Student Guidelines
Philosophy of Discipline
The following regulations are intended to teach those values we share as a community. The good order we seek to achieve through the implementation of these rules will serve to create an environment that is conducive to learning and supportive of Catholic teaching and traditional values. It is through our respect and love for one another that we will realize our academic goals, as well as strengthen the concept of community at Malden Catholic. All regulations are promulgated by the Administration and their final interpretation rests with the Assistant Principal.
1. ATTENDANCE
For a student to perform optimally and to receive full credit in the year’s work, he must attend school regularly. In cases of absences the following regulations and procedures apply:
a. Each day a student is absent, his parent or guardian must call the School Office (781-322-3098) between 7:30 and 8:30. The caller should identify himself/herself, give the name of the student, his or her relationship to the student and the reason for the absence.
b. A student who is absent must bring an explanatory note from his parent or guardian to the School Office before school begins on the day of his return. Failure to do so results in detention.
c. On the day of return to school, a student must plan a make-up schedule with his teachers. Ordinarily he will complete make-up work as soon as possible and always within five school days of his return. Teachers are not obliged to provide make-up work nor tests beyond this time.
A single-day absence will not automatically delay on the day of return a scheduled quiz, test, or long-range assignment that the student would have been aware of before his absence.
d. A student who is absent will not participate in any extracurricular activity that day without the permission of the Assistant Principal. Students dismissed before 10:30 or who arrive after 11:15 AM are considered absent. They too may not participate without permission.
e. When a student is absent, he should obtain his assignments by contacting a classmate or consult our Website. They should realize, however, that teachers may at any time amend posted assignments. Students should, therefore, check assignment accuracy with teachers upon their return.. The school will provide assignments only for prolonged absences, 4 or more days. Requests should be made through the School Office. Such assignments will take a day to gather.
f. Excused absences are only those due to illness explained by a doctor’s note, funeral explained by a parent/guardian’s note, court appearance explained by a parent/guardian’s note, or at the discretion of the Assistant Principal.
All other absences are unexcused.
Unexcused absences may have academic consequences and will result in disciplinary actions as follows:
- Four unexcused absences in one Quarter will result in a three-hour detention on a non-school day. Each succeeding unexcused absence in a Quarter will result in additional non-school-time detention.
- Eight unexcused absences will result in suspension.
- Twelve unexcused absences for the year may result in expulsion.
g. The Administration may withhold credit and may require summer school for a student who has been absent from a class, whether excused or unexcused, more than 20 times during the year.
h. The school encourages college visits during the summer and other vacation periods. Absence due to a college visit is considered unexcused after the 2nd approved occasion.
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2. TRUANCY
Students are expected to be at school on every scheduled day. Malden Catholic does not assume responsibility for truant students but deals with violations as follows: first offense results in notification of parent, multiple detentions, and probation; other offenses result in indefinite suspension and possible expulsion.
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3. AIDS
Malden Catholic subscribes to the Aids/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Massachusetts school attendance policy as endorsed by the Archdiocesan School Office. This policy is on file in the School Office for reference.
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4. SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The abuse of alcohol and other drugs hinders personal growth and well-being, and damages the learning atmosphere of the school. The possession or use of alcohol or drugs of any other type on school property or prior to any school-related activity will result in either indefinite suspension or expulsion. The distribution of alcohol or drugs of any type will result in expulsion. Additionally, whenever the Administration learns that a student has or is using drugs, if the student is not expelled:
1. The student will be required to undergo drug assessment from an agent outside the school, for which the school will help with referrals.
2. The findings of an assessment will be reported to the school.
3. In the event that parents fail to cooperate in these requirements, their son may be asked to withdraw from Malden Catholic and the information will be filed with the Division of Youth Service via the Form 51A.
4. SELF REFERRAL PROGRAM: Malden Catholic's "Self Referral Program" is designed to allow students that are using illegal drugs, alcohol, and other controlled substances to refer themselves to the Administration for treatment without disciplinary action, and in confidence. The only exception to the above "without disciplinary action" clause will be for athletes subject to the MIAA rules. In order to protect the athlete and the program, the student would suffer the mandatory two-week removal from the sport. In order to be a self referral, the student must voluntarily identify himself as a user prior to being identified through other means (direct observation, drug testing, police report etc.). Once the student identifies himself, the parents will be notified and he will be referred to an agency for drug testing, counseling, and treatment at the parent's expense. The Guidance Department will monitor the student's progress throughout the program and communicate with the parents as necessary. The program will be up to six months in duration depending on the severity of the problem. During this time and after completion the student will be subject to random drug testing. A return to using during or after the rehabilitation program, or non-compliance with the program will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the school's current policy, and may result in dismissal.
