Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do your will.
SUSCIPE
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and possess. You have given all to me. I return it all to you and surrender it wholly to be governed by your will. Give me only your love and your grace and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more.
Salve Regina
Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae: Vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus, exsules, filii Hevae. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes In hac lacrimarum valle. Eia ergo, Advocata nostra, Illos tuos misericordes oculos Ad nos converte. Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis, post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens! O pia!
O dulcis Virgo Maria!
TABLE OF CONTENT
PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK 5
CORE VALUES 6
CORE PURPOSE 6
MISSION STATEMENT 6
PHILOSOPHY AND GOAL STATEMENT 7
PROFILE OF THE GRAD AT GRAD 9
OFFICE OF MINISTRY AND FORMATION 14
CURRICULUM AND ACADEMIC REGULATIONS 22
ACADEMIC POLICIES 28
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT 32
ATTENDANCE POLICIES 34
GENERAL DRESS CODE & GROOMING GUIDELINES 39
CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE AND SANCTIONS 42
SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY 52
TECHNOLOGY 57
GENERAL POLICIES 69
MEDICATION PROTOCOL 75
ATHLETICS AND STUDENTS CO CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 79
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT SIGNATURE FORM 89
PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK
This Handbook was developed to answer many of the commonly asked questions that you and your parents may have during the School year. Because the Handbook contains information about student rights and responsibilities, parents and students are responsible for knowing its contents. Please take the time to become familiar with the following information and keep this Handbook available for your use. It can be a valuable reference during the School year and a means to avoid confusion and misunderstandings when questions arise.
The School reserves the right to interpret the content of this Handbook, including the rules and regulations governing the academic and non-academic conduct of students. This Handbook is not a contract, nor is it intended to be so construed. Our School reserves the right to modify and/or amend the content of this Handbook at any time during the year. If any written modification or amendment is made to this Handbook, a copy of such modification or amendment will be distributed to students and parents.
Students who reach 18 years of age while enrolled in the School are bound by all student and parent obligations in this Handbook. Such continued enrollment also evidences (1) student’s agreement to permit student’s parent(s)/guardians to sign and authorize any medical care, consents, or other authorizations as required by the School and (2) student’s agreement for the School to continue to share all health/medical, disciplinary, grades, progress reports, and other information with the student’s parents/ legal guardians throughout the student’s enrollment at the School. Should a student have a concern about particular information being shared with his/her parents/legal guardians, the student should consult with the Principal.
If you have any questions about the Handbook or any of its policies, please contact a School Administrator.
INTRODUCTION TO BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
The core purpose of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School is to educate in the Jesuit tradition. The fundamental goal is to guide and support the student in his growth as a competent, conscientious, and compassionate citizen that works with and for others for the Greater Glory of God (AMDG). The registration of a student at Belen Jesuit constitutes an expressed agreement on his part and on the part of the parents or guardians to respect and comply with the mission and the regulations of the school. Students are expected to behave in a manner consistent with the mission, philosophy and spirit of the school and the moral teachings of the Catholic faith. Belen Jesuit will address behaviors that do not comply with the Student & Parent Handbook.
CORE VALUES
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: to work as a community for the greater glory of God
Magis: to strive to do more in sharing the Gospel values, learning, and serving
Cura Personalis: to care for the entire person
CORE PURPOSE
To educate in the Jesuit tradition.
MISSION STATEMENT
Following the Ignatian tradition of excellence, the mission of Belen Jesuit as a Catholic, Jesuit, college preparatory school is to guide and support our students in their process of becoming men who are proficient in both English and Spanish, open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice, so they can work as leaders for the defense of faith and the promotion of justice in a multicultural society.
In the context of the Catholic faith and the Ignatian tradition, we believe the following:
Every human being is uniquely created in the image and likeness of God and should be treated with respect and dignity.Belen is committed to the service of the Catholic faith and the promotion of justice.
Faith is developed and justice is promoted through the examples set by everyone in the school community.
Developing in the students a heightened awareness of their relationship to others fosters citizenship.
Character formation takes place through the development of consistent self-discipline, learning the consequences of personal actions, and taking full responsibility for them.
Students become well-rounded individuals through their participation in curricular and extracurricular activities.
A diverse program of extracurricular activities promotes students’ personal growth and development. The needs of students are the primary focus in all decisions that impact the school.
The pedagogy of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his Spiritual Exercises are the basis for the planning and execution of all pedagogical material, as well as for faculty training.
A student-centered curriculum creates an environment where students are taught to learn and continue doing so beyond high school graduation.
Bilingual and multicultural settings and curricula better prepare our students to live and work in a diverse society.
A physical setting that responds to the students and families for safety positively influences student learning and development.
PHILOSOPHY AND GOAL STATEMENT
Belen Jesuit strives:
y To provide opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection that will enhance our faith.
y To provide the students with comprehensive and challenging college prep courses, including honors, AP and dual credit courses.
y To offer a well-rounded and organized curriculum that enhances the spiritual, academic and athletic dimensions of the students.
y To foster among the faculty, students and staff the use of technology as a tool to enhance the educational process.
y To develop a solid Christian service program that calls for personal action and reflection in order to help students develop an attitude of service to others and a sense of Christian leadership.
y To address the spiritual and psychological needs of the students through competent counseling services as well as their academic and athletic development.
y To promote responsible behavior through consistent disciplinary policies which help develop the student’s sense of responsibility and accountability for his actions.
y To provide an atmosphere of honesty, integrity and fair play through a uniform code of standards for faculty and students
y To provide a healthy balance between the students’ involvement in religious, academic, athletic and extracurricular activities.
y To foster citizenship by a heightened awareness of multicultural and multiethnic relationships in society and help promote respect for the law and the civic institutions of the United States of America.
y To foster appropriate models of Christ-like behavior and Christian values among faculty and staff for the benefit of all.
y To maintain high professional standards among the faculty and staff through continuing education, seminars, workshops and retreats.
y To develop a liturgical program according to the age of the students, so that they may grow in their faith in the living Christ.
y To improve and update learning resources such as the library, science labs, computer technology, the observatory, gymnasium, theater, communication center, etc.
y To provide for channels of communication among the various subgroups that comprise the Belen community: faculty, staff, administration, students, parents and alumni.
y To encourage parents to participate in the school’s activities, as they are the prime educators of their children, and to afford them opportunities for greater involvement with the school.
y To help the Alumni Association in their goal of offering the Belen graduate support throughout college and as lifelong learners.
y To cultivate Christian leadership qualities in the students through involvement in activities geared to the service of others.
Our School cultivates a school environment in which all members of the community feel valued and safe. Part of living our values includes every member’s responsibility to support a safe school environment by refraining from harmful and unsafe behavior and reporting such behavior when observed. In addition, we prohibit all boundary crossing behavior between adults and students (as outlined in our Student/Adult Interaction and Communication Policy) and sexual misconduct (whether between students or adults and students). Adults are expected to identify and report suspicions of harassment, abuse, and sexual or other misconduct and will not engage in such behavior themselves. In addition, School employees are mandated reporters of suspected abuse, neglect, or abandonment as specified by Florida law. The School has conducted and will continue to conduct training for adults and students on these important issues and encourages all students and their parents to report any concern about boundary crossing behavior, sexual misconduct, or any other situation that impacts the safety, health, or security of any member of our community to a school administrator.
All adults have an obligation to model through both language and behavior the values and expectations we have as a school, being especially conscious of their actions at times and places when student can observe them. Students must be mindful of the power they have in various roles at school. They must use their roles constructively, always avoiding intimidation and abuse of authority. Older and returning students must take seriously the power of their example on younger and newer students, accepting the responsibility to model and transmit our School values.
These community standards apply to our words and behavior not only in personal interactions, but also in all forms of electronic media and communications.
All members of the community help others to develop a sense of belonging, encourage empathy and compassion, and promote an environment that is safe and kind. As members of this community, we acknowledge that our actions reflect not only on ourselves, but also on the School as a whole and therefore strive to live in a way that is consistent with our values.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The School admits students regardless of race, color, ethnic, or national origin who possess the motivation, ability, and character which would enable them to succeed in our School community to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School and the School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic, or national origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
PROFILE OF THE GRAD AT GRAD
OPEN TO GROWTH
The Belen Jesuit student at the time of graduation has matured as a person — emotionally, intellectually, physically, socially, religiously — to a level that reflects some intentional responsibility for one’s own growth. The graduate is beginning to reach out in his development, seeking opportunities to stretch one’s mind, imagination, feelings, and religious consciousness.
Although still very much in the process of developing, the graduate already:
y is beginning to take responsibility for growth as a person; desires integrity and excellence in multiple facets of one’s life.
y is learning how to accept self, both talents and limitations, with a sense of humility and gratitude.
y recognizes the need for leisure and recreation and budgets time for those activities.
y exercises regularly for physical fitness and health.
y understands principles of good nutrition and practices healthy eating habits.
y understands the dangers of and avoids the use of controlled substances.
y is more conscious of his feelings and is freer and more authentic in expressing them and managing one’s impulsive drives.
y is open to a variety of aesthetic experiences, and continues to develop a wide range of imaginative sensibilities.
y is becoming more flexible and open to other points of view; recognizes how much one learns from a careful listening to peers and significant others; and recognizes one’s biases, limitations, and thinking patterns.
y is developing a habit of reflection on experience which informs future actions.
y is beginning to seek new experiences, even those that involve some risk or the possibility of failure.
y is learning to view criticism and setbacks as interesting, challenging, and growth producing.
y begins to practice leadership skills, including vision, relating well and collaborating with others, and acting with integrity.
y sees leadership as an opportunity for service to others and the community.
y is developing a healthy and appropriate sense of humor.
y is exploring career and lifestyle choices within a framework of faith and values.
y is becoming more aware of choices and consequences relating to adult issues.
y understands the implications and hazards of technology-based activities, including issues of privacy, social isolation, access to pornography, and addictive use of technology itself.
y views emerging technology as potentially supportive to personal and professional growth.
By graduation the Belen Jesuit student will exhibit a mastery of those academic requirements for advanced forms of education. While these requirements are broken down into departmental subject matter areas, the student will have developed many intellectual skills and understandings that cut across and go beyond academic requirements for college entrance. The student is also developing habits of intellectual inquiry, as well as a disposition towards life-long learning. The student is beginning to see the need for intellectual integrity in his personal quest for religious truth and in his response to issues of social justice.
By graduation the student already:
y has mastered those academic skills required for college (or for some other form of advanced education).
y is developing mastery of logic and critical thinking.
y is developing precision and creativity in oral and written expression within and across disciplines.
y is developing a curiosity to explore ideas and issues
y is developing the ability to apply knowledge and skills to new situations.
y is developing problem solving skills.
y is able to learn in a variety of settings and through a variety of pedagogical approaches.
y is developing the ability to learn as an active member of a team.
y uses technology resources to support collaborative work for learning, problem solving, and communication.
y uses effectively a variety of media resources to acquire, create and process information.
y assesses media and content critically, attending, for example, to issues such as credibility of sources, values expressed or promoted, and civility and respect for persons.
y is developing an organized approach to learning tasks.
y can present a convincing argument in written and oral form that evidences sound analytical reasoning and convincing rhetoric.
y is taking pride and ownership in his school accomplishments and is beginning to enjoy intellectual and aesthetic pursuits.
y has begun to develop a knowledge of central ideas and methodologies of a variety of academic disciplines.
y has begun to relate current issues and perspectives to some of their historical antecedents.
y is growing in knowledge and understanding of his cultural heritage and of cultural complexities in one’s local community and in a global society.
y is beginning to understand the public policy implications of science and technology.
y is beginning to understand the interdependence of global economic policies.
RELIGIOUS
By graduation the Belen Jesuit student will have a basic knowledge of the major doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church. Having been introduced to Ignatian spirituality, the graduate will also have examined his own religious feelings and beliefs with a view to choosing a fundamental orientation toward God and establishing a relationship with a religious tradition and/or community. What is said here, respectful of the conscience and religious background of the individual, also applies to the non-Catholic graduate of Belen Jesuit. The level of theological understanding of the Jesuit high school graduate will naturally be limited by the student’s level of religious and human development.
By graduation the student already:
y has read the Gospels and encountered the person of Jesus Christ as He is presented in the New Testament.
y has a basic understanding of the Church’s teaching about Jesus Christ and His redeeming mission, as well as the embodiment of that mission in and through the Church.
y has an understanding of the variety of the world’s religious traditions.
y is beginning to take more responsibility for exploring and affirming one’s own faith.
y is increasingly willing to let religious faith influence one’s basic values, lifestyle, and vocational interests.
y understands that being fully alive/human necessitates an active relationship with God.
y is aware/appreciates that human life is fundamentally spiritual.
y has experienced the presence of God (finding God in all things):
◊ in private prayer
◊ on a retreat
◊ in liturgical prayer
◊ in some other moments of grace
y is learning how to express self in various methods of prayer, especially those from the Spiritual Exercises.
y is forming a Christian conscience, evaluates moral choices, and reasons through moral issues with increasing clarity.
y appreciates the centrality of the Eucharist to a vibrant Christian community.
y is learning through his or her own sinfulness of the need for healing by and reconciliation with friends, family, Church, and the Lord.
y recognizes that any sin affects the entire human community.
y understands the relationship between faith in Jesus and being a “man for and with others.”
y knows Church teachings on moral issues and social justice.
LOVING
By graduation, the Belen Jesuit student is continuing to form his own identity. He is moving beyond self-interest or self-centeredness in close relationships. The graduate is beginning to be able to risk some deeper levels of relationship in which one can disclose self and accept the mystery of another person and cherish that person. Nonetheless, the graduate’s attempt at loving, while clearly beyond childhood, may not yet reflect the confidence and freedom of an adult.
By graduation the student already:
y is learning to trust friends, family, and adults in the school and wider community.
y has personally experienced God’s love.
y is growing in self-acceptance and in recognizing that he is loved by God and others.
y assumes responsibility for maintaining good personal health.
y is attentive to sources of stress and applies healthy strategies to maintain balance in one’s life.
y is alert to the signs of emotional and mental distress in others and follows appropriate referral measures.
y has begun to identify and work against personal prejudices and stereotypes; is open to and able to communicate with others, especially persons of another race, gender, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or sexual orientation.
y has personally experienced support from members of the school community.
y has made specific contributions to build school community.
y is becoming increasingly comfortable and mature in relating with persons of a different gender.
y is beginning to integrate sexuality into his personality.
y has begun to appreciate deeper personal friendships, while also learning that not all relationships are profound and long lasting.
y is beginning to appreciate the satisfaction of giving of oneself through service for and with others.
y is increasingly empathetic.
y takes into account and values the feelings of others when making decisions.
y is sensitive to the beauty and fragility of the created universe and exercises stewardship.
y cares deeply about preserving human life.
The Belen Jesuit student at graduation has acquired considerable knowledge of the many needs of local, national, and global communities and is preparing for the day when he will take a place in these communities as a competent, concerned and responsible member. The graduate has been inspired to develop the awareness and skills necessary to live in a global society as a person for and with others. Although this commitment to doing justice will come to fruition in mature adulthood, some predispositions will have begun to manifest themselves earlier.
By graduation the student already:
y is growing in awareness of selfish attitudes and tendencies which lead one to treat others unjustly; consciously seeking to be more understanding, accepting, and generous with others.
y is beginning to see that Christian faith implies a commitment to a just society.
y is growing in awareness of the global nature of many social problems such as human rights, population displacement, resource distribution, war/terrorism, etc., and their impact on human communities.
y practices a sustainable lifestyle based on awareness of social, economic and environmental consequences.
y is working to be environmentally responsible by limiting the use of non-renewable resources and maximizing sustainable resources.
y is beginning to engage in the public dialogue on environmental issues, practices, and solutions.
y is beginning to understand the structural roots of injustice in social institutions, attitudes and customs.
y is gaining, through experiences of and reflection on Christian service, an understanding of and solidarity with marginalized members of society.
y is developing, from reflection on experiences with the marginalized, a sense of compassion and a growing understanding of those social changes which will assist all in attaining their basic human rights.
y is becoming aware, through study and reflection, of alternatives in public policy that regulate services provided to segments of the community.
y has begun to reflect on social justice implications of future careers.
y is beginning to understand the justice implications inherent in Christ’s commandment to love one another.
y is beginning to recognize the importance of public opinion and voter influence on public policy in local, regional, national and international arenas.
y is beginning to understand the complexity of many social issues and the need for critical reading of diverse sources of information about them.
y is beginning to confront some of the moral ambiguities embedded in values promoted by Western culture.
y is beginning to make decisions, based on Gospel values, which sometimes conflict with the values of a materialistic society.
A Christ-centered faith community forming intentional disciples as “Men For Others”.
The Office of Mission and Formation at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School is missioned to foster spiritual growth in light of the Catholic Tradition and the vision of St. Ignatius of Loyola by supporting and empowering all members of our school community in their call to holiness, proclaim the faith, promote justice, foster their personal relationship with Jesus, and grow as His intentional disciples. Mission and Formation seeks to help our young men discern their gifts and grow as leaders so as to become men for and with others - to go forth and set the world on fire!
Belen Jesuit invites our young men to delve deeper into their faith and the Office of Mission and Formation is entrusted with this mission by providing support on their journey. The Office invites our young men in any stage of their personal spiritual journey to explore their hearts and the world in transformative ways, from Christian Service initiatives, spiritual counseling, our retreat program, and liturgical ministries. Jesus is our message and servant ministry is our identity, doing everything for the greater glory of God.
If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all. - Mark 9:35
Spiritual Counseling
I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel with my eye upon youPsalm 32:8
Each student at Belen is assigned a Spiritual Counselor responsible for accompanying him in the development of his spiritual life and the strengthening of his relationship with Christ.
. Following Cura Personalis, the aspect of Jesuit Education that refers to caring for the whole person, the Spiritual Counselor provides this special service to our students while working in conjunction with our young men’s parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, and administration.
Liturgy And Worship
God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth - John 4:24
Belen Jesuit is a Catholic preparatory school that promotes the values of community prayer and worship. All members of our school community, including non-Catholic students, are welcomed and attend Masses and other liturgical celebrations. All our students attend school-wide celebrations of the Eucharist. School-wide Mass on holy days of obligation and special liturgical feasts.
Daily Mass is held every day at 7:15 a.m. in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Mass is also celebrated during FLEX multiple times a week. Each grade level attends FLEX Mass at least once a month throughout the year. However, students are always encouraged to attend when they feel the call to devotion.
Students are also invited and engaged in traditional Catholic devotions, such as the Holy Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Stations of the Cross during appropriate occasions and liturgical seasons.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available through our Jesuit priests whenever students wish to receive the sacrament on campus. Reconciliation services are also provided for students during the seasons of Advent and Lent.
Sacramental Preparation
Now why delay? Get up and have yourself baptized and your sins washed away, calling upon his nameActs 22:16
As part of our 8th-grade theology curriculum, students can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, provided they meet all the necessary requirements, which are discussed at a meeting held with the parents of these students toward the beginning of the school year.
Middle School students who have not received any or all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation) can do so in 8th Grade as part of the Confirmation liturgy provided they entered Belen Jesuit as 6th Graders.
High School students who have received any or all of the Sacraments of Initiation can also do so during our Confirmation liturgy provided they have had at least two years of Catholic theological formation either at Belen or in a previous Catholic school.
Parents of students who are in need of sacraments should contact the Campus Ministry Office at the beginning of the new school year to make arrangements.
Retreats
You are my refuge and shield; in your word I hope. - Psalm 119:114
Belen Jesuit provides students with a variety of opportunities to grow in their spiritual life. Retreats are integral opportunities where they will grow in their faith and commitment to God.
These retreat opportunities include:
y Days of Spiritual Reflection – Every Belen Jesuit middle school student participates in one of the several “Days of Spiritual Reflection” experiences provided throughout the school year.
y School of the Soul Retreat—This retreat is for all 9th grade students and takes place during a school day in the early fall. Its primary mission is to provide spiritual formation to students so that they may have a firm, Catholic foundation on which to build their spiritual lives in high school.
y The Hurtado Experience – Inspired by the life of St. Alberto Hurtado, S.J., this day-long servant ministry experience is offered to every freshman student. It is an experience characterized by students participating in direct service that focuses on relationship building. It is intended to form our students in the Ignatian paradigm of “faith that does justice” through experience, reflection, and action.
y The Cardoner Experience – Inspired by the experience of St. Ignatius of Loyola on the Cardoner River, sophomore students are invited to participate in an overnight, two-day retreat that provides an outdoor experience for our students to recenter in the midst of creation. The retreat is intended to nurture spiritual renewal and an encounter with God as they are encouraged through personal and group-themed activities to reflect on their lives.
y Junior Encounter with Christ – This is a three-day, two-day retreat experience offered for our junior students. The retreat is intended to challenge and inspire students to recognize and encounter the presence of Christ in their lives, to respond to that presence, and grow closer to each other as brothers in Jesus Christ. This retreat is mandatory for all 11th Graders. Students should take note of academic, athletic, and club calendars when registering for their retreat. All 11th Graders will have the opportunity to register following a grade-level assembly at the beginning of the 1st Semester. Those who have not registered by the due date will be randomly assigned to retreats with openings.
y The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola – Senior students are invited to experience the heart of Ignatian Spirituality on this three-day, two-night retreat adaptation of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
y Senior GRADitude Day of Reflection — This retreat experience includes the entire 12th grade class and is a spiritual capstone to their time at Belen. It is offered on our Belen campus and gives students an opportunity to express gratitude to each other and the faculty and staff who have formed them during their time at Belen.
