Bishop McNamara High School
Transcript of Bishop McNamara High School
Bishop McNamara High School To Think with Christ
STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
2016-2017
6800 Marlboro Pike
Forestville, MD 20747
(301) 735-8401
Fax (301) 735-0934
http://www.bmhs.org
***This Handbook does not represent an expressed or implied
contract. The school reserves the right to amend this handbook
at any time. Notice of any changes will be provided to
Parents***
Parents and students are obligated and responsible for knowing
and adhering to the guidelines and policies expressed herein.
This agenda belongs to:
Fall 2016
Dear Bishop McNamara High School Students,
Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year. Whether you are a brand new
freshman, a transfer student from another school or one of our returning
“veterans,” we know that there are rewarding friendships, creative
scheduling that allows you to experience a varied and challenging
curriculum and unlimited personal growth opportunities waiting for you
within this outstanding school community. Whether you are performing in
our four million dollar fine arts center, competing on our state of the art
artificial turf field, or enjoying the over $8 million worth of new additions
and facility renovations, it is all here for you! You will be delighted and
challenged by the tools and resources at your disposal. New age technology
and age old faith and values will be your companions on your journey to
academic and personal achievement.
Our school administration, faculty, staff, coaches and counselors are
pleased to begin your school year by presenting you with this “carry along”
personal agenda and official school handbook. Your Agenda Book includes
a daily assignment section, a planning and resource guide, and much of the
information that you will need to make your way efficiently and
confidently through the school year. We urge you to use your Agenda
Book daily and refer to it often for clarification and explanation of school
policies and procedures.
The road to success is not the belief that it can always be attained, but the
belief that it is always worth pursuing. You and your teachers, counselors,
and coaches make an unbeatable team. It is up to you to begin this year by
distinguishing yourself in your classrooms, in the halls and on the playing
fields as a woman or man of faith, commitment and positive energy. You
have chosen Bishop McNamara and Bishop McNamara has chosen you.
Together we will create a partnership, trust and friendship of mutual
respect that can and will change your life. Welcome to the 2016-2017
school year. Be bold in your visions and daring in your dreams. Be open to
the unlimited possibilities of each new day. It is all up to you. This is your
moment in time. Make each day count.
God Bless You,
Marco J. Clark, ’85, Ed.D.
President/CEO
The Mission of Bishop McNamara High School Bishop McNamara High School, a college preparatory school in the Holy
Cross tradition, exists to educate and to form young men and women in the
Catholic faith. The school challenges its students to think with Christ: a
thought animated by the Gospel, manifested in service, and informed by
academic excellence.
A Holy Cross School
Educates in the Faith by instilling a life mission consistent with
Gospel values
Celebrates the sanctity and dignity of life
Cultivates the mind, body and spirit
Values diversity as a strength and humility as a virtue
Nurtures a spirit of community
Inspires life-long learning, personal growth and faith development
Bishop McNamara High School Alma Mater
Hail to thee, our McNamara: True Maroon and Gold. What we have in McNamara, Never will grow old. Brotherhood and sisterhood in Christian unity, Mustangs once, we'll always be. We sing our love to thee.
Hail to thee, our McNamara: Faith and strength through thee What we share in McNamara Keeps us family. Education, celebration, life’s great dignity Alma Mater, strong and free, We stand and honor thee.
Maroon and Gold Fight Song
Maroon & Gold go charging through, Fight on you Mustangs brave and true. We conquer all, we never fall, We always fight for one and all. For victory we'll raise our cry, Our spirits strong will never die. Go marching on to VICTORY, For McNamara High!
BISHOP McNAMARA STUDENT MORAL CODE
1. Respect yourself.
2. Be courteous.
3. Respect teachers.
4. Respect students.
5. Be kind.
6. Be honest.
7. Be helpful.
8. Be prayerful.
9. Use civil language.
10. Live like Jesus Christ.
BISHOP McNAMARA HONOR CODE
I will tell the truth.
I will do my own work, without unauthorized assistance.
I will not take what is not mine.
I will abide by the Code and the directions of the
Administration and Honor Council concerning the Code.
The Oath
I have chosen to act honorably, not because someone is watching,
but because I value my character and our community of trust.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BMHS ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM AND STAFF……...............................1
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY………………………...………...…...…………..1
THE MISSION STATEMENT FOR SCHOOLS OF THE CONGREGATION OF HOLY
CROSS MOREAU PROVINCE……........2
SEC. I: ACADEMICS - GENERAL POLICIES/PROCEDURES......2-16
Admission Policy……….…………………………………...…..2-3
Course Offerings………….……….…………………………..…..3
Honors and Advanced Placement Courses………………………..3
Graduation Requirements……….…………………….………......3
Holy Cross Service Program….....……………………………......4
Grading Procedures……..………………………………………...5
Progress Reports…………………………………………....……..5
Withdrawal from a Course………………………………….......5-6
Grading System………………………………….……………...6-7
Honors/Recognition…………………………………………….....7
Semester and Final Exams……………………………...…….…7-8
Summer School Policy…………………………………………….8
Academic Probation………………………………………….….8-9
Dismissal Policy for Academic Deficiency………………………..9
Bishop McNamara High School Honor Code…………...……..9-10
Honor Council…………………………………………………10-12
Honors Passes……………………………………………….........12
Senior Privilege……………………………………………….12-13
National Honor Society……………………………………….13-15
Counseling Office…..……………………………………...….15-16
Counseling Office Policies………………………………………..16
Transcripts of Academic Records………………………………...16
SEC. II: CO-CURRICULAR OFFERINGS………………………….16-20
Clubs……………………………………………………………...16
Athletics.…………………………………….……..……….....16-17
Activities/Student Council……………..……..……………….….18
Field Trips………..…………………………………..………..18-19
Fundraising Events ……………………………………………….19
Outside Activities/Events at Other Schools…….………………...19
School Dances………………………………………………....19-20
SEC. III: DISCIPLINARY POLICY AND PROCEDURES/
CODE OF CONDUCT…….....................................................20-35 Deans of Students……………………………..….…………….20-21
Statement of Disciplinary Policy………………………….……21-22
The Bishop McNamara Student Moral Code………………...........22
Respectful Behavior………………………………………........22-23
Disciplinary Process………………………….……………….24-30
Discipline Board…….……………………………….24-26
Detention……………………………..……………...26-27
Infractions for Issuing Detentions…………………...27-28
Infractions for Issuing Saturday Detentions ………........28
Infractions for Issuing Suspensions or Expulsion…...28-29
Disciplinary Warning……………………………...........29
Disciplinary Probation……………………….………….30
Strict Disciplinary Probation…………………..………..30
Forfeiture of Scholarships/Financial Aid……………….30
Review of Disciplinary Status……………………….30-31
Suspension.……………………..…….…………............31
Expulsion...……………………..………………..… .31-32
Non-discrimination and Harassment………..…………………......32
Hazing……………………………………………………..…….....32
Bullying…………………………………………….………......32-34
Smoking, Alcohol and Illegal Drugs………………………….…...34
Telephone/Cell Phone Calls……………………………………34-35
Eating and Drinking………………...…………..………………….35
Gum Chewing……………………………………..………….…....35
SEC. IV: ATTENDANCE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS……..35-40
Absences…………………………..………..…………...……..35-36
Perfect Attendance………………………………………………...36
Make-Up of Work Missed Because of Absence…………..…........37
Make-Up Work for Absence Due to School Related Activity….....37
Extended Absence for School Approved/Sponsored Activity…37-38
Extended Absence for Non-School Sponsored Activity…………..38
College Fair/College Visit…………………………...….…………38
Tardiness..………………………..……………….……………38-39
Excessive Absences……………………………….……………....39
Early Dismissal………………………………….……..………….40
Request for Early Dismissal Privileges……………………………40
Truancy…………………..…………………………………..........40
SEC. V: HEALTH POLICIES……………………………...………….40-42
School Nurse…………………………..…………….................40-41
Protocols for Accessing School Nurse Services…………………...41
Emergency Information………………… …….…………………..41
Prescription/Nonprescription Medication….……………..……41-42
Student Pregnancy……………………………………..…………..42
SEC. VI: ATTIRE/DRESS CODE………………..…………………...42-46
Men's Dress Code………………….……………………………....42
Men’s Optional Dress Code……….……………………………….43
Women's Dress Code……………………………………………....43
Women’s Optional Dress Code………………………………........43
Seniors’ Optional Dress Code..……………………………………44
General Dress Regulations…………………………………......44-45
Field Trip Dress Regulations…………………………………...45-46
Dress-Down Days…………………………………..………...........46
SEC. VII: SPECIFIC CAMPUS AREAS
REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES…………………....46-53 Campus……………………………………..……………….....46-47
Before School…………………………………………..……........47
Start of School………………………………………………….....47
After School……….……………………………………..………..47
After-School Study Hall Program………..……………………47-48
Cafeteria……………………………………………………….48-49
Elevators……………………………………………………..........49
Halls and Stair Landings…………………………………………..49
Saint Joseph Resource Center (SJRC)…………………………….49
SJRC Pass Policy……………………..………………………......49
Lockers and Locks………………………...…………………...49-50
Searches…………………………………………………………...50
Lost and Found…………...……………………………………….50
Study Areas…………………………………………………....50-51
Traffic, Motor Vehicle and Parking Lot Restrictions……...51-53
Student and Vehicle Entrance and Exit………………...51
Parking/Parking Lot………………………………...51-53
Automobile Security Stickers…………………………..53
SEC. VIII: GENERAL CAMPUS REGULATIONS
AND PROCEDURES……………..………………………....53-57 Communicating with School Personnel………………..…….…...53
Emergency Preparedness………………….…………………..53-54
Fire Alarm System…………………………….……….………....54
ID Cards…………..………………………….…….……..............54
Married Students……..………………………………………..54-55
Pass System…………..…………………………………………...55
Personal Property……..…………………………………………..55
Signs Posted in School………….……………………………..55-56
Visitors……………………………………………...……….........56
Weather Related Closings……………………………..…….........56
Weather Related Closings During Exams…………….…………..57
SEC. IX: FINANCIAL/SERVICE OBLIGATIONS….……..………57-60
2016-2017 Fees……………………………………….…………..57
Tuition Discounts for Siblings…………………………….…..57-58
Archdiocesan Employee Tuition Benefit…………...…………….58
Delinquency in Financial Obligations…………………...….....58-59
Checks…………………………………………………..………...59
Credit/Debit Cards………………………………………………...59
Refund Policy………………………………………..….……..59-60
Textbook Policy…………………………………………………...60
Parent Service Hours………………………………...………........60
SEC. X: SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY USAGE POLICY......................60-68
Philosophy……………………………………………………..60-61
General Expectations………………………………………......61-62
Network Access………………………………………………..62-63
Internet Use…………………………………………………....63-64
E-mail……………………………………………………………...64
Personal Devices……………………………………………….64-65
iPads…………………………………………………………….....65
Texting/Messaging/Chatting…………………………………...65-66
Social Media……………………………………………………….66
Audio-Visual…………………………………………………...66-67
Privacy……………………………………………………………..67
Consequences for Inappropriate Use of Technology…………..67-68
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BISHOP McNAMARA
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM President/CEO: Marco J. Clark `85, Ed.D. Principal: Robert W. Van der Waag, Ph.D. Assistant Principal/Academic Dean: Nigel A. Traylor, Ed.D. Assistant Principal/Dean of Students: Reginald J. Brady Assistant Principal/Dean of Students: LaSandra M. Hayes Dean of Programs: Brian A. Brower
THE PHILOSOPHY OF
BISHOP McNAMARA HIGH
SCHOOL Bishop McNamara High School, a
college preparatory school in the
Holy Cross tradition, exists to
educate and to form young men
and women in and through the
Catholic faith. Through spiritual
and academic guidance and service
to others, the school provides an
opportunity to participate in the
practice of the Catholic faith in an
atmosphere supportive of religious
values. This faith message is
taught not in isolation but is
integrated with learning and living
by relating the Gospel message to
content areas, by the living
example of faculty and staff, by
partnership with families, and by
service to the outside community.
By welcoming students from
diverse backgrounds, the school
exposes its students to a variety of
traditions beyond their own,
instilling a respect for the cultures
and values of others. Bishop
McNamara is committed to
developing in all students a sense
of self-worth and accomplishment.
The school also seeks to instill a
sense of responsibility for one’s
actions and for the well-being of
the local and global community.
Students learn this responsibility
through a range of evolving
curricular, co-curricular, and
institutional programs. The school
serves those within our community
without prejudice, accepting all
persons as they have been created
in God’s infinite goodness.
The school provides a strong,
challenging and diverse curriculum
that allows each student to achieve
success commensurate with ability
and effort. The school helps the
student develop the power to
reason independently and think
creatively. Included in this
program are co-curricular activities
which are provided to cultivate a
student’s interests and skills.
Ultimately, the school challenges
its students to think with Christ - a
thought animated by the Gospel,
manifested in service and informed
by academic excellence.
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SPONSORSHIP AND MISSION
STATEMENT
FOR SCHOOLS OF THE
CONGREGATION OF HOLY
CROSS
MOREAU PROVINCE
SPONSORSHIP
Bishop McNamara High School is
sponsored by the Congregation of
Holy Cross Moreau Province,
whose earliest educational
establishment in the United States
is the University of Notre Dame,
South Bend, Indiana. A talented
teaching faculty, administration
and support staff of laypersons
operate Bishop McNamara High
School.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Congregation of Holy Cross
has established schools, as a
continuation of the legacy of the
Blessed Father Basil Anthony
Moreau, to cultivate minds and
hearts and to serve the needs of the
Church and the world.
Educational institutions sponsored
by the Moreau Province of the
Congregation of Holy Cross are
entrusted with the stewardship of
the vision of Father Moreau.
These institutions, their boards and
faculty, employ their resources in
partnership with students, parents,
guardians, and other members of
the wider community.
As effective educators, we assist
others to view all reality through
the eyes of faith. Holy Cross
schools offer educational programs
to a diverse group of students
fostering the gifts of those with
whom and for whom we work.
We teach the Catholic faith; we
encourage the pursuit of academic
excellence; we nurture a
commitment to integral growth by
focusing on Christian values and
the intellectual, creative, social,
and physical development of those
we serve. We spur those whom
we serve to challenge prejudice as
well as unjust networks of power
and privilege.
Holy Cross sponsored schools
exist to promote the legacy and
vision of Father Moreau by
developing leaders among the
People of God for the good of
Church and society.
SECTION I: ACADEMICS
GENERAL POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES
ADMISSION POLICY
Students who qualify academically
and who indicate that they will be
successful at McNamara are
admitted into the school. Entrance
test scores, grade reports, teacher
recommendations and space
availability are considered in
accepting students.
Transfer students are automatically
placed on General Probation upon
acceptance.
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For all incoming students, all
previous school transcripts must be
received prior to the start of the
school year. It is the student's
family's responsibility to ensure
transcripts are sent to Bishop
McNamara High School. No
student will be permitted to begin
attending classes if his/her
transcript has not been received.
The school participates in the
Archdiocesan tuition assistance
program and also offers other
scholarships funded by the school,
Parents’ Club, and the
Archdiocese. Eligibility is based
upon need and scholarship.
COURSE OFFERINGS
To meet the diverse interests,
background, and talents of
students, Bishop McNamara High
School provides diverse course
offerings designed to individualize
the learning experience and, at the
same time, meet requirements for
college admission or other types of
professional preparation. A
student’s participation in an
academic program is determined
by the background, ability,
interest, and maturity of the
student and the academic
department’s recommendation.
HONORS AND ADVANCED
PLACEMENT COURSES
Bishop McNamara High School
offers a wide variety of honors and
Advanced Placement courses.
Qualifications for enrollment in
these courses are determined by
each academic department. Bishop
McNamara’s Advanced Placement
program is administered by the
Academic Dean.
GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS
Theology 4 credits
English 4 credits
Modern and Classical Lang. 2 credits (2 consecutive years of the same language)
Mathematics 4 credits
PE and Health 1credit
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 4 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Information Technology 1 credit
Freshman Gateway Sem. .5 credit
Electives 1.5 credits
Total 26 credits
Completion of Christian service
hours as explained in the Holy
Cross Service Program is a
requirement for graduation from
Bishop McNamara High School.
Students are required to earn one
Christian service credit for each
year they attend the school. The
credit is awarded when the year’s
service requirement has been
fulfilled.
Seniors who fail any course
required to fulfill graduation
requirements during their senior
year will not be permitted to
participate in graduation
ceremonies and will not receive a
diploma until the failed course is
completed successfully.
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HOLY CROSS SERVICE
PROGRAM
The Holy Cross Service Program
of Christian Service at Bishop
McNamara High School is
developed by the Campus Minister
for Outreach and the School
Administration.
All students are required to
complete the Holy Cross Service
Program (with a specific focus and
specific number of hours for each
grade level) during each year that
they are enrolled. This is a
credited requirement for
graduation. Students will receive
one credit for each year they
complete the service hour
requirement. Students may not
pass into the next grade without
completing the service
requirement.
