DRESS CODE

St. John's School Board has adopted a uniform dress code policy.

UNIFORM DRESS CODE, 2007 - 2008

ALL GRADES

• Solid-color polo shirts, with or without school crest, long or short-sleeve, any color.
  
• Navy or khaki uniform pants.
  
• Navy uniform shorts.
  
• Plain belts of the following colors: blue, black, or brown.
  
• Navy sweatshirt, with or without school crest, crew neck, banded waistline, no hood.
  
• Navy uniform cardigan, with buttons
  
• Solid-color socks or tights.
  
• Navy uniform jumper or skirt, K-3 only...no skorts
  
  
  T-shirts worn underneath clothing must be plain white with sleeves no longer than that of the blouse or shirt.
  

SHOES:
No sandals, "flips" or clogs - closed shoes only. Shoes must be tied and securely fastened. No KNEE-HIGH socks may be worn.

EARRINGS:
Girls may wear small post earrings, lower lobe only - no dangles or hoops.
Boys will not be permitted to wear earrings to school.

No body art, piercing or tattoos will be allowed.

HAIR/MAKE-UP & NEATNESS:
Hair should be kept clean and properly styled. Hair coloring in sharp contrast to the natural color is not permitted. Hair style and color bordering on the extreme wil not be permitted. The decision will be at the discretion of the administration. Natural colored makeup only. Boys' hair must be cut above the ears, eyebrows, and not touch the collar.

ALTERNATE DRESS DAYS:
If shorts are worn, they must be navy blue uniform shorts. Sleeveless tops or shirts may not be worn at any time. Midriff should be covered at all times.


WINTER DRESS CODE:
Shorts may not be worn from December 1st to March 1st. Tights must be worn under skirts from December 1st to March 1st.

SPRIT DAYS:
School spirit days will be announced. At that time, students will be allowed to wear St. John (Tiger/Spirit) shirts and St. John sweatshirts. Collars are not necessary.

UNIFORM CLOSET::
A used uniform closet is available in the library to swap, purchase or donate uniform items.

Inappropriately dressed students will be sent to the office and a parent will be called to bring appropriate clothing or to take the child home to change. Demerits will be given for inappropriate dress.

PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINE

With an understanding of the purpose of discipline in school, each student may form a correct attitude toward it. Do your part in making St. John School an effective place for learning, and also develop the habit of self-restraint, which will make you a better person.

It is the policy of St. John School that first priority shall always be given to the safety of our students and to the attainment of quality education, free from disruption, for all students who seek it and accept its responsibility. Disciplinary action, therefore, may be required:

• To aid the student in self-direction and self-discipline
  
  
• To direct the individual into acceptable patterns of behavior
  through improving self-discipline
  
  
• When the student's behavior impedes his/her own progress or
  interferes with the orderly process of the school community.

During school hours and at all school functions, students are expected to behave in a manner appropriate to the situation of time and place. Each teacher has the right to determine the regulations (consistent with school policy) to be followed in his/her classroom. All members of the professional staff share equally the obligation to maintain discipline and to establish an atmosphere of mutual respect. Parents are expected to support and reinforce school policies and the faculty/staff in order to develop and maintain a strong cooperative approach between home and school for the best interest of our children.

The following precepts guide the conduct of St. John School students:

• Mutual respect and honesty are the norm for behavior.
  
  
• All personal and school property will be respected.
  
  
• Proper student conduct is expected at all times to ensure the
  educational and personal rights of all.
  
  
• A school-wide dress code will be enforced.
  
  
• To ensure a safe environment, students will follow all safety rules.
  

DISCIPLINE POLICY

At St. John School, no student has the right to choose behavior that infringes on the rights of others. As Catholic educators, we recognize the primary role of the parents, yet also recognize the partnership that needs to exist among home, school, and parish, if the students are to benefit fully from the Catholic education.

The school-wide expectations from every student are:

• Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
  
• Act and speak kindly and respectfully to others.
  
• Follow instructions the first time given.

Classroom expectations are developed by each teacher. Expectations will contribute to a positive learning environment. This code of behavior will be communicated to and discussed with the students during the first week of school operation. Parents will also be notified in writing or during open house.

Teachers will ensure that positive behavior is given recognition. Students will also know when the behavior chosen is unacceptable. Our goal is to help students understand each of them is responsible for his/her own behavior and that each is in control of him/herself. The choice is always with the student.

