School Policies

Non-Discrimination Policy

Notre Dame Elementary School does not discriminate in its admission of students on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, physical disability or impairment in the administration of its academic and admission policies, tuition assistance and other school-administered programs.

Non-Harassment Anti-Bullying Policy

The administration and staff of Notre Dame Elementary School believe that all employees and students are entitled to work and study in school-related environments that are free of harassment, intimidation or coercion. Any threat of harm to any person either in writing, verbal or physical will be dealt with immediately and appropriately.

Notre Dame Elementary School will not tolerate harassment and/or bullying of any type. Reports of either harassment and/or bullying behaviors will be dealt with in a prompt manner including appropriate disciplinary action by the school. Disciplinary action may include suspension, dismissal or being asked to withdraw from the school.

Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to: unwelcome sexual advances or other similar verbal or physical contact, verbal or written taunting; bullying; inappropriate, intimidating, hostile or offensive conduct; jokes, stories, pictures, cartoons, drawings or objects which are offensive, annoy, abuse or demean an individual or group. Any and all types of bullying (verbal, emotional, physical, use of telecommunications, photography/videotaping as a means to bully and/or intimidate and socio-economic) as set forth in the Federal Anti-Bullying Guidelines will be addressed by the professional staff of NDES.

Students who believe they have experienced harassment or bullying shall report the incident to the principal or assistant principal. The principal or designated administrator shall immediately investigate and document   the complaint including names of witnesses, dates, times and the specific charge. All information relating to the investigation shall be kept confidential. The administrator shall make a prompt determination regarding any disciplinary actions. No retaliation will be permitted for participating in a complaint or investigation.

Threats Policy

It is the responsibility of the administrators, teachers and staff to ensure the safety of all in the school or on school grounds or while participating in a school sponsored activity. Any threat of harm to any person either in writing, verbal or physical will be dealt with immediately and appropriately. Such action may include: notification of parents, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, notification of local law officials, psychological/psychiatric evaluation, counseling or other actions deemed necessary.

Weapons Policy

Notre Dame Elementary School recognizes that a safe, secure school atmosphere is fundamental to providing an educational environment conducive to learning. Therefore, weapons are prohibited. This policy includes, but is not limited to, any firearm, knife, deadly weapon, explosive, incendiary device or any toy or “look-alike” weapon. Firearms include any loaded or unloaded gun of any caliber or type. This prohibition also includes any pistol, rifle or other device that uses air or gas propelled projectiles. Possession of hunting weapons is also a violation of this policy. No student may have possession of a weapon on school grounds at any time. This includes during or immediately before or after school hours; on school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a group; off school grounds or while at a place or location for the purpose of or related to attendance at a school-sponsored activity, function or event; on a school bus or conveyance; or at any other time when a student is subject to the authority of the school. Violations of this policy are subject to the Code of Conduct and may involve notification of the sheriff, immediate suspension, dismissal or expulsion.

Search Policy

The school reserves its right to search at any time all school property such as lockers and desks, even if assigned to an individual. Additionally, by enrolling in the school, the student and parent’s consent to a search of a student’s backpack, gym bag, book bag, purse, coat and student’s network folder, when the school has reasonable grounds to believe a student has in his/her possession some unlawful or otherwise prohibited item or items when on school grounds, during and immediately before or after school hours; on school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a group; off school grounds or while attending any place or location for the purpose of or related to attendance at a school-sponsored activity, function or event; on a school bus or conveyance; or at any other time when a student is subject to the authority of the school. The search may extend to a student’s person or clothing only if the school has reasonable grounds to believe the student possesses a weapon as defined under the Weapons Policy. 

Electronic Device Policy

Technology is used extensively at NDES for educational purposes and is provided by the school. Students are not permitted to have any personal electronic devices, including cell phones, at school or on the bus.  

Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action for the student and removal of the electronic device. A parent will be required to pick up the electronic device from the school. In certain circumstances, the administrator may request a conference with the parents and student.

Challenged Materials Policy

Decisions regarding the purchase of materials selected for library and classroom required use are made in light of the school’s mission and core values. Objections to the use of materials/textbooks/videos should be brought to the attention of the principal in writing. The administration will review the objection. The material in question will not be removed unless and until the administration makes that determination.

The administration reserves the right to instruct certain faculty and/or staff to assign alternate materials or assignments to particular students, in lieu of removing challenged materials/textbooks/videos from a classroom curriculum or from the school library.

Technology Acceptable Use Policy