SMC General Policies & Procedures
For a brief synopsis of the day-to-day details of campus life at St. Mary Central, please refer to the following:
Attendance and Absences
Behavior Expectations and Policies
Dress Code Policy
Emergency Procedures
Facilities Usage
Student Possessions
Student Transportation and Parking
For a complete listing of St. Mary Central's policies and procedures, please refer to the SMC Student Agenda and Handbook. and the Co-Curricular Code of Conduct.
Attendance and Absences
Daily attendance is important for a student's progress in school. All students are expected to be on time for classes and other required functions. This policy is designed for students to learn good habits of organization and punctuality and to develop individual responsibility. The student is responsible for contacting teachers for class work missed during any absence.
Tardiness
Students should be in their classroom when the bell rings at the beginning of each period. Two types of tardies exist: excused and unexcused. The following procedures are in place for tardiness:
Excused Tardiness: granted for illness, medical and/or dental appointments; and
Unexcused Tardies: examples include car trouble, oversleeping, traffic problems, forgotten lunches, homework, forgotten gym clothes, etc. Unexcused tardies that extend far beyond the start of school may be considered unexcused absences.
Students are asked to schedule doctor/dentist appointments during after school hours or vacations. If necessary, an excuse from class may be obtained only by written parental request stating the date and time of the appointment. Upon return, the student must report to the office to receive a pass to class.
Absence
Excused Absence
Every excused absence from school requires a written or phoned excuse by the parent or guardian. Excused absence/tardiness will be granted for reasons of illness, medical and/or dental appointments, or other prearranged appointments. Students are asked to schedule appointments after school hours or during vacations.
Unexcused Absence
Two unexcused absences from any class may result in loss of credit for that course. Students may or may not be given credit for class work missed during an unexcused absence.
Absence due to Illness
If a student will be absent, a parent must call the office before 8:30 a.m. to explain the absence. Students who become ill during the school day are to report to the office. A member of the school staff will care for the student temporarily for one class period. If the student continues to feel ill after having a chance to rest, a parent/guardian or emergency contact person will be called before the student is released to go home. In the event of a serious medical problem, the school may contact emergency medical personnel.
Absence Due To Travel
Every effort should be made to have vacations coincide with the school calendar. If this is not possible, please contact the office at least two weeks before the anticipated absence and present a parent/guardian note explaining the reason and length of absence. An Absent for Travel form must be obtained from the office and all teachers and the principal must sign it. The student assumes full responsibility for completing assignments missed during the prolonged absence. Prolonged travel could jeopardize academic standing. No travel is allowed during semester and final exams.
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Behavior Expectations and Policies
Co-Curricular Goals
The goals established for those participating in co-curricular activities can be applied to everyday situations at St. Mary Central as well. It is our hope that students will exhibit the following attributes in their daily interactions with each other, faculty, staff and the world beyond the doors of our school:
- Accept responsibility for one's actions
- Demonstrate honesty and fairness
- Share ideas with team members
- Portray a "can-do" attitude consistently
- Generate enthusiasm in others
- Communicate clearly with self-advocacy
- Listen with understanding
- Deal positively with setbacks and obstacles
- Lead one's peers
- Weigh risks and make timely decisions
- Set high expectations for self and others
- Commit to a shared vision; blend in
- Grow in team and school loyalty
- Appreciate empathy and compassion
- Be open to learning new skills
- Value self-discipline and self-sacrifice
- Learn to respect rules and authority
Expected Behaviors
St. Mary Central students are expected to behave in a manner that reflects positively on their faith, their school and their families. Courteous, considerate and appropriate behavior is expected in the halls and classrooms, school functions and athletic events.
Although it is rare for St. Mary Central administration to encounter any problems with the behaviors listed, we do have policies to address all of the following issues.
- Alcohol and drugs
- Dishonesty
- Fighting
- Tobacco products
- Possession of weapons
- Vandalism and stealing
Policies
For a complete listing of the requirements and expectations for co-curricular participation, view the Co-Curricular Code of Conduct. A complete listing of St. Mary Central's policies can be viewed in the SMC Student Agenda and Handbook.
Senior Privileges
Seniors must have a quarterly GPA of 2.00 and maintain the positive behavioral expectations as stated in the agenda handbook in order to enjoy this privilege. Please be advised that the GPA requirement changed from 2.00 to 2.50 beginning with the 2008/2009 school year.
