CCHS Web Homepage: http://www.charlestoncatholic-crw.org
School ID # 490-205 (use for SAT,ACT and College Applications)
2010-2011 Handbook in pdf format
Contact Information
Debra K. Sullivan -- Principal
Kate FitzGerald -- Asst. Principal for Operations
Colleen McCartney – Asst. Principal for Student Affairs
Simone Thomas -- Admissions and Academic Advisor
David Hoffmann – Director of Technology
Shirley Cielensky -- Secretary
Mary Francis Casey -- Secretary and Alumni Support
Lisa Shay -- Registrar and Bookkeeper
C. SCHOOL CLOSINGS DUE
TO SNOW OR ICE
G.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBER
C.
MAKING UP WORK MISSED AND CONSEQUENCES OF ABSENCES
G.
PROGRESS REPORTING TO PARENTS
P.
WITHDRAWAL FROM CHARLESTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOOL
EXPECTATIONS/DISCIPLINE
A.
APPROPRIATE BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES
D.
UNIFORM AND DRESS CODE POLICY
E. TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, AND DRUG POLICIES
F. ACADEMIC/BEHAVIORAL PROBATION
G. PROCEDURES FOR SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION
H. FOR SUSPENSION OF FIVE DAYS OR MORE AND FOR
ALL EXPULSIONS
B.
ELECTRONIC Communication and media devices
F. FACULTY WORKROOM AND MAILROOM
COMMUNITY
SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
FINE ARTS/HUMANITIES REQUIREMENTS
CHARLESTON
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ACTIVITIES AGREEMENT
CHARLESTON CATHOLIC DANCE POLICy
CHARLESTON CATHOLIC INTERNET USE
AGREEMENT
Information in this
student handbook is subject to change due to changes in school policy or
regulations.
Morning
bells ring at 7:45, 7:55, and 8:00 unless otherwise noted.
Adjusted
Schedule for 1st
period 8:00 – 8:45 2nd
period 8:49 – 9:31 3rd
period 9:35 – 10:17 4th
period 10:21–11:03 Lunch 11:07–11:43 6th
period 11:47- 12:29 7th
period 12:33 – 1:15 8th
period 1:19 – 2:06 7/8th Middle School 1st
period 8:00 – 8:45 2nd
period 8:49 – 9:28 Break 9:28 – 9:40 3rd
period 9:40 – 10:17 4th
period 10:21–11:03 5th
period 11:07-11:43 Lunch 11:47–12:30 7th
period 12:33 – 1:15 8th
period 1:19 – 2:06 Sixth Grade 1st
period 8:00 – 8:45 2nd
period 8:49 – 9:31 3rd
period 9:35 – 10:17 Lunch 10:20–10:56 5th
period 11:00–11:43 6th
period 11:47- 12:29 Break 12:32- 12:47 7th
period 12:53 – 1:30 8th
period 1:34 – 2:06 Mass Schedule- 1st
period 8:00-8:41 2nd
period 8:45-9:30 MASS 9:30-10:30 3rd
period 10:30-11:11 4th
period 11:15-11:55 HS Lunch 11:59-12:33 MS Lunch 12:37- 1:17 6th
period 12:37-1:17 7th
period 1:21-2:01 8th
period 2:05-2:45
Regular
High School
1st
period 8:00-8:53
2nd
period 8:57-9:44
3rd
period 9:48-10:35
4th
period 10:39-11:26
Lunch 11:30-12:04
6th
period 12:08-12:56
7th
period 1:00-1:48
8th
period 1:52-2:45
7/8 Middle School
Two Hour Delay 1st
period 10:00-10:30 3rd
period 10:34-11:04 4th
period 11:08-11:38 (6th Lunch) 5th
period 11:42-12:22 (HS Lunch) 6th
period 12:26-1:00 (MS Lunch) 7th
period 1:04-1:34 8th
period 1:37-2:07 2nd
period 2:11-2:45 Half-Day Schedule (11:30
Dismissal) 1st
period 8:00-8:30 2nd
period 8:34-8:59 3rd
period 9:03-9:28 4th
period 9:32-9:57 (this is
5TH period for 6TH
grade) 5th/6th 10:01-10:26 7th
period 10:30-10:55 8th
period 10:59-11:30
1st period 8:00-8:49
2nd period 8:53-9:35
Break 9:38-9:50
3rd
period 9:50-10:37
4th
period 10:41-11:26
5th
period 11:30-12:18
Lunch 12:20-12:56
7th
period 1:00-1:48
8th
period 1:52-2:45
Sixth Grade
1st
period 8:00 – 8:53
2nd
period 8:57 – 9:44
3rd
period 9:48– 10:35
Lunch 10:39- 11:10
5th
period 11:16–12:04
6th
period 12:08 – 12:56
Break 1:00 – 1:10
7th
period 1:14 – 1:57
8th
period 2:01 –2:45
A.
In
the context of a Christian community, Charleston Catholic High School strives
to help students fulfill the potential of their God-given talents and abilities
and to guide them in developing themselves in all areas: spiritually,
intellectually, physically, aesthetically, and socially. Staff, students, and parents work together to
develop a community of shared values based on respect and concern for self and
others while at the same time guiding students to use their gifts and values to
better the world in which they live.
B. PROFILE
Charleston
Catholic is a Catholic co-educational school, grades 6-12, offering a college
preparatory curriculum. Located in
downtown
C. VALUES
Core
Gospel values characterize our beliefs and influence our policies and actions
as Catholic school educators. They include:
Sacredness
of Person: Recognizing that all of humanity is made in
the image and likeness of
God, we view each person as a sacred and a perfect expression of the Creator's
love.
Academic
Excellence: We are committed to the highest educational
development of young
people and believe that all who desire to learn can excel.
Respect: Given
the sacredness of each person, we regard self and others with great esteem.
Integrity: In
all our actions we seek to maintain a moral and spiritual code of conduct that
is
rooted in Gospel values.
Justice: We
are committed to fairness and the promotion of the Christian vision of right
relationships between people.
Service: We
seek to put the needs of others first and are committed to living the corporal
works
of mercy.
Community: We
are committed to establishing and maintaining the faith-centered collaboration
of students, parents, administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, diocese and
friends of CCHS.
Honor Code: All student work
must be signed by the student stating it is his or own work: “On my honor as a CCHS student I affirm this
is my own work.”
The
school office is open between the hours of 7:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when school
is in session. Summer hours vary.
Classes
start at 8 a.m. and conclude at 2:45 p.m.
Students are permitted on the classroom floors at 7:45 a.m. At 7:55 a warning bell alerts students to be
on their way to class. Students arriving
at school earlier (no earlier than 7:15 a.m., please) than 7:45 a.m. MUST enter
the school by the gym doors and wait in the bleachers. They will be supervised until 7:45 a.m., at
which time they may go to their lockers.
For safety reasons, students are not to congregate in the front
entryway.
When snow or ice may cause school
closings or delays,
information is posted on our web site, www.charlestoncatholic-crw.org. Additionally, local radio and TV stations
will list information specific to
TWO-HOUR DELAY: When school opening is delayed for two
hours, students may enter the building at 9:30 a.m. at the earliest. Classes will start promptly at 10 a.m.
Early
dismissal days will be identified in parent newsletters. 11:30 a.m. is the typical early dismissal
time on half-days.
School
attendance and the degree to which a student succeeds in school are directly
related to one another. Therefore,
faithful school attendance is of critical importance. Graduation credits (called “Carnegie Units”)
relate to number of hours of instruction for each credit earned; thus,
attendance and participation must be requirements for granting credit for
courses taken.
CCHS
students are expected to attend all classes for which they have been scheduled
as well as other events and activities occurring during the school day (e.g.,
liturgies, assemblies, etc.).
Students
may not leave the school premises during the school day without the explicit
permission of the principal. Permission
may never be presumed.
Students
may use the office phones only in case of emergency and with permission from
the office staff. Personal calls may be
made from the phone in the Commons during lunch periods. Students
are not permitted out of class to make phone calls. Messages to students from parents may be
called into the office and should be made only for reasons that cannot be
postponed. Students are called to the
office to pick up messages during the afternoon announcements. Because of the
number of students enrolled, we strongly request and urge that parents make
arrangements with their students regarding transportation, appointments, etc.,
before students leave home. There is no
guarantee that students will receive messages that are called into the school. The use of cell phones is strictly
prohibited during school hours from 8:00 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. Cell phones MUST be turned off from
8:00 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. If a phone is turned
on and visible for any reason during the
school day, including to answer calls or text messages from parents/guardians,
it will be confiscated by a faculty member and turned in to the office The phone will be returned to the
parent/guardian of the student to whom the phone belongs. If the phone is taken a second time in the
course of a school year additional consequences, including fines, will
apply. (See section School Facilities
B).
Any
change of address or phone number, or other information kept on file by the
school, should be reported to the office as soon as possible so that school
records may be kept up-to-date.
