Discipline is maintained in a classroom or school when students work cooperatively with the principal, the teachers, and their classmates towards the attainment of the class and school objectives. However, it should be noted that the legitimate interest of the school extends beyond the school day and beyond the school hours.

MAINTENANCE OF EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE
Effective discipline is maintained when there is:

• Reasonable quiet and order in the building

• Positive correction of behavior

• Constant encouragement of acceptable classroom conduct

• Firm but fair treatment of difficult students

• Consistent follow through

DISAPPROVED DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
The following disciplinary measures are forbidden:

• All corporal punishment, including shaking and slapping is unacceptable

• Language that is sarcastic or calculated to bring ridicule on the student, his or her parents, or background

• Using religious exercises or important class assignments as punitive measures

• Bizarre and unusual punishments

• Withholding or altering rightfully earned academic grades

• Any disciplinary action that isolates a student without proper supervision

DISCIPLINE/BEHAVIOR

Our goal at Saint Mary Magdalen is for our students to become self disciplined in all aspects of their lives. To meet this goal, classroom teachers establish a structured learning environment within which their students can learn and work effectively. Through direct teaching, modeling, reinforcing and/or redirecting behavior, our teachers consistently and continuously teach the necessary skills. The model for a disciplined life is Jesus Christ, and we integrate his actions and teachings into the context of the learning day.

We must safeguard the rights of every member of our community – students, teachers and parents alike:

• The right to learn in a safe positive environment;

• The right to teach and be supported;

• The right to be respected;

• The right to expect responsibility and accountability from all.

Discipline in a Catholic school provides the structure within which a moral compass develops. Teaching moral responsibility rests first with the parents and is supported and extended by the school. Saint Mary Magdalen provides a school environment that is conducive to learning, that promotes character development, and that practices Gospel values.

Application of the Behavior/Discipline Plan: The primary focus in our policy toward discipline is to provide opportunities for the student to reflect and analyze their behavior. Teachers will provide opportunity for reflection, understanding, and goal setting for future choices. Through this teaching process students are empowered and are accountable to make responsible behavior choices.

Classroom Behavior/Discipline Plans: Every classroom teacher establishes a behavior and discipline plan consistent with the school expectations. Parents and teachers are partners in children’s development of self-discipline.

Severe Misbehavior: Severe misbehavior involves a meeting with the principal and parent contact. . Consequences may include suspension or expulsion. Some reasons for suspension or expulsion are:

• Profanity, vulgarity, cheating/copying work

• Assault, battery or any threat of force/violence (See Student Threat Policy) directed toward any member of the school community

• Actions affecting the moral or spiritual welfare of students

• Defiance of authority figures

• Harassment (See Archdiocesan Harassment Policy)

• Use, possession or sale of non-prescription drugs, tobacco or alcohol on or near school property

• Stealing, vandalism or possession of weapons

• Truancy

• Consistent disregard of school policies

• Any other action deemed serious by the pastor or principal

The maximum number of days for suspension is ten days. Suspensions involve a conference attended by student, parent, teachers and principal

Student Expectations

1. Treat all members of and visitors to our school community with respect.

2. Follow directions. Complete classroom and homework on time.

3. Leave school upon dismissal unless participating in school sponsored and supervised activities.

4. Demonstrate good sportsmanship.

5. Keep the playground clean, remain in assigned areas and play safely.

6. Chewing gum or eating in class is prohibited,

7. Riding bicycles, skateboards, or rollerblades, or climbing trees or buildings is prohibited

Honor Cards (Junior High): The honor card system is based on student responsibility in observing the regulations given in the Student and Family Handbooks. This system was instituted to promote student accountability and responsible behavior, to offer a uniform standard for the trimester citizenship award, and to assist in preparation for Catholic high school, while providing a means by which parents can regularly monitor their childs progress in these areas. 

