OTHER POLICIES

AUTOMOBILES AND PARKING LOT

Students who bring automobiles to campus must be licensed drivers. Student drivers are responsible for adhering to all school regulations regarding parking areas at SJHS. Driving and parking on campus is a privilege not a right. Any driver—student, parent or visitor—who chooses to violate parking lot regulations may lose the privilege to drive/park on campus. Students who illegally park their cars will receive a misconduct. (See Misconducts in the Discipline section.) Student violators of the vehicle code or laws that protect safety are subject to disciplinary action. (For more information see Parking in this section.)

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL POLICIES

School gates open at 6:30am. Students may arrive on campus at this time, but will not be supervised by school personnel. There will be limited supervision for students who remain on campus after dismissal. School gates are locked for the day at varying times depending on athletic and school co-curricular activities. The school office opens at 7:30am and closes at 3:30pm.

In the morning parents should drop students off in the parking lot keeping in mind all traffic regulations, i.e. no blocking of drive-ways and no dropping-off of students in red zones. Drivers, including drivers of carpools, should never park in areas reserved for school employees or guests. All freshmen are to be dropped off and picked up at the Flynn Center unless they are in a carpool with an upperclass student.

Students are expected to remain on campus once they arrive in the morning regardless of the time of arrival. Students may not leave campus to go to vehicles, local stores, fast food establishments, or the homes of friends who live nearby. Once students have arrived on campus they are not to leave without proper authorization from school personnel. If they do leave campus they will be subject to disciplinary action.

Unless Saint Joseph students are attending a scheduled practice or activity, they should leave campus right after school if they are driving themselves, or as soon as their ride arrives. Students should not leave campus and then return later just to socialize with friends who are still at school. Students should not leave campus to go to local stores, fast food establishments, or the homes of friends unless they are going home from there.

All students who are waiting for rides after 2:45pm on regular school days will be directed to wait in the area in front of the media center. This policy includes athletes and members of other after-school activity groups. Drivers will be expected to pick up students in the main parking lot after 2:45pm.

BOOK BAGS

All book bags should be free of writing on the outside, except for the student name and the company label, if there is one. The only allowed pins or patches are those of the school. Students are responsible for book bags and personal belongings at all times. Book bags and personal items left unattended may be confiscated and students will be issued an infraction. Unattended gym bags will result in a $25 fee.

BREAK/LUNCH REGULATIONS

Students may eat lunch at the lunch tables or on the field west of Room 501. Eating is not permitted in classrooms, offices, Media Center, Flynn Center, Locker Room, parking lot, corridors, or the College/Career Center. See the map in the appendix of this handbook. During class/club meetings and in inclement weather, eating in classrooms is permitted. Further regulations include:

  • Students are not to sit along the fence on Woodruff Avenue.
  • Students may not call out for fast food deliveries. The front office will not accept student orders.
  • No water bottles are allowed in the classroom at any time.
  • No open containers of food/drink are allowed in the classroom at any time
  • No food/beverage deliveries may be accepted by students through the gates, or student will receive a misconduct.

BREAK/LUNCH CLEAN UP

School will be held five minutes if the campus is not cleaned properly after break and lunch. If not cleaned properly a second time in one week, dismissal will be extended 10 minutes and will continue to accumulate in five (5) minute increments.


CHILD ABUSE REPORTING LAWS

All California credentialed teachers and other personnel assigned to work with children are considered “mandated reporters” and as such are obligated by law to report any suspicion of child abuse (including neglect, emotional maltreatment, physical or sexual abuse) of a child in their professional care. Failure to do so is grounds for a teaching credential to be revoked and for prosecution. It is not the school's job to ascertain whether abuse is real or not. That is the responsibility of the Department of Children's Services. It is the responsibility of the school, however, to provide safety for all youth, and if there is a reasonable suspicion of abuse, a report will be filed. If you have any questions about this policy, do not hesitate to call the Assistant Principal for Counseling Services.

Examples of situations that are reportable:

  • angry parent strikes or throws a child, leaving damage to the skin in the form of a bruise or abrasion (physical);
  • child has disclosed suicidal plans or attempts to parent and no professional follow-up care is provided (neglect);
  • child is burdened with excessive verbal assaults such as belittling, screaming, threats, blaming and sarcasm (emotional maltreatment);
  • child discloses that she has been the victim of one or more incidents of molestation or rape (sexual abuse).
CLASSROOM FOOD AND BEVERAGE POLICY

No water bottles are allowed in the classroom at any time. No open containers of food/drink are allowed in the classroom at any time. Violations of this policy will result in an infraction.

