Respect for God,
Respect for Self,
Respect for Others,
Respect for Property.

When students enroll at St. Wendelin it is assumed that parents and students have accepted the school's discipline policies and procedures. At the beginning of each academic year students receive a copy of the discipline code which outlines in detail the various rules and exceptions. It is strongly recommended that parents review this code with their children at that time.

Every student, as well as every teacher, has the right to a classroom atmosphere that provides the maximum learning environment. Respect for adults and fellow students, respect for property, obedience, awareness of the needs of others and the effort to develop self-directed behavior are expected of each student.

Parents are kept informed of their child's cooperation in matters of behavior and are asked to support the school's efforts by their own consistency in the home. Unless the student knows that parents and teachers are working together in matters of behavior, there is little that can be accomplished to instill appropriate behavior.

Apart from serious discipline problems, there will inevitably arise minor difficulties between students and their teachers. Misbehavior, misunderstandings, mistakes of judgment are bound to occur. Parents can use these episodes to intelligently and maturely teach their children some important practical truths. Grant all teachers the kind of courtesy and respect their position deserves. If there is some question about justice or fairness in a particular incident, discuss it first with the child's teacher. If there is still need to do so, the matter can then be referred to the principal.

The procedures of handling discipline matters are as follows:

1. Normally problems are handled in a very informal way by the teacher and/or principal. When the misbehavior warrants it, the student is asked to choose his/her own consequence.
2. More serious problems are presented to the Discipline Review Board which consists of the principal and three staff members appointed at the beginning of the year.
3. Decisions of the Discipline Review Board (three day suspension or expulsion) may be appealed to the Discipline Hearing Board which consists of the Pastor and three different staff members appointed at the beginning of the year.

The following offenses may be considered to be of serious nature:

1. Malicious damage to the school or church property.
2. Abusive treatment of fellow students.
3. Repeated rudeness to anyone in authority or to fellow students.
4. A continuously disruptive influence in the classroom.
5. The use of inappropriate language or gestures toward authority or fellow students.
6. Stealing.
7. Truancy.
8. Possession of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or pornographic material.
9. Possession of any weapon (including pocket knives).
10. Any threats of violence against students or staff.
11. Any other behavior deemed inappropriate by the Discipline Review Board.

For any of the above serious offenses any of the following ACTIONS will be taken:

1. An after school detention.
2. The student will attend Saturday morning school.
3. The student will serve in-school suspension.
4. The student will be asked to withdraw from school.
5. Any other action deemed appropriate.

For each serious offense:

1. The school staff will take appropriate action immediately (e.g., removal from the situation, sent to the office, sent home, or other).
2. Parents will be notified of the situation in a timely fashion.
3. Principal will assess the problem and determine if it is a serious problem and whether it is to be presented to the Discipline Review Board.
4. The decision of the Discipline Review Board will be communicated verbally and in writing to the parents and the student by the school administration.
5. At that time parents will be informed of the appeal process. The appeal process will not delay any consequence that the Discipline Review Board has decided.
6. Parents may appeal the Discipline Review Board's decision to the Discipline Hearing Board.
7. In the appeal hearing only student and parent/guardian may be present. They will be given the opportunity to present their concerns.