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Discipline & School Policies

Three early childhood students hugging at Regis School of the Sacred Heart
Laptop Computers

Students in grades 6-8 are issued laptops by Regis to be used in the classroom and at home for schoolwork. Students may use laptops in classrooms unless otherwise instructed by the classroom teacher to put laptops away. Students are prohibited from using personal laptops or devices on Regis’ network unless otherwise approved.

The school cannot guarantee wireless access from all points on campus. In order to access the wireless network, a student must be using a school issued laptop.

Students are solely responsible for the safety and whereabouts of laptops that belong to the school. Any violation of the AUP while using a laptop will be subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by school administration as well as the loss of laptop privileges.

User Responsibility

The individual in whose name a system account is issued is responsible at all times for its proper use. He is held accountable for any activity under that account while he is logged on to the system.

AT ALL TIMES, USERS MUST BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY WHEN USING THE SCHOOL COMPUTER NETWORK SYSTEM AND/OR STUDENT LAPTOP COMPUTERS. ANY VIOLATION OF POLICY AND PROCEDURE GUIDELINES WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE ADMINISTRATION; THIS INCLUDES SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION.

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED:

DISREGARD FOR SCHOOL LIMITS AND SYSTEM RESTRICTIONS
  • Engaging in activities that cause network failure.
  • Hosting and maintaining personal web pages and sites.
IGNORING SECURITY MEASURES
  • Failure to take reasonable precautions to prevent other users from using one’s personal account; sharing passwords with others.
  • Failure to notify a teacher or system administrator if security breach is suspected or identified.
  • Unauthorized search for possible security problems (may be considered an illegal attempt to gain access).
  • Failure to avoid accidental spread of computer viruses through non-compliance with school/classroom procedures.
ENGAGING IN ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES
  • Gaining unauthorized access to the system or to any other computer system.
  • Going beyond authorized access; using a different login name and password to access files.
  • Attempting to disrupt systems; creating and/or sending viruses to destroy data.
  • Engaging in any illegal act punishable by law.
INAPPROPRIATE ACCESS TO SITES/SERVICES
  • Intentionally accessing sites and materials that are profane/obscene, or that advocate violence, discrimination, or illegal acts.
  • Bringing prohibited materials into the school’s electronic environment.
  • Failure to report to a teacher or network administrator any accidental access of such sites.
  • Using the system for commercial purposes; offering, providing, or purchasing products through the system.
  • Political lobbying, campaigning.
LACK OF EMAIL ETIQUETTE/CONTROL
  • Using obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language.
  • Writing personal attacks or racial remarks.
  • Knowingly or recklessly sending false or defamatory information about a person or an organization.
  • Sending information that may cause disruptions or inflict harm or danger to others.
  • Harassing another person; failure to heed requests from other users to stop unsolicited messages.
  • Spamming or sending annoying mail to a large number of people; sending chain letters.
  • Failure to control or stop offensive/obscene messages and attachments delivered to one’s personal account.
  • Knowingly or unknowingly opening email attachments that contain computer viruses.
DISREGARD FOR PRIVACY
  • Re-sending private messages without the consent of the original sender.
  • Transmitting private information about other students, teachers, administrators, and staff, and responding to inquiries about them.
PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT, AND FORGERY
  • Copying documents on the Internet and claiming or presenting them as personal works.
  • Reproducing documents for use and distribution without written permission from the author or publisher.
  • Forgery, attempted forgery, or modification of electronic mail messages of other users.
COMPROMISING PERSONAL SAFETY
  • Transmitting and/or posting personal contact information through the system such as addresses, phone numbers, photographs, etc.
  • Arranging meetings with other users not affiliated with Regis.
  • Posing as someone else in chat rooms and message boards or when sending/receiving messages.
Privacy/Due Process

The school’s network system is monitored closely and constantly and provides limited privacy of personal files. Internet usage is reviewed in routine maintenance, testing and reporting and may result in the discovery of violations of policies or the law. Such violations shall be subject to disciplinary procedures and/or suspension/loss of privileges.

Disciplinary Action Due to Violation of AUP

Disciplinary action will range from verbal warnings to the loss of all computer lab and/or laptop privileges. When applicable, the student is responsible for all expenses incurred by the school due to damage, equipment replacement or technical consultation directly associated with the violation.

Philosophy of Early Childhood Discipline

In Early Childhood, a Regis boy learns to identify the difference between good and bad and the balance in making the right choices for yourself and those around you.

This personal growth includes respecting the rights of others, and learning to embrace, accept, and honor the unique differences of others. The building of community is central to the collective belief that each boy in the lower school has the right to learn, play, and grow within an environment where he feels safe, comfortable, accepted, and included. To ensure this, our educators in partnership with our families, will continually develop our boys to:

  • Follow classroom rules set by the teacher 
  • Treat all with courtesy and kindness
  • Display empathy and appreciation of others
  • Learn to problem solve without the need for physical contact
  • Be careful of others and avoid rough play
  • Use kind words 
  • Commit actions of honesty and integrity 
  • Respect the property of the classroom and of others
  • Refrain from teasing or bullying 
  • Refrain from using foul or inappropriate language
  • Exercise appropriate and hygienic behavior in restrooms
  • Use appropriate volume in each school setting 
  • Maintain rules of personal safety
  • Follow snack and mealtime rules: 
  • Clean up after eating 
  • Remain seated while eating
  • Use age-appropriate table manners and practice appropriate behavior
  • DISCIPLINARY NOTICE 

When a student has a difficulty, a teacher will send a communication to the parents alerting them of the situation and will have the student meet with the Early Childhood Division Head, if necessary. The purpose of the communication is to keep parents informed about each boy’s development, and the purpose of the meeting with an administrator is to ensure immediate behavior intervention. 

The overarching goal of the Early Childhood disciplinary system is to help the students focus on acting and choosing in an atmosphere of wise freedom. Boys who are involved in physical aggression may be sent home, including, but not limited to:

  • Biting or spitting
  • Excessive or continuous physical aggression 
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION 

When a student is suspended (in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension), parents receive a written and verbal notice from the school outlining the reasons for suspension and the terms of the suspension. Also, in the event of a suspension parents and the student will be asked to meet with the administration to discuss the incident and develop a plan for the future. 

