Brother Rice High School

Office of the Dean of Students

Mr. M. Jacob Mathius - Senior Dean of Students
773-429-4321 - docmathius@brrice.org

Mr. Mark A. Klutcharch - Associate Dean of Students
773-429-4371 - mklutcharch@brrice.org

Mrs. Judy Hofer - Attendance Office Manager
773-429-4356 - jhofer@brrice.org

Mrs. Mary Smith, LPN - School Nurse
773-429-4350 - marysmith@brrice.org

MISSION STATEMENT OF BROTHER RICE HIGH SCHOOL
We, the family of Brother Rice High School, are a diverse, Catholic Christian community, committed to preparing young men for college and for the process of life-long learning. We educate young men to act manfully in Christ Jesus and to deal wisely with their world in the tradition of the Christian Brothers and the charism of Edmund Rice.

NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Brother Rice High School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational and all other school administered programs or activities. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender and national or ethic origin in its hiring practices.

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
Brother Rice High School, established to provide excellence in learning, is rooted in the philosophy and vision of Brother Edmund Ignatius Rice, founder of the Congregation of Christian Brothers.
1. Edmund believed education went beyond the limits of the schoolroom and school day.
Through extracurricular and co-curricular events and activities, and through studies in literature, communication and fine arts, the Brother Rice High School community teaches that education is a lifelong process, which takes many forms.
2. Edmund’s knowledge of human nature and of the world, coupled with his moral convictions, helped him to teach his students to deal wisely with their world.
Through a balanced college preparatory curriculum, Brother Rice High School prepares students for a place in their world through studies in morality, business, technology, science, social studies, mathematics and foreign language.
3. Edmund believed in sharing his mission with parents and colleagues.
The Board of Directors, Administration, Faculty and Staff work together with parents and alumni to chart the future of the school.
4. Edmund’s main purpose was to bring his pupils to the knowledge and love of Christ.
Brother Rice High Schools main purpose is to proclaim the Good News of Salvation and the Good News of the personal dignity of each student. It does this in part through a campus ministry program, through regular prayer experiences and through daily Catholic faith instruction.
5. Edmund believed his students should practice religion as well as know it.
Brother Rice High School students practice their religion through food drives, retreats, tutoring, mission collections, a Christian Service Program and the study of social justice and world conditions.
6. Edmund was kind, charitable, dedicated and selfless.
The faculty and staff of Brother Rice High School emulate the virtues of this great man through their own personal morality and faith as they assist parents in guiding the lives of their sons.
7. Edmund, a man of great faith and love often said, “Cast all your cares into the arms of Divine Providence, for with the Blessing of God, I and my helpers will be able to uplift these poor boys and raise them to the status of men.”
The Brother Rice High School community attempts to deal with the poverty of its students in whatever form they find it. The community prays with Edmund Rice that its members may prepare Brother Rice students to live the school motto, “Act Manfully in Christ Jesus.”

HISTORY
Brother Rice High School, conducted by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, Western American Province is named in honor of the founder of the Christian Brothers, Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice.
In 1955, His Eminence Samuel Cardinal Stritch initiated discussion about a new school in the new and fast developing Southwest Side of Chicago. Through the generosity of the archdiocese, land was purchased from the Sisters of Mercy, and a further donation by the Cardinal made immediate building plans possible with construction beginning in November 1955. The first faculty of eleven Brothers welcomed the freshman class of 420 students in September 1956. Since the building was only partially completed on the opening day, the first Mass was not celebrated until April 16, 1957, and the official dedication of the school by Cardinal Stritch took place on May 30, 1957.
Brother William C. Penny, the school’s first principal, and the Brother Rice faculty and parents were responsible for setting a standard of excellence that has been the hallmark of Brother Rice through its history, and the North Central Association granted accreditation only two years after opening, unusually fast for private schools.
Committed to academic excellence and to meeting the changing needs of the students it serves, Brother Rice made its first major curricular change in 1966 when it dropped the mechanical shop program making way for the increasing demands of a college preparatory curriculum. To further support the schools expanding curricular needs, Brother Rice opened in 1969 a new 16,000 square-foot library, now called the Pilon Learning Resource Center, which remains one of the largest and most technically advanced high-school libraries in the state. Responding to the growing needs for computer education, Brother Rice was among the first schools in the area to build and equip a full computer lab in 1984. The lab has undergone periodic upgrades since then including a major renovation and upgrade in 1994 when it was named the Joseph H. Cainkar Computer Center. Since the first all-school Mass in 1957, every school year has been marked with periodic all-school liturgies as well as a variety of faith-building programs and events. The Kairos Retreat Program became a part of the schools religious formation efforts in 1987. While maintaining its commitment to prepare students for college, Brother Rice High School founded its very successful Focus Program in 1985 to assist struggling students in their studies. Since its beginnings, the program has prepared hundreds of students, who might not have otherwise even considered attending college, for successful college experiences. The APEX program was founded in 1995 to better serve the needs of the growing number of academically gifted students. In 1985, Brother Rice was one of the first schools in the state to receive the U. S. Department of Education Exemplary Schools award, confirming the schools continued commitment to excellence in education.
Brother Rice High School boasts one of the finest facilities of any Catholic high school in the nation, but this too has developed as a result of dedicated efforts throughout the schools history. After the main classroom and athletic facility was completed within a year of the schools opening, the next major building project was completed in 1969 with the addition of a six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool and a band room, paid for through the fund-raising efforts of the Mothers Club, Dads Club, and students. “Project Renewal,” an archdiocesan-wide development endeavor, provided most of the funding for the new library, mentioned above, that also opened in 1969. The next major facility enhancement took place in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s during “Project 25,” yielding additional offices, a second gymnasium, a new weight room, a locker room, and a 110-seat lecture hall. Student and parent fund raising provided the greatest portion of Project 25’s budget. Joe Johnston Field was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1990, and in 1993 the “Rice Renaissance” campaign renovated the north gym as well as locker-room and computer facilities. The summer of 1996 saw the complete renovation of the school’s guidance center and construction of the new, state-of-the-art physics lab, the Petkus-Crane Physics Center.
In 1999, Joe Johnston Stadium had lights installed through the generous contributions of the Brother Rice Family. These 1990’s projects were also funded with student and parent help, but the major portions came from the now financially mature alumni, who have become generous supporters of all endeavors of the Brother Rice community.
Athletic success has also characterized Brother Rice High School through its history. The varsity football team marked its first “W” in the third game of its very first season with a 12-6 win over St. Phillip High School in 1958 - and this before Brother Rice had a senior class. Brother Rice became a member of the Illinois High School Association in 1975 and became the first Catholic League School to win an IHSA state championship in any sport with the baseball teams state victory in 1976. Crusader teams have won an astonishing 93 Catholic League championships, fourteen state championships (with a particular dominance in water polo), and numerous regional and sectional titles. The Crusaders participate in 15 different interscholastic sports on over 30 levels. Brother Rice High School is a member of the Illinois High School Association, the Interscholastic Conference of Private Schools, the Catholic Metropolitan Conference, the Illinois Swimming Association, the Catholic Hockey League, and a long-standing member of one of the strongest conferences in the country, the Chicago Catholic League.

