MISSION
The
mission of
ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE
Parents
who wish to enroll their children must contact the school office. An application form, tuition schedule,
emergency information, and request for records form will need to be filled out
and returned to the office.
NONDISCRIMINATION
As a Catholic School, St. Mary’s is committed to respect the dignity of each individual and, therefore, will not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, or sex in regard to enrollment.
NON-CATHOLIC STUDENT PARTICIPATION
DAILY SCHEDULE
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Classes resume |
Classes dismiss |
Teachers available |
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Teacher email addresses are listed on the staff page in the beginning of this handbook.
Early Release Schedule:
Office
Hours:
Daily attendance is essential for a child to be successful in school. All parents are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments, vacations, etc. around the school calendar as much as possible.
1. Absence of Student:
On the day the child is absent, a parent has the
responsibility of notifying the school office at 223-3033 before
2. Tardiness
A student is tardy if he/she arrives after
3. Anticipated Absence
Absences are not in the best academic interest of the student. However, if an anticipated absence is necessary (i.e. family vacation, doctor appointment, etc.) arrangements should be made in advance with the teacher(s). The teacher(s) may then decide how the missed work is to be made up.
Unexcused Absence
Absences or tardiness without the permission of a parent or guardian will be considered as unexcused and will result in disciplinary actions by the principal. State truancy guidelines can be found in the appendix of this book.
MASS
Student
Masses are held on a weekly basis, generally each Thursday at
Students are expected to attend weekend Mass as a continuation of their faith development.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Students
of
During the school year, the sacrament of Reconciliation is offered to those eligible during the seasons of Advent and Lent.
STUDENT CONDUCT
St. Mary’s is above all other things a religious school. It is the belief of this school that the students should strive to emulate the morals, values, and behaviors of the Catholic Faith. As a condition of initial and continued enrollment as a student in the diocesan schools, a student’s conduct must be consistent with Catholic faith and morals. Conduct which is inconsistent with Catholic faith and morals, which is a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of other students and/or which causes scandal, impairs or threatens to impair the reputation of the Church or its schools, is grounds for disciplinary sanctions up to and including immediate expulsion. (DSP 5112)
General Guidelines
1. Students are to respect all adults who work and volunteer in the school.
2. Students are to be courteous in action and word to all students in the school.
3. Students are expected to walk at all times in the school building and church.
4. Pushing, shoving, tackling, or bullying is not allowed.
5. Improper or disrespectful language, profanity, or suggestive talk and/or gestures is not allowed.
6. Fighting is not allowed.
7. Students are not allowed to leave school grounds without permission.
8. Copying the work of another student is not allowed.
9. The possession of drugs, liquor, tobacco products, weapons, or vandalism and stealing of property is unacceptable. Parents, the pastor and, according to Diocesan Policy (5508), the authorities may be notified.
10. The use of cell phones, and other personal electronics are not to be used during the school day on school grounds.
When on the playground, all students are …
· To practice good sportsmanship at all times, to help younger children or those with special needs and to share playground equipment.
· Not to stand on the swings, jay-walk between the swings, or use the swings in any abnormal way.
· Not to chase, jump, or run on the jungle gym; to move up the ladder and down the slide facing forward, in a safe manner.
· Stay well back from the curb and streets. Students should report to the teacher on duty immediately if a ball goes onto a street and the teacher will get the ball for them.
·
Students are to remain in their assigned play areas and are allowed on
the snow piles only under supervision.
CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR
1. Most violations will be handled by the classroom teacher in cooperation with the parent. This could involve loss of recess privileges or after school detention.
2. More serious or repeated violations will be handled by the principal in cooperation with the parent and could result in an “in school” suspension and parent conference.
3. Very serious infractions could result in an “out of school” suspension and a
conference with the parent and pastor.
4. Lack of cooperation from the parents and student to correct serious negative behaviors could result in expulsion. Expulsion of a student is a very serious matter and will be invoked only in extreme cases.
All expulsions are to be approved by the Diocesan Director of the Office for Catholic Schools.
DRESS CODE
Shirts / Blouses
Students may wear the following;
Polo style, dress, banded dress, Henley shirts, blouses, sweaters, turtle- necks, casual shirts, printed T-shirts, athletic shirts. All shirts must be clean, in good repair, and well fitting. Shirts that are designed to tucked-in must be tucked in. Shirts must be properly buttoned.
