Elk County Catholic High School :: about_us :: policies

The Vice Principal is the person responsible for the discipline action and corrective measures needed for offenses to other persons or property that are too serious to be handled by the classroom teachers. He or She is the usual contact person for parents seeking disciplinary advice and is to collect and maintain records of disciplinary action and correspondence and all else that is necessary for maintaining good discipline in the school. He/She may waive any disciplinary rules for just cause at his/her discretion. In-class detention may be assigned by individual teachers for minor infractions.

Student Responsibilities:

Elk County Catholic has the authority to make reasonable and necessary rules governing the conduct of students in the school. It is the responsibility of an Elk County Catholic student to:

Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and dress conduct themselves in accordance with them.
Treat all students, teachers, staff and guests including substitute teachers with respect, cooperation and hospitality.
Exhibit respectful behavior in all group presentations and assemblies.
Assume that until a rule is waived, altered or appealed, it is in full effect.
Be willing to contribute in matters relating to the health, safety, and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property.
Dress and groom in conformity with the uniform code of the school.
Assist the school staff in operating a safe and clean school for all students enrolled.
Be aware and comply with all local, state and federal laws.
Exercise proper care when using the facilities and equipment of the school.
Attend school daily except when excused and be on time for all classes and other school functions.
Make all necessary arrangements with classroom teachers for making up work when absent from school.
Keep all appointments requested by any member of the faculty or staff.
Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by state and local school authorities.
Avoid inaccuracies and indecent language in speech and written work.
Express ideas and opinions in a respectful manner so as not to offend or slander others.
Take proper care of personal property and school property in your possession. Show respect for the property of others.

Please note that school rules are in full effect not only during the school day but during any school sponsored activity, whether on site or off school grounds.

Student Regulations for Detention Hall:

Detention hall will begin 5 minutes after final dismissal for one hour on the scheduled day.
Detention will be held Tuesday and Thursday each week.
Student dress code is required.
One-day delay is appropriate for student transportation arrangements. Students who are to serve one to three hours of detention will be given two weeks to complete their penalty. Students who are to serve five hours of detention will be given three weeks to complete their penalty. (*Students must schedule their detention when it is given.)
Students should not bring homework or other materials to detention. During the detention time they will be required to sit in silence. Sleeping is not permitted.
Students will not be permitted to leave detention.
Suspension from participation in extracurricular and athletic programs will take place for that one hour each day that detention is being served.
Failure to report to detention will result in the student having to serve additional detentions at the discretion of the Administration.
All detentions will be proctored by faculty members on a rotating basis.
Parents will be notified of detentions.
Students are only permitted to reschedule detention due to a doctor or dental appointment. This must be done at least one day in advance.

PROBATION

Probation is a state that subjects a student to a period of testing to ascertain continued enrollment in the school. Probation is a period of 30 school days during which a student is allowed to remain in school, but will be ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activities or trips for a minimum of five school days. The exact period of time will be determined by the administration. All costs/fees for activities paid in advance that fall into this time period will be forfeited. Any further infractions during this period will result in the student being referred to the Principal for additional actions. In all probation situations, the student will meet with the Vice Principal on a regular basis. Any student will be automatically placed on probation after receiving 8 hours of detention in any quarter.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

In-school suspension is the temporary deprivation of the privileges and benefits that are afforded to the students. This includes participation in extracurricular activities or athletic activities throughout the entire period the student is assigned to in-school suspension. Students assigned to in-school suspension will be charged a fee of $55 per day to cover the supervisory costs associated with in-school suspension.

The student is to report to the designated area at the regular starting time and remain in that area until the close of the school day at which time he/she must vacate the premises.
The student will not be permitted in any other area of the school. This includes the cafeteria.
Regular school attire is to be worn.
The student will complete the classroom work that was collected by the Vice Principal.

OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS

Out of school suspension may replace in-school suspension if circumstances warrant such an action. A student placed on out of school suspension is not permitted on school property during the time of suspension nor is the student permitted to participate in any school activities on or off site.