PLAYGROUND RULES
  • Wrestling is not permitted at any time. 
  • All playground equipment is to be used only for its intended purpose. 
  • Students may not climb fences, buildings, etc. 
  • Students may not leave the school property for any reason, including to retrieve stray balls or equipment. 
  • During recess, classes are to stay in their designated areas. 
  • Students must ask permission before leaving the playground. 

If a student fails to follow these playground rules, he may be removed from play for an appropriate amount of time during recess. All major playground infractions, such as physical fighting, will be communicated with parents and managed with appropriate consequences. 

Philosophy of Lower School Discipline

In the Lower School, a Regis boy begins to understand what the acceptable limits of his behavior are and how to effectively communicate his thoughts and feelings.

In Lower School, students begin to develop the skills and tools necessary to productively and positively interact and maintain social relationships while discovering their sense of self. This personal growth—which is a key part of Goal V—includes respecting the rights, feelings, and dignity of others, and learning to accept, embrace, and honor the unique differences of others. Central to this work is the building of community, within the classroom and the larger student body, and the collective belief that each boy in the Lower School has the right to learn, play, and grow in an environment that is safe and inclusive. To ensure this, our educators, in partnership with our families, will continually develop our boys to:

  • Treat all people with courtesy and kindness
  • Follow classroom rules that are collectively set by the teacher and the class
  • Display empathy and appreciation of others’ points of view
  • Problem-solve without the need for physical contact or deliberately hurtful words
  • Seek opportunities to assist others in need
  • Respect the rights and property of others
  • Conduct themselves with honesty and integrity

Different parts of campus (classroom, playground, eating areas, bathrooms, etc.) call for slightly different sets of expectations. To help our young Knights ingrain an over-arching sense of right and wrong throughout their school day, while using age-appropriate best practices in social-emotional development, we find it best to center all expectations around:

  • Respect
  • Fairness
  • Responsibility

Most “rules”, whether for an indoor space or an outdoor space, can be centered under one of these three big expectations. Examples might include:

  • If we want a student to stop calling out of turn during a lesson, or to stop disrupting a learning experience, we talk to them about our expectation of “Respect” – respecting the teacher’s classroom expectations and respecting their peers’ right to learn in an organized and productive manner.
  • If we want students to be mindful to extend an invitation for everyone to participate in an activity or game, we bring their attention back to the expectation of “Fairness” and guide them to think about how they might feel if they were excluded.
  • If we want students to clean up after themselves when eating, we remind them of our expectation of “Responsibility” – they are responsible for caring for their school and for leaving communal spaces in as good, if not better, condition than how they found it.

During the opening weeks of the school year, all faculty and administration take much time and great care in teaching the various expectations for each location and situation, modeling them for students, and then giving the boys opportunities to practice those desired behaviors and routines while receiving constructive feedback on their progress. By devoting larger amounts of time on this “Interactive Modeling” early, we gain much more time later to focus on academic learning and student cognitive growth.

DISCIPLINARY NOTICE

Rooted in Goal V, we approach progressive discipline with a Growth Mindset. We as educators understand that students will have errors in judgment as they grow - this is a natural part of the maturation process. Therefore, we strive to give the boys the understanding necessary to make wise decisions. Learning and moving on from mistakes is as vital as cataloging successes. If students do not meet the expectations required for a safe and inviting learning environment, they will be given opportunities to discuss, correct, and reflect on their choices.

Regis Lower School teachers actively develop caring and supportive relationships with their students by clearly expressing expectations, presenting students with equal opportunities to participate in class discussions, and communicating their confidence in each student’s ability to achieve academic and social success.

The homeroom and co-curricular teachers address minor disruptions and small issues within the classroom setting and in age-appropriate ways. If student misbehavior becomes a pattern, or if it is severe, it is entered into our system as an infraction (see below).

While our discipline system strives for consistency and fairness in all situations, it is essential to note that not all disciplinary issues can fall into easily defined categories. Issues must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, relying upon the experienced professional judgment of teachers and administrators, and will not always follow the exact structure outlined in this section.

The following outlines the progressive process we aim for in reacting to negative student behaviors and determining appropriate consequences:

LEVEL ONE

Level One infractions will be dealt with by the teacher or staff member witnessing the infraction(s) and/or the homeroom teacher. Communication about the incident(s) will be sent to parents, depending on the severity and/or frequency of the behavior.

Examples include:

  • Disturbance or disruption of the learning environment
  • Defiant behavior
  • Disrespectful comments/behavior toward teachers/faculty/staff
  • Disrespectful behavior toward peers
  • Improper or unauthorized use of school or others’ property
  • Inappropriate or disrespectful language, drawings, gestures
  • Overly physical behavior/roughhousing
  • Inappropriate use of technology

Consequences may include:

  • Verbal warning
  • Removal from the situation, thus allowing for the student to self-regulate his emotions and refocus his efforts
  • Restitution
  • Written reflection
  • Discussion between student and teacher to address the incident, providing an opportunity for full reflection as to why a behavior was inappropriate and should not be repeated

LEVEL TWO

Level Two infractions will be dealt with by the teacher or staff member witnessing the infraction(s), in consultation with the school counselor and/or Dean of Students. Depending on the severity of the behavior, the Lower School Division Head may be involved. Communication about the incident(s) will be sent to parents.

Examples include:

  • Persistent or extreme Level One infractions
  • Inappropriate physical contact with the intent of causing harm
  • Bullying and/or social aggression
  • Abusive or profane language, drawings, or gestures
  • Misbehavior during field trips or school programs
  • Cheating, plagiarism, lying, forging signatures
  • Vandalism or damage to school property

Consequences may include:

  • Immediate removal from the area of the offense, so as to allow for the student to self-regulate his emotions, and to protect the rights and safety of his peers
  • Denial of privileges (as appropriate) and/or modified day
  • After-school or lunch detention (for Third and Fourth Grades only)
  • Restitution
  • Conference with the parent, child, teacher, and counselor or Dean of Students (depending on the offense)

LEVEL THREE

Level Three infractions will be dealt with by the Lower School Division Head. A parent meeting will be required.