At the beginning of each trimester every student receives an honor card containing honor points 85-100. A student earns citizenship honors by receiving no more than two point deductions for conduct, and no more than five total deductions for conduct or responsibility during the trimester. A student may earn back a maximum of three honor points each trimester by offering work to the school, at the rate of one hour per point. Points are to be worked off within one week of receiving the mark. Students who accumulate five deductions for the trimester on one side of the card will be required to serve a detention. A subsequent point loss will result in further disciplinary action up to and including suspension. Serious conduct infractions will result in multiple point deductions. This will include all conduct resulting in suspension (as listed in the “Severe Misbehavior” section), as well as incidents of harassment and blatant lying. The honor card indirectly relates to behavior and work habits included on the report card.

This policy will be reviewed before the start of the 2010-2011 school year.

DETENTION

• No student shall be required to remain in the classroom during the lunch break, or during any recess. All students shall be required to leave the school rooms at recess and lunchtime, unless it would occasion a danger to health

• Detention before or after school hours is considered an appropriate means of discipline

• A student shall not be detained in school for disciplinary or other reasons for more than one hour after the close of the school day

• Under no circumstances shall a student be detained at school without the knowledge and consent of the parent or guardian who should also be informed of the reason for detention and the exact time the period of detention will begin and end

SUSPENSION

• Any of the reasons listed for expulsion with mitigating circumstances are adequate cause for suspension of a student

• No student shall be suspended from school for more than two consecutive weeks, unless there is an ongoing police investigation of a possible crime, in which case the student may be suspended during the entire investigation

• Notice of suspension must be given to the parents or guardians by telephone or in a conference

• The principal shall schedule a conference with the suspended student’s parents or guardians to discuss matters pertinent to the suspension especially the means by which the parents or guardians and the school can cooperatively encourage the student to improve behavior. The suspended student may be present at the conference

• In no case will a teacher on his or her own authority suspend a student

EXPULSION
Reasons for expulsion are, but are not limited to, 
the following offenses committed by students:

• Actions gravely detrimental to the moral and spiritual welfare of other students

• Habitual profanity or vulgarity

• Assault, battery or any threat of force or violence directed toward any school personnel or student

• Bullying, harassing or hazing school personnel or other students

• Open, persistent defiance of the authority of the teacher

• Continued willful disobedience

• Use, sale or possession of narcotics, drugs or any other controlled substance

• Use, sale, distribution, or possession of any alcoholic beverages on or near school premises

• Smoking or having tobacco

• Stealing

• Forging signatures

• Cheating or plagiarism

• Willful cutting, defacing or otherwise injuring in any way property, real or personal belonging to the school

• Habitual truancy

• Possession of harmful weapons (e.g., knives, guns, etc.) or materials that can be used as weapons

• Membership in, active involvement in, or affiliation with a gang or group responsible for coercive or violent activity

• Actions in or out of school which are detrimental to the school’s reputation

• Violation of the Electronic Use policies and guidelines

• Inappropriate conduct or behavior unbecoming a student in a Catholic school.

Procedure for Expulsion
Except in cases involving grave offenses, the following steps must be taken:

• A conference must be held with the parents or guardians, student, teacher, and principal present to advise the family that serious action is contemplated unless there is immediate improvement in behavior. In parish schools, the pastor should be notified of the conference, given an opportunity to attend and provided a report of the discussion.

• If there is no improvement in behavior, the final decision will be announced at a second conference attended by the principal, teacher, and parents or guardians. If the parents fail, without cause, to attend the conference, the pastor, principal, and teacher will reach a final decision. The final decision rests with the pastor in consultation with the principal.

• In no case will a teacher on his or her own authority expel a student.

• Full credit will be given for all work accomplished by the student up to the moment of expulsion.

Written Record

A written record of the steps leading to expulsion must be kept on file with copies of all communications and reports. The following form should be used, one copy kept on file and a copy mailed to the supervisor at the Department of Catholic Schools.

