TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. MISSION STATEMENT
II. GOVERNING VALUES
III. THE SCHOOL HISTORY
POLICIES
I. GENERAL POLICIES
A. Attendance
B.
Teacher Academic-Counselor Program (TAC)
C. Registering and Scheduling of Courses
D. Student
Evaluation
E. Tri-Councils
F.
Requirements for Graduation
G. Student Records
H. Transcripts
of Credit
I. Academic
Deficiency
J. Honor Roll
K. Access Period
L. Student
Medications
II.
USE OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS
A. Gym Use
B. Lockers
C. Media Center
D. Cafeteria
E. Telephone
F. Passes
G. Driving
Privileges
III. SPIRITUAL
GROWTH
A. Mass
B. Confessions
C. Class Retreat
D. Eucharistic
Adoration
IV. STUDENT
APPEARANCE
A. General Dress
Code
B.
Dress Code for Girls and Boys
C. Dress
Up Days and Spirit Days
V. DISCIPLINE
A. Demerit System
B. Detention
C. In-School
Suspension
D.
Expulsion or Long-Term Suspension
VI. SCHOOL
SPONSORED DANCES
VII. PREGNANT
STUDENTS
VIII. MARRIED
STUDENTS
IX.
CHRONIC AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
X. COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE
XI. AQUINAS MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES CODE
A.
Conduct Relating to Drugs/Alcohol
B.
Conduct Relating to Tobacco
C. Conduct Relating to Violations of Other Statutes
XII. STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
A. Nebraska School Activities Association Rules
B. Aquinas High School Rules for Students
Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
C. Other
D. Permission to Participate in Athletics
ACTIVITIES
I. STUDENT
ORGANIZATIONS
A. National
Honor Society
B. Student Council
C. Seeking Others Under Love (SOUL Club)
D. Teens For Life
E. Drama Club
F. “A” Club
FAMILY AND
SCHOOL AGREEMENT
SIGNATURES (PARENT AND STUDENT)
Agreement for Computer Network and Internet Individual User
with Aquinas/St. Mary’s
SIGNATURES (PARENT AND STUDENT)
The Mission of Aquinas/St. Mary's Catholic schools community is to provide a Christ-centered, learning environment to prepare students to deal with future involvement in church, family, and civic relationships.
II. GOVERNING VALUES
The Aquinas/St. Mary's school community will...
... foster a God-centered, Catholic culture to promote a Christ-like outlook on life.
... provide a learning environment to promote academic achievement for all students by developing their unique abilities and interests to prepare them for future vocations and challenges.
... provide opportunities for individuals to grow spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally.
... nurture a life-long commitment to Christian values that promote growth in church, family, and civic relationships.
... promote respect for one's self worth and mutual respect for others at all stages of life.
In Dec. 1959, Bishop James V. Casey announced that a new Catholic High School would be erected in the David City area. The parishes involved were Sts. Peter and Paul, Abie; Presentation, St. Joseph and St. Peter's, Bellwood; Holy Trinity, Brainard; St. Anthony's, Bruno; Assumption, St. Francis and St. Mary's, David City; St. Mary's, Linwood; Sacred Heart, Shelby; Immaculate Conception, Ulysses; St. Luke, Loma; St. Wenceslaus, Bee; and Assumption in Dwight.
On June 12, 1960, it was announced that the name of the school would be Aquinas High School. This title was chosen because St. Thomas Aquinas is the universal patron of Catholic Schools, and in addition, he was one of the greatest scholars of the Christian era; he had a special love for truth; he loved Christ above all; he had a great affection for Our Lady; he had a special love for the Eucharistic Sacrifice; and his idea of God's providential guidance of all events is appropriate for all times. The school opened on Sept. 5, 1961 with 295 students from 15 parishes in Butler, Polk, and Seward Counties. In 1986 a middle school was added to the system.
The crest of Aquinas Middle School-High School incorporates ideas from the life of St. Thomas. The open book symbolizes scholarship; the chalice depicts his love of the Eucharist, and the crown of thorns, the learning acquired by meditating on Christ Crucified. The lighted torch reminds the school of its responsibility to foster a love of Christ and of truth.