The
school keeps full and accurate records of each student's attendance and
academic progress. These student records
are kept permanently at CCHS. When a
student transfers to another school, a transcript of attendance, academic
progress, test scores, and health records will be given to the parents to
submit to the new school. Community
service information is not kept on file once a student leaves CCHS. Students transferring to other schools are
encouraged to take their community service folders with them to present at
their new schools.
No data shall be released concerning any
student without written parental consent.
Parents shall have full access to and the right to challenge the
accuracy of data on their children’s records.
No one except authorized school personnel and parents have access to
pupil data without either a subpoena or written permission of the student and
his/her parent(s) or guardian(s).
Requests
for transcripts must be made in the academic advisor’s office. Requests should be made at least 2 weeks
prior to the date the transcript is needed.
Non-custodial parents who wish to receive copies of
their children’s progress reports, report cards, and newsletters should provide
12 self-addressed stamped envelopes to the school office by the beginning of
August.
Announcements
are made after 8 a.m. opening exercises (prayer and pledge) and again at 2:42
p.m. All announcements must be approved
by the principal and must be in the office by 7:50 a.m. for morning
announcements and 2:00 p.m. for afternoon announcements. Copies of morning announcements are included
on the daily absence reports. Students
are expected to be respectful and attentive during the prayer and
announcements.
Any
student taking medication, prescription or over-the-counter, during school
hours must report this to the school office.
Students taking prescribed medication during school hours must have a
Diocesan form on file in the school office. Medication is to be given to the
office staff who will dispense it at times designated on the permission slip. All
medications in the office will be returned to students at the end of the year.
Medications are not kept from year to year.
In
order to secure drivers’ licenses and permits, students are required to provide
proof of school enrollment. These state-mandated
forms are available in the school office.
Students must request these forms from the school secretary at least two days in advance. Forms are not issued during summer months.
Juniors
and seniors are encouraged to visit colleges to help in the college selection
process. Juniors and seniors wishing to
visit colleges during a scheduled school day will not be penalized for
attendance purposes if they do not exceed a total of 2 days for seniors and 2 days for juniors.
In
order to be approved, requests for college visits must be submitted in writing
(form in academic advisor’s office) at
least 48 hours prior to the visit for approval by the academic advisor and
principal. Visits must be completed by
May 1.
Students
must fulfill requirements for promotion to and placement within each grade
level. Prior to action being taken on
acceptance or promotion of students, each student's file is examined for credit
status. The principal, academic advisor,
and admissions committee will determine credit for all high school courses
taken at other schools. Students are
placed in classes on the basis of the school admissions test, achievement on
standardized tests, past academic performance, available space, and
recommendations.
Tuition
assistance is available for needy Catholic students through the Diocese of
Wheeling-Charleston. Applications for
these grants are available in the school office each spring. Other families needing financial assistance
are encouraged to contact their parishes or churches.
Volunteers
are an integral part of our Charleston Catholic community. We appreciate the time, energy, and talents
you share with our students. In
compliance with the Diocesan mandate to create a safe environment for our
students, all adults working with students in any capacity are required to
complete a three-fold sexual abuse awareness training. Details can be found on our website: www.charlestoncatholic-crw.org. If you have any questions contact the
assistant principal for operations.
All visitors must
report to the school office upon entering the building. Visitors must sign in and fill out a name tag
to be worn while in the building.
Visitors must also sign out in the office
when they are leaving the school.
1.
When a student is absent from
school, a parent or guardian must telephone the school (342-8415) before 8:30
a.m. to report the student's absence.
2.
Students who are not in HOMEROOM by 8:00 a.m. or in their classrooms
when the bell rings to indicate the start of each period are considered TARDY
and must report to the school office to obtain an admit slip for that
class. Tardy students will not be
admitted to class without an admit slip.
Students tardy for first period must serve break/lunch detention that
day.
3. Any student more than ten minutes
tardy to a class will be considered ABSENT and TARDY for that period.
4.
Parents should avoid making school-day medical or other
appointments. If such an appointment is
unavoidable, parents should try to vary the times of appointments so students
aren't consistently missing the same classes.
5.
A written parental excuse for leaving the building must be presented for
approval in the office prior to 7:50 a.m.
6.
Students having written parental notification will be given a pass that
they must show to the classroom teacher in order to be released from class at
the appropriate time.
7.
Students must SIGN-OUT in the office when leaving the building for any
reason and SIGN-IN upon returning.
8.
Students
who become ill during the day will report to the office. Parents will be notified by office staff.
While
the school does not encourage students to miss school for any reason, there is
a procedure to follow when students know of absence(s) in advance. The purpose
is to notify school personnel of a student’s planned absence. School-sponsored
activities are excused (e.g., academic competitions, post-season sports
play). All other absences are unexcused
(e.g., doctor appointments, performances, funerals). It is the student’s responsibility to
make up all class work, assignments, and tests missed due to the absence,
according to school guidelines.
1.
Student must obtain an “Out of School Notification” form from the office
for all planned absences.
2.
Parent/Guardian
must complete the form and indicate specific date(s) and reason(s) for the
absence.
3.
Student must present the form to teachers and obtain signatures
indicating that the teachers are aware of the absence.
4.
The form must be turned into the office.
Official school records will reflect the status of the absence, i.e.,
excused for school-approved activities or unapproved for all other absences. If a school-sponsored excused form is not
completed and turned into the office prior to the absence, it will be treated
as an unexcused absence.
Absence
for sufficient reason entitles the student to an opportunity to make up the
work missed. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make-up assignments from
teachers. In general, the following
guidelines will apply for making up work missed due to absence. Failure to make up work will result in
zeros. Any work assigned prior to the
absence and due during the absence must be submitted on time to receive full
credit. To ensure that a student has
no outstanding assignments it is recommended that the student check in with
teachers on the day the student returns.
1.
Students who are in the building for any part of the day are required to
turn in all assignments due that day to all of their classes.
Otherwise, late penalties shall apply.
For example, students who arrive late or leave early must turn in all
work due that day. (e.g., students leaving for appointments or school sponsored
athletic events).
2. Long-range assignments made previously by a teacher (i.e.,
prior to a student’s absence) are due on
the date assigned. Otherwise, late
penalties shall apply. Illness or
appointments are not exceptions.
Arrangements must be made to submit assignments on the day they are due.
3.
Previously assigned homework is due the day the student
returns. Otherwise, late penalties shall
apply.
4. Students who are absent the day of a test
or quiz should expect to take these tests/quizzes on the day they
return. These tests will typically
be scheduled outside of class time (i.e., during lunch or after school). A teacher may elect to administer the
test/quiz on a different day, but it should not be expected. It is the student’s responsibility, upon
returning to school, to meet with the teacher to schedule a time to take the
make-up test/quiz.
5.
Students who were absent must talk to their teachers about
completing work missed during their absence.
Failure to complete these assignments on time will result in a zero for
each unsubmitted assignment. Students
must submit make-up work as follows:
One-day absence: work is due the day after returning to school.
Two-day absence: work is due two days after returning to
school.
Three or more day absence: work is due three days after returning to
school.
6. High school students who are absent are encouraged to contact other
students on a daily basis to learn what material was covered in class as well
as what assignments are due. For
prolonged absences (more than three days), students may request homework and
other class assignments from the school secretary. Parents are urged to encourage their children
to inquire about missed assignments.
7. Middle school students who are absent
for a full day will have a make-up sheet completed by their teachers. These sheets are available in the office from
2:45 - 3:30 p.m. on the day of the absence or at 7:45 a.m. the next day. Students absent for part of a day are
required to meet with their teachers for the work missed. It is the students’ responsibility to pick up
the make-up sheets and to follow up with their teachers.
8.
Parents of children absent from school for extended periods of time due
to major illnesses should contact the principal to discuss assignments from
teachers. Parents should encourage their
children to work on an appropriate amount of schoolwork so that, upon return to
school, students’ progress will not be jeopardized.
9.
Students suspended from
school/class are required to turn in previously made assignments on time,
including those assignments due during the course of their suspension. While suspended, students are expected to
make up class work/tests and will be given credit for the work submitted.
10. Students suspended from school are also
suspended from participation in extracurricular activities including school
social activities (e.g., school dances and athletic games, practices, etc.) for
the duration of their suspension.
11. Students absent (for any reason including
appointments, illness or other family circumstances, or being more than 10
minutes tardy to class) from a class period for five (5) or more days per
semester may lose credit for that class or classes. The principal and assistant principal shall
examine the student’s attendance record and determine if credit is to be
withheld or steps needed to be
taken if the student is to earn credit. If
students miss school for any reason, in addition to making up work at the
time of an absence, they shall, at the end of each semester, stay after school
to make up time missed during excessive absences.
Tardiness
to class is unacceptable. During the first few minutes of the day and of each
class period the tone and agenda are set for the rest of the day and the class
period. In being late, students deprive
the teacher of the class’s full attention and waste valuable instructional time
since the teacher has to start over when students enter the room late. Adequate time between classes has been
scheduled so tardiness should not be a problem for students.
