DISCIPLINE POLICY

It is expected that each student develop the principle of self-discipline in order to benefit from the learning experience and Christian atmosphere provided by Sacred Heart Academy. Parents choose to send their children to Sacred Heart Academy knowing that our style of education, code of conduct and values in speech and dress are reflective of our Catholic faith. Enrollment at Sacred Heart Academy implies the willingness of both parents/guardians and students to comply with the policies and regulations of the school. Failure to adhere to the policies and regulations set forth by Sacred Heart Academy requires that action be taken. The principal, together with the pastor, reserve the right to waive any disciplinary rule for just cause or dismiss any student who fails to respect the policies of the school.

Discipline Warnings

The classroom teacher or any faculty or staff member may issue a discipline warning to a student for the following reasons:

• Disrespect for authority
• Disrespect for others
• Disrespect for property
• Failure to adhere to the uniform policy
• Failure to return signed material – schoolwork or office correspondence
• Gum chewing
• Inappropriate behavior
• Inappropriate language
• Dishonesty
• Excessive teasing, bullying, or making fun of another student

The discipline warning is a three-part form signed by the student, teacher and parent. The homeroom teacher will keep it on file. Discipline warnings are reflected on the report card.

Detention

Detention is assigned when the student accumulates three discipline warnings. Detention will be served after school for an hour. After receiving two detentions (six discipline warnings), the parent will be called in for a conference with the principal and further disciplinary action may be taken.

Discipline Referrals

A disciplinary report may be used at any time for more serious offenses, which include but are not limited to:

• Accessing inappropriate Internet sites
• Assault – physical or verbal
• Cheating, forgery, plagiarism
• Defacing or destroying property of the school, faculty, or another student
• Harassment or sexual harassment
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Leaving school grounds or area of adult supervision
• Possession of pornographic material
• Possession of toy weapon, laser lights, etc.
• Use of obscenities – written, spoken, gestured
• Rude, discourteous behavior

The disciplinary report is kept on file in the principal’s office. A discipline report may result in an in school suspension. Missed assignments, quizzes and tests during a suspension will result in a zero. During a suspension the student will not be permitted to participate in or attend any school sponsored activities such as dances, athletic events, youth group activities, etc. The parent may not refuse to allow the student to serve the suspension. Non-cooperation will result in the student’s dismissal from the school.

Expulsion

Expulsion occurs in situations that demand immediate removal of the student from the school. Examples of such situations include but are not limited to possession of a real weapon; smoking; possession or use of drugs, alcohol or any controlled substance; vandalism; causing serious harm to other students. After administrative consultation, such a situation may result in expulsion for a first offense. A student’s serious misconduct at school sponsored events (on or off campus) which causes embarrassment to the school community or which is not in accordance with the school’s standards may be cause for dismissal from school.