A. OFFICE HOURS, STAFF
1. Office hours of the Principal: 8:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m., by appointment.
Telephone number: 624-3171.
2. School hours: 7:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Pastor - Father Michael Bass
Principal - Elizabeth Shackelford
B.A. degree, Benedictine College, Atchinson, Kansas; M.A. degree, Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; Arkansas Teacher’s Certificate.
Assistant Principal/Religion - Sister Mary Noeline Banks, R.S.M.
B.A. degree, Webster College, Missouri; M.S.E. degree University of Central Arkansas at Conway; Arkansas and Missouri Teacher’s Certificates. Forty-three years experience as teacher and principal.
B.S.E. degree, University of Arkansas; Arkansas Teacher’s Certificate. Twenty-one years teaching experience.
B.S.E. degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Arkansas State University; Arkansas Teacher’s Certificate. Twenty-five years teaching experience.
B.A. degree, Glassboro State College, New Jersey; New Jersey, West Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio and Arkansas Teacher’s Certificates. Twenty-seven years teaching experience.
B.S.E. in Elementary Education from UCA, 1996.
Grade Three - Darlene Pavlovich
B.A. degree, Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, lowa; Texas, Nebraska, Arkansas Teacher’s Certificates. Twenty-seven years teaching experience.
Grade Four -Julie Quast
Ed.D. Teaching and Learning Concentration Early Childhood, expected graduation 2014, Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia; M.S.E. Curriculum and Instruction in Reading, Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; B.S. E. Early Childhood Education, Henderson State University, Arkadelphia Arkansas. Eight years teaching experience.
B.A. degree, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas; M.S.E. degree, Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; Arkansas Teacher’s Certificate; National Board Certification. Fifteen years teaching experience.
Grade Six Homeroom - Lindsey Vondenstein
B.S.E. degree, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana; Louisiana Teacher’s Certificate. Three years teaching experence.
Grade Seven & Eight Homeroom – Angela Isaacs
B. S., LSU, Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy, B.S., St. Gregory’s University, Theology, Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor––LSU Graduate School and CDU of Baton Rouge
Technology Coordinator/Pre-Algebra – Sister Cheryl Quave, R.S.M.
B.A. degree in Education, Fontbonne College, Missouri; M.A. degree in Theology, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas; Mississippi, Missouri and Arkansas Teacher’s Certificates. Thirty-three years teaching experience.
Title I - Kay Post
B.A. degree, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Librarian - Lellie-Beth Rhodes
B.S.E. degree in Education, Library Science, Old Dominion,
University of Virginia; Virginia and Arkansas Teacher’s Certificate. Twenty-four years teaching experience.
Music and Junior High Art – Vali Barron
Music Education, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, Arkansas; Post Graduate Courses from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; Fourteen years teaching experience.
B.A. in Art History, Birmingham–Southern College
Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish–University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Master of Education–University of Arkansas at Monticello
Physical Education - Wayne Mayer
Environmental Studies/ESL - Sister Carol Anne Corley, R.S.M.
Secretary - Patty Owens
Advancement Director – Marianne Layne
Cafeteria – Melody Weston & Lucrecia Cardenas
Day Care/K Aide – Janis Longnecker
Maintenance/Custodial Staff - Brad McClintock & Miguel Patino
B. ADMISSIONS
St. John’s Catholic School will admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to their students.
- Admission priorities for St. John’s School
- a. Families who already have children enrolled
- b. Catholic families
- c. Non-Catholic families
- Transfer Students
Students transferring into St. John’s School will only be considered conditionally for admission after reviewing their written behavior and academic history. A parent/guardian must sign a request form for these records to be sent from the previous school. The student’s welfare and stability of the class/school are assessed when accepting a transferring student. Any misrepresentation of facts will result in immediate dismissal. Priority will be given to a student/family who is moving from out of town. Students who transfer for other reasons will be handled on a case-by-case basis with the understanding that such acceptance may only be considered if it occurs no more than once. Parents have six months from the student’s date of withdrawl to address, in writing to the Principal, grievances or grade disputes.
