DISCIPLINE POLICIES

 

Freedom makes man responsible for his acts to the extent that they are voluntary.  Progress in virtue, knowledge of the good, and ascesis enhance the mastery of the will over its acts

            Catechism of the Catholic Church #1734

“By this power of the spirit, God’s children can bear much fruit.  He who has grafted us onto the true vine will make us bear the ‘fruit of the Spirit:… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.’ ‘ We live by the Spirit’; the more we renounce ourselves, the more we “walk by the Spirit””.

            Catechism of the Catholic Church #736

 

            In the Christian teaching, discipline, properly understood is a virtue which enables persons to grow, develop, and follow as a disciple in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, the divine and Master Teacher.

            An orderly environment allows for progress in catechesis to the benefit of both the individual student and the entire group.

            Authentic discipline reflects self-controll, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  It likewise reflects a sense of responsible freedom.

 

Respect of God,

respect of self,

respect of others,

 respect of property.

 

 

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

            On Sunday morning and Tuesday evening, children are to use only the front door of the school to enter and leave the building.  The only exception are the wheel chair bound students who enter by the Schieck St doors.

 

            Each Sunday and Tuesday, all children and catechists first gather in Hannon Hall for prayers and announcements.  The children are expected to maintain a prayerful attitude during this prayer time and be attentive to announcements.  Catechists will then accompany the children to their assigned rooms.  No child is to go to the classroom before this time.

 

            Respectful behavior in the classroom is always expected.  Children are to realize that our parish catechists are serving our families by sharing the Gospel message with them.  Our catechists are parish ministers who value the Christian message and are eager to share it with the children.  Children will always be expected to show respect to our catechists and other staff volunteers.

 

            Each child is valued as a special child of God.  No forms of physical harm, ridicule, name-calling or other forms of bullying will be tolerated.

 

            The Bishop McDowell School Building is a parish facility maintained by the generosity of parish funds.  All children are expected to take care of this parish facility as well as the belongings of the school children whose classroom they share.

 

Failure to follow any of the above guidelines will be dealt with as follows:

1st Offense: Catechist and child will discuss situation to modify behavior.

 

2nd Offense:  The child will be removed from the classroom.  The student will be sent to the CCD Office where they will complete the work the class is covering.  The CCD Coordinator and child will meet and parents will be notified. 

 

3rd Offense:  The CCD coordinator, Parent, and child will meet.  A specific plan for behavior modification will be discussed and implemented. The parent may be asked to attend the class with the student.  Specifics of plan will be written up, signed by child, CCD coordinator and parent.  The plan will be shared with the child’s catechist and a copy will be put in family file.

 

4th Offense: CCD coordinator will request conference with parent, catechist, child and pastor to discuss situation and formulate corrective plan.  The outcome of this meeting will be put in writing, signed by all of the mentioned parties and placed in family file.

 

5th Offense:  Parents will be notified in writing that their child is to be released to home schooling.  The child must take unit tests under the supervision of the catechetical administrator to ensure his or her understanding and grasps of the concepts covered.  Participation in the Sacraments requires successful completion of all material and tests.

 

 

SPECIAL DISCIPLINARY SITUATIONS

 

WEAPONS

            “Any person carrying a weapon onto parish property, including, but not limited to, a parish building, outdoor area, outdoor facility, vehicles used to transport students, or parish related activities poses a clear and present danger to other student and staff.  For the purpose of this policy, a weapon is defined to be a gun, knife or any other article which could be used to cause injury.  Any student found with an offensive weapon will be dealt with as follows:  confiscate the weapon, contact parent and pastor, notify police and suspend the child from the program.  Such suspension upon investigation and discussion with the Diocesan Director for Religious Education/CCD may result in expulsion from the parish program.  Pending on investigation and the cooperation of parents, the parish will work closely with the parents to find another means of religious education.”

Principles, Policies, and Guidelines for Parish Programs of Religious Education of the Diocese of Pittsburgh

 

St. Albert the Great’s Religious Education Program will adhere stringently to the above diocesan directive.

 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

 

            “An illegal substance is any alcoholic beverage or controlled mood-altering medication or chemical.

            In the case of any student demonstrating obvious symptoms of possible illegal substance abuse, observed using illegal substances, observed in possession of apparatus in connection with the use of illegal substances, or observed in the process of distributing or obtaining illegal substances, the catechist or aide must notify the CCD Coordinator immediately.

            The CCD Coordinator shall remove the student from the class or CCD sponsored situation, shall notify the parent and pastor, and shall have the child picked up and removed from the program setting on that occasion by parent or legal guardian.

            Return to the program will only be considered if appropriate corrective measures are taken.  These include proper evaluation of student and completion of program of counseling and/or treatment as indicated.”

Principles, Policies, and Guidelines for Parish Programs of Religious Education of the Diocese of Pittsburgh

 

St. Albert the Great’s Religious Education Program will adhere stringently to the above diocesan directive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catechists

2007-2008

 

 

           

Sunday                                                                                  Tuesday

K- Linda Backo                                                         K – Rosemary Metz

1 - Kathy Scott                                                          1 – Gwen Kraszewski

2 – Julianne Karman                                                    Kathy Verscharen

      Bev Vetere                                                          2 – Marge Puhl

3 - Carol Dunois                                                       3 – Judy Wertelet

4 – Tim Zenchak                                                             Ruthann Hueston

5 – Yolanda Bevan                                                  4 – Tracy Bakowski

6 – Kathy Shrope                                                     5 – John Cain

7 – Jim Hamel                                                           7 – Jackie Corcoran           

8 – Vickie Carney                                                    8 – Alisha McCall