Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

HTS Virtuous Behavior Support Philosophy

The student is a reflection of God’s love…the child is made in image of God. Every measure must be taken to respect and nurture the dignity and potential of each child and young adult in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Students are expected to treat one another and all those with whom they come in contact within a manner consistent with the teachings of our faith. Any measures taken by adults in a school community to ensure this student behavior must be done so in the loving spirit and model of Jesus.

Christ is our center. Discipline promotes discipleship and encourages reconciliation. We will be using a school-wide positive behavior philosophy modeled after Christ, who is Caring, Humble, Respectful, Inclusive, Self-disciplined, and Trustworthy. Our school-wide positive behavior approach includes a variety of age-appropriate methods. All methods will inform the child that every behavior has consequences. By emphasizing positive consequences for appropriate choices, teachers will help children develop good habits that limit behaviors resulting in negative consequences.

Our Community strives to be Disciples of Christ by being: 

• Caring 

• Humble 

• Respectful

• Inclusive 

• Self-Disciplined 

• Trustworthy

We create a peaceful community by:

• Praising People

• Giving Up Put-downs

• Seeking Wise People

• Noticing Hurts

• Righting Wrongs

• Helping Others

Conduct

Discipline in the Catholic school is considered an aspect of moral guidance and not a form of punishment. The purpose of discipline is to provide a school climate that is conducive to learning and promotes character development and the common good.

Holy Trinity is committed to creating a safe, caring, respectful learning environment for all members of the school community. As disciples of Jesus, we understand that personal discipline is a Code of Christian Behavior that calls each of us to personal responsibility and respect for ourselves and others. Holy Trinity staff will employ techniques that enable students to problem solve while keeping their dignity and self-worth intact. 

We reserve the right to address student behavior that does not comply with expectations, regardless of whether that behavior occurs in or out of school. All students will be afforded their due process rights. 

Therefore, we see it as our responsibility to help students:

• Look squarely at their behavior. 

• Take responsibility for his/her actions.

• Seek reconciliation with God and others.

• Move forward with a plan to make better choices in the future.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) occasionally request that the student not be spoken to by the administrator or any other school official regarding conduct unless the parent(s)/guardians are present or given prior notice. The school should advise the parents that the school cannot teach the student under such circumstances and, therefore, the family should reevaluate enrollment at Holy Trinity Catholic School. We view educating students as a partnership that relies on support from home and school. It is our hope that together we are able to redirect misbehavior and move forward. 

Holy Trinity School employs Virtuous Behavior Formation to recognize students' behavior that follows the Virtues in Education. Praise Notes and Class Dojo are awarded for virtuous behaviors. 

It is our goal to reinforce and support our students as we work with our parents to instill Christian values and promote the virtues of unity, faith, hope, charity/kindness, joy/peace, justice/fairness, fortitude/courage, prudence/sound judgement, temperance/self control and gratitude.

At times, it is necessary to give a consequence to students who struggle to make choices that are in line with virtues.

The individual classroom teacher customarily handles disciplinary procedures for K through Grade 8. Policies are developmentally appropriate for each grade level. Expectations and consequences of inappropriate behaviors (words and actions) are explained thoroughly in each new year to both students and families. 

Administration: 

• promotes and encourages both consistency and ongoing parent communication in the growth of a healthy school environment;  

• reinforces individual policies that are within the framework of this handbook; 

• is available to all faculty, staff, students, and families and acts as an additional resource for the strategies necessary to plan for individual student growth and learning. 