Students may not wear the following;
Any shirt containing messages or symbols contrary to Catholic values or inappropriate for school age children. This includes but is not limited to:
drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sexually suggestive messages and songs or musical groups whose lyrics are considered inappropriate.
Any shirt which exposes the midriff during normal movement or does not cover the shoulder.
Undershirts (any style that is purchased in the undergarment section of the store.)
Pants / Dresses / Skirts
Students may wear;
Khaki, corduroy, cargo pants, denim jeans, capris, gauchos, non- breakaway athletic wear, knit pants, dress slacks, dresses, skirts. All pants/ dresses / skirt must be clean, in good repair, and well fitting. Shorts fitting the same description may be worn until September 15th and after May 15th or at the discretion of the administration. (Note: Female pants hitting at the knee or just above are considered Bermuda shorts and can only be worn before September 15th and after May 15th. Capris hit mid-calf. Skirts, shorts, etc. are to be no more than 2 -3 inches above the knee. (This rule still applies for skirts, even when leggings are worn underneath.)
Students may not wear;
Breakaway pants, pajama
bottoms, or any pants with writing across the backside. Any pants/dresses/skirt, etc. with holes or which
is frayed.
Outerwear
No outerwear is to be worn within the school building without permission of the teacher. This
includes but is not limited to jackets,
windbreakers, ponchos etc. Hats, caps,
bandanas, or other types of headwear are not to be
worn in the school building during the school day.
Shoes
Shoes must be worn during the school day. The type of shoe is not to pose a health hazard. No backless shoes are permitted in grades 1 – 5 due to this reason. Any type of footwear that is considered beach wear (flip flops) is not permitted.
Accessories
Any accessory that draws undue attention to a student or serves as a classroom distraction is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to makeup, hairstyles, and long looping chains. All unreasonable body jewelry, including that worn in but not limited to the tongue, nose, lips, eyebrows, excessive piercing in the ears, etc.
All students must maintain a natural shade of hair color. This includes shades of brown, black, blonde, and auburn. No unnatural colors such as green, blue, primary red, or purple will be permitted.
Mass Days
A higher standard of dress is expected at all Masses and special event days. This means NO blue jeans, shorts, or athletic pants allowed. Shirts must be free of writing. Sweatshirts and T shirts (including St. Mary Faithwear) are not appropriate for Mass. Boys must tuck in shirts that are designed to be tucked in.
GUM
Gum and candy are not allowed to be eaten during the school day, including recess period. It becomes a maintenance problem as well as distracting to others. Soda pop is not allowed in the lunch room. On special occasions, the teacher may allow the class to have a treat.
TELEPHONE
The use of the telephone by students is for emergency use only. Students who use the phone to call for other than emergency calls will be asked to contribute to the cost of the local call ($.25). Emergency calls include illness or a change in the daily procedure of the school that requires a change in the time of arriving home from school by that student. Cell phones are not to be used on school property during school hours.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks and other educational equipment are to be handled with care. Students will be asked to replace or pay for damages that occur beyond normal wear. Books are to be covered throughout the year.
LIBRARY PROCEDURES
Students are responsible for the library materials that they check out. Care should be taken to return materials in the same condition as they were when checked out. Books and magazines are available for a two (2) week period. Videos can be checked out for one (1) week. Books and magazines can be renewed for an additional two (2) week period. The fine for overdue books and magazines is $.05 per day. Overdue videos fees are $.10 per school day. Lost or damaged materials will be billed to you for replacement costs.
HOMEWORK POLICY
- It reinforces skills and material learned in class
- It prepares students for upcoming class topics
- It teaches students to work independently
- It aids in evaluating student progress
- It teaches students to assume responsibility for their own work
- It teaches students organizational and time-management skills
Policies on homework will vary to a certain extent from teacher-to-teacher. However, in general, the expectation is that the student will complete his or her homework and failure to do so could affect the student’s grade or result in an incomplete grade.
COMPUTER EDUCATION
Exposure to technology is offered to all students with the goal of providing skills and experience for the information age. Formal computer education begins in the third grade. Classes are twice-a-week in a network Lab, beginning with word processing skills in the lower grades through more advanced instruction in the upper grades. Open lab times, with supervision, are also available for independent work. No student is allowed to use the lab without supervision or a signed permission form from an instructor. Computers are available in each classroom for student use.