Name of Student:
Offense or situation:
Date:
Parents notified by:
Remarks:

First Meeting:
Place:
Time:
Persons present:
Remarks:
Signature(s):

Second Meeting:
Place:
Time:
Persons present:
Remarks:
Outcome:
Signature(s):

Cases Involving Grave Offenses

• In cases involving grave offenses, which may include a violation of criminal law or actions so outrageous as to shock the conscience or behavior of the community, the student is immediately suspended and there is no requirement to hold the initial parent-principal conference.

• The procedure involving cases of grave offenses should be followed when the continued presence of the student at school (even for a short period of time) will, in the reasonable judgment of the principal, pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of another student or students, or faculty members.

• When immediate suspension is imposed, with probable expulsion, while the case is being investigated, the rules and the consequences of the violation should be clearly explained to the student and parents or guardians.

Time of Expulsion

• An expulsion may be made immediately if the reasons are urgent

• Only in exceptional cases shall expulsion of an eighth grade student who has been in the school one or more years be allowed

• If an expulsion is to take place during the last quarter of the school year or during the last semester in the case of an eighth grade student, prior approval of the Department of Catholic Schools is required before the expulsion can take effect

• If such action is contemplated, approval shall be obtained before the announcement of the final decision to the parents at the meeting described below

Reporting of Expulsions

• All expulsions even if they occur at the end of the year, are to be reported by telephone to the elementary supervisor at the Department of Catholic Schools within 24 hours. The elementary school written report, Notice of Dismissal, should be mailed promptly to the supervisor.

• The County Office of Education shall be notified immediately of expulsions. A copy of the Cumulative Student Record should be held until requested.

Right to Make Exceptions

The principal, in consultation with the pastor if a parish school, retains the right to make exceptions in cases where mitigating circumstances call for a different response than policy suggests.

Home Study

Circumstances may arise which dictate that a student, at the discretion of the principal, be excluded from school attendance for a period of time. This is a remedy for unusual situations and is not considered a suspension. Students may be given tests, etc. outside school hours so that grades can be reported.

School Staff

• Has knowledge that the school’s primary role in an emergency is to care for the safety and welfare of children during school hours.

• Instructs and prepares students in emergency procedures - FIRE, EARTHQUAKE, ETC.

• Implements procedures during an emergency and provides instructions and guidance to pupils.

• Secures students in the school environment until they can be reunited with their families.

Students

• Are informed of all emergency procedures for fire, earthquake, etc. that are developed to avoid confusion, prevent injury, and save lives in case of disaster.

• Follow instructions of school staff members at all times.

• Know the person’s names designated on the emergency card for student pick up.

• Take their responsibilities seriously in an emergency.

Parents

• Update emergency card as information changes.

• Make a broad family emergency plan with your children.

• Monitor the EMERGENCY BROADCAST SYSTEM.

• Support and reinforce the school’s emergency procedures.

• Preferences shall be given to active members of the parish

• Under Archdiocesan guidelines for financial considerations, the optimum number of students per classroom is 35

• The recommended age for kindergarten students is five 5 years of age on or before September 1, but required by December 1

• The recommended age for first grade students is six 6 years of age on or before September 1, but required by December 1, unless waived by the principal

• All students must comply with current California immunization and health requirements prior to enrollment

• The parish school will strive to have Catholic education accessible to as many students as possible, both with its educational programs and financial considerations; however, it may have insufficient resources to meet the educational and financial needs of all students

• The pastor and principal will review a students’ continued eligibility for enrollment in the parish school

• Each school shall establish procedures for admission and enrollment

Adults acting in a staff, faculty, ministerial or other paid or volunteer position in the Archdiocese are role models who are called to treat each minor with respect and care. Staff members, faculty or volunteers serving either in a paid or volunteer position need to maintain professional relationships with minors whether on or off parish or parish school locations. Please review the following guidelines and sign the "Acknowledgment of Receipt" for the file at the parish or parish school where you work or volunteer.

• Staff members/faculty/volunteers will ensure that minors are properly supervised at all times, thus providing them a safe environment. Minors must be viewed as "restricted individuals" because they are not adults and are not independent.

