Students periodically participate in school assemblies and liturgies as part of the school program. Students are expected to act appropriately during the assemblies and show courtesy and respect for guests. Students sit in assigned sections in the gymnasium. No food or drink is to be brought to assemblies.

Backpacks, phones, and earbuds/headphones are not allowed in the main gym for assemblies and liturgies. Students are asked to leave their backpacks in the classroom from their previous period.

Assemblies and liturgies are an opportunity for Central Catholic to celebrate our community and show pride in our school. Ram Dress is required at all school liturgies, student recognition assemblies, Women in Excellence assemblies, senior awards, all-school conference days, and when we have guest speakers. Ram Dress is defined as the Central Catholic polo provided by the school to be worn with pants with pockets and zippers. No blue denim or pajama bottoms.

Regular school hours are 8:00 A.M.- 2:35 P.M. On late-start days, school hours are 9:15 A.M.- 2:35 P.M. The school day begins when students enter the building. Students are not allowed to leave the building until the end of the school day without permission from parents/guardians and the attendance associate in the Main Office. All students must exit and enter through the main doors during regular school hours. Building access hours are 6:30-8:00 A.M. and 2:35 P.M.-4:00 P.M. for all entrances. Between 8:00 A.M. and 2:35 P.M. students are only able to enter through the main school doors. Students must exit the building by 4:00 P.M. or remain in the supervised cafeteria area to wait for their ride or after-school activity to begin.

Teachers and counselors are available Monday through Thursday from 2:45 to 3:30 P.M. for office hours. Faculty and staff with after-school conflicts are available from 7:00-7:45 A.M. and will communicate their availability with their students.

Students may access the pedestrian gate and the gym entrance from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. to accommodate co-curricular activities.

All student announcements are to be approved by an appropriate faculty member and submitted to announcements@centralcatholichigh.org at least one day prior to needing the announcement posted/read. Announcements are restricted to school-related activities or events and are read/posted daily, except on late-start days.

All student announcements are shared over the PA, on The Daily on the website, in PowerSchool, and on the Canvas Announcements page.

The Main Office should be notified immediately of any change of name, address, phone number, and/or email. This is essential to keep school records and mailing lists accurate and to enable the school to contact parents or guardians in the case of an emergency.

Names and Student Records

A student’s legal name will be maintained on all legal documents, including transcripts, diplomas, registration, enrollment, standardized testing, academic accommodation plans, and student cumulative files.

Nicknames, preferred names, and name changes, such as using a legal middle name in place of a legal first name, are only considered with the submission of a parental permission form to the student's counselor and can be used for but are not limited to, school photos, extracurricular activities, lunch accounts, attendance, grade books, school-home communication, summons to office, yearbook, student ID, text distribution, assignment of IT accounts, and PA announcements.

Any change to how a legal name is read at graduation activities and/or printed in the graduation and senior awards programs must have the express permission of the student’s parents or legal guardian submitted to the student's counselor by April 1 of their senior year.

See Appendix 4 for guidance for students who need support regarding gender.

Students are to be in their assigned class during the entire class period. Students must have a hall pass to use the restroom one at a time after the first 20 minutes of class and must use the bathroom before the last 10 minutes of class (20/10 Rule). When a student leaves the classroom, they must scan out using their student ID number and retrieve the corresponding color-coded hall pass. The student will need to scan back in once they return to the classroom.

Students must have a designated pass to see a counselor, program director, or administrator. Vending machine use should not occur during class time. If a snack is needed while in class, students should go to the Main Office.

Textbooks

Central Catholic High School posts the required textbooks for classes each August on its website. Students will need to use the website to determine which books to purchase online. All purchases will be made outside of Central Catholic High School. Students have the option to buy the required text for their courses from a variety of locations. AP course textbooks are college-level and are therefore more expensive.

If a student needs financial support in purchasing textbooks, they should contact the Assistant Principal of Curriculum Design and Instruction.

Classroom Supplies

It is the expectation of Central Catholic High School that students come to school each day prepared for learning. This includes a fully charged device, a writing utensil, paper, and other necessary supplies to fully engage in learning. A school planner is provided at the beginning of each school year to support school organization.

Classroom supplies are not available from Central Catholic High School. Calculator recommendations, a basic supply list, and supply lists for elective courses can be found on the Central Catholic website.

Dances are for Central Catholic students and invited guests. All participants are expected to observe Central Catholic’s policies and procedures. Inappropriate dancing, including overly physical dancing, will not be allowed at Central Catholic High School. Students who choose to dance in this manner will be removed from the dance without warning, and parents will be notified. There will be no refunds for students removed from dances.

Each Central Catholic student may invite one guest, and the guest must be under twenty years of age. The Central Catholic student and family assume responsibility for their invited guest. Guest passes must be turned in by the set deadline to secure guest approval.