Any
student tardy for the day (i.e.,
arriving anytime after 8 a.m.) is expected to serve lunch detention (or break
detention for 6th graders) on the day the tardy occurs. Students failing to report to the tardy table
will receive additional consequences.
The only exception granted to this consequence for
tardiness applies to students who, upon arrival at school, submit a written
doctor’s excuse/appointment slip for that morning, thus verifying the reason
for their tardiness. Students will still
be counted as absent/ tardy for classes missed.
High
school students receiving a total of seven tardies, in any combination of classes, including tardies to first
period, will receive 3 days of in-house lunch detention.
High
school students tardy to sixth period class will automatically lose off-campus
lunch privileges and serve three days of in-house lunch detention and are
subject to additional disciplinary action.
Middle school students who have more than three
tardies to a particular class in a nine week period will serve a lunch
detention.
At the end of each semester, students who are
excessively tardy will be required to make up time missed.
Truancy,
absence for all or part of the school day without permission of parents and
school authorities, is considered a very serious offense. Students will be automatically suspended in
school for at least three (3) days for truancy.
In all cases, parents will be notified of the situation and a parent
conference with a school administrator, as well as completion of all
assignments made as part of the suspension, will be required before the student
is readmitted to class.
Students
are expected to report to each class on time and with the proper materials
(e.g., textbooks, pen, and assignments) required by each teacher. Being prepared allows students and teachers
to make the best use of instructional time.
Students
are to follow the approved school heading format on all assignments turned in
to teachers. Theme paper, not spiral
notebook paper, must be used for work handed in to teachers.
Students’
placements in classes are carefully considered to ensure that students are
scheduled for appropriate classes. All
CCHS classes are part of a college preparatory program and, therefore, ALL
classes are presented at a college preparatory level. CCHS
does not offer remedial classes.
Students’ placement in courses varies from year to year and subject to
subject. Each year, students’ records
are reviewed for appropriate placement in classes.
Final placement in courses is made according to
academic requirements, student choices, class availability, past school
performance (academic and personal), staff recommendations, achievement on
standardized tests and other placement tests, class sizes, and schedule
conflicts.
There are no ability-grouped classes in the sixth
grade. In 7th and 8th
grades students are only grouped in mathematics.
Homework is an integral part of the Charleston
Catholic program. Homework builds self-discipline,
reinforces study skills, and provides practice and review. Middle school students should expect the
following daily homework load:
6th grade-10 minutes per subject 7th and
8th grades- 15 minutes per subject
D. LATE WORK
Work is due on the date assigned by teachers. Work turned in one day late will be eligible
for up to 50% of the total points possible for the assignment. Work submitted after that date will receive
zero points.
See Section C under Procedures for policies
regarding work missed because of absences.
All students are issued an assignment notebook to
keep track of assignments. The school
handbook and policies are included in this notebook. Middle school students are expected to
bring their assignment notebooks to class each day and to write down
assignments.
Teachers
are in their classrooms at 7:45 a.m. and remain in the school building until
3:15 p.m. Students are encouraged to
seek out their teachers if they have questions concerning assignments or
classroom issues. With prior
arrangements, students may be permitted to meet with a teacher prior to 7:45
a.m. Parents with questions for teachers
are encouraged to call the school office and leave a message. Calls will be returned that day or during the
next full school day.
If
a middle school student is not completing assignments, the following strategies
should be followed by parents prior to scheduling a conference.
1. Insist that the student bring home the assignment
book each day. Check to make sure
assignments are written down and completed.
Place them in a consistent place to be brought back to school.
2. Send a note to the teachers informing them
that you are requesting they sign off on the assignment notebook. They will verify that the assignments are
correctly written down. It is the
student’s responsibility to get teachers’ signatures EACH DAY; it is the
parent’s responsibility to see that the notebook has been signed.
If
there is no improvement after three weeks of following these steps, parents
should call the office and request a meeting with teachers. The principal, assistant principal for
student affairs, and academic advisor may be consulted in regard to student
progress issues.
Notification
of student progress will be sent to parents twice during each of the four
quarters. Progress reports will be sent
at the midterm of each quarter to indicate a student’s academic progress to
date. These midterm reports detail a student’s
numerical grade to date. Report cards
are issued at the end of each quarter and the student’s actual achievement is
reported as a letter grade for each subject, i.e., A, B, C, D, and F. Teachers will provide detailed academic
reports to students at the close of each progress report period and
quarter.
Parents
are encouraged to be knowledgeable about their child’s academic and behavioral
progress. Conferences may be arranged
with teacher(s) at the parents’ or teachers’ request. Parents are encouraged to have telephone
conversations with individual teachers.
Should serious academic or behavioral problems arise, the teacher(s),
academic advisor, assistant principal for operations, or principal will call
the parent(s). School-wide parent conference
times are scheduled during the first semester.
Semester
examinations will be given in all classes.
Examinations will last approximately one hour and thirty minutes for
grades 9 through 12. Each middle school
exam will be one hour long. Students who
miss semester examinations will receive an “F” for those examinations. Students who are ill during exams will be
given the opportunity to take them within a specified time period.
Exam exemption policy: All students grades 6-12 will take first
semester exams. All students grades 6-11
will take second semester exams.
Seniors only may be exempt from second semester exams if:
the course is a
two-semester course;
the teacher chooses
to allow exam exemptions;
the student has a 93%
average when the third and fourth quarters are averaged together with
both quarters having equal weight;
the fine arts and
community service requirements are complete by the designated deadlines.
Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam and must take
teacher- developed final exams. Seniors
who meet exam exemption requirements for their AP classes may be exempt from teacher-
developed final exams. Seniors in non
–AP classes who choose to take AP exams will also take teacher-developed final
exams unless they meet the exemption standards.
Non-seniors who choose to take an AP exam for an AP class in which they
are not enrolled must take the final exam for their class.
Seniors must be informed of
their exemption status on or before the last full day of classes.
There
are no exceptions to the exam exemption policy.
1. Academic-- Quarter and semester exam
grades are used to calculate the semester grade. Only the semester grade is
recorded on the permanent record card.
A+ =
100 A= 94 –
99 A- = 93 B+ = 92 B= 86 – 91 B- = 85 C+ = 84 C= 76 – 83 C- = 75 D+ = 74 D= 71 – 73 D- = 70 F = below 70 I =
Incomplete
Students receiving
an Incomplete
have two weeks from the end of the quarter affected to complete course
requirements. After that time, the
Incomplete is automatically converted to an F.
2. Behavior S=Satisfactory S-= Bordering on Conduct Problems
N=Needs Improvement U=Unsatisfactory
If
a student receives an Unsatisfactory grade for behavior, parents are encouraged
to contact the teacher to discuss the situation.
To calculate GPA, add the number of grade
points and divide by the number of classes.
High
school honors, advanced honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses shall be
given weighted grades. Students not
maintaining at least a “C” in weighted courses may be moved out of these
classes at the end of the quarter.
Courses are not weighted
in the middle school.
Weighting for Courses is calculated as follows:
|
College Preparatory: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F= 0 |
Honors: A=4.25, B=3.25, C=2.25,
D=1, F=0 |
AP or Advanced Honors: A=5, B=4.25, C=3.25,
D=1, F=0 |
|
Theology 9, 10, 11, 12 |
|
|
|
Chemistry, Biology II, General Physics, science electives (vary
each year) |
H Physical Science, H Bio, H Chemistry, H Chemistry II, H Astronomy |
AH Physical Science, AH Biology, AH Chemistry, AH Anatomy/Physiology, AP Physics |
|
English 9, English electives (vary each year) |
H English 10, 11, 12, H Philosophy |
AH English 10, AH/AP English 11, 12 |
|
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Math Functions |
H Geometry, H Algebra II, H Precalc I/ Trigonometry, Precalc II/ Calculus Survey H |
AH Geometry, AH Algebra II, AH Trigonometry/Precalculus, AP |
|
US History, World History, 20/21C History, social studies
electives (vary each year) |
Constitutional Law H, Criminal Justice H |
AP Human Geography, AP |
|
Spanish I & II, French I & II, Latin I & II |
|
AH Spanish III & IV, AH French III &IV, AH Latin III
& IV |
|
Art I & II, Art for College Portfolio |
|
AP Studio Art |
1. The
College Board recommends one hour of preparation per day for each AP
course. When scheduling, students should
realistically balance their honors/AP course load with their other commitments
and with their level of motivation.
2. During
registration in August, AP exam fees (approximately $90 per exam, as determined
by the College Board) for AP classes must be paid. Students wishing to take AP exams for other
courses must commit to their decision regarding the examination by late February,
submitting their fees to the Academic Advisor by that deadline so that exams
may be ordered.
More
and more frequently, selective colleges are getting away from the notion of
“ranking students.” In the CCHS college
preparatory program, students in grades 9 through 12 (the years for which
grades are reported on the transcripts sent to colleges) are motivated to do
their best, and it is not unusual for a high percentage of the students to have
cumulative averages above 3.0 (B). Class
ranks on transcripts are not descriptive and may, in fact, portray a false
image of a student’s achievement.