Classroom-level discipline typically includes (but not limited to):

• Chewing gum

• Classroom disruption: disruptive transition; out of assigned seat; failure to follow directions/rules, note writing

• Disrespect to self or others

• Inappropriate language

• Misuse of cafeteria food/utensils

• Not returning home/school communication

• Uncooperative behavior: unsafe/rough play, running in the building

  1. 1. • Cheating (including copying another person’s work)

• Dishonesty

• Gossip/Rumors/ Intentional social exclusion

• Negative body language towards others

• Put-downs/Verbal insults/Un-kind behaviors

• Possession of non-approved electronic equipment, including electronic communication devices (i.e. Smart phones and watches)

• Use of profanity

Logical consequences for these behaviors may include (but are not limited to): 

• Verbal correction

• Loss of privileges

• Restitution

• Time away from peers (silent lunch)

  • • • • Loss of participation in school activities

• Infraction (detention)

• Think sheet

  • • • • Parent/Teacher conference

*These may be handled within the classroom or by administration.

Administrative-level discipline typically includes (but not limited to):

• Any aggressive behavior that intentionally harms another person either physically or emotionally

• Bullying

• Computer hacking or tampering with any school technology (See Acceptable User Policy)

• Cyber-bullying - inappropriate use of technology-either in-school or out-of-school

• Directed profanity, Sexual misconduct

• Fighting, Harassment, Intimidation or threats of any kind

• Possession of weapons

• Recurring/Repetitive behavior concerns

• Stealing, Vandalism

• Verbal abuse

  1. 1. • Use or possession or weapon, explosive, or anything that is used as a weapon. (Possession means on self or on school property.)

• Possession or use of any drugs and/or drug paraphernalia (Includes alcohol, tobacco, and vaping)

• Physical assault to any school staff or school representative (Shoving, hitting, pushing, spitting, and/or battery, etc.)

• Acts of arson

• Conduct which substantially disrupts, impedes or interferes with the operation of the school

• Conduct which substantially impinges upon or invades the rights of others

Logical consequences for these behaviors may include (but are not limited to):

• Think sheet

• Parent communication

• Behavior contract

• Community service

• Detention

• In-school suspension (daily substitute rate) 

• Loss of privileges 

• Parent meeting 

• Referral to appropriate law enforcement or other agency 

• Referral to a student improvement team 

• Removal from class 

• Restitution

• Short-term out-of-school suspension 

• Verbal correction

  1. 1. 1. • Long-term suspension or expulsion

           • Formal discipline hearing

*These may involve administration, Archdiocese school office, and/or local law enforcement.

The administration reserves the right to search storage areas, desks, and backpacks at any time without notice for the safety of all students. The administration also reserves the right to examine all items brought onto the school grounds, including backpacks, phones, and other items. Defacing desks, chairs, walls, books, or any school-related item is strictly forbidden. Students will be financially liable for any cleaning and/or replacement. 

The administration reserves the right to determine the consequence dependent upon the severity of the issue or concern. 

Discipline Progression

(The following is from the Archdiocesan T7000 Series THE CHILD...THE YOUNG ADULT IN THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL).

#7110 In-School Suspension/Short-term Suspension 

In-school suspension/short-term suspension is a temporary withholding, up to five (5) school days, of the privilege of attending class and/or any school sponsored activities. An in-school suspension is conducted in a supervised area of the school, in which case the student is admitted to school but is not allowed to attend class or to participate in school sponsored activities. Short-term suspension is served out of school and the student is not allowed to attend class or participate in school sponsored activities. Schools should develop local policies regarding how school assignments are handled during an in-school suspension or short-term suspension. 

#7110.1  Procedure

An in-school suspension or a short-term suspension may be imposed on a student only after giving the student and/or parents oral or written notice of the infractions affording the student an opportunity to explain his/her behavior to the principal/designee.  However, if the presence of the student endangers other persons or property or substantially disturbs, impedes or interferes with the operation of the school, the principal/designee may suspend the student forthwith without being heard for a term not to exceed five (5) school days.  .

#7120 Long-term Suspension/Expulsion

 #7120 Long-term suspension that is not an expulsion is an out-of-school suspension imposed on a student for more than five (5) school days.  While on long-term suspension, including any intervening weekends and holidays, a student shall not attend or participate in school-sponsored or supervised activities. Expulsion is the removal of a student from school for the remainder of the school year, for one calendar year or permanently. 

