STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT:  

St. Helen School is a caring and supportive Catholic faith community, and as such, parents/guardians, teachers, and classmates should expect to be treated in a Christian manner. All members of our community are expected to be respectful and polite to each other at any time and place. 

Discipline will be administered fairly but firmly, whenever an individual’s action interferes with the rights of teachers to teach or the students to learn, or otherwise disrupts the educational environment. All adults on the staff are responsible for student discipline. Students who fail to follow these rules are subject to disciplinary policy and subsequent consequences.

St. Helen School reserves the right to require a student to participate in counseling/therapy as an ongoing means of remedying behavioral issues, or as a condition of returning to school at all. By signing this Handbook, all students and parents/guardians agree that they will provide whatever authorization is necessary for St. Helen School to speak with the counselor, therapist, or other mental health professional in such instances to ensure the students’ behavioral issues have been fully remedied. As with the method and extent of any disciplinary measures, St. Helen School reserves final judgment in these matters. 

The code of conduct and rules stated in this handbook are not exhaustive. There may be inappropriate incidents that occur which are not stated here. In all disciplinary matters, administration and faculty reserve the right to apply disciplinary measures based on their professional and educational discretion. Additionally, please see the Conduct Disclaimer section below.

Whether in school, on the playground, or in Church, if disciplinary situations arise, the teacher and the student(s) involved will discuss the problem and plan to work toward a solution. If the seriousness or frequency of a problem warrants, the teacher will notify the principal and/or parents/guardians. If warranted, a conference will be scheduled with the teacher, parents/guardians, and principal.

Conduct In or Out of School: 

Students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct whenever they are involved in activities of the parish, school or when they represent the school. Any violations of the Student Code of Conduct may result in consequences issued by the school administration. 

St. Helen School reserves the right to impose discipline for unacceptable behavior that takes place off school grounds and outside school hours.

Disciplinary Code: All actions should reflect respect for God, self, others, and property. Learning cannot occur where discipline is lacking. St. Helen is a school dedicated to nurturing and developing each individual student’s ideas. We require academic honesty. Addressing misbehavior is necessary to help each child grow. We try to help each child:

• Understand the harm that misbehavior causes

• Find ways to make up for any harm done  

• Grow in self-control and virtue

In order to help in this process we are using an approach called Virtue Based Restorative Discipline. In Virtue Based Restorative Discipline teachers use scheduled class meetings to:

• Build community, respect, and trust in the classroom.

• Understand the meaning of the monthly virtue, find examples of people practicing that virtue and develop ways to share the virtue with others.

• Anticipate possible problems and find solutions before they become serious.

• Discuss ways to address problems that allow all students to accept responsibility for their part in any problem.

We use the Virtue/Vice card. There are two sections on the monthly card. There is a vice section which will be filled in as a staff member sees inappropriate behavior. There is also a virtue section which will be filled in as a staff member sees exemplary behavior. If the individual student earns 3 or fewer vices, that student will be eligible for the monthly reward. If the student has 4 or more, that student will be ineligible for the reward. Three virtue signatures makeup for a vice signature, so it is possible to earn back the reward. The list of vices differs for the primary and main buildings because of the difference in ages and maturity of the students (see attachments C and D).It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to check their student’s card each day, so they will be aware of how the child is progressing. Kindergarten will send home notification for vice signatures.

Illegal Substances: 

The possession, use, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs or controlled substances, tobacco products, inhalants, alcoholic beverages, and/or instruments or objects capable of inflicting harm or used in a dangerous manner are not permitted. 

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying: 

It is the policy of St. Helen School (the “School”) that any form of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, regardless of where, how, or when it takes place, is expressly forbidden. 

The Parish and School’s internet and computer system may not be used to engage in harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The “Student Responsible Use of Technology” form must be signed by each student and on file with the School. 

The School reserves the right to impose discipline for harassing, intimidating, bullying, and other inappropriate behavior that takes place off School grounds and outside School hours. 

Definition of Terms: Electronic act” means an act committed through the use of a cellular telephone, computer, pager, personal communication device, or other electronic communication device. 

“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means either of the following: 

• Any intentional written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that a student has exhibited toward another particular student more than once and the behavior both: 

• Causes mental or physical harm to the other student; and 

• Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student. 

• Violence within a dating relationship. 