BEHAVIOR CONTRACTS

For chronic misbehavior or serious offenses against the discipline code, a student may be placed on a behavior contract with specific stipulations on future behavior and consequences.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SAP) REFERRAL

The Student Assistance Program attempts to identify and refer students who are having problems due to drugs/alcohol or who are demonstrating associated behavior problems. Students whose referral to SAP is a result of disciplinary infraction are required to be evaluated by one of the affiliated service providers and complete the course of counseling recommended by these agencies.

EXPULSION

Expulsion is the disfranchisement that permanently severs the connection between the expelled member and the institution. Elk County Catholic High School is private property and school officials reserve the right to prohibit an expelled student from trespassing on the property if this proves to be in the best interest of the school community.

A letter will be sent to the parents, immediately placing the student on probation, explaining the problem and requesting a meeting with the parents and the student. A parental response will be mandatory.
All procedures for expulsion must be documented.
The administration has the authority to immediately expel a student for a serious offense or action that is detrimental to the inherent Catholic nature of E.C.C.H.S. or endangers the health, welfare, or safety of other students or staff members.

DISCIPLINE CODE

Parents and students are advised that the Administration determines the punitive measure deemed most appropriate and necessary in circumstances. The interpretation of the violation and its extent of gravity rest ultimately in the hands of the Administration.

AREAS OF CONCERN:

Insubordination - refusal to follow directions or requests of teachers, substitutes, staff members and administration.

First Offense: Three hours detention
Second Offense: Five hours detention, probation
Third Offense: One day in-school suspension @ $55 per day, possible implementation of expulsion procedures
Smoking, possession of/or use of tobacco in school or on school grounds, or at a school-sponsored activity (on or off school grounds).

First Offense: Five hours detention, SAP referral
Second Offense: Two days in-school suspension @ $55 per day, probation
Third Offense: Second Offense plus possible implementation of expulsion procedures
Truancy (absent from school without permission) or leaving school without permission.

First Offense: Five hours detention, one day in-school suspension @ $55 per day, possible notification of authorities
Second Offense: Possible implementation of expulsion procedures
Absent from class or assembly without the permission of teacher, staff member or Administrator.

First Offense: Three hours detention
Second Offense: Five hours detention, probation
Third Offense: One day in-school suspension, @ $55 per day, probation, possible implementation of expulsion procedures
Fighting between students or physical attack on a student.

First Offense: Five hours detention, SAP referral, possible in-school or out of school suspension, probation, possible notification of authorities
Second Offense: One day in-school suspension @ $55 per day, probation, possible notification of authorities, possible implementation of expulsion procedures
Illicit use of/or possession of drugs or alcohol.

First Offense: Three days in-school suspension @ $55 per day, probation, SAP referral.
Second Offense: Expulsion
Selling or distribution of illegal drugs. It is automatically assumed that possession of any controlled substances in excess of two units (i.e. marijuana cigarettes) constitutes intent to sell.

First Offense: Expulsion and legal action
Possession/Selling or distribution of over-the-counter drugs.

First Offense: One day in-school suspension @ $55 per day, probation, SAP referral
Second Offense: Three day in-school suspension @ $55 per day, probation, SAP referral
Third Offense: Expulsion
Possession of lethal weapons.

First Offense: Immediate out-of-school suspension, immediate implementation of expulsion procedures. Possible notification of authorities.
Forgery of a parent or school employee signature.

First Offense: Five hours detention.
Second Offense: Five hours detention, probation
Third Offense: One day in-school suspension @ $55, possible implementation of expulsion procedures
Willful damage/vandalism to school property.