C. TUITION
| Catholic Tuition | K-8 Per Year | K-8 Per Month | Non-Catholic Tuition | K-8 Per Year | K-8 Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Child | $3,770.00 | $377.00 | 1st Child | $4,370.00 | $437.00 |
| 2nd Child | $3,620.00 | $362.00 | 2nd Child | $4,220.00 | $422.00 |
| 3rd Child | $3,520.00 | $352.00 | 3rd Child | $4,120.00 | $412.00 |
No Tuition Fee for Additional Children
St. John’s School depends upon the loyal support of its family members to meet the day-to-day operating expenses of the school. A major portion of that support comes in the form of tuition payments. Tuition shall be determined by the tuition schedule, which is to be based annually on
budget requirements. There will be a tuition reduction policy (see chart above) for families having more than one child enrolled at St. John’s School. Catholics who do not support the Church by use of Church Envelopes or check (a record cannot be maintained by giving cash) will be charged Non-Catholic Tuition. Tuition payments may be made annually, semiannually, or monthly. In order for the school to pay its operating expenses on a timely basis, we need to receive the tuition payments from parents on a timely basis.
Registration Fee for the next year will be due in May of the current year. This payment guarantees a place for your child at St. John’s for the upcoming school year.
August expenses are due prior to the first day of school. (This includes payment for items such as textbooks, consumable workbooks, program fees, PTO fee, Building fee, etc.)
Tuition Payment Options:
- Ten monthly payments through FACTS. These payments will be automatically deducted from checking or savings, or automatically charged to credit card (with convenience fee) beginning in July on your choice of the 5th or 20th of the month. The FACTS annual enrollment fee is $41 per family, and will be deducted from your account prior to the first tuition payment.
- Semi-Annual payments due July 1st and December 1st (paid by cash or check to the school office or by credit card through FACTS with a convenience fee)
- Annual payment due on July 1st (paid by cash or check to the school office or by credit card through FACTS with a convenience fee)
Financial assistance may be available on a first-come-first serve and need-basis in June of each school year. A “Request for Financial Assistance” application form is available in the school office. Applications will be reviewed by the Principal and Pastor in June and families will be called in to sign the Tuition Assistance Agreement by the first week in August. In order to be considered, an application for assistance must be submitted to FACTS.
The school board recognizes that the above schedules for payment may create some tight budgets for parents. If you feel that you cannot comply with the above schedule, the board offers the following alternatives:
- Meet with the principal to set up an alternative payment schedule that will still result in all tuition payments being paid in full by the end of the school year.
- Make arrangements with your family to assist you with making your tuition payments on a timely basis.
- Procure a “low interest” loan through your bank.
A “Payment Agreement Form” and this tuition policy will be given to parents at the time of registration. Delinquent accounts shall be handled as follows:
- Monthly payments are due on the 5th or 20th of each month. Any late payments will be charged a $20 additional fee per month late.
- Late payment arrangements made IN ADVANCE will not be subject to a late fee if so agreed by the principal.
If there is any doubt that you will be able to meet your financial obligations, IT WILL BE ESSENTIAL THAT YOU REQUEST A CONFIDENTIAL TUITION AID FORM AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION, SHOULD A FINANCIAL CRISIS OCCUR AFTER REGISTRATION AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO MEET YOUR OBLIGATION, AN IMMEDIATE CONFERENCE WITH THE PRINCIPAL AND/OR PASTOR SHOULD BE SCHEDULED. Any student whose tuition account becomes more than 60 days past due MAY BE SUBJECT TO SUSPENSION until an agreement has been made.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL
The penalty for withdrawal anytime prior to the first day of school equals one month’s tuition forfeited. The penalty for withdrawal anytime thereafter equals two months’ tuition forfeited. This penalty is applicable even if the student does not start the school year!