Students who have not completed
their service requirement by the
designated date each year will not
receive credit until they have
completed the Holy Cross Summer
Service program (a fee must be
paid for participation in the
program). Students who do not
complete the Holy Cross Summer
Service program will not be
allowed to return to Bishop
McNamara in the fall since they
did not earn the required credit.
Seniors may not graduate without
meeting the service hour
requirement.
Students who enter Bishop
McNamara as transfer students are
required to complete the service
requirement only for those years in
which they are enrolled at Bishop
McNamara.
Service opportunities must be
approved by the Campus Minister
for Outreach. A list of approved
service sites is available from the
Campus Ministry office or through
the school’s website. Any service
opportunities that are not pre-
approved must be submitted via
the Approval Request Form and
will be reviewed by the Campus
Minister for Outreach. Students
should take the Christian Service
Contract with them when
volunteering and obtain the
supervisor’s signature on the
contract as verification of service.
Fully completed contracts must be
submitted to the Campus Ministry
Office in order to receive credit.
These contracts must be submitted
by the deadline established for
each grade level in order to meet
the requirement. A reflection
paper based on the service
experience is also required of all
students.
Students may not miss school in
order to complete any of their
service hours.
Detailed descriptions of the Holy
Cross Service Program will be
distributed annually by the
Campus Ministry Office.
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GRADING PROCEDURES
Grade reports for each student are
issued to the parents four times a
year, or once every nine weeks.
The purpose of the report is to alert
the parents and present them a
clear picture of their child’s
achievement in his/her academic
studies. It is to be understood that
the quarter grade is an evaluation
of the student’s work to the time
the grade was recorded and should
be used as an index of
achievement. During each quarter
period, the teacher (through
testing, evaluation of assigned
work, and where necessary,
personal interview) arrives at an
evaluation concerning the
achievement of each student.
If parents are unable to pick-up
report cards when they are
scheduled for distribution, they
must send a signed note to the
school to allow the student to pick
up the report card the next school
day.
PROGRESS REPORTS
If a student is performing at a
below-average level (C- or below)
at mid-quarter, it is required that
teachers notify parents.
Notification takes place midway
through a grading quarter. The
progress report serves to warn the
student when he/she is not
performing to the satisfaction of
the teacher.
Parents should not interpret an
unsatisfactory progress report as a
prerequisite to a failing or
unsatisfactory grade; a student
may justifiably fail a course
without previous notification to
parents. For example, a student
may fail a course because a major
assignment was not completed by
the end of the quarter, even though
his/her other work was
satisfactory.
Parents may view student progress
through the Parent Portal
accessible through the Bishop
McNamara High School website.
WITHDRAWAL FROM A
COURSE
Withdrawal from a course should
occur only when absolutely
necessary. In the rare case when a
student needs to withdraw from a
course, the policy will be as
follows:
Withdrawals within one week of
Quarter 2 Report Card
Distribution:
The course and grade will
not appear on the student’s
report card
The course and grade are
removed from the
student’s permanent
record.
Withdrawals at any other time:
The student’s report card
will reflect a “W” for
“Withdraw”.
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The student’s permanent
record will reflect a “W”
for “Withdraw”.
GRADING SYSTEM
Grading systems, regardless of
their many drawbacks, are the only
practical way teachers and
administrators have found to
effectively evaluate the progress of
a student in school. Grades in a
course are given to reflect the
achievement of a student in that
course during each quarter of the
school year.
The semester grade for a course is
the two quarter grades and the
examination averaged together;
exams count no less than 10% or
more than 20% of each semester
grade. The final grade for a full-
year course is the two semester
grades, averaged together.
The numerical equivalents for our
letter grades are as follows. These
numbers are not percentages, but
merely a “translation” of our letter
grades to a numerical system.
GRADE CONVERSIONS
College Prep Honors AP
A = 100- 93 4.0 4.5 5.0
A- = 92- 91 3.67 4.17 4.67
B+ = 90- 88 3.33 3.83 4.33
B = 87- 85 3.0 3.5 4.0
B- = 84- 82 2.67 3.17 3.67
C+ = 81-79 2.33 2.83 3.33
C = 78-75 2.0 2.5 3.0
C- = 74-70 1.67 2.17 2.67
D = 69- 65 1.0 1.0 1.0
F = 64 0.0 0.0 0.0
and below
THE GRADE OF “A”
This is the best grade that any
work can receive. The “A” is a
high honors grade; work that
receives it is rated as excellent in
the subject area, showing
independence, initiative,
resourcefulness, and content that
exceeds the assigned requirements.
THE GRADE OF “B”
The “B” is an honors grade and
means the student’s work is above
average in quality. It indicates that
the student’s scholarship is
accurate and complete, meeting all
the requirements of the instructor
in an above average manner.
THE GRADE OF “C”
This grade indicates average work,
using the scale of poor, average,
better than average, and excellent,
which corresponds closely to the
qualitative interpretations of our
system. “C” is the minimum
college-caliber grade. If a
student’s work consistently merits
“C’s” or below throughout the four
years, the student may have
difficulty receiving a college
recommendation or acceptance.
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THE GRADE OF “D”
This is a barely-passing grade.
Ultimately, the purpose of the “D”
in our grading system is to provide
the school with a buffer between
achievement and total failure. The
grade of “D” means that the
student’s work is below average in
quality. The grade indicates that
the student’s work unsatisfactorily
met minimum requirements. In all
cases, a final course grade of “D”
carries with it a recommendation
that the student attend summer
school; in certain courses, students
with a final grade of “D” will be
required to attend summer school.
THE GRADE OF “F”
This is a failing grade. It is
definitive in that there is no lower
grade that a student can receive
and a final “F” obliges the student
to attend summer school in order
to redeem the lost credit. The
grade of “F” remains on a
student’s permanent record even if
the course is made up in summer
school. The grade of “F” signifies
that the student’s work has not met
the minimum criteria for passing
the course; often this is the result
of the student’s failure to make the
necessary effort.
THE GRADE OF “I”
An incomplete grade on a report
card is assigned to students who
are unable to complete required
course work because of excused
absence(s) at the end of the
grading quarter. The grade is
revised when the work is
completed.
HONORS/RECOGNITION
Bishop McNamara High School
seeks to honor each quarter those
students who have completed their
course work with honors. We
identify four levels of honors,
whose qualifications are as
follows:
Dean’s List: Students with a
quarter average of 3.250 to
3.499.
Cum Laude: Students with a
quarter average of 3.500 to
3.749.
Magna cum Laude: Students
with a quarter average of 3.750
to 3.899.
Summa cum Laude: Students
with a quarter average of 3.900
and above.
All honors designations assume a
load of at least six classes.
Students may not have an
incomplete. Students who are
found to have violated the Honor
Code during a quarter will not be
eligible for honors designation that
quarter.
SEMESTER AND FINAL
EXAMS
Semester and final examinations
are given to all students. All
exams are cumulative in nature
and are designed to last at least one
hour and no more than one and
8
one-half hours. Exams count no
less than 10% or more than 20% of
each semester grade.
Students must take exams during
their scheduled times. Any
changes must be approved by the
Academic Dean at least two weeks
prior to the start of exams. Written
requests from a parent or guardian
should start this process.
SUMMER SCHOOL POLICY
A student who fails a course
during the regular school year is
required to attend summer school
to make up and receive credit for
the failed course. Summer school
grades do not affect or alter a
student’s grade point average.
However, summer school grades
are included in the student’s
permanent record. Students must
attend the Bishop McNamara
summer school unless the required
course is not offered at Bishop
McNamara in the summer; in
which case, the student may attend
an accredited summer school
program approved by the
Principal. Students may take a
select number of courses during
summer school for credit. These
courses must be approved by the
Principal and do affect a student’s
grade point average. Special
directions for implementing
summer school procedures are
published at the end of the school
year.
In addition, students receiving a
“D” in specified math or Modern
and Classical Languages courses
must attend summer school in
order to progress to the next level.
ACADEMIC PROBATION
A student whose Grade Point
Average (GPA) in all classes falls
below 2.3 and who earns any
failing grades will be placed on
Academic Probation. Students
will also be strongly encouraged to
attend summer school to remediate
any grade below a C-.
Academic Probation is designed
to offer the student assistance in
the areas of tutoring, and/or
placing the student in a monitored
after-school remedial program to
improve academic performance.
A student placed on Academic
Probation is ineligible to
participate in school-related co-
curricular activities for a period of
four weeks until progress report
grades are submitted. After this
period has passed, the student will
then be eligible for a review to be
removed from Academic
Probation. In order to be
reviewed, the student must request
the review from his/her counselor.
If the student shows significant
improvement during this grading
period, he/she may be removed
from Academic Probation and be
allowed to return to his/her desired
co-curricular activities as long as
his/her grades remain constant.
Should the student’s grades drop
any time after the review, he/she
can still be placed back on
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Academic Probation for the
remainder of the quarter. If at the
time of review the student is not
making satisfactory progress
and/or receives any grade of F on
his/her progress report, the student
will be ineligible to return to the
activity for another four weeks
until the report card is issued and
the student has or has not come off
of Academic Probation.
Academic Probation is reviewed
on a quarterly basis and is based
on the previous quarter’s
performance. The final yearly
grade point average is used to
determine those students placed on
Academic Probation at the start of
each new school year. Students on
Academic Probation at the end of
the school year are strongly
encouraged to attend summer
school. Although summer school
grades DO NOT affect the yearly
GPA, success in summer school
may qualify a student to be
removed from Academic Probation
and thus placed on a provisional
playing status if that student
participates in a co-curricular
sport. These students will be
reviewed at progress report time
and any failing grades on the
progress report will lead to
ineligibility with regard to sports.
Students will be ineligible to
participate in co-curricular
activities on the first day grades
become finalized by the registrar.
Information will be forwarded to
the appropriate directors and the
information will be disseminated
to coaches and advisors asking
them to suspend the participation
of such students beginning that
day. Fall sports eligibility will
begin on the first day of school.
**Seniors will be placed on
Academic Probation if they have
any failing grades in a core course
(required for graduation) at the end
of the first semester.
DISMISSAL POLICY FOR
ACADEMIC DEFICIENCY
Upon review of the academic
progress of the student by the
Principal, dismissal may occur at
the end of the school year.
Freshmen, Sophomores, and
Juniors on Academic Probation
will be reviewed at the end of the
year and if no significant progress
is noted, the student may be
dismissed. Students who finish the
year with three or more failing
grades may not return to Bishop
McNamara in the fall.
BISHOP McNAMARA HIGH
SCHOOL HONOR CODE
I will tell the truth.
I will do my own work, without
unauthorized assistance.
I will not take what is not mine.
I will abide by the Code and the
directions of the Administration
and Honor Council concerning
the Code.
The Oath I have chosen to act honorably, not
because someone is watching, but
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because I value my character and
our community of trust.
THE HONOR COUNCIL
Violations of the Honor Code will
be referred to the Honor Council.
From the Honor Council Charter:
The Honor Council will be
composed of eleven members:
three each from the sophomore,
junior and senior classes, and two
freshmen. The freshmen will be
appointed at the beginning of the
second semester. All
representatives will be elected by
the student body and approved by
the administration. The
administration will appoint the
Chair of the Council from among
the elected junior representatives.
The council will elect their own
Secretary.
All Honor Council members will
take an oath pledging that they will
uphold the highest standards of
honor at the school and will
maintain the confidentiality and
reasoned decision-making
expected of the Honor Council.
Students who break the oath or
have attendance problems on the
Honor Council will be dismissed
from the Council. Procedures
If evidence emerges that a student
has committed an Honor Code
violation, the following will occur:
1. The faculty accuser notifies
the designated Dean of
Students in writing, presenting
all evidence, and notifies the
parents/guardians of the
accused.
a. Notification should take
place as soon as possible
but no later than one week
after the accuser discovers
the possible occurrence of
a dishonorable action.
b. A student may accuse him
or herself, admitting a
dishonorable action. The
student should submit a
statement to the designated
Dean of Students. If the
student accuses himself or
herself, the designated
Dean of Students may
choose to impose the
requisite consequence (see
“Consequences” section
below) without convening
the Honor Council.
2. Immediately upon receiving an
accusation, the Honor Council
faculty moderator summons
the accused and gives him/her
an opportunity to give a
statement detailing the accused
person’s account of the event.
3. If necessary, the designated
Dean of students can solicit
witness statements.
4. A meeting of the Honor
Council is convened, at which:
a. The Council reviews all
statements and evidence,
the accused presents his or
her side of the story and
the Council may ask
questions of the accused or
seek additional evidence
through the Honor Council
faculty moderator. After
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the accused is excused, the
Honor Council deliberates
and makes a
recommendation, in
writing, to the designated
Dean of Students. If the
Honor Council cannot
decide on one unanimous
recommendation, the
differing parties will each
present their
recommendations, in
writing, to the Deans of
Students. All
recommendations of the
Honor Council are
confidential.
b. At this point, the Honor
Council’s involvement in
the matter ends.
c. The faculty moderator of
the Honor Council will be
present during the reading
of the evidence and the
hearing of the accused but
will only participate in the
proceedings in the event of
an emergency. The
faculty moderator will
absent himself or herself
from the council’s
deliberations but will be
available nearby for
consultation.
d. In extreme cases where an
Honor Council member
finds that objectivity is
impossible and
participation in the hearing
will make the case
difficult for the rest of the
Honor Council to evaluate,
a member may recuse
himself or herself. A
member must obtain the
faculty moderator’s
approval for a recusal.
e. If the need arises, the
accuser may be asked to
appear before the Honor
Council to clarify his/her
testimony if such is
unclear. The accuser may
also ask to be present to
clarify his/her written
testimony. Goals There are two goals of any Honor
Council meeting. In the event that
there are discrepancies in accounts
of an event, the Honor Council
will strive to gain a clear and
accurate picture of what happened.
If a student has admitted
wrongdoing, this first goal is moot.
The second goal, present and of
highest priority at every Honor
Council meeting, is to come up
with a plan that will help all
members of the McNamara
community involved in an incident
rebuild trust that has been
damaged, either through suspicion
or a dishonorable act. Punishing
offenders is not the goal of the
Council; ensuring we are a
community of people who can
trust each other is.
Consequences
The Honor Council will
recommend and the designated
Dean of Students will implement
consequences that are in keeping
with the disciplinary structure of
the school, aligned with the Holy
Cross charism, and dedicated to
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preserving a community of trust at
the school.
The Honor Council will take the
following guidelines into account
when determining the
consequences.
1. A first offense of the Honor
Code results in the student
receiving a zero (0) for the
assignment in question and
serving a Regular Detention.
2. Consequences for a second
offense will in general be more
severe than for a first offense.
The student will receive at
minimum a zero (0) for the
assignment in question and
serve a Saturday Detention.
3. If a student commits a third
offense, there is a presumption
that the student will be
expelled. That presumption is
rebuttable; the Honor Council
can take extenuating factors
into consideration when
making their
recommendations.
4. Consequences should reflect
the student’s grade level, the
seriousness of the offense, and
the presence or absence of
remorse.
5. All recommendations from the
Honor Council to the Dean of
Students will remain strictly
confidential.
6. The Honor Council is a
recommending body. The
ultimate determination of
consequences rests with the
designated Dean of Students
and the school administration.
Decisions of the Honor
Council regarding the guilt or
innocence of a student are
final and may not be appealed.
Parents/guardians, the
student(s), and the accuser are
always notified in writing of
the results of a case.
More detailed information can be
found in the Charter of the Honor
Council.
HONORS PASSES
Honors Passes will be distributed
to students chosen by the
Administration for this privilege.
The criteria for receiving an
honors pass will be announced by
the Administration at the
beginning of the school year. The
student may use the SJRC or other
areas designated by the
administration to study quietly.
An Honors Pass does not allow a
student to wander about the school
during unscheduled periods.
Students with honors passes during
periods 5 or 6 must go to lunch
during the designated time, and
may not remain in the cafeteria for
more than one lunch period.
SENIOR PRIVILEGE
Members of the senior class are
eligible for this privilege. The
student may use the Senior
Lounge, SJRC, or other areas
designated by the Administration
to study quietly. Senior Privilege
does not allow a student to wander
about the school during
unscheduled periods. Students
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with Senior Privilege during lunch
must go to lunch during the
designated time, and may not
remain in the cafeteria for more
than one lunch period.
Students who have received an
Honors Pass or Senior Privilege
are expected to conduct
themselves properly both when
using their pass or privilege and at
other times. Students should
expect that a single incident of
misbehavior during a free period
could result in the revocation of an
honors pass or Senior Privilege.
Passes or Privileges may be
revoked at the discretion of the
Administration.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
The National Honor Society was
founded in 1921 in an effort to
create an organization that would
recognize and encourage academic
excellence as well as develop other
characteristics considered essential
to citizens of democracy. These
ideals of scholarship, leadership,
character, and service are as
relevant in today’s society as they
were in 1921.