As with all educational equipment, computers and software are to be handled with care. Students/Parents will be responsible for damages that occur beyond normal wear.
Internet
REPORT CARDS
Report Cards are issued after the end of each quarter. The report cards are carbonless style and do not need to be returned. The parent does sign and return the envelope that the report card comes in. After the fourth quarter the report card will be mailed home.
Grading policies listed on the quarterly report are:
Achievement Code
A – Outstanding. Excellent understanding and application of grade level skills
B – Above Average. Better than average understanding and application of grade level skills.
C – Average. Average understanding and application of grade level skills.
D – Below average understanding and application of grade level skills.
U – Immediate improvement needed. Consistently does not meet minimum standards.
S – Works sufficiently for this student’s aptitude, although below grade level.
Effort Code
A – Outstanding effort
B – Above average effort
C- Average effort
D – Below average effort
U – Immediate improvement needed in effort
Subject Subtitle and Personal Development Code
(+) – Significant strength
( ) – Satisfactory
(/) – Significant weakness
+ Signifies that the student is at the upper range of that letter grade in achievement and/or effort.
- Signifies that the student is at the lower range of that letter grade in achievement and/or effort.
HONOR
Honor Roll will be acknowledged each quarter for grades 6 – 8 based on the following criteria:
High Honors: 4.0 – 3.67 GPA
Honors: 3.66 – 3.0 GPA
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Conferences are scheduled during or shortly after the end of the first and third quarters. (The dates for conferences may not coincide with the public school calendar.) Other conferences may be held during the year at the request of the teacher or parent. This can be accomplished by the teacher indicating on the report card that a conference is requested or by the parent or teacher writing a note indicating that a conference is requested.
RETENTION/ACCELERATION PROCEDURE
If the teacher and administrator feel that a student may benefit from either acceleration or retention, a parent conference will be set up at which the teacher will discuss with the parents:
a. Recommendation made.
b. Reasons for recommendation.
c. Current and continual corrective efforts.
d. Parental concerns.
Parents will receive a written report of this conference containing the above elements. Continual efforts will be made to help the child. A tentative decision on retention/acceleration will be made, preferably by the end of the third quarter. Two weeks prior to the school year ending, the teacher and administrator will discuss their final recommendations. The administrator will make the final decision on placement and parents will be notified in writing.
ALTAR SERVERS
The training of Altar Servers begins in the fourth grade or at the discretion of the pastor. Incoming students who have received training are welcome to serve at St. Mary’s if they choose to do so. Schedules are distributed in advance and if someone is not able to serve on their appointed date, that individual should find a suitable substitute.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
1. Athletics. Students from
2. Dances
and Parties. Diocesan School
Policy 5790 states that schools are not to sponsor mixed parties and dances for grade school students when they
are such as to promote premature dating, exclusive and
particular boy-girl associations and the pairing off of couples. School activities which are well supervised
and which are instructive in the social graces and productive of mature and
wholesome relationships
are encouraged. The responsibility of mixed parties and dances not directly
sponsored by the
school (In this policy, schools refers to elementary, middle and high school.) belong to the pupils’ parents. However, illegal use of alcohol or drugs at
such parties or outside school
activities can result in school
disciplinary measures including suspension, dismissal or expulsion. (DSP 5795)
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are designed to enhance the education for children in various academic areas. A permission form will be sent home by the teacher with necessary information about the trip. Students who have not returned a signed permission slip will not be allowed to go on field trips. Children left in school will be supervised by another teacher, or can be picked up by a parent, but will then be considered absent.
SCHOOL VISITATION
Parents
are welcome to visit during school hours.
For security reasons,
RELEASE OF STUDENTS
Parent/guardian must notify the classroom teacher in writing if they desire the school to release their child to someone other than those individuals listed on the Student Emergency Information Form. Also, if a child who generally rides a bus from school will be walking, the school must be notified in advance by the parent/guardian.
Students being picked up at the end of the day will not be released until after the buses have left. As the front of our school is a pick up and drop off point for buses, the parking lot behind the school, should be used to drop off students before school or pick up students after school.
