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Student Handbook

Welcome

Welcome to Lexington Catholic High School. We represent a long tradition of Catholic education in the Bluegrass area. The school was formed in 1951 through the merger of two secondary schools whose roots go far back in local history: St. Catherine’s Academy, founded in 1823, and Lexington Latin School, founded in 1924. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and approved by the Kentucky State Department of Education.

Mission Statement

We, Lexington Catholic High School, serve as an integral part of the educational mission of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington. We serve Catholic students and students of other faith traditions by providing a high quality secondary education that emphasizes the spiritual ideals and moral values of the Gospel. In this faith community, we form and develop the mind, spirit, and body of our students.

School Governance

School Board Members 2006-2007

The school’s philosophy sees the student as a total person, both a member of the human community and of the Kingdom of God. Each student is encouraged to discover his or her own potential through a challenging curriculum, which encompasses experiences both in and outside the classroom.

In addition to providing excellence in academics, religious education at Lexington Catholic imparts to the students a deepening realization of God’s revelation in their lives, their worth as people of God, and their responsibility to live as witnesses of the Gospel.

Today’s world needs young people of hope who are committed to enriching life, to furthering God’s kingdom, and to leaving the world a better place in which to live. Preparation of the students for responsible participation in civic life and service to their community is a part of the school’s task. Learning to evaluate, to research and to think critically is necessary if the student is to assume these responsibilities.

These goals are not exclusive from each other. They work together to create a total environment in which religion and faith are seen as essential elements of human growth and development.

In addition to a wide range of religion courses, the students are offered a variety of opportunities for spiritual formation. Every student is expected to participate in school Masses and other religious services. Every student will have the opportunity to journey spiritually by attending a retreat: Freshmen and sophomores attend a mandatory one-day retreat focusing on prayer, reflection, and discussion, and the celebration of who they are. The SEARCH retreat for juniors and AWAKENING retreat for seniors are overnight experiences which are offered in both the fall and spring semesters. Every senior is required to participate in service programs as part of the curriculum in religious studies. Underclassmen are also required to perform some community service as part of their religious studies courses. Service may also be a requirement for membership in some extracurricular organizations.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Catholic Church. Lexington Catholic celebrates this gift as an entire community monthly. In addition, class Masses, special services of reconciliation, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, prayer services, and special celebrations are scheduled so that students and staff have the opportunity to attend. As a Catholic community, our worship and celebrations reflect the liturgical calendar.

The chaplain will be available and accessible for any sacramental need for our Lexington Catholic family.

Credits must be distributed, as a minimum, in the following areas:

1. Successful completion of at least 22 approved units of credit, including all the minimum unit requirements for high school graduation.

2. Successful completion of all minimum requirements of the Commonwealth of Kentucky pre-college preparation curriculum:

a. Language Arts (4 units – English I, English II, English III, and English IV or Advanced Placement English)

b. Mathematics (3 units – Algebra I, or Algebra II, Geometry, and one elective)

c. Science (3 units – Geophysical Science, Biology I and one elective)

d. Social Studies (2 units – World History and U.S. History or Advanced Placement American History)

3. Successful completion (i.e., receiving a grade of “C” or its equivalent) of at least 4 courses as described in the Advanced Placement (AP) Program Course Description booklets of the College Entrance Examination Board:

a. English (1 course)

b. Science or Mathematics (1 course selected from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics)

c. Foreign Language (1 course selected from French, Latin or Spanish)

d. One additional AP course (selected from English, Science, Foreign Language, History, Computer Science, Political Science, Music or Art)

4. Completion of AP exams in 3 out of the 4 required AP courses.

The Kentucky State Board for Elementary and Secondary Education shall award the Commonwealth Diploma to each student completing the above program requirements.

The Kentucky Department of Education shall reimburse local public school districts the cost of the three required AP exams for every student receiving a composite score of 8 or better on the three exams. Students of non-public schools will be reimbursed directly.

After freshman year, enrollment in these courses is by application only. Students must maintain a “C” or better at the end of the first semester in order to continue to be enrolled in weighted classes for the second semester. All students enrolled in AP classes are required to take the AP exam in May.

Credit for each course taken is awarded on a semester basis even for courses that continue for a full year. The semester grade indicates, for passing grades, the average that has been assigned for the semester of credit. Work in the second semester is for semester credit in that semester only and the second grade will not be averaged with the first semester to produce a year’s grade and a year’s credit. A yearlong course is one semester followed by a second one, each one credited independently for one-half unit (.50).

The semester grade posted at the end of the first semester will be an all-inclusive grade, covering the cumulative work the student has completed during the entire first semester, up to and including the semester exam.

Accordingly:

Upon enrollment at Lexington Catholic High School, each student must take a pledge to abide by the Honor Code. They will receive a copy of the Honor Code and will sign a statement agreeing to its policies. Faculty members will also be asked to take the pledge. Students will repeat the pledge at the beginning of each school year.

Honor Pledge: “As a member of the Lexington Catholic High School Community, I pledge to uphold a high standard of integrity and honor by neither giving nor receiving any unauthorized aid in all academic settings. I agree to all standards set forth by the Lexington Catholic High School Honor Code.”

Cheating is a form of dishonesty and is not tolerated by Lexington Catholic. A student caught cheating will receive a zero on the work or test involved. Anyone else involved in the incident will receive the same penalty. All incidents of cheating will be reported to the parents by the dean of students.

THE PENALTIES FOR CHEATING ARE SEVERE. For any infraction, the student’s case will be heard by the Honor Council. The Council will then make a recommendation to the Dean of Students. Repeated violations of the Honor Code in any school year will make the student liable to expulsion.

Lexington Catholic Parent Organization

The Parent Organization’s Mission is to promote and foster parental involvement in the academic, physical, moral, and spiritual development of the students within the Christian community of Lexington Catholic High School. Family membership is solicited at the beginning of the school year to sponsor various activities for Lexington Catholic parents who join this organization. Information on the organization is sent out to all parents on a yearly basis.

Guidance

The primary purpose of the guidance office is to help students and teachers through personal, vocational, and academic counseling. The guidance office has information on colleges and other post-secondary schools, career opportunities, testing, special student services, and other material helpful to the high school student and his/her parents. Counselors will be available to meet with students and parents by appointment. The common goal of the counseling department is to promote a special relationship whereby the student will grow into a self-motivated, constantly growing person.

The department fulfills the criteria advocated by both the National Association of College Admission Counselors and the Kentucky Counseling Association. Each counselor’s credentials are on file in the office.

Each counselor has a private office, voice mail, and e-mail. To reach a counselor, you can call the main school number, 277-7183, and then dial the appropriate extension or visit the school’s website to e-mail the counselor.

The Guidance Department administers standardized tests for students. Ninth grade students take the Explore, a version of the ACT for eighth and ninth grade students. Tenth grade students take the PSAT, the test for National Merit Scholarship Competition data for juniors, and the PLAN, a version of the ACT for sophomores. Eleventh graders take the PSAT, the test for National Merit Scholarship competition data. Students are advised to take the ACT and SAT during spring semester of eleventh grade and again in the fall of the twelfth grade.

Each student is assigned to a counselor upon entering Lexington Catholic. The student works with his/her counselor to plan academic programs and to explore post-secondary educational and career options.

Counselor/student conferences are confidential. The counselors promote student responsibility.

