St. Mary's School Prayer: Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother! To thee we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful, O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer us. Amen.
School Song: (Sung to the tune of the Notre Dame Fight Song)
Cheer, cheer for old SMH! Loud sing her praises, with sound elate! Sound her praises loud on high, up with the glory to the sky! Cheer teams and athletes so great! Old SMH has not any mate. While her loyal teams go marching onward to victory! Hey, Hey, Hey!
Philosophy and Purpose of St. Mary's High School
The purpose of St. Mary's High School is to provide quality education in which students are stimulated to discover ways to live and share the good news of Jesus Christ and to prepare them for the challenge to build a society that reflects that message. St. Mary's seeks to provide total education that enhances the spiritual, intellectual, social, personal, and physical development of each individual.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
St. Mary's High School seeks to provide its students with an environment in which they are given the opportunity to live their Catholic faith in a community of believers. St. Mary's strives to integrate faith, knowledge, and Gospel values in both the curriculum and the daily transactions of the school. Faculty and staff as adult Christians are to be role models of faith development.
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT
St. Mary's High School seeks to develop the student's intellectual faculties and to foster analytical thinking, an attitude of inquiry, and a sense of wonder. In addition, St. Mary's encourages the student to develop practical and aesthetic values that will help them in career choices, in the constructive use of leisure time, and in the recognition of the fact that learning is a life long responsibility.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
St. Mary's High School, in acknowledging the host of new choices facing the mid-adolescent student, seeks to make the well defined counsel of the Church a vital presence in the life of each young decision maker. The guiding forces which St. Mary's brings to bear upon personal development have the long range purpose of developing the young decision maker into a mature and self-determining Christian.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
St. Mary's views herself as a community where each student can learn to relate comfortably with others. The skills and graces of social activity are essential for the development of self-confidence, friendship, and community. Students need to make appropriate responses to authority structures in order to foster an orderly society. The development of and participation in student activities make possible the creation of an effective Christian citizen.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
St. Mary's seeks to provide a program of physical education which allows learning opportunities for all students and provides for their unique differences and individual needs. Health and physical education classes allow the student to obtain knowledge, experience, and skills as an active participant in a wide variety of activities. The athletic program encourages teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, and competition among individual athletes and contributes to school spirit and community involvement.
St. Mary's Student Activities
Since extra-curricular activities are invaluable aids in the intellectual, moral, social, and physical development of the student, St. Mary's endeavors to offer a well-rounded program of such activities. The purpose of this policy is to reinforce St. Mary's commitment to the education of the students and to combine positive growth in the classroom with that gained through extra-curricular activities.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Eligibility Requirements for Interscholastic Activities are as follows:
There is an honor and responsibility attached to the participation in extra-curricular activities. Students need to show support for all aspects of St. Mary's in order to represent the school and her message properly.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY AND INELIGIBILITY
Extra-curricular activities shall be an activity that takes place outside the normal classroom or school day. Students will become ineligible academically if they have an average below 70% in more than one class during any weekly grading period or if they have an average below 70% in any class two or more weeks consecutively. Teachers must list students on the weekly down list in order for the office to make these determinations. Parents will be notified through the mail when their son/daughter has an average of 77% or below, and will be notified again if the student's average falls below 70% and the student becomes ineligible. Notifications begin after the third week of each quarterly grading period. Academic ineligibility does not excuse a student from any practice in preparation for an event, contest, or production. A student who is ineligible for the week is prohibited from attending any school activity, including games, dances, performances, etc.
MISCONDUCT RESULTING IN INELIGIBILITY
A student may be suspended from eligibility by the administration when in their opinion his/her conduct in his/her capacity as a participant might tarnish the image of the school. The length of such suspensions may vary according to the past discipline record of the student, his/her attitude, and the circumstances of the incident which caused the suspension. Theft and/or vandalism in any school while participating in any phase of the extra-curricular program will be cause for interscholastic suspension. Such incidents involving the property of other schools, their students, or their patrons will result in suspension.
STUDENT COUNCIL
St. Mary's Student Council strives to serve as a link between students, faculty, and administration in carrying out school policies and being a channel for student opinions, recommendations, and activities. The guidance counselor shall serve as faculty sponsor.
CLASS OFFICERS
DUTIES OF OFFICERS (Grades 11 & 12): CLASS PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT work with sponsor in accomplishing tasks of class ( prom, graduation).
CLASS SECRETARY (Grades 9-12): The class secretary works with the Student Council Secretary in sending cards/flowers as are appropriate in the event of major illness/death in a family member.
CLASS TREASURER (Grades 9-12): The class treasurer oversees expenditures and the budget for their class.
STUDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: Each class president and one representative elected from each class will serve as input persons from the class/school to the Student Council, and to serve as the pool from which committee members are drawn for the Council's standing committees. These representatives are not to be class officers in an effort to give more students the opportunity to be in leadership positions.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE FOR CLASS OFFICERS/CHAIRPERSONS: Class officers/chairpersons who receive three (3) detentions (other than tardies) in a semester for infractions of the school regulations shall be put on probation as officers for six (6) school weeks. Should a fourth detention or any suspension occur, the officer/chairperson shall automatically resign his/her post and another shall replace him/her.
NON-DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
A sponsor may request the resignation of an officer under the following conditions:
1) The officer has received warning of the possibility of losing his/her office.
2) Offenses are documented in writing and signed by the sponsor, the officer, and principal. Parents are notified.
3) Three such documented instances are collected in a given school year.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION:
A. Seniors with at least an 92% cumulative GPA at the end of the first semester will be considered for nomination. Sophomores and juniors with at least an 92% cumulative GPA at the end of the first semester and third quarter will be considered for nomination.