SAFETY PROCEDURES
Fire Safety Procedure
The school site evacuation maps are posted in each classroom by the exit door.
In the event that fire is discovered at school, the building will be evacuated, the fire department will be notified, and utilities will be turned off.
Tornado Procedure
A tornado drill is conducted annually, generally during Tornado Awareness Week.
Tornado evacuation maps are located in each classroom by the exit door.
In the event that a tornado is sighted, students will be moved to the shelter areas and instructed to sit with their heads covered. Utilities will be turned off.
In either event, if the building is deemed unsafe students will be evacuated to the Colby Public Library and parents will be notified.
SCHOOL CLOSING – INCLEMENT WEATHER
TV Stations Radio Stations
Channel 7 (WSAW) – Wausau 95.5 FM (WIFC) – Wausau
Channel 9 (WAOW) – Wausau 99.3 (WKEB) – Medford
Channel 13 (WEAU) – Eau Claire 101.9 (WDEZ) – Wausau
104.5
(
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE
If during the school year your address, home phone, cell phone, or work phone changes please notify the school office as soon as possible. This information is necessary in the case of an emergency in which the school must contact you.
MEDICATION POLICY
If a student requires prescription medication during the school day, the following must be provided:
- The office has written authorization from the parent/guardian and written instructions from a physician.
- The medicine is in its original container with a current date and/or prescription on the label.
- Clear, understandable written instructions are included.
If a student requires over-the-counter medication the following must be provided:
- The office has written authorization from the parent/guardian
- The medication is in the original container
- Clear and understandable instructions are included
For safety and liability issues, under no circumstances is any student to carry medicine around school during the day. All medicines are to be turned in to the school office and the office staff will administer the proper dose as instructed.
STUDENT INSURANCE
Parents are to have medical insurance to cover accidents, as there is no insurance that the school has that covers accidents on playgrounds unless negligence is proven.
BUS REGULATIONS
St. Mary’s students will cooperate and follow the bus rules as set by the Colby Public School District, Abbotsford Public School District, and the bus providers. A copy of Colby Public School’s regulations can be found in the appendix of this booklet. Violations of the bus rules will be handled by St. Mary’s in cooperation with the aforementioned bodies. Severe violations can result in the loss of bus privileges for the student.
ABBOTSFORD BUS SCHEDULE
Due
to the fact that the Abbotsford and Colby
School Districts follow
different school calendars, and the cross-district busing of students to
Students may buy hot lunch (including one carton of milk) on a daily basis or bring a sack lunch. Additional cartons of milk may also be purchased separately for $.30 each. Our hot lunch program is not run or subsidized by the parish or school. Lunches need to be paid in advance. Mrs. Kunze will be in the gym Monday morning (or whatever the first day of school is for the week) to collect the money. The money should be sent with your child in a sealed envelope with a hot lunch order form (form can be found in the appendix of this handbook and also printed off our website) or a paper with the information on it. Lunches may be purchased for one day or up to 4 weeks in advance.
The student price for hot lunch is $2.80 per meal for the 2010 - 2011 school year. For families who qualify for reduced price lunches, the cost is $.40 per meal. Applications for free and reduced lunch prices are available through the hot lunch program or the school office. Students in grades 1-5 are also eligible for the Wisconsin Milk Program, which provides a carton of milk at morning/afternoon break. The cost is $.30 per carton. This can be included with hot lunch order or purchased separately using the hot lunch order form.
Students
bringing their cold lunch may purchase milk for $.30 on that day
FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
- Registration/Instructional Fee:
Registration for the following year begins in February. The instructional fee is due upon registration and is non-refundable. This money is used for purchasing instructional materials. The Finance Council has approved the following fee for the 2010-2011 school year:
- Tuition:
First Child Second Child Third Child
$850 $775 $700
Tuition is calculated for the year, but provisions are made to allow payment over a ten-month period. Tuition grants will be awarded based upon need. No student will be denied a Catholic education due to an inability to pay if a sincere effort is shown, such as participation in the Scrip program, fund raising, and volunteering as needed.
- Money for Other Expenses:
If, for any reason, your child has to bring money to school, place the money in an envelope clearly marked with the child’s name, grade, purpose, and amount enclosed.