CLOSED CAMPUS POLICY

To preserve the academic environment and security of the school, Archdiocesan and parish high schools are designed as closed campuses. Therefore, a closed campus will be maintained at Saint Joseph High School. Students are required to remain on the school grounds at all times during the school day except when special permission to leave campus is granted. No person may enter the Saint Joseph High School campus without lawful business authorized by the school administration. Visitors are directed to the school office for desired information or business. Visitors are not allowed on campus at any time without the expressed knowledge and permission of the school administration. Ordinarily we do not have student visitors on campus, however the Administration or Deans of Students may grant special permission with ample notice. Students are not permitted in the parking lot during school hours without permission. They may not loiter in the parking lot before school, during lunch or after school. The deans of students will notify the sheriff's department of persons loitering on the school grounds. Anyone aware of such a person is asked to inform a dean or the front office staff immediately. Normally, Saint Joseph High School is not available for use to outside organizations.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENT VOLUNTEERS/WORKERS

Pursuant to Archdiocesan Policy and to ensure the safety of the children in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, all high school youth, including students who are already 18, who volunteer or work with children/youth in school or parish settings must receive training in Boundary Guidelines For Working or Volunteering With Children or Youth, and must sign the Archdiocesan Code of Conduct form to verify that they understand their obligations. Students requiring additional information should contact the Counseling Department.

COMPUTER USE POLICY

Computer Use Restrictions

Students may not:
  • recklessly or maliciously interfere with or damage computer or network resources or computer data, files or other information;
  • initiate or promulgate chain letters or other types of electronic messages, subvert or obstruct a computer or network by introducing a virus, tap phone lines or other network cables, supply false or misleading information to access computer or network systems;
  • use inflammatory or offensive speech, harass or threaten individuals or classes of individuals, or make personal attacks on anyone using this resource;
  • engage in any illegal activity, vandalism, destruction or tampering using this resource; and
    give anyone else's name, or any addresses or phone numbers over the internet;
  • download or post to school computers any material which is illegal, proprietary, indecent, or in violation of copyright laws, or damaging to the school, or the students;
  • download, view, distribute or otherwise use the school facilities for the purpose of obtaining, forwarding, viewing or saving indecent materials;
  • knowingly upload or download child pornography, a federal offense;
    reproduce, display or distribute copyrighted material, software or sound recording without permission;
  • engage in any commercial activity while using this resource; and
    use profanity or obscene language while using this resource.
Internet Access Regulations

Access to the Internet is available to students on many school computers. This Internet connection represents a powerful educational resource which makes it possible to access information from sources around the world. Access to the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and such access entails certain responsibilities. Saint Joseph High School has rules of acceptable behavior. There are also correct procedures and rules that govern the use of the Internet. It is the intent of Saint Joseph High School to use the Internet connections only for purposes which are consistent with the school's philosophy and curriculum. Access rules are designed to ensure that communication on the Internet is legal and proper. Infractions against these rules can result in revocation of Internet privileges and disciplinary action.

Saint Joseph High School reserves the right to authorize the use of the Internet by individual students. A student will be considered for authorization only if the parent/guardian has given permission by signing the "Internet Access Contract." Each student will receive a contract which should be examined carefully by student and parents. If the student and parents agree to comply with the access rules and regulations, the contract should be signed and returned to the school. When the contract is in the file, an "Internet Access Sticker" will be given to the student for display on her ID card. This card with sticker must be displayed prominently on the computer whenever a student is using the Internet on campus. If there is any infraction against access rules, the card will be confiscated and disciplinary action pursued. Parents may revoke Internet privileges at any time by notifying the Technology Director in writing. Students are expected to use the Internet to seek resources, access libraries and pursue other types of learning activities consistent with the philosophy and curriculum of the school. A student must have permission and must display her own access card when using the Internet. Students may not borrow or lend cards. Students may only access materials and sites that are appropriate and acceptable in the Saint Joseph High School setting. Appropriate language must be used in all communications. Because of the vast amount of information available on the Internet, it is difficult to verify sources. Therefore, students should be very cautious and should seek information from reputable sources. Students are required to abide by all local, state, national and international regulations regarding computer usage.

Penalties for Computer Use Violations

Any computer user who is found to be in violation of these rules, may be subject to the following:

  • suspension/termination of computer use privileges;
  • probation/Dismissal from Saint Joseph High School;
  • referral to law enforcement for possible criminal prosecution; and
  • other legal action, including action to recover civil damages and penalties.
    (See Unauthorized Student Web Sites in this section.)
CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES

Those topics or issues of a religious, moral, socio-political or scientific nature in which there is definite but different opinions among recognized theologians, moralists, social scientists and/or scientists are considered to be controversial. The position of the school on these issues reflects the philosophy of the Catholic Church.

