DISCIPLINEPhilosophy: 

Since there can be no character formation without training in discipline, one of the most important lessons education should teach is discipline.  While it does not constitute a subject, it underlies the whole educational structure.  It is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness, efficiency, and the ability to cope with the responsibilities of adult life.

The Rayne Catholic Elementary School administration has developed, and the school board has adopted, the following rules for general student behavior.  In order to promote the school’s mission statement, we believe that no student has the right to interfere with a teacher’s right to teach.  Consequently, no student is allowed to interfere with another student’s right to learn and a teacher’s right to teach.  Students are expected to display Christian values, and respect themselves as well as their neighbor.

It is neither the province nor the desire of Rayne Catholic Elementary School to prescribe what limits of freedoms parents may specify for their child’s behavior.  Notwithstanding, there are times and places in which the behavior of students reflects on Rayne Catholic Elementary School.  In all such cases, student behavior is definitely the province of Rayne Catholic Elementary School and the school’s policy will be administered judiciously, firmly and fairly by the school’s administration.

Our discipline code seeks to foster the values of a Christian community:  kindness, courtesy, justice, respect, and cooperation.

At school, discipline policies are intended to:  promote personal responsibility and self-control, provide a classroom environment conducive to learning, provide for the well-being and safety of each student and promote cooperation between teachers and parents in supporting proper behavior

The student’s rights are:

• To have a teacher who is in a position to, and will, help the student limit his/her inappropriate behavior.
• To have a teacher who is in a position to, and will, provide the student with positive support for his appropriate behavior.
• To choose how to behave and know the consequences that will follow.

The teacher’s rights are:

• To establish a classroom structure and routine that provides the most desirable learning environment in light of his/her needs and encourage the positive spiritual, social, educational and emotional development of the student.

The parent’s rights are:

Parents have a right to expect quality Catholic education; that their children’s safety will be paramount; that they will have reasonable access to instructors and administrators; and, that they can present concerns and receive fair hearings.

The school’s rights are:

• Rayne Catholic reserves the right to require a parent to withdraw their student(s) from the school.

 

The following is designed to address as many areas as possible; however, it is IMPOSSIBLE to cover EVERY eventuality.  Therefore, the administration reserves the right to address situations as it deems appropriate and to amend and/or waive policy for just cause.

CODE OF COURTESY FOR ALL STUDENTSRayne Catholic Elementary School students are expected to be polite and respectful towards others both on and off the campus.  Courtesy should be the hallmark of a student’s relationship with adult staff and fellow students. The following are guidelines students should follow in dealing with members of the Rayne Catholic community.

• Always address faculty and staff members with appropriate respect, using titles proper to their positions (Father, Coach, Miss, Mr., or Mrs.)

•  ”Thank You” is the expected expression of gratitude when assistance is given by adults or fellow students.

•  Say “Yes, (Title)” and “No, (Title)” or “Yes Ma’am” or “No Sir” to answer a question. Do not say “What?” or “Huh?”

•  Excuse yourself when you want to interrupt an adult who is busy. Wait your turn when the adult is talking to someone else.

•  Say “Excuse me” when you do not understand and want an adult to repeat something for you. Do not say “What?” or “Huh?”

•  Common respect for adults requires you to allow adults to pass before you when entering a building or room, and that you hold the door open for persons coming behind you into a building or room.

•  When an adult corrects you for some fault, be quiet and listen until the adult is finished talking.

•  Courtesy demands respect for school property. Students are asked to help maintain the appearance of the campus by keeping the campus free of litter, and by treating the trees, plants, and grassy areas with respect.

•  While in the classrooms and buildings, students are asked to deposit trash in the trash receptacles located in each classroom or outside. No paper or other trash should be left on the floor of a classroom at the end of a class period.

Rayne Catholic Elementary School students must conform to all the regulations and expectations which are devised for the welfare of the whole student body.  ATTENDANCE AT RAYNE CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IMPLIES A WILLINGNESS TO COMPLY WITH ALL RULES AND EXPECTATIONS SET FORTH IN THIS HANDBOOK. Conduct for In-Class Settings for All Grades

Students are expected not to disturb the classroom teacher or other students in the classroom.

Since different subjects require different forms of behavior, each teacher is free to set up his or her own classroom rules and consequences that students must follow in accordance with school guidelines.

All classroom polices will be reviewed and approved by the Principal.  Classroom policies will be posted in each classroom and a copy will be provided to each parent/guardian.

All classroom policies will be modeled after, but not limited to, the following:

Be prompt and prepared

Respect authority

Respect yourself and the rights of others and their property

Display a concern for learning

Display appropriate social skills

Order and structure in the classroom setting

Be honest in every aspect of student life

Students not following classroom policies, performing their duties, disturbing the class, and/or being disrespectful or disobedient to a teacher will be subject to disciplinary action.

Only after the Teacher has exhausted all class room procedures:Teachers and students are expected to adhere to the following procedures:

1.       Implement the classroom rules and consequences; after this is exhausted -

2.       Complete a “Discipline Referral” form verifying the following has occurred

• verbally talked to or warned student
• kept student before or after class
• called the student’s parent(s)

3.       Send the student directly to the Principal’s office with the completed referral form

Note: If the student is exceptionally disrespectful, uncontrollable, and/or disruptive, the teacher does have the right to forgo the aforementioned procedure and send the student directly to the principal’s office at which time the principal reserves the right to handle the matter as he/she deems appropriate.

Upon reaching the Principal’s office the following procedures and consequences will be administered:

1^st Offense:

1.    The student will remain in the office for a sufficient time before being allowed to return to the classroom setting.