Seniors who meet these requirements and have parental permission will be allowed open campus during lunch and non-class periods. The principal and/or the dean of students will make the final determination whether privileges are to be removed due to behavior.
Student Visitors
Students who wish to bring a visitor to school are required to obtain approval from the administration based on the purpose of the visit. This should be done at least two days in advance. The visitors are required to observe school rules, including the SMC dress code. All visitors must register at the Student Services Office upon entering the building.
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Dress Code Policy
Proper conduct and appropriate dress are essential to maintaining a positive atmosphere for learning. The principal, in consultation with parents, students, faculty and board members shall determine the code of conduct and dress code. This determination includes regulations regarding behavior, clothes, accessories, shoes, cosmetics and hairstyles. All student attire must comply with the dress code. (TCCES/SMC Policy # 5180.3)
Dress Pants: Ladies and Gentlemen
Students must wear full-length dress pants to the ankle. Pants must not be torn or tattered, too baggy or too tight. Shorts of appropriate length (top of the knee or longer) or capris may be worn during August, September, May and June. Denim is not allowed. Students may not wear any gothic looking apparel.
Tops: Ladies and Gentlemen
Shirts must have sleeves (long or short) and a neckline that is modest and appropriate for the school workplace environment. Sweaters may be crewneck, v-neck, hooded or cardigan and must be modest or have a modest shirt underneath. No t-shirts are allowed at any time, except Zephyr and TCCES logo clothing. If a non-Zephyr or non-TCCES logo t-shirt is worn, a buttoned dress shirt must be worn over it. On game days, team members may wear official uniform tops. If the uniform top is sleeveless, a shirt with sleeves must be worn underneath.
Footwear: Ladies and Gentlemen
Footwear with socks/nylons must be worn at all times. During the months of August, September, May and June students do not need to wear socks. Students may wear sandals. For safety reasons, science lab students must have teacher-approved footwear with them each day during August, September, May and June. Moccasins and/or slippers are not allowed.
Jewelry/Makeup: Ladies and Gentlemen
Body piercing, except ears for girls, is not allowed. Extremes in jewelry and makeup are not allowed.
Hair: Ladies and Gentlemen
Hair must be clean, neatly combed, out of the eyes, and of reasonable style and natural shade. Gentlemen's hair, including sideburns, must be no longer than the bottom of the ear at the sides and above the collar in the back. Gentlemen must be clean-shaven at all times.
Visible Tattoos
Visible tattoos are never allowed.
Hats/caps/bandanas: Ladies and Gentlemen
Hats, caps or bandanas may not be worn in school at any time.
Special Dress Days
(Liturgy and other days determined by the principal)
Ladies
Ladies may wear skirts or dresses of an appropriate length and modest style. The length must reach the kneecap (patella) when standing. Girls may also choose to wear black dress pants with a dressy top that meets the dress code standards.
Dress shoes are required. Tennis shoes, flip-flops, moccasins and/or slippers are not allowed. SMC apparel is not allowed.
Gentlemen
Gentlemen must wear dress pants with a coordinated button down dress shirt with a collar and a tie. Sweaters may be worn on top of the dress shirt and tie. Dress shoes are required. Tennis shoes, flip-flops, moccasins and/or slippers are not allowed. SMC apparel is not allowed.
Relaxed Dress Days: Ladies and Gentlemen
(Determined by principal)
Jeans, sweatpants, wind pants, t-shirts, and sweatshirts may be worn. T-shirts and any outerwear with inappropriate language or advertising, including bands or messages (tobacco, alcohol or drugs) are not allowed at any time. For safety reasons science lab students must have teacher-approved footwear with them each day during August, September, May and June. Shirts must be modest and appropriate.
Clothes that Are Never Allowed
- shorts (excluding August, September, May and June)
- clothing that is very tight or very loose
- tops/pants that show stomach/lower back (midriff) skin
- tops that are not modest
- clothing that promotes inappropriate musicians, music groups, singers, alcohol, drugs, or inappropriate messages
- tattered or torn clothing
- tank tops/shirts without sleeves or collars
Infractions
All students' attire must comply within the above code. School mandated detentions may be issued for dress code infractions. Parents may be called to action regarding infractions to the dress code in addition to, but not limited to, bringing a change of clothes to school before a student is allowed to attend class or giving permission for their student to go home, change, and return in dress code. Time away from class because of dress code violations is unexcused and must be made up by the student with his/her teacher(s). Multiple infractions may warrant disciplinary actions.