Membership in the National Honor
Society is both an honor and
responsibility. Parents and
students must understand that no
student has a right to be selected
for membership in the National
Honor Society.
The following procedures for the
selection of members in the
National Honor Society are in
compliance with the national
Constitution of the National Honor
Society.
1. Membership in the National
Honor Society is open to all
qualified juniors and seniors.
Transfer students may not
qualify for membership until
they have been at the school a
minimum of one full semester.
2. The academic requirement of
the Bishop McNamara Chapter
of the National Honor Society
is a minimum average of B+ or
above. Students meeting the
scholastic criteria are then
eligible for consideration on the
basis of service, leadership, and
character.
3. Students who are scholastically
eligible will be notified and told
that for further consideration
for selection to the National
Honor Society, they may
complete the Student Activity
Information Form and write the
requested essays. Students
supplying this information
should understand that review
of the information submitted
does not guarantee selection.
4. All faculty members will be
invited to make comments on
National Honor Society
candidates. However, the
actual selection of new
members will be made by a
faculty council comprised of
five (5) faculty members
appointed by the principal. The
Academic Dean is the chair of
the committee.
5. The Student Activity Forms and
any other verifiable information
14
will be reviewed by the faculty
council. Candidates receiving a
majority vote of the faculty
council are selected for
membership.
6. Students chosen for
membership by the faculty
council will receive letters
notifying them of their
selection.
The following guidelines found in
the National Honor Society
Handbook will help candidates and
members of the faculty council in
the definition of leadership,
service, and character.
LEADERSHIP
The student who exercises
leadership:
Is resourceful in proposing new
problems, applying principles,
and making suggestions
Demonstrates initiative in
promoting school activities
Exercises influence on peers in
upholding school ideas
Contributes ideas that improve
the civic life of the school
Is able to delegate
responsibilities
Exemplifies positive attitudes
Inspires positive behavior in
others
Demonstrates academic
initiative
Successfully holds school
offices or positions of
responsibility, conducts
business effectively, and
efficiently, demonstrates
reliability and dependability
Is a leader in the classroom, at
work, and in school or
community activities
Is thoroughly dependable in any
responsibility accepted
Is willing to uphold scholarship
and maintain a loyal school
attitude
SERVICE
The student who serves:
Volunteers and provides
dependable and well organized
assistance, is gladly available,
and is willing to sacrifice to
offer assistance
Works well with others and is
willing to take on difficult or
inconspicuous responsibilities
Cheerfully and enthusiastically
renders any requested service to
the school
Is willing to represent the class
or school in inter-class and
inter-scholastic competition
Participates in some outside
activity: Girl Scouts; Boy
Scouts; church groups;
volunteer services for the
elderly, poor, or disadvantaged
Does committee and staff work
without complaint
Shows courtesy by assisting
visitors, teachers, and students
CHARACTER
The student of character:
Takes criticism willingly and
accepts recommendations
graciously
Consistently exemplifies
desirable qualities of behavior
15
(cheerfulness, friendliness,
poise, stability)
Upholds principles of morality
and ethics
Cooperates by complying with
school regulations concerning
property, programs, office,
halls, etc.
Demonstrates the highest
standards of honesty and
reliability
Regularly shows courtesy,
concern, and respect for others
Observes instructions and rules,
is punctual and faithful both
inside and outside the
classroom
Has powers of concentration,
self-discipline, and sustained
attention as shown by
perseverance and application to
studies
Manifests truthfulness in
acknowledging obedience to
rules, avoiding cheating in
written work, and showing
unwillingness to profit by the
mistakes of others
Actively helps rid the school of
bad influences or environment.
COUNSELING OFFICE
The purpose of the Counseling
Office is to help students make
adjustments to school life,
encourage them to be successful in
the areas of study and good
citizenship, assist them in their
educational/career plans, and help
them in their spiritual and personal
growth. A counselor is assigned to
each grade level. The counselor
reviews the report cards each
quarter, as well as the progress
reports. He/she also reviews
letters from the Discipline Office.
Hopefully, after talks with his/her
counselor on a private basis, the
student will make the necessary
improvement in the area of
academics or behavior.
Oftentimes, students experience
difficulty in their relationship
within the family circle or with
classmates. This may be a
temporary source of anxiety or
discouragement. The counselors
invite students to discuss their
personal conflicts and concerns in
an atmosphere of mutual trust and
confidentiality.
The College Counselors are
assigned to the senior class to help
the members implement their
educational/career goals.
Visitations by college
representatives and military
personnel are made to the school
throughout the year. A
computerized system, dealing with
colleges, careers, and financial aid,
is available in the College
Counseling Office. The
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude
Test (PSAT) is administered by
this department. Also,
applications for the Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT), the
American College Test (ACT), and
the Financial Aid Form (FAFSA)
are available in the College
Guidance Office.
16
The Counseling Office issues and
validates work permits for those
students who seek employment in
Maryland during the school year.
Counselors are in school each day
and are available. They have a
wealth of experience and
educational background. They are
able to assist and help. Students
are also encouraged to seek them
out on their own initiative.
Attendance at scheduled
appointments is not optional.
Counseling Office Policies:
1. A student wishing to see a
counselor gets a “Request for
Counselor Appointment” form
from the Guidance Office or
his/her teacher. The student
should drop off the request
form to the receptionist in
guidance.
2. Upon receipt of a counseling
pass, the student checks in with
the guidance receptionist at the
time indicated on the pass.
3. Students are not to be in the
counseling office when they are
scheduled for a class, except in
emergencies.
4. A student leaving the
counseling office must get a
pass from the counselor.
5. An Honors Pass or Senior
Privilege does not admit a
student to the counseling office.
TRANSCRIPTS OF
ACADEMIC RECORDS
There are two types of transcripts:
1. OFFICIAL: These transcripts
are sent directly to a college or
employer. In no case will an
official transcript be sent to a
student.
2. UNOFFICIAL: These
transcripts do not bear the
official seal and can be sent
directly to the student.
A fee of $3.00 is charged for each
transcript. Payment must
accompany the request.
No request will be honored if any
previous fee or tuition is
outstanding.
SECTION II: CO-
CURRICULAR
OFFERINGS/STUDENT
PROGRAMS
CLUBS
BMHS offers students the
opportunity to participate in more
than 50 clubs and activities
throughout the course of the school
year. Each club and activity is
moderated by a staff member and
overseen by the school
administration.
ATHLETICS
The Athletic program consists of
interscholastic sports in most areas
of competition for both boys and
17
girls including football, basketball,
volleyball, soccer, track and cross
country, baseball, softball, tennis,
golf, lacrosse, swimming,
wrestling, and cheerleading (both
on varsity and junior varsity
levels). Freshmen may participate
on both levels or on the Freshman
level. The school is a member of
the Washington Catholic Athletic
Conference.
Students may not participate in an
interscholastic sport activity if they
are absent on the day of the
activity. Any student who arrives
to school after 11:30 a.m. on the
day of an interscholastic sport
activity may not participate in the
activity.
Students on Academic Probation
may not participate in athletic
competitions nor are they
permitted to practice with the
team.
All students are expected to
conduct themselves in an
exemplary manner at all school
activities. Athletics make up a
substantial part of the activities
program at Bishop McNamara.
Athletes and spectators at athletic
events bear exceptional
responsibility because they not
only represent themselves; they
represent their teams, families, and
school. The school is judged by
their behavior. When Bishop
McNamara wins an athletic
competition, the opponent should
be congratulated for a job well
done. When on the losing side, the
opponents are to be congratulated
for their success. Opponents are to
be treated as Bishop McNamara
athletes and spectators would want
to be treated. Poor sportsmanship
of any kind will not be tolerated by
Bishop McNamara High School or
its coaches.
When away at a school athletic
event, the student/athlete must
remember that he/she represents
the school and must act
accordingly. Any breach of
conduct will be reported to a Dean
of Students and will be dealt with
through the normal disciplinary
process.
Spectators should always show an
appreciation for the hard work it
takes to be an athlete or coach.
Good sportsmanship should be
demonstrated by cheering for the
teams. Opposing teams or
officials should never be “booed”
or embarrassed by inappropriate
comments, gestures, or signs.
Outside of school, students and all
members of the Bishop McNamara
school community are judged both
as individuals and as
representatives of Bishop
McNamara High School.
Embarrassing, immature or illegal
actions do not reflect the standards
that the school teaches and
upholds.
18
ACTIVITIES/STUDENT
COUNCIL
An average of over fifty clubs and
organizations provide
opportunities for students to
participate in a wide variety of co-
curricular activities at McNamara.
Programs including the Band,
Orchestra, Choir, International
Thespian Society, Fellowship of
Christian Athletes, Black Cultural
Alliance, F.A.C.E. (Filipino
Americans for Cultural
Enlightenment), Foreign Language
and other Cultural Clubs,
Publications, Campus Ministry
Clubs, It’s Academic Team,
National Honor Society and other
valuable organizations initiate the
student into rewarding aspects of
school life beyond the classroom.
The leadership of the Student
Council of Bishop McNamara is
comprised of the elected officers
of the Council and the elected
officers of each class. Twelve
Cabinet Members are selected by
each class. The Cabinet Members
are expected to attend Student
Council meetings.
Elections for Student Council and
class officers take place in the
spring of each year. In order to
run for office, each candidate must
meet the following criteria:
Be pre-registered for the
upcoming school year
Have at least a C average and
not be on academic probation.
Be in good disciplinary
standing and not on probation
or strict disciplinary probation.
The Student Council of Bishop
McNamara is active in the
following areas:
Christian Action – The Council
assists in upholding a Christian
atmosphere and witness among the
student body.
Rules – The Council is in charge
of the bylaws of the Council and
amendments to the constitution.
School Regulations – The Council
assists in the enforcement of
school policies among the student
body.
Public Relations – The Council
assists in publicizing and
promoting school functions.
Assemblies – The Council assists
with various assemblies
throughout the school year.
Elections – The Council manages
all student elections.
Communications – The Council
acts as a conduit for the
communication of ideas emanating
from the student population to the
administration and faculty.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are school-sponsored
functions and are regulated by the
general code of conduct. Field
19
Trip Dress code (see SECTION
VI: ATTIRE/DRESS CODE,
FIELD TRIP DRESS CODE
REGULATIONS) will apply for
field trips. When on a school field
trip, the student must remember
he/she represents the school and
must act accordingly. Any breach
of conduct will be reported to a
Dean of Students and will be dealt
with through the normal
disciplinary process. A Field Trip
Form and Release must be
completed in order for students to
attend a field trip. NOTE: Only
current Bishop McNamara
students are permitted to go on
field trips or other school-
sponsored trips. Students whose
tuition is not up-to-date will not be
allowed to attend overnight field
trips.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
All fundraising events are
conducted according to the
policies explained in the booklet
entitled Bishop McNamara High
School Fundraising Goals,
Policies, and Procedures. This
publication is available to parents,
faculty, coaches, and club
moderators. Copies may be
obtained from the office of the
Director of Development.
OUTSIDE
ACTIVITIES/EVENTS AT
OTHER SCHOOLS
Students are reminded to act as
ladies and gentlemen at all
activities away from the Bishop
McNamara campus.
Because of our common values,
our shared heritage, and our
educational missions, the Catholic
High Schools of the Archdiocese
of Washington have agreed that
any negative behavior at any
school venue or event shall be
reported to the student’s home
school where he/she will be
accountable as if the behavior took
place at the student’s home school.
SCHOOL DANCES
There are three major student
social events during the school
year:
Back-to-school Dance
Date: Late September
Attire: Casual Dress
Homecoming Dance
Date: Homecoming Saturday
Attire: Semi-Formal
Prom
Date: Mid-May
Attire: Formal
To ensure our students enjoy
themselves in a safe and
wholesome environment, the
following rules are in effect for all
Bishop McNamara High School
sponsored dances:
1. All dances are from 8 p.m. to
11 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
2. Doors close at 9:00 p.m. There
is no admittance after this time.
20
Students who leave the building
during the dance will not be
readmitted.
3. All tickets are sold in advance;
there are no refunds.
4. Dances are open to Bishop
McNamara students and guests
only. Students may bring one
guest who must submit a
completed Dance Guest
Permission Form at least 4 days
in advance of the dance. All
those attending must have
picture I.D.
5. Former students who wish to
attend as guests must be
approved by a Dean of Students
ahead of time.
6. All students are expected to
dress appropriately and with a
sense of modesty. Students
whose clothing styles are
inappropriate or deemed to be
too bare or immodest will not
be allowed to attend the dance.
The final decision is made by
the administrator or faculty
member on duty.
7. All dancing should be in good
taste. No sexually suggestive
or “freak” style dancing is
permitted. Students whose
dancing is deemed
inappropriate will be asked to
change their dancing style.
Students whose style of dance
continues to be in conflict with
school standards may be asked
to leave the dance.
Music is “D.J.” style unless
otherwise indicated and the school
reserves the right to restrict the
level of sound. Music is chosen
for diversity and appeal to a broad
student body.
Students need to be picked up
within a half an hour after the
dance ends. Failure to do so may
result in the students not being
allowed to attend future dances or
events.
In all things, students and their
guests are expected to behave with
deportment reflective of the
Bishop McNamara community.
Dress Definitions:
Dress-Down: Follow the
guidelines under Dress Down-
Days (see SECTION VI:
ATTIRE/DRESS CODE, DRESS
DOWN DAYS).
Semi-formal: Suits or sport coats
with dress slacks, shirts and ties,
dress shoes are required for men.
Women must wear dresses (length
no shorter than 3” above the floor
when the student is kneeling) or
dress slacks and dress shoes.
Formal: Suits and tuxedos for men
and formal dresses for women.
SECTION III: DISCIPLINARY
POLICY AND PROCEDURES/
CODE OF CONDUCT
DEANS OF STUDENTS
The Deans of Students are
responsible for maintaining
discipline and order in the school
as well as overseeing the general
conduct of the students. With the
approval of the Principal and the
21
advice of the Discipline Board and
the faculty, they establish general
school disciplinary policies and
procedures. The Deans of
Students also supervise attendance
and disciplinary records; interview
students and parents when a
student is in disciplinary or
attendance difficulty; and sit as
Chairs of the Discipline Board.
The Deans of Students fulfill an
integral role in creating a positive
and productive learning
environment.
A Dean is usually available to
meet with students individually to
counsel those regarding matters of
discipline. The Deans work
closely with parents, counselors,
and faculty members to address
particular individual concerns.
STATEMENT OF
DISCIPLINARY POLICY
The purpose of the disciplinary
system at Bishop McNamara High
School is to foster a sense of self-
respect, respect for others, and
respect for others’ property. Each
person at Bishop McNamara—
students, teachers, counselors,
parents, and administrators—has
an obligation to uphold the highest
standards of conduct and respect at
all times. All of us have to follow
rules and regulations established
by those to whom we must be
responsible.
Bishop McNamara High School,
as a Catholic Christian school, is
dedicated to educating human
beings to develop sound values
toward themselves and others,
toward society and the institutions
which serve society, and toward
God. We believe that discipline is
rooted in respect for others and
expresses the Christian spirit.
Consistent with our Catholic
teaching, there is no tolerance at
Bishop McNamara High School
for behavior or language that is in
any way derogatory or demeaning
of any individual or group.
Education cannot take place in an
undisciplined environment.
Quality education depends on the
ability to maintain effective
learning conditions in the
classroom. Successful and
continued maintenance of these
classroom conditions is dependent
upon good judgment and
compassion by teachers,
understanding and leadership by
administrators, and support of
parent(s)/guardian(s), and students.
Good order and discipline are best
thought of as being positive, not
negative; of helping a student to
adjust, rather than a punishment;
of turning unacceptable conduct
into acceptable conduct. Order
and discipline are largely a matter
of morale, of classroom
atmosphere, and of positive
interpersonal relationships. As a
working definition, discipline is a
process designed to teach, model,
and reinforce the responsible
behaviors that are necessary to
ensure a safe and productive
learning environment by changing
22
unacceptable behavior to
acceptable behavior. The
Disciplinary Policies of Bishop
McNamara High School are
directed at promoting self-
discipline and are aimed at
creating a safe, productive, and
pleasant learning environment.
Although the Bishop McNamara
High School has no responsibility
in the supervision of private or
non-school activities, it reserves
the right to take disciplinary action
when the consequences of a
student’s private or off-campus
behavior (including comments or
actions taken on personal websites,
blogs, or other electronic
communications) materially and
substantially impacts the Bishop
McNamara community and/or
disrupts the educational process
for any of its students.
The Disciplinary Policy is
provided for informational
purposes only. The school
reserves the right to impose more
or less discipline than would
otherwise we called for under the
Disciplinary Policy depending on
the circumstances, specific
behavior, and the student’s
disciplinary record.