For a student who is withdrawn during the school year, tuition is
calculated for the portion of time attended, plus a penalty equal to two months’ tuition. The reasons behind this policy are as follows: The school loses the opportunity to place another family in that spot; once class lists are filled in the early spring, families unable to obtain spots in classrooms at St. John’s School find it necessary to make alternate arrangements for their child(ren); when an opening occurs at such a late date, very often the families have made a financial commitment at another school and must turn down the opportunity to attend St. John’s. The board must also make educated budget decisions early in the Spring based on a projected number of families expected to attend St. John’s School. Staffing needs are met and contracts signed, thus cementing St. John’s financial obligations for the new school year.
D. REGISTRATION
Registration is held each Spring for all students attending St. John’s School at a fee of $100.00 per student. Students are reapplying for admission each year, admission is not guaranteed. Book Fees for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten will also be paid at the time of Registration. Registration fee is non-refundable.
1. BIRTH CERTIFICATES and BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATES
Birth certificates shall be required of all students entering
Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and the First Grade for 2007-2008 school year. This certificate must be presented when you enroll your child. A child must be six (6) years of age on or before September 16, 2007, when entering the First Grade; five (5) years of age, on or before September 16, 2007, before entering Kindergarten; four (4) years of age, on or before September 16, 2007, when entering Pre-Kindergarten. Baptismal certificates are required for all Catholic students.
2. IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
All students attending Catholic schools in the Diocese of Little Rock are subject to the immunization laws of the State of Arkansas. (Arkansas Statute 80-1548/1550).
The minimum requirements for entry into school regardless of grade, are three doses of Diphtheria /Tetanus /Pertussis (DPT) or Tetanus/Diphtheria (TD adult) or Diphtheria /Tetanus (DT pediatric); three doses of polio
vaccine and a Rubeola (measles) vaccine; and a Rubella (German measles) vaccine. Mumps vaccine, although not required by law, is
strongly encouraged. All children born after November 22, 1991 need proof of immunization for Hepatitis B before registration. Children entering Pre-K must have received the Varicella vaccine or verification of chicken pox. Students entering 7th grade must present proof of MMR booster.
E. FACILITY IMPROVEMENT FEE
$200 (Paid once during years at St. John’s School)
F. Schedules
1. DAILY SCHEDULE
Students are expected in the classroom each day at 7:55 a.m. Any student arriving after that time will be counted tardy! Holy Mass will be attended by students on a regular rotating basis. All students will attend Mass on Friday as a total school community.
2. FACULTY MEETINGS
In order to schedule Faculty Meetings and In-Service Programs for the teachers, classes are to be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. each first Friday of the month, unless notified of a change in schedule.
3. INCLEMENT WEATHER
When school ground conditions are dangerous because of sleet, snow or ice, St. John’s School will announce its closing over radio stations US97 and T.V. Channel 4 and 7. Normally, St John’s will follow the schedule of the Hot Springs School District.
G. SCHOOL SUPERVISION
1. DURING SCHOOL
Playground supervision is conducted according to safety and health regulations. Playgrounds will be supervised at all times when a number of students are active on the grounds. During the recess period, a teacher or teacher’s aide will supervise the students on the playground, or in the gym in case of bad weather. Students will not leave the school grounds at any time without the expressed permission of the Principal.
2. AFTER SCHOOL SUPERVISION
After school supervision from 3:00 p.m. until 5:15 p.m. will be available for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Information will be available at registration. Fee: $2.50 per hour, to the nearest quarter hour. Any student remaining beyond 5:30 pm will be assessed a $1 fee per minute.
3. OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
Before groups of students are taken off the school grounds, written approval must be obtained from the parent of each child. No off-campus trip will be taken without the approval of the Principal.