Examples include:

  • Persistent or extreme Level Two infractions
  • Any incident causing physical harm
  • Ongoing bullying and/or social aggression
  • Making racial, ethnic, or religious insults
  • Any threatening comments or conversation that could reasonably lead to others on campus feeling unsafe or potentially in physical or psychological danger


Consequences may include:

  • Denial of privileges and/or extracurricular activities (as determined by the Lower School Division Head)
  • Restitution (if appropriate)
  • After-school detention (for Third and Fourth Grades only)
  • In-school suspension
  • Out–of–school suspension
  • Conference with parent, child, teacher, counselor or Dean of Students, Lower School Division Head

LEVEL FOUR

Level Four constitutes persistent or extreme Level Three infractions and will result in being referred to the Head of School.

Consequences may include:

  • In-school suspension
  • Out–of–school suspension
  • Expulsion

NOTICE OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
When a student receives an out-of-school suspension, parents receive a written and verbal notice from the School that outlines the reasons for the suspension and the terms of the suspension. The parents and student will be required to meet with the Lower School Division Head, classroom teacher(s), counselor and/or Dean of Students to develop a behavior plan.

Philosophy of Middle School Discipline

In Middle School, a Regis boy is making strides to achieve self-discipline and gain control of actions regardless of their emotional state. The Regis School believes that the greatest mechanism for managing student behavior is the relationship between the teacher and the student.

The Goals & Criteria remind us that every student is a child of God and, therefore, possesses created worth, dignity, and a vocation. All discipline at Regis is grounded in the dignity of each child and a fundamental understanding that discipline is not primarily punitive in nature, but educational. Students are taught that a consequence follows every choice we make, and when we choose an action, we must then take responsibility for the consequence. Choices that have negative consequences are opportunities to learn and grow. Disciplinary actions are always an attempt to facilitate such learning. While our discipline system strives for consistency and fairness in all situations, it is important to point out that not all disciplinary issues can fall into easily defined categories and must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and will not always follow the structure outlined in this section.  

The Middle School employs a demerit system that is intended to give classroom teachers more control over their individual classroom discipline. The following are guidelines for how our policy is enforced: 

  • Teachers give a warning for behavior that disrupts a lesson or is otherwise considered to not be in accordance with the Goals and Criteria. 
  • Teachers issue a demerit for failure to correct or discontinue the action that the student was previously given a warning for. 
  • A Demerit may also be earned by a student when having two tardies within one week, or two uniform violations within one week. 
  • Upon receiving a second demerit in any given week, the Dean of Students will send an email to the parents and student informing them that the student has received his second demerit and that a third demerit will result in an After-School-Detention (ASD) for self-reflection. The details of the two demerits will be included. ASD will be held after school on Tuesdays, from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Detentions are not meant to be punitive, but instead to provide an opportunity for the student to engage in self-reflection. If a student receives two demerits in one week from the same teacher, the teacher will contact the parents.
  • Upon receiving a third After-School-Detention (ASD) in a quarter, the student will not serve the ASD but must serve an In-School Suspension (ISS). As with demerits, a second ASD in a quarter will trigger the Dean of Students to notify the student and his parents that another detention will result in an ISS. While in the In-School-Suspension (ISS), the student will spend the entire school day in the Dean of Students office, quietly completing work that would otherwise be done in class, as well as possible additional assignments. The student will have no interaction with other students on days that an ISS is served. This includes lunch, which will be eaten in the Dean of Students office. Time will also be devoted to speaking with our Dean of Students. These conversations will further focus on the need for self-reflection, the impact of actions on others, and other topics dependent on the path that led to the in-school suspension. Our goal is always to aid in growth, rather than simply punish. 
  • In addition, upon receiving an in-school suspension, the student will be put on a “Behavioral Plan” that will outline the corrective measures and improvements that the school requires of the student. Failure to adhere to the plan, or to show personal growth, may result in out-of-school suspension and/or expulsion.  
  • If a student is issued a detention, it takes priority over all extra-curricular activities taking place during the scheduled detention time. 
  • An ASD and ISS may also be given without the conditions previously mentioned above for more serious offenses. This will only be done after serious discernment by the school administration.
  • The penalty for missing a detention without approval is an additional detention, so that two detentions must be served on two separate days—the missed one and the second one. 
  • More serious offenses such as physical violence or verbal harassment, theft or damage of property, cheating and plagiarism, the use of illicit substances (drugs, alcohol, vaping, etc.), and continual repetition of minor offenses may result in a loss of extracurricular privileges for one week. This includes the loss of participation in all Regis athletic activities and the possibility of suspension or expulsion. In addition, offenses such as, but not limited to, physical violence, harassment, theft or damage to property, the use of illicit subjects, or vulgar comments may also result in the student being sent home for the day. 
  • Regis reserves the right to determine if particular students may or may not attend field trips or class trips. These decisions will not be made lightly and will always have the safety of the boys in mind. 
  • Use of technology for nonacademic purposes will result in an automatic detention.
  • Should a student be sent to the Middle School Division Head or the Dean of Students, he may be referred to the counselor for further discussion on how best to move forward both with discipline or with additional support for the student.
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION 

When a student is suspended (in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension), parents receive a written and verbal notice from the school outlining the reasons for suspension and the terms of the suspension. This is in addition to the notices received for receiving two demerits. Also, in the event of a suspension parents and the student will be asked to meet with the administration to discuss the incident and develop a plan for the future.Students who receive two ISS placements in a school year or one ISS placement in the same semester may lose eligibility to participate their grade-level overnight field trips.

DISCIPLINARY PROBATION 

When other forms of referrals or disciplinary actions have failed to bring about a positive change in a student’s attitude or behavior, he may be placed on disciplinary probation by the Head of School. The terms of probation will be outlined specifically in writing and will be agreed upon by the administration. Students not responding to the terms of disciplinary probation are subject to expulsion from school. 

