The Discipline Policy reflects the philosophy of Saint Andrew School and is in place to serve the greater good, maintain order and promote a safe learning environment. Harassment, intimidation and bullying will not be tolerated; these negative behaviors impair a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to provide a safe and productive learning environment. Examples of harassment, intimidation and bullying include, but are not limited to: taunting, excessive teasing, name calling, rude gestures, cruel jokes, unnecessary roughness and intimidation of any kind.
Victims of harassment, intimidation or bullying will have their parents notified of any incidents that are deemed serious enough to disturb the child’s behavior pattern. Confidentiality will be respected with regard to any discipline issues.
Causes for Immediate Suspension or Expulsion:
- Smoking or playing with flammable materials on school grounds
- Use or attempted use of any type of weapons, fireworks or noxious chemical devices in or around school property
- Tampering with the fire alarm system
- Possession, use, sale or exchange of drugs and/or alcohol
- Gang involvement and/or recruitment
- Stealing
- Destroying property
- Intentional, physical/emotional harm to another student
Policies for Grades K-5
Each homeroom teacher in grades K-5 has a classroom discipline policy in place that reflects the philosophy at Saint Andrew School and is appropriate for their grade level. Teachers in grades K-5 will discuss and distribute discipline procedures to parents at the beginning of the school year. Bullying or any form of harassment/intimidation that is physical, verbal, ethnic, cyber, sexual or psychological will not be tolerated. If an incident is severe, or becomes a pattern and requires intervention from an administrator, the following formal process will commence:
Intervention - Contact will be made directly to the parent from the teacher or administrator to schedule a meeting to discuss methods available for behavior modification. The teacher, administrator and parent must all be present. The student may be present.
In School Suspension - If after an intervention student behavior does not improve parents will be notified that the student will be issued an in-school suspension to be served with the Assistant Principal or Principal.
Out of School Suspension - Out of school suspensions maybe substituted for an in-school suspension depending upon the severity of the offense, or after repeated attempts to modify negative student behavior fail.
Expulsion - When intervention and suspension discipline fails to remedy a student’s negative behavior the student is subject to expulsion and it is irrevocable.
Policies for Middle School
Middle School is a preparation for high school. Student responsibilities are increased and expectations are heightened.
Infractions and Violations
Minor Infractions are equal to:
- Three Violations = One Detention
- Three Detentions = Parent Conference with Student, Middle School teachers, and Administration
- Six Detentions = Parent Conference and one day of In-School suspension, as well as suspension from extra-curricular activities and field trips for the remainder of the trimester. A Out of School Suspension may be substituted for an In-School Suspension
- Nine Detentions = Parent Conference and one day of Out-of-School suspension, as well as suspension from extra-curricular activities and field trips for the remainder of the trimester
- Note! Violations reset to zero at the start of each trimester. Detentions are cumulative throughout the year
Level 1: Minor Infractions
The following infractions will result in a violation:
- Classroom disruption – any negative behavior that disrupts the educational process
- Gum chewing
- Excessive tardies
- Out of uniform or inappropriate student attire
- Throwing or kicking snow
- Eating food/drink at unscheduled times
- Use of cell phone or electronic device
- Failure to come to class prepared (forgetting books, supplies, etc.)
- Any other misbehavior that warrants a violation
Level 2: Major Infractions
These infractions will be handled immediately by the teacher and school principal or assistant principal. Consequences range from detention to in-school or out-of-school suspensions. Extreme cases may result in expulsion.
- Profanity (verbal, written or cyber)
- Fighting or provoking a physical response
- Cheating or plagiarism (grades will also be affected)
- Property damage (restitution required)
- Forgery
- Bullying or any form of physical, verbal or psychological intimidation
- Disrespect (verbal or physical) to any student or teacher
- Harassment: verbal, sexual, physical, or ethnic
- Failure to attend an assigned homework center or detention
- Misuse of school property or Internet while on school property
- Stealing
- Truancy
Level 3: Causes for Immediate Suspension or Expulsion:
- Using or possessing flammable materials on school grounds
- Use or attempted use of any type of weapons, fireworks, or noxious chemical devices in or around school property
- Tampering with the fire alarm system
- Possession, use, sale, or exchange of nicotine products, drugs, and/or alcohol
- Gang involvement and/or recruitment
- Threatening harm to other students, teachers or self
Detention
Detention is issued to Middle School students who are in violation of rules and policies set forth in the Middle School. Detention is served on Wednesdays from 2-3pm.