Aquinas Middle School-High School is owned and operated by thirteen parishes of the Aquinas area. This area comprises all of Butler County and parts of Polk and Seward Counties. The school's operation policies are determined by the administration through recommendations of the staff and school councils, subject to the policies of the Diocese of Lincoln. The school enjoys a Class A accreditation by the Nebraska State Department of Education, is a member of the Nebraska School Activities Association, and as such, is subject to the rules and regulations of both of these bodies.
It has been the purpose of AQUINAS MIDDLE -HIGH SCHOOL to provide the environment and stimulus essential for the development of the truly Christian man and woman. This basic purpose has never changed, and as a consequence, the operative policies are always generated toward a further development of this purpose.
THIS HANDBOOK AND PROFESSIONAL DISCRETION
This handbook provides academic/disciplinary expectations. However, it does not attempt to cover all possible circumstances or solutions; therefore, the Aquinas administration, at all times, reserves the right to apply professional discretion in dealing with students or families concerning academic/disciplinary situations.
In order to establish and maintain a positive and Catholic educational atmosphere within our school, certain rules and regulations must be followed.
Nondiscrimination Policy
Aquinas Catholic Schools admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
A. Attendance
Regular punctual attendance is required. The normal school day is from 8:00-3:23.
1) All absences, regardless of reason, are recorded as such in the school records. After an absence, students must bring a written excuse from their parent or guardian. On the day of the absence, the parent or guardian must contact the school by 8:30 a.m. Students participating in school-sponsored activities and field trips are not considered absent.
2) Green Slips: If the parent knows his student will be absent or tardy, he/she must send an excuse with the student a minimum of one day prior to the absence stating the name of the student, date of absence, and reason for the absence. This excuse is attached to a "green slip" in the office. It is the student's responsibilities to have each of the teachers sign to indicate knowledge of absence. The student must make arrangements for assignments.
3) Students missing more than nine days (excused or unexcused) in any one class in one term will lose credit for the class. Students, missing more than nine days, due to extenuating circumstances, may appeal the loss of credit.
4) Truancy (Skipping School or a Class) is not allowed and will result in in-school suspensions.
5) Tardiness: Students are tardy if not in TAC by 8:00. A student arriving late must report immediately to the office. All unexcused tardies will result in a demerit. Students must be in school by one-half hour after school begins or they will be counted absent.
6) Leaving School Grounds: Any student who needs to leave the school campus for any reason other than supervised events, must obtain permission from his parents and the administration. Whenever a student leaves the building, he or she must sign out in the office, and, if returning the same day, sign in.
7) A student must be in school by one half hour after school begins to be eligible to take part in extracurricular activities that day. Circumstances such as appointments, funerals, etc. may cause this rule to be waived with Administrative approval. If a student is absent all day due to illness they is not allowed to attend a school sponsored activity in the evening.
8) College Visitation: Seniors are allowed two days to visit colleges without being counted absent if they follow this procedure. Visits must be arranged with the college representative in advance. The student must visit with the Aquinas counselor prior to the college visit. The counselor will provide a form that must be signed by the teachers and parents and turned into the office before the student will be excused. The student will also receive a form to be filled out by the college representative with his phone number and signature to be used for verification of the visit. If this process is not followed the student will be truant. Exceptions to this rule must be made by the school principal after consultation with the school counselor and parents.
B. Teacher-Academic-Counselor Program (TAC) The TAC teacher serves as the student's advisor and the TAC Room is the student's home room.
C. Registering and Scheduling of Courses
The administration is ultimately in charge of registering all students in courses for the following year. Once students have registered and received their course schedule, they may not change any courses without written permission of the parents or guardian, teachers involved, and principal. This must be done within the first three days of the start of the class.
1) Report Cards are issued to students at the end of each quarter of the school year. Mid-quarter Progress Reports will also be issued during each quarter. Aquinas Middle School-High School uses the following method for grading:
A Superior achievement (93-100) F No credit (0-69)
B Above average achievement (85-92) I Incomplete
C Passing achievement (77-84) S Satisfactory
D In danger of failing (70-76) U Unsatisfactory (No Credit )
2) Each class will have a final exam, which will count 20% of the final grade.
3) School Work:
a) Assignments must be handed in on time. The student will receive credit only for the work that is handed in at the assigned time.
b) When a student is absent from school (illness, etc.), he has one day for each day absent to make up the work.
c) When a student arrives late to school, he/she must hand in or complete assignments for that day.