THE BISHOP MCNAMARA
STUDENT MORAL CODE
1. Respect Yourself
2. Be Courteous
3. Respect Teachers
4. Respect Students
5. Be Kind
6. Be Honest
7. Be Helpful
8. Be Prayerful
9. Use Civil Language
10. Live like Jesus Christ
RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR
All members of the Bishop
McNamara community, students,
administration, faculty, and staff,
deserve to be treated with respect
at all times. The dignity of each
person is recognized by allowing
that person to be in the halls,
classrooms, or anywhere on
campus without being intentionally
bumped, pushed, or touched in any
way by another person. As an
issue of respect, a policy of
“Hands off”, in all situations, will
be enforced. This includes
hugging, hand holding, or any
other physical displays of
affection.
Maintaining structure and order in
a school community carries with it
a level of responsibility of all
involved and ranges from
maintaining a productive personal
environment to assuring a safe
school environment. Non-
exhaustive examples of this
follow.
Behaviors that are intended to
cause another individual physical
or mental harm are unacceptable at
Bishop McNamara and, in many
cases, are illegal.
23
Examples are:
Arson
False fire alarms
Weapons (possession or use of)
Theft
Fighting – assault or battery of
any kind
Intimidation/extortion/threats
Gross disrespect
Defiance toward teacher/faculty
Alcohol/drugs (possession, sale,
or use of)
Sexual harassment of any kind
Hazing
Explosive devices (possession
or use of)
Inciting others to violence
Shakedown and/or strong arm
Vandalism and/or destruction of
property
Behaviors that occur inside and
outside of the classroom that are
not intended to cause physical
harm to another individual, but do
negatively affect an orderly
environment.
Examples are:
Disruptive behaviors in the
hallway/cafeteria/school
activity
Disruptive behaviors before or
after school
Absence/ skipping/ tardiness/
truancy
Being in the hallway/locker
room/parking lot without a pass
Any card playing, dice games
or gambling
Inappropriate use of a motor
vehicle
Solicitation (selling
unauthorized items at school)
Inappropriate literature
Filing false emergency reports
Destruction or defacement of
property
Tobacco (possession or use of)
Inappropriate display of
affection
Behaviors that occur in the
classroom and interfere with the
learning of others are unacceptable
and are in violation of the Bishop
McNamara Student Moral Code.
Examples are:
Failing to follow the request of
a teacher
Talking out
Horseplay
Being out of seat without
permission
Showing disrespect/defiance
Improper use of equipment
Honor Code violation
Behaviors that occur in the
classroom and affect only the
misbehaving student have a
negative impact on the student’s
academic performance.
Examples are:
Not having proper equipment
and materials
Sleeping
Being off task
Failing to turn in
homework/failing to complete
assignments
Failing to dress for P.E.
24
DISCIPLINARY PROCESS
DISCIPLINE BOARD
The Discipline Board exists as a
part of the educational process at
Bishop McNamara, assisting the
Deans of Students in formulating
and carrying out disciplinary
policies of the school. The
Discipline Board is composed of a
group of selected faculty members
from various areas of school life
including teachers, counselors,
members of the athletic
department, members of the
administration, and the Deans of
Students who serves as the Chair.
The Discipline Board exists to
serve primarily three functions: (1)
As a fact-finding body assisting
the Deans of Students in
determining the scope and context
of a student’s involvement in
disciplinary matters of a more
serious nature; (2) As an end-of-
year review board regarding a
student’s disciplinary status in the
school and suggesting conditions
for his/her return as deemed
appropriate for the common good
of the school population; (3) As an
advisory board in reviewing
general school disciplinary policies
and practices.
As a fact-finding body, the Deans
of Students may convene a
meeting of the Discipline Board at
the Deans’ discretion to review a
student’s case or cases. A student
may be automatically directed to
appear before the Board when
there appears to be no progress
being made in the area of
discipline or when a single
violation of the code of conduct is
serious enough to make an
appearance necessary. In all
instances, the Deans of Students
notify the student and his/her
parents of the scheduled
appearance. Parents/guardians are
given the option to attend the
Board meeting; however, the
absence of a parent at a Board
meeting is seen as waiving the
right to attendance at the meeting
and the meeting will be held with
the student as scheduled. Parents
who are unable to attend a Board
meeting and desire to be present
must contact the Deans of Students
48 hours prior to the meeting to
request a different meeting
time/date. Attorneys are not
permitted to attend Disciplinary
Board meetings. When a student
appears before the Board, the
Board will hear the student’s
account and question the student
regarding the incident(s) being
discussed. Parents/guardians may
also present relevant information
and, if permitted by the Chair, ask
questions of Discipline Board
members. At the time of the
appearance, Board members may
make individual recommendations
to the student regarding his/her
behavior. Following the student’s
appearance, the Board evaluates its
findings and recommends a course
of action that it feels will best meet
the needs of both the individual
and the school community. The
Board’s recommendations are
designed to help solve problems of
inappropriate behavior and may
25
call for assistance from parents,
teachers, counselors, etc. The
Board also recommends what it
believes are proper consequences
for the unacceptable behavior that
has necessitated the student’s
appearance before the Discipline
Board. The Dean of Students will
present the recommendation
offered by the Discipline Board to
the Principal. The Dean of
Students and Principal will
collaboratively determine the final
course of action and may, but need
not, accept the recommendations
of the Board. The final course of
action may include, but is not
limited to, a series of detentions,
Saturday detentions, Disciplinary
Warning, Disciplinary Probation,
Suspension, or Expulsion. Parents
will be notified of this decision by
the Deans of Students within three
(3) school/working days after the
Board appearance. Written
correspondence of the decision
will also follow all Board
appearances.
If a parent feels that the student
has been unjustly treated, the
parent may appeal the Discipline
decision through the following
process:
1. Within five (5) school/working
days after the receipt of the
decision, the parent must
submit in writing to the
Principal the reasons on which
the appeal is based.
2. The Principal, in consultation
with the Deans of Students,
will make a decision regarding
the appeal and will notify the
parent, in writing, within five
(5) school/working days.
3. If the parent remains
dissatisfied with the
Principal’s decision, he/she
may forward his/her appeal to
the President of the school
following the guidelines in #1
above.
4. Following a review of the
appeal, the President will
notify the parent of the final
decision, in writing, within
five (5) school/working days.
The President’s decision is
final.
At the end of each school year, the
Discipline Board, with
consultation from the faculty and
the administration, will review the
disciplinary records of all students,
concentrating specifically on those
students who have numerous
disciplinary infractions, who have
been suspended, who are currently
on Disciplinary Warning,
Disciplinary Probation, or Strict
Disciplinary Probation, or who
have appeared before the Board
during the school year. Specific
consideration is given to recent
behavior. The Board will
determine any necessary
disciplinary action to be taken in
preparation for the next school
year. If little or no progress is
noted in the area of discipline, a
student may not be invited to
return to Bishop McNamara the
next year. Students given the
option to return may be required to
meet with a member of the
26
administration to discuss the terms
and conditions of his/her return for
the next year. Returning students
should expect, at the very least,
that their behavior must improve if
they are to remain at the school.
Other students, as a condition for
returning, will be placed on either
Disciplinary Probation or Strict
Disciplinary Probation at the start
of the next school year. In such
cases parent(s) and students will be
notified by mail of the Board’s
decision.
DETENTION
Teachers will be expected to set
clear rules in the classroom, to
warn students who forget to follow
those rules, to talk to individual
students about meeting
expectations, and, if appropriate, to
call parents about continuing
problems.
Faculty and Staff will issue a
detention for routine infractions of
school rules - such as tardiness to
class, dress code violations, being
at a locker at the wrong time, etc.
They will also issue a school
detention for problems in classes--
for example, talking out of turn,
not paying attention in class,
failing to follow directions--in
those cases where earlier attempts
to correct misbehavior have been
unsuccessful.
More serious classroom infractions
such as persistent disturbance,
defiance or disrespect, offensive
language, fighting, truancy, or
throwing objects are to be reported
promptly to a Dean of Students. In
some instances the teacher will be
asked to provide a written
description of the problems and
this report will become a part of
the student’s disciplinary file. The
Deans of Students will determine
the appropriate sanction(s) for
these more serious infractions and
will inform parents promptly.
Students who continue to cause
disturbances in class will be
required to report before the
Discipline Board. Classroom
disturbances such as continuous
talking, disrespect, offensive
language, etc., will not be
tolerated.
When a student receives a
detention from a teacher, the
teacher will give the yellow copy
of the detention to the student and
send the white copy to the Deans
of Students. The detention slip
will have three dates: the date of
the infraction, the date on which
the student received the yellow
copy, and the date on which the
parents were contacted, if
necessary. The student must keep
his/her yellow copy of the
detention slip to present to the
detention prefect at the time the
detention is served. Failure to
present the detention slip may
result in further disciplinary action.
Detention is held every Monday
through Thursday at the end of the
school day, for 60 minutes, from
3:20 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. Students
serving a detention must arrive by
27
3:15 p.m. All school rules,
including the dress code, are in
effect during the detention hour.
Students are required to sit upright
and silently with their desks
cleared. Students who do not
comply with detention regulations
will be asked to leave and must
return on another day to serve the
detention. Detention rooms are
announced each day.
Saturday Detention – Certain
infractions warrant the response of
a Saturday Detention. Faculty and
staff will issue a Saturday
detention for infractions which are
more serious in nature. Students
will be charged a $20.00 fee to be
paid in cash on the day of the
detention. The Deans of Students
will notify by email those students
who have a Saturday Detention.
Parents will also be notified by
email. All detentions must be
served on the date assigned.
A detention must be served on the
day it is received or the following
day. Any student who fails to
serve a detention within this time
period will be assigned a Saturday
Detention. Saturday Detentions
will be two hours in length lasting
from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Students who fail to attend their
assigned Saturday Detention will
receive a mandatory three-day
suspension. School detentions
take priority over any other
activities that might be scheduled
for a student after school.
The detention prefect has the
absolute authority to determine
whether a detention has been
properly served. If a violation of
detention rules occurs, the prefect
has the authority to indicate on the
detention sign-in sheet that the
student has not served properly. If
this occurs, it is a serious breach of
the school’s conduct code and the
student will be subject to further
disciplinary sanctions as
determined by the Deans of
Students.
Parents are notified electronically
by a Deans’ Office of a student’s
detentions. All students are
notified prior to final exams of
outstanding detention obligations.
Students must contact a Dean of
Students to make arrangements to
serve outstanding detentions.
INFRACTIONS FOR ISSUING
DETENTIONS
Being on the school’s parking
lot, in the corridors, at lockers
or any other location in the
building at unauthorized times
Any card playing, dice games
or gambling; possession of
playing cards, dice, trading
cards (e.g. baseball, football,
basketball)
Dress code violations
Eating or drinking outside the
cafeteria or other after school
designated areas. (Water is the
exception.)
Excessive noise anywhere in
the building
28
Failure to check in at the
attendance office when
arriving late to school
Failure to have an ID card
Failure to submit an absentee
note
Illegally parked motor vehicles
(including parking in a space
assigned to another vehicle)
Inappropriate display of
affection
Leaving the gym or locker
room before the period ends
Leaving trash in the cafeteria
Loitering in any area of the
school building or anywhere
on school grounds
Possession of glass containers
Running in the corridors
Uncovered book
Violation of the “Hands-Off”
policy
Repeated behavior that may
have a detrimental effect on a
student’s performance
Any other infraction, not
specifically listed, that violates
the rule of common sense and
proper school decorum
INFRACTIONS FOR ISSUING
SATURDAY DETENTIONS
Causing a disturbance during
class or in the halls. Excessive
noise anywhere inside or
outside the building
Disrespect of a faculty
member of staff member
Disregard of another’s rights
Failure to return a signed
Handbook Signature Form
Forgery of any kind
Honor Code violation
Leaving and returning to
campus after school. (Unless
parental permission has been
granted in writing.)
Lying or misrepresentation of
any sort
Misbehavior on the bus
Misconduct during
fire/emergency drills
Misuse or illegal possession of
school forms (passes,
detention, etc.)
Tardiness to school more than
10 times
Throwing of any object
Truancy (one period)
Unauthorized use of an
elevator
Defacing school property
(including lockers)
Use and/or possession of a cell
phone on campus, without
permission, except in
specifically designated places
at specifically designated
times.
INFRACTIONS FOR ISSUING
SUSPENSIONS OR
EXPULSION
Truancy for an entire day
(automatic suspension)
Selling, possession of, or being
under the influence of drugs
and/or alcohol on school
property or while engaged in a
school-sponsored event is a
violation of state law and
school policy. The school
29
reserves the right to require
drug testing of any student
Stealing or found in possession
of another’s property without
permission
Any student arrested for the
violation of any local, state, or
federal law
Any student engaging in any
sexual activity on campus or at
any school related activity
including field trips, athletic
events, dances, etc.
Other infractions that may result in
suspension or expulsion:
Bullying another person
Damage to school property.
Any student guilty of
damaging school property will
be held financially responsible
for the damage.
Dangerous use of a motor
vehicle
Permanently defacing school
property (writing on desks,
walls, etc.)
Defiance of any faculty or
staff member
Gross disrespect of a faculty or
staff member
Fighting
Filing a false emergency report
Hazing
Honor Code violation (more
than one [1] offense)
Leaving campus without
permission during the school
day
Non-compliance with the
school’s Technology Usage
Policy (see pp. 61-68)
Possession or use of a
dangerous weapon
Profanity/obscene or indecent
language/signs
Public conduct that is
detrimental to the reputation of
the school
Selling or trading of
collectors’ cards, CD’s,
DVD’s, etc.
Sexual or other harassment
Threatening another student or
teacher
Smoking on campus
Truancy (one period)
Unauthorized use of an
elevator (2nd offense)
Continued infractions while on
probation
Any other offense that is not
specifically listed that is
considered by the Deans of
Students to be serious enough
to warrant Suspension or
Expulsion
Profanity or the use of indecent
language is not tolerated at Bishop
McNamara High School. A
student heard using profane or
obscene language anywhere on
school property or as a participant
in a Bishop McNamara sponsored
activity off school property may
receive a one-day suspension for
the offense.
DISCIPLINARY WARNING
A Disciplinary Warning Letter is
the least serious punishment a
student who has appeared before
the Discipline Board may receive.
30
A Disciplinary Warning Letter
indicates to the student and to
his/her parents that repeated
inappropriate behavior will not be
tolerated. Receipt of additional
detentions will result in
Disciplinary Probation and/or
Suspension.
DISCIPLINARY PROBATION
If a student’s behavior results in
additional detentions following the
receipt of a Disciplinary Warning
Letter, or if a serious infraction of
the rules is committed (particularly
an infraction that involves a show
of disrespect toward a teacher,
administrator, or staff member),
that student will be placed on
Disciplinary Probation. When a
student is placed on Disciplinary
Probation, a letter of explanation is
sent to the parents. The letter to
the parents must be signed by the
parents and returned to school
where it is placed in the student’s
file. The signature page of the
letter is kept so that all parties
involved have clear expectations
of the consequences of further
disciplinary action. The Deans of
Students have the authority to
decide whether or not a student on
Disciplinary Probation may
participate in co-curricular
activities.
A student may be placed on
Disciplinary Probation if he/she
accumulates an excessive number
of absences or tardies.
STRICT DISCIPLINARY
PROBATION
Strict Disciplinary Probation is a
more serious form of Disciplinary
Probation in which a student is
given one last opportunity to
display his/her ability to comply
with the school’s expectations for
student behavior. A student on
Strict Disciplinary Probation is
generally given a specific amount
of time, usually one quarter, in
which he/she must prove his/her
ability to remain free from
detentions or any other
disciplinary infractions. Failure to
present this proof is cause for
immediate expulsion. All students
placed on Strict Disciplinary
Probation will be reviewed
quarterly.
FORFEITURE OF
SCHOLARSHIPS/FINANCIAL
AID
Being on Disciplinary Probation or
Strict Disciplinary Probation may
result in the forfeiture of
scholarships/financial aid awarded
by Bishop McNamara High
School.
REVIEW OF
DISCIPLINARY STATUS
Students who have received
Disciplinary Warning Letters or
who are on Disciplinary Probation
may have their Disciplinary Files
reviewed at the end of each
quarter. Students who have shown
significant improvement in their
31
behavior may then be removed
from Warning or Probationary
status. Students and their parent(s)
will receive notification of any
such action taken by the Deans of
Students.
SUSPENSION
Suspension is a very serious
measure and indicates that a
student has either committed a
serious infraction of the rules, or
he/she has not acknowledged the
warning that Disciplinary
Probation has provided. Parents
will receive immediate notification
when a student has been
suspended. The length of
suspension is determined by the
Deans of Students or the Principal.
A student will not be allowed on
school premises or allowed to
participate in athletic or co-
curricular activities during the time
that he/she is suspended. A
student who is suspended may not
be allowed to make up homework
or quizzes. However, he/she will
be allowed to make up tests. The
student should be prepared to take
any tests upon his/her return to
school. It is the responsibility of
the student to arrange for the
make-up. A suspended student
must be absent from school a
minimum of one (1) day. In some
cases the Deans of Students may
allow a student to return to school
after one (1) day’s absence if
his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) has
met with the Dean to discuss the
student’s behavior. The Principal
and the Deans of Students are the
only people who have the authority
to suspend a student. A
suspension automatically puts a
student on Disciplinary Probation.
