, consistent minor infractions, defacing property, bullying, fighting, hitting, stealing, forgery/plagiarism, and misuse of technology may result in immediate suspension and referral to the Discipline Review Board.

Any major infractions or multiple minor infractions may result in a request from the Discipline Review Board for dismissal from school.
 

Harassment

The School follows the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Policy prohibiting harassment, including sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment refers to any unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, or requests for sexual favors or other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Sexual Harassment is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. Any student or parent/guardian who is determined to have violated this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal of the student. A complete copy of the policy is maintained by the Principal and is available upon request.

St. Bernadette School provides a safe environment for all individuals. Verbal or written threats made against the physical or emotional well-being of any individual are taken very seriously. Students making such threats (seriously or in jest oronline) face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.

Harassment of any type is not tolerated. The Principal investigates all complaints of harassment. Students involved in harassing behavior face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.

Engagement in social media such as, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. may result in disciplinary actions if its contents include defamatory comments regarding the school, the faculty, other students, or the parish.

Violence

Violence may be defined as anything that could cause physical harm to another. Threatened violence is defined as threatening to cause physical harm to another. A student whose verbal or written comments, including e-mail messages, blogs, social media, and cell or text messages include a threat to another student, faculty member or staff shall be:

 

1. Immediately suspended from school after the parents have been informed of the situation.

2. Be seen by a psychologist, at the parent’s expense, and by the school counselor, both of whom will be asked to submit a written evaluation.  If it is determined that the child was serious about the threat and has the capacity to carry it out, the child may be dismissed from school.  If it is the opinion of those who evaluate the child that the child did not seriously intend to do harm to others, the child may be allowed to return to school.

3. If allowed to return to school, the child should be placed on probation with an indication that, should a similar threat occur, the child may be dismissed from the school.

4. The Office of Catholic Education will be notified in these cases.  The school may also submit to the police an informational report.

5. When children from the primary/elementary grades are responsible for verbal or written threats, the administration, after informing the parents, will review the matter, will determine the severity of the threat and will take appropriate action which may include any or all of the above.

 The pastor and/or the principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any and all regulations for just cause at his/her discretion.