BLESSED BROTHER EDMUND IGNATIUS RICE
Founder of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, celebrating their 200th anniversary in 2003, the first congregation of men to be founded in Ireland since the time of St. Patrick, Edmund Rice was born in 1762 in Callan, County Kilkenny. He was educated first at home, then in a “hedge school” and finally in Kilkenny. Mr. Rice married and became a prosperous merchant and a leader of Catholic activities in the City of Waterford.
Upon the death of his wife, Edmund had intentions of entering a monastery on the continent, but the Bishop of Waterford encouraged him to stay in Ireland and begin a school for poor boys. Thus in 1802, Edmund rented a house, engaged the services of two young men, and opened a school. Some three hundred boys of all ages flocked to him. Not accustomed to the routine and discipline of school, they must have tested the courage of their masters, for the two paid teachers soon wearied and left Edmund alone. Edmund persevered, however, and God rewarded his confidence when two other young men offered themselves as voluntary helpers in his enterprise.
The new school effected such a transformation among the youth of Waterford that Edmund soon opened schools in other cities. Additional helpers came, and he organized them to live together and follow a religious rule of life.
Pope Pius VII gave papal approval to the Congregation in 1820, and in 1829 Brother Rice was elected the first Superior General of the new congregation.
After opening additional schools in Ireland and England, Brother Edmund Rice died August 29, 1844, at Mount Sion, Waterford.
On October 6, 1996, Edmund was named “Blessed” by Pope John Paul II in Rome. Thirty-four members of the Brother Rice community, including students, teachers, alumni, alumni parents, and Board members, attended the ceremony. Pope John Paul II declared May 5 as the annual universal feast day for Blessed Edmund Rice.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A CHRISTIAN BROTHER EDUCATION
PREAMBLE
Blessed Edmund was given the grace to respond to the call of Jesus by identifying with Christ in the poor. His example evoked a deep awareness of God’s loving presence in all with whom he came in contact. He awakened within them a consciousness of their dignity as children of God. He invited his followers to share his gospel insight, and empowered them to reach out to the needy, especially the materially poor.
The life of Blessed Edmund Rice – businessman, husband, father, widower, religious brother, teacher, and founder - challenges all involved in Christian Brother education to live and teach gospel values in today’s world. His charism inspires the Essential Elements of a Christian Brother Education:
“Edmund Rice was moved by the Holy Spirit to open his whole heart to Christ present and appealing to him in the poor (1984 General Chapter).”
ELEMENTS
In ministry begun by Jesus Christ and inspired by the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice, a Christian Brother education . . .
Evangelizes youth within the mission of the Church.
• A Christian Brother education proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ.
• The Gospel message of Jesus permeates the curriculum, the activities, and all other aspects of a Christian Brother education.
Proclaims and witnesses to its Catholic identity.
• A Christian Brother education gives priority to religious formation through formal religious instruction and through opportunities for faith development and service by means of liturgies, retreats, vocation awareness, daily prayer, and other programs.
• A Christian Brother education joins in the sacramental life of the Church, witnesses faith life through the prominent use of signs and symbols, fosters devotion to Mary, and is in union with the Church through commitment to service and formation of community.
• Catholic identity permeates all endeavors of Christian Brother education: all classes and activities, procedures and policies, services and programs.
• All staff involved in Christian Brother education gives daily witness to their integral role in the community’s faith formation.
Stands in solidarity with those marginalized by poverty and injustice.
• The policies, the structures, and the climate of a Christian Brother education witness and promote concern for the disadvantaged.
• A Christian Brother education includes advocacy and education for peace and justice, care for the earth, and global awareness. It prepares students to work toward the creation of a just society.
• A Christian Brother education actively encourages ministries that work with and for the poor and marginalized.
• Education and support for mission areas at home and abroad characterize Christian Brother education.
• A Christian Brother education establishes tuition and scholarship policies that open its education to the poor.
Fosters and invigorates a community of faith.
• Christian Brother education witnesses and celebrates Gospel values.
• A Christian Brother education provides a disciplined, safe atmosphere in which students are free to grow and take responsibility for their own learning and for the life of the community.
• Caring, compassionate relationships characterize a Christian Brother educational community.
Celebrates the value and dignity of each person and nurtures the development of the whole person.
• A Christian Brother education values the diversity of the human family and seeks to reflect local diversity in its student population and professional staff.
• Strong programs of personal, professional, and pastoral care are integral to a Christian Brother education.
• A Christian Brother education embraces human fragility and welcomes God’s healing.
• Christian Brother education values co-curricular activities, special events, and other programs that are important to students’ complete education.
• A Christian Brother education strives to provide just remuneration for its staff.
Calls for collaboration and shared responsibility in its mission.
• Christian Brother education empowers all members of the community to share responsibility in the shaping of its mission.
• A Christian Brother education collaborates with parents, the primary educators.
• A Christian Brother education fosters collaboration with other Christian Brother ministries on local, regional, and international levels to address common concerns and to celebrate a common heritage.
• A Christian Brother education encourages a deeper understanding and living of the charism of Blessed Edmund.
• A Christian Brother Education promotes active participation in governance by boards and diocesan officials.
Pursues excellence in all its endeavors.
• Strong academic curriculum, high expectations, and a quest for excellence characterize a Christian Brother education.
• A Christian Brother education develops a curriculum that promotes the harmonious growth of the whole person, fosters the development of higher-order thinking, and prepares its students for life-long learning.