*Tests: If a student is absent on a known test day (and he has been absent on that day only), he will be expected to take that test on the day he returns. If he has been absent only on the day before the test and no new material has been covered, he will be expected to take the test at the regularly scheduled time. If he has been absent two or more days, he will immediately make arrangements with his teachers to take the make-up test.
d) Any cheating will result in a 0 grade for that work and other disciplinary measures may be appropriate.
e) If a student fails a class, he/she will receive no credit. If it is a required class, he must retake the failed class.
E. Tri-Councils
One parent-teacher-student conference will be scheduled each term. Conferences, on an individual basis, may be held at any time at the request of the parent or teacher.
F. Requirements for Graduation
Aquinas High School requires that each student graduating from the school earn a minimum of 300 credits. The following is a breakdown of the credits required. In general, ten credits are earned for a class that meets five days a week for one term.
RELIGION I, II, III & IV 40
ENGLISH I, II, III & IV 40
SPEECH (Taken during 10th & 11th English)
MATHEMATICS 30
PHYSICAL SCIENCE, BIOLOGY & ONE SCIENCE ELECTIVE 30
BUSINESS 10
AMERICAN HISTORY, WORLD HISTORY & GOVERNMENT 30
PHYSICAL EDUCATION--HEALTH 10
FOREIGN LANGUAGE OR FINE ARTS 20
ELECTIVES 90
TOTAL 300
(Graduates will need 300 credits)
If a student transfers, upon proper notification in writing from parents or guardians, copies of records will be sent to the new school.
Aquinas High School transcripts of credits are available on request. The transcript is sent directly to the college or job placement area. The first transcript is issued gratis; subsequent transcripts require a $1 fee to be paid in advance or sent with the request for the transcript.
There are three levels of the deficiency:
1) The student and parents will be notified at any time that the student's average drops below 77%.
2) If the student's average drops below 70%, the student and parents are notified and the student has from Monday to Monday to raise the average to 70% or above.
3) If, by the following Monday, the student's average is still below a 70%, the student will be ineligible to compete in extracurricular activities for one calendar week. The student will remain ineligible until the average is raised to 70% or above.
In order to be listed on the Honor Roll, a student must have a 93 or above average and can have no grade below an 85 in any subject. In order to make Honorable Mention Honor Roll, a student must have a grade point average of 89 or above, and can have no grade below 77. Classes that are not included in the student’s GPA, such as music, P.E., building trades; etc must still meet the minimum grades as stated above in determining honor roll or honorable mention.
K. Access Period
1. All high school teachers will be available and accessible to help students unless they are assigned coaching or teaching duties for middle school students during the access period. Those with conflicting duties should make sure the students know when and where the teacher is available to offer assistance.
2. Teachers may require students to attend access period at any time.
A student who fails to report to access when he should will earn a detention.
3. Any student on level 2 or 3 deficiency will be required to stay for access period. Level 3 students must report to the teacher of the class in which they are deficient. Level 2 students may attend a meeting during that time but must report to the teacher of the class in which they are deficient as soon as the meeting is over
4. All clubs will be assigned a date for their monthly meeting. Additional meetings must be approved by the administration.
5. It is the student’s responsibility to notify teachers in advance of any conflicts that they might have during the access period. (i.e. student is on level 2 deficiency in two different classes and must see more than one teacher.)
L. Student Medications
All medicines, including over-the-counter types, are to be supplied by the parent/guardians only (and not the school) and should, if possible, be dispensed to students by their parents/guardians. All medications must be stored in their original containers (with the student's name attached) and kept in the office.
Required documentation includes the following:
A. Signed note from the parent stating the necessity of medication during the school day, a request that provision be made, a note on possible side effects, other pertinent observations, and a written assurance that the parent/guardian is primarily responsible for providing direction to the school and in monitoring the therapeutic effects of the medication.
B. Signed records of all provisions of medication. This record shall identify the student, name of medication given, date, time, dosage, route for each medication provided, identification of person who provided the medication, and any refusal by the student to take the medication.
II. USE OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS
A. Gym Use
Students using the gym facilities should do so in proper attire with acceptable gym shoes and only under proper supervision.
B. Lockers
Lockers are the property of the school. Teachers and administrators have the right to search lockers and their contents. Each student will be assigned a locker. No alcohol or tobacco advertisements, suggestive pictures or slogans, or anything offensive to Christian sensibilities are allowed on or in the lockers
C. Media Center
The Media Center is open from 7:40 am to 4:30 pm. and is intended to serve all faculty and students. Materials are made available which will contribute to academic environment and provide opportunities for individuals to grow spiritually, socially and emotionally. Books or other material should be informative, inspirational or entertaining.
