General Policies

T he student activities and athletic programs at Central Catholic are designed to provide a broad range of opportunities to develop the total person, to reinforce Christian values, and to promote friendship and peer support.

The school strongly encourages students to become involved in activity programs and is committed to providing everyone a fair chance to participate. All students may try out for the sports teams and extracurricular activities.

Ideally, no one would be cut from a team or activity. However, for some teams and activities the number of players or members is limited and, unfortunately, not everyone who tries out can be accepted. Parents are encouraged to help their sons understand that not everyone can be selected. The decision of an athletic head coach, in conjunction with the Athletic Director, or the decision of an activity moderator, in conjunction with the Vice Principal of Student Affairs, is final.

The student’s academic progress and spiritual development are of paramount importance to the school. Failure to meet and maintain academic and discipline standards may prevent participation in sports and activities. Therefore, students who are assigned academic or disciplinary ineligibility may not participate in school sports and activities. Also, any student assigned disciplinary ineligibility may not attend school-sponsored activities. Please refer to pages 15-18 for academic and pages 27-30 for disciplinary ineligibility, reinstatement, and participation policies.

Students are expected to display courtesy and respect to all. Adult members of the school staff are to be addressed by their proper title (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., Brother, Father, etc.) at all times.

The sale, use, transfer, and/or possession of alcohol, illegal drugs, or related paraphernalia, or aiding any of the preceding, on school property or at a school-sponsored student activity is absolutely forbidden. Central Catholic High School fully adheres to the Pittsburgh Diocesan Substance Abuse Policy, which appears on pages 41-43 of this handbook.

For assemblies, students should report quickly and quietly to their assigned seats and remain there until dismissed. Conduct at assemblies and other school-sponsored events should always be appropriate to the activity. Students are required to attend all scheduled assemblies, pep rallies, liturgies, etc., even if they are normally free during that assembly period.

Book bags, duffel bags, athletic/gym bags, knapsacks, etc., must be stored in the student’s assigned locker throughout the day. These items may not be brought into the classrooms, library, hallways, or cafeteria after the school day has begun. A gym bag may be used to carry clothing to and from the gym.

Visit http://viking-book-store.mybigcommerce.com/ or contact us at 412-208-3498 or at bookstore@centralcatholichs.com for more information.

Bullying is a form of negative and hurtful behavior that is prevalent among children and adolescents and is characterized by aggressive repeated behavior and an imbalance of power. Cyberbullying is the willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Any form of bullying is inconsistent with the philosophy of Central Catholic and the behavior of a Christian gentlemen. Allegations of harassment or bullying are investigated thoroughly, and, if proven accurate, are subject to stern disciplinary action.

Students are required to report to the dining hall for their assigned lunch period and remain there until dismissed. Students are not permitted in the library during their lunch period. Toward the end of each lunch period, the students will be notified that all students (including seniors) should clean the entire area around their table and return the chairs to their proper places. All students (including seniors) then must proceed to the Quadrangle, according to the directives of the proctors. During cold weather, students should take coats/jackets with them to the dining hall, since permission will not be given to go to lockers.

Books and other items may not be left in the dining hall or stairwell. In inclement weather, students will be directed to remain in the dining hall.

Students are expected to cooperate in keeping the dining hall clean. Food and trash are never to be thrown, and all waste must be placed in the proper containers. Nothing should be left on the tables. All bottles and cans must be discarded in proper containers. Failure to follow the directives of proctors will result in disciplinary action.

A change of address, phone number, emergency phone number, or any other registration information should be updated in PowerSchool and reported immediately to Mrs. Beth Corletti and the Academic Affairs Office. Public school transportation personnel should be notified several weeks before a change of residence.

If a class cancellation is necessary, a notice will be posted. The application Yapp is installed on all student iPads, and will show the cancellation list each day as well. A student should never merely assume that a class has been cancelled and such an assumption shall NOT be an acceptable excuse for a student who fails to report to a class. Failure to report to a class on time or for the entire period will result in a tardy or class cut.