ATTENDANCE
When a student will be absent, parents must call the school before 9:00 am on the day of the absence. If parents call before 7:30 am when the switchboard opens, even if on the night before, they can leave a message at extension 456. When leaving a message, parents should leave their names, the name of the student, his year, his ID number (if known), and the reason for his absence. Failure to contact the school may result in his being considered truant. If it is known in advance that a student will be absent for one or more days, his parents must call the Deans’ Office and explain the reason for his absence.
All early dismissals and excused late arrivals must be arranged at least one day in advance. A telephone call by the student’s parents and a note explaining his early dismissal or late arrival must be done the morning before the day of above situation.
Any student who is tardy for his first class of the day must report to the Deans’ Office for an admit slip. Should a student miss at least one half of his first class of the day, he will be issued a Level I (one hour) detention. A third tardy in any one semester will result in a formal detention. A Saturday detention will be issued should a student be charged with a 6th tardy in that same semester. If a student should accumulate an 8th tardy in that same semester, that student shall receive a one-day in-school suspension.
Truancy can be defined specifically as instances in which a boy is absent without the knowledge of his parents. However, absences with the consent of parents, but for invalid reasons, may be viewed as examples of truancy. Truancies count toward excessive absences. If there is no notification by parents, this will also be considered truancy. The student will receive two Saturday detentions.
Once a student arrives on campus, he may not leave without proper authorization until the end of his school day.
While it is the prerogative of parents to absent their son from school for the purpose of vacationing during the course of the school year, Brother Rice High School in no way encourages the practice and the absence could affect “the excessive absence” policy.
Any student who is absent from school may not participate in a co-curricular/athletic activity that same day. Any student found in violation of this policy will be suspended from the next activity/athletic event.
A student athlete may practice after school or participate in an athletic contest when absent from school only with a legitimate excuse that has been pre-approved by the Deans’ Office (i.e., doctor or dentist appointment, funeral, court appearance).

EXCESSIVE ABSENCE
A student, who misses 10 full days of school or 10 days of one or more classes in a semester, may lose academic credit or receive a grade deduction for all subjects or for the affected subjects. Credit can only be restored by appeal to the Academic Review Board which will determine whether such credit should be granted. Appeal to the Academic Review Board must be made within 10 school days after the issuance of report cards for the semester. The only absences from school or class(es), which will be exempt from this policy, will be school sponsored events and/or activities.
Students absent for 10 consecutive school days are automatically dropped from the school rolls. Parents of students wishing to return to the school after this ten-day period must make an appointment with the principal, who will then decide on readmission. All elements of the school’s readmission policy as well as any other stipulations will be enforced at the principal’s discretion.
Severe illness or injury, necessary major surgery, and other health related conditions may constitute exceptions to this policy, but the school must be notified of these conditions as soon as they become known. Delay in notifying the school may result in the automatic dropping from school rolls.
Lastly, the administration does not support extended vacations during the school year. The “excessive absence” policy may affect a student if he misses school because of a family vacation.