We recognize that parents are the primary teachers of their children. They are responsible for the basic and ultimate education of their children. They can limit or expand their children's experiences as they choose. Schools teach children by using materials and methods that society or parents as a whole find worthwhile and/or acceptable.
If a patron objects to any item in the library, he/she may fill out a reconsideration of materials form. The librarian and administration will discuss the title to determine whether it is an asset to the library or not. We cannot remove a title just because a parent or a few parents dislike it for some reason.
We wish to maintain a quiet study atmosphere in the media center at all times.
D. Cafeteria
1) Food is to be eaten in the cafeteria only, except when permission is given. A prayer is offered after each meal.
2) THE AQUINAS HOT LUNCH DEPARTMENT MUST COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT "COMPETITIVE FOOD POLICY" which reads as follows: Food may not be consumed in the building during the restricted time of one-half hour before meal service through one-half hour after.
3) In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
4) During school hours, food and drink ARE TO BE CONSUMED IN THE CAFETERIA ONLY unless permission is given by the instructor.
5) Outside school hours, food and drink are restricted from the carpeted areas.
E. Telephone
The office telephone is to be used only in emergencies. A public telephone is provided in the lobby for brief use by the students. It may be used before and after school hours without permission. During the course of the day, permission must be obtained from the office.
Cell phones may not be used during the school day. If a student brings a cell phone to school it must be left in the student locker and be turned off. Aquinas will confiscate any violations and the phone will be returned only to the parent/guardian.
F. Passes
Passes are a privilege. Unnecessary hall traffic is strongly discouraged. A student must receive a written pass from the supervisor before he is allowed to leave the room. Each student will receive emergency passes for restroom, etc. use.
G. Driving Privileges
1) Students are permitted to park in student parking areas only. Order of parking area will be assigned at the beginning of the year. If students abuse the facilities or drive recklessly, their privileges to drive or park on school property will be suspended.
2) School Permits (Local law enforcement has requested that we issue a statement to clarify the law regarding the use of school permits.): Students may drive to and from where he or she attends school by the most direct and accessible route by the nearest highway from his or her place of residence if the person lives a distance of one and half mile or more from school. A school permit shall be used for transporting the student and any family member who resides with the student to attend school and extracurricular or school related activities at the school.
III. SPIRITUAL GROWTH
A. Daily Mass
Daily Masses are offered and attendance is encouraged. All students and faculty attend the regularly scheduled All-School Masses and class Masses.
Weekly attendance at Sunday Mass is an essential component of our faith. Students are expected to attend Sunday Mass with their families and parish community.
B. Confessions
An opportunity for individual confession will be available each month for all the students. It is hoped that students will avail themselves to Christ's healing grace during this time.
C. Class Retreat
A retreat is planned for each grade.
D. Eucharistic Adoration
Time is available for students to go to the chapel for a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
IV. STUDENT APPEARANCE
The learning atmosphere is promoted when students look their best. Competition over styles of dress is expensive and takes away from the learning. The administration and faculty reserve the right to determine the suitability of the students' appearance.
A. General Dress Code
Students should always look neat and presentable. Clothing should be clean, modest, and chosen according to the specifics of the dress code. All students should be neatly groomed. Boys will be clean-shaven, and hair on the boys should not go below the collar or the eyebrow. Students' hair (boys and girls) should be of a natural hair color and of a non-distracting style. Earrings (for boys) and tattoos or body piercing for boys or girls are not permitted.
Students attending Aquinas activities home or away are as much representing the school as those participating and should conduct themselves in dress and action in such a manner as to give a positive message to others about themselves and Aquinas. Students must wear clothing that is not offensive to Christian sensibilities.
B. Dress Code for Girls and Boys
Be in uniform when you enter the school.
1) Semi-dress or dress solid black, slacks are permitted for school wear for all grades. Slacks can have only two front pockets and two back pockets with no pockets on the legs. Jeans or nylon materials are not permitted for regular school dress. No baggy or low rider or overall style slacks. Slacks that are ragged at the bottom or have torn seams at the bottom of the leg are not permitted
2) Uniform capris, shorts or skorts may be worn to school on any regular, dress up, or jean day. These items must be purchased from either Joy’s Uniform in Columbus or Dennis Uniform in Omaha. Order forms are available at the school office.
