St. Cecilia High School Handbook
WELCOME STUDENTS The faculty and staff of
St. Cecilia would like to welcome you. We look forward to an exciting and
faith-filled year! We are looking forward to assisting you in fulfilling your
educational goals. STC has a history of fine academic and extracurricular
accomplishments. We are confident that you will benefit from and contribute
to this tradition of excellence. You can benefit from everything STC has to
offer by being actively involved in the learning in your classes and the programs
offered. If you encounter difficulties, seek out any of our trained professionals
and we will do the best to help you. We are here to make your years in school
as successful, yet educationally challenging, as possible. We welcome the
opportunity to help you as you proceed through your high school career.
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NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Hastings Catholic school admits students of
any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges,
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, admission
policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered
programs.
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ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS
Students are required to successfully complete 230 credit hours of course
work prior to graduation. Included in those 230 hours must be the following:
4 years of: Religion and English; 3 years of: Mathematics (4 years if
college bound) and Social Studies; 2 years of: Foreign Language or Language
Arts (must be the same foreign language if college bound), Science (3
years if college bound), Fine Arts, and Vocational Practical Education;
1 semester of Speech, Health and Physical Education.
All St. Cecilia students must be enrolled in at least seven classes each
semester. Academic credit for courses is based on the number of times
a given course meets per week (5 class periods per week equals five credit
hours per semester).
Students in grades 9-12 failing required courses must retake and pass
those courses for the semester or semesters failed.
Grades earned are awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement with
every attempt made to utilize consistent grading systems so that all work
of similar quality receives the same grade. The following grading criteria
is used by all teachers:
A - Superior (93-100%)
B - Above Average (85-92%)
C - Average (77-84%)
D - Below Average (70-76%)
F - Failing (below 70%)
Students with special needs may request consideration
for Special Needs Grading and/or participation in the Resource Program.
The Principal should be contacted for information regarding these options.
QUALITY POINT SYSTEM
St. Cecilia High School has for many years used its
quality Point System to determine both class rank and eligibility for
National Honor Society. Our Quality Point System, in essence, is a means
whereby student performance is evaluated in the context of three distinct
features: difficulty of courses taken, grades earned, and number of courses
taken.
Each and every course is assigned of one of five levels of difficulty.
Grades earned for courses are then awarded a set number of quality points
according to the assigned level of difficulty.
The values table for our Quality Point System is given below for your
information. You will note that all grades earned in all courses received
at least some credit in terms of quality points. The values table is also
arithmetically consistent in that values decreases by 20% from level to
level (for five Levels) and by 10% from grade to grade (for the ten grade
categories).
QUALITY POINT VALUES TABLE LEVELS
| GRADE % |
I |
II |
III |
IV |
| A+ 100-99 |
5.0 |
4.0 |
3.0 |
2.0 |
| A 98-95 |
4.5 |
3.6 |
2.7 |
1.8 |
| A- 94-93 |
4.0 |
3.2 |
2.4 |
1.6 |
| B+ 92-91 |
3.5 |
2.8 |
2.1 |
1.4 |
| B 90-87 |
3.0 |
2.4 |
1.8 |
1.2 |
| B- 86-85 |
2.5 |
2.0 |
1.5 |
1.0 |
| C 84-81 |
2.0 |
1.6 |
1.2 |
0.8 |
| C- 80-77 |
1.5 |
1.2 |
0.9 |
0.6 |
| D 76-73 |
1.0 |
0.8 |
0.6 |
0.4 |
| D- 72-70 |
0.5 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
The table above was developed by a faculty committee which is also responsible
for assigning a specific level of difficulty to each course offered at
St. Cecilia High School. A listing of all courses offered this year according
to their respective levels of difficulty follows:
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY ASSIGNMENTS
LEVEL I: Chemistry, Physics, Calculus
LEVEL II: Algebra II, Honors Biology, College Courses,
Independent Science Project, French III & IV, Future Problem Solving,
Geometry, Microcomputer, Physiology, Accounting II, Advanced Composition,
Psychology Field Study, Spanish III & IV, Aviation Ground School,
Drafting/Autocad, Statistics, Trigonometry.
LEVEL III: Accounting I, Algebra I, American History,
Applied Economics, Band III & IV, Business Law, Business Math, Computer
Applications, English I, II, III, IV, French I & II, Biology, Government,
Health, Psychology, Religion I, II, III, IV, Science I, Chorus III &
IV, Senior Portfolio Development, Sociology, Sophomore Speech, Spanish
I & II, Typing, Computer Applications, World History, Consumer Economics,
Sculpture II, Drawing & Painting, Computers: The Internet, Web-Page
Design, Music/Art History
LEVEL IV: Career Ed., General Art,Video Productions,
Band I & II, Career Ed, Chorus I, II, Family & Consumer Science
I & II, Fashion Interior Design, English as a second/language, Fine
Arts Appreciation, General Math, Alternative Algebra, Language Arts I
& II, Phys. Ed 9, Theater Arts, Weight Training, Advanced PE, Yearbook,
HH Vocational Class, Drivers Ed, Library Aide, Sculpture I, any modified
curriculum.