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5. DRUGS
Malden Catholic believes that part of our responsibility to help provide and maintain a safe and caring learning environment for our students is that it be drug free. As a proactive step to help insure that Malden Catholic remains as safe as possible an environment for every student, the school in conjunction with the Assistant District Attorney's Office may occasionally conduct drug scans. Such scans can include the building (lockers, public areas, classrooms) as well as the premises (parking lot, vehicles, grounds). We wish to reinforce a positive message that illegal drugs are not welcome at our school and that we take seriously our responsibility to do our best to provide a secure and drug-free environment conducive to learning and to the development of healthful habits. We hope that all these actions bespeak a caring presence, and, of course, we steadily rely on the powerful influence of parents to communicate daily messages to their children to shape healthful living.
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6. CAFETERIA AND CORRIDORS
All food and beverage is confined to the cafeteria, where students are responsible for the cleanliness of the area, gentlemanly behavior, and proper disposal of rubbish. Students should clean tables before leaving. The throwing of anything in the cafeteria is forbidden. Students may bring book bags into the cafeteria, but not into the serving area during lunch periods. Ordinarily, students will remain at lunch until dismissed from the cafeteria.
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7. CAMPUS
Students may not leave campus at any time during the school day, extending from the time of morning arrival to the time of final departure. Penalties range from several detentions, to suspension, to expulsion if there are multiple violations. Where a car is involved, the penalty is doubled, and a student's use of car on school property is restricted. A junior or a senior with an unstructured first period need not report until the time of his first class; all students must report to their homeroom at the conclusion of the second period of the day each day. Once a student is in the building, he may not leave. Except on occasions of school Masses or assemblies, a junior or senior with an unstructured period last period of the day may leave; no student may leave the building before 1:25 without administrative permission. All doors are locked at 8:15. Students late to school and all visitors must enter by ringing the doorbell at the front entrance of the school and check in at the school office. Students may not congregate before or after school in the surrounding neighborhood.
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8. RESPECT OF PERSON AND PLACE
At Malden Catholic we strive to encourage both mutual and self-respect and responsibility among the members of the entire community. In this social context, one's sensitivity, as well as one's home training, are reflected in observable behavior as a member of the MC Community. Behavior towards other members of the community, as well as towards property, should always indicate an understanding of Malden Catholic's efforts to realize its objectives as a Christian community. The following are considered serious violations of the rights of others: vulgar, profane or obscene language, damage to and/or theft of property, sexism, racism, bullying and fighting. These are examples of the many forms that violence can take, and violence of any kind will not be tolerated at Malden Catholic.
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9. CARS
Due to the limited number of parking spaces, only Faculty, Staff, Seniors, and Juniors are allowed to use the school parking lot during school hours. Any student driving a car even occasionally to school must register it with the Assistant Principal and must receive a parking decal for the driver's window. Parking for students begins at the back of the school and continues around to the area of Room 114. Parking is also allowed on Crystal Street, Maplewood Street, and the cul-de-sac at the rear of the school. Parking is not allowed in the new lot adjacent to the field. Vehicles parked in the school lot must be parked in legal spaces, must display a parking decal, and are subject to search. Please respect the spaces designated for the handicapped, as well as those areas reserved to allow for fire apparatus in cases of emergency. Once on school property, cars are to be vacated immediately, and students may not return to them during the school day. Any student who parks in an undesignated area or a no-parking zone will be assigned detention or towed. Students should drive slowly and carefully on campus: reckless driving is a serious offense. Violation of these regulations will render a student liable for detention, suspension, or expulsion, or the student may forfeit his privilege of driving to school.
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10. CONDUCT, WHETHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL
The student is a Malden Catholic student at all times. A student who engages in conduct, whether inside or outside the school, that is detrimental to the reputation of the school and/or poses a threat to the safety or well being of Malden Catholic students or faculty, may be disciplined by the administration. Sanctions may include suspension or expulsion.
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11. CUTTING CLASS
Students must attend all of their scheduled classes. The penalty for the first instance of cutting a class will be three detentions and parental notification, while the penalty for continued offenses will be suspension.
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12. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Several times during the day (8:05, 1:20 and 2:10) announcements may be made over the public address system. Students are expected to listen atten- tively at these times and to the reading of the Student Bulletin. Students are responsible for pertinent information therein. Announcements may be submitted by teachers, moder-ators, or coaches only.