• If staff members/faculty/volunteers who are supervising minors observe a situation where civil law, parish and/or school rules are being violated, they must take appropriate action immediately.

• Staff members/faculty/volunteers should always be aware they have considerable personal power because of their ministerial positions. Therefore, they will maintain respectful ministerial relationships, avoiding manipulation and other abuses of power.

• Staff members/faculty/volunteers must avoid assuming the role of a "father or mother figure" which may create an excessive emotional attachment for all parties.

• Attraction between adults and minors is possible, and care and caution should be taken in all interactions. The parish/school administration should be informed immediately if such an attraction exists. Dating or sexual relationships between a staff member/faculty/volunteer and a minor are inappropriate and unethical. Dating or sexual relationships between a staff member/faculty/volunteer and a minor are unlawful.

• Communications with minors (e.g., notes, email and internet exchanges, telephone calls) must be for professional reasons only.

• Discussions of a sexual nature must always take place in an appropriate educational context. Sexual jokes, slang or innuendo are inappropriate when interacting with minors.

• Staff members/faculty/volunteers will respect confidential information concerning minors or confidential information of a personal nature shared by a minor. However, if a minor shares confidential information that could pose a threat to the minor or to others, the staff member/faculty/volunteer has an obligation to notify the proper authorities.

• When staff members/faculty/volunteers are supervising minors or young adults at parish/parish school-sponsored activities, they may not be under the influence of alcohol, may not consume alcohol in the presence of persons under age 21, nor offer alcohol to them.

• When a staff member/faculty/volunteer is alone in a room with a minor, the door must be open or there must be clear visibility through windows.

• Staff members/faculty/volunteers are to engage in games or sports activities with minors only in the presence of other adults, or in a place openly accessible/visible to others.

• Staff members/faculty/volunteers planning parish/parish school events in their homes with minors must have the permission of the parish/school administration. In addition, staff members/faculty/volunteers may not have any minor in their homes without the knowledge of the minor's parent or guardian.

• Staff members/faculty/volunteers may not drive minors unless it is to or from a parish/parish school-sponsored activity and may never drive alone with a minor. Driving minors requires parental permission slips that indicate the transportation is by personal vehicle. The parish/parish school administration must approve any use of personal vehicles. Trips involving minors must have a sufficient number of adult chaperones and minors to preclude the appearance of inappropriate personal involvement with minors.

• Parent/guardian written permission is required for the publication of a picture of a minor.

• Adults are permitted to interact alone with minor(s) only after complying with Archdiocesan policies regarding fingerprinting and safe environment training. They may work with minors only as part of a team if they have not these requirements.

Substantiated acts of harassment, bullying or hazing by a student will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal of the student. Students found to have filed false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. For students in grades K-3, this disciplinary action shall depend on the maturity of the students and the circumstances involved. For students in grades 4 through 8, the disciplinary action may include suspension or dismissal.

Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or a school environment that is hostile or intimidating. 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, and gestures.

• Sexual harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Bullying is the habitual harassing, intimidating, tormenting, browbeating, humiliating, terrorizing, oppressing and/or threatening of another person. Bullying typically consists of direct behaviors, such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, shoving, and stealing that are initiated by one or more students against a victim or victims. In addition to direct attacks, bullying may also be indirect, such as spreading rumors that cause victims to be socially isolated through intentional exclusion. Whether the bullying is direct or indirect, the key component of bullying is physical or psychological intimidation that occurs repeatedly over time to create an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse.

Students also may be involved in cyberbullying, which occurs when they bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology. This can include, but is not limited to:

• Sending inappropriate text, e-mail, or instant messages.

• Posting inappropriate pictures or messages about others in blogs or on Web sites.

• Using someone else's user name to spread rumors or lies about someone.

Hazing is any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to these organizations which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any student or other person.

It is the responsibility of the school to:

• Establish practices and provide staff development training and age-appropriate information for students, designed to create a school environment free from discrimination, intimidation or harassment.

• Make all faculty, staff, students, parents or guardians, and volunteers 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 offensive school environment.