Minor offenses will be handled "on the spot" and the student will understand if the same offense continues, the consequence will be greater. Major offenses are those behaviors that threaten the orderly function of the school or threaten the well-being of others. The staff has the right to pass over one punishment for a more severe punishment, if needed. Examples of violations include, but are not limited to:

• Missed assignments
  
• Failure to come to class prepared
  
• Disruption of class
  
• Tardiness to class
  
• Damaging property
  
• Violation of school or class rules
  
• Violation of dress code
  
• Violation of bus rules
  
• Misbehavior in church
  
• Verbal altercations

Violations may be handled through any or all of the following, though not in order presented:

• Missed assignments
  
• Failure to come to class prepared
  
• Loss of recess
• Lunch period restrictions
• Verbal correction
• Written, phone, or e-mail notification to parent
• Removal from class or activity
• Demerit or detention
• Conference
• Suspension
• Special assignment related to offense
• Referral

The Diocese of Evansville has put into effect a "zero" tolerancy for bullying in each school.

BULLYING STATEMENT

Bullying is an intentional act of aggression causing embarrassment, pain, or discomfort to another person. It is a consistent pattern of disrespect of one or more students by another. It is an abuse of power which can take many forms: physical (hitting, kicking, shoving, spitting); verbal (taunting, teasing, degrading social or sexual comments, rumor spreading); non-verbal (threatening gestures, exclusion, Internet, text messaging via cell phones, Instant Message). Bullying may constitute grounds for detention, suspension, or expulsion.

Our school embraces the following as school rules against bullying:

• We will not bully others.
  
• We will help students who are bullied
• We will include students who are easily left out.
• When we know somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and at home

As a result of such bullying, a student will be given a detention or suspension.

If a student's presence in the school is no longer of mutual benefit, or if there is a lack of willingness on the part of the parent(s), the parent(s) will be asked to formally withdraw the student from the school. If the student is not withdrawn upon the school's request, the student will be immediately expelled from school.

The school principal, pastor, or those delegated the authority can immediately remove a child from the school if there is any clear and present danger to any person(s) in the school. Parents and local authorities will be notified immediately

DETENTIONS, DEMERITS, DEFICIENCIES

• After 3 Academic Deficiencies in a subject, a Detention will be issued and served at the next scheduled detention session. After 3 Behavior Demerits, a Detention will be issued and served at the next scheduled detention session. Deficiencies and Demerits are cumulative K-4 in a single grading period; grades 5-8 per semester. Deficiencies and demerits are communication tools to parents.
  
  
• If an infraction is serious, a detention may be issued immediately without 3 notices. Detention has priority over all other events.
  
  
• Detention should be served from 2:20-3:00 p.m. on the next scheduled detention day. Students are given at least one-day notice.
  
  
• Absolute silence must be observed in detention.
  
  

• During every served detention, a Positive Growth Form must be written and completed containing:
  

  1. All events that led to detention.
     
  2. Description of how his/her actions are inappropriate to a positive learning
     environment.
     
  3. The measures he/she will take to improve his/her current behavior.

Failure to comply with any of the stated rules or failure to serve a detention will result in an additional detention.

Any student not picked up after detention will automatically be sent to After School Care.

Please refer to the ELIGIBILITY POLICY.

PARENT LETTER

For any students accumulating three (3) detentions during the school year, the parents will receive a letter regarding the detentions and be informed that with the fourth detention the student will be subject to a one-day in-school suspension.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

For the fourth detention given during the school year, the student will be subject to a one-day in-school detention. Class work must be completed and grades will be reduced by 30%. A conference with the principal, teacher, parent, and student will follow the suspension.

For the fifth detention served during the school year, the student will serve a one-day in-school suspension. During the one-day suspension, he/she will receive a "0" for any school work assigned that day and will not be allowed to make up the work. At this time, parents and student will be required to address the Disciplinary
Committee to discuss the situation and make recommendations for the student. With each subsequent detention, the parent(s) and student will meet with the principal.

SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION

Decisions concerning suspension and expulsion will be made through a consultation of teachers and the principal. The following types of student behavior MAY constitute grounds of IMMEDIATE suspension or expulsion:

• Using violence, force, coercion, threats, intimidation or other similar conduct and thereby interfering with school purposes. (The Diocesan Safety and Security Coordinator will be called if a student threatens anyone; even if the student says he is kidding.)
  
