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Food and Drink are permitted only in the cafeteria and never in locker rooms or above the basement corridor.
Gum Chewing is not permitted in any area of the building.
Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in the building or on the grounds (Educational Law Sec. 409).
Any student who smokes on campus is breaking the law. After the parent/guardian is notified the student is subject to the following:
1st offense - 5 hours of detention and probation for the quarter or semester depending on circumstances (no extra curricular activities including sports, dances, proms. etc.)
2nd offense - Suspension
Substance Abuse Policy: Our Lady of Mercy Academy abides by the laws of the United States and the State of New York. The school does not condone illegal conduct. It is, therefore, necessary for parents, students and faculty to have, along with the enunciation of the school’s policy regarding alcohol and drugs, an official interpretation of that policy.
The possession, use, or distribution of any quantity of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia is not permitted on OLMA premises, OLMA vehicles, or at off-site OLMA sponsored activities. Violators are subject to severe discipline, including dismissal from Our Lady of Mercy Academy and prosecution under the laws of the State of New York.
Any student showing evidence of having consumed alcoholic beverages or in the possession of drugs, and/or tobacco, at anytime while under the authority of OLMA is subject to dismissal.
“Showing evidence of” includes any behavior observed by an adult which might be indicative of the use of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and/or tobacco.
“In the possession of” includes participation in the use of or being in the presence of the use or storage of alcohol, drugs, and/or tobacco. This includes the presence of alcohol, drugs, and/or tobacco in lockers, automobiles, student rooms or elsewhere on campus.
“Drugs” includes all that is commonly understood in the context of the problem: narcotics, cocaine, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, federally controlled substances, etc.
Realizing the seriousness of the problem of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse/misuse, OLMA will make every effort to assist students involved with the problem. Strict confidentiality will be observed in providing this assistance; every effort will be made to enable students who are actively seeking help for themselves or others to continue their education at Our Lady of Mercy Academy.
Observations and/or evidence of alcohol/drug use by a student will require an alcohol/drug assessment by an OLMA approved facility.
Parents will be notified when students are required to undergo an alcohol/drug assessment; the financial cost for this is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Continued enrollment is contingent upon the student’s completing the assessment and recommended follow-up care.
Violence of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Verbal abuse and/or harassment is offensive and never tolerated. Vulgar and offensive language is unacceptable.
- Students who fight or threaten harmful behavior toward another in the building or in the vicinity of the building are subject to probation and possible suspension or expulsion. Students who engage in any violent verbal or physical behavior are subject to possible suspension or expulsion.
Theft or the destruction of property belonging to the school, staff or other students is a very serious offense. A student who steals or defaces property or is suspected of said offenses is immediately brought to the Assistant Principal for Student Life who will call the student’s parent/guardian. Pending an investigation by the administration, immediate disciplinary action ranging from in school suspension to expulsion will result. Legal authorities may be contacted. Restitution and repairs are the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility.
Cutting class is a serious offense which will result in detention, and/or probation or suspension. No credit is awarded for class work. Students will receive a zero for quizzes or missed tests. Parents/guardians must meet with the Assistant Principal for Student Life before the student can return to class.
Seniors who cut a class will lose senior privileges.
Truancy is a serious offense. A truant student is suspended from all classes until her parent/guardian comes in for a conference with the Assistant Principal for Student Life.
Unsupervised Student behavior is prohibited. No student is permitted on the grounds unaccompanied by a teacher or moderator. Students are NOT permitted off campus during school hours or when staying for after school activities.
Educational Trips augment the school curriculum. All educational trips are scheduled between September and May 1st. Each student is expected to conduct herself in accordance with the rules in the Student Handbook, as well as the guidelines set by the trip coordinator. Students are expected to follow the dress guidelines as stated in the student handbook for day trips, as well as for trips of longer duration. Tasteful and reasonable dress and appropriate conduct are expected at all times. Trips are a privilege and not a right. Participation is contingent on attendance, academics, and behavior. Students who fail to comply with the rules will be sent home at the parent’s/guardian’s expense.
In the event of an extended trip, medical insurance and authorization forms must be completed and presented before a student receives final approval for the trip.