In order to understand each student, it is necessary to understand his/her family. Communication from the home can foster a mutually helpful and supportive climate for the young adult to develop into a mature adult. Parents are free to call their student’s counselor any school day. Parents are also urged to complete and return the guidance department form in the registration packet. This form alerts the counselor to any special needs of the student.

The counselors work closely with the teachers. Without violating confidentiality, the counselor is the student’s advocate. This relationship, therefore, enhances the learning process. The guidance department provides research and acts as a resource for the faculty and administration. The counselors aid in the admissions process by conducting admissions evaluations and helping the students with course placement and selection. They also assist the administration with broader questions of school climate and performance.

Cafeteria

A warm lunch, as well as salads and other cold entrees, is served daily for the students. The cost depends on the selection by the student. The cafeteria workers are properly licensed and the facility is routinely inspected by the Fayette County Health Department.

Library/Learning Center

The library/learning center provides a technology and information hub essential to student and staff. The library is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on all regular school days. Critical thinking and the ability to access information quickly highlight the science of information power. Knowledge and the use of a variety of electronic reference tools enhance the support of print sources. The library collection presents opportunities to pursue individual interests in relation to a range of abilities and skills. To this goal, the library/learning center provides access to resources beyond the school. Students can initiate and master information retrieval skills necessary for lifelong learning.

Lexington Catholic High School Acceptable Use Policy

In support of our mission statement and educational objectives, Lexington Catholic High School offers students access to computers and the Internet. The use of these technologies will help students acquire knowledge from all areas of the world as well as skills for accessing and using electronic information from databases, search engines, and other online materials. While the purpose of the school is to provide Internet resources for constructive educational goals under close supervision, students may find ways to access unacceptable material. The nature of Internet searching entails students accessing information that is not preselected as are textbooks or library materials. We believe that the benefits to a student’s education outweigh the disadvantages; however the students are expected to use all technology in a manner which promotes academic integrity and the school’s mission. Parents and guardians of minors, as well as school personnel, are responsible for setting and conveying the standards their children should follow when using media.

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computers just as they are in a classroom or school hallway. As communications on the Internet are often public in nature, general school rules for behavior and communications apply. Access to the Internet is given to students for educational purposes only. Only students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner have permission to use school computers. Access is a privilege and not a right. This privilege may be revoked if abused. Students are advised never to access, keep, or send anything they would not want their parents or teachers to see. For reasons of safety, a student should never reveal any personal information such as name, address, or contact information over the Internet.

The following rules apply to all computer use:

Students WILL

• use computers for educational purposes only
• get permission before opening e-mail accounts and only for educational purposes
• save to their own storage devices, not to the computer (USB drives are recommended)
• use all information in an ethical manner
• observe the rules of proper, polite, and respectful etiquette and behavior on the Internet

Students WILL NOT

• use computers to send or receive materials in violation of any federal or state law, including those pertaining to threatening or obscene materials
• use computers to send, display, or receive messages, pictures, or other media that are offensive to human dignity (including but not limited to items which are defamatory, abusive, profane, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, racially offensive, threatening, harassing, or antisocial)
• download any files or software
• damage computers, computer systems, or computer networks, including introducing or creating viruses
• damage, move, alter, or remove software, hardware, or files
• change settings applied by the administrator
• connect personal or other computers to the school’s computer system or network
• use computers for personal, commercial, or political activities, including but not limited to games, gambling, blogs (including MySpace and FaceBook), chatrooms, instant messaging, music/ring tones, and videos
• violate copyright or use the intellectual property of another without permission
• reveal any personal information such as name, address, or contact information

Students who fail to follow the Acceptable Use Policy will face disciplinary action. Possible consequences include detention, loss of computer privileges, and legal action.

Lexington Catholic High School personnel will strive to provide dependable access to computer resources and the Internet. However, the school and its personnel are not liable for any information that may be lost, damaged, or unavailable due to technical difficulties. They cannot be held liable for student misuse of computers, the network, or the Internet.

Discipline Procedures

Any discipline problem not handled by the classroom teacher is referred to the Dean of Students. The Dean also oversees attendance, uniform violations, detention, and other matters governing student behavior.

When a discipline problem is deemed serious enough to immediately remove a student from the classroom and send him/her to the Dean’s office, the parents will be notified.

Detention

Upon receiving a fifth detention, the student will be suspended from classes for one day. Should a second suspension occur, the student will be placed on a contract outlining provisions under which the student will be allowed to stay at Lexington Catholic.

Suspension

When there is a serious violation of school rules, a student may be removed from all classes for one to ten days. Grounds for suspension may include but are not limited to:

• Five (5) detentions
• Disrespect to a faculty member or administrator
• Cheating, lying, or stealing
• Fighting
• Vandalism of school property, or property belonging to students or school employees, or to other schools and/or churches
• Harassment in any form
• Any repeated violation of school rules

A suspended student will be reinstated only after a satisfactory conference has taken place with the student and his/her parents and the Dean of Students. When a student is suspended from classes, he/she is under both academic and social suspension. A suspended student loses certain rights and privileges that are given to other students, such as:

• Is not allowed to participate in or attend any school-sponsored activities while suspended.
• Cannot associate with the other students, must bring his/her own lunch to school and cannot eat in the cafeteria.
• Will be assigned a designated area in the school and must obtain and complete all class assignments for no credit.

Suspended students will incur an “unexcused absence” as detailed below. This means that any work assigned prior to the suspension may be turned in on or before the due date after the suspension time is completed.

If any work is assigned during the time the student is suspended, but due at a later date when the student has been readmitted, he/she may turn this work in for credit. However, no tests, quizzes, or work assigned and due during the period of time the student is suspended will be accepted for credit.

The student will be eligible for all academic awards earned but cannot attend and/or participate in any school-sponsored activities while suspended, i.e. retreats, sporting events, dances, award presentations, and graduation.

Expulsions

Only the Principal has the authority to expel a student from school for serious violations of the school rules and regulations.

Grounds for dismissal from Lexington Catholic include:

• Stealing/theft – taking or possessing the property of another student or teacher without their permission; also, any student bringing, possessing, selling, distributing, or buying stolen items, including homework, exams, tests, quizzes, and/or answers to these.
• Possessing, using, selling, or transferring illegal narcotics or drugs, counterfeit controlled substances, look-alike drugs, or other intoxicating substances, or possessing, selling, or transferring drug paraphernalia on school property, en route to and from school, or at any location of a school sponsored or school related event or activity, including, but not limited to, socials, athletic and club activities, or retreats, will result in immediate expulsion. Students in the company of others using or possessing illegal drugs make themselves subject to expulsion.
• Bringing, selling, buying, possessing, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages either on the campus or at any school sponsored activity.
• Committing or attempting to commit acts of vandalism on property belonging to the school, students, or to any of its employees, or vandalism of property belonging to other schools or church parishes.
• Any violation of civil or criminal law that adversely reflects upon the moral or religious principles of the Catholic Church, or the policies, goals, and statements of Lexington Catholic High School as indicated in the Student Handbook.
• Any form of lewd or obscene conduct contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church and local, state, or federal laws.
• Any serious disrespect or threat toward a faculty, staff, or administrative member of the Lexington Catholic community in the form of writing, picture(s), printing, word or gesture.
• Gambling.
• Consistent neglect of schoolwork, chronic absenteeism, or truancy.
• Conduct considered detrimental to the good order of the school community or the good of other students.
• Repeated violations of the school tobacco policy.
• Any indication of gang affiliation such as displaying, communicating by the use of or in the form of writing, dress, speech, symbols, gestures, or any such gang related activities in the judgment of school officials.
• Bringing or possessing any firearm or deadly weapon on campus and/or at any school sponsored activity; also any student transporting any type of firearm or deadly weapon by means of a vehicle onto school grounds or at any school sponsored activity will be turned over to law enforcement and expelled.
• Written or verbal assault/threat made against any student, faculty, or administrative member of Lexington Catholic High School.
• Testing positive for illegal drugs a second time.
• Any student willfully attempting to evade the drug test by shaving, cutting, or altering the hair, either head or body, in any way, unless hair loss is a result of a diagnosed medical condition, will be considered a refusal to test.
• Any student arrested for DUI or for drug possession off school grounds.

