MISSION STATEMENT - Skutt Catholic High School

Transcription

MISSION STATEMENT
V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School forms and educates young
men and women to become Christian leaders who empower others,
promote justice, and initiate change.
BELIEF STATEMENTS
We believe that V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School….
•
Provides a Spiritual Anchor to assist students in modeling their lives within the Roman Catholic tradition
according to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
•
Develops Christian Character through practicing the skills of self-discipline, individual conscience, and
critical thinking when making decisions as a moral Christian and as a good citizen.
•
Prepares for Post-Secondary Success by providing students a rigorous college-prep curriculum, state-of-theart technology, and an opportunity to earn college credits.
•
Inspires Moral and Ethical Leadership by, not only educating, but also requiring students to provide service
to, embrace diversity within, and seek justice for, their communities and the marginalized in our society.
•
Endorses a Co-Educational Academic Environment that exemplifies a real-world, life-long learning
environment wherein a Christian’s respect of self and others becomes the foundation for promoting self
worth and service to school and community.
•
Educates the Whole Person – Body, Mind and Spirit by providing a variety of extra-curricular activities to
assist students in building a foundation for generating personal, physical, academic, emotional and spiritual
well-being.
CHARTER DOCUMENT
V. J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School, owned and operated by the Archdiocese of Omaha, serves the teaching
mission of the Catholic Church by providing a quality co- educational high school program rooted in the historic Catholic tradition
for young people in Omaha and surrounding communities. As an Archdiocesan high school serving the total Catholic community,
the curriculum offerings of the school include competitive college preparation courses as well as complementary academic
programs for a diverse population of students.
Faithful to its Catholic identity, V. J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School teaches the faith and morals of the Catholic
Church in union with the local Archbishop, activates Catholic practices and culture throughout the school environment, presents
the intellectual wisdom of the Catholic faith in formal classroom dialogue with the great Catholic thinkers of the present and past,
builds a community of caring and justice among the school family which reaches out to evangelize and respond to the needs of the
world at large, and empowers students to observe, decide, and act according to the Gospel principles of Jesus Christ.
Together with the provision of typical subject matter courses such as Religion, Language Arts, Foreign Language, Social
Studies, Mathematics, Science, Computer Technologies, Fine Arts, and Physical Education, the school gives focused attention to the
teaching and modeling of critical thinking and self-discipline skills and provides a full range of extracurricular activities and
opportunities for students to engage in Christian service to the larger community.
In honor of the memory of V. J. and Angela Skutt, the school conducts its affairs in a professional manner that emphasizes
personal success with integrity and responsibility, fairness to all, care and concern for individuals, service to those in need of
healing and help, loyalty to religious faith, and joy and wonder in the beauty of all of God's creation.
Approved by the Archbishop of Omaha and the Archbishop's Fiscal Governance Board for Metropolitan Archdiocesan High Schools on December
13, 1991.
CATHOLIC DEVELOPMENT
SCHOOL GOALS
All graduates of V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School (SCHS) will:
Follow the teachings of Jesus in the context of the community of the Church

Discern one's vocation in response to God's call

Know how to pray

Participate in the life of the Church
Practice a code of moral behavior based on the principles of Catholic Christian beliefs

Respect and value the gift of life

Obey the civil laws of society

Respond to the needs of the marginalized in our community

Serve as good stewards of the environment
Strive for intellectual excellence and academic achievement

Demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making skills

Work effectively, both cooperatively and independently

Develop a self-disciplined approach to learning

Make pursuit of self-directed learning a life-long priority

Utilize current technology effectively and appropriately

Communicate meaningfully through a variety of expressive
media
Demonstrate an understanding of self and society