2.    A note will be sent home to the parent/guardian and must be signed and returned the next school day.

3.    The student will be assigned one after school detention (UG) or recess detention (LG).

2^nd Offense:

1.          The student is removed from class

2.          The student must immediatley call and inform the parents/guardians

3.     The student will remain in the office for the remainder of the day (ISS)

   (this includes the next level discipline card, and all other consequences)

3^rd Offense:

1.          The student is removed from class.

2.          The student must immediatley call and inform the parents/guardians.

3.     The student will remain in the office for the remainder of the day (ISS)

   (this includes the next level discipline card, and all other consequences)

4.          A parent/guardian must come to school to sign a behavior plan within 24 hours or  the student will be sent home resulting in an OSS.

4^th Offense:

1.       The student is removed from class

2.       The student must immediatley call and inform the parents/guardians

3.       The parent/guardian must immediately pick-up the student (OSS)

(this includes the next level discipline card, and all other consequences).

4.       Schedule a meeting with the student, parents/guardians, principal, and chancellor.

5.       The student will not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activities beginning with the day of the incident until after the scheduled meeting with the parents/guardians, principal and chancellor.

6.       The student will not be allowed to attend any school/class field for that school term.

5^th Offense:

The student is removed from class

The student must immediatley call and inform the parents/guardians

The parent/guardian must immediately pick-up the student

The student will not be allowed to return to school until the student and parent must meet with the principal and chancellor to devise a plan of action for the student’s future.

Student will be recommended for suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

The In-Class infractions are cumulative for the school year for each particular class and may become a part of their permanent disciplinary record.

 The principal and/or chancellor of Rayne Catholic Elementary School reserves the right to forgo the above mention policies and address any situation as he/she deems appropriate.

 Note:  Parents/guardians are invited to visit and/or observe the classroom setting.  The parent/guardian must make prior arrangements with the principal for the visit. 

Conduct for Out-of-Class Behavior

A safe environment allows students to feel secure, which in turn facilitates the learning process.  To create such an environment, an effective system of discipline must be implemented not only in the classroom, but throughout the campus.  The following out of class behavior policy is designed to foster a sense of self-discipline, responsibility and caring in all students and create an intrinsic desire to live in a Christian manner.

All students have the obligation to represent Rayne Catholic Elementary School in a respectful manner, both in school and at school-sponsored activities.  Students must remember that wherever they are they carry the reputation of the school with them.  Students who may become involved in any grave violation of discipline and/or serious public misconduct that brings discredit to this school could be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

Minor Violations

Grades Pre-K - 4:

Since these classes are self-contained, behavior and responsibility guidelines for grades Pre-K through 4^th will be set by each classroom teacher, in association with the principal. Student conduct grade will be reported to parents daily/weekly.  The student’s nine weeks grades will be reflective of each individual teacher’s rules and regulations.  For major offenses, lower grade students may be held to the same consequences with the following changes:  After School Detention = Recess Detention / In-School Suspension = After School Detention. Major violation infractions are not cumulative until 5^th grade.

Grades 5 - 8:

Each student in grades 5 through 8 will be provided an Violation Card at the beginning of each nine week period.  The cards will be kept in the student’s homeroom.  The homeroom teacher will distribute each student their card at the beginning of the school day.  Each student must wear their card the entire day.  Students will return the card to their homeroom teacher at the end of each school day or when leaving campus for the day (example: checking-out early due to illness).

Students are to keep the lanyard, plastic pouch and violation card free from drawings, pictures, stickers, etc.

Any member of the RCE staff can use the card to correct the behavior of any student not in the company of their teacher.  The teacher or staff member will fill out the behavior card with the appropriate behavior code, a short explanation, their initials, and the date of the violation.  Codes will be on the card.  CODES ARE FOR MINOR INFRACTIONS ONLY.  ANY MAJOR BEHAVIOR INFRACTIONS OUTSIDE THE CLASS WILL BE REFERRED TO THE PRINCIPAL AND DOCUMENTED ON A REFERRAL FORM TO BE SIGNED BY THE PARENT/GUARDIAN.

Infractions 1, 2 and 3 - the teacher/staff member will simply sign the card and return it to the student.

On the 4th and 5th infractions, the teacher will send the card to the office and a letter will go home to inform the parents/guardians of the students discipline level.

After 6th infraction, the homeroom teacher will give the student a new card representing a different level.  The teacher will then return the previous card to the principal.

Each signature/infraction represents a lower numerical grade and each card level represents a lower letter conduct grade for that nine weeks.

Grades for minor violations on the behavior card:

Level 1            Level 2            Level 3            Level 4            Level 5            Level 6

0 signature -    100 A                92 B                84 C                76 D                68 F               *50 F

1 signature -      98 A                90 B                82 C                74 D                66 F                 40 F

2 signatures -   97 A                89 B                81 C                73 D                65 F                 30 F

3 signatures -   96 A                88 B                80 C                72 D                64 F                 20 F

4 signatures -   95 A                87 B                79 C                71 D                63 F                 10 F

5 signatures -   94 A                86 B                78 C                70 D                62 F                   0 F

6 signatures -   new card               new card                new card              new card                new card        *see level 6 below

Consequences for minor violations on the behavior card:

Level One =

Card in turned in to the principal by the last signing staff member

Grade of “A” in conduct for nine week period

Level Two =

Card in turned in to the principal by the last signing staff member

Grade of “B” in conduct for nine week period

One after school detention

Level Three =

Card in turned in to the principal by the last signing staff member

Grade of “C” in conduct for nine week period

One day In-School Suspension

No extra-curricular activities for the next five (5) consecutive days

Level Four =

Card in turned in to the principal by the last signing staff member

Grade of “D” in conduct for nine week period

Two days In-School Suspension

No extra-curricular activities for the next 15 consecutive days

The student will not be allowed to attend any school/class field for that school term.

