AQUINAS MIDDLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
I. MISSION STATEMENT 1
II. GOVERNING VALUES 3
THE SCHOOL
HISTORY 3
POLICIES
I. GENERAL POLICIES
A. Attendance 4
B. Aquinas Team Action Center (ATAC) 4
C. Registering and Scheduling of Courses 5
D. Student Evaluation 5
E. Tri-Councils 5
F. Student Records 5
G. Academic Deficiency 5
H. Academic Honors 6
I. After-School Study Skills Class 6
J. Student
Medications........................................................................................
6
II. USE OF
THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS
A. Gym Use 6
B. Lockers 6
C. Media Center 6
D. Cafeteria 7
E. Telephone 7
F. Passes 7
G. Driving Privileges 7
III. SPIRITUAL GROWTH
A. Mass 7
B. Confessions 7
C. Class Retreat 7
D. Eucharistic Adoration 8
IV. STUDENT APPEARANCE
A. General Dress Code 8
B. Dress Code for Girls and Boys 8
C. Dress-up Days and Spirit Days 9
V. DISCIPLINE
A. Demerit System 9
B. Detention 9
C In-School Suspension 9
D. Expulsion or Long-Term Suspension 10
VI. SCHOOL
SPONSORED ACTIVITIES 10
VII. PREGNANT
STUDENTS 10
VIII. CHRONIC AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 10
IX. COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE 10
X. AQUINAS MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES CODE
A. Conduct Relating to Drugs/Alcohol 12
B. Conduct Relating to Tobacco 13
C. Conduct Relating to Violations of Other Statutes 13
XI. STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
A. Nebraska School Activities Association Rules 14
B. Aquinas Middle School Rules for Students
Involved in Co-Curricular Activities 14
C. Other 14
D. Permission to Participate in Athletics 15
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 8:00-3:15.
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 ATAC 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, he/she is not allowed to attend a school sponsored activity in the evening.
B. Aquinas Team Action Center (ATAC) The ATAC 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.
D. Student Evaluation
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) School Work:
a) Assignments must be handed in on time. The student will receive a maximum of 80% credit for work that is handed in within 24 hours of the assigned time and will receive no credit for work handed in after 24 hours.
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 be assigned to the after-school study skills class until the mid-point of the next quarter. If, at that time, he/she is still failing, he/she will stay in the study skills class for the rest of the quarter.
f) A student must pass all core classes to be promoted to the next grade. If a student fails a cored class, he/she must make it up before the next school year in order to be promoted.
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. Student Records
If a student transfers, upon proper notification in writing from parents or guardians, copies of records will be sent to the new school.
I. Academic Deficiency
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.
J. Academic Honors
Aquinas Middle School strives to help each student feel success in academic work. The Scholastic Achievement Award is awarded to any middle school student who has maintained at lease a 93% overall average and no grade lower than an 85% in any subject OR has improved his/her overall average from last quarter and has no failing grades. (Example: 1st quarter – 86% overall average; 2nd quarter 88% overall average) Many other honors, earned by the students, are presented each year.
K. After-School Study Skills Class
Students who need help with classes or have a failing grade in a class or classes have the opportunity to attend an after-school class every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15-4:15. The class will concentrate on helping the students improve work in difficult classes and use better study skills. Aquinas wants to help students to be successful in the classroom by teaching good study habits. At the end of each mid-quarter and quarter, teachers will review the progress and will reassign students who need the assistance of this class.
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.
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.
A. Demerit System
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 two-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.
C. In-School Suspension
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.
VI. SCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITIES
1) Special activities such as field trips, parties, etc. will be planned during the year for the middle school students.
2) Middle school students are not allowed at social activities of the high school (e.g. dances). Only Aquinas Middle School students are allowed at Aquinas Middle School activities.
3) Students may attend a high school dance coronation with their parents provided they dress up and come for the coronation only.
4) Middle school students and dating: Group activities are more appropriate for the social development of middle school students. Aquinas strongly discourages middle school dating.
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. 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.
IX. COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE
A. General Information
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.
B. Terms and Conditions
1. Acceptable Use
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.
If the student is sighted by a school employee or chaperone violating the code, he/she will be informed by the school administration.
The consequences will begin at the time of the reporting of the citation or charge.
Failure to comply with the consequences set forth in the code will result in an in-school suspension for one day in addition to the consequence starting over.
The parents may appeal the consequence to the administration on the basis of a change in the citation/charge.
School-sponsored events include public performances in athletics or the arts, dances, and non-educational field trips.
**Any student with no offenses for two consecutive calendar years will have all offenses cleared from his record and will begin anew.
A. Conduct Relating to Drugs/Alcohol
1. A student will be found in violation of this activity code and subject to consequences if:
1) the student is cited or charged by law enforcement, or sighted by a school employee or chaperone, for using, being in possession of, or dispensing drugs/alcohol.