When multiple meetings with division heads have failed to remediate the behavior, students will be placed on a discipline plan, which will outline specific areas of growth. If these areas of growth are not met by set deadlines, the student’s future at Regis will be placed under review.  

TARDINESS CONSEQUENCES AND UNIFORM VIOLATION

A Student that is tardy to class during the school day (when transferring between classes) must see the Dean of Students to receive a Tardy Pass and have it signed. This will allow the student back into his class. The Student will then return the Tardy Pass to the classroom teacher, who will then return it to the Dean of Students for record keeping. A Student who receives two tardies in a week will receive one demerit point. This will be added to any Demerits points he has earned during that same week. 

Any Uniform Violation by a Student will be noted by the Dean of Students, and upon a second violation during any given week, a Demerit will be issued to that Student and this Demerit will be added to any other Demerits points the Student may have earned during that same week.

Off Campus Behavior

Student are expected to adhere to Regis' discipline policy both on and off campus, including interactions online.

Respect & Concern for the Property of Others

We expect all members of the school community to treat the personal property of others with care by:

  • Taking articles to the Lost and Found.
  • Asking permission to borrow or use others’ belongings, including clothing and school materials.
  • Leaving other people’s lockers and cubbies alone.
  • Leaving other people’s lunches and backpacks alone.
  • Not hiding the belongings of others. 

We expect all members of the school community to treat school property with care by:

  • Cleaning up locker and lunch areas.
  • Picking up litter on campus without being asked.
  • Keeping restrooms clean for others to use.
  • Reporting graffiti.
  • Assisting with classroom, gym and campus cleanliness.

We expect all members of the school community to follow the enforceable rules to create a safe and happy learning environment by:

  • Following classroom rules set by the teacher and the class 
  • Following the playground rules 
  • Being careful of others and avoiding rough play 
  • Not making fun of others 
  • Not teasing or bullying 
  • Giving another a chance to apologize for a mistake 
  • Not using foul language 
  • Following cafeteria rules 
  • Using inside voices at all times 
  • Cleaning up lunch areas 
  • Remaining seated 
  • Standing in an orderly and quiet line when entering and leaving the cafeteria
Backpacks

Only regular sized backpacks are permitted. Backpacks are to be stored in cubbies or lockers once students arrive at school. Middle School backpacks are not to be carried from class to class and are to remain in their locker.

Personal Belongings

Forgotten Schoolwork and/or Laptops: Please do not bring forgotten schoolwork to school—it will not be delivered to your son until the end of the school day. An important part of developing responsibility in children is by allowing them to experience logical and natural consequences. 

Lost & Found: Please see that the student’s name is on all clothing and belongings (lunch boxes, backpacks, book bags, jackets, computer bags, shoes, etc.). All Lower School “lost and found” items will be kept in the Lost and Found cabinet in the Kelley Building foyer. Marked Middle School “lost and found” may be found outside the Dean of Students’ office in the Kelley Building. Unmarked items will be given to charity at the end of each semester. It is the responsibility of each parent and student to have all items marked with the student’s name and the responsibility of the student to find his lost items.

Personal Property: Use of a lock on a students’ locker is mandatory in Middle School. Students are encouraged to leave valuable possessions at home. Toys, electronic devices and games, valuable collections, trading cards, jewelry, etc. should not be brought to school. The school is not responsible for theft, damage, breakage, loss, or liability for injury. Any of these items will be confiscated and held by the front office for parent pick-up.

Student Cell Phone Use: It is the school’s preference that a student’s cell phone remain at home. However, when circumstances require that a student bring a cell phone, the phone will be placed in the student’s locker at the start of the school day with the sound off and may be retrieved at the conclusion of the day. Misuse of personal cell phones will result in the Dean of Students removing the phone, contacting the parent for retrieval at the conclusion of the day, and automatic detention. Use of cell phones on overnight trips will be assessed on a case-by-case basis per grade level and communicated prior to the trip.

Smart Watches Are Not Permitted at Regis. If a student wears a smart watch to school, it will be confiscated and held by the Division Head for parent pick up and, for middle school students, detention will be served. 

Discipline Philosophy by Division

Philosophy of Early Childhood Discipline

In Early Childhood, a Regis boy learns to identify the difference between good and bad and the balance in making the right choices for yourself and those around you.

This personal growth includes respecting the rights of others, and learning to embrace, accept, and honor the unique differences of others. The building of community is central to the collective belief that each boy in the lower school has the right to learn, play, and grow within an environment where he feels safe, comfortable, accepted, and included. To ensure this, our educators in partnership with our families, will continually develop our boys to:

  • Follow classroom rules set by the teacher 
  • Treat all with courtesy and kindness
  • Display empathy and appreciation of others
  • Learn to problem solve without the need for physical contact
  • Be careful of others and avoid rough play
  • Use kind words 
  • Commit actions of honesty and integrity 
  • Respect the property of the classroom and of others
  • Refrain from teasing or bullying 
  • Refrain from using foul or inappropriate language
  • Exercise appropriate and hygienic behavior in restrooms
  • Use appropriate volume in each school setting 
  • Maintain rules of personal safety
  • Follow snack and mealtime rules: 
  • Clean up after eating 
  • Remain seated while eating
  • Use age-appropriate table manners and practice appropriate behavior
  • DISCIPLINARY NOTICE 

When a student has a difficulty, a teacher will send a communication to the parents alerting them of the situation and will have the student meet with the Early Childhood Division Head, if necessary. The purpose of the communication is to keep parents informed about each boy’s development, and the purpose of the meeting with an administrator is to ensure immediate behavior intervention. 

The overarching goal of the Early Childhood disciplinary system is to help the students focus on acting and choosing in an atmosphere of wise freedom. Boys who are involved in physical aggression may be sent home, including, but not limited to:

  • Biting or spitting
  • Excessive or continuous physical aggression 
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION 

When a student is suspended (in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension), parents receive a written and verbal notice from the school outlining the reasons for suspension and the terms of the suspension. Also, in the event of a suspension parents and the student will be asked to meet with the administration to discuss the incident and develop a plan for the future. 