Peer Ministry
Love manifests itself more in deeds than in words. - Saint Ignatius Loyola
The Peer Ministry Program at Belen Jesuit is composed of High School students who have volunteered to accept the role of spiritual leaders among the student body. They are committed to building up the Body of Christ at Belen Jesuit in their formal roles as Peer Ministers as well as informally by their good example in daily life. Peer Ministers are expected to act as servant leaders and “Men for Others” as intentional disciples for Christ.
The Peer Ministry class aims at developing servant leaders in the area of peer & pastoral ministry; i.e., evangelization, faith witnessing, peer support and group facilitating, etc.
Each year, The Office of Mission and Formation invites students to apply to become part of our Peer Ministry Program through an application and interview process. If accepted, they are invited to participate in our peer ministry classes. These classes cover the same curriculum as their theology class in addition to learning how to lead the various ministry programs.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Christian Service Office supports the formation of young men into faithful disciples of Christ in the Ignatian tradition. The mission of the Society of Jesus, in the service of the faith and the promotion of justice, is found in the questions that St. Ignatius poses in the Spiritual Exercises: What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What will I do for Christ? Key to this is the personal encounter with Christ at the margins, aiming to build a culture of dialogue, peace-building and discernment in living the Gospel courageously. The program encourages students to serve God in our brothers and sisters at the margins, who are poor, aged, disabled, ill, in prison, or in any way afflicted and oppressed and to care for our common home. Charity and justice in the form of service, advocacy, and care for creation, should become the habit of a graduate of a Jesuit school.
Beyond a general goal of community service, our program intent is more narrowly focused on the encounter with God, transforming the heart, and supporting the faith growth of our students into men of virtue, “Men for and with Others.” The experiences of service and advocacy (further described below) should be with and for those at the margins and in response to the critical needs of all creation; to nurture Christian solidarity that can shed light in their search for meaning and direction.
SERVICE AND ADVOCACY POLICIES
Belen Jesuit understands service “at the margins” as an activity in which the student is serving populations that are under-resourced, oppressed, vulnerable, whose human dignity is systematically infringed upon in society and that responds to the critical needs of all creation. Advocacy actions promote change in the world through policies and actions that uphold a consistent ethic of life in promoting human dignity, integral human development, and care for our common home and all of God’s creation.
Student service and advocacy activities must be carried out in-person within a previously approved non-profit setting/cause, and without compensation of any kind. A pre-approved list of organizations/ activities can be found on the MyBelen webpage in the Christian Service tab. If a student wishes to serve at an organization that is not listed, he must submit it for approval beforehand. Students can also participate in special service events/programs organized by the Christian Service Office.
Students are required to complete their service activities and report them within the dates stated for the opening and closing of the service window for the school year. High school and middle school have different service windows, make sure to note the correct dates for your grade level. Students have 30 days from the date of service to submit a service report on MobileServe. (see below for instructions on reporting service.)
PROCESS FOR PRE-APPROVAL OF A SERVICE ORGANIZATION
Students who wish to serve at an organization/non-profit that is not on the approved list, must request pre-approval from the Christian Service Coordinator before serving there. Any service hours that are completed with an organization that has not been pre-approved for the academic year, will not be accepted.
The following are examples that are NOT acceptable as service activities:
y Making a donation of food or money, preparing a donated item at home, or any time spent shopping for donations. (We do not accept activities done from home and/or any activity that does not have the direct supervision of the organization’s supervisor.)
y Remunerated work of any kind.
y Additional hours given for travel time or for good behavior.
y Helping out in a private business of any kind. Examples: Clerical work in a doctor’s office or nursing home does not meet criteria. (Please inquire before serving at any healthcare facility.)
y Working for a non-profit association or event whose organizational mission is not specifically to serve the margins.
y Tutoring, or helping out at summer camp, sports leagues, or other organizations that are FOR-PROFIT or that do not specifically serve an under-resourced population.
y Internships, even if they are unpaid. (Inquire about exceptions when serving at the margins.)
y Service in museums, art shows, festivals etc... that are not specifically oriented towards outreach to the marginalized in our community.
y Service of any kind supervised by a parent or relative.
y Preparation for service activities such as rehearsals, meetings, etc.
y Caring for a family member/neighbor in need. We assume these to be innate responsibilities of any person.
y Volunteering for political campaigns or any service activity related to a campaign.
y Running a 5K or playing a game in a tournament, fundraising, attending a gala, or promoting causes on social media, or seeking sponsorships for a cause.
y Belen Tombola volunteer assignments.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SERVICE REQUIREMENT
Learning Habits of Service
Students are encouraged to serve together with family and friends in approved organizations, to become accustomed to serving as a community of faith. Opportunities are offered through the Christian Service Office and school clubs. The aim is to build habits of service in the Ignatian tradition and learn to engage with others in a spirit of joy and generosity.
6th grade: Students will complete an educational component and a service project. (Directions will be provided through the Theology teachers.)
7th grade: 10 hours of service submitted through Mobile Serve. 8th grade: 15 hours of service submitted through Mobile Serve.
y Those seeking admission to the high school and/or receiving the sacrament of Confirmation: must be up to date with their service requirements for their 6th and 7th grade years, AND have 10 hours of their 8th grade service requirement completed and submitted by the first day of school in January.
y The remaining 5 hours -must be fulfilled and reported before the last day of classes.
HIGH SCHOOL SERVICE REQUIREMENT
Encounter with Christ at the Margins
Students are required to serve in organizations that are specifically focused on serving a marginalized population. If the student has any doubt about whether their intended service location qualifies under this criterion, they are required to obtain approval before serving there. All high school students must serve 25 hours per academic year. Full compliance with this policy is a requirement for graduation. Please see below the specific requirements to serve for each grade level.
9th and 10th Grade students must complete the required Ignatian Service Program plus an additional 15 hours of service (in any category - Outreach and/or Belen/Parish Service) by the last full day of regular classes for the school year. Information and sign up dates for the Ignatian Service Program will be provided during the first week of school.
11th Grade students must complete 25 hours of service by the last full day of regular classes. A minimum of 15 hours must be in the category of Outreach (see description below). Juniors will have several school-sponsored service activities open to them during the school year that will count towards this requirement.
12th Grade students must complete 25 hours of service by the last full day of regular classes, which is an earlier date for Seniors due to graduation. A minimum of 15 hours must be in the category of Outreach (see description below) Seniors will have several school-sponsored service activities open to them during the school year, that will count towards this requirement.
Categories of Service Requirements (for 11th and 12th grade students):
Outreach (serving the margins): Students must have at least 15 hours in Outreach, and it is also acceptable if the entire 25 hours are served in this category. This may include: Pre-approved advocacy activities with an organization and school sponsored or parish based outreach activities, that serve the marginalized or caring for the environment.
Please note the emphasis here is on outreach to the margins in society and urgent matters in caring for creation.
Belen/Parish Service; (Service in support of the Belen Community and/or the student’s parish community): Students can serve a maximum of 10 hours of their total requirement in this category, but they are not required to have any Belen/Parish service hours. Examples of these activities at Belen: helping with open-house, preparing school events and shows, setting up for parent events, and tutoring fellow students. Example of services benefiting a student’s parish community: assisting CCD teachers, parish office support, Mass lectors, ushers, musicians and altar servers, youth ministry leaders and work on parish carnivals.
REPORTING SERVICE
Individual service activities completed by the student in the community, will be reported on the MobilleServe app as per the reporting instructions shown below, unless the organization supervisor has made other arrangements with the Christian Service Coordinator. All activities sponsored by Belen or supervised by a Belen moderator can only be submitted by the moderator directly and not by the student on the app.
Service reports are submitted using the MobileServe app which provides up-to-the-moment information regarding the service performed by each student. Service letters are to be entered there and then kept by the students at home; no paperwork is to be brought to the Christian Service Office. All service activities submitted via the app will be reviewed and either approved or denied, with an
explanation from the Christian Service Coordinator. Service reports entered by students must include a letter of service from the organization and an accurate description of the service activity, with the actual hours served. No hours in excess of those actually served will be accepted. New students will receive a tutorial on MobileServe, within the first weeks of the school year.
Students must request a verification letter from the organization after serving and log that into the app immediately. Students have 30 days from the date of the service to report their activity, in order to avoid rejection due to late submission.
Students are required to submit the following verification on MobileServe:
A letter of verification from the organization is required and must be uploaded via screen-shot. Using the “Attach Photo” feature on the app.
The description of their activity accurately in the “Tell Your Story” prompt. Actual date of service is required.
Correct category of service is required (middle school students use only the “MS service”)
No pictures of the student at the location will be accepted as verification.
Students are not allowed to report hours in excess of those actually served in-person at the organization. Those that appear excessive will be flagged for rejection.
Final approval of reports is determined by either the Christian Service Outreach Coordinator or the Director of Campus Ministry. It is not necessary to email to inform that you have submitted a report. The system will display it on the main dashboard and it will be reviewed in due course. Students are responsible for reviewing the reasons given for rejected reports and answering emails from Christian Service.
Service activities must be completed and reports submitted during the academic school year. The system will automatically close at the deadline and will not accept any reports after the deadline noted below. No late reports will be accepted. Summer cannot be used to catch up on service not completed during the school year. There is no summer service policy. Extra hours do not roll over to the next year’s requirement as the 25-hour requirement resets every school year.
SERVICE OUTSIDE MIAMI
(Pre-approval is required)
Any student who wishes to serve outside the Miami-Dade County geographical area must receive prior approval and later report it with a portfolio submitted to the Christian Service Office. Students must come to the Christian Service Office to receive the approval and instructions for reporting this. This does NOT apply if the student is doing overseas work through Belen Youth Missions.
y STUDENTS MAY NOT SUBMIT SERVICE TRIPS VIA MOBILESERVE.
y Eight hours of service per day will be recorded. Travel days, sleep, and leisure time cannot be documented as service hours.
Although the summer is a great time for students to expand their experiences and explore new areas, please note that SUMMER SERVICE DOES NOT MEET THE SCHOOL YEAR REQUIREMENT. Students are required to complete their basic yearly service requirement during the school year. Any service activities done between the school year deadline and the first day of the new school year, will be considered summer service and will NOT count towards the requirements for the new school year nor the prior school year. The only exception to this is for Seniors that have Senior Opportunity see next section for details.
SENIOR OPPORTUNITY (CLASS OF 2026)
11th-grade students who have finished their requirements for 11th grade by the deadline, and are up to date with any prior service requirements, are eligible for Senior Opportunity. This means that they qualify to use any summer service done after the last day of classes Junior year towards their Senior year requirement. The Christian Service Office will notify you once you have met this criteria.
Seniors who are eligible can report summer service at the beginning of their senior year by submitting a letter of service to the office directly. DO NOT SUBMIT SUMMER SERVICE ON MOBILESERVE. In accordance with the overall policy, the organization must be pre-approved, including out-of-town trips. Belen Youth Missions does not need pre-approval
ADDITIONAL SERVICE FOR HONOR SOCIETIES AND CLUBS
National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society have service requirements in addition to the basic school requirements described above, and these can differ from the requirements of other societies and clubs. The Christian Service Coordinator is not in charge of those guidelines, and students are responsible for obtaining that information from the particular moderators at the time of joining. In some cases, the basic school requirements of 25 hours must be satisfied before the additional hours for a society/club are applied. Therefore, students should review all such requirements at the beginning of the school year and plan accordingly.
CURRICULUM AND ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
Guidelines
1. The family and the school share the responsibility of forming young Christian men who are: “Open to Growth, Intellectually Competent, Religious, Loving, and Committed to Doing Justice.”
2. A Belen student must become increasingly aware that he must assume responsibility for his own life-long learning.
3. The registration of a student signifies acceptance of and a commitment to comply with all regulations of Belen Jesuit. This includes all decisions taken by the Faculty and the Administration for the best interest of the students regarding academic and disciplinary requirements, registration, suspension or expulsion. All decisions are final.
4. Our college preparatory curriculum is in alignment with the Florida Department of Education Standards, the Principles of Jesuit Education, the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm, and the Catholic Schools Benchmarks. It is a comprehensive program of studies that emphasizes the importance of research, innovation, global perspectives, interdisciplinary connections, and critical thinking skills.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
y A high school student must successfully complete 28 credits with a minimum unweighted cumulative (high school) GPA of 2.0.
y In addition, every high school student must fulfill the Christian service requirement of 25 hours completed each year.
High School Course Requirements
* .5 credit in Philosophy
** .5 credit in Health must be taken online through the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute (AVLI) *** .5 in Economics
Honors and/or Advanced Placement available for students who meet the minimum prerequisites as stated on the school website.
HONORS COURSES
At the High School level, Honors courses are offered in:
y English (grades 9-12)
y Math (grades 9-12)
y Science (grades 9-12)
y Social Studies (grades 9-12)
y Philosophy (grade 12)
y Western Civilization & Art History (grade 11)
y Spanish grades (9-12)
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES
Students who qualify to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses are committed to pursuing the highest level of academic rigor available at Belen Jesuit. Our school offers more than twenty Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and they can be taken only by high students who meet the prerequisites for these courses.
AP courses are designed to prepare the student to take the Advanced Placement Examinations given by the College Board of each year. Students who are enrolled in AP courses will be required to pay the exam fee and sit for the AP exams in May. The AP exam fees will appear on the September tuition statement and must be paid in full by the due date. Credit may be given by colleges and universities based on the student’s performance. College credit for qualifying scores on the Advanced Placement exam varies and is determined by the academic departments of colleges and universities. In special cases, students can request in writing to the Principal to take AP exams in subjects in which they are qualified, although they have not taken the corresponding AP course.
Students are expected to work to their fullest potential throughout the AP course, including the AP exam in May. Students who do not work to this level may be prevented from taking future AP courses at Belen.
A complete list of AP course offerings and their prerequisites can be found on the school website.
Below is a list of the maximum number of AP courses a student can take by year:
y Grade 9: 2 AP courses
y Grade 10: 3 AP courses
y Grade 11: 4 AP courses
y Grade 12: 5 AP courses
DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES
College credit or dual enrollment courses are offered to Belen Jesuit Preparatory School students through cooperation with Saint Thomas University, Florida International University, and The Catholic University of America. These courses are designed to accelerate student learning and to demonstrate their ability to succeed in a college level course. The College Counseling Department will inform students about all dual enrollment courses offered and registration procedures at the start of each semester.
AP CAPSTONE PROGRAM COURSES
AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program that provides students with an opportunity to engage in rigorous scholarly practice of the core academic skills necessary for successful college completion. The program is built on the foundation of two courses — AP Seminar and AP Research — and is designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study provided through AP courses. It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical, evidence-based decisions. By taking the two AP Capstone courses, AP Seminar and AP Research, students have the opportunity to explore issues of interest to them, while developing the analytic, research, problem-solving and communication skills that colleges have stated are critical to student success in college. The list of AP Capstone courses offered can be found on the Belen Jesuit website under Academics.
HONOR SOCIETIES
Membership in an honor society is based upon excellence in areas of: scholarship, leadership, service and character. A complete list of the school’s honor society chapters and their respective are available on the school website. All members of honor societies are expected to comply with the school rules and the obligations set forth by each individual honor society. Violation of school rules may be cause for removal of honor society status. Students earn the privilege of graduating as active members of the honor society if they fulfill all the requirements set forth by each individual society.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROMOTION CRITERIA
A student must meet the following criteria to be promoted to high school at Belen Jesuit:
y Have a 2.5 unweighted cumulative GPA
y Be in good disciplinary standing
y Have completed the required Christian service hours
Middle School Requirements English
credits
credit
HONORS COURSES
At the Middle School level , Honors courses are offered in:
y English (grades 7 & 8)
y Math (grades 7 & 8)
y Science (grades 7 & 8)
y Social Studies (grades 7 & 8)
y Spanish (grades 6-8)
Honors placement is available for students who meet the following prerequisites.
Belen Jesuit’s college preparatory curriculum offered in both the Middle and High School, comprises required core subjects fundamental to a liberal arts education. In addition we offer a rich elective program which provides students an opportunity to explore different areas of interest. A complete listing of all electives and a full course catalogue by department may be found in the academics tab of the school website (www.belenjesuit.org).
Grade Range (%)
College Prep Adv./Hon. AP
70 to 74 2.00 3.00 4.00
D+ 65 to 69 1.25 1.25 1.25
D 60 to 64 1.00 1.00 1.00
F Below 60 0.00 0.00 0.00
GRADING SYSTEM
y Belen Jesuit uses the alpha system according to the following table:
y The final grade for a two-semester course is the numerical average of the first and second semester grades. For a one-semester course, the semester grade and the final grade are the same. Final grades are the only grades recorded on the transcript.
y For classes where Final exams are given: In middle school, semester work is valued at 85% of the semester grade and the semester exam at 15%. In high school, the ratio is 80% for semester work and 20% for the semester exam.
y A credit at Belen Jesuit is an academic unit corresponding to a two-semester course, which meets for at least the state required minimum.
y The grade point average (GPA) is calculated by multiplying the credit times the grade points for each course, summing these values, and dividing the sum by the total number of credits. Unweighted GPA will be considered as a prerequisite for enrollment in Honor and AP courses.
Effort Categories for Progress Reports
y The following scale will be used:
◊ 1= Excellent
◊ 2 = Good
◊ 3 = Needs Improvement
◊ 4 = Unsatisfactory
y A conduct grade of “3 - Needs improvement” or “ 4 - Unsatisfactory” can result in severe consequences such as disciplinary probation.
GRADING PROCEDURES
Current grades are available to students and parents online through MyBelen.
Online Grade Reports:
y Reports on the academic status of students are posted 4 times a year: 2 Interim Reports and 2 Semester Reports.
y The Interim Report is a quantitative evaluation of the student’s academic performance. It includes an evaluation of effort and conduct as well as appropriate qualitative comments if necessary.
y The Semester Report gives the overall results of the semester. It includes the Semester Work Grade, Semester Exam, and Semester Grade. An evaluation of effort and conduct is also provided. At the end of the second semester a Final Grade (numerical average of the two semester grades) is also included.
y Warning reports for deficient academic achievement can be sent at any time at the discretion of the teacher.
y Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss their son’s progress with his teachers and counselors after receiving academic reports, especially those indicating unsatisfactory work or failures.
y No change of grade requested by a student or his parents is allowed after the end of the semester grades have been posted, unless there is a major justifiable reason, such as a numerical mistake in calculating the grade. Any change of grades must be authorized by the Principal.
Re-Enrollment Policy
Re-enrollment takes place each year in the month of January. A student is eligible for re-enrollment by meeting the following criteria, which is not exhaustive::
y have met the necessary unweighted cumulative GPA and grading requirements
y be in good disciplinary standing
y be up to date with Christian Service hours and completed a minimum of 10 hours (of the total hours required) for the current school year. Students in grades 6 and 7 must complete a minimum of 5 hours of the total hours of service required for the current school year.*
y be in good standing with the business office
y Parent/legal guardian has attended all mandatory parent meetings
*Beyond re-enrollment, students are expected to complete any remaining hours of Christian Service by the deadline found in the Campus Ministry section of this handbook.
The School reserves the right, in its sole discre tion, not to offer re-enrollment.
Withdrawal
A family who chooses to withdraw their son(s) from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School must complete an Exit Form with the counselors, who will submit the document to the Registrar’s Office. Families are responsible for the tuition for the rest of the school year, as stated in the re-enrollment contract.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Semester Work
y In an effort to evaluate a student’s academic growth in each subject area, a series of evaluation methods are utilized throughout the curriculum. Each method is assigned a given weight, which is clearly explained in the course’s syllabus provided by the teacher. A student’s progress can be viewed throughout the semester on the school’s LMS, MyBelen.
y Semester Work accounts for 80% of a student’s final grade in the High School and 85% in the Middle School.
y All semester work must be completed and submitted to the teacher by its given deadline.
y Semester II grades for Seniors are expected to reflect continued growth. Therefore, Seniors whose Semester II Interim Report demonstrates a significant decline in academic performance or have earned a grade of D or lower will undergo an academic review to determine eligibility for participation in Senior activities.