STUDENT DRESS CODE
1. Students are to be properly attired upon entering and exiting the campus. Students may not change at their lockers or in washrooms.
2. All students must be in the proper Brother Rice dress code on orientation days.
Required clothing: Single color dress slacks (i.e., black, gray, navy, khaki). Trousers must not exhibit the characteristics of jeans (i.e., rivets, watch pocket, slash pockets on the front, patch pockets on the back) or which possess “hammer hangers” and must not have torn seams at the bottom of the leg; dress shirt, of a simple, solid color; no stripes, checks, plaids, or flannels; business tie (caricatures or cartoons are acceptable so long as they are in good taste and do not advertise or represent alcohol or tobacco products or display other inappropriate scenes or topics; bow or string ties are not authorized for wear); dress or white socks (no ankle socks); low cut, non-athletic looking non-work shoes of a single color. Trousers must be worn above the hips, shirts must remain tucked in, and top buttons of shirts will be fastened with ties worn to the collar at all times. Pullover or cardigan sweaters are authorized for wear as long as they are either of a solid color or of a design that would not be considered inappropriate (i.e., advertising or representing alcohol or tobacco products). Fleece pullovers are authorized for wear as long as they are of a single, solid, subdued color, and are worn open at the neck to reveal the wearer’s shirt and tie. Garments displaying lettering across the front are not authorized for wear, nor are fleece vests or those made of any other material. Only sweatshirts representing Brother Rice High School may be worn. All of the garments mentioned above must be in good condition (i.e., no holes, stains, frayed edges) when worn. All other types of outerwear, including warm-up jackets or any kind of hooded sweatshirt, are not authorized for wear.
Exception: During the months of August, September, and May only, a Brother Rice High School student has the option of wearing a dress shirt and business tie or an official Brother Rice High School polo shirt. However, if the weather cools even during these months requiring the wearing of a sweater or approved sweatshirt (Brother Rice only), these may only be worn with a dress shirt and tie.
Unacceptable: T-shirts; polo, collarless, flannel, turtleneck, knit, or shirts made of denim material of any color, or turtleneck and crew neck sweaters which conceal the collar of the shirt and tie worn beneath; work clothes; military clothing articles; sweatshirts other than those issued by Brother Rice High School; any kind of hooded sweatshirts; shorts; hanging belts; chains or pocket books with chains; any form of athletic shoe or high-cut shoe or boot; sandals; tattoos, earrings or any body piercing, fingernail polish, novelty contact lenses; jeans or any trousers of denim-looking material; trousers with cargo pockets or numerous pockets or which possess “hammer hangers”; multi-colors or symbols which call attention to themselves. The Kairos cross, scapular, or other simple Christian or religious symbol may be worn. No other neckwear is authorized for wear. Only specifically approved buttons may be worn. T-shirts worn beneath either dress or polo shirts must be white or gray and bear no writing or logos, which may be seen through the outer garment. Long sleeved undershirts of any color including thermal underwear shirts are never authorized for wear. On “Spirit Shirt Day” any authorized Brother Rice High School polo shirt, T-shirt, sweater, sweatshirt, or game/practice jersey in excellent repair may be worn. Gym shirts are not acceptable for wear. Any long sleeved shirt worn beneath a short-sleeved shirt must match in color, contrasting colors are unacceptable.

STUDENT GROOMING REGULATIONS
Hair must be properly trimmed, must not extend to the collar, must not cover the face, and must not extend over the top of the ears or be worn tucked behind the ears. Hair must be of a single, natural color and must not exhibit contrasting highlights. Students may not sculpt or cut lines or designs in their hair other than a straight, single, simple, part. So-called “Mohawk” style haircuts, “Corn Rows” or braids are prohibited. Students may not wear beards or mustaches or exhibit visible facial hair at any time. Sideburns must not extend below the bottom of the ear lobe and must not exhibit a flair toward the mouth. Should a student violate these regulations, or if a students' grooming draws undue or inappropriate attention to himself or to the school, he will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include immediate correction of the violation such as shaving in school. A student may be suspended for such a violation and may remain on suspension until the violation has been corrected. Such a suspension may be lengthy if hair dying, highlighting, or line cutting, for example, takes time to correct. The dean’s decision concerning all such matters is final.

STUDENT CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Brother Rice students are expected to conduct themselves as Christian gentlemen who respect themselves and their teachers, as well as the rights and property of their fellow students. A Brother Rice student must understand that his conduct is a reflection of himself, his family, and the entire school community. Therefore, moral and courteous behavior is expected on campus, at school activities, and at anytime students are identified as students from Brother Rice High School.
The school rules and procedures are adopted for the good of the entire school community and are intended to create a positive learning atmosphere. When these rules are deliberately broken or simply ignored, good order in the school breaks down and the learning atmosphere suffers.

LEVELS OF INFRACTION
In order to clarify consequences to infractions and to clarify possible probationary terms, rule infractions are divided into three levels. The reader is asked to note here that the following are merely examples of infractions and their penalties and are in no way meant to represent the sum total of all possible infractions and potential penalties which might be leveled against a student who is found to be in violation of them.

LEVEL I
The following are considered examples of infractions that may result in a formal detention:
1. Possession of cigarettes or other forms of tobacco ($25.00 fine)
2. Disrespect or misbehavior
3. Gambling; card playing or dice games
4. Loitering on school property before or after school
5. Dress code or grooming violations
6. Eating or chewing gum outside of cafeteria ($5.00 fine).
7. Tardiness to school and/or class
8. Distribution or posting of unauthorized flyers, pamphlets, letters, posters, etc. on campus or at school functions
9. No call to report absence
10. No ID card
11. Inappropriate language
12. Possession of radios, Walkman, tape/cd players, sunglasses, pagers, cell phones, and other non-school items
13. Other minor infractions that warrant a detention.

LEVEL II
The following are considered examples of infractions that may result in a Saturday detention:
1. Parking violations
2. Smoking ($25.00 fine)
3. Cutting class or leaving school grounds before the end of the school day
4. Expulsion from class
5. Open school violation
6. Book checking
7. Other infractions that warrant a Saturday detention
8. Repeated Level I infractions.

LEVEL III
The following are considered examples of major infractions that may result in Saturday detention(s), suspension, probation or expulsion:
1. Vandalism to school or personal property.
2. Truancy
3. Cheating or plagiarism
4. Blatant disrespect
5. Fighting
6. Violation of substance abuse policy
7. Violation of dangerous materials policy
8. Gang/hate activity
9. Harassment
10. Theft or extortion
11. Misbehavior on bus
12. Scandalous or dangerous behavior
13. Other major infractions that warrant serious consequences
14. Repeated Level II infractions

USE/ABUSE OF ALCOHOL AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Brother Rice High School recognizes that a student whose life is free from drugs, including alcohol, is the one who has the best opportunity to develop his spiritual, moral, emotional, intellectual and physical capacities. With these factors in mind the following policy shall be in effect regarding the use of alcohol and controlled substances.
Brother Rice High School is prepared to assist students with substance abuse problems. Reporting of such problems by parents, friends or the students themselves does not result in disciplinary consequences if school rules were not broken. However, the school will require counseling, or a school-endorsed program or hospitalization or a combination of the above, at parental expense. Referrals will be considered guidance department business.
Conduct within the School or at school functions, which indicates that a student HAS BEEN drinking or HAS BEEN using drugs will result in immediate suspension and a forfeiture of all school activities and is liable to expulsion. Counseling, participation in a school endorsed substance abuse program and/or hospitalization will be required if a student wishes to be reinstated. Reinstatement, however, may not occur until treatment is finalized.
Further, the school maintains the right to require a student to submit to a breath-a-lyzer examination upon being designated either at random or upon determination of probable cause.
Drinking and/or POSSESSION of alcoholic beverages, abuses and/or POSSESSION of other drugs or drug paraphernalia or “look-a-like” drugs are prohibited at all times on the school premises or at a school function held on campus or elsewhere. The student who violates this policy is automatically suspended, forfeits all school activities, and may be expelled without a Discipline Board. The school maintains the right to search any personal property when there is reason to indicate violation of this policy.
Any student who is involved in the sale or promotion of any type of drug is subject to expulsion without a Discipline Board and possible arrest.
See policy section entitled “Off-Campus Offenses.”

DANGEROUS AND PROHIBITED MATERIALS
Possession of fireworks, firearms, or any other dangerous weapon or material, including laser pointers or look-a-like fireworks, firearms, and weapons is strictly prohibited on school property or at school-connected events regardless of location. Any item used as a weapon will also be considered a weapon. This prohibition also applies to any transaction regarding such material on school property or at school-connected events. Violation of this regulation will result in confiscation of the item or material, automatic suspension, and likely immediate expulsion without a Discipline Board. While not posing a physical threat to the safety of the members of our community, playing cards and dice are not authorized to be exhibited or utilized in the school at any time without the express and advanced permission of the Office of the Dean.

GANG/HATE ACTIVITY
Gang affiliation; the use, possession, or drawing of gang symbols; tagging; and other activity in any way associated with gangs is strictly prohibited. Membership in gangs or behavior that suggests membership in gangs is also strictly prohibited. Affiliation with any hate group; the use, possession, or drawing of hate symbols; and other activity in any way associated with hate groups is strictly prohibited. Membership in any organization that disrespects or scorns other persons or behavior that suggests membership in such an organization is also strictly prohibited. Speaking, writing, or displaying racial epithets will not be tolerated. Consequences for any activity or behavior described here may be appearance before the Discipline Board or immediate expulsion without an appearance before the Board.

HARASSMENT/BULLYING
Harassment or bullying is defined as any behavior that is harmful or hurtful to another, and it is strictly prohibited. Harassment or bullying includes any behavior that is cruel, humiliating, abusive, or personally offensive, and behavior that is an affront or an indignity to another. Hazing of any kind is considered harassment. Not only is harassment of members of the school community forbidden, but harassment of guests to the school campus or at any other school function is also forbidden. Consequences for continual harassment may be detention, suspension, probation, or expulsion depending on the severity of the offense and significant past history of similar offenses. The consequence for racist activities may be immediate expulsion without a Discipline Board.

THEFT
Theft is a violation of the trust on which a Christian community depends. Theft of school property, of a teacher’s or staff member’s property, or of a fellow student’s property may result in immediate expulsion without a Discipline Board. Students possessing property not their own, especially stolen property, may face consequences for theft. Although theft is contrary to the values Brother Rice High School teaches, students must take precautions against theft on campus. Brother Rice High School does not replace student’s lost or stolen property.

SMOKING
Smoking by students on school premises and in the vicinity of the school is prohibited. Moreover, students are not permitted to carry tobacco or tobacco related products or articles (i.e. cigarettes, pipes, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, etc.) on their person within the school building at any time. The student is subject to a $25.00 fine and other disciplinary action especially in the event of repeated violations.

PAGERS, CELLULAR PHONES, WALKMAN, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
By state law, students must not possess portable telecommunications devices such as pagers, cellular phones, radio transceivers, transmitters, or receivers on school property or at school-related activities. Any cell phone brought into the school proper by a student must be turned off, concealed, and confined to the student’s locker until he leaves school at the end of the day. Cell phones found on the person of any student during the course of the school day will confiscated and a twenty-five dollar reclamation fee will be imposed. Confiscated phones may be reclaimed from the Deans’ Office at the end of the school day. Upon a second offense, the fine will be fifty dollars and a parent will be required to reclaim the phone from the Deans’ Office. Portable tape or CD players are not to be used during the course of the school day.

CONSUMPTION OF LIQUIDS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Plastic Gatorade type bottles or similar containers used to carry liquids are strictly prohibited outside of the cafeteria. Any beverage purchased in the cafeteria must be consumed in its entirety within the cafeteria or disposed of before leaving the cafeteria proper. Students are not authorized to use these kinds of containers to carry water or to keep them in their lockers. Students bringing these types of containers into school as part of their lunch are required to transport them in a paper or plastic bag. Violation of any of the policies addressed above will result in the student being issued a Level II three-hour Saturday Detention.

BUS BEHAVIOR
Any student causing or participating in any misbehavior on the CTA, District 218, or rented bus will automatically receive a Saturday detention and suspension.

LOITERING
Students should not loiter in or around the building before or after school. Students are to enter and exit the school building through the north gym doors only. Students are prohibited from unsupervised areas. Students must report to the cafeteria if they arrive to school before 7:30 a.m. Students may not loiter so as to disturb the school’s neighbors. After a student’s last class of the day, he must leave campus or go to a supervised area. Students not with a teacher or coach must leave the campus by 3:00 p.m.

DAILY SUPERVISION
The school limits its responsibility to supervise students to the time between 7:00 am and 3:00 p.m. unless they are directly involved with a school activity and follow their coach or moderator’s instructions. Students who arrive to school before or leave after these times will not be supervised, even though they may be allowed to enter or remain in the building due to inclement weather. During an all-faculty meeting, students must either leave campus or stay in the cafeteria where they will be supervised. Athletes are not allowed in the locker room or anywhere on campus besides the cafeteria until their coach or moderator arrives.

DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES
Disciplinary problems will be handled through one of the following procedures:
1. Student/teacher conference.
2. Detention: The detaining of students for disciplinary reasons may take one of three forms:
a. Informal detention at teacher’s discretion.
b. Formal detention: Formal detention will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 am. The student receives a detention slip from the teacher, which states the reason for detention. Students must check the detention list posted outside the Dean’s Office to see what day they must serve detention. The regular dress code is in effect. Failure to serve a scheduled Level I one hour detention will result in a Level II three hour special detention. Repeated offenses will result in suspension from all school activities for a period to be determined by the number of previous offenses. Failure to serve a scheduled Level II three hour special detention will result in suspension from all school activities for a period to be determined by the number of previous offenses. If a student receives five detentions, his parents will be formally notified by mail.
c. “Saturday Detention”: “Saturday Detention” is a generic term used to refer to a Level II three hour special detention. These detentions will usually be served from either 8:00 to 11:00 am or from 9:00 to 12:00 pm on Saturdays. However, from time to time special projects occurring in and around the school will afford students the opportunity to serve their detention on other days and times. Students serving a “Saturday Detention” will work at various cleaning tasks in and around the school.
3. Suspension: A suspension may be invoked for any major disciplinary offense, for failure to meet administrative attendance requirements (e.g. failure to make tuition payments on time, failure to turn in medical forms, etc.), for an accumulation of detentions, or at the deans' or principal's discretion. Suspension is the temporary exclusion from the school community or from an individual class. A student who is suspended from school is not allowed on or around school property, or at school-related activities. Parents are notified of the suspension either in writing or by telephone and assume responsibility for the student. Suspension may last from one to ten days or until a parent conference is held.
Teachers are not required to allow suspended students to make up their class work. Students who are suspended from school because of overdue tuition will be allowed to make up work. Probation, a Discipline Board, or both may also follow a suspension.
4. Disciplinary Probation: The Dean’s Office will place any student on disciplinary probation that has committed a major infraction of such a serious nature that his conduct shows a need for closer scrutiny. Also, any student who receives a total of thirteen (13) hours of detention will be placed on disciplinary probation. Parents will be notified of this process. Disciplinary probation will continue for a minimum of one full academic semester. A student on disciplinary probation must show sufficient improvement to have probation ended or face dismissal at the end of his second full semester on probation. While on disciplinary probation, the student must prove, by his conduct, a willingness to cooperate with the rules and objectives of the discipline code. Any student on disciplinary probation accruing a total thirteen (13) hours of detention within an academic semester, or who is determined to be in violation of the school discipline code to the extent that such conduct warrants a suspension, will be considered to be in violation of his probation. Upon violation of disciplinary probation, the student will immediately be suspended from all school activities for three (3) school days. There will be no academic credit awarded or opportunities to make up work presented during the suspension. Should a second violation of disciplinary probation occur, the student would immediately be suspended indefinitely pending the convening of a Discipline Board to determine the student’s suitability to remain at Brother Rice High School. Students may be placed on disciplinary probation in response to situations not referred to in this handbook. Any student on disciplinary probation will have certain privileges curtailed (e.g., parking, attendance at prom, etc.).
5. Expulsion: Expulsion is the forced withdrawal from Brother Rice High School and can be imposed upon students who commit a flagrant violation of the rules, violate their terms of probation, or repeatedly commit minor violations. The decision to expel a student is the principal’s alone. This decision is ordinarily made after receiving a recommendation from the Discipline Board, but the principal is not bound to follow the Board’s recommendation. The principal may expel a student without his appearing before the Discipline Board. In such a case, the parents of the expelled student may request a hearing before the Board in an appeal, and the Board will make a recommendation to the principal, but the principal is still not bound to follow that recommendation.
6. Discipline Board: Any student who has accumulated numerous detentions, has been suspended more than once, or has committed a serious infraction of the rules may be recommended to the Discipline Board for expulsion. The Discipline Board consists of four faculty members appointed by the principal or his delegate. The student appearing before the Board chooses a fifth faculty member. The dean presenting the case will also be present along with the student’s counselor. (The last two members are non-voting members of the Board.) The Board will meet with the student and his parents normally within three school days of notification of all parties concerned. Sometime before the meeting, each of the student’s teachers will be asked to submit an evaluation of the student. A dean will present the evidence to the Board and the student and his parents will be interviewed. After all sides have been heard, the board will discuss the case in private and make a recommendation to the principal. The principal will then make a decision on the case. His decision is final.

OFF-CAMPUS OFFENSES
Brother Rice High School does not claim disciplinary responsibility for students when they are off campus, except when...
1. An offense or the breaking of school rules takes place at dances, at sporting events, on field trips, on a school bus or at any other function directly connected to Brother Rice High School.
2. Behavior becomes a nuisance to the school’s neighbors.
3. Behavior is harmful or scandalous to the Brother Rice community or to any member of the community.
Consequences for off-campus offenses can be warning, detention, suspension, or expulsion depending on the frequency or severity of the offense. Normally the school does not take disciplinary action if the police inform school authorities of unsatisfactory behavior unless such behavior breaks school rules including those stated here. Police involvement may preclude any action taken by the school. In fact, police involvement in any student activity, on or off campus, may preclude school consequences.

CAFETERIA
No student is to enter the cafeteria during any lunch period other than his own. Students are to be in the cafeteria when the bell rings to start the period. After students finish their meals, they are responsible for disposing of their garbage in the appropriate receptacles. During lunch periods, students are to use the washroom in the library corridor. During the second half of lunch periods, students will either go outside or to the long pool corridor depending on the weather. Students in turn will be appointed to assist in the cleaning of the cafeteria each day.

TELEPHONES
Students may not use phones between periods one through six. If an emergency arises where a student must call home, he may report to the main office.

STUDENT PARKING
Vehicles that are registered with the Dean’s Office and that properly display the current school year parking permit ($75.00) are the only vehicles authorized to park in the Brother Rice High School Faculty/Student Parking Lot. Students parking unauthorized vehicles in the lot will be subject to either disciplinary action in the form of a Level II detention, suspension, or cash fines ranging from $10.00 to $25.00 depending upon the severity of the offense and number of previous infractions. No student is allowed to return to his vehicle without permission once they enter the building through the end of the school day. Parking in the Brother Rice High School Faculty/Student Parking Lot is a privilege extended primarily to seniors and juniors first, and can be revoked at any time if abused.

IDENTIFICATION CARDS
During orientation, all freshmen and juniors are required to sit for new ID pictures. Any sophomore or senior may also sit for a new picture. Cards will be issued the first week of school. This card is the student’s official school identification and must be presented promptly to any proper school official when requested while he is on campus or at a school function. Failure to present a valid ID card may result in a detention. Freshmen and junior cards are valid for two years. Students are required to report the loss or theft of their ID card to the Deans’ Office. A replacement fee of $5.00 will be charged. If a student transfers from Brother Rice his ID card will be collected.

CORRIDOR ACCESS DURING CLASS
Students who need to be in the corridors while classes are in session either must have a hall pass, library pass, tardy admit pass, or office-issued locator card that serves as a pass or must be coming from a science class. In the case of students coming from a science class, they must go directly to the cafeteria without stopping at their lockers. Administration or faculty members may stop a student in the corridor at any time and ask to see a pass. In order for a student to see his counselor, the student must have a previously scheduled appointment or be called to the counselor’s office at the request of the counselor.
Students are to report to the Health Office if they are ill during the day. If a student is sick and must go to the bathroom first, he must report to the Health Office immediately upon leaving the bathroom.
Any student who is expelled from class is to report to the Deans’ Office immediately. Students are not permitted to go to the cafeteria, library, counseling office, or any other part of the school when expelled from class.
Unauthorized hallway access will be penalized with a Level II special three hour detention.

OPEN SCHOOL
Seniors may be granted the privilege to use the library or cafeteria during lunch or open periods. When using these facilities, seniors are subject to the existing rules governing their use. If a senior wishes to spend a free period in the library or cafeteria, he must stay in one of these areas for the entire period. Specific guidelines for seniors governing the use of the Cainkar Computer Center, cafeteria, and the library will be fully explained at the beginning of the school year. No senior is allowed to go into the parking lot, hallways, etc. Seniors who violate these rules will receive appropriate penalties described in the handbook and will be assigned a permanent study hall. Seniors who fail two or more classes will be assigned a study hall.

LOCKERS, LOCKS, AND SCHOOL SECURITY
All locker assignments are final. Should a situation arise that a locker change is necessary, the student must consult with the Deans’ Office. All students must have a school lock on their locker. This includes the athletes who have been assigned a locker in the locker room by someone from the coaches’ office. School locks are available at the bookstore.
1. Though lockers are the property of the school, it is the responsibility of the student to keep his assigned locker clean and in good condition.
2. If a locker becomes jammed or broken, the student should inform the Deans’ Office.
3. Money, expensive radios, camera equipment, pocket calculators, musical instruments, etc., should not be stored in hall lockers.
4. Students should not bring money, rings, watches, or other valuables to the gym or keep such items in the gym locker.
5. Students are not to preset their combination lock for easy opening or to share their combination with any other student. After you lock your lock, turn the dial on the lock and pull on it to ensure that it is locked.
While a locker is provided for each student, it is recommended that students do not bring valuable items to school. Brother Rice High School is not responsible for the loss or damage of any item of a student’s personal property brought upon school premises whether or not that item is in a locker. Lost, damaged, or stolen items should be reported to the Deans’ Office.
At no time is a Brother Rice student to allow entry into the school building any person not belonging to the current faculty or staff. Any student found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to severe disciplinary consequences automatically including, but not necessarily limited to, a Level II detention.

FIRE DRILLS
Periodic fire drills will be held during the year. The alarm is given by a continuous ringing of the fire bell. All students will be instructed as to where they should proceed during a fire drill. The procedure for a fire drill is posted in each classroom. Each student is responsible for knowing the method and route by which his class is to leave the building. As attention to the evacuation procedure is essential to safety, silence is to be maintained throughout the fire drill.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS/FIRE ALARMS
By law, fire extinguishers/fire alarms are required in a school building, and it is considered a serious infraction of school policy to tamper with them. Any student involved in tampering with a fire extinguisher/fire alarm is liable to expulsion without a Discipline Board.

MEDIA CONTACT
The school often has contact with the news media, either initiated by the school or by a news reporter. This contact often includes interviews with students or photographs of students (receiving awards, for example) released to the media. It may also include interviews/photographs in connection with athletic contests. If parents wish to prohibit all contact their son has with the media, they must contact the school. Otherwise, the school will presume that parents permit their son to have contact with the media under the school’s supervision. However, the school has control over the media only in photo and press releases and in cases where members of the media request permission to be on campus. In other situations, such as off-campus events, the school will not normally be able to prevent student contact with the media.
An administrator must approve all press and photo releases. Information that knowingly jeopardizes student safety will not be released.
Students representing Brother Rice or identified, as students from Brother Rice may not be interviewed by any member of the media without consent from the principal and from their parents. Students may not say or do anything recorded, printed, or broadcast by the media that may be harmful or scandalous to the Brother Rice community or to any member of the community.
Consequences for violation of this regulation may be a warning, detention, suspension, or expulsion depending on the severity of the offense.

EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
Because of its national reputation as an excellent school, Brother Rice High School is often asked to participate in educational research projects that include the surveying or interviewing of students. The school normally grants such requests if the individual or institution is deemed to be conducting legitimate research. Parents who wish to prohibit contact with researchers must notify the school; otherwise, the school presumes parental permission for student participation in such research.

DANCES AND ACTIVITIES
1. Student I.D. cards are required for admittance to dances and other activities.
2. Students may not leave and reenter the building without the permission of a chaperon.
3. Once students leave the building they must leave the premises: no loitering in the parking lot or sitting in cars.
4. Book bags or similar bags are allowed.
5. Smoking is not allowed.
6. Any student under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or in possession of alcohol, other drugs, or drug/alcohol paraphernalia at dances or other activities will be subject to the dictates of the school=s Substance Policy.
7. Students must arrive at varsity basketball games by the end of the first half to gain admittance.
8. Students who were absent from school or from any three periods of a school day are not allowed to attend any dance, including the prom, or activity until after the next time they attend a full day of school. Students who are absent from any portion of a school day must obtain permission from the deans’ office to attend a dance prior to the next school day. This policy does not include absences for approved field trips and other situations specifically approved in advance by an administrator.

TECHNOLOGY USAGE
Students are expected to use the school’s computer technology correctly and appropriately. Specific guidelines for students governing the availability and use of the Cainkar Computer Center and the Pilon Learning Resource Center will be fully explained at the beginning of the school year. The misuse of any of the technological devices within these or other areas of the school will be treated as equivalent to lying, cheating, stealing, or vandalism, and the offending students will be subject to appropriate academic and disciplinary consequences. Students who install or store in a computer, hand held calculator, or any electronic storage device any program contradictory to the mission or philosophy of the school or Church or who are in possession of such technology are subject to appropriate academic and disciplinary consequences and to the confiscation of the device (calculator, for example). Students who destroy another’s files, whether they can be restored or not, will be subject to academic and disciplinary consequences. In severe cases, academic consequences may include failure of a course and disciplinary consequences may include expulsion.
A student may access the World Wide Web or the Internet in the Cainkar Computer Center and the Pilon LRC. It is expected that the student will have a specific assignment given by or approved by a faculty member.
Brother Rice provides computers and Internet access as a means of creating an environment where students can learn. Technology, which includes computers, networks, Internet access and peripherals, are a part of that environment.
Students are expected to use the school’s computer technology correctly and appropriately. Transmission of material in violation of any state or federal regulation is prohibited. The Internet provides access to information on computer networks worldwide. Users may occasionally find Internet sites that contain objectionable, adult-oriented, or otherwise inappropriate sites. The user is responsible for his actions and may not access, download or print from these sites. It is not acceptable to use the Internet for personal email accounts or chatting. Violations may result in suspension/expulsion.
The Administrative staff reserves the right to examine all transactions and will determine what is appropriate use.
Abuse of the network and/or any form of illegal conduct including any form of vandalism to equipment or software, uploading or creation of computer viruses, and unauthorized access to the files of other users, may result in disciplinary action including revocation of access privileges, possible suspension/expulsion from Brother Rice, and/or appropriate legal action.
Game playing will be allowed with discretion after school. Students working on school assignments have priority over any other student who is not. Authorization is required to use diskettes and CDs. Periods 1-8 will require a pass.
All students must sign the Acceptable Use Policy agreement at the beginning of each school year term.
The School’s Technology/Internet Acceptable Usage Policy is a working document and is not intended to be limited to the above provisions.

ADULT STUDENTS
Many students reach the age of 18 before they graduate. However, this ordinarily does not change the relationship between the school and these adult students or between the school and their parents. Policies regarding required signatures, absence notification, communication, etc. remain the same. The principal, in consultation with adult students’ parents, may make exceptions given individual circumstances. Students who move out of the house of their parents must notify the principal.

MEDICATIONS
No student may have in his possession any medication, prescription or over-the-counter. No student may take any form of medication, prescription or over-the-counter, without the direct supervision of the school nurse or other school official. If a student is required to take medication during school, he must bring that medication to the health office. The prescription container must be clearly identified with the name of the student, the proper dosage, and the time it is to be taken. A completed Medical Authorization Form, available from the health office, must also accompany it. If the student’s particular medical needs require that he carry medication on his person (an inhaler, for example), this must be noted on the completed Medical Authorization Form and the Policy Statement of Liability must be executed. In such a case, however, the student must report the taking of this medication to the health office. The attending school nurse is Mrs. Mary Smith, LPN.

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