All students and guests must present a school identification or a valid picture identification card upon admittance. Once students leave the dance, they may not return. When students leave the dance, they must leave the site immediately. All dances are from 8:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M., and there will be no admission after 9:00 P.M. Central Catholic reserves the right to deny admission to any person.

Central Catholic develops critical thinkers who are the best version of themselves. We set a high standard for success and encourage students to become critical thinkers when considering time and place for different attire. Administration worked with students to form a Dress Agreement Task Force that gives students a voice to help create a mutual understanding and agreements around attire on campus. Being a college and life prep school includes preparing students to follow expectations in learning and professional environments.

Parents/guardians and students are responsible for ensuring proper dress and hygiene. We expect our students to be dressed in a way that meets the expectations of a Catholic school setting.

Considerations when thinking critically about what to wear to school:

1. Clothing should allow the student to actively engage in the life of the school.

2. Undergarments (including sports bras and bustiers), and/or bathing suit tops will not be shown or worn as a top.

3. Shirts must have straps.

   1. No deep-cut V-neck or scoop shirts or tanks.

4. Clothing will be functional for walking, climbing stairs, and sitting.

5. Clothing will not be sheer or see-through.

6. Clothing must cover the abdomen.

7. Bottoms will have an inseam that is four inches or longer.

8. Pants will sit on or above the hips.

All eight considerations will be met to be in alignment with the dress agreements and apply to the school day. Specific dress agreements may be designated by a particular extracurricular activity.

Additional Dress Agreements, Expectations, and Considerations:

1. Clothing may not depict, imply, advertise, or advocate illegal, violent, or lewd conduct, weapons, or the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or other controlled substances.

2. Clothing may not depict or imply pornography, nudity, or sexual acts, or support brands that promote such practices or behaviors.

3. Clothing may not display or imply vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene language or images.

4. Clothing may not state, imply, or depict hate speech/imagery targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected classification.

5. Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building.

6. Clothing and accessories that endanger student or staff safety may not be worn.

7. Apparel, jewelry, accessories, tattoos, or manner of grooming that, by its color, arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang that advocates illegal or disruptive behavior is prohibited.

8. Any clothing or apparel with self-applied graphics may be deemed inappropriate and is subject to approval by the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security.

Faculty and staff will use the following guidelines when implementing dress agreements above:

• If faculty and staff feel a student is egregiously unaligned with the Dress Agreements, faculty and staff may approach the student privately in a non-judgmental and respectful way as a warning and to problem solve an immediate resolution.

• Faculty and staff are to fill out a Dress Agreements Intervention Form (DAIF) through Google Forms and email it to Administration to hold the student accountable to the agreements.

Ram Dress

Central Catholic strives to provide robust opportunities in an inclusive and supportive community. We are determined to design special dress opportunities that are equitable to all shapes, sizes, and socio-economic backgrounds. Assemblies and liturgies are an opportunity for Central Catholic to celebrate our community and show pride in our school.

Ram Dress is required at all school liturgies, student recognition assemblies, Rose Festival assemblies, senior awards, all school conference days, and when we have guest speakers. Ram Dress is defined as the Central Catholic polo provided by the school to be worn with pants with pockets and zippers. No blue denim. Any sweatshirt or sweater must be Central Catholic branded if it is going to be worn over the polo.

Students will remain in Ram Dress for the entire school day. 

When a student is out of Ram Dress they may rent a shirt from the main office for $10.00 for the day. If the polo is not returned by the end of they day the student will be charged $25.00 for the cost of the shirt.

In the event a student is unaligned with the Dress Agreements, the following immediate steps must be taken to realign with the policy:

• Faculty/Staff fill out a form to notify Administration when students are out of agreement. Students not in Ram Dress are sent to the main office for a polo.

• At no time is the administration required to share the reporting faculty or staff member's identity

First warning:

• The student will be asked to change into their own clothing that aligns with the Dress Agreements.

• If the student does not have access to a change of clothes, they will be directed to the front office to purchase a Central Catholic t-shirt for $10 through student billing. This t-shirt must be worn to comply with the Dress Agreements for the remainder of the day.

• Refusal to change into compliant clothing or the provided t-shirt will result in the student being sent home. Upon return, the student will be required to follow the appropriate next step in the accountability process, based on where they currently stand (i.e., first warning, second warning, etc.). This absence will count toward overall attendance.

Second warning:  

• Detention will be issued, and an email will be sent home to notify the student and parents/guardians that the student continues to be out of alignment with Dress Agreements and/or Ram Dress.

Third warning: 

• • The student will receive two days of detention, a parent/guardian meeting will be held, and the student will be placed on probation for one semester for not upholding community standards and expectations.

If a fourth notice is warranted within the probation period, the student will be indefinitely suspended and must go before a Discipline Board for failure to align with the policies of the Central Catholic Community.

This process ensures students are supported in realigning with community expectations respectfully and consistently, while maintaining the integrity of our learning environment.