The Principal and the Deans of
Students reserve the right to
suspend or expel a student without
convening a meeting of the
Discipline Board.
Classroom Suspension: Repeated
offenses that continually disrupt a
productive classroom environment
may result in the student being
suspended or permanently
removed from a single class. In
such cases, students may not be
permitted to make up academic
work.
EXPULSION
Expulsion means a permanent
separation from the school
community. It is the severest of
the disciplinary measures and will
be applied either for repeated
offenses of the code of conduct or
for a major breach of the code of
conduct. The Principal and the
Deans of Students are the only
people who have the authority to
expel a student. When notified of
an expulsion, a student is
immediately separated from the
school community. If the
expulsion is appealed, the student
remains separated from the school
community during the appeal
process. A student who has been
expelled may not return to the
school campus or attend any
school-sponsored activities unless
conducting official business and/or
32
having called been given prior
permission by the Principal or
Deans of Students. The Principal
and Deans of Students reserve
the right to expel a student
without convening a meeting of
the Discipline Board.
NON-DISCRIMINATION AND
HARASSMENT
Bishop McNamara High School
does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, gender, national
origin, religion, age, disability or
handicap, or any other protected
classification in its education
program. Sexual or other
harassment is therefore a violation
of school policy.
Harassment means verbal or
physical conduct that denigrates or
shows hostility toward an
individual because of his or her
race, color, gender, national origin,
religion, age, disability or
handicap, or any other protected
classification, that creates hostile
environment or unreasonably
interferes with an individual’s
educational opportunities or
performance.
Sexual harassment includes
“unwanted and unwelcome
behavior of a sexual nature which
interferes with a student’s life, i.e.,
right to learn, study, work,
achieve, or participate in school
activities in a comfortable
supportive atmosphere.”
Allegations must be reported to the
Principal who will review the
matter.
HAZING
Hazing of any kind is strictly
prohibited at Bishop McNamara
High School. Hazing is described
by law as any conduct or method
of initiation into any student
organization, whether on public or
private property, which willfully or
recklessly endangers the physical
or mental health of any student or
other person. Such conduct shall
include any treatment or forced
activity which is likely to
adversely affect the physical health
or safety of any such student or
other person, or which subjects
such student or other person to
extreme mental stress.
A person in violation of this policy
is guilty of a misdemeanor and on
conviction may be subject to
imprisonment not exceeding 6
months or a fine not exceeding
$500.00 or both.
The implied or expressed consent
of a student to hazing is not a
defense.
BULLYING
Bishop McNamara High School is
committed to a safe and orderly
educational environment for all
students, free from harassment,
intimidation or bullying.
“Bullying” means systematically
and chronically inflicting physical
hurt or psychological distress on
one or more students or
33
employees. It is further defined as:
unwanted purposeful written,
verbal, nonverbal, or physical
behavior, including but not limited
to any threatening, insulting, or
dehumanizing gesture, by an adult
or student, that has the potential to
create an intimidating, hostile, or
offensive educational environment
or cause long term damage; cause
discomfort or humiliation; or
unreasonably interfere with the
individual’s school performance or
participation, is carried out
repeatedly and is often
characterized by an imbalance of
power.
Bullying may involve, but is not
limited to:
1. Unwanted teasing
2. Threatening
3. Intimidating
4. Stalking
5. Cyber-stalking
6. Cyber-bullying
7. Physical violence
8. Theft
9. Sexual, religious, or racial
harassment
10. Public humiliation
11. Destruction of school or
personal property
12. Social exclusion, including
incitement and/or coercion
13. Rumor or spreading of
falsehoods
“Cyber-bullying” is defined as
the willful and repeated
harassment and intimidation of a
person through the use of digital
technologies including, but not
limited to, email, blogs, text
messages, social websites (e.g.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
Tumblir, etc.), chat rooms,
“sexting”, instant messaging, or
video voyeurism.
Since bystander support of
harassment or bullying can support
these behaviors, Bishop
McNamara prohibits both active
and passive support for acts of
harassment or bullying. The staff
should encourage students to
support students who walk away
from these acts when they see
them, constructively attempt to
stop them, and report them to the
Deans of Students or the Principal.
Bishop McNamara High School,
will not tolerate any form of
bullying or cyber-bullying, nor
will we tolerate retaliation
against any person who reports
bullying, provides information
during an investigation of
bullying, or witnesses or has
reliable information about
bullying.
1. Bullying and cyber-bullying are prohibited on school grounds
and at school-sponsored events,
activities, functions, and programs
and trips. Bullying and cyber-
bullying, are not tolerated through
use of technology or an electronic
device owned, leased, or used by
the school.
2. In addition, bullying and cyber-
bullying are prohibited at a
location, activity, function, or
program that is not school-related
34
or through the use of technology or
an electronic device that is not
owned, leased, or used by the
school, if the bullying creates a
hostile environment at school for a
targeted student; infringes on the
rights of a targeted student at
school; or in the estimation of the
School materially and substantially
disrupts the educational process or
the orderly operation of the
School.
SMOKING, ALCOHOL, AND
ILLEGAL DRUGS
Smoking, alcohol, and illegal
drugs are prohibited on the school
campus and at all school-
sponsored activities off campus.
The school reserves the right to
require drug testing of any student.
TELEPHONE/CELL PHONE
CALLS
Students should not be excused
from classrooms to make
telephone calls. Telephones in the
Main Office are unavailable to
students except for rare exceptions
made by the Main Office staff.
Students’ phone calls will be
limited to three (3) minutes.
Students may not display or use
a cell phone for any reason, i.e.,
phone calls, text messages, or
photographs, during school
operation. Cell phones must be
turned off and stored in
students’ lockers from 8:15 a.m.
until 3:05 pm. Cell phone use is
not permitted in the SJRC at ANY
time. If a student believes it is
absolutely necessary to use a cell
phone other than in the designated
areas and at the designated times,
he/she must ask permission of a
school administrator/teacher or
report to a Dean’s office. Cell
phones may never be used in
bathrooms and classrooms. The
penalty for unauthorized use of a
cell phone on campus is a
Saturday Detention. Students
who violate cell phone policies
may have their cell phones
confiscated and returned to a
parent after forty eight (48)
hours.
In the event of an emergency or
unscheduled early dismissal, all
students will be given an
opportunity to use their cell phones
to make calls.
Parents are asked to refrain
from placing cell phone calls to
students during the day except to
leave voice-mail messages that
may be accessed after the school
day has ended. Students are not
permitted to have cell phones
with them during the school day.
Parents are asked to refrain
from calling the school to
request that messages be
delivered to students except in
cases of extreme emergency. The
Office staff cannot be expected to
deliver non-essential messages.
Information such as after school
pick-up times should be clarified
between parents and students
35
before the student arrives at school
in the morning.
EATING AND DRINKING
Eating and drinking are prohibited
outside of the cafeteria during
school hours. This policy excludes
water unless it is prohibited by
specific classroom rules. After
school, students may have food
and drinks in the cafeteria, the
hallway outside of the cafeteria
and in the area just beyond the
back entrance to the school by the
cafeteria on the main building side
of the driveway. Students are
expected to throw trash and drink
containers in the trash receptacles
provided.
Occasionally, the administration
may grant permission for
students/teachers to have food in
classrooms.
Glass containers are never allowed
on school property.
GUM CHEWING
GUM CHEWING IS NOT
ALLOWED ON CAMPUS AT
ANY TIME!
SECTION IV: ATTENDANCE
POLICIES AND
REGULATIONS
ABSENCES
Because attendance at school is
necessary for most students to
achieve academically, Bishop
McNamara High School has set a
maximum number of days which
can be missed. A student may not
be absent from a course more than
a total of ten (10) times excused
and/or unexcused. Five (5)
absences are the limit for a
semester course. When a student
exceeds these limits, a grade of
“I”, or incomplete may be issued
by the teacher. An “I” grade may
be considered for change by the
Principal should the parent submit
acceptable documentation, i.e.,
doctor’s note, notice of family
emergency. Once approved by the
Principal, the grade earned by the
student will be issued. In order for
a student to be eligible to be
reviewed for a grade change due to
absence, that student must not
have any unexcused absences
during the year and must be
presently receiving a passing grade
in the course for which the “I”
grade was assigned. When a
student is absent on the day of a
major quiz, test, or assignment, the
Principal reserves the right to
request additional documentation
to validate the reason for the
absence. Every effort must be
made on the student’s part to turn
in assignments according to the
established deadlines, even in the
event of an absence.
Parents will be notified when the
level of five (5) absences has been
reached. Parents will be notified
by a Dean of Students when the
student reaches his/her tenth day of
absence. Students who accrue ten
(10) absences will be placed on
Disciplinary Probation.
36
Absences will be considered
excused for the following reasons:
illness of the student, death in the
immediate family, quarantine,
court summons, or school
sanctioned off campus activity.
After five (5) days of absences in a
semester, a doctor’s note may be
required if any further absences in
that semester are to be excused. If
a doctor’s note is not submitted,
subsequent absences will be
considered unexcused and the
student will not be allowed to
make up work missed. Only the
Principal and the Deans of
Students can make exceptions to
these policies. A student may
make up work missed during an
excused absence. If a student
misses school for another reason
the absence will be unexcused and
the student may not be allowed to
make up missed work. Should a
student’s absence take place
without his/her parent’s
knowledge, the student will be
considered truant. In that case
he/she will be suspended and may
not be allowed to make up the
work missed. Early Dismissals
from school will be counted as
absences: leaving before 11:30
a.m. will be counted as a full day
absence; leaving after 11:30 a.m.
and before 1:30 p.m. will be
considered a half-day absence.
Students who are absent during the
school day will not be allowed to
participate in co-curricular
activities on the day of their
absence. This applies to clubs,
organizations, and sports activities,
whether practices or games.
Parents/Guardians must call the
school prior to 10:00 a.m. on the
day of the absence to inform the
school of the reason for the
absence. A note explaining the
reason for the absence must be
sent in on the day the student
returns to school. These
procedures must be followed so
that the school can determine
whether the absence will be
considered excused or unexcused.
Notes from parents/guardians must
be worded in such a way as to
request that the school excuse the
student’s absence. Only Bishop
McNamara High School, not a
parent/guardian, may excuse an
absence. Failure to notify the
school, either by telephone call or
note, may lead to the absence
being considered truancy.
Bishop McNamara does not
recognize or condone a “senior
skip day”. Absence for this reason
is considered unexcused and is
dealt with as truancy.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE
A student with perfect attendance
has not been absent from or tardy
to school the entire school year for
any reason. Excused absences for
medical reasons or college visits
will be counted against perfect
attendance. Any unusual
circumstances will be reviewed by
the Principal and the Deans of
Students.
37
MAKE–UP OF WORK MISSED
BECAUSE OF ABSENCE
Students are allowed to make up
work missed due to an excused
absence. Students with an
unexcused absence may not be
allowed to make up work.
Students are responsible to
complete all work that was missed
during their absence (class work,
assignments, tests, quizzes).
Therefore, students are expected to
contact their teachers prior to or
upon returning to school, either in
person or by way of email.
Individual teacher syllabi clarify
policies for each course and
students should be familiar with
those expectations. Teachers are
not responsible to seek out
students to inform them of the
work they need to complete.
Bishop McNamara High School is
not responsible for make-up of
work missed related to a student's
absence due to financial
delinquency.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR MAKING UP CLASS
WORK FOR ABSENCE DUE TO
SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITY
AT LEAST ONE DAY IN
ADVANCE of a day or class
period in which a student will be
absent due to his/her participation
in a school related event, i.e.,
athletic early dismissals, field
trips, retreats, etc. the student
MUST inform the teacher that
he/she will be absent from class.
If the student fails to notify the
teacher, the teacher may consider
the absence an unexcused one and
may not allow the student to make
up any missed work. Once the
student has notified the teacher in
advance, the student remains
responsible for any work missed
during that class time. If a student
will be missing a quiz or test,
arrangements must be made in
advance to schedule a time to
make up the missed quiz/test.
When a student arrives at school
prior to leaving on a field trip,
he/she is expected to turn in work
due on that day to all his/her
teachers.
EXTENDED ABSENCE FOR
SCHOOL
APPROVED/SPONSORED
ACTIVITIES
A student who plans to participate
in a school-approved/sponsored
co-curricular activity that will
require his/her absence from
classes for two (2) or more
consecutive days, must secure
signatures from his/her teachers
granting permission for him/her to
miss class. If a teacher does not
feel that the student should miss
class and refuses to sign, the
student will not be allowed to
participate in the activity. A
Request for Extended Absence,
available from the Main Office,
will be used for this purpose.
Students may present a completed
Request for Extended Absence to
38
the Attendance Office prior to any
absence for a school
approved/sponsored activity. The
presentation of this completed
form may result in the student
being marked present for the time
missed. Students must limit
extended absences for school-
sponsored activities to no more
than 5 days per semester.
EXTENDED ABSENCE FOR
NON-SCHOOL SPONSORED
ACTIVITIES
Parents (not students) must request
permission for an extended
absence (excused or unexcused)
for non-school sponsored
activities, in writing, at least one
week in advance (for both regular
school days and exam days) to the
attendance office. A Request for
Extended Absence must be filled
out and returned to the attendance
office with the signatures of
approval of each of the student’s
teachers. The completed form will
then be submitted to the principal
for his approval. STUDENTS
WILL NOT BE EXCUSED
FROM CLASSES OR GIVEN
EXAMS EARLY UNTIL THE
EXTENDED ABSENCE HAS
RECEIVED THE PRINCIPAL’S
APPROVAL.
COLLEGE FAIR/COLLEGE
VISIT
College fairs are held during the
evenings on school days and
during the day on weekends.
Students are encouraged to attend
these sessions so that time from
school will not be missed.
Students will not be allowed an
excused absence for college fair
attendance during regular school
time. If a student must visit a
college during regular school time,
parents must inform the school
immediately when the visit will
take place and follow up with a
letter requesting permission for
absence prior to the college visit.
The visit will be counted as an
excused absence. Students are
limited to 3 days of excused
absences for college visits.
TARDINESS
Tardiness is defined as arriving
after the designated time for school
or for class. Students who are
tardy to class must serve a
detention for each instance of
tardiness. A Dean of Students is
the final arbiter of whether
tardiness to school will be
considered excused or unexcused.
Tardiness to class: Any student
who is not seated when the bell
rings to mark the beginning of the
class period will be considered late
to that class. A student who
arrives late to class must present a
tardy slip to that teacher upon
arrival if the tardiness is to be
excused. This means that a student
who knows he/she will not be on
time has the responsibility of
obtaining a tardy slip from the
teacher, counselor, or
administrator with whom he/she
has been talking. The student
should obtain this tardy slip before
39
proceeding to his/her next class.
Teachers will issue late detentions
when students arrive late for class
and have no valid tardy slip. A
student may not come to the office
staff for a tardy slip unless he/she
had been detained on office
business.
Tardiness to school: When the
bell rings at 8:15 a.m., a student
must be seated in the classroom
and ready for the period to begin.
This means that the student must
already have visited his/her locker
to drop off his/her jacket or coat
and to pick up the books he/she
will need for morning classes.
All students arriving late to school
after the start of school bell MUST
report to the Attendance Office for
a tardy slip regardless of whether it
is a class change time or the
student has lunch. A tardy slip
must be obtained from the
Attendance Office in order for a
student to be admitted to the
building or allowed to attend any
class. If the Attendance Office is
closed, students should report to
the Main Office for a tardy slip.
If a student arrives after 10:00
a.m., his/her late arrival will be
considered a half-day absence
from school. If he/she arrives after
11:30 a.m., it will be considered a
full-day absence, and the student
will not be eligible to participate in
any co-curricular activities that
day.
Tardiness to school will not be
excused except when
circumstances are extraordinary as
determined by a Dean of Students.
A student is tardy if he/she is not
present in his/her first block class
when the 8:15 bell rings. When a
student has been tardy five (5)
times, a detention will be issued
for each subsequent tardy and the
student will be charged with a
day’s absence from school.
Students will be charged one day’s
absence each time he/she accrues
five or more tardies. Parents will
be notified by the Attendance
Coordinator when a student has
accrued five tardies.
When a student reachers ten (10)
tardies for the year, he/she will be
placed on Disciplinary Warning by
the Deans of Students and will be
issued a Saturday Detention. An
email notification of this status
will be emailed to parents
emphasizing the importance of
arriving to school one time.
Continued tardiness could
jeopardize a student’s status at
school. Generally, traffic is not
considered a legitimate excuse for
tardiness. It is the student’s and
parent’s responsibility to ensure
that sufficient time is allowed for
traffic issues.
EXCESSIVE ABSENCES
A student will be placed on
Disciplinary Probation if he/she
accumulates ten (10) absences in a
school year.