B. Candidates shall be evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, and character.
C. Students may not apply for membership in the National Honor Society. The "entire" teaching faculty will vote privately on the students who meet the criteria with the exclusion of faculty who have immediate family members involved. Membership is granted only to those students selected by the faculty council. D. A five-member faculty council will meet to review the considered candidates. TO BE SELECTED TO MEMBERSHIP, THE CANDIDATE SHOULD BE OUTSTANDING IN ALL FOUR AREAS. Academic standing alone is not enough for a student to be selected for membership. It should be understood that no student has a right to be selected for membership in the National Honor Society. It is an honor, and it is difficult to conceive anything to which a person has a less legitimate claim of entitlement than an honor.
E. The names of the students meeting the minimum requirements are presented to a faculty council for review and evaluation. The committee's responsibility is to make final selections.
F. Questions from parents or students regarding grade averaging can be heard and shall be rectified if necessary. Questions regarding the judgment of the faculty council need not be addressed.
FUTURE TEACHERS OF AMERICA (FTA)
Any students in grade 10, 11, or 12 who wish to assist teachers in the elementary or high school must provide a minimum of one hour service per week for at least one semester. In order to continue as assistants, students are expected to have classroom assignments completed on time and a grade average of at least 78% in each subject. Students are responsible for notifying the teacher they assist whenever they have a foreseen absence.
FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA (FBLA)
Students interested in going into some aspect of business are encouraged to join this organization.
ST. MARY'S TRADITION
SPIRIT WEEK is a week of spirit building activities preceding Homecoming that is sponsored by the high school cheerleaders.
HOMECOMING DANCE is a traditional dance held during the football season. Alumni are invited to come for the crowning ceremony at halftime of the football game.
JUNIOR/SENIOR PROM is held near the end of the school year. It is sponsored by the junior class and faculty sponsors.
SWEETHEART DANCE is held on or near Valentine's Day. It is sponsored by the Student Council and the Student Council advisor.
THE MARIAN is the yearbook produced by the journalism class.
THE MARIAN OUTLOOK is the student newspaper written by the journalism students.
DANCES
All St. Mary's dances are closed to the general public. Students wishing to bring dates from outside St. Mary's may do so by first clearing it with the administration during the week before the dance. All dances must be chaperoned by six (6) adults and at least one member of the school administration. A list of the chaperones must be given to the administration at least three (3) days prior to the dance. St. Mary's will sponsor only those dances that are held in the Parish Hall or the gym.
M-CLUB (Lettermen's Club)
A service group made up of all students involved in sports. Membership is gained through lettering.
LETTER CRITERIA FOR ATHLETICS (Grades 9-12):
GIRLS' TRACK - Any student who has placed or scored in a major meet consisting of four or more teams or has set a school record receives a letter. In addition, the girls' track coach may award a Most Valuable Player Award and a Most Improved Player Award.
BOYS' TRACK - Any student who has placed or scored in a major meet consisting of four or more teams or has set a school record receives a letter. In addition, the boys' track coach may award a Most Valuable Player Award and a Most Improved Player Award.
BOYS' BASKETBALL - Any student who has played in as many varsity quarters as there are regular varsity season games receives a letter. In addition, the boys' basketball coach may award a Most Valuable Player Award and a Most Improved Player Award.
GIRLS' BASKETBALL - Any student who has played in as many varsity quarters as there are regular varsity season games receives a letter. In addition, the girls' basketball coach may award a Most Valuable Player Award and a Most Improved Player Award.
VOLLEYBALL - Any student who has played in as many varsity sets as there are regular varsity season games receives a letter. In addition, the volleyball coach may award a Most Valuable and Most Improved Player Award.
FOOTBALL - Any athlete who has played in 12 or more quarters in varsity competition receives a letter. In addition, the football coach may award a Most Valuable Player Award and a Most Improved Player Award.
WRESTLING: - The O'Neill High Schools' lettering policy will be used.
CHEERLEADING - Varsity cheerleaders will receive a letter if they have participated for an entire year and have been faithful to the squad and their responsibilities. In addition, the cheerleading sponsor may award a Most Valuable Award and a Most Improved Award.
NOTE: If an athlete or cheerleader quits the team prior to the end of that season, they cannot letter. Sponsors may choose to waive this regulation in the case of sickness or injury.
STUDENT CONDUCT AT GAMES (Away from O'Neill and at Home):
The Nebraska School Activities Association vests each school with the responsibility of crowd control at their athletic events. Thereby, St. Mary's initiates this conduct policy to be followed by all who attend her games at home or away where it applies. Each fan attending an athletic contest must realize that his/her actions reflect not only on oneself, but upon the team and the entire school. It is St. Mary's desire that all of her fans' actions reflect proudly upon themselves as well as on the school and team. The presence of fans is to give positive support to their team. Therefore all cheers and yelling should reflect this positive support, which should always be for their own team. The opposing team should be treated with the same respect and dignity as St. Mary's own team. The opposing team is our guest while at St. Mary's. It is rude and un-sportsmanlike to boo them or to ridicule their play.
NEVER CHEER AGAINST THE OPPOSING TEAM
Maintain silence while the opposing team is shooting its free throws. Officials are hired to officiate at all games. It is useless and un-sportsmanlike to boo their decisions, unpopular as they may be.
NOISE MAKERS
No noise makers are allowed in St. Mary's gym, nor may any St. Mary's fans use confetti in opponents' gyms where banned. A drum may be played only if it is done in connection with a Pep Band or Pep Club member. Students are forbidden to kick the bleachers. Any misbehavior at games involving alcohol, drugs, or firearms will result in extreme consequences.
GUIDELINES FOR CHEERLEADING ROUTINES / STUNTS
Cheerleading has never been viewed as a dangerous sport. Cheerleading routines, however, have changed dramatically to include multi-level pyramids and complicated gymnastics. Therefore, the following guidelines must be strictly followed. NO MOUNTS ARE ALLOWED. (Only one person high for all stunts.) NSAA insurance will not cover any injuries unless these rules are followed.
