Discipline And Behavioral Guidelines

Discipline in the Catholic School is an essential aspect of Christian development.  Its purpose is to educate students to an appreciation of the importance of developing responsibility and self-control and to provide a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.   Therefore, discipline is to be considered as an expression of moral guidance and not a form of punishment.

As educators, we strive to assist students in recognizing their individual worth, as well as respecting the individuality of others.  Students are guided to value their uniqueness as they also recognize themselves as members of the larger community-family, school, and globally. It is important to provide our children with the necessary skills to establish values and to make appropriate choices and decisions in their interactions.  The school maintains behavioral guidelines to assist students in determining appropriate behavior within the school community. 

The following are the behavioral guidelines for students at George McCann Memorial Catholic School:

• Respect for the individual rights and reputation of other students, teachers and adults will be demonstrated at all times.  An intentional act or acts that result in the humiliation of another will not be tolerated.
• Respect and courtesy will be shown to all adults and students on school campus.
• Absolutely no fighting, physical or verbal abuse of others. 
• No abusive or obscene language.  No destruction of school or private property.
• Student behavior will not disrupt classroom instruction or procedures.
• No running on walkways, courts, or concrete surfaces on the school grounds.
• No gum or sunflower seeds are allowed.  Snacks are permitted only at recess, and only in designated areas, as specifically designated by the teacher for special occasions.
• No dangerous play allowed, e.g. tackle football; walking on tops of the bars or sandbox edges; throwing sand, rocks, or debris; standing on desks, or tables, etc.
• No leaving campus after arrival or before dismissal, without permission from the school office.
• Lying, cheating, forging a parent’s signature or forms of deceit may result in serious disciplinary action.
• Possessing, selling, giving away, using, or being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products or any hazardous substance on campus, at school functions, or at a time and place that directly involves the school, renders a student liable to expulsion.

Bullying:
George McCann is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all students so they can learn in a secure atmosphere.  Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at school.  Bullying is defined as the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person either verbally or physically that result in pain and distress to the victim.
Any behavior deemed inappropriate, yet not specifically listed, may result in parental notification and student disciplinary action.

Classroom / School-Wide Rules:
Students will follow the school-wide classroom rules and the classroom procedures set by their individual teacher.  The school-wide rules are:

• Listen carefully
• Follow directions
• Work quietly - Do not disturb others who are working.
• Respect others - Be kind with your words and actions.
• Respect school and personal property
• Work and play safely