A glance at the listing shows that very few courses are judged to merit
a Level I assignment . Level I courses are generally those which are 4th
year courses in math or science; the number of students electing such
courses necessarily limits the number of courses offered. Assignment to
Levels II, III, or IV is largely determined by the perceived degree difficulty
(as measured by content to be learned, amount of homework, and so forth).
At the end of each semester, quality points earned for all courses are
added together. A cumulative total of such semester calculations is kept
for each student over all four years of high school; class rank is then
determined through comparison of the cumulative totals for students in
each grade level. Quality point totals are, therefore, the sole standard
used to determine class rank.
Quality points are also used to determine eligibility for initial membership
in National Honor Society and for maintaining that membership. The qualifying
level for initial membership is 17.0 quality points earned during the
first semester of a student's sophomore year. To maintain membership,
students must average 17.0 quality points for each of the five remaining
semesters. The 17.0 average is also used to determine eligibility of students
who may not have qualified during their sophomore year but improved during
their junior or senior year.
A student's GPA is calculated in terms of three factors: grades earned
in each course, credit hours for each course, and the total number of
credit hours carried.
A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0
EXAMPLE: Physiology [96%] grade {4} X credit hours{5} = 20 GPA points.
The figure for total GPA points is then divided by the figure for total
credit hours to derive the semester's GPA.
EXAMPLE: 126 (GPA points) / 35 (credit hours) = 3.600
OTHER ACADEMIC INFORMATION
At least once each nine weeks, and more frequently
if need be, progress reports will be mailed out for students who are demonstrating
marked academic improvement or decline.
No student will be given a failing grade for a marking period unless a
progress report at midquarter indicating that possibility has been sent
or some form of communication has been made and acknowledged by the parent(email,phone
call,parent-teacher conference at conference time or when needed.) Formal
grade reports are made to parents at the end of each school quarter.Report
cards are made available at parent-teacher conferences following the first
quarter.Report cards are given to students following 1st semester and
3rd quarter. Report cards are mailed home following the fourth quarter.
Ninth grade students are given achievement tests each year in compliance
with state accreditation requirements. Sophomores may take the PLAN which
helps them plan their course work. Juniors take the PSAT (National Merit
Scholarship Qual.Test.) Juniors and seniors may avail themselves of the
opportunity to take the ACT, SAT, ASVAB, etc. Tests scores become part
of each student's permanent record; copies are also given to parents and
students.
On file in the principal's office are the permanent records for all students.
These files include scholastic records, personal data, class rank, family
data, standardized test scores, and graduation/withdrawal data. Parents
and students may review these records if they so desire; certified staff
members and student records clerks have access to these records as well.
Student records do not leave the office, nor are the records' contents
revealed to anyone other than those individuals mentioned above.
Students who wish to have transcripts sent to other high schools or for
other purposes must request such on forms provided by school. Official
transcripts cannot be released unless the form is signed by a parent or
the student if he/she is over 18. Students may request that official transcripts
be sent to colleges. After four, there is a $3.00 charge for transcripts.
The student must request that a final transcript be sent to the college
he/she has chosen. It will not automatically be sent.
Transcripts for any student who is in arrears for tuition, fees, etc.
will not be forwarded.
Several scholarships have been established for St. Cecilia students for
tuition. The scholarships awarded are based on need, character, or academic
achievement and are presented in the spring during Honor's convocation.
In keeping with goals of the Hastings Catholic Schools, students will
be required to give 35 to 40 hours of volunteer service to the school
and/or community as one of the graduation requirements.
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COLLEGE PREPARATION/VISITATION
St. Cecilia High School takes pride in the fact
that approximately 90% of its graduates go on to post-secondary education.
A number of factors account for this success rate.
Academic requirements are specifically designed to meet basic entrance
standards for most colleges and universities. Course design and teaching
methodology are directed toward the college-bound student.
Representatives from a wide variety of public and private post secondary
institutions call on the school each year; students are given access to
these individuals. The dates and times (usually during noon lunch) on
which representatives will be at STC will be read in the daily announcements.
Students who wish to visit these representatives may sign up in the office
prior to the day of visitation.
Seniors are also allowed two days of school time per year to visit colleges
or universities. Work missed during such a visitation will have to be
made up, but the day will not count as an excused absence providing that
the following criteria have been met: 1) request for the visitation is
made two days in advance and 2) written parental permission is received
prior to the day of visitation. Since it has been the school's position
to support chaperoned, approved in advance days such as these visitation
days, St. Cecilia does not approve Senior "sneak days". Loss
of Senior privileges or make up work on Saturday may be the consequences
for taking such days.
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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Eligibility
The provisions below apply to all extracurricular activities for grades
9-12. Extracurricular activities shall mean any activities which are not
graded for academic credit.
Any student who is failing two or more subjects at the end of each week
shall be ineligible to compete or perform for the following week or until
such time after the week as the failing grades are brought up to a passing
level. Students will be eligible for practice during the interim period.
(Grades will be turned in by Monday noon.). If a student is ineligible,
the time period runs from Monday to the following Monday.)