• “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” also means electronically transmitted acts i.e., by Internet, social media/network, blog, cell phone, personal digital assistance (PDA), wireless hand-held device, or other electronic communication device, that a student has exhibited toward another particular student more than once and the behavior both: 

  • Causes mental or physical harm to the other student; and  

  • Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student. 

In evaluating whether conduct constitutes harassment, intimidation, or bullying, special attention should be paid to the words chosen and the actions taken, whether such conduct occurred in front of others or was communicated to others, how the offender interacted with the victim, and the motivation, either admitted or appropriately inferred. Accordingly, what may constitute harassment, intimidation, or bullying in one circumstance might not constitute such in another. As in all disciplinary matters, the School will make this determination utilizing its sole and absolute educational discretion and judgment. 

Types of Conduct: Harassment, intimidation, and bullying can include many different behaviors including, but not limited to, overt intent to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate another student. Examples of conduct that could constitute prohibited behaviors include:  

• Engaging in unsolicited and offensive or insulting behavior;  

• Physical violence and/or attacks; 

• Threats, taunts, and intimidation through words and/or gestures;  

• Extortion, damage, or stealing of money and/or possessions;  

• Exclusion from the peer group or spreading rumors; and 

• Repetitive and hostile behavior with the intent to harm others through the use of information and communication technologies, computers, cell phones, other electronic devices, the Internet, online websites, blogs, or social media/networks (also known as “cyber-bullying”). Examples of cyber-bullying include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Posting slurs on the Internet, websites, blogs, or social media/networks;  

  • Sending abusive or threatening instant messages, text messages, emails, or other communications through the Internet, websites, blogs, or social media/networks; 

  • Taking embarrassing photographs of students and posting them online or otherwise distributing them; and 

  • Using the Internet, websites, blogs, social media/networks, or electronic communication devices to impersonate another individual or circulate gossip or rumors to other students. 

Reporting Events to School - Archdiocesan Policy Manual 406.05 Parents have the right, ability, and obligation to report what they interpret as bullying to the teacher and administration. You should maintain a record of your communication with the school; the school will do the same. The school administration and affected family will work together to develop action steps to address the problem. Any student may also ask their parents to contact the school or contact a teacher, staff member or the Administration to report bullying. Many times a student is a witness to bullying behaviors and can be a force for change.

School Staff Reporting: All school employees, faculty, and staff are required to report, in writing, any allegations of bullying or violations of this Policy involving students to the principal. Failure to report will result in disciplinary action.

Parent Notification: If and when the school suspects or receives a report of bullying, the administration will contact the affected families. It is the school’s objective to have a united effort; school and home, staff and students to address and resolve incidents of suspected bullying in school. The administration’s intent is to have a clear line of communication so as to develop strategies that work towards solving incidents of bullying and a Christian culture.

Responding and Investigating: When an incident of suspected bullying is presented to the administration, the following will occur.

• Use of the previously stated definition to determine if bullying is occurring.

• Protect the child/victim’s anonymity.

• If it is found to be bullying, the administration and/or appointed designee will conduct an investigation. The strategies of the investigation may include, but not limited to parent/school discussions, supervised interviews with victims, collection of anecdotal data Develop strategies to protect the child from additional bullying and/or retaliation.

Protecting Anonymity: When an incident of suspected bullying has been shared with the administration, the school will implement strong measures to maintain confidentiality of the victim’s identity. Despite the odds that this may cause challenges for an investigation, it is of the utmost importance to the administration, staff and general school community. The goal of anonymity is to protect all children from further bullying and/or retaliation.

Discipline: If at the conclusion of a given investigation, the suspected child is found guilty of bullying, appropriate measures will be taken. This will be done through a collection of: behavior contracts, school/pastoral/outside counseling, school and service projects and frequent and regular check-ins with student, family, administration. If in the event the bully relapses into negative behaviors the administration has the authority to choose to re-initiate the above strategies, implement school suspension or expulsion. 

Complaints Regarding Harassment 
 

Formal Complaints: Students and/or their parents/guardians may file reports regarding suspected harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Such written reports shall be reasonably specific including persons involved, number of times and places of the alleged conduct, the target of the suspected harassment, intimidation, or bullying, and the names of any potential witnesses. Such reports may be filed with any School staff member or administrator, and they shall be promptly forwarded to the principal or his/her designee. 