40
EARLY DISMISSAL
All early dismissal requests must
be made in writing by means of a
note from a parent or guardian
presented to the Attendance Office
before the start of the day of the
early dismissal. Early dismissal
may not be requested by phone.
Only early dismissals requests for
medical or dental appointments or
for emergencies will be honored.
Early dismissals will be counted as
absences: leaving school before
11:30 a.m. will count as a full day
absence; leaving after 11:30 a.m.
and before 1:30 p.m. will be
considered a half-day absence.
These absences will apply toward
the ten (10) day absence
maximum.
Students who have received early
dismissals and are returning to
school after appointments must
check into the Attendance Office
for a pass.
REQUEST FOR EARLY
DISMISSAL PRIVILEGES
The normal school day begins at
8:15 a.m. and ends with dismissal
at 3:05 p.m. Juniors and seniors
who have an overall C+ average
may request dismissal after their
regular classes have ended. This
early dismissal may occur only if
the student’s parent(s) have
authorized this privilege and can
provide transportation for the
student at the time of his/her
dismissal. A Request for Early
Dismissal Privileges form can be
obtained in the Main Office at the
school. Students will not be
approved for early dismissal if
they have a scheduled class or if
they do not have transportation
away from the school. Students
who have approval for early
dismissal are not permitted to
loiter around the school building or
campus. Students remaining on
campus 10 minutes after early
dismissal may have their early
dismissal privilege revoked.
TRUANCY
After arriving on Bishop
McNamara’s campus, no student is
allowed to leave school property
during the school day unless
he/she has received an early
dismissal. Being absent from
school, class, or supervised study
without authorization is defined as
truancy. Truancy for an entire day
will result in Suspension and a
parent conference. On the first
unauthorized absence from class or
supervised study, the student will
receive a Saturday detention and
the parents will be notified
immediately. Subsequent
unauthorized absences from class
or supervised study will result in
further disciplinary action.
SECTION V: HEALTH
POLICIES
THE SCHOOL NURSE
The school has a registered nurse
on staff daily to handle minor
medical issues regarding students.
The nurse’s hours of operation are
41
Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to
3:15 p.m. The nurse’s office is
closed each day for lunch from
12:00-12:30 p.m.
Protocols for Students Accessing
School Nurse Services
Students needing assistance from
the nurse must obtain a pass from
his/her teacher (if it occurs during
a class period) or the Attendance
Office before going to the nurse’s
office. Students may not go to the
nurse’s office between classes
without a proper pass. If the
student’s medical issue does not
require the student to go home or
to the hospital, the student will be
given a pass by the nurse to return
to class. The nurse may require
the student to remain in the nurse’s
office for a period of time at her
discretion. Upon returning to
class, the student must present the
pass to the teacher. If parents are
contacted to pick up the student
from school, a parent must report
to the Attendance Office to sign
the student out of school. The
parent will be escorted to the
nurse’s office by an Attendance
Office aide to pick up the student.
Office personnel or the school
nurse are the only people
designated to notify parents if a
student is too ill to remain in
school. Students may not call a
parent to request a dismissal for
illness unless authorized by one of
the above. The nurse or Office
personnel are responsible for an
illness dismissal. A student may
not leave school property unless
the Office staff has made proper
arrangements with the student’s
parent(s) or guardian(s). The
school reserves the right to require
a parent to pick up a sick student.
Any student who fails to follow
these procedures and leaves school
without permission will be
considered truant.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
An Emergency Information form
will be sent home the first week of
the school year. A student may
not be allowed to attend classes if
his/her emergency form is not
completed and returned on the due
date. In case a student is ill or
needs to leave early, he/she will
only be released to the person
designated on the Emergency
Information form. Emergency
information should be updated
whenever changes occur by
contacting the Main Office of the
school at 301-735-8401, ext. 132.
PRESCRIPTION/ NON-
PRESCRIPTION
MEDICATIONS
Students are asked not to bring any
sort of medication to school. If it
is absolutely necessary for a
student to take a prescription or
non-prescription drug during the
school day, he/she must have a
Physician’s Medication
Authorization form on file in the
nurse’s office. The form can be
found at www.bmhs.org. The
medication should be kept in the
42
school nurse’s office and will be
dispensed by the school nurse as
prescribed by the doctor. The
school’s medication policy may be
found on the BMHS website,
under Nurse’s Corner.
STUDENT PREGNANCY
Bishop McNamara High School
respects and values all life,
especially that of the unborn. A
student who becomes pregnant
will be treated with dignity and
compassion as she deals with the
very stressful life event. A referral
to the student’s counselor should
be made as soon as possible so an
adult trained to help the student
can provide the necessary support
and counsel. In addition to the
emotional and practical support for
the student, the school will also
facilitate the continuing education
of the student including the
completion of course work and
achieving of a high school
diploma.
SECTION VI: ATTIRE/DRESS
CODE
The two official uniform suppliers
for BMHS are:
Flynn & O’Hara, Lanham, MD
1-800-441-4122
The Carousel, Waldorf, MD
301-843-8884 or 301-645-4660
DRESS CODE
MEN’S DRESS CODE
1. White or blue Oxford cloth
button down dress shirt (long
or short sleeves with Cross and
Anchor embroidery) with
school tie. No “blousing” of
shirts will be allowed. Shirts
must be completely tucked
into pants. Shirt sleeves may
not be rolled. The tie may not
extend below the student’s
waist or be excessively short.
2. Khaki dress pleated slacks
with Bishop McNamara
monogram. (Uniform
companies will not order
slacks more than one size
larger than the student’s
current measurement).
3. Navy blue blazer with the
Bishop McNamara patch on
the front chest pocket.*
4. Students must wear brown or
tan boat style shoes such as the
Sperry Top-Sider A/O 2 Eye
(Sahara) or Eastland Solstice
(tan) with navy blue, black,
brown or white socks. All
shoelaces must be worn laced
and tied. All shoes must be
non-scuff. Athletic shoes of
any type may not be worn.
5. Buckled belts (plain leather,
black or brown with
conservative buckles).
*Mandatory only during the
second and third quarters for 9th-
11th graders.
43
MEN’S OPTIONAL DRESS
CODE
1. The maroon sleeveless sweater
vest, long sleeve V-neck
sweater, or cardigan sweater
with a school logo (available
at the Mustang Shop) may be
worn with the school blazer
during the second and third
quarters or as an optional
accessory during the first and
fourth quarters.
WOMEN’S DRESS CODE
1. White Oxford cloth shirt (long
or short sleeves with Cross and
Anchor embroidery). No
“blousing” of shirts will be
allowed. Shirts must be
completely tucked into skort or
slacks. Shirt sleeves may not
be rolled.
2. All students must wear the
khaki pleated slacks with a
Bishop McNamara monogram,
or Khaki skort. (The hemline
of a kneeling student’s skort
should measure no more than
three [3] inches above the
ground). Students in the
classes of 2017-2018 must
wear the khaki slacks or the
khaki skort (the khaki kilt is
not an option). New students
must have the skort with
Cross and Anchor
embroidery on the hemline. 3. Maroon school blazer with the
Bishop McNamara patch on
the front chest pocket.*
4. Only maroon knee socks or
tights purchased from an
official uniform supplier. No
ankle socks are allowed. White
socks may not be worn with
the skort. Students who opt to
wear pants may wear white
socks.
5. Students must wear brown or
tan boat style shoes such as the
Sperry Top-Sider A/O 2 Eye
(Sahara) or Eastland Solstice
(tan). No multi-toned shoes,
moccasins or mules are
allowed. Athletic shoes of any
type may not be worn.
6. Students must wear buckled
belts (plain leather, black or
brown with conservative
buckles) with the khaki pleated
slacks.
*Mandatory only during the
second and third quarters for 9th-
11th graders.
WOMEN’S OPTIONAL DRESS
CODE
1. The maroon sleeveless sweater
vest, long sleeve V-neck
sweater, or cardigan with a
Bishop McNamara logo
(available at the Mustang
Shop) may be worn with the
school blazer during the
second and third quarters or
without the blazer, during the
first and fourth quarters.
2. White oxford cloth shirt (long
or short sleeves) with Cross
and Anchor embroidery.
44
SENIORS’ OPTIONAL DRESS
CODE
Eligible senior students have the
option of purchasing a pre-selected
polo shirt to be worn in place of
the blazer, shirt/blouse and tie.
The shirt, with a Bishop
McNamara/senior class logo may
be worn year round by both male
and female students. Polo shirts
must be completely tucked into
skirt or pants. Shirt sleeves may
not be rolled. Eligible senior
students have the option of
purchasing a pre-selected
sweatshirt to be worn over the
Senior polo (available at the
Mustang Shop). Any Senior
student who does not comply
with the privilege of the Senior
Optional Dress Code may be
required to wear the school
uniform for their respective
gender.
GENERAL DRESS
REGULATIONS
No exemptions from the dress
code will be allowed, unless
student provides a doctor’s note
indicating a medical need for
departing from the dress code.
Only a Dean of Students can
approve such an exemption. A
Dean of Students and the Principal
have the authority to amend the
dress code for the entire student
body if the weather conditions
make changes necessary.
The Deans of Students make the
final decision on questions about
the dress code. However, several
common sense requirements apply
during the school day:
1. While on campus, students
should be in complete uniform
unless participating in an
extracurricular activity.
2. High top shoes or boots are
unacceptable. Shoes must be
kept tied at all times.
3. Hair must be kept well-
groomed and at a reasonable
length. For both male and
female students only basic hair
ornaments, such as simple
barrettes and small dark rubber
bands, may be worn. Shells,
beads, butterfly clips, similar
ornaments or scarves are not
consistent with the Bishop
McNamara dress code and are
not permitted. Mohawks or
faux hawks are not permitted.
4. Sunglasses may not be worn in
the building.
5. No headgear is allowed in the
building. Only hats may be
worn outdoors on school
grounds. Other head
coverings, such as bandannas,
skullcaps, and scarves, are not
allowed.
6. Female students are permitted
to wear black, navy blue, and
maroon headbands.
7. Boots and outdoor
garments/jackets are to be left
in the student’s locker and
may not be worn or carried.
8. For both male and female
students only small post
earrings are the only earrings
allowed. Hoop and/or dangling
earrings are not acceptable.
45
Earrings should be silver, gold,
or a single pearl.
9. Trousers and skorts are to be
worn appropriately, at the
waist. The waistbands of
skorts may not be rolled. Pant
legs should not be cuffed or
rolled.
10. All shirts and blouses are to be
worn tucked into trousers or
skorts. Women’s blouses must
be worn with no more than one
button unbuttoned at the neck.
11. Colored T-shirts or T-shirts
with designs or writing that
can be seen under the
regulation school uniform may
not be worn.
12. Excessive jewelry or
accessories are inappropriate.
13. Sweaters may not be worn tied
around students’ waists.
14. Frayed and/or torn uniform
items (trousers, skirts,
sweaters, shirts, etc.) are
unacceptable and must be
mended or replaced.
15. Uniforms are intended to
appear “uniform”. Customized
and/or personalized uniforms
are not allowed.
16. Nose rings of any kind are not
permitted.
17. Jewelry may not be visible on
any pierced body parts except
the ears.
18. All uniform items should be
identified with the student’s
name.
19. General neatness is standard.
Club polo shirts may only be
worn on the LAST day of the
week or other days approved
by the Deans.
The Bishop McNamara High
School Dress Code is conservative.
It is not designed to accommodate
individual tastes or current style
and fashion trends.
Extremes in make-up and hair are
not acceptable. Hair (and/or
extensions) may not be dyed or
painted in bright, unnatural
colors. Make-up (including
fingernail polish) should be
applied neatly and conservatively.
Unnatural make-up colors (green,
black, blue, etc.) are not
appropriate.
Jewelry must be conservative.
Items not normally worn as
jewelry (safety pins, nails, etc.)
may not be adapted as such.
Studded collars and heavy chains
do not comply with the intent of
the Bishop McNamara dress code.
Tattoos may not be visible when a
student is dressed in the Bishop
McNamara school uniform.
Judgments regarding whether a
student’s appearance is in
compliance with the school’s dress
code are made by the Dean of
Students and the school’s
administration.
FIELD TRIP DRESS
REGULATIONS
School uniforms will be worn for
all field trips.
Students participating in casual,
“outdoor” field trips involving
activities such as canoeing, hiking,
46
etc. will be expected to wear
appropriate clothing such as T-
shirts and jeans. Such dress
exceptions may be requested by
the teacher sponsoring the field
trip.
Improperly dressed students will
not be allowed to participate in
field trips and may lose the right to
a refund for the cost of the trip.
DRESS- DOWN DAYS
A Dress-Down Day is an occasion
to wear appropriate casual
clothing. Dress-Down Day
guidelines may require specific
clothing styles to be worn on
Dress-Down Days. The following
dress is always considered
inappropriate and is never allowed
on these days: T-shirts with
obscene or questionable designs or
writing, hats, sunglasses, short
shorts, short skirts, Spandex or
tight pants or jeans, torn jeans,
styles with bare midriffs, low
necklines, or any clothing judged
to be immodest. All pants must
be worn with belts or suspenders.
Skirt lengths should comply with
dress code standards.
A Bishop McNamara school
uniform may be worn on Dress-
Down Days.
Students who are improperly
dressed on Dress Down-Days will
receive detentions and will have to
change into appropriate clothing or
be sent home from school.
SECTION VII: SPECIFIC
CAMPUS AREAS
REGULATIONS AND
PROCEDURES
CAMPUS
Students are not just students
during class time and in
classrooms. Their responsibility as
learners and their potential for
growth remain active throughout
the day, everywhere on campus
and beyond.
Thus students are expected to
behave not only as responsible
young men and women but as
scholars everywhere on campus.
In the halls, locker rooms, offices,
fields, and outdoor areas of
campus, it is understood that
students will be about the business
of obtaining the education they are
here to receive. In the way they
conduct matters such as getting
passes to meet with a teacher for
extra help or with a guidance
counselor, students should remain
aware of the need for their
responsible behavior and the
benefits it provides to both the
school community and themselves.
Bishop McNamara High School
maintains a closed campus. The
campus is described as Bishop
McNamara’s buildings and
property.
Students are reminded that school
rules may be enforced anytime a
student is on the school campus.
47
An electronic gate secures the
parking lot behind Bishop
McNamara High School when
school is in session. A security
guard is present on campus from
7:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. The
security guard has the authority to
take any action necessary to ensure
safety on campus including the
control of traffic flow on the
parking lot. Additional security is
provided, as needed, for evening
and weekend events.
BEFORE SCHOOL
Students arriving before 7:45 a.m.
must go directly to the cafeteria.
No students should be in the halls,
the concourse, or at their lockers
before 7:45 a.m.
START OF SCHOOL
Each student must be in his/her 1st
block class and seated by the time
the bell rings. Students arriving
after the bell must report to the
Attendance Office for a late pass.
Any student not seated at this time
will be issued a detention. Quiet
conversation is allowed before the
morning announcements begin.
However, students must be silent
and should listen attentively to the
announcements.
AFTER SCHOOL
When classes end at 3:05 p.m.,
students are expected to exit the
buildings quickly and leave
campus. No students are permitted
to loiter in the halls, lavatories, etc.
or other indoor or outdoor areas of
the campus after their classes have
been dismissed for the day. Any
students remaining on campus
after dismissal must be under the
direct supervision of a member of
the faculty or staff.
Parents are encouraged to provide
transportation for students as soon
as possible after the school day has
ended.
After school, students may not
leave and return to campus unless
a parent/guardian has granted
permission, in writing.
School rules and regulations
remain in effect as long as students
remain on the school campus.
At times when school is not in
session, evenings, weekends,
holidays, etc., no student is
allowed in the school building or
on school property unless under
the direct supervision of a faculty
member or coach.
AFTER-SCHOOL STUDY HALL
PROGRAM
All students who are picked up
after 3:30 p.m. must wait for their
rides following the procedures for
the After-School Study Hall.
Under no circumstances, may
these students leave campus
between dismissal time at 3:05
p.m. and the time they are picked
up by a parent/guardian to be
transported home.
48
All students not picked up by 3:30
p.m. and not under the direct
supervision of a coach, club
moderator or teacher are
considered to be under the
supervision of the After-School
Study Hall. These students must
report to the After-School Study
Hall location and will be charged
$5.00 for the day starting at 4:00
p.m. This is a flat fee, and will be
charged regardless of the amount
of time the student remains in the
study hall location. Families
planning to use this service on a
regular basis may pre-pay a $500
yearly fee or a $300 semester fee.
Yearly and first semester payments
are due on or before September 1,
2016 for the first semester. Second
semester fees are due by January
13, 2017.
Students and families making use
of this after school service must
follow these procedures:
1. The study hall location will be
open from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00
p.m. to provide for an After-
School Study Hall for students
who are waiting for
transportation home. This
service is provided by the
school at the end of the normal
school day and adult
supervision will be provided.
2. School rules and regulations
will be enforced by the
adult(s) supervising the After-
School Study Hall.
3. Students in the After-School
Study Hall may be given
assigned seats and attendance
is recorded. No one may leave
the study hall room without
the permission of the adult
supervisor.