Any student who fails two or more subjects at the end of the quarter shall
be ineligible to compete or perform for the remainder of the semester
until such time as the failing grades are brought up to a passing level.
Students will be eligible for practice during the interim periods.
Any student who fails two or more subjects at the end of either semester
shall be ineligible to compete or perform for the following semester.
Individual cases with special needs may be judged at the discretion of
the superintendent. No student will be released from a school out of town
activity to an adult other than the parent without prior written permission
from the parent and consent of the coach. No student participating in
the activity and under the supervision of a coach will be released to
another student.
Activities
National Honor Society
PURPOSE: To recognize and foster academic achievement and to create enthusiasm
for characteristics such as scholarship, character, service and leadership
that are essential to citizens in a democracy. FEE: $10.00
REQUIREMENTS: 2nd semester Sophomore, or a Junior or Senior; 17.00 cumulative
quality point average must be maintained; a St. Cecilia faculty council,
appointed by the principal, votes on membership into the Aquinas Chapter
of the National Honor Society.
MEETING TIME: During school hours. GRADE LEVEL: 10-12
Teens for Life PURPOSE: Promote
Pro-Life REQUIREMENTS: none
FEE: $5.00 GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Student Council
PURPOSE: To create activities for unification of student body, to provide
a link between students and administration and to plan activities and
projects to help improve the school and be leaders of the school. FEE:
None
REQUIREMENTS: Elected by student body
MEETING TIME: During school hours GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Future Problem Solvers
PURPOSE: National Gifted Competition (Course for credit, independent study.)
FEE: None REQUIREMENTS: None
MEETING TIME: After school GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Wings
PURPOSE: Leadership on drug-free youth
FEE: None REQUIREMENTS: None
MEETING TIME: Training taken during school, meetings during lunch.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Foreign Language Club
PURPOSE: Social, increase foreign language culture awareness.
FEE: $2.00 REQUIREMENTS: Foreign Language Study
MEETING TIME: After school or during lunch GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Close Up Club
PURPOSE: A better understanding of how our government works by seeing
first hand of what happens in Washington D.C.
FEE: 2000 cost $1200.00 +
REQUIREMENTS: Must have a passing grade average, participate in fund raising.
MEETING TIME: Study sessions once a week from Jan. to March.
GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
All School Musical
PURPOSE: An appreciation of the musical theater, through participation
in the acting, singing and technical aspects of a dramatic production.
FEE: costume fee REQUIREMENTS: None GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
District One-Act Play
PURPOSE: Compete in one act plays
REQUIREMENTS: none
FEE: none GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Yearbook
REQUIREMENTS: none -- Receives academic credit
FEE: none GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Video Production
REQUIREMENTS: none -- Receives academic credit
FEE: none GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Competitive Speech
PURPOSE: Compete in speech activities
REQUIREMENTS: none FEE: none GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Band
PURPOSE: Instrumental course for credit, teaches music appreciation and
application, individual and team effort to reach goals.
REQUIREMENTS: none FEE: none
PRACTICE TIME: in class plus before school for marching.
GRADE LEVEL: 5-12
C Club
PURPOSE: Fund raiser activities to help support activities and spirit
groups.
REQUIREMENTS: Students who have lettered in athletics or fine arts
FEE: none GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Drill Team
PURPOSE: To increase school spirit REQUIREMENTS: none
PRACTICE: Before and After School GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Senior Class
PURPOSE: Sponsor the Homecoming coronation,parade and dance,serve at fundraisers
and planning for graduation.
REQUIREMENTS: Senior FEE: Graduation fee $50.00 GRADE LEVEL: 12
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior Class
PURPOSE: Class Unity
REQUIREMENTS: 9 - 10 B.L.U.E Dinner (Participate in the class fundraiser,
serve at the Pork Feed,Bazaar/Chicken Noodle Dinner) - 11 (Participate
in the magazine and other fundraisers, plan and decorate for Prom)
FEE: Class dues GRADE LEVEL: 9 - 10 - 11
Cheerleading
PURPOSE: Promote school spirit and skill building
REQUIREMENTS: Tryouts FEE: Camps GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Track
PURPOSE: Discipline, positive self-esteem, team unity, hard work
REQUIREMENTS: Sports physical FEE: none
PRACTICE: After School GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Football
PURPOSE: Discipline, positive self-esteem, team unity, hard work
REQUIREMENTS: Sports physical FEE: none
PRACTICE: After School GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Intramural Volleyball & Basketball
REQUIREMENTS: Sponsored by the Activities Association -- Open to any High
School student who does not play Varsity or Jr. Varsity sports.