Level Five =

Card in turned in to the principal by the last signing staff member

Grade of “F” in conduct for nine week period

One day Out-of-School Suspension

No extra-curricular activities for the next 30 consecutive days and subject to further suspensions or termination from club.

The student will not be allowed to attend any school/class field for that school term.

Level Six =

Meeting with the student, parents/guardians, principal, and chancellor.

Student will be recommended for suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Any student missing their violation card may automatically receive detention and may automatically receive the next level card and the appropriate consequences.

Minor Violations and the appropriate code:

Assemblies, School Masses, Pick-up areas, and Functions (AS)

At all times students must conduct themselves appropriately and in a manner befitting Christian students.  The following is exemplary but not exclusive of such behavior:  being sensitive to the needs of others, being cooperative with those in authority and furthering the mission of Rayne Catholic Elementary.

Cafeteria (CF)

Students are expected to conduct themselves as Christian ladies and gentlemen and to help make the cafeteria a pleasant place by observing the following rules:

• All students are to enter and exit the cafeteria quietly.
• Students may not cut in the service line.
• Students are not to run or shout in the cafeteria.
• Students are to exercise good table manners.
• Food is not to be taken out of the dining room.
• When students are finished eating, they are to dispose of all litter and return their trays. Students are to place chairs back into place after completing lunch.
• Students are to follow any additional rules set forth by the duty teacher.
• Federal Regulations prevent any student from bringing food or drink of any kind (including water) onto the campus. If a special diet is medically necessary, physician’s documentation must be on file in the office and the student is required to eat the meal in the cafeteria.

    Note:  Parents are invited to eat in the cafeteria.  Cost of a parent meal is the standard charge    for teachers.  The cafeteria manager can make special arrangements for students on    special diets.  A doctor’s statement must be on file in the cafeteria for such diets.

Cellular Phones (CP)

Due to the large amount of text messaging during classes, cheating incidents using text features, inappropriate pictures being taken and posted on-line in blogs and emails, and overall disruption to the learning environment during school hours, cellular phones will be allowed under these specific conditions.

Between the hours of 8:00am and 3:00pm, cell phones can NOT be on the student’s person, in the student’s book sack, or locked in the student’s locker.  Cell phones MUST be turned in the school office or to the student’s homeroom teacher during homeroom and will be returned at dismissal.

Cell phones can NOT be visible for any reason one hour before turning phones in to office or teacher and one hour after retrieving phone.  This means, on a normal school day cell phones can NOT be visible from 7:00am to 8:00am and 3:00pm to 4:00pm.

RCE does have four phones and four independent lines in the front office, two phones and one independent line in the gym, one phone and one independent line in the cafeteria, one phone in the library, three phones and one independent line upstairs.  RCE has more than sufficient phone service for its employees and students from 7:00am until 4:00pm.

1^st Offense during the school year:

• One signature on the student’s violation card.
• The student’s phone will be confiscated and remain in office for 5 consecutive days.
• The parent/guardian must retrieve the phone from the principal after 5 days.

2^nd Offense during the school year:

• Two signature on the student’s violation card.
• The student’s phone will be confiscated and remain in office for 10 consecutive days.
• The parent/guardian must retrieve the phone from the principal after 10 days.

3^rd Offense during the school year:

• Three signatures on the student’s violation card.
• The student’s phone will be confiscated and remain in office for 20 consecutive days.
• The parent/guardian must retrieve the phone from the principal after 20 days.

4^th Offense during the school year:

• Next Level violation card.
• The student’s phone will be confiscated and remain in office for 40 consecutive days.
• The parent/guardian must retrieve the phone from the principal after 40 days.

5^th Offense during the school year:

The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension,   withdrawal or expulsion.

Note:  The Administration reserves the right to contact and turn the matter over to the local law enforcement agency if pictures, emails, blogs are involved; as well as adding the Acceptable Use Policy/Technology Agreement consequences to the previous stated consequences.

Dress Code (DC)

Please note the Rayne Catholic Elementary Uniform requirements and policies in this handbook.

• Students in violation of the dress code will not be allowed to attend class until the infraction is corrected. They may be detained in the office until they are in compliance with the school uniform code.

Electronics / Games (ED)

Cameras (Buckley Agreement - pictures can only be taken with consent), Radios, iPods, MP3, or CD players (including those with headsets) or any type of beeper, or laser pointer are not permitted on campus during the school day.  Lap top and palm computers must be approved by the administration and teacher of the class.

Students are also prohibited from bring and using any “gaming” devices, including playing cards.

• The student’s item(s) will be confiscated. The parent/guardian must retrieve the phone from the principal.

Food / Drink / Gum Chewing (FDG)

Food or Drink is not permitted in classrooms.

Permission must first be granted by the administration for class parties, celebrations, or anything which will involve food in the classroom.

Absolutely no outside cups or beverages will be allowed on campus during the school day.

Gum chewing and chewing of milk straws is prohibited on campus during the school day.

Federal Regulations prevent any student from bringing food or drink of any kind (including water) onto the campus.  If a special diet is medically necessary, physician’s documentation must be on file in the office and the student is required to eat the meal in the cafeteria.

• The student must immediately dispose of the item(s).

Hall Passport (HP)

Students out of class anytime during the class period will be required to have in their possession a hall passport from the teacher.  This also includes students with a hall pass displaying disruptive or inappropriate behavior.

• The student must immediately return to class.

In-Class Behavior (IC)

Students are expected not to disturb/disrupt the classroom instructor or other students in the classroom.  Instructors, after giving a verbal warning, may choose to sign the student’s violation card as a preventive “step/measure” before sending the student out of class or to the office.  After signing the student’s card once, and the behavior continues, the instructor must send the student to the office and those procedures will be followed. Please refer to the “In-Class Behavior” section.