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13. DANCES
Malden Catholic sponsors school dances to promote healthful recreation and social growth consistent with Catholic values. Students who are not in attendance on the day of a dance will not be permitted to attend the dance. Proper behavior and dress is expected of students at school dances. Dances begin at 7:30 and conclude at 10:30 PM. Parents must pick up students promptly at 10:30. Attendance is open only to Malden Catholic students and to girls, who may be required to hand in an ID which will be returned as they leave the dance. All students are subject to search before entering and during the dance. Upon leaving the dance, students will not be readmitted and must leave the property. Students who lend school ID's or allow non-MC students into a dance will be subject to suspension and forbidden from attending future dances. Such students may be excluded from the Junior/Senior Prom, Freshman/Sophomore Semi-formal or the Winter Ball. The school does not endorse same-sex dating at our dances. Smoking is prohibited on school property during dances. Any student attending a dance while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be ejected and subject to the school's regulations.
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14. DISCIPLINE SANCTIONS
DETENTION: Detention is held daily from 2:30 until 3:15 PM. Students must report on time and without books, papers, or jackets. Notification of detention will be made through a pink slip or verbally to the student. A student who is assigned detention must go on that day unless he is excused by the Assistant Principal. A student who absents himself from detention will be given an additional detention. A student who misses detention a second time without permission will be suspended.
PROBATION: Probation indicates that a student's attitude, behavior or academic achievement is threatening his continuance at Malden Catholic. Any student who has been suspended or whose daily behavior is chronically poor, or any student who has violated school regulations concerning the use of drugs/alcohol will be placed on Disciplinary Probation. This involves:
1. Parental notification and possibly a conference with parents.
2. There may be a simultaneous sanction such as detention, service hours or suspension.
3. Where drugs are involved, the appropriate policy will be followed.
4. Depending on the violation, the student may be placed on probation for a marking period, semester, academic year or the duration of his career at Malden Catholic.
5. Any serious violation of school rules by a student on Disciplinary Probation may result in the student's expulsion from school.
SUSPENSION: Suspension is a temporary separation of a student from the school and is the step before expulsion. It will be assigned for a varying number of days and will include the following: immediate parental contact by an Administrator; exclusion from classes or separation from the school; and a parental conference at the end of the suspension before re-admittance to class. A student on suspension will be allowed three days to make up all work missed. The student is responsible for arranging a make up schedule. Addi- tionally, the student will be placed on probation and given detention time upon his return to school.
EXPULSION: At the recommendation of the Assistant Principal, a student is expelled by the Principal. A student will be subject to expulsion for any conduct either at or away from school which is of such a nature as to jeopardize the good name of the school, or which is detrimental to the common good, or harmful or offensive to any member of the school community. Following the second suspension, any serious infraction of the rules, e.g., selling stolen books, tampering with fire alarms, distribution of drugs, vandalism, stealing, violence, harassment, blatant disrespect, or wanton disregard of school rules will ordinarily result in the dismissal of a student.
APPEAL PROCESS: A student who has been expelled from school or asked to withdraw for a disciplinary matter may appeal that decision to the Appeal Board through the Headmaster within five days of the dismissal. The Appeal Board is composed of the Headmaster, the Vice-Principal, the student's guidance counselor, an appointed faculty member, and a faculty member of the student's choice. Academic dismissals are not subject to this appeal process. Only the student and his parents/guardians may attend the appeal meeting. The Assistant Principal will be asked to present pertinent information, and the student and parents will have opportunity to speak and the Board may ask questions. The Appeal Board advises the Headmaster, who makes a final decision on the matter.
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15. DISMISSAL FROM CLASS
A student sent from class must report at once to the Assistant Principal at the School Office, whether he is explicitly told to do so by his teacher or not. He will remain in the Office until told to leave, and he will receive further instructions.
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16. DRESS CODE
We have made our dress code consistent and complimentary to our educational goals. We trust that it best serves the image of Malden Catholic and our students. It is our belief that an important part of the educational experience requires a student's attention to his personal appearance. We also maintain that our students should understand the meaning of situation-appropriate attire. Therefore, neatness and cleanliness are the prevailing considerations.
Students are required to be in dress code during the entire school day, and when they are conducting official school business. Students are allowed to go to their lockers in the morning to make any adjustments, but must be a proper dress code prior to coming into the cafeteria or library. Students must remove their hats prior to entering the building. Detention, extra help, academic study hall, and summer school are considered part of the school day. Dress code for extra-curricular activities will be at the discretion of the moderator or coach.
SLACKS: chino, "Docker-type" slacks or dress corduroy only. Colors must be navy, beige, brown, black, or gray. No jean styles, cargo or painters pants, no cut or altered pants.
BELTS: Leather belts in black or brown must be worn. No suspenders.
