2022-2023 Student Handbook


The Conwell-Egan Catholic High School community centers itself around three core values: Character, Excellence, and Commitment. With a focus on these core values, our Handbook strives to create a culture of respect and accountability. The purpose of the Student Handbook is to give students and their parents/guardians an understanding of the general rules and guidelines for attending and receiving an education in our school. Students and parents/guardians should be aware that this document is reviewed annually since policy and procedure adoption is an ongoing process.
 
All consequences for infractions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all disciplinary decisions will be made at the discretion of the Conwell-Egan Catholic administration.

OVERVIEW

INFRACTIONS

After School Detention (Held every Tuesday & Thursday, 2:20-3pm)

  • Appearance violation
  • Food / drink / gum
  • Earbud violation
  • Late to class
  • Failure to return school forms
  • Defiance
  • Inappropriate action / language
  • Disruption in class


Saturday Detention (Held October - May, One Saturday per month, 8-10am)
 

  • Cutting class
  • Cell phone violation
  • Poor conduct during assembly
  • Out-of-bounds (before, during, or after school)
  • Disrespect
  • RUPT (Minor)


Suspension
 

  • Bullying
  • Theft
  • Fighting
  • Destruction of property
  • Possession/use of vape / smoking device
  • RUPT (Major)
  • Poor conduct during liturgy
  • Vandalism
  • Gross Disrespect


Expulsion 
 

  • Possession / use of drugs / alcohol
  • Possession / use of weapon
  • Threat to school community


 

CONSEQUENCES

Failure to attend:

  • After School Detention =Saturday Detention
  • Saturday Detention=Suspension


Accumulate:

  • Skip ASD = SD
  • Skip SD = S
  • 5 After School Detention = Saturday Detention
  • 3 Saturday Detention = Suspension
  • 3 Suspension = Expulsion   
  • 45 After School Detention = Expulsion   
  • 9 Saturday Detention = Expulsion   
  • 3 Suspension = Expulsion   
  • 1 Suspension = loss of Spirit Night privileges and participation
  • 2 Suspensions = loss of school dance privileges (including Proms)
  • 3 Suspensions = loss of privileges and participation in Sports/Clubs/Activities & will be subject to expulsion.

 
INFRACTIONS
The following infractions are subject to after-school detention: appearance violation (uniform, facial hair, piercings, etc.); food, drink, or gum outside of cafeteria; earbuds; late to class; failure to return school forms; defiance
 
The following infractions are subject to Saturday detention: cutting class; cell phone; poor conduct during an assembly; inappropriate actions / language; out-of-bounds (before, during, or after school); disrespect
 
The following infractions are subject to suspension: bullying; theft; fighting; destruction of property; possession or use of vape, JUUL, or any other electronic smoking device; violation of the Responsible Use Policy for Technology; poor conduct during a Liturgy; vandalism; gross disrespect
 
The following infractions are subject to expulsion: possession or use of drugs or alcohol; possession or use of weapons or dangerous objects; making verbal threats, written threats or gestures / allusions to threats of self or others

UNIVERSAL SEARCH POLICY

Ordinarily, a student has the right to privacy with regard to the school locker. It is the proper function, however, of school authorities or their representatives to inspect lockers under their control and vehicles on school property or at school sponsored events to prevent their use in any illicit ways or for illegal purposes.
 
To protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, school authorities, or their representatives may question and search a student, his/her personal effects, lockers, and vehicles used by the student and may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in the search. Searches conducted by school authorities or their representatives may include, but not limited to, utilization of certified drug detection dogs or any devices used to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the school population. A student’s refusal or failure to permit such searches and seizures as provided in this policy will be considered grounds for disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal from CEC.

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE POSSESSION / USE

Any student who possesses and/or uses a controlled substance on or around school property or at school-sponsored events will face disciplinary action. This policy applies to CEC students and their guests. All cases will be referred to law enforcement officials.
 