Littering (LT)

Students should respect the school campus at all times.  This includes spitting, leaving books on ground or top of lockers, etc.

• The student must immediately pick-up or clean their ‘litter’.

Locker (LK)

Lockers must be locked when not directly in use.  Lockers unattended and not locked will result in disciplinary action for the occupant of the locker.

• The locker must immediately be locked.
• Contents may be taken out of locker resulting in the student having to go to the office to collect his/her belongings.

Off Limit Areas (OL)

Students should be aware of their surroundings.  All students have designated areas of socializing and playing before, during and after class.  During theses times, students are expected to be in their assigned areas.

• The student must immediately return to their assigned area.

Recess, Playground (RS)

All students must remain in the designated play areas.

All-school owned playground equipment will be labeled.  No other equipment will be allowed on campus unless approved by an administrator.

No body-contact sports will be allowed. Play-fighting, rough play, kicking, tackling, karate, etc. are prohibited.

Students not following recess/playground rules set forth by the duty teacher, displaying disruptive or inappropriate behavior.

Tardy (TD)

A student must be on time for every class.  “On time” is determined by each teacher.  Students who are late for class (after the first period of the school day) will have their violation card signed.

Technology (TC)

Please refer to the “Acceptable Use Policy” in this handbook.
Major Violations

Grades Pre-K - 4:

Since these classes are self-contained, behavior and responsibility guidelines for grades Pre-K through 4^th will be set by each classroom teacher, in association with the principal. The student’s nine weeks grades will be reflective of each individual teacher’s rules and regulations.

Grades 5 - 8:

Major Violation consequences:       

1.       Administrator, teacher, or staff member will NOT sign and date the student’s behavior card but immediately complete a ‘referral form’ and send it to the Principal.

2.       The student will automatically receive the next level behavior card, however, the Major Violation consequences supersede the behavior card consequences. (The principal does reserve the right to enforce both consequences.)

3.       Appropriate action will be taken as outlined under each violation.

4.       All major violation infractions are cumulative for the student’s tenure at Rayne Catholic Elementary (grades 5^th - 8^th) and will become a part of their permanent disciplinary record.

The following are Major Violations and the appropriate consequences

Cheating

Promoting the pursuit of intellectual excellence and the development of moral integrity are primary goals of Rayne Catholic Elementary.  Cheating is an obstacle to both of these goals.  With this in mind, the following consequences to academic dishonesty have been established for minor assignments (examples: homework, minor quizzes, etc.). Both/All students will receive:

1.    The teacher will submit written notification of the infraction to the administration.

2.    The teacher will notify the parents.

3.    Receive a “0″ on the assignment.

4.    Student’s discipline card will be signed twice.

The following consequences to academic dishonesty have been established for major assignments (examples:  tests, research papers, projects, etc.):

1^st Offense:

1.    Teacher will submit written notification of the infraction to the administration.

2.    Administration will notify parents.

3.    Student will receive a “0″ on the assignment involved.

4.    Student will receive the next level discipline card and the consequence attached with that card.

2^nd Offense:

1.    Teacher will submit written notification of the infraction to the administration.

2.    Administration will notify parents.

3.    Student will receive “0″ on the assignment involved.

4.    Student will receive the next level discipline card and the consequence attached with that card and/or be assigned a one day In-School-Suspension.

5.    Student is not eligible for any Academic Honors at Rayne Catholic Elementary; to include membership in the Beta Club.

3^rd Offense:

1.    Teacher will submit written notification of the infraction to the administration.

2.    Administration will notify parents.

3.    Student will receive “0″ on the assignment involved.

4.    Student will receive the next level discipline card and the consequence attached with that card and/or be assigned a one day Out-of-School-Suspension.

5.    Student’s Nine Weeks grade will not exceed 69%; if infraction occurs on the Mid-Term or Final Exam - the student receives a “0″ on the exam.

6.    Student is not eligible for any Academic Honors at Rayne Catholic Elementary; to include membership in the Beta Club.

7.    Student is not eligible for any club or class offices and for any positions of leadership or ambassadorship-those holding positions will be removed.

4^th Offense:

1.    Teacher will submit written notification of the infraction to the administration.

2.    Administration will notify parents.

3.  Student will receive a failure (F) in the course for the year.

4.  Meeting with the student, parents/guardians, principal, and chancellor.

5.  Student will be recommended for suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Damage to Property / Vandalism

A student is expected to use the buildings, furnishings and equipment only for the purpose intended.  Any act of vandalism against school property, the property of another school or the property of any member of the administration, faculty, staff or student body, either on or off campus is strictly prohibited.

Damage to School Property is defined as (1) no malice intent and (2) costs less than $150.00.

1^st Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action causes damage to school property is obliged to           replace that property through monetary retribution.

2.    Student will receive a signature on the discipline card and the consequence attached with that card and/or an after school detention.

2^nd Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action causes damage to school property is obliged to           replace that property through monetary retribution.

2.    Student will receive the next level discipline card and the consequence attached with that card and/or a one day In-School suspension.

3^rd Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action causes damage to school property is obliged to           replace that property through monetary retribution.

2.    Student will receive the next level discipline card and the consequence attached with that card and/or a one day Out-of-School Suspension.

Vandalism of School Property is defined as (1) malice intent and/or (2) costs exceeding $150.00.

1^st Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action causes damage to school property is obliged to           replace that property through monetary retribution.

2. Student will receive the next level discipline card and a one day Out-of-School Suspension.

            If damages exceed $250, the offense will automatically be treated as a 3^rd Offense.

