TCH Handbook
2010-2011
CONDUCT ON AND OFF CAMPUS
Select a link below to view the information.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMSHonors / Dual Enrollment ProgramTechnology Policies
STUDENT BEHAVIORCode of Courtesy and Honor Code
STUDENT LIFE
FORMS AND SCHEDULESLaptop / Computer Usage Policy
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CONDUCT ON CAMPUS
Automobiles/Parking
Driving privileges for the regular school day to/from school are extended to students in grades 11 and 12. All student vehicles must park in the area provided. Students parking a vehicle on campus must purchase a TCH parking tag ($40.00 per year). Students are not allowed to remain in their cars or in the parking area upon their arrival to school. Students may not go to their vehicles at any time during the school day without permission. Reckless/unsafe driving will result in the loss of driving privileges. Courtesy to our surrounding community is expected. Please keep the boom noise and music volume at a low level.
Athletic Events
Teurlings Catholic High School has a fine athletic tradition and prides itself in the conduct of its students at such events. Therefore, students should conduct themselves in a manner, which brings credit to the school and the team involved. Misconduct in the form of booing, fighting, obscene gestures, or off colored cheers will not be tolerated. Students are required to follow the mandates of the school dress code at all athletic events.
Books
Each student is responsible for all books, whether lost, stolen, or damaged. Lost, stolen, or damaged textbooks must be paid for. Textbooks must be covered at all times. Books and other belongings are not to be left out of lockers on school property after school hours.
Cafeteria
Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner when entering the cafeteria. Students are not allowed to cut in line and are expected to return their trays and clean up their space when they are finished eating. Students are required to display their I.D. card in the cafeteria or pay cash in order to be served.
Calls/Deliveries
During regular school hours, students may not make or receive telephone calls except for emergency situations. Students can only use the front office phone for personal emergencies, before or after school, or during lunch. All deliveries, such as balloons or flowers must be made to the office. Students may pick them up after school. Students are NOT allowed to have lunches delivered to them at school.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are allowed only in student lockers or student vehicles during the school day. They are not allowed on the student or in the student’s book bag. If a cell phone is taken away from a student or found in a book bag the student will be issued a Saturday School and a parent will have to come to school to pick up the phone. A second and third infraction will result in a suspension and the student will lose the privilege of having the phone for the remainder of the school year. A fourth infraction will result in dismissal from Teurlings Catholic. It is the school’s right to review recent calls and/or text messages on a cell phone confiscated during the school day or school activities.
Change of Address
Parents must complete the Change of Address/Employer Form to notify the school immediately upon change of address or a change of household or employer telephone number.
Cheating and Plagiarism
All students at Teurlings Catholic are bound by the guidelines of the Honor Code. Students found to be cheating on exams, tests, quizzes, or other assignments or who have plagiarized will be referred to the Assistant Principal of Academics. The student will receive a zero on the test or assignment and a Saturday School for cheating. A second cheating offense will result in a suspension and a third offense may result in dismissal. Plagiarism results in a grade of “0” on the work in question.
Damage to School Property
Any student who by his or her action causes damages to school property is obliged to replace that property. Any act of vandalism against school property, the property of another school or the property of any other member of the faculty, staff, or student body, either on or off campus, could result in severe corrective action including dismissal.
Dances/Prom
Students will be allowed one non-student guest of the opposite sex for which they will be accountable. School dances will be held from 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. No one will be admitted into the dance after 8:30 p.m. or will be dismissed until 11:00 p.m. No guest may be 21 years or older, or younger than a freshman in high school for school dances. Students must sign up dates with the assistant principal and receive approval. A guest must show a school I.D. or driver’s license to be admitted into the dance. All female students and guests must abide by the following dance attire guidelines for all school dances.
Students who have been expelled or asked to leave Teurlings Catholic may not attend school-sponsored dances. TCHS students bringing a non-TCH date to a school-sponsored dance must bring a completed Guest Form to the Assistant Principal by the required due date. Forms will be available in the Assistant Principal’s office.
DANCE ATTIRE GUIDELINES
Teurlings Catholic High School dances are an event, which reflects the philosophy of our school and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Among our most important considerations is adherence to Church teachings regarding modesty.