It is the student’s responsibility to:

• Conduct himself or herself in a manner that contributes to a positive school environment.

• Avoid any activity that may be considered discriminatory, intimidating, harassing, bullying or hazing.

• If possible, inform the other person(s) that the behavior is offensive and unwelcome.

• Report all incidents of discrimination, harassment, bullying or hazing to the principal or teacher.

• As appropriate, the students involved may be asked to complete a formal, written complaint which will be investigated thoroughly and will involve only the necessary parties. Confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible.

Average Homework Times:

Kindergarten: Approximately 30-45 minutes (includes 20 minutes of reading time)

Grades One and Two: Approximately 30 minutes

Grades Three through Five: Approximately 60 minutes

Grades Six through Eight: Approximately 90-120 minutes

In addition to the above times, it is expected that all Saint Mary Magdalen School students read for extended periods of time, a minimum of 20 minutes daily (Sunday through Saturday).

Through the mission of the Archdiocese, our schools strive to serve children with varied learning needs. All educators in Archdiocesan schools follow “Directions for the Inclusion Process in Catholic Schools: Support Team Education Plan Process (STEP) and Minor Adjustment Plan Process (MAP)”. Parents or guardians who feel that their student may need a minor adjustment to enable him/her to participate in the general education curriculum of the school should consult the student’s teacher and principal to determine how best to meet the students needs. Parents or guardians may request the “Disability Discrimination Complaint Review Process” from the principal to address unresolved issues.

Pursuant to Title 40 CFR, Part 763, Subpart E (AHERA), the local education agency is required to inform you that: 1) A copy of this school’s AHERA Management Plan is available for your inspection in the school office and the office of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and 2) This Management Plan contains information regarding inspections, re-inspections, response actions, and post-response action activities, including periodic re-inspections and surveillance activities that are planned or in progress.

Should you wish to review the AHERA Management Plan, please contact the school office. An application (Form ACC-1) will be given to you to document your request. Application review and report preparation will require a maximum of five (5) working days.

School Level

• The person bringing the complaint is encouraged to try to resolve the complaint by discussing it with the persons directly involved.

• If resolution is not achieved, the complaint should be discussed with the principal (or the pastor, if the principal is the subject of the complaint).

• For elementary schools, if the principal is unable to resolve the conflict, the principal will bring the pastor into the process as appropriate.

• After reviewing the facts and facilitating discussion of the problem the principal will respond to the person bringing the complaint.

Department of Catholic Schools Level

• If the complaint is not resolved at the school or parish level, the complaint may be submitted in writing to the supervisor at the Department of Catholic Schools, outlining the concerns and reviewing the local process.

• The supervisor will review the complaint (with such consultation as may be appropriate) in a timely fashion and will endeavor to mediate and resolve the matter.

• However, if no agreement can be reached, the supervisor will make a final determination concerning the resolution of the complaint, based on the application of Archdiocesan and school policies and/or regulations, and communicate that determination, which will be final and binding, in writing to all parties.

Maintaining confidentiality is the legal, ethical and professional responsibility of every member of the school community, including students, parents or guardians, teachers, aides, and all other employees. Every member of the school community must respect the privacy of all students, families, employees, the principal and the pastor.

“Pupil records” means any record related to a student that is maintained by a school or one of its employees. It includes health records. It does not include “directory information” or a school employee's informal notes, if the notes remain in the sole possession of the maker and are not made available to others, except to a substitute.

Only the principal, as custodian of the records, authorizes the release of pupil records. Only teachers or administrators charged with pupil oversight have the right to view or use pupil records. A teacher’s aide may view or use pupil records only with direct teacher supervision. Pupil records may be released by judicial order such as a subpoena or a search warrant. In specific cases, such as suspicion of kidnapping, police officers may be given access to records.