Recognize the family unit as an integral part of a faith-centered life

Actively invite and involve diversity in building community

Respect, appreciate, and celebrate cultural diversity
Develop personal integrity

Model moral convictions in interactions with others

Build trust and mutual respect in relationships

Reach out to others

Live his/her sexuality according to the teachings of the Church

Adopt and maintain a life-long approach to personal health

Practice healthy decision-making concerning nutrition and exercise

Accept one's own body
(Developed May 29, 2002)
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NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School admits students of any color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights,
privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at this school. We do not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of our educational policies,
admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
CHAPEL
The Archbishop Daniel E. Sheehan Chapel is open for student use throughout the school day at SCHS. Students are
welcome to use the Chapel for prayer, meditation, or as a place to attend daily Mass. Students are expected to
demonstrate a high degree of respect for the special presence of God in the Sheehan Chapel by using it often and
appropriately.
LITURGY AND PRAYER
Mass will be celebrated most days at SCHS. The schedule will always be posted well in advance. The daily Mass
will be held at 7:25 AM. Students and parents are always welcome and encouraged to attend Mass.
All-school Masses will be scheduled regularly. They are held in the gym where seating will be assigned. Class
Masses are scheduled each semester.
Classroom Masses are encouraged. Teachers interested in planning a Mass for/with students should contact
Christine Diss, our Campus Minister in charge of liturgies, for scheduling and assistance.
We are fortunate in a Catholic high school to enjoy the full, free exercise of religious freedom that is guaranteed to us
by our Constitution. Prayer is not only welcomed at Skutt Catholic High School, but also encouraged. Classroom
prayer, private prayer, and contemplative prayer in the Sheehan Chapel are some examples of the many types of
prayer in which SC students might engage.
SERVICE
Putting our beliefs into action for the benefit of others is the true meaning of the Skutt Catholic High School
service program. All students are expected to contribute service to others each year. Although all faculty members
will participate in the service effort of our school community, those who teach religion and Character Skills for Living
will give leadership. Service ideas are posted regularly and are available in the Campus Ministry Office throughout
the year. Your ideas for service projects are always welcome!
Each Skutt Catholic student is required to meet a service requirement each year as shown below. On each
report card parents will be informed of the progress their student is making toward meeting the annual requirement.
Meeting service requirements is a necessity for graduation just as academic requirements must be met. Students who
fail to complete service requirements each year will not enjoy the full privileges of membership in the Skutt Catholic
Community. In addition, failure to pass service for the year will result in the assignment of additional service hours
equal to twice the required hours for that year before eligibility will be restored.
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Freshmen......5 hours of service
Juniors.................15 hours of service
Sophomores…..10 hours of service Seniors.................20 hours of service
Details of the service requirements are distributed to students at the beginning of each year. The annual
"Community Involvement Day" is a special effort on our part to give back to the Omaha community; individual
service hours are not earned this day.
OUTSTANDING CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD AND LIVING THE GOSPEL AWARD
The Living the Gospel program at Skutt Catholic encourages and guides students to live out the message of
Jesus Christ. The Outstanding Christian Service Award recognizes students who have not only accumulated hours
above and beyond what is required, but also those who have been willing to go out of their comfort zones to serve
others, and reach out to the marginalized of society, with a generous and giving spirit that is evident in their
relationships and actions. The Living the Gospel Award honors two graduating seniors who have best demonstrated
a commitment to Living the Gospel.
RETREATS
Retreat is a time away from the regular routine, offering students an opportunity for reflecting on their relationship
with God, sharing their faith with others, and deepening their spirituality. Every student is required to complete a
school retreat each year.
NON-CATHOLIC STUDENTS
Our school is a Catholic Christian community. As such it is very important that each member of the community
participate in the prayer and liturgical celebrations of the entire community. It is required, then, that non-Catholic
students participate in all- school and classroom liturgies, reconciliation services, and prayer from the perspective of
membership in the SCHS community. Conversion to the Catholic faith is not the school's goal; full community that
includes each person is an important goal!
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
The curriculum content is developed with four assumptions regarding learning in the forefront:
1) Active student learning, emphasizing application of research skills, writing, and speaking, is expected of all
students. The teacher molds and shapes instruction to help students meet learning outcomes.
2) The student will master academic content in depth.
3) Academic content is naturally integrated and interdisciplinary. Students will leave Skutt Catholic High
School better prepared for life and future learning because they will have learned to grapple with complex and
well-defined questions that cross the lines of traditional school subjects.
4) Student learning will be assessed in multiple ways that require application of the skills and content learned.
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Performances and products will be the standard. Students will participate in the on-going evaluation of their
learning.
INSTRUCTIONAL TIME REQUIREMENTS
The Nebraska Department of Education stipulates in Rule 10 (Regulations and Procedures for the Legal Operation of
Schools) that high schools shall provide a minimum of 1080 hours of instruction each school year. The entire time
school is in session is counted toward accumulated instructional time, except for the lunch period. Time is not
counted when school is dismissed for any reason, including inclement weather and school-sponsored activity events.
ACADEMIC GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Skutt Catholic High School is fully accredited by the State of Nebraska and college preparatory accredited by the
world’s largest and most well-respected school accreditation agency, AdvancED. The Skutt Catholic curriculum
surpasses all state and AdvancED requirements.
The Skutt Catholic High School curriculum is the vehicle through which SCHS students will learn the skills and
concepts needed to satisfy the graduation/exit outcomes. To enable SCHS students to meet the graduation outcomes,
the following requirements are established:
Theology........................<<<<<<<<..4 years, 8 credits
English..........................................................<4 years, 8 credits
Mathematics................................................<3 years, 6 credits
Science..............................................................3 years, 6 credits
Social Studies..................................................3 years, 6 credits
World Languages...........................................2 years, 4 credits *
Character Skills...............................................1 year, 1-2 credits
P.E./Health.......................................................l year, 2 credits
Fine & Performing Arts.................................1 year, 2 credits
Technology......................................................1/2 year, 1 credit
Successful completion of yearly service requirements.
Total credits in required courses.................45
Total credits required for graduation.........55
*
4 credits must be earned in the same world language.
HONORS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES
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All students accepted for membership at Skutt Catholic High School have demonstrated a high degree of preparation
for rigorous high school work. All students are required to complete graduation requirements designed to prepare
students for college. Though the faculty considers it unnecessary to divide such able students into ability-tracked
groups, an Honors Program and advanced placement courses are provided for students whose ability, interest, and
work ethic merit enrichment and extended learning opportunities.
As a result of previous coursework, students are logically divided into appropriate courses in math and world
languages as freshman. Students who have demonstrated exceptional aptitude in their previous coursework,
entrance examination, and optional subject area placement examinations are encouraged to pursue participation in
the Skutt Catholic Honors Program. Honors course offerings are designed to extend and enrich student learning, to
challenge SC’s most capable students, and to prepare students to excel at the collegiate level. In addition to the
Honors Program, a combination of elective choice and staff recommendation enables students to pursue honors and
advanced placement courses in art, business, computer science, English, world language, math, music, religion,
science, and social studies.
Advanced Placement classes, which are based on a nationally established curriculum, include: AP Biology,
Economics, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Calculus I and II, Chemistry,
Physics, Psychology, Computer Science, Studio Art 2-D Design, Studio Art 2-D Drawing, U.S. Government and
Politics, and American History. Advanced Placement courses afford students the opportunity of earning college
credit by means of a rigorous examination administered on a nationally established date and scored according to
national standards. We encourage SCHS students to elect AP courses and exams where interest and aptitude exist.
GRADING:
Grades issued at the end of each semester will be the ones recorded on the students’ permanent record. Grades
issued at the midpoint of each quarter and the ends of the first and third quarter indicate the quality of progress in a
course to date. Letter grades will be used as follows and will equate to these percentages:
% Range
Grade
94-100
A+/A
92-93
A-
90-91
B+
86-89
B
84-85
B-
82-83
C+
78-81
C
76-77
C-
74-75
D+
72-73
D
70-71
D-
Below 70
F
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WEIGHTED GRADES
Additional honor points are awarded to students for grades earned in all honors and advanced placement classes
that students elect. The courses in which "weighted grades" may be earned are the following:
A.P. Courses
Honors Am. Studies
Honors Art IV 2D
Honors Art IV PS
Honors Band
Honors Theology 9
Honors Catholic Morality
Honors Church History
Honors English 9
Honors Spanish II-IV
Honors German II-IV
Honors French II-IV
Honors World Studies History
Honors World Studies Literature
Honors Algebra I-II
Honors Geometry
Honors Pre-Calc/Trig
Honors Physics
Honors Chemistry
Honors Biology
Honors Sacred Scripture I-II
Honors Theo. & Lit. I, II
Hon. Comp. Prog. III–C++
Hon. Art IV 2-D
Honors Concert Choir
To determine the cumulative grade point average, honor points (H.P. hereafter) will be awarded on the scale listed
below. All classes are awarded grades and credits.
Grade
H.P.
Weighted H.P.
A+/A
4
4.5
A-
3.7
4.2
B+
3.3
3.8
B
3.0
3.5
B-
2.7
3.2
C+
2.3
2.8
C
2.0
2.5
C-
1.7
2.2
D+
1.3
1.8
D
1.0
1.5
D-
.7
1.2
7
F
0
0
HONOR ROLLS
Academic Honors . . . At the conclusion of the first and second semester, students earning a grade average of
3.75 or better with no individual grade lower than a C.
Distinguished Honors . . . Students earning a grade average of 4.25 or higher with no individual grade lower
than a B will receive Distinguished Honors recognition.
Honor Roll Recognition will occur at the end of each semester when students will be awarded an Honor Roll
Card and parishes will be notified of their accomplishments.
ACADEMIC LETTER *
All students will have the opportunity to earn an academic letter at Skutt Catholic High School. The basis for earning
an academic letter will be a student's consistency in earning grades defined as "A" or "B.” The SC academic letter
award will be earned and awarded once during a student's career at SC. A recognition ceremony will be held to
honor those students earning the letter.
A student will earn "points" toward an academic letter on the following scale of semester grades: "A" = 2 points, "B" =
1 point, "C" = 0 points, "D" = -1 point, and "F" = -2 points. A student must earn 60 points to qualify for an academic
letter. The letter will be awarded when it is earned all the way through to the Senior Awards Recognition Program.
The letter may be earned as early as the end of the second semester of the sophomore year.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
The Soaring SkyHawk Chapter of the National Honor Society is organized to encourage the development of
character and leadership, to further scholarship, and to render service. The chapter by-laws state that membership
shall be based on Character, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service. Eligibility for membership includes a class
standing of junior or senior; a minimum GPA requirement of 3.7 cumulative with preferred GPA of 3.8; membership
at Skutt Catholic High School for at least one semester; evidence of character, leadership, and service as provided to
the faculty council by the student; and a written essay on the merits of why the student should be a National Honor
Society member.
Membership in the National Honor Society is a privilege and not a right. The character of the members of the Soaring
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SkyHawk Chapter of the National Honor Society is regarded with utmost importance. A measure of character will
be the student's school conduct. Offenders of the school code, as evidenced by an accumulation of five demerits,
violations of the Good Conduct Policy (see page 24), and/or violations of the Principles of Academic Integrity will
limit the possible acceptance into the chapter and may jeopardize retention for any chapter member. In addition, the
service component of membership is fulfilled by completion of two additional service hours per semester.
GRADUATION WITH HONORS
A student must successfully complete 28 credits from honors, advanced placement, or elective courses with weighted
grades, within the 55 required graduation credits, and achieve the following G.P.A., calculated at the end of the
seventh semester, to graduate with honors.
3.75 GPA = Honors
4.25 GPA = Distinguished Honors
RESOLVING ACADEMIC QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS
Because a school is an institution of people, sometimes misunderstandings and problems develop.
difficulties should be accomplished as follows:
Resolving
1) Think about whether or not you are having an individual problem, consider making changes in your
study habits or preparation for the course, and discuss the matter with your parents.
2) Make an appointment with your teacher to discuss the problem in private. The goal should be to arrive at
a clear understanding of the difficulty and identify some steps to be worked at together to resolve the
problem.
3) If the problem doesn't seem to improve, the student should discuss the matter with his/her counselor to
seek additional solutions.
4) If the problem still doesn't seem to improve, the student is welcome to contact the Principal to seek other
solutions.
COURSE REGISTRATION AND ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Skutt Catholic has developed a registration process which allows students to work closely with parents, teachers, and
guidance counselors to ensure all graduation requirements are met and to maximize each student’s gifts and abilities.
The school encourages parents to be actively involved in the registration process and is happy to offer its guidance
regarding course selection.
It is important for all students and families to thoroughly review the registration process as described below and
follow the guidelines herein. Please keep in mind that the registration, enrollment and scheduling processes take 4-5
months to complete, therefore the school expects students to analyze course options and make sound course
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selections early in this process. Although formal opportunities to add/drop courses are provided to all students, in
order to ensure all learning, resource, logistic and budgetary needs of the school are met, it is very important
students and families carefully analyze all course selections prior to turning-in registration materials.
The Course Registration & Enrollment process is as follows:

Instructor Recommendation (February)
o 9th, 10th & 11th grade instructors of core required courses will review the performance of their students
and will provide students with course recommendations for the next school year.
o Possible Instructor recommendations include:
1.
College preparatory level recommendation
2.
Honors/AP/Dual Enrollment level recommendation
3.
Conditional Honors/AP/Dual Enrollment level recommendation (in most cases the condition
stipulates the student earn a high 2nd Semester grade to garner full instructor recommendation)
4.
Request Review (the instructor would like peer, guidance or administrative review of a student’s
aptitude before making a full recommendation)

If a review is requested, the student’s guidance counselor will confer with the student,
his/her parents, the recommending teacher and, as needed, the principal in order to
reach a decision that is in the best interest of the student.
o Documentation of all recommendations will be kept in the Guidance Office.