Therefore, class rank is not recorded on students’ transcripts. Transcripts contain a statement about the
nature of CCHS (i.e., college preparatory only) and members of the class as a
whole. Statements about students’
graduation status (e.g., valedictorian, salutatorian, etc.) are listed on the
transcript.
Students
are ranked internally. Class rank is determined for the first time
by the cumulative GPA earned during the first six semesters of high school
(grades 9-11). Students may request
information concerning their rank from the academic advisor. The rank is calculated again at the completion
of seven semesters, i.e., grade 9 through the first semester of grade 12, for
the purpose of sending mid-year grades to seniors’ selected
colleges/universities.
Valedictorian(s)
and salutatorian(s) are identified at the end of the eighth semester using each
student’s entire high school GPA. The valedictorian
and salutatorian must have enrolled at CCHS at least by the beginning of the
sophomore year.
Graduation
requirements at Charleston Catholic exceed the standards set by the State of
|
- Science: 3 credits (physical
science, biology, chemistry) |
- Foreign Language: 2 credits
|
|
- English: 4 credits |
- Arts/Humanities: 1 credit |
|
- Mathematics: 4 credits |
- Physical Education: 1 credit |
|
- Theology: 4 credits |
-
Health: 1 credit |
|
- Social Studies: 3 credits (US History, World History, and
20th/21st Century) |
- Electives: 5 credits |
-
Yearly
community service requirement, as defined by the Theology department
-
Yearly
humanities/ fine arts requirement
Twenty-eight
(28) credits, as outlined above, are required for graduation. An additional credit will be noted on the
transcript for completion of the fine arts requirement. All courses taken at CCHS will be counted in
a student’s grade point average. If
requested by the student, additional courses (i.e., summer enrichment or
college level courses) taken outside of the school will be noted on the
transcript but the grades will not be calculated in the GPA.
1. All
students (grades 6-12) must pass both semesters of theology in order to
be promoted. The required number of
community service and fine arts/humanities credits must also be completed
before being granted a diploma or before being readmitted for the next school
year.
2. Promotion
to grades 7, 8, and 9 is granted when a student passes both semesters in
English, math, science, and social studies.
If a student fails one or two semesters in any of these courses, he/she
must complete summer programs selected by CCHS for each failed semester. Failure to complete these summer requirements
will result in the student being denied enrollment at CCHS in August. Middle school students failing more than two
semesters in these core courses may not be readmitted to CCHS.
3. Students
who fail courses in grades 9-12 must enroll in CCHS-approved summer school
programs during the summer following the failure to make up the credit if
they wish to remain at CCHS. Students
failing more than two semesters in one school year may not be readmitted to
CCHS for the following school year.
4. To
be classified as a sophomore, a student must have earned 7 credits, 14 credits
to be considered a junior, and 21 credits a senior.
1. Course
failures jeopardize a student’s opportunity to attend CCHS for the next
semester and/or year. Students failing
courses must attend and pass CCHS - approved summer school programs. Records of courses taken and grades earned
must be sent to CCHS. Summer school
grades are calculated in with the GPA
for the semester -- previously earned grades for courses retaken are not
dropped. Students with less than
a 2.0 GPA for the second semester who want to improve their GPAs for
extracurricular eligibility may also attend summer school.
2. Theology
is a required class and successful completion is required at each grade
level. Students failing theology will be
required to complete a comprehensive theology packet during the summer months. A fee will be charged, and the completed
theology packet must be submitted by August 15.
Students
transferring to other schools must have a parent contact the Academic
Advisor. A withdrawal form should be completed
to request a copy of school academic and attendance records. A copy of the records and transcript will be
given to the parent to deliver to the student’s new school. Community service records are not kept once a
student withdraws from CCHS so students must secure these records from their
theology teachers. Students leaving
The
discipline philosophy at CCHS flows naturally from the philosophy of the school. At CCHS, faculty and students evidence and
experience Christian values. Students
are encouraged to grow in their understanding of moral and honorable behavior
in a manner which promotes genuine respect for one’s self, as well as one
another’s person, property, space, and time.
In order to build a community where trust and respect are at the
foundation, it is important to strive for the highest standards of honesty,
integrity, and responsibility for one’s actions. In order to achieve an atmosphere where the
Catholic faith, academic excellence, service, leadership, and character can be
pursued, students and their parents must support the policies and regulations
set forth by CCHS.
While
Charleston
Catholic High School has earned a reputation based on its tradition of high
academic standards, the emphasis on values and morals, and the sense of
discipline and order in the school. In
such an atmosphere, teaching and learning may occur so that students prosper
spiritually, academically, and emotionally. To assure these goals, students are expected
to use appropriate behavior not only on school premises, but at any time they
are in school uniform or representing the school in any way. Students must realize that they are
identified as CCHS students whether they are in uniform or not. Any
action that reflects negatively on the CCHS community may result in
disciplinary action.
CCHS
students are expected to behave in a manner that promotes a positive, courteous
image at all times. Failure to behave
appropriately will result in disciplinary action.
Appropriate
school behavior may be summed up in this way:
behavior that assures the right of every student to learn, assures the
right of every teacher to teach, and demonstrates respect for the personal,
civil, and property rights of others.
Student behavior will be courteous, attentive, and respectful. Any individual student who does not meet
these standards will be disciplined by the classroom teachers and/or school administration. Each classroom teacher will establish
specific disciplinary standards that students are expected to follow in the
classroom. Students unable to abide by
established school behavioral guidelines are subject to dismissal from CCHS.
While
representing Charleston Catholic at school-sponsored activities, either as
participants or spectators, students are expected to demonstrate their personal
best. Athletic events, school dances,
field trips, retreats, etc. offer students the opportunity to experience
learning beyond the classroom. However, all
school rules apply, whether the event is on school premises or not.
Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited
to, inappropriate dancing, horseplay, berating opposing players, spectators,
and/or sports officials.
Charleston
Catholic students are a visible fixture in downtown
Technology
is a useful tool when properly used.
Teachers and students are encouraged to take advantage of the technology
that is available to them through the school.
Unacceptable use of technology, which can subject students to school
disciplinary action, includes, but is not limited to, texting during the school
day, sexting, cyberbullying, inappropriate use of social networking sites,
using cell phones while in class, and visiting questionable websites on school
computers. Misrepresenting one’s self
over electronic communication is a serious violation of school behavioral
expectations and may result in harsh discipline. The prominence of electronic communication
and social networking sites have corresponded with a rise in
cyberbullying. If the school administration
becomes aware of such issues concerning members of its school community immediate
steps will be taken to rectify the situation, including, but not limited to
school disciplinary action.
Harassment and hazing will not be tolerated under any circumstance,
and offenders will be dealt with directly and severely by school administrators. Harassment and hazing shall consist of, but
not be limited to, bullying, unwelcome contact or advances, requests for
favors, or other inappropriate verbal, written, graphic, technological
(including text messages or internet), or physical conduct which causes
discomfort or hurt to another person. Intimidation
of a person via electronic media is also considered harassment. Sexual harassment includes these issues but
focuses on content of a sexual nature.
Students
are urged to confront harassers and to indicate by conduct or verbal objections
that the behavior is unwelcome and unacceptable. In order for the school to become involved,
students must inform the administration of incidents involving harassment. Disciplinary action will be taken.
Basic
Christian values call each student to use his/her God-given gifts and talents
and to do so honestly. As a learning
community, Charleston Catholic is committed to the development of personal
honor and integrity in all its members.
All who attend Charleston Catholic have the right to feel confident in
the integrity and honesty of their peers.
Every student is expected to be a person of honor whose academic
accomplishments are a result of his/her own efforts, and who admits guilt when
confronted with an honor violation of which he/she is guilty and who accepts
maturely his/her correction or discipline.
The most serious violations
of our standard of academic honesty include:
theft and/or distribution of a test; theft of or tampering with a
teacher's grade book or teachers' manuals.
Such violations may result in a student's suspension, expulsion, and/or
other disciplinary actions.
Other very serious violations include
flagrant plagiarism; duplication of another person's research paper or
essay; providing previous years’ notebooks, assignments, or tests to another
student; cheating on a test by copying answers from a source (including
electronic sources) brought into the room; providing test answers to another
student prior to or during a test; obtaining test answers from a student who
previously completed a test; theft of or tampering with another student's work,
including by computer and; looking at another student's paper during a
test. Such violations automatically result in: 1) a zero for the
particular test or assignment, 2) notification of parents, and 3) notification
of the principal who will decide on other appropriate disciplinary actions
which may include but are not limited to suspension; dismissal from leadership
positions in school activities; suspension from participation in
school-sponsored athletics, social activities, clubs; loss of exam exemptions;
loss of off-campus lunch privileges; and loss of computer access at CCHS.
Some examples of plagiarism, although the list is not exhaustive,
include copying homework from a friend; copying any language from any source,
including a website, book, magazine, newspaper, film, etc. without proper
citations; turning in the same paper for two different classes; and, allowing/hiring
someone to write or do another student’s homework.