Cell Phone Use On-Campus

This school year, we are focusing on building strong habits of being fully present and engaged during the school day by minimizing cell phone use. Our goal is to create a learning environment free from unnecessary digital distractions and to prepare for becoming a fully cell phone–free school during the 2026–2027 school year.

Cellular (cell) phones, including smartwatches, may only be used during passing periods, breaks, and lunch. All phones and smartwatches must be placed on silent or vibrate mode and stored in designated lockboxes as students enter each classroom, including Mass and assemblies, and may be retrieved as the bell rings. During class time, headphones/earbuds may not be on a student's body or used in the hallways.

Student usage of cell phones, smartwatches, or earbuds/headphones is not in alignment with these expectations and will result in confiscation and storage in the Dean’s Office for the remainder of the day. Continued offenses will result in additional disciplinary action.

Communication During Class

All phone communication with family during class time will be handled through the Main Office or via the classroom landline.

Camera and Video Use

Due to privacy concerns, the camera and video functions on cell phones are not to be used on school grounds without permission and are strictly prohibited in locker rooms and bathrooms at all times. Students using the camera function on a cell phone—or any function on a smart watch—during exams or quizzes will be subject to an integrity violation.

Digital Awareness Focus

The second week of each month will be observed as Digital Awareness Week. During this week:

• Educational opportunities will be provided to learn about the impact of devices on our lives and strategies for healthy digital balance.

• All digital devices will be strictly prohibited during the school day.

Looking Ahead

We encourage students to keep their phones “off and away” throughout the entire school day. This year’s continued use of lockboxes during instructional time, Mass, and assemblies is an important step toward our transition to a completely cell phone–free campus during the school day in 2026–2027.

Other Applications and Devices On-Campus

Central Catholic High School recognizes the educational value of many electronic devices and therefore these devices may be used for instructional and/or educational purposes at a teacher’s discretion. However, portable music devices, smartwatches, handheld video games (including those features on a phone) and headphones, AirPods, or earbuds may not be used for non-instructional or non-educational purposes and are prohibited during the school day (including lunch and passing times) unless given permission by the teacher and/ or librarian.

If a student is found using a portable music device, smartwatch, handheld game, and/or headphones/earbuds during the school day, the device will be confiscated and the student will meet with the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security to determine outcomes.

Central Catholic High School does not assume responsibility for the loss, damage, or theft of any device brought to school.

Video Conferencing

Video Conferencing (Zoom, Google Meets, etc.) Policies are in effect for the school year, regardless of full digital or hybrid learning. Expectations for those are outlined below:

1. Teachers will use passwords and waiting rooms that are now a default setting in all video conferencing meetings. This allows teachers to screen any individual coming into the meeting.

2. Teachers will require appropriate etiquette within any video conference meeting. These protocols include:

   • Students should be awake and appropriately dressed before entering the meeting

   • Students should be prepared to learn (attentive, engaged, and active)

   • Students should have the resources needed nearby (books, papers, pens, etc.)

   • Students will log in using their school email account

   • Students should have their full first and last names displayed

   • Students are expected to have the camera on and have their face visible while attending meetings unless they have communicated directly with their teacher and made other arrangements, individually, before class begins.

3. A student needing to preserve wireless bandwidth at their home will be allowed to turn off their video function

4. Students should be shown how to turn off their “self-view” in the video conferencing platform to help address issues of self-consciousness.

5. Video conferences are subject to the same codes of conduct as would apply to in-person interactions, which include but are not limited to using appropriate language, conducting oneself appropriately, and dressing as one would for school

6. Any inappropriate actions taken are subject to disciplinary procedures outlined in Section 7 of this Student Handbook

Prior to any class-related field trip requiring that a student miss classes, the student is to obtain a permission slip from the faculty or staff member who is organizing the field trip. The Archdiocese Permission Form is to be filled out by the student’s parents and returned to the field trip organizer. This form will be carried on the field trip to provide emergency medical and insurance information.

Completed forms must be returned to the classroom teacher at least one school day before the event. Failure to follow this school procedure will require the student to remain at school during the field trip. Students are not allowed to transport other students or themselves to school day field trips.

No food or drink will be allowed in carpeted hallways, the Weston Commons, or on Harrington Field. Food and drink are to be consumed only in the cafeteria, lower level of the school building, and in designated classrooms during lunchtime meetings. These areas are to be left clean and litter-free, whether they are used before and after school, at lunch, or during the school day.

Vending machines should not be accessed during class time and are available before and after school, breaks, and lunchtime.

Gum is costly to remove from surfaces such as desks and carpet. It is not sanitary to place chewed gum where other students might accidentally touch it. Please be thoughtful and dispose of gum properly. Gum should be disposed of before attending all school liturgies.

Students may only use these facilities when an adult supervisor from the school is present. If a student is in one of these areas without supervision, they must leave the area and not use that facility until a teacher, coach, club moderator, or administrator is present. A student may ask school personnel to supervise that area. If the staff member agrees, they are responsible for being present at all times during use.

