The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to promote a Christ-like attitude in the learning environment and to encourage the development of positive Christian relationships among students. We want to ensure a safe, orderly environment that supports learning, achievement, and appropriate, enjoyable social interaction among students and staff. However, we fully expect the students to follow these guidelines on and off campus, striving to represent good character at school, at-home, at their parish, and in their communities. Therefore, we have set the following guidelines regarding student behavior: Students should always show respect to adults. A title, Mr., Mrs., Dr., Coach, etc., should be used when addressing an adult. Nicknames for adults are not in conformity with this policy.
Students should treat each other with respect, kindness, purity, and compassion just as the LORD commands us in Matthew 7:12, "So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you." JPII operates on an honor system with its students. This means that students are expected to be truthful, honest, and upright in their words and actions as a matter of personal conscience and beliefs. Violations of the honor system such as consistent lying, dishonesty, impure speech, or behavior etc., in matters pertaining to any facet of school life – academics, activities, and personal relationships – can result in consequences that may include expulsion. The school facility and grounds should be kept clean, orderly, and in a manner which shows an attitude of gratefulness. There will be no running or rough play in the building. Students should not eat or drink in the classroom or other areas unless approved for this purpose. Water in a spill-proof container is permitted. Use of profanity, exultant Blues language, obscenities, and blasphemous words are not permitted. Public displays of affection and physical contact such as hugging, handholding, kissing, etc. are not permitted. Tobacco products, illicit drugs, alcohol, or weapons, including any type of knife, are not allowed on campus or at any school-sponsored event. Swords must be sheathed at all times. Because man is created in the image of God, students should refuse to participate in activities that steal from the dignity of the human body. This includes inappropriate videos, images, jokes, and insinuations having to do with making fun of the human body.
JPII administration and teachers will communicate regularly with parents. We encourage parents and students to contact teachers directly to clarify expectations. Clear and charitable communication is the bedrock of our school.
Faculty should only be contacted through their “@johnpaulprep.org” Gmail account.
Students should only contact teachers and staff through their “@johnpaulprep.org” Gmail account.
At JPII we all pledge to conduct every communication with each other with the utmost in charity. We must carefully guard against gossip and detraction and should refrain from all negative talk about clergy, faculty, students, and other parents.
Whenever issues arise, whether with a teacher, student, or other adult, we seek to follow the scriptural model for addressing it: “If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over” (Matt. 18:15).
JPII has the following communications policy for addressing concerns:
First, charitably address the issue with the teacher or other parent privately, thus giving that person a chance to respond and resolve the issue. This communication might take place in person, by email, or by phone. Both parties should be willing to give the other the benefit of the doubt and work together toward a solution.
Second, bring another person into the conversation such as a Dean, Director, or Head of School. There are times when a private resolution is unsuccessful and other times when certain issues need additional input. The appropriate Dean is an excellent resource in these instances. The Deans will consult with the Head of School in order to work out a successful resolution. Unresolved issues with one of the Deans should always be brought to the Head of School. Again, charity is of the utmost importance.
Third, if the problem persists, the Head of School will communicate the issue to the Board of Directors for input and resolution. Issues with the Head of School should be brought to the attention of the Board.
JPII admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. JPII does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, athletic, and other school-administered programs.
The classroom will be a place of learning where the teacher is able to teach and the student is able to learn. Teachers will strive for consistency and fairness for all students.
Conduct that disrupts teaching or learning will not be tolerated. Students should always: Come to class on time and be prepared with all required materials Conduct themselves in an orderly, respectful manner Participate in class activities and following teacher instructions Remain on task the entire class period and avoid discourteous activities such as social conversations, grooming, sleeping, or personal note-writing Obey school rules and regulations, both written and verbal