Each student must reside with at least one custodial parent or legal guardian while he is enrolled at Central Catholic. For students whose second parent or guardian lives at another location, copies of all pertinent mailings can be provided unless prohibited by a court order. Requests for copies to the non-custodial parent should be submitted to the Vice Principal of Academics (Academic Affairs Office).

Students are required to report to all assigned classes, study halls, lunch periods, approved tutorials, liturgies, assemblies, pep rallies, etc. A student who expects to miss a class due to a planned activity or meeting (excluding athletic events) must receive prior permission from the relevant teacher(s).

Failure to report to an assigned period or missing class without the authorization of the teacher or an administrator is considered a class cut. Students who cut class three times will be suspended in school until a parent has met with the Assistant Principal for Student Affairs. Students who cut a class will not be allowed to make up missed academic work, tests, etc.

Attendance at school-sponsored dances is a privilege, not a right. The Student Council sponsors two types of dances:

1. Mixers: For these dances, usually held on campus from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, casual attire is permitted. A student may attend alone or with a date. Students must arrive by 8:15 pm. Admission is determined by the Student Council. Attendees may leave the dance at any time, but will not be permitted to re-enter after departing.
    
2. Date Dances, Prom: These dances require either semi-formal (suit coat and tie) or formal (tuxedo) attire and are held at off-campus sites. If attendees have a date, their name, school, and home phone number must be submitted to the Student Council moderator by the prescribed deadline. Students are required to remain at the dance site for the entire time of the dance. Students must have parental permission, approval of the Assistant Principal for Student Affairs, and be current with tuition payments. T he cost of each dance varies and is announced about a month in advance. Because some dances have limitations on the number of attendees, students must adhere to announced deadlines for reservations.

Policies for Central Catholic dances:

• Only current Central Catholic students may attend.
• Students must present their ID card for admittance.
• Girls from any high school (grades 9-12) may attend.
• All school policies are in effect and enforced.
• Dancing that is considered lewd or vulgar is prohibited.
• No book/gym bags, extra large purses, etc. are allowed.
• Central Catholic is not responsible for lost/stolen personal items.
• Students assigned discipline and academic ineligibility may not attend dances.
• Disruptive behavior will cancel privileges of attending future dances.

Central Catholic has reciprocal agreements with other Diocesan schools regarding student behavior.

Semi-formal, formal dance dress: Students and their dates are expected to dress appropriately for Central Catholic dances. Students are held responsible for their date’s attire and behavior. Those not complying with the dress code will be refused admittance. Inappropriate behavior during the dance may result in the student and his date being told to leave.

Boys: Suits or tuxedos; dress shirt with tie; dress shoes and socks; hair well groomed; face clean shaven; no earrings. Dress shirt and shoes must be worn at all times.

Girls: Semi-formal or floor-length gowns. These may be strapless, halter style, or with spaghetti straps; however, slits on the slide may be only to the knee; no plunging necklines or backs; no bare midriffs or open sides. Semi-formal dresses must be at least knee length. Shoes/sandals must be worn at all times.

The parent directory is for the exclusive use of Central Catholic parents. Its use should be respectful and for the purpose of strengthening the Central Catholic community. The directory will be sent via the Parent Newsletter. Parents can opt out of the directory by checking the box on the Memorandum of Understanding.

*Do not use for advertising, pandering, or use outside of the Central Catholic community. It is to be used by parents and kept confidential to respect others' privacy.

Students are expected to treat each member of our LaSallian community with respect for their cultural, ethnic, and religious heritage. Any student who degrades, harasses, or insults another with ethnic, sexual, or religious slurs, intimidation, gestures, language, or comments will face appropriate consequences.

A Central Catholic student represents his school, his family, and himself at all times. We strive to instill in our students a sense of pride in their appearance and a sense of self-discipline. Our dress code is integral to what sets a Central Catholic student apart signaling them towards their masculinity, unique relationships, and identity, as well as the indispensable quality of being part of this school’s larger community. Because students are expected to be neat, and well groomed, the school has set the following standards of dress. Other standards may be implemented if necessary.