Appeals

Appeals should be based upon the fact that there was either a defect in the hearing process or that new information has become available. All appeals to disciplinary decisions must be made according to the Diocesan appeals process.

That policy has been established to facilitate reconciliation and to maintain unity within each parish/mission and within the Diocese as a whole. It is designed to settle all grievances “as close to the problem” as possible.

The first step of the process requires that the aggrieved person (the “petitioner”) and only the petitioner speak directly and privately with the person with whom he/she has the grievance (the “respondent”). The grievance must be made within ten days of the incident. The two should make every effort to come to agreement.

In the event that the petitioner decides to continue the grievance, the petitioner should next speak with the person to whom the respondent is directly accountable. Again, every effort should be made to resolve the problem.

The petitioner may, if necessary, continue the process by petitioning help up the authority line, one step at a time, until the final authority on the local level is reached. Every effort should be made to resolve the problem immediately. No step in the process may take more than 10 working days. The order of accountability for a school is:

Parent > Teacher > Principal > President > Superintendent of Schools

The Superintendent of Schools shall review the petition, and decide whether the issue falls within the jurisdiction of the department. If so, the Superintendent will talk with both parties, come to a decision, and shall notify the petitioner in writing of the decision within fifteen working days.

A decision of the Superintendent of Schools can be appealed to the Chancellor.

Proper Behavior

As stated in the school philosophy, students are challenged to live up to the Christian mandate of human perfection according to the example of Jesus Christ. This should begin with respect that should be evident when speaking to or about teachers and others. In school, students’ attitude and conduct toward one another should reflect the charity of Christ.

Students should use language appropriate to Christian young men and women. Profane and obscene language must be avoided at all times.

In addition, appropriate behavior between the sexes should be observed. Students should be kind and even affectionate toward one another, but any public display of that affection should be appropriate and not disturbing to others.

Sexual harassment, verbal or physical, is entirely inappropriate. Even though teasing may be intended in a positive way, care should be taken not to offend.

Inappropriate language and actions can result in detention, suspension, or expulsion.

Decorum

Quiet and decorum are the rule in the school building at all times, especially while classes and labs are in session. Even though students may talk during the class breaks in the classrooms and corridors, there should be no shouting or excessive noise. Students are to act as ladies and gentlemen at all times, showing good taste, modesty, and moderation in all their behavior. Students are not to be in the corridors while classes are in session. The gymnasium and the locker room areas in the gymnasium are off limits during the school day, except for students in physical education classes. The old gymnasium will be open to students for planned programs during all lunch periods only. Restrooms in the gymnasium are to be used only during lunch periods. Students who have study halls should spend the time in the cafeteria (study hall) or other designated areas. Students are not to be in the field house during the school day unless a coach accompanies them.

Respect for Property

Students are encouraged to help in the preservation and maintenance of school property, furniture, and equipment. If property is damaged, the fact should be reported to the Dean of Students.

Any student who is caught taking property or deliberately destroying property belonging to another student or the school will be subject to suspension or expulsion from school.

Lockers

The student locker is the property of the school. Each student is assigned a locker for his or her own personal use. There can be no sharing of lockers at anytime. The student is responsible for the condition of that locker at all times. No defacing of the locker, either inside or outside is permitted. Students must purchase a lock from the school and keep it locked on the locker at all times. Students are not to give their combination to any other student, nor are they to allow any other student access or opportunity to use, alter, or deface that locker. No permanent decorations of any sort are allowed to be placed in or on lockers. Any removable decorations must be within the guidelines of neatness, moderation, and modesty, and should befit the educational and Christian purposes of the school. No food or drink is allowed in the locker at any time, except for student lunches.

If someone other than the student makes some alteration to the locker, the student is responsible for reporting this to the dean’s office and working with the office to clean or repair the locker. At all times the student is responsible for the condition of the locker and failure to keep the locker clean and in good working condition will result in detention or other disciplinary action. The school reserves the right to inspect school lockers and their contents at all times, as well as to control the use of the lockers at all time.

For safety reasons, backpacks must remain in the lockers all day.

Silence

SILENCE IS TO BE OBSERVED WHEN OTHERS ARE SPEAKING.

This is especially true during announcements and during morning and afternoon prayer. Students are responsible for the information given during announcements.

Guidelines for Student Activities

The following guidelines will apply to any activity, home or away, in which Lexington Catholic students participate:

Guidelines for Dances

Classes, clubs, and organizations sponsor dances during the school year. The “Get Acquainted Dance” in August is open only to Lexington Catholic High School students. All other dances are open to Lexington Catholic High School students and their dates. General rules for behavior and guidelines for student activities apply at all dances. Dances are held from 9:00 p.m. to midnight with the exception of Prom, which is 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. All students are expected to arrive by 10:00 p.m. and must remain until the end of the dance.

Closed Campus Policy

Students are to come directly to school and park in the school lot. On the way to campus, there can be no loitering in the vicinity of the school.

No student is allowed off campus at any time during normal school hours or during school sponsored activities. All students are expected to remain until their entire schedule of classes has been completed. Students with a free eighth period or first period are not to leave campus early or come to campus late, unless explicit permission is obtained from the Dean in each and every case.

During class time and lunch periods, no students should be in the halls. During the lunch periods, students may remain in the cafeteria or in the gymnasium. No food may be taken out of the cafeteria. They may not wander about or leave the school grounds without specific permission from the Dean of Students. They may not disturb classes that are in session. Outside areas that are off limits include all athletic fields and both the front, rear, and side parking lots. Only students with permission to leave the school grounds may be in the parking lot.

At the end of the day, students should leave campus promptly and not return except for school-sponsored practices and events. School grounds are closed to all students at night, weekends, and vacations except for supervised practices, contests, and events. Being present on the school grounds means being present for some school function, and conduct and dress nonprejudicial to the school is expected.

Off-campus conduct prejudicial to the good name of the school is subject to the disciplinary action of the school.

Student Cafeteria

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENTS TO KEEP THE CAFETERIA CLEAN. Out of politeness and consideration for others using the cafeteria, students are asked to observe the rules of etiquette while eating. After eating, each student should make sure the table and floor are neat and clean, all paper and refuse thrown away, and trays and dishes are returned. On occasion, students will be told by the teacher(s) in charge to clean up messes left behind by other students. They will be expected to cooperate. If all live up to their responsibility, this will not be necessary. No tape players or radios are allowed at any time. STUDENTS MAY BRING THEIR LUNCH, BUT CANNOT HAVE LUNCH DELIVERED FROM OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA.