SCHOOL SPIRIT:
School spirit means loyalty at all functions of the school. A loyal student does his/her utmost to keep his/her scholastic and activity standards at the highest possible level. School spirit may be divided into three categories:
1.Courtesy toward all.
2.Pride in everything our school endeavors to do, accomplish, and has accomplished.
3.Sportsmanship (the ability to win and lose gracefully). St. Mary's should be known for good sportsmanship.
Attendance at St. Mary's High School
Regular attendance at school is essential to learning. Therefore, students are expected to be in school each day and present for all of the hours school is in session.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
Regular attendance, as well as a passing grade, is required to earn credit in any course. PARENTS ARE REQUIRED TO CALL SCHOOL IN THE MORNING (preferably between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.) if a student is ill and unable to attend. The student may not call in his/her own absence. It is essential that we know where each student is during the school day. Students who have appointments during the school day must bring a note to school the morning of the appointment and turn this note in to the office BEFORE school begins. Students who attend classes at O'Neill Public High School are expected to attend those classes even if St. Mary's is not in session. When the Public School does not have classes, those students are expected to check in with the office and study in the library at St. Mary's that period.
ACCEPTABLE ABSENCES
Excused absence is defined as absence that has been properly excused by a parent/guardian and approved by the administration. Acceptable reasons for excused absences include: personal illness, death in the family or the funeral of a close friend, medical appointments, or an out of town trip (if arranged with the school in advance and if, in the judgment of the administration, this absence is justified).
SIGNING IN AND OUT AT THE OFFICE
Students that leave during the school day must check in with the office and officially sign out. Upon their return after an absence, students must sign in there. Merely signing out does not excuse a student. An excuse for being late or absent must come from a teacher, the office, or from a parent.
FINALS ATTENDANCE
Students are required to be in class during final exams, which are normally held at the end of each semester. Students that miss finals will risk receiving a failing grade for the exam. Individual arrangements are the responsibility of the student. The teacher may choose to allow changes.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL AND ITS EFFECT ON ACTIVITIES
Students must be in school the entire school day the day of an activity in order to take place in that activity that afternoon or evening. Students must also be in school all day the day following an activity (if it is a school day) if they wish to participate in the next such activity. AN EXCEPTION IS MADE IF THE STUDENT HAS BEEN INJURED AND BRINGS AN EXCUSE FROM A DOCTOR SAYING THAT THEY WERE SEEING THE DOCTOR ON THE DAY OF THE ABSENCE. They must also follow the regular procedure for excused absences. The objective of this rule is to prevent "sleeping in" after a contest and to help a sick student take the time to get well. They are not helping themselves by competing while ill.
ABSENCES IN GENERAL
When not in school for any reason, the student must bring a note from their parents, and be responsible for the class work and assignments they missed. Students will be encouraged to not miss school for any reason unless their parents feel there is a need. Examples of poor reasons to miss school include, but are not limited to, truancy, work, shopping, haircuts, hunting trips, rock concerts, oversleeping, or senior pictures. It is important to be in school.
SICKNESS DURING THE DAY
If a student is feeling ill during the school day, parents will be contacted. The student will sign-out from school with the office's knowledge. Failing to follow these steps will result in the student being considered truant. If parents are unable to be contacted, a back-up contact person should be listed with the office.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES AND ALLOWABLE NUMBER OF ABSENCES
If parents have not given permission or if the office has not given prior permission for an absence, a student will receive a subtraction of two points from their quarter grade for each day they are unexcused and absent. STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED NO MORE THAN NINE ABSENCES IN EACH CLASS PER SEMESTER. A STUDENT MISSING NINE OR MORE OCCURRENCES OF ANY ONE CLASS FOR ANY REASON - EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED - WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THAT CLASS THAT SEMESTER. Consideration may be given to a major illness or injury and proper completion of make-up work.
FORESEEN ABSENCE OR SCHOOL SPONSORED ABSENCE
This is defined as an absence for which a student has received prior permission from both parent and administration. This should be obtained at least 24 hours prior to the absence. When a student has a foreseen absence slip, it simply means that they are accepting responsibility for the work that they will miss. The student must see the teacher to make certain that all work is made up in a timely manner and also be responsible for any notes or class work that took place during their absence.
Awards for Students at St. Mary's
St. Mary's seeks to recognize students who achieve a level of excellence in their activities. The criteria for all official school awards will include some judgment made upon the quality of the person the student presents.
MARIAN AWARD
This award is an honor bestowed by the faculty on one senior boy and one senior girl (two awards) who evidence the high personal and Christian qualities for which St. Mary's stands. They shall be people who demonstrate the Marian qualities of faith, openness, generosity, helpfulness, cooperation, and patience. It is the highest honor that a student can receive from St. Mary's. They shall be selected by measuring these qualities and by measuring the amount of time they devote to others. Immediate family members must abstain from voting.
SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD
Students that have lettered at least three times, with letters coming from at least two different sports, shall be eligible for consideration. The boy or girl (only one award will be given) with the highest straight GPA, figured after the first semester of their senior year, will receive this award at Activities' Awards Night.
SCHOLAR ACTIVITY AWARD
Students that have lettered at least three times, with letters coming from at least two different designated activities (art, band, choir, and drama) shall be eligible for consideration. The boy or girl (only one award will be given) with the highest straight GPA, figured after the first semester of their senior year, will receive this award at activities awards night.
SENIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
The Male and Female Athlete of the Year (two awards) shall be selected using the following criteria:
The senior male athlete and the senior female athlete will be those athletes that earn the highest total number of points during their high school years at St. Mary's. The Senior Athlete Award will be awarded after the track season. The points for this award will be made available to those students involved at least two days prior to the award being given out by the Activity/Athletic Director (whose responsibility it is to keep track of these points.) Tabulated points will be submitted to the office at the end of the school year by the Activity/Athletic Director. Points are awarded for the following:
Successful participation (for an entire season) of a sport 1
Lettering in a sport 2
Second letter in a sport 3
Third letter in a sport 4
Fourth letter in a sport 8
Placing 6th at the state meet - 1
Placing 5th at the state meet - 2
Placing 4th at the state meet - 4
Placing 3rd at the state meet - 6
Placing 2nd at the state meet - 8
Placing 1st at the state meet - 10
State Qualifier - 15
Honorable Mention - All Conference 3
Honorable Mention - All Area (Norfolk Daily News) 5
Second Team - All Conference 5
First Team - All Conference 10
First Team - All Region (Huskerland Sports Report) 10
Second Team - All Area (Norfolk Daily News) 10
Honorable Mention - All State (Omaha World Herald or Lincoln Journal Star) 10
First Team - All Area (Norfolk Daily News) 15
Second Team - All State (Omaha World Herald or Lincoln Journal Star) 15
NSAA All-Star Game selection 15
Shrine All-Star Football Game selection 15
State 8-Man All-Star Game 15
First Team All State - (Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star) 20
First Team - All State Academic Team 20
Saint Mary's School Campus
DEFINITION OF ST. MARY'S CAMPUS
St. Mary's campus is defined as that area where classes and activities are held, the Church, and the Parish Hall for lunch.
CARE OF SCHOOL
Students must assume responsibility for the care of the school property which belongs to the parishioners of St. Patrick's Parish. In case of accidental breakage or defacement of school property, students are to report the situation to school authorities immediately. If through personal negligence a student breaks or damages school property, the student is held financially responsible.
COMPUTER ROOM
Computer friendly programs are always the rule. Otherwise, they will be confiscated. No arcade type games are allowed during school time unless they are used by the teacher for educational instruction. Internet use must be supervised by a faculty member. No food or drinks are allowed near the computers at any time. The computer tables will be kept clean and free of loose paper.
INTERNET ACCESS
Students must sign an internet access permission slip which will be kept on file and valid for the duration of the school year. Students will need to sign this form each school year. Computer usage and/or internet access must be supervised or sponsored by a faculty or staff member who is knowledgeable about the computer system in St. Mary's High School.
FRONT OFFICE
Only faculty and staff are permitted in the front office and can use that phone. Students must use the lobby phone. Try to get any needed copies made immediately after school.
FACULTY ROOM
Only faculty, staff, and administrators are permitted in the faculty room.
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR'S OFFICE
The guidance counselor's office is available for student and faculty use. Please try to schedule any appointments and be sure to respect other students and faculty members right to privacy.
MEDIA CENTER
The media center is the center for individual research and study. Out of care and respect for those who are studying, students are asked to respect and maintain the quiet atmosphere of the media center. The librarian or assistant must personally check all books leaving the library. The number of students permitted to go to the library shall be limited to six at any one time from one class. If an entire class wishes to use the library, their teacher must inform the librarian ahead of time, accompany them and enforce the rules of the library. If more than one class needs to use the library at the same time, preference will be given to the teacher who first requested that time. Teachers using the library when the librarian is not present are either expected to serve as the supervisor if other unsupervised students enter the library, or to not allow any other unsupervised students to enter. No food or drink is allowed in the media center at any time during or after school.
CHAPEL
St. Mary's is privileged to have the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the school building. Students are encouraged to spend a few moments each day with our Lord in His sacramental presence.
HIGH SCHOOL GYM
No hard-soled shoes are to be worn on the gym floor. This includes tennis shoes worn outside. Any shoes that leave marks on the gym floor, including any athletic shoes, are not allowed on the playing surface. Students crossing the gym must use the sidelines. A student may be given a detention for not following this rule.
TELEPHONES
One public telephone near the main office is available for students' use. The office phones are reserved for the use of the administration and faculty. Phone use should be limited to passing time between classes.
FOOD IN SCHOOL
No food items are to be consumed during school hours in the classrooms or hallways. This includes gum, candy, and other edibles, as well as soft drinks.
SCHOOL LUNCH
School lunches are served in the Parish Hall. All wrappers and food on lunch tables must be picked up, as well as any items that have fallen to the floor.
St. Mary's High School (9-12 ) Course Offerings
* Classes required for all students for graduation
+ Classes recommended for college bound students
RELIGION (40 hrs. required) BUSINESS (10 hrs. required)
*Religion 9 10 *Keyboarding (9th Grade) 5
*Religion 10 10 Advanced Typing 10
*Religion 11 10 Accounting 1 10
*Religion 12 10 Accounting II 10
*General Business (10th Grade) 5
Business Management 5
ENGLISH (45 hrs. required) Business Math 10
*English 9 10 Business Communications 5
*English 10 10 Business Law 10
*English 11 10 Business Cooperative (per period) 10
*English 12 10 Marketing 10
*Speech (10th Grade) 5
Novel 10 COMPUTER SCIENCE
Journalism 1 10 +Computer Literacy 10
Journalism 2 10 +Computer Programming 10
MATHEMATICS (20 hrs. required) PHYSICAL EDUCATION (10 hrs. required)
*+Algebra 1 (9th Grade) or 10 *Physical Education (9th Grade) 5
*Basic Algebra (9th Grade) 10 Physical Education 2 (10-12th Grade) 10
*+Geometry (10th Grade) or 10 Weights / Conditioning 10
* Basic Geometry (10th Grade) 10
SOCIAL STUDIES (40 hrs. required).)
