Central Catholic High School is committed to helping students achieve their potential academically, physically, socially, and spiritually and to continue on a journey of growth. In order to achieve this goal, Central Catholic believes a disciplined and structured atmosphere rooted in restorative justice is necessary. The purpose of discipline is to maintain a safe, honest, and caring environment where students can become the best version of themselves. When a family enrolls their child at Central Catholic, it is expected that they are committed to, and supportive of, our behavior philosophy.

In order to promote self-discipline within each Central Catholic student, the following is a list of student expectations and responsibilities for which each will be held accountable at school and at any school function:

Treat adults and peers with courtesy and respect.

Show respect for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, physical and mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, socio- economic background, and religious and political affiliation.

1. Think before you speak.

2. Show respect for the property of others.

3. Show respect for the environment by maintaining the cleanliness of the building and surrounding campus.

4. Help maintain a positive learning atmosphere in the classroom with appropriate behavior and language.

5. Be responsible for honest and ethical behavior in academic pursuits.

6. Promote the safety and well-being of all students.

7. Accept responsibility for all personal actions.

Students who do not comply with school rules and policies are subject to school discipline. Violations of school rules are listed in two categories, minor infractions and major infractions, according to the seriousness of the offense. Not all infractions can be included in this document. Administration will determine appropriate consequences for behavior not addressed below.

The following offenses will require students to participate in a restorative justice circle at the direction of the Dean of Student Management. Repeated offenses may result in probation or suspension.

1. Misconduct: disruption or noncompliance of behavioral expectations.

2. Use of profanity and derogatory language.

3. Inappropriate displays of affection.

4. Unapproved absences or tardiness.

5. Noncompliance with Dress Agreements.

6. Consuming food or beverage in the hallway, classrooms, commons, and other carpeted areas.

7. Unsafe driving in the vicinity of the school.

8. Parking violation or unregistered vehicle.

The following offenses will result in immediate dismissal from Central Catholic without the possibility of an appeal:

1. Physical assault.

2. Possession of a weapon, explosives, knives or any other potentially dangerous instrument.

3. Setting a fire or bringing fire starting materials to school.

4. Selling, distributing, or intention to sell or distribute any illegal substance.

The following offenses will result in a student being indefinitely suspended pending a disciplinary hearing:

1. Vandalism of the school, school property, or personal property. Students and their parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be liable for all damage to the school equipment or property.

2. Setting off the fire alarm.

3. Being under the influence or in possession of any illegal substances (alcohol or other drugs). Students will be required to complete a urinalysis (UA) within 24 hours of the offense in order to be granted an appeal. After completing an appeal, the student will be required to complete a chemical assessment and follow any recommendations made.

4. Possession of any drug or drug paraphernalia.

5. Involvement in any criminal activity such as theft, drug use, or distribution

6. Theft of school property or personal property.

7. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying as outlined in section 7.7, Harassment and Bullying.

8. Written or verbal statements that threaten harm, danger, or violence towards another person or property. Suspension will be indefinite and will require the completion of a psychological evaluation and conference to consider the return to school. Dismissal may be recommended. If reinstated, a student will be placed on probation and on a contract with specifications for continued attendance.

The following offenses will result either in a restorative justice circle, suspension from Central Catholic, and/or disciplinary probation. The Dean of Student Management will determine the appropriate outcome depending on the nature of the situation.

1. Fighting.

2. Abusive language.

3. Insubordination: an act of defiance or disrespect toward a staff member; failure to comply with a directive or community agreements.

4. Repeated behavioral referrals.

5. Truancy (skipping school).

6. Leaving the school premises without permission.

7. Use or possession of tobacco/nicotine products. Any vaping device will be regarded as an illegal substance and treated as such (see Major Infraction).

8. Possession of drug paraphernalia.

9. Signature forgery, fraud, or impersonating another.

10. Repeated parking violations.

11. Conduct that would reflect adversely on Central Catholic or the Catholic Church.

12. Involvement in any criminal activity such as theft, drug use or distribution

13. Any behavior the school determines to be contrary to its Vision.

In order to promote a safe environment and maintain the reputation of Central Catholic, the school reserves the right to address behavior and impose consequences for students’ actions that occur off-campus or outside of school. Actions that are contradictory to the school’s Vision and ISOs will be grounds for disciplinary action including dismissal from school.

