St. Bernadette School
80 University Blvd East
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Tel: (301) 593-5611
Fax: (301) 593-9042
In accordance with the mission and core values and beliefs of the school, which emphasizes deep respect for human dignity and uniqueness of every individual, each student will be considerate of the rights of others in all interaction. All students are expected to cooperate with the spirit and policies of the school which are designed to foster mature development and personal responsibility. This requires courtesy in all personal relationships, promptness in fulfilling obligations, concern for the environment, and many other factors which the students' sense of appropriateness will indicate to them. St. Bernadette School is committed to create an environment in which everyone feels emotionally and physically safe.
The principal reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of an action if any doubt arises.
Discipline Code
The purpose of discipline in a Catholic school is to bring about the self-disciple of each student and of the school community as a whole in order to promote the Christian development of each member and thereby enhance the community as the People of God. (Archdiocese of Washington Administrative Regulation 5150, Attachment B)
Behavior at all times should reflect courtesy, respect and consideration toward all students, school personnel, parents, volunteers, and visitors.
If children are to learn, then discipline is absolutely necessary. When students misbehave, they not only disturb the teacher, but also deprive the other students of valuable class time.
According to St. Bernadette’s code of discipline, each student is expected to do the following:
- Accept responsibility
- Respect people
- Respect property
- Accept correction
- Exhibit self-control
- Follow the uniform policy
Grades K-5 will follow the discipline code of the school:
- The teacher will use age-appropriate consequences when violations occur.
- Parents will be kept informed if the level of misbehavior becomes excessive.
- The administration will become involved when necessary.
Grades 6-8 will abide by the discipline code of the school:
- Parents and students must sign the Handbook Policy Form at the beginning of each school year.
- Demerit points will be assessed for each infraction of the discipline code for students in Grades 6-8. A total of five points will result in a detention.
- Each student will receive a copy of the Discipline Code at the beginning of the school year.
Cheating: Cheating of any type will not be tolerated. Students who choose to cheat face a failing grade and/or disciplinary action. All incidents of cheating will be referred to the Principal.
Detention: A total of five points will result in a detention. Parents are given written notification of the detention. The day, date and time of the detention will be included in the notice. Parents must return a signed copy of the notification, prior to the day of the assigned detention. Any student receiving 2 detentions in a quarter and/or 3 detentions in a year will serve a 2-hour detention on Saturday. There will be a fee of $25,00 assessed which will be used to compensate faculty monitors. Students must come to school in uniform. Detention takes precedence over appointments, practices, lessons, ball games, etc.
Suspension: In accordance with Archdiocesan regulation #5150, serious violation of school rules and regulations, when all other disciplinary procedures have been followed, may warrant an in-school suspension as the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken. Suspension should not exceed a period of five (5) days. A student may be suspended for a serious infraction without prior offense. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Leaving school property without permission
- Destruction of school property
- Communicating a serious disrespect for authority or others
- Fighting, shoving, pushing, use of foul language
- Academic dishonesty
- Possession of fireworks, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, electronic devices
- Stealing
- Repeated incidences of bullying
When it becomes evident that suspension of a student is the appropriate disciplinary action, the student's parent or guardian will be notified and a conference with the principal is required. A record of the student's suspension will be kept on file throughout the student's enrollment at St. Bernadette School.
School Safety/Harassment: St. Bernadette School provides a safe environment for all individuals. Verbal or written threats made against the physical or emotional well being of any individual are taken very seriously. Students making such threats (seriously or in jest) face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.
The student is a St. Bernadette student at all times. A student who engages in conduct whether inside or outside the school that is detrimental to the reputation of the school may be disciplined by school officials.
The principal is the final recourse in all discipline matters and may waive disciplinary rules for just cause at her discretion.
Search and Seizure: If the principal, or one of who takes her place officially, has information that a student has in his/her possession an item, such as drugs or a weapon, that constitutes a criminal offense in the State of Maryland, the principal, or her designee, reserves the right to conduct a reasonable search of a student on the school premises in the presence of a third party.
Due Process: The student is told what he/she did that was wrong, and is given a chance to be heard. Administration has the responsibility to listen to all sides of the "story".
The guiding principle in any discussion of the discipline and due process is the desire to act in a Christian manner characterized by fairness and compassion.