COURTESY

Courtesy at all times to her teachers and to her fellow students will be the mark of each student at Saint Joseph High School. Common courtesies as listed below are expected of every student.
  • If a class is in session, a student will enter quietly.
  • Students will report to the teacher before giving a message to a student during class.
  • During prayers students will stand and assume a proper posture and respectful attitude. Students will remain standing throughout the morning prayers and pledge to the flag. Any student in the hallways during prayer must stop and remain still during the prayers and salute to the flag.
  • During announcements, students will listen carefully, quietly and attentively. They will make notations of announcements that concern them particularly.
  • Personal grooming, combing hair or applying makeup and/or nail polish should never be done in public.
  • Each student will respect another person's property. She will not use another student's books, look in her purse, go into another person's locker, the teacher's desk or cupboard without specific permission from that person.
  • Students will be attentive and respectful to all speakers at assemblies.
  • Students will respect school property and follow instructions in the use of school equipment.
DELIVERIES

Deliveries of flowers, balloons and food are normally not accepted by the Front Office. On special days such as Frosh/Soph Buddy Lunch or Senior/Frosh Lunch deliveries may be received at the back gate. Lunch deliveries are only accepted from parent/guardian; friends and/or boyfriends may not drop off student lunches. Lunch deliveries must be dropped off one hour before lunch begins.

DRUG FREE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Saint Joseph High School is a Drug Free School. The school community is committed to providing a learning environment free of drugs and alcohol. The school has a proactive comprehensive drug, alcohol and tobacco use prevention education program. The program is designed to provide guidance within the framework of the teachings of the Catholic Church and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. This multi-faceted prevention-education program is implemented across the curriculum and co-curricular activities. Specific aspects of the program include:

  • building student awareness through lectures, discussion, guidance programs;
  • working collaboratively with community agencies to enhance education;
  • active Peer Helping Program and active chapter of SADD on campus;
  • personal counseling available daily through the Counseling Department;
  • disciplinary consequences for violation of rules and laws pertaining to sale, possession and/or use of drugs or alcohol;
  • providing parents information about illegal substances at Parent Education Evenings, and in the Monday Minders and school newsletter;
    intervention and referral services available through the Counseling Department; and
  • use of INTERQUEST, a private non-police affiliated company, which uses canines to check odors from student lockers, book bags, automobiles and school common areas for illegal substances.

The school has adopted a proactive approach to eliminate any illegal substance. The goal is not to catch students doing wrong, but to encourage them to think and make good choices.

Students attending school-related functions are subject to search of personal property and may be asked to take a breathalyzer test. (See Substance Abuse Policy in this section for additional information.)

ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

Cell phones must be in lockers during school hours, including between classes and at break and lunch. In case of emergencies, parents are asked to call the front office to contact their daughters.Any phone observed on campus during school hours will be confiscated. Phones will only be released to the student’s parent/guardian. Radios, Walkmans, portable stereos, ipods and similar devices are also not permitted on school grounds during school hours. Such items are never covered by school insurance and are subject to confiscation, if in student’s possession during school hours.The recovery fee for confiscated items is $25, and must be paid to the Finance Office. In addition to the $25 fine, student will receive a misconduct and serve a detention.

EXCURSIONS AND FIELD TRIPS

Field trips that enhance the curriculum are scheduled throughout the year. They are also scheduled for Christian service activities and by clubs. Participation in club field trips is a privilege. Students who are on any type of probation may not attend. Uniforms are required on all field trips. Field trips are never scheduled the week prior to final exams. No field trips will be scheduled after May 1.

FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974

According to this Act, a school may release certain information concerning your daughter unless you direct otherwise in writing. Appropriate release of this directory information according to our procedures would be limited to no more than the following:

  • name, address, telephone number to Parent/Faculty Organization
  • date and place of birth
  • grade level, major field of study
  • recognized activities and sports
  • height and weight (team information)
  • attendance dates
  • awards received
  • previous schools attended
  • If you choose not to permit the release of any or all of the indicated directory information, please notify the school in writing.
FUNDRAISING

The Institutional Advancement Team (IAT) must approve all fund raising activities. Individuals representing non-SJHS groups may not sell items on campus without prior permission of the IAT.

GRIEVANCE POLICY

Saint Joseph High School adheres to the grievance and arbitration procedures of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The grievance procedures in Archdiocesan schools promotes a just, equitable and prompt resolution of a grievance in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and Christian charity. Staff members, parents or students through their parents, who deem they have a grievance, may initiate a procedure by which to determine if there has been a violation of their personal rights in the interpretation or application of school policies or agreements.

GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF VIDEOTAPES, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, DVDS, LASERDISCS, SOFTWARE, AND THE INTERNET

Videotapes or films, live broadcasts, computer software, DVDs/laserdiscs, and the Internet viewed at a school must be linked to a valid “educational purpose” and be relevant to the curriculum being taught. The term “educational purpose” includes classroom activities, career development,, and limited high-quality self-discovery activities.NOTE: Secondary schools are allowed to show PG 13 movies, but not R nor NC-17 rated movies. From time to time exceptions are made for educationally relevant films with R rating for junior and senior classes, as long as parental consent forms have been received.

