St. Thomas Aquinas High School POLICY AGREEMENT School Year 2021 - 2022 P O I have read the School Calendar and Handbook L and agree to abide by the policies stated therein. I I understand that violation of the code of discipline, C the Ethical Use of Technology Policy, emergency procedures, or failure to maintain academic standards, Y may result in school activity participation restrictions, disciplinary detentions or suspensions, academic or A disciplinary probation, and expulsion. G R E E M Parent/Guardian Name Signature & Date E (Please Print) N T Parent/Guardian Name Signature & Date (Please Print) Student Name Signature & Date (Please Print) Student Number: Homeroom: Please detach and return this signed agreement to your Homeroom teacher. Both parents / guardians must sign. 1 P O L I This page is left blank intentionally. C Please see reverse side. Y Policy Agreement page must be signed and returned. A G R E E M E N T 2 S T A C O A T The Coat-of-Arms of St. Thomas Aquinas High School O symbolizes its commitment to the kingdom of God and F to His people. The four quadrants depict a Catholic foundation and locate the school. The upper right A quarter contains a portion of the insignia of the Franciscan Felician Sisters who staff the school. The R left quarter signifies the source of Catholic life, the M Eucharist. S The cross in the lower right quarter is in the form known as “moline,” as in the arms of the Diocese of Trenton from which the Diocese of Metuchen has been divided. The flame suggests the etymology of the Lenni Lenape Indian word “metachen” meaning firewood. This symbol is also associated with the descent of the Holy Spirit and is a traditional symbol of charity, the highest of Christian virtues. Finally, the lower left quarter holds the oak tree, a symbol of the local community. The staff represents the direction and guidance of St. Thomas Aquinas, the scholar saint, patron of the school. Red and white, the school colors, are symbolic of courage and truth. 3 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL Student Calendar & Handbook SCHOOL YEAR 2021 - 2022 Index T MISSION STATEMENT ...........................................................7 PHILOSOPHY ..........................................................................7 A BELIEFS ...................................................................................8 B GRADUATE PROFILE .............................................................9 L POLICY STATEMENT .............................................................10 CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN ...............................................10 E ACCREDITATION ...................................................................10 ADMINISTRATION .................................................................11 O AUXILIARY SERVICES ............................................................11 SCHOOL AND CAREER COUNSELORS ................................11 F FACULTY BY DEPARTMENT .................................................11 DISCIPLINE .............................................................................12 GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS .........................13 C Attendance ........................................................................13 O Absences ...........................................................................14 N Non Cumulative Absences ...............................................15 Tardiness ...........................................................................16 T Early Dismissal .................................................................17 E Detention ..........................................................................17 N Guidelines For Detention .................................................18 Suspension ........................................................................19 T Academic Integrity ............................................................21 S Vandalism .........................................................................23 Weapons/Firearms ............................................................23 Supervision .......................................................................24 STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ......................................24 Philosophy ........................................................................24 INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES (I&RS) TEAM ....................................25 SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY AND PROCEDURES POLICY NO. 100 -- DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ......................................25 PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTING POLICY #100 - DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ..............................27 POLICY FOR THE PREVENTION OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE .............................................29 Introduction ......................................................................29 Policy Statement ...............................................................29 AGREEMENT REGARDING RANDOM TESTING FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE AMONG BISHOP AHR STUDENTS ............................30 STUDENT RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROCEDURES ...........................30 USE OF TOBACCO OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS POLICY ......................................33 4 SUICIDE PREVENTION POLICY AND PROCEDURES ................................................................34 HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION OR BULLYING POLICY...........................................................35 Definition ..........................................................................36 Student Behavior ...............................................................37 Reporting ..........................................................................37 Investigation .....................................................................38 T Remediation And Discipline .............................................38 A Notification .......................................................................39 B Prevention Of Harassment, Intimidation Or Bullying .......................................................................39 L Legal References ...............................................................40 E STUDENT - ATHLETE CONTRACT ......................................40 Rules And Regulations ......................................................40 NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC O ASSOCIATION (NCAA) REQUIREMENTS ............................41 F NCAA REQUIREMENTS .........................................................42 PROCEDURES REGARDING STUDENT-ATHLETE CONTRACT .........................................42 C UNIFORM DRESS CODE .......................................................43 O Crutches And/Or Casts .....................................................45 Dress Down Day Code ......................................................45 N Dress Code Violations ......................................................46 T School Counseling Program .............................................46 E HONOR ROLL .........................................................................47 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ........................................47 N ADDITIONAL GRADUATION T REQUIREMENTS .....................................................................48 S SENIOR EXAM EXEMPTIONS/FAILURES .............................48 HONORS PROGRAM ...............................................................49 SCHEDULES ............................................................................49 TRANSCRIPTS .........................................................................49 FAILURES ................................................................................50 SUMMER SCHOOL..................................................................51 STUDENT PROGRESS ............................................................51 REPORT CARDS ......................................................................51 HOME INSTRUCTION ............................................................51 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ...........................................52 NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Requirements ....................................................................53 Language Honor Societies ................................................56 Science National Honor Society .......................................57 MU ALPHA THETA (MATH) HONOR SOCIETY ..................57 STUDENT ACTIVITIES ...........................................................58 Student Clubs And Activities ...........................................58 Interscholastic Sports........................................................58 Eligibility Rules For Participation In All Athletic Activities ...................................................59 Religious Activities ...........................................................59 5 GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................59 Accident Report ................................................................59 After School Activities ......................................................60 Backpacks .........................................................................60 Cafeteria Policies ..............................................................60 CUSTODIAL AND NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS ..................61 Dance Policy .....................................................................61 T Electronic Devices ............................................................62 A Excused/Absence - Physical Education Class .................65 B Financial Responsibility ...................................................65 Fire Drill Procedures ........................................................66