TUITION GRANTS
Parents may apply for tuition assistance through grants funded by various trusts including Monsignor Malik Education Fund and Ben Kunze Fund to ensure a Catholic education is affordable for everyone. Based on income and the number of students in our school, grants vary for each family. If further help is needed, please contact the principal or pastor.
CHRISTIAN HOME
St. Mary’s Christian Home and School Association (CHSA) exists to support the school, its employees, and students. It is intended to be an organization by which parents, teachers, pastor, and school administrator are able to collaborate together in building a faith community. In addition, CHSA sponsors a limited number of fundraising activities to provide funds for various projects that enhance the quality of the school. CHSA meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month between September and May, except December. Parents are encouraged to become active participants.
VOLUNTEERS
The Diocese of LaCrosse encourages the use of volunteers in our schools. Schools need to make sure that volunteers are people who in no way pose a danger to students or staff.
When working in school, volunteers should check in and out of the office when coming and leaving. Volunteers are required to follow school regulations and guidelines.
Regular volunteers are required to do the following:
- Fill out a Confidential Employee and Volunteer Questionnaire Form
- Fill out a Basic Criminal Background Check form
- View the Safe Environment video
- Review the On Sexual Misconduct for Diocese of LaCrosse and Child Sexual Abuse Policy and Procedures of the
Diocese of LaCrosse
FUND RAISING
Tuition
and instructional fees cover only a portion of the cost to operate
SCRIP
In addition to the fund raisers CHSA sponsors, we also have several on-going methods of raising money from outside sources.
Scrip Program: St. Mary Parish participates in the National Scrip Program, a non-profit organization that purchases gift certificates from participating stores at a discounted rate (between 2%-20%). We purchase them at the reduced cost from the Scrip Center and sell them for face value. The difference is our profit. Simply by using gift certificates rather than cash to make your purchases, you can help earn money for our school. Scrip may be ordered through the school office. You may send in your scrip order, using the school order form, along with a check or cash with your child. All orders received will be available for pick up or sent home with your child (per instructions on the Form). Please make sure you have signed the form and indicated whether the scrip will be picked up or is to be sent home with your child. Limited supplies of Scrip Certificates are also kept on hand in the school office, Lad and Lassie Hair Salon and are sold after Saturday / Sunday Masses in the entrance of church. Order forms for Scrip not kept on hand can be sent to school, dropped off at Lad and Lassie, or left with the Scrip salespeople after Masses. A sample order form with a list of participating stores is in the appendix of this handbook.
County Market in Abbotsford also accepts gift certificates for their store. The certificates are sold after weekly Masses, at Lad and Lassie, and through the school and parish offices.
Festival Foods in Marshfield and the IGA in Spencer offer us a rebate of 1% of the total sales receipts (some restrictions on tobacco and alcohol apply). Sales receipts need to be turned in on a quarterly basis and may be dropped off in the entrance of church or school office.
Kwik Trip in addition to participating in the Scrip Progam has an in-store credit card that gives a rebate to us if you complete a Kwik Rewards Fund-Raising Designation postcard (from any Kwik Trip store). Or call 1-888-736-5945.
Target also has an in-store credit
card and VISA. We receive 1% of all
charged purchases if you specify
SCRIP-CREDIT
TUITION PROGRAM
In an effort to keep tuition costs as affordable as possible, we offer to share part of the profits from the gift certificate programs with our school families. Tuition credit from Scrip purchases for the 2010-2011 school year will be applied for every purchase of Scrip. Participating families will receive 3% tuition credit for the first $1000 and 3.5% for purchases over $1000. Scrip credit for the 2010-2011 school year runs from May 2010 through April 2011. A Scrip-Credit form must be submitted when purchasing certificates in order for the purchase to be credited to your account. Other family members and friends may submit Scrip-Credit forms in your name on their purchases. A sample form is in the back of this handbook. The program will be reviewed annually.
LABEL PROGRAMS
Campbell’s Labels for Education Program
Our
school has participated in this program for many years and will continue to do
so this year. Please save the
General Mills’ Box Top$ for Education Program
For each General Mill’s qualified box top submitted, our school receives $.10. We are asking that you save the box tops from all General Mill’s foods with the words “Box Top$ for Education” logo on them. (You may keep the Betty Crocker catalog points.)
