Offenses
Special Student Policies - Offenses
As a member of the Catholic Mission Schools community, each Catholic Mission Schools’ student has the responsibility to promote the general welfare of all members of the school community. Part of this responsibility is the obligation to inform school authorities about persons or incidents that may threaten the safety and welfare of other students or the school, or cause injury of any member of the school community.
Students are encouraged to be responsible members of the school members of the school community by stopping others from fighting. Any student who encourages or cheers others to fight will be subject to disciplinary action.
In order to create a community of respect, neither students nor faculty and staff will use profane language.
Catholic Mission Schools reserves the right to protect the health and safety of students by conducting searches of any of its facilities classrooms, students’ bags, desks, lockers, and other personal belongings, or searching vehicles upon entry to and exit of campus if, in the judgment of school authorities, it is necessary to prevent a serious offense under investigation. Searches may be conducted by school authorities in the presence of at least one other member of the administration, or someone designated by the administration.
Unacceptable Offenses
Unacceptable offenses are violations of the Schools’ Mission Statement, are not Christian behavior, and are in violation of National and State laws. The consequence for a violation of an unacceptable offense is immediate expulsion from Catholic Mission Schools.
- Use or possession of illegal drugs (at any time - on or off campus).
- Stealing. Stealing is here defined as taking something that doesn’t belong to you without permission of the owner.
- Possession of deadly weapon.
Serious Offenses
Serious offenses are violations of the Schools’ Mission Statement, and are not Christian behavior.
- Use or possession of alcohol or other controlled substances;
- Breaking into and entering locked areas;
- Intentional disrespect to teachers or other school staff;
- Fighting that results in physical injury;
- Repeating any violation in the “Moderate Offense” category;
- Any act or omission analogous to any of the above.
Moderate Offense
- Use or possession of tobacco and/or betel nut – 1st offense;
- Cheating on academic work – 1st offense;
- Lying with intent to deceive;
- Damage or destruction of others’ property;
- Possession of pornography;
- Off-campus without permission;
- Leaving the classroom without permission;
- Skipping classes or other mandatory school functions;
- Repeating any violations in the “Nuisance” category;
- Any act or omission analogous to any of the above.
Nuisances
- Failure to complete assigned work or duties;
- Disrupting classes, study or the Library, cafeteria, science lab, or gymnasium;
- Using MP3 players, cell phones, or other electronic equipment during school hours – without specific permission from a teacher or administrator;
- Failure to return checked-out sports or music equipment;
- Using or writing offensive language or gestures;
- Violation of the Dress Code;
- Chewing gum, eating or drinking in classrooms, Library, Computer Room, Chapel or Science Lab;
- Late for class, assembly or other school functions – 1st offense;
- Entering restricted areas without permission;
- Any act or omission analogous to any of the above.
* Repeated violations of nuisances become a moderate offense.
Public Scandal
One of the primary aims of Catholic Mission Schools is the holistic education of the whole person; to challenge the student to develop leadership qualities in the areas of Responsibility, Concern for Others, Integrity, and Respect. The students are urged to take great care in their search for acquisition of values and principles that will characterize them as Christians. They must consider themselves as students of Catholic Mission Schools at all times and give witness to it with their behavior both on and off campus. Any behavior contrary to these brings dishonor to themselves, their families and their school, making them unworthy of the name “Student of Catholic Mission Schools.”
Examples of “Public Scandal” include (but are not limited to):
- Pregnancy, fathering a child
- Students living together in a de facto relationship Abortion
- Alcohol or drug use
- Supplying drugs or alcohol to others