St. Catherine Academy Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy

Purpose

St. Catherine Academy is dedicated to creating a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment that supports academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility. This Code of Conduct defines our expectations for student behavior, as well as the procedures in place to ensure accountability, guiding students in their interactions with one another, staff, and the wider community.

Expectations of Student Behavior

Students at St. Catherine Academy are expected to:

• Respect All Individuals: Treat all students, staff, and visitors with kindness and respect, embracing diversity.
• Uphold Academic Integrity: Complete all assignments honestly and avoid cheating, plagiarism, or any form of misrepresentation.
• Demonstrate Responsibility: Attend school regularly, arrive on time, and be prepared for each class with all required materials.
• Care for School Property: Respect school property, personal belongings, and those of others; report any damage or misuse to school staff.
• Follow Health and Safety Protocols: Comply with school health and safety regulations, including emergency protocols and any specific health policies.

Prohibited Behaviors

The following actions are strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action:

• Bullying and Harassment: Any form of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics.
• Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism, cheating, or presenting work that is not one’s own.
• Aggressive Behavior: Engaging in fighting, threats, or using abusive language toward others.
• Substance Abuse: Possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances, alcohol, or tobacco on school grounds or during school events.
• Inappropriate Use of Technology: Unauthorized use of devices during class, accessing inappropriate content, or cyberbullying.
• Vandalism and Theft: Damage, theft, or misuse of school property or the property of others.

Dress Code

Students are expected to wear the school uniform neatly and respectfully. Uniforms should be clean and well-maintained. On designated non-uniform days, specific dress guidelines will be provided, and all students are required to adhere to them.

Disciplinary Actions

St. Catherine Academy follows a progressive discipline approach for addressing violations of the Code of Conduct. Disciplinary measures may include:

1. Verbal Warning: A conversation about the behavior and opportunity for correction.
2. Written Warning: A documented warning, which may involve a meeting with a counselor or school administrator.
3. Parent/Guardian Notification: Communication with parents or guardians for repeated or serious issues.
4. Detention: For minor but repeated offenses, students may serve detention during lunch or after school.
5. Suspension: For severe violations, students may be temporarily suspended, with a re-entry meeting required with parents/guardians.
6. Expulsion: For continuous or severe misconduct that poses a risk to the school community, expulsion may be considered.

Appeals Process

Students and parents/guardians may appeal disciplinary decisions. Written appeals should be submitted within five school days of the decision to the school principal. An appointed school committee will review appeals, and the final decision will be provided in writing.

Support and Counseling Services

St. Catherine Academy offers counseling services to support students in positive behavior and address challenges contributing to misconduct. Our counselors and support staff provide guidance to help students understand their actions and promote mental and emotional well-being.

Policy Review

This Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy is reviewed annually to meet the evolving needs of our school community. Updates will be communicated to students, staff, and families.

Commitment to Community

By joining St. Catherine Academy, students and parents/guardians agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and contribute to a positive and respectful school environment. Together, we strive to create a school community where all students can succeed and grow.