H. DRESS CODE
A sense of Christian modesty will dictate the type of clothing worn by the students and teachers. “Free Dress” day opportunities will be offered at various times throughout the school year. At all times, however, clothing should be appropriate for the academic and Christian climate of St. John’s School. The administration reserves the right to interpret what is appropriate.
Shoes: Walking shoes and tennis shoes allow for greater flexibility in movement. Sandals/Crocs/open-toed shoes are not allowed. Solid white socks are required.
Belts: Belts are to be worn at all times with walking shorts and pants. The size is to be no wider than 2 inches, either solid black or brown.
Uniforms may be purchased at The Toggery in Little Rock, Lands’ End, or other school approved vendors.
GIRLS:
Navy Blue Plaid Box Jumper
Navy Blue Plaid Box Pleat Skirt or Skort
Navy Blue Walking Short or pants
White Blouses long or short sleeved with a simple, plain collar
White or Navy polo shirt or turtleneck (St. John’s Logo only) or
St. John’s Polo Shirts
BOYS:
Navy Blue Twill Pants with belt (no jeans)
Navy Blue Walking Shorts with belt.
Light Blue or White polo shirt (St. John’s Logo only) or St. John’s
Polo Shirts
OUTER WEAR (Boys and Girls – Grades Kindergarten-8th)
St. John’s Sweatshirt (purchased at The Toggery) or Solid White
or Solid Navy Blue Sweaters.
P.E. UNIFORMS—BOYS AND GIRLS
P.E. Uniforms for Boys and Girls Navy Blue Shorts (should be just above the knee) with St. John’s Logo
Ash Grey T-Shirt with St. John’s Logo
Navy Blue Sweatsuit with St. John’s Logo
Tennis Shoes with Solid White Socks
P.E. Uniforms for Boys and Girls in grades Pre-K–8th may be purchased at The Toggery in Little Rock.
Uniforms for MIddle Grades (6-8):
Girls: Khaki Skirts, Walking Shorts (should be just above the knee) or Slacks
Boys: Khaki Slacks or Walking Shorts
Girls & Boys: Polo Shirts – Navy Blue, White, or Forest Green (no logos)
Slacks and shorts are to be uniform style – No cargo, baggy, etc.
Belts are required with slacks and walking shorts.
All Uniforms may be purchased from:
The Toggery in Little Rock
11220 Rodney Parham
Little Rock, AR 72212
(501) 227-8492
STUDENT ATTIRE, HAIRSTYLES AND MAKE-UP
St. John’s students are expected to be neat and clean in appearance at all times. Hair shall be worn in an appropriate manner, never extreme. Boys are expected to maintain a hairstyle with no less than one-half of the forehead and ears visible. The hair in the back of the head should never drape over the collar. Girl’s hairstyles must be off the face and out of the eyes. Hair colors not found in nature are not permitted. Make-up needs to be modest and appropriate for school attire! Children should avoid wearing excessive/flashy jewelry and earrings are to be simple – no dangling jewelry or “hoops” larger than a dime. Artificially sculptured fingernails are not to be worn at school, unless approved by the principal. Girls may wear fingernail polish (no black/dark colors) to school. Students will be asked to remove their fingernail polish if it becomes a distraction or if the polish is chipped or worn. The final decision for appropriate attire rests with the principal.
PARENTS: WE ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT REGARDING THE DRESS CODE.
I. POSSESSIONS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL
All items brought to school should be marked with the student’s name (sweaters, jackets, raincoats; etc.) Please make sure BOTH ITEMS (of a pair) are marked. If a student loses articles at school, he/she should check the LOST AND FOUND BOX. Electronic devices such as cell phones, radios, tape recorders, CD players, video games, and message devices may not be brought to school without special permission and the approval of the Principal. If a student needs to bring a cell phone to school, it is to remain off and remain in the student’s backpack until after the final bell.