Due to privacy concerns, activating the camera and/or video function on a cell phone is strictly prohibited in locker rooms, changing areas, and restrooms.

All Central Catholic students are covered by insurance in case of injuries caused by accidents occurring on school premises during hours and on days when school’s regular classes are in session, including one hour immediately before and one hour immediately after regular classes, while continuously on the school premises. With the exception of tackle football, students are also covered while participating in or attending school-sponsored and directly supervised activities, including interscholastic athletic activities and retreats. High school tackle football is not covered, but additional coverage is available to families for a fee. Students are also covered while traveling directly and without interruption to or from home and school for regular attendance, or home and school to participate in school-sponsored and directly supervised activities, provided travel is arranged by and at the direction of the school, and while traveling in school vehicles at any time.

The library is open before and after school, at lunch, and during the entire school day. A student may come to the library from class or study hall if they have obtained a pass from the classroom teacher and have permission from the librarian. Library hours are 7:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M. Cell phone use without headphones/earbuds is not allowed in the library at any time. 

Lockers are school property. The school is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to any books or other personal property. Students will be assigned a hall locker at registration. Hall lockers are not to be changed nor combinations given to other students. Padlocks are not allowed on hall lockers. Any repairs or requests concerning hall lockers should be made to the Director of Facilities. Students are highly encouraged to store their lunches, school materials, and personal belongings in their lockers.

Students taking a Physical Education class or participating in athletics will be issued a locker room locker and a padlock. Students are responsible for securing all valuables left in the locker room to prevent theft. Locker rooms are open for students enrolled in PE classes during class time, all students can access the locker rooms from 7:30 to 7:50 A.M. and 2:35 to 2:55 P.M. on school days; outside of those times, a PE teacher or athletic coach must open and supervise locker rooms.

The locker rooms will be cleared of unsecured property weekly. The property will be held for one week and then donated to local charities. There is a $10 fee for lost and not returned padlocks.

The lost and found is located in the hallway by the Student Activities Center. Students who find lost articles are asked to take them to the Main Office. Unclaimed articles are donated to local charities. 

Items left behind in locker rooms will be placed in designated bins within the boys' and girls' locker rooms. Items left in those designated bins are donated quarterly, with a message to students and families at least two (2) days prior, so that students have time to ensure they have no items in those bins before they are emptied.

Lunch

Central Catholic has a full-service cafeteria. Food and drink may be consumed in the cafeteria, the cafeteria lobby, the Memorial Gym, and the courtyard. 

Students are not allowed on the main floor beyond the Commons or in the upstairs hallways during lunch unless they have a prearranged meeting with a teacher or staff member, or are using the library. Each student will need to have a digital lunch pass on their phone if they have a designated lunch meeting or are meeting a specific teacher/staff member. Students will not be allowed entry to the upper level of the school during lunchtime without the digital pass.

Central Catholic High School operates as a closed campus for all students, with the exception of seniors. Seniors are permitted to leave campus during their designated lunch period, while all other students must remain on school grounds for the entirety of the school day.

Lunch Delivery

To support student safety, minimize classroom disruptions, and uphold wellness standards, the school has established the following guidelines regarding food deliveries:

Students are not permitted to order food through third-party delivery services (e.g., DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, Uber Eats, etc.) during the school day. Delivery orders made by students or on their behalf will not be accepted and may be turned away. Students are not allowed to meet a delivery driver outside of the building under any circumstances.

Parents/guardians may order food for their student, but must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Prior Notification: Parents must email the Main Office (mainoffice@centralcatholichigh.org) before placing the order. This allows staff to be aware of and coordinate the delivery.
  
  

• Delivery Location: All food deliveries must be directed to the Main Office only. Please note that school staff are not responsible for ensuring a driver delivers the order to the correct location, and students are not permitted to meet a delivery driver under any circumstances.
  
  

• Pickup Time: Students may pick up food from the Main Office only during scheduled break or lunch periods. Deliveries that arrive outside those designated times will be held until the next appropriate break.
  
  

Before and After School Deliveries
For safety and supervision purposes, all before- or after-school food deliveries must also be directed to the Main Office. Students should not meet drivers in parking lots, on sidewalks, or at any campus perimeter.

Students not complying with expectations around lunch and/or lunch deliveries may face disciplinary consequences and/or have their food confiscated until the end of the day.

Students are required to fill out the Prescription/Non-Prescription Self Medication form or the Self Medication agreement form in order to take any medications at school. Students should carry their prescribed inhaler, insulin, and/or epi-pen with them at all times for self-administration as needed.

All prescription medications are required to be stored in a locked location and must be administered by the main office staff who are trained in medication administration if they need to be taken during the school day. Please register all medications and file appropriate paperwork with the main office staff.

