Handbook

BISHOP LEONARD-SAINT MARY OF THE MOUNT ACADEMY
STUDENT HANDBOOK

Dear Students,

Welcome back. This year promises to be a most exciting year for all of us here at BLSMMA. We have been preparing all summer to make this year the best ever. It takes a total team effort for us to be successful. That is why we need each of you to work to the best of your ability to be the person God has created you to become. We know that you can do it because we believe in each of you. This handbook states our expectations of each student in our school. By cooperating with teachers/staff, and by taking a sense of pride in our school and all that you do, will lead to a great year. We promise you that! Keep this handbook with you at all times; you just never know when a pleasant surprise will come about.  Have a great year!

Our expectations of students at BLSMMA:

  • We expect that you will represent our school in an outstanding manner
  • We expect that you will work to the best of your ability
  • We expect that you will treat others with dignity, worth and respect
  • We expect that you will keep our school clean and beautiful
  • We expect that you will obey all the rules and regulations set forth by the teachers and our discipline code
  • We expect you to challenge yourself and reach beyond your grasp to learn
  • We expect that you will make all of us proud

Students’ Bill of Rights:

The students in our school deserve to learn and play in the best environment we can provide.  Accordingly, all teachers, staff and students will make every effort to observe the following:

Students in our school have the right to:

  • Learn in a disruptive-free environment
  • Know what is expected of them at all times in every area of the school
  • Be protected from physical harm
  • Be protected from verbal abuse
  • Have their positive behavior recognized
  • Have their personal property protected
  • Have their concerns heard
  • Be treated with kindness and caring

Dress code:

In an effort to convey the image of a Catholic School and to enhance the individual self-respect of our students, the dress code has been established. School attire should always be within the limits of Christian good taste. The dress code is to be followed at all times.

Merit Policy:

Level I

  • Chewing gum
  • Passing notes
  • Littering/throwing objects
  • Non-compliance of dress code
  • Running/shouting/pushing in hallways
  • Uncovered books
  • Disrupting class
  • Unprepared for class
  • Disrespecting other students
  • Inappropriate language
  • Excessive tardiness

Level II

  • Homework – failure to hand in
  • Throwing snowballs
  • Throwing food in cafeteria
  • Inappropriate language
  • Failure to follow bus rules

Level III

  • Using obscene language/gestures
  • Damaging school property
  • Fighting
  • Being dismissed from class
  • Changing written correspondence
  • Causing extreme emotional abuse to others
  • Disrespecting faculty/staff others

Level IV

  • Excessive violation of Level III
  • Stealing
  • Possessing obscene books, tapes, Internet info.  etc
  • Leaving school premises without permission
  • Possessing/using tobacco on school property
  • Possessing/using drugs/alcohol on school property
  • Possessing/using matches, lighters, firearms, weapons or any object to use as a weapon

Harassment Policy:

Anyone who chooses to make disparaging remarks or threats towards any person risks suspension/expulsion from BLSMMA.

Bullying: Bullying of other students will not be tolerated. Students who are bullying other students will be dealt with immediately and will face severe consequences. Bullying is defined as:

A negative action when somebody hits, pushes, pinches or restrains another by physical contact. Bullying can also be carried out by words (verbally), by threatening, taunting, teasing and calling names.

Indirect bullying is defined as making dirty gestures, intentionally excluding someone from a group or spreading false rumors.

General Reminders:

  • No one is permitted to chew gum at any time during the school day
  • Homework is to be done and handed in on the due date
  • Shirts must be tucked in at all times
  • Phone usage is for emergencies only
  • Exaggerated hair styles, Mohawks, colors, cuts, jewelry and clothing are not permitted
  • A signed excuse (by parent/guardian) must be handed in to your homeroom teacher after an absence
  • A half day of school is required to attend any after school activities (dances, athletic events etc.)  - anyone going home sick is not to attend after school/evening activities
  • Please be respectful of other students, their property and the school’s property
  • Always be prepared for class
  • Students are not to go back to a classroom for forgotten homework
  • Always remember your manners (thank you, please, you’re welcome etc.)
  • No food/drink in the hallways or on the bus
  • When moving from class to class, please walk quietly
  • Please respect the adults who are on the playground
  • No one is to come into the building during recess unless sent in by the adult
  • No one is to go to the office unless sent by your teacher or the adult on the playground
  • When lining up on the playground to come into the school, please enter the school quietly
  • When going from the playground to the lunchroom, please keep voices low
  • Cooperation is extremely important
  • Be accountable and responsible for your own actions
  • White out is not permitted at any time

Remember, the Principal has the right to treat all disciplinary cases accordingly to age, degree of discipline and consequences. This handbook is not all-inclusive. Our Parent Handbook is fully documented and again, is not all-inclusive. The principal/pastor has the right to all decisions made for discipline.

LET’S HAVE A GREAT YEAR!