2^nd Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action causes damage to school property is obliged to           replace that property through monetary retribution.

2. Student will receive the next level discipline card and a two day Out-of-School Suspension.

            If damages exceed $250, the offense will automatically be treated as a 3^rd Offense.

3^rd Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action causes damage to school property is obliged to           replace that property through monetary retribution.

2.    The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Note:  The Administration always reserves the right to contact and turn the matter over to the local law enforcement agency.

Dishonesty

Students who are guilty of or involved in falsification of faculty, staff or parental signatures, transcripts, letters of recommendation, or school documents, and willful lying makes student subject to corrective action.

The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Note:  The Administration always reserves the right to contact and turn the matter over to the local law enforcement agency.

Disrespect / Disobedience / Defiant

Disrespectful behavior towards any administrator, faculty, or staff member at Rayne Catholic Elementary School will not be tolerated.  Any administrator, faculty or staff member of Rayne Catholic Elementary School has the authority to correct student misconduct at any time.  Deliberate insubordination or insolence towards authority calls for immediate disciplinary action by the principal.

1^st Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action is disrespectful will be expected to make retribution   through an apology to the offended party.

2.    Student will receive the next level discipline card and the consequence attached with that card and/or an After School Detention.

2^nd Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action is disrespectful will be expected to make retribution   through an apology to the offended party.

2.    Student will receive the next level discipline card and the consequence attached with that card and/or a one day In-School Suspension.

3^rd Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action is disrespectful will be expected to make retribution   through an apology to the offended party.

2.    Student will receive the next level discipline card and the consequence attached with that card and/or a one day Out-of-School Suspension.

4th Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action is disrespectful will be expected to make retribution   through an apology to the offended party.

2.    The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Drug / Alcohol / Tobacco

Rayne Catholic Elementary School is a Drug Free Zone.  The sale, purchase, possession or consumption of drugs on the school campus is prohibited.  Drugs include over-the-counter and prescription medications, anabolic steroids, alcohol and counterfeit or imitation drugs.  Anyone violating this regulation, or choosing to remain in the presence of someone who is in violation, is subject to immediate disciplinary action including suspension or dismissal at the discretion of the administration.

• The sale, purchase, possession, distribution or use of any drug or like substance (including anabolic steroids, tobacco, or alcohol) at Rayne Catholic Elementary or at any school function is prohibited.
• The possession of any drug-related paraphernalia is prohibited.
• Any person having a reasonable cause to believe that a student is guilty of an infraction listed above shall immediately report such fact to the principal or any staff member.
• The administration shall investigate the circumstances of each given incident and decide whether or not to report the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
• Any student choosing to remain in the presence of any other student who is in violation of the above shall be subject to the same consequences and sanctions.
• School officials have the right to conduct a reasonable search of the student and the student’s possessions. Additionally, the school administration reserves the right to inspect lockers at any time.
• The school administration, in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, reserves the right to allow periodic random searches utilizing drug dogs.

1^st Offense:

1.    Student will receive the next level discipline card and a two day Out-of-School Suspension.

2.    Parent/Guardian must send written documentation (within 7-10 days of notification of the infraction) to the school administration verifying that the student has successfully completed an appointment with a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor (or at an agency certified by the Louisiana Department of Health or the Louisiana Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services) for a chemical dependency assessment and then follow the recommendations of the counselor.

3.    The student must also submit to weekly urine drug testing for up to five weeks or until a negative test result is produced.  Parent/guardian must be present for all tests and is responsible for all expenses.

4.    Parents/guardians must meet with the administration before the student will be allowed to return.

Note:  Students not adhering to stipulations #2 and #3 will be allowed to withdraw or be expelled from Rayne Catholic Elementary School.

2^nd Offense:1.    The student will be allowed to withdraw within 48 hours or be expelled from Rayne Catholic Elementary School.

Note:  Students bringing required or prescription medication to school may bring the medication to the office and immediately register same and turn same over to the possession of the school secretary.  The medication will be taken and consumed by the student in the secretary’s office as per the terms of the prescription.  The medicine, therefore, must be properly labeled with the student’s name, doctor, and dosage requirements.  In addition, the student, parent, or guardian’s written permission will be required before the student is permitted to consume the medication during school hours on the Rayne Catholic Elementary School campus.

Fighting / Altercation

Fighting at Rayne Catholic Elementary School is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Fighting is defined as (1) physical blows being given and/or (2) hostility being displayed and/or (3) use of a weapon.

After Administrative investigation and review, the student(s) deemed the aggressor(s) or instigator(s) will receive the following:

1^st Offense:

Student will receive the next level discipline card and an After School Detention or the consequence attached with that card.

2^nd Offense:

Student will receive the next level discipline card and a one day In-School Suspension or the consequence attached with that card.

3^rd Offense:

Student will receive the next level discipline card and a one day Out-of-School Suspension or the consequence attached with that card.

4^th Offense:

The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Note:  The Administration always reserves the right to contact and turn the matter over to the local law enforcement agency.

If the first offense of fighting is considered “minor” by the administration (example: (1) verbal disagreement (2) no hostility being displayed and/or (3) no physical blows being exchanged.), the incident will be deemed an Altercation and the student(s) will adhere to the following consequences:

Student will receive a, minimum of one and a maximum of three, signature(s) on his/her discipline card and the consequence attached with the card.

Harassment / Bullying

Harassment / Bullying at RCE WILL NOT BE Tolerated !

Rayne Catholic Elementary School is committed to providing a learning environment that is free from harassment and/or bullying in any form.  Harassment and/or bullying of any student by any other student, teacher, or employee, is prohibited.  The school will treat allegations of harassment seriously and will review and investigate such allegations in a prompt and thorough manner.