  
• Doing or threatening physical harm to any person in authority or a fellow student.
  
  
• Knowingly possessing, using, transmitting any weapon or object that can be considered dangerous or harmful to another. (Indiana law makes it illegal for students to possess alcohol, tobacco, and handguns.)
  
  
• Engaging in any unlawful activity (e.g. stealing, defacing property, gang activity).
  
• Repeatedly defying or disobeying anyone in authority.
  
  
• Sexual harassment.
  
  
• Violating the diocesan Code of Christian Conduct or Crisis/Confrontation Policy.
  
  
• False or prank 911 calls or false activation of fire alarms
  
  
• Lying, cheating, stealing or forgery.

The principal makes the final decision in all serious disciplinary situations.

SEARCH POLICIES

Student Searches - The principal and teachers may question students and search their personal belongings if they have a reasonable suspicion, based upon the totality of the circumstances, for suspecting the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or school rules.

Locker Searches - School lockers are the property of the school. A student who uses a school locker may not expect privacy in that locker or the locker's contents. The school principal may search student lockers at any time. The principal may also authorize any other school official or law enforcement officers to search any student locker at any time.

Electronic devices, including TV's, radios, MP3/IPOD, CD players, recorders, computer/electronic games and laser lights are not to be brought to school. Cellular phones are permitted only when parents have a written request on file in the office. When in the building, the phone must be "off" and remain in locker, or office.

STUDENT ARRIVAL TIME

Students may enter the school building after 7:00 a.m. with classes beginning at 7:30 a.m. Students are to be seated and prepared for class at 7:30. Students must report to the office with a parent if tardy.

SCHOOL HOURS

Office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
All school doors are locked at all times. Parents and visitors must report to the office to sign in and pick up a visitor's badge.

• Grades K, 1, 2 have lunch from 10:30-11:05
  
• Grades 6, 7, 8 have lunch from 11:20-11:45
  
• Grades 3, 4, 5 have lunch from 11:50-12:20

ATTENDANCE:

ATTENDANCE

The school is interested in good attendance because children with good attendance records generally have better scholastic records. Please do not send your child to school when ill in order to maintain perfect attendance.

Please call the attendance hotline number (853-3779) before 8:00 a.m. to report your child's absence from school; otherwise, a call will be made to the home to check on the child.

WHEN A CHILD HAS BEEN ABSENT FROM SCHOOL, HE/SHE MUST PRESENT A WRITTEN EXCUSE UPON HIS/HER RETURN. Parents must send a note to the classroom teacher when children return from an absence. (Notes must also be sent to the classroom teacher if children should stay inside during recess time after an illness.)

Students arriving after 9:00 a.m. or leaving before 1:00 p.m. will be considered absent one-half day.*

Please bring note from physician/dentist when returning to school after an appointment.

*Any student absent one-half day is ineligible to participate in any school sponsored activity (including practices) that day. All extra-curricular coaches will be notified daily of students ineligible for after school activities.

APPOINTMENTS

A written request must be sent to the teacher by the parent on or before the day the child is to be excused. Appointments should be scheduled outside of class time if at all possible.

IN ORDER THAT THE SCHOOL KNOWS EXACTLY WHEN AND WITH WHOM A CHILD IS LEAVING THE PREMISES, IT IS EXPECTED THAT ANYONE CALLING FOR A CHILD DURING SCHOOL HOURS, WILL COME TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE TO GET THAT CHILD.

Parents must sign the students in and out of the office when tardy or leaving school early. THIS IS A MUST! A child will not be called from the classroom until the parent arrives. The parent is expected to wait in the vestibule for their child.

VACATIONS

We realize there are times when family vacations must be planned during the school year. The school does not encourage vacations during the school year. School work will not be given before leaving on a vacation. It is the responsibility of the student to make up any missed work upon their return. The school would appreciate knowing about the vacation at a reasonable time beforehand.

TARDINESS

Students are considered tardy if they are not in their classroom when the 7:30 a.m. bell rings. If a student is tardy more than three (3) times during the school year, he/she cannot receive perfect attendance for the year. Excused tardies do not affect perfect attendane. Although tardiness is not considered absenteeism, it disrupts the scheduling for the individual room and activities. To be "on time" is training in responsibility for the students and ensures good order.