According to The Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Purity requires modesty. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusing to unveil what should remain hidden. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness . . . Modesty is decency. It inspires one’s choice of clothing. It keeps silence or reserve where there is evident risk of unhealthy curiosity. It is discreet . . . Teaching modesty to children and adolescents’ means awakening in them respect for the human person.”
In accordance with these directives of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Teurlings Catholic High School sets forth the following dress guidelines for our students and their dates:
A. TOPS
1. The neckline of a dress, top, or gown must be cut in a modest way. If ANY cleavage is showing, the student will be asked to leave the dance. Spaghetti straps or strapless dresses are allowed, as long as they are not low cut.
2. The cut of a dress in the back must not be below the waistline.
B. LENGTH
1. A skirt or dress must be no shorter than four (4) inches from the knee.
2. Slits in a long dress/skirt may be no higher than the knee. Slits in a short dress/skirt may be no higher than four (4) inches from the knee.
C. MISCELLANEOUS
1. No midriff is allowed to show, (when arms are raised only one (1) inch of the midriff can show.)
2. No navel is allowed to show.
3. The bodice of the dress must not have any fabric cutouts (this includes openings covered with net-like fabric.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Admittance to the dance, with consideration of attire, will be left to the discretion of the faculty/administration sponsors who are present that evening. If a student is in doubt as to the expected modesty of his or her chosen attire, he or she should consult with administration before the dance to avoid the embarrassment of being turned away.
Dishonesty
All students at Teurlings Catholic are bound by the guidelines of the Honor Code. Dishonesty includes but is not limited to lying to a faculty member or administrator, forging parents’ signatures, calling in the front office as a parent, falsification of faculty, staff signatures, transcripts, letters of recommendation, college/university applications, or school documents, is subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal.
Disrespect
Any student who displays disrespect at Teurlings Catholic will be disciplined appropriately by the assistant principal, and may include Saturday school, suspension or dismissal.
Distribution of Printed Matter
No student is allowed to distribute any type of printed material on campus without the permission of the Principal and/or Development Director. This includes maps, invitations, pamphlets, announcements, and the like.
Electronics
Radios, CD players with headsets, iPods, beepers, and laser pointers are not permitted. These items will be confiscated and the student will attend a detention hall. Cell phone violations result in Saturday School. Calculators are only to be used in class with the teacher’s permission.
Emergency Announcements
In case of an emergency where school may be called off due to dangerous weather or other circumstances, Teurlings Catholic High School will normally follow the directives of the Lafayette Parish School System. Students and parents should listen to the radio and/or TV for news reports concerning whether or not school will be open or closed.
Fighting
Fighting is a serious offense at Teurlings Catholic and may result in Saturday School, suspension or dismissal to be determined by the disciplinarian.
Firearms/Weapons
Act 833 creates the crime of carrying a firearm by a student or non-student on school property and mandates that school officials notify all students and parents of the impact of the legislation and post notices of the impact of the legislation at each major point of entry to the school.
** Act 833 of the 1991 regular session of the Louisiana Legislation creates the crime of carrying of a firearm or dangerous weapon (such as knives, clubs, gas, liquid or other substance or instrumentality, which, in the manner used), is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm by a student or non-student on school property. The crime is defined as the intentional possession of any firearm by any student or non-student on a school campus or on a school bus during regular school hours. Whoever is convicted of the crime of carrying a firearm on school property or on a school bus is subject to a maximum penalty of imprisonment at hard labor for not more than five (5) years. The law exempts from its provisions a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer. Violation of the firearms policy will result in expulsion and possible criminal prosecution. The law prohibits possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon not only on school property or within 1,000 feet of the school's property or on a school bus, but also at any school-sponsored function in a specific designated area including but not limited to athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extra curricular activities.
** Act 107 specifically mandates that when a principal or other school official detains a student for violation of R.S. 14:95.2, and the principal confiscates or seizes a dangerous weapon from a student while a student is on school property or at a school function, or on a school bus, the principal or other school official must immediately report the detention or seizure to the appropriate law enforcement authority, and notify the student's parents if he or she is detained for any of the above.
Fire Drills/Bomb Threats
Unannounced fire drills are held so that students may learn to evacuate the building properly. Students are to go out through the designated exit (instructions are posted in all classrooms) and remain in the safety zone until the all-clear signal is given. Bomb threats will be handled in a similar manner. Bomb threats will be turned over to the authorities and any student found guilty will be dismissed.