In addition, during the lunch hours, the following regulations should be observed:

Special Regulations

After dismissal in the afternoon, students must leave the building by 5:00 p.m. If they are engaged in a practice, rehearsal, meeting, etc., after 3:15 p.m., the students are to be with the school employee in charge of the activity. Students who leave to go to a practice must take everything with them to the locker room, as they will not be allowed to return to the main building after practice. Students may be in classrooms with teachers, but they are expected to leave with the teacher. Any students who are in the building beyond 5:00 p.m. are expected to go to the main lobby to wait for rides. Students should check with the Dean ahead of time if they plan to be at school beyond 5:00 p.m.

Automobiles and Parking

All students who drive to school will park in designated areas in front of, alongside, and behind the school. For a $20.00 fee parking tags will be issued from the Dean of Students. Tags received from anyone but the Dean are considered counterfeit and will be revoked. The tags must be visible while the car is parked on school grounds. The car must be parked in the proper area only or it will be towed. No student is allowed to enter any car during the school day, including the lunch period, without carrying written permission from the Dean. Students are not permitted to drive or sit in cars at any time during the school day. They are not to loiter in the parking area.

The following will be towed without notice:

· Students parking on campus who have not purchased a parking space.

· Students who park in faculty/staff parking spaces.

· Students who park in construction areas and fire lanes.

Special Notice to Parents: Traffic flow in the mornings and afternoons is crucial to student safety. One-way rules (in during the morning and out in the afternoon) will be in effect for students who drive. Those who are being dropped off before or picked up immediately after school should wait on Clays Mill Road. PARENTS SHOULD NOT PULL ONTO CAMPUS DURING THE TIMES OF: 7:30 – 8:00 AM. The area in front of Lexington Catholic, just off Clays Mill Road, is the drop-off and pick-up zone.

Tobacco Products

The possession of tobacco products of any type, as well as their use, is prohibited in the school building and on school grounds. There will be a $25.00 fine or five (5) hours of work assigned and the parents will be notified for each offense. Repeated offenses will result in a suspension and a disciplinary referral being sent to the parents. Chronic offenders will be subject to dismissal.

Electronic Devices

Portable radios, electronic games, beepers, cell phones, electronic organizers, I Pods, and similar devices are not permitted in classrooms or hallways during the school day. They must be turned off and kept in the student’s locker until dismissal. They will be confiscated and held by the Dean of Students if they are found outside of lockers. A detention will be issued. The second offense will result in a suspension.

Alcohol and Drugs

Lexington Catholic High School's identity and mission require us to promote a healthy, drug-free life style for all persons. Thus, our policy strictly forbids students to possess, use, be under the influence of, sell, or transfer alcoholic beverages, illegal narcotics or drugs, counterfeit controlled substances, look-alike drugs, or other intoxicating substances, nor possess, sell, or transfer drug paraphernalia on school property, en route to and from school, or at any location of a school-sponsored or school- related event or activity, including, but not limited to, socials, athletic and club activities or retreats. While this policy focuses primarily on student conduct on school property or at school-sponsored or school-related functions, the school (as referenced in the section, "Expulsion" herein) always reserves the right to expel a student for serious violations of the school rules. Use of medications prescribed or ordered by a physician or dentist shall not be considered a violation of this policy. The rules governing the use of prescription medication by students is set forth in a subsequent section of these regulations.

1. The use or possession of any alcoholic beverage on Lexington Catholic High School grounds by any person at any LCHS student function or activity, including but not limited to athletic events, is strictly prohibited. All alcohol found on school property will be confiscated by police authority. (The Lexington Catholic High School Board adopted this policy in January 2004.)

2. Any student selling, promoting the sale, or in any other way supplying illegal narcotics or drugs, counterfeit controlled substances, look-alike drugs, or other intoxicating substances, or drug paraphernalia, as set forth above, will be automatically expelled.

3. Any student possessing, using, and/or being under the influence of narcotics, drugs, counterfeit controlled substances, look-alike drugs, or other intoxicating substances, as set forth above, will be automatically expelled.

4. Any student possessing, using, and /or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages either on campus or at any school sponsored activity will result in suspension. On the student’s first offense, a confidential meeting will be held with the student, parents/guardians, and a school official to review a required educational program and alcohol abuse evaluation to be paid by the family. The grade level guidance counselor will work with the student and family during this period of time. The student will serve a five-day in-school suspension. A suspended student loses certain rights and privileges that are explained in the Suspension section of the student Handbook. If the student has a similar infraction while attending Lexington Catholic High School, the parents will be asked to withdraw their son or daughter. If the parents refuse to withdraw the student, he or she will be expelled.

5. Drug Testing Policy: Lexington Catholic High School reserves the right to require mandatory drug screening tests on any student who displays a behavior associated with drugs or suspected drugs, such as marijuana, anabolic steroids, inhalants, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, narcotics, or designer type drugs. This policy also applies to the use of a breathalyzer to detect the use of or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages. The student will be asked to begin mandatory drug counseling within ten (10) days of the conference and it will be at the parents’ expense.

Lexington Catholic High School also conducts random drug screening. The drug screening program for this school year will consist of screening ten percent (10%) of the student body in grades nine through twelve.

· These students will be selected randomly.

· Hair sampling will be the method used and will be performed by the Principal, Assistant Principal, or Dean of Students to be known as the administrative team.

· The Lexington Catholic Parent Organization will cover the cost of the first random test.

· Any student testing positive on the initial screening will be retested in one hundred (100) days and again thereafter at the discretion of the school. All follow-up testing will be at the expense of the student’s family.

The primary method of testing will be hair analysis performed by Psychemedics Corporation, a licensed clinical laboratory. Each hair sample will be analyzed for cocaine, opiates, marijuana, methamphetamines, PCP, and Ecstasy. Other forms of testing, for example urine screening or hair screening for additional drugs, may be employed at the discretion of Lexington Catholic High School.

Each student screened will be assigned a unique identification number. The administrative team will perform the hair collection using chain of custody procedures established by Psychemedics Corporation. The identification number of the student will be entered in the hair collection kit. A sample of hair (approximately sixty strands) will be cut cosmetically from the crown of the student’s head. A student with insufficient hair will have body hair collected, such as arm, leg, or underarm hair. The sample will be sealed by the designated school personnel and initialed by the tested student under chain of custody procedures to identify the hair sample and results. The sample will be mailed to Psychemedics Corporation’s laboratory.

All hair collections and results will be identified by the unique individually coded number of the student. No names will be recorded on the collection bag or the test results. Psychemedics Corporation will confidentially provide test results of the student only to the Administrative Team. Parents will be notified by mail if a test is negative. Lexington Catholic High School will notify the student’s parents or guardians of a positive result within ten (10) days of receipt of the test results by the school. All test results of students will remain strictly confidential between the student, his or her parents/guardians, the Administrative Team, and the grade level Guidance Counselor. No test result of any student will be disclosed to any person or agency beyond those listed above without signed written consent of the parents/guardians. Release of test results will be requested by the Administrative Team for purposes of referral for professional evaluation and possible treatment recommendations. This will be at the expense of the student’s family.

If a student testing positive wishes to contest the result, he or she may do so within a ten-day notification of the student’s parents/guardians of the positive result. Re-tests will be at the expense of the student’s family.