Again, labels can be deposited in the classroom containers or in the box in the entrance of church.
Kemps Give ‘Em Five Program
Give ‘Em Five is a Kemps milk program where schools earn cash by redeeming Kemps specially stickered caps from plastic gallons and ½ gallons of Kemps white milk and skim chocolate milk, or with proof-of –purchase symbols from paper ½ gallons of white milk. Milk caps can be deposited in the classroom containers or in the box in the entrance of church.
Kwik Trip Milk Moola
Our school can earn 5 cents for every cap or bag top collected from Kwik Trip or Kwik Star’s Nature’s Touch, and Kwik Quencher products. For every Glazers Dozen or Half-Dozen price oval our school turns in, we earn 10 cents each.
Kids, Caps, and Cash (Foremost)
Only
milk caps affixed with the Kids, Caps, & Cash promotion sticker qualify for
redemption. These specially marked milk caps will be available only on plastic
gallons and half gallons of Morning Glory, GG Golden Guernsey Dairy milk.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Rather than strict confidentiality in regard to student-school employee communication (verbal and written), the Diocese of La Crosse Catholic schools operate under a “spirit of confidentiality.” This means that outside of the sacramental confidentiality between priest and penitent, strict confidentiality cannot be promised to the student if the information disclosed by the student includes, but is not limited to one or more of the following:
1. Information that concerns violation of the law.
2. Matters involving the health and safety of the student or any person.
3. Serious moral issues.
4.
Any other matter that raises serious enough concern in the mind of the
employee that he or she believes it is important
to share the information with the school administrator.
The school administration, after consultation with the Office of Catholic Schools, may choose to disclose the information to parents, legal authorities, medical personnel, or other deemed necessary personnel. (DSP 5310)
PROOF OF CUSTODY
In any situation where there is a custody order, the schools are to obtain and retain a copy of that order. A copy of the order should be placed in the student’s file.
Schools
are to indicate in their registration materials that this is a condition of
enrolment. This is also to be stated in the parent/student handbook along with
a statement that indicates the parents are to notify the school immediately of
any change in the order. This notification must be in the form of a signed
court order.
(DSP 5302)
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
All students enrolled in St. Mary Catholic School are entitled to learn in an atmosphere free from sexual harassment.
Policy:
The Diocese of LaCrosse has strong and clear policies prohibiting any form of child sexual abuse and sexual misconduct. A copy of the Diocese of La Crosse’s Child Sexual Abuse Policy and Procedures and the Diocese of La Crosse’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures are attached as Addendums. These policies apply to all students in the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of LaCrosse.
Provisions:
1.) No student shall be subject to sexual abuse or sexual harassment as a student in the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of LaCrosse.
2.) Any persons who engage in sexual abuse of any Catholic student shall, among other sanctions, be reported to the law enforcement authorities and be dismissed as a student, an employee and/or volunteer.
3.) Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature, or unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. “Unwelcome verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature” includes, but is not limited to, “the deliberate, repeated making of unsolicited gestures or comments, or the deliberate, repeated display of offensive, sexually graphic materials which is not necessary for school purposes.”
4.) No student shall be subject to sexual
harassment or other sexual misconduct, as a Catholic School student.
5.) Any student or employee who engages in sexual harassment and/or other sexual misconduct shall be subject to severe disciplinary measures up to and including dismissal as a student or discharge from employment.
6.) Any student who believes that he or she is
being sexually harassed and/or is the victim of sexual misconduct shall report immediately such
information to the Diocesan Director of Catholic Schools who shall report the matter to the Diocesan Bishop.
7.) Any information reported shall be treated as confidential. All claims of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct shall be thoroughly investigated after consultation with the Diocesan Director of Catholic Schools.
8.) The Diocese of La Crosse’s Child Sexual Abuse Policy and Procedures and the Diocese of La
Crosse’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures shall be distributed to students and parents in the Diocesan Catholic Schools.
9.) No student shall receive any retaliation or disciplinary action for reports of sexual harassment, made in good faith.