Individual teachers will explain to their students
how the standard of academic honesty applies to their classes.
Clarification of teacher expectations regarding test taking, citing of
references, cooperative work by students, etc., will be made at the beginning
of each course. If a student is unsure
how the Honor Code applies in a particular situation, it is ultimately the
student's responsibility to clarify these questions with his/her teacher.
On
all tests, exams, term papers, and other designated major projects, students
must verify that all work attempted was completed by that individual
alone. The student's signature on the
work becomes the student's verification of honesty and personal honor in completing
the work assignment. In deciding on what
disciplinary actions may be exacted for serious violations of the Honor Code,
the principal may ask for a recommendation from an Honor Committee, comprised
of the school academic advisor and four faculty members.
In
the event a student feels that he/she is unfairly accused of a serious
violation of the Honor Code, he/she may request a hearing before the Honor
Committee. This request must be made in
writing to the principal within one week of the incident. At this hearing the student will present
his/her description of the incident. The
student's parent(s) is/are encouraged to attend and make a statement. The teacher who claims a violation has
occurred will attend and make a statement.
The committee will meet and decide on a recommendation to be made to the
principal, who makes the final decision.
The purpose of
detention is to help students become responsible for their actions. Detentions may be given to a student for the
violation of school regulations.
Detentions are served at lunch or either before school from 7:10 until
7:40 or after school from 3:00-3:30. A
detention must be served within two days of when it is assigned. It is the student’s responsibility to make
sure the detention is served in a timely manner. Failure to do so will result in additional
detentions or suspension. An excessive
accumulation of detentions may result in additional consequences such as after
school detention or, in extreme cases, in-house suspension Requests for rescheduled detention will be
honored only if accompanied by a parent or guardian note or a phone call
received by administrative staff.
Typical detentions include first period tardies;
uniform violations; chewing gum; eating or drinking outside of the Commons;
throwing things; profanity; writing on clothing, shoes, body; pushing, shoving,
horseplay in the hallway; disrespect to peers; jaywalking; and talking during
announcements.
Additional detentions specific to middle school
include not being prepared for class and not having a lock on a locker.
A student who behaves inappropriately may be
assigned a classroom detention by the teacher. The parent will be given notification 24 hours
before the detention. Serious
misbehavior will result in the student’s removal from the classroom. The student will be assigned a before or
after school detention with the teacher.
The student’s parent will receive notification of the misbehavior and
detention that must be signed and returned to school. Additional occurrences of misbehavior may
result in a suspension of three days from the class in which the problem
occurred or two full days of suspension managed by school administrators. Further incidents will be handled by school
administrators.
Part of the
“package” at
Uniform
policies:
Uniforms
are required for all students beginning the first day of school. The dress code is in effect from 7:45 a.m.
until 2:45 p.m., including lunchtime both on and off campus. Students will not be permitted in class if
they are in violation of the dress code.
Any class time missed due to being
out of uniform will be considered an unexcused absence. Students sent
to the office for being out of uniform will be expected to:
1.
Correct the problem immediately.
This may include, but not be limited to, changing clothes, removing a
t-shirt, etc. The student will be
counted absent from the class he/she was sent out from. In-house lunch detention will be assigned to
be served that day. In addition, the
student will serve a half-hour before/ after school detention. Repeat offenders will receive additional
consequences.
2.
If the problem cannot be corrected immediately at school, parents may be
notified to bring appropriate clothing to the student, take their child home to
correct the problem, or give permission for their child to drive home to
correct the problem.
Students
should never presume that they have permission to wear non-uniform clothing to
school.
Uniform
Guidelines:
Determination
regarding appropriate wear and grooming will be determined by the faculty and
staff.
1. Students
not dressed in the proper school uniform will not be admitted to class.
2.
All clothing must be in good
repair: Students wearing clothing
which is not hemmed, or which is torn, frayed, faded, worn, stapled, pinned, or
taped will be considered out of uniform. Immediate steps must be taken to correct the
problem, and the consequences for being out of uniform shall apply.
3.
Clothing may not be altered, tapered, or rolled up.
4. No
hats, scarves, bandanas, jackets, coats, sweatshirts, or non-uniform sweaters
are to be worn in the building during the school day.
5. Dress
and grooming must be neat and clean. It is expected that hair should be neat
and clean at all times. Unbecoming, bizarre or distracting
hairstyles/colors are not permitted. There should be no writing on shoes,
clothing, or body parts.
Uniform Code:
Uniforms must
be purchased locally from Charleston Department Store or online from Schoolbelles
at schoolbelles.com (our school number is #1246) or from Lands’
Shirts: Shirts must be
either a blue
or white, long or short sleeved, oxford-cloth, button-down, worn tucked and
buttoned or an official CCHS Polo (purchased from PVA). Polo shirts may be worn untucked if the hem
is straight and does not fall below the hip line.
Undershirts:
While optional, if worn, undershirts must be solid white with no
printing. Undergarments must not have
collars or turtlenecks and sleeve length must match that of the uniform shirt.
Pants: Navy blue corduroy or twill pants must not
have any visible labeling. Uniform pants do not have patch pockets
or rivets on the pockets Pants
must be worn at the waist and be of modest fit.
Corduroys and twill pants must not be faded.
Students wearing worn, faded pants will be considered out of uniform. Navy twill and corduroy pants from Lands’
Shorts: Navy blue twill shorts must meet the top of
the knee. Shorts are worn from the beginning of the school year until the end of
September and after spring break until the end of the year.
Skorts:
Two styles of navy skorts from Lands’
Sweaters: Plain navy blue
crew neck sweaters may be worn. Sweaters with embellishments or cardigans may
not be worn.
Sweater
Vests: A solid green v-neck sweater
vest from Lands’
Socks
or Hose: Socks must be worn and must be clearly visible. They should come up to the ankle-.bone. Leggings are not permitted.
Shoes: Shoes
must be leather dress shoes that are primarily black, brown or navy in color. Shoelaces must be the same color as the shoe
and must be tied. Soles may not exceed 1
inch, and heels may not exceed 1½ inches.
All shoes must be closed at the toe and heel and have a hard sole. Shoe tops must be below the ankle bone. The following type of footwear is not
permitted: sandals, moccasins
(soft or hard soled), athletic shoes (even if leather), platform shoes, fleece-
lined shoes/ slippers, clogs, or boots.
Belts: Belts are optional. If worn they should be
simple dress belts.
Jewelry: Girls only
are permitted to have ear piercings. No
other type of visible body piercing is allowed.
Other jewelry, if worn, should not be distracting. Faculty or staff may require a student to
remove offending jewelry. Boys are not permitted any type of visible body
piercings.
Ties: Boys only may choose to wear ties. If worn, ties must be tied at the neck and
worn with an oxford cloth, button-down uniform shirt. Ties cannot be distracting or contrary to
school expectations regarding clothing.
Faculty or staff may require a student to remove offending ties.
High School Activities Uniform:
This uniform may be worn for designated events
only. The uniform consists of a CCHS
Team Polo Shirt. These shirts are
available for purchase at the beginning of each season from PVA. Pants must be khaki twill dress pants. Girls’ khakis must be
similar in style to uniform pants; they may not be casual, cargo, corduroy, or
tight fitting pants. No shorts are permitted. Shoes
must follow the regular uniform shoe guidelines. Failure to abide with the athletic uniform
code will result in the loss of this privilege.
Gym Uniforms:
Gym
uniforms are mandatory during gym class and are available through the CCHS
bookstore. T-shirts and gym shorts are a
required part of the uniform; uniform sweatshirts and pants are optional. High or low top athletic shoes may be worn.
PICTURE DAY:
Uniforms may be worn on dress-up days. (A safe rule of thumb --
when in doubt, wear your uniform!)
For picture day, students are permitted to dress up; it is not
simply a non-uniform day.
Boys
- Boys are permitted to wear a neat polo style shirt
or a button-down, oxford dress shirt. Dress
shirts must remain tucked. Long dress pants and dress shoes must be worn. Sneakers are not permitted.
Girls –All clothing must be of modest fit. Girls are permitted to wear dresses or skirts.
Shorts and capri pants are not permitted. Dress length must not be higher than two
inches above the knee; slits may not exceed an additional 2 inches. Tops/blouses must have sleeves. Slacks, if
worn, must be dress slacks, without jean-style rivets and patch pockets. Dress shoes, clogs, or sandals may be worn. Heel
heights must comply with the general school dress code. Flip-flops, defined as flat-soled shoes with a
thong between the toes, are not acceptable. Sneakers are not permitted.
CASUAL DRESS DAYS:
Uniforms
may be worn on casual dress days. (A
safe rule of thumb -- when in doubt, don’t wear it!)
Students
should listen to school announcements concerning guidelines for casual dress
days. The guidelines may vary from the
ones here!
