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Parent Handbook and All School Code of Behavior

    

5.0 Discipline

Discipline is a necessary element of the learning process.  Hence, St. Elizabeth Elementary School has adopted a school-wide Code of Behavior designed to foster the growth of self-discipline and enable students to assume responsibility for their actions.  The foundation of this Code of Behavior are the seven principles of Catholic social teaching:

  • We believe in the life and dignity of the human person. Each person is sacred.
  • We believe we are called to family, community, and participation. It is our duty to support each other by our actions.
  • We believe that we have rights and responsibilities. Each person has the fundamental right to life and responsibility to and for one another.
  • We believe that we have an obligation to the poor and vulnerable. We are called to put the rights of others before our own.
  • We believe that we are called to care for God's creation. We are al stewards of the earth.
  • We believe that solidarity is our call. We are one family regardless of our differences.
  • We believe that workers have rights and that work has dignity. Work is a form of participating in God's creation.

The Code of Behavior reflects these beliefs and challenges each student to be his/her best self - academically, socially, and spiritually.

5.1 Diocesan Policies

Substance Abuse Policy

The schools of the Intermediate Unit Consortium and the Diocese of Pittsburgh, recognizing that chemical abuse is a serious problem, adopt the position that students must be chemically free to develop in the most productive manner. It is, therefore, the intent of this policy to prevent and to prohibit the possession, use, sale, distribution and/or intent of distribution of any illegal or controlled mood-altering medication or chemical. These are prohibited on school property and at any school sponsored event.

Violations of this policy may result in the following consequences:

  • Appropriate disciplinary response consistent with our philosophy.
  • Notification of parent/guardian.
  • Notification of municipal authorities, when appropriate.
  • Suspension or expulsion from school.
  • Referral of student to appropriate drug and alcohol agency.

The policy will be implemented through the cooperative efforts of administration, faculty, parent/guardian, staff, student, and community.

Weapons Policy

No weapon may be brought onto school property or into the school building.  A weapon shall include but not be limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, fire arm, or instrument capable of inflicting bodily injury.  A person in possession of a weapon on school property violates state criminal statutes and school regulations and shall be subject to the following discipline and penalty:

  1. Parents will be immediately notified.
  2. The local police will be called.
  3. The student will be expelled.
Suspension and Expulsion

In School Suspension is the isolation of the pupil from some or all school activities. Thus, the pupil is required to report to school during normal school hours, but is separated from his/her ordinary classes and is expected to continue school work on an independent or private study basis. Suspension is ordinarily involved to prevent disruption of the school environment or to assist the affected pupil in overcoming a disciplinary problem.

In more serious matters of discipline, Suspension may be given out of school. This is done with written notification to the parents and may be for a period of three to ten school days, pending further investigation of the status of the student at St. Elizabeth Elementary School.

Expulsion is the termination of the pupil's privilege to attend the school and requires transfer of the pupil to another school. Expulsion is ordinarily invoked when drastic action is required to assist the affected pupil in overcoming a disciplinary problem and to prevent the disruption of the school environment. Expulsion is issued only after Consultation with the Pastor and Diocesan Schools Office while the student is suspended, pending expulsion. 

5.2 St. Elizabeth Elementary School Code of Behavior

The Philosophy and Mission Statement of St. Elizabeth Elementary School determine the policies and procedures in this booklet. Through them we encourage the students, parents and faculty to choose actions that are Gospel mandates so that we all will be living witnesses to the life of Jesus.

St. Elizabeth Elementary School has a zero tolerance for bullying. Each reported incident is dealt with immediately in a manner appropriate to the child's age and the severity of the incidence. 

Click here to review the St. Elizabeth Elementary School Code of Behavior, including the school’s dress code.

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6.0 Health and Safety

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