Informal Complaints: Students and/or their parents/guardians may make informal complaints of conduct that they consider to be harassment, intimidation, or bullying by verbal report to a teacher, School administrator, or other School personnel. Such informal complaints shall be reasonably specific as to the actions giving rise to the suspicion of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, including persons involved, number of times and places of the alleged conduct, the target of the prohibited behavior, and the names of any potential witnesses. A School staff member or administrator who receives an informal complaint shall promptly document the complaint in writing, including the above information. This written report by the School staff member and/or administrator shall be promptly forwarded to the principal or his/her designee. 

Anonymous Complaints: Students who make informal complaints as set forth above may request that their name be maintained in confidence by the School staff member or administrator who receives the complaint. The anonymous complaints shall be reviewed, and reasonable action will be taken to address the situation, to the extent such action may be taken that (1) does not disclose the source of the complaint, and (2) is consistent with the concept of fairness to the student alleged to have committed acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. 

Criminal Misconduct: 

Allegations of criminal misconduct will be reported to law enforcement, and suspected child abuse will be reported to law enforcement and/or Child Protective Services, consistent with the Archdiocese Decree on Child Protection and Ohio law. All School personnel must cooperate with investigations by outside agencies.

Sexual Harassment: St Helen School does not tolerate harassment of students or adults, including sexual harassment. If a complaint is registered, the school will follow the guidelines listed in the Archdiocesan Decree on Child Protection and its own policies and discipline procedures after investigating the incident. Consequences are in proportion to the seriousness of the offense. False complaints will also be subject to disciplinary action. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, language and gestures of an offensive sexual nature, inappropriate touching, and the possession of, or the creation of, offensive printed material.

Conduct Disclaimer: 

No discipline issued pursuant to any handbook shall bind the School to issue the same, or even comparable, discipline to other students in the future. Nor will any form or extent of discipline be construed as a precedent for how discipline will be imposed moving forward. Rather, the School reserves sole judgment and discretion in disciplining students based on the circumstances of each incident, including but not limited to the respective age(s) of the student(s) involved, the student(s)’ perceived maturity level, the conduct at issue, the student(s)’ attitude and degree of cooperation, the student(s)’ disciplinary history, and any other aggravating or mitigating circumstances the School deems relevant. Nothing in this Handbook limits or otherwise constrains the School’s authority, discretion, judgment, or responsibility in any student disciplinary matters.

General Behavioral Expectations: 

The following general rules and expectations serve as reminders and are in support of the student.

Code Of Conduct  

1. Each student is responsible and accountable for his or her own actions. 

2. Courtesy, respect, and consideration will be shown to all fellow students, staff, parents/guardians, workers, volunteers, visitors. 

3. All students are subject to correction from any faculty or staff. 

4. The School Uniform Code will be followed, including expectations for out of uniform days. 

5. Improper language or gestures, deliberate injury, or threatening statements are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. 

6. Stealing, cheating, plagiarism, or forgery, including of parent(s)/guardian(s) signature(s), will not be tolerated. 

7. Willful destruction of property or vandalism will not be tolerated, and parents/guardians are responsible for associated costs of repair or replacement. Accidental damage will also be subject to reimbursement of repair or replacement costs. 

8. Books and materials are to be handled with care. Books must be covered and re-covered, as necessary. Damage to books on loan is subject to a fine not to exceed the book’s value. 

9. Students are expected to come prepared for class and other school activities. 

10. Each student is responsible for his or her own belongings. Personal items should be marked with the student’s name. 

11. The student’s use of non-medical, personal electronics may only be used with the permission of a teacher or other staff member. 

12. Weapons, or any item that could be used as a weapon or that the principal might consider to be a weapon, are not permitted at school. 

13. Students are to be orderly in the halls and classrooms at all times, so that a positive learning environment is maintained. Students must walk in the halls and may speak quietly. No student should be in the hall without permission of a faculty or staff member. 

14. Students are not permitted to leave the school premises during the school day without the written, signed permission of their parent(s) or guardian(s). Students must also obtain the permission of the principal or teacher before leaving the school. 

Bus Transportation: 

St. Helen School will comply with the local public school districts transportation policies with regards to bus service as it relates to misconduct on the bus. 