PLAYGROUND RULES
  • Wrestling is not permitted at any time. 
  • All playground equipment is to be used only for its intended purpose. 
  • Students may not climb fences, buildings, etc. 
  • Students may not leave the school property for any reason, including to retrieve stray balls or equipment. 
  • During recess, classes are to stay in their designated areas. 
  • Students must ask permission before leaving the playground. 

If a student fails to follow these playground rules, he may be removed from play for an appropriate amount of time during recess. All major playground infractions, such as physical fighting, will be communicated with parents and managed with appropriate consequences. 

Philosophy of Lower School Discipline

In the Lower School, a Regis boy begins to understand what the acceptable limits of his behavior are and how to effectively communicate his thoughts and feelings.

In Lower School, students begin to develop the skills and tools necessary to productively and positively interact and maintain social relationships while discovering their sense of self. This personal growth—which is a key part of Goal V—includes respecting the rights, feelings, and dignity of others, and learning to accept, embrace, and honor the unique differences of others. Central to this work is the building of community, within the classroom and the larger student body, and the collective belief that each boy in the Lower School has the right to learn, play, and grow in an environment that is safe and inclusive. To ensure this, our educators, in partnership with our families, will continually develop our boys to:

  • Treat all people with courtesy and kindness
  • Follow classroom rules that are collectively set by the teacher and the class
  • Display empathy and appreciation of others’ points of view
  • Problem-solve without the need for physical contact or deliberately hurtful words
  • Seek opportunities to assist others in need
  • Respect the rights and property of others
  • Conduct themselves with honesty and integrity

Different parts of campus (classroom, playground, eating areas, bathrooms, etc.) call for slightly different sets of expectations. To help our young Knights ingrain an over-arching sense of right and wrong throughout their school day, while using age-appropriate best practices in social-emotional development, we find it best to center all expectations around:

  • Respect
  • Fairness
  • Responsibility

Most “rules”, whether for an indoor space or an outdoor space, can be centered under one of these three big expectations. Examples might include:

  • If we want a student to stop calling out of turn during a lesson, or to stop disrupting a learning experience, we talk to them about our expectation of “Respect” – respecting the teacher’s classroom expectations and respecting their peers’ right to learn in an organized and productive manner.
  • If we want students to be mindful to extend an invitation for everyone to participate in an activity or game, we bring their attention back to the expectation of “Fairness” and guide them to think about how they might feel if they were excluded.
  • If we want students to clean up after themselves when eating, we remind them of our expectation of “Responsibility” – they are responsible for caring for their school and for leaving communal spaces in as good, if not better, condition than how they found it.

During the opening weeks of the school year, all faculty and administration take much time and great care in teaching the various expectations for each location and situation, modeling them for students, and then giving the boys opportunities to practice those desired behaviors and routines while receiving constructive feedback on their progress. By devoting larger amounts of time on this “Interactive Modeling” early, we gain much more time later to focus on academic learning and student cognitive growth.

DISCIPLINARY NOTICE

Rooted in Goal V, we approach progressive discipline with a Growth Mindset. We as educators understand that students will have errors in judgment as they grow - this is a natural part of the maturation process. Therefore, we strive to give the boys the understanding necessary to make wise decisions. Learning and moving on from mistakes is as vital as cataloging successes. If students do not meet the expectations required for a safe and inviting learning environment, they will be given opportunities to discuss, correct, and reflect on their choices.

Regis Lower School teachers actively develop caring and supportive relationships with their students by clearly expressing expectations, presenting students with equal opportunities to participate in class discussions, and communicating their confidence in each student’s ability to achieve academic and social success.

The homeroom and co-curricular teachers address minor disruptions and small issues within the classroom setting and in age-appropriate ways. If student misbehavior becomes a pattern, or if it is severe, it is entered into our system as an infraction (see below).

While our discipline system strives for consistency and fairness in all situations, it is essential to note that not all disciplinary issues can fall into easily defined categories. Issues must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, relying upon the experienced professional judgment of teachers and administrators, and will not always follow the exact structure outlined in this section.

The following outlines the progressive process we aim for in reacting to negative student behaviors and determining appropriate consequences:

LEVEL ONE

Level One infractions will be dealt with by the teacher or staff member witnessing the infraction(s) and/or the homeroom teacher. Communication about the incident(s) will be sent to parents, depending on the severity and/or frequency of the behavior.

Examples include:

  • Disturbance or disruption of the learning environment
  • Defiant behavior
  • Disrespectful comments/behavior toward teachers/faculty/staff
  • Disrespectful behavior toward peers
  • Improper or unauthorized use of school or others’ property
  • Inappropriate or disrespectful language, drawings, gestures
  • Overly physical behavior/roughhousing
  • Inappropriate use of technology

Consequences may include:

  • Verbal warning
  • Removal from the situation, thus allowing for the student to self-regulate his emotions and refocus his efforts
  • Restitution
  • Written reflection
  • Discussion between student and teacher to address the incident, providing an opportunity for full reflection as to why a behavior was inappropriate and should not be repeated

LEVEL TWO

Level Two infractions will be dealt with by the teacher or staff member witnessing the infraction(s), in consultation with the school counselor and/or Dean of Students. Depending on the severity of the behavior, the Lower School Division Head may be involved. Communication about the incident(s) will be sent to parents.

Examples include:

  • Persistent or extreme Level One infractions
  • Inappropriate physical contact with the intent of causing harm
  • Bullying and/or social aggression
  • Abusive or profane language, drawings, or gestures
  • Misbehavior during field trips or school programs
  • Cheating, plagiarism, lying, forging signatures
  • Vandalism or damage to school property

Consequences may include:

  • Immediate removal from the area of the offense, so as to allow for the student to self-regulate his emotions, and to protect the rights and safety of his peers
  • Denial of privileges (as appropriate) and/or modified day
  • After-school or lunch detention (for Third and Fourth Grades only)
  • Restitution
  • Conference with the parent, child, teacher, and counselor or Dean of Students (depending on the offense)

LEVEL THREE

Level Three infractions will be dealt with by the Lower School Division Head. A parent meeting will be required.