(DSP 5512)
DRUGS
“Every individual, precisely
by reason of the mystery of the Word of God who was made flesh (cf. Jn
The Catholic schools of the Diocese of La Crosse are Christ-centered educational communities which proclaim the Gospel of Life and recognize the human dignity of each person. Therefore, it is the mission of each Catholic school to provide a Christian environment in which each member is able to develop his/her special talents and gifts to achieve his/her greatest potential.
The presence and abuse of drugs and alcohol presents a clear and present danger to the health, safety, and welfare of all pupils in our schools. Therefore, the Diocese has a paramount obligation of protecting its students from the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
Additionally, as Catholic institutions, our schools must provide an environment and opportunities for redemption, rehabilitation, and reform for those students who abuse drugs and alcohol.
RECOGNIZING the difficult and sometimes conflicting choices that our schools face in addressing drug and alcohol abuse;
RECOGNIZING the need to articulate strong, clear, and consistent policies and procedures in this area;
RECOGNIZING its obligation to set the moral and ethical standards we expect from our schools and pupils;The Diocese of La Crosse adopts the following Drugs and Alcohol Policy for all our Diocesan schools.
DEFINITIONS:
The phrase “drugs or alcohol” includes, but is not limited to:
A. Illegal drugs;
B. Alcohol;
C. Illicit drugs (legal drugs used for illegal or improper purpose); and
D. Look-alike drugs (substances represented as illicit or illegal drugs or alcohol).
The term “expulsion” is: Termination
of a pupil as a student from the school permanently (no opportunity for
reinstatement).
The term “dismissal” is: Termination of a pupil as a student from the school less than permanently (indefinite or for a given term).
The term “suspension” is: Temporary removal of a pupil from the school, either as a punishment or as a precautionary measure during investigation and/or assessment.
PROHIBITIONS
1. No student
may distribute, offer, and/or conduct any transactions leading to the use, possession, distribution or
exchange of drugs or alcohol on school property, within 1000 feet of
school property, at or en route to school-sponsored or approved activities,
functions, or events, and/or on school buses, rental
vehicles or school-sanctioned vehicles.
2. No student may possess or use drugs or alcohol on school property, within1000 feet of school property, at or en route to school-sponsored or approved activities, functions, or events, and/or on school buses, rental vehicles or school-sanctioned vehicles.
3. No student may be under the influence of, or knowingly remain in the continued presence of (except at school-sanctioned adult functions), drug or alcohol on school property, within 1000 feet of school property, at or en route to school-sponsored or approved activities, functions, or events, and/or on school buses, rental vehicles or school-sanctioned vehicles.
REQUIRED MINIMUM SANCTIONS
1. For students who have violated any Category 1 Prohibitions – dismissal or immediate expulsion and the appropriate assessment and follow-up as described in Section C.
2. For students
who have violated any Category 2 Prohibitions – suspension, dismissal or expulsion and the appropriate assessment and
follow-up as described in Section C.
3. For students
who have violated any Category 3 Prohibitions – suspension dismissal and the appropriate assessment and follow-up as
described in Section
The local school authorities are charged with the responsibility of justly and equitably applying the required sanctions within each category. However, they may not fail to apply the required minimum sanction of each category.
In determining within each category which sanction to apply, at least the following factors shall be considered:
the nature of the substance;
the amount of the substance;
the age of the student;
the degree of risk posed to other students;
the cooperation or lack of cooperation of the student; and
the student’s prior record.
Nothing contained herein shall require or imply that a school may not impose more severe sanctions if the totality of the circumstances dictate.
The decision of the local school authority is final. If there is any disagreement with the decision of the local school authority, the student and/or parent has the right of administrative recourse.
INVESTIGATORY
1. The students and parent/guardians shall meet with school authorities.
2. The student shall be suspended pending completion of the investigation and may be suspended during the assessment.
3. The student will be required to cooperate with and undergo an immediate assessment/evaluation by an approved licensed agency or professional approved by school authorities and without cost to the school.
4. The student and his/her parents or guardians shall sign a release authorizing the school to contact, speak with, and receive the results of the assessment and/or evaluation.
5. Following the receipt of the results of the assessment/evaluation, the minimum required sanctions shall be imposed on the student.
6. For students suspended or dismissed, before any student may be re-admitted and continue as a student, the following minimum conditions must be met and consistently maintained
A. If requested, the student must provide the
school with a written statement from a licensed professional certifying the student
has and is fully cooperating with treatment and that the student presents no
danger to other students.