1. Required:
   • Any color dress shirt, designed to be worn with a tie, buttoned at the collar, and tucked into pants
   • A necktie knotted at the collar
   • Solid color dress slacks (without outside pockets, patch pockets or pocket flaps), with a belt worn at the waist
   • Any color socks that cover the ankle
   • Leather dress shoes, loafers, or deck shoes (solid color is preferred). Shoes must be distinctly nonathletic and must cover the heel completely. The Dean of Students/Vice Principal of Student Affairs will be the final arbiters of what constitutes “non-athletic.”
      
2. Permitted:
   • A sport coat or blazer (shirt collar and tie must be visible)
   • Official school sweater or vest, which can be purchased in the school bookstore
   • Team jerseys (worn over the shirt and tie), uniforms or other outerwear only on special occasions. Team captain(s) and moderators should see Assistant Principal for Student Affairs for WRITTEN permission.
3. Not Permitted:
   • Outerwear that is not official school outerwear. Apparel (including pins or buttons) with suggestive, vulgar, inflammatory, libelous, or inappropriate lettering, words, designs, or pictures, or references to alcoholic beverages, drugs, or tobacco products
   • Flannel shirts, outerwear, sweatshirts, jackets, work clothes, denim-wear, cargo pants or pants with patch pockets, flaps, or outside attachments
   • Dickie-brand pants, work style pants, or pants with metal rivots
   • ANY type of boot or any other shoe that rises above the ankle. Slippers or other shoes that are fur or flannel lined are also not permitted.
   • Earrings or other similar adornments or jewelry, chains, necklaces, clamps, excessively large key holders used as wearing apparel, or studded belts
   • Ripped, torn, sliced, patched, discolored, over-sized, or excessively baggy pants or shirt
   • Visible tattoos, body piercing, plugs of any kind
   • Baseball caps, hats, bandannas, sunglasses, or any other type of headgear, at any time in the building • Jackets, hoodies, pullovers, vests, and other outerwear, EVEN THOSE that bear the Central name or logo or that of one of its athletic teams.
   • Any excessive alteration of clothing, like rolling of the sleeves and cuffing of the pants.
   • Fingernail paint or painted fingernails and facial makeup

Hairstyle: All hair on the head must be its natural color, clean, and not totally covering the ears or eyes, or falling below the shirt collar. A single black hair tie may be used to pull the hair back to remain in compliance. Mohawks, or hairstyles with designs, patterns, and lines are not permitted. Hair shall not exceed 3-½ inches from the scalp. Sideburns may not extend below the ear or extend toward the cheek. Eyebrows may not have designs, patterns and or lines in them. This is not permitted.

Facial Hair: Students are to be clean-shaven. Neatly trimmed mustaches are permitted. Goatees, chin or lower lip hair are not permitted. A doctor’s note about a skin condition must state a minimum requirement for shaving.

Compliance: Students are to comply with the dress code throughout the school day, including arrival and departure. Students who disregard the dress code may be sent home or suspended from school until the violation is corrected. They may also be assigned conduct points and detentions. Four violations will be cause for out-of-school suspension until a meeting can be held with parents.

A physically incapacitated student may wear an alternative shoe if he submits a physician’s request written on the physician’s stationery. The request, stating the medical condition and the expected length of recuperation, must be submitted to the Dean of Students. Faculty are expected to and will enforce the dress code. The Vice Principal of Student Affairs and the Dean of Students are the final arbiters of the appropriateness of a student’s appearance.

Reciprocal Students: Students from other schools attending classes at Central Catholic must adhere to their school’s written dress code and comply with Central Catholic’s policy to be neat and clean. While attending or visiting other schools, Central Catholic students must adhere to the required Central Catholic dress code, regardless of that school’s dress code policies.