A charge of harassment shall not in and of itself create the presumption of wrongdoing.  However, acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal or expulsion.

Students found to have made and/or filed false and frivolous charges will also be subject to administrative referral.

Harassment and/or bullying occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or to a school environment which is hostile or intimidating because of the individual’s race, creed, color, national origin, physical/mental disability, individual differences, or sex.  Harassment can occur any time during school or during school related activities.  It includes, but is not limited to, any or all of the following:

Verbal Harassment:  Derogatory comments and jokes; threatening words spoken to another person.

Physical Harassment:  Unwanted physical touching, contact, assault, deliberate impeding or blocking movements, or any intimidating interference with normal work or movement.

Visual Harassment:  Derogatory, demeaning or inflammatory posters, cartoons, written words, drawings, or gestures.

Sexual Harassment:  Includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature or suggestion.

All violations will result in the student receiving an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Note:  The Administration always reserves the right to contact and turn the matter over to the local law enforcement agency.

Leaving Campus / Cutting Class

From the time students arrive until the end of the academic day, they must remain on campus.  Cutting class (partial truancy) is missing class without the permission of the teacher or the administration and makes a student subject to corrective action.  Please note that Mass, Pep Rallies and Assemblies are considered a classes.

• A student who leaves campus without permission:

1^st Offense:

Student will receive the next level discipline card and a one day In-School Suspension or the consequence attached with that card.

2^nd Offense:

Student will receive the next level discipline card and a one day Out-of-School Suspension or the consequence attached with that card.

3^rd Offense:

The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Note:  The Administration always reserves the right to contact and turn the matter over to the local law enforcement agency.

• A student who cuts class without permission and remains on campus:

1^st Offense:

Student will receive two signatures on his/her discipline card and an After School Detention or the consequence attached with that card.

2^nd Offense:

Student will receive three signatures on his/her discipline card and a one day In-School Suspension or the consequence attached with that card.

3^rd Offense:

Student will receive the next level discipline card a one day Out-of-School Suspension or the consequence attached with that card.

4^th Offense:

The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Obscenity / Offensive Language

The use of obscene language (either spoken or written) or gestures is prohibited.  Possession of obscene printed or written material is prohibited.  The administration will not tolerate obscene language in the classroom, on the campus, or at school functions.

1^st Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action is disrespectful will be expected to make retribution   through an apology to the offended party.

2.  Student will receive the next level discipline card and an After School Detention or the consequence attached with that card.

2^nd Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action is disrespectful will be expected to make retribution   through an apology to the offended party.

2.  Student will receive the next level discipline card and a one day In-School Suspension or the consequence attached with that card.

3^rd Offense:

1.    A student who by his/her action is disrespectful will be expected to make retribution   through an apology to the offended party.

2.  Student will receive the next level discipline card and a one day Out-of-School Suspension or the consequence attached with that card.

4^th Offense:

1.       A student who by his/her action is disrespectful will be expected to make retribution through an apology to the offended party.

2.       The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Certain language, however not obscene, may be offensive to others and should not be used in the Catholic school setting.  If the administration deems the language not obscene yet offensive the following action will be taken:

Student will receive two signatures on his/her discipline card and one after school detention.

Stealing

A student caught stealing property from the school or from any person on campus will be subject to disciplinary action.

1^st Offense:

1.    A student caught stealing will be expected to make monetary retribution (equal to the amount of the charge) for items taken.

2.  Student will receive the next level discipline card and a one day In-School Suspension or the consequence attached with that card.

2^nd Offense:

1.    A student caught stealing will be expected to make monetary retribution (equal to the amount of the charge) for items taken.

2.  Student will receive the next level discipline card and a one day Out-of-School Suspension or the consequence attached with that card.

3^rd Offense:

1.    A student caught stealing will be expected to make monetary retribution (equal to the amount of the charge) for items taken.

2.   The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Note:  The Administration always reserves the right to contact and turn the matter over to the local law enforcement agency.

Threats of Violence

Because safety in our school is of utmost importance and one of our top priorities, the Bishop has mandated the following policy.

When informed of possible violence or even threats of violence, Rayne Catholic Elementary School will take this information seriously and follow the procedures outlined by the Diocese of Lafayette (Diocesan Policy 1018) when addressing the issue.  Rayne Catholic Elementary School will have a no-tolerance policy for dealing with and addressing not only real threats of violence but also those which may be considered frivolous.  Even frivolous threats can disrupt the operation of the school.

The appropriate penalties for violations of these policies are as follows:

1.      The school administrator will contact the appropriate civil authorities immediately and follow their directives.

2.      The school administrator will contact the Superintendent of the Diocese of Lafayette.

3.      If the threat or danger involves a student or students, parents/guardians will be contacted immediately.

4.      If the student is on campus, he or she will be detained according to the directives of the local law enforcement agency.

5.      The superintendent of Catholic Schools will be informed of the threat and the action being taken.

6.      If the threat or danger comes from a non-student, appropriate action will be left in the hands of the civil authorities.

The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

The student will be allowed to withdraw within 48 hours or be expelled from Rayne Catholic Elementary School

Note:  The Administration always reserves the right to contact and turn the matter over to the local law enforcement agency.

Weapons

A weapon is defined as any instrument that is used or may be used to cause grave bodily harm.  No student is permitted to possess any type of weapon while on the school grounds or at any school-related function.

1.    Anyone violating this regulation is subject to confiscation of weapon.

2.    The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

The student will be allowed to withdraw within 48 hours or be expelled from Rayne Catholic Elementary School

Note:  The Administration always reserves the right to contact and turn the matter over to the local law enforcement agency.