Students who are suspended will not be allowed to attend classes until the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security has had a formal meeting with the student and parent(s) or guardian(s). Students who are dismissed or suspended are not allowed to be on campus or be at any school functions.

Central Catholic High School is committed to creating a climate and culture in which all students are able to learn to the best of their ability. Perceived and real threats to student safety, and harassment of any nature, heighten student stress and decrease student learning. Students and families who perceive that the use of alcohol, tobacco (nicotine), and other drugs is acceptable and/or not harmful are at greater risk for using these substances. Learning is interrupted when the student is under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, or when alcohol or other drug residuals are in their system. Further, these behaviors are disruptive to the student’s physical, emotional, social, and academic growth.

Students

Any student who freely approaches a counselor, administrator, teacher, or coach for help regarding their alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use will be assisted through the counseling department in a confidential and non-disciplinary manner.

Students who come to school under the influence will be released to parents or guardians and sent home for the day. The student, parents and guardian will meet with the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security to determine outcomes and support before the student is allowed to return to school.

Statistics prove that students who begin using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs at an early age dramatically increase their chances of developing a chemical dependency problem. Denial of the issue or an unwillingness to address the situation is the biggest obstacle preventing successful resolution of the problem. If intercepted early, a long term problem may be avoided.

Central Catholic has two goals in addressing substance abuse: prevention and early intervention. We will work directly with students and parent(s) or guardian(s) to provide ongoing education about substance abuse. Our counselors will work with students and families in a confidential setting to provide needed assistance and resources.

Parents/Guardians

Parents/guardians and older siblings are both legally and morally responsible any time they allow alcohol and/or drug use by underage minors.

Parents/guardians are asked to closely monitor the activities of their children especially at times when the parents/guardians cannot be present in the home. Supervised or unsupervised events where students use alcohol and/or drugs in the home, when brought to the attention of the school, will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Any adult who trades, sells, gives away, or offers to trade, sell, or give away alcohol, controlled substances, performance- enhancing drugs, or other hazardous substances to a Central Catholic student will be reported to the proper authorities and will compromise the partnership between the family and the school.

Central Catholic High School’s Drug and Alcohol Policy is designed to hold students and parents/guardians accountable for this type of seriously unacceptable and potentially dangerous behavior, discourage any activity that supports continued abuse and addiction, while supporting the student and their family and offer assistance in the healing process.

Drug Testing Protocol

The school will coordinate the services of a competent drug testing provider. Testing will be conducted in a manner that respects the sensitive nature of this procedure and ensures confidentiality, accuracy, and randomness. Parents/guardians are financially responsible for drug testing fees/charges. Testing will occur at reasonable intervals and will not be excessively repetitive. Failure to pass a drug test will result in sanctions limited to those prescribed by this policy.

The school reserves the right to administer a breathalyzer test for alcohol or a THC Saliva Test as a preventative measure at school events or if a student is suspected to be under the influence during the school day or at any school-sanctioned event. The results of the test can have disciplinary consequences.

Vaping

Student caught vaping on school grounds or at school sponsored events will participate in The Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit, a research-informed and validated set of curriculums to help prevent students from starting or escalating use of any tobacco products. 

This Tobacco Prevention Toolkit, developed by the Stanford REACH Lab, is comprised of a collection of curriculums, lessons, programs, and resources catered to prevent and reduce adolescent and young adult tobacco/nicotine use. While there are some crossovers between our toolkits, our intent is to keep everything packaged and easy for educators, parents, and the like to navigate our resources.  Access the toolkit here: med.stanford.edu/tobaccopreventiontoolkit 

Sexual Violence is an umbrella term that includes but is not limited to, rape and sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence digital/cyber harassment, stalking, reproductive coercion, sexual exploitation, unwanted touching, sexual abuse, sexual harassment.

Sexual violence is unacceptable and prohibited at Central Catholic High School. Each student has the right to a safe learning environment. Central Catholic High School will comply with all current requirements (including those in Oregon law) for education of its students, personnel, and others on the prevention, recognition of, and reporting requirements for teen dating violence and domestic violence. This policy applies to behavior on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities, on school-provided transportation.

Education and Training

In recent years, very public accusations of sexual assault, broken boundaries, and sexual harassment have stirred our national consciousness on these topics. However, conversations on these topics have widely been held over social media and are largely incomplete. Educators across Portland have seen this mirrored in the hallways and classrooms of their high schools. Students are having these discussions, but often without the support of educators and without the skill set needed to engage in these conversations well. Additionally, Senate Bill 197 has mandated that private schools put education policies and curriculum in place related to teen dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual harassment.

