CODE OF DISCIPLINE
A school is an environment in which students come to learn. To promote this goal there must be a proper atmosphere in which to do so. Students must respect the right of each other to learn and must accept each other’s individuality. In this way, each student will be free to reach his/her greatest potential. These standards extend to all phases of school activity.

In Church - Students should recognize that the church is the place of worship and that people act reverently there. All students attend and participate in designated religious functions.

In the Classroom - Students are expected to contribute to the proper learning atmosphere by following the classroom rules.

In the Cafeteria - Students will be expected to behave properly in the cafeteria and use acceptable table manners. No schoolwork or books may be brought to the cafeteria.

On the Playground - Students will use the time on the playground for relaxation and enjoyment and allow others to do the same.

Courtesy
Respect for human dignity is a hallmark of Christian behavior and is expected from every person in each encounter with another person, whether child or adult. Students are to consider it a matter of personal honor to show courtesy and thoughtfulness at all times to every member of the faculty, office, volunteers, maintenance personnel, all guests and visitors, and each other. This courteous interchange must also be modeled for the children in the respect with which they are treated.

Discipline
Directing children in the fullest development of their human capacities requires a manner of dealing with them which respects their dignity and uniqueness and recognizes positive behavior whenever possible. To realize their freedom as sons and daughters of God, they must be led to grow in the realization and appreciation of the worth of others.

This implies respect and politeness to all classmates, parents, teachers, and staff members. Teachers are individually and personally responsible for the training of their own classes and are collectively responsible for the overall discipline of the school.  

Consistency between what the school expects of the students and what the parents expect of their children at school should result in fewer discipline problems. Open communication through proper channels between parents and teachers is therefore encouraged.

The learning environment must exist in all areas of the school building, including the church, playground, cafeteria, hallways, gym, and classrooms. Failure to conform to required rules of conduct, as defined by the administration and the faculty, is punishable by appropriate disciplinary action to be administered by a teacher or the administration.

Detention
Detention for students is a minimum of one-half hour on a designated day. Parents will be notified at least a day in advance. Students are responsible for informing their parents. Students who are absent on the designated detention day will stay the first day they return or at the teacher’s convenience. Parents should provide for prompt pick-up when the detention has ended.

Misconduct That May Lead to Detention (This list is not exhaustive.)

• Disrespect or disobedience to any teacher/supervising adult
• Ridicule or any other disrespect toward another student whether the student is present or absent
• Conduct which is disruptive to class
• Violation of cafeteria rules
• Failure to submit school assignments or perform work in class
• Eating food in the classroom, hallway, playground, or bus without permission
• Chewing gum on the school premises
• Bringing to and/or using laser lights at school
• Writing, reading or passing notes at any time
• Bringing any object to school that disrupts the learning environment, such as electronic games, toys, radios, pagers, etc.
• Cell phone brought to school must be in the “off” position and stay in the student’s book bag at all times during the school day

NOTE:  All cell phones that are not kept in the student’s book bag will be collected and sent to the office for the student’s parent to pick up. A 2nd time the cell phone is confiscated for not being off and in the student's bookbag, it will remain in the principal's office until the end of the school year.

Misconduct Warranting Automatic Detention (This list is not exhaustive.)

• Bullying— Bullying is a form of aggression in which one or more students physically or psychologically harass another student repeatedly. Types of bullying include but are not limited to physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual.
• Stealing
• Hitting
• Cheating; Plagiarism
• Forging—a student shall not sign the name of another person
• Fighting or physical assault
• Throwing an object such as snowballs, rocks, playground equipment, pencils, etc. in an unsafe manner
• Cruel or excessive ridicule
• Use of profane, vulgar, or abusive language (written or spoken) or gestures toward school personnel, students, volunteers, visitors
• Insubordination—failure to accept corrective action or discipline
• Gambling

Suspension
In-school suspension will take place when a student reaches five (5) detentions accumulating over the course of the year or for just cause, which shall include but not be limited to those listed under Misconduct Warranting Suspension/Expulsion. The length and day(s) of the suspension will be determined by the seriousness of the offense. Parents will receive a written notification. The parent(s) and child must meet with the teacher and administration in order for the child to be readmitted. At the point of a second in-school suspension, the student will be placed on probation.

Out-of-school suspension will take place for just cause. The length of the suspension will be determined by the seriousness of the offense. Parents will receive a written notification. The parent(s) and child must meet with the teachers and administration in order for the child to be readmitted. The student may be placed on probation at this time.

Probation

• A student may be placed on probation either as a condition for beginning a school year or during the school year.
• When a student on probation has a detention-free quarter, his/her probationary status may be removed.
• If a student on probation has any detentions during a quarter, his/her probationary period will be continued for another quarter.
• Any student can be placed back on probation at any time during the school year at the discretion of the administration.
• A daily check sheet will be given to the student and explained to the parents. The student will use the check sheet accordingly throughout the probationary period.
• A student who receives five (5) detentions while on probation will be asked to leave the school.

Expulsion
Parents or Guardians wishing to appeal the expulsion decision must contact the Superintendent of Catholic Education in writing within 5 school days of the local decision to expel.  The Superintendent of Catholic Education shall render a final and binding decision.  

A student who has been expelled from Prince of Peace School will not be readmitted. The school may expel a student by following the process for expulsion as detailed by the Covington Diocesan Policy Handbook.

Misconduct Warranting Suspension/Expulsion (This list is not exhaustive.)

• Possession of weapon, real or otherwise, or the use of any object as a weapon
• Possessing, handling, transmitting, concealing, or using explosive devices or substances, which could be used as explosives, including fireworks
• Destroying or marring property, whether school or personal. Any student found directly responsible for any damage is responsible for payment of repair or replacement of the damaged object
• Leaving the school grounds without permission
• Smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and/or possessing any of these substances
• Arson
• Physical or verbal assault without provocation
• Taking another person’s property by force or threat of force
• Sexual assault or harassment—Sexual harassment includes unsolicited language, touching, or innuendo of a sexual nature, not necessarily repetitive
• False fire alarms, bomb threat, or emergency call
• Breaking and entering school property
• Committing any criminal offense at school or on the school property
• Repeated acts of misconduct or class/school disruption

Enforcement of Discipline
The policies in this handbook are not limited to actions or behavior on school premises or at school related functions. The school reserves the right to enforce the policies contained herein for student action and/or behavior not occurring on school grounds or at school related functions.

Search and Seizure
Desks, coat rooms, school books, etc. are the property of Prince of Peace School and may be periodically checked by teachers or the administrator.  A student’s personal property could be searched for reasonable cause in accordance with the State of Kentucky’s Search and Seizure Procedures.