Examples include:

  • Persistent or extreme Level Two infractions
  • Any incident causing physical harm
  • Ongoing bullying and/or social aggression
  • Making racial, ethnic, or religious insults
  • Any threatening comments or conversation that could reasonably lead to others on campus feeling unsafe or potentially in physical or psychological danger


Consequences may include:

  • Denial of privileges and/or extracurricular activities (as determined by the Lower School Division Head)
  • Restitution (if appropriate)
  • After-school detention (for Third and Fourth Grades only)
  • In-school suspension
  • Out–of–school suspension
  • Conference with parent, child, teacher, counselor or Dean of Students, Lower School Division Head

LEVEL FOUR

Level Four constitutes persistent or extreme Level Three infractions and will result in being referred to the Head of School.

Consequences may include:

  • In-school suspension
  • Out–of–school suspension
  • Expulsion

NOTICE OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
When a student receives an out-of-school suspension, parents receive a written and verbal notice from the School that outlines the reasons for the suspension and the terms of the suspension. The parents and student will be required to meet with the Lower School Division Head, classroom teacher(s), counselor and/or Dean of Students to develop a behavior plan.

Philosophy of Middle School Discipline

In Middle School, a Regis boy is making strides to achieve self-discipline and gain control of actions regardless of their emotional state. The Regis School believes that the greatest mechanism for managing student behavior is the relationship between the teacher and the student.

The Goals & Criteria remind us that every student is a child of God and, therefore, possesses created worth, dignity, and a vocation. All discipline at Regis is grounded in the dignity of each child and a fundamental understanding that discipline is not primarily punitive in nature, but educational. Students are taught that a consequence follows every choice we make, and when we choose an action, we must then take responsibility for the consequence. Choices that have negative consequences are opportunities to learn and grow. Disciplinary actions are always an attempt to facilitate such learning. While our discipline system strives for consistency and fairness in all situations, it is important to point out that not all disciplinary issues can fall into easily defined categories and must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and will not always follow the structure outlined in this section.  

The Middle School employs a demerit system that is intended to give classroom teachers more control over their individual classroom discipline. The following are guidelines for how our policy is enforced: 

  • Teachers give a warning for behavior that disrupts a lesson or is otherwise considered to not be in accordance with the Goals and Criteria. 
  • Teachers issue a demerit for failure to correct or discontinue the action that the student was previously given a warning for. 
  • A Demerit may also be earned by a student when having two tardies within one week, or two uniform violations within one week. 
  • Upon receiving a second demerit in any given week, the Dean of Students will send an email to the parents and student informing them that the student has received his second demerit and that a third demerit will result in an After-School-Detention (ASD) for self-reflection. The details of the two demerits will be included. ASD will be held after school on Tuesdays, from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Detentions are not meant to be punitive, but instead to provide an opportunity for the student to engage in self-reflection. If a student receives two demerits in one week from the same teacher, the teacher will contact the parents.
  • Upon receiving a third After-School-Detention (ASD) in a quarter, the student will not serve the ASD but must serve an In-School Suspension (ISS). As with demerits, a second ASD in a quarter will trigger the Dean of Students to notify the student and his parents that another detention will result in an ISS. While in the In-School-Suspension (ISS), the student will spend the entire school day in the Dean of Students office, quietly completing work that would otherwise be done in class, as well as possible additional assignments. The student will have no interaction with other students on days that an ISS is served. This includes lunch, which will be eaten in the Dean of Students office. Time will also be devoted to speaking with our Dean of Students. These conversations will further focus on the need for self-reflection, the impact of actions on others, and other topics dependent on the path that led to the in-school suspension. Our goal is always to aid in growth, rather than simply punish. 
  • In addition, upon receiving an in-school suspension, the student will be put on a “Behavioral Plan” that will outline the corrective measures and improvements that the school requires of the student. Failure to adhere to the plan, or to show personal growth, may result in out-of-school suspension and/or expulsion.  
  • If a student is issued a detention, it takes priority over all extra-curricular activities taking place during the scheduled detention time. 
  • An ASD and ISS may also be given without the conditions previously mentioned above for more serious offenses. This will only be done after serious discernment by the school administration.
  • The penalty for missing a detention without approval is an additional detention, so that two detentions must be served on two separate days—the missed one and the second one. 
  • More serious offenses such as physical violence or verbal harassment, theft or damage of property, cheating and plagiarism, the use of illicit substances (drugs, alcohol, vaping, etc.), and continual repetition of minor offenses may result in a loss of extracurricular privileges for one week. This includes the loss of participation in all Regis athletic activities and the possibility of suspension or expulsion. In addition, offenses such as, but not limited to, physical violence, harassment, theft or damage to property, the use of illicit subjects, or vulgar comments may also result in the student being sent home for the day. 
  • Regis reserves the right to determine if particular students may or may not attend field trips or class trips. These decisions will not be made lightly and will always have the safety of the boys in mind. 
  • Use of technology for nonacademic purposes will result in an automatic detention.
  • Should a student be sent to the Middle School Division Head or the Dean of Students, he may be referred to the counselor for further discussion on how best to move forward both with discipline or with additional support for the student.
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION 

When a student is suspended (in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension), parents receive a written and verbal notice from the school outlining the reasons for suspension and the terms of the suspension. This is in addition to the notices received for receiving two demerits. Also, in the event of a suspension parents and the student will be asked to meet with the administration to discuss the incident and develop a plan for the future.Students who receive two ISS placements in a school year or one ISS placement in the same semester may lose eligibility to participate their grade-level overnight field trips.

DISCIPLINARY PROBATION 

When other forms of referrals or disciplinary actions have failed to bring about a positive change in a student’s attitude or behavior, he may be placed on disciplinary probation by the Head of School. The terms of probation will be outlined specifically in writing and will be agreed upon by the administration. Students not responding to the terms of disciplinary probation are subject to expulsion from school. 

When multiple meetings with division heads have failed to remediate the behavior, students will be placed on a discipline plan, which will outline specific areas of growth. If these areas of growth are not met by set deadlines, the student’s future at Regis will be placed under review.  