A. GENERAL
Please do not send a child to school with an elevated temperature. If a child has had a temperature over 101°, do not send the child back to school until the temperature has been normal for 24 hours. Communicable diseases should be reported to the child’s teacher. Dental and medical appointments should be made after school hours or on “no school days.”
B. MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
Medicine of any kind is not to be provided by the school. No medication will be administered to a student by any school personnel without a completed and signed (by the parent or guardian) Medication Form on-file in the school office.
- No medication, including aspirin, may be given to a student without a Medication Form.
- The Medication Form signed by the parent/guardian will include the time(s) and dosage of medication to be administered to the student.
- Any medications brought to school will be stored in the office in a designated place where students have no access to them.
C. STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
All students will be offered the option to enroll in school accident insurance. The Diocesan Board of Education will assist the Superintendent in selecting the insurance to be used by the Catholic schools in the Diocese.
D. DRUGS
If any student brings to school, or has in his/her possession on the school grounds, during or after school hours, any illegal drugs, tobacco, or alcohol, he/she is liable for expulsion.
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The philosophy of the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Programs is based on the premise that children are unique and have individual needs which must be met. Emphasis is placed on helping students develop in their social skills in order that they may get along with one another.
The development of language arts skills, especially oral language, receives a great deal of emphasis. Oral language development is closely related to academic skill development. The nature of the program provides opportunities for students to begin their basic reading and math skills. This includes recognition of numbers and letters. The reading readiness includes the sounds for which the letter stands. Each child moves into the reading readiness program as he/she is ready. The program, in compliance with DHS guidelines, is designed to help the students in making a transition to a formal school setting. Guidelines are available for preview upon request.
A. ATTENDANCE AND ABSENTEEISM
Student achievement is directly related to consistent school attendance. In addition to the fact that state legislation requires school attendance, St. John’s School believes that regular school attendance is necessary to ensure that students understand the instruction and material presented by its faculty. Time lost from class is irretrievable in terms of opportunities for instructional interchange. Thus, a student’s attendance should not be interrupted, except for important matters or unavoidable circumstances. Parents should be aware that the student’s grade might be adversely affected by this planned absence.
Generally, a pupil who has accumulated 25 days of absences during the school year (three tardys equating to an absence) shall repeat the grade or be required to attend summer school. Pupils are expected to be in attendance at all times when school is in session, unless illness or an emergency prevents it. Excessive tardiness and/or absences from school inhibits learning. For this reason, doctor’s appointments, family vacations, or other activities requiring absence from school should be avoided. If a child is to be absent due to illness or for any other reason, the parents must notify the school office before 9:00 a.m. When the child returns to school, he/she is to bring a note to the classroom teacher stating the reason for the absence.
When there is a planned absence, the student is required to gather advanced assignments from his/her teachers and establish a schedule (not to exceed 5 days from the time of return to school) for completing assignments and tests. Since it is not always possible or desirable to provide all of the assignments that will be covered during the time of the absence, some assignments may be required to be completed by the student upon his/her return to school. The parents will submit a letter to the office detailing the date of departure and date of return, as well as, reason for absence. This request must be made at least 5 school days prior to the planned absence. An “excused absence” includes illness, quarantine, death in the immediate family, etc. An “unexcused absence” is the non-attendance of a student for truancy or parental neglect.
Such excuses as “overslept, visiting, out of town, needed at home, had to go on an errand,” are evidently parental neglect. Excuses of a doubtful nature shall be investigated by the Principal.
B. TARDINESS
A student is considered tardy if not in the classroom when the last class bell rings. Tardiness interferes with progress in school and constitutes a disturbance for all members of the class. If a student is late repeatedly, the Principal shall confer with the parents in an effort to correct this irregularity. The tardy bell rings at 7:55 a.m. Tardy students must check-in at the office.
C. CURRICULUM
All Catholic schools will follow the Diocesan and Arkansas State requirements regarding basic materials, specific courses, and time allotments.