Lexington Catholic High School will not initiate criminal charges or other legal action against the student or the student’s parents/guardians based solely on a positive drug test obtained in the random screening process. The school will require a conference between the student, parents/guardians of the student, and the Administrative Team to review the required educational program and substance abuse evaluation to be followed by the family. All costs for the required counseling are the responsibility of the parents/guardians. A student who has tested positive on a test administered in the random drug screening program will continue normal school activities unless directed otherwise by the parents/guardians and/or school guidance counselor. Any student who tests positive in the random screening program will be retested approximately one hundred (100) days after the date of the first test and thereafter at the sole discretion of Lexington Catholic High School. Testing positive for a second time or at any future time in the student’s stay at Lexington Catholic High School will result in asking the parents to withdraw their son or daughter. If the parents refuse to withdraw their son or daughter, he or she will be expelled.

By the execution of the signature page of the 2006-2007 Student Handbook, the student and the parents/guardians agree that they understand the purpose and the reason for the alcohol and drug policies at Lexington Catholic High School and give their consent thereto. Any student refusing to submit to drug screening, including a mandatory screening, a random screening, or any follow-up screening as deemed necessary by Lexington Catholic High School, or by purposely shaving all body hair, shall be subject to dismissal. Any student who violates the alcohol policy and refuses additional evaluation and counseling shall be asked to withdraw. If parents refuse to withdraw their son or daughter, he or she will be expelled.

Prescription Medicines

Parents are encouraged to administer any prescription drug or medication to their children before or after school hours. If medication must be administered during the school day, the following guidelines must be followed:

· PARENT Responsibility: All medication prescribed by a physician must be accompanied by a Physician Statement Form obtained from Lexington Catholic High School. This form must be signed and dated by the student’s physician and returned by the parent. Parents are responsible for returning the form and the medication to the Guidance Department Assistant. All medication must be in the original container and properly labeled by a registered pharmacist.

· SCHOOL Responsibility: All medication will be in a secure place, under lock and key. The student must obtain medication from the Guidance Department Assistant. Each student will provide a signature and time that medication was received. The Guidance Department Assistant will register the time the medication was taken. All unused medication must be claimed by the parent within a two week period of discontinued use.

Searches

Lexington Catholic High School may search any student or possessions of any student on school property for any reason a school official deems necessary. These searches may include, but are not limited to, lockers, wallets, purses, cars, and clothing. Searches may take place with or without student knowledge.

The school library is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on all school days.

1. Because the library is a center for research and studying, students must conduct themselves in a manner that is not disruptive to others.

2. Students must show a signed agenda or other form of written permission to come to the library during classes or flex. Students accompanied by a teacher are exempt from needing a signed pass.

3. Students must follow the Acceptable Use Policy for computers. Computers in the library and lab are restricted to educational use only.

4. Books may be checked out for two weeks; magazines, for one day. Overdue fines are $0.10 per day. Students who lose or damage a book or magazine must pay for its replacement.

5. Students must return all library material and furniture to their proper places before leaving the library.

2. Students are not to be in the corridors of the school building after school unless they are going to or from the library or study sessions with teachers.

3. Moderators of extra-curricular activities are to supervise the use of the facilities after school by the students involved in these activities. The same, of course, applies to the coaches in regard to the athletes in the gym section of the school.

4. The school buildings will be locked at 5:00 P.M.

5. Students who have a reason to remain in the building on a particular day should check with the Dean ahead of time about remaining after 5:00 P.M. and are not permitted under any circumstances to use the gym.

6. Students are not to be in the faculty lounge.

7. Posters hung in the school or cafeteria must be approved by the Dean or the moderator of the organization involved, and they may be displayed only in designated areas. NO POSTERS WILL BE HUNG ON PAINTED SURFACES.

8. Field house regulations are developed and specified by the athletic department. For no reason whatsoever, may anyone be allowed in the locker room area of the opposite sex. The training area between the two locker room areas is open to students of both sexes who should come there in full athletic or school uniform.

Forgery

Falsely signing of parent’s, doctor’s, or faculty member’s name on notes or any other school form is a serious offense and a student may incur a minimum one-day suspension.

Gambling

Gambling is absolutely forbidden. Any student involved in gambling activities is subject to dismissal. All card playing is forbidden during school hours.

Gang Affiliation

Lexington Catholic will not permit members of the student body to be, or become, members of a street gang. Students identified by the authorities, as street gang members will be requested to withdraw from Lexington Catholic. Gang Member Identifiers: If, in the judgment of the office of the Dean, a Lexington Catholic student is attempting to identify himself as a gang member, he will be requested to cease and desist immediately. Failure to do so may result in expulsion. Identifiers will include, but are not limited to: gang color gym shoes, gang color shoelaces, and gang color personal belongings.

Graffiti

Any Lexington Catholic student responsible for the drawing of graffiti or tagging on Lexington Catholic property will be fined a minimum of $25.00, required to make restitution, and be subject to expulsion.

Reckless Driving

Speeding and careless handling of any vehicle is extremely dangerous. THE SPEED LIMIT ON CAMPUS IS 5 MILES PER HOUR. Violators will lose driving privileges and will be officially suspended. Students who ride on the exterior of the car (roof, hood, fender, trunk, and so on) face serious disciplinary action.

Weapons

Students are forbidden to possess, handle, transmit, or use any instrument in the school or on school grounds, which is generally considered a weapon. The following are some examples of instruments generally considered a weapon: knives, stun guns and electrical zappers, pipes, chains, throwing stars, metal knuckles, blackjacks, fireworks, explosives, or other chemicals. Weapons will be confiscated and the student is liable to expulsion.

This rule also includes the possession of personal defense substances, including but not limited to such things as mace or other chemical defense sprays, chemical dyes, pepper spray, and electrical zappers.

Considering the seriousness of this matter, students should not bring to school anything even resembling a weapon, even if it in itself were not a threat. This would include cap pistols, water pistols, and plastic or rubber knives. No mention or discussion of weapons or violent acts is allowed. To insure the safety and well being of every member of the school community, any discussion or comment involving the mention of weapons should be reported immediately to the DEAN OF STUDENTS. Such discussions will result in suspension or expulsion.

School Dress Code

ANY VIOLATION OF THE UNIFORM CODE WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC DETENTION AND BEING SENT TO CHANGE. THIS ABSENCE WILL BE UNEXCUSED. NO MAKE-UP WORK WILL BE ALLOWED. THE STUDENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO RETURN TO CLASS UNTIL THE UNIFORM VIOLATION IS CORRECTED.

All shirts, pants, shorts, skorts, and sweaters must be purchased through Educational Outfitters of Cincinnati. Only clothing items approved by Lexington Catholic for Educational Outfitters may be purchased. School sweatshirts may only be purchased through the Knight’s Kastle campus store and worn in accordance with the policy below.

Shirts

Uniform shirts must have the school crest embroidered and must be white, red, yellow, navy blue, light blue, or royal blue. Shirts must be tucked in at all times while on the school campus. Only the top button may be unbuttoned. Students have the choice of wearing polo shirts or button-down oxford shirts. All must be purchased from Educational Outfitters. The sleeves may not be rolled above the elbows. Shirts must fit loosely and be long enough to remain tucked in at all times. Teachers and administrators will make a final determination as to whether or not clothes are too tight.

Pants

Pants must have the Educational Outfitters embroidered emblem on the back. They may not be modified other than normal and customary sizing alterations. They must be loose fitting and worn at the waist. Teachers and administrators will make a final determination as to whether or not clothes are too tight. All slacks must be hemmed at the bottom. They cannot be rolled or frayed. Pants must be in good order, clean, and not faded. All pants must be purchased through Educational Outfitters.