Central Catholic High School is committed to addressing the topic of healthy relationships and boundaries with their students, and are focused on a comprehensive approach that allows for developmentally appropriate conversations, and repeated exposure to curriculum over the course of a student’s time at Central. Additionally, Senate Bill 197 has mandated that private schools put education policies and curriculum in place related to teen dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual harassment.

During this school year, all students will receive information about the prevention, recognition of, and reporting requirements for teen dating violence and domestic violence through student life presentations followed by small group discussions.

Central Catholic has implemented the “Circles Curriculum®: Intimacy and Relationships and Stop Abuse” Curriculum to teach social and relationship boundaries, interpersonal skills, and relationship-specific social skills to students in the RAMs Program.

Students in grades 9 through 12 will receive age-appropriate education about sexual violence in the curricular program at Central Catholic High School annually. Our approach will include three 75-minute modules to be presented in the months of September and October with mini-lessons that will act as discussion point reminders several times throughout the rest of the school year.

School faculty and staff, including agents, contractors, and volunteers at Central Catholic High School will receive training on the topic of sexual violence annually.

Teachers, counselors, and coaches responsible for teaching the curriculum receive training in June and will receive a facilitators guide and certificate of completion. This training is revisited in the fall during teacher inservice and will be updated annually.

All faculty and staff receive training during inservice week prior to the beginning of each school year. This training includes information and school policies about the prevention, recognition of, and reporting requirements for teen dating violence and domestic violence.

Central Catholic High School will adopt a poster that contains information, in both English and Spanish, regarding domestic violence, including at least one toll-free hotline number that a student may call to obtain information and help regarding domestic violence. Posting of posters must be in clearly visible locations on the school campus.

Response and Reporting Procedures

1. Incidents of sexual violence can be reported by families to the following: confidential privileged advocates at Call to Safety or Portland Sex Crimes Unit in Multnomah County and Sexual Assault Resource Center or Beaverton Police Victim Service in Washington County (of the county in which the student resides). Any report made to a member of the CCHS school personnel will be reported per mandated reporting laws. Given the sensitive nature of these reports, we encourage students to report to a member of the counseling department. Any reports made to other CCHS school personnel will be referred to the counseling department for trauma-informed response.

   • Students and families have the right to receive support resources without sharing specific details of an incident.

2. Once a report has been received by a member of the counseling staff, students and families will be provided resources for ongoing support. Students have a right to be supported through a school-based support plan. School based responses are aimed to support the safety of all students. School based investigations may hinder future legal procedures.

Due to the sensitive nature of incidences of Sexual Violence and out of respect and honor of students and their right to confidentiality and privacy there may be a gap of communication.

Local and national events have led to an increase in awareness and reporting of sexual harassment, discrimination, sexual violence, sexual assault, and teen dating violence. While we decry that these events happen at all, we want to be sure you know that if you experience or are aware of sexual violence or discrimination that we want you to report these concerns to our school so that we can help ensure your safety and well-being. Any violation of this policy must be reported immediately to the school principal or to the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security in absence of the school principal.

If you are concerned about or experience sexual violence or discrimination, we, of course, encourage you to seek the support of your family. We also encourage you to talk to a trusted adult in your school, which could be a counselor, teacher, administrator, or other staff member. When we know of these concerns, you have our commitment that we will support you and do all we can to ensure your safety and security.

You should know that any reports made on behalf of you or someone else that are made in good faith will not be the basis for any punishment or retaliation. We want you to come forward and have the support you need and deserve.

Contact information and those of other resources are:

• Danyelle Ramsey, Principal: 503.235.3138 ext. 1124 or dramsey@centralcatholichigh.org

• Barry Dillard, Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security: 503.235. 3138 ext. 1103 or bdillard@centralcatholichigh.org

• National Sexual Assault Hotline (available 24 hours a day) 1.800.656.4673

• Safe Oregon call or text 844.472.3367 or email tip@safeoregon.com

Procedures for Reporting:

Procedures for reporting and responding to incidents of teen dating violence, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and/or cyberbullying that takes place on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities, on school-provided transportation includes the following Complaint Procedures:

• The Dean of Student Management, Safety and Security has responsibility for investigations concerning harassment, intimidation or bullying, acts of cyberbullying and incidents of teen dating violence.