Business Math 10 *Geography (9th Grade) 10
+Algebra II (11th Grade) 10 *World History (10th Grade) 10
+Advanced Math (12th Grade) 10 *American History (11th Grade) 10
+Statistics (11th-12th Grade) 10 *U.S. Government (12th Grade) 5
+Calculus (12th Grade) 10 *Economics (12th Grade) 5
Adult Living (11-12th Grade) 10
Psychology (11-12th Grade) 10
Sociology (11-12th Grade) 10
FINE ARTS (10 hrs. required) SCIENCE (20 hrs. required)
Art 1 (9-12th Grade) 10 *+Physical Science (9th Gr.) or 10
Art 2 (10-12th Grade) 10 *+Biology (10th Grade) or 10
Art 3 (11-12th Grade) 10 +Chemistry (11th Grade) 10
Art 4 (12th Grade) 10 +Physics (11th-12th Grade) 10
Art 5 (12th Grade - Arranged) 10 +Anatomy/Physiology (11-12th Grade) 10
Drama (9th-12th Grade) 10
Band (9th) 10
Band at OHS (10-12th) 10
Chorus (9th-12th Grade) 10
FOREIGN LANGUAGES INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
*+Spanish 1 (9th Grade) 10 Metal Shop (OHS) 10
*+German 1 (9th Grade) 10 Auto Mechanics (OHS) 10
+ Spanish 2 (10-12th Grade) 10 Drafting (OHS) 10
+ German 2 (10-12th Grade) 10 Trades and Industries (OHS) 10
Minimum semester hours required for a diploma 240
Detentions
Students that do not follow school or classroom regulations may be given a detention by any faculty or staff member. Reasons for detention include the following:
1. Inappropriate language.
2. Disrespect to a teacher or staff member.
3. Three tardies to school or to class.
4. Failure to keep an appointment.
5. Failure to serve the detention.
6. Other inappropriate behavior.
Students will serve detentions on Wednesday from 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. in room 101. During detention the students will write from the handbook. They are to bring to the detention room paper, pen or pencil, and the handbook. After the office has been notified of a detention, a record of it will be kept in the secretary's file. Additional detentions and related consequences are covered in the suspension and expulsion records.
Dress Code at St. Mary's
DRESS CODE
St. Mary's Junior-Senior High School students are required to wear a plain white or a plain maroon shirt every day a uniform is required. (The first Monday that school is held each month is a jean day, and the first Friday each month that school is held is a dress up day.) The shirt must have a polo collar or be a turtleneck. Mock turtleneck are not allowed. Any emblem, if chosen, must also be maroon or white and not other contrasting colors. If a t-shirt is worn under the polo shirt, it must be plain white only. Shirts must always be tucked in when on school grounds. Students may wear khaki slacks, navy slacks, or walking shorts. The shorts must be purchased from the Dennis Uniform Company. Slacks may be corduroy, but may not be denim. No "cargo pants", "painter pants," no slacks with outside pockets, leggings, pants with stirrups, or "stretch pants" may be worn. School sweatshirts approved by the principal and solid maroon in color may be worn, but only with a white collar or turtleneck plainly visible underneath. Solid maroon sweaters may also be worn. Shoes and white socks are required, with footwear to include athletic shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes, or sandals (sandals must have heel strap). Hair must not be longer than the collar of one's shirt for males. In addition, hair may not be gathered into a pony tail or a braid. If hair needs to be cut, the student will make arrangements to have it cut that week. Boys are to be clean shaven at all times (no beard or moustache). Hair may be cut short, such as bowl cuts and crew cuts, but extreme hair styles, such as "mohawks," will not be allowed. Sideburns shall not extend below the earlobe. Hats are not to be worn in the classroom or in St. Mary's school buildings, or any other school building at any time. Earrings are not allowed for male students. They will become the property of the principal if they are worn. Extremes in hairstyles, including hair color, and extremes in make-up will not be tolerated for females.
DRESS UP DAYS
On the first Friday of each month, students may dress up. This means a dress, skirt and blouse, socks, or nylons for girls. For boys, dress slacks, a shirt, tie, sweater, socks, and dress shoes are appropriate. Mini skirts, tight skirts, denim skirts or dresses, sun dresses, dresses or blouses with open backs, or off the shoulder in any way, are inappropriate at any time for school functions. School uniforms are also welcome on dress up days.
Grades and the Grading System
Report cards are given each school year every nine weeks. Grades are given as percentages.
Percent Grade/GPA Percent Grade/GPA Percent Grades/GPA Percent Grades/GPA
100%= A (4.0) 92%= B (3.2) 84%= C (2.4) 76%= D (1.6)
99%= A (3.9) 91%= B (3.1) 83%= C (2.3) 75%= D (1.5)
98%= A (3.8) 90%= B (3.0) 82%= C (2.2) 74%= D (1.4)
97%= A (3.7) 89%= B (2.9) 81%= C (2.1) 73%= D (1.3)
96%= A (3.6) 88%= B (2.8) 80%= C (2.0) 72%= D (1.2)
95%= A (3.5) 87%= B (2.7) 79%= C (1.9) 71%= D (1.1)
94%= A- (3.4) 86%= B- (2.6) 78%= C- (1.8) 70%= D- (1.0)
93%= B+ (3.3) 85%= C+ (2.5) 77%= D+ (1.7) 69%= F (0.0)
PARENT / TEACHER / STUDENT CONFERENCES
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences are held after the first quarter. Report cards will be released when both parent and student attend the conference. Semester and final reports may be picked up at the front office on specifically designated days.
FINAL EXAMS
Comprehensive final exams, which count for 20% of the semester grade, for grades 9-12 will be held the last two or three days of each semester. Junior high students take unit or chapter tests. Students are required to be in class for these tests or risk receiving a failing grade for the exam. Individual arrangements are the responsibility of the student.
HONOR ROLL
The Honor Roll is a list of students that the school honors each semester for outstanding achievement. This list of honors students is published in the Holt County Independent. The honor roll is based on quarter and semester grades. Students may make the "A" honor roll which requires a grade of at least 94% in every class. Students may make the "B" honor roll if they have at least an 86% in every class.
