DIOCESAN STUDENT CONDUCT AND SAFETY POLICIES: (Policy 5142)
A safe, respectful and pleasant environment that is conducive to prayer, faith formation and learning is the highest priority for all schools in the Diocese of Belleville.
Possession of Weapon:
Students who engage in serious violent behavior and/or in possession of a weapon are subject to a variety of penalties. The Principal of the school will take immediate action upon learning that a serious act of violence or a possession of a weapon has occurred. This action includes, but is not limited to, immediate suspension of the student into the custody of parent/guardian. When a student is suspended, a satisfactory psychological evaluation by a licensed mental health professional must be completed prior to the student being allowed to return to school. These penalties may include not only a multiple-day suspension of, up to and including, ten days but also expulsion. The Principal shall determine whether the results of the psychological evaluation would allow for an acceptable reentry of the student to the school.
There is a ban on possession of any type of weapon. Weapons include firearms, ammunition, sling shots, stun guns, any type of knife (including pocket knives), mace, pepper mace, explosive devices or any other object or device that serves no educational purpose and which the principal determines may cause physical harm or disrupt school activity. Students should clearly understand that such things as a pocketknife may not be carried to school, even if there is no intent to use it in a harmful manner. Expulsion or suspension will be levied on any student who is found to be in possession of a weapon to, from, or within the school; or to, from, or at any school activity. Any student determined to be in possession of a weapon, or who committed a crime against any person/s will be reported to the police.
Harassment, Threats, Theft, Arson, Assault and Battery:
Students who engage in acts of harassment, threats, theft, arson, assault and battery are also subject to a variety of disciplinary measures. These measures may include, but are not limited to, warnings, probation, and multiple-day in or out of school suspensions, expulsion and restitution.
The Principal shall determine when an act of harassment, threats, theft, arson, and assault and battery (fighting) reaches a level of seriousness that would engage the disciplinary response mentioned above. Each local school board shall establish, in consultation with the Principal, a local policy stating the criteria regarding levels and types of severity. These determinations would include: cost, damage, level of injury, types of theft. Further, it shall be the policy of the Diocesan Board of Education that the school shall recover damages from the parents or guardians of any minor, or from any person who has initiated or taken part in such acts.
Adopted: February 21, 1995; Revised: October 6, 2005
Policy 5142.1
Threats of Violence:
The safety and welfare of students enrolled in a Catholic school in the Diocese of Belleville is of the highest priority. For this reason, a student’s written or verbal threat of violence toward other students and/or persons within the School will be taken seriously. For the purpose of this procedure, a threat of violence will be interpreted as a verbal or written threat of action that may cause physical harm to others.
The Principal of the school will take immediate action upon learning that a threat occurred. This action includes non-disciplinary suspension of the student into the custody of parent or guardian until a satisfactory psychological evaluation by a licensed mental health professional is completed and the Principal agrees that the student may return to school. The local police will be promptly notified of the threat.
Adopted: May 20, 2001
Policy 5114.1
Alcohol Use/Drug Abuse by Students:
The use, possession, distribution or sale of mood altering chemicals, including alcohol, by students is prohibited on school property or at school-sponsored activities or events. Disciplinary action will be taken in instances of violation of this policy. This includes the misuse of medications prescribed by the student’s physician. The Diocesan Board of Education recognizes the complexity of problems which may be associated with alcohol and drug abuse. The primary concern is for the well-being and best interests of the students. At the same time the Board recognizes their obligation to the parents or guardians and to the community. As a part of this obligation, it is, at times, necessary that suspension and/or expulsion be recommended in a case of alcohol or drug abuse. A student who is suspended or expelled under this policy may seek readmission. No such student will be readmitted, however, unless there is written evidence from a certified psychologist or psychiatrist to show that the student is engaged in a counseling program designed to rid self of the abusive behavior.
Adopted: January 24, 2000 Revised: March 16, 2010
Gangs:
Signs, symbols, colors, or attire which are publicly known to be representative or affiliated with street gangs will not be tolerated at school or school functions. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.