Dear Parents and Guardians of Hayesmen,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Hayes family - a family that will help your son succeed and eventually graduate from Cardinal Hayes High School. As you know discipline and structure are very important components to any educational institution. Here at Hayes we feel that the structure and discipline that we provide is most important to success, teaching and growth as mature young men.
We pride ourselves on the fact that we make very clear and quite obvious our rules and regulations - our Program. As a private Catholic School we are quite happy that you and your son are buying into our Program. It is a Program that has worked for over 60 years, continues to grow and change and is the basis upon which we open our doors each morning and welcome your son. There are times that the student, and possibly you included, may not agree with or care for our policies and regulations. What we must keep in mind is that they are our policies and regulations and this is how we operate. On that note, I ask that you become very familiar with these policies and regulations so that we have a fresh start for September with everything quite clear.
As the Dean of Discipline, I am quite anxious to see that the school day functions smoothly and that you are happy with the structure we provide for your son while with us as a student.
The following illustrates a few important points for you and your son to know. I will begin with these points:
Rule #1 - BE HERE
We expect all of our students to be here every day. We do expect them to stay home when they are sick. Staying home to wait for a repairman, to go to the dentist or to the doctor, to baby-sit, to deal with a headache…are not acceptable reasons for absence. Appointments with the Doctor need to be made after school and on vacation days, when possible. For an appointment during the day we expect the student to come to school and be dismissed early if need be. If the appointment is early in the morning, we would expect him to return to school as soon as possible after the appointment. All early dismissals must be cleared with Mr. West. For an early dismissal we would need a note and a phone call to the Attendance Office in the morning on the day of the request.
By BEING HERE we also mean on time. We do not tolerate lateness. The students are to be in the building by 7:55 - the warning bell rings at 8:00 and the final bell at 8:05. They must be in the building by 8:00. They are to meet all of those bells. Being late because of having to go to the store for mother, bringing a brother or sister to school… are not acceptable. If a student is LATE TO SCHOOL he has detention in the afternoon from 2:15 until 4:00. Lateness is not allowed. If your son has a LATE problem, it needs to be taken care of prior to September.
If your son is ABSENT from school for a legitimate reason, we need a phone call to the Attendance Office by 10:00 in the morning from a PARENT informing us of this ABSENCE. This is a New York State Law. This phone call must be from a Parent, must be made on the day of the absence, and must be accompanied by a note on the day of your son's return to school. Failure to call equals three days detention. Failure to come back to school without a note from a parent equals three days detention. The Attendance Office opens at 7:30 and can be reached by dialing 718-292-0350. The phone call must be made by 10:00 am.
Rule #2 - LOOK LIKE YOU ARE HERE
There is a very well outlined dress code for all students here at Hayes. We want them to look GOOD in a fashion that is in compliance with the new school uniform.* By "GOOD" we mean a jacket, dress shirt, tie, slacks, shoes and a belt. Sneakers are never allowed into the building - only for Physical Education Classes and after school sports. The student must be fully dressed and ready for school upon arrival. A student never dresses in front of or near the school. Earrings, as well as any other kind of "ring", are not allowed near or in the building. By near I mean anything NEAR the building. School jackets or blazers may be left in the locker and put on each morning when the student arrives to school. Boots are allowed as long as they are in great condition and are the ones outlined as allowed. (This will be explained to the students in September.) Ripped, frayed, extra baggy pants are not allowed. The best rule of thumb to abide by is to ask if you wonder whether something is allowed or not.
We expect the students to LOOK LIKE THEY ARE HERE by arriving daily cleanly shaven. No sideburns are to go anywhere below the ear lobe. Beards and chin hairs are not allowed and should be shaved daily if need be. If they need to shave daily in order to be in compliance with the rules - then they are to shave daily. We expect their hair to be neatly groomed daily. If they have a small "afro" style cut - it is to be neat and even and picked out daily. All of this must be taken care of at home daily before they leave the house and head off to school. Braids of any kind are not allowed. Lines, swirls, circles, initials outlined into the hair are not allowed. Hair that is too long must be cut. Ponytails are not allowed. If a student arrives for school on any given day and is not in compliance with any of the above rules regarding dress and grooming, he will be sent home to take care of the matter and then is expected to return. If he does not return, that lost day will be made up on a Saturday. Their ticket to enter the building daily is to be in compliance with the rules. Otherwise, it is my posture that they do not belong here at that time. Blatant disregard for the rules may equal suspension until Mr. West is able to speak with a parent or guardian.
Earrings are not allowed. Band-aids to cover earrings are not allowed. Beepers and cell phones can be brought to school. They are to be in "silent" mode. Walkmans are to be taken off and put away prior to arriving near the building. We are not responsible for lost or stolen beepers, Walkmans, cell phones and the like. They can be here but NEVER seen and must be kept in the locker issued to each student.