Volleyball
PURPOSE: Discipline, positive self-esteem, team unity, hard work
REQUIREMENTS: Sports physical
PRACTICE: After School GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Girls Track
PURPOSE: Discipline, positive self-esteem, team unity, hard work
REQUIREMENTS: Sports physical
PRACTICE: After School GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Boys Basketball
PURPOSE: Discipline, positive self-esteem, team unity, hard work
REQUIREMENTS: Sports physical
PRACTICE: After School GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Boys Golf
PURPOSE: Discipline, positive self-esteem, team unity, hard work
REQUIREMENTS: Sports physical PRACTICE: After School, Spring
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Girls Golf
PURPOSE: Discipline, positive self-esteem, team unity, hard work
REQUIREMENTS: Sports Physical, PRACTICE: After School, Fall,GRADE LEVEL:
9-12
Girls Basketball
PURPOSE: Discipline, positive self-esteem, team unity, hard work
REQUIREMENTS: Sports physical
PRACTICE: After School GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Girls and Boys Cross Country
PURPOSE: Discipline, positive self-esteem, team unity, hard work
REQUIREMENTS: Sports physical
PRACTICE: After School GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Girls Tennis
PURPOSE: Discipline, positive self-esteem, team unity, hard work
REQUIREMENTS: Sports physical
PRACTICE: After School GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
Wrestling
PURPOSE: Discipline, positive self-esteem, team unity, hard work
REQUIREMENTS: Sports physical
PRACTICE: After School GRADE LEVEL: 7-12
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ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Nebraska law requires that students between the ages of seven and sixteen
attend school each day that school is in session unless those students
are excused by school authorities. In general, St. Cecilia accepts parental
requests as adequate reason for excusing an absence unless those requests
are frivolous or questionable.
Absences considered excused will fall into the following categories:
1. religious outings
2. state tournaments (other than STC's if the student is a family member
or if school is not dismissed for attendance at a STC tournament)
3. illness
4. doctor or dentist appointments which cannot be scheduled outside of
school hours
5. funerals (student attendance at funerals is by parent permission only)
6. family vacations approved in advance by the administration
7. college visitations in excess of the two usually allowed
Absences will be considered unexcused if they do not fall into one of
the above categories; for an excused absence, students will have two days
to complete work missed; grades of zero are given for all work missed
due to an unexcused absence.
Students participating in school activities will not be considered absent
but will be required to make up all work. At the discretion of the teacher,
work must be made up in advance or turned in the day following the activity.
Excessive absenteeism (10 or more per semester) for any class may result
in reduction of credits granted or of grades awarded. Appeals for days
over 10 must be made with a doctor's note. Appeals for excused absences
over 10 days may be made to the administration.
Parents must provide either a note or a phone call indicating the date
and reason for the absence. Students who have been absent must request
an admit slip from the office. This admit slip authorizes teachers to
classify the student's absence as excused or unexcused.
All students are expected to be on time for the start of each school day
,in each class period during the day,and in homeroom after the 1st period.
Students will be considered tardy if they are not in their assigned classrooms
when the final bell for each period rings.
The tardy will be considered excused if the student has a signed note
from the principal or another classroom teacher. The tardy will be considered
unexcused in all other instances.
After accumulating three unexcused tardies for any given class, each subsequent
tardy for the semester will result in a detention of not more than 30
minutes to be given by the classroom teacher.
In order to participate (or compete) in evening or afternoon activities,
students must be in school at the start of 5th period.
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HALL PASS INSTRUCTIONS
For each student who wishes to go to the office, another
teacher, locker, library, rest room, etc., the teacher completes a line
for the appropriate day by writing destination, time and initials. Requests
can be made in advance, but approved by teacher.
Anytime a student leaves a classroom or study hall in the building, the
student planner must show where he/she is going, time and teacher's signature.
Only four passes per day are allowed.
Students who leave the student planner at home forfeit all privileges
for that day.
Students who lose or deface the student planner must purchase one at the
office for $4.00.
Students discovered without a student planner being properly completed
will relinquish the planner and thus forfeit all privileges until it is
returned.
Forging a teacher's signature automatically relinquishes the student planner
for four weeks and results in an in-school suspension. Additional offenses
will result in more severe action.
Students are not permitted to interrupt classes to ask teachers for signature
privileges.
The student planner must be in intact when handed to the teacher for signature
with name and grade clearly visible.
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CODE OF CONDUCT
All students are expected to conform their conduct
and behavior in accordance with the teachings, traditions and laws of
the Catholic Church. Being a responsible individual requires accepting
the consequences of ones behavior. Appropriate behavior naturally leads
to social acceptance and a successful school year. Inappropriate behavior
will, on the other hand, lead to one or more of the following disciplinary
measures: detention, suspension, or expulsion.
Detentions, not to exceed 30 minutes per day, may be assigned for any
of the following:
a. cheating
b. class disturbances
c. disrespect d. refusal to follow directions
e. repeated failure to complete assignments
f. possession of banned items
g. uniform violation
h. other actions deemed inappropriate
The individual assigning the detention will oversee that detention.
Suspensions may be either in or out-of-school and may vary in length from
one to three days. The individual assigning the detention will oversee
that detention. Suspensions may be assigned by the principal for any of
the following offenses:
a. any unexcused absence
b. refusing to stay for an assigned detention
c. vandalism
d. fighting
e. stealing
f. serious misconduct of a public nature involving other schools
g. violation of alcohol/drug policy
h. leaving the school grounds without permission
i. leaving a school sponsored off-campus activity without permission
j. sexual and other forms of harassment
k. possession on school property of a weapon (or look-alike), including
laser pointers
l. other actions deemed inappropriate
Expulsion will result should a student show no signs
of reform following repeated efforts at correction or if a student commits
an act of extreme violence or disregard for the normal bounds of propriety.