Due to excessive tardiness of students, the following has been put into effect. After the 3rd tardy in a grading period, a demerit will be given.

PARENTS MUST COME INTO THE OFFICE AND SIGN THE STUDENT IN WHEN TARDY BEFORE THE STUDENT MAY REPORT TO CLASS.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Dismissal from St. John School is done in the following order after school:

• Buses, walkers, car riders.
  
  
• Buses arrive at St. John School at approximately 2:10 p.m., and students board the buses in front of the school shortly afterwards.
  
  
• Walkers and car riders will be dismissed after the buses have departed.
  
  
• Parents picking up students at dismissal need to form double lines coming into the parking lot on the south side of the church…this procedure will keep cars from backing up onto Frame Road.
  
  
• Students are expected to follow dismissal procedure in an orderly fashion. Assigned teachers are on duty from 2:15-2:30 p.m.
  
  
• Any students who have not been picked up by 2:40 p.m. will be sent to After School Care to wait until their rides arrive and will be charged the daily rate for this service.
  
  
• Due to safety factors, bicycles may not be ridden to school.
  
  
• If a student needs to leave early for an appointment, they must leave prior to 2:05 p.m. No one will be allowed to cross the car line. Due to safety of students, teachers, and drivers, this rule will be strictly enforced. Please use the crosswalk.
  
  
• Students leaving with, or going home with another student on a bus, must have written permission from their parents. This note must be signed by the principal or administrative assistant by noon.
  

AFTER SCHOOL CARE:

Students attending after school care will meet with the program director in the Band Room. Study Hall for students meets from 3:00-4:00 p.m. in a classroom. Snacks are provided for the students immediately after school. The fee for after school care is $5.00/day.

Students must be picked up by 6:00 p.m. or $1/minute will be added and must be paid in cash when child is picked up.

Parents using after school care will be given guidelines and rules - an agreement and emergency card must be signed and returned on August 9th. No electronic games or toys should be brought to school or to after school care.

LUNCH PROGRAM

All students are expected to eat lunch. Students may either bring a sack lunch or purchase a hot lunch in the cafeteria. The main purpose of the school lunch program is to provide every child with a well-balanced meal. The fee is $1.75 and includes milk or juice. Additional milk/juice is available for 30cents. If a student refuses milk, the cost of the lunch is
still the regular price. A student may pay daily, weekly, or monthly. Weekly tickets may be purchased on the first school day of the week. Checks should be made payable to St. John Lunch Program. Lunch/milk charges are strongly discouraged. A note will be sent home regarding charges.

Students may not leave the building for lunch. Parents may have lunch with their children but must make reservations with the office before 8:00 a.m. SCHOOL LUNCHES ONLY - PLEASE DO NOT BRING IN FAST FOOD. (Adult lunches - $2.25)

Students are to remain in line (line cutting is not permitted) while waiting to be served. Quiet talking is permitted and will be monitored by a noise level stoplight.

Students are to dispose of papers, straws and refuse in the receptacles provided. Each student is expected to dispose of their own trash and to return their tray, dishes and silverware in an orderly fashion. Students will help clean lunch tables and are expected to clean them properly. Weather permitting, students may go outside after being dismissed by the teacher on duty. Food taken outside must be disposed of properly. Students must remain in designated areas and line up at assigned time. Entry into the school must be in orderly fashion.

The following rules must be followed every day.

*All rules pertain to before school, during school, and after school.

• Students are not permitted to run, throw any objects, or jump rope.
  
• Students will speak in a conversational tone of voice.
  
• Students are to ask permission of the teacher on duty to leave the classroom.
  
• Students are to obey any additional rules their teacher may have.

In the interest of promoting healthier habits in students, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently verified that all schools, including private schools, which participate in the national School Lunch Act, must develop a School Wellness Plan for the 2007-08 school year. Each school in the Diocese of Evansville will engage students, parents, teachers, food service staff, and health professionals in developing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing school nutrition and physical education policies. To achieve these goals, schools will form wellness committees, set campus nutrition guidelines, and determine nutrition education and physical activity opportunities. Copies of the Diocesan Plan can be found in the school office. The implementation of this plan is now in its second year.

St. John School has a closed campus in that students may not leave the school unless at the direction of the principal. Students are expected to go directly home at the close of school or to after school care. Certain group activities are exceptions.

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