Rule #3 - ACT LIKE YOU ARE HERE
We remind the students that Hayes is a school that requires a certain "atmosphere" for learning to take place. The teacher is the authority in the classroom. We do not tolerate any kind of interruptions to the class period. Any student that has a "need" to take away class time from the teacher will be sent to Mr. West's office and issued detention for that interruption. Under no circumstances do we tolerate any student answering back a teacher in this building. The teachers spend a great deal of time outlining their classroom systems and procedures - we want the students to know they are to be followed. Any student that steps over the line in dealing with a teacher - will be suspended promptly until we have had a chance to speak with a parent. It is our belief at Hayes that if a student is in class following the lesson and paying attention to the rules and regulations, there should be no problems.
I am quite fond of Parental Meetings in order to correct certain situations. PLEASE BE CONSCIOUS OF ASKING ME MY SIDE OF THE STORY BEFORE ARGUING ON THE PART OF THE STORY TOLD BY YOUR SON AT HOME. In my years of teaching I have found that the student quite keenly leaves out 5% to 10% of a story that might make all the difference in the world. We are here to work together.
Rule # 4 - DO WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO WHILE YOU ARE HERE!
This is the last and the most simple of the rules. What they are supposed to do while they are here is to abide by the rules, pay attention to the teachers and lastly BE A STUDENT. They are answerable to you as Parents as to how wisely they use their time to be the best student they can be. They are answerable to the Teacher whose job it is to see that their program fits their needs and that they are doing their work. Accountability is the key word- accountability with regards to rules and schoolwork. That is our structure and our program. I ask that the parent know who the teachers are for each of the subjects that your son is taking while a student at Hayes. Let them see that you know the teachers by name. Let them see that you know who Fr. Tierney is as the President and who Mr. Lessa is as the Principal. Let them see that you know my name, Dean West, Dean of Discipline, and that you know Mr. Deacy and Mr. Cooper - all Assistants to the Dean of Discipline at Hayes.
Let them know that Cardinal Hayes is a private Catholic School, where they are paying tuition to buy into what we offer. This is a contract - a contract that states that they are welcome to be the kind of student at Hayes that we, parents and school, are calling to them to be.
As a Catholic School our reason for existing is for the teaching of the values of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are determined in our mission to give your son the best education possible - to teach him what it means to be a Christian gentleman and to work with our families to make Hayes the school of success for your son.
We need your help - we ask for your help - We expect your help
DISCIPLINE RULES AND REGULATIONS
GENERAL POLICY
Every educational institution must maintain discipline if true learning is to occur. This is one area for which Cardinal Hayes High School is known and for which it is especially respected. Every faculty member has authority at all times to enforce the rules and regulations, which are listed below. This list of minimal obligations is not intended to lace undue restrictions on the student, but rather to enable Cardinal Hayes High School to continue to offer the best environment in which learning can take place and allow the student to develop his talents as best he can. This atmosphere of discipline extends itself into the intellectual, cultural, moral and physical development of the student. It is the intention of Cardinal Hayes High School that the discipline, which is expected of each of the students, will lead to the self-control and the self-direction that is necessary if a young man wishes to become successful in life. This then is the goal for which we strive.
THE DRESS CODE
Students coming to school, attending classes and leaving school must wear the following:
- Dress shirt and tie
- Dress pants and belt
- Dress shoes
- Suit jacket or blazer
- Please see the new policy on the school uniform that will be effective in September. Specific information may be attained from the office of the Dean of Discipline or from Flynn & O'Hara, the uniform company.
- Dungarees, sneakers and sandals are not permitted. Except for a watch and a Hayes ring, the wearing of jewelry, including earrings, is not permitted.
PROPER GROOMING
Hayesmen must at all times look neat and clean. Fade hairstyles are not permitted. The coloring of hair as well as lines, twists, designs, ponytails and braids in the hair are prohibited. A light mustache is permitted. Sideburns that do not go any further than one's ear lobe are permitted. All other facial hair is not permitted.
Besides personal cleanliness, clothes must be clean and not torn. Shirttails must be tucked into trousers and ties must be knotted up to the collar.
On days when students are scheduled for physical education, they are to come to school prepared with their gym uniform. All students are required to take a shower after gym class. Clean towels are provided by the Physical Education Department.
THE SCHOOL DAY
All students must be in the school building by 7:55 AM. Homeroom begins promptly at 8:00 AM with a warning bell. At 8:05 the homeroom bell sounds. At that point all students must already be seated in Homeroom. Each student has seven academic classes and one lunch period. Students have two minutes between each period to get from one class to the next. During the change of classes, students are to proceed in the corridors always staying to the right. Stairways are marked as up or down. Students must use the proper stairway at all times. There is to be no running or pushing in the corridors and stairways. Yelling and making loud noises are to be avoided.