Non-prescription Medication

Nonprescription medication is defined as medication that under federal law does not require a prescription from a prescribe. Nonprescription medications are typically called “over the counter” medications and are usually commercially prepared

For a non prescribed medication to be administered at school the medication must:

1. Be necessary for the student to remain in school

2. Be in the original manufacturer’s container

3. Have signed permission from the parent/guardian (Students may sign for themselves without parental consent or disclosure at the appropriate age per ORS 109.610-109.695)

4. Have written instructions on medication dose, frequency, and route by parent/guardian 

5. The dosage requested must be consistent with the manufacturer’s guidelines and age-appropriate

Student Self-Medication:

A student may self-administer their own medication if:

1. They require no assistance with administration

2. They are able to demonstrate the ability, developmentally and behaviorally, to take their own medication at school

3. A self-medication agreement is on file with the following signatures: (building administrators, parent/guardians (or students if applicable), prescriber or school nurses (for prescription medications) 

4. If a student is self-administering their own medication, no staff documentation is needed each time the medication is taken

The primary focus of the Office of Advancement at Central Catholic High School is to raise funds for the school to ensure a sustainable future and allow financial accessibility for families of diverse economic backgrounds. All fundraising solicitations must occur within the scope of the priorities of the school, as decided upon by the Board of Directors and the administration of Central Catholic High School. These priorities are established to ensure that our academic and co-curricular programs are both rigorous and robust, rooted in the Central Catholic tenets of equity, inclusivity, collaboration, and a Catholic worldview.

1. Groups or organizations conducting fundraising activities that benefit the students and programs at Central Catholic must obtain clearance for the fundraising activities from the Vice President of Advancement.

2. Sports teams and clubs that need funds for trips or special projects outside the constraints of the budget are to work with the Dean of Student Life or the Director of Athletics to plan for such trips or special projects in advance. Solicitations to individual parents or other school constituencies without the involvement or expressed approval of the Office of Advancement are prohibited.

The Point System has been implemented to encourage volunteerism and to provide parents and other interested constituencies with a way to convert their volunteer hours into funds for their student’s team or club. Please refer to the Central Catholic website for more information or to log your volunteer hours at centralcatholichigh.org/parents/point-system.html.

Participation in Outdoor School is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum period to date (semester) and cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and cannot be beyond seven (7) absences in the semester serving. Students may participate only once per semester and they must attend prior to May. If participating a second time in the same academic year, students will be required to have a minimum period to date (semester) and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. 

Central Catholic reserves the right to deny participation. Central Catholic encourages all students with an interest in service through outdoor school to prioritize Camp Howard Outdoor as a service site.

Propping exterior doors open is prohibited. Any student or faculty/staff member found propping a door open will be subject to disciplinary action.

To enroll in school or attend classes, a student must live in the same residence with one of their parents or legal guardians. If there is a guardianship change during the school year, families must notify the registrar as soon as possible. Exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the principal through an appeal process (see Appendix 1).

Fire Drills

For the safety of teachers, students, and staff, fire drills are held at regular intervals. Teachers will familiarize their students with evacuation routes from the classrooms from which they teach.

During Fire Drills: 

• Students are escorted out of the building, by their teacher, to assigned areas as indicated in their classroom. 

• Teachers are the last to leave a room and are responsible for ensuring windows and doors are closed.  

• Once in the designated areas, students are to assemble as directed so that class attendance can be taken and reported.

• Students are expected to stay together as a class group and maintain silence throughout  the drill. 

Earthquake Drills

For the safety of teachers, students, and staff, earthquake drills are held at regular intervals. These drills involve instructions over the PA system. 

During Earthquake Drills:

• Students receive direction to drop to a crouched position--with head down toward knees,  hands clasped behind the neck, arms against ears, eyes closed, and back toward the windows--under a desk, table, or against inner walls or archways to provide protection from falling plaster, light fixtures, or other heavy overhead objects. 

• Students are give instructions calmly and firmly.

• Students remain in the drop position until the earthquake is over or until further instructions are given. 

• Given the dangers associated with building entrances when an earthquake is occurring, under no circumstances will students rush through or outside of the building, exposing themselves to falling debris, live wires, etc. 

• In the instance of an actual earthquake, students are not permitted to leave the building unless there is a major collapse and/or there is a strong smell of gas. In these instances, students will get instructions from their teacher, a staff member, or over the PA.

Active Shooter Response (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate)  

In order to ensure our students, faculty, and staff know how to respond should an active shooter situation occur, we periodically engage in active shooter drills. Expectations of students during an active shooter situation include:

• Abide by any instructions given over a PA announcement (note that a PA announcement may not be possible in a real circumstance), including whether to lockdown or evacuate. and follow any additional directions given that allow teachers, staff members, and students to make informed decisions of how to respond (i.e.,  “There is a male intruder dressed in a gray jacket with a knife in the gym lobby heading towards the locker rooms”). 

• Evacuate the building immediately if the danger is not too close.  In the event the building is evacuated, someone will escort students to a designated area as a group, attendance taken, and missing students reported. Under no circumstances should students be allowed to leave the secured area.

• If lockdown:

  • Stay locked inside their classroom, barricade the door, move out of sight of any window/door, spread out, and have items ready to throw in case the intruder can enter your space. 

  • Lights should be off, students should remain silent, and move away from the threat.

  • When it appears safe, or when notified, students should move to a safe area: a classroom or away from the school.  

• If evacuation:

  • If with an adult, students will be escorted to a designated area as a group, attendance will be taken, and missing students reported to authorities. If there is no adult with the group or individual, students should follow the same evacuation protocols.

  • Students should evacuate through the nearest exit using established assembly locations: Buckman Elementary School (SE 16th and Stark Street) and Da Vinci Middle School (NE 26th and Couch Street).  

  • If students cannot evacuate to one of the two designated assembly locations, they should go wherever they can most immediately remove themselves from danger (Laurelhurst Park is another option). If a students/students are not in one of the designated areas, and also not with an adult, they should notify their whereabouts to the Main Office or to authorities.

• Other considerations:

  •  If the emergency is in your classroom, students should contact the Main Office and 911 immediately and leave the shades open, and the door unlocked. 

  • Students located in hallways or bathrooms will be directed to the closest safe classroom.  

  • Students should look to their teacher or other adults in their classroom/area to maintain a calm environment that is focused on safety.

  • Students will not be allowed to use the classroom phone or cell phones except to call 911 and/or the Main Office. 

In the event of any natural disaster or safety event, students should not speak to the media. A designated spokesperson will handle all media, emergency personnel, and parent/guardian concerns. All questions should be referred to the president or principal. 

Lock-Out Response

In order to ensure our students, faculty, and staff know how to respond to an unsafe situation outside of the building, we periodically engage in lock-out drills. Expectations of students during a lock-out situation include:

• Students cannot open any door to the exterior of the building, and are not permitted to enter or exit.

• Students can move freely within the physical building. No one is permitted to be on Harrington Field.

• If students are outside of the building when the situation occurs, they will be brought into the building immediately. If they are further away from campus, for example, on a walking field trip, instructions will be given through the adult in charge, and students are expected to follow those directions. 

Crisis Intervention 

In times of crisis, it is imperative that the community responds in a way that is consistent with the values of educating and forming the whole person. Consequently, these procedures have been put in place to ensure caring, loving, and consistent responses to tragedies that befall our community. 

The following situations have been identified as crisis times: suicide of a student; suicide of staff member; serious injury or death of a student; serious injury or death of staff member; outsider and threatening person in the building; fire; natural disaster; bomb threat or explosion; building or system failure; ripple effect of adjacent tragedy; death of a former student; tragic death of well-known parent; death of a significant political figure; gang fights and drive-by shootings; publicized school related tragedies. 

Response Activation Procedure 

Central Catholic is committed to transparency. As such, we share our Response Activation Procedure in the Student Handbook so that students are aware of our process in times of crisis and know where to direct questions/concerns, and know what to expect. Below outlines the typical process used in crises (identified in section above):

1. Event occurs. 

2. Information is gathered by the principal, the administrative team, or the assigned counselor. Law enforcement officials or the family should be contacted to confirm the event. 

3. A Crisis Response Team will be convened by the principal to plan a strategy for responding to events. The response team is composed of the Principal, President, Assistant Principal of Curriculum Design and Instruction, Dean of Student Life and Athletics, Director of Athletics, Dean of Professional Development and Innovation, Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security, Director of Communications, and the Director of Counseling and/or the assigned counselor. The Main Office Manager may be called in to assist. 

4. The team will develop a plan for responding to the tragedy. The goal will be to maintain a sense of calm and normalcy by keeping things as routine as possible. 

5. The team will decide if the phone tree should be engaged. Information will be transmitted through the phone tree if the event occurs outside of the school day. Texting is only used to notify faculty and staff of meetings, not to share information. 

6. Information, if deemed appropriate by the team, will be disseminated to faculty and staff at a meeting before the beginning of classes. A written script may be provided for teachers to use in class to provide students with information that is accurate and sensitive. Faculty and staff will also be provided with information about available community resources. The crisis team will determine if the Emergency Response Team consortium members need to be called in to assist with the crisis.  

7. The President or Principal will coordinate with the Director of Communications to respond to all media requests. The Main Office Manager will be the contact person for parents with special concerns, questions, or requests.  

General Emergency Guidelines 

• It is important to continue with the normal school day routine. Students need to remain on campus and be in class unless they are excused by the teacher to see a counselor or visit the Chapel. The assigned academic counselor may follow the victim’s class schedule to debrief and counsel classmates and assist teachers in dealing with potential emotional situations. 

• In the case of a death, the appropriate community faith response will be determined by the crisis team in consultation with the victim’s family. The protocol will be to discourage independent, spontaneous responses. Creating memorials at lockers, vigils, etc., will be discouraged. Students should also be discouraged from meeting without the support of an adult present. 

• While every effort will be made to stay with the routine, teachers and students may need time to process. Consequently, the planned curriculum may need to be set aside to allow time to process. Counselors will be available to help manage this process when requested to do so. The crisis team will also be accessible to provide support to teachers and students. Outside  Emergency Response Team members may be called in to assist. 

• The response from adult members of the community toward students’ needs to be supportive, nonjudgmental, consoling, and,  above all, honest and factual. Since students tend to seek out people they trust to help them work through traumatic situations,  teachers may be asked to inform students of the tragedy in the classroom setting. 

• Peer Mentors, Student Leadership members, and Campus Ministry Student Leadership teams will assist in identifying and supporting “at risk” peers. 

• Students requesting to see a counselor or go to the chapel will be promptly directed to the appropriate area.

• The following protocol will be used when communicating with parents or guardians:  

  • The phone contact person will be the Main Office Manager. Administrative assistants and administrators may also be called upon to respond to phone inquiries. 

  • If the crisis team deems it necessary and timely, a brief letter about the tragedy may be sent to parents/guardians. The letter will include information about the school’s response to the tragedy, the grief process, and the school and community resources available. Parents or guardians will also be alerted to the signs of delayed grief reactions and the possible impact of anniversary dates. Counselors will contact parents/guardians of students who have been identified as “at risk.” 

• Students who wish to attend any memorial or funeral services will be permitted to do so, provided that the normal absentee procedures are followed. Some crisis team members may be observers and offer support for students at the service,  particularly “at risk” students. 

• While the protocol will be to return things to normal as soon as possible, support staff should remain alert to delayed responses and remain available to intervene. 

• The school counselors will track anniversary dates and be prepared to provide support if needed. Particular attention should be paid to the potential for “copycat” suicides. 

• Students directly affected by the event may need special attention as they transition back into the school setting. These students should be encouraged to return to school promptly. 

• At the culmination of the crisis, the crisis team will evaluate response plans and make recommendations.

The Central Catholic community comes from all over the Metropolitan area and beyond. We take the safety of our students, families, and staff seriously and balance that with conditions in close proximity to the school. We are committed to monitoring weather forecasts closely and will share information as outlined below if we anticipate any adjustments to our before and after-school activities.

During periods when wintery weather is in the forecast, we encourage students to bring all textbooks and supplies home with them each day. In addition, our policy for winter weather closures is: 

• Central Catholic is closed, with no school, for the first two days of a weather event, 

• on the third and fourth days, students receive assignments each morning and complete them on their own (a-synchronous learning),

• any extension beyond day four, we switch to digital learning where classes are taught via Zoom on a schedule communicated to students and families, and

• in years where more than one weather event occurs, the above is adjusted during an additional weather closure.

You can view our short-term closure protocols in Section 5.25 of this handbook.

Regardless of whether the school is on a late start, closed, or online, should there be any adjustments to the school schedule, activities schedule, and/or close/cancel anything, we will share the information:

• Via text and email messages

• On our main social media accounts (@cchsrams)

• Through the news media

• Alerts from FlashAlert (view/sign up here)

If your student utilizes the Westside Shuttle, we will email you directly about changes and cancellations impacting the shuttle service. If school is delayed due to weather, or if there is an early release, there will be no Westside shuttle, and you are responsible for getting your student to (if delayed) and from (if early release) school. We know this may cause hardship, and we will do our best to communicate in a timely manner.

As always, if conditions and/or roads differ in your area of town, we encourage you to make decisions in your family's best interest.

This protocol will take effect on the first day of a temporary closure unless otherwise determined by the Central Catholic High School administration. When short-term closures are due to snow and ice, this protocol will take effect on the third and subsequent days of closure (the first two days would be actual snow days/no school).

Days three and four are asynchronous learning days. Any extension beyond day four becomes synchronous and follows the school bell schedule. The type of day (M-day, T-day, W-day, Cardinal, or Gold) will be adjusted appropriately and communicated by the administration.

When will the faculty post assignments?

• Faculty must post digital assignments/instructions on Canvas by no later than 10 A.M.

• Students should expect to spend up to 60 minutes per class

• Digital assignments are required only for the courses that generally meet on the day of the closure

When are assignments due?

• Any digital deliverables required by a teacher must be submitted by no later than 11:59 P.M. on the day of the deadline given by the teacher if school is still closed

What if students are ill or do not have access to the internet? 

• If a student is ill or unable to work digitally due to a power or internet disruption, parents or guardians should call 503-235-3138 ext. 1100, email attendance@centralcatholichigh.org, or use the SchoolPass App

• Central will mark the student’s excused absence in PowerSchool for that day

• Faculty should provide extensions or exemptions as needed per their usual practice regarding absences and make appropriate, reasonable accommodations for students who do not have access to electricity or the Internet at home

What can parents/guardians do from home to support their students?

• Check email from school communications for updates

• Create space and time during the day for students to focus on learning, recognizing that digital learning counts as a school day

• Assist students with troubleshooting any technology or learning challenges they may face

• Encourage a healthy balance, including good sleep, a healthy diet, and physical activity

The school does not allow the use of the name “Central Catholic,” “Central Catholic Ram,” or “Central Catholic High School,” or the Central Catholic logo or brand images except by specific permission of the President, Principal or their designee. No non-school group, team, or club of any type is allowed to identify itself as “Central Catholic,” “Central Catholic Ram,” or “Central Catholic High School,”  nor are those names to be printed on garments or otherwise publicly displayed in any way, including social media, except by the pre-approval, in writing, of the president, principal, or their designee.

Students are responsible for school property (lockers, books, polos, etc.) issued to them. In addition, they are expected to respect the rights and possessions of others. Restitution is required if property is damaged, stolen, or destroyed.

Lockers, desks, and personal belongings are subject to a search at any time by school administration, teachers, or staff members. This is for the protection of students and school employees. Lockers, desks, and any other storage areas at the school remain in the possession and control of the school even though they are made available or assigned for student use.

To protect the health and safety of persons and property in the school, students may not keep the following items on their persons or in their lockers: firearms, knives or other weapons, explosives, poisons, drugs, tobacco/nicotine products, alcohol, or any materials or devices which might endanger the physical safety of persons or property. If there is probable cause to believe that a student has a prohibited item on their person or in their locker, the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security, or their designee, will initiate a search in the presence of a second administrator.

The Main Office will ensure the Student Directory is available around the first week of October through the Student Advisory Page located in the students’ Canvas account.

The school has designated the following as directory information which the school may disclose without specific consent: the student’s name, address, telephone listing, photograph, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.

A parent/guardian may elect not to have any or all of these items included in a school-related directory. Notice from a parent or guardian that they do not want any or all of these types of information included must be made in writing or by email to the main office by the end of the previous school year for exclusion from the next year’s directory.

Guests are allowed only when they are prospective students seriously considering attending Central Catholic. Arrangements for prospective students to visit must be made by the visiting student’s parent or guardian with the Vice President of Admissions and Enrollment Management at least two (2) school days before the visit. The Vice President of Admissions and Enrollment Management will issue a form that must be signed by the host student’s teachers and returned before the visit. A Central Catholic student is allowed to have only one (1) guest at a time.

Building Access

School safety is of paramount importance at Central Catholic High School. Being able to identify students, as well as control who can enter the building, is vital to maintaining a safe environment. We utilize HID mobile access using cellphone technology. If a student does not own a cellphone, they should contact the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security during the first day of classes.

It is imperative when entering or exiting the building that students close the door behind them, making sure they do not give access to the building to anyone not wearing a Central Catholic badge. Students will face disciplinary action for allowing entrance to anyone not affiliated with Central Catholic.

Students have access to the building, using the HID technology, from 6:30 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. (adjusted for late starts) on school days at the following entry points: main entry, gym doors, PAC doors, and the pedestrian gate. After the start of school, entry is only granted through the front doors. After school, students will have access from 2:35 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the front doors and from 2:35 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the gym doors and the pedestrian gate.

Student Identification

At the beginning of the school year, students will be issued an updated Central Catholic ID card. 

Student IDs will be hung on school-issued lanyards, and students are required to carry their student ID on their person during the school day and be able to present it upon request (6:30 A.M.- 4:00 P.M.). It is strongly preferred that students use their IDs or the 5-Star app when purchasing items from the cafeteria.

If a student loses their ID badge, they should see the Dean of Student Management, Safety, and Security for a replacement badge or to replace a lost or broken lanyard. Stickers are not allowed on the student ID badge. Only school-approved lanyards are to be used.

Students may be given a message during the school day through the Main Office. Flowers and treats will not be delivered to the classroom and can be received in the Main Office. See Section 5.17 of this Handbook for more details on food deliveries.

Students may request copies of their transcripts by obtaining a request slip from the College Counseling Office and turning in the completed form to the Main Office. Student records are kept confidential. Parents, legal guardians, and students have access to their records. You can also access the form online.

Students and their parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be liable for all damage to school equipment or property.

All volunteers working with or around students are subject to background checks once every three years and must comply with all applicable Archdiocesan requirements including but not limited to C.A.S.E. (Creating a Safe Environment) training.

Extreme situations, for example, intimidation of school employees, interference with the effectiveness of the school, or impeding school operations, may result in asking a family to withdraw from Central Catholic.

At the End of each school year, the administration may assess some students’ continued attendance at Central Catholic. Students who have been suspended, placed on probation, or placed on review status will be evaluated. Information gathered from teachers, coaches, the Dean of Student Management, and the school counselor will be used to make a comprehensive decision on the student’s return to Central Catholic. If it is determined that a student does not meet the school’s expectations, the student will not be invited back to Central Catholic for the following year and withdrawal proceedings will be initiated.