HALLWAY BEHAVIOR

Students are NOT to loiter in hallways or bathrooms during class time. If a student must leave the classroom during a class period for any reason the teacher who is responsible for her will issue her a hall pass. When the student returns, this pass is to be returned to the teacher. Any student without a hall pass, who is found on the school grounds when she should be in class, will receive a misconduct and may be sent to the Dean’s Office for truancy. A student experiencing a personal issue during class is not to be released to the Counseling Office for assistance.

HARASSMENT POLICY

Saint Joseph High School is committed to providing a learning environment that is free from harassment in any form. Harassment of any student by another student, lay employee, religious or priest is prohibited. The school will treat allegations of harassment seriously and will review and investigate such allegations of harassment in a prompt, confidential and thorough manner.

A charge of harassment shall not, in and of itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing. However, substantiated acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Students found to have filed false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or a school environment that is hostile or intimidating because of the individual's race, creed, color, national origin, physical disability or sex. Harassment can occur any time during school or school-related activities. (Education Code: 48900.4) It includes, but is not limited to, any or all of the following:

VERBAL HARASSMENT: Derogatory comments and jokes; threatening words spoken to another person;

PHYSICAL HARASSMENT: Unwanted physical touching, contact, assau1t, deliberate impeding or blocking movements, or any intimidating interference with normal work or movement;

VISUAL HARASSMENT: Derogatory, demeaning or inflammatory posters, cartoons, written words, drawings, gestures and pictures.


SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when any or all of the following occurs:
  • submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student's academic status or progress;
  • submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis of academic decisions affecting the individual;
  • such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.
Specific examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
  • making unsolicited sexual advances and propositions;
  • using sexually degrading words to describe an individual's body;
  • displaying sexually suggestive objects or pictures;
  • telling inappropriate or sexually related jokes; and
  • making reprisals, threats of reprisals or implied threats of reprisals following a negative response to sexual advances.
It is the responsibility of Saint Joseph High School to:
  • implement this policy through regular meetings with all administrators ensuring that they understand the policy and its importance;
  • make all faculty, staff, students and parents aware of this policy and the commitment of the school toward its strict enforcement;
  • remain watchful for conditions that create or may lead to a hostile or offensive school environment; and
  • establish practices designed to create a school environment free from discrimination, intimidation or harassment.
It is the student's responsibility to:
  • conduct herself in a manner which contributes to a positive school environment;
  • avoid any activity that may be considered discriminatory, intimidating or harassing;
  • consider immediately informing anyone harassing her that the behavior is offensive and unwelcome;
  • report all incidents of discrimination or harassment to the principal;
  • discontinue immediately any conduct that is perceived to be intimidating, harassing or unwelcome, especially if one has been informed of their objectionable behavior;
  • file a complaint for investigation procedures.
The following procedures must be followed for filing and investigating a harassment claim:
  • the student may first choose to tell the individual causing the harassment that his/her conduct is offensive and must stop.
  • if the objectionable behavior does not cease immediately, the student must report the harassment to the principal, counselor, administrator, teacher or dean who will report it to the principal, or to the Regional Supervisor if the principal is the subject of the allegation.
  • additionally, in case of sexual harassment allegations, the student is free to raise the issue with another, same-sex, administrator if she prefers to do so.
  • the student alleging harassment will be asked to complete a formal, written complaint.
  • the claim will be investigated thoroughly, involving only the necessary parties.
  • confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible.
The investigation will include a meeting with the person alleged to have harassed, sharing with that person the nature of the allegations as well as the name of the person bringing the allegations. If appropriate, the alleged harasser will be placed on administrative leave during the course of the investigation. Once the facts of the case have been gathered, the Principal, in consultation with the Regional Supervisor will decide what, if any, disciplinary action is warranted. The disciplinary action will relate to the nature, context and seriousness of the harassment and can include all disciplinary actions up to and including immediate termination.

If the complaint is against a non-employee or non student, such as a parent, parishioner, volunteer or vendor, the school will take steps, within its power, to investigate and eliminate the problem. (“Harassment Policy for Students in Catholic Schools,” Archdiocese of Los Angeles)

All threats, whether verbal or written, against faculty or students, will be taken seriously. No threats will be considered in any way a practical joke regardless of the intent of the persons making them. All threats will be subject to all appropriate criminal or civil penalties as well as school disciplinary consequences including expulsion.

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT BOARD (THE BOARD)

The Institutional Advancement Board (IAB) is a group of school community members, former parents and alumnae who serve in an advisory capacity to the principal and her administration in all matters that pertain to quality education in the CSJ tradition.