TARDINESS CONSEQUENCES AND UNIFORM VIOLATION

A Student that is tardy to class during the school day (when transferring between classes) must see the Dean of Students to receive a Tardy Pass and have it signed. This will allow the student back into his class. The Student will then return the Tardy Pass to the classroom teacher, who will then return it to the Dean of Students for record keeping. A Student who receives two tardies in a week will receive one demerit point. This will be added to any Demerits points he has earned during that same week. 

Any Uniform Violation by a Student will be noted by the Dean of Students, and upon a second violation during any given week, a Demerit will be issued to that Student and this Demerit will be added to any other Demerits points the Student may have earned during that same week.

Off Campus Behavior

Student are expected to adhere to Regis' discipline policy both on and off campus, including interactions online.

Discipline Philosophy by Division

Expectations & Policies

Respect & Concern for the Property of Others

We expect all members of the school community to treat the personal property of others with care by:

  • Taking articles to the Lost and Found.
  • Asking permission to borrow or use others’ belongings, including clothing and school materials.
  • Leaving other people’s lockers and cubbies alone.
  • Leaving other people’s lunches and backpacks alone.
  • Not hiding the belongings of others. 

We expect all members of the school community to treat school property with care by:

  • Cleaning up locker and lunch areas.
  • Picking up litter on campus without being asked.
  • Keeping restrooms clean for others to use.
  • Reporting graffiti.
  • Assisting with classroom, gym and campus cleanliness.

We expect all members of the school community to follow the enforceable rules to create a safe and happy learning environment by:

  • Following classroom rules set by the teacher and the class 
  • Following the playground rules 
  • Being careful of others and avoiding rough play 
  • Not making fun of others 
  • Not teasing or bullying 
  • Giving another a chance to apologize for a mistake 
  • Not using foul language 
  • Following cafeteria rules 
  • Using inside voices at all times 
  • Cleaning up lunch areas 
  • Remaining seated 
  • Standing in an orderly and quiet line when entering and leaving the cafeteria
Backpacks

Only regular sized backpacks are permitted. Backpacks are to be stored in cubbies or lockers once students arrive at school. Middle School backpacks are not to be carried from class to class and are to remain in their locker.

Personal Belongings

Forgotten Schoolwork and/or Laptops: Please do not bring forgotten schoolwork to school—it will not be delivered to your son until the end of the school day. An important part of developing responsibility in children is by allowing them to experience logical and natural consequences. 

Lost & Found: Please see that the student’s name is on all clothing and belongings (lunch boxes, backpacks, book bags, jackets, computer bags, shoes, etc.). All Lower School “lost and found” items will be kept in the Lost and Found cabinet in the Kelley Building foyer. Marked Middle School “lost and found” may be found outside the Dean of Students’ office in the Kelley Building. Unmarked items will be given to charity at the end of each semester. It is the responsibility of each parent and student to have all items marked with the student’s name and the responsibility of the student to find his lost items.

Personal Property: Use of a lock on a students’ locker is mandatory in Middle School. Students are encouraged to leave valuable possessions at home. Toys, electronic devices and games, valuable collections, trading cards, jewelry, etc. should not be brought to school. The school is not responsible for theft, damage, breakage, loss, or liability for injury. Any of these items will be confiscated and held by the front office for parent pick-up.

Student Cell Phone Use: It is the school’s preference that a student’s cell phone remain at home. However, when circumstances require that a student bring a cell phone, the phone will be placed in the student’s locker at the start of the school day with the sound off and may be retrieved at the conclusion of the day. Misuse of personal cell phones will result in the Dean of Students removing the phone, contacting the parent for retrieval at the conclusion of the day, and automatic detention. Use of cell phones on overnight trips will be assessed on a case-by-case basis per grade level and communicated prior to the trip.

Smart Watches Are Not Permitted at Regis. If a student wears a smart watch to school, it will be confiscated and held by the Division Head for parent pick up and, for middle school students, detention will be served. 

What Not to Bring to School
  • Expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash.
  • Magazines or books not considered acceptable reading material.
  • Chewing gum is never allowed at school.
  • Knives, firearms, matches, cigarettes, or lighters. 
Drugs & Alcohol

Every member of the school community is concerned with the promotion and safeguarding of the physical, emotional and mental health of each student. The use and/or abuse of drugs, alcohol and other hazardous substances causes grave danger to student stability and has a negative effect on student life as a whole. Therefore, possessing, selling, giving away, using or being under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other hazardous substances on campus, or at a time or place that directly involves the school, renders a student liable to immediate expulsion from the school. In certain cases, assistance might be sought from the Police Juvenile Bureau and the Narcotics Bureau. Any student’s use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or related items on school property, in school uniform or at school functions, is prohibited and is cause for suspension or expulsion.

Uniform Violations

Any Uniform Violation by a Student will be noted by the Dean of Students, and upon a second violation during any given week, a Demerit will be issued to that Student and this Demerit will be added to any other Demerits points the Student may have earned during that same week.

In Early Childhood or Lower School, teachers will contact parents regarding uniform violations.

Student Harassment

Each person at Regis has the right to participate fully and happily in the life of the school without harassment. 

We believe that Regis is enriched by the diversity of its members. The school recognizes and respects individual differences in regard to physical appearance, ability, culture, ethnic origin, race, religion and sexual orientation.

In order to provide an atmosphere of mutual respect, acceptance and sensitivity, it is important that every member of the community recognize certain guidelines for appropriate behavior. Inappropriate and unkind behavior toward another, whether verbal or physical, is not acceptable at Regis. 

