St. Edward Catholic School stands committed to fostering personal growth in Christian values and attitudes in a Community
of Faith. We strive to develop an environment where each individual develops a spirit of personal discipline, a respect
for every human being, and the desire for knowledge to become an individual capable of adjusting to a changing culture.
To ensure this, we have established our Spartan Character Matters school program which compliments the Cedar Valley Schools
Code of Conduct and the Archdicese of Dubuque Code of Conduct.
We will work to raise our school community's awareness
about which types of behavior are respectful and which are inappropriate or show disrespect. Students should strive
to do their best and be their best while at school. We ask that respect be shown at all times. This includes to/from
school, during liturgies, at the bus stop, on the bus, in the hallways, during lunch, while at recess, on field trips, during
assemblies and while in Art, Music, P.E., Library, the Computer Lab area or anytime a student is representing our school.
All students are expected to follow our Spartan Character Matters School rules.
I will be Trustworthy
I will be
Respectful
I will be Responsible
I will be Honest
I will be Courteous
I will be a Good Citizen
The
Character Matters discipline plan is divided into six general character qualities that good citizens possess. It is
our goal as an educational facility to promote strong Christian qualities in all students. The following characteristics
are considered expectations at St. Edward Catholic School. Examples are listed are illustrative and not exclusionary.
1.
Trustworthiness: All students are expected to display trustworthiness. People rely on us to perform what we commit
to do whether or not there is an enforceable obligation. Trustworthiness includes promise-keeping, reliablitiy and loyalty.
We can encourage trustworthiness by keeping our word, honoring committments, being dependable, and standing by your family
and friends.
Students who lack trustworthiness may not honor their committments. They may
let friends hurt themselves, be unreliable or ill prepared.
2. Respect: All students
are expected to exhibit respectful behavior at all times. Being respectful means valuing people for who they are and
not for their possessions or looks. It means treating others as you would want to be treated, never insulting or making
fun of others. We can encourage respect by being kind, appreciative, and avoiding jokes or remarks that are hurtful.
Respectful students cooperate, obey the golden rule, listen to others, respect other's properties, and are aware of others
needs. Respectful students exhibit sportsmanship and show respect for other's desks, lockers, book bags, and need
for privacy.
Disrespectful students might talk out in class, borrrow things without asking, display
inappropriate behavior in assemblies and church or not recognize the authority of a substitute teacher.
3.
Responsibility: All students are expected to be responsible at all times. Being responsible means being accountable
for your actions. Responsible students don't blame others for their mistakes. They take ownership for their
decisions and how they affect others. This student always acts in responsible ways even if no one is watching.
These students take care of themselves, bring materials to class, complete work, follow rules, keep hands to themselves, are
accountable, and are in charge of their own choices. They pursue excellence as good students, leaders, followers, and
participants. Being a responsible person is being a trustworthy person.
Irresponsible students might
leave their mess in the cafeteria, lie, be argumentative, come to class unprepared, choose not to follow the uniform code
or fail to deliver communication to and from school.
4. Honesty: All students are expected
to be honest at all times. They should be truthful, sincere, and fair. If a person is honest, he/she doesn't
cheat or lie. Honest people know that they should always correct their mistakes as soon as possible. Honest students
always tell the truth, and understand that things may not always be equal. People who are honest are loyal to others.
They play fair and exhibit sportsmanship.
Dishonest students may cheat, lie, steal, or destroy other's
property. They cannot be trusted to be fair to themselves or others.
5. Courtesy: All
students are expected to be courteous at all tiimes. Courtesy is using manners and politeness in words and actions.
Words like "please", "thank you", "excuse me", and "I'm sorry" demonstrate courtesy.
Students who are courteous may hold doors open for others, acknowledge others, listen intently, and make eye contact when
speaking or being spoken to. Courteous students write thank you notes and use kind words. They respect personal space
and keep hands and feet to themselves.
Students who lack courtesy may interrupt, do not clap after
performances, don't listen, ignore, be rude or disrespectful or use hurtful remarks.
6.
Citizenship: All students are expected to be good citizens at all times. They appreciate being an American.
Good citizens are people who recognize the needs of others and are willing to get involved in a community. Citizenship
demands participation and contributions, such as volunteering. Citizenship and responsibility are very closely related.
We are each called to be a good citizen. This means following rules and helping others, participating actively in liturgies
or other activities, and acknowledging the symbols of our democracy. Good citizens think about what they do and how
it affects communities and they follow the golden rule (treat others as you would like to be treated).
Irresponsible
citizens do not follow the rules/laws. They are not willing to be involved and rarely volunteer. They do not help
take care of surroundings (cleaning classrooms, desks, lockers, environment, etc.) and show a lack of respect for peers or
possessions. They often make excuses of why they cannot help.