3) A belt must be worn with slacks or shorts that have loops.
4) Slacks, capris, shorts and skirts must be worn at the waistline.
5) Tight knit stretch pants should not be worn for reasons of modesty.
6) White tailored short or long sleeve shirts or blouses can be worn and must be buttoned.
7) A black, white, or gold long or short sleeve polo shirt (with a collar and a button placket) is acceptable.
8) Solid white, black or gold t-shirt or turtleneck or an Aquinas t-shirt may be worn under the uniform shirt. The sleeves of the uniform shirt must be longer than the sleeves of the turtleneck or t-shirt.
9) Solid black or white long sleeve sweaters (cardigans or pullovers) or sweater vests can be worn over the uniform blouse or shirt. No over-sized sweaters. Sweaters are optional. If a student is cold, he/she should wear a sweater or sweatshirt, not a jacket.
10) The Aquinas Home and School sell sweatshirts that can be worn in school. (No Aquinas activity sweatshirts (hooded or not) or oversized sweatshirts may be worn.) A school uniform shirt must be worn under the sweatshirts.
11) Shirts and blouses must be tucked in.
12) Socks must be worn and must be visible above the shoe.
13) For girls: Black uniform skirts may be worn. (Length should be modest)
14) School shoes must have a back or a back strap.
15) Students may be asked to limit excessive jewelry that is distracting.
C. Dress Up Days & Spirit Days
1) Dress up days should be just that. These are not dress down days. Rules of regular uniform days apply to spirit or dress up days.
2) On special dress up days, dress shoes do not need a back strap, but they cannot be flip-flops.
3) On spirit days, students may wear appropriate jeans and an Aquinas T-Shirt or sweatshirt.
4) Appropriate jeans are those which are clean, modest, not ragged, and of appropriate size and length. (No baggy or low rider or overall style jeans.)
5) Participants' dress up on days of events will be determined by the coach/moderator and the administration.
V. DISCIPLINE
The goal of discipline is self-discipline. It is the duty and responsibility of each and every student to conduct his or her self in a way reflective of respect and responsibility. Any behavior that takes away from the environment of learning, or that does not reflect mature Christianity will not be accepted.
Harassment (Bullying, Sexual or Other) will not be tolerated at any time.
Harassment may involve but is not limited to:
1. Persistent verbal abuse, ridicule, demeaning comments or intentional exclusion.
2. Verbal or physical threats, or coercion.
3. Sexual Harassment*
Sexual Harassment includes but is not limited to:
1. Verbal harassment or abuse including unwelcome sexually oriented communication.
2. Pressure to engage in sexual activity.
3. Unwelcome physical contact of a provocative nature, including physical
contact in circumstances which render such actions inappropriate.
4. Sexual assault.
Any person subjected to harassment should do the following:
1. Inform the person engaging in the harassment that the offensive action must
stop.
2. Notify a responsible adult for help. (teacher, administrator, parent)
3. Keep a carefully written record of the incident and the actions that were taken.
All allegations of harassment shall be investigated by the school’s administration and if substantiated, corrective or disciplinary action taken, up to and including suspension or expulsion.
All infractions of school rules will be addressed consistently by the school staff through a demerit system. Student demerits will be cumulative over the course of each school year. Each student will be expected to carry his demerit card at all times and present it to a staff member upon request. Failure to present a demerit card will result in an automatic detention and demerits for the origin infraction put on the new card. Lost cards will result in a $1.00 fine.
Students not receiving a demerit for a four-week period may have a demerit removed by the office.
Accumulation of demerits for the year will result in the following:
Demerits Consequence Action
5 demerits 1 detention Inform parents
10 demerits 1 detention Inform parents
15 demerits 2 detentions Inform parents
20 demerits One-day In-School Suspension Student-parent conference with the administration and a discipline contract will be issued.
*Repeated detentions not earned from the demerit system will also result in the same conference and discipline contract.
Failure to follow the discipline contract will result in an out of school suspension, and the student will be placed on probation.
The student must then show marked and immediate improvement or risk permanent expulsion.
B. Detention
Teachers or others assigned to supervisory roles have the obligation to assign a detention for an action that is worthy. This is a silent time during the student’s lunch period. The students will be served a simple lunch which meets federal guidelines.