Clothing must be of appropriate and modest fit, and
no undergarments may be visible. Clothing must not be torn/cut-off; promote
alcohol, drug, or tobacco use; have vulgar or offensive language; or have
violent graphics. Casual slacks, jeans, or skirts of appropriate, modest fit
may be worn. Skirts, if worn, must not
be higher than two inches above the knee; slits may not exceed an additional 2
inches. All shirts must have sleeves.
Athletic/tennis shoes, sandals, boots, and clogs are acceptable. Soles and heels must conform to regular
uniform shoe requirements. Flip-flops, defined as flat-soled shoes with a thong between the
toes, are not acceptable. Socks are optional.
Spirit
days and exam days are casual dress days.
On these days ONLY, students may wear sweatpants or athletic pants. No pajamas or lounge pants may be worn.
Consequences:
Students
who do not comply with the regulations for special dress days will be
considered out of uniform for the purpose of consequences. Students may also lose further dress-up/down
privileges.
Tobacco,
alcohol, and drugs are recognized health hazards and are federally controlled substances. CCHS cannot and will not condone their use by
students entrusted to its care at any time.
As stated previously (see School Expectations/ Discipline), any action that reflects negatively on the
CCHS community may result in disciplinary action. CCHS students are viewed as representatives of
Procedures
for suspension and expulsion described in this handbook shall be followed. The school policy on tobacco, alcohol, and
drugs comes from the Diocesan Policy Handbook.
TOBACCO -- Use of tobacco products in the school
building or at school functions is strictly prohibited by state law and
diocesan and school policy. Incidents
involving tobacco use make the student subject to disciplinary action.
ALCOHOL -- No alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, wine
coolers, liquor, etc.) shall be brought onto, carried onto, purchased, sold, or
consumed by minors on the property of Charleston Catholic High School or at
school-sponsored events held at other locations. No student who is under the influence of such
alcoholic beverages shall be present on school property or at school functions
held elsewhere. Violators of this
serious regulation are liable to civil prosecution in addition to the school’s
disciplinary action. Parents of students
violating this rule will be contacted immediately and proceedings initiated to
determine the consequences for students involved. Any student who has in his/her possession,
uses, or is under the influence of alcohol during school hours, or during
attendance at school-related events, is
subject to suspension and parental notification. All such
incidents make the student subject to additional disciplinary actions by the
principal and may include expulsion.
Readmission
to classes will be contingent upon the student’s successful adherence to the
disciplinary program defined by the principal.
Achievement or work performed by the student during this contingency
period will be accepted only on a tentative basis. Failure to take part in such a program will
result in additional retroactive suspension, i.e., any work or achievement
accomplished by the student during the contingency period will be nullified.
If
a student fails to complete satisfactorily any aspect of the disciplinary
program defined by the principal, the student will be expelled from CCHS.
DRUGS -- Any student who has in his/her
possession, uses, or is under the influence of any unauthorized substance (as
defined by the Uniform Controlled Substance Act, West Virginia Code, Chapter
60A, Article 6, Section 605) during school hours or during attendance at
school-related events, shall be suspended immediately, and parents will be
contacted. Any student who gives, sells,
delivers, or administers a controlled substance to any person (student,
visitor, etc.) during school hours, within the school building, and/or at
school-related events, will be suspended immediately, and parents will be
notified. All such incidents make the
student subject to additional disciplinary action by the principal and may
include expulsion.
Readmission
to classes will be contingent upon the student’s successful adherence to the
disciplinary program defined by the principal and the student’s and his/her
parents’ or guardian’s willingness to take part in a drug counseling
program. Achievement or work performed
by a student during this contingency period will be accepted only on a
tentative basis. Failure to take part in such a program will result in
additional retroactive suspension, i.e., any work or achievement accomplished
by the student during the contingency period will be nullified.
If
a student fails to complete satisfactorily any aspect of the disciplinary
program defined by the principal, the student will be expelled from CCHS. School officials shall notify appropriate law
enforcement officials of all cases of drug law abuse. This step is not discretionary; school
authorities are required to report these incidents to the police.
Probation may result from a single action or a pattern of
inappropriate behaviors. A student is
placed on probation for a set period of time during which the student remains
at CCHS on a trial basis. During this
time, the student’s progress is closely monitored by the student’s teachers,
academic advisor and administration.
Conditions of probation are determined by the principal. If a student violates the terms of probation,
removal from CCHS will be considered. At
the end of the probation period, a decision will be made by the school to
remove or continue the probation status or expel the student from CCHS.
Suspension
may result from a single action or a pattern of inappropriate behaviors. Serious violations will result in immediate
suspension from CCHS. A suspended
student is barred from attending class and from participation in any school
activities (on or off campus) for the duration of the suspension. The principal will determine the duration of
the suspension. It is the suspended
student’s responsibility to keep up with class work and homework.
In
cases of in-school suspension, the student will complete all assignments for
the day from his/her teachers in a separate location in school. If the suspension is to be served at home,
the student is to present all assignments to the teachers during the first
class after suspension. Tests and
quizzes missed during the suspension will be made up at the teacher’s
convenience.
Parents
and/or guardians of the student will, within 24 hours of occurrence becoming
known to school officials, be notified of the charges against the student and
any possible action to be taken or which has already been taken.
Within
72 hours of notification to students and parents, a hearing will be held, if
requested by the student, parents or guardian.
Participation in the hearing will be limited to the following persons: student and parents or guardian, and the
principal, the assistant principal, one faculty member, and school
president. At the hearing, the student
shall be informed of the formal charges.
The
only issue to be decided is whether sufficient cause existed for the expulsion
or suspension. The hearing is not to
decide guilt or innocence, only if a proper decision was made based on the
information available and the circumstances.
An appeal from the decision of the four-person school panel may be taken
by the student to the Diocesan School Board.
The appeal to the Diocesan School Board shall be the final
administrative appeal within the diocesan structure.
The
various co-curricular and extracurricular activities offered by CCHS are
considered vital ingredients of the school’s program of total education. These activities enable students to gain
valuable experiences that would not otherwise be provided by a strictly
academic program. Each student is
encouraged to participate in several activities each year.
A. ACTIVITIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND CLUBS
Among the clubs and
organizations available at Charleston Catholic based on student interest and
support are: High School Student
Activities Council, Middle School Student Activities Council, service club,
French Club, Spanish Club, Junior Classical League, ski club, Pax Christi, High
School Quiz Bowl, Middle School Quiz Bowl, speech team, film club, drama troupe, robotics
club, and 6th grade science club.
Other groups may be available, based upon student interest and support.
Students
shall meet the WVSSAC and Charleston Catholic eligibility guidelines in order
to participate in all school athletic and extracurricular activities. Students are expected to maintain at least a
2.0 GPA to be eligible. However, in all cases, a student with
behavioral problems can be recommended for ineligibility from all
extracurricular activities by the principal.
Eligibility
is determined for each semester
by examining the student’s GPA for the previous semester. If a student does not maintain a 2.0 average
for the first semester, he/she will be ineligible for participation the second
semester. If
at the end of the third quarter the student earns a 2.0 average, he/she becomes
eligible at that time (i.e., at the beginning of the fourth quarter). If the student does not maintain a 2.0
average for the second semester, he/she will be ineligible for participation
the first semester of the following year.
If, during the first quarter, the student earns a 2.0 average, he/she
becomes eligible at the beginning of the second quarter. If the student attends summer school, summer
school grades will affect the GPA. For
the purpose of computing the GPA after summer school, all the student’s grades
from the second semester plus summer school grades(s) will be used to determine
GPA. No classes are dropped; all classes
taken are used in calculating the GPA.
Students’ grades
will be analyzed each quarter to determine eligibility. Students who fall below the 2.0 minimum GPA
at the end of the first and third quarters will be placed on probation and may
lose eligibility.
Interscholastic athletics at
CCHS are governed by the rules and regulations of the West Virginia Secondary
Schools Activities Commission. All athletic
programs and organizations are under the jurisdiction of the principal, with
the athletic director serving a major role in the organizing, budgeting,
scheduling, ordering, supervision of coaches, and general supervision of all
aspects of the athletic program. The
sports available at Charleston Catholic are based upon student interest and
support as well as budgeting concerns.
To
participate in athletic events, students must be in school for the full
school day on the day of the scheduled activity.
If a student is late or absent for any part of the day on a game day, that
student is not permitted to play that day.
This
“full day” policy includes leaving school for appointments, so students need to
avoid scheduling appointments during the school day. Students
are also expected to be on time each morning following an athletic event. Students who have long standing medical
appointments, family funerals to attend, or other similar instances may be
excused at the discretion of the Assistant Principal for Operations.
If a student is
suspended at school, that student is also suspended from athletic practices,
games, etc. for the FULL DAY on the
day(s) suspended (i.e., if a student is suspended for a Tuesday, the
suspension includes involvement in any school activities -- sports, social,
etc. -- for Tuesday evening also). In
addition, if a student is suspended for a Friday, the suspension holds for Friday evening but does not continue for
Saturday unless the student is also suspended for Monday.