WEIGHTING GRADES/COURSES
Our purpose for weighting courses is that grades more accurately reflect a student's academic potential and accomplishments. We rank courses so that students who take a more challenging load will not hesitate to do this under the notion that their grade point average will drop. Weighting is only used to determine class rank for awards Saint Mary's gives. Transcripts will be sent to colleges with non-weighted grades, as well as a more basic way of determining GPA and class rank for scholarship purposes.
WEIGHTING CATEGORIES
Weighting is an indicator of the relative difficulty and/or intensity of a given course and is used when computing grade point average for class ranking. All courses are assigned as either Category I, Category II, or Category III and are given a variable weighting scale.
CATEGORY I courses are those classes which require the greatest degree of preparation and student work for successful completion. Consequently, students will receive the greatest number of weight points for those classes in relation to the grade they receive.
CATEGORY II are those classes that are required for most students. The majority of courses fall in this category.
CATEGORY III courses are those classes that require little, if any, out of class preparation, are activity oriented, and are less intense in their academic orientation.
ACADEMIC RATING SCALE- CLASS RANK
The purpose of rank in class is to aid students in gaining acceptance to college programs that will be appropriate for them. Class rank will be determined for courses successfully completed in grades 9-12. The method for calculating a student's grade point average (GPA) will be to add points received in qualifying classes and divide that sum by the number of qualifying classes in which the student is enrolled. Students are cautioned that basing the class rank on academic course does not prelude the fact that all grades attained are submitted to post secondary schools and may be used as criterion for admission. The counselor's office will use the formula below when sending class rank to colleges and universities for acceptance or scholarship purposes. The valedictorian and salutatorian will continue to be selected using the SMH weighting scale.
Transcripts of high school grades sent to colleges and institutions, as well as class rank, will be based on a simple 4.0 GPA scale, without all of the smaller distinctions listed above. (In other words, percentage grades of 94-100% will all be counted as 4.0 for college application purposes. Grades of 86-93% will all be counted as a 3.0 GPA Grades of 78-85% will all be counted as a 2.0 GPA, and all percentage grades of 70-77% will count as a 1.0 GPA This change was passed by the St. Mary's school board in May, 1997.
CATEGORY I - College Prep
Language Arts - Spanish III-IV, German III-IV; Math - Advanced Math, 5th year math, Calculus, Statistics; Science - Chemistry I, Physics, A&P, Biology III
CATEGORY II - High School
Language Arts - All required English, Spanish I-II, German I-II, Speech I, Journalism I & II; Math - Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II; Computers; Science - Biology I, Physical Science; Social Science - U.S. History, American Government, Psychology, Geography, World History, Sociology; Religion - All courses; Business Education - Typing, General Business, Accounting I & II; Art - Art I-IV, Drama, all Industrial classes, Physical Education I-II, Advanced P.E., Weights
CATEGORY III - Vocational
Language Arts - Basic English, Math - Basic Algebra I-II, Basic Geometry, Business Math; Science - Basic Biology, Basic Physical Science, Business Co-op
CRITERIA (used for placement in categories) 4. Curriculum content/difficulty
1. Core curriculum 5. Number of credits awarded
2. Time involved 6. Amount of outside class time required (homework)
3. Formal evaluation procedures during class 7. Classes all students must take
Student Affairs at St. Mary's
ASSEMBLIES
Student behavior should be refined and courteous at all times. Each person is responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole. Unacceptable conduct includes whistling, inappropriate applause, talking during the program, or throwing things. This includes O'Neill Public as well as any other location.
USE OF AUTOMOBILES
Cars and all vehicles used for transportation to and from school must be parked on arrival and remain parked for the day. Students are not to sit in or use their cars in any way during the day unless the student has a signed form that permits them to drive to the O'Neill Public School for classes. Cars are not to be used during the noon lunch break. Emergencies require permission for the use of a car. The school will not assume responsibility for students driving to any school function. The school asks that all cars driven to out of town activities be sponsored by at least one parent or responsible adult chosen by the parent who owns the car. Students with school permits are breaking Nebraska State Law when they transport anyone but immediate family members. The school permit will be revoked if they are found guilty.
CHEATING
St. Mary's seeks to educate its students in an environment where honesty and integrity are valued and practiced. Therefore, the faculty of St. Mary's looks upon cheating as depriving the student of the opportunity to learn, as a detriment to the intellectual and spiritual development of the student, and as contradictory to its Christian principles. If a student is caught cheating on a test/exam/quiz/or other graded material, the material is taken from the student by the teacher and given to the principal where it is kept on file. Students that are found cheating will receive a zero for that paper, and parents will be contacted. Second offence cheating is handled the same as above, with the student being sent home and not allowed at school until a conference with his/her parents has been held. Third and subsequent offences are handled as before, with possible expulsion as a consequence. Homework copying is also destructive, and students suspected of this behavior will be asked to turn in homework prior to the day's first class. Individual teachers will determine the penalty for any case of copying homework that is proven.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Each classroom teacher is expected to explain to the students at the beginning of each course the kind of behavior and performance expected in that course. The teacher is also expected to be firm, fair, and consistent in demanding behavior and performance in that class. Any DISRUPTION of the desired climate in that class will be handled by the classroom teacher through conference with the student, or a phone call or conference with parents. Teachers are allowed to determine the punishment for disruption of class. Students who fail to complete the assigned punishment(s) will be sent to the principal. The principal will then arrange for any parent-teacher, student-teacher contact which may be necessary to affect the positive change in the behavior of the student. Teachers are encouraged to report early to parents if discipline problems are developing rather than waiting until a minor disruption has taken on major proportions.
CLASS SCHEDULING
St. Mary's class day is built around eight periods with three minutes allowed for passing to the next class. Students may take one study hall. Dropping and adding classes take place during the first week of each semester.
