School Policies and Procedures

The Acceptable Use Policy of Computers and Technology has been implemented at St. Mary Parish school in order to maintain a safe and secure environment for students and employees.  Please review these guidelines. 

https://stmaryhc.org/files/cms/4/4511.pdf

Students make mistakes. Our school follows the Love and Logic process when students misstep. This process allows students to make choices that are not appropriate in a safe space where corrections can be made, choices can be reevaluated, and they can try again. Sometimes, repeated mistakes require a paper reminder that a different choice is necessary. This is what a demerit is, a paper reminder that can lead to external consequences. The students sign their demerit slip, so they know they have received one.

A one-point demerit serves as a reminder for

• Respectfully moving through the hallway

• Controlling disruptive talking

• Following classroom and school expectations 

• Using appropriate behavior beyond the classroom (e.g. church, lunchroom, etc.)

• Following staff directives

• Turning in assessments or assignments

•  Following technology expectations

• Returning materials that need a parent/guardian signature

A two-point demerit serves as a reminder for:

• Disregarding safety in a way that might harm another person (intentionally or unintentionally)

• Repeatedly disrupting instructional time

• Engaging in language or behaviors that are harmful in the academic and/or social environment

• Inappropriate behavior on field trips

• Lack of accountability or responsibility

• Engaging in “mean” social media use that disrupts the classroom community

• A substitute teacher issues a demerit

A four-point demerit can be given for more egregious choices including, but not limited to

• Disregarding safety, harming another person (intentionally or unintentionally)

• Inappropriate use of technology and materials

• Bullying, harassment, intimidation, or fighting

• Inappropriate language

• Dishonesty and/or cheating

The consequences work on a point scale. When a student receives... 

1 point: Student receives and signs the demerit. 

2 points:  Student receives and signs the demerit and a warning.

3 points: Parent(s) will be informed by the homeroom teacher.

4 points: Parent(s) will be notified by the homeroom teacher.

Student will serve lunch detention the Wednesday after the infraction, during which they will write out a virtue-based reflection.

The reflection must be signed by a parent and returned within two school days. 

5 points:  Parent(s) will be notified by the homeroom teacher. 

Within three school days, student will serve a 30-minute after-school detention with a middle school staff member and write a virtue-based reflection.

The reflection must be signed by a parent and returned within two school days. 

Within three school days, student will perform 30 minutes of after-school community service for the school as arranged with Dr. Joerres. Student will report to the school office for specific directions.

6 points: Parent(s) will be notified by the homeroom teacher. 

Within three school days, student will serve a 30-minute after-school detention in the school office and write a virtue-based reflection. 

This reflection will need to be discussed with Dr. Joerres and the parent who picks up the student. 

Within three school days, student will perform 30 minutes of after-school community service for the school as arranged with Dr. Joerres. Student will report to the school office for specific directions.

7 points: 

On the next full school day, the student will serve a half-day, in-school suspension which will be served in the school office beginning at 11 am until end-of-day.

During that time, the student will work on the classwork that they are missing that day as well as any past work that needs completion.

Within three school days, student will perform 30 minutes of after-school community service for the school as arranged with Dr. Joerres. Student will report to the school office for specific directions. 

Parent(s) will be notified by Dr. Joerres for a re-evaluation of school opportunities (which may include, but are not limited to: field trips, school functions, and school activities) and to collaborate on how to best serve the student moving forward regarding their behavior and choices demonstrated in their learning environment.*

8 points: 

On the next full school day, the student will serve a full-day, in-school suspension, which will be served in the school office. 

During that time the student will work on the classwork that they are missing that day as well as any past work that needs completion. 

Within three school days, student will perform one hour of after-school community service for the school as arranged with Dr. Joerres. Student will report to the school office for specific directions. 

Parent(s) will be notified by Dr. Joerres for a re-evaluation of school opportunities (which may include, but are not limited to: field trips, school functions, and school activities) and to collaborate on how to best serve the student moving forward regarding their behavior and choices demonstrated in their learning environment.

If a student receives a two or four-point demerit, which causes them to skip a consequence level, then they will only serve the consequences of the newest level. 

Each trimester will be seen as a fresh start, with the student again having zero demerits. However, to best assist students in their overall growth and reaching their full potential, the continued tracking by the staff of accumulated demerits throughout the year will help recognize behavior patterns, focus on areas of concern, and foster communication between staff and parents. Therefore, if a student reaches a total of 10 demerits over the course of the school year, an individualized behavior plan will be created in collaboration between the administration, middle school staff, and parents. This behavior plan will set specific goals to support the student in making better choices. If a student’s behavior plan does not result in ongoing compliance with established goals, the administration will determine if continued enrollment at St. Mary Parish School is the best option for the child and/or the school environment.

The tradition established at St. Mary Parish School has been the wearing of a uniform.  The purpose of having a school uniform is to simplify the matter of student attire and place that issue in its proper perspective with regard to the learning process.  The uniform is viewed as a sign of belonging to St. Mary's and is an expression of pride in developing community.  A uniform promotes a sense of equality among the students.  Cooperation in wearing a uniform encourages responsibility and self discipline on the part of the students. The Administration reserves the right to deem items inappropriate. 

See pages 34 through 37 of our handbook: https://stmaryhc.org/files/cms/3/3858-Parent-Handbook-1819.pdf

At St. Mary’s we believe in fostering a Growth Mindset in our students.  Through teacher feedback and test corrections, students are able to recognize which standards and goals they need to continue to practice to advance their knowledge.  

Middle School Policy: 

All students are able to make test corrections in order to demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge and skills. The following are the guidelines for making these test corrections. 

• Students have one week to complete test corrections from the time they are given the original assessment back. 

• Students may seek out assistance from teachers to help in better understanding the skills during the week. 

• Teachers may provide opportunities throughout the week for the students to gain a better understanding of the standard being assessed.   

• Teachers will provide the assessment correction format which may include such tasks as follows...

  • Number the problem/question and write the correct answer on loose leaf. 

  • Write at least one complete sentence to explain what their error was and what he/she needs to do to correct it.  

  • In Math show all work to correct the problem or question, along with writing a sentence explanation.

  • Etc.   

Teachers will provide a change in the final grade and standard proficiency based on the assessment corrections.  

 *For 8th grade, this procedure will not be in place for the finals, as the final is an official cumulative assessment.  

Assessment and Grading Guidebook. (2018, August). Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Best Procedure For Test Corrections. (2015, April 13). Retrieved from https://www.mathgiraffe.com/blog/best-procedure-for-test-corrections 

St. Mary will be using Standards Based grading system that uses a value scale of 4,3,2,1. 

Our middle school teachers have created wish lists on Amazon with items that will assist and enhance the learning process. If you would like to purchase and donate an item, please see the lists below. Thank you for your generosity!