ABSENCES
When a student is going to be absent from school his parent or guardian must call the Attendance Office at 1-718-292-0350 between the hours of 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM on the day of the absence. Absences from school are only excused for legitimate reasons, including the illness or injury of the student and the death of a family member. When the student returns to school following an absence, he must present a note from his parent or guardian explaining the absence and noting the date of absence. This note must contain the name and homeroom of the student as well. A doctor's note must be presented in the following cases:
- An extended illness (3 or more days).
- An absence from a midterm or final exam.
- Any absence beyond a total of 10 days.
If a phone call is not received from a parent or guardian by 10:00 AM on the day of the absence, a phone call will be made to the home by the Attendance Office. We are very interested in the whereabouts of our students as well as their safety. A failure to receive a phone call will result in three days detention for the student. A failure to hand in a note from a parent or guardian upon returning from an absence will result in three days detention as well. All absences are verified with a return call at some point on the day of the absence.
A student is not permitted to stay home ill after his parent or guardian has left for work. He must report to school and inform us of his sickness. If he wakes up and is too ill to go to school, he MUST contact a parent immediately to inform them, and us, that he did not go to school. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION TO ANY OTHER RELATIVE TO CALL ON YOUR BEHALF IF YOUR SON WILL BE STAYING HOME ILL. All phone calls and notes must be made by the parent or guardian.
We would very much appreciate phone calls informing us of any deaths in the family and funerals. All of these phone calls are followed up with school prayers and, when appropriate and needed, attendance by school officials and classmates. Kindly call the school with intentions for our daily prayer.
LATENESS
We do not tolerate lateness at Hayes. Please see to it that your son's morning obligations do not interfere with his being late to school. He must be in school by 8:00 daily.
EARLY DISMISSALS
Early dismissals from school are granted when a student becomes ill or is injured during the school day or when the parent or guardian has made prior arrangements. Students should not make routine doctor or dental appointments during the school day. Job interviews driving tests and other personal appointments must be made either after school or on school holidays. The principal is responsible for permitting all early dismissals. If a student has an early morning appointment and will be arriving late to school, we must receive a phone call informing us of this lateness by 10:00 AM. Please do not allow your son to miss school due to the fact that he has an early morning appointment. Missing two or three periods to attend to an appointment that had to be made during school time is better than missing an entire day of school.
TRANSPORTATION
Most students are entitled to a train or bus pass depending upon where they live. These passes are issued each semester. Lost passes must be reported to Father Burke. Students are advised not to drive to school since there is no parking available for them. If your son does drive to school with your permission as a school we would ask that you make sure that he has a license. Please be sure to inform your son that he does not have the right and /or the permission from the parents of other students to chauffeur them around. Driving other minors to and from school without the permission of their parents is not a good idea from an insurance and safety point of view.
LOCKERS
Each student is assigned a locker for books and outer coats. Students may go to their lockers before and after school and prior to going to lunch. They may not be there at any other time.
Students will also be assigned a locker in the gym when they have physical education class. Therefore, each student must have one Hayes combination lock. The combination should not be given to anyone else. It is important that before leaving his locker, the student makes sure his locker is securely locked.
Our school lockers for everyday use have built-in combination locks. It is very important that the student realizes he must make sure that he has securely closed and locked his locker before moving on to class or home. If there is any piece of clothing or a book keeping the locker open, the locker can be "popped" open by anyone. All students must make sure that their locker is closed and securely locked.
For the 2007-2008 school year, we are requiring that students buy an additional Master Lock from the bookstore for their school locker.
In the event you misplace your books or personal items, you can check with our LOST AND FOUND DPARTMENT located on the First Floor.
PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM
Whenever the P.A. is on for prayers or announcements, there is to be no talking and everyone is to be attentive to the speaker.
FIRE DRILLS
Absolute silence is to be maintained during a fire drill. Each classroom in the school has a fire exit sign indicating the stairway to be used. Your are to move quickly and follow the directions of your teacher. As in any situation related to fire or a fire drill we take all aspects very seriously and expect the same seriousness from all students. A failure to comply with fire drill regulations is a misdemeanor.
STUDENT COUNSELORS
There are certain members of the senior class who have been designated as Student Councilors by the Dean of Discipline. Their primary role is to patrol the corridors and stairways during the change of periods for the purpose of insuring the smooth flow of students through the corridors during the course of the day. Students are not to impede or show any disrespect to the Student Councilors doing their jobs. The Student Councilors have the authority to direct students in the halls with regards to behavior, demeanor and the flow of the student body. They have been chosen by the School Administration to carry out these duties and have the total support of the Faculty and Administration.