Guidance Office Presentation (End of February)
o Guidance counselors visit each Theology classroom and present to all students:
1. the Program of Studies for the next school year, including: required courses, elective offerings,
additional/modified course offerings (new courses, new course levels such as AP/Dual
Enrollment, modified course pre-requisites)
2. the Registration Process, including all registration materials: course selection, tuition and
census forms

Course Selection (From the date of Guidance Office Presentation to Registration Turn-In – approx. 1 week)
o Students, working closely with parents, complete the course selection form.
o Guidance counselors and course instructors will be available to answer student/parent questions
about course selection via e-mail, phone call, or by appointment.
o Students acquire all necessary recommendations & signatures required for courses selected.

Registration Turn-In (Beginning of March)
o All registration materials, including course selection, tuition and census forms are turned in to the
student’s advisor, along with the annual registration fee. Registration is not complete until all
materials are turned-in.
*Please note: the school understands circumstances sometimes lead families to delay registering
children for classes at SC for the next school year. We do encourage all students to turn-in all
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registration forms on the assigned date. This will provide students with the best opportunity to be
placed in their selected courses.

Course Selection Review and Enrollment (March-May)
o Each student’s assigned guidance counselor thoroughly reviews his/her course selection sheet and
enrolls students into courses.
1. During this period of time, students may change their course selections by speaking with their
guidance counselor and acquiring all necessary parent and teacher signatures on the course
selection form.
2. Students who did not fully complete the course selection form, or did not acquire all necessary
signatures, will have their forms returned to them to complete and turn in to their guidance
counselor.
3. Students with potential schedule conflicts/gaps will be called down to meet with their guidance
counselor as issues arise.
4. Students with course selections under review, and those granted conditional recommendation
for a course registration, will be notified as soon as the process is complete. Opportunities to
select new courses will be provided as needed.

Registration/Enrollment Complete (End of May)
o Student registration and enrollment for the next school year is to be completed by the end of the
current school year.

Registration/Enrollment Closed Period (June-July)
o During June and July the school creates the master schedule and each individual student schedule
based on the registration and enrollment materials turned in by students. Although students and
parents may contact the Guidance Office with further questions about course selection, no
adds/drops will be completed at this time.

Student Schedule Pick-up (book sale day – held annually at the beginning of August)
o Students may pick-up their course schedules during the annual school book sale.
1. It is important students and families understand that schedules are not final at this time.
The process of balancing classes continues through the first week of school. The order of
students’ schedules is subject to change until all classes are balanced.
2. Students not able to be present during the book sale should contact their guidance
counselor to arrange a time to pick-up their schedule.
o Students are allowed to add/drop courses from this time through the first day of school by
contacting their guidance counselor. Guidance counselors may need to confer with course
instructors or school administrators regarding specific add/drop requests made during this time
frame.

Add/Drop Period (First 7 days of each Semester)
o A student’s schedule for each semester is deemed final on the first day of the semester. The school
assumes that over the course of the previous 4-5 months each student has worked closely with
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o
his/her parents, teachers and guidance counselor in order to make sound course selections and is
committed to fulfilling the requirements of those courses.
In the event a student requests to add/drop a course within the first 7 school days of a semester, the
student will need to complete the following Add/Drop Process in the order listed below:
1. Pick-up an add/drop form from the Guidance Office.
2. Document all add/drop requests and reasons for each request on the form in the areas
provided.
3. Acquire a parent signature for each add/drop request.
4. Acquire the signature from the teacher of each course the student requests adding.
5. Acquire the signature of his/her guidance counselor
 The student’s guidance counselor will touch base with the teacher of any dropped
courses as needed.
 Completed add/drop requests that do not conflict with the students’ other scheduled
courses and the school’s master schedule will be allowed.
 When any party is apprehensive about specific add/drop requests, further review
involving those parties may occur, or the request may be forwarded to the principal
for further consideration.
*Please Note: Adds/drops and other schedule changes will not be made to accommodate study hall, lunch
period, or instructor preferences

Extraordinary Add/Drop Requests (any request after the 7 day add/drop period)
o Students carrying 8 courses (no study hall) may drop one course no later than the mid-point of the
semester provided graduation requirements in the area of the course being dropped have been
met. Students need to complete and turn-in the add/drop form to their guidance counselor to
finalize the course drop. Students carrying 7 courses will not be permitted to drop a course
without adding an additional course, and this process must be completed during the first 7 days of
the semester as described above.
o Students enrolled in a year-long course may drop the course at the end of first semester provided
graduation requirements in the area of the course being dropped have been met. Students need to
complete and turn-in the add/drop form to their guidance counselor to finalize the course drop.
o Students with a study hall may add an 8th course to their course of study within the first 7 school
days of a semester assuming there is space available in the course the student wishes to add to
his/her schedule. The student must also meet any prerequisites for the course and have the
permission of his/her guidance counselor and the course instructor.
o Other requests for course changes after the 7 day add/drop period will only be considered in
extreme cases. Consideration of such requests can begin by student, parent, instructor, guidance
counselor or school administrator recommendation. Such changes require the principal’s approval.
ACCEPTANCE OF TRANSFER CREDIT
1) Students who transfer into SCHS will receive credit for courses taken at other approved/accredited
schools.
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2) Transfer credit will be awarded using the SCHS Program of Studies and guidelines. Courses not available
at SCHS will be entered as electives. Credit for honors level courses that are not available at SCHS will be
non-weighted.
3) Skutt Catholic High School will not award credit for extracurricular activities that do not involve
classroom instruction, even if credit was awarded at the school from which a student transfers.
4) Credit will not be given for “Pass” or “Satisfactory” grades, but the class will be listed on the SCHS
transcript.
5)
Class rank and GPA will be determined using the system in place at Skutt Catholic.
CREDIT EARNED OUTSIDE OF SCHS
1) Students enrolled at SCHS cannot receive credit for courses taught at other schools if those courses are
offered at SCHS.
2) Students can take approved summer or night school courses for credit to make up lost credits from failed
courses.
3) If a student wishes to pursue a level of a course not available at SCHS and receive SCHS credit, approval
must be given by the SCHS Director of Guidance and the SCHS Principal.
PERMANENT FILES
1) The following information will be kept on file for all students registered at Skutt Catholic High School:
Standardized Test Scores
Transcript (including grades and college admissions test scores)
Health records
Copy of Birth Certificate
IEP (if applicable)
504 Plan (if applicable)
1)
Information contained within the permanent file can only be disseminated with the written permission
of the parent/guardian and student.
FULL PARTICIPATION IN ACADEMIC COURSES
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To preserve the academic integrity of each individual course at SCHS, students may not exempt themselves from any
portion of the curriculum within that course. As it is expected for all students to participate in all-school and
classroom liturgies, reconciliation services, and prayer from the perspective of membership in the SCHS community,
all students are to participate fully in the approved curriculum for the courses they take or choose.
Should a student object to participating in an academic assignment within the class, they may inquire from the
principal about Board Policy 185, which addresses the procedures for handling complaints about instructional
material.
ACADEMIC PROBATION
Skutt Catholic High School is a college preparatory school where students strive for intellectual excellence and
academic achievement. The program is designed to assist students to matriculate into a four-year college or
university upon completion of all graduation requirements. The academic probation program was created to identify
those students who are not making progress towards acceptance into a four-year, post-secondary institution. The
program will offer strategies for assistance while also clearly expressing the expectations of the student and the
consequences if those expectations are not met.
Academic Warning
A student will receive an academic warning at the end of an academic semester if:


His/her cumulative GPA falls below 1.7; or
He/she receives a grade of “F” in 2 or more classes in one semester (including service)
Action:
- Student is assigned to a success study hall
- Parent(s) notified that receipt of a second consecutive warning will lead to academic probation
Academic Probation
A student will be placed on academic probation for the length of one semester if:


Their cumulative GPA remains below 1.7 for two consecutive semesters *
They have failed 2 or more classes in two consecutive semesters *
Action:
- Student is assigned to or remains in a Success Study Hall classroom
- Parent(s) notified of probationary status and risk of academic dismissal
- Student meets as necessary, with the principal to review progress/grades
- Student meets as necessary, with their counselor to review progress/grades
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If, at the conclusion of the probationary semester, the student has raised his/her cumulative GPA above 1.7 and has
not failed 2 or more classes, the student will be taken off of probationary status.
If, at the conclusion of the probationary semester, the student still maintains a cumulative GPA below 1.7 and/or has
failed 2 or more classes, the student will be subject to academic dismissal. If, under the sole discretion of the
Principal of Skutt Catholic High School, it is determined that a student has made a concerted effort in meeting the
goals outlined above, then the academic probationary status may be extended another semester.
*One semester if the student has previously been on academic probation (during any prior semester)
Academic Dismissal
If, at the conclusion of the probationary semester, the student still maintains a cumulative GPA below 1.7 and/or has
failed 2 or more classes, the student will be subject to academic dismissal (will not be allowed continued enrollment
at SCHS). Also, if a student has been placed on academic probation twice during his/her time at Skutt Catholic,
he/she may also be subject to academic dismissal. The student’s counselor, teachers, and principal will meet to
discuss the student’s status at Skutt Catholic High School with the principal making a final decision regarding
dismissal.
PLAGIARISM/CHEATING
The skills of learning from the work and writings of others, incorporating those ideas into an individual's own work,
and documenting the sources of others' ideas are sometimes difficult to master. The SCHS faculty is committed to
helping students learn and apply those skills with ease. Keys to success in learning to use the work of others are to
learn well and ask questions when uncertainty exists.
OVERT DISHONESTY AND/OR CHEATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
It is unacceptable for a student to intentionally represent the work of another as his/her own, access or utilize
information inappropriately during an examination, or knowingly obtain and/or provide information about an
assignment or examination to another student.
In addition to the trust lost and tainted reputation earned by those without academic integrity, not to mention the
negative character development involved, the following consequences will occur at Skutt Catholic High School.
In accordance with the Skutt Catholic Mission Statement, the Principles of Academic Integrity held by the Skutt
Catholic Community are:

The moral values adhered to at Skutt Catholic are those of Jesus Christ and the Roman Catholic Church.
15

Abiding by those values engenders respect for oneself and others in the Skutt Catholic Community.

Cheating, in any form, is a violation of the Body of Christ and diminishes one’s standing in the Skutt Catholic
Community.

Parents are the primary educators of their children in faith and morals.*

Character is moral strength and the acceptance of personal responsibility for one’s decisions.**

The formulation and development of character is essential to the education of students at Skutt Catholic, through
the curriculum, activities, and examples of its administration, teachers, and staff.

Integrity is the firm adherence to a code of moral values.**

Honesty is the uprightness of character demonstrated by refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way** or act as an
accessory to previously mentioned behavior.

Leaders will always stand on the side of truth, no matter how inconvenient, even if that means standing alone.***

Moral instruction and accountability of students will prepare them to be responsible and trustworthy members
of society.
* Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 22-23
** Webster’s
*** Discipline with Purpose
Academic Integrity Looks Like:

Students studying and preparing for class.

Students doing their own homework.

Students submitting tests that reflect their own abilities and efforts.

Students having pride in their own sense of accomplishment and learning.

Students accepting responsibility for decisions regarding time management and study.

Students respecting themselves, classmates, and teachers by honestly representing their own work.

Students understanding what is expected of them and following established procedures to obtain those
results.
Academic Integrity Does Not Look Like:

Students coming to class unprepared.

Students obtaining grades dishonestly.

Students representing others’ work as their own.

Students abusing others’ confidence.

Students using deceit to obtain higher grades, whether they are observed doing so or not.

Students not being entirely truthful.

Students providing information in the form of answers or “cheat sheets” to others.