Two suspensions in any given year becomes possible grounds for suspension.
Students facing expulsion will have recourse to due process.
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STUDENT USE OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND OTHER
DRUGS
Rationale
St. Cecilia's School seeks to lead and direct students to a healthy and
holy life according to the mind of Christ. The use and abuse of alcohol,
tobacco, and other drugs pose obstacles to healthy and appropriate development
of human persons, made in God's image and likeness, and as Christians
who have become temples of the Holy Spirit. These obstacles impede the
proper development of the personality, the capacity and balance of interpersonal
relationships, the motivation and success in academic efforts, and the
development of a close relationship with God because St. Paul has noted
that drunkenness is one of the sins by which people exclude themselves
from the Kingdom. Since all these areas are part of the concern of St.
Cecilia's for the students, this policy is adopted.
It might be noted that while the consequences for violation of this policy
are applied to all students, those who participate in school sponsored
activities will feel the effects more acutely than those who do not. It
must be remembered, though, that just as it is a privilege to be able
to attend a Catholic School, it is also a privilege to have the activities
available for participation and the learning and development that comes
to students through them. In addition, those who represent St. Cecilia's
in any way, as through performance and competition, need to be good representatives
of St. Cecilia's and, ultimately, good examples of Christian men and women
who practice their faith in Jesus.
St. Cecilia's is pledged to provide support and assistance to those who
may be struggling to be free from the use or abuse of alcohol, tobacco,
or other drugs. We have many resources at our disposal including the priests
and the counselors who are part of our staff, our Community Plus program
and referrals to the community services and agencies.
General Principles
A student shall not, regardless of quantity, use or consume, have in possession,
buy, sell, or give away any illegal or non-prescribed controlled substance
(or look alike). This also includes any tobacco product, or a beverage
containing alcohol or the misuse of any products to the detriment of the
health or safety of any student. Tobacco products shall not be used by
students at school or school functions regardless of the student's age.
This rule applies to the entire school year and any school sponsored activity
which occurs prior to or after the school year.
It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of and to use
a controlled substance specifically prescribed for the student by his
or her doctor.
Consequences shall be cumulative for grades 6-12.
This policy is intended to promote fair and consistent guidelines for
student consequences of illegal drug use. The school reserves the right
to make judgments concerning individual cases for the good of the school
community and the student.
All luggage for a school or activity sponsored event may be inspected
by the sponsor and/or other adults designated to do the inspection, such
as parents chaperoning, the principal, superintendent or any representative
of the school.
Each organization and activity may have further expectations and consequences
that apply in addition to those described here.
Establishing the fact of the violation: Due Process.
A student may admit to violations of these expected standards of behavior
and accept the consequences of his/her choices. If it is the first offense,
the consequences may be reduced to one-half the time of suspension from
activities because of the honesty of the student acknowledging the violation
within one week of the violation.
When the violation is not acknowledged by the student, the violation may
be determined to have taken place if reasonable cause is established.
Reasonable cause may be established when knowledge of the violation is
provided to the administration by various reliable means including but
not limited to: a faculty member or other adult in a supervisory role
for the school, an officer in the legal system, a public record such as
print or broadcast media, being found guilty in a court of law or having
entered into an informal probation agreement, a signed statement by one
or more persons of the community combined with a direct meeting of the
person making the statement, the principal, and the person being accused
of a violation of this policy. The written and signed statement must be
provided to the principal within fifteen days of the alleged violation.
Based on such information, the principal may judge that the violation
has taken place.
A student or parent (or guardian) contesting the principal's application
of this policy to their situation may appeal the decision according to
the following policy of due process. Within two (2) days after being notified
of the decision, the student or parent (or guardian) must submit to the
principal, in writing, the reasons for asserting that the policy has been
incorrectly applied.
The principal shall then schedule a meeting of the parent(s) (or guardian)
and student with the administrative council, giving at least five days
written notice of said hearing, unless a shorter time is mutually agreeable.
The administrative council shall consider the evidence presented and make
written findings of its decision within five days.
Violations and Consequences:
Possession or control of any illegal chemical substance with the intent
of sale or distribution at any time or hosting or facilitating a party
or gathering at which alcoholic beverages or other illegal drugs are used
by minors, or providing or procuring a facility for such a party or gathering
is harmful to the community and the individuals in it because it provides
an occasion for harming and leading others into illegal and immoral activity
rather than building each person up in virtue. Depending on the circumstances,
the student found to have done this will receive consequences which can
range from the consequences of a second offense for using or possessing
drugs (even if it is only the first offense) to expulsion from St. Cecilia's
for up to four quarters or permanently. The administration may also establish
other requirements or consequences such as those below which must be fulfilled
in order for a temporarily expelled student to return to St. Cecilia's
at the end of the time of expulsion. These conditions must be communicated
to the student and parent(s) at the time of the expulsion or within a
reasonable time thereafter.