Athletic Teams:
1. Fees
and Physical Examinations: In
order to tryout for a team, a student must have a WVSSAC doctor's physical
examination form on file in the CCHS athletic office. Physical forms completed after June 1st
of a particular year are accepted for the school year commencing in August.
Once selected as a member of a team, all athletic fees must be paid ($75 per
sport) before a student will be issued a uniform. Based on their best judgment, coaches will
determine how much playing time athletes receive. Once a student has been selected as a team
member, payment of fees enrolls the student on a team but does not guarantee
playing time.
2. Equipment:
Equipment and
uniforms are school property. Students
using this property are expected to be responsible for and to take proper care
of items assigned to them or used by all team members. Uniforms and other items assigned to
individual students are to be kept clean and in good repair. Immediately following the end of a season,
students must return all equipment and uniforms in good condition. Lost or damaged articles must be paid for at
full replacement cost. Failure to return
all items will result in the holding of a student's report card/progress report,
and the student will not be issued a uniform for another sport until the matter
has been satisfactorily resolved with the school office.
3. Jobs:
Because of major
time commitments required to succeed academically and athletically in CCHS,
student athletes shall not obligate themselves to jobs that interfere with
practices or competitions.
4. Lettering:
The provisions to
be met for earning a varsity letter is determined by the athletic director with
input from each coach and should be shared with athletes at the beginning of
the season.
School
facilities are for the use of all students.
Students are expected to accept personal and community responsibility
for the condition of the building. A
clean building contributes to an atmosphere of pride and order. Students are expected to act responsibly and
maturely and not to endanger the well being of themselves and others. Disposing of litter and trash in trashcans
and wastebaskets around the school is expected. EATING AND DRINKING ARE PERMITTED ONLY IN THE COMMONS. CHEWING GUM IS PROHIBITED IN THE
LOCKERS
are a privilege and are provided for students to use for storing books and
personal belongings during the school day.
CCHS is not responsible for items taken from lockers. Each student is responsible for his/her locker
and its condition during the year. Failure to adhere to locker guidelines and
expectations will result in loss of locker privileges.
1. Personal items are to be kept in the lockers during class time.
2.
Food and drinks, other than lunch items for each particular day, are not
to be stored in lockers.
3.
No individual may invade the privacy of another person by entering, borrowing
from, tampering with, or vandalizing another’s locker. Graffiti, vandalism, and
practical jokes have no place in the CCHS community.
4.
Payment for repair of locker damage is the responsibility of the
student.
5.
School authorities reserve the right to search lockers at any time.
6. ONLY LOCKS PURCHASED FROM THE BOOKSTORE ARE
PERMITTED ON LOCKERS.
7. Middle
school students are required to keep their lockers locked.
8.
Students are expected to keep their lockers clean and neat. Inappropriate
items, including pictures and other items not in keeping with the CCHS
philosophy, may not be kept in lockers.
9.
Students should use common sense regarding the personal items they bring
to school. LARGE SUMS OF MONEY AND VALUABLE ARTICLES SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT TO
SCHOOL. The school cannot be responsible for students’ belongings.
10. Articles lost or found should be
reported to the office. Items not
claimed by the last day of school will be disposed of. Students should check the lost and found
table outside the office by the last day of school.
Personal electronic devices including, but not
limited to, cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, and CD players have become an
everyday part of life. However, the use
of such devices is not permitted during the school day. Electronic
devices must be out of sight and disabled during the school day, 8:00am – 2:45
pm. Cell phones may not be used in
locker rooms or restrooms. Students violating
this requirement will have their item confiscated and turned into the office. The Assistant Principal for Operations will
return the item to a parent. Any
subsequent violations will result in a fine of $25. The device will be returned
to the parent upon payment of the fine.
Students,
staff, parents, and visitors must ENTER
the building through the
Out
of respect for the learning process during class time, students may not be in
the hallways unless on official school business. Students must have an authorized hall pass
from a teacher if they are out of the classroom during class time. Students
should take all books, homework, etc. to class, as they are not allowed to
retrieve materials from lockers once the class bell has rung.
Students
using the LIBRARY are to maintain
quiet so that they, as well as fellow students, may accomplish their work. Borrowed books may be kept two (2) weeks with
privilege of renewal, if no other teacher or student has requested that they be
reserved. Books must be presented for
updating at the time of renewal and fines, if any, are to be paid then. A fine is charged for all overdue books. The student who checked out a book is
responsible for replacement cost of lost books.
These
facilities are for teachers’ use only.
No personal copies may be made on the school copier.
The
gym is used throughout the school day for classes. Only those students assigned to class in the
gym are to be present in the gym.
Appropriate footwear must be worn when using the gym. In order to preserve the finish on the gym
floor, students should walk around the perimeter rather than across the playing
area. Students in gym classes must wear CCHS gym uniforms and approved
athletic shoes. Other students on
the gym floor for any reason must wear athletic shoes.
The
locker rooms are provided for use by the students in the physical education
classes. The physical education teacher
will discuss specific rules concerning the locker rooms and gym. Student safety is a major concern. Students are to conduct themselves
responsibly and maturely while in the locker room. Failure to behave appropriately in the locker
room will result in a student’s loss of locker room privileges.
This
room provides a beautiful setting for the students to have lunch and breaks. It
also provides a gathering space for the student body. Entry and exit from the Commons is through
the stairway and doors located on the
1. ADDITIONAL
LUNCH ROOM GUIDELINES: 6TH - 8TH GRADES
The 6th grade lunch lasts from 10:35 to 11:10
a.m. Sixth graders must be in the
Commons by 10:40. The 7/8th grade lunch
period is from 12:19 to 12:56 p.m., and students must be in the Commons with
lunch, books, library permit, etc., by 12:24 p.m. Once students are in the Commons they will
not be excused to go back to the third floor.
Those students serving lunch detention must report by 10:40 a.m. (6th
graders) or 12:24 p.m. (7th and 8th graders).
Students purchasing lunch will be dismissed by the teacher in
charge. Teachers will establish seating
capacities for the lunch tables.
Those students wishing to STUDY in the
library must have books and a pass from the teacher assigning the work. They are to remain in the library,
maintaining silence and following other library rules, until the end of the
lunch period.
2. ADDITIONAL
LUNCH ROOM GUIDELINES: 9TH - 12TH GRADES
Students in grades 9 through 12 are not
permitted on the classroom floors during the lunch period unless they are
involved in student club activities or scheduled meetings with school staff.
NINTH GRADERS must eat lunch in the Commons. Ninth graders must remain in the cafeteria
until dismissed by the teachers in charge at 12:02 p.m.
TENTH, ELEVENTH, AND TWELFTH GRADERS may eat in the lunch room or off-campus if they
have parental permission on file in the office and if they are eligible for
off-campus lunch (i.e., lunch privileges have not been withdrawn). Students going off-campus for lunch are not
permitted back into school until the 12:02 bell.
During
the lunch period, students are to be in the Commons or out of the building
(i.e., not in the hallways, stairwells, restrooms, etc.). Students will be readmitted to the building
and released from the Commons at 12:02 p.m.
When students are off-campus during lunch, all school expectations,
rules, and consequences are in effect.
While
not a part of CCHS, the Co-Cathedral is used by the school for liturgies and
special assemblies. It is a house of God
and appropriate behavior is expected (e.g., no socializing during Mass, etc.).
When waiting for rides after school, students are to
be respectful of First Presbyterian Church’s grounds and facilities. For example, Church officials have requested
that students stay off the lawn. Students
should also refrain from horseplay, ball throwing, etc.
Students
must never be dropped off or picked up directly in front of the school on
As
a matter of safety we ask that you pull to the curb to pick- up or drop off
your student. Students are also
instructed they must only cross the intersection of Leon Sullivan and
Catholic
teaching and tradition stress the necessity of reaching out in love and service
to one another, especially to those most in need. CCHS’s Community Service
Program is designed to recognize and support the service that the students are
already engaged in and to encourage the growth of the entire school community
in this area.
Grade level requirements:
Middle School 6th = 5 hours; 7th = 7
hours; 8th = 10 hours;
High School 9th = 15 hours; 10th =
20 hours; 11th = 25 hours; 12th = 30 hours
Guidelines for students:
1. “Community” includes school, church, neighborhood,
city, state, or world community. A guiding question to ask in order to
understand the “spirit” of the community service requirement is, “Is this
person (organization, etc.) in real need of assistance?” Since it is assumed that service to other
family members (persons living in one’s household) is a normal part of daily
life, such service will not count towards the requirement. Only
one activity in service to members of the student’s extended family
(grandparents, etc.) may be counted toward fulfillment of the requirement each
year. The service requirement provides the student
with an opportunity to explore new dimensions of what it means to be a person
of service for others. Students are encouraged to take creative risks instead
of simply trying to meet the requirement.
2.
School community service hours include service performed outside of
regular school hours. It does not
include regular extracurricular activities.
3.
During the summer preceding the academic year, students who have already
attended CCHS may earn community service hours.
4. A minimum of three different service
activities per year is required.
