Cumulative Demerit System
      For infractions of the rules, students are given demerits, which require them to spend time in detention. The amount of time is determined by the teacher and the Dean and Assistant Dean of Students. Report cards do not show the number of demerits. Parents will receive a letter when a student reaches 8 demerits. When a student reaches 15 demerits, parents will be notified to meet with the Dean/Assistant Dean of Students or the Disciplinary Board, and the student will be suspended. When a student reaches 20 demerits, parents will be notified by letter or by the Dean of Students. Receipt of 25 demerits is cause for dismissal regardless of the offenses. Any offense, even minor ones, repeated often enough become serious because it is indicative of a poor attitude. Students are obliged to control demerits.
     Students with excessive demerits or demerits for serious offenses can be put on a limited demerit system at any time if the Disciplinary Board feels it necessary. The Board's stipulations for improvement are put in writing and signed by students and parents so that there is a clear understanding of what is expected. The Board's requirements may include counseling either outside or by other professionals. Parents must comply with the stipulations the Board feels are necessary to correct or limit the student's problem. Serious or continued rule violation may result in more serious action by the school and, perhaps, ultimately in dismissal.
      Students receive a list of infractions and the demerits assigned to each. The list is not intended to be exhaustive but is provided as a guide. Teachers are free, within reasonable limits, to make some adjustments on the number of demerits to assign for an offense. If teachers are faced with situations not described in the listing, they may take whatever reasonable measures seem appropriate. Students involved in disruptive or otherwise serious problems at school will meet with a member of the administrative staff to have an opportunity to discuss the incident from their point of view and then will be sent home until the Disciplinary Board can meet. This procedure assures that a hasty decision will not be made.
      Decisions on retention or dismissal are not always based on the number of demerits a student has. At any time, the Principal or the Disciplinary Board may dismiss a student regardless of the student's past record or number of demerits currently accumulated. Dismissible offenses include, but are not limited to: drug and alcohol offenses, stealing and damage to property, fighting, blatant insubordination, and weapons possession. While all students possess a common dignity and value as creations of God, it is part of our school philosophy to promote and celebrate racial and cultural diversity. It is a serious matter when a student directs racial, ethnic, or fascist epithets towards another member of our school community. Such behavior will not be tolerated, and will result in appropriate disciplinary action.
     If at any time, the Principal or Disciplinary Board deems that there is a lack of cooperation on the part of parents or students in supporting school policy, a student may be dismissed regardless of the number of demerits accumulated.
      When a decision to dismiss is made by the Disciplinary Board, students have an opportunity to appear before the Disciplinary Board to hear the case against them, to respond to charges made and to ask parents to appear on their behalf. No one else is permitted to attend Board hearings. If the decision to dismiss is upheld, students and parents may appeal the board's decision in writing to the Principal within 48 hours of notification of the action.  The letter should expressly state the reason for the appeal.  The Principal’s decision to dismiss is always final with/without procedures set forth for the Disciplinary Board. At the discretion of the Board, a student may be offered the option of voluntary withdrawal from school.