If an in-school suspension is necessary, it will be as follows: A student serving an in-school suspension will not be allowed to attend any of his classes or eat in the cafeteria. The student must report to the office and will be placed in an area by himself. The student will be given his assignments to work on and any assignments due that day will be picked up and placed in the teacher's mailbox. Lunch will be served to the student in the suspension area. The student will be allowed to receive credit for work completed while in suspension but will not be given any extra time to complete assignments. Students lose extra-curricular privileges on days in suspension. Parents will be notified of the suspension.
D. Expulsion or Long-Term Suspension (being removed from the school for a period of time)
The following student conduct may constitute grounds for expulsion or long-term suspension:
1) Engaging in or encouraging any activity forbidden by the laws of the Catholic Church or the State of Nebraska, or which constitutes an abuse to other students or staff members.
2) A repeated violation of set rules of the school.
3) Students found guilty of stealing or damaging the property of school or individuals within the school's jurisdiction.
4) Students who willfully disobey or defy reasonable directions given by school personnel or school regulations, or are found guilty of insubordination.
Note: Any student expelled or suspended from school has the right to a hearing. For more information on the hearing procedure, contact the principal.
High school dances are for Aquinas students. A student may bring in an outside date, but the outside date must be registered in the office before the dance and must abide to all rules.
1) Every dance must have adult chaperones appointed by the moderator sponsoring the dance. Names must be turned in to the principal ahead of time.
2) No grade school children or middle school students are ever allowed to attend any high school dances. No high school students may attend middle school social activities. Grade and middle school students may attend coronations if they are attending with their parents and leave immediately following the coronation.
3) Students who leave a dance will not be readmitted. Entry and exit is at the main door only.
4) Alumni are permitted to attend high school dances. They are expected to abide by the rules of the school.
5) No freshman or sophomore is allowed at prom unless he has a junior or senior date or if he is a waiter or waitress. Underclassmen may attend coronation provided they leave immediately afterwards.
6) Homecoming and Prom Attire (This code was written by a committee of students, parents and teachers.)
Homecoming is a SEMI-FORMAL event. Girls may wear dresses, skirts, or dress slacks with nice blouses, sweaters, or tops. Nothing low-cut, or backless is permitted. Dress hemlines and/or slits must be at least 2 inches below the fingertips, and midriffs may NOT be exposed.
Boys must wear dress slacks and dress shirts with collars. Sweaters may be worn. No jeans or shorts are permitted.
Prom is a FORMAL event. Girls may wear formal dresses. Nothing low-cut, or backless is permitted. Dress hemlines and/or slits must be at least 2inches below the fingertips, and midriffs may NOT be exposed. Girls need to have their shoulders covered for Mass.
Boys must wear suits and ties or tuxedoes
The girls should be mindful of their modesty and virtue in selecting appropriate prom dresses. Many dresses that are sold are not becoming of a Christian woman.
7) Royalty: Election of candidates will be based on criteria of the sponsoring group. No runner-up order is announced. The king and queen from the previous year will be invited to do the honors of crowning the new king and queen.
8. The Seniors will plan the Homecoming Dance, and the Juniors will plan the Prom.
VII. PREGNANT STUDENTS
1) The student will be allowed to complete a full middle school/high school education including graduation. Upon learning that a student has become pregnant, the school will provide the student, including the father if he is also a student in the school, with counseling; encouraging them to receive the sacraments as soon as possible; giving them the facts about their options (placing the child for adoption, or keeping the child); instructing them about their duties in justice and charity to each other and the child; informing them that if the girl's pregnancy and/or the boy's paternity becomes disruptive to the educational and formative purposes of the school, they will be asked to fulfill their educational requirements without the benefit of school life.
2) For the health and safety of the mother and unborn child, participation in sports and extracurricular activities depends on a physician's certificate permitting such activities.
VIII. MARRIED STUDENTS
Students in Catholic schools who marry may complete their education in Catholic school in accordance with the following guidelines:
1) Catholic students must be married within the laws of the Catholic Church and must have complied with Diocesan regulations concerning teenage marriage. Non-Catholic students must comply with comparable regulations deemed appropriate by the school administration.
2) The students will continue to observe academic and disciplinary regulations.