JESTER CAFÉ

Admission is only for paying customers. Please do not crowd the kitchen window. Once your sale is complete, then food may be eaten. Combining orders/trays of food on one tray is not allowed. Going under the ropes—essentially cutting ahead of the line at any point—is not allowed. The front door is for entrance and the back door is for exits only. Customers are expected to use the designated entrance and exits at all times and not exit in the same manner as entering. Those who do not follow the rules will be subject to a fine of $25 and a misconduct.

LITTERING

All students are required to respect the school facility and the school grounds. Littering is unacceptable at any time. Students are to use trash cans that are located throughout the campus when discarding items. This includes all food materials and containers discarded during the break and lunch periods, as well as restroom facilities.

LOCKER ROOM

Locker rooms are provided for the use of physical education students, athletes and some other activity groups. All other students are prohibited from entering the locker room at any time. Groups that are entitled to use the locker room are restricted from its use unless there is a coach, teacher or other adult present. At no time should students be in the locker room before school, during break or lunch unless accompanied by an adult female. Food is never allowed in the locker room or the Flynn Center, and a violation of this policy incurs a $25 penalty and a misconduct.

LOCKERS

Lockers are the property of the school and are assigned to the student on a loan basis. Only school locks are permitted on lockers; other locks will be removed.

Lockers are to be kept neat and in usable condition. Stickers and decals are not permitted on the lockers. Students will be charged the expense of cleaning and repairing lockers when these regulations are violated. When decorating lockers, students are to keep in mind that this is a Christian high school. Nothing should be placed in or on the outside surfaces of a locker that is not appropriate in a Christian environment. The Deans of Students may remove inappropriate items at any time. Students and their parents are financially responsible for locker damages and irresponsible use.

Locker combinations should never be given out to other students, even friends. Students are not permitted to share lockers at anytime. Entering or attempting to enter a locker not belonging to the student will be interpreted as an attempted theft and subject to disciplinary action.

School officials have the right to access student lockers at any time. It is the proper function of the school authorities to inspect lockers to prevent anyone from using them for illegal purposes. (Archdiocesan Administrative Handbook, Section 8, "Locker Searches")

MEDIA CENTER

The Media Center, as planned with E.S.E.A. Title II Phase II funding, is the learning center of the school. Students may check out educational and recreational videos, books, magazines, pamphlets, books on tape and cassettes. Equipment is available for students to view or listen to these materials. The Media Center has computers and printers connected to the Internet. The Media Center also has a large television monitor that a teacher may use with his/her class. Food is never allowed in the Media Center, and a violation of this policy incurs a $25 penalty and a misconduct.

The Media Center is open from 7:15am–5:00pm for everyone's enjoyment of reading, studying and for the services of the staff. All materials have a check out period of two weeks except for recreational videos, which are for overnight check out only. All books and materials should be returned to the book drop at the circulation desk and overdue books/materials presented to the librarians. Reserve books and materials are available at the circulation desk. Book and material fines are 25 cents a day excluding weekends and holidays.

MEDICATIONS

California Education Code 49423 states: Any pupil who is required to take, during the regular school day, medication prescribed by a physician, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the school district has received:
  • a written statement from such physician detailing the name of medicine, thc method, amount, and time schedules by which such medication is to be taken; and
  • a written statement from the parent or guardian of the pupil indicating the desire that the school assist the pupil in the matter set forth in the physician's statement.
The following procedures must be followed when a parent requests that a student be permitted to take medication at school:
  • No medication can be administered to students without physician and parental consent. (This includes over-the-counter drugs as well as prescription medications.)
  • All medications for students are to be kept in the administrative office or the school health office.
    Students may not carry medication on their person or keep it in their lockers unless specifically requested by the physician.
  • A “Medication Consent” form must be completed by the physician and signed by the pupil's parents or guardians. New forms must be completed each school year. Medication must be delivered in the container dispensed by the pharmacy. The information on the label must coincide with the physician's order.

  • The person administering the medication must record the date, time, and dosage on the student's medication record.
NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS

Non-custodial parents have the right to access their child's records, conference with their child's teachers, and communicate with their child unless there is documentation from the courts on record at the school stating otherwise.

OFF CAMPUS POLICY

The school insurance policy does not cover students during any off campus lunch period unless they go directly home for lunch and return directly and uninterruptedly. Parents should keep this in mind when deciding whether to give permission to their daughter to leave campus.

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

Actions/ Attitudes of Parents/Guardians

Every parent, guardian, or other person who upbraids, insults or abuses any teacher or administrator of the school, in the presence or hearing of a pupil, is guilty of a misdemeanor. [Education Code 44811]If the teacher is "insulted or abused" by any person in the presence of other school personnel on school premises, on public ways adjacent to the school, or at another place where the teacher is assigned, that person is also guilty of a misdemeanor. [Education Code 44812]Under normal circumstances a student is not to be deprived of an education at SJHS on grounds relating to the actions/attitudes of parents. It is recognized, however, that a situation could arise in which the uncooperative or disruptive attitude of parents might so diminish the effectiveness of the education process that continuation of the student in the school may be impossible.