Detention is an after-school or Saturday session assigned to students as a disciplinary measure as the result of a referral and/or at the discretion of the Assistant Principal for Student Life. A student who has received one referral will serve detention. A student who is given detention is to report to the specified room on the assigned day and time, in full uniform. A missed detention will result in Saturday detentions. Referrals for detention are kept on file and appear on the report card.
The Disciplinary Review Board consists of the Co-Principals and the Assistant Principals. The Disciplinary Review Board decides the course of action when a student exhibits a negative attitude toward school policy and/or when a student is involved in a serious violation of school rules. Before a decision is made, the student is given the opportunity to state her position.
Probation/Suspension/Expulsion are consequences for students who commit repeated infractions or whose conduct is offensive or brings discredit to the school.
Probation is a set period of time, determined by the infraction, during which students cannot violate any rules without placing themselves in jeopardy of suspension. Seniors on probation will lose their senior privileges. All students on probation must obtain permission from the Assistant Principal for Student Life to participate in any school-sponsored activity.
A student is placed on probation for, but not limited to, the following reasons:
- Fighting
- Smoking
- Destruction of school property
- Stealing
- Endangering the safety of others
- Repeated lateness or absence
The decision to place a student on probation is made by the Administration.
Internal Suspension is intended for students who exhibit unacceptable in-school behavior. The Assistant Principal for Student Life notifies the parent/guardian of the suspension. Students will be supervised in a specific room to complete assigned work rather than being sent home.
The Rules for Internal Suspension are the following:
- The student must be in the assigned room by 8:05AM and must study or do class work for the entire day.
- The student is allowed to leave the assigned room only when granted permission to do so.
- On the day of internal suspension, the student cannot participate in extra curricular activities (clubs, drama, sports practices and games, or any other activities).
- If a student is disruptive in internal suspension, she is subject to external suspension.
External Suspension is invoked by the Administration when a student continues to disrupt the academic process or endangers a person or property of others. In the case of external suspension, the Assistant Principal for Student Life will immediately contact the parent/guardian and the student will leave the school grounds with the parent/guardian. Suspended students may not return to school until their parent/guardian has met with the Co-Principals and Assistant Principals to discuss the situation.
Suspension from school is for a specified period of time. A suspended student is not permitted on school property. She cannot attend any school-related functions, including sports practices, dances, athletic events, or any other extra curricular activity. If, for any reason, a student on suspension needs to see a teacher or an administrator, she must call for permission.
Subsequent to an external suspension a student is placed on probation and any further infraction of school rules or unacceptable behavior can result in expulsion.
Expulsion is the permanent removal of a student from Our Lady of Mercy Academy. It is the sole decision of the Co-Principals, acting upon the recommendation of the Discipline Review Board.
Our Lady of Mercy Academy reserves the right to review records of academics, attendance and behavior for a student at any time during the academic year in order to determine her continued enrollment in the Academy.
Sexual Harassment is a form of sexual discrimination prohibited by federal and state law. Sexual harassment is any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. It is the imposition of unwelcome and/or unwarranted sexually oriented acts that creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive academic or work environment.
Our Lady of Mercy Academy is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from sexual harassment and sexual violence, where all employees and students can work and study together comfortably and productively. The Academy prohibits any form of sexual harassment or sexual violence.
It is a violation of this policy for any student or employee of the Academy to harass a student or an employee through conduct or communication of a sexual nature defined by this policy. The Academy recognizes sexual harassment can originate from a person of either sex against a person of the same or opposite sex, and from classmates, as well as adults.
It is a violation of this policy for any student or employee of the Academy to be sexually involved with a student or employee. The Academy acts promptly to investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or written, of sexual harassment or sexual violence and to discipline any student or employee who sexually harasses or is sexually violent to a student or employee of the Academy. Any person reporting in good faith any act of perceived sexual harassment is protected from retaliation of any type or nature whether or not harassment is found.
Special Programs and Events enrich the educational experience. Participation in Special Programs and Events is a privilege and not a right. Failure to comply with specific rules, including but not limited to, meeting financial obligations will result in a student forfeiting her privilege of participating in future special programs and events (see page 19, Educational Trips).
- Junior Ring Night: Participation in and attendance at Ring Night is open to all students who will be receiving a Mercy Ring.
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