#7120.1  Procedure

• Long-term suspension/expulsion shall be imposed on a student only after the student has been afforded an opportunity for a formal hearing.  In all cases that might result in a long-term suspension or expulsion, a student shall immediately be suspended for a term not to exceed five (5) school days.  

• A written notice of any intent to impose a long-term suspension/expulsion and the infractions upon which the intent is based, shall be delivered in person, by mail or e-mail to the parents/guardian of a student 17 years of age and younger.  Certified mail, return receipt requested, is helpful to be sure that a letter is delivered.  

• For a student 18 years of age and older, a written notice of an intent to impose a long-term suspension or expulsion and the charges upon which the intent is based, shall be delivered in person or by mail to the student and to his/her parents/guardian.  

• The notice also shall contain the date, time and place that the formal hearing will be conducted.  The hearing shall be conducted not later than the last day of the five (5) school day suspension, except for “good cause,” as determined in the sole judgment of the Hearing Team.  A “good cause” for delaying the hearing generally exists only in cases of serious illness or deficiencies in the notice that would compromise the conduct of the hearing.  Absent good cause, the hearing will be conducted as set forth in the notice, regardless of whether the student, his/her parents/guardian are present.  

• Regardless of the age of the student, the written notice required by this policy shall be delivered or mailed no later than one school day after the student has been suspended.  

• In elementary schools, the formal hearing specified in this policy shall be conducted by a Hearing Team composed of at least two other preferably regional Catholic school principals.  In secondary schools, the Hearing Team shall be composed of the President’s designee and at least two other Catholic school certified personnel.  An Archdiocesan associate superintendent should attend all student hearings.  

• If the student and his/her parents fail to attend the hearing, the student’s opportunity for hearing shall be considered waived.  

• Parents may withdraw a student before or after a hearing has taken place.  However, if a student is withdrawn after the hearing, the results of the hearing may be included in the student's file.

#7120.2  Grounds for Long-Term Suspension/Expulsion

A student may be suspended or expelled for: 

• willful violation of any published regulation for student conduct adopted or approved by the school;  

• conduct which substantially disrupts, impedes or interferes with the operation of the school;  

• conduct which substantially impinges upon or invades the rights of others;  

• disobedience of an order of a teacher, school security officer or other school authority, when such disobedience can reasonably be anticipated to result in disorder, disruption or interference with the operation of the school or substantial or material impingement upon or invasion of the rights of others.

#7120.3  Notice

Whenever any written notice is required to be given to the parents/guardians of a student, it shall be sufficient if the same is mailed to the residence of such parents/guardians at the address on file in the school records of such student.  In lieu of mailing such written notice, the same may be personally delivered or e-mailed. 

#7120.4  Procedural Rights 

In any formal long-term suspension/expulsion hearing specified in these policies, the following rights shall be afforded.  the right of the student to have of his/her parents/guardian present;  the right of the parents/guardians of the student to be present at the hearing;  the right of the student and his/her parents/guardians to hear the evidence supporting the reason for the hearing;  the right of the student to speak on in his/her own behalf and give reasons for his/her conduct;  the right of the parent/guardian to question the violations and to present information on the student's behalf;  the right of the student to a fair and orderly hearing.

#7120.5  Procedures for Student Hearings

• The principal and/or designee (dean of students, vice principal) presents the student violations.  

• The student and/or parent/guardians state the student's case.  

• The hearing team may ask questions of either party.  

• There will be no cross examination by either party.  

• The principal and/or designee (dean of students, vice principal) and student and parent/guardian will be dismissed.  