Vandalism is defined as the willful or malicious destruction of public or private property and will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to the following:
- intentionally defacing, destroying, and/or causing not to function any part of the school building, its furnishings, and items contained in the building or on the grounds; for example, writing on desks, walls, lockers, textbooks; removing dispensers from the lavatory walls; driving on the lawn; forcefully slamming or kicking the lockers
- intentionally disabling computer hardware and/or software
- intentionally deleting and/or altering material stored on a computer drive
- intentionally destroying or defacing displayed material such as student artwork, bulletin boards, or posters.
- Enabling such destruction to take place by aiding the vandal in any way is also vandalism
First Offense: Two days in-school suspension @ $55 per day, probation, possible implementation of expulsion procedures, possible legal action, restitution
Second Offense: Expulsion
Unintentional damage to school property.

First Offense: Three hours detention, restitution
Stealing

First Offense: Five hours detention, restitution, probation, possible legal action.
Second Offense: Possible implementation of expulsion procedures, possible legal action
Disruption in class or out of class (this includes school liturgies)

First Offense: Three hours detention
Second Offense: Five hours detention, probation
Third Offense: One day in-school suspension @ $55, probation, possible implementation of expulsion procedures
Verbal, physical threat or abuse to a student or school personnel.

First Offense: Immediate out-of-school suspension, probation, SAP referral, referral to Headmaster for possible implementation of expulsion procedures, possible notification of authorities
Second Offense: Implementation of expulsion procedures at the discretion of the Headmaster, possible notification of authorities.
Student harassment (including bullying, ridicule, or any other disrespectful words or actions directed towards another.)

First Offense: Three hours detention
Second Offense: Five hours detention, probation
Third Offense: One day in-school suspension @ $55 per day, probation, possible implementation of expulsion procedure.
Late to school prior to 9 a.m. without sufficient reason, this includes oversleeping.

First Offense: One-hour detention
Second Offense: One-hour detention
Third Offense: Three hours detention

Fourth Offense: Five hours detention, probation
Violating safe driving habits on school grounds (this includes before school, after school, evenings, and weekends).

First Offense: Three hours detention, loss of driving privileges for 30 school days
Second Offense: Five hours detention, loss of driving privileges for the remainder of the school year
Misuse of computers/technology or violation of the established Internet Policy. This includes but is not limited to the following:
- unauthorized use of e-mail, messaging (ICQ/Instant Messenger), bulletin boards and anonymous proxy websites
- downloading of files without permission
- destroying, moving or altering another individuals files
- altering any of the computer’s operating system or software files without permission
- accessing password protected files and/or programs without permission
- use of cellular devices or other portable communication/computing devices without permission
- any other inappropriate use of computers/portable communication devices/internet not listed above
First Offense: Five hours detention
Second Offense: Five hours detention, loss of Internet privileges without direct supervision
Disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the administration for any other inappropriate conduct, whether inside or outside the school, that is detrimental to the inherent Catholic nature of Elk County Catholic High School or to the safety of students or staff members.
Those students reported for gum chewing, unlocked lockers, dress code violation, not submitting an excuse for absence, inappropriate or vulgar language, minor disruption of class or assembly, later for class, or other minor infractions will be given an hour detention to be served within 2 weeks.

If there are repeated infractions of the above offenses the student will be reported for failure to respond to the reasonable request of a teacher, administrator, or school personnel.
Please note the following stipulations for all offenses requiring SAP referral.
- If the offense occurs with less than 30 days on the school calendar, he/she will not receive a diploma until all SAP recommendations have been fulfilled.
- If the student is an underclassman, the student will not receive his/her final report card until all SAP recommendations have been fulfilled during the summer.

ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL DRESS CODE

There are many details and styles of clothing that cannot be covered in the dress code. We hope that students and parents understand not only the “letter” but the “spirit” of the dress code and choose clothing that is appropriate for students attending Elk County Catholic.

The Administration maintains the right to make the final determination concerning the appropriateness of any students’ attire.

GIRLS

SKIRT

Maroon plaid wrap-around kilt from the Flynn and O’Hara Uniform Company. Skirt length should be approximately 1” above the knee. The “old style” skirt may still be worn

BLOUSE

Short sleeve or long sleeve white front button-down blouse, pointed or oxford typed button down collar. Blouses must be tucked in at all times. T-shirts worn under the blouse that are visible must be white.SLACKS

Slacks may be worn from October 15 through April 15. Only two styles of slacks will be acceptable for the 2005-2006 school year:

Uniform slacks available from Flynn and O’Hara Uniform Company. Colors available: khaki, navy or black.
Flat front pant (Item # FK631-6000D from JCPenney Uniform. Colors available: khaki, navy and sand.