Any student suspected of using, selling, or possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute will be referred to law enforcement officials and face failure in conduct and dismissal. Students who are in proximity of possession/use of illegal substances will be held accountable as well. Students who bring a guest to any school function who is found to be in violation of this policy will be held accountable and face disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from school.

BULLYING

The following behaviors are prohibited:

  • Bullying;
  • Cyberbullying;
  • Harassment;
  • Retaliation against those reporting such defined behaviors; and
  • Making knowingly false accusations of bullying behavior.
Any person who engages in any of these prohibited behaviors that constitutes bullying shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to: suspension, dismissal, or contact of local authority.
 
Bullying and Cyberbullying Defined
“Bullying, including cyberbullying, is any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:
  • Placing the student in reasonable fear of harm to their person or property
  • Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health
  • Substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance
  • Substantially interfering with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the school

Cyberbullying is defined as bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including, but not limited to, a transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted by the use of any electronic device, including, but not limited to, a computer, telephone, cellular telephone, text messaging device or social media.

RESPONSIBLE USE POLICY FOR TECHNOLOGY

Preamble

Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Revised August 2021

The heart of our curriculum is timeless ~ love, truth, beauty, mercy. We teach about creation as well as the Creator. We educate on being in solidarity with those who suffer and how to cultivate a prayerful life.

In his message for the 48th World Communications Day, Pope Francis said that technology is a “gift from God.” The Pope challenged the Church to use this tool to promote the faith, asking how communication can “be at the service of an authentic culture of encounter?” Because of these things we are committed to participating in society. And to be committed to such participation requires using technology in appropriate ways.

We are interested in technology because of our faith.

We expect our students to utilize technology to think more critically, to communicate effectively, to express their creativity, and to conduct research. Our teachers have access to updated technology in their classrooms to engage our students and challenge them to learn in ways not previously imaginable. We empower students with the technical skills necessary to participate in a culture that is increasingly dependent upon technology, while also challenging them to be digital ambassadors spreading the Good News.

But it is our faith that guides how we use technology.

We teach our students about the ethics of technology and train them to be savvy about things like Internet privacy and safety. We teach the unfortunate reality of technology addiction. We remind students and parents that technology is aggressively marketed and to be careful about getting caught up in the hype.

We also acknowledge that we sometimes need to “unplug” from technology as it can cause us to become isolated from one another. We encourage family meals without screen time and the importance of communicating face to face.

We greatly value technology in our schools. And what makes technology most powerful, is when it serves to make our students better people!

 

RESPONSIBLE USE POLICY FOR TECHNOLOGY

Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

 

PURPOSE

Technology is a valuable and real-world educational tool. All Archdiocese of Philadelphia schools will educate all students about appropriate online behavior, including: interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, cyber bullying awareness and response to ensure an appropriate use of technology, including video conferencing platforms. The policy outlined below applies to all technology use including but not limited to Internet use. The Responsible Use Policy for Technology (RUP) applies to all students, faculty, administrators, staff, volunteers or community members allowed access to school technology resources. In some cases, outside or personal uses of technology may be applicable under this policy.

SCOPE OF USE

We recognize that the digital world allows anytime, anywhere access. Uses mentioned in this policy apply to inside school use and may in certain instances apply to personal technology use and/or uses outside of school. Where personal and/or non-educational use of technology creates substantial disruption in school, including but not limited to harming or interfering with the rights of other students or teachers to participate fully in school or extracurricular activities, these activities may be viewed as a violation of the Responsible Use Policy and may be subject to the disciplinary measure found herein.

N.B. The types of electronic and digital communications referenced in this RUP include, but are not limited to, social networking sites, cell phones, mobile computers and devices, digital cameras, video conferencing platforms, text messaging, email, voice over IP, chat rooms, instant messaging, cloud, and web-based tools.

GOAL

The school’s goal is to prepare its members for a responsible life in a digital global community. To this end, the school will:

    • Integrate technology with curriculum to enhance teaching and learning.
    • Encourage critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
    • Facilitate evaluation and synthesis of information.
    • Encourage ethical practices and provide education for Internet safety, digital citizenship and the creation of a positive digital identity.
    • Provide a variety of technology-based tools and related technology skills.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF USER

Our schools will make every effort to provide a safe environment for learning with technology including Internet filtering and safeguards. The students, faculty, administrators, staff, and school community are granted the privilege of using the computer hardware and software peripherals, and electronic communication tools including the Internet. With this privilege comes the responsibility for appropriate use.