Correspondence With Administration, Faculty and Staff

All correspondence with Saint Joseph High School must identify the sender of the correspondence. Anonymous calls, emails and/or letters, and the issues contained therein, will not be addressed.

Nonviolence Policy

As a Catholic school dedicated to the cultivation of peace and meaningful human relationships, persons are expected to treat on another with respect and compassion at all times. Any use of words, gestures or behaviors that diminish the human person in any way are, therefore, to be avoided. When such actions occur, intentionally or unintentionally, the values of compassion and reconciliation call members of the community to work together toward healing injuries and cultivating nonviolence. Such are the Gospel values of forgiveness to which we are called, and the CSJ values of peace and justice toward which we strive. However, in the event that a student, parent/guardian or family makes threatening remarks or gestures to other parents/guardians, the school recommends you contact the police directly.

PARENT ORGANIZATIONS/VOLUNTEER HOURS

Parents are vital to Saint Joseph High School. Therefore, we have two ways in which the school invites parents/guardians to become partners with the school in the education of their daughters:

Fontbonne Circle (FC)—Named after the foundress of SJHS, Mother St. John Fontbonne, and committed to promoting and ensuring our school community’s ability to build on that foundation, this organization meets quarterly during the school year. The organization's primary goal is to support the total school program through fundraising efforts. All parents are members, and are encouraged to attend these meetings. The dates of all meetings are noted in the school calendar provided to each SJHS family at the beginning of the school year. Attendance equals one parent volunteer hour per family.

Volunteer Program—Although parents and guardians are required to volunteer 20 hours of volunteer service each year, it is the school’s experience that once parents have met other families and have satisfied the required 20 hours they will want to work more. The volunteer program is a vehicle for parents/guardians to become involved in their daughter's school. The school needs parents, and the students need their parents to be involved. Volunteer hour opportunities are available throughout the calendar year. However, for each academic year, and for accounting purposes, volunteer hours must be completed before registration for the following school year.

(For volunteer hour requirements, please see Financial Information section.)

PARKING

Faculty, staff and visitors have reserved parking. First priority for remaining parking spaces will be given to seniors. Juniors will then be assigned parking tags for spaces. The remainder of the parking spaces will be given on a first come, first serve basis.

Parents are advised to pick up their daughters between 2:45 and 3:00 p.m. The lot is closed until 2:45 p.m. daily. Students may be given a “misconduct” slip if parents, or drivers of students, park in red zones, double park, or pose a danger by illegal parking.

The main parking lot, as well as the Flynn Center parking lot, is available for drop off and pick up. The north gate of the parking lot is for entrance only and the south gate is for exit only. There is no left turn out of the south gate. Do not park in any red zones or any zone marked "No Parking."

Students who bring automobiles or other motor vehicles to campus must be licensed drivers. Therefore, they are responsible for all regulations in using these vehicles on or near campus. On campus parking is restricted to those students who fully subscribe to all parking lot regulations of Saint Joseph High School.

They are as follows:
  • Seniors and juniors who want to use the parking lot must register and obtain a parking permit tag. There will be a $5.00 charge for a parking tag. Parking tags must be obtained from the Dean’s Office.
  • Parking tags must be displayed on the rear view mirror at all times.
  • The maximum speed limit is l0 miles per hour.
  • Students are not to park in spaces marked for FACULTY or VISITOR or CSJ.
  • Parking along the fence behind the MPB is never allowed. Fire regulations dictate this policy.
  • “Misconduct” slips with automatic detention will be issued for all parking violations. At the second violation, the matter will be referred to the Dean of Students and parking privileges may be revoked.
The school is not legally liable for any accidents occurring on campus, i.e., hit and runs, fender benders, etc. All who use the parking lot do so at their own risk.

Those who are irresponsible in their use of vehicles on campus are subject to disciplinary action and will be denied the use of the parking lot. SJHS is not responsible for any cars parked in the school parking lot.
Student drivers are responsible for adhering to all school regulations regarding the parking areas at SJHS.

Driving and parking on campus is a privilege not a right. Any driver—student, parent or visitor—who chooses to violate parking lot regulations, may lose the privilege to drive/park on campus. Students who illegally park their cars will receive a misconduct. Student violators of the vehicle code, or laws that protect safety, are subject to disciplinary action.

PERSONNEL ISSUES

An administrator is never free to discuss the employment history of teachers, coaches or administrators. All employees are hired only by the principal, and in her absence, by the administrative team.

SCHOOL NAME, GROUNDS AND FACILITIES

The school retains the right to approve the use of its name for all usage. The school name may not be used by any individual or group, or by persons within the school, without written permission of the administration.