B. The student must cooperate with any and all recommended actions and conditions of his/her treatment.
C. The student must refrain from any future drugs or alcohol offense.
D. The student and his/her parents or guardians
must authorize local school authorities to communicate
with and receive information from the student’s licensed professional and/or agency to monitor compliance with these
conditions.
E. The student must cooperate with local school authorities.
7. Students suspected of violations of this policy may be required, as a condition continuing as a student, to submit to diocesan-approved drug and alcohol testing, if and when deemed necessary by the diocese.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
1. The conduct prohibited by these policies may be illegal. Therefore, contacting law enforcement authorities may be required.
2. The conduct prohibited by these policies may give rise to a reasonable belief that minor students in our schools may be the victims of abuse. Therefore, a Chapter 48 report may be required.
(Diocesan School Policy 5508)
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOURSE
Outline of the chain of authority to be followed in resolving disputes:
1. Teacher or other school employee
2. Principal
3. President (if there is one)
4. Pastoral Authority
5. Dean
6. Diocese
Procedure in the Diocese of LaCrosse:
When one of Christ’s faithful judges himself or herself injured by the decision or action of a person exercising pastoral or administrative authority in the Diocese of LaCrosse, he or she, first is to confront the person in question with the grievance and seek reconciliation with the person.
If the party who judges himself or herself injured is not able to achieve reconciliation by conversation with the authority involved, he or she may present the grievance to the pastor of the Church within thirty calendar days of the time of the alleged injury. The recourse is to be made in writing and is to state the facts of the conflict and the reason or reasons why the party judges himself or herself injured. The response to the recourse also is to be made in writing and is to state the reasons for the response given.
If the grievance is against an authority in the parish, the appeal first is to be made to the pastor who is to seek to reconcile the two parties. At this level and at the successive levels, the pastor may seek the assistance of others, especially those respected for their ability to reconcile; but in the end the pastoral authority remains responsible for seeking the resolution of the conflict. No consultative body as such or members of consultative bodies, in virtue of their membership, should be given the pastoral responsibility of resolving such conflicts. The consultative body, e.g., the parish pastoral council, has responsibility for assisting the pastor in drawing up good policies for the pastoral activity of the parish and for assisting the pastor in clarifying policies in cases of conflict or interpretation. It does not, however, engage in the administration of the policies. The pastor is obliged to respond to the recourse within fifteen calendar days from the time he receives it. Once the pastor has given his response to the recourse, the conflict is considered reconciled, unless the pastor’s response is appealed to the dean within fifteen calendar days from the date the parties in conflict receive the response.
If reconciliation is not achieved with the pastor’s help or if the grievance is against the pastor himself, the appeal is to be made to the local dean who by office has special responsibility for promoting harmony of pastoral action and unity of Church life in his deanery. (cf. Dan. 555, l, l0; 2, 20) If the grievance is against the pastor, and the pastor is the local dean, then the appeal is to be made to the dean of the closest neighboring deanery, with the consent of the Diocesan Bishop. The dean is obliged to respond to the recourse within fifteen calendar days from the date he receives it.
If reconciliation is not achieved on the deanery level, or if the grievance is against the dean in the exercise of his office of dean, then the appeal is to be made to the Diocesan Bishop directly. The Diocesan Bishop may carry out the work of reconciliation himself or he may name another to act for him in the matter. In the latter case, the Diocesan Bishop makes his own response to the person named. The Diocesan Bishop is obliged to respond to the recourse within fifteen calendar days from the date he receives it.
If the grievance is against the Diocesan Bishop, the legislation in the Code of Canon Law is to be followed. (cf. Can. 1732-1739)
It should be kept in mind that the Code of Canon Law requires a special procedure to be followed by the Diocesan Bishop in the case of the removal of a pastor (cf. Can. 1740-1747) or the transfer of a pastor unwilling to be transferred. (cf. Can. 1849-1752)
(DSR 5901)
Penalty Status During Administrative Recourse Procedure
The penalty for a violation of a school or diocesan policy or regulation is to be enforced during the recourse procedure. However, a request can be made to the diocesan director of schools to speed up the procedure. This request can be made by the school, employee, student or parent affected. The request can be granted or denied.
(DSP 5902)