The principal and/or chancellor of Rayne Catholic Elementary School reserves the right to forgo the above mention policies and address any situation as he/she deems appropriate.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR CONSEQUENCES

“Caught Doing Something Good”:  (Weekly)

Faculty and Staff report student’s names to office who have been “caught” doing something out-of-the-ordinary to help RCE be a better place.  Student’s names are posted weekly in the “Tiger Pause”, they are acknowledged weekly at morning assembly, they visit the principal’s office to get a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, they receive a St. Joseph’s medal.

“0″ Violation Parties:   (Quarterly)

Each quarter, student who received zero violations (signatures and/or checks) are call from class and given a party consisting of pizza, candy, games, etc.

“Principal’s” List:   (Quarterly)

Each quarter, student who received all “A” on their report cards will be given a free dress day and one name from each class will be randomly drawn to attend lunch at a local restaurant with the principal.

“0″ Violation Exemptions:  (Semester)

Students who received zero violations (signatures and/or checks) are allowed to choose one mid-term or final exam in which they will be exempt.  The student will receive an exam grade of their highest quarter average (1^st semester:  1^st or 2^nd quarter average / 2^nd semester:  3^rd or 4^th quarter average).

“Most Improved”:  (2^nd quarter)

The top 4-6 students in each grade level who have academically improved the most are call from class and given a party consisting of pizza, candy, games, etc.

“Birthday”:  (Daily)

Students are acknowledged at morning assembly and visit the principal’s office to receive a RCE cup with candy and prizes.

“Good Behavior”  (as needed)

The administration may give the school/class an extended recess for great behavior/participation.
    

Rayne Catholic Elementary -Acceptable Use Policy/Technology Agreement

Employees, parents and students of Rayne Catholic Elementary are prohibited, under Diocese and School Policy, to post words, pictures and/or related materials depicting/containing Rayne Catholic Elementary, its name, logos, pictures, employees, students, etc., on blogs, wikis, widgets, FaceBook, MySpace, Ning, podcasts, webinars, jpeg and gif files, wma files, compressed video conferencing (CVC), Smart Boards, SchoolTube, YouTube, TeacherTube, and the like.

Rayne Catholic Elementary School recognizes that computers and technology are used to support learning and to enhance instruction.  Technology has changed the manner in which people interact with each other and, as with other advances in society, can be utilized for the benefit or the detriment of ourselves and others. All computers are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner. In order to address issues which may occur, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT STUDENTS AND PARENTS CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

Rayne Catholic Elementary School provides computer access to all students currently enrolled.  Students will be assigned a Username and Password.  Students are responsible for securing and protecting this information.  Students must login each time they access the network.  Upon login, a student will have access to his or her network folder.  All school work must be saved in the network folder.  Students may not save programs, music files, personal graphics, games or any other information not directly related to school or class work to their network folder or any computer on campus.  Students are responsible for logging off the network when they leave the computer.

Virus protection software constantly scans all computers connected to the network.  If any student receives a virus warning while using a computer, he or she is obligated to inform the technology director as soon as possible.  While a firewall is utilized to prevent certain sites from being accessed in order to protect students and the school from inappropriate material, NO safeguards are 100% reliable.  Students are responsible for immediately reporting any irregularities (e.g. if a “pop-up” or questionable site is inadvertently accessed, the student is responsible for IMMEDIATELY reporting this to the teacher/staff/adult in charge-traffic CAN and WILL be monitored by the webmaster/technology coordinator.)

Rayne Catholic Elementary School declares the following as unethical and unacceptable behavior and cause for taking disciplinary action.

Violations to the technology policy are divided into MINOR and MAJOR and consequences are based on the severity of the violation.

MINOR OFFENSES:

• Using information networks for any purpose other than school related research or to fulfill school assignments.
• Using the network for entertainment purposes such as games, chat rooms, or music unless instructed to do so by a teacher for educational purposes
• Changing the default settings on any school equipment (e.g. computer desktop settings, screensaver, internet homepage etc.)

Violation of theses rules will result in the following:

1.        Student’s Behavior Card will be signed with the code “Tech” (TC)

MAJOR OFFENSES: 

• Posting on any website or blogging anything that is contrary to the Mission Statement of Rayne Catholic Elementary School (e.g. Posting on any website or blog that verbally or pictorially references Rayne Catholic Elementary, its policies, administration, faculty, staff members, or its students.)
• Using information networks for any illegal activity, including violation of copyrights or other contracts violating such matters as institutional or third party copyright, license agreements and other contracts.
• Using information networks for illegal, inappropriate, or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities
• Intentionally disrupting information, network traffic (including pop-ups) or crashing the network (including virus) and connected systems.
• Degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance.
• Using computing resources for commercial or financial gain or fraud.
• Stealing data, equipment or intellectual property.
• Gaining unauthorized access to the files of others or vandalizing the data of files or another user.
• Gaining or seeking to gain unauthorized access to resources or entities.
• Forging electronic mail messages, or using an account owned by another user.
• Invading the privacy of individuals.
• Posting anonymous messages.
• Possessing any data which might be considered a violation of these rules in paper, magnetic (disk), or any other form.

Violation of theses rules will result in the following:

1^st Offense:

1.      Administrative referral will result in one day In-School Suspension

2.      Immediate removal of materials from site(s) Failure to remove in time may result in expulsion.

3.      The student will make monetary retribution for all damages.

4.      The student will be subject to loss of privileges for a length of time as deemed appropriate by the administration.

2^nd Offense:

1.     Administrative referral will result in one day Out-of-School Suspension.

2.     Immediate removal of materials from site(s) Failure to remove in time may result in expulsion.

3.     The student will make monetary retribution for all damages.

4.     The student will be subject to loss of privileges for a length of time as deemed appropriate by the administration.