Food/Drinks
With the exception of lunchtime and break, students are not permitted to consume food/drinks on the campus during the regular school day. Gum chewing will not be allowed on campus. Water bottles are not allowed in the classroom. An after-school detention will be assigned to any student in violation.
Hall Passes
Students are not allowed to leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission. Students must carry the classroom hall pass with them when out of the classroom. Any student out of class without the required hall pass will receive an after school detention.
Harassment
All students at Teurlings Catholic are bound by the guidelines of the Honor Code. Each student at Teurlings Catholic has inherent dignity and individuality. Teurlings Catholic is committed to providing a learning environment that is free from harassment in any form. Harassment of any student by any other student, teacher, or employee, is prohibited. The school will treat allegations of harassment seriously and will review and investigate such allegations in a prompt, and thorough manner.
A charge of harassment shall not in and of itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing. However, acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Students found to have filed false and frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or to a school environment, which 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 during school related activities. 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, assault, 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, gesture;
Sexual Harassment: Includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for 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 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 of 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 or an individual’s body;
• Displaying sexually suggestive objects of pictures;
• Telling inappropriate or sexually related jokes;
• Making reprisals, threats of reprisals, or implied threats or reprisals following a negative response to sexual advances.
I.D. Cards
Required I.D. cards are issued in conjunction with school pictures and students are required to present their I.D. any time it is requested by any administrator or teacher. Students are allowed to enter all home athletic events and dances with their school I.D. at no charge. Students must present their school I.D. every day in order to purchase a meal in the cafeteria. Lost or damaged ID cards should be replaced for a $5 fee in the main office.
Illness
A student who becomes ill during the course of the school day is to report to the office. Should the Administrator/Secretary determine that the student is too ill to remain at school, a parent will be notified. Students are not allowed to call home on a cell phone.
Liturgical Celebrations
In order to establish a reflective and reverent mood, each student is to enter the gym in silence and maintain silence until the celebration begins. A student is encouraged to participate in the singing and appropriate congregational responses; otherwise, a student is to give full and silent attention to the actions of the celebration. Any student being disruptive or disrespectful at mass will be disciplined. It is a common expectation that non-Catholic students participate in the spiritual exercises of the school or remain silently reverent.
Lockers
Locker space is the property of Teurlings Catholic. It is not a solely private area for the student. He or she is urged to keep his or her personal belongings in the locker and to make certain that it is locked at all times. The student must assume all responsibility for the contents of the locker; the school is not liable for any losses that the student may incur. The Administration reserves the right to inspect any and all lockers at any time. Lockers will be distributed to the students at the beginning of the year for a rental fee of $5.00. All students will use a TCH lock only. If the lock is lost or stolen it will cost $5.00 for a new one.
Medication
Teurlings Catholic will not provide even simple medication (such as aspirin) to students. All medication must be brought to the office and the parent and physician must complete a form. These medication forms are in the office. Any medication must be dispensed from the office. Students may not have in their possession any form of medication, whether over the counter or prescription. Students found in violation of this procedure are subject to expulsion. A parent at the end of the school year must pick up all medication. Otherwise, it will be discarded.
Obscenity
The use of obscene language (either spoken or written) or gestures is prohibited. Students in possession of obscene printed or written material are prohibited. The administration will not tolerate inappropriate language in the classroom, on the campus, or at school functions. Students using disrespectful language will be subject to disciplinary action to be determined by the disciplinarian.
School Sponsored Trips
On any school trip, students must go and return by means of transportation provided by the school and must remain at the event unless explicit permission to the contrary is obtained from the administration. School dress is required on any trip unless otherwise specified, and all appropriate school regulations remain in effect.
Skip Days/Skipping Class/Leaving School Prior to Dismissal
Teurlings Catholic does not authorize or recognize student skip days. Skipping classes or leaving school prior to official dismissal will result in a suspension. Leaving a class without permission or failure to report to a class will result in disciplinary action, which may include Saturday School or suspension.