Shorts

The shorts must have the Educational Outfitters embroidered emblem on the back and must come to the top of the knee. They may not be modified other than normal and customary sizing alterations. Shorts must be loose fitting and MUST TOUCH THE KNEES. Shorts must be in good order, clean, and not faded. All shorts must be purchased through Educational Outfitters.

Skorts

Girls are permitted to wear skorts with the Educational Outfitters emblem on the back. They must come to the top of the knee. They may not be modified other than normal and customary sizing alterations. Skorts must be loose fitting and MUST TOUCH THE KNEE. Skorts must be in good order, clean, and not faded. All skorts must be purchased through Educational Outfitters.

Belts

Plain leather belts must be worn at all times while wearing pants or shorts. The belts must be plain and a solid color. Ribbon, embroidered, scarves, ties and embellished belts are not permitted. Belts must be worn at the waist.

Sweaters

Students have a choice of three sweaters that may be worn: a navy blue sweater vest with the school crest for boys and girls, a navy blue v-neck pullover sweater with the school crest for boys and girls, or a navy blue zippered sweater with the school crest for girls. All sweaters must be purchased through Educational Outfitters.

Sweatshirts

Students may wear only Lexington Catholic High School logo sweatshirts that have been purchased at the Knight’s Kastle, the campus store. Sweatshirts cannot have hoods or be zippered. NO OTHER OUTERWEAR IS PERMITTED.

Undershirts

Students may only wear white undershirts with no lettering or anything else showing through their uniform shirts. The sleeves of the undershirt must not be visible.

Socks

Students may wear only solid color white, gray, brown, black, or navy blue socks that are ankle length or longer. Girls may wear hose. Socks must be visible at all times. No footies are allowed to be worn during the school day.

Shoes

Students’ footwear must be neat and clean with hard, thick, visible soles; tennis shoes are acceptable; shoe color must be primarily black, brown, white, gray, tan, or navy blue. Clogs and shoes, such as loafers and lace-up shoes, are allowed. All shoes must be closed toed. Shoes or sneakers with laces must be tied tightly in the customary manner. Slippers, slipper-type shoes, moccasins, house shoes, crocs, or flip flops are not permitted at school or at any academic school sponsored event.

General Rules for Girls

School uniform must always be neat and clean.

No part of the body may be pierced with the exception of the ears. Earrings must be worn in the lobes. Only one earring per ear may be worn and may not be larger in size than a nickel.

Students may wear one gold or silver necklace with a single pendant such as a cross. No other type of necklace, such as beaded, stone, or woven is allowed.

Tattoos of any type are not permitted. Any pre-existing tattoos must not be visible at any time or at any school function.

Proper grooming is required. Hair must be neat and clean. No extreme hairstyles or colors are permitted. No dying or bleaching of hair is permitted.

No hats are to be worn in the school building.

General Rules for Boys

School uniform must always be neat and clean.

No piercing of any kind is permitted.

Students may wear one gold or silver necklace with a single pendant such as a cross. No other type of necklace, such as beaded, stone, or woven is allowed.

Students may wear one bracelet and/or watch on each arm

Tattoos of any type are not permitted. Any pre-existing tattoo must not be visible at any time or at any school sponsored event.

Proper grooming is required. Hair must be neat and clean. No extreme hairstyles or colors are permitted. No dying or bleaching of the hair is permitted.

Boys’ hair must be moderate in length in front, back, sides, and top. It may not extend below the top of the collar of a school shirt. Hair must be above the ears on the sides. Hair must be moderate on top and may not be bulky.

Boys must be clean-shaven and sideburns must not extend below the bottom of the ear.

No hats are to be worn in the school building.

Senior Uniform

For the 2006-2007 school year, the senior class must wear pants, shorts, or skorts purchased through Educational Outfitters. Seniors must abide by all dress code rules, with the exception of shirts. Seniors are permitted to wear shirts without the school crest embroidered on them provided that they are loose fitting and satisfy all other conditions of the school dress code.

Special Dress Days

Occasionally the students have non-uniform days. These days are of two types: dress-up days and jeans days. On dress up days, the students are expected to wear clothing equal to or greater than the uniform standard. All uniform rules for skirt length, etc. still apply. The overall guidelines are: "Neatness, moderation, and modesty should guide the selection of student dress.”

Jeans Day Rules

1. Jeans may not be frayed, have holes, or extensive patchwork.

2. Students must wear uniform hose or socks, and shoes at all times.

3. Shirts with collars must be worn.

4. Shirts must be tucked in at all times.

5. All students must wear uniform belts.

Student Activities

Service

Service at Lexington Catholic High School is understood as faith in action. Through participation in the Lexington Catholic High School service program, students become aware of the importance of Christian service as an integral part of our lived and shared faith. Students provide service by working at community agencies, school functions, and school sponsored projects. Various clubs and organizations promote and perform community service by the club membership. Requests for student participation in community service are coordinated by the Director of Student Activities. Mission service is sponsored by the Office of Campus Ministry. The Director of Student Activities must approve all requests for community service before Lexington Catholic High School students can participate.

Eligibility

A participant must have for the current academic semester up to and including Friday of the week preceding the week in which the contest occurs, a passing average in each of at least five full-credit high school subjects or their equivalent in units of credit accepted for graduation. No special recitations or tests are to be given for the purpose of making a student eligible.

Sponsors of all activities receive weekly reports for participants. Each sponsor will review the report and take appropriate actions when necessary. Participants not in attendance at school for the entire day on the day of their event CANNOT participate. Only the Principal or designee may make exceptions. Every attempt should be made by the participant to clear this before the event or as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the activity to check on the participant’s attendance. Participants must also be present for school for the entire day after their event or they will not be allowed to play/participate in the next game or activity. If the student wishes to participate in the next activity or game, adoctor’s excuse is necessary to have such an absence excused.

Athletics

Athletics play an important part in the life of the students at Lexington Catholic. They help a student develop a sound body, a sense of teamwork and sportsmanship, and recreational skills of value for their adult lives. It is important that parents of athletes help instill these values by their own attitudes relative to the athletic program.

FALL SPORTS: Boys’ and girls’ soccer, golf and cross country; boys’ football; girls’ volleyball.

WINTER SPORTS: Boys’ and girls’ basketball, swimming and diving.

SPRING SPORTS: Boys’ baseball, girls’ softball, boys and girls’ tennis and track.

Athletics also include:

Cheerleaders

The cheerleaders are active at interscholastic athletic contests, especially soccer, football, and basketball games, and they take part in cheerleading competitions.

Dance Team

The dance team performs at football and basketball games.

Club Sports

Ice hockey, lacrosse, and ultimate Frisbee compete at the local and state levels.

Student Activities:

Student Council

In addition to the officers chosen at large for each class year, six representatives are selected from each grade level. The Student Council coordinates student activities, sponsors several events of its own, and acts as a student voice to the faculty and the administration.

National Honor Society

Members are chosen on the basis of their scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Juniors and seniors become eligible for consideration with a 96.0 cumulative grade average. A faculty committee reviews student credentials, and eligible candidates are inducted into the society. They perform service for the school and students as needed.

Speech and Drama

Dramatic productions are performed annually. The speech team engages in forensic and interpretative competitions throughout Kentucky and neighboring states, usually on Saturdays.

Student Publications

The newsmagazine (Knight News) is published periodically, the yearbook (Quest) and the literary magazine (Plume’s Curl) on an annual basis. All publications offer students ample opportunities to gain experience in the field of journalism and publications. The Plume’s Curl is an anthology of student writing.