The school facilities are primarily for the benefit of the students and staff. Outside groups may not use school property without authorization of school administration, and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Department of Catholic Schools.

SCHOOL RINGS

Only students attending Saint Joseph High School may purchase school rings. Only school rings made by Jostens or an approved local jeweler will be presented at the junior ring ceremony. Juniors must seek administrative permission before purchasing rings by other jewelers. Families who purchase rings from vendors other than Jostens are required to adhere to the following guidelines in order for the ring to be included in the Junior Ring Ceremony:
  • The words encircling the stone must be Saint Joseph High School. The word Saint must be spelled not abbreviated as “St.”
  • On one side of the ring, the words Love, Hope and Zeal must be written in capital letters.
    The other side of the ring must include the Saint Joseph Seal with the SJ and the Fleur-de-lis (See opening pages of this handbook for sample).
  • Students may include on either side of the ring: the year of graduation, a written specific sport, club or activity, i.e. cheer, soccer, drama or the official name of the student.
  • No names or symbols that are associated with profanity, gang affiliation or violence are acceptable on any part of the ring or on the outside or inside inscription.
SEARCHES

To ensure that the school campus remains safe for all students, searches for drugs and weapons can be conducted without warrants. In the process of teaching and training students, the school administration has a responsibility to protect the health and safety of pupils and to maintain order on the school premises and in school activities. In discharging this duty it may be necessary for a Dean with a school administrator to conduct searches. (See Lockers in this section.)

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

Besides homecoming and prom, Saint Joseph and Saint John Bosco students mutually attend parties. Because both schools hold student safety as a concern, the administrators of both schools have drafted a letter and each parent is asked to read and discuss the letter with his/her daughter.

(A copy of the letter from both principals may be found on page 14 of the student handbook.)

STAFF PRIVACY

It is never appropriate for a student to visit a staff member at home. The staff member’s home is a boundary that must be respected. If a student know where a staff member lives and does any vandalism, i.e. toilet paper, eggs, paint, etc. to a staff member’s home, violating the privacy boundary, that student will receive appropriate discipline and possible expulsion. The student and her family will be fined a minimum of $200 for clean-up and the proper authorities may be contacted.

STUDENT ACCIDENT AND INSURANCE PROGRAM

This insurance is provided for all students at Saint Joseph High School. The program assists only with medical expenses incurred because of accidental bodily injury sustained by students while attending school, traveling to or from school or participating in a solely school-sponsored and supervised activity.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

See current Jester activities for more information about co-
corricular programs.

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION

Each Saint Joseph High School student is issued an ID card. The ID is needed for dances, athletic events, the bus, SAT testing, employment and for other Catholic School sponsored events. If an ID is lost, the Assistant Principal for Activities/Operations will replace it for a fee of $10.00, and a note from the parent/guardian stating that they are aware the ID was lost.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

Student publications are an important element of the instructional program and contribute directly to the school goals. The principal is the publisher and has the legal responsibility for the newspaper and yearbook. Copyright laws must be observed. The moderator exercises control over material to be published and reviews all materials while adhering to the following guidelines. The moderator should:
  • establish a clear purpose of the publication, and the limitations of the writer's authority;
  • treat topics in a way that is tactful, and respectful of the rights and feelings of others, uses good taste, is constructive and prohibits personal attacks;
  • check facts with care before a story is published; and
  • ensure that the publication is proofread by an administrator.
STUDENT STORE

The student store is open at scheduled times and days throughout the school year. The student store will be open throughout the school year for students to purchase school merchandise, school supplies and tickets for various school activities and events.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

Saint Joseph High School abides by the laws of the State of California and adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The school does not condone illegal conduct. Any student showing evidence of having consumed, or is in possession of drugs and/or alcoholic beverages, at any time while under the authority of the school is subject to dismissal.
"
Showing evidence of" ...includes any behavior observed by an adult which might be indicative of the use of alcohol and/or drugs.
"
In the possession of" ...includes participation in the use of, or being in the presence of the use or storage of alcohol and /or drugs. This includes the presence of alcohol and/or drugs in automobiles, student rooms or elsewhere on campus.
"Drugs" ...includes all that is commonly understood in the context of the problem: narcotics, cocaine, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, federally controlled substances.
"While under the authority of the School" ...means any time the student is on the school campus for whatever reason or in its immediate vicinity; and whenever she is attending, participating in, or being transported to or from a school-sponsored function. Dances, plays, social events and athletic events held at, and/or sponsored by, other schools are considered school-sponsored functions. Violators are subject to severe school discipline, including dismissal, and must follow the laws of the State of California.Realizing the seriousness of the problem of alcohol and drug abuse/misuse, the School will make every effort to assist students involved with the problem. Strict confidentiality will be observed in providing this assistance, and every effort will be made to enable students who are actively seeking help for themselves or others to continue their education at Saint Joseph High School.