4. All students will be
responsible for the cleanliness
of the area around their
assigned seats.
5. Parents must come into the
school and report to the
study hall room to pick up
their child. Students will not
be allowed to stand in the
halls outside the cafeteria or
wait in the rear parking lots
for rides. Students who are
in violation of this rule will
first receive a Saturday
detention, and a phone call
will be made to the student’s
parents. The next violation
will result in a suspension.
Students remaining in the After-
School Study Hall after 6:00
p.m. will be assessed an
additional $2.00 per minute until
the student is picked-up.
The right to attend the After-
School Study Hall may be revoked
for students who continue to
remain on campus after 6:00 p.m.
CAFETERIA
Each student has the responsibility
for keeping the cafeteria clean.
Tables are to be cleared of papers,
cans, and unused food before
leaving the cafeteria. Beverages
and food spills should be cleaned
up by the person(s) concerned.
Students must remain in
designated eating areas for the
49
entire lunch period. Students may
not order carryout food delivered
to the school at any time or bring
glass containers into the school.
ELEVATORS
Bishop McNamara High School
has elevators for students who are
physically unable to use the
school’s stairways. The elevator
in the main building operates by
use of a key, which may be
borrowed from the Main Office.
HALLS AND STAIR LANDINGS
Students are not permitted to
congregate in the halls or on stair
landings.
ST. JOSEPH’S RESOURCE
CENTER (SJRC)
The St. Joseph Resource Center
Staff welcomes every occasion to
offer assistance to our school
community with research,
reference and academic
needs. The St. Joseph’s Resource
Center is open Monday through
Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 3:30
p.m.
The Director of the St. Joseph’s
Resource Center is available to
assist students in individualized
instruction and learning
opportunities. Teachers frequently
reserve class time to facilitate
access to SJRC and computer
resources.
SJRC PASS POLICY
All students are welcomed and
encouraged to visit the SJRC,
before, during and after school
hours. Students are not allowed in
the SJRC after the warning bell.
All students are required to have
permission to enter the SJRC
during school hours. Passes are to
be written in student agenda books
and may be issued by members of
the SJRC staff, faculty and other
school staff. All students entering
the SJRC must sign in and show
passes to SJRC staff personnel.
LOCKERS AND LOCKS
Students are to go to their lockers
only before school, at lunchtime,
and prior to leaving school for the
day. Classes are in session most of
the day and banging lockers is
disturbing to those in the
classrooms. Lockers can and
should be closed quietly.
All hall lockers are equipped with
built-in combination locks. It is
the responsibility of the student to
be sure his/her lock is securely
locked at all times. A locker is
intended for use solely by the
student to whom it is assigned.
Under no circumstances should
lock combinations or lockers be
shared. The school is not
responsible for the contents in
school lockers and is not
responsible for recovering lost or
stolen items. Students are not
allowed to attach anything to
lockers with the exception of
50
college acceptance letters and
birthday decorations. Pictures
are not allowed on lockers.
Students who deface lockers are
subject to a Saturday Detention.
The Deans of Students will
determine how long birthday
decorations may remain on
lockers.
SEARCHES
Lockers are school property and
the school reserves the right to
open and inspect student lockers at
any time.
The school also reserves the right
to search a student’s belongings,
car, or other areas under a
student’s control in order to
enforce school policies, rules and
regulations, and/or to preserve a
safe and orderly learning
environment.
Failure to cooperate with a search
may result in immediate
suspension and/or expulsion.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and Found items are located
in three different areas, depending
on the article lost.
1. If books or notebooks are left
in the classroom, they may be
kept there a couple of days to
enable the students to come
back for them. After that time,
notebooks should be given to
the bookstore manager in the
bookstore. The bookstore
manager determines the owner
of the textbooks and posts a
list on the cafeteria message
board, the bulletin board in the
concourse, and on the front
door of the bookstore. Lost
books and notebooks may be
retrieved from the bookstore
for a fee of $1.00.
2. Lost clothing items should be
taken to the Mustang Shop.
After being held for a
minimum of thirty (30) days,
the items will be given to
charity. To ensure the return
of items to their proper
owners, all uniform items
must be identified with the
student’s name.
3. Valuables such as purses,
jewelry, watches, keys, etc.
should be brought immediately
to the Main Office and given
to one of the administrative
assistants.
All Bishop McNamara students are
expected to respect and care for
their own personal belongings as
well as those of others. All found
items should be taken promptly to
the appropriate location.
STUDY AREAS
The SJRC and any supervised
study rooms are designated study
areas. A quiet atmosphere is to be
maintained. Respect for others is
the key principle to follow.
All students not having Senior
Privilege/Honors Passes will be
assigned to supervised study. The
51
Senior Privilege/Honors Pass does
not mean that the Honors Pass
student can go from one place to
another at will. He/she has the
choice to go to a designated place,
but once there he/she must remain
for the time period indicated on
his/her schedule. Passes will be
required by students in supervised
study to go the SJRC. Passes will
not be given out indiscriminately.
TRAFFIC, MOTOR VEHICLE
AND PARKING LOT
RESTRICTIONS
STUDENT AND VEHICLE
ENTRANCE AND EXIT
All vehicles must obey all posted
traffic signs on campus. All
students and their vehicles must
enter the campus from Marlboro
Pike at the front entrance of the
school. All vehicles must exit
through the rear parking lot onto
Whitney Place and continue to
Marlboro Pike. This policy will be
in effect throughout the entire
school year. Please remember to
obey all posted One-Way signs.
PARKING/PARKING LOT
Student parking on the Bishop
McNamara campus, Mt. Calvary
parking lot and the Union Building
lot is severely limited; thus all
student drivers parking on campus
must purchase and display a valid
Parking Permit/Decal in their
vehicles at all times. The permit is
to be displayed on the front
windshield (or dash) on the
driver’s side. The parking fee is
one hundred dollars ($100.00) for
the school year. In the event the
$100.00 parking fee is invalidated,
the Parking Permit will be
revoked. The Permit will be
reinstated when the invalidation is
corrected. Parking spaces will be
assigned first to carpool drivers,
students driving an exceptionally
long distance and then, on a first
come basis. When applying for a
Parking Permit/Decal, a student
must submit a copy of his/her valid
driver’s license with the
application. Parking
Permits/Decals will not be issued
to students who do not possess a
valid driver’s license. Sophomores
and freshmen may not park
vehicles on the school campus
unless extreme necessity can be
demonstrated.
Students will be assigned a
specific parking space and may
only park in that space. Students
violating a Bishop McNamara
parking regulation will be fined
twenty dollars ($20.00) to be paid
within three (3) days of the
violation. Unpaid fines will lead
to a student’s on-campus parking
privileges being revoked. Any
vehicle parked on the campus and
not displaying a valid Parking
Permit/Decal and/or parked
illegally is subject to being towed
at the owner’s expense.
If a student will be driving
different vehicles to school on
different days, he/she will be
required to purchase only one
52
permit. However, he/she must
display the permit in the proper
place on the vehicle he/she has
driven that particular day. If a
vehicle will no longer be driven to
school (for example, because it has
been sold), the student must
contact a Dean of Students to
provide information about the new
vehicle to be used. If a Dean of
Students so determines, a new
permit may be issued without
charge.
Should an emergency arise making
it necessary to park a vehicle on
campus without a valid permit, the
student should contact a Dean of
Students as soon as he/she arrives
on campus and be prepared to
provide information about the
make, model, year, color, and
license number of the vehicle.
Vehicles must be parked between
the white lines; no diagonal
parking or taking up two spaces
will be allowed. Students may not
park in the following areas: the
front circle, the lot beside Holy
Cross Hall, or the spaces marked
as reserved for the Cafeteria staff
and Athletic Department. In
addition, cars may not be parked in
the areas marked with yellow
diagonal lines at either end of the
main lot or along the driving lanes
where they will interfere with
traffic flow.
Limited parking spaces for Bishop
McNamara students’ vehicles will
be assigned in the Mt. Calvary
parking lot and in the Union
Building parking lot. The school
recommends against parking on
Whitney Place.
During the day no student should
be in any parking lot used for
student vehicles or in any of the
student cars that are parked there.
If a student has an early dismissal
and drives to school, he/she should
get in his/her car and leave
promptly. Students with early
dismissals may not loiter in the
parking lot or in their cars.
Common sense and good judgment
must be exercised by any student
driving to school. Speeding,
spinning of tires or any other
action that endangers persons or
property will not be tolerated.
Students may not pull out to pass
other vehicles in the main
driveway as they enter or exit from
the school grounds; there is to be
only a single lane of traffic moving
in any direction.
Failure to comply with the
school’s vehicle regulations will
lead to loss of parking privileges
on campus.
Cars not displaying the proper
automobile security stickers which
allow entry onto the property to
drop off and pick up students will
not be allowed on the school
property. Parents may obtain these
stickers from the Attendance
Office. Students should not
invite friends or students from
another school to pick them up
in the afternoon unless given
53
permission by their parents and
approved by the administration.
Bishop McNamara students
found not in compliance with
this request will be subject to
disciplinary action.
The speed limit on school
property is 10mph.
The school reserves the right to
inspect, tow, or impound any
vehicle that is parked on school
property.
Bishop McNamara High School
regrets that it cannot assume
liability for personal possessions
lost or damaged on its property,
including vehicles or items within
vehicles. The school will assist
parents in providing information
and reports to enable them to file
claims with their own insurance
companies.
AUTOMOBILE SECURITY
STICKERS
All cars parked on Bishop
McNamara property during the
school day or arriving at the school
at dismissal time must display a
Bishop McNamara Security
Sticker permanently affixed to the
car windshield or bumper on the
driver’s side of the vehicle. This
sticker is different from and should
not be confused with a Parking
Permit/ Decal. Security guards
will be posted at the parking lot
entrance and exit and will not
permit cars without valid stickers
on school property. Families may
request the stickers needed for cars
that will be arriving at the school
at dismissal time by completing
the Application for Automobile
Security Stickers.
SECTION VIII: GENERAL
CAMPUS REGULATIONS
AND PROCEDURES
COMMUNICATING WITH
SCHOOL PERSONNEL
To communicate with school
administrators or request a
telephone call from a faculty
member or guidance counselor,
parents may call the main school
number at 301-735-8401 and
follow the voice mail prompts.
Administrators, teachers, and
guidance counselors may also be
reached via e-mail. Unannounced
visits by parents or guardians to
meet with school personnel are not
acceptable. Scheduled
appointments should be made. An
e-mail directory appears on our
website, www.bmhs.org.
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
Hurricanes, tornadoes,
earthquakes, floods, blizzards, fire,
and explosions are all threats to be
reckoned with throughout Prince
George’s County. All school
personnel and students should be
prepared to take appropriate action
in the event of an imminent or
actual disaster. Bishop McNamara
High School will implement the
following plan if such action is
necessary:
54
1. If possible, an announcement
will be made over the public
address system by the
principal explaining the
present emergency. If the
public address system is not
functional, the administrative
team will deliver information
to classroom teachers.
2. Each classroom is equipped
with a copy of the Emergency
Response Plan, entitled
“Emergency/Crisis
Guidelines”. This text outlines
procedures for potential
emergencies. All teachers
should be familiar with this
text.
3. If the emergency involves the
entire Prince George’s County
area, parents should listen to
the radio and television
stations for information. If the
emergency involves the
immediate school community,
the school will attempt to
notify parents.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Students who observe a fire in the
building must report this to the
Main Office immediately and have
the fire alarm sounded.
During an actual fire or a fire drill,
students are expected to remain
quiet and orderly. No talking is
permitted during a fire drill.
Pulling a fire alarm is a serious
violation of safety regulations and
endangers the lives of others. Any
student caught pulling a false fire
alarm will be immediately
expelled. Likewise, any student
caught setting a fire in the school
will be immediately expelled.
Students are also reminded that
turning in a false alarm is a crime
and that the person is liable for
prosecution.
ID CARDS
Each student will be issued an ID
card provided the student has
submitted the required signatures
on the Technology Use
Agreement. Students are required
to carry their ID card with them at
all times, and they must produce
the ID card upon request by any
faculty or staff member. Failure to
have an ID card when requested
may result in a detention. If a
student loses his/her ID card,
he/she must immediately report
this to the office and arrangements
will be made to replace it. A fee
of $5.00 will be charged for
replacement ID cards.
ID cards are required for
admittance to a variety of school-
sponsored activities and must be
presented to the SJRC staff
personnel in order to check out any
materials or to use a computer.
MARRIED STUDENTS
Married students may be allowed
to continue at Bishop McNamara.
A conference must be held with
the principal. All information will
be kept confidential. The student
55
must report to the business
manager to up-date records (make
financial arrangements for the
distribution of student’s records).
PASS SYSTEM
No student is to be outside his/her
designated area during any of the
class periods unless he/she has a
valid pass signed by a teacher or
prefect. If a person needs to use a
lavatory during a class period,
he/she must carry with him/her a
valid pass signed by the teacher in
charge of his/her area. Study areas
for Senior Privilege/Honors Pass
students are clearly designated.
However, an Honors Pass student
must carry his/her Honors Pass.
The student will then use the
signed pass to go to the specified
location. No student is to be in the
corridors during a period without a
valid pass; this also applies to
Senior Privilege/Honor Pass
students.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Security for personal property
remains primarily the
responsibility of the student. The
school cannot take responsibility
for a student’s personal
belongings. A student’s locker is a
secure place of storage for most
items if the student always checks
to make certain that the locker is
properly closed and locked. Items
that are being carried to class
should not be left unattended even
for a short time. Further, students
are requested not to bring valuable
items with them to school, or if
they must, to exercise great care
with them. Students are
discouraged from bringing CD
players, MP3 players, electronic
games, trading cards, etc. into the
school building. For the protection
and identification of belongings, it
is crucial that the student have
his/her name written on
possessions; this labeling applies
especially to school uniforms,
books, jackets, gym clothing, and
book bags. Respect for the
property of other students is also
essential. Items that have been
found are to be taken to the
cafeteria, where their owners may
claim them from the Lost and
Found. If a student accidentally
leaves his/her locker open, another
student should close it for him/her.
However, nothing is to be removed
from another student’s locker. The
school will consider unauthorized
possession of another student’s
property to be a form of theft; such
illegal possession will be dealt
with severely.
If property has been stolen, the
student should report the theft as
soon as possible to a Dean of
Students. Students caught stealing
will be expelled.
SIGNS POSTED IN SCHOOL
Written approval from a school
administrator must be obtained
before posting any signs. The
administrator will sign or stamp
the poster(s) prior to their being
displayed in the building and will
56
provide the tape to be used in
posting them. SIGNS AND
POSTERS SHOULD BE
ATTACHED TO TILE OR
GLASS SURFACES ONLY—
NOT TO PAINTED SURFACES.
Signs and posters must be removed
within 24 hours of the completion
of the activities to which they
refer.
VISITORS
Visitors arriving at Bishop
McNamara High School during
school hours should report directly
to the main office to pick-up a
visitor’s pass. All alumni, guests,
or visitors to the school must
check in to explain the purpose of
their visit and to obtain permission
before entering other areas of the
school or classrooms. Those
visitors who are approved must
follow school regulations. Those
persons who are denied permission
but remain, or who do not comply
with school regulations, will be
dealt with as trespassers.
Recruitment visits are limited to 8th
grade students.
Friends and family members are
not permitted to arrive at
McNamara unannounced with the
intention of speaking with
students. In the event of an
emergency, family members
should contact the school by phone
prior to their arrival.
Occasionally, items or gifts are
brought or delivered to McNamara
for members of the school
community. In all cases, school
personnel in the Main Office will
oversee the process of ensuring
that these items are given to the
intended recipients. Security
concerns and respect for the
normal school routine prohibit
deliveries that disrupt the school
day.
WEATHER RELATED
CLOSINGS
In the event of inclement weather,
Bishop McNamara generally
follows the schedule for Prince
George's County public schools in
regard to the cancellation, late
opening and early dismissal of
students. Families should,
however, access local media, the
school website or call the school to
check for special information
regarding Bishop McNamara High
School in the event that the school
schedule differs from the decision
made by Prince George’s County.
An evaluation of weather
conditions by the Bishop
McNamara High School
administration will determine
whether or not after
school/evening events will take
place in the event of an early
dismissal.
Announcements for county schools
will be made on local radio and
television stations. If possible,
they will be posted on the school’s
website at www.bmhs.org.
57
WEATHER RELATED
CLOSINGS DURING EXAMS
If there is a delayed opening or
school closing on an exam day,
McNamara will adapt its exam
schedule to accommodate the
change. If school opens one or two
hours late, students and teachers
should report to school
accordingly. Exams will begin
one or two hours later than
originally scheduled, and dismissal
will be at a later time also.
Exams will occur as follows:
1 HOUR DELAY: 1st exam - 9:00 - 10:30
2nd exam - 10:45 - 12:15
2 HOUR DELAY:
1st exam - 10:00 - 11:30
2nd exam - 11:45 - 1:15
If school is canceled, the exams
scheduled on the day that was
missed will be given on the first
day that school reopens.