 

In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, we use information and technology in safe, legal, and responsible ways. We embrace the following conditions or facets of being a digital citizen.

    • Respect One’s Self: Responsible users will select online names that are appropriate and will consider the information and images that are posted online.
    • Respect Others: Responsible users will refrain from using technologies to bully, tease or harass other people.
    • Protect One’s Self and Others: Responsible users will protect themselves and others by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications.
    • Respect Intellectual Property: Responsible users will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, images, media, or other sources relied upon or used in work created.
    • Protect Intellectual Property: Responsible users will request permission to use the software and media others produce and abide by license agreements for all software and resources.

TECHNOLOGY USE GUIDELINES

Educational Purpose/ Responsible Use: Technology is to be used to enhance student learning. Students are able to access social networking and gaming sites only under the guidance and supervision of the teacher for the educational outcomes identified within the lesson and given appropriate age.

Copyright/Intellectual Property and Identity: All sources obtained for teacher and student work should be properly cited. Users are to respect the rights and intellectual property of others in accordance with Federal Copyright Law. Transferring copyrighted material to or from a school without express permission of the owner is a violation of Federal Law and could result in copyright infringement claims.

Communications: Electronic and/or Digital communications with students should be conducted for educationally appropriate purposes and employ only school-sanctioned means of communication. The school-sanctioned communications methods include:

  • Teacher school web page, school-issued email and/or phone number
  • Teacher created, educationally focused networking sites
  • Student Information System and Learning Management System
  • Remind Communication app – or similar i.e. Class Dojo, Seesaw

 

Teachers, administrators or staff members in their normal responsibilities and duties may be required to contact parents outside of the school day. A teacher, administrator or staff member is free to contact parents or guardians using a home phone or a personal cell phone. However, they should not distribute a home phone number or a personal cell phone number to students. If a student contacts a teacher or administrator using a teacher or administrator’s personal numbers, email or social networking sites, the teacher or administrator should immediately report this to the administrator or appropriate authorities.

Electronic and Mobile Devices, Cell phone/Wearable technology: Users must adhere to local school policy that may further define uses of mobile devices. The administrator of the local school will determine permissible use. If a particular mobile device is to be used for an educational purpose, the school administration and/or teacher will provide parameters for this use.

Smart Speakers: Primarily intended for at-home consumer use, these always-listening devices are not directly intended for the classroom. Therefore, smart speakers (Echo, Google Nest, etc..) are not to be used in the classroom nor connected to the network on a permanent basis during the academic year. 

Remote/Distance Learning: Remote or distance learning may be used to supplement face-to-face instruction, or where appropriate, may be the primary modality of instruction. To effectively engage in remote or distance learning, users are expected to:

  • Participate from an appropriate location in the home. 
  • To the user’s best ability, be in a well-lit and quiet area. Avoid having windows or strong sources of light directly behind an individual when engaging in teaching/learning on camera.
  • Wear appropriate and respectful attire. (This may be more specifically defined by the local school administration.)
  • Where able, only use first name and last initial to identify yourself via video conferencing software.
  • Students are not to use or preserve a photograph, image, video, including-live streaming, or likeness of any student, or employee without express permission of that individual and of the principal.
  • Prior to recording any portion of a live classroom session, instructors are to notify the students who are in the same session, face-to-face or online. 
  • Live class recordings are meant for internal school use only. Recordings are to be saved locally on a network drive or the school’s GSuite for Education Google Drive. Recordings are to be deleted at the end of the academic year in which they were recorded. Recordings are not for promotional use, rather solely for educational purposes. 
  • This Responsible Use Policy applies to students using personal devices for remote instruction.
  • Maintaining hardware/devices provided by the local school is the responsibility of the student/family. (Local school policy may define further students’ responsibilities and expectations.)