VEST

Gray pullover vest from Flynn & O’Hara Uniform Company. The short weskit may still be worn with the skirt; the weskit may not be worn with slacks.

SWEATER

Maroon V-neck pullover from Flynn & O’Hara Uniform Company.

SOCKS

Knee socks in solid gray, maroon, black, or white (tone on tone are permitted). Same colors for hose. Nylons are permitted but must not have ANY designs, seams, etc. Thigh high stockings are NOT permitted. SOLID SOCKS MUST ALSO BE WORN WITH SLACKS.

SHOES

Black, or brown. The shoe upper must be a solid color; the sole must be a solid color. No open toes or heels. No plastics. Heels are to be no higher than 2 inches.

HAIR

Hair color must be complementary to your natural color; absolutely no unnatural hair colors or outlandish hair styles.

JEWELRY

only accepted earrings are posts or ½ inch long hoops. Only two earrings per ear. Silver or gold dress chains that are at least 16 inches in length are permitted. Two bracelets per arm. Only gold and silver jewelry is permissible. Plastic, leather, hemp/jute, and other materials other than gold or silver are not permitted. No anklets. No excessive jewelry. No visible tattoos. Any facial or visible body piercings are not acceptable. Tongue piercing is unacceptable. Plastic spacers worn in piercings is unacceptable.

GROOMING

No excessive make-up or black nail polish is permitted. No visible tattoos.

WARM WEATHER UNIFORM:

When weather conditions warrant, students will be permitted to remove sweaters and vests. The following guidelines will be in effect:

Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
Anything worn under the uniform blouse that is visible, must be solid white

BOYS

SHIRT

Solid white, long or short sleeve, with collar and button down front. No pullovers or knits. Shirts must be tucked in and top button buttoned at all times. Anything that is worn under the uniform shirt that is visible, must be solid white.

SLACKS

Solid black, gray, navy blue or khaki conventional dress slacks worn with a belt. No corduroys. No carpenter pants or cargo pants. Good quality material; no jeans, no rivets. Conventional fit, worn at the hips.

SWEATER

Maroon traditional pullover or gray V-neck long sleeve pullover sweater is available from Flynn & O’Hara Uniform Company.

NECKTIE

Traditional tie. No western style, bow, or slide ties. Must be properly tied.

SHOES

Properly fitting SOLID color dress shoes in black or brown (no tan). Soft heels and non-scuff soles are acceptable. SHOES MUST BE LOW CUT (BELOW THE ANKLE.) Mid-cut or high–top shoes /boots are not acceptable. CASUAL/SPORT SHOES OR BOOTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE (i.e. Airwalks, Vans, Nike, Reeboks or other items of the same general style). Sneakers of any style or color are unacceptable.

HAIR

Hair must be CUT above the collar, ears, and brow. Hair is not permitted to be “greased or slicked” back. Sideburns to the middle of the ear. No outlandish hairstyles: shaving of the head shorter than ¼ inch, designs, or visible lines are not permitted. Hair must be complementary to your own natural color.

JEWELRY

No earrings, chained bracelets, chokers, wallet chains or watch chains are permitted. No visible tattoos. Any facial or visible body piercings are not acceptable. Only gold or silver bracelets may be worn. Plastic, leather, hemp/jute, and other materials other than gold or silver are not permitted. Tongue piercing is unacceptable. Plastic spacers worn in piercings are unacceptable.

GROOMING

Must be CLEAN shaven at all times. No visible tattoos. When weather conditions warrant, students will be permitted to remove sweaters and vests.