Semester Exams
Semester exams are offered in order to assess a student’s comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the content taught in a given semester.
y Semester exams account for 20% of a student’s final grade in the High School and 15% in the Middle School.
y In the Middle School, no semester or final exams will be administered for ½ credit courses.
y Semester exams cannot be administered prior to the scheduled exam date. Family vacations, athletic tournaments or any other non school related absence cannot be scheduled during semester exams and are considered unexcused. Should a student miss exams for any unexcused reason, an academic penalty of deducted points will be placed on the final exam grade.
y Should an unforeseen emergency occur, please notify the Dean of Men as soon as possible. If the administration deems that a makeup semester exam is necessary, they will assign a test make-up date. Failure to comply with that new test date will result in a grade of zero for the exam.
y Prior to the national AP exam, a mock AP exam will be administered and count as the student’s final exam grade.
y Exemption from semester exams is strictly a senior privilege for students who have met the following criteria:
y a final average grade of A (Semester I Grade and Semester II Work) for full credit courses
y a final grade of A in half credit courses in either semester
Exam Schedule for grade 6:
Exam Schedule for grades 7-12:
Semester I Exams
*English
*Science
*Social Studies
½ Credit Courses and/or *Electives
*Includes AP’s.
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams:
Semester II Exams
AP Mock
Make-Up Semester Policy
Semester II Exams
Art History or Honors Art History
Honors Philosophy
Math
Theology
World Languages
½ Credit Courses and/or Electives
All components of the semester work grade are important contributors to a student’s skill development and acquisition of knowledge. As such, timely completion of missed work is of utmost importance to the learning process. The following are important guidelines students are expected to follow:
• Excused Absence, School-Related Absence (SRA) or Attending School Activity (ASA)
◊ Students will be granted full make-up privileges for this type of absence.
◊ It is the responsibility of the student to email his teacher and make all necessary arrangements regarding make-up work and/or assessments.
◊ All missed work and/or assessments are due by the deadline assigned by the teacher, which can be as early as the student’s first day back to school but not surpass 5 school days from his absence.
◊ Students who are absent from school for five or more days due to extended illness or other unfore seen circumstances are required to meet with their school counselor to develop a make-up work plan.
◊ Students attending retreats will be marked ASA and are expected to make-up work/assessments as follows:
y Day of Reflection - Missed work is due when the student returns to class. Make-up assessments can be scheduled by the teacher as early as the following school day or upon return to that missed course.
y Cardoner Retreat - Missed work/assessments is due within 3 school days.
y Jr. Encounter/Spiritual Exercises - Missed work/assessments is due within 5 school days.
• Unexcused Absences
◊ It is the responsibility of the student to email his teacher and make all necessary arrangements regarding make-up work and/or assessments.
◊ Make up privileges for unexcused absences will be granted as follows:
y First Unexcused absence in a course
y Full make up privileges if approved by the administration. All missed assessments are due by the deadline assigned by the teacher, which can be as early as the student’s first day back to school but not surpass 5 school days from his absence.
y Second Unexcused absence in a course
y 10 points will be deducted from the final grade off missed assessment. All missed assess ments are due by the deadline assigned by the teacher, which can be as early as the stu dent’s first day back to school but not surpass 5 school days from his absence.
y Third unexcused absence in a course
y No makeup privilege will be granted and a grade of 0 will be given for the assignment an or assessment.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Belen Jesuit is committed to further developing and increasing the integrity of its students and creating a climate of ethical behavior and fair competition. Our students’ commitment to honesty and integrity is a vital component of the school’s culture of academic excellence. To that end, all Belen Jesuit students are expected to daily adhere to the school’s code of integrity in all academic areas.
Academic integrity is achieved when a Belen Jesuit student:
y Completes his homework by himself and does not allow it to be viewed by a fellow student;
y Completes an examination or assessment without seeking help from or offering help to another student;
y Completes original research for a paper, project or oral report and acknowledges another person’s contributions to that work by citing the source and author’s name;
y Understands that collaboration requires equitable contribution from every member of a group;
y Realizes that each choice he makes for copying, cheating, or plagiarizing, no matter how small the matter, diminishes not only his academic achievement, but also his personal integrity.
Policy for Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is any act that misrepresents a student’s actual knowledge, understanding or performance on a work being evaluated such as: written, oral or digital assessments of any kind, papers, projects, classwork and/or homework, group or collaborative work/projects, lab reports, presentations, semester exams or any other academic assignment.
Academic dishonesty includes any action that compromises a student’s integrity or disrupts the school’s academic culture. It is each student’s responsibility to protect his academic integrity. “Loaning” or “showing” another student his work with the assumption that the other will not copy it or attempt to pass it off as his own is considered a form of academic dishonesty. Other actions of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, and copyright violations.
y Cheating is possession, communication, or use of information, materials, notes, or other devices unauthorized by the teacher to complete an academic assignment or unauthorized communication with another person during an academic assignment that gives a student an unfair advantage on an assessment.
y Plagiarism is the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas, or those generated by an Artificial Intelligence source, and passing them off as one’s own. This includes, but is not limited to, the attempt of a student to claim the work of another author as the product of his own thoughts, whether the other’s work is published, purchased, the work of a fellow classmate or the product of artificial intelligence. Students are always expected to properly cite and attribute sources they use to complete their assignments. This includes A.I. when authorized by the teacher.
y Misrepresentation is any act which intends to deceive a teacher in order to gain academic advantage. This includes misrepresentation of contributions to collaborative work.
y Copyright violations are prohibited. The student cannot copy any published or copyrighted material for the purpose of creating personal work. Doing so is plagiarism and simply unethical.
y Violation of testing procedures compromises the integrity of the given assessment. During any assessment students are to be looking at their work only and remain silent during the duration of assessment. Students are expected to remove all materials except those specifically related to the assessment from their desk and person. Other than Belen Jesuit issued iPads, no other electronic equipment can be on the student’s person during any assessment. Only approved calculators may be used on assessments when allowed. Any take-home assessment is to be the exclusive effort of the student. There may be additional procedures specified by the instructor. A violation of testing procedures, while not necessarily cheating, is considered academic dishonesty.
Consequences for Academic Dishonesty
Students who violate the school’s Code of Integrity will be reported to the Office of the Dean of Men. Prior
violations of the Code of Integrity will be reviewed in assessing the proper course of action, which will consist of both an academic and disciplinary consequence as shown below.
High School
y Disciplinary consequences:
◊ A Penance Hall will be issued for academic dishonesty for assignments weighted as classwork or homework.
◊ A Suspension will be issued for academic dishonesty on a quiz/test or assignments given the weight of an assessment.
y Removal from leadership positions and/or honor societies will be at the discretion of the administration.
y Academic consequence:
◊ A grade of 0 on the given assignment/assessment in question that cannot be dropped for any reason throughout the semester.
◊ A grade of 0 on any assessment and/or assignment missed on the day of suspension.
y Second academic dishonesty will result in the following:
◊ Student will be suspended.
◊ Student will be given a grade of 0 on all assignments/assessments missed on the day of suspension.
◊ Student will be placed on Disciplinary Probation.
◊ Ineligible to participate in school-sponsored trips, competitions and/or activities (Refunds will not be granted.)
◊ Removal from leadership positions and/or honor societies
y Any additional infractions of Academic Dishonesty may result in dismissal from the school.
Middle School
y Disciplinary consequences:
◊ A Penance Hall will be issued for academic dishonesty for assignments weighted as classwork or homework.
◊ A Suspension will be issued for academic dishonesty on a quiz/test or assignments given the weight of an assessment.
y Removal from leadership position and/or honor societiey will be at the discretion of the administration.
y Academic consequence:
◊ A grade of 0 on the given assignment/assessment in question that cannot be dropped for any reason throughout the semester.
◊ A deduction of points on any assessment missed on the day of suspension.
y Second academic dishonesty will result in the following:
◊ Student will be suspended.
◊ Student will be given a grade of 0 on all assignments/assessments missed on the day of suspension.
◊ Student will be placed on Disciplinary Probation.
◊ Ineligible to participate in school sponsored trips, competitions and/or activities. (Refunds will not be granted to students.)
◊ Removal from leadership positions and/or honor societies
◊
y Any additional infractions of Academic Dishonesty may result in dismissal from the school. All students are required to sign the following Academic Integrity contract in all their quizzes, tests, projects, and other assessments.
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School Code of Integrity
I choose honesty. I attest that I did not receive, give or use unauthorized aid from any source on this academic endeavor: exam, homework, quizzes, paper, project or presentation.
My signature on this work affirms my character and is a declaration of integrity.
Student signature
ACADEMIC PROBATION
Students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA and pass all courses each semester in order to achieve success at Belen Jesuit. Should a student fall below that GPA or fail a course he will be placed on academic probation.
Middle School
• A current and/or cumulative unweighted GPA that falls below a 2.5 at the end of each semester;
• Failed one or more classes at the end of either semester.
High School
• A current and/or cumulative unweighted GPA that falls below a 2.0 at the end of each semester (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027);
• A current and/or cumulative unweighted GPA that falls below a 2.3 at the end of each semester (Class of 2028)
• Failed one or more classes at the end of either semester.
Academic Probation Policy
A student:
• May not participate in any interscholastic sports and/or extra-curricular activities during the semester of his academic probation (this includes practice for sports, club meetings and/or field trips).
• May be asked to resign from any office he may have in the Student Council.
• Will be removed from honor societies.
• Will be required to attend the school’s mentorship program.
• Be placed on academic probation for a second time will be subject to administrative review and may be asked to withdraw from Belen Jesuit.
A student placed on academic probation for a third semester will not be allowed to re-enroll and/or will be asked to withdraw.
Any student placed on academic probation for a combined total of four semesters throughout his middle and high school years, will be asked to withdraw. (Only applies to the class of 2027, 2026, and 2025).
Policy for Course Failures
Students who earn a final grade of F in any course will not receive credit for that course. An appropriate course of action, which may include withdrawal from the school, will be determined by the administration.
A senior with one or more Final Grade(s) of an F will not be allowed to graduate from Belen Jesuit until he has made up the class with a passing grade. Therefore, he will not be eligible to attend the commencement ceremony.
HONOR ROLL CRITERIA
Honor Roll recognition will appear on the student’s semester report card following the criteria below:
• Principal’s Honor Roll: A student with all grades of A in a semester
• First Honor Roll: A student with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5, and all grades of A and B
ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONY
The following awards will be presented at this ceremony:
Subject Medals:
The highest two numerical average of all the sections that are taught by the same teacher of the same subject level with a minimum of a grade of A (teacher must teach at least 4 sections; if a teacher teaches three or less sections, he/ she will award the highest average).
Academic Achievement Award:
For students who received a final grade of A in semesters 1 and 2 in ALL SUBJECTS for the school year.
Benjamin Matza Award: (Middle School Award)
Students who are in the top 5% of their class, based on their middle school cumulative unweighted GPA, at the conclusion of eighth grade. Students must have completed all three years at Belen Jesuit.
ACADEMIC RECOGNITION AT GRADUATION
• The academic distinction of Summa Cum Laude is awarded at graduation to the top 10% of the students in the class; Magna Cum Laude is awarded to the top 20% of the students in the class, and Cum Laude for a GPA is awarded to the top 30% of the students in the class.
• A student must have attended Belen Jesuit for all four high school years in order to be the Valedictorian or Salutatorian.
• The student with the highest weighted cumulative GPA is eligible to be the Valedictorian of the graduating class. Only the courses required for graduation will be used to calculate the cumulative high school GPA for purposes of determining this award.
• The student with the second highest weighted cumulative GPA is eligible to be the Salutatorian of the graduating class. Only those courses required for graduation will be used to calculate the cumulative high school GPA for purposes of determining this award.
• Academic rank is a basic requirement for seniors to be eligible to be the Valedictorian or Salutatorian. However, serious disciplinary infractions will exclude students from such honors. The Principal’s decision is final.
ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School has a limited capacity to provide accommodations to its students. The only official learning accommodation provided is extended time on classroom assessments and standardized tests. In order to determine eligibility, the School Counseling Department is required to have a psychoeducational evaluation on file..
Belen’s criteria for documentation:
• The diagnosis is clearly stated.
• The information is current (within 3 years).
• The student’s educational, developmental, and medical history is presented.
• The diagnosis is supported by analysis of comprehensive testing.
• The functional limitation is described.
• The recommended accommodations are justified.
• The evaluator’s professional credentials are established.
Once an evaluation is submitted, the School Counseling Department will review the documents and the student’s academic performance in order to provide the student with a Formal Education Plan (FEP).
A student with an FEP will be allowed extended time on school assessments in grades 6-12 and on school-administered standardized tests in grades 6-10. A student with an established FEP in place for a minimum of four months at Belen, may be eligible for accommodations for College Board (AP, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT) and/or ACT assessments by completing the appropriate application process.
The School Counseling Department is staffed by professionally trained counselors. Counselors are available to help students and parents with academic, personal or social concerns that may arise and affect the student’s school performance or well being. The enrollment of your child is consent to allow your child to receive services through our counseling office. Please note that while conversations with the school counselor are generally privileged and confidential, there are exceptions when the school is required by law to report to the appropriate authorities and/ or caregivers. These include suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation or threats of suicide, homicide, or serious bodily harm. Students will also receive information about their confidentiality and its limitations.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Regular attendance is of utmost importance for academic success at Belen Jesuit. Failure to attend class on a regular basis can significantly impact a student’s progress and grades. Absences are marked excused, school related absence (SRA) or unexcused depending on the reason for a student’s absence. Make-up procedure for all missed work and assessments will be based on the marked absence.
• Students whose absence is marked excused due to illness or unexcused are not allowed to attend or participate in any after school or evening event that day.
• Students marked SRA have permission to attend afterschool or evening events.
• Students who have 12 or more SRA days (48 blocks) and/or excused absences will be placed on Attendance Review and will need permission from the administration to attend any additional school related activities that involve an absence from class.
• Students who have more than 8 days (32 blocks) unexcused absences will be placed on attendance probation from the administration to attend any additional school related activities that involve an absence from class.
• A student who has been marked absent unexcused for more than 10% of the semester and/or a given course will be placed on attendance probation and may be asked to withdraw.
• Truancy is a serious offense, which merits suspension and may result in expulsion.
Reporting an Absence
On the day a student is absent:
• A parent/guardian is required to email the Office of Dean of Men at attendance@belenjesuit.org before 9:00 a.m. Email must include the following:
• Name of Student and grade
• Date of Absence
• Reason for absence
• Emails sent by student to the Dean’s Office will not be accepted
• Students are to email their teachers informing them of his absence and inquire on make-up work.
For an upcoming absence:
• Follow the procedure above.
For a school related absence (SRA):
• Faculty Member/Coach will inform the Office of Dean of Men
Absences
Excused Absences
Absences are considered excused in the following situations:
• Personal illness of the student: If a student is absent due to illness, a written form must be provided from a health care provider. The form must include the day(s) the student has been absent from school. It must also state when a student is cleared to return to school. A student absent due to illness for three or more consecutive days will be required to bring a signed doctor’s note explaining the cause for absence and be cleared to return to school.
y Medical Appointments: If a student is absent or late to school due to a medical appointment, written documentation from a health care provider must be provided indicating the date and time of the appointment.
y Death in the immediate family: Must reach out to the Dean of Men’s Office.
y Court appearance: If a student is absent or late to school due to a court appearance, a subpoena by law enforcement agency or proof of mandatory court appearance must be submitted.
y Family emergency: If a student is absent for an unforeseen family emergency, an email must be sent to the Assistant Principal and Dean of Men.
y College Visits: Students in grades 11 and 12 are permitted up to three college visit days per year. They must follow the approval procedure below for the absence(s) to be excused.
◊ The student must obtain the College Visit Form from his College Counselor.
◊ The student must fill out the form with the dates of the visit and the name of the university.
◊ The completed form must get signed by the College Counselor.
◊ The College Visit Form with all necessary signatures must be submitted to the Dean of Men for approval no later than 24 hours before departure.
Although these absences are excused, they may still be counted when determining eligibility for course credit, participation in extracurricular activities and/or field trip approval. Please note the following:
y Students will have full make-up privileges following the guidelines under Make-Up Policy of the handbook.
Unexcused Absences
Absences are marked unexcused when the required documentation is not submitted upon the student’s return. Absences marked unexcused include but are not limited to:
y Personal illness without documentation from a health care provider.
y Family trips/Vacations
y Non-medical appointments
y Participation at a non-school sponsored event and/or athletic program/tournament
Unexcused absences are counted when determining eligibility for course credit, participation in extracurricular activities and/or field trip approval. Please note the following:
y A student will be placed on Attendance Probation after 8 days (32 blocks) of unexcused absences.
School Related Absences
Absences are marked “SRA” when the student is absent from class due to school-related activities, sports events, competitions and/or field trips. The faculty member or coach organizing the activity will turn in his/her roster to the Office of Dean of Men in order to properly mark students’ absence on MyBelen.
y Students participating in any school-sponsored event are expected to be in regular attendance at school the day prior to the event and the day following the event.
y Students involved in multiple extracurricular activities are strongly encouraged to keep track of his absences to ensure continued success in all courses.
y Students will have full make-up privileges following the guidelines under Make-Up Policy of the handbook.
Attending School Activity
A student is marked “ASA” when he is absent from class due to a required school activity, such as spiritual experiences (ie: retreats, Encounter, Spiritual Exercises), mock or AP exams or a special school event. The faculty member organizing the activity will turn in his/her roster to the Office of Dean of Men in order to properly mark students’ absence on MyBelen. This attendance designation is excluded from Attendance Review.
Virtual Hall Pass
Students are required to request and be granted permission to leave the classroom via a Virtual Hall Pass when not in class. Students will make requests and get approval from their teacher and will have limited time to leave before returning to class. More information regarding Virtual Hall Pass will be provided during Orientation Days.
Absence from Class to Meet with Counselor
Students are asked to make every effort to meet with his school and/or college counselor during FLEX whenever possible. In the event that time is unavailable, a student will be excused from class if he made an appointment with his counselor and has approval via the Virtual Hall Pass.
Attendance Review
Attendance Review is a proactive measure to ensure students are able to effectively balance a rigorous academic curriculum and a robust co-curricular program. Students placed on Attendance Review have 12 or more days of excused and/or SRA absences. Future SRA and/or excused absences will require administrative approval to ensure continued academic success.
Tardy Policy
y A student is to be in school by 7:50 a.m. and must be in the classroom before 8:00 a.m.
y A student who is late to school must report to the Office of the Dean of Men for a tardy slip.
y A student will not be admitted to school after 11:00 a.m. unless he provides a doctor’s note or a court document.
y Students marked unexcused tardy will not be allowed to participate in any school related activity on the same day, including games, practice and club meetings.
y Students will be given a Morning Penance Hall following the fourth tardy to school, and each incremental fourth tardy thereafter in each semester.
y Students will be placed on Attendance Probation following their 8th tardy to school.
y If a student arrives late to any class block without a pass from a faculty/staff member, the student will be marked unexcused tardy.
y If tardiness becomes a recurring problem in a given class, it will be reported to the Office of the Dean of Men.
Early Release
y Any student seeking early release must have their parent or guardian send an email to attendance@ belenjesuit.org before 9:00 a.m for documentation purposes.
y Early Release will not be permitted after 1:45 p.m. on regular Block days.
y Early Release will not be permitted after 12:45 p.m. on Early Dismissal days.
y Students are responsible to make arrangements with their teacher regarding any missed assessment(s) and/or classwork.
y Students will not be given an Early Release if they have any tests or assignments due after the Early Release request time unless arrangements have been made prior with their teachers.
y Any student who leaves school early without arrangements for making up assessments will not have make up privileges.
Attendance Probation
y A student may be placed on Attendance Probation for the following reasons:
y Students who have 8 unexcused absences (32 blocks) will be placed on Attendance Probation for the remainder of the school year.
SUMMARY OF ABSENCE PROCEDURES
REASON PROCEDURE
Sickness
Death in the family or other family emergency
Parent is required to email the school on the day of the absence before 9:00 am. A doctor’s note is required for an excused absence.
Parent needs to email the school explaining his absence at Attendance@belenjesuit.org.
Faculty member or coach will notify the Office of the Dean of Men.
STATUS FOLLOW-UP
Excused Full make-up privileges*
Excused Full make-up privileges* School Retreat and School Related Activities (SRA)
Doctor or dental appointments
Family trips, vacations, and non-school related athletic events, and illness without a doctor’s note.
Suspension for Disciplinary Reasons
Suspension for Academic Dishonesty
Truancy
Parent needs to email the school explaining his absence at Attendance@belenjesuit.org and submit a doctor’s note.
Parents are to notify the Dean of Men of the reason for the absence.
SRA Excused** Full make-up privileges*
Excused Full make-up privileges*
Unexcused Make-up privileges will be determined by the Administration.
The Dean of Men will notify the student and his parents when he is suspended for disciplinary reasons.