Parents and legal guardians of minors have the absolute right to access their child’s pupil records in accordance with the school’s reasonable procedures for providing such access. Parents or legal guardians may grant any specified person written consent to access specifically identified pupil records. In cases of legal separation and/or divorce, California state law gives the custodial parent and a non-custodial parent with visitation rights, the right to access and examine pupil records. However, only the custodial parent may consent to the release of records and has the right to challenge the content of the records and to write responses to information regarding disciplinary action. A non-custodial parent without visitation rights has no right of access to records of any kind.

"Directory information" means one or more of the following items: pupil's name, address, telephone number, date and place birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous public or private school attended by the pupil.

The school will, to the extent possible, minimize access to student telephone numbers or personal email addresses, unless the parents or legal guardians consent to broader access. To the extent possible, users should try to minimize access to or distribution of student telephone numbers or personal email addresses, unless the parents of legal guardians consent to broader access

Room parent rosters, class lists, telephone numbers, email address lists or any other personal information about families and students are considered confidential and may be used only for the purposes specified. In no cases should commercial enterprises be given access to Directory Information.

Confidential information may be provided by students or parents or guardians to school employees in many ways. Students may confide in staff verbally, in writing, such as a note or a writing/journal assignment. All school employees must respect the verbal or written confidences of adults and students, except in cases where the health or safety of the student or others is involved. If the confidence received relates to a health or safety issue, the pastor, principal or other person in charge or appropriate authorities must be notified promptly, keeping in mind the rights of privacy that apply. Archdiocesan policy on reporting suspected abuse of children or vulnerable adults must be followed when applicable.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Each school and religious education program must establish an ongoing safe environment training program for the children at its site. Home-based materials must be provided to all parents to help them understand and support their children's education regarding child sexual abuse. The approved programs include Good-Touch/Bad-Touch® and VIRTUS® Teaching Touching Safety (Mandated September 1, 2006).

Good-Touch/Bad-Touch® is being implemented in Grades K-9 in Catholic elementary schools throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The program is designed to be age-appropriate, to support children in understanding occasions of abuse, and to give them confidence in reporting and asserting themselves in situations where they feel unsafe.

VIRTUS® Teaching Touching Safety is a K-12 program being implemented in religious education programs and Catholic schools. This program is a vehicle through which parents, teachers, catechists and youth ministers give children and young people the tools they need to protect themselves from those who might harm them.

The Archdiocesan Office of Safeguard the Children will work with principals at the schools and Directors of Religious Education in the parishes to establish these programs. Questions concerning this program can be forwarded to Chancellor, Coordinator of Children's Programs at (213) 637-7460.

SCHOOL SEARCHES

A student’s legitimate expectation of privacy in their person and in the personal effects they bring to school must be balanced against the obligation of the school to maintain discipline and to provide a safe environment for the school community. Accordingly, school officials may conduct a search of the student’s person and personal effects based on a reasonable suspicion that the search will disclose evidence that the student is violating or has violated the law or a school rule.

School officials do not need a warrant or a parent’s permission to conduct a search of the student and/or the school’s or a student’s personal property, as long as they have a reasonable suspicion that a law or school rule is being or has been violated. Whenever a school principal conducts a search of a student’s person or personal effects, an adult witness should be present.

Students do not own their lockers or other school property. Lockers are made available to the student by the school. The student does have some expectation of privacy in his or her locker from other students. However, a student may not exclude school officials if the school official has a reasonable suspicion that a law or school rule has been violated.

A student has a greater expectation of privacy concerning his or her backpack, purse, clothing and other personal effects. A school official who finds it necessary to conduct a search of a student’s backpack, purse, clothing or personal effects, must have a reasonable suspicion that the student is violating or has violated a law or school rule. The student’s parents should be notified of any such search.

An alert from trained and certified detector dog is sufficient to allow the school official to have a reasonable suspicion and to conduct a warrantless search of the student’s locker, car or his or her personal property and effects. In addition to this policy on searches by the school, every student is subject to the Archdiocesan and school use and privacy policies concerning cell phones and other electronic devices, whether the devices belong to the school or to the student.

