Virtue Discipline Policy

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Middle School Virtue Discipline Policy

At St. John the Evangelist Catholic Middle School, we are committed to fostering an environment that reflects our Catholic values and virtues. Our policy is designed to guide students in their moral and spiritual development, emphasizing respect, responsibility, and integrity. Disciplinary actions are not merely punitive but are opportunities for growth and redemption, encouraging students to reflect on their actions and make amends. Our approach integrates Catholic virtues into every aspect of school life, ensuring that every student matures into a compassionate, ethical, and conscientious individual.

Catholic Virtues and Moral Teachings

Our policy is based on the following core Catholic virtues:

Faith - Believing in God and His teachings.

Hope - Trusting in God's plan for us.

Charity - Loving God and our neighbors.

Prudence - Making wise decisions.

Justice - Being fair and giving everyone their due.

Fortitude - Showing courage in the face of challenges.

Temperance - Exercising self-control.

Types of Infractions and Consequences

1. Minor Infractions:

• Examples: Tardiness, uniform violations, incomplete homework, minor classroom disruptions, running in hallways/classroom, excessive talking out of turn, disrespectful language, personal space (hands to self), chewing gum in class, not following dress code, using electronic devices without permission.

• Consequences: Including behavior check monitoring system.

  • First Offense: Verbal warning and reflection time.

  • Second Offense: Behavior check

  • Third Offense:  Immediate intervention meeting with administration. (Same day/class period)

  • Fourth Offense: Detention session and parental notification.(Same day/class period)

2. Moderate Infractions:

• Examples: Disrespectful behavior, repeated minor infractions, misuse of school property, inappropriate language or gestures, skipping assigned duties, violation of school rules regarding technology use.

• Consequences:

  • First Offense: Written reflection, detention session

  • Second Offense: Intervention meeting, behavior plan, parental notification

  • Third Offense: Extended detention, community service (determined by admin.), follow-up meeting

3. Major Infractions:

• Examples: Bullying, cheating, fighting, vandalism, theft, harassment, substance abuse, sexual assault, academic dishonesty, cyber bullying.

• Consequences:

  • First Offense: Immediate removal from class, extended detention session, mandatory counseling with admin and parental notification.

  • Second Offense: Suspension, comprehensive behavior improvement plan, and a reconciliation meeting with involved parties.

  • Third Offense: Extended suspension or expulsion consideration, restorative justice.

Expected Outcomes

The primary goal of our discipline policy is to:

1. Encourage Personal Growth: Students learn from their mistakes and grow into virtuous individuals.

2. Promote a Respectful Community: A school environment where respect, kindness, and love prevail.

3. Strengthen Moral Understanding: Students develop a deeper understanding of Catholic virtues and how to apply them in daily life.

4. Supportive Environment: Foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that aligns with Christian values.

Behavior Check Monitoring System

The Behavior Check Monitoring System is designed to improve student behavior through a structured process that includes clear consequences and opportunities for reflection and growth. The system focuses on minor infractions and aims to guide students in making better choices.

The system comprises a series of escalating consequences based on the number of offenses:

First Offense:

• Action: Verbal warning and reflection time

• Purpose: To provide the student with an opportunity to understand the impact of their actions and encourage self-reflection.

Second Offense:

• Action: Behavior check

• Purpose: To formally document the infraction and remind the student of the importance of following school rules.

Third Offense: Multiple behavior checks within the same class period.

• Action: Immediate intervention meeting with administration.

• Purpose: To ensure the student takes responsibility through a dialogue with an administrator about their behavior or choices.

Additional Interventions and Consequences

After 4 Behavior Checks:

• Action: Intervention meeting with administration

• Purpose: To discuss the student's behavior pattern and develop a plan for improvement. This meeting involves the student and school administration to create a collaborative approach to behavior modification. 

After 6 Behavior Checks:

• Action: Restorative virtue detention

• Purpose: To help the student understand the implications of their actions through a restorative approach. This detention is tailored to the specific infractions and aims to mitigate mistakes and improve behavior. Activities may include:

  • Writing reflective essays on the impact of their behavior

  • Participating in community service within the school

  • Engaging in structured discussions about virtues such as respect, responsibility, and empathy

Implementation and Monitoring

• Documentation: All behavior checks and consequences are documented digitally by the teacher and shared with administration.

• Weekly Progress Report: A weekly progress report will be implemented for students to keep track of their behavior checks, allowing them to monitor their progress and make improvements. Forms will be sent home with the expectation that they are signed by both the parent and student and returned. Failure to return the report will result in an additional check. (A verbal reminder by admin. with 1 additional day to return will be given prior to the additional check.)

• Review Meetings: Regular review meetings are held with teachers and administrators to monitor the student's behavior and make adjustments to the intervention plan as needed.

• Positive Reinforcement: Positive behaviors are also recognized and rewarded to encourage continuous improvement and highlight the benefits of making good choices. Behavior checks will reset periodically throughout the school year/quarter. Students will be notified by teachers/admin. when checks will reset. Out of uniform days for adherence to the virtue discipline behavior check monitoring system will be periodically awarded to students based on a set number of checks as determined by the teachers and administration.

This Behavior Check Monitoring System aims to create a supportive and structured environment where students understand the importance of their actions and are motivated to improve their behavior through reflection, accountability, and restorative practices.

Why a Virtue Based Discipline Policy?

By integrating these principles into our discipline policy, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Middle School aims to help students build a strong moral foundation, which will guide them throughout their lives. We believe that fostering a community rooted in respect, empathy, and responsibility is essential for the moral development of our students. Our educators are dedicated to modeling these values and creating an environment where every child feels valued and supported.

In addition to academic excellence, we prioritize the social and emotional growth of our students. Through various programs and activities, we encourage them to practice kindness, engage in community service, and develop leadership skills. By doing so, we hope to nurture not only knowledgeable scholars but also compassionate individuals who are prepared to make positive contributions to society.

Furthermore, we invite parents and guardians to partner with us in this mission. By working together, we can ensure that the lessons learned at school are reinforced at home, creating a consistent and supportive framework for our students' growth.