Bus transportation is provided for those eligible by the Fairborn, Dayton and Beavercreek School Districts. All bus schedules, regulations, and routes are determined by these school districts. 

Withdrawals, new enrollments, or change of address, should be given to the school office. Questions regarding bus schedules should be directed to transportation supervisors at the district level.

Bus rider expectations: Children are requested to talk quietly and to behave in a Christian manner. Children may ride only on their assigned bus unless they have a permit authorized by the principal to use another bus. To obtain this, parents must make the request by written communication. A child from one school district is not permitted to ride a bus from another school district. 

Any child who causes a disturbance will be given a warning and parents will be notified. Continued misbehavior will result in denying the child the privilege of riding the bus. 

Children who walk to and from school must cross at the designated places and follow directions of the Safety Patrol. 

Bike riders must walk their bikes on the school grounds. 

Detentions, Suspensions, Expulsions: 

In many cases, the consequence of inappropriate behavior will be a conduct detention (to be served during lunch or after school). During this time will be given the opportunity to work on restoration. When detentions are issued, the parent is required to sign the form and students are to return it the following day. This guarantees parents are notified and students are never detained without parental knowledge. In the event a student fails to return the signed detention form, the length of time stated on the original detention will double. If negative behavior is extreme the student may go straight to in-school suspension.  A conference with teachers, principal, parents, and students will be held.

Academic detentions are issued to students for irresponsibility regarding such matters as non-submission of homework, lack of class materials, or inattention to due dates for assignments. Detention forms must be signed and returned the next school day or the time will be doubled.

For Grades 4-5: Three missing assignments in any one subject may result in an after-school academic detention.

For Grades 6-8: Three missing assignments in any one subject per trimester will result in an academic academic detention (to be served during lunch or after school). Parents will be notified via email and will receive a detention form.

Three academic detentions will result in a conference with teacher, parent, student; purpose of conference will be to alert parents of problems and notify them of the next step, in-school suspension. The next infraction following the in-school suspension will result in a conference with the parent, student, teacher, and principal, during which a behavior contract will be developed.  The contract will include steps for further infractions (a second ISS, out-of-school suspension, or expulsion are possible next steps).

All in-school suspensions carry a $60.00 fee to pay the person hired to supervise him/her for the day.

The administration reserves the right to carry out disciplinary measures for any offense of misconduct related to school nature, even though not mentioned specifically in the list above. The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary matters, and can waive any and all regulations for just cause at his/her discretion. Any student may be dismissed or expelled for just cause, which shall include, but not be limited to, delinquency and immorality that could result in commitment to a correctional institution, or would constitute a definite menace to the morale of the school. Incorrigibility, and persistent irregular attendance and actions contrary to the philosophy and objectives of the school are other reasons for such dismissal or expulsion. (507.04-Archdiocesan Policies)

Conduct Prohibited on School Property (Applies to students, staff, parent/guardians, visitors): No person shall:

• Intentionally injure any other person or threaten to do so.

• Intentionally damage or destroy school property or the property of a teacher, administrator, other district employee or any other person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.

• Disrupt the orderly conduct of classes, school programs or other school activities including verbal harassment, use of profanity, or threats against staff, other parents or students.

• Distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are obscene, advocate illegal action, appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others, or are disruptive to the school program.

• Intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability

• Enter any portion of the school premises without authorization or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed.

• Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to which this code applies.

• Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions of vehicles.

• Possess or use weapons in or on school property or at school function, except in the case of law enforcement officers. Loiter on or about school functions.

• Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school officials performing their duties.

• Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code.

• Violate any federal or state statute or local ordinance while on school property or while at a school function.

Persons in violation of the Code of Conduct:  The authorization of a visitor, to remain on school grounds or at any school function shall be withdrawn and they shall be directed to leave the premises. If they refuse to leave, they shall be subject to ejection. The school reserves its right to pursue a civil or criminal legal action against any person violating the code.

Student Violations

Group 1 Offenses

1.1 Assault on School Personnel/Student or Threatened Assault: A student shall not cause or attempt to cause personal injury to a teacher, administrator, school employee or other students or visitors.

1.2 Possession, Use, Transmission and/or Concealment of Narcotics, Alcoholic Beverages, Drugs, Drug-like Substance and/or Drug Paraphernalia: Students shall not possess, sell, use, transmit or be under the influence of any prescription drug, non-prescription drug, inhalant, counterfeit, unknown powder or pills, or mood altering chemical or drug related tool, paraphernalia, and alcoholic beverages on school grounds.