Smoking, Tobacco Products and Pyrotechnics
Smoking, possession, and/or the use of smokeless tobacco or the use of pyrotechnics is strictly prohibited on the school property or at any school related activity. Students who are caught smoking on campus or with the possession of tobacco products on campus will be suspended. If students are found in possession of these products during a drug search, the officer in charge of the search will also issue the students a misdemeanor ticket.
Stealing/Possession of Stolen Property
A student caught stealing property from a teacher, another student or the school, or from another school will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension, dismissal, and notification of the appropriate law enforcement officials.
Unwed Pregnancies
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reaffirms the teaching of Christ regarding chastity in stating: “All the baptized are called to chastity. The Christian has ‘put on Christ,’ the model for all chastity. All Christ’s faithful are called to lead a chaste life in keeping with their particular state of life.” As we continue to form young men and women in their baptismal commitments through Catholic education, each educator within our school system should take an active part in teaching the virtue of chastity. When a student or unmarried faculty member has not lived according to the virtue of chastity and the sexual act results in an unwed pregnancy, the clergy and the principal are to counsel and offer pastoral care to those involved. Counseling should include the added responsibilities of the new parents, which will arise, with the birth of the child(ren).
While premarital sex is wrong, the pregnancy is a gift from God and unless the sex act occurs on campus or at a school-sponsored event, students may not be penalized or punished by the school. Female students who become pregnant may continue their education on campus unless there own physical, spiritual or psychological state requires at least temporary withdrawal and the beginning of a course of home study. As one major concern is for the health and safety of the pregnant girl while attending school, the student shall furnish a Pregnancy Status Report to the principal as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed and then at least every six weeks thereafter. If this form is not completed or if it is not submitted within the time frame set forth, the principal may consult the appropriate people and then take whatever action is deemed suitable to ensure that the health and safety of the young lady involved is protected.
Violence: Diocesan Policy
Because safety in our schools is of utmost importance and one of our top priorities, when informed of possible violence or even threats of violence, school administrators should take this information seriously and follow these procedures in addressing the issue. The school should have a no-tolerance policy for dealing with and addressing not only real threats of violence but also those, which may be considered frivolous. Even frivolous threats can disrupt the operation of the school. This no-tolerance policy is to be communicated to all students, and their parents/guardians.
• The school administrator is to contact immediately the appropriate civil authorities, the sheriff’s office or local law enforcement agency and to follow their directives.
• If the threat or danger involves a student or students, parents/guardians are to be contacted immediately.
• If the student is on campus, he or she is to be detained in a safe place according to directives received from the local law enforcement agency.
• The Superintendent of Catholic Schools is to be informed of the threat and the action that is being taken.
• If the threat or danger comes from a non-student, appropriate action will be left in the hands of the civil authorities.
CONDUCT OFF CAMPUS
Students must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with their status as members of the Teurlings Catholic community and with the philosophy, policies, goals and commitments of Teurlings Catholic as set forth in its Student Handbook.
Violations of civil or criminal law involving moral turpitude or other conduct that in the professional opinion of the school administration would reflect or cause discredit to the reputation of Teurlings Catholic by being contrary to the moral, religious or orthodox ethical principles of the Roman Catholic Church or the philosophy, policies, goals and commitments of Teurlings Catholic as indicated in the Student Handbook makes a student subject to corrective action, including suspension or dismissal.
Teurlings Catholic High School recognizes its responsibility to safeguard its good name and the welfare of all its students. The School reserves the right to respond, as it sees fit, to the misbehavior of its students, especially in serious matters. This includes those actions that take place outside of school hours and away from school property or activities, as long as this behavior reflects badly on the school's good name.
If the students of Teurlings Catholic are out of school on a day when other schools are in session, these students are expressly forbidden to go to other schools, unless sent there for some explicit reason.
CAMPUS
From the time students arrive until the end of the academic day, they must remain on campus. The Assistant Principal of Discipline is the only person who may give a student permission to leave campus.
SENIOR TRIP/STUDENT TRIPS
Teurlings Catholic High School neither condones nor will accept responsibility for any student or parent-sponsored trip that is taken by its students or graduates. The school will not provide time or the facilities for meeting or information dispersal concerning such an event.
TRAVEL TO and FROM SCHOOL
While traveling to and from school, students must conduct themselves according to the behavior principles of this Student Handbook.
Teurlings Catholic does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin.
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