SHIRTS: A solid color, long or short sleeve button-down Oxford shirt or an MC-monogrammed polo shirt, Athletic Team/Extracurricular shirt or turtleneck purchased only from the MC bookstore. No plaids, stripes, or flannels. Shirts must be buttoned up to (but not including) the top button and must be tucked neatly in one's pants.
SWEATERS: A v-neck or crew neck dress sweater or sweater vest only may be worn over a regulation MC shirt or turtleneck. The sweater must hang no longer than the waist. Students may not wear "overshirts" or long sleeved T-shirts under short sleeve shirts. No fleece vest, sweatshirts, or sweaters with any writing or brand names allowed.
FOOTWEAR: Students MUST wear socks and dress shoes. These include black, brown, beige, or white loafers or bucks. Students may not wear boots, sneakers of any type, sneaker type casuals, moccasins, or sandals. Shoes must be tied.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE: Students must be clean shaven and their hair should be no longer than the top of the collar and neatly combed at all times. Sideburns must be no longer than the bottom of the ear. No extreme hair styles or hair colors. Earrings and body piercings are not allowed (covered or uncovered). Jewelry of any kind around the neck or wrist is limited to small chains. Shell, rope, and large chain type necklaces and bracelets are not to be worn. Hats are not to be worn in the building at any time during or after school hours or at any school function.
Tag Day Guidelines: Shaving rules apply. Sneakers or regular shoes must be worn. No sandals or flip-flops. No tank tops or gym shorts.
Tattoos: Tattoos and body scarring are highly discouraged. Any student with a previously existing tattoo must cover it at all times during the school day, and at all school-sanctioned activities.
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17. EARLY DISMISSAL
Early dismissal from school may be granted for serious reasons provided the student present to the Assistant Principal before the first period of the day an explanatory note from his parents or guardian. Medical and dental appointments, as well as those for a driver's license, should not be scheduled for school hours. No dismissals on days of school-wide Liturgies will be excused. (See #36)
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18. FIRE DRILLS
State law requires that fire drills be conducted in silence so that in a real emergency directions may be heard by all. Particular instructions appear in each classroom. We will not tolerate breaches of discipline during fire drills.
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19. GAMBLING
Gambling of any sort is strictly prohibited. Gambling is defined as participation in any game of chance where money may be won or lost. Examples include but are not limited to taking or placing bets on sporting events, buying or selling football cards, or establishing "pools." Students found to be gambling will face appropriate sanctions.
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20. ILLNESS/INJURY
If a student becomes ill or is injured during the school day, he should report to the Nurse's office, after first informing the teacher in charge. School authorities or the Nurse will then contact his parent or guardian. No student who is ill is to go to a men's room without first notifying a teacher, secretary, nurse, or Administrator.
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21. LOCKERS
Students are responsible for the care of their lockers. No student is to mark or place anything in his locker that may not be removed cleanly, nor should he place anything in his locker which may be offensive to another person. Students must be careful not to disturb classes that may be in session while at their lockers. Students should visit lockers only at authorized times: Freshmen and Juniors may visit their lockers before or after school, following homeroom, and before or after their lunch period only. Sophomores and Seniors may visit their lockers before or after school, after the third period of the day, or before or after their lunch period only. No student should share his combination with anyone and should always check to make sure that his locker is completely closed before leaving it. The school is not responsible for the safety of the contents of the student's book or physical education locker. Lockers are the property of Malden Catholic High School and as such are subject to search at any time.
Students are expected to empty school lockers of books and other possessions by the end of the last day of examinations in June.
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22. LOST AND FOUND
Any material found should be turned in to the Assistant Principal at the School Office.
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23. MESSAGES
School administrators will always assist in an emergency but, in general, will not interrupt classes to deliver messages, forgotten lunches or athletic gear.
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24. NO SCHOOL
For information, students should listen to radio stations WBZ, WHDH, or TV Channels 4, 5, or 7 at 6:00 AM. A snow day will cancel the rotation for that day and, upon return, we will move to the next rotation. Please refer to the "60 Minute Delay Schedule" in this handbook in the event that the opening of school is delayed.
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25. PARENTAL APPOINTMENTS
Parents who wish to see a teacher are asked to do so by sending a note via their son. If parents wish to see an administrator, they may call that individual at the School Office for an appointment.
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26. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
MBTA student cards for half fare during school hours are available free from the Assistant Principal. Monthly passes are also sold at the School Office. Students represent Malden Catholic when traveling to and from school; they are therefore expected to behave as gentlemen. Repeated offenses of MBTA regulations will result in travel restrictions and/or expulsion.