1.3 Transmission, Concealment, Creation, Handling and/or Use of Firearms: A student shall not possess, transmit or conceal any type of firearm or facsimile of a firearm.

1.4 Arson: A student shall not cause the willful burning of or attempt to burn any property upon the school grounds.

1.5 False Alarms/Bomb Threats: Students shall not cause a false fire alarm or cause a false warning of fire or impending bombing or other catastrophe.

1.6 Dangerous Weapons: A student shall not possess, handle, transmit or conceal any object which might be considered a dangerous weapon.

1.7 Sexual Misconduct: No student shall intimidate or be a party to the intimidation of another student for the purpose of sexual interests, engage in any form of exhibitionism, or engage in any act of sexual misconduct.

1.8 Violation of the Law: No student shall violate any law or ordinance when under the authority of school personnel.

Penalty for Group 1 Offenses: Students may be suspended (in-school/out of school), asked to

withdraw or be expelled from St. Helen School.

Group 2 Offenses

2.1 Obtained by threat: Students shall not extort money or things of value from a person in the school.

2.2 Vandalism: A student shall not misuse, damage or destroy school or private property either on school grounds or during a function or school event off the school property.

2.3 Stealing: A student shall not take or acquire the property of others without the consent of the owner.

2.4 Possession/Use of Tobacco: The school prohibits the smoking, use or possession of tobacco in any form by any student.

2.5 Fighting: Disciplinary action will be taken if fighting occurs on school property or while in

attendance at any school sponsored activity. Upon investigation, self-defense shall not be considered an act of fighting.

2.6 Student Protest: A student shall not participate or encourage any other student to participate in any protest or similar activities, which cause or result in the disruption of school.

2.7 Misuse of School Equipment/Materials: A student shall not use the equipment, materials, or building of St. Helen School for any illegal or unauthorized purpose.

2.8 PDA-Public Display of Affection: PDA does not have a place in school. 

2.9 Forgery/Plagiarism/Cheating/Enabling: A student will not forge, plagiarize, cheat, or enable others to do so. Taking and using the thoughts, writings, etc., of another person as one’s own. This includes using the words or ideas of a published source without the proper citation. There is a specific discipline policy

for plagiarism (see Attachment B), which can result in suspension or expulsion. Looking at,

borrowing, any use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) or copying another student’s work on a test, quiz, homework, or any other assignment; using a book or unauthorized “cheat sheet” is not permitted. Falsifying a parent/guardian signature or allowing your homework, test, or any other assignment to be copied.

Penalty for Group 2 Offenses: Student may be disciplined by verbal correction, teacher-student

conference, parent conference, counseling, detention, removal or suspension from a school field trip, ineligibility for extracurricular activities, in-school or out of school suspension, withdrawal notification, expulsion.

Group 3 Offenses:

3.1 Disobedience: A student shall not disregard or refuse to obey directions.

3.2 Disruptive Behavior: No student shall cause a disruption or obstruction of any class or school sponsored event.

3.3 Not on task/No Materials: Students are expected to come to class with proper materials to do their assigned work.

3.4 Gum/Candy: No gum or candy is permitted without permission from the teacher.

3.5 Profane Language/Obscene Gestures/Materials: No students shall make rude remarks to others or use language which is considered to be profane. Obscene gestures shall not be made. No material which may be considered obscene is to be brought to school.

3.6 Lying/Dishonesty: No student shall be dishonest in dealing with their teachers, administrators, or peers.

Penalty for Group 3 offenses: Group 3 offenses will be handled through the Virtue Card but some may result in an automatic detention or referral to the principal.

Procedures to be Followed in Cases of Suspension and Expulsion

In cases where a student is suspended, the following procedures will be followed:

• Written notification will be sent to the parent/guardian and the student stating the reason for the suspension. The notification will also include the length of time of the suspension.

• A conference will be held between school representatives, a parent/guardian, and, if appropriate, the student before or during the suspension. If immediate removal of the student is required, then a conference will be scheduled as soon as practical.

• When a student’s behavior is threatening, physically endangers her/him or others, or causes serious disruption to the school or the educational process, he/she may be removed immediately, and the above requirements will be fulfilled as soon as practical.

