Discipline Policies

Code of Discipline

Fr. Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, laid out his ideas on student discipline in his work Christian Pedagogy. It is through his instructions that teachers and administrators are encouraged to follow the example of Divine Providence by the use of both “strength” and “gentleness” to ensure the successful formation of young hearts and minds. Without gentleness, students will not develop a love of work, application, and good behavior that are all essential conditions of success. On the other hand, if there is a lack of firmness and steadfastness, students will not learn the methods to discipline themselves either morally or academically. It is through the application of these ideals that the school aims to develop fully formed Christians and provide an environment conducive to learning.

Faculty and staff will carry out this code of discipline when a student’s behavior compromises the student’s his/her own safety and/or the safety of others. Students are expected to behave in such a way as not to impact their own learning or that of others. They are encouraged to cooperate with school and classroom rules. Parents are asked to assist by cooperating fully with school policies and supporting the administration and faculty.

The school reserves the right of appropriate disciplinary consequences: including /but not limited to/ detention, probation, suspension, removal/withdrawal, or the recommendation of transfer for students unable to profit from SJV’s educational program. The school also reserves the right to discipline a student for actions committed off-campus if they are intended to have an effect on a student, or they adversely affect the safety and well-being of a student while in school. Any conduct, both in and out of school, that reflects negatively upon the reputation of the school, may be subject to disciplinary action.

Discipline with a Purpose

St. John Vianney Catholic School has adopted the Discipline With Purpose Program, an approach to self-discipline which is based on three classroom rules and student growth in 15 particular skills. The 15 skills that are identified as fundamental elements of self-discipline are presented developmentally.

The DWP School and Classroom Rules are:

Respect yourself, others, and things.
Contribute to the learning environment.
Follow classroom procedures.

Discipline With Purpose Program hopes to enable students to be more knowledgeable, more confident, and more capable in the areas of:

Listening
Following Instructions
Asking Questions
Sharing
Social Skills
Cooperation
Reasons for Rules
Completing a Task
Leadership
Communication
Setting Time Limits
Resolving Problems
Initiating Solutions
Distinguishing Fact from Feeling
Service

Implementation

Students are expected to know the following rules. The classroom teacher works with the student to ensure that rules are clearly understood and that the reasons for rules are also apparent. Rules which affect the daily interaction of all members of the school include (but are not limited to):

Respect self and the rights and property of others.
Contribute to the learning environment.
Respect school property and avoid littering.
Walk (don’t run) on sidewalks and in the classroom.
Chewing gum is not allowed on campus.
At all times, use appropriate language and level of voice.
Technology will be used appropriately at all times.
No skateboards or rollerblades are allowed on campus.
Follow specific classroom and school procedures.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty (cheating/plagiarism) is not tolerated. Students may not copy the work of other students, nor may they copy and paste any part of an article from the internet without correct notation/credit being given to the author. Any assignment that has been plagiarized or proven to have academic dishonesty involved will be assigned a “0”.

Technology

Computer/Internet Acceptable Use Policy

The use of the Internet and related technologies must be in support of education and research and must be consistent with the educational and moral objectives of the school. Use of other organizations’ networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for those networks. Students must have a teacher’s permission before using any computer for any reason and must be under supervision. Students will be required to have the “Acceptable Use Agreement” paperwork signed and on-file before internet access or computer use is granted. Students will be issued a username and password that is required for access to network resources. This log-on information must be kept confidential, as the student is responsible for any and all acts performed under his/her user ID.

Transmission of any material in violation of any Federal or Arizona statute is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), threatening, violent or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities, product advertisement, political lobbying, game playing, unauthorized “chat,” or chain letter communication is prohibited. Other examples of unacceptable activity include, but are not limited to: viewing pornographic images; obtaining information on bombs or the manufacture or distribution of illegal narcotics; creating false identification or other official documents; using inappropriate language and programs or applications that deal with war, battle, killing, violence, or with sexual connotations or overtones. Changing the system configurations and/or installing software without permission is prohibited. Acts of vandalism are prohibited. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user or to damage hardware or software. This includes, but is not limited to: the uploading or creation of computer viruses, the removal of hardware components, the detachment and/or rerouting of cables or other necessary hardware. Unauthorized use of another’s computer, access of others’ accounts, and/or files is prohibited.

The use of the Internet and related technologies is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in revocation of those privileges.

Warranties

The educational programs provided by the school make no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing and will not be responsible for any damages users may experience as a result of use. This includes loss of data resulting from delays or service interruption. Use of any information obtained via the Internet and related technologies is at the user’s own risk and responsibility for compliance with Federal and Arizona law is the responsibility of the user. The student or parent/guardian will be responsible for any financial obligation incurred through the use of Internet and related technologies that are not previously approved as part of the school budget. This includes the replacement of equipment damaged as a result of a violation of acceptable use policy.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Electronic devices are allowed under specific conditions. Cellphones are allowed on school grounds but must be turned off during the instructional day. Other electronic devices are allowed when needed to support or enhance educational content. Neither are allowed to be used during the school day for non-academic purposes to include during lunch and recess. The safety and responsibility of electronic devices are the sole responsibility of the student/family that brings the device to school.

Extracurricular Activities

Sports

Students participating in any after school sports program will be under the supervision of the coach. Brothers and sisters of team members who are not on the team are not permitted to wait for them on school grounds unless they are in the Extended Care Program. Should a sports practice or game be canceled or finish early, the coach will walk any students who have not been picked up by their parents to Extended Care. There will be no charge for Extended Care in this instance.

All students and parents must attend organizational sports meetings at the beginning of the season. Specific information and an agreement form will be given to the parents and students to sign before they may participate in each sport. Information regarding each sport’s expectations will also be given by the athletic director prior to the beginning of each sport season. A commitment form stating the parent/child will complete the sport season in its entirety may also be needed.

Boys and girls in grades 5-8, who have not turned 15 by September 1, may participate in team sports. Boys may participate in flag football, basketball and baseball. Girls may participate in volleyball, softball and basketball.

Fees

Students participating in a sport are charged a non-refundable fee of $50.00 per sport. Sports fees must be paid prior to the first practice. If the student becomes ineligible, the fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility

Academics are a priority. Students must maintain a “C” in all subject areas. A student may not represent the school in any game until all grades are passing (C). If a student is referred to the Principal for a disciplinary purpose, he/she may be suspended for one game.