1. A planned instructional program will lead to discovering and developing the abilities of each student.
2. Each school will offer a balanced curriculum including Religion, Language Arts (English, Reading, Literature, Oral and Written Communication, Speech Arts, Handwriting, Spelling Usage, and Grammar), Science, Mathematics, Social Studies (History, Geography, Civics, Economics and Sociology), Spanish, Art, Music, Health, Physical Education, Computer Skills and such electives as deemed practical and helpful.
Textbooks in Schools
All Catholic schools in the Diocese of Little Rock will use approved texts in the instructional program. The Title I program is used to meet the special reading and math needs of the students.
Classroom speakers and field trips enhance the curriculum. No overnight field trips will be allowed.
Library
Books are checked out for one week intervals. The student’s name on the Borrower’s Card is responsible for any fines should the book be lost or damaged.
A student with a poor accountability for his/her library books loses library privileges for the rest of that semester.
Lending a library book to a friend is strongly discouraged as the student’s name on the Borrower’s Card is still responsible for any damage to the book regardless of his/her innocence in the loss of the book.
Library Fines:
$25.00 — accelerated reading books
$20.00 — all other books
D. HOME-STUDY ASSIGNMENTS AND RECOMMENDED TIME
In order to assimilate the academic skills acquired at school, it is essential that good study habits be fostered in the home. It is suggested that a definite time and quiet place be established in the home. The afternoon is preferred to late evening for this purpose. Each child should spend at least the recommended time as stated below in the handbook, regarding home-study assignments. In some instances, however, assignments may exceed the designated time.
Grades 1 – 2 One-half hour for the average child.
Grades 3 – 5 One hour, including both written and study assignments
Grades 6 – 8 One and one-half to two hours.
E. GRADING/REPORTING OF STUDENT’S PERFORMANCE
UNIFORMITY OF GRADING WILL BE CONSCIENTIOUSLY
MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL. THAT IS, WORK OF SIMILAR QUALITY WILL RECEIVE ABOUT THE SAME MARK FROM ALL TEACHERS. ACADEMIC MARKS ARE TO BE BASED ON
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND NOT ON CONDUCT, AS
BEHAVIOR IS TO BE GRADED SEPARATELY.
1. Grading—The letter system or percentage system will be used for reports to parents, while either percentages or letters will be used for permanent record files. In either case, the following interpretation will be maintained.
A Superior Achievement 93 to 100%
B Above Average 85 to 92%
C Average 77 to 84%
D Passing 70 to 76%
F Failure Below 70%
F. PROMOTION
Promotion will be based on the passing mark of seventy (70) %. Two major subject failures constitute a grade failure.
Religion
Mathematics
Language Arts (Reading, English, Spelling, Penmanship/Handwriting)
Spanish
Science
Social Studies (History, Geography, Civics, Economics)
Computer
Fine Arts (Music, Art)
Health and Physical Education
G. GUIDANCE AND TESTING
Every teacher is concerned with helping students meet their personal, emotional, educational and vocational needs. The guidance program involves the following services:
- Orientation of students.
- Records – individual inventory of physical and mental growth.
- Testing:
-
- SAT Test administered to students in grades K through 8 in April.
- The classroom teacher is responsible for informal guidance in the classroom or on the playground, etc. and formal, individual counseling for personal, educational and social needs. Referrals are made to professional sources.
- Students having learning difficulties may be referred to the Community Counseling Services, Inc. Personnel at the Counseling Center are most helpful when this service is needed.
- Health Services: Vision test for students in grades Kindergarten, 1, 3, 5 and 7 and any others referred by the teachers. Hearing test for students in Kindergarten, grades 1, 3, 5 and 7 and any others referred by teachers. Scoliosis Test for girls in grades 5-8 and boys in grades 7-8.
H. STUDENT CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS
According to the Buckley Act of 1974, a student’s records are confidential and will be open only to members of the professional staff and to the student’s parents/ guardians, or to the student herself/himself, if she/he has attained the age of 18, at times pre-arranged with the Principal.
I. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be scheduled once each semester as announced by the Principal or teacher. Parents are free to contact the teacher or Principal to request an additional conference if they have a particular concern.
J. NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS
Non-custodial parents are not to use the school as a meeting place to visit with their children. In the case of divorced parents, a copy of the court order, stating visiting rights may be required to be on file in the school office. The Principal will allow a non-custodial parent to take the child as specified in the court order. A copy of the child’s report card may be given to the non-custodial parent.
K. VISITORS AT SCHOOL
Visitors at the school are to sign-in in the office and obtain a Visitor’s Badge before visiting a class or contacting a teacher or student. A sign to this effect is to be posted by each entrance to the school building. Visitors are to sign-out and return the Visitor’s Badge to the office before leaving campus.
L. SOLICITORS
No one is allowed on the school grounds or in the school building to solicit or to request signatures for a petition unless authorized by the Pastor and/or Principal.
M. DISCIPLINE
1. GENERAL
The term discipline is defined as rational self-control. A disciplined person consistently reflects correct attitudes and respect for the rights of others.
For the individual’s own good, and for the good of the nation, the school will aim at producing disciplined citizens. Students must be intent on mastering subject matter, and this is best accomplished in an atmosphere conditioned by discipline. Every student and parent will be held accountable for any disorderly conduct in school, on the school grounds, or at any school function. A discipline policy will be read and signed by parent and student. Students remain St. John’s students at all times. A student will be held accountable for behaviors that are detrimental to the reputation of St. John’s School, and may be disciplined by school officials. Parents also have a responsibility to St. John’s School and will be expected to maintain a cooperative relationship with the school and its employees. If parents fail to support this relationship, their student may be removed from the school.
2. REWARDS/PUNISHMENTS
Emphasis is placed on positive values, rather than punishments. When violations do occur, each case will be dealt with patiently, respecting the personal dignity of the student, the teacher and all who have been offended by the student’s misconduct. Means of coping with problem situations are:
- To deny privileges to misbehaving students
- To talk to the student in private
- To inform parents or guardians
- To seek positive help for the student from a counselor.
Serious or continuous disciplinary problems will be referred to the Principal and parents will be notified of the infractions and of the disciplinary actions taken. If a student cannot be helped through these actions, the Principal will follow the procedure for suspension and/or dismissal.
Conduct not tolerated:
- a. Any disorderly conduct or destruction of property. Students will
- pay for any damage to school or parish property.
- b. Disrespect or abuse of school staff, volunteers or other students
- c. Possession of firearms or other weapons
- d. Theft
- e. Possession of or use of alcohol/drugs (See II.12 ALCOHOL/DRUGS)
*St. John’s School reserves the right to search and seizure if necessary.
3. DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS—SUSPENSION
Suspension is defined as “the temporary exclusion of a student from school for disciplinary reasons.” Suspension from the school will be the decision of the Principal in consultation with the Pastor. Students may be suspended for serious reasons by the Principal, for a period of time not to exceed ten (10) days. The Principal will notify the student and the student’s parents or guardians of the reason for the suspension, the time of the suspension, and the requirements for reinstatement.
4. DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS—EXPULSION
Expulsion is defined as “the permanent dismissal of a student from the school.” Expulsion from the school will be the decision of the Principal in consultation with the Pastor. Notification of this expulsion will be sent to the School Board President. A written report containing reasons for the expulsion will be sent to the student’s parents or guardian and to the Diocesan Superintendent’s office. The written report to parents will contain the information concerning the process of appeal.
5. COMPLAINTS
Any parent or guardian feeling aggrieved concerning any classroom matter will arrange for an interview with the teacher; then, if necessary, with the Principal. If the Principal is unable to resolve the matter satisfactorily, the person making the complaint should submit the complaint in writing