In cases where a student is expelled, the following procedures will be followed:

• At the discretion of the principal, the advice of a psychologist, physician, social worker, counselor, or other appropriate persons may be sought.

• Written notice will be sent to the parent/guardian and student describing the reasons for the student’s removal and proposed expulsion. 

• A conference will be held between school representatives, the parent/guardian, and, if appropriate, the student, prior to the expulsion.

• A report detailing the reasons for the expulsion will be sent to the Superintendent of Schools. 

• A parent/guardian who believes his/her child has been expelled for insufficient reason has the right to appeal, in writing sent through US mail, to the Superintendent.

Finality of Decisions: 

In consultation with the pastor, the principal will make the final decision on all cases. Notification will be given in writing to the parents/guardians of the disciplined student. 

Search And Seizure: 

Administration may inspect any student’s property at any time for any reason without prior notice as a condition to bringing them onto or taking them from school premises. This property includes, but is not limited to: desk, computers, packages, lunch container, backpacks, duffel bags, book bags, purses, and pockets. A student and his or her parent or guardian’s consent to inspection of personal items is a condition of enrollment and attendance of the school.

Refusal to consent may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion, even for a first refusal.

Guidelines for these procedures are:

1. Another staff member should be present in any search of property.

2. The student will be required to unlock any electronic device including passcodes.

3. The confiscated item would be put into a separate container or bag. The student would

sign a statement that states where the item(s) were found. The item(s) will then be taken to the office and parents will be notified

​

Cheating and Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of using the ideas or words of others as one’s own. Students are instructed regarding the nature of plagiarism. Students are expected to acknowledge the ideas and words of others appropriately through conventional standards. 

Forgery/Plagiarism/Cheating/Enabling: A student will not forge, plagiarize, cheat, or enable.

Taking and using the thoughts, writings, etc., of another person as one’s own. This includes using the words or ideas of a published source without the proper citation. There is a specific discipline policy for plagiarism, which can result in suspension or expulsion. Looking at, borrowing, or copying another student’s work on a test, quiz, homework, or any other assignment; using a book or “cheat sheet” on a test when it is not authorized. Falsifying a parent/guardian signature or allowing your homework, test, or any other assignment to be copied.

St. Helen Elementary and Junior High Plagiarism Policy

St. Helen School is dedicated to nurturing both creativity and academic honesty in all students. We expect any work turned in to be each student’s own work. When a student researches for schoolwork, all information acquired from any source must be accompanied by proper citations (which will be taught by the student’s teacher). Otherwise the student has committed plagiarism, which can cause serious consequences, especially in high school and in adulthood.

Because technology has made it easier than ever to plagiarize, it is important for both students and parents/guardians to understand what is considered plagiarism.

Forms of plagiarism:

• Use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) websites or other tools

• Direct copy and paste of words/pictures/videos from any source without permission and/or proper citations (even a single sentence)

• Direct copy and paste with a few words changed

• Hiring someone to complete an assignment

• Copying, buying, stealing, or borrowing someone else’s work and turning it in under your own name

• Using someone else’s ideas without citing where they came from, even if all the words are your own

• Using a direct quotation without proper format or citation

St. Helen teachers work from kindergarten through eighth grade to make sure students all understand the importance of academic honesty and how to paraphrase and cite materials as required. However, should a student choose to plagiarize any material, the discipline procedure is as follows:

• First Incident: a student-teacher conference will take place in which the teacher will ensure the student understands what plagiarism is and will discuss the severity of the infraction. The student may receive an academic detention and/or a zero for the assignment (along with a vice signature and notation in Option C). However, at the teacher’s discretion, the student may be given the opportunity to correct the mistake or do an alternative assignment.

• Second Incident: the student will receive a zero for the assignment and an academic detention (along with a vice signature and notation in Option C). A conference involving the student, all middle or elementary teachers, the principal, and the parents/guardians will be held. After the team assesses the severity of the infraction, the student may also receive an in-school suspension.

• Third Incident: the student will be expelled and the documentation will be a part of the student’s permanent record

In the event that plagiarism has been detected, all the student’s teachers will be notified and a record of incidents will be kept and monitored through all subjects for the year.

Please review this information with your student several times over the school year. We truly appreciate you being our partner in giving your child the best education possible.