Use of Personal Electronic Devices (PED), such as iPhones, or any other cellular device is not permitted during the school day. Cell phones are best kept in the student locker throughout the day. Students' primary focus is to learn and be engaged in the community of learning and faith. Being on an electronic device is counter and detracts from this goal and the overall environment of Central Catholic High School. If a teacher or staff member sees an electronic device out or that a device is a distraction to the environment of the classroom, place of study, or any place in the building they will take the phone from the student and follow school procedure, which includes turning the phone into the Dean of Students or the administrator.

• 1st offense – Student will receive 3 conduct points. The phone will be turned into the Discipline Office for 3 school days. Phone will be dropped off at the Discipline Office prior to the start of 1st period. Failure to do so will result in additional consequences.
• 2nd offense – Student will receive 3 conduct points.  The phone will be turned into the Discipline Office prior to the start of 1st period for 10 consecutive school days. Failure to do so will result in additional consequences.
• 3rd offense – Parent/Guardian will be required to meet with administrators and/or the Dean of Discipline to pick up the student’s phone. The student will receive 3 conduct points. The phone will be turned into the Discipline Office for a 30-day period. Failure to do so will result in another parent meeting to retrieve the phone. 

*It is the student’s responsibility to turn phone into the office. Failure to comply with policy will result in parent pickup.

Additionally, the use of smartwatches and personal iPads/tablets is not permitted. Other than the exception noted above, PEDs and similar items may not be used or visible during the school day. Laptop computers and school-issued iPads may be used in classrooms ONLY at the discretion of individual classroom teachers (See Technology Policies on page 45). Headphones may only be worn in the library. Students are not permitted to wear headphones while walking in the halls during school hours. Use of these devices in common areas is a privilege and must be done responsibly within the guidelines set forth in this handbook for acceptable internet use (see page 29). The non-educational use of any technological resource during the school day is prohibited and will result in loss of privileges. For exceptions, see the Assistant Principal for Student Affairs. Violations of this policy may result in confiscation of the item for the timeframe listed above. School personnel retain the right to review cell phone content to the extent necessary to verify a suspected policy violation. A student’s failure to cooperate in such review shall constitute an admission of the policy violation and result in the administration of disciplinary action consistent with the policy.

Headphones are not permitted to be worn throughout the building. Any student who fails to comply with school policy will have their headphones/AirPods confiscated and turned in to the Discipline Office. The student will receive 3 conduct points as part of their consequence. Students’ items will be returned at the end of the school day. Students are permitted to wear headphones in the Library and Cafeteria only. Students transitioning to class, walking the quad, or in the stairways are not permitted to have their headphones on their heads or around their necks. 

Central Catholic is constantly looking to improve its prevention of and response to emergency situations. Each month, the school will rehearse fire and/or lockdown drills. Students are expected to cooperate and be attentive to all directions during all drills and certainly all emergencies. If an emergency were to occur, parents will be updated via the voice-mail system, e-mail, and social media sites. Due to our urban location, it is vital that parents do NOT come to the school during a school emergency. Family reunification will be conducted in an orderly manner with the help of emergency personnel.

The school sets attendance and participation requirements for school activities. Students must attend at least 4 class periods in order to participate, practice, or attend any school activity on that day. Failure to meet and maintain the standards of academics, attendance, punctuality, and discipline may affect participation in sports and activities. Students assigned academic or disciplinary ineligibility may not participate or practice in any school activities. A student assigned disciplinary ineligibility may not attend any school-sponsored activities.

Students are not permitted to exchange currency or to buy or sell merchandise anywhere on school property. Students are not permitted to solicit money from other students anywhere on school premises without the explicit approval of the Vice Principal of Student Affairs.

Fighting, instigating a fight, or threatening others will not be tolerated. The first offense will result in suspension; a second offense may result in immediate expulsion. If threatened by another, the student should immediately inform a school official

Students participating in a field trip or off-campus, class-related educational program are required to have parental permission and conform to the Central Catholic dress code. For walking tours, students may wear tennis shoes.