• The hearing team discusses the testimony and makes a written recommendation to the principal and pastor (in the case of elementary parish schools.  In the case of consolidated elementary schools the principal shall keep the board chair informed.) or to the principal and president (in the case of secondary schools). (See “Report of Formal Hearing” #7120.6 below)

#7120.6  Report of Formal Hearing 

Upon the conclusion of any formal hearing which results in a long-term suspension (exceeding five {5} days) or expulsion, the hearing team shall make a written recommendation to the principal.  The principal (and pastor, in the case of elementary parish schools) considers the recommendation, makes the final decision and conveys it in writing to the parent/guardian within 24 hours of the hearing.  The final decision of the principal shall include a statement that the student has a right to appeal the decision and the time frame and procedure for doing so.  This statement should make it clear that the appeal is to determine if the correct procedures have been followed and that the appeal process will not overturn the decision of the local panel.  A copy of the report shall be sent by the head of the school to the Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools.

#7120.7  Appeal Procedure

Any parent or guardian of an elementary student who has been given a long-term suspension/expulsion may make a written request for a formal review of the procedures regarding such action. The appeal is made to the Appeal Panel of the Archdiocesan Commission on Education.  The appeal must be made within five (5) calendar days after the decision of the Hearing Team. 

In secondary schools, any parent or guardian may make a written request for a formal review of the procedures of the hearing.  The appeal shall first be made to the school's President.  The appeal must be made within five (5) calendar days after the decision of the Hearing Team.  The President may choose to deny the appeal or return the matter to the school's Hearing Team for further review because a procedure was not followed.  The decision, including the reasons for it, will be mailed or personally delivered to the parent/guardian and student, if 18 or older, within five school days of receipt of the appeal request.   Any parent or guardian of a secondary student who has been given a long-term suspension/expulsion may make a further appeal to the appeal panel of the Archdiocesan Commission on Education by making a written request for a formal review of the procedures regarding such action. The President shall then file a complete report to the Appeal Panel for procedural review.  No appeal involving a secondary school student shall be heard by the Appeal Panel unless it was first presented to the school President for review.   

Appeals concerning elementary students must be made within five (5) school days after the final decision of the school's principal. Appeals of decisions concerning secondary students must be made within five (5) school days after the final decision of the school’s President.  The appeal requests should be sent to: 

Appeal Panel of the Archdiocesan Commission on Education

 c/o Superintendent's Office 

12615 Parallel Parkway 

Kansas City, Kansas 66109 

The student shall remain in suspension/expulsion during any such appeal, but shall continue to receive school assignments pending a decision on appeal. 

Any such written appeal shall be reviewed by the Appeal Panel not later than ten (10) calendar days after such notice of appeal is filed.  This body will review the procedures of the Hearing Team/School leaders to determine if the student was afforded fair and reasonable process.  This body will not review the substance of the decision.  In reaching a decision, the Appeal Panel shall determine whether the policies and procedures for long-term suspension/expulsion of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas were followed.

The Appeal Panel shall provide written notice of its findings to the Superintendent within 24 hours of the review.  The Superintendent will convey in writing the findings of the Appeal Panel to the school, parents/guardians.  These findings will either (1) deny the appeal, or (2) return the matter to the school for further review because a procedure that may have adversely influenced a decision against the student was not followed.   

*Catholic School Policies  Effective August 1, 2023 

Creating an Environment of Peace & Safety to Body, Mind & Spirit - Anti-Bullying Policy

God created each of us to crave peace with the people we live with, work with, and the people we love. No human can sustain chronic fear, inescapable perceived threat, or endless loss of belonging and safety without serious injury to their body, mind, and spirit.

As family, when we walk together on our journey of faith, we are learning that Jesus calls us to live not only the Letter of the Law but the Spirit of the Law as well. In the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches us that we are called to be personal peacemakers; to practice attitudes of understanding, empathy, humility, compassion, and conflict resolution. We help our students better understand and live the Beatitudes.

The teachers and administration worked together to support Catholicity through practicing our virtues. We use the Education in Vitrue curriculum to support this policy.

Bullying/Aggressive Behaviors

Prevention:

• Class meetings allow students to discuss issues in a safe environment.

• Bullying prevention (including cyberbullying) lessons will be taught through counseling and classroom activities.