3^rd Offense:

1.     Administrative referral will result in a two day Out-Of-School Suspension.

2.     Immediate removal of materials from site(s) Failure to remove in time may result in expulsion.

3.     The student will make monetary retribution for all damages.

4.     The student will be subject to loss of privileges for a length of time as deemed appropriate by the administration.

5.     The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

STUDENT AND PARENTS (LEGAL GUARDIANS) WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING SAID/WRITTEN/INFERRED/POSTED ON ANY MEDIAN.  RAYNE CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY, ST. JOSEPH CHURCH AND THE DIOCESE OF LAFAYETTE OWN THE NAME AND ALL LOGOS OF THE SCHOOL.

***The Administration reserves the right to treat postings which defame others, utilize profane language or are deemed severely inflammatory in nature as a Third Offense***

Note:  The Administration always reserves the right to contact and turn the matter over to the local law enforcement agency.

EXPLANATION OF CONSEQUENCES

After School Detention

• Detention is conducted and moderated by the Rayne Catholic teachers and staff under the supervision of the principal.
• Detention will take place at 3:05 on Wednesday afternoons in a designated classroom. Students will be required to complete all work assigned by the detention monitor. Students will NOT be allowed to communicate with other students, do homework, make-up tests, etc. Detention will end at 4:00.
• Students must be properly dressed in school uniform.
• Students who are more than five minutes late (arrive after 3:10) will be not be admitted and thus will constitute a missed detention.
• Students must have their detention notice signed and returned to the homeroom teacher the next day.
• Students who do not follow the rules (including communicating, sleeping, not completing work, etc.) during their assigned detention will be assigned an In-School Suspension.

Missed Detention:

The student will be assigned the next available detention; if the student does not attend this detention (no exceptions), he/she will be assigned a 1 day In-School Suspension. This policy is cumulative for each semester.

AFTER SIX (6) AFTER SCHOOL DETENTIONS PER SCHOOL YEAR, THE SUBSEQENT AFTER SCHOOL DETENTIONS WILL AUTOMATICALLY BECOME IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS.

Suspension

A student may be suspended for serious misconduct or repeated occurrences of less serious misconduct.  Suspension places a student in jeopardy of withdrawal or expulsion form Rayne Catholic Elementary.

(Suspensions are cumulative for the academic year)

In-School Suspension:  A student placed on in-school suspension (ISS) will be placed in a designated detention area for a specific class period or an entire school day.

• Suspension may be conducted and moderated by the Rayne Catholic teachers and staff under the supervision of the principal.
• All school rules and regulations are in effect.
• Students will be expected to complete all assigned class work and/or tests.
• Students must bring all text books and supplies needed for that day.
• Students are not allowed to talk or communicate with each other and are to remain in assigned seats.
• Students will be assigned to a ‘work detail’ upon finishing their work or after lunch - whichever is first.
• Students will not be allowed to have any contact with the general school population during that day.
• Students will be given bathroom breaks different from the normal school schedule and will eat lunch after the general population.
• Students must wear school uniform and will not be granted any privileges allowed the general population on assigned days (examples: spirit shirts, jean days, dress-up days, etc.).
• There is no academic penalty assigned to an in-school suspension; however all assigned work will be graded. (thus, any work not completed will result in a grade of “0″)
• Students may NOT participate in after-school extra-curricular activities for five consecutive days.

AFTER THREE (3) IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS PER SCHOOL YEAR, THE SUBSEQENT ISS CONSEQUENCES WILL AUTOMATICALLY BECOME OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS.

If the student is expelled from the In-School Suspension center, he/she will be immediately sent home and the day will count as an Out-of-School Suspension with its academic weight.

Out-of-School Suspension:  A student placed on out-of-school/out-of-class suspension will automatically be placed on probation.

A student placed on out-of-school/out-of-class suspension will not be allowed to:

1.     attend school and/or individual class for the length of the suspension.

2.     attend or participate in school activities during the suspension period, to include weekend.

3.     attend co-curricular events during the suspension period, to include weekend.

A student placed on out-of-school/out-of-class suspension will be allowed to make up all work; however

1^st Suspension of school year:

• a 2% decrease in the nine week grade will occur for ALL classes
• conduct grade of no higher than a “C” for the quarter of the suspension

2^nd and 3^rd Suspensions of the school year:

• 4% decrease in the nine week grade will occur for ALL classes
• conduct grade no higher than a “D” (for 2^nd) and a “F” (for 3^rd) for the quarter of the suspension.

4^th Suspension of the school year:

The student will receive an Administrative Referral which could result in suspension, withdrawal or expulsion.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal Punishment is not permitted at Rayne Catholic Elementary School or in the Diocese of Lafayette.

Although corporal punishment, within a reasonable degree, is actually permitted as a method of discipline in the schools of Louisiana by state law, this practice stands against the very ethos of Christian behavior.  Corporal punishment shall include, but is not limited to, the following actions: spanking, shaking, slapping, pinching, hair pulling, throwing at, etc.

In the event that a teacher should strike a child or use any other form of inappropriate physical restraint upon a child, the teacher shall inform the administration immediately and shall file a written explanation of the incident with the administration within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident.  Students and parents/guardians should also report any such incident to the administration within the same twenty-four (24) hours.

Suspension During a Criminal Investigation

If any student of a Catholic school is suspected of criminal activity, that student may, at the discretion of the chancellor or administration, be placed on suspension until an investigation has been conducted to ascertain his/her guilt or innocence.  The length of the suspension shall be governed by the length of the investigation.  This suspension time shall not count as part of the number of days absent when determining passing and failing according to state attendance regulations. The student shall be allowed to complete assignments at home and may be allowed to make up all tests either under supervision at home or upon returning to school.