 

Examples of Unacceptable Uses – 

Users are not to:

  • Use technology to harass, threaten, deceive, intimidate, offend, embarrass, annoy or otherwise negatively impact any individual.
  • Post, publish, disseminate or display any defamatory, inaccurate, violent, abusive, profane or sexually oriented material. Users must not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude or threatening language. Users must not knowingly or recklessly post or disseminate false information about any persons, students, staff or any other organization.
  • Use a photograph, image, video, including-live streaming, or likeness of any student, administrator, employee or volunteer without express permission of that individual and of the principal.
  • Create any site, post any photo, image or video of another individual except with express permission of that individual and the principal.
  • Attempt to circumvent system security, blocked sites or to bypass software protections.
  • Deliberately visit a site known for unacceptable material or any material that is not in support of educational objectives. Students must not access social networking sites or gaming sites, except for educational purposes under teacher supervision.
CELL PHONES/WEARABLE DEVICES

Appropriate cell phone use is allowed in the cafeteria during lunch periods as well as in between class periods. Upon entering class, students are expected to place their cell phones in their assigned cell phone pocket in each classroom. If any students do not want to use their assigned classroom cell phone pockets, they can opt to keep their cell phones in their assigned lockers during the school day. Any student who is found with a cell phone during a class period will be issued a Saturday Detention. If confiscated, cell phones will be held in the Office for Student Life, which closes at 3:00 pm daily. Any cell phones that are not picked up by 3:00 pm will be held until the following day.
 
Wearable devices (such as Apple Watches) are not permitted for use during the school day.
 
If a student refuses to hand a cell phone over to a faculty or staff member when asked, he or she will be liable for disciplinary action and/or suspension.
 
EARBUDS
Earbuds and headphones (wireless or not) should be turned off and put away during classes (unless needed for assignments or at the teacher’s request), Masses, Liturgies, and assemblies. Earbuds that are visible in the hallways, during school activities or during classes will be confiscated, and the penalty is an after-school detention. If confiscated, earbuds will be held in the Office for Student Life, which closes at 3:00 pm daily. Any earbuds/headphones that are not picked up by 3:00 pm will be held until the following day. Conwell-Egan Catholic is not responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen earbuds/headphones, even those that have been confiscated by the CEC staff or administration. Students are permitted to appropriately use earbuds/headphones in the cafeteria during their lunch period.
 
If a student refuses to hand earbuds over to a faculty or staff member when asked, he or she will be liable for disciplinary action and/or suspension.

DRESS CODE

Uniform Policy
 

Please click here for the 2022-2023 Uniform Infographic and price list. 


By choosing to attend Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, each student has agreed to wear the school uniform as described below. Parents and guardians are asked to support their son/daughter in complying with the uniform policy.
 
Inspection of uniforms will be performed daily. The uniform should be clean and neat at all times.
 
Note: items highlighted in blue are updated/new for the 2022-2023 academic year.
 
Guidelines

  • Students must arrive to school each day in full uniform.
  • Girls' jumpers are to be of an appropriate length (no shorter than 3" above the knee).
  • Stockings/socks should be free of holes.
  • No excessive jewelry such as chains, choker necklaces or similar items are permitted. With the exception of an understated, small nose piercing, other body piercing besides small stud earrings, for both boys and girls, is forbidden.
  • Extreme hairstyles or hair dyes are not permitted. Hair should not look unkempt.
  • Boys hair must be above the collar, no sideburns below the ear, and not in front of the eyes.
  • Tattoos must be covered at all times.
  • Gentlemen must be clean-shaven at all times.

 
Parents should send an explanatory note if a student is unable to wear the CEC uniform on a given day. All notes must be brought to the Office for Student Life before the start of first period. A doctor's note is required for the extended use (i.e. more than one day) of anything other than an approved uniform item and must be reviewed and approved by the Assistant Principal for Student Life.
 
On occasions such as field trips, when the uniform is not worn, the moderator will determine student dress code.
 