The Dean of Men will notify the student and his parents when he is suspended for academic reasons.
The Dean of Men notifies the parents.
Suspended No make-up privileges, the student obtains a zero in all assignments and assessments on the day(s) of suspension.
Suspended A grade of zero, which cannot be made up, will be given for the assignment/ assessment for which the student was suspended.
Unexcused No make-up privileges and the student may be subject to other disciplinary measures.
* Full makeup privileges means that the student may turn in his assignments as agreed upon with his teachers and may take all tests and quizzes that he missed during the absence. **SRA means School Related Activity and or School Sponsored field trips.
GENERAL DRESS CODE & GROOMING GUIDELINES
y The official school uniform must be worn properly at all times during every school day, including exam days and field trips. This includes buttoning the top button and wearing a belt.
y Approved Polos are allowed to be worn by 12th and 8th graders on the last day of the week.
y Students who are not in proper dress code and/or properly groomed will receive a Penance Hall and possibly be sent home.
Daily Attire
y White shirt (long or short sleeve) with logo on the left pocket.
y Navy blue and gold striped necktie.
y Solid brown leather belt.
y Navy pants with the school logo on the back.
y Crew socks must be worn (ankle/no show socks are not allowed).
y School-approved shoes.
y The school issued Student Identification Card and Belen Jesuit lanyard should be visibly worn around the neck.
Special Dress
y The special dress uniform is to be worn on special occasions indicated on the school calendar posted on the website.
y The special dress uniform is the same as above with a school approved navy blue blazer, khaki pants with logo and solid color crew socks (navy, khaki or black only).
Physical Education Attire
• The Physical Education uniform is to be purchased in the Campus Store. Students are required to wear the school issued P.E. uniform to their P.E. class.
COLD WEATHER APPAREL
y Only officially approved Belen Jesuit uniform jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters sold at the Campus Store uniform section may be worn to school.
y Short and long sleeve shirts for school clubs and athletic teams may only be worn at athletic or club events.
y Undershirts must be solid white and short sleeves.
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATTIRE
y The interscholastic uniform is the designated team uniform.
y On game days, student-athletes may wear their team jerseys over their official school uniform during class time.
DRESS CODE DUE TO INJURY
y Students requiring long term use of “sneakers” due to medical conditions, must provide a doctor’s note to the Dean of Men.
y Only the school approved “sneaker” for use during the school day may be used.
y Khaki and/or Navy dress shorts are to be worn; no athletic shorts.
y Students not wearing the school approved shorts or shoes will receive a Penance Hall.
MISCELLANEOUS ATTIRE AND ACCESSORIES
y Short and long sleeve tee shirts may not be worn over the school uniform.
y Undershirts must be solid white and short sleeves.
y Hats must not be worn during the school day.
y Students may not wear earrings during the school day or at any school sponsored activities.
y Students are limited to one neck-chain and one bracelet.
HAIRSTYLES
y Properly groomed hair is required at all times, including school-sponsored activities and must be:
◊ Evenly cut throughout
◊ Proper length and height: may not touch the ears, eyebrows, or shirt collar
◊ Sideburns can be no longer than mid-ear
y Trendy haircuts that do not meet grooming criteria, such as, but not limited to, mullets, braids, dreadlocks, or mohawks, are not permitted.
y Gel or spray may not be used to disguise the hair length
y Sideburns can be no longer than mid-ear.
y Hair is to be of natural color. No dying or bleaching of hair is acceptable.
y Students are subject to a Penance Hall for any hairstyle infractions and may be sent home for multiple infractions.
SHAVING
y A student is expected to arrive at school clean-shaven.
y No mustaches or beards are allowed.
y A student will be sent to the Office of the Dean of Men to shave if not clean-shaven and will receive a Penance Hall.
TATTOOS
y Tattoos and branding are not permitted.
y Infractions may result in dismissal from the school.
Classroom Expectations
• The teacher is in charge of discipline in the classroom.
• Faculty and staff should always be addressed in a polite and respectful manner.
• Students are expected to stand and greet classroom guests.
Penance Hall
• A Penance Hall is assigned when a student acts in a disrespectful, irresponsible, or disruptive manner.
• Penance Hall will be served on the same day the student is given the infraction and in a location determined by the Office of the Dean of Men.
• Students who fail to report to an assigned Penance Hall will be required to serve a 2-hour Penance Hall and will not be allowed to participate in afterschool activities, including but not limited to, practice, games, meetings until the penance hall is served.
• After an accumulation of 3 Penance Halls, students will serve a continuous 2-hour Penance Hall thereafter.
• A student who has served two 2-hour Penance Halls will be subject to a Saturday Penance Hall on his next infraction.
• A student who has served two Saturday Penance Halls will be subject to a suspension.
• Saturday Penance Hall may also be assigned when additional time is required to serve for an accumulation of daily Penance Halls and/or for specific violations.
• A student may be placed on Disciplinary Probation for an accumulation of six Penance Halls during a semester, or more than eight for the year.
Suspension
y Suspension is a serious sanction imposed upon a student.
y By way of illustration, but not by way of limitation, the disciplinary act of suspension may be imposed for the following reasons:
◊ Academic Dishonesty
◊ Destroying or defacing school property
◊ Disrespect
◊ Fighting, bullying or harassment
◊ Gambling
◊ Inappropriate use of electronic devices
◊ Inappropriate use of social media
◊ Leaving campus without the permission of school officials
◊ Possession and distribution of obscene, racist, or discriminatory material in any form
◊ Possession or use of tobacco products
◊ Repeated violations of school rules
◊ Truancy
◊ Unauthorized buying and selling of any type of merchandise including food
y The Dean of Men determines the period of suspension. During the period of suspension:
◊ The student is required to be present on campus for the entire school day, but does not attend classes or participate in any school activities.
◊ During each day of the suspension, the student will report to the Dean of Men who will assign him a location isolated from the community, where the student will work on assignments provided by his teachers, with the intention of keeping him abreast of class work that he is missing.
◊ While suspended, the student will eat alone as directed by the Dean of Men and will leave school only when dismissed by the Dean of Men.
◊ All disciplinary suspensions will carry an academic penalty, which will result in zero credit received for all work and in-class assessments missed.
◊ Academic dishonesty suspensions will result in a zero for the assignment or assessment in question. For full Academic DIshonesty Policy, refer to page 30.
Disciplinary Withdrawal
y Belen Jesuit reserves the right to require a student to withdraw if he commits a serious violation of its academic or disciplinary regulations.
y A student who is required to withdraw from Belen Jesuit for academic or disciplinary reasons will not be readmitted at a later date.
Grounds For Expulsion
A student is subject to expulsion for any conduct that jeopardizes the good name of the school, is detrimental to the common good, or is harmful and offensive to members of the school community. By way of illustration, but not by way of limitation, the following actions may result in expulsion:
y Serious acts of physical or psychological mistreatment, humiliation, harassment, racism, intimidation, or bullying.
y Serious acts of violence, threats, dishonesty, or lack of respect toward any member of the school community.
y Causing a serious disturbance or disruption on or off campus.
y Any use or threat of use of a firearm against another person by a student.
y Possession of a weapon or any object wielded as a weapon.
y Possession, sale, or use of alcohol or drugs in school or at any school related activity. This includes the demonstration of symptoms of use.
y Any student who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs in school or at any school related activity.
y Theft
y Vandalism
y Lewd conduct or possession of obscene materials.
y Possession or distribution of stolen assessments.
y Repeated disregard of school regulations.
y Verbal or written comments that can be interpreted as a threat to himself or another student, a member of the administration, faculty or staff, or the community at large.
Because the school cannot anticipate all conduct that violates this policy, it reserves the right to take any form of disciplinary action, including expulsion, against any behavior that violates this policy, even if not specifically stated in this handbook.
SAFETY
Child Abuse and Cooperation with Governmental Authorities
We take our responsibilities to report suspected child abuse, neglect, and abandonment seriously and will cooperate with governmental authorities in connection with their investigations. If you have any questions regarding the School’s mandatory reporting obligations, please consult with the Principal.
Student/Adult Interaction and Communication
Our students and adults (teachers, coaches, administrators, staff members, parents, and visitors) are expected to interact with each other in a professional and respectful manner based on mutual respect and trust with an understanding of appropriate boundaries between adults and students. Although our adults can and should be friendly with the students, becoming too friendly with each other sometimes results in confusion and anxiety.
If a student or the student’s parents become aware of any adult’s communications or actions toward one or more students that seems unusual, overly friendly, or otherwise inappropriate, such information should immediately be reported to the guidance counselor or administrator of the division.
Further, students and their parents should promptly notify the guidance counselor or administrator of the division if they believe an employee has engaged in any of the following prohibited behaviors or similar activities (regardless of the age of the student):
y Initiating or continuing communications with students for a non-school matter, including oral or written communications; telephone calls; electronic communications (emails, texts); social media communications, etc.
y Texting a student without including the student’s parent or a School Administrator in the text;
y Touching students or their clothing in non-professional ways or inappropriate places, or touching a student with aggression or in frustration;
y Making comments that are too personal (about a student’s clothing, hair, personal habits, etc.);
y Giving gifts to a student or exchanging cards and letters;
y Inviting a student into their home;
y Taking students off school property other than for approved field trips and school activities;
y Flirting or asking a student on a date;
y Excessive attention shown toward a particular student or students or calling or referring to students by pet names or inappropriate nicknames;
y Visiting students to “hang out” in their hotel rooms when on field trips or sporting events;
y Visiting a student in their home or another location;
y Socializing or spending time with students (including but not limited to activities such as going out for meals, movies, shopping, traveling and recreational activities) outside of class or school-sponsored events;
y Asking or allowing students to sit on a teacher’s lap;
y Telling secrets or telling the student not to tell something that’s a secret;
y Swearing or making inappropriate sexual, racial/or ethnic comments;
y Inviting students to visit the employee’s social networking profile or become a “friend” or “follower” on a social network;
y Telling off-color or other inappropriate jokes or stories, or showing pornography to students;
y Providing students with alcohol or other mind-altering substances; or
y Vaping, smoking, or drinking with students.
Sexual Misconduct
We are committed to creating a learning environment characterized by safety, trust, and respect for all. Sexual misconduct whether between students or adults and students is contrary to the standards and ideals of our community and will not be tolerated. Sexual misconduct includes any of the following types of activities:
y Any sexual activity between students and adults (See School’s Student/Adult Interaction and Communication Policy);
y Any sexual activity with someone who is incapable of giving valid consent because, for example, that person is under the age of consent, sleeping, or otherwise incapacitated or impaired;
y Any act of sexual harassment, violence, or stalking;
y Any digital media stalking and/or the nonconsensual recording of sexual behavior and the nonconsensual sharing of any recording; or
y Non-consensual sexual advances and propositions, or other undesirable verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. (See the School’s Harassment/Bullying policy for additional information on sexual harassment).
Consent is defined as an affirmative, unambiguous, informed, and voluntary agreement to engage in specific sexual activity. Consent can be revoked at any time.
Sexual conduct between or among students that is unwanted, offensive, or makes a student uncomfortable, whether it occurs on or off campus, and affects the student’s ability to be comfortable in the school environment is a violation of our School values.
Reports of sexual misconduct or sexual assault are taken seriously; the safety and well-being of our students is our first priority. Parents and students who become aware of any form of sexual misconduct, whether on or off campus, should immediately report the information to the appropriate Principal. In accordance with Florida law, the School reports suspected instances of sexual misconduct to the Department of Children and Families.
Upon a report of student-to-student misconduct, including harassment, the School will provide interim support and reasonable protective measures to support the complainant and/or the accused party and the safety of the community. Until all procedures have been completed, the complainant and the accused must avoid all unnecessary contact. If the School determines at any stage that a student poses a threat of harm or disruption to the school community, the School may take immediate action, including removing the student from School, restricting the student’s movement on campus, and so on.
As stated elsewhere, the School expects that students will treat all persons with dignity both at School and beyond. The School reserves the right to act if it learns that a student’s actions violate the School’s rules and expectations, regardless of when and where the conduct occurred or who was affected by the student’s inappropriate behavior.
Child Safety from Sexual Offenders and Predators
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), sexual perpetrators are commonly people the parents/guardians or children know, and these people may be in a position of trust or responsibility to a child and family.
Because of our concern for student safety, all employees, and those parents who volunteer for School activities with unsupervised access to our students, are screened through the School’s criminal background process. Although the School performs such screenings, the School cannot attest to the background of the various parents whom their child may associate with away from School.
To keep their children safer, parents should talk openly to their children about safety issues. Parents should know their children’s friends and be clear with their children about the places and homes that their children visit. Children should be taught that they have the right to say no to any unwelcome, uncomfortable, or confusing touching or actions by others and to get out of those situations as quickly as possible.
Parents should regularly visit the public registry to check out individuals for prior criminal records and sex offenses. Information concerning registered sex offenders and predators in Florida may be obtained by visiting , the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Sexual Offenders database. Information may also be obtained by contacting the FDLE’s toll free telephone number: 1-888-FL-PREDATOR (1-888-357-7332). To view a map of registered sex offenders living within a five mile radius of any given address, parents should visit this link . To learn about additional child safety tips and links to child and internet safety sites and searches, parents should visit the Florida Attorney General website at myfloridalegal.com
Parents who are registered sex offenders must notify the School.
Harassment and Bullying
The School is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes kindness, acceptance, and embraces differences among individuals. Therefore, the School will not tolerate any type of harassment or bullying by a student, employee, or any third party (including vendors, contractors, donors, volunteers, parents, and visitors). Students should be aware that their off campus behavior is also covered under this policy, regardless of when and where the conduct occurred or who was affected by the student’s inappropriate behavior. Harassment is broadly defined to include unreasonable conduct or behavior that is personally offensive or threatening, impairs morale, or interferes with the educational environment of students and includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes, comments, teasing, and other offensive conduct relating to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship, or disability. Harassment also includes sexual harassment.
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
y Demanding sexual favors
y Requests for pictures of a sexual nature
y Taking, sending, or posting images of a sexual nature without consent
y Spreading lies or information about another individual’s sexual activity
y Coercing sexual activity by threat of punishment or offer of reward
y Obscene or sexually suggestive graffiti
y Displaying or sending pornographic pictures or objects
y Offensive touching, pinching, grabbing, kissing or hugging
y Restraining someone’s movement in a sexual way
y Sexual or lewd jokes, remarks, leering, whistling, brushing against the body, or other suggestive or insulting gestures or comments about another’s body
Examples of other forms of harassment based on race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, or disability include, but are not limited to:
y Offensive, intimidating, or inappropriate comments, postings, or conduct relating to race, ethnicity, or color (using racial slurs, racial or ethnic jokes, comments, name calling based on race or ethnicity, etc.)
y Offensive, intimidating, or inappropriate comments, postings, or conduct teasing or joking about another person’s disability, failure to speak English clearly, religious background, clothing, or beliefs, or similar behaviors.
Bullying includes a variety of behaviors, but all involve a person or group trying to take advantage of the power they have to hurt or reject someone else. These behaviors can be carried out, physically (hitting, kicking, pushing), verbally (calling names, taunting, teasing, threatening, ridiculing, spreading rumors, etc.), electronically, sometimes called “cyber-bullying” (posting defamatory remarks or photos, sending threatening emails, creating fake profiles, taking over an account and posting as someone else), or through relational aggression (harming or threatening to harm relationships or acceptance, friendship, or group inclusion) or emotional aggression (teasing, threatening, intimidating others).
Bullying or harassment can occur through any type of communications method, including face-to-face communications, phone, text, email, postings on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat GroupMe, etc.), camera phones, or other forms of technology. The communications can be direct or indirect, such as through friends or others. Any type of offensive conduct, whether on or off campus, on a school bus, or at a schoolrelated event, can create an uncomfortable school environment.
It is the responsibility of all members of the community to ensure that their words, actions, and interactions with others always reflect the intent to promote respect and trust. Attempts to justify behavior as a “prank” or “joke” do not change its harassing or bullying nature if the object of the joke or prank is not a willing participant. Whatever the basis for the harassment or bullying, it is prohibited.
y In certain circumstances, a student may be sent home.
y In such cases, a student may not return to school until his parents or guardians have had a conference with the Dean of Men and the student meets with his counselor.
y Students may return to classes only after school requirements have been fulfilled and under the terms of a strict probation.
Conduct Categories For Progress Reports
y A conduct grade is assigned at the interim and at the end of a semester representing the student’s behavior during the designated period of time.
y The following scale will be used:
◊ 1= Excellent
◊ 2 = Good
◊ 3 = Needs Improvement
◊ 4 = Unsatisfactory
y A conduct grade of “3 - Needs improvement” or “ 4 - Unsatisfactory” can result in severe consequences such as disciplinary probation.
Disciplinary Probation
A student placed on disciplinary probation cannot run for office, participate in school-sponsored trips, or belong to an honor society. He may also not participate in after-school activities including clubs and sports. Students who receive two grades of 3 in Conduct on a semester report will receive a warning letter of disciplinary probation. Students placed on disciplinary probation for a second time may be asked to withdraw.
A student is placed on Disciplinary Probation for the following reasons:
y Received a major infraction or has an accumulation of six Penance Halls during a semester, or more than eight for the year.
y Received three or more 3’s or one 4 in Conduct on a semester report.
y Received a second suspension during the period of one year.
Respect For Others
Being Men for Others means showing care and respect for others. A Belen Jesuit student is one who respects and cares for others everywhere he goes regardless of differences including but not limited to age, religion, race, set of interests, country of origin, ethnic, geographic, gender, or financial background.
Belen Jesuit absolutely rejects disrespectful or discriminatory attitudes and behaviors that hurt and alienate others. A student who disrespects another by word or action will receive a disciplinary consequence including but not limited to a Penance Hall, Suspension or immediate placement on Disciplinary Probation. If the student commits an egregious act of disrespect, however, he may be asked to leave the school community immediately.
All concerns relating to harassment or bullying should be reported immediately to the Dean of Men. We also expect that anyone, whether student, faculty, staff or family member who witnesses, or has knowledge of an incident of bullying or harassment, will report the incident to the appropriate individual identified above. Delays in reporting may compromise the School’s ability to appropriately investigate.
When the School administration becomes aware of harassment or bullying, the situation will be promptly investigated. Any student found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal from school for serious violations, even in the case of a single expression, act, or gesture. Conduct need not meet the legal definition of harassment or bullying to violate the School’s expectations for appropriate behavior and be actionable. No adverse action will be taken against any person who makes a good faith report of harassment or bullying. Retaliation in any form against anyone for making a complaint under this policy or for participating in an investigation is strictly prohibited. Any retaliation should also be reported pursuant to this policy and is itself a cause for disciplinary action.
Hazing
Although we encourage students to participate in School-related athletics, clubs, associations, organizations and other groups, the School prohibits all forms of hazing. Hazing refers to any activity expected of a student to join or to continue membership or participation in any group where the activity produces or could be expected to produce mental, emotional or physical discomfort, injury, fright, degradation, humiliation, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule to the student, regardless of the student’s willingness or apparent willingness to participate. Hazing activities include, but are not limited to, acts of personal servitude (i.e., forced labor or service), sleep deprivation, restrictions on personal hygiene, yelling, swearing, insulting or demeaning verbal abuse, being forced to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire, consumption of vile or other non-food substances, consumption of alcohol, smearing of skin with vile substances, brandings, writing or marking on one’s skin or clothes, physical beatings, paddling or other physical abuse, performing sexual simulation or sexual acts, stunts or dares that could result in physical injury or harm to a person’s mental, emotional or social well-being, any act in violation of the law or School policy, and any other activity that could fall within the definition of hazing. If you think a particular activity could possibly be hazing, then it probably is. If you are not sure, then you need to contact the Dean of Men and ask.
A student violates this policy whenever he or she engages, assists, or attempts to engage or assist in the planning or committing of any hazing activity, whether on or off School property. Each student is also responsible for immediately reporting any hazing activity or plans for any hazing activity to the Dean of Men. The failure to make such a report is also a violation of this policy.
When the School administration becomes aware of any actual or planned hazing activity, the situation will be promptly investigated. Any student found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal from the School for serious violations. No adverse action will be taken against any person who makes a good faith report of hazing activity.
Disciplinary Action
Any student found to have violated this policy may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include:
y Temporary removal from the classroom
y Loss of privileges
y Penance Hall
y Mandatory counseling
y Parent conference
y Suspension
y Expulsion
y And/or notification to appropriate authorities
The disciplinary action may be unique to the individual incident and may vary in method and severity based on the Dean of Men’s discretion.
Use of Surveillance Equipment
The School utilizes surveillance video cameras in its non-private areas to assist with student and employee safety and security twenty-four (24) hours a day, year-round. Aside from bathrooms and locker rooms, the School retains the right to conduct video surveillance of any portion of the School’s property, which includes all persons and property located anywhere on School property, including, without limitation, parking lots. Therefore, please be on notice that your (students and parents) activities are being recorded and maybe monitored. These video recordings are the property of the School. and the School generally does not make these recording available to parents or students. The School may, in its sole discretion, provide or be required to provide the recordings to law enforcement or other governmental agencies.