3) The school administration will determine that continued attendance on the part of the students will not have adverse effects upon the rest of the student body. Regulations regarding the married students during pregnancy will be established by the school, allowing the completion of studies and graduation.
IX. CHRONIC AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
See the diocesan policy. Due to the length of this policy, it is on record in the school office and open to public review.
X. COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE
In accordance with the Mission Statement of the Aquinas/St. Mary’s Catholic Schools to provide a Christ-centered, learning environment promoting growth in all aspects of life to prepare students to deal with future challenges of church, family, and civic relationships, we believe that all students should have the opportunity to develop skills in using computer technology. The technology of the computer network is defined as computers, both hardware and software, the LAN (local area network), furniture, and all transmitted information. Transmitted information includes, but is not limited to: electronic mail, web browsing, file transfer protocol, and any information retrieval via the Internet. The Internet is an electronic superhighway connecting thousands of computers and users all around the world. This will give students access to electronic mail communication with people all over the world; information and news from around the world as well as the opportunity to correspond with the providers of this information; discussion groups on a wealth of topics; and access to many university library catalogs and databases. With this access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of our Christ-centered, learning environment. On a global network it is impossible to control all materials, and an industrious user may discover inappropriate information. We firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational mission of Aquinas/St. Mary’s.
Use of technology at Aquinas/St. Mary’s is a privilege extended to individuals who wish to enhance their learning experiences. Users will broaden their global horizons and discover a vast scope of information and experience. Learning through interaction with the technology will furnish a graduate with many of the job readiness skills required by our evolving business and educational community. Under the guidance of members of the Aquinas/St. Mary’s faculty or staff, each user has the privilege to make use of authorized hardware and software found on school grounds in order to facilitate his/her academic growth in our Christ-centered, learning environment. Transmission and viewing of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: plagiarizing copyrighted material, threatening or obscene materials, or materials protected by trade secret or classified government information. Use of the Aquinas/St. Mary’s network technology for commercial activities by students or for-profit institutions is not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited. All Aquinas/St. Mary’s policies and regulations apply to the use of the technology to support the educational mission of this Catholic institution. If Aquinas/St. Mary’s incurs a cost due to student negligence or misuse, the student will be responsible for the cost.
2. Guidelines
Students at Aquinas/St. Mary’s are expected to comply with the following procedures.
a. Students will follow the above acceptable use statement.
b. No student is allowed to use any material that has not been assigned to them by a member of the Aquinas/St. Mary’s faculty and staff.
c. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, and other anti-social behaviors are prohibited on the network.
d. The use of the computer to transmit or view pornography, or any other information generally considered inappropriate in a Christ-centered, learning environment, is forbidden.
C. Consequences
Automatic notification will be made to the parent or guardian of the student involved in any violation of the Terms and Conditions set forth above. Depending on the severity of the infraction, ANY of the following consequences may be imposed:
1) Appropriate legal action will be taken.
2) Conference with parent or guardian.
3) Individual access privileges will be revoked.
4) Loss of technology use for a determined period of time.
5) School disciplinary action according to the handbook and posted rules.
XI. AQUINAS MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES CODE
We feel that teenage use of drugs/alcohol and tobacco is a very serious situation that students and parents face today. We want it made very clear that a student or family member may come to a school official to ask for whatever assistance we can give with a drug/alcohol problem without being in violation of the Activities Code.
Note: This should not be done right after the student is charged or receives a citation simply to avoid the consequences of the activities code. If such a circumstance should occur, we will continue to offer whatever help we could, but the activities code will be in effect.
All students are encouraged to demonstrate acceptable standards of conduct. The violations of the Activity Code occurring during the school year, which begins on the first day of fall practices as governed by the NSAA and which ends when the students are dismissed from classes for the summer, will be governed by this policy. Violations occurring during a school-sponsored activity in the summer will also be governed by this policy. Any consequences stemming from violations of this policy will be served during the school year as defined above. No consequence time can be served during the summer months. If the student has consequence time left at the end of the school year, it will be served beginning with the first day of scheduled fall practice.
When the student receives a citation or is charged, whichever occurs first, it is the student’s responsibility to report the incident to a school official on the next school day or before participating or attending any scheduled activity or practice, whichever comes first. This is simply asking that the students be honest and take responsibility for his actions. If the student fails to notify a school official, the consequence will be imposed for a 6-month period rather than the shorter periods of time in the code.