Code of Behavior

The word discipline is derived from the word "disciple": a pupil, a follower, a learner. Discipline is guiding and directing children towards acceptable behavior both individually and collectively.

It is on this principle that the Code of Behavior for St. Elizabeth Elementary School has been developed.

Introduction

The Catholic schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh are committed to teaching the Gospel values which help our students live their lives as a reflection of Christ. The philosophy of our schools calls us to recognize and respect the dignity of each individual and to offer a Christ-centered, safe learning environment based on the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church.

Discipline is a necessary element of the learning process. The purpose of this code is to foster the growth of self-discipline enabling students to eventually assume responsibility for their own actions. 

All member of the faculty and staff share the responsibility to model appropriate behaviors and maintain these standards throughout the school community.

The Code of Behavior for St. Elizabeth Elementary School students has been developed to foster appropriate social skills and promote a positive learning climate that is characterized by respect, responsibility and Christ-like relationships. The responsibility for monitoring appropriate behavior rests with all adults present to the students during the school day (PA School Law, Sect. 1317).

Guiding Principals

Social skills, both personal and interpersonal, are taught, modeled, practiced, and infused into the daily life and experience of the school family and community.

The development of appropriate social skills is an unfolding continuum of learned behavior unique to each individual. The foundation is laid by parents and reinforced by Catholic education. All instruction is based on the following seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching:

• Each person is sacred.

• Each person is social.

• We care for creation.

• All people have rights and responsibilities.

• Solidarity is one call; we are our brothers' and sisters' keeper.

• Workers have rights; work has dignity.

• We take care of the poor and vulnerable.
  

Implementation by Instruction

St. Elizabeth Elementary School's pro-active approach to discipline includes instruction based on, but not limited to, the following programs:

• Religion Curriculum - Preschool through 8th grade

• Catholic Vision of Love

• AIDS Curriculum of the NCEA

• Character Education

• Get Real About Violence program

• D.A.R.E.

Code of Conduct
The Code of Behavior addresses the following areas of behavior:

General Behavior

• All behavior must be Christ-like.
• Zero tolerance on bullying or any other actions

deemed to be injurious to any student.

• Compliance with local school policies as stated in the Parent/Student Handbook.
• Compliance with all Diocesan policies.

Homework

• Homework policies will be established by each department and distributed the first week of school.

Dress Code

• The Uniform Dress Code is the standard of dress for all students in grades 1-8. Violations of the Dress Code result in a demerit.

Consequences for Violations of the Code of Behavior

• It is the responsibility of each student to know and abide by the Code of Behavior.
• It is the expectation that each parent/guardian will support the Code of Behavior.
• Three demerits of any kind will warrant one after-school detention.
• Detention is from 3:00-3:45p.m., generally on Thursday.
• During detention students will sit in silent reflection.
• Parents are responsible to arrange for student's transportation home at 3:45.
• Parents must meet student at the school office at detention dismissal, promptly at 3:45.
• Two detentions in any grading period will warrant an in-school suspension.
• No alternate arrangements will be made for individual detentions. Any detention not served on the scheduled date may result in an in-school suspension.
• Serious or repeated infractions to the Code of Behavior will be dealt with on an individual basis by referral to the office.

Dress Code 

The attire for Preschool and Kindergarten children is neat casual wear with socks and tennis shoes.  

Boys Uniform

Pants:  Navy

Shorts: Navy  (May be worn August thru October 31 and April 1 to end of school year)

Polo/dress shirt, LS/SS: White, Lt. Blue

Sweater/Sweater Vest: Burgundy, Navy, Grey

Gray school sweatshirt with burgundy St. Elizabeth emblem is the only sweatshirt permitted.

Belt: Black or brown (Grades 5-8)

Shoes: Dark, flat school shoes with no logo.  Boots just above the ankle during winter months.

Socks: Navy, white, black solid; crew

Tie: worn on Monday, All School Liturgy days and special occasions

Hair:  clean/neat/traditional style, natural color, trimmed above the shirt collar

Jewelry must be kept to a minimum.  Boys may not wear earrings.

Girls Uniform

Burgundy plaid jumper (Grades 1 thru 4)

Burgundy plaid skirt (Grades 5 thru 8)

Skort: Navy, burgundy plaid

Scooter: Navy

Pants: Navy

Shorts: Navy  (May be worn August thru October 31 and April 1 to end of school year)

Polo/Blouse, SS/LS: White, Lt. Blue, Lt. Pink

Sweater/Sweater Vest: Burgundy, Navy, Grey, White

Gray school sweatshirt with burgundy St. Elizabeth emblem is the only sweatshirt permitted.

Socks: Navy, White, Burgundy solid; crew/knee/tights

Shoes: dark, flat school shoes with no logo; boots permitted in winter months

Hair:  clean, neat, traditional style; natural color; beads, clips, ribbons and other hair decorations must be kept to a minimum

No make-up, nail polish, artificial nails of any kind.

No cosmetics may be brought to school (make-up, lotions, perfumes, hair spray, tinted lip gloss, etc.)

Jewelry must be kept to a minimum. Girls may wear no more than one pair of earrings no larger than a quarter.

Violations will warrant immediate notification of parents to correct infraction and earn one demerit on the All School Code of Behavior. Three demerits will warrant one detention.