Attendance at school or any school function while under the influence
of alcohol or other illegal drugs: If a St. Cecilia's student is suspected
of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school or any school
function, home or away, he/she will be detained by a school authority.
When school authorities have reasonable cause to believe or suspect that
a student is under the influence of alcohol at school or at a school related
or sponsored activity or event based on the students' conduct, demeanor,
appearance, or speech, the student will be requested to submit to a breathalyzer
administered by a law enforcement officer. If the test discloses the student
to be under the influence of alcohol above the zero tolerance level, the
school will attempt to contact the parents to ask them to remove the student
from the activity. A student cannot remain at school or at a school function
while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Consequences will
also include those for possession or use of illegal drugs as described
below.
Illegal possession and/or use of alcohol, other illegal
drugs, or drug paraphernalia will involve the following consequences.
Refusal to comply with the consequences spelled out in this policy will
constitute grounds for expulsion.
First Violation: The student will be suspended from participation in school
activities and functions for fourteen (14) calendar days. By this, the
student is suspended from attendance and participation at school extracurricular
functions in any capacity: as performer, competitor, or spectator. However,
during the suspension period, the student who is a member of a team will
be required to attend competitions agreed upon by the coach and administration.
The student will sit with the team dressed in school uniform or dress
code deemed appropriate by the coach and administration. The student will,
however, be allowed to continue to come to practice. The time period for
the suspension begins on the day the violation is established. In addition,
the student will be required to attend and complete a 6 session education
program provided by the school (Insight) and to fulfill ten (10) hours
of approved and verified community service in addition to the service
that the school requires of all students. The school may require the student
to participate in a professional assessment. The cost of testing shall
be borne by the student or parent(s).
A student may admit to violations of these expected standards of behavior
and accept the consequences of his/her choices. The consequences may be
reduced to one-half the time of suspension from activities because of
the honesty of the student acknowledging the violation within one week
of the violation.
Second Violation: The student will be suspended
from participation in school activities and functions for twenty-eight
(28) calendar days as described above. In addition, the student will be
required to show evidence in writing that he/she has sought and received
counseling from a professional individual (i.e. school alcohol/drug counselor,
medical doctor, professional alcohol/drug counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist).
The student will also be required to fulfill twenty (20) hours of approved
and verified community service in addition to the service that the school
requires of all students. The school may require the student to participate
in a professional assessment. The cost of the testing and counseling shall
be borne by the student or parent(s).
Third or Subsequent Violation: The student will
be suspended from participation in school activities and functions for
sixty (60) calendar days. In addition the student will be required to
participate in a professional dependency program. The student may be reinstated
in school activities upon completion of the program. Verification of completion
of the chemical dependency treatment program must be provided in writing
by the director or counselor of the dependency center prior to reinstatement
of the student. The cost of the testing shall be borne by the student
or parent(s). Expulsion may be considered as well.
Physical presence in a situation at which alcohol or
other drugs are being illegally used or possessed by minors:
Students need to be aware that the civil law regards any minor present
on the premises of a party at which alcohol is being served as able to
be charged as a minor in possession (MIP) whether or not the minor is
drinking. Presence at such a situation demonstrates tacit approval of
the illegal and immoral activity, and students who are found to have been
participating in such situations will receive the same consequences as
those who were actively involved in the illegal possession and/or use
of alcohol or other drugs. Instead, students are encouraged to use positive
peer pressure to host and attend group activities without illegal use
of alcohol or drugs.
Steroids: The use of anabolic steroids, human growth hormones, blood doping
or other inappropriate performance enhancing drugs/techniques is physically
dangerous, unethical and possibly illegal. The use of the above compounds/chemicals/techniques
reduces the emphasis on hard work and the development of talent and increases
the emphasis on cheating. It is the position of this school that students
who use steroids or inappropriate performance enhancers for competitive
advantage shall not be permitted to participate in athletic competition.
If school officials have reason to believe (probable cause) that an athlete
is using steroids, etc., the student shall be approached and questioned
concerning such use. If the student admits to using steroids, etc., he
or she shall be banned from participation for sixty (60) calendar days.
In addition the student will be required to show evidence in writing that
he/she has sought and received counseling from a professional health individual.
The cost shall be borne by the student or parent(s).
School officials may require a student suspected of using steroids etc.
to submit to supervised testing in order to continue participation in
athletics. The cost of testing shall be borne by the student or parent(s).
Pending the results of the test, the student may continue to participate
in athletics at St. Cecilia's. Should the testing show a negative response,
the school shall reimburse the student or parent(s) for testing expenses.
Should the testing show a positive response, the student shall be banned
from participation in the athletic program at St. Cecilia's for one calendar
year beginning on the date the testing results are received.
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GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS
While in school, students are the responsibility of
school personnel. Accordingly, students are not free to wander around
at will but must have their student planner to go from one room to another
at times other than during the passing periods. Students must have the
permission of the principal prior to leaving the school building due to
illness or for an appointment and must always sign out through the principal's
office.