The school administration reserves the right to make final interpretations or changes in the dress code.
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Emergency Procedures
Emergency School Closings
St. Mary Central is closed if either the Neenah or Menasha public schools are closed. You can listen to WNAM (1280 AM), WHBY (1150 AM), WAPL (105.7 FM) or any local television station for school closings.
Fire/Tornado/Unfriendly Intruder Drills
Drills are held periodically throughout the year. Students are asked to remember basic rules:
- Check posted instructions in each classroom indicating the direction to be taken for leaving the school building
- Walk
- No talking
- Move quickly and quietly to designated areas
- If an assigned exit is blocked, follow the directions of the teacher or person in charge of the group
Facilities Usage
Athletic Room Lockers
Students are required to secure in a locker their personal items while participating in physical education class and/or athletics. No personal locks are allowed. Students needing a lock may obtain one from the athletic director. SMC is not responsible for articles lost or stolen from an unlocked locker.
Information Media Center (IMC)
The IMC is open for use during the school day and shortly before and after school. All IMC materials must be checked out with a student ID before removing them from the IMC. Fines are imposed for overdue materials. There is a $5.00 fee to replace lost student ID's.
Lockers
Lockers are assigned to the students at the beginning of the school year. Lockers should be kept locked when not in use. Please report any damage or needed repairs to the Student Services Office. Students may decorate the inside of their lockers appropriately. Please remove decorations at the end of the school year. No OPEN drink containers are allowed in lockers. The lockers assigned to students are the property of the school. St. Mary Central reserves the right to inspect the contents of the lockers at any time. All items must be placed inside the locker. Each student will be issued a padlock to be used on his or her locker. Students may use only padlocks issued by SMC. SMC is not responsible for articles lost or stolen from an unlocked locker.
Technology-Guidelines for the Acceptable Use of Computers
Our goal at St. Mary Central is to teach our students to be proficient and ethical computer operators. Any attempt of unauthorized use, piracy (copying a software program illegally), hacking (breaking a password or code to gain access to a computer system or internet), degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance, violation of the guidelines for the acceptable use of computers, vandalism, use of technology resources to harass fellow students, etc. will result in detention, restricted use of computers and/or a one to five day suspension from school.
Students at SMC have access to the Internet. Each user of the Internet is held responsible for his/her actions while using the Internet. Unacceptable use of the system by violating the guidelines for the acceptable use of computers may result in restrictive use of the system, parent notification, detention and/or one to five days of school suspension.
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Student Possessions
Book Bags and Backpacks
Students will not be allowed to carry book bags, backpacks, oversized purses and other similar items in the school. These items may be used to transport material to and from the building but must remain in the locker during the school day.
Cellular Phones And Pagers
Communication devices such as pagers, cell phones, CD players, Palm Pilots, etc., may not be used in the school building during school hours. All devices must be turned off or in silent mode if they are carried throughout the building. Violations will result in confiscation of the device.
Food
Food or beverages are not permitted in the classroom, hallways or locker rooms at any time.
Student Medications
Any student who requires medication during the school day must inform the Student Services Office, where it will be dispensed according to the prescription. The medication must be in its original bottle. For each prescription a Medication Authorization form must be filled out. A non-aspirin product will be dispensed to students for $.25 when parents have signed the green Medical Release Form.
It is the responsibility of the parents to inform the Student Services Office of any medical condition their student may have. Asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and heart conditions are examples of conditions that should be reported.
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Student Transportation and Parking
Transportation to School
St. Mary Central students have limited access to the Neenah Public School System busing program. Students who live more than two miles from school may be eligible to ride the bus - routes and stops are contracted. St. Mary Central owns a school bus that travels to Sherwood, Darboy and surrounding areas both before and after school. The Zephyr van transports students to the Greenville area daily after school.
For more information about transportation options, please call the St. Mary Central office at 920-722-7796 or submit a Request for More Information online.
Parking Lot Policies
For those students who drive to school, parking is available in the east lot during and after school. The west lot is reserved for faculty, staff and guests. All vehicles must be parked in the designated areas.
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