WARM WEATHER UNIFORM

The following guidelines will be in effect:

Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
Anything worn under the uniform blouse that is visible, must be solid white

ALL UNIFORM SKIRTS, PANTS, BLOUSES/SHIRTS, SWEATERS, AND VESTS MUST BE KEPT CLEAN AND IN GOOD REPAIR. NO PINS, STICKERS, OR OTHER ORNAMENTATIONS ARE TO BE WORN ON VESTS/SWEATERS.

CRUSADER ATHLETICS

As we enter the 2005-2006 athletic season we are reminded that the mission statement of our athletic program reads as follows:

Strengthen our Student Athletes in Good Sportsmanship, Fair Play, and Honest Competition while bringing them closer together as part of God's redeemed People.

With this in mind, the Administration of Elk County Catholic asks that all athletes and fans – students and adults - keep the goals and objectives of good sportsmanship in mind at all times.

Acceptable Behavior...

Remember that you are at a contest to support and yell for your team and to enjoy the skill and competition; not to intimidate or ridicule the other team and its fans.
Remember that interscholastic athletics are a learning experience for students and that mistakes are sometimes made. Praise student-athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes and as people as you would praise a student working in the classroom.
A ticket is a privilege to observe the contest, not a license to verbally assault others and be generally obnoxious
Learn the rules of the game so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place.
Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators and support groups. Treat them as you would treat a guest in your own home.
Respect the integrity and judgment of contest officials. Understand that they are doing their best to help promote the student-athlete, and admire their willingness to participate in full view of the public.
Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
Refrain from the use of any controlled substances (alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc.)on or near the site of the event (i.e. tailgating) before, during, and after the contests.
Use only those cheers that support and uplift the teams involved

Unacceptable Behavior

Yelling, waving arms or objects, and/or standing at inappropriate times.
Disrespectful or derogatory cheers, chants, songs or gestures.
Criticizing officials in any way; displays of temper with an official’s call.
Cheers that antagonize opponents.
Refusing to shake hands or give recognition for good performances.
Blaming loss of contest on officials, coaches or participants.
Laughing or name-calling to distract an opponent.
Use of profanity or displays of anger that draw attention away from the game.
Doing own cheers instead of following lead of cheerleaders.
Wearing extreme or unusual clothing or excessive face or body painting which detracts from the action on the playing surface.

Additional Policies:

PLACES NOT TO BE IN

No students are permitted in the coaches’ office without supervision.
No students are permitted in the weightroom without supervision.
No students are permitted beyond the service line in the cafeteria.
There will be no loitering in the stairwells at any time.
No students are permitted in the faculty room.
No students are permitted on the second floor after 2:45.
No students are permitted in the computer labs without supervision.

STUDENTS FOYER CODE (LUNCH PERIOD)

Students are not permitted:

Beyond the auditorium doors.
Beyond the front entrance.
Beyond the foyer
Students are not permitted to go to their locker.
No students are permitted beyond the listed areas unless they have permission from a staff member.

TELEPHONE

Students may use the phones in the main office at the discretion of the office personnel. The foyer pay phone is provided for student use. This phone may be only be used at lunch and before/after school.

LUNCH TICKETS

Lunch tickets are sold in the cafeteria each morning from 7:30 until 7:50.

CAFETERIA

All food served in the cafeteria must be kept in the cafeteria, food cannot be taken outside.

In addition to the regular daily menu, a variety of alternative items are available for purchase each day. For this reason students are not permitted to carry their lunches to school. The only exception is if the student has a medical condition that requires a special diet that cannot be provided for in the cafeteria. In such cases, documentation (a doctor’s excuse stating the medical condition necessitating a special diet), must be provided before a student will be permitted to carry his or her lunch.

RESTROOMS

You may use the restrooms before and after school, between class periods and during lunch periods. You are expected to keep these rooms clean. If you are feeling ill, report to the nurse or the main office. Do not remain in the restroom if you are ill.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to keep the information on this website complete and accurate however it is not possible to include all of the school policies in the student handbook. The parent handbook and any distributed changes remain the official policy manual for Elk County Catholic and contains complete information concerning school policies and procedures.