• The investigator(s) shall be a neutral party having had no involvement in the complaint presented. All complaints will be investigated in accordance with the following procedures:

Step 1

• Any harassment, intimidation or bullying, acts of cyberbullying and incidents of teen dating violence information (complaints, rumors, etc.) shall be presented to the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security.

• Complaints against the principal shall be filed with the president. Complaints against the president shall be filed with the Board of Directors Chair.

• All such information will be reduced to writing and will include the specific nature of the offense and corresponding dates.

Step 2

• The school official receiving the complaint shall promptly investigate. Parents will be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The school official will arrange such meetings as may be necessary with all concerned parties within five working days after receipt of the information or complaint.

• The parties will have an opportunity to submit evidence and a list of witnesses. All findings related to the complaint will be reduced to writing. The school official(s) conducting the investigation shall notify the complainant and parents in writing, as appropriate, when the investigation is concluded and a decision regarding disciplinary action, as warranted, is determined.

• A copy of the notification letter or the date and details of notification to the complainant, together with any other documentation related to the incident, including disciplinary action taken or recommended, shall be forwarded to the principal, president or Board Chair, as appropriate.

Step 3

• If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision at Step 2, they may submit a written appeal to the principal or designee. Such appeal must be filed within ten (10) working days after receipt of the Step 2 decision. The principal or designee will arrange such meetings with the complainant and other affected parties as deemed necessary to discuss the appeal. The principal or designee shall provide a written decision to the complainant’s appeal within ten (10) working days.

Step 4

• If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision at Step 3, a written appeal may be filed with the president. Such appeal must be filed within 10 working days after receipt of the Step 3 decision. The president shall, within 20 working days, conduct a hearing at which time the complainant shall be given an opportunity to present the complaint. The president shall provide a written decision to the complainant within 10 working days following completion of the hearing.

• Documentation related to the incident may be maintained as a part of the student’s education records. Additionally, a copy of all harassment, intimidation or bullying, acts of cyberbullying and incidents of teen dating violence complaints and documentation will be maintained as a confidential file through school records.

Notification of Policies

At a minimum, Central Catholic High School shall make the policy:

• Annually available to parents, guardians, school employees, and students in a student or employee handbook

• Readily available to parents, guardians, school employees, volunteers, students, administrators, agents, contractors, and community representatives at each school office or at Central Catholic’s office and on the school website.

• The school principal at Central Catholic High School is responsible for ensuring the policy is implemented.

Definitions

Dating or dating relationship means an ongoing social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature between two persons. This does not include a casual relationship or ordinary fraternization between two persons in a business or social context.

Domestic violence means abuse as defined in ORS 107.705 (Definitions for ORS 107.700 to 107.735) between family and household members, as those terms are defined in ORS 107.705 (Definitions for ORS 107.700 to 107.735).

Teen dating violence means a pattern of behavior in which a person uses or threatens to use physical, mental, or emotional abuse to control another person who is in a dating relationship with the person, where one or both persons are 13 to 19 years of age; or behavior by which a person uses or threatens to use sexual violence against another person who is in a dating relationship with the person, where one or both persons are 13 to 19 years of age.

Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.

Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act and or sexual touching when the partner does not or cannot consent. It also includes non-physical sexual behaviors like posting or sharing sexual pictures of a partner without their consent or sexting someone without their consent.

Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally and/or exert control over a partner.

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.

It is critically important for our students to communicate with adults in the building when there are issues or concerns.

Central Catholic High School is committed to providing an educational environment that is free of all forms of harassment, intimidation, and bullying including cyber bullying. As described in our ISOs, students are expected to be relational, open to others, and respect each other in accordance with the social and moral teachings of the Catholic Church. Disrespect or behavior that creates an unsafe educational environment will have disciplinary consequences.

Harassment is unwanted nonverbal, verbal, written, graphic, or physical behavior directed at an individual or group on the basis of race, ethnicity, physical and mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, and religious and political affiliation, or unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature.