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27. SMOKING
Malden Catholic discourages smoking or tobacco use in any form, both for health and for safety reasons. Suspension will be assigned to a student who smokes tobacco, or who uses a lighter or matches on school property, or within sight of the building and at any and all school activities.
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28. STEALING
Theft of any sort is a serious offense meriting full use of disciplinary sanctions including expulsion.
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29. HOMEROOM
Homeroom is held each day, for eight minutes between the second and third periods of the day. Students are expected to come to Homeroom on time, to be seated and attentive. During this time, various kinds of school business will be conducted, such as the reading of the Student Bulletin.
30. CD PLAYERS AND RADIOS
The use of IPODS is not allowed in the building before the start of school or during the school day.
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31. VISITORS
All guests must check in at the school office.
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32. WEAPONS
Any instrument that may be used to attack another individual or his/her property is considered a weapon. Such items might include but are not limited to guns, knives, etc. Any student found to be in possession of a gun, knife or any other deadly weapon at school, on school grounds or at an off-campus school event will be expelled.
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33. FIGHTING
Fighting is a serious violation of school regulations. It is contrary to our beliefs on the sacredness of the human person and will not be tolerated. A student who fights will be suspended initially. There are circumstances where fighting may result in expulsion.
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34. NURSE
The role of the school nurse is to administer school health policies, to deal with emergency situations that may arise, as well as to dispense only those medications prescribed by students' physicians and provided by parents. Written documentation of parental consent must be on file for any and all medications, including Tylenol, dispensed by the School Nurse. Tylenol will be dispensed only with parental permission at the discretion of the School Nurse only after the Nurse completes her assessment of the student. Parents or guardians are expected to notify the School Nurse with changes in student's status regarding health, allergies, or medications. The School Nurse is authorized to request physicals required before athletic participation may begin. Parents are asked to cooperate in a timely way.
PHYSICALS: All incoming students require a current physical exam on file at the school office upon school entry. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, of which Malden Catholic is a member. (MIAA) Handbook issues the following statement regarding student eligibility: "All students must pass a physical examination within one year of each day of athletic participation. A sports physical terminates 365 days subsequent to administering and must be renewed immediately to maintain eligibility. Physical examinations must be performed by a duly registered Physician, Physician's Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner." Physicals must be on file before try-outs or students will not be allowed to participate in try-outs. All students that travel with a school moderator, i.e. the Ski and Snowboarding Club, Mock Trial, Model UN, and Model Congress, must have a current physical on file. We recommend that you schedule your son's physical each year during the summer months so that it will be good for the entire year. The MIAA recommended physical form is attached at Appendix H.
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35. SKIP DAYS
There are no skip days provided within the school calendar, nor will students' taking such days be tolerated. Any student who participates in a skip day will be subject to suspension.
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36. BEEPERS & CELL PHONES
Use during the class day may result in detention. Students are not allowed to use a beeper or cellular telephone inside the school building. Should an emergency arise, parents may call the school office and leave a message for their son. Beepers and cell phones used during the class day will be confiscated and kept by the Assistant Principal for a parent to collect.
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37. SCHOOL LITURGIES
From time to time during the school year, liturgies are celebrated. Whenever a liturgy is of a school-wide, community-building nature, all students are expected to attend and behave respectfully. Dismissals will not normally be granted on days of School Liturgies, therefore, please do not make appointments on these days. For emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, please contact the Assistant Principal directly. On those days students will come to school with a dress shirt and tie. No student is to excuse himself.
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38. CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Any change of address or of telephone number of home or work must be reported to the School Office as soon as the change has been effected.
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39. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Students are encouraged to arrive at school no later than twenty minutes before the start of the first period of the day (7:45). Doing so allows them sufficient time to go to their lockers, visit the cafeteria and get to class on time without having to rush. Students should not congregate at the main entrance or front lobby in such a way as to block entry.
Students should not congregate in the surrounding neighborhood before or after school. We expect that students will be respectful of the people and their property in the area that borders our school.
Students may not smoke on school grounds. This includes the area in front of the building, the parking lot and Brother Gilbert Stadium.
NOTE: The Administration reserves the right to change any rule or regulation during the school year. Students and parents will be informed of any change.
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40. FIELD TRIPS AND PARENTAL PERMISSION FORM:
For all Field Trips and off campus activities (other than athletic) sanctioned by the school, where students will be under the supervision of a Malden Catholic faculty member, parents are required to sign a Parental Permission Form. Students will submit the form to the school office, activity moderator, or teacher, as applicable. A copy of the Parental Permission Form is available for download (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).
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