If a student refuses to cooperate in a reasonable search of the school or student property (including electronic devices), the student’s parents and/or the police may be called for assistance or referral.

In the event that any items belonging to a student are confiscated, the principal should document that fact and, when possible, take a photograph of the place where the confiscated object was found and of the object itself. It is also recommended that the school obtain a signature from the student acknowledging that the item was in his or her possession at the time it was found.

SCHOOL STUDENT NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The school, mindful of its mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, admits students regardless of race, color, or national and/or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, sex, or national and/or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies and practices, scholarship programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs, although certain athletic leagues and other programs may limit participation and some archdiocesan schools operate as single sex schools.

While the school does not discriminate against students with special needs, a full range of services may not always be available to them. Decisions concerning the admission and continued enrollment of a student in the school are based upon the student’s emotional, academic and physical abilities and the resources available to the school in meeting the student’s needs.

Global Citizens who

• Respect and care for God's creation

• Listen, speak, read, and write effectively and creatively

• Work independently and cooperatively in problem solving

Reflective Thinkers who

• Develop individual goals and strategies for success

• Synthesize and evaluate information

• Apply concepts

Active Examples of Our Faith who

• Serve others in the local, national, and international communities

• Participate in Catholic traditions and practices

• Express knowledge of our faith

Dedicated Inquirers who

• Analyze results and work for improvement

• Use technology purposefully and proficiently

• Ask relevant and thoughtful questions

St. Mary Magdalen School
Landmark of Faith, Character and Academic Excellence

1. Permanent Record Card

2. Immunization and Medical Examination Forms .

3. Standardized Test Scores (I.T.B.S.)

4. Copy of the Baptismal Certificate

5. Copy of the Birth Certificate

6. Copies of filed disciplinary notices

7. Other necessary formal documentation.

When a pupil transfers to another school, a copy of the Cumulative Pupil Report and the original health record are sent to the receiving school. A copy may also be given to the parents. A record of the reason for transfer, as well as the name of the school to which the pupil is transferring will be entered on the original copy of the Cumulative Pupil Report.

The student who has made the threat will be kept in the school office under supervision until the police arrive. The parents or guardians of the student who has made the threat will be notified. Any adult or student who has been identified as the potential victim, or mentioned in writing as a potential victim, will be notified immediately.

The student who has made the threat will be suspended until the investigation by the police and school has been completed.

The decision to re-admit a student who has made a threat will be made by the principal and pastor on a case-by-case basis.

Practical jokes or offhand comments of a threatening nature will be taken seriously and will be investigated. The police may be notified and these actions may result in suspension or removal of a student from school.

Whenever a pupil transfers from one school to another, a copy of the Cumulative Student Report and the original Health Record shall be transferred by the former school upon a request from the school where the pupil intends to enroll and a release from the parent or guardian. The original Cumulative Student Report will remain at the school.

A record of the transfer, the reason for the transfer, and the name of the school to which the student is transferring or entering after graduation should be entered on the original copy of the Cumulative Student Report and in the Student Attendance Register.

Official transcripts are not given to students or parents. The school grants full credit for all work a student accomplishes up to the time of transfer.

Principals may be required by the County Board of Education to report the severance of attendance by any student.

Under California law, a private school cannot refuse to provide student records to a requesting school because of any charges, including tuition or fees that are owed by the student or parent. However, the school may withhold from parents or guardians the grades, diploma, or transcripts of a pupil pending payment of certain amounts for damaged property, the return of loaned property or unpaid tuition or fees, in accordance with school policy.

Morning: 

Car Pool Drop-off: For the car pool drop-off, the first car up stops at the speed bump near the rectory to let passengers disembark. The next two cars also let passengers disembark. Students should cross in front of his/her own car establishing eye contact with the driver. Other cars wait in line and move forward when space allows filling in the 1-2-3 slot for students to disembark (“Pirates of the Caribbean” style!) 