SECTION IX:
FINANCIAL/SERVICE
OBLIGATIONS
2016-2017 FEES
Tuition: $14,540.00
Book Rental Fee: $350.00
Technology Fee: $150.00*
Graduation Fee (Seniors): $200.00
Monthly payments must be made
through the FACTS Tuition
Management Company.
Annual tuition may be discounted
$250 if the tuition and book fee are
paid in full on or before July 1,
2016. Semester payments may be
discounted $50 if the payment is
received on or before July 1, 2016
and on or before January 15, 2017.
Only those families whose final
obligation following the awarding
of financial aid and grants exceeds
half of the tuition and fees for the
school year are eligible for the
$250 discount. Tuition and fees for
the 2017-2018 school year will be
announced in the spring of 2017 in
McNews.
*Additionally, all students are
required to have, at minimum, the
32GB version of the Apple IPad
Air on the first day of classes for
the 2016-2017 school year.
TUITION DISCOUNTS
FOR SIBLINGS
The Sibling Discount Policy at
Bishop McNamara is designed to
provide assistance to families who
have two or more siblings
concurrently enrolled in Bishop
McNamara High School. Siblings
are defined as brothers and sisters
residing in the same family home,
and whose tuition is paid from the
same family source.
Sibling discounts are not in effect
when one of the students is a full
Moreau scholar. Full tuition is
expected for the second student.
Additional siblings from the same
family will be accorded a tuition
discount.
58
Please note the following formula
which is used when assessing
sibling discount rates:
Two-student family: younger
student pays full tuition; older
student receives $500.00 discount.
Families who have more than two
siblings concurrently enrolled at
Bishop McNamara High School
may contact the President’s Office
for additional consideration.
ARCHDIOCESAN EMPLOYEE
TUITION BENEFIT
Bishop McNamara High School is
one of the few high schools that
choose to participate. The
guidelines for eligibility for the
Archdiocesan Employee Tuition
Benefit Program are that a
parent/guardian who is an
employee of an Archdiocesan
school, agency, or office and who
has been employed two or more
years full-time may request from
their employer a tuition benefit
employment verification form.
This form is signed by the
employer (principal, pastor, etc.)
and then sent to Bishop McNamara
High School. The Bishop
McNamara High School total
employee benefit is $150.00 per
student per school year for as long
as the parent remains in full-time
employment within the
Archdiocese of Washington.
However, benefit applications
must be submitted to the school
each year. This benefit is not
automatically renewed without
ongoing employment verification.
Employee tuition benefits must be
applied for by July 1 of each
enrollment year.
DELIQUENCY IN
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Students may not begin first
semester classes unless all prior
year financial obligations are
satisfied and July and August
tuition and fees are paid.
A student may be prohibited from
attending class if his/her tuition
account is more than 30 days in
arrears. Any absences incurred
because of financial obligations
are considered unexcused
absences. Should a student miss
five consecutive days of class due
to financial delinquency, he/she
will be removed from the
school's enrollment rolls and the
withdrawal process will be
initiated. Neither report cards nor
records will be released until all
financial obligations are fulfilled.
It is the policy of the school to
withhold distribution of the report
cards of students whose
tuition/fees are not up-to-date.
Students with outstanding tuition
obligations to Bishop McNamara
will not be permitted to take final
examinations. Students may not
take more than 2 exams per day.
After a grace period of five
working days (from the date of the
last normally scheduled exam) the
student will receive a failing grade
for any exam not completed.
Neither report cards, grade
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transcripts, diplomas nor any other
official school records will be
released until all financial
obligations are met.
Payments made after April 30
must be in certified funds (cash,
cashier’s check, money order or
credit card: VISA or MasterCard,
Discover or American Express).
The school reserves the right to
revoke the 2016-2017 registration
of a student whose tuition account
is not current. The school is not
obligated to hold spaces for the
upcoming school year for students
whose financial obligations have
not been satisfied.
Students will not be allowed to
participate in the following
activities if tuition is not up-to-
date: overnight field trips and
graduation ceremonies. Students
may also be precluded from
participating in athletics or other
co-curricular activities.
Payment must be in cash or by
cashier’s check or money order if
requesting records (report cards,
transcripts) on the day of payment.
CHECKS
All checks for any Bishop
McNamara High School sponsored
activity must be written payable to:
Bishop McNamara High School.
No checks should be written
payable to a teacher, moderator,
coach, or company.
No personal checks will be
accepted after April 30.
A fee of $35.00 will be charged for
all checks returned to Bishop
McNamara as uncollectable.
Returned checks will not be re-
deposited.
CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS
Bishop McNamara High School
accepts Visa, MasterCard,
American Express and Discover.
Student credit/debit card purchases
may be verified by a
parent/guardian prior to
processing.
With the exception of donations,
application fees and registration
fees, the school charges a 3.5%
service fee for credit card
transactions and a 1% service fee
for debit card transactions. Banks
and credit card companies assess
processing fees for all transactions.
This expense is paid from the
school’s tuition revenue and
therefore reduces the tuition
dollars available for academic
programs and services. This
service fee will help to offset the
processing fee.
REFUND POLICY
Application and registration fees
are non-refundable. Tuition, book
rental, technology and graduation
fees for the full academic year are
non-refundable (with the exception
of a documented military transfer)
after July 15, 2016. Families must
60
notify the school in writing of a
student’s withdrawal by close of
business on July 15, 2016. After
this date, no portion of the fees
paid or outstanding will be
refunded or cancelled in the event
of the student’s absence or
withdrawal.
TEXTBOOK POLICY
Every student pays a book rental
fee. Students requiring a second
set of books may be required to
pay an additional rental fee.
The school is not responsible for
books lost or stolen. Missing
textbooks should be reported
immediately to a Dean of Students.
Students retrieving lost textbooks
from the bookstore will be charged
a re-shelving fee.
All textbooks must be covered and
kept in the best possible condition.
Nothing is to be written in or on
any textbooks except the student’s
name in the appropriate place
inside the front cover. Textbooks
which are badly damaged or
disfigured by graffiti, or otherwise
rendered unserviceable will not be
accepted for return and must be
paid for by the student. Fines will
be charged for serviceable books
that have been damaged.
Book covers are the responsibility
of the student. Book covers must
be in good taste. Students are not
to apply contact paper covers, and,
if tape is used on covers, it should
not come in contact with the book.
PARENT SERVICE HOURS
All families are required to
perform 10 hours of volunteer
service to Bishop McNamara High
School. Parent service hours for
the school year begin on May 1st
and end on April 30th. The ten
hours of service must be
completed by April 30th or the
parent/guardian will be required to
pay a $30 fee for each service hour
not completed. This is considered
a financial obligation to the school.
Service hours do not carry over
from one year to the next.
Volunteers at Bishop McNamara
High School are not provided
Workers’ Compensation benefits
for injuries they may incur while
performing services for the school.
Questions concerning the Parent
Service Hours Program should be
directed to the Service Hour
Coordinator, Ms. Dionna Gunter at
(301) 735-8401 (x122) or
SECTION X:
TECHNOLOGY USAGE
POLICY
PHILOSOPHY
This policy was created with
assistance from fellow Holy
Cross Schools, Saint Francis
High School, Mountain View,
CA, and St. Edmond’s
Academy, Wilmington, DE.
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Technology is incorporated into
Bishop McNamara High
School’s academic programs to
assist students and to further the
school’s mission as a Catholic
and Holy Cross school. To
prepare our students, as Blessed
Basil Moreau wrote, for “the
business and the problems of
the world” (Moreau, Christian
Education) students must be
taught proper technology usage
to ensure that students are not
“ignorant of anything they
should know” (Moreau,
Christian Education). Students
must have access to the
information and tools necessary
to operate in this world, but
must also be instructed in a
manner which ensures these
skills are used in the best
manner to benefit all. With the
ubiquity of technology, it is the
community’s responsibility to
encourage good digital
citizenry, so as to form better
global citizens.
The following policies add to
the Bishop McNamara Honor
Code and Disciplinary Code,
valuing our community of trust
and how our choices to act
honorably stem from these
values. This requires full
community participation;
students need to trust their
teachers and staff with their
education, and teachers and
staff must be able to trust their
students to behave in the proper
fashion with the proper
decorum.
The following policies should
be considered in the context of
Bishop McNamara’s THINK
campaign.
Before communicating through
any means community members
should consider if their
communication is True, Holy
Cross, Inspirational, Necessary,
and Kind. (THINK)
General Expectations
1. Respectful and attentive
listening when
communicating with
administrators, faculty,
classmates, and
colleagues should not be
impaired by the use of
technology.
2. Though technology is
welcome at school, it
should not be the focal
point of human
interactions. Therefore,
tablets (including iPads),
laptops, digital music
players (including
iPods) and similar
devices are NOT to be
used in:
the cafeteria (during
lunch periods)
the chapel
62
Hallways (between
classes)
Bathrooms and
locker rooms
3. Headphones should be
used during the school
day to help maintain
quiet learning spaces
throughout the school,
particularly in the SJRC
and concourse. Students
are not to wear
headphones while
walking through the
hallways, including in
the morning as they are
entering the school, as
well as between classes.
Students will remove
headphones upon
request by a faculty,
staff, administrator, or
coach.
4. Students should only
operate devices and
accounts that are
uniquely created or
assigned to them.
Because of this, students
are responsible for any
information attached to
their device or account.
Students should not give
access to their account
or device to other
students.
5. Network usage, internet
usage, e-mail messages,
social media posts, and
text messages of a
sexual nature, including
“sexting” are strictly
prohibited by this
policy. Further, taking,
posting or distributing
any image or video of a
sexual nature regarding
oneself or a classmate is
strictly prohibited,
whether such image or
media is taken, posted,
or distributed during or
outside of school hours.
6. Network usage, internet
usage, e-mail messages,
social media posts, and
text messages that are of
a bullying or harassing
nature are strictly
prohibited, whether such
bullying occurs during
or outside of school
hours.
7. These policies are
subject to change as
needed; when change
has occurred all
necessary parties will be
notified.
Network Access
1. Students will access the
network only through
their unique network
login; they are solely
responsible for what
appears on their
accounts.
2. Students will keep their
password safe; it should
63
not be shared with any
other user, other than a
member of the IT staff.
3. Students will only
access sites, programs,
and apps that are
appropriate for a
Catholic, educational
setting.
4. Students will only
access data for which
they have been granted
authorization.
5. Students have no
expectation of privacy in
regards to any activity
on the Bishop
McNamara network and
understand and agree
that all use of the Bishop
McNamara network
may be monitored or
reviewed by school
administrators to ensure
compliance with this
policy with or without
the user’s knowledge or
consent.
6. Students will only use
software and apps to
enhance academic
pursuits while on the
BMHS network.
Internet Use 1. Students will use the
Internet in a way that is
consistent with Holy
Cross and Catholic
values.
2. Students will use the
Internet for academic
research and growth.
3. Students will access the
Internet only for school
purposes while on the
BMHS network.
4. Students can only
connect devices to the
school network that
have been approved by
the Principal and
Director of Information
Technology
5. Students are aware that
Internet bandwidth is
limited and one user
who is using a high
volume of bandwidth
could be impairing
other students’ ability
to work. Therefore,
bandwidth usage is a
communal concern, and
individuals should work
to ensure their behavior
is not impeding
another’s work.
6. Students have no
expectation of privacy
in regards to internet
usage while using the
Bishop McNamara
Internet connection and
understand and agree
that use of the Bishop
McNamara Internet
connection may be
monitored or reviewed
by school
64
administrators to ensure
compliance with this
policy with or without
the user’s knowledge or
consent.
1. Students will use e-
only to communicate
with students, teachers,
and appropriate out-of-
building contacts.
2. Students will use
proper e-mail etiquette
and conduct
themselves in a
professional manner,
particularly in regards
to language, when
composing
correspondence.
3. Students will THINK
before they send e-
mail, to encourage
thoughtful, inspiring,
necessary, and kind
communication, in the
Holy Cross tradition.
4. Students will not use e-
mail to harass, insult,
bully, or otherwise
degrade the human
person.
5. Students will only
access their e-mail
during free periods, or
when it is permitted
and acceptable in a
class, meeting, or
assembly.
6. Students are aware that
school e-mail accounts
are the property of the
school, and can be
accessed by the school
whenever deemed
necessary by school
administration.
7. Students will have no
expectation of privacy
while using the Bishop
McNamara e-mail
system and agree that
use of the Bishop
McNamara e-mail
system may be
monitored or reviewed
by school
administrators to
ensure compliance
with this policy with or
without the user’s
knowledge or consent.
Personal Devices
1. As stated in the cell
phone policy section of
this handbook, cell
phones are to be turned
off and stored in lockers
for the entirety of the
school day.
2. Wearables, including
but not limited to smart
watches, Google Glass
and other devices that
communicate with cell
phones, are not allowed
65
to be used during the
school day.
3. Students must follow all
Bishop McNamara
acceptable use policies
on personal devices
when used in the school
building, and be aware
that behavior on social
media, whether inside or
outside the building still
falls under this
document.
IPads
1. Students must have their
iPads enrolled in Bishop
McNamara’s Mobile
Device Management
(MDM) System, and
should not change any
settings in regards to the
MDM.
2. Students take full
responsibility for their
own devices at all times,
and are aware that the
school takes no
responsibility for its
safekeeping and
maintenance.
3. Students will keep their
iPad charged and in
proper working order for
use throughout the
school day.
4. Students will do their
best to assist other
community members in
making sure their iPads
are also taken care of.
5. Students will lock their
iPads with a passcode of
their choosing; this
passcode must be made
available to the Director
of Instructional
Technology, and the
Director of Information
Technology at their
request.
6. Students will have no
expectation of privacy
while using iPads in the
course of the school day.
Texting/Messaging/
Chatting
1. Students may only text,
message, or chat no their
personal devices during
the school day with
faculty or staff
knowledge and
permission.
2. Students will THINK
before they digitally
communicate, to
encourage thoughtful,
inspiring necessary, and
kind communication, in
the Holy Cross tradition.
3. Students will not use
texting, messaging,
chatting, and/or any
other digital
communication to
harass, insult, bully, or
66
otherwise degrade the
human person.
Social Media
1. Students are aware that
their behavior on social
media, whether inside or
outside of the school
building is susceptible to
this policy.
2. Students may access
social media apps and
websites only for school
purposes, under the
direction of a teacher or
club moderator while on
the BMHS network.
3. Students will only post
audio, video, and still
photography to social
media outlets when it is
for a class or club
activity under
supervision of teacher or
moderator. Students
will THINK before they
post in order to
encourage thoughtful,
inspiring, necessary, and
kind behavior, in the
Holy Cross Tradition.
4. Students will never post
to social media to
harass, insult, bully, or
otherwise degrade the
human person.
Audio-Visual 1. Students will only
record audio, video, or
still-shots of people who
are aware that audio,
video, or stills shots are
being captured of them,
and have received
permission to do so.
2. Students will capture
audio, video, or still-
shots only for
educational or
community purposes
(i.e. Spirit Week,
Mustangs Go Pink day,
etc.)
3. Students will THINK
before they record
audio, video, or still-
shots to encourage
thoughtful, inspiring,
necessary, and kind
communication, in the
Holy Cross tradition.
4. Students will not use
audio, video, or still-
shots to harass, insult,
bully, or otherwise
degrade the human
person
5. Students will always
consider their
surroundings and
company when using
headphones or built-in
speakers to watch videos
or listen to audio.
6. Students will not wear
headphones in the
hallways in the morning,
between classes, or after
school. Headphones are
67
not used in class except
for teacher approved
activities.
7. Students will only watch
videos (including
movies and television
programs), and listen to
audio (including music)
that is appropriate for a
Catholic school setting.
Privacy 1. Students shall have no
expectation of privacy
while using iPads or any
other Bishop McNamara
electronic information
resources, including
with respect to the
contents of computer
files or any
communication
undertaken by way of
electronic resources
and/or the Bishop
McNamara network.
2. Bishop McNamara
administration and IT
staff may conduct an
individual search of a
student’s iPad,
computer, e-mail
account/files, or other
related items at any time
if there is suspicion that
this policy or the
school’s other policies
and guidelines may have
been violated.
3. The school retains the
right to duplicate any
information created by
students on the school’s
network, or on any
individual iPad or
computer.
Consequences for
Inappropriate Use of
Technology
1. All students are aware
that their behavior is
subject to the school’s
discipline and Honor
Code; the usage of
technology falls within
these realms. Failing to
follow this policy can
lead to revocation of
technology use
privileges, detention,
suspension, expulsion,
and/or referral to the
Honor Council, as stated
in this handbook’s
Disciplinary Policy and
Procedures/Code of
Conduct section.
2. All parents are also,
therefore, held
responsible for
knowledge of this
technology policy and
adherence to it. Students
are responsible for their
own individual actions,
and parents are
responsible for
supervision of their