Students are prohibited from tampering with, disabling, or otherwise interfering with surveillance equipment or video recordings. Violations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including, expulsion.
Visitors
This is a closed campus. Outside visitors are not allowed to visit a student’s class without prior permission from the student’s teacher and administration. Parents or guardians who need to visit campus during School hours are asked to follow these guidelines:
1. Make an Appointment: If you are coming to see an administrator or a faculty member, please call to make an appointment in advance.
2. Check-in in the main office: When you arrive on campus, please report directly to the main office for authorization. If you need to proceed from there to any other part of the campus you will be issued a visitor badge.
3. I.D. Check: If you are asking to see your son, please do not be offended if you are asked to show identification. This is a safety measure intended to protect your children.
Please Note: For the safety and security of our students, anyone seen on campus during School hours without a visitor badge will be reminded to obtain one or asked to leave campus.
Weapons and Threats
The School takes all threats seriously, even when students make comments in jest, on the Internet, by text, or away from school toward or about another student, employee, or the School. Students, parents, and third parties are strictly prohibited from bringing any type of ammunition or weapon (whether operable or not and whether licensed or not) or things that resemble weapons, such as martial arts training materials (training balisong, nunchucks, etc.) and toy weapons to School (including, without limitation, parking lots, athletic fields, and out buildings) or School-sponsored events. This prohibition includes, without limitation, knives (all types including, without limitation, pocket knives, and even those that are part of a key chain), guns (all types), tasers, pepper spray, bows and/or arrows, firecrackers, matches, lighters, smoke bombs, stink bombs, or any type of explosive device. Any such item may be confiscated and, if appropriate, reported to and turned over to law enforcement. Any pictorial depictions of weapons, or verbal or written comments that the administration determines in its discretion to be threatening in nature, or any behavior that is threatening, will result in disciplinary consequences. Violators of this Weapons and Threats Policy will be subject to disciplinary consequences from the School, up to and including, expulsion, as well as subject to penalties imposed by state authorities.
All members of our community are required to immediately report any comment, posting, text, or other form of communication or information that they receive or learn about that reflects that someone has made a threat toward or about another student, an employee or the School. If there is any communication or behavior that concerns you, report it to one of the deans or to any administrator.
Threats of violence or acts of violence by a student, employee, parent or other individual may be reported to law enforcement and any other authorities the School deems appropriate. The School will cooperate with investigations by authorities, and the School may also conduct its own investigation. With respect to such
General Conduct
Students and parents should be considerate and show respect toward other students, faculty, staff, all guests, and visitors in all forms of communication. Students should respect School property and the personal property of other people. Students and parents, both as participants or spectators, are required to show good will, sportsmanship and courtesy at all School-sponsored events (on and off campus). Any person showing unsportsmanlike conduct may be asked to leave the event and may not be allowed to attend future events.
Student Conduct
Student conduct should be of such high caliber as not to disrupt or distract from the instructional or other procedures of the school. The use of ethnic slurs, name calling, and profanity are not permitted. The “Golden Rule” will be the foundation of all personal relationships.
In addition, the health and well-being of all students is of utmost importance to the School. We expect students, at all times, both on and off campus (including evenings, weekends, and school breaks) to avoid all types of behaviors that may be harmful to the student’s or another person’s body, self-esteem, or health. All students are expected to help create a school culture of respect for oneself and others. As examples, Internet activity, criminal activity, sexual activity, use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or other chemicals, or engaging in self-harming, may result in a student receiving disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from School.
If a student observes or receives information that another student may be struggling with personal issues or has concerns that a student may harm himself or herself or others, please report such information to the School’s administration.
Bathroom and Locker Room/Changing Facilities Policy
The School complies with the Safety in Private Spaces Act. Except for facilities designated for use by all genders (“unisex” facilities), the School’s bathrooms are designated exclusively for use by females or males.
Pursuant to this law, “male” and “female” are defined as referring to an individual’s biological sex at birth. Individuals may only enter a gender designated bathroom or locker room/changing facility if it corresponds with their biological sex at birth.
Any student who willfully enters a School bathroom or locker room/changing facility designated for the opposite sex (as defined under the law) and refuses to depart when asked to do so by any instructional, administrative, or School security personnel, will be subject to disciplinary consequences as established by the Principal/Head of School, unless a specific statutory exception applies.
This Handbook provision is considered a part of the School’s code of conduct.
Behavior in Class/Halls/Walkways/Assemblies
Students are to refrain from talking in class or other required gatherings except as permitted, are to use a reasonable tone of voice, and should exhibit orderly behavior at all times. Students must walk from place to place on campus. Students must exercise good judgment in traveling from place to place, which includes watching for obstacles, not walking with items in the student’s mouth, not playing in the corridors, not blocking entrances or walkways, etc.
Cooperation with School Staff
Students are expected to be honest and cooperative with school staff at all times.
Criminal Activities
A student engaging in conduct that is defined under law as a civil infraction, a serious misdemeanor or a felony (whether charged by law enforcement or not) is grounds for expulsion. Violations of law that occur off-campus during the school day will be subject to review under School rules. Violations of law that occur after the school day may also be subject to review under School rules. In the case of offenses that occur at the end of the school year, the School may require punishments to be served during the summer. Transcripts and other reports pertaining to the student’s academic standing will be withheld until the completion of the assigned punishment. All decisions involving suspension or expulsion are subject to the final approval of the Principal and the division head.
Destructive Acts
Students should govern their actions by the values of respect for self, person, and property. Thus, any destructive actions, including setting fires, causing damage to property, stealing property, harming others, serious threats to harm others, or similar conduct is prohibited.
Drugs and Alcohol
General: Students are prohibited from possessing, using, selling or purchasing any alcoholic beverages or other mind-altering substances (including synthetic salts or other substances), or possessing drug paraphernalia on or near School property or at School-related activities. “Mind-altering” substances include any type of substance ingested, snorted, smoked or inserted into one’s body that may impact the individual in some way. Such substances include, without limitation, alcohol, legal or illegal substances (including medical marijuana pursuant to a prescription or physician certification), over the counter salts, spices, vapors, incense, or other similar items. Off-premises possession, use, sale or purchase of alcohol and other mind-altering substances is also prohibited.
Testing: Students may be required to submit to urinalysis drug screens, blood alcohol tests, breathalyzer tests and medical examinations under the following circumstances: (a) when a student is suspected of attending School or School-related activities with intoxicants or mind-altering substances in his or her system; (b) when a student suffers an injury or is involved in an accident while at School; (c) on a periodic or random basis, including but not limited to, in connection with the student’s participation in extracurricular activities; or (d) when a student is placed under disciplinary contract and such screenings or examinations are terms of the contract. The presence of alcohol or the presence of any other intoxicants or mind-altering substances in the body is a violation of this policy. Refusal of a student (by the student or the student’s parent) to undergo testing or to cooperate fully with any of these tests (including signing consent forms or providing testing results promptly to the school) is also a violation of our policy and will result in expulsion.
This policy does not prohibit the proper use of medication under the direction of a physician, although the use of medical marijuana is prohibited in all circumstances. However, the misuse or abuse of such drugs is prohibited. Students who are taking prescription or nonprescription drugs must notify an administrator in the School Office of this fact when they report to School.
Self-Reporting: The School wants to help students who may have difficulties with substance abuse. Therefore, students who choose to self-report their use of mind-altering substances to guidance or the administration prior to being selected for testing under this policy will not be subject to discipline for the self-report or use as long as the student complies with the terms of the School’s guidelines, which will be set forth in a contract with the student and family. The contract will be specific to the individual and may include the following requirements: completing educational programs on substance abuse; completing a rehabilitation program; testing for substance abuse within the School’s discretion, and other similar processes.
Consequences: In addition to determining the appropriate disciplinary action pursuant to the School’s Disciplinary Rules, the School reserves the right to impose the following additional or different requirements as appropriate for the circumstances: determination of possible legal action; required professional counseling approved by the administration; removal from all elected or appointed positions of leadership in the School; required random and/or regularly scheduled drug and/or alcohol testing at a School-approved local clinic or doctor’s office for a time period and at intervals to be determined by the School’s administration. Refusal of
a student (directly or through a parent/guardian) to undergo testing or to cooperate fully with any of these tests is considered a positive result and will result in automatic expulsion.
y Other school-wide measures may be necessary to ensure that the school has taken every reasonable step to eradicate substance abuse and identify and help students who are in need. If deemed necessary, the Dean of Men and the Principal may implement any or all of the following measures:
◊ Mandatory drug testing before a student is accepted to Belen Jesuit.
◊ Drug sweeps at any time.
◊ Drug searches of lockers, cars, and any student’s possessions.
◊ Any other action deemed necessary to effectively carry out this policy.
y Any student who sells drugs or is discovered in possession of a drug on campus or a school-related event will be expelled.
y If a student tests positive, the Dean of Men and the Principal of the school may:
◊ Suspend the student.
◊ Notify and schedule a meeting with the student and his parents. The Principal or his designee shall review with them the positive findings and explain the prescribed penalties.
◊ Require the student to enter and successfully complete a drug education program approved by the school.
◊ Require the student to meet regularly with his School Counselor who will monitor the student’s treatment progress.
◊ Require the student to submit to mandatory drug screening. The parent(s)/guardian agree to pay the cost of all testing, treatment, support groups, and outside counseling.
◊ The above penalties shall be in effect for one year.
y A student who tests positive for a second time will be expelled.
y Failure to comply with any of the above may result in dismissal. Compliance with the above will not guarantee continued enrollment at Belen Jesuit
Fighting or Horseplay
Fighting, pushing, hitting, tripping, physical horseplay, or roughhousing of any kind are prohibited and may lead to disciplinary consequences for all of the individuals.
Honesty and Dishonesty
Dishonesty in any form, including stealing, lying, cheating, falsifying notes, and/or academic dishonesty, is inconsistent with School standards. Dishonesty is considered a fundamental breach of our community’s expectations. A student’s dishonesty in connection with an investigation of misconduct will compound the disciplinary response, regardless of the severity of the original violation.
Investigations
The School will typically investigate issues and question students without a parent’s presence. Students are expected to cooperate in investigations. Students are expected to be honest, but honesty is not necessarily a mitigating factor and students’ own statements may be used against them. Failure to cooperate with an investigation may be cause for disciplinary action.
If a student refuses to participate or cooperate at any stage of an investigation, or is unable to do so for whatever reason, including without limitation, pending criminal charges, the school reserves the right to act, including proceeding without a statement from the student, or to require the student to withdraw from school. A withdrawal from the school during the pendency of the investigation does not preclude the school from completing its investigation and reflecting in its records the outcome of such investigation and the fact that the student withdrew prior to the completion of the investigation, which may be shared with other schools, colleges, and universities.
Language
Students and parents are prohibited from using profane, obscene, bigoted, or other type of offensive language or gestures on campus or at School-sponsored events.
iPad Security
iPads should not be left anywhere on campus unattended. The School does not assume or accept any responsibility for loss or damage to iPads..
Leaving School Campus
It is a serious infraction to leave campus without authorization. Students who do so can jeopardize the senior privilege, may be required to submit to a drug or alcohol test, and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Pornography
The possession, viewing, or distribution of pornography on campus, in either electronic or hard copy form, is a violation of school rules and will result in disciplinary action. The school reserves the right to determine what material is pornographic.
Property
Students are responsible for the proper care of classrooms, restrooms, supplies and furniture. Students who disfigure property, or otherwise damage school property or equipment, will be required to pay for the damage done or replace the item. For the protection of furniture and carpet, gum chewing is prohibited at all times. Library books are furnished by the school and loaned to the students for the purpose of study or enjoyment. Students will be required to pay for any lost or damaged materials checked out to them.
Smoking/Vaping/Tobacco Products
School policy expressly forbids students from smoking, vaping, juuling, or using tobacco products, as well as possessing such products (as well as oils or liquids associated with same), at any time in or on School property, buses or other School vehicles, adjacent properties, or School-sponsored trips. All cigarettes (including electronic), vaping devices, smokeless tobacco, lighters, matches, etc. or other devices similar to cigarettes, lighters, matches, etc. brought on campus by students will be confiscated. Discipline will be imposed based on the circumstances existing at the time and may include suspension, probation, or expulsion. Depending on the circumstances existing at the time, a violation of this policy may also be a violation of the School’s Drugs and Alcohol Policy and reportable to law enforcement.
Telephone Use
In order to maintain an appropriate classroom environment, classroom interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Please do not ask the office to relay messages to your child. This should be done prior to School. Students are not permitted to call home for homework, test papers, folders, or forgotten items. If a true emergency occurs, the Office should be notified.
Truancy
A student is truant if he is absent from School without the permission of a parent or guardian (regardless of age) or leaves the School grounds once he has reported for classes without proper School personnel authorization. In case of truancy, the parent or guardian will be notified immediately and the student will be subject to disciplinary action.
Bathroom and Locker Room/Changing Facilities Policy
We comply with The Safety in Private Spaces Act. except for facilities designated for use by all genders (“unisex” facilities), the School’s bathroom and locker room/changing facilities are designated exclusively for use by females or males. Pursuant to this law, “male” and “female” are defined as referring to an individual’s biological sex at birth. Individuals may only enter a gender-designated bathroom or locker room/changing facility if it corresponds with their biological sex at birth.
Any individual who willfully enters a school bathroom or locker room/changing facility designated for the opposite sex (as defined under the law) and refuses to depart when asked to do so by any instructional, administrative, or School security personnel, will be subject to disciplinary consequences as established by the Principal, unless a specific statutory exception applies.
Any individual, including visitors, may also face criminal penalties, as applicable, under the law.
TECHNOLOGY
Cell Phones and Other Electronics
To the extent that a student brings any electronic devices to school or to school activities (smart/cell phones, smart watches, iPads, PlayStation, etc.), the student does so at his/her own risk. The School will not be responsible for the theft, damage, or loss of such devices. Students who choose to bring such devices to school or school activities must comply with all rules and regulations regarding same.
All electronic devices must be turned off during class unless the teacher has specifically authorized the use of the device during that particular class for educational purposes. If the device is being used for educational purposes, students must comply with the guidelines relating to such use. Otherwise, students may use electronic devices only before School and after School hours. Whenever such use is permitted, students may not use electronic devices in any way that is inappropriate, harassing or disruptive to the educational environment. The visible/ audible content stored on an electronic device such as images, wallpapers, and ringtones are to be schoolappropriate. Students are not permitted to use electronic devices to make threats, use camera features to take inappropriate pictures or videos, videotape or record classes, send text messages to other students in class, or in ways that would otherwise violate a School rule. Students are not permitted to use electronic devices in restrooms, locker rooms, or the library.
Any student found to have an electronic device in his possession and turned on during a test or examination will be presumed to have used the device to cheat and will receive a zero for the test/examination.
Students who violate this policy will have their cell phones or electronics confiscated. In such case, the School reserves the right to inspect the device, including all contents. Students must provide any and all passwords to inspect the device and its contents upon request by a school administrator. Students and their parents consent to the School logging into the device and its contents and applications, as well as accessing all communications, including, without limitation, stored communications.
Electronic Device Violation Consequences
y Students are not permitted to have their cellular devices on their person at any time during the school day. Cell phones should be turned off or on airplane mode and placed in their bags while in school.
y Students found with their cellphones on their person will be in violation and will have their cell phones confiscated.
y If a cell phone is confiscated, the Office of the Dean of Men will keep the phone and return it the following school day and a Penance Hall will be issued.
y If a cell phone is confiscated a second time, the Office of the Dean of Men will keep the phone for a period of a calendar week and the student will be subject to further disciplinary action.
y If a cell phone is confiscated a third time, the Office of the Dean of Men will keep the phone for a period of 30 days and the student will be subject to further disciplinary action.
y The use of earbuds or headphones are not permitted during the school day unless permission has been given by a teacher during their class time.
y If earbuds or headphones are confiscated, the Office of the Dean of Men will keep them and return them the following school day and a Penance Hall will be issued.
y If earbuds or headphones are confiscated a second time, the Office of the Dean of Men will keep them for a period of a calendar week and the student will be subject to further disciplinary action.
y If earbuds or headphones are confiscated a third time, the Office of the Dean of Men will keep them for a period of 30 days and the student will be subject to further disciplinary action.
y Use of an electronic device in class is at the teacher’s discretion.
y Students who have any gaming device out before or during school will have them confiscated and they will be returned the next day and a Penance Hall will be issued
y Smart watches used inappropriately will be confiscated and treated as a cell phone violation.
Computer and Systems Usage Policy
All persons using the School’s computers, the School’s computer systems, or personal computers on School property or over the School’s systems are required to abide by the following rules. This policy also applies to the use of any personal electronic devices (computers, cameras, iPhones, iPads, smart watches, smart/cellular phones, video cameras, etc.) on School property or at a School-related event or used at or away from School for school work on a regular or intermittent basis. Failure to abide by these rules will result in appropriate disciplinary action determined by the School administration. All computers and devices should be used in a responsible, ethical and legal manner. Violations of the following guidelines may result in the revocation of access privileges and possible disciplinary responses, including expulsion for serious offenses.
Purpose: The purpose of providing access to the Internet and the School’s computer systems is to support research and provide unique educational opportunities. The use of such resources should be limited to those activities that support the School’s educational objectives.
Privilege: The use of the School’s systems is a privilege and not a right. Inappropriate or illegal use of the School’s systems or of the Internet will result in loss of the privilege and disciplinary action.
Internet Access: The School community--students, faculty, administrators and staff-- have the privilege of full access to the Internet. The School encourages students and teachers to use the Internet to expand their knowledge. The Internet allows users to send and receive e-mail, to log onto remote computers, and to browse databases of information. It also lets users send and receive files and programs contained on other computers. Files may be downloaded only to personal disks. Files are not to be downloaded to the School’s local or network hard drives.
Internet Safety: Students should never give out personal information (address, telephone number, name of School, address of School, date of birth, Social Security Number, credit card number, etc.) over the Internet. Students also should not meet with someone that they have contacted on-line without prior parental approval. Safety is the responsibility of the parent and student. The School is not liable in any way for irresponsible acts on the part of the student.
Pirated Software: The term “pirated software” refers to the use and transfer of stolen software. Commercial software is copyrighted, and each purchaser must abide by the licensing agreement published with the software. There is no justification for the use of illegally obtained software. The School will not, in any way, be held responsible for a student’s own software brought to School for personal use.
Network Access/Passwords: Accessing or attempting to gain access to passwords, accounts, and files of others is prohibited. Attempting to impair the School’s network, to bypass restrictions set by the network administrator, or to create links to the School’s web page is prohibited. Obtaining another’s password or rights to another’s directory or e-mail on the School’s network is a violation of School rules as well as a form of theft. Taking advantage of a student who inadvertently leaves a computer without logging out is not appropriate. Using someone else’s password or posting a message using another’s log-in name is a form of dishonesty, just as is plagiarism or lying, and will be treated as a violation. Guard your password. You will be responsible for any activity done on the School’s system under your password.
School’s Right To Inspect: All accounts and files on the School’s network are considered to be the property of the School. The School reserves the right to inspect user directories, profiles, clouds and browsing histories for inappropriate files and to remove them if found and to take other appropriate action if deemed necessary, including notification of parents. The School also reserves the right to inspect any personal electronic devices brought onto campus, to a School-related event, or used at or away from School for schoolwork on a regular or intermittent basis. In such case, the School reserves the right to inspect the device, including all contents. Students must provide any and all passwords to inspect the device and its contents upon request by a School administrator. Students and their parents consent to the School logging into the device and its contents and applications, as well as accessing all communications, including, without limitation, stored communications. Do not assume that any messages or materials on your computer/electronic device or the School’s systems are private. The School reserves the right to hold any user accountable for any content on any personal device regardless of whether content originated on or off campus. The School reserves the right to participate and cooperate fully in any investigation requested or undertaken by either law enforcement authorities or a party
alleging to have been harmed by the use of the School’s computer network or a personal device brought to campus or School event. Evidence of illegal activity may be reported or turned over to appropriate authorities. .
Electronic Communication: Students are expected to use their school provided email for all school related work and communication. Students are expected to check their email daily. Electronic communication, such as e-mail, instant messaging, and text messaging, may not be used to harass or threaten others. The School reserves the right to randomly check electronic communication. Electronic communication must not include personal attacks or comments that are inconsistent with the mission and values of the School, and should follow the normal rules of appropriate public language. They should not contain any language or content, which the author would not be willing to share from the podium at a School meeting. Students should be made aware that deleted e-mails can be retrieved.
Students must respect the image, voice, and identities of community members by refraining from using software, such as AI tools, to manipulate or misrepresent them, whether on social media, in electronic communications or otherwise.
Any person who believes that they have been harassed or threatened by any electronic communication should immediately report the concern in accordance with the School’s No Harassment/No Bullying policy.
Viruses and Other
Risks:
Every effort is made by the School to keep our system virus-free. Even with the best techniques, however, computer viruses can be transmitted to and from any computer, including those in the computer center. Further, students use the School’s computers and systems at their own risk. Such risks may include loss of data resulting from delays, “mis-deliveries”, or service interruptions, whether caused by the School’s negligence or by a student’s errors or omissions. The School bears no responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its computer services. Students use such information at their own risk. Users will be responsible for any repercussions, which may include civil actions or criminal charges, resulting from their activities. The School will not be responsible for any damages or expenses students incur while using its computers or systems or for the transmission of any virus or for damage suffered from a virus.
Care of School Computers: Members of the School community will not abuse, tamper with, or willfully damage any computer or other technology-related equipment, use the computer or other technology-related equipment for other than appropriate work or bring food or drink into any computer area. Any intentional acts of vandalism will result in discipline and students will be held responsible for replacement or repairs.
Reporting Requirements/Discipline: Any student who accesses inappropriate material on the Internet, receives harassing, threatening, or inappropriate materials via e-mail, text, or on the Internet, must immediately report the concern to the teacher who is supervising the activity or to the Dean of Men so that the situation can be investigated and addressed appropriately. Students who violate any aspect of this Computer and Systems Usage Policy will be subject to appropriate discipline and loss of computer or Internet privileges.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
Speak with your son(s) about the values and standards that must be followed regarding the use of the Internet and all media information sources.
Parents are responsible for monitoring their student’s iPad use, including Internet browsing at home or in any other location where a student is able to access a wireless network.
In the event of accidental iPad damage or loss, including theft, the parent/guardian will be responsible for the repair costs or replacement costs if the iPad was lost or stolen.
Student Responsibilities
y All computer and mobile devices will be used in a responsible and ethical manner.
y Students may only download apps from the App Catalog found on their school issued iPad. If inappropriate apps, specifically games, texting, shopping, sports, music and social media are discovered, students will be subject to disciplinary action and a $50.00 fine per incident.
y Students will be held responsible for maintaining their individual iPad in good working order.
y It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of his own iPad and to keep it safe and secure. The iPad should never be left unattended anywhere; this includes the halls, central patio, cafeteria, gym, locker room, fields, café Belen, library, unlocked classrooms or parking lot.
y If the iPad is broken or fails to work properly, it is the student’s responsibility to bring it to the Technology Center for evaluation. If there is a device malfunction, it may be repaired or replaced through Apple’s warranty.
y If the iPad is missing, it is the responsibility of the student to come to the Technology Center immediately, so we can locate the device through our mobile device management system. If the iPad is deemed lost or stolen, the student will be responsible for the full replacement cost. The replacement iPad must be obtained through the school.
y If the damage, loss, or theft of the iPad occurs after hours, before 7:45 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m., or over the weekend email the Technology Team at support@belenjesuit.org.
y All repairs including cracked screens must be handled through the Technology Department. The Technology Team will evaluate the iPad and order a replacement if necessary. If the repair cannot be handled through the school you will be referred to the Genius Bar at an Apple Retail Store. The replacement iPad will be issued to the student. DO NOT visit an Apple Retail Store Genius Bar for a repair unless authorized by the Belen Jesuit Technology Department. Failure to comply with this policy will result in a $50.00 iPad configuration fee.
y Belen Jesuit Preparatory School makes no guarantee, written or implied, that materials on the iPad, including student work, will be safe from deletion or corruption, accidental or otherwise. It is good practice to backup, duplicate, email or archive files to an independent storage space.
y Students are strongly advised to purchase a protective cover/case for their iPad such as the OtterBox Defender or Griffin Survivor.
y Only a soft cloth or approved laptop screen cleaning solution should be used to clean the iPad’s screen. Do not use household cleaning agents.
y Defacing the Belen Jesuit ID tag, in any way, is prohibited.
y Do not subject the iPad to extreme heat or cold (do not store in vehicles). Extreme heat will damage the unit itself. Extreme cold will cause severe screen damage.
y In the event that a student leaves Belen Jesuit Preparatory School prior to graduation, he is to return the iPad to Belen Jesuit. The iPad must be free of any cracks or large dents.
y If a student fails to return the iPad at the end of the school year or upon termination of enrollment, the parent/guardian will be responsible for the total replacement cost of the iPad and accessories. iPads
y The iPad, an educational tool, is the property of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. It may be confiscated and inspected at any time. The student should have NO expectation of privacy of any materials or files found on the iPad.
y You may not modify the device, change the configuration of the equipment in any way or disassemble any parts of the device or attempt any repairs.
y The iPad is required to be at school every day, fully charged. If an iPad is found to be unattended, it is to be turned in to the Technology Center.
y The Find My iPad feature must be enabled.
y Do not lend your iPad to other students.
y Do not borrow an iPad from another student.
y Students may save work directly on the iPad, email documents for backup or save files to iCloud or Google storage. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that work is not lost due to mechanical failure or accidental deletion. In case of re-imaging or major software updates, personal data and/or files are automatically removed. Lost or damaged data is not the school’s responsibility.
y Do not remove, move or write on the identification sticker on your iPad.
y Malicious use/Vandalism—any attempt to destroy hardware, software or data is strictly prohibited.
y Jailbreaking is the process which removes any limitations placed on the iPad by Apple. Jailbreaking results in a less secure device and is strictly prohibited. It violates the Apple Licensing Agreement and it may also void the iPad’s warranty and AppleCare+ extended warranty.
Prohibited Digital Actions
y Any action that violates existing school policy or public law, such as the possession of a stolen or missing iPad, re-selling or attempting to re-sell an iPad.
y Sending, accessing, uploading, downloading, or distributing offensive, profane, threatening, obscene, or sexually explicit materials.
y Bypassing the Belen Jesuit web filter through a web proxy, VPN or profile.
y Illegal installation, transmission or purchase of copyrighted material.
y Non-educational games, texting, shopping, sports, music and social media apps are strictly prohibited. Students will be subject to disciplinary action and a $50.00 fine per incident. Only educational games, which in no way contradict our mission as a Catholic school, may be used with the permission of the Director of Technology.
y Instant messaging, chat and texting are strictly prohibited, except as part of an assigned, in-class activity that is supervised by a teacher or administrator.
y Sexting, the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, is strictly prohibited.
y Use of anonymous and/or false communications.
y Audio and videotaping and taking photos during instructional time, unless required by a teacher or administrator.
y Use of websites selling term papers, book reports, teacher editions and other forms of student work.
y The use of personal e-mail accounts during instructional time. Only the approved Belen Jesuit e-mail account should be used for teacher / student communication and assignments.
y Spamming – sending mass or inappropriate emails.
y Use of the school’s Internet access and email accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity.
y Gaining access to another student or teacher iPad, accounts, files, email and/or data.
y Changing of iPad settings configured by Belen Jesuit. Exceptions include personal settings such as brightness and font size.
y Jailbreaking the iPad.
y Removing software, apps or profiles issued/installed by Belen Jesuit.
Repairs
y All iPad repairs for school-issued iPads are to be handled through Belen Jesuit’s Technology Department. Failure to comply with this policy will result in a $50.00 iPad configuration fee.
y ANY iPad damage must be reported to the Technology Department IMMEDIATELY via email at support@ belenjesuit.org.
y AppleCare+ for iPad extends coverage to two years from the original purchase date of your iPad and provides up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $49 service fee plus applicable tax.
y If both incidents of accidental damage coverage are used you are responsible for the full cost of the repair
y All repairs including cracked screens must be handled through the Technology Department. The Technology Team will evaluate the iPad and order a replacement if necessary. If the repair cannot be handled through the school you will be referred to the Genius Bar at an Apple Retail Store. The replacement iPad will be issued to the student within 1-2 business days.
◊ AppleCare+ for iPad extends your coverage to two years from the original purchase date of your iPad and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $49 service fee plus applicable tax.
◊ AppleCare+ does not cover iPads that have been disassembled, are missing parts or have suffered catastrophic damage, such as the device separating into multiple pieces, and inoperability caused by unauthorized modification. Do not attempt to gain access to the internal electronics
or repair your iPad in ANY WAY.
y DO NOT visit an Apple Retail Store Genius Bar for a repair unless authorized by the Belen Jesuit Technology Department. Failure to comply with this policy will result in a $50.00 iPad configuration fee.
Legal Propriety And Consequences
y Negligence on the part of the student is not covered by iPad insurance. Damage deemed as catastrophic damage by Apple is not covered by the AppleCare+ warranty. In this case the student is responsible for the full replacement cost of the device.
y All students must comply with trademark and copyright laws and all license agreements.
y Plagiarism is a violation of the Belen Jesuit Honor Code. Students must give credit to all sources used, whether quoted or summarized. This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music, and text.
y Use or possession or hacking/jailbreaking software are actions that are strictly prohibited and violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
y Any iPad with illegal or inappropriate software or materials will be re-imaged and the student will be charged a $75.00 violation fee per incident for this service. This amount may be increased for repeat violations.
y In the case of repeated iPad abuse and/or damages, the school has the right to revoke the use of the school’s iPad and the student will be restricted to using it only on-campus. Repeated offenses or iPad abuses may lead to the loss of a student’s privilege of using an iPad on and off campus.
y The school reserves the right to enforce appropriate consequences for violation of any section of this agreement. Such consequences could include the loss of the privilege to use an iPad, the loss of the use of the iPad for an amount of time determined by the administration, or other disciplinary action. Email
y Students should always use appropriate language in their email messages.
y Email services provided by the school are to be used only for the exchange of appropriate information.
y No inappropriate email will be tolerated, including derogatory, obscene, or harassing messages. Email messages of an abusive or harassing nature will be regarded as a major violation and will be subject to a disciplinary response, which may result in expulsion.
y All chain letters and spam are prohibited. Chain letters are defined as an email message asking you to pass information or messages on to other individuals or groups via email.
y Students are prohibited from accessing anyone else’s email account without first receiving explicit permission from the account holder.
y Email etiquette should be observed. In general, only messages that one would communicate to the recipient in person should be written. One should never use the “reply all” option when communicating via email.
y It is a violation of Belen Jesuit policies, including the Student Code of Conduct, for any user of official email addresses to impersonate a Belen Jesuit office, faculty/staff member, or student. Student may be subject to expulsion for a violation.
y Users should exercise extreme caution in using email to communicate confidential or sensitive matters, and should not assume that email is private and confidential. Belen Jesuit reserves the right to monitor student email if necessary. It is especially important that users are careful to send messages only to the intended recipient(s).
Chatting And Blogging
y Blogging is to be utilized on campus, only for academic purposes.
y Participation in chat rooms during school hours is prohibited.
Audio And Video
y The use of iPads to watch movies and videos, unless assigned by a teacher, is not permitted during the school day.
Deleting Files And Profiles
y Do not delete any folders, files and/or profiles that you did not create or that you do not recognize. Deletion of certain files and/or profiles will result in iPad failure and will interfere with your ability to complete class work and could affect your grades.
y There is a $75 re-imaging charge to correct system files and/or profiles.
Downloading And Loading Software
y Students are not permitted to install custom/individual applications that require administrator privileges.
y All installed software must be a legally licensed copy.
y The downloading of music files, video files, games, etc. through the school’s network is absolutely prohibited unless it is part of an assigned, in-class activity.
y The school reserves the right to remove any software that has been loaded onto the iPad that impedes the educational purpose of the iPad program.
y Only commercial videos (such as television programs) legally purchased from the iTunes store or another like entity may be downloaded to the iPads.
y Shareware and freeware programs such as animated cursors (i.e. Comet Cursor), screen savers, and other programs similar to these, automatically open connections outside the School’s network. Such connections are Spyware, and they not only monitor the activities on that iPad, but they also slow down the operation of the iPad and the network connection.
y There is a $75.00 re-imaging charge to remove any unapproved software or files.
y Students will be issued a Saturday detention and a $75.00 fine per incident for installing software such as VPN Apps or profiles to bypass the school’s content filter.
Internet Use
y Belen Jesuit offers access to the Internet and the Belen Jesuit network strictly for academic purposes.
y Access to network services is given to students who act in a considerate and responsible manner. Access is a privilege—not a right. Access entails responsibility.
y We believe that the benefits from Internet access, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, outweigh any disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources.
y Inappropriate or offensive materials available on the Internet are strictly prohibited. These materials include but are not limited to items of a sexual or pornographic nature, extremist or militant materials, gambling, depictions of violence, images that are intended to be abusive or harassing, etc. Students must not access, display, or store this type of material.
Privacy, Use, And Safety
y The School respects the privacy of every student, faculty member, and administrator with respect to stored files and email accounts. However, if inappropriate use of email accounts or the School’s network, including honor code violations or harassment, is suspected, the school’s administration has the right to view these files in order to investigate suspected inappropriate behavior.
y The iPad is subject to routine monitoring and search by teachers, administrators, and the technology staff. The Technology Department will periodically monitor iPad wireless activity. If the Acceptable Use Policy is violated, the iPad may be remotely locked down, wiped, and/or confiscated.
y Students may not give any personal information regarding themselves or others through email or the Internet including name, phone number, address, passwords, etc. unless they are completely sure of the identity of the person with whom they are communicating. Frequently, the identity of someone on the Internet is impossible to confirm. Therefore, contact with such individuals is considered inappropriate and unsafe.
y Be aware that the transmission of any file, or communication via email or over a Wi-Fi network, is not guaranteed to be secure.
y Remember that anything sent via email, text, or posted online, can be saved or forwarded, and remain on the Internet beyond your control; use good judgment to avoid embarrassing yourself or others.
y Students must secure and maintain private passwords for network and iPad access. This is important in order to protect the privacy of each student. DO NOT share personal passwords or usernames. Students will be subject to disciplinary action if they change the passcode on another student’s iPad without his permission.
y The school will monitor iPad activities, including logging website access, newsgroup access, bandwidth, and network use.
y Students are prohibited from accessing faculty, administration, and staff’s file servers for any reason without explicit permission from the user or administrator of that iPad.
y Students are prohibited from using any method to obtain control of another person’s iPad through the use of their own iPad.
y No identifiable photographs of students, faculty, or administration will be allowed to be published on the Internet or used in print without appropriate and prior written consent. Appropriate written consent for use of a student photo requires the signature of a parent or legal guardian of the student.
Securly Filter Content Program
Belen Jesuit has partnered with Securly to filter content on the students’ school-issued iPads. Securly monitors and tracks all web content on the students’ school-issued iPads both on and off-campus. The school will monitor activity during school hours. It will be the responsibility of the parents/guardians to monitor activity during non-school hours.
y As a parent you will receive an invite to register for the Securly portal so that you can review your son’s activity on his iPad. If you did not receive an invite please email support@belenjesuit.org. Additionally, you will begin to receive weekly emails from Securly that will show you a preview of your child’s online activity. If you do not wish to receive the weekly email from Securly, simply click unsubscribe in the bottom left corner of the email.
y To receive access to your sons full online activity history, you will be able to log into the Securly Home app (iOS or Android) or the Securly Parent Portal.
y Securly Home App lets you access your account information from anywhere, in real-time.
y To enter the Securly Parent Portal, click on the “go to my parent portal” link or the “sign up” link at the bottom of your weekly email. You will be asked to check two boxes and then click “Yes, please set up my account.” Once you do this, you will receive an email with your login and password information. After you set up your account, you can enter the Parent Portal at any time by going to www.securly.com and clicking on “login.”
y Belen Jesuit is not able to assist with the Securly Parent Portal questions, so please email help@securly. com if you have further questions. We hope that our partnership with Securly will be the solution that many parents have been asking for.
To learn more about Securly’s online safety solutions go to www.securly.com/home
Consequences
y The school reserves the right to enforce appropriate consequences for the violation of any section of the AUP. Such consequences could include the loss of the privilege to use the iPad, the loss of the use of the iPad for an amount of time as determined by the administration and members of the Technology Department, fines, disciplinary action and possibly legal action.
y These consequences apply to students participating in the iPad program at the School.
y Any iPad with illegal or inappropriate software or materials on it will be re-imaged and the student will be charged a $75.00 AUP violation fee per incident for this service.
y In the case of repeated iPad abuses and/or damages, the school has the right to revoke the use of the iPad on-campus. Repeated AUP offenses or iPad abuses may lead to the loss of a student’s privilege of using an iPad on campus. After three violations, students will be referred to the Dean of Men for disciplinary actions which may include but are not limited to installing a more restrictive profile or revocation of iPad privileges.
y Students are to report any known violations of this AUP to appropriate administrative staff members. Random checks of student iPads will be conducted throughout the year in an effort to ensure that these policies are being followed.
y The School takes no responsibility for activities conducted on the iPads or materials stored on the iPads, or the school’s network.
y The school reserves the right to enforce appropriate consequences for violation of any section of this agreement. Such consequences could include the loss of the privilege to use an iPad, the loss of the use of the iPad for an amount of time determined by the administration, or other disciplinary action.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)
Publicly available applications driven by GenAI, such as chatbots (ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and Meta’s LLaMA), search engines (Microsoft Bing), or image generators (DALL-E, Midjourney) (“GenAI Programs”), are impressive and widely popular. This policy applies to the use of any third-party or publicly available GenAI Programs that mimic human intelligence to generate answers, work product, or perform certain tasks. Certain of our courses and curriculum may explore AI programs so students are aware of and understand these important tools. However, while these content-generating tools are important for students to be aware of and understand, there are a number of concerns associated with this new technology:
y GenAI Programs do not always produce accurate or complete information and results can include fictional people, places, facts, or events;
y The information entered into GenAI Programs is not confidential, is used by the GenAI Programs to continue to evolve, and are a potential target for hacking or other cyberattacks; and
y The results produced by these GenAI Programs do not cite to sources, so there is a serious risk of plagiarism
Most importantly, the purpose of school is to allow students to grow, to be challenged intellectually, and to think critically about the material they are learning. As such, students are not allowed to use GenAI Programs, such as chatbots or image generators, either in school or at home in connection with any schoolwork, including, but not limited to: homework, projects, examinations, tests, quizzes, or as a substitute for reading assigned materials, unless expressly permitted by a teacher. Students found to have used GenAI Programs without express permission from their teacher will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including referral to the Dean’s of Men’s Office or immediate dismissal.
Online Learning Management Systems and COPPA Information
We are committed to high quality teaching and learning. We realize that part of 21st century learning is adapting to the changing methods of communication and providing rich and varied contents and experiences for our students. The importance of teachers and students engaging, collaborating, learning, and sharing in digital environments is a part of 21st century learning and provides students the opportunity to develop as literate and technologically competent individuals. Educational standards are now requiring the use of online education tools and our School uses several computer software applications and web-based/cloud-based education technology services operated not by the School, but by third parties. These applications include, but may not be limited to, Google Drive, Zoom, Canvas, and other similar educational programs. A complete list of the programs with the privacy policy for each can be found on our School website.
In order for our students to use these programs and services, certain personal identifying information must be provided to the website operator. Please note that any personal information provided by the School is for educational purposes only and is used by the School solely to communicate with the service provider. Students will receive a school email address to participate in certain of these computer software applications and web-
based/cloud-based services. Under federal law entitled the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), certain website providers must provide parental notification and obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from children under the age of 13. For more information on COPPA, please visit https:// www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/businesscenter/guidance/complying-coppa-frequently-asked-questions.
COPPA permits schools such as ours to consent to the collection of personal information on behalf of its students, thereby eliminating the need for individual parental consent to be given directly to the website operator. Your signature on this Handbook will reflect and constitute your consent for our School to provide personally identifying information for your child. Such information may include your child’s first name, last name, email address, username, profile picture and other information your child has added to their profile; contacts and calendar information; settings, such as audio and video settings and screen sharing settings; device information such as IP address, WiFi information, and device features; product usage, such as mouse movements and keystrokes, whether your child sends message and with whom they message, actions (using mute/unmute, video on or off, etc.) and other user actions; and school-related information, such as school name, class, and teacher name. Your signature will also reflect and constitute your consent for your child to participate in video conferencing, podcasts, and live chats, which means that their identity will be revealed, their voice will be heard, and their image displayed to others and both may be recorded. The recording may also include images, messages, Q&A, and other content shared by your child and other participants. The recordings of your child’s image, voice, identity, and content may be used for any purpose deemed appropriate by the school, including for educational, disciplinary, and marketing purposes. If you do not want your student to participate in these programs, please notify the Assistant Principal.
Sexting
“Sexting” is the term used to describe a minor’s sharing of photos of persons (themselves or other individuals regardless of age) engaging in sexually-related behavior, or touching private body parts over or under clothes, or of persons partially or wholly nude, typically with private body areas uncovered through any form of electronic distribution. Students are prohibited from engaging in sexting, whether over the School’s systems or using their own electronic devices regardless of where the student was when the sexing occurred. Any student receiving such a photo must immediately report the situation to an Administrator. Even seemingly joking or flirtatious sexting behavior is wrong and will not only lead to disciplinary action, but could lead to a report to law enforcement. The School will comply with all state and local laws regarding sexting.
Social Media and Social Networking Policies and Procedures
Social media encompasses a broad array of online activity including social networks/media such as Twitter, Flickr, Instagram, Facebook, GroupMe, and Snapchat, blogs, and other similar online or Internet communications. Because this form of communication is vast and growing, we feel it is important to communicate to you the School’s position regarding a student’s use of social media or networking.
Use at School or a School-Related Event: We do not permit students to access social media and/or social networking sites while on School property or at a School-related event, unless such use is on a School social media platform or School sanctioned site and the use is for school related work. We have taken steps to block many of the social media/networking sites on our network, but technology will undoubtedly work faster than our IT Department. Therefore, even if you are able to access such sites on School property or at a School-related event, you should understand that your activities are in violation of School policy and may result in disciplinary action.
Use Away from School Property: It is not our goal to regulate a student’s personal online activities when not on School property or at a School-related event. Please understand, however, that certain activities might impact a student’s relationships with other students or school employees, impact the School rights, or disrupt the school’s mission or activities, and we do reserve the right to regulate those activities. All students should ensure that they are familiar with School’s conduct policies to avoid any online communications that might violate those policies, whether on or off campus.
Guidelines: You should ensure that your online activities do not violate a School policy regarding bullying or harassment, or other similar policies pertaining to how students interact with each other. If you post or say something online that makes another student feel uncomfortable, your activity may result in an investigation and possible discipline.
Students should also be aware that teachers and administrators periodically check such sites and may determine that off campus behavior violates the School conduct code by making disparaging or negative comments about the School, administration, or faculty members in a manner that is disruptive to the School’s educational mission or activities.
Students should not “follow” or be “friends” with any faculty member or other adult member of our community (other than the student’s parent) on any of these social networking sites. Any violation of this prohibition must be reported to the Administration immediately.
In addition, postings on social networking or other Internet sites of students engaging in inappropriate behavior (such as drinking, smoking, vaping, sexual actions, etc.) is prohibited.
Students are not permitted to use the School’s name, logo, trademark, or service mark in online activities. Students are not permitted to post photographs of the School, its locations, activities, students, parents, or employee-related activities online. Students are not permitted to create websites or social networking profiles to rate teachers, discuss aspects of the School, or otherwise disclose information online that the School would find offensive or inappropriate if posted in the School’s newspaper. Finally, students are not permitted to disclose any confidential information of the School, employees, students, parents, or activities online.
Social/Political Issues: Students and parents who identify themselves as School students or parents on their personal social media account(s) or when posting on a School-affiliated account must not engage in political or social actions or commentary reflecting personal views. Political messages that may be associated with the School are not authorized. Students and parents must be moderate and professional when sharing social media posts, tagging the School’s social media accounts, or when making any references to our School or programs.
Creation of Social Media Accounts: Any School-affiliated groups, clubs, organizations, etc. are not permitted to create a social media account without written consent from the Principal.
Your Identity Online: You are responsible for any of your online activity conducted with a School email address, and/or which can be traced back to the School’s domain, and/or which uses School assets.
What you publish on such personal online sites should never be attributed to the School and should not appear to be endorsed by or originated from the School.
School’s Right to Inspect: The School reserves the right to inspect all electronic data and usage occurring over the School’s network or on School property without prior notice. We also reserve the right to assess information in the public domain on the Internet or on private social media sites brought to the School’ attention, and to discipline students for any violation of these guidelines.
GENERAL POLICIES
Deliveries
Students are expected to be responsible and thus forgotten academic or sports related items cannot be dropped off during the school day.
Sarria Family Dining Hall
y Food purchased from the Dining Hall during breakfast must be eaten there before 7:50 a.m.
y Students are responsible for helping to keep the Dining Hall clean and orderly.
y During lunchtime:
y Students are restricted to the Dining Hall, Central Patio, football field, the Arroyo Quad, or the library.
y Students must remain in the Dining Hall for the first 20 minutes of each lunch block.
y Students are not permitted in hallways or the second floor during lunch.
y Only seniors are permitted to be in the Senior Section during their lunch block.
Food, Drink, Gum
Food and beverages will be consumed only in designated areas and at designated times. Gum chewing is not allowed on campus.
Drop-Off And Pick-Up Procedures
y Ninth and Tenth graders are to be dropped off and picked up using the 6th street entrance; all other grades will use 127th avenue.
y All private buses will drop off and pick up using the 127th avenue entrance.
y For safety and security reasons, students cannot be dropped off or picked up outside the school grounds.
y Students may only leave the campus on foot with special permission from the Dean of Men.
y Students may not arrive or leave using a ride-share vehicle.
y Students should be picked up at dismissal unless they are actively participating in an after school extracurricular activity or sports team.
y Supervision is available from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and for students participating in school sponsored activities and/or sports after school hours.
Elevators
Access to the elevators are for students who are unable to use the staircase due to illness or injury and requires permission from the Office of the Dean of Men.
TRANSPORTATION
Students are expected to follow local ordinances in the operation of their motor vehicles. Students who are driving their own vehicle must complete a registration form, which can be obtained in the School Office. Upon completion of the required form, each student will be given a parking decal designating a parking space and/ or area to park. Students are to park their cars in the parking area only. No student is to park his/her car in a manner that blocks another car or prevents a School bus from entering or exiting the parking lot. Students may not return to their cars for any reason other than to leave the School grounds for dismissal at the end of the School day. Students may not drive other students on behalf of the School to or from any School-related event or activity. Students violating this policy or engaging in unsafe driving/parking practices will lose the privilege of driving to School and depending on the circumstances, may face disciplinary action.
Ride Sharing
The School will not allow students to use any Uber, Lyft, or similar transportation services to obtain transportation to or from School or any School-related activity.
Parking
Parking at Belen is limited and is considered a senior privilege. Only seniors that complete the application process will be granted a parking space. Afterwards, parking applications from Junior students will be considered, if spaces are available. No guarantee of a parking space is made or implied.
All students who drive to school must register their vehicle with the Office of the Dean of Men. Parking permits are to be hung on the rear view mirror of the front windshield, free from obstruction, facing outward.
Students are not permitted to walk onto campus, they may only park on-campus, in their assigned spaces and are required to back into their spot in order to facilitate the inspection of their car permits, placed in the front of the vehicle.
Parking privileges may be revoked by way of illustration, but not limitation, for any of the following:
y Recurring tardiness to school, class and/or excessive tardiness
y Excessive Penance Halls
y Suspensions
y Driving to or from school in a reckless manner
y Driving recklessly in the school parking lot
y Parking in a space other than the one that has been assigned
y Transferring a parking decal or space to another student
y Dressing and/or undressing in the parking lot
y Seeking access to the parking lot without permission
y Blaring music before or after school
School officials or police may search any vehicle entering the school area. If any person in the vehicle other than the driver is the current custodian of the vehicle, consent to search is deemed given by the custodian also. Refusal to allow a search of a vehicle can be grounds for expulsion. Every student is responsible for the contents of the car that he drives to school. Parking areas are off limits during school hours unless approval is given by an administrator. Students that violate the parking policy agreement will forfeit their space.
School Grounds
y Students are not permitted to walk on or off campus for any reason without express permission from the Office of the Dean of Men.
y Students are expected to treat the school facilities with the utmost respect.
y Students are not allowed to enter a classroom without the presence of a teacher. If a teacher is not present five minutes after the beginning of class, one student should report to the Dean of Men or the Assistant Principal. All other students must remain quiet in the hallway.
y Eating is not allowed in the classroom or on the second floor.
y A student may not be in any room or unauthorized area in the school without the presence of a school official.
y Playing in the school building, hallways, central patio, and along the pick-up areas is prohibited at all times.
y For security reasons, surveillance cameras are installed throughout the school grounds.
Trespassing
Students found trespassing on campus will be subject to disciplinary action.
Insurance
y Students are covered under secondary accident insurance during school hours and school-related events.
y Parents must report a student’s injury immediately to qualify for this coverage.
y Claims must be submitted within 90 days of injury.
Valuables & Lost And Found
y Lost and found items may be turned in the Office of the Dean of Men. The school cannot be responsible for items or valuables left in classrooms, hallways, locker rooms, or athletic areas, or left unattended on school grounds. Students should refrain from bringing large amounts of money or valuables to school. All personal items must be labeled with the student’s name.
y The lost and found room is located in the library and can be accessed before and after school.
Ramon Guiteras Memorial Library
The Ramon Guiteras Memorial Library at Belen Jesuit was established in 1962 by a trust established by the Guiteras Family. The library serves as a resource and cultural center for both the Belen students and the community at large. The library also supports the curriculum of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and provides resources and guidance to Belen students, faculty and staff in the area of research and information retrieval skills.
y During the academic year, the library is open on school days from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
y Students using the library during FLEX must sign in using their student ID. There is open access before school, during lunch periods and after school.
y The “Quiet Study Area” will be used for independent study and no talking will be allowed in this area. Students will be allowed to whisper in the large study room and may work in pairs as long as there are only four students at a table. Disciplinary actions will be taken for misbehavior.
y Library printing should be limited to typed assignments and library research done by students.
Re-Enrollment Policy
Re-enrollment takes place each year in the month of January. A student is eligible for re-enrollment by meeting the following criteria:
y have met the necessary unweighted cumulative GPA and grading requirements
y be in good disciplinary standing
y be up to date with Christian Service hours and completed a minimum of 10 hours (of the total hours required) for the current school year. Students in grades 6 and 7 must complete a minimum of 5 hours of the total hours of service required for the current school year.*
y be in good standing with the business office
y Parent/legal guardian has attended all mandatory parent meetings
*Beyond re-enrollment, students are expected to complete any remaining hours of Christian Service by the deadline found in the Campus Ministry section of this handbook.
Withdrawal
A family who chooses to withdraw their son(s) from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School must complete an Exit Form with the counselors, who will submit the document to the Registrar’s Office.
HEALTH
Accidents
Any accident/injury in a School building, on the School property, at athletic practices, or at any athletic event sponsored by the School must be reported to the person in charge immediately. Students should not assume that someone in authority knows there was an accident or injury.
Animal Policy
Due to concerns about the health, safety, and welfare of people in the School community, no animals are allowed on School property or at School-related events without the express, written permission of the Principal. This means that animals may not be brought onto School property for any reason (even if the animal remains in a vehicle or on a leash), including drop off, pick up, parties, games, and activities, and may not be brought to School-related events on or off campus.
Health Information Sharing
Parents and student agree, as a condition of continued enrollment, to consent to the release of any of the student’s health related information, including information relating to drug treatment, testing, medical and mental health records, to employees or agents of the school, as determined by the Principal or his or her designee, to meet the medical or safety needs of the student and the community or the legal responsibilities of the School.
The School will maintain appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security of all health-related information within its care or custody. While it is the obligation of the School to safeguard student medical information, we must also balance matters of privacy and confidentiality with safeguarding the interests and well-being of our students and our community. Thus, parents/guardians and students consent to allow employees and agents of the School, who have a need to know, to receive and/or share medical and/ or psychological information necessary to serve the best interests of the student and/or community. In the event of a disclosure required by law, every effort will be made to notify the student and/or parents/guardians in advance.
Health Care, Immunizations, Medications, and Clinic
Prior to the beginning of School, a physical examination must be completed or transferred for each student entering the School. In addition, immunization or a certificate of waiver is required for all students. Immunizations must be kept current, and an original (no photocopies) Certificate of Immunization, signed by a physician, or an immunization waiver, valid and provided in accordance with Florida law, must be kept on file in the School office. Students may not attend School without an appropriate immunization record (this includes, without limitation, a current immunization record, in accordance with state requirements, at all times) or valid waiver.
Many students must have medication available at School for certain illnesses and conditions. School personnel cannot administer medication, including pain relievers, without explicit written parental/guardian permission. A permission form completed by the parent/guardian is required in the event a student must receive medicine at School. The medicine, in its original container, labeled with the student’s name, name of medicine, dose and time to be given, doctor’s name (if prescribed) and possible side effects, must be given to the nurse together with the signed permission form. All medication must be delivered to the School nurse or the grade level administration. Students are not permitted to carry medications except for epi pens and then only with specific physician instructions and a signed release from the parents.
Students who return to School after an extended illness or surgery or who may not participate in sports or physical education classes following an extended illness or surgery require a physician’s statement confirming the student’s ability to return to School and any necessary limitations or restrictions.
Parents are responsible for informing the School nurse of any changes in their child’s medications, health status, behavior, family dynamics or other factors that may affect their child’s well-being during the school day. In addition, parents must immediately contact the School Nurse or Division Counselor about behavior, comments, or other concerns that potentially evidence that their child could harm himself or any other individual.
Student Illness and Communicable Diseases
The School has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, parents, students, and visitors. In the case of global or local threats of a communicable disease, the School will take all reasonable measures that may be necessary to protect the safety and health of members of the School community. These may include implementing infection control guidelines designed to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases. The School will apply guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and its affiliate, NIOSH, state and local health departments, and World Health Organization (WHO), and other agencies and resources as appropriate. Each communicable disease is unique. The School’s response depends on public health guidance for the specific communicable disease, the nature and stage of the disease, whether mitigation methods are or can be used, and public health guidance on the risk and exposure. Response may include, without limitation, a determination that no risk exists or that no action is required, immunization programs may be put into place, mandatory health screening may be implemented, mitigation steps may be needed such as a student refraining from some activities, utilizing bandages or other barriers, enhanced housekeeping, cancellation of field trips, a medical exam and release, and being sent home from school. Depending on the event, the School may require parents to disclose upcoming travel plans and to self-quarantine their child upon return. School closure may be necessary or the School may need to modify its curriculum, schedules, length of the school year, and/or means of learning and teaching methods. During certain communicable disease events, threat levels may change rapidly and the School may need to modify various measures as additional information becomes available.
Examples of communicable diseases include seasonal influenza; tuberculosis; measles; chicken pox; mumps, scarlet fever, hepatitis A, C, and D; meningitis; antibiotic-resistant staph; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS); H1N1 Flu; Swine Flu; Avian Flu; Ebola; and novel coronavirus - COVID-19. Lice, ringworm, pinworms, impetigo, pink eye, strep infection, hand, foot and mouth disease, mononucleosis, and other similar childhood illnesses are covered by this policy. We recognize that some diseases may not be infectious under certain circumstances.
We rely on our parents as the first step in preventing infection in the school environment. We count on them to use good judgment in protecting our school community. A sick child should not be in school but should remain at home in an environment where proper care may be given. The School nurse is available to students daily. If a student is not feeling well, he should inform the classroom teacher and ask to be excused to go to the nurse’s office. If a student asks to go home, the student will be released only with permission from the parent/guardian or from the person designated on the student’s emergency card. A student who presents at school with symptoms of an illness and/or is unable to participate in the day’s activities will be removed from the classroom and the parents, or an emergency contact if the parents cannot be reached, will be contacted. Students must be picked up within the hour of the School’s request that the child be sent home due to illness. The student should be signed out by the clinic. Teachers will be informed of the student’s dismissal for illness. To prevent the spread of infection through direct contamination (coughing, sneezing, talking, sharing articles, etc.) students must be asymptomatic without the aid of medications before returning to School. In other words, students must have no fever, vomiting, etc. for 24 hours prior to their return to School.
Parents/students who know or have a reasonable basis for believing that a student has a communicable disease that may pose a threat to other students, parents, school employees, visitors, or the public should immediately contact their health provider. Parents/students have a “reasonable basis” for believing that a student has a communicable disease when they show or feel signs or illness, such as coughing, sneezing, fever, joint aches, have an overall ill feeling, or when they know that they have been exposed to someone with a known communicable disease or suspected communicable disease. For the health and safety of the School community, parents should report to their School Nurse if their child has a confirmed communicable disease that poses a risk to others in the School community. The Florida Department of Health shall be notified when a student is sent home because of a communicable disease. In case of student absence due to the reportable communicable disease, a release card from the Department of Health or a letter from the family physician indicating that the Department of Health regulations have been fulfilled must be presented when the student returns to school (indicating that the student is no longer infectious).
The School will generally not identify an infected student to School employees or other students or their parents, although public health guidance will guide the School’s communications. It may be necessary to alert others in the community who were in certain areas or at certain times that exposure could have occurred. The School will disclose sensitive medical information of students no further than is necessary to ensure the health and safety of our employees, students, parents, and visitors in a manner consistent with applicable law. The School will comply with all federal and state laws in regard to confidentiality and privacy requirements.
COVID-19 Disclosure
COVID-19 is a new disease and the state of scientific and medical knowledge regarding COVID-19 is evolving. COVID-19 and its variants are reported to be highly contagious and spread easily from person to person. COVID-19 may result in serious illness, debilitating injury, or death. The School has put in place measures in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, notwithstanding any such efforts, it is simply not possible to guarantee that COVID-19 is not present nor to prevent you or your child from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19. By entering School premises, attending school in-person, and attending or participating in School activities in-person, you, your child and your household are exposed to the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. By participating in certain activities associated with greater rates of disease transmission, you, your child, and your household are exposed to a high risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. A Participation in in-person School and School activities evidences parents’ and students’ acknowledgement of the risk to themselves and other individuals they live or associate with of exposure to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19, whether from the acts, omissions, or negligence of themselves or others, including but not limited to School employees, agents, representatives, volunteers; other students, program participants, and their families; and/or other individuals who may be present in school facilities or in attendance at any school activity and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, or death.
Concussion Protocol
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal function of the brain. It occurs when the brain is rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. What may appear to be only a mild jolt or blow to the head or body can result in a concussion. Any suspected concussion must be taken seriously.
y Students may not return to school and/or receive accommodations without a complete medical evaluation by a neurologist, in which a concussion has been determined to be present.
y If a neurologist has determined that a student must be under concussion protocol, the parent will submit the medical paperwork that supports the student’s concussion diagnosis to the counselor of the student. The counselor will then set-up a meeting with the parent and student, as well share the information with all of the teachers of the affected student. The teachers, in collaboration with the counselor and the student, will develop a schedule for the student to submit classwork, homework, and take assessments, in a way that is congruent with the concussion protocol as ordered by the neurologist’s report.
y In the event a student’s concussion diagnosis conflicts with end of semester exams, those exams will be scheduled at the time when the student has been cleared by the neurologist to take his exams.
Services for Students with Disabilities
We understand that there may be circumstances in which a parent may request that the School provide an adjustment or accommodation for a student’s medical needs or physical, mental, or learning disability. As the range of requests has grown over the years, the School believes it appropriate to outline the School’s policy and general guidelines for addressing such requests.
General Policy: In general, it is our School’s policy to provide accommodations or adjustments for a student’s minor needs in circumstances in which the administration determines, in its sole discretion, that doing so is within the reasonable ability of the School and/or its staff and will not result in a significant disruption to the teacher’s ability to instruct other students, to classroom or school order and discipline, will not require a threat of harm to the safety of other students or employees, will not require a fundamental change to our educational environment or mission, and will not impose responsibilities on school employees for which they are not trained. We also ask parents to realize that, given the size of our school and our available resources, we may not be able to provide all requested accommodations. To the extent we agree to provide accommodations, we may require a sharing of responsibility for the accommodation.
Request and Documentation: For any type of accommodation (including administration of medication at school), the parent must contact the School nurse of the need. The School nurse will then advise the parent of the type of medical documentation needed, which generally will state whether the student has an impairment, how the impairment limits the student, the recommended accommodations, and the length of time that the accommodation(s) will be needed.
Release for Communications with Qualified Professional Provider: Sometimes, the documentation received from the qualified professional may raise questions, leave out necessary information, or be unclear as to the recommendations. For that reason, the parent(s) must sign a Release of Information form, permitting the School to communicate with the professional treatment provider, when necessary to clarify documentation or seek necessary additional information. In addition, if there is any cost associated with the physician’s cooperation (i.e., to answer a set of questions submitted, etc.), the parent must agree to bear the cost of such process.
Assessment of Request: Once the School has received a request for accommodation and the required medical documentation, appropriate persons within the administration will meet with the parent to clarify information and to discuss the accommodation requested. In some cases, the parent may be asked to provide (at the parent’s cost) any special equipment needed, training for the school’s staff, or other associated matters. In addition, the School may advise the parent that the School will allow a particular accommodation, but the full responsibility for doing so will rest with the parent. For example, if the student needs to be tested or have certain types of medicines administered during the day that the School or nurse believe are beyond the scope of the School’s responsibility, the School may allow the parent to make arrangements to visit the campus for the purpose of testing and administering.
Limitations on Requests: Please understand that the School is not a medical facility and does not have the personnel, training, or equipment to handle certain types of medical procedures best left to the student, parent, or physician. In addition, the School reserves the right to deny a request for accommodation or to modify any consent to previously granted accommodation requests.
Responsibilities for Implementing Accommodations: Depending on the nature of the request, the School may agree to provide the accommodation directly; may require the student to provide the accommodation (such as taking prescribed medications with observation by the nurse), or may require that the parent provide all aspects of the accommodation. In addition, to the extent that a student may need some type of adjustment or accommodation during off-campus activities, the School may condition the student’s participation in such activities upon the parent agreeing to participate in the activity for purposes of monitoring and addressing the student’s needs.
Release and Waiver: Depending on the nature of the request and the type of the accommodations, the School may require the parent to execute a release and waiver in favor of the School as a condition to providing the accommodations.
Guidance Counselors
The Guidance Department is staffed by professionally trained counselors. Counselors are available to help students and parents with personal or social concerns that may arise and which affect the student’s academic performance or social conduct. The enrollment of your child is consent to allow your child to receive services through our counseling office.
Students and parents should be aware that conversations with the guidance counselor may be privileged and confidential, unless the nature of the communication reveals the immediate risk of harm to the student or others or a violation of the child abuse laws.
ATHLETICS AND STUDENT LIFE
The goal of our athletic program at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School is to provide opportunities for growth and development that mirror the Jesuit mission of the school. Students will mature physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually through their participation in the Belen Jesuit athletic program. All Belen Jesuit athletes will have the opportunity to utilize their God-given talents through sports, as well as to develop loyalty, integrity, pride, and commitment to their teams.
Practice will begin no earlier than 3:30 p.m. on regular school days or 2:30 p.m. on early release days.
Responsibilities Of The Student Athlete
y A Middle School student must maintain a current and cumulative 2.5 GPA in order to participate in interscholastic activities.
y A High School student must maintain a current and cumulative 2.0 GPA in order to participate in interscholastic activities.
y A student who is on academic or disciplinary probation may not participate in any interscholastic activity during the semester that he is on probation.
y If during the semester, a student is failing a course, the principal, in conjunction with the School Counseling department, may deem it unwise for a student to take part in athletics due to academic or other pressures on the student. If so, this student would be ineligible for a period of time stated by the principal or until the next report card is issued.
◊ The student is responsible for all uniforms and equipment handed to him. This includes returning all uniforms and equipment at the completion of the season unless purchased.
◊ A parental permission form, a physical examination form and all state required forms must be filed with the Athletic Office prior to the first tryout date. Forms may be found online under Athletics.
◊ If a student is excused from class due to an athletic event, he must make arrangements with the appropriate teachers prior to the absence to make up any missed work.
◊ Students who are late unexcused to school will not be allowed to practice or participate in any school related activity, including practice and games, on the same day.
◊ In order to participate in athletic contests or practices, a student who has an excused tardy must be in school by 11:00 a.m., unless prior arrangements have been made with the Dean of Men.
◊ If an athlete’s commitment to a sport ends prematurely, he must return all equipment and uniforms to the head coach. The student will not be allowed to participate or try-out for any other sport until his first season ends or unless the head coach of the previous sport allows him to participate.
◊ Any student that wishes to participate in two sports at the same time must meet with both head coaches and request their permission. The Athletic Director must approve this agreement.
◊ A student athlete must abide by the school’s code of conduct at all athletic events and practices. Absolutely NO alcohol or drugs are accepted. For further reference, see the Substance Abuse Policy section of this handbook.
◊ The student athlete must be respectful and must show good sportsmanship toward fellow athletes, coaches, opponents, fans, and officials. Bullying and/or hazing is absolutely forbidden.
◊ If a student athlete commits an offense that damages the reputation of the school, he will have to face the disciplinary consequences set forth by the FHSAA, the Principal, the Athletic Director, the Dean of Men, and coach.
◊ Junior and Senior athletes planning to participate in NCAA athletics must meet the Regulations of the NCAA Eligibility Center. Information concerning these regulations is available in the College Counseling Department.
◊ Student athletes may attend club meetings until 3:30 p.m. provided they bring a note from the club moderator for each specific meeting attended.
Participation In School Athletics
y Parents acknowledge that participation in these sports may be inherently dangerous and the school cannot ensure the safety of all students involved in these programs.
y Prior to participation in any sport, each student must complete the Parent Consent and Release of Liability form and a physician’s certificate to the effect that the student is physically fit for participation in the sport. Participation includes pre-season conditioning, open gym, tryouts and practice. Parents, by executing this acknowledgement of receipt of this Handbook, HEREBY RELEASE the school and its employees and agents, from any claims or liabilities that allegedly arise from or are related to participation in any sports or athletic activities.
y The school is not responsible for student participation in any non-sanctioned sport. Parents hereby acknowledge that students who participate in any such program or activity do so at their own risk. Parents further acknowledge that the school shall not be held liable for any injuries or damages sustained by students or others arising from participation in such programs.
Student Life
Co-curricular activities and related functions are an integral part of student life at Belen Jesuit. Participation in the school’s clubs, organizations, student government, and activities is encouraged to create a stronger learning environment and promote school spirit. These activities are designed to promote the physical and social development of the student, to provide opportunities for leadership, to provide avenues to serve the school and the community, and to develop interests and talents that may not be tapped in classroom activity. They also allow students the opportunity to get to know faculty and staff members outside of the classroom experience. The success of each activity depends on the commitment and responsible participation of the students and Faculty Moderator. Each activity is supervised by a faculty moderator under the direction of the school’s Club Coordinator. Information about academic teams, clubs, honor societies, and travel experiences are available on the school web page.
Student Life Attendance Policy
A student who has been absent from school on a given day may not attend nor participate in any co-curricular activities on that day without the prior permission of the Dean of Men or other Administrator.
Participation Guidelines
Any participant displaying unacceptable conduct on or off school premises may subject the participant to suspension from co-curricular activities.
y Excessive unexcused tardiness to school (8).
y Excessive unexcused absences (4) in a semester
y Academic deficiency including any F’s, multiple D’s on either an interim or semester report
y Academic, Attendance or Disciplinary Probation
y Excessive Penance Halls (6 or more in a semester)
y Suspension
y Poor Conduct Grades (one or more 3’s, two or more 2’s) in each grading period
y Delinquency in tuition payments
Guidelines For School Dances
Periodically throughout the year school dances are held on campus or at another location. Students and guests are expected to observe the standards of respect, modesty, moderation, and good taste. Specific guidelines will be provided for each dance.
To attend a school-sponsored dance, a student:
y Must have filled out a Guest Form (i.e. Homecoming Dance, 8th Grade Dance, Junior Prom & Senior Prom)
y Must arrive no later than one hour after the scheduled start of the dance (i.e. Homecoming Dance, 8th Grade Dance, Junior Prom & Senior Prom)
y Must remain at the dance until the until the end of the dance (i.e. Homecoming Dance, 8th Grade Dance, Junior Prom & Senior Prom)
y Must be picked up on time once the dance has ended
Belen Jesuit reserves the right to deny anyone entrance to any school activity or event.
Public Displays Of Affection
Inappropriate displays of affection, such as kissing or embracing which connote more than simple friendship, are not permitted on campus, at school dances, or at any school event. Those who violate these rules may be subject to disciplinary measures, including Penance Hall, suspension or expulsion. The administration reserves the right to determine what is, or is not, appropriate behavior in a Catholic school.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Communication
Parents should feel free to contact their son’s teachers, school counselor, Department Chairperson or the respective Assistant Principal regarding his academic program or progress. It is important that parents first seek contact with the classroom teacher when attempting to address any academic concerns or questions. Faculty email directories are available on the Belen Jesuit website. If the teacher and parents are not able to resolve any questions or concerns, the parents may contact the Department Chairperson and/or the student’s guidance counselor.
Students are advised to resolve conflicts directly with teachers. School counselors are available to advise students or parents. If, after working with the teacher, the Department Chairperson, and the school counselor, the student or parent still does not feel that the conflict has been resolved to their satisfaction, then they are encouraged to contact the appropriate Assistant Principal.
Grade Level Meetings & Activities
Parents are required to attend mandatory grade-level meetings. These meetings are offered to address needs and goals that are of utmost importance to the mission of the school and that necessitate collaboration between parents and the school. Parents are expected to make every effort to attend. Failure to do so will be taken into account for re-enrollment of the student. Grade-level activities are not mandatory, but are encouraged as they are designed to build community and brotherhood among the students.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
The dates and schedules of conferences will be posted on the school’s website. Parents may contact teachers at any time by email.
School Sponsored Events
The school does not oversee or control events or social functions that are not school sanctioned. Schoolsanctioned events are specifically identified in this Handbook or are identified as such in written notices generated and distributed by the school.
Parents, by executing this acknowledgement of receipt of this Handbook, HEREBY RELEASE the school and their corporate members, officers, employees, and agents, from any claims or liabilities that allegedly arise from or are related to attendance at parties or social functions that are not school sanctioned. Students engaged in conduct that is contrary to the mission and philosophy of the school may be subject to disciplinary action regardless of whether the conduct occurred at a school-sponsored function.
Virtus Certification
Belen Jesuit encourages and welcomes parent involvement. We believe it is an integral part of the community experience the school offers. Contact information for the various school-sponsored activities can be found on our school website. Please be aware parental involvement requires VIRTUS training. For training information, you may contact the Director of Communications.
Use Of Photos
Belen Jesuit reserves the right to use student or parent photos in any school publication and on the school’s website and social media pages. Any parent who does not wish his child’s picture or video to be used accordingly must notify the school’s registrar in writing prior to the beginning of the school year. Parents, by executing the acknowledgement of receipt of this Handbook, HEREBY RELEASE the school and its employees from any claims or liabilities that allegedly arise from or are related to the use of student or parent photos.
Financial Obligations
The satisfaction of all financial obligations to the school, including tuition and fees, constitutes a material condition for continued enrollment in the school. The school may disallow students from access to grades online and taking semester examinations if the parents or legal guardians fail to meet any financial obligation to the school. In addition, the school may withhold the issuance of transcripts or any other student records and/ or disallow participation in or access to school activities, and/or disenroll the student if any financial obligations are not met. Divorced or separated parents are both financially responsible. Each parent applying for financial aid must fill out an application and submit all required documents to the Financial Aid Office.
Testifying In Divorce Or Custody Proceedings
The Catholic Church recognizes marriage as a Sacrament. In the Union of Christian spouses, the sacrament of Matrimony celebrates the relationship of Christ to the Church. Therefore, the school strongly supports the sacrament of matrimony as the foundation of family life and of the domestic Church. In recognition of the importance of the matrimonial sacrament to the Catholic faith, parents agree not to compel the attendance, testimony, or deposition of any school or church employee in any divorce, custody, or other legal proceedings, which may in any way involve the dissolution of marriage or the determination of parental/custody rights.
In the event that a parent or legal guardian breaches this policy, any school or church personnel who are required to attend legal proceedings may be represented by an attorney. In addition, any and all legal fees and costs incurred by the school will be charged and become the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.
Organizations
Our School offers a variety of activities including an athletic program and varied selection of non-athletic clubs and organizations. School is a lot more fun for those who participate - go out for a team or join a club! Listen to the announcements or stop in the office to find out more about the activities program.
We do require parents to provide appropriate insurance for athletes. The School assumes no responsibility for injury to students participating in athletics or other School activities
Intellectual Property
By enrolling the student in the School, the parent and student acknowledge that during student’s attendance at the School all student Intellectual Property (defined below) related to or used in connection with the student’s participation in any joint or group School activity (classroom, homework, athletic, artistic, scientific, etc.) is the exclusive property of the School. Intellectual Property includes all inventions, creations, videos, audios, writings, prototypes, discoveries, developments, formulas, techniques, and improvements and all works of original authorship or images that are fixed in any tangible medium of expression, whether or not copyrightable, patentable or otherwise protectable, which are conceived, designed, created or developed by any of the School’s students in conjunction with other students and/or School personnel. To be clear, if a student works on a project alone (such as a painting or music), such project is not Intellectual Property covered by this policy. Any parent or student who believes that they are eligible for a waiver to this policy should contact the Principal to discuss the specific circumstances.
Lost and Found
Books, clothing and other personal items which are left at the end of each day will be placed in the lost and found room and may be claimed before or after school. Unclaimed items will be donated to charitable organizations or disposed of at regular intervals.
Labeling of all items helps prevent loss.
Messages
In order to maintain an appropriate classroom environment, classroom interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Please do not ask the office to relay messages to your child. This should be done prior to School. Students are not permitted to call home for homework, test papers, folders, etc. If a true emergency occurs then the office should be notified.
Posters and Announcements
All posters must be approved at the office before they are displayed in School. If a student wishes to put up a poster, he should bring it to the office first. General announcements are made in the morning. Club or class announcements must be signed by an advisor. Any announcement originating from a student must be cleared by administration.
Payment of Tuition and Fees
The School strives to provide the highest quality education while maintaining affordable fees. We depend on the timely payment of tuition and registration fees to cover our obligations. Enrolling your child requires a financial commitment much like any other major purchase. Please make School tuition a budget priority. Failure to make tuition/fee payments by the contractual dates may result in a child being removed from School or not being allowed to take examinations. Transcripts and student records cannot be forwarded to another School if there is an outstanding balance in his/her account, or if there are other outstanding debts.
Residence
It is the School’s position that in order for students to have the foundation necessary to excel in school and other endeavors, students must have appropriate living accommodations, support, and supervision. As a result, the School requires that all students, regardless of age, continuously live with a parent or Florida court-appointed legal guardian at least 25 years of age so long as the student is enrolled at the School. Failure to do so will result in the student’s dismissal from the School. Living with friends, distant relatives, nannies, by themselves, etc. is not acceptable. There will be no refund of tuition where such enforced withdrawal occurs. A parent or legal guardian must immediately notify the School should a student’s living arrangements change during the school year. The School reserves the right to request at any time and from time to time, satisfactory proof (in
the School’s sole discretion) of a Student’s living arrangements, including, without limitation, verification of with whom the student lives and where the student is living.
School Closure or Modifications Due to a Force Majeure Event
Should events beyond the control of the School, including, but not limited to, any fire, act of God, hurricane, tornado, flood, extreme inclement weather, explosion, war (including armed conflict), governmental action, act of terrorism, risk of infectious illness, epidemic, pandemic, shortage or disruption of necessary utilities (water, electricity, etc.), or any other event beyond the School’s control, occur, the School has the discretion to close the School and/or modify its operations, curriculum, schedules (including, without limitation, the provision of instruction on Saturdays and/or Sundays), length of school day, length of school year, and/or means of learning and teaching methods, including, without limitation, converting to distance learning or a hybrid model. Parents may be required to sign a waiver of liability in order for their children to participate in on-campus instruction depending on the status of any force majeure event. The family’s contractual financial obligations for tuition and fees remain in full force and effect and the School shall not be liable for any such failure or delay in its performance. Should the School close, the School’s duties and obligations shall be suspended immediately without notice until such time as the School, in its sole and reasonable discretion, may safely reopen. If the School cannot reopen due to a force majeure event, the School is under no obligation to refund any portion of tuition paid.
Student Records and Information
Requests for student records and transcripts must be directed in writing to the School Office. The School reserves the right to withhold student transcripts and records for non-payment of tuition or fees. The School will also require the parent to sign a consent form before a student’s transcript or other records/information will be released.
The School makes reasonable efforts to ensure that both natural parents (or legal guardians) receive substantially the same information (transcripts, records, appointments, etc.). The School must rely upon the correctness and completeness of parental information when the student is enrolled.
In situations of divorced or separated parents, if one parent believes that the other parent is restricted in receiving information about their child(ren) from the School, ine visiting/picking-up/dropping off their child(ren), in participating in parent/student conferences, and so on, such parent must provide a valid court order to the School evidencing such restrictions. Parents are under an ongoing obligation to provide the School with new or subsequent orders, promptly upon issuance.
Principles and Expectations Relating to the Parent/School Relationship
We have ten expectations that we believe will help us to have a positive and cooperative relationship throughout the entire school year:
(1) As a part of our joint role to help students grow and mature, parents are expected to encourage their student to address perceived inequities appropriately and independently, including reporting if necessary.
(2) Parents must cut the constant phone ties from their students. Let your student make decisions on their own without the constant need for parental reinforcement. Sometimes they will make a decision that is different from the one you would have encouraged. That’s fine too.
(3) Students must learn to seek assistance from an adult on campus for academic, athletic, or other assistance. We have resources for your student for this purpose, including the student’s advisor, mentor, or other person installed on campus.
(4) When parents contact the school without the student’s knowledge (“John doesn’t know I’m calling, but . . .”), the school will need to address the issue directly with the student. We cannot promise you that we will
maintain confidentiality over your phone call. Refer to expectation number one.
(5) The School will typically investigate issues and question students without the parent’s presence. This helps us move quickly to resolve issues.
(6) Although your student’s issue is important, concerns take time to address. Please be patient and do not call repeatedly for an update.
(7) Please do not ask us to tell you about discipline imposed on other students. We would not disclose discipline of your student to others and expect that you understand the same principle applies to other students.
(8) The School will not communicate everything that occurs in the student’s daily life to a parent. We have a lot of students under our care (including your student) that we need to ensure are safe, secure, and happy. We expect that you would like our attention to be focused there.
(9) Neither the teachers nor the school will provide a daily email, text, or call regarding the student’s progress or difficulties. We will communicate with you through appropriate school channels if we believe there is a concern that you should address with your student.
(10) All communications between the parents and any person at the school must be professional, cooperative, and appropriate. If we cannot have this type of relationship, this may not be the right school for your child.
Parent/Family Cooperation
As stated elsewhere, the School believes that a positive and constructive working relationship between the School and family member (defined as parent, student, or other person associated with the student) is essential to the fulfillment of the School’s educational purpose and responsibilities to its students. If any family member of a student (i) engages in behavior, communications, or interactions on or off campus, that is disruptive, intimidating, overly aggressive, or reflects a loss of confidence in or disagreement with the School’s policies, methods of instruction, or discipline, (ii) otherwise interferes or voices strong disagreement with the School’s safety or health procedures, responsibilities, or accomplishment of its educational purpose or program, or (iii) files a lawsuit or threatens litigation against the School for a perceived wrong by the School (including its officers, trustees, directors, Board members, employees, agents, and affiliates), the School reserves the right to place restrictions on the family member’s involvement or activity at School, on School property, and/or at Schoolrelated events or to dismiss the family member from the community. The School may also place restrictions on a family member’s involvement or activity at School, on School property, or at School-related events for other reasons that the School deems appropriate. The School also reserves the right to withdraw an offer of enrollment or re-enrollment or to void an executed enrollment contract because of a family member’s violation of the expectations set forth in this policy. The term “threatens litigation” includes any claim, proceeding, dispute, action or other matter for which any demand or statement has been made (orally or in writing) or any notice has been given (orally or in writing), or if any other event has occurred or any other circumstances exist, that would lead a prudent person to conclude that such a claim, proceeding, dispute, action or other matter is likely to be asserted, commenced, taken or otherwise pursued in the future. Any determination of a violation of this policy shall be in the School’s sole and reasonable discretion. There will be no refund of tuition where such dismissal occurs, and any unpaid balance is payable in full according to the terms of the student’s enrollment contract.
Additionally, the School requires that all parents (married, unmarried, divorced, or separated) cooperate with one another in the best interests of their child(ren)‘s education at the School. Failure of parents to cooperate with one another may lead to dismissal of their child(ren) from the School or non-renewal of enrollment for future academic years. There will be no refund of tuition where such dismissal occurs, and any unpaid balance is payable in full according to the terms of the student’s enrollment contract.
Fund Raising
No class, team, individual, or organization is to begin any money raising activity without permission from the School. No class, team, individual or organization may request money from any other class, individual, or organization within or outside the School without permission from the School administration office.
School Business Office Hours
The School’s Business Office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT SIGNATURE FORM 2024 - 2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School seeks to form young men of competence, conscience, and compassion. Please read and become familiar with the Parent and Student Handbook. The Handbook is important because it states exactly what is expected of a student. The signing of this form is considered an agreement on the part of you and your parents that you are aware of the school regulations, you will comply with them, and will accept and abide by the decisions of the administration.
The Belen Jesuit Honor Code is a statement of positive attitudes and behaviors designed to instill in students the responsibility and self-discipline required to maintain respect for God, fellow students, faculty members and themselves.
The Belen Jesuit Honor Code
As a member of the Belen Jesuit community; I will neither participate in nor tolerate academic dishonesty. I will respect the property of the school and others, and I will insist that all do the same. I will treat others with respect. I will act in a manner that is appropriate of a Belen Jesuit student in all of my activities - academic, athletic, spiritual, digital and social. I will be a Man for Others.