Students covering up and/or protecting others’ dishonesty.
Behavior
Consequences
16
1.
Copying
someone
else’s homework, or
allowing or enabling
someone
to
copy
homework.
A. Loss of credit for assignment.
B.
One (1) demerit.
C.
Student calls parent and
acknowledges infraction in
presence of teacher or
administrator.
D. An additional demerit for
each violation
2.
3.
Cheating on a quiz or
test, or, enabling or
providing opportunity
for a student to cheat
on a quiz or test.
Additional violations
dealt with as #3.
Plagiarizing a paper or
major assignment, in
part or whole, or
providing
papers
and/or other work for
students to copy.
TESTING PROGRAM
A.
Loss of credit for quiz or test.
B.
Three (3) demerits.
C.
Parent Notification
D. Saturday School.
A. Loss of credit for paper or
project
B. Three (3) demerits.
C.
Parent notification.
D. Saturday School
A. Same as #3 PLUS
B. Money given to school to be
Paying for or being
designated for charity.
SKUTT CATHOLIC
HIGH
paid
to
provideSCHOOL TESTING PROGRAM
C.
Parent Notification
answers, papers, or
D. No further credit for class
to High
information
The Skuttaccess
Catholic
School testing program is designed to give students, parents, school staff, and college
until conference is held.
facilitates
admissionwhich
officials’ helpful
information about student academic growth and aptitude, as well as provide the student
cheating.
opportunities
to practice good test-taking skills. The program is composed of required and optional elements, as
4.
follows.
Grade
Required Test(s)
Optional Tests
9
PLAN
10
PLAN
PSAT
11
PSAT
ACT, SAT,
D. O
n
e
(
1
)
A.P. Exams
17
a
d
d
i
t
i
o
n
a
l
d
e
m
e
r
i
t
12
ACT or SAT
A.P. Exams
STUDENT CONDUCT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The purpose for the rules and regulations of Skutt Catholic High School is the development of Christian character in
every student. Rigorous expectations and formal structures to promote self-discipline are integral components of the
school learning process which complement the direct teaching of self-discipline skills addressed in the required
course, Character Skills.
Adults will be trained to help students become self-governing. Formal conflict management skills will be learned
and employed by students and faculty.
Every student is responsible for learning and following the rules of Skutt Catholic High
School.
Ignorance will not be an acceptable reason for failing to follow school rules.
The Rules of Skutt Catholic High School are as follows:
1.
Respect yourself, others, and your school.
2.
Contribute in a positive way to your learning environment.
3.
Follow school procedures.
The GOALS of the Skutt Catholic High School Student Discipline Program are as follows:
1.
To promote the growth in every student of the character, integrity, and service to others modeled by Jesus Christ.
2.
To guide each student's growth in respect for others, as well as the rights and property of others and those rights
and property held in common.
3.
To increase in each student the self-discipline trait of personal responsibility.
4.
To guarantee students a school-learning environment where they are free to learn, grow, and change in safety.
The EXPECTATIONS for every SCHS student are as follows:
1.
Treat every person with respect and dignity.
2.
Always use appropriate language to represent oneself and our school in the best possible way.
3.
Respect the property of others.
4.
Work cooperatively with others.
5.
Resolve conflicts in a peaceable and mature manner.
18
6.
Cooperate with members of the school staff.
7.
Attend all scheduled class and study sessions.
8.
Act honestly and with integrity.
9.
Act as good stewards of the gifts God has given us, chiefly by making moral decisions about the care of
one's body and the material resources held personally and in common.
10.
Follow the rules of the school and seek redress for any alleged grievances through appropriate means.
11.
Follow the civil laws of the community, state, and nation.
12.
Accept responsibility for one's actions at all times and act responsibly so as to protect the safety and wellbeing of others.
13.
Know and apply the rules of Skutt Catholic High School.
14.
Participate in the system used to teach self-discipline in the school.
15.
Refrain from being present on the campus of other high schools except for authorized events.
SELF-DISCIPLINE SKILLS
At the heart of the behavior expectations for Skutt Catholic High School students are the fifteen skills of selfdiscipline that are taught in the class Character Skills for Living.
These skills are:
1.
Listening
2.
Following instructions
3.
Asking questions
4.
Sharing time, space, people, and things
5.
Interacting socially
6.
Cooperating with others
7.
Understanding reasons for rules
8.
Accomplishing a task
9.
Exhibiting leadership
10.
Communicating effectively
11.
Organizing time
12.
Resolving mutual problems
13.
Taking the initiative in problem solving
14.
Distinguishing fact from feeling
15.
Sacrificing from a motive of love
INCENTIVES for acknowledgement of successful development of self-discipline skills:
19
•
Students who are demerit free for one month (20 school days) may have two demerits removed from their
demerit card by completing and submitting a demerit removal request to the Assistant Principal.
•
Reduction of a student’s cumulative demerit total may be accomplished provided:
1.
Student has already fulfilled consequences as detailed by SC disciplinary code.
2.
Student approaches an instructor who assigned demerits and develops an agreement concerning the
removal of the demerits through work or service.
3.
Staff member provides documentation to the Assistant Principal explaining the work or service
completed and the number of demerits which will be removed.
4.
The Assistant Principal will file the documentation, revise the disciplinary record, and provide a new
demerit card reflecting an accurate, updated demerit total.
CONSEQUENCES for infractions of Student Behavior Expectations:
Demerits are formal signals that student actions are in conflict with school behavioral guidelines. Accumulations
of demerits indicate undisciplined and on-going behaviors which may be detrimental to the school community
and Skutt Catholic’s educational mission.
Teachers routinely work with students to mediate problems while utilizing classroom management techniques to
proactively shape student behavior. Inappropriate student behavior is consistently confronted and school staff will
give demerits. At such times, the Assistant Principal administers consequences.
Student demerits are cumulative over the course of each current school year. The demerit card provides students
and parents with a tangible informal record of student behavior. While staff members are encouraged to document
disciplinary infractions on student demerit cards, this is not always possible. Consequently, all staff members
document student misconduct on demerit reports that are compiled and maintained in individualized anecdotal
student demerit files by the Assistant Principal.
Students are required to carry their demerit card during the school day. Failure to produce the card as requested by
a staff member constitutes insubordination and a lack of cooperation; consequently, additional demerits may be
assessed when the Assistant Principal reviews the incident.
Lost or destroyed cards may be replaced for a charge of $5 in the main office.
Specific consequences for accumulating demerits with the plans for formative action, parental involvement, and due
process are outlined below.
LEVEL
CONSEQUENCE
FORMATIVE ACTION
20
5
Demerits
Detention - 30 min
Parent notification
10
demerits
Detention - 60 min
Conf. With Assistant Principal
and written notification.
15
demerits
One (1) Saturday
School assigned
16-19
demerits
20
demerits
21-24
demerits
25
demerits
26-29
demerits
30
demerits
Parent conference with Asst.
Principal to review document file.
Detention - 60 min
Detention assigned & written
parent notification for each
infraction resulting in a demerit
Two (2) Saturday
Schools assigned,
Conf. With Assistant Principal.
Parent notification.
Detention - 60 min
Behavior intervention, parent
notification, and detention
assigned for each infraction.
Three (3) Saturday
Schools assigned.
Parent conference with Assistant
Principal. Student behavioral
contract.
In-school
suspension,
detention,
Saturday School,
or community
service as per
behavioral
contract.
Suspension
Behavior intervention with
administrator, parent
notification and consequences
determined by behavior
contract and SC administration.
Dismissal Process initiated by
SC Administration
Behavioral Interventions are conferences where the Assistant Principal reviews a behavioral incident with a student
21
to analyze the situation and recommend appropriate alternative behaviors.
Students serve detentions after school beginning at 3:10. Parents and students receive written notification
concerning the date and time. Skipping detention results in a doubling of the assigned time.
Saturday Schools occur on Saturday mornings. Students must report to SCHS from 8-12 on the day assigned.
Students will likely spend the morning working under the supervision of an SC faculty member.
In-school Suspension students are excluded from class attendance and activities participation. At the discretion of
the Assistant Principal, students may be required to serve the suspension out of school.
Community Service work assigned by the SC administration as a consequence for inappropriate behavior.
Infractions and Demerits
1.
Tardy . . . school or class.<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<.1
2.
Truancy from class.... loss of credit for class assignments plus 5
3.
Truancy from school <<<<<... loss of credit for day plus 15
4.
Out of bounds . . . in unsupervised areas <<<<<<<<..1-5
5.
Inappropriate or abusive language <<<<<<<<<<.1-10
6.
Uniform violation <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<.1
7.
Failure to care for school . . .equipment, facility, grounds <.1-5
8.
Eating or drinking in unauthorized areas <<<<<<<<<1
9.
Gum <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<1
10. Possession/Use of tobacco or illegal substances, at school/sponsored
events<<<<<<<<.<<<<<<<...15
11. Insubordination or lack of cooperation with school staff <...1-5
12. Classroom disruption <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<...1-5
13. Fighting <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<15
14. Conduct detrimental to school community, on/off campus 1-15
15. Inappropriate technology use <<<<<<<<<<<<...1-15
16. Cheating or Plagiarism . <<<<<<... Loss of credit and 1-15
DISCIPLINARY PROBATION
A student who finishes a year with 20-29 demerits will be on Disciplinary Probation for the first semester of the
following year. If the demerit totals shown below are reached during the semester that a student is on Disciplinary
Probation, the student will likely lose the privilege of membership in the Skutt Catholic High School community.
22
Demerit Total
Critical Time Period
5
End of first quarter
10
End of first semester
A student may remove his/her Disciplinary Probation status by earning fewer than six (6) demerits in the
probationary semester.
DISCIPLINARY DISMISSAL PROCESS
The Assistant Principal initiates the process of disciplinary dismissal after consultation with the President / Principal.
Causes for considering such serious action may be continued misbehavior, as reflected in accumulated demerits
exceeding 29, or single serious incidents. Examples of serious misconduct incidents include, but are not limited to,
the following situations:
Weapons . . . possession, threat, or use
Harassment of students or staff
Threatening students or staff
Illegal Substance possession, use, sale, or influence
Misconduct during a school-related activity
Cheating or Plagiarism
Creating unsafe conditions
Vandalism or Graffiti
Theft
Possession/distribution of objectionable material that is degrading to people or groups.
Conduct detrimental to the school community, on or off campus.
Violations of acceptable technology use policies which compromise privacy, hardware, software, or the
integrity of the Skutt Catholic computer system.
The Principal has the authority to expel following:
1.
Presentation of evidence to student and family.
2.
Conference to review evidence, conclusions, and Skutt Catholic disciplinary code.
3.
Explanation of potential consequences by the Skutt Catholic administration.
4.
Comment . . . the student and parent(s) may respond to the evidence and conclusions.
5.
Determination and notification of consequences.
Parents and/or student may make a final appeal of the Principal's decision to the President
23
GOOD CONDUCT POLICY
As visible representatives of the school, all students are expected to exhibit a high standard of personal conduct both
in and out of school. In addition, students should realize that participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege
and is often contingent upon the ability to understand and conform to program rules and policies as outlined by the
head coach or activity sponsor. For that reason, students involved in co-curricular activities may have additional
consequences for violations of the Good Conduct Policy.
The following could be examples of “serious misconduct” which would represent a violation of the SCHS student
behavioral code. Skutt Catholic reserves the right to determine what constitutes “serious misconduct.”
Harassment or threats to students or staff; illegal substance use, sale, and/or possession; tampering with safety
equipment; creating unsafe conditions; theft; possession or distribution of objectionable material; conduct detrimental
to school community on or off campus; illegal activity on or off campus; hosting or providing parties/gatherings that
involve illegal activity.
If a student is in violation of the Skutt Catholic High School behavioral code, the following procedures will be
followed:
1.
Students are expected to self-report behavioral infractions, which constitute a violation of the Good Conduct
Policy, to a school administrator, guidance counselor, head coach, or activities sponsor by noon of the following
Monday (if a weekend) and/or within 24 hours of the incident. Failure to self-report in this timely and forthright
manner will magnify the consequences.
2. The student and parents will meet with any or all of the following: the activities director, principal, an assistant
principal, counselor, and/or coach or activity sponsor of the activity in which the student participates.
3.
Either the disciplinary dismissal process will be initiated or the following consequences will be administered:
1st Offense
-
Two consecutive Saturday schools.
-
8 calendar day suspension from all Skutt Catholic school sponsored events (including activity practices,
games, school performances/events, etc.) if the student self-reports in the timeline outlined above. (The
suspension would not include days occurring in any NSAA moratorium time frame) This suspension
begins the day that the student self-reports. 16 calendar day suspension from all said activities if the
student does not self-report in the timeline outlined above.
During the school sponsored events suspension, mandatory school service will be held immediately after
school from 3:15-4:30. Any and all hours worked to meet this requirement will not be credited towards a
student’s Living The Gospel Service Program requirements.
If the student is not involved in an extracurricular activity at the time of the suspension, he/she will be
required to perform an additional 20 hours of community service, beyond those hours worked in the 3:154:30 time frame described above, in order to become eligible for future participation in the activity
programs at Skutt Catholic. Students who fail to complete the hours will be rendered ineligible for Skutt
-
-
24
-
Catholic extracurricular programs until the hours are completed. Hours worked towards addressing this
requirement cannot be used towards the Living the Gospel Service Requirement. Students need to receive
SCHS administrative approval on the community service outreach before any hours are approved. (There
will be a limited number of approved programs for which a student can work off their hours).
Possible requirement of writing apology letters to any constituents affected by the student’s actions or
attending to any other similar consequence(s) as deemed appropriate by the administration.
-
For Good Conduct violations involving drugs and/or alcohol, either directly or indirectly, as determined by
SCHS, completion of a school approved, chemical dependency evaluation may be required if deemed
appropriate by the SCHS administration. If the evaluation is required, registration for the evaluation must
occur during the suspension time frame, otherwise the in-house suspension will continue beyond 2 days
until registration for the evaluation is complete. Parents/Legal guardians must follow any and all
recommendations conveyed by the professionals conducting the drug and alcohol evaluation.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must complete the “Release of Information Form.” Proof of completion of the
evaluation must be provided to Skutt Catholic within three days of its completion. Failure to complete this
evaluation on the registered date will result in an indefinite suspension from all Skutt Catholic
extracurricular events, activities, teams, etc or dismissal from Skutt Catholic High School.
-
15 demerits if the offense occurred on school grounds or at any school sponsored activity.
2nd Offense
-
2 consecutive Saturday schools if second offense is more than one year after the first offense.
-
5 consecutive Saturday schools if second offense is within one year of the first offense.
-
21 calendar day suspension from all Skutt Catholic extracurricular events, activities, teams, etc. if a
student’s second Good Conduct violation occurs more than one year after the first violation, with no
reward for self-reporting.
-
28 calendar day suspension from all Skutt Catholic extracurricular events, activities, teams, etc. if the
second Good Conduct violation occurs within one year of the first offense, with no reward for selfreporting.
-
For either suspension period, calendar days will not include any days that fall within a NSAA moratorium
time frame. The suspension begins the day that the student self-reports. If a student is on an athletic team
or participates in a school sponsored club or activity, that student is suspended from all practices, games,
scrimmages, performances, etc. during this suspension period. This suspension extends to attendance at
any school sponsored event such as athletic contests, school dances, school performances of any kind, etc.
-
During the activities suspension, mandatory school service will be held immediately after school from 3:154:30 for a minimum of 8 school days or its equivalent. Any and all hours worked to meet this requirement
will not be credited towards a student’s Living The Gospel Service Program requirements.
If the student is not involved in an extracurricular activity at the time of the suspension, he/she will be
required to perform an additional 20 hours of community service, beyond those hours worked in the 3:154:30 time frame described above, in order to become eligible for future participation in the activity
programs at Skutt Catholic. Students who fail to complete the hours will be rendered ineligible for Skutt
Catholic extracurricular programs until the hours are completed. Hours worked towards addressing this
requirement cannot be used towards the Living the Gospel Service Requirement. Students need to receive
SCHS administrative approval on the community service outreach before any hours are approved. (There
will be a limited number of approved programs for which a student can work off their hours)
-
25
-
Possible requirement of writing apology letters to any constituents affected by the student’s actions or
attending to any other similar consequence(s) as deemed appropriate by the administration.
-
SCHS, completion of a school approved, chemical dependency evaluation is required. Registration for the
evaluation must occur during the suspension time frame, otherwise the in-house suspension will continue
beyond 5 days until registration for the evaluation is complete. Parents/Legal guardians must follow any
and all recommendations conveyed by the professionals conducting the drug and alcohol evaluation.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must complete the “Release of Information Form.” Proof of completion of the
evaluation must be provided to Skutt Catholic within three days of its completion. Failure to complete this
evaluation on the registered date will result in an indefinite suspension from all Skutt Catholic
extracurricular events, activities, teams, etc or dismissal from Skutt Catholic High School.
-
3rd Offense
-
-
10 day, out of school suspension
-
Expulsion from any and all Skutt Catholic athletic or extracurricular teams and/or activities. Such
expulsion will extend to all semesters that the student remains at Skutt Catholic. There would be no reward
for self-reporting.
-
Indefinite suspension from attending any school sponsored event such as athletic contests, school dances,
school performances of any kind, etc.
-
SCHS, completion of a school approved, chemical dependency evaluation is again required. Registration
for the evaluation must occur during the suspension time frame, otherwise the in-house suspension will
continue beyond 10 days until registration for the evaluation is complete. Parents/Legal guardians must
follow any and all recommendations conveyed by the professionals conducting the drug and alcohol
evaluation. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must complete the “Release of Information Form”. Proof of completion
of the evaluation must be provided to Skutt Catholic within three days of its completion. Failure to
complete this evaluation on the registered date will result in an indefinite suspension from all Skutt
Catholic extracurricular events, activities, teams, etc or dismissal from Skutt Catholic High School.
USE OF PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION
Physical restraint and seclusion of students for behavior management shall be used in circumstances and under
conditions that are in the best interest of students.
Physical restraint is appropriate when a student is displaying physical behavior which presents substantial imminent
risk of injury to the student or others, and the student is demonstrating the intent and ability to cause injury within a
matter of seconds or minutes. The degree of physical restraint employed should be in proportion to the
circumstances of the incident, the size and condition of the student, and the potential risks for injury to the student or
others. Physical restraint does not include: (a) taking away a weapon; or (b) breaking up a fight.
26
Seclusion is appropriate when a student is displaying physical behavior that presents substantial imminent risk of
injury to the student or others, and the threat could be diminished if the student were placed in a safe environment
away from other students and staff. Seclusion should only be used as long as necessary and should be discontinued
when the student is no longer a threat to himself/herself or others. Time out procedures which do not constitute
seclusion are permitted in school.
Immediately after the student has restored emotional and behavioral control following the use of physical restraint
and/or seclusion, a staff member not involved with the incident shall examine the student to ascertain if the student
has sustained any injury. The Principal (or Head Teacher) will verbally notify the parent/guardian as soon as
possible (no later than the end of the school day in which the physical restraint or seclusion occurs).
All use of physical restraint or seclusion must be documented in a memorandum within one school day of the
incident. The Principal (or head teacher) will send a copy of the memorandum to the parent or guardian within two
school days following the use of restraint or seclusion.
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
Prompt and regular attendance is expected of all students. There is a direct correlation between school attendance
and success in school. Students attending regularly benefit from the consistent contact with teachers and peers, while
those whose attendance is irregular miss such benefits. "Make-up work" should not be viewed as an equal
alternative to classroom instruction and interaction. It has been shown that students who establish a positive
attendance habit in school make an easy and effective transition to the attendance requirements of the work world.
Each student is required to attend school daily during the required part of the day. If a student needs to be excused
for all or part of the school day, a written request for excused absence must be presented to the attendance office in
advance. Students will then be issued an authorization to leave school. For unanticipated absences during the day, a
telephone contact by the parent to the SCHS main office will always be required before a student is excused and
released.
IF LATE TO SCHOOL, A STUDENT MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE.
For guidance in making decisions, students and parents should know that the following absences will always be
considered unexcused absences: oversleeping, shopping, grooming appointments, driver’s license examination,
pictures, recreation, and working for hire. Parents should consult administration in advance to determine the status
of absences not clearly specified in the two previous paragraphs.
Students who are tardy (unexcused) beyond the beginning of second hour will receive two or more demerits.
The standards for being on time or late to class (in relation to the sounding of the bell) will be determined by each
individual teacher and communicated to students. The school building is open from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily.
27
Absentee Policy
Students may be excused from attendance for reasons of personal illness, illness or death in the student's family,
medical or business appointments which cannot be scheduled outside of school hours and for other reasons which
can be justified from an educational standpoint and for which approval is given by both the student's parents or
guardians and the school administration. Juniors and seniors are allowed two days of absence to visit colleges.
Because of the educational nature of these visits, the student is not counted absent when the absence is planned
through the Guidance Center in advance and written permission from parents is brought to school.
Any absences from school or class that are not approved in advance by both the parents or guardians and the school
administration shall be treated as unexcused absences. Students will not be allowed to complete work missed
because of unexcused absences.
Any absence, (excluding school approved activities), in excess of ten (10) days per semester, per class, may result in a
loss of credit for that class. Cases will be considered on an individual basis. Requests for reinstatement of credit may
be reviewed through an appeal to the Principal.
Personal Trips
The school’s policy in regard to trips rests upon the premise that the chief responsibility for a child’s education
belongs to the parents. In an effort to assist parents in determining how this trip will affect their son’s/daughter’s
academic work, the following process has been set in place:
1.
The parent contacts the Principal to explain the circumstances by coming to the office to sign an
“Extraordinary Absence Request Form.”
2.
The student then receives the signed “Extraordinary Absence Request Form” and contacts each
teacher for assignments. These assignments may be given, before or after the trip, at the teacher’s
discretion.
3.
The teacher will sign the form and comment on how the absence will affect the academic status of
the student.
4.
The student returns the completed from to the Principal one week prior to the absence. IF THE
STUDENT FAILS TO RETURN THE FORM, MAKE-UP WORK WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
5.
One copy of the completed form is given to the students, one is mailed to the parent(s), and one is
kept at school.
6.
The student is responsible for completing the work assigned in accordance with each teacher’s
make-up policy.
7.
Personal trip days will be counted as part of the ten (10) days absence.
The earlier the school is notified, the sooner parents will be in possession of the information needed to
base their decision regarding the absence.
Under no circumstance will make-up work be allowed if the Principal is not given advance notice of the
trip.
28
TRUANCY
By contract, a student is truant from school when she/he is absent from class and/or school without the permission of
a parent or guardian or the school. Such errors in judgment subject the student to disciplinary consequences.
PDA: PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AGGRESSION OR AFFECTION
Neither overtly aggressive nor affectionate actions receive the blessings of the school staff, whether the action occurs
during the school day, at activities, or even off school grounds.
While we all experience anger and frustration at times, we must never grant ourselves the license to express those
emotions with physically threatening actions toward another. Resolving mutual problems, in fact taking the
initiative in resolving problems, is one of the skills of self-discipline that all SC students are expected to master.
There is never a problem in seeking the assistance of others when a person can see that emotions may cloud
judgment.
Aggression that takes the form of hazing, harassment, or initiation of any students at any time will not be tolerated.
Any students making an error in judgment in this regard should expect serious demerit consequences under the
category of conduct detrimental to the school community.
We can all express affection in ways other than physical demonstrations. When students publicly and physically
display affection for each other, several things happen: there is discomfort to others, one's own reputation is usually
damaged, there is often difficulty in drawing a stopping line once kisses and caresses have begun, and a negative
image of the entire school community is created by the indiscretions of individuals in public. Whether it is in school,
at an activity such as a dance, or outside of school, the school staff will approach individuals when they observe
students failing to use good judgment in matters of displays of affection.
STUDENT VISITORS
•
All Student visitors must be scheduled in advance with the Recruitment Director.
•
Middle school students who are in the process of making a high school choice are welcome to attend class and
meet SC students and teachers as long as the visit has been prearranged by one of their parents.
•
Students who already attend high school are only allowed to visit if they and their parents are seriously
considering a transfer to Skutt Catholic. Such visits must be scheduled in advance, and a parent must make the
arrangements.
•
Skutt Catholic students are not allowed to bring friends from other high schools as visitors.
•
Former Skutt Catholic students who have transferred may not come back to visit.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
29
Occasionally, one of the regular teachers will be absent due to family or business needs, illness, or attendance at a
professional development event. It is not only important that we welcome substitute teachers to our school, but that
we treat each one with the highest degree of respect and cooperation; any less will not be tolerated and will likely
lead to severe consequences for an offending student.
DRIVING AND PARKING
Students having a regular driver's license or an approved school license are permitted to drive to and park in the
school lots after completing a vehicle registration form in the office indicating their license plate number and a
description of the vehicles driven. All students are expected to park in the student lot south of the school.
1.
Safe driving appropriate for the conditions is always expected. Students are required to respect oncampus STOP signs. Students may not cut through the front lot to leave school, nor block traffic on
156th Street at any time.
2.
Students driving at speeds inappropriate for a place with many pedestrians, driving recklessly, or
ignoring established traffic flow patterns will be denied parking privileges at school and may be
referred to law enforcement authorities.
3.
Students are expected to park in assigned student parking areas. This does not include driveways, fire
lanes, visitor parking, or faculty parking areas.
Parking violations may result in fines, demerits, or loss of parking privileges.
SCHOOL DANCES
SCHS holds several dances throughout the school year. Appropriate behavior is expected at all school dances.
Students and parents should be aware of the following guidelines for appropriate behavior at school dances:




All guests must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Catholic, Christian mission of the
school.
Students are expected to be clean and neat in their appearance. All dress should be modest and in good
taste. The administration / supervisory personnel reserve the right to determine acceptability of clothing /
appearance.
SCHS may conduct mandatory breathalyzer examinations at the entrance to dances. If a student fails or
refuses to take this test, parents will be notified, and disciplinary action will be taken.
Royalty candidates for the Homecoming and Prom dances should be free of good conduct policy violations
and/or other legal trouble.
30
SKUTT CATHOLIC UNIFORM GUIDELINES
2013-14 SCHOOL YEAR
Students in Catholic schools wear uniforms for important reasons: economy, a level of “reasonableness” in
choice of attire, and as a component of the strong discipline for which students and parents choose Catholic
schools. Uniforms help ensure that clothing does not become a distraction to the learning environment of the
school. Of utmost importance, however, is that the uniform is a symbol of the community that all students in our
Catholic schools share. Uniforms are not meant to suppress individuality; rather, the wearing of a uniform frees
students to demonstrate their individuality at the most-meaningful levels: through their efforts, personality,
spirituality and service to others.
Specifications are as follows:
1.
SHIRTS – Students must wear white or black, monogrammed polo shirts purchased only from the
SCHS Booster Club (except when wearing a school approved hooded sweatshirt). Shirts must be long
enough to stay tucked in and must not be inappropriately tight. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. If
a student chooses to wear a tee shirt under the polo shirt, the tee shirt must be of like color with no
lettering or graphics. Turtle necks with SC logo may be worn only with a uniform approved sweater or
sweatshirt. Students may not layer short sleeve over long sleeve shirts.
2.
SKIRTS AND SKORTS – Girls may wear the sequoia-plaid skirt that must be purchased from the
SCHS Booster Club. *The skirt must be worn no shorter than four (4) inches above the middle of the
knee. When hemming the skirt, leave a two or two and a half inch hem to allow for adjustment for
growth. Girls also have the option of wearing the sequoia-plaid, black, or khaki skort purchased only
from Dennis Uniform Company. *The skort must be worn no shorter than four (4) inches above the
middle of the knee. Sweatpants may not be worn under the skort or skirt. The black and khaki skort
will no longer be approved for uniform wear after the 2013-14 school year.
31
3.
PANTS AND SHORTS - Boys and girls may choose to wear black or khaki twill shorts during the
months of August – October and April – May. These must be dark black or khaki. *Shorts should be
worn no shorter than four (4) inches above the middle of the knee and should not extend below the
knee. Pants (may be worn all year and corduroy pants are permissible) must be ankle length and may
have slash or patch pockets. The school fit calls for the top to be located at the waist. Baggy, saggy,
extremely tight, hip huggers, spandex pants, tattered pants or shorts, and bell bottoms are not allowed.
Pants and shorts must have belt loops. A belt is required at all times. Drawstrings and chains are not
considered belts.
4.
SWEATERS AND SWEATSHIRTS – Students may wear only Dennis Uniform Company* cardigans,
v-neck, or crewneck sweaters in black, forest green or burgundy colors chosen to match the colors of the
plaid skirt. Some SCHS sweatshirts are sold by the school and are approved for uniform wear.
Additionally, there is an approved hooded sweatshirt that may be worn. Although additional SC
sweatshirts are available, not all are approved for uniform attire.
5.
SOCKS – Students must wear socks every day. Socks must be visible above the shoes and cover the
back of the heel. Leggings/tights must extend to the ankle and be of like color to the uniform. Tights
must be solid colored and without pattern.
6.
SHOES – A wide range of footwear is approved as long as shoes are non-marking and do not cause
distraction.
7.
Activity Shirt – Students participating in a sport or activity have the option of wearing the kelly green
activity shirt on those days when their team has a scheduled game. An activity sponsor may also
designate a date for wearing the activity shirt. A list of approved sports/activities can be found in the
office or at Dennis Uniform. Students have the option of having their sport/activity embroidered on the
shirt. This can only be done by the Dennis Uniform Company.
8.
General Appearance: All students should uphold the “spirit” of the dress code by having an
appropriate general appearance, as determined by the school administration. For example, dying hair
an unnatural color or cutting one’s hair in an extreme manner would not meet a level of expected
reasonableness. Facial hair is prohibited.
DRESS-UP” GUIDELINES
On occasion, students are permitted to “dress-up” at school. Such occasions occur for special class projects,
certain field trips, or various presentations throughout the year. In the event a student is not willing to meet the
guidelines laid out below, they will be expected to wear the school uniform as outlined in the student handbook.
Girls:
Dress, skirt/blouse, dress slacks, dress shoes. No flip-flops, beach footwear, etc. Wearing of hose is
preferred, but is optional. No spaghetti straps or stomach-baring clothing. Skirts and dresses must
be worn no shorter than four (4) inches above the middle of the knee.
32
Boys:
Button down, collared dress shirt (no Hawaiian print) with tie and full length dress slacks, dress
shoes, and socks. Cargo pants are not considered dress slacks.
Shorts, jeans, tennis shoes, and flip-flops of any kind are not acceptable on “dress-up” days.
Students must remain in this “dress-up” dress code throughout the whole day
The “General Appearance” statement on this page of the student handbook applies on “dress-up” days.
CHARITY DRESS DAY GUIDELINES
The following dress guidelines are to be observed during all charity dress days at Skutt Catholic High School.
1.
The standard to be observed is dress of individual choice that is in good taste and appropriate for school.
Students should approach charity dress days as opportunities to wear clothing they enjoy. Charity dress
day is not, however, an opportunity to show off, test the limits of acceptability, or make a statement that
may be perceived as offensive to students, staff, or members of the community.
2.
Shoes and socks are always required.
3.
Shorts may be worn during shorts season. Shorts must not be excessively short, as determined by the SCHS
Administration.
4.
Though the weather is still warm, students should remember that they are dressing for school<a parochial
school which is air conditioned, NOT A BEACH. Bare midriff<cropped<spaghetti strapped<apparel may
not be worn to school.
5.
Torn, ripped, ragged, fringed, cut-off, excessively worn, excessively tight, or mutilated clothing is never
acceptable.
6.
No clothing is allowed which promotes or advertises the use of tobacco, alcohol, or controlled substances, or
contains graphics or slogans which are in conflict with the values taught at SCHS.
7.
The administration will be the judge of the acceptability of clothing.
8.
Should clothing be deemed unacceptable, students will be required to change before returning to class.
33
As always, headwear and gang-related apparel or style of wearing clothing is prohibited. Students may not carry or
wear jackets or windbreakers. Socks must be school appropriate and cover the heel.
LOCKERS & PERSONAL ITEMS:
School lockers are made available to students for their use, but lockers remain the property of Skutt Catholic High
School. Locker combinations are provided to students so that each might protect his/her belongings. Each student is
expected to keep his/her assigned locker and insure that it is secured & that the combination remains private.
•
Students may attach items to the inside of lockers with magnets only.
•
Damage to lockers will be repaired at the expense of the individual student.
•
Students may store athletic equipment and personal items in secured gym lockers before school, during physical
education classes, or during athletic practices and games.
•
The locker rooms are off limits to students during games unless a student is competing in that contest.
•
Locker room floors, hallways, and the commons are not secure areas and should not be utilized as substitutes for
lockers as secure storage locations for personal belongings.
•
Students are advised to permanently mark or engrave personal items such as calculators.
It is expected, as well, that students not possess on their person or in their locker any items that are prohibited by
school rules or are illegal. School administrators may search lockers at any time without announcement, but will
generally do so only if there is reasonable cause that improper items may exist.
No food or beverage items, except for those unopened and in a lunch container intended for the current day's
lunch, are to be stored in lockers. Since the school is carpeted, open containers simply cannot be allowed.
Cell phones, ipods, laser pens, remote control devices, and other electronic gadgetry may be confiscated if found in
possession of students during normal school hours.
Activities Eligibility Reinstatement Request
Skutt Catholic High School
Skutt Catholic High School Activity Department Policy expects students to pass all of
their coursework in order to be eligible to compete or perform as a member of a school
activity group.
At the each mid-quarter and at the end of the 1st or 3rd quarter, students who have two or more failing grades are
ineligible for activity competition. Students can retain eligibility upon fulfilling the demands of the Activities
Eligibility Reinstatement Request form.
34
Failing two or more classes or failure to fulfill service requirements results in loss of eligibility for a four-week (20
school days) period at the beginning of the following semester. If at the conclusion of four weeks in the new semester,
the student has fewer than two failing and/or has completed the prescribed service requirements eligibility can be
reinstated for the remainder of the quarter.
Coaches, sponsors, and administrators have the discretion to deny student activity
participation if a participant fails to maintain passing grades in any of their academic
courses, or violates school or program policies.
TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY
1.
Access to the Internet must be related to the user’s work responsibilities, for the purpose of education or
research, and be consistent with the educational and religious objectives of the school.
2.
The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use, whether in school or outside of
school, will result in a cancellation of those privileges, disciplinary action (up to and including suspension
or expulsion) and/or appropriate legal action. Whether the use is considered inappropriate or violates this
policy is a matter within the discretion of the Principal (or Head Teacher), and his or her decision is final.
3.
Use of technology, for educational or social reasons, must be consistent with the educational and religious
objectives of the school.
4.
Some examples of unacceptable uses of the Internet or technology are:
a. Using technology for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or
transmitting any material in violation of any U.S. or state law;
b. Unauthorized downloading of software, regardless of whether it is copyrighted;
c. Invading the privacy of individuals;
d. Using another user’s password or account;
e. Using pseudonyms or anonymous sign-ons;
f. Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive,
obscene, or sexually-oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material or other
information and/or materials that are inconsistent with the objectives and/or teachings of the
School.
g. Engaging in abuse of technology. This includes communications, in or outside of school, using
personal computers, social networking sites (including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, and
MySpace) or Electronic Communication Devices (ECD’s) such as cellular telephones, smart phones,
Pocket PCs, Sidekicks, pagers, and other similar devices which threaten other students or school
personnel, violate school rules, or disrupt the educational process promoted by the school.
Abusive communication includes, for example, posting or dissemination of written material,
graphics, photographs or other representations which communicate, depict, promote, or
encourage:
i. Use of illegal or controlled substances, including alcoholic beverages;
ii. Violence or threats of violence, intimidation, or injury to the property or person of
another;
35
iii. Use of degrading language to describe or refer to another student, faculty member, or
school official; or
iv. Lewd, offensive, sexually suggestive, or other inappropriate behavior on web pages, web
sites, blogs, bulletin boards systems, in e-mail communication or attachments, in
discussion groups, user groups, chat rooms, or any other function of the Internet or world
wide web electronic media.
5.
You School account and password are confidential and must remain so. Do not use another individual’s
account and confidential password.
6.
Use of photograph, image or likeness of one’s self or of another employee, student, parent, or volunteer on
any Internet or web-based site, or in any electronic communication, is prohibited, except with the express
permission of the Principal.
7.
Using School equipment to create a web site or to transmit the likeness, image, photograph or video of any
employee, student, parent, or volunteer, is prohibited except with the express permission of the Principal.
8.
Employees are prohibited from permitting any other individual or entity from creating a web site for the
school facility, or from photographing, video graphing, or otherwise creating the likeness of any employee,
student, parent, or volunteer for commercial purposes, advertising purposes, or for Internet transmission or
posting, except with the express permission of the Principal.
9.
Employees are not permitted to allow a non-employee to use a School computer or other equipment unless
the non-employee is an authorized volunteer.
10. The School reserves the right to monitor employee and student use of School computers, including an
employee’s Internet use and email use and content. Thus, employees and students have no expectation of
privacy in their use of School computers, the Internet, or email.
CONTRACT FOR ACCESS TO SCHOOL COMPUTERS
Computers in Skutt Catholic High School classrooms and computer labs are available for use by the students, faculty,
and staff. Access to the computers is a privilege, not a right.
The Administration and Technology Coordinator reserve the right to monitor use of this technology and access
student accounts, if deemed necessary by the administration, to ensure that the use by individuals is appropriate in
character and extent.
•
Classroom work will have FIRST priority for computer use.
•
Individual schoolwork has SECOND priority.
•
Personal use of computers and printers should be kept to a minimum. School computers are not to be used for
playing games.
36
•
SCHS reserve the right to assess a charge for printing for personal use.
•
If you need help with a computer or printer, get help from a teacher or supervisor.
•
Do not change any settings on the computer without permission from your computer teacher or the Technology
Coordinators.
People abusing/destroying the equipment or corrupting the operating system or individual applications will
be held financially responsible for the damages at the rate of $90.00/hour for repair and/or the replacement
cost of damaged parts or systems.
•
Failure to follow the Technology Use Policy may result in the following cumulative consequences:
st
•
1 infraction: Lose computer privileges for 20 school days from the time of infraction and/or 1-15 demerits.
•
2 infraction: Lose computer privileges for 90 school days from the time of infraction and/or 1-15 demerits.
•
3rd infraction: Referral for administrative disciplinary action and/or 1-15 demerits.
nd
Parent/guardians will be informed of any infraction and the loss of privileges.
Students are expected to read, understand, and follow the guidelines for use of the computer network as stated
above. Student privileges may be revoked and/or students can be charged for damages and/or repair for failure to
comply with these guidelines.
Fight Song
Cheer, cheer for Skutt Catholic High
We’ll never give up, never say die;
In our silver, green, and black,
We are the SkyHawks, on the attack
37
What tho’ the odds be great or small,
We know SC will win over all!
Sing the pride of SkyHawks fighting
Onward to victory!
The information contained in this handbook provides a general description of rules and regulations. The school
reserves the right to add to, modify, or abolish any of the handbook provisions without notice.
Non-enforcement of any of the rules or regulations does not serve as a waiver of their future enforcement.
This handbook does not create any restriction upon Skutt Catholic High School’s right to institute any course of
disciplinary action that, in Skutt Catholic’s sole discretion, it believes is necessary and consistent with its Catholic
educational mission.
38

MISSION STATEMENT - Skutt Catholic High School

Transcription

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