Any violation of the uniform policy will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the CEC Code of Conduct.
 
Uniform Standards
Girls' Uniform
FALL/SPRING girls' uniform:

  • Navy blue Flynn & O'Hara v-neck jumper (worn no more than 3 inches above the knee)
  • Short or long sleeved Flynn & O'Hara oxford blouse
  • Only white undershirts permitted
  • Tan boat shoe (Sperry or other brand; can be two-toned)
  • Navy blue knee-highs or navy blue crew socks worn above the ankle

 
WINTER girls' uniform:

  • Navy blue Flynn & O'Hara v-neck jumper (worn no more than 3 inches above knee)
  • Short or long sleeved Flynn & O'Hara oxford blouse
  • Only white undershirts permitted
  • CEC quarter zip pullover or CEC blazer
  • Tan boat shoe (Sperry or other brand; can be "two-toned")
  • Navy blue knee-highs, navy blue crew socks worn above the ankle, or navy blue tights (they must be plain navy blue with no designs, texture, or holes)
  • Senior girls may wear the royal blue cardigan embroidered with the school seal and their graduation year

 
Boys' Uniform
FALL/SPRING boys' uniform:

  • Gray Flynn & O'Hara uniform dress pants
  • Solid black or brown belt
  • Short sleeve blue banded golf shirt with CEC logo
  • Only white undershirts permitted
  • Tan (Sahara) Sperry boat shoe 
  • Only solid black or blue dress socks, worn over the ankle
  • Pants should fit at the waist and break at the top of the shoe
  • All non-banded shirts should be tucked in
  • A long-sleeved undershirt may never be worn under a short-sleeved shirt

 
WINTER boys' uniform:

  • Gray Flynn & O'Hara uniform dress pants
  • Solid black or brown belt
  • Only white undershirts permitted
  • CEC quarter zip pullover
  • Short sleeve blue banded golf shirt with CEC logo
  • Tan (Sahara) Sperry boat shoe 
  • Only solid black or blue dress socks, worn over the ankle
  • Pants should fit at the waist and break at the top of the shoe
  • Senior boys may wear the royal blue cardigan embroidered with the school seal and their graduation year
ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

As a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), Conwell-Egan Catholic and all student-athletes must adhere to the PIAA eligibility rules.
 
The following eligibility rules have been added by CEC within the PIAA guidelines:

  • As of each Friday during a grading period, any student-athlete who is failing 2 or more courses will lose their eligibility from the immediately following Sunday through the following Saturday.
  • At the conclusion of each grading quarter, any student-athlete who fails 2 or more courses will lose their eligibility for the first 15 school days of the next grading period, beginning on the first day that report cards are issued.

All athletic eligibility decisions will be made at the discretion of the Conwell-Egan Catholic administration.

SPIRIT NIGHT ELIGIBILITY

At the beginning of each school year, all CEC students are eligible to participate in Spirit Night. The following eligibility guidelines for Spirit Night are in place beginning with the 2021-22 school year:
 

  • Any student who is suspended from school at any point during the school year is not eligible to participate in Spirit Night.
  • Any student who is failing 3 or more courses at the conclusion of the first semester is not eligible to participate in Spirit Night.
  • Any student with 10 or more unexcused absences or 15 or more unexcused latenesses at the conclusion of the first semester is not eligible to participate in Spirit Night.

All Spirit Night eligibility decisions will be made at the discretion of the Conwell-Egan Catholic administration.

DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY

CEC Students are expected to respect not only themselves and others, but also the physical building and property of Conwell-Egan Catholic High School. Any student who disrespects the physical property of CEC, including but not limited to, littering, graffiti, drawing on desks or walls, tampering with another student’s belongings, or participation in any other type of destructive behavior, will be suspended in accordance with the CEC Code of Conduct.

THEFT

Theft is taking the belongings of another person without his/her prior consent or knowledge. If a CEC student is speculated to be involved in any incident of theft, an investigation will be conducted by the CEC administration, and if found guilty of theft, the student will be suspended, and disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the CEC Code of Conduct.

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