Sounding a false fire alarm is illegal and will be subject to stern disciplinary measures, including notification of civil authorities, administrative punishment, and probable expulsion.

Early in the school year, Central Catholic sponsors a Lottery Ticket Fundraiser to support club activities. To receive funds, authorized activities must submit an annual financial report to the Business Office and allow Central Catholic students and faculty free admission to regular-season home events. The funding amount is determined by the number of students in the organization who met their sales quota. This is executed by the Vice Principal of Student Affairs.

In the spring, the school sponsors the Viking Victory Auction, the proceeds of which provide tuition assistance and improvements to the school building. Student volunteers are needed for this major fundraiser.

Some booster organisations conduct fundraisers during the school year. Each fundraising plan must be approved by the Executive Director of Enrollment Management, who will schedule them in the school calendar. Fundraising activities must have the approval of the Executive Director of Enrollment Management to use Central Catholic’s name, mascot, or logo.

For individual requests for a funeral, students should follow the early dismissal or absence procedures.

Betting and gambling are forbidden on school property. Any game or activity that disrupts the orderly atmosphere of the school, including the cafeteria, is also forbidden.

We and the wider community hold our students to a high standard of courtesy. Students are expected to respect persons and property in every situation. They should be particularly courteous toward the elderly and disabled, the school’s neighbors, and local merchants.

Students are expected to follow the rules of courtesy on public transit, in business establishments, on private property, sidewalks, etc.

Each Central Catholic student is responsible for upholding the good reputation of the school. A student involved in public misconduct, bringing discredit to himself or Central Catholic through inappropriate, unethical, or unlawful activity within or outside the school, is subject to disciplinary consequences, including expulsion.

Unlawful or unethical activity includes, but is not limited to, membership, involvement, or association with a group or gang that engages in violence, harassment, or intimidation of others; the use or sale of illegal substances; theft; possession of a weapon; use of print, visual, or electronic media for harassment, intimidation, etc. Wearing gang paraphernalia, using gang signs, symbols, or graffiti will be considered evidence of gang association. These actions will result in stern disciplinary action, including possible expulsion.

When school officials are notified of behavior contrary to the values and policies of Central Catholic High School and that violate the Memorandum of Understanding, parents will be required to meet with the Vice Principal of Student Affairs and disciplinary consequences will be applied, including the possibility of expulsion.

At the beginning of the school year each student receives an ID card and lanyard that must be worn throughout the school day. ID cards must be shown for free admission to home athletic and cultural events. When requested, the student must provide the card to faculty, staff, bus drivers, and other appropriate adults. Replacement ID cards may be obtained from the Director of Technology upon payment of a $5.00 fee.

If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the following steps should be followed to safeguard the student and school community.

• Whether the student is in class or going to class, he must explain his condition to the teacher with whom he is scheduled.
• The student should request from the teacher a note to go to the Nurse’s Office. If the nurse is unavailable, the student should report immediately to the Office of Student Affairs.
• If the student should become ill or is injured during a scheduled free period, he should report to the Office of Student Affairs.
• If the student’s illness or injury prevents him from safely going to the classroom, he should send another student to inform the teacher of the situation.
• The nurse or administrator will determine the extent of the illness or injury and may contact a parent or guardian. • Students are not to call parents to arrange to be released.
• Students who are ill during the school day must see the nurse for evaluation. There is a nurse here every day for the students. Under no circumstances should students be texting or calling their parents to arrange for an early dismissal without first seeing the nurse. If the situation warrants, our nurse will contact the parents/guardians to arrange for pick up. If the student reaches out to their parents without seeing the nurse for evaluation, the absence will not be excused.

Under no circumstances may a student absent himself from class, call a parent to release him from school, or leave school grounds without proper permission.

The internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to benefit from. With such technology comes great responsibility. Negative, slanderous, or libel comments posted on the internet regarding other students or Central Catholic staff is prohibited. Such behavior is contrary to the Christian values of Central Catholic and violates the Diocesan Memorandum of Understanding. Students who post illegal, inappropriate, or harassing information on the internet will be subject to disciplinary consequences including, but not limited to, termination of technology privileges, conduct points, detentions, suspension, and possible expulsion. Central Catholic students represent themselves, their parents and the school at all times and are accountable for their actions.

A student who is late for class is marked tardy. If he has no valid, written excuse, he will be assigned conduct points and detention by the Dean of Students. A student who is less than 5 minutes late will be given 1 conduct point and 1 detention. If he is 5 or more minutes late, he will be given  2 conduct points and 2 detentions. A student who is more than 20 minutes late will receive  5 conduct points and 3 detentions.

The library is a quiet area for study, reading, and research. Students are expected to use the available resources as aids in fulfilling the goals of their academic program. Students must enter the library at the beginning and remain until the end of the class period. Students may not use the library during their lunch period, and must bring materials necessary for study. Social conversations are NOT permitted, but the librarian or the proctor may let students work together quietly. Students are not permitted to bring book bags or food into the library, nor to leave book bags outside the library entrance.

Failure to return library materials will result in the withholding of report cards (or diplomas for seniors). The replacement cost of lost books must be paid in full.

Each student is assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year. All lockers must be secured with a school-issued lock at all times. All lockers are the property of Central Catholic. Students are not permitted to switch lockers with other students or to place belongings in an empty locker without approval of the Vice Principal for Student Affairs. Lockers may be checked periodically by homeroom teachers and/or school administrators and are subject to search at any time at the discretion of the Administration. At no time should a student use another student’s locker nor allow another student to use his locker.

Care of the lockers and of personal property is the responsibility of the student. The school is not responsible for the loss of property stored in lockers. Students are also responsible for the repair of damaged, broken, or vandalized lockers.

A student tampering with another’s lock or locker will face stern disciplinary action.

The Administration may confiscate materials and books from an unlocked locker and hold them until the lock is replaced. The use of lockers is a privilege, not a right. Students shall have no expectation of privacy therein as the school retains the rights to conduct both announced and unannounced locker searches. Discovery of illegal materials in a school locker may result in discipline up to and including expulsion and/or referral to appropriate authorities.

Students should report lost items and return found items to the Office of the Dean of Students as promptly as possible.

Marking devices (felt-tip markers, paint spray cans, paint markers, etc.) containing permanent ink and paints are forbidden for personal use on campus.

Students are not permitted to carry prescriptive or non-prescriptive medication with them at school. If medication must be administered during school hours, the following procedures will be followed.

Prescriptive Medication: The medication, with the student’s name clearly marked on the container provided by the pharmacist, must be taken to the school nurse. The container label must include the name of the medication with date, dosage, and frequency of administration.

For all medications (prescriptive and non-prescriptive) taken in school, parents must sign an Indemnification Agreement. Students requiring oral inhalers, insulin, allergy, or insect bite antidotes are permitted to carry these items if their parents have signed an Indemnification Agreement.

Non-Prescriptive Medication: Parents or guardians must sign an Over the Counter Medication Authorization form in order for students to receive non-prescriptive medications (e.g., Tylenol, ibuprofen, Di-Gel, calamine lotion, Anbesol, etc.) from the school nurse. 

Mothers are encouraged to join and actively participate in the Central Catholic Mothers’ Guild. The Mothers’ Guild sponsors the annual Fashion Show.

Any printed, illustrated, electronic, or recorded material that is considered by the school to be pornographic or offensive is forbidden on school property and at any school-related activity. The school will apply the prohibition at its discretion. 

When Central Catholic has an early dismissal or is not in session, students are not permitted on the property of another school. If a student has a legitimate reason to be at another school, he must first report to the main office of that school. Appropriate behavior is always expected. Policies of Central Catholic are in effect at all other schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Parent communication is done primarily through the twice weekly though the Parent Newsletter, which is sent out to the e-mail on file.

During the school day, ALL PARENTS & VISITORS