COLLEGE VISITATION
Seniors that wish to see visiting college representatives in the guidance office must make prior arrangements with the counselor's office and receive a pass to see the college representative. Parents are encouraged to accompany their child on any campus visits. In order to ensure the visits are planned in an appropriate way, students are required to make advance plans through the guidance counselor's office for their two college visitations that can be made during school time. (This includes military physicals.) Students are responsible for classwork assigned on the day of absence.
SENIOR OPEN CAMPUS
Each student is given the opportunity to participate in open campus during the fourth quarter of his/her senior year. This means that the senior can eat lunch away from school and leave campus during the weekly religion class study hall and any regularly scheduled study hall, this does not include study time given during scheduled class time. Seniors may also stay on campus during these times. Seniors will adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Students must maintain passing grades to participate in open campus.
2. No class, co-curricular or extra-curricular activity can be dropped to participate in open campus.
3. No skipping of scheduled classes will be tolerated. three tardies will result in suspension of open campus.
4. Study time given during class time must be used as study time, not open campus time.
5. School dress codes will be enforced on the school campus during open campus participation.
FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS
A. Fire drills are held once a month.
B. Tornado drills are also held during tornado season.
In both drills, silence and order are required. Each classroom teacher will help to direct students outside the building during fire drills and to the basement locker rooms in the event of a tornado or during a tornado drill. Directions are clearly displayed throughout the building.
FIREWORKS AND OTHER HAZARDS
Firecrackers, snaps, and any other potentially hazardous materials are strictly forbidden at any time in the school building or at ball games because of the danger posed to the safety of persons near them. Fines will be imposed depending on the nature of the material. The maximum fine is $25.00.
FOREIGN STUDENTS
St. Mary's is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Such students must be registered with the school and are responsible for tuition fees and other costs.
LOCKERS
Each student is assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year. The continued use of this locker as a convenience depends on the student's cooperation with the rules. Students are expected to keep lockers clean. They are not to deface the lockers in any way. Students are to use only the locker assigned to them. In order not to disturb classes, students are permitted to go to their lockers only during a class change. All students that so desire are issued combination locks. Students wishing to leave their lockers unlocked are advised that the school is not responsible for items stolen from a locker. Using a locker is a privilege. School authorities reserve the right to open and check the contents of any locker. Disrespectful or suggestive posters, pictures, or related objects are strictly prohibited in lockers.
PREGNANCY OF STUDENTS
Students involved in a pregnancy (both boy and girl) may be allowed to continue his/her education at St. Mary's according to the following guidelines: They accept and attend a program of counseling set up by the Pastor and school. They will be limited in their involvement in all school activities during the year of pregnancy. Reinstatement in such activities must be approved by the school administration after consultation with the counselor and parents. Deliberate termination of the pregnancy through abortion can result in permanent expulsion for the student.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
A transfer student must submit a transcript from his or her former school and arrange a conference with parents, the student, and the principal of St. Mary's. Acceptance is based on a satisfactory evaluation of the student. In addition, transfer students must provide the school with an original birth certificate or a copy properly notarized.
SCHOOL SPONSORED TRIPS
On school sponsored trips students will ride on buses, vans, or cars that are supplied or provided by the school. Occasionally, parents will serve as sponsors and drivers of personal vehicles. Students may not leave the group to return home or to some other destination without the written permission of the parents, who must be present to take their child. This written permission must be given to the teacher who is sponsoring the group. The parent has then relieved the sponsor of any responsibility for the child.
USE OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
A fine of $50.00 will be levied against any student using the fire extinguisher for anything else but extinguishing a fire. In the event that no one in a group owns up to having misused the fire extinguisher, all are responsible, and all will be disciplined and/or FINED. A fine of $50.00 will be levied against any student using the emergency shower, the eye wash station, or any of the safety features in the science labs for anything else besides the emergency purposes for which they were installed. In the event no one in a group owns up to having misused this equipment, all are responsible, and all will be disciplined and/or fined.
TRANSCRIPTS / DIPLOMAS / REPORT CARDS
Transcripts/diplomas will not be provided unless past due bills have been paid or some other arrangement has been made with the Pastor. After graduation, transcripts may be obtained for $3.00 per request.
WEATHER RELATED CLOSINGS
Please listen to KBRX to see if class has been dismissed due to weather or other reasons. Late starts because of weather will also be announced on the radio. STUDENTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT EXCESSIVE CLOSINGS WILL RESULT IN DAYS BEING MADE UP IN LATE MAY OR EARLY JUNE DUE TO CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
Substance Abuse Policies for St. Mary's
The following rules and guidelines are provided to give teachers, parents, and students a process for governing student misuse of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. These rules pertain to the two years in junior high school and the four years of high school.
USE SHALL BE DEFINED AS
A. Consumption
B. Possession (possession shall mean "on the person" or "on property owned and/or used by the person")
C. Intoxication evidenced by abnormal and/or disruptive behavior
APPREHENSION
A student may be turned in to the administration for violating the above rule by the following people:
A. Parents/guardians of said student
B. Coach or sponsor
C. Faculty member/staff member/chaperone
D. Officer of the law
CLASS I VIOLATIONS
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES-This includes the illegal possession and/or illegal use of alcoholic beverages in any situation. DRUGS-This includes the possession and/or use of any mood altering chemical not specifically prescribed by a physician. Prescription medications are exempt when used by the individual for whom they were prescribed in a manner and amount prescribed.
CLASS II VIOLATIONS
TOBACCO-This includes the possession and/or use of tobacco products in any form.
PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH SUBSTANCE VIOLATIONS
Notify the administration of the incident. The principal will verify the incident with the parties involved. (Coaches and sponsors will be notified if there are extracurricular activities involved.) Concerns will then be discussed with the student. The principal will attempt to notify the parents or guardians by phone to explain the incident and to arrange a conference. Within forty-eight hours, the principal shall notify the parent/guardians in writing of the suspension.