Foreign Language Clubs

Spanish, French, and Latin Clubs sponsor activities related to the language and culture being studied. All three languages sponsor honor societies. Academic criteria must be met in order to be eligible for membership to the honor societies.

Academic Team

This team represents the school in the Thoroughbred Academic League, Governors Cup, Future Problem Solvers, and similar competitions.

The “Y” Club

This club sponsors service projects within the school and community. Members are also eligible to represent Lexington Catholic at the statewide Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) and Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA).

The Key Club

This club is a service organization sponsored by the Kiwanis organization. This club promotes school and community service.

National Beta Club

This club is a national honor society that recognizes excellence in character, achievement, leadership and service. Lifetime memberships are offered for those sophomores, juniors, and seniors who meet and maintain criteria. In return for participation in a variety of community service projects, students may receive national recognition and scholarship opportunities.

Spirit Club

This club promotes school spirit especially at athletic events. The pep club plans pep rallies and homecoming events annually.

Tri M Music Honor Society

This club recognizes outstanding achievement in music. Students are invited to join this society after demonstration of academic achievement and positive faculty reviews.

Special Interest Clubs

These clubs, such as Art Club, Science Club, Social Justice Club, TATU, Web Club, Chess Club, and so forth, enable students to pursue activities of special interest to them according to the wishes of the students and sponsors.

Also, under the direct supervision of a faculty sponsor, each class (i.e. freshman, sophomore, etc,) is responsible for certain activities each year.

Attendance Procedure

Parents and students are reminded of the importance of student attendance at all classes during the school day. The personal interaction between students and teachers is an integral part of Lexington Catholic’s educational program.

If a student is absent due to illness, the parent should call the attendance office on the morning of the absence to report it. The parent must then write a note to accompany the student upon his/her return to school stating the date and reason for the absence. Notes for six absences per semester will be accepted from parents. Absences beyond six per semester will require a doctor’s note to be excused. Students who are absent due to illness are not permitted to participate in extracurricular activities or practices during the day(s) of their absence. When a student is away from school attending a school-related function approved by the Dean of Students, it is not counted as a day of absence.

Vacations must be taken during the specified periods in the school calendar. For absences that extend a vacation period, a doctor’s note will be necessary in order for the absence to be excused. There are situations where a student has a legitimate need to miss classes in order to take part in activities away from school. The procedure to be followed in these instances in order to have the absence(s) excused is:

· The parent notifies the administration, at the beginning of the semester, that the student will be missing school and specifies the dates to be missed. The administrator will approve or deny the request.

· Teachers will be alerted by the administration of the dates.

· The parent and student, working with the guidance department, propose a plan for completing missed classwork and homework which will be approved by the teachers. Any tests or quizzes will be made up following the teachers’ stated guidelines.

LEXINGTON CATHOLIC STRONGLY DISCOURAGES EXTENDED FAMILY VACATIONS/TRIPS DURING SCHOOL TIME AND URGES PARENTS TO GIVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH AN ABSENCE.

When a student reaches six (6) absences (excused or unexcused) each semester, a student conference will take place and a letter will be sent to the parents.

Students who are absent 10% of the days in a year (approx. 175 days/year) are subject to review by the principal’s staff for possible dismissal.

Students who have been absent more than 10% of the days of the current year may not be excused for field trips, extracurricular activities, college days, or hoagie days. Only the Principal or designee may make exceptions.

Procedure to Report an Absence

IF A STUDENT IS ABSENT, THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN SHOULD NOTIFY THE SCHOOL BEFORE 7:55 AM THE DAY OF THE ABSENCE. A PHONE CALL IS REQUIRED EVERY DAY OF THE ABSENCE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 277-7183 ext. 250. UPON RETURNING TO SCHOOL, THE STUDENT MUST PRESENT A NOTE TO THE DEAN’S OFFICE SIGNED BY ONE PARENT OR GUARDIAN, STATING THE STUDENT’S FULL NAME, DATE, AND REASON FOR ABSENCE. IF A STUDENT SHOULD FORGET A NOTE ON THE DAY OF RETURN, THE STUDENT IS STILL TO CHECK IN WITH THE DEAN’S OFFICE. THE ABSENCE WILL BE UNEXCUSED UNTIL THE NOTE IS RECEIVED.

The student will obtain an admit slip from the dean’s office. He/she will then have each teacher sign the admit slip. The admit slip should be given to the teacher of the last class and returned to the Dean’s office in the afternoon attendance folder.

Guidelines For Attendance

If a student must be absent from school for reasons other than sickness, the Dean must be informed beforehand. A note must be presented upon the student’s return.

Parents should not schedule doctor’s appointments, driving tests, and so forth, during class times. Students are not permitted to extend their vacation periods at Christmas, Easter, and other times, even though these vacations may be taken with the parents. Parents are expected to cooperate in this matter completely.

If a student is absent from school without the parent’s knowledge and permission, he/she is considered truant. The absence is unexcused and parents must be notified. In repeat cases the student’s continued presence at Lexington Catholic will be jeopardized.

Types of Absence

EXCUSED

Unavoidable absence due to illness or injury or death in the family will be considered excused. Completion of homework and assignments missed is the responsibility of the student. Full credit will be given for all examinations made up according to the individual teacher’s stated policy as approved by the Dean. Teachers are expected to supply reasonable assistance in helping to keep the student at pace with his/her studies.

PERMISSIBLE

An absence is permissible if approved by the Dean of Students, which requires prior WRITTEN notification by the parents to the Dean. Completion of homework and assignments missed is the responsibility of the student. Full credit will be given for all examinations made up by the student according to the individual teacher’s stated policy as approved by the Dean. Teachers are expected to supply reasonable assistance. This type of absence covers necessary and unavoidable doctor and dental appointments, family emergencies, approved family requests, school business, and college visitations.

UNEXCUSED

An absence is unexcused if it is due to truancy, skipped class, leaving campus without permission, early departure prior to calendar vacations or late arrival following calendar vacations, and unapproved family request. The student forfeits the opportunity to receive credit for class work or tests missed. No help or supervision is to be extended by the teacher. Students who have been truant may forfeit their opportunity to miss classes for co-curricular and extracurricular events. Students that are truant or skip class will receive detention to make up for missed time. Repeated offenses will result in suspension.

Special Situations

EARLY DEPARTURE: No student may leave school early without permission from the Dean of Students. If the student knows in advance that he/she will have to leave early (for medical appointments, etc.), the student must bring a note to that effect to the dean’s office before school begins in the morning. Unexpected appointments do arise during the school day, but are discouraged. IF THIS SITUATION DOES ARISE, PARENTS MUST COME IN TO RELEASE THE STUDENTS AND SIGN THEM OUT IN THE OFFICE, OR FAX A WRITTEN PERMISSION TO THE SCHOOL FAX NUMBER 276-5086.

Even when permission has been secured, the student must come by the office upon departing and sign out in the main office. If the student returns from an appointment while school is still in progress, he/she must sign back in and obtain an admission slip before returning to class.

MESSAGES: The school switchboard is prepared to handle absentee calls in the morning, calls for teachers and the administrators during the day, and all emergency situations. Callers are requested to contact the counselors directly and to limit switchboard calls to real emergencies. Except in an extreme emergency, no messages will be delivered to a student. At the end of the day, students will be notified that a message has been left for them on the “message board” in the main lobby.