Some examples of this unacceptable behavior are:

  • Verbal abuse, intimidation, insults or threats.
  • Obscene, sexist or suggestive remarks, jokes or gestures.
  • Physical advances, verbal remarks, derogatory statements or discriminatory comments.
  • The writing or passing of demeaning notes, letters, e-mail, graffiti or postings on the Internet.
  • Display of explicit, offensive or demeaning materials (physically or verbally).
  • Hazing, threats, name-calling, cyber bullying (i.e. social media).
  • Comments which are demeaning with respect to economic status, physical appearance or ability, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation.
  • Offensive or threatening phone calls, e-mail, texts or threats, postings on social networks.
  • Undue pressure to use alcohol or drugs, or to engage in behavior with which the other person does not feel comfortable. 
HARASSMENT PROCEDURES
 

Students should follow this procedure if they feel they are being harassed:

  1. Let the offending person or people know that you want the behavior to stop. Look directly at them to give a clear message about how you feel. Do not apologize for your feelings.
  2. Contact an adult at school about the situation: your homeroom teacher or advisor, a teacher, an administrator or the counselor.
  3. Keep a record of when, where and how you have been mistreated. Include witnesses, direct quotes and any written or electronic communication. 
Internet Etiquette

Teachers work with students to help them understand that phones and tech devices are not toys. Students may not use phones, computers or other media for cyber bullying, pranks, hurtful or obscene phone calls, texts, letters, e-mails or direct messages to anyone. Such activity generally occurs at home, on evenings or weekends; parents and guardians are asked to very carefully monitor their son’s use of phone and electronic communication.

Animal (Pet) Policy

Pets and other animals are only allowed on campus with the approval of the Head of School. During carpool times, all pets must remain in cars unless specific permission has been given for a pet to exit the vehicle.

Telecommunication Use

Students will not be allowed to use school phones unless given permission by a supervising adult. Only messages of an emergency nature will be relayed to students. 

Parents and visitors are asked to silence their cell phones while in the building. The entire perimeter surrounding Regis is a legally designated area where cell phones may not be used during carpool by either student or parent.

Expectations & Policies

Attendance

Attendance

The school day officially begins at the conclusion of morning carpool at 7:55 a.m., though students are not considered tardy until the start of our all-school Morning Prayer Assembly at 8:00 a.m. Dismissal varies by division, with Early Childhood, Lower School, and Middle School dismissing at 3:25 p.m., 3:25 p.m., and 3:35 p.m., respectively.

Daily attendance is taken and data from the attendance register is also transferred to the student’s permanent record at the completion of each year. Each day upon arriving at school, Early Childhood students will report directly to their homerooms. For morning recreation, Lower School students may participate in supervised play, study in the library or attend subject-specific tutorials as requested by the teacher. Middle School students will report to the gym. Students are to remain in assigned areas until 7:45 a.m. or as directed. The parking lot and driveway are off limits to students before 7:30 a.m.

Late Arrivals (Tardiness)

Please make certain that your son(s) is/are at school in time for the beginning of the daily All-School Morning Prayer. The Whispering Pines Carpool Line closes at 7:55 a.m. Gates will not be opened for students after 7:55 a.m. Late arriving students need to be dropped off at the Milestones Carpool line.

When arriving after 8:15 a.m., parents are asked to walk in and to sign-in their students at the front desk. If your student is not walked in by a parent, we will call the parent to come back and sign the student in. Students who are tardy must present a late arrival slip upon entering the classroom or the Student Life Center for assembly.

Accumulated tardiness is noted on the student’s record. Patterns of chronic tardiness will require a conference.

Absences

Parents/guardians are requested to email the homeroom/advisory teacher by 8:15 a.m. to report the reason for their child’s absence. 

A student may not receive credit for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90% of the days that the class is offered. Promotion or credit may be jeopardized if a student misses more than 20 days during the school year, excused or unexcused.

Arrive after 11:30 a.m. - half-day absence
Arrive after 1:30 p.m. - full-day absence
Depart before 11:30 a.m. - full-day absence
Depart after 11:30 a.m. - half-day absence

If your son needs to leave for a pre-approved educational appointment (i.e. Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, etc.), your son will still receive credit for the school day.

Students who are absent due to illness have one day for each day of absence to make up the missed assignments, quizzes or tests. For example, a student who was absent three days would be given three school days to complete the missed work. This does not apply to work that was assigned prior to being absent. In this case, the teacher has discretion to determine how many, if any, extra days are granted. 

When a student is absent for three or more days due to illness, a parent may email teachers to request homework assignments or check the teachers’ webpages. 

Arrangements for regular classroom tests missed because of an absence are to be made with the individual teachers on the day the student returns to school, regardless of whether or not the student has that class on the day they return. The student is expected to make up the test at a day and time decided upon by the teacher.

School absences are categorized as either excused or unexcused:

  • Excused Absences: include absence due to illness, emergency, and permission of the Division Head or Head of School for special situations.
  • Family Emergency: a death in the immediate family and/or serious or prolonged illness is always handled on an individual basis.
  • Absence Due to Illness: if a student is unable to come to school due to illness—including all dental and doctor appointments—the parent/guardian is expected to notify the school office and send a written note upon return to school.
  • Unexcused Absences of one day or more: Absences for reasons other than health or family issues— i.e. vacations taken outside of the regularly calendared school holidays—are discouraged. Prior to an extended absence, a family may request an exception that will be reviewed by the Administration. The family has a responsibility to notify the teacher of an anticipated absence as soon as possible. 

Patterns of chronic absences may require a conference. Consequences will be assessed on an individual basis.

The school calendar provides for extended weekends and vacation periods throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to schedule trips or family outings during these times so as to eliminate the need to interrupt a child’s learning process. Missed assignments are the student and family’s responsibility.

Withdrawals During the School Day

Withdrawals from school prior to dismissal time take place at the reception desk. The parent must complete and sign their student(s) out of school. The receptionist will call the student to the reception area once the parent has arrived. “Withdrawn” is recognized on occasions when a child is taken out of school and returns (such as an hour or two for a doctor’s appointment).

If students are to be released to persons other than their parents or their regular carpool, they must be listed on the family’s Authorized Pick-up List. In emergencies, persons not on the authorized list must have written authorization from the parent giving permission. The person accepting responsibility for the child will be asked to show identification.

Attendance

Honor Code & Pledge of Conduct

All Middle School students must fill out the Honor Code & Pledge of Conduct form. Please follow the link below to fill out and submit your form.

Honor Code & Pledge of Conduct