COUNSELING FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Students that have broken substance abuse policies of St. Mary's shall seek and contract counseling services in addition to those offered by the high school, if assigned by the administration. These arrangements and their successful continuation shall be requirements for continued attendance at St. Mary's. Because St. Mary's believes that chemical dependency is preceded by misuse, we feel confident that such early intervention can benefit the student before significant harm or dependency results. Students who agree to be evaluated and treated will be provided with a list of agencies/professionals who can do the assessment and treatment. Fees for this assessment and treatment are the responsibility of the student and parents.
INELIGIBILITY FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE
For the purpose of dealing with students using or possessing any tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs, ALL ACTIVITIES including, but not limited to, athletics, musical events, speech, drama, theology, class field trips, art shows, scholastic contests, etc., and any other activities that take place outside the normal classroom or outside the normal school day will be unavailable to the student in question.
The following penalties will apply within a single school year:
PENALTY FOR USE OR POSSESSION OF TOBACCO IN ANY FORM
1st Offence-Counseling arranged by the high school counselor
2nd Offence-Ten calendar days of ineligibility from all activities
3rd and any subsequent offence-Thirty calendar days of ineligibility from all activities
PENALTY FOR USE OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL OR ILLEGAL DRUGS
1st Offence-Counseling arranged by the high school counselor and ten calendar days of ineligibility from all activities
2nd Offence-Thirty calendar days of ineligibility from all activities
3rd Offence-Ineligibility for the remainder of the school year for all activities
Suspension and Expulsion from St. Mary's
SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION
On occasion, students can or ought to be suspended and/or expelled. Reasons for suspending and/or expelling a student include, but are not limited to the following:
A) Behavior of the student which presents a moral and/or physical danger to other students
B) Behavior that is incorrigible (meaning the student has been corrected a number of times but refuses to change
his/her behavior
C) Frequent absences
Local suspension and expulsion policies indicate:
1) That specified behaviors liable to suspension or expulsion are non-inclusive, that is, other behaviors or actions may
constitute grounds for suspension or expulsion.
2) Administrative discretion regarding in-school or out-of-school suspension and length of time of suspension;
3) Parental notification procedure;
4) Appeal timeline and procedure;
5) Ultimate authority for suspension and expulsion decisions.
OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION
Students may also be sent home from school for suspension. A student will be suspended for one school day and have two points subtracted from his/her quarter grade. A second infraction will result in a five school day suspension, again with a two point subtraction for each of those days missed. A third infraction within any single school year can result in expulsion.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
After receiving ten detentions in any school year, the student will be suspended in-school for an entire school day and be required to work on class work and assignments. Parents will be notified of the in-school suspension. Students must bring a sack lunch for in-school suspension, since they will not be allowed to go to the lunchroom or home for lunch. Students who have an in-school suspension will be absent from their classes. Thus it is their responsibility to make sure all homework assignments are handed in on time, all new assignments are known by student, and any missed quizzes or tests during an in-school suspension will be made up and be the total responsibility of the student. If the student does not make arrangements with the teacher for the missed quizzes or tests during the suspension, then the grade of zero will be recorded. The administration reserves the right to deal with any other serious matter not covered specifically by these regulations.
DISCIPLINARY PROBATION
Disciplinary probation is a prescribed period of time in which the student must show evidence of behavior modifications and improvements. It is given when a student has repeated infractions of school rules. During the period of probation, the student will be ineligible to hold office (school or clubs) for the duration of probation or to participate in school activities or teams.
EXPULSION
A student shall be liable for expulsion from St. Mary's when the administration determines his/her presence at the school is a real and serious detriment to the other students and the reputation of the school. It may be invoked after repeated suspensions.
FUNCTION OF THE BOARD IN THE EXPULSION OF A STUDENT
The School Board shall hold hearings on the expulsion of students. When the administration expels a student, the student may request a hearing before the Board. This request shall be made within three days of the expulsion, and the hearing shall be held within seven days of the request. The student shall be given notice at least four days prior to the hearing of the reasons of dismissal and the time and place of the hearing. At the hearing the administrator shall present the reasons for expulsion, and the student shall have an opportunity to present the reasons why he/she should not be expelled. After said hearing, the Board shall determine whether the expulsion shall be upheld.
ACCREDITATION
St. Mary's High School is accredited by both the State of Nebraska and the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
ADMISSION
Students who have satisfactorily completed the sixth grade are eligible for admission into the seventh grade. Students who have completed the eighth grade are eligible for admission as freshmen if they have not failed two core classes in one school year.
PARENTAL CONCERNS/COMPLAINTS
Parents are encouraged to discuss concerns or complaints with appropriate school authorities. Teachers should be contacted regarding classroom matters. If concerns are not resolved, the next appropriate contact is with the administrator. Concerns or complaints regarding the school programs or activities should be addressed to the administrator. Resolution of concerns or complaints is the responsibility of the administrator.
PROFESSIONAL DISCRETION
This Handbook is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contractual agreement between St. Mary's School and any student or any parent of any student. The information contained in the Handbook provides a general description of rules and regulations. The school reserves the right to add to, to modify or abolish any of the Handbook provisions without notice. Non-enforcement of any of the rules or regulations does not serve as a waiver of their future enforcement. This Handbook does not create any restriction upon St. Mary's School's right to institute any course of disciplinary action which, in St. Mary's School's sole discretion, it believes is necessary and consistent with its Catholic educational mission.
This Handbook provides academic/disciplinary expectations and guidelines and helps to prevent arbitrary decisions. However, the Handbook does not attempt to cover all possible circumstances or appropriate solutions. Therefore, St. Mary's Administration reserves the right to apply professional discretion on situations, accounting for the nature of the problem and extenuating circumstances, and the morale of the school community.