Parking Lot on lower level: This is not a drop-off area. All parents using this lot need to park and escort student(s) to the area near the school office (up the walkway past the grass field and across the flow of traffic for cars exiting the drop-off/pick-up line). Cars must clear this lot by 9:15 a.m., so this area can serve as a playground. No stopping, dropping off or parking is allowed on Holly Street.

Afternoon: 

Carpool Pick-up: Fives minutes prior to dismissal cars queue up to the pick up area along the curb on Chapel Drive. Students board cars and cars move forward at the direction of the adult on supervisory duty. Students are required to stay together in the assigned area. 

Parking Lot on lower level: Again in the afternoon, parents using this lot need to park and escort students. Parents must accompany any child to the cars parked in this lot.

Primary Pick-up: Grades K and 1 will send home forms in the beginning of the year to inform teachers if their child will go to Day Care, be dismissed to Chapel Drive for carpool or will remain in the classroom to be picked up by parent.

All parents and children are requested to abide by traffic laws and courtesy, and obey the adult on duty who is supervising the safety of pedestrians and the flow of traffic. Please refrain from using cell phones during drop off and pick up of students.

SMMS Tuition Assistance: Parents may apply for tuition assistance by requesting and completing a Confidential Application and submitting the required documentation.

• New Student Registration Fee $50.00 Due upon acceptance.

• Annual Placement Fee (non-refundable) $50.00 per student - Due February.

• Registration Fee (non-refundable) $350.00 - Due June.
   

Tuition and fees do not cover the full cost of educating students at SMMS. The difference is made up by financial assistance contributed by various fundraising and volunteer activities. Each family is required to offer the following minimum support:

Volunteer Program: To contribute a minimum of service hours (30 per family, 15 for single parent families, at least 6 hours in support of Official School Fundraisers. A fee of $50.00 is due for each hour not worked.

Annual Fiesta: Each family must work at least six hours in support of this event. Families must support the sale of Fiesta raffle tickets. It is very important that families attend/support this event.  Note: There will not be a Fiesta in 2010 in lieu of the Chapel's 100th Anniversary.

Jog-A-Thon: The Fly2Fitness Jog-A-Thon is one of our major fundraisers for the school year 2010-2011. You can support St. Mary Magdalen School and the Fly2Fitness Jog-A-Thon by either providing a one-time donation or a fixed amount based on the number of laps run by a student.

Fashion Show: It is with great pleasure we will be hosting our 1st annual Fashion, Faith and Fun fashion show and boutique. The event is designed to bring together the school and local community. The event is held at a private residence in Camarillo with an afternoon of boutique shopping, fashion show and light lunch.

Pennies from Heaven: It is important that each family support this event either by volunteering time in preparation or assisting the day of the event, donating auction items, and/or attending the event.

Annual Classic Golf Tournament: It is important that families support this event either through the donation of time in preparation for the event, assisting on the day of the event, donating auction items, and/or by playing in the tournament or attending the dinner.

Scrip Program: In order to assist families in keeping the direct cost of tuition to a minimum, the idea of a Family Financial Obligation (FFO) was instituted. This offers families the option of raising funds to offset part of their tuition payment through the purchase of Scrip. 

All scrip purchases are tracked and applied to a family’s personal account. Families need to meet this obligation based on the number of students enrolled per family (1 = $325, 2 = $350, 3+ = $375).  

Families have two options for meeting this obligation: 

• If a student requires private tutoring or parents wish to have a student tutored in school subjects, the parents are responsible for engaging the tutor and paying all tutoring costs. The school may assist the parents in identifying tutoring resources.

• Teachers may not be paid for tutoring students assigned to their classes. With prior permission from the principal, teachers may tutor other students who attend the school and be paid for such tutoring by the parents.

• A school may arrange with independent contractors or entities, who are not teachers or staff at the school to provide tutoring on a fee basis. Independent entities must have appropriate licenses, agreements for use of the premises and insurance.

• All tutors and entities must comply with the procedures and policies of the extended school day program and the Archdiocesan Guidelines for Adults Interacting with Minors at Parish or Parish School Activities or Events.