2. Consequences for violation of the activities code:
1) First Offense: A student will not be allowed to participate in any activity events for two calendar weeks. This suspension does not include athletic practices or meetings of organizations. If the two week suspension falls during a time when no activities/events occur, the student will not be allowed to participate in the first date of activities/events that occurs after the two week suspension. A student may attend an activity/event only if his/her parent or guardian is also in attendance.
2) Second Offense: A student who is in violation of the activity code for the second time will not be allowed to participate in any activities for four calendar months. This time period may be reduced to two calendar months if the student undergoes an alcohol/drug evaluation followed by an alcohol and drug education program or an outpatient substance abuse program as determined by the evaluation. The evaluation must take place within the first 2 months after reporting the incident. The cost of the evaluation and subsequent program is the responsibility of the student. This suspension does not include athletic practices or meetings of organizations. A student may attend an activity/event only if his/her parent or guardian is also in attendance.
3) Third or Subsequent Offense: A student who is in violation of the activity code for the third time will not be allowed to participate in any activities for four calendar months. The student will also be required to attend an alcohol/drug evaluation followed by an alcohol and drug education program or an outpatient substance abuse program as determined by the evaluation. The evaluation must take place within the first 2 months after reporting the incident. The cost of the evaluation and subsequent program is the responsibility of the student. This suspension does not include athletic practices or meetings of organizations. A student may attend an activity/event only if his/her parent or guardian is also in attendance.
B. Conduct Relating to Tobacco
1. A student will be found in violation of this activity code and subject to consequences if:
1) the student is cited or charged by the law, or sighted by faculty, staff or chaperone, for possessing, using, or dispensing tobacco.
2. Consequences for violation of the activities code:
1) First Offense: A student will not be allowed to participate in any activity events for one calendar week. This suspension does not include athletic practices or meetings of organizations. If the one week suspension falls during a time when no activities/events occur, the student will not be allowed to participate in the first date of activities/events that occurs after the one week suspension. A student may attend an activity/event only if his/her parent or guardian is also in attendance.
2) Second Offense: A student who is in violation of the activity code for the second time will not be allowed to participate in any activities for two calendar weeks. This suspension does not include athletic practices or meetings of organizations. If the two week suspension falls during a time when no activities/events occur, the student will not be allowed to participate in the first date of activities/events that occurs after the two week suspension. A student may attend an activity/event only if his/her parent or guardian is also in attendance.
3) Third or Subsequent Offense: A student who is in violation of the activity code for the third time will not be allowed to participate in any activities for two calendar months. This suspension does not include athletic practices or meetings of organizations. A student may attend an activity/event only if his/her parent or guardian is also in attendance.
C. Conduct Relating to Violations of Other Statutes
1. A students will be found in violation of this activity code and subject to consequences if:
1) The student is cited or charged by the law, or sighted by faculty, staff or chaperone, committing an offense such as but not limited to vandalism, stealing, willful destruction of property and physical violence.
2. Consequences for violation of the activities code:
1) First Offense: A student will not be allowed to participate in any activity events for two calendar weeks. This suspension does not include athletic practices or meetings of organizations. If the two week suspension falls during a time when no activities/events occur, the student will not be allowed to participate in the first date of activities/events that occurs after the two week suspension. A student may attend an activity/event only if his/her parent or guardian is also in attendance.
*Note: Serious offenses may result in other disciplinary measures up to and including suspension or expulsion.
2) Second Offense: A student who is in violation of the activity code for the second time will not be allowed to participate in any activities for two calendar months. This suspension does not include athletic practices or meetings of organizations. A student may attend an activity/event only if his/her parent or guardian is also in attendance.
3) Third or Subsequent Offense: A student who is in violation of the activity code for the third time will not be allowed to participate in any activities for four calendar months. This suspension does not include athletic practices or meetings of organizations. A student may attend an activity/event only if his/her parent or guardian is also in attendance.
XII. STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
A. Nebraska School Activities Association Rules
Aquinas High School is a member of the NSAA which is a voluntary organization of public and parochial schools of Nebraska, organized for the purpose of promoting and regulating the competition between schools in what is generally known as the co-curricular activities. Aquinas High School is subject to and governed in part by the rules and regulations for co-curricular activities of the NSAA. These rules and regulations are posted in the locker rooms and available for inspection and review in the Activities Director's office.
B. Aquinas High School Rules for Students Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
The following conduct shall constitute grounds for suspension from practices, participation in interscholastic competition or other participation in extra-curricular activities, when such conduct occurs on school grounds, or during an education function or event off school grounds, or off school grounds during the season of the particular activity:
1) A student must be in school within one-half hour or the start of the school day 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.