ILLNESS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY: Students who become sick during the school day must go to the office of the dean for permission to leave school, for parental notification, and for proper arrangements to be made.

AFTER-SCHOOL JOBS: Lexington Catholic recognizes the need on the part of the students to work during the school year. It is the policy of this high school that a student’s primary responsibility is to his/her work as a Lexington Catholic student. At no time does the necessity to work take priority over the need to devote sufficient time and effort to his/her responsibilities as a student. Students are required to meet all their obligations, including responsibilities at school before proceeding to their after school jobs. If a student fails to recognize his/her obligations, the Dean shall contact his/her parents.

HOAGIE DAYS: All students who sell the required number of Hoagies are eligible for an excused day from school. Hoagie Day applications may be obtained from the Dean by those students eligible. The last day to take a Hoagie Day is Friday, May 11.

COLLEGE VISITS: College days will be handled as permissible absences. NO COLLEGE DAY ABSENCES WILL BE PERMITTED AFTER APRIL 1. Forms are available from the Dean of Students. Juniors are permitted one college day and seniors are permitted two college days. These days can be used to visit colleges outside a fifty-mile radius of Lexington. Local college visits should be arranged for after school hours.

Tardiness

Students arriving at school after homeroom begins must sign in at the main office. Three tardies to school will result in detention. Every subsequent tardy will also result in detention. The individual teachers will handle tardiness to class other than homeroom.

Other Procedural Matters

School’s Webpage

The school’s webpage is the main means of parent and alumni communication. The webpage allows us to keep parents and alumni informed of Lexington Catholic High School happenings on a daily basis. It provides the visitor with a wide array of detailed information, from academics to athletics and everything in between. The site is updated daily with event or calendar changes with the help of the school’s webmaster and web club members. It is the most reliable source for current Lexington Catholic High School information. As a Lexington Catholic parent or alum, please make www.lexingtoncatholic.coma daily web visit.

Withdrawal Procedure

If parents wish to withdraw a student from Lexington Catholic, they should first get in touch personally with the Admissions Officer to discuss the reason for the withdrawal.

1. The student should then obtain a withdrawal form from the guidance office and have this form completed by each of the teachers, the Librarian, the Dean, the Principal, and the President.

2. The completed form should then be brought to the office and all financial accounts settled.

3. A student between the ages of 16 and 18, who is not intending to transfer to a different school, must have a conference with the Principal and then obtain the signature of the parent on a standard release form, pursuant to KRS 159.010.

4. Only when these steps have been taken can the school release the student’s records.

Payment of Tuition

Tuition payments are due the first of the month, with the exception of the first payment that is due June 15. A late charge of 1.75% will be charged monthly on payments made late. If you need to make special arrangements, please contact the business manager in advance. Tuition payment booklets will be mailed to parents who are registered for the upcoming school year in the spring. It is the policy of the school board that those persons not meeting their payment obligations on a monthly basis will be asked to find other educational institutions for their students, and that no transcripts will be forwarded to any institution or organization until payment is made in full. Consideration will be given to those persons who establish reasonable cause for late payment. Students cannot take their final exams until tuition payments have been paid in full. Consideration of financial assistance will be given to those families who can demonstrate financial need. The board will establish criteria for this financial assistance.

Financial Aid

It is the policy of the Lexington Catholic Board, acting on behalf of the Diocese of Lexington in the administration of the high school, that no student be refused admission for financial reasons. The school is committed to working with each family to assist them in their choice of Catholic education.

It must be noted that the Board and the school cannot assume the primary responsibility for the financial burden of Catholic education. That primary responsibility resides with the student and his or her family. The board and the school, however, are committed to assisting each family in meeting the fiscal needs of the tuition.

Each spring, the Board of the school approves a budget that includes a financial assistance fund that is as large as the school’s resources allow. It is hoped that each applying family will receive sufficient aid to enable its student(s) to attend Lexington Catholic.

Upon registration, the applying family will be asked to fill out and submit a highly detailed and specific application form. The applying family will mail the application to an independent financial evaluation service that will assist the school in assigning its limited pool of funds. It will be the responsibility of each applying family to pay the processing fee that the company charges. As part of this fee, there is unlimited telephone support in filling out the forms and/or interpreting them. The forms must be returned to the service by the deadline date in the application instructions.

Although the company we have chosen will supply us with a “rating” of each applicant and a “suggested grant,” the finance committee of the board of Lexington Catholic will review the recommendations and make the final decision. Applicants will be notified of this decision as soon as possible.

Insufficient Funds Checks

Persons submitting insufficient funds checks to the school will be charged a $25.00 service charge and must replace the check with cash, cashier’s check, or a money order.

Athletic Matters

Athletic Eligibility and Participation

1. Athletic Inquiries

KHSAA Bylaw 10 expressly prohibits recruitment activities which influence any student to attend a particular school for participating in athletics. Accordingly, any inquiry regarding participation in athletics at Lexington Catholic High School and governed by the KHSAA shall be directed to the Admissions Director or the Lexington Catholic website. If any prospective student or family contacts any coach, athletic director, school personnel, or any other person with a direct connection to the athletic department or school, they must be directed to the Admissions Director with a copy of the message forwarded to the Athletic Director. In addition, no staff member shall contact a student athlete outside of the feeder system of schools in accordance with KHSAA Bylaw 10.

2. Incoming Freshmen

All incoming freshmen shall complete the Electives and Activities Form, the Parental Explanation Sheet, and the Athletic Compliance Form before they are eligible to tryout, practice, or participate in any manner for any athletic team. The purpose of these forms is to compile all necessary personal information to ensure compliance with KHSAA eligibility requirements. For example, if the student has repeated any grade including, but not limited to, eighth grade, the Admissions Director shall obtain the documentation and transcripts documenting the details. One copy of each form is retained by the Admissions Director and the second copy is retained by the Athletic Department.

In addition to other KHSAA restrictions to player eligibility, prior to any eligibility or participation in athletics, the Assistant Athletic Director shall review the Elective and Activities Form, the Parental Explanation Sheet, and the Athletic Compliance Form and acknowledge the eligibility of the participant pursuant to the applicable Bylaws. The form will then be submitted for review to the Athletic Director for compliance.

3. Transfer Students

All transfer students shall also complete the Parental Explanation Form and the Athletic Compliance Form before they are eligible to tryout, practice, or participate in any manner for any athletic team. One copy of each form is retained by the Admissions Director and the second copy is retained by the Athletic Department.

The Admissions Director will identify all transfer students and notify the Athletic Director of their pending enrollment. No transfer student is eligible to tryout or practice on any team until they meet with the Athletic Director and complete the appropriate KHSAA Transfer Forms and until the KHSAA approves the player’s eligibility pursuant to KHSAA Bylaw 6. If the student has repeated any grade, the Admissions Officer will obtain the appropriate documentation and transcripts to provide to the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director will inform the coach that the student has complied with KHSAA eligibility transfer requirements prior to any athletic participation. Seniors who transfer will be ineligible unless they have a special waiver by the Athletic Director and Principal.

4. Existing Students

Coaches shall submit rosters to the Athletic Director or his designee pursuant to the following schedule:

Fall Sports – August 1

Winter Sports – November 1

Spring Sports – March 1

The Athletic Director or designee shall ensure that each student athlete satisfies the requirements per the KHSAA Certification of Eligibility Form and Participation List prior to any participation in athletics.

Pursuant to Bylaw 2, each