TARDY POLICY

Students are expected to be on time for class. Students who come into a class late compromise the learning of all the other students who have already begun class. A student is considered tardy to school once she arrives after opening prayers have begun. All students who are tardy must first receive a tardy slip before being admitted to class. A student who receives a tardy must serve a thirty (30) minute detention on the day of the tardy. If a student is late for the detention or does not attend that detention, she will be issued a disciplinary referral and will then have to serve the tardy detention plus another regular forty (40) minute detention. Failure to show up for both of these detentions will result in Probation I.Students who have an athletic game, a performance, or other school activity that will affect the larger student body may request to serve their tardy detentions the following day. Only the Dean of Students may make this change. An administrator or the Dean of Students may excuse a student from detention. Court and doctor notes will continue to be accepted as excused tardies.A student who receives three tardies in the course of one semester will receive a Disciplinary Referral. A student who receives six tardies in the course of one semester will be placed on Probation I. A student who has been tardy nine times in one semester will be called, with her parents, for a Student Success Team meeting.

Please note the following:

  • Court and doctor's notes will be accepted as excused tardies.
  • A student is considered tardy to school once she arrives after opening prayers have begun.
  • All students who are tardy must first receive a tardy slip before being admitted to class.
  • A student who arrives to school after the opening prayers have begun is to receive a tardy slip and to serve a thirty (30) minute detention after school on the same day as the tardy.
  • Students who are late for classes during the course of the school day will receive a tardy and the teacher will send the slip to the Dean of Students.
  • When a student receives a third unexcused tardy during a semester, she will receive a disciplinary referral from her Dean of Students and will be required to serve a regular forty (40) minute detention. Six tardies will result in Probation I.
  • A referral will be followed by a personal phone call to the parents/guardian of the student.
  • Six tardies within one semester will result in Probation I.
  • Nine tardies within one semester will result in the convening of the student review team, which may result in further disciplinary action up to and including Probation II.
  • Pre-arranged late arrivals are excused (must be arranged by parent/guardian prior to the day of the tardy).
  • Pre-arranged late arrivals are excused (must be arranged by parent/guardian prior to the day of the tardy).

TELEPHONE

Ordinarily, students may not receive phone calls during school hours either through the school office or the pay phones. Messages will be taken in an emergency, and only from parents/guardians or anyone listed on emergency information forms. The pay telephones are not to be used during passing periods. Students should be courteous when using the payphone and be mindful of others, limiting conversations to three minutes.

UNAUTHORIZED STUDENT INTERNET WEB SITES

It is unacceptable to use the Saint Joseph High School name, initials, logo, or pictures of staff, students, the school or school activities with anything that is degrading, lewd, threatening or violent. Deliberate publication on the Internet, or anywhere else, may result in serious disciplinary action including expulsion.

VANDALISM OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

School vandalism is seldom a problem at SJHS. However, sometimes students in an effort to do something fun get carried away and damage school property (e.g., playful carving desks and/or using white out to leave messages for their friends on lunch tables, lockers, etc.). If a student is found to be guilty of any vandalism to SJHS, the police will be summoned and a fine of at least $500 will be assessed to her family for the labor involved in cleaning the damage. Because SJHS prides itself on a well-kept campus, it is essential that all work together in order to keep it well maintained. (See Appendix for Letter to Parents Regarding Special Concerns.)

VENDING MACHINES

Vending machines are open for student use before school, at break, at lunch, between classes and after school. Students are never permitted to use vending machines during class time. In addition, students using vending machines between classes must arrive on time to class or she will receive a tardy infraction. If a student is found using the vending machines when she should be in class, she will receive a misconduct and may be sent to the Dean’s Office for truancy.

VISITORS

Saint Joseph High School is a “closed campus” and as such all visitors to the school, even guest speakers, must report to the main office. (See Closed Campus Policy in this section) Only out of state student visitors are allowed on campus to attend/visit classes. Students wishing to bring out of state student visitors must submit a parent/guardian request to their Dean of Students and their individual teachers prior to scheduled visit. Permission from individual teachers must be obtained three days prior to the visit. Permission forms may be obtained from the Dean’s Office.

WEAPONS

It is against the law for students to carry any type of weapon for their protection either on campus, or in their cars. Students found with weapons will be immediately dismissed from SJHS, and the school will contact authorities.

WORK PERMITS

No minor under sixteen years, who is required to attend school, is allowed to work without a work permit. All students who attend high school full time must obtain a work permit in order to be employed. These forms may be picked up in the front office. Students working without a permit will be reported to the proper authorities.

YEARBOOK

Saint Joseph High School reserves the right of final censorship of yearbook contents prior to its printing and publication.


5825 N. Woodruff Avenue • Lakewood, CA 90713 • Tel: (562) 925-5073 Fax: (562) 925-3315
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