5. In order to reach out to the poor and
disadvantaged (sick, elderly, mentally and physically impaired, etc.), a
minimum of 1/3 of the required hours at the high school level and 1/2 of the
required hours at the middle school must be performed in this area.
6. Students
may claim a maximum of two hours per year for the collection and donation of
clothing and other items to charities such as Goodwill. Additionally, students may claim a maximum of
two hours per year for the preparation and delivery of food to charities such
as Manna Meal.
7. A
“Community Service Activity Form” must be completed for each activity,
including the sponsoring adult’s signature and phone number. The activity
forms must be submitted to the theology teacher during the quarter in which the
service was performed in order to receive credit. Forms are available from theology teachers or
from the web (www.charlestoncatholic-crw.org).
8. Seniors
must complete this requirement in order to graduate. In order to be exempt from exams in any
classes, in addition to meeting the academic exam exemption requirements, seniors
must have completed their service hours by the second Friday in May. Sixth through eleventh graders who have any
hours outstanding at the end of the fourth quarter will have those hours
doubled. These extra service hours must
be completed prior to registration in August.
Community
Service Clarification Regarding Artistic Performances
Charleston Catholic affirms and supports our
students’ participation in the cultural and performance arts here at school and
in the wider community. Generally speaking
musical, theatrical, and dance performances and preparation for the
performances will not be counted for community service credit. In much the same way, students’ participation
in athletics is not counted towards community service. If a particular artistic performance is
shared with a group in special need (e.g., a performance at a nursing home or
at the Boys and Girls Club), community service may be earned. If students volunteer to teach others in any
of the performance arts, or act as volunteers with youth sports teams, these
hours may be counted toward the community service requirement. As always, students should check with their
Theology teachers ahead of time for questions regarding the requirements.
Focus on the Arts expands students’ involvement in the
community, exposes them to a wide variety of experiences, and supports the
artistic endeavors of the community.
English teachers have details on the appropriateness of events submitted
by students.
Grade level requirements: 6th: 1 event per year; 7th and 8th: 2 events
per year; 9th –12th:
a total of twelve events (with a minimum of 3 three per year). If a student fails to complete the annual
requirement, he/she must complete double the number of outstanding events during
the summer in order to be readmitted to CCHS.
Guidelines for students:
1. The
following seven requirements must be included among the total number of events
in grades six through twelve: one ballet; one musical or play; two classical
music performances; one visual art display or museum visit; one festival; and
one local color event (must focus on West Virginia or Appalachian culture). The remaining events are to be chosen
from those above or such things as: other types of concerts (e.g. rock, country
and western, jazz); lecture/public
reading; historical site/walking tour; outdoor drama; musical events which do
not fit in the categories already mentioned. Sporting events, ice shows,
entirely food events, zoos/animal shows, or religious/ethnic observances may
not be used to satisfy requirements. All
events are subject to the discretion of the student’s current English teacher.
2. Events
appearing on the bulletin boards outside the library or in the English hall may
be used. From time to time announcements are made concerning suitable events
and free tickets. Students are urged to check the appropriateness of other
events BEFORE making plans to attend. While the focus is on area/West
3. Since
many events could fit into more than one of the required categories, the
student will decide on the category to be used for the event. After attending the event, the student will
complete a two-paragraph critique form, available from English teachers or on
the school website (www.charlestoncatholic-crw.org). These forms are turned in to the English
teachers and kept on file.
4. During
the summer preceding the academic year, students who have already attended CCHS
may earn credit for fine arts events.
Critiques for events attended during the summer must be submitted during
the first quarter of the following school year to receive credit.
5.. The critiques must be submitted during the
quarter in which the event occurred. The entire yearly requirement must be
completed by the end of the third quarter for all seniors. Sixth through
eleventh graders who have any missing critiques at the end of the 4th quarter
will have to complete double the number owed.
Outstanding Fine Arts critiques must be completed prior to registration
in August.
Students are
encouraged to participate in school sports and other activities at CCHS. These are meant to build character,
confidence, a sense of fair play, and commitment to working cooperatively.
Participation in
school activities is a privilege earned through dedication, hard work, and
self-discipline. When Charleston
Catholic students are participating in school-sponsored activities (e.g., field
trips, athletic teams, ski club, quiz bowl) out in the community, they are
representing the school. As such, they
are expected to act in accordance with CCHS policies and guidelines.
Students involved in
CCHS sponsored activities must:
1. Be in
compliance with CCHS policies stated in the Student-Parent Handbook, with
particular emphasis on guidelines relating to academic performance, behavior,
and attendance;
2. If appropriate,
meet eligibility requirements established by the West Virginia Secondary
Schools Activities Commission; and
3. Meet
requirements established by adults responsible for supervision.
Failure to adhere to school
expectations (during the school day, at school functions, etc.) or coaches'
requirements for individual sports or activities will result in disciplinary
action including, but not limited to, suspension or dismissal.
Academic and School Behavior The CCHS academic program and behavioral
standards are rigorous and require diligence and hard work by the
students. Students are expected to
demonstrate their personal best in the classroom as well as during the
particular activity. Failure to abide by
school expectations jeopardizes a student's privilege to be a member of a
school athletic team or to participate in school-sponsored activities.
School Attendance In
order to participate in extracurricular activities on a particular day, a
student must be in school for the FULL DAY on the day of the event. This "full day" policy includes
appointments, so students need to avoid scheduling appointments during the
school day. Students who have
long-standing medical appointments, family funerals, or similar instances may
be excused at the discretion of the Assistant Principal for Operations. Students
are also expected to be on time on days following athletic events. If a
student is suspended at school, that student is also suspended from athletic
practices, games, etc. for the FULL DAY on the day(s) suspended (i.e., if a
student is suspended for a Tuesday, the suspension includes involvement in any
school activities -- sports, social, etc. -- for Tuesday evening also).
Personal Appearance and Behavior Students represent the school and are
oftentimes the only examples of CCHS that the public sees. Therefore, students' personal appearance and
behavior at events reflects upon the school as well as individual students and
teams. Students are required to abide by
dress codes established by their coaches/adult sponsors. Additionally, students are required to behave
during meetings, practices, and competitions in keeping with the CCHS
philosophy, one of respect for others.
Failure to comply with school or activity guidelines will result in
disciplinary action including, but not limited to, being held out of practice
or competitions and suspension or removal from the activity.
Activity Fees In order to offset the cost of
extracurricular activities, students are asked to pay a $75 fee for each
activity in which they participate. This fee must be paid before a student
athlete may participate in an interscholastic competition. These fees support
renting fields, paying officials, entrance fees, etc. These fees are collected for both sports and
non sports activities (i.e. quiz bowl, speech.)
Dances
School –sponsored activities at
Charleston Catholic hosts three dances a year for
its high school students -- Homecoming, Winter Waltz, and Prom. Dances are from 8-11 p.m. with the exception
of Prom which is scheduled from 9 p.m. to midnight. All students in grades 9-12 are invited to
Homecoming and Winter Waltz dances. Prom
is only open to juniors and seniors, although a sophomore may be an invited
guest of a junior or senior. Freshmen
may not attend Prom.
Behavior:
All
students who attend CCHS dances are expected to behave and dress appropriately. Students are expected to observe all laws
concerning alcohol and tobacco use, as well as the code of behavior set by the
school. A statement signed by the student agreeing to these policies will be
submitted by each student and his/her guest prior to each dance. These policies are to insure that everyone
is treated with respect and that an appropriate atmosphere is maintained.
Behavior that disrupts the dance or fails to respect the human or
property rights of others is unacceptable.
At the dance, such behavior will be dealt with according to the rules
and regulations of
1.
School
rules concerning general conduct, vandalism, and use of controlled substances
shall be enforced at all times.
2.
Lewd
and/or vulgar dancing/conduct is not permitted: no groping, exposing underwear,
simulated and /or explicit sexual behavior including, but not limited to,
“freak dancing” and prolonged kissing, etc.
3.
Use
of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco is not permitted.
In an effort to insure that dances remain alcohol free, students are
subject to random alcohol screenings.
CCHS administration also reserves the right to require a student whose
behavior evidences the possibility that he/she may have been drinking to comply
with an alcohol screening. Should a
positive alcohol reading be found in the course of the screening, parents will
be notified. The student will be removed
from the activity and further disciplinary action may be taken (see School
Expectations/ Discipline Section E.).
Failure to comply with any of the dance polices will result in
notification of parents who will be asked to pick their child up at the
dance.
Internet access is available to students and teachers in
With access to computers and people all over
the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to
be of educational value in the context of the school setting. Teachers will supervise student access;
however, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials, and an industrious user may discover controversial
and/or offensive information.
The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that
you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical,
and legal utilization of the network resources.
If a CCHS user violates any of these provisions,
disciplinary consequences which are deemed appropriate by the school principal
will result. Your signature regarding
the Internet Use Agreement is legally binding and indicates that the
signing parties have read the terms and conditions carefully and understand
their significance.
INTERNET - TERMS AND CONDITIONS