Attending
Chaminade is a privilege. Students are expected to behave in a way that reflects the
values and morals of the school’s philosophy. Chaminade recognizes that students are
responsible for their actions and behavior and are therefore accountable for the resulting
natural consequences of inappropriate actions or behavior. Chaminade believes that all
students and adults in the Chaminade school family should treat all persons equally and
respectfully, and refrain from the willful or negligent use of slurs against any person on
the basis of race, language spoken, color, sex, religion, disability, national origin,
immigration status, age, sexual orientation or political belief. Students are also
expected to actively support and assist the school in maintaining a campus free from
drugs, alcohol, weapons and gang activity. Chaminade also recognizes the responsibility of
the parents for the behavior of their children and actively includes them in the
disciplinary process.
Policies and Procedures
All school policies apply to all students regardless of age and/or
emancipated minor status. One of the goals of the Chaminade discipline process, and its
consequences, is to clearly indicate to the student when his/her actions and behavior are
inappropriate or unacceptable. Students who continually break the rules are referred to
the Deans of Students. The deans then decide the appropriate consequence, if any. The
decision to punish a student for poor behavior is one that is not taken lightly. The
process, at times, involves discussion with the student’s teacher or team of
teachers, or other administrators. The final disciplinary decisions are usually reserved
to the deans, who have some discretion based upon experience and adherence to the
school’s philosophy.
AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTIONS
Detention will be held at least twice a week for forty-five (45)
minutes. Parents will be notified at least one day in advance. After-school detention
takes precedence over sporting events, school activities, and after-school appointments.
Students are expected to arrange their own transportation home at the conclusion of the
detention. It is the policy of the school that the student must attend an assigned after
school detention if the student attends classes the day of the detention. The only
accepted excuse for not serving a detention on the day it is assigned is a verified
illness. Students arriving late to detention will not be admitted and will be classified
as a no-show. The consequence of missing an after school detention is a Saturday
detention.
SATURDAY DETENTION
A serious violation or repeated violations of the behavior code is
cause for a student to serve a Saturday detention. Parents are expected to provide
transportation to and from detention, and students are required to wear their uniform. The
detention lasts two hours. Written notification of a Saturday detention is sent home with
the student. This notification lists the cause for and date of the detention. The only
acceptable excuse for not attending a Saturday detention is a verified (doctor’s
note) illness of the student. The consequences for missing a Saturday detention are
suspension and serving the missed Saturday detention.
SUSPENSIONS
Students are responsible for studying and completing classroom material
missed during any home or in-school suspension. Any test administered or homework assigned
during this period will result in a zero for the suspended student. A suspended
student will not be allowed to participate in sports or school related activities on the
day of their suspension.
HOME SUSPENSION
Students may also be suspended for one or more days at home. The
student will be allowed back into school after a formal parent conference. The Dean of
Students, the Assistant Principal, or the Principal usually recommends this punishment.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
Students may be suspended for one or more days in school and will spend
their time in a room either monitored by an adult or assigned to a particular teacher. At
the conclusion of the in-school suspension, a parent conference with the dean of students
may be required.
DISCIPLINARY PROBATION
Students are placed on disciplinary probation for a serious, single
offense or repeated misconduct. Probation should always be interpreted as one step short
of dismissal. The Office of the Dean assigns disciplinary probation for a period of one
semester. At the end of a probationary period the Office of the Dean reviews the
student’s disciplinary record during the probation and extends or terminates the
probation. Any student on disciplinary probation may be asked to leave the school if:
1.
He/she commits another serious offense as determined by the
principal, assistant principal, and the dean of students.
2.
No improvement in behavior is shown over a period of one
quarter.
A student on disciplinary probation may be excluded from participation
in extracurricular school activities.
EXPULSION
This most serious of punishments is given for a severe offense, an
accumulation of offenses, or if it is in the school’s or the student’s best
interest. A student may be expelled on his/her first offense, if it is deemed serious
enough by the Principal. Some offenses by their nature will require immediate suspension
from school and disciplinary probation or referral to the Principal for possible
expulsion. Students whose behavior, either on or off campus, is deemed to be contrary to
the philosophy and goals of Chaminade may be asked to withdraw from the school or not
allowed to register for the following year. When a student’s case is referred to the
principal for review the following options are available:
a. immediate dismissal with no reentry possibility;
b. immediate dismissal with possibility of reapplication;
c. mandatory counseling for student and parents in an outside program;
d. counseling for student and parents in an in-school program.
Students granted options
(c) or (d) remain in school on disciplinary probation. Failure to complete any
of the programs within the options shall result in immediate dismissal from
Chaminade
Chaminade does not refund tuition or fees for students who are
suspended or expelled from school during the school year for disciplinary reasons.
EXPECTED STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Students should always remember that their behavior at school and
school-related activities is a reflection not only on themselves but also on Chaminade.
The following is what is expected from a Chaminade student.
CLASSROOM
Students should
1. be seated when the bell rings;
2. be courteous to teachers and other students;
3. follow all classroom rules and teacher directions.
LITURGY/PRAYER SERVICE
Students should
1. enter student center or chapel in silence to demonstrate a
reverence for the liturgical celebration that is about to take place;
2. maintain silence during the Mass or prayer service, except for
participation in appropriate responses and/or singing;
3. use their Mass booklets as a worship tool, in order to assist them
in following the order of the Mass/prayer service;
4. be especially reverent during the distribution of Holy Communion.
Catholic students who have made their First Holy Communion may receive communion at Mass.
All other students of all faiths may come forward to receive a blessing from the priest or
Eucharistic minister at that time;
5. follow all dismissal directions.
ASSEMBLIES
Students should
1. be courteous and quiet from the time they enter the assembly;
2. immediately come to order and pay attention to the speaker;
3. applaud to show approval;
4. follow all dismissal directions.
LUNCH TIME /CAFETERIA
Students should
1. eat and finish their lunch in the cafeteria (no food or drink
may be taken from the eating area);
2. wait patiently to buy their food, and follow the directions of
adults on duty;
3. clean up after themselves, and not throw food or run in the
cafeteria;
4. not be in the garage area, 200 or 300 buildings, or in a classroom
unless a teacher is present;
5. not be on the field , track or bleachers;
6. not order food from off campus to be delivered to Chaminade;
7. not be involved in games of tackle football or activities such as
"buns up", which is considered demeaning.
ON CAMPUS
Students should
1. be courteous and respectful at all times, and greet visitors to
the campus;
2. stay in designated areas only;
3. have their shirts tucked in unless involved in a sports activity;
4. not chew gum or litter;
5. never ride bicycles, skateboards, or roller blades on campus;
6. not use profanity, gamble, lie, fight, posses inappropriate
literature or material, or be involved in verbally or physically abusing another;
7. not possess beepers, cellular phones, radios, CD players, video
games, laser pointers, or other electrical devices except when required for an assignment
and with the permission of the teacher;
8. not tamper with cars on campus, use matches, lighters, or any type
of explosive device, or leave campus without permission.
FIELD TRIP
Students should
1. be on their best behavior;
2. pay strict attention to the directives of the moderator;
3. not leave trash on the bus or at the field trip site;
4. not antagonize or make fun of non-Chaminade people.
DANCES
Students:
1. must, along with their parents, sign an agreement before he/she
is allowed to attend a dance;
2. must arrive within 15 minutes of the dance’s beginning;
3. should conduct themselves in the appropriate manner.
4. may not bring non-Chaminade students to a dance;
5. may not leave the dance unless accompanied by a parent. All students should be picked up
within 15 minutes of the dance’s end. Students not picked up promptly will be
reported to the dean and risk not being invited to future events.
SCHOOL LOCKS AND LOCKERS
Students:
1. will be assigned one locker for books and supplies and must use
this assigned locker;
2. must purchase a Chaminade lock.
No other lock is allowed;
3. are responsible for their lockers, locks, and keys;
4. will be charged $2.00 to gain access to a locker. Lockers will be
opened before 8:00 a.m. in the morning and after 3:00 p.m. each afternoon;
5. must take care of their lockers. All stickers must be removed and
the locker left clean at the end of the year. A fee will be assessed for lockers that need
to be professionally cleaned.
BOOKBAGS
Bookbags/backpacks are a desirable and necessary part of school life.
However, there are times when they pose certain problems. Students are asked to follow
individual classroom teacher’s directions as to where to keep bags. In order to keep
the campus safe, we expect students to make sure that their bags do not block doorways
and/or staircases. Students may store bags in their lockers. If they choose to carry the
bags, they are expected to adhere to the following:
1. Bookbags may not be left outside classrooms unattended. Abandoned
bookbags will be confiscated and brought to the lost and found. The fee to reclaim the bag
will be $2.00.
2. Students may not bring large amounts of money to school. Money
brought to school should be kept with the student or stored in their school or PE locker.
STUDENT STORE
The Student Store is located next to the cafeteria. It is operated by
volunteer parents and is normally open from 3:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. It offers school
supplies, food, and drinks for sale at a nominal charge.
TELEPHONES
Students may not use the office telephones. Messages will be taken in
the school office in case of real necessity. A public telephone is located
outside the front office. Students are to use this phone only during breaks and their
lunch periods. The phones are for important messages and school-related concerns only.
Tardiness to classes will not be excused because of telephone use.
Copy Machine
A copy machine for student use in located in the library. The cost is
ten cents a copy.
CONDUCT GRADING SYSTEM
CLASSROOM CONDUCT GRADES
A student is given a grade each quarter by each of his/her classroom
teachers, which reflects personal classroom behavior. The four possible conduct grades
are: "E" (Excellent), "S" (Satisfactory), "NI" (Needs
Improvement), or "U" (Unsatisfactory). Any student who receives three or more Needs
Improvement or one Unsatisfactory in conduct will be excluded from
school dances, field trips, and all other extra curricular activities.
OVERALL CITIZENSHIP GRADE
In addition to the individual classroom conduct grades, there will also
be a single comprehensive Citizenship grade. This grade will reflect a student’s
adherence to campus-wide rules and regulations regarding such things as uniform
compliance; lunch and playground behavior, excessive tardiness to school, as well as
off-campus behavior for field trips and other school related events. Here also, the
students may receive an "E," "S," "NI," or "U,"
The comprehensive citizenship grade will be decided upon by the grade level teams, with
input from the deans of students. The consequences of receiving a "U" in
Citizenship is identical to receiving a "U" or three "NIs" in
classroom conduct.
CHARACTERISTICS OF CONDUCT/CITIZENSHIP GRADES
Excellent (E)
A student who exhibits excellent conduct consistently demonstrates the
majority of the following behaviors:
1. Is able to function in and out of the classroom in a mature manner,
indicating a high level of self-discipline;
2. Demonstrates thoughtful and reasonable responses to situations;
3. Is considerate and respectful of others;
4. Contributes positively to the class;
5. Follows classroom and school rules.
Satisfactory (S)
A student who exhibits satisfactory conduct demonstrates the majority
of the following behaviors:
1. Functions in and out of the classroom in a positive and appropriate
manner with little direction from adults;
2. Needs occasional direction in responding to situations;
3. Demonstrates consideration for the feelings and rights of others;
4. Participates positively in the activities of the class;
5. Observes the rules of the school and class with only an occasional
reminder of responsibilities;
6. Demonstrates respect for faculty, staff, visitors, parents, and each
other.
Needs to Improve (NI)
A student who needs to improve conduct exhibits behaviors such
as:
1. Needs adult supervision in and out of the classroom in order to
maintain expected behavior;
2. Displays a negative attitude toward participation in class
activities;
3. Violates school and/or class rules;
4. Exhibits discourteous and/or uncooperative behavior, which detracts
from the education of others;
5. Attempts to negatively influence class activities.
A STUDENT IN THIS CATEGORY MUST IMPROVE OR FACE STRONGER DISCIPLINARY
ACTION.
Unsatisfactory (U)
A student with unsatisfactory conduct exhibits behaviors such as:
1. Needs frequent supervision to ensure that he/she does not disturb
the learning of others;
2. Acts inappropriately, often aggravating the situation;
3. Is consistently discourteous, uncooperative and/or unwilling to
follow school rules, even after being given opportunities and guidance to change
unsatisfactory behavior;
4. Is involved in disagreements with others;
5. Is involved in a serious breach of values in Chaminade community
activities and/or school environment such as stealing, cheating and/or vandalism.
A STUDENT IN THIS CATEGORY MAY BE PLACED ON DISCIPLINARY PROBATION.
Harassment Policy
Chaminade College Preparatory Middle School is committed to provide a
learning environment that is free from harassment in any form. Harassment of any
student by any other student, lay or religious employee, or priest is illegal according to
Civil Code (California Educational Code 212.5) and is strictly prohibited.
The school will treat allegations of harassment seriously and will review and
investigate such allegations in a prompt, confidential, and thorough manner.
A charge of
harassment shall not, in and of itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing.
However, substantiated acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action, up
to and including dismissal. Students found to have filed false or frivolous
charges will also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including
dismissal
Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or a
school environment, which is hostile or intimidating because of the individual’s
race, creed, color, national origin, physical disability, or sex. Harassment can occur any
time during school or during school-related activities. It is the student’s
responsibility to:
1. Conduct himself or herself in a manner which contributes to a
positive school environment;
2. Avoid any activity that may be considered discriminatory,
intimidating, or harassing;
3. Consider immediately informing anyone harassing him or her that the
behavior is offensive and unwelcome;
4. Report all incidents of discrimination or harassment to the
administration or counselor;
5. Immediately discontinue conduct when informed that it is
discriminatory, intimidating, harassing, or unwelcome.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Verbal Harassment
Derogatory comments and jokes; threatening words spoken to another person.
Physical Harassment
Unwanted physical touching, contact, assault, deliberate impeding or blocking movements,
or any intimidating interference with normal work or movement.
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical
conduct of a sexual nature.
Dress Code
Chaminade recognizes that a person’s appearance is indicative of
their positive self-image and ability to be self-disciplined. What is appropriate
appearance, however, in recreational or leisure situations may not be appropriate in the
school environment. The school requires that a student come to school clean, well groomed
and with their clothing laundered and in good condition. The school has used the following
in determining the Chaminade uniform dress code:
1. The dress code is designed to minimize fashion competition among
students and reflect their readiness for serious academic endeavor.
2. The appearance of the student will NOT reflect any connections to
groups NOT acceptable to the philosophy and goals of Chaminade (i.e., gangs, gang-like
groups, satanic cults, etc.)
Students should always be
in uniform unless otherwise specified. Students who come to school
inappropriately dressed will not be permitted to attend any classes until a
change of clothing is brought for them. The Office of the Dean is responsible
for interpreting, implementing, and enforcing the dress code policy and as such
is the final arbiter, in most cases, in determining what is appropriate school
dress
On special occasions, such as Mass, students will be required to wear
more formal clothing. They will be notified well in advance to make appropriate
arrangements.
DAILY DRESS CODE
All students must wear a prescribed uniform. Only uniform clothing may
be worn to school each day. Non-uniform clothing may not be worn. "Old style
uniforms" from past years may not be worn.
Shirts:
Only white, dark green interlock polo-style shirt, 2 or 3 buttoned collared
shirts with no logos, no pockets, and a plain unbanded waist may be worn. (See the Lands
End Catalog or 3K-order form.) Shirts should be tucked in at all times.
Turtlenecks:
Plain WHITE interlock knit may be worn under shirts for warmth.
Community Service T-shirts:
T-shirt with the Chaminade community service logo (3K.
order form) REQUIRED
Pants/Walking Shorts:
Students should wear either walking shorts or pants as part
of their uniform. The color of these pants or walking shorts is brownish "paper
bag" khaki only. (See the Lands End Catalog). Both pants and shorts should have front
pleats and belt loops. They must not be frayed at the ends nor should they be oversized or
ill fitting. Girls may also wear black watch plaid walking shorts with pleated front fly
with cuffs as part of the uniform (3K Co.). Shorts may not be more than 5 inches above the
knee.
Skirts:
Girls may wear black watch plaid with stitched down pleats (3K Co.);
no
shorter than 5 inches above the knee.
Sweatshirts:
Only official navy blue sweatshirts with the Chaminade insignia are
allowed. Uniform shirts must be worn underneath the sweatshirt. (Chaminade Athletic
Boosters or 3K. order form). Zippered sweatshirts must have the Chaminade logo.
Jackets:
Only solid navy blue jackets with no logos, patches, or writing are
allowed (Chaminade Boosters-Navy Fleece Pullover Jacket). Zippered sweatshirts are not
considered jackets.
Physical Education Clothing:
Navy blue shorts and ash T-shirt – wearing the
P.E. uniform is restricted to the P. E. fields. It should not be worn in
classrooms, the library, the administration building, or the student center.
Shoes:
Shoes should fit tastefully with the uniform. All black, all white, or a
combination of black and white dress or tennis shoes in good repair may be worn. Full
white crew socks will be worn with all footwear (no colored socks, peds, anklets, or knee
length socks). The following are not permitted: slippers, moccasins,
sandals, high heels, jellies, patent leather, platform shoes, hiking and/or work boots
(boots of any kind), Doc Martens
Miscellaneous:
No gloves, hats, scarves, sweaters, sunglasses, or ear warmers are
to be worn on campus. Belts on shorts and pants are encouraged.
Grooming
Hair:
Neatness, good grooming, and a traditional style are in keeping with the
code. Extreme or faddish styles are not acceptable. Steps, spikes, shaved heads, or shaved
sides are unacceptable. Hair length can be no shorter than a #2 barber’s blade or 1/2
of an inch. Students who violate this rule will be sent home until hair grows out to an
acceptable length. Hair color must be your natural color. Highlighting is not acceptable.
Male students must be clean-shaven at all times.
Jewelry:
Jewelry may be worn in moderation (one necklace, one bracelet). Boys may
wear no earrings of any type.
Cosmetics:
Girls may wear only pale colored or clear lipstick. Clear or pale
colored nail polish may also be worn. Only very moderate makeup is acceptable.
FREE DRESS
Free Dress occasions are the decision of the Administration and is
granted at different times throughout the year for certain holidays and special occasions.
On those days, clothing must be in good taste and appropriate for school. It should not be
form fitting, revealing, or ripped. All regulations listed under the grooming code apply
on free dress days.
Free Dress - Boys and Girls
The following items are not acceptable on free dress days.
1. Blue jeans, overalls, sweat pants, cutoffs, leggings, acrylic pants,
short shorts, shorts with lengths below the knee, bicycle shorts, long underwear or
oversized/baggy clothing;
2. Backless or sideless dresses, halter tops, tank tops, or bare
midriffs;
3. Military type clothing;
4. Extremely short skirts;
5. Tattoos (permanent or otherwise), or writing on arms, legs, etc.;
6. Sandals, jellies, boots, or backless shoes;
7. T-shirts with objectionable slogans/ pictures (drugs, gangs,
alcohol, music groups, inappropriate language, or satanic references);
8. Jackets with writing or emblems;
9. Hats, gloves, sunglasses, wallet chains, or earrings for boys;
This is not an all-inclusive list. If you have any questions about a
particular article of clothing ask the Deans of Students.
LITURGY DRESS CODE
School Masses generally require that students be in their daily
uniforms. Girls are expected to wear uniform skirts, and boys are required to wear long
uniform pants.
The annual Founder’s Day and Parent Day Masses and other special
occasions require the following special "dressy dress" code to be observed by
all students:
• Boys: Long dark slacks (uniform or dress slacks
acceptable), belt, white dress shirt, tie, dress or clean school shoes and socks.
• Girls: Appropriate daytime dress or skirt and
blouse (an all black dress, or an all black skirt, and blouse ensemble are not
appropriate daytime attire). Solid colors, pastels, or floral prints are most
appropriate for these occasions. Parents should also follow the same guidelines for skirt
length as required for uniform skirts. Pants, culottes, and shorts are not
appropriate for these special liturgies. Dress shoes or clean school shoes;
hosiery or socks are required. Open-toe shoes are allowed.
SAFETY
Chaminade is committed to providing a safe environment for its students
and all that enter the campus grounds. To facilitate this, certain rules and regulations
have been formulated. It is expected that all students and adults will cooperate with
these regulations.
EARTHQUAKE/FIRE
School employees will
1. Participate in all emergency training and drills;
2. stay calm and direct students in the event of a real emergency;
3. follow the designated school plan.
Students will
1. participate in all emergency training and drills;
2. remain as calm and quiet as the situation allows;
3. duck and cover in an earthquake situation until given the all clear
signal;
4. leave the building in a quiet and orderly manner when told to do so;
5. line up in the designated area for attendance to be taken;
6. be on their best behavior until given the all clear or, in case of a
major emergency, until they are picked up by a parent or guardian.
MAJOR SCHOOL SAFETY REGULATIONS
To maintain the safety of the campus, the following major regulations
have been adopted. Failure to abide by these regulations will result in very severe
consequences.
1. Drug use/abuse – the use, sale, or possession of drugs,
tobacco, or alcohol on campus, during the school day, at after school functions, or school
sponsored trips, are regarded as a severe breach of school rules. This includes students
who attend school-related functions under the influence of a drug or alcohol. A student
guilty of any of these infractions will be dealt with in the most serious possible manner.
2. Gang Involvement – Any type of gang activity or gang
association will not be tolerated. Gang symbols on notebooks, lockers, book
bags, etc., or
gang clothing are not allowed on campus.
3. Weapons – Possession of firearms, knives, or any explosives on
campus is expressly forbidden. This rule also applies to ordinary objects that are used in
a harmful or dangerous manner.
4. Theft and Vandalism – Students are expected to respect the
school’s property as well as property belonging to others on campus and in the
community. Taking property belonging to others or vandalism are serious offenses.
5. Hitchhiking - This is a dangerous practice and highly discouraged by
Chaminade. Students stranded at school are required to contact the front office, campus
security personnel, or the Director of the after school program.
6. Visitors on Campus- For security purposes, ALL visitors must
sign in with security upon entering the school grounds. Students are not allowed to bring
friends to school or school functions without prior approval from the Administration.
CAMPUS SAFETY OFFICERS
There is a uniformed campus safety officer on campus during school
hours. Students should obey his/her instructions as they would a teacher or administrator.
Students should be prepared at all times to produce their school identification card at
the request of the officer. Students who refuse the request will be subject to
disciplinary action.
BEFORE SCHOOL
- Chaminade does not have a formal before school program. Students should not be on campus
before 7:00 am, and Chaminade does not assume responsibility for the safety of students
that arrive before that time.
- If a student wishes to watch a sports event on the athletic field or a basketball game
at the Mormon gym, he/she is to inform the program director. For security, no student is
to be picked up on the Oakdale Street side of the campus after 4:00 p.m. or one hour after
classes end on short days. After that time, pickups must be made at classroom 101 or its
vicinity.
- If you anticipate a need under Chaminade policies, we suggest that you enroll your
student in the After School Program.
- The fee schedule for the After School Program is as follows: Basic fee is $3.50 an hour.
The enrollment fee is $70, which is a required advance payment for twenty (20) hours. Time
as used by the student will be charged against this payment. There is no charge from 3:00
p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The basic fee is applied in half-hour increments, whether the student
stays for the entire half-hour or portion of. If an un-enrolled student is brought in for
the day, the fee is $4.50 an hour. Any pickup of a student after 6:00 p.m. is liable for a
late charge of $10 within each increment of fifteen minutes. Please be aware that unpaid
bills prevent a student from taking quarter, semester, or final exams.
- You may use the Program as needed, whether it is for one day a week or every day.
Accounting is kept on each individual. You will be advised when additional payment becomes
due. At the end of the school year, unused fees can be held over to the following year or
returned.
- Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind at your job or whatever detains you until
you can pick up your child. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Raymond E. Parr,
Director of the Program (818) 348-5325 or (818) 360-6194 (during program hours.)
Just as
Chaminade takes seriously its appropriate role regarding the use of
alcohol and drugs, parents also have responsibilities. For sound
medical and health reasons, Chaminade College Preparatory does not
subscribe to the philosophy that adolescents can or should be taught to
use alcohol responsibly. It is because students themselves often admit
that their use of illegal substances is not at school but “at parties”
or “on weekends” that we wish to emphasize the role of parents in this
equation. Even though Chaminade’s responsibility extends only to school
hours and school-sponsored events, the middle school does recommend
careful consideration be given to the Safe Party Guidelines which are
outlined below:
Suggested Guidelines for
a Middle School Party
GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS HOSTING A
PARTY
- A
parent should be at home and visible during the party. Parents can
greet guests; bring in snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Invite
other parents to help if your party is large.
- Do
not offer alcohol to guests under the age of 21 or allow guests to use
drugs in your home. You may be brought to court on criminal charges
and/or have to pay monetary damages in a civil law suit if you furnish
alcohol or drugs to minors.
-
Guests who try to bring in alcohol or drugs, or who otherwise refuse
to cooperate with your expectations should be asked to leave.
- Do
not let anyone drive if you suspect that they may be under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Let
your son or daughter know what you expect. In setting ground rules
with your son or daughter before an event, you will both have an
opportunity to express feelings.
- Plan
to have plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages on hand.
- Plan
the party with your son or daughter prior to the event. This should
include time limits, number of guests, type of music, etc.
- Do
not allow any guest who leaves the party to return. This will
discourage teens from leaving the party to drink or use drugs
elsewhere and then return to the party.
-
Avoid “Open House” parties. Know who is expected to attend. It is
important to discourage crashers.
-
Consider notifying your neighbors that there will be a party.
-
Teens frequently hold parties at homes while parents are away. If you
must be away, make arrangements for quality supervision to ensure
protection for you and your son or daughter. It is a good idea to let
your neighbors and school know that you are going to be out of town
and supply them with your contact information.
WHEN YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER ATTENDS A
PARTY
- Know
where your son or daughter will be. Obtain the address and telephone
number of the party giver. Let your son or daughter know that you
expect a telephone call if the location of the party changes.
-
Contact the parents of the party host to verify the occasion. Be sure
that a parent will be present. Be sure that alcohol and other drugs
will not be permitted.
- Be
certain your son or daughter knows when he/she is expected to be
home.
- Know
how your son or daughter will get to and from the party. Assure your
son or daughter that you or a specific friend or neighbor can be
called for a ride home (make sure he/she has the telephone number).
Discuss with your son or daughter the possible situations in which
he/she might need to make such a call.
- If
your son or daughter stays overnight with a friend after a party,
check with the parents of the friend beforehand to verify that: they
know your son or daughter is to stay over; they will be home; you both
agree on curfew hours and rules.
- Have
your son or daughter check in with you when he/she arrives home.
- Have
the lights on when your child returns home so you can see them
clearly.