Students have the use of school facilities from 8:00 - 3:22 each day.
A brief period before and after that time is allowed for locker use, etc.
Students are not to be in the gym school building before or after school
unless under the supervision of a staff member.
Courtyard use policy is determined by faculty and student council consultation.
The administration reserves the right to confiscate and destroy items
such as water pistols, radios, headsets, toys, pop, candy, food, laser
pointers,cell phones,pagers and so on. Such items have no place in school.
A fifty cent fine will be assessed for throwing snowballs on or around
school grounds. Because of cleaning difficulty and/or health hazards in
some classes, gum chewing is forbidden in carpeted and lab areas, in classes
such as PE, and at a teacher's discretion in any class.
Students responsible for permanent marks in or on or for damage to textbooks,
desks, walls, ceilings, or other school property will have to make restitution
as a condition for remaining in school.
Students who lose or damage books, periodicals, non-book items, pamphlets,
documents and other library materials will be required to pay full replacement
costs.
Desks and lockers, while used by students, remain the property of the
school and as such are subject to search.
Bookbags must be kept in lockers and not brought into the classroom.
Failure to pay fines and/or restitution for damaged or lost school property
may result in the withholding of report cards and/or diploma.
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STUDENT LIFE
Students who drive must register in the High School
office. Students will receive a parking permit which must be visibly displayed
in the vehicle.
The parking lot immediately east of the high school building is for the
use of students. Students who drive must register in the High School office
for a fee of $5.00 and will receive a parking permit which must be visibly
displayed on the rearview mirror. Students may purchase a reserved parking
spot for $20 for the year(this fee includes the registration fee) Inappropriate
driving or parking practices may lead to the loss of this privilege and
a fine of $5.00. Students are not to park on the west side of Kansas Avenue
between fifth and sixth streets or on 6th street parking zone.
Textbooks should be covered at all times. Students may provide their own
bookcovers or purchase them from the office. A 50 cent fine per day may
be assessed for uncovered books.
Lockers are provided free of charge to students; individual combinations
should be kept confidential to ensure the effectiveness of the lock. Students
may not at will change lockers or change to a different locker. Any locker
change request must be approved by the principal. Inner locker decorations
must be affixed only with magnets and must be appropriate. Any money or
item of high value should be checked into the office and can be returned
when requested.
Weekly High School Masses are held on Friday mornings; attendance at this
Mass is mandatory for all students. Students will attend a class Mass
in the chapel on other weekdays.
Hot lunch is served each day in the school cafeteria. Because the hot
lunch program is part of a federal program, guidelines must be followed
to ensure continuance of federal funds to keep the price of the lunches
low. One of these guidelines is that no pop is allowed during the lunch
time and another is that food from other food services may not be brought
in. Sack lunch from home is permitted. Students are to purchase their
lunches a month in advance, preferably at the beginning of each month.
There will be no credit given. Twenty lunches cost $32. All students will
go to the cafeteria over the lunch time even if they choose to bring a
sack lunch. Students will stay in the cafeteria or designated classes
may be given permission to use the courtyard until five minutes before
classes resume. Restrooms off the cafeteria are for students' use at noon.
Students riding school buses will observe all rules posted in those buses.
Students riding STC buses or vans to school events will return on that
same bus or van. Permission to return by other means can be given only
by the activity sponsor and then only to the student's parents.
Activity tickets must be purchased by all students participating in any
activities; for all other students, they are optional. This ticket is
$15.00 and provides admission to all athletic and dramatic events, except
the musical. This ticket is a considerable savings over single admissions
to school events.
The annual Junior-Senior Prom is sponsored and financed by the Junior
class. The Prom will end at midnight and is attended only by STC juniors
and seniors and their dates (who must be of at least junior standing and
not more than 20 years of age). Post prom activities may be organized
and sponsored by parents of Juniors.
Other school dances must be approved in advance by the principal and require
the presence of a police chaperon should students other than the regular
STC student body be in attendance.
All other club or organization activities (i.e. fundraisers or social
functions) must be approved by the principal. All clubs will maintain
an account through the school office with a record of all transactions
available upon request. All club/organization expenditures must be matched
by deposits.
Bake and snack sales used as fundraisers may occur only before or after
school hours.
HS Students are assigned a work duty for the annual Bazaar/Chicken Noodle
Dinner and Freshmen are assigned work duty for the annual Dinner/Auction
B.L.U.E Other middle school and high school students may volunteer to
help at B.L.U.E.All are expected to report for the assigned time unless
unusual or extreme circumstances prevent them from doing so. A parent's
note or call is required to be excused from participation. Students who
do not report for their duty will be assigned another time that they can
do their part for the support of the school.
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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Self improvement and knowledge acquisition should come about honestly.
For a positive contribution to self, school and community, the value of
honesty must be upheld.
Students caught cheating will receive a grade of zero for the work in
question and a detention . Repeated incidents may lead to more severe
penalties.
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
It is the policy of St. Cecilia High School that the learning environment
of its students shall be free from sexual harassment. It is a violation
of this policy for any student to
harass any other student or staff member by making unwelcome verbal or
physical sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other inappropriate
verbal or physical conduct.
Activities proscribed by the adoption of this policy include, but are
not limited to, verbal harassment or abuse, pressure of any type for sexual
activity, remarks of a sexually demeaning implication, unwelcome touching
or any suggestions of sexual involvement which carries with it any implied
or explicit threat.
Violation of this policy will result in serious disciplinary action. Likewise,
public displays of affection are discouraged.
HARASSMENT POLICY
Other forms of emotional harassment will not be tolerated.Students should
immediately report any type or violation of harassment to teachers or
administration. Violation of this policy will result in serious disciplinary
action.
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WEAPONS POLICY
Students at St. Cecilia's are to be provided a safe learning environment.
Weapons are not tolerated on the campus of St. Cecilia's. A student may
be suspended or even considered for expulsion for bringing any weapon
(knife, gun, etc.) or look-alike on the grounds of St. Cecilia's. Harming
or threatening to harm another person with a weapon will be grounds for
expulsion.
Students should immediately report any knowledge of violations of the
weapons policy to teachers and/or administration.
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MARRIED STUDENT POLICY
St. Cecilia High School will admit and retain students who are married
provided: 1) Catholic students must be married in accord with the laws
of the Catholic Church and the diocesan regulations concerning teenage
marriage. Non-Catholic students must have observed comparable regulations
deemed appropriate by the school administration. 2) The student must continue
to observe academic and disciplinary regulations, and 3) The school administration
determines that continued attendance of the student will not have adverse
effects on the rest of the student body.
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STUDENT DOMICILE
St. Cecilia High School assumes responsibility for a student while he
or she is in school, and realizes the importance of the responsibility
that a parent or guardian holds in regards to that student. If the student
is living in a home in which he or she is not supervised by a parent or
guardian, the essential guarantees of responsibility no longer exist.
Therefore, St. Cecilia will not admit nor retain a student not living
under the authority of a parent or guardian.
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PREGNANT STUDENT POLICY
Students who are pregnant face special difficulties as they prepare to
bring a new human life into the world. The decision to bring the child
to term is honored because it is a choice for life--the life of the child.
At the same time the choice to engage in sexual intercourse outside the
bonds of marriage is unacceptable and sinful as the Catholic Church teaches.
The following policy in no way condones such activity, but it is the concern
of St. Cecilia's to assist pregnant students in completing their high
school education and to support them through the pregnancy.
Students who are pregnant are allowed to continue their high school education,
but with the following requirements: Pregnant students must support the
teachings of the Church and the understanding that sexual activity is
morally wrong. They are to speak of their pregnancy only when appropriate
and only in the context of the moral teaching of the Church. Students
may speak with teachers about the pregnancy in private and never during
class time. Pregnant students will be expected to participate in counseling
with a counselor who is pro-life and not in opposition to the teachings
of the Catholic Church to make informed decisions regarding their future
and the future of their children. Likewise, expectant fathers who have
made themselves known are expected to participate in counseling, and parents
of boys or girls in this situation are encouraged to participate in the
counseling. Pregnant students are expected to adhere to all school and
class regulations unless the student's doctor indicates in writing that
such an activity would be unsafe for the student and/or for the unborn
child.
In order to continue the high school education, pregnant students will
be able to continue in class as long as it is possible and/or comfortable
for the pregnant student. After that, the student will be allowed to work
with the teachers on an individual basis to complete the learning and
work of the courses. St. Cecilia's will seek to work with the student's
doctor to provide classes within the curriculum that will not jeopardize
the safety of the unborn child. Moreover, St. Cecilia's seeks to offer
spiritual and emotional support as would be offered to any other student
going through a difficult time in life.
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CHRONIC INFECTIOUS CONDITIONS
None of the identified cases of chronic infectious conditions in the United
States are known or suspected to have been transmitted from one student
to another through regular school contact. Nevertheless, each individual
situation involving a chronic infectious condition (i.e. AIDS & ARC,
Hepatitis B, or other chronic viral and bacterial illnesses) shall be
carefully considered on a case by case basis. The administrator(s) of
Hastings Catholic Schools shall meet with the infected student's parents
or legal guardians, the student's physician, and the student's teachers,
to determine whether or not the student should be allowed to enroll or
remain in school. The number of people who are aware of the infected student's
condition shall be kept to a minimum to assure proper care of the student
and to detect any extraordinary situation that may present a potential
for transmission.
An infected individual would be dismissed from the system if he or she
was unable or unwilling to control bodily fluids or if the individual
is physically aggressive with a documented history of biting or harming
others.
Because chronic infectious conditions damage immune systems, students
with chronic infectious conditions risk severe complications from infections
commonly found in school such as chicken pox or measles. For that reason,
the student's physician, a school physician, and/or a legal representative
if necessary, will be asked to evaluate the risk of infection based on
the student's immune status. If the physicians recommend higher than average
absenteeism, the teachers will try to help the student make up classes
as much as possible.
The Diocesan Policy will be followed in all cases. It is available upon
request.
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