THE CAFETERIA
Breakfast and Lunch are served each school day in the cafeteria. Before the end of the lunch period you must clean your table and return any trays to their proper place. All students must then return to their seats and wait until they are dismissed. A bell will ring to signal the beginning of cleanup. The second bell will ring to signal silence followed by dismissal from the cafeteria by the faculty members present.
COLLEGE VISITS
All college visitations are reserved for members of the senior class. Any and all college visits, for whatever reasons, must be cleared with Mr. Lessa, Senior College Advisor, Mr. West, Dean of Discipline, our Dean of Studies, and the Principal. Any student requesting a College visit must begin by speaking with Mr. Lessa who will explain the procedure and provide the necessary paperwork.
THE GYMNASIUM
The Gym and the Physical Fitness Center is used for physical education classes, Intramurals and our teams. No student is to be in the gym or gym locker rooms without the supervision of a physical education teacher or a coach.
THE HAYES CALENDAR- SCHOOL VACATIONS
As a private Catholic school, we expect all of our families to adhere to the calendar sent home in August. The calendar clearly delineates the days off, vacation dates as well as other important days to remember. We do not deviate from the calendar. We ask you to keep that in mind as you plan your vacation, doctor's appointments and other duties that might conflict with the calendar.
DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
DETENTION
If you receive detention, you will report directly to the auditorium after dismissal. You must present your late slip or discipline jug slip when you enter. Discipline and Late detention usually run until 3:30 or 4:00 PM. The severity of the offense will determine the number of detention days to be served.
There are times when a student will be obligated to serve Saturday detention. Saturday detention is given at the discretion of the Dean of Discipline, Mr. West. Saturday detention usually begins at 8:30 and ends by 11:30. On the Friday before a student is to serve Saturday detention, a letter is given to him informing him of this obligation which needs to be shown to his parents or guardians.
SUSPENSION
There are two types of suspensions:
- A student may receive "in house" suspension. This means that the student may come to school but may not attend classes until the problem is resolved and a parent has had a conference with the Dean of Discipline.
- The second more serious type of suspension indicates that a student may not return to school until a parent/guardian has spoken with the Dean of Discipline, Mr. West.
During a suspension a student may not receive credit for the class time missed. Only at the discretion of the teacher may he make up missed work, assignments and tests. Students on suspension should be in contact with a classmate to ascertain the class work that is being covered during the suspension period.
EXPULSION
The student must transfer out of Cardinal Hayes High School upon the decision of the Principal.
PROBATION
A student may be given a trial period to improve his behavior. During this time, his behavior will be closely observed and a decision made regarding his status here at Cardinal Hayes High School.
INFRACTIONS AND PENALTIES
Various degrees of Disciplinary Measures to be taken:
- Detention
- Suspension (In-House or At-Home)
- Expulsion Liable
- Expulsion
There might be an incident or a series of incidences concerning a student, which will necessitate a meeting of the Administration at which time expulsion will be considered and approved.
| INFRACTIONS |
PENALTIES |
| Lateness |
Detention |
| Hair/Dress Code Violation |
Detention |
| No Note/No Call When Absent |
Detention |
Bringing Unnecessary Items to School (Beepers, Walkman radios, Cellular Phones)
The above can be brought to school but NOT SEEN. |
Detention |
| Using the Wrong Locker |
Detention |
| Using Foul Language |
Detention |
| Possessing Obscene Literature or videos |
Detention |
| Smoking |
Detention |
| Eating outside the cafeteria or Chewing Gum |
Detention |
| Unauthorized Use of an Elevator |
Detention |
| Unauthorized Use of Public Phones |
Detention |
| Misuse of a Transportation Pass |
Detention |
| Defacing School Property, Graffiti or Destroying School Property |
Suspension/Expulsion Liable |
| Theft |
Suspension/Expulsion Liable |
| Fighting |
Suspension/Expulsion Liable |
| Truancy or Unexcused Absence |
Suspension/Expulsion Liable |
| Possession of or being under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol |
Expulsion |
| Bringing Dangerous Items to School |
Suspension/Expulsion Liable |
| Being in Trouble with the Police |
Expulsion |
| Unacceptable Behavior Outside of School |
Suspension/Expulsion Liable |
| Classroom Misconduct |
Detention |
| Unprepared for Class |
Detention |
| Put out of class |
Detention |
| Disobedience |
Detention |
| Disruptive Behavior |
Detention |
| Disrespect Behavior |
Detention |
| Disrespect |
Indefinite Detention/Liable to Suspension |
|