• School and classroom rules address bullying behaviors.

• Religion class supports teachings of Jesus & Christ-like behaviors.

• Education in Virtue principles encourage bully resistance. 

Procedures:

• Report of incident is made to a trusted adult (online reporting via the Safe Environment Form.)

• The incident is reviewed, and appropriate measures are taken to correct the situation.

• Reconciliation of students is the goal.

• If your child reports bullying acts to you, inform the teacher.

• Each incident will be monitored to ensure repeat offenses do not occur.

• If incidents continue the parent, student, or teacher will inform an administrator.

• When incidents have been reported after teacher intervention, the administration of the school will talk with both students, define expected behavior and set consequences for future incidents. A consequence may be assessed at the time. If deemed necessary, visits with counselor or a therapist outside the school may be required. A contract with the student may be in order.

If an incident occurs after administration intervention, a student meeting will be made by teachers and administrators. The teachers and administrators will meet with the student and parents to write a contract.

 * Failure to keep a contract will result in a Hearing Team meeting to consider long term suspension.

Definitions

Bullying:

any intentional gesture or any intentional written, verbal, electronic or physical act or threat that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for a student or staff member that a reasonable person, under the circumstances, knows or should know will have the effect of: —Harming a student or staff member, whether physically or mentally;—Damaging a student’s or staff member’s property;—Placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of harm to the student or staff member; or— Placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of damage to the student’s or staff member’s property.

Cyberbullying: 

Bullying by use of any electronic communication device through means including, but not limited to, e-mail, instant messaging, text messages, blogs, mobile phones, pagers, online games and websites.

Harassment: 

Intimidation or bullying can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, demeaning comments, drawing cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral or physical actions. “Intentional acts” refers to the individual's choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).

Relational aggression: 

Manipulation calculated to hurt or control another child’s ability to maintain rapport with peers. Relational aggression is behavior that is intended to hurt someone by harming his or her relationships with others. Relational aggression includes behaviors such as rumors, gossip and social exclusion. Students purposefully ignore or exclude others, spread rumors, and tell peers not to associate with another student as a means of retaliation. Students use their relationships to inflict harm, manipulate peers, and injure others’ feelings of social acceptance.

Technology Violations

Only students who have signed and returned the Acceptable Use Policy will be allowed to use Holy Trinity (herein known as HTS) Communication Technologies. 

Parents and students are responsible for any monetary expenses incurred by intentional or negligent damages to technology hardware or software by the students. 

Communication technologies are used to support learning and to enhance instruction. It is the policy of HTS that all communication technologies used through HTS are to be used for teacher-directed educational purposes and in a responsible, efficient, ethical, legal and Christ-like manner. 

The use of communication technologies is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in disciplinary action, including cancellation of these privileges. The administration, faculty, or staff may deny, revoke, or suspend Student accounts at any time. 

In keeping with fair and equal treatment of all students, the following policies will be enforced, understanding that this is not an all-inclusive list. Situations not included in this list will be addressed at the time of infraction; consequences will be determined by the Administration and Technology Administrator as a team. These will then set precedent for similar infractions in the future. Should a student repeat an infraction, stiffer consequences will be issued. 

 Students will not be allowed to use any technology at school until a signed Acceptable Internet Policy and Grade 5-8 Google Agreement has been returned. 

Scaling Consequences:

Each time limit below = no computer use school-wide, unless essential to complete task (ie testing) and then only with direct teacher supervision. Administration reserves the right to increase or decrease the level of severity of consequence based on individual circumstances.

• 1st offense – 3 school days

• 2nd offense – 5 school days

• 3rd offense – 4 school weeks

• 4th offense - remainder of school quarter

• 5th offense - reminder of school semester

• 6th offense  - remainder of school year 

Replacement Costs:

Damage to a device by a student may result in the following costs to the family through FACTS  

• Screen replacement = $50

• Keyboard replacement = $50

• Device replacement = $250