Harassment is illegal when:

1. The behavior is unwanted and/or unwelcome.

2. The behavior causes harm or is severe in nature.

3. The behavior is repeated, pervasive, or persistent.

Harassment may be based on, but not limited to, the federally protected class status of a person. “Protected class” means a group of persons distinguished, or perceived to be distinguished, by race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, familial status, source of income, or disability. (ORS 339.351-339.364)

Bullying is a form of violence; aggressive behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power or strength. Although definitions of bullying can vary, most agree that bullying usually includes: attack or intimidation with the intention to cause fear, distress, or harm that is either:

1. Physical (hitting or punching)

2. Verbal (name calling, teasing)

3. Psychological (rumors, social exclusion, relational aggression).

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying is defined as an act that:

1. Substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities or performance.

2. Takes place on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, or on school-provided transportation.

3. Has the effect of:

   • Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property.

   • Knowingly placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property.

   • Creating a hostile educational environment, including interfering with the psychological well-being of a student

   • May be based on, but not limited to the protected class status of a person.

Inappropriate student interactions could be:

1. Bullying and harassment including physical, verbal, nonverbal, and/or relational.

2. Intimidation including physical, verbal, nonverbal, and relational.

3. Hazing including initiation rituals.

4. Sexual behaviors including using sexual language, inappropriate touching, and/or sexting.

5. Cyberbullying including the use of any electronic communication device to harass, intimidate, impersonate, and/or bully.

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, humiliate, impersonate, threaten someone, or pose as someone else to cause harm. Sexting is sending, receiving, or being in possession of sexually explicit or sexually suggestive images or video via a cell phone or computer.

Students found to be in violation of the anti-harassment policy will be subject to disciplinary actions as specified in the Behavior Policies (section 7) of this handbook. Students who retaliate will be subject to further disciplinary actions.

Procedure for Reporting Bullying or Harassment

Students who are being bullied or harassed or have witnessed such an incident should report the incident immediately to a staff member (i.e. teacher, counselor, administrator, coach). The following procedure will be followed once a bullying or harassment incident is reported:

1. Staff member will take a report from the student.

2. Staff member will fill out a written report and submit it to the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security.

3. Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security will conduct an investigation and determine the course of action according to school policy.

Students who intentionally make a false accusation of harassment will be subject to disciplinary actions specified by the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security.

Central Catholic High School offers a rigorous education rooted in equity, collaboration, and a Catholic worldview. Every student is supported in developing their intellectual potential and in using their intellectual talents to become the best version of themselves. The personal development of each student is more important than the achievement of academic success. Personal integrity is essential for building community, promoting social justice, and living as a person of character.  Students will write, sign, and/or collectively recite an integrity pledge for each major assessment.

Central Catholic High School Integrity Pledge: Character matters. I am a person of integrity. This assessment shows my learning and my learning alone.  No assessment is worth compromising my integrity. I know I can seek help if the grade I receive is not what I hoped to achieve. I will ask for support rather than make choices that damage my integrity.

Academic Misconduct

Academic Misconduct is outlined as any of the following:

General:

1. COURSE RULES/SYLLABUS VIOLATION: Violation of course rules as contained in the course syllabus or other information such as assignment directions or test directions, provided to the student by the teacher/school; this includes use of Generative AI, or other outside assistance, when prohibited by the teacher.

2. HARMING OR HINDERING OTHERS: Engaging in activities that unfairly place other students at a disadvantage, such as taking, hiding, or altering resource material, or manipulating a grading system;

3. PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is the representation of work or those ideas not originally your own as if they were original to you, or presenting that work or ideas without proper acknowledgment of the original source. Plagiarism includes unacknowledged / inappropriate use of Generative AI; it includes the unacknowledged word-for-word use and/or paraphrasing of another person’s work, and/or the inappropriate unacknowledged use of another person’s ideas;

4. UNAUTHORIZED GENERATIVE AI: Generative AI is defined as artificial intelligence algorithms capable of generating new content such as text, image, computer code, video and more (ex. include ChatGPT, Midjourney, etc). Unauthorized use of content created by Generative AI is considered unauthorized assistance and is an academic integrity violation. Unacknowledged use of content or ideas created with Generative AI is plagiarism.

Summative Assessment:

1. UNAUTHORIZED ASSISTANCE: Knowingly providing or receiving information during examinations such as course examinations; or the possession and/or use of unauthorized materials during those examinations; this includes assistance from other people and/or Generative AI systems.

2. RECORDING/PHOTOGRAPHING DURING EXAMS: Students using the camera function of their cellular phones or screen shot function of their device, or any other means of capturing information, during exams or quizzes will be subject to an integrity violation.

Coursework: 

1. UNAUTHORIZED ASSISTANCE: Knowingly providing or using unauthorized assistance in labs, projects, or on a course assignment.

2. PLAGIARISM: Submitting plagiarized work for an academic requirement, such as homework or assessments.

3. "DOUBLE DIPPING": Submitting substantially the same work to satisfy requirements for multiple classes without permission of the teacher of the course for which the work is being submitted.

4. FABRICATION: Falsification, fabrication, or dishonesty in creating or reporting lab results, research results, and/or any other assignments; use of unverified information created by Generative AI is fabrication.

5. UNAUTHORIZED ASSISTANCE: Serving as, or enlisting the assistance of a peer, for a student in any graded assignments without the expressed permission of the course teacher; this includes assistance from Generative AI.

When a student signs their name to a paper or project, the student is pledging that it is their own work. Cheating in any form is a violation of personal integrity and damages the community. Cheating is not tolerated at Central Catholic. Any student who is found to have any academic misconduct will be given an integrity violation and it will be recorded in the student’s permanent record. The behavioral consequence will be upheld by the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security.

Consequences for Academic Integrity Violations

First offense: The student and teacher will have an intentional conversation about the value of academic integrity. The teacher will notify the parents/guardians, the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security and the student’s counselor. The student will redo or retake the particular assignment or test. The incident will be documented with the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security.

Second offense: The student will automatically receive a zero (0) on the particular assignment or test. The incident will be documented and the student will be placed on Academic Integrity Probation. This will entail a conference with the student, the parent(s) or guardian(s), the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security, and any other school personnel involved in the matter. The student, along with others in attendance at this meeting, will develop a plan of assistance.

Third offense: The incident will be documented. The student will automatically receive a zero (0) on the particular assignment or test. The student will be dismissed with an opportunity for an appeal.

Fourth offense: The student is dismissed from Central Catholic with no option to appeal.

Determining Generative AI Misconduct:

Students need to keep/track their process steps and may be asked to show their process steps at teacher request. If they cannot show their process steps, further review will take place. If there is reasonable suspicion, students will be asked to demonstrate the skill again, be able to show their process steps, or show knowledge or understanding of the topic/concept in an in-person setting. If a student cannot demonstrate their learning, at least one other faculty member (in addition to the teacher involved) will review the information to assess the situation. Parents/guardians will be notified of the concern. 

The sole purpose of the Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Policy is to create a safe and positive learning environment for all students and staff members, free from any form of microaggressions, racism, or unconscious-bias/biases towards any group of people. We are all encouraged to think before we speak at Central Catholic High School.

It is the sole responsibility of each student and staff member to educate themselves on microaggressions, racism, and unconscious bias/biases.

Ignorance of the actions upheld by the policy are no excuse and will be enforced to the fullest extent and may be punishable by immediate expulsion.

The Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Policy is a four (4) tier policy that is rooted in the Restorative Justice philosophy and creates a learning environment that is Christ-centered, inclusive, and fosters growth and education.

This policy is in line with the vision for success of Central Catholic in creating an inclusive and supportive community. The Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security will partner with culturally diverse organizations to provide restorative justice partnerships and community service opportunities for students who offend based on racial, ethnic, physical and mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation.

The behavioral interventions for these types of offenses will be upheld by the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security and will follow the process below:

1. Students, parents, or guardians will meet with The Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security to discuss the infraction and inform of next steps.

2. The student will participate in a Restorative Justice Partnership for three to five days. This will be an enrichment opportunity at a Community Based Organization (CBO) with community service and opportunity to find value and appreciation for the culture that the student offended.

   • This community service does not qualify for hours needed for academic requirements.

   • Students will not be able to be on Central Catholic property, participate in any school extra-curricular activities, clubs, or team activities during this time if it conflicts with the hours of their Restorative Justice Partnership.

   • All academic responsibilities are expected to be upheld and no exceptions will be made for late or missing assignments.

   • Students are responsible for transporting themselves to and from the designated CBO.

   • Students will be at the CBO from 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. or during after school hours depending on the availability of the placement. Placement and hours will be arranged by The Dean of Student Management, Safety and Security.

   • If the student is late to the CBO, or if there are any other issues, the student may move to the final step of expulsion with no option to appeal at the discretion of The Dean of Student Management and in consultation with the Principal.

3. Upon completing the one to three (3) day Restorative Justice Partnership experience, the student and parents/guardians will meet with the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security to discuss reentry back into the Central Catholic community.

4. If the student has any additional infractions of this nature, the student is expelled (or given the option to withdraw) from Central Catholic with no option to appeal.

Derogatory language that has been used to historically harm and categorize groups of people, comes up every year in schools. Derogatory language includes, but is not limited to, language such as the N-word, R-word, and the F-word as examples. Derogatory language is not to be verbalized and tolerated on campus by any faculty, staff, or students.

If a student uses, or is accused of using, derogatory language, administration will assess the situation and engage with the parties involved. Next steps will be decided by the administration, including the option of initiating a Restorative Justice process.

Depending on the nature of the action/incident, Central Catholic will assign one or more mandatory consequence to the student. These include: Restorative Justice Circle, lunch detention, Saturday School, and more. The following outlines each of these consequences:

Restorative Justice Circle

Restorative Justice Circles provide an opportunity for community members to come together and address harmful behavior in a process that explores harms and needs, obligations, and necessary engagement.

Who’s involved?

• Responsible Parties: the individuals whose actions have harmed others and/or the community

• Impacted Parties: those who were directly harmed by the respondents’ actions

• Affected Parties: others who consider themselves or their community to have been harmed by the actions of the respondents

• Supporting Parties: friends or family of either the respondents or the affected parties, and the student's school counselor

• Facilitator: the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security, who facilitates the Circle

What takes place at a Circle?

Circles bring all parties together to meet, talk about what happened, and settle on a plan to repair the harm. In a typical Circle:

• Each person introduces themself and their relationship within the Circle.

• Responsible Parties share what happened before, during, and after the incident, and how they feel about what happened.

• Affected Parties and Impacted Parties share what happened before, during, and after the incident, how they feel about what happened, and any questions they have

• Supporting Parties are invited to share any thoughts or feelings about what they’ve heard.

• The Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security will ask questions to help guide the process and is multi-partial, rather than impartial: they are committed to supporting and assisting all parties in helping each person tell their story well.

• Once everyone has spoken, the group will brainstorm options for repairing the harm done. Choosing from the options, the group decides which options could best repair the harm and address the most important issues.

• If the group chooses to create a written Agreement, the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security will record the options chosen and compile the Agreement, which is signed by all parties.

• The Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security provides formal closure to the Circle. Participants are encouraged to contact The Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security with any concerns about non-compliance.

What are the benefits of using Circles to resolve complaints?

• Rather than focusing on what policies have been violated, Circles instead help identify who has been hurt and what must be done to repair the harm.

• In a Circle, all parties work together to develop an agreement that resolves the issue. All parties must assent in order for agreement to be reached. All parties exit feeling satisfied about both the process and the outcome.

• Circles help Responsible Parties restore their standing in their communities and repair any relationships that were damaged by their actions. Respondents often report that their ties within the community are strengthened as a result of having participated in the Circle.

• Circles provide Impacted Parties a safe, facilitated space to tell the Respondent how their actions caused harm. Impacted parties play an active part in deciding how the Respondent can best repair the harm done.

• Circles allow Supporting Parties to describe more holistically how what occurred has affected the party they are supporting.

• For complaints that may also constitute violations of the Statement, successful resolutions using Circles mean that the Respondent does not incur a disciplinary record.

Lunch Detention (Scheduled According to the Day’s Bell Schedule)

Lunch detention will be served on the same day it is assigned. Students will have 10 minutes to pick up their lunch before reporting to the designated area in the Old Cafeteria. After eating, students will be responsible for cleaning tables and collecting any necessary materials in the cafeteria or gym/field areas. Please note: In cases of undue hardship, the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security has the discretion to postpone detention for up to one day. 

After School Detention: One (1) Hour

Students who are assigned to after school detention are to report to the office of the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security within ten (10) minutes of the end of the last class of the day. 

Behavioral Saturday Detention: Three (3) Hours

Students who are assigned to Saturday School detention should report to the gym lobby doors on 24th Street at 7:45 A.M., for a start time of 8:00 A.M. If a student cannot attend the assigned Saturday School, they must immediately contact the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security to make alternate arrangements. 

Common Reasons Students May Be Required to Attend Behavioral Saturday School:

1. Attendance Issues

Excessive Tardies: Accumulating too many late arrivals to class or school.

Unexcused Absences: Skipping class or school without a valid reason.

Leaving  campus without permission.

2. Behavioral Consequences

Disciplinary Action: Saturday School can be used as an alternative to suspension for infractions like disrespect, classroom disruptions, or dress code violations. 

Detention Overflow: For students who have exceeded the limit of after-school detentions or failed to serve them.

3. School Policy Violations

Technology Misuse: Violating school rules on cell phone or internet usage.

Dress Code Violations: Repeated non-compliance.

Insubordination or Minor Infractions: Offenses that don’t rise to suspension but still warrant consequences.

*Please note: Any behavior not explicitly outlined but deemed unacceptable will be handled at the discretion of school administration. 

Consequences for Non-Compliance

If a student fails to show up for detention, the assigned time is doubled. The second time a student fails to appear, the time will be doubled again and a warning will be issued. On the third failure to appear for detention, suspension procedures may be initiated, and the student may be suspended from co-curricular activities.

Students who accumulate more than five (5) hours of detention will be required to have a parent(s) or guardian(s) conference with the possibility of probation. The remaining time will still need to be completed.

Students will not be allowed to take finals until all detention time is served.

Students may not participate in athletics or co-curricular activities until they have served at least 30 minutes of their assigned detention. This will apply every day until the assigned detention is completed.

Probation

Students may be placed on probation for violating school rules and policies. First time probation generally lasts one (1) full semester. Terms of probation vary by circumstances, but a standard probation usually includes the following:

• The student must make an appointment to see her or his counselor on a regular and ongoing basis.

• The student must earn an assessment rating of at least satisfactory in effort, conduct, and attitude on all future inquiries or progress reports.

• Any further major discipline problems during the period of probation will be considered grounds for dismissal from Central Catholic.

Suspension

When a student is suspended for committing an offense, the following sequence will occur:

1. Student will be removed from regular classes by the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security.

2. If the student is suspended, the student’s parents/guardians will be contacted before the student is released from school.

3. The length of suspension will depend on the seriousness of the offense.

4. The student may be readmitted on probation after the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security meets with the student and parents/ guardians.

5. Suspension will be considered an unapproved absence, but academic work may be completed without penalty during the period of suspension.

6. The student may not participate in athletics or co-curricular activities.

7. Suspension or probation does not appear on a student’s transcript that is forwarded to employers, colleges, or universities.

8. If readmitted after suspension, the student will be placed on probation.

9. If a student is suspended it could jeopardize current scholarships and it may affect their ability to receive a merit based scholarship the following year. Student behavior does not impact financial aid.

Dismissal

When a student is dismissed for committing an offense, the following sequence will occur:

1. The Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security will consult with the Principal in all cases of dismissal.

2. Notification of the incident is made to the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) and counselor.

3. Students who are dismissed for disciplinary reasons have the right to appeal this decision (unless otherwise stated) before the Disciplinary Appeal Board.

4. The dismissed student shall return their ID card to the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security, clean out their locker, and return all library books and access card.

5. The dismissed student will have their parents/guardians make the necessary arrangements with the registrar for transferring records to a new school.

6. The dismissed student will not be allowed back on the Central Catholic campus for any reason.

7. The dismissed student will not be allowed to attend any function that is the sole activity or event of Central Catholic whether on campus or away.

8. Permission for exceptions to any of the above may be granted upon written request to the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security through the appeal process (see Appendix 1).

9. In some circumstances the student may appeal for readmission the following school year (see Appendix 1), noting that Central Catholic does not accept senior transfers.

Appeal

The Disciplinary Appeal Committee is composed of the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security, two (2) faculty members, and another faculty member who is chosen by the student to guide them through the appeal process. The board will hear all requests for appeal when a student is dismissed, and render recommendations to the Principal.

1. Students who are dismissed for disciplinary or academic reasons have the right to appeal this decision before the Disciplinary Appeal Committee.

2. The student, parents/guardians, and a student-selected advocate present their case for review to the Disciplinary Appeal Committee.

3. Following this meeting, each faculty member on the board votes independently on the status of the student.

4. The Dean of Student Management will review this meeting and the recommendation of the Disciplinary Appeal Committee with the Principal, who will make the final decision in all cases of dismissal.

5. The Dean of Student Management will inform the parents/guardians, and student of the final decision.

6. If the student is dismissed, they must follow the dismissal check-out procedures.

7. If the student is readmitted, the Dean of Student Management will set the length and terms of the probation based on recommendations from the Disciplinary Appeal Committee.

Interpretation of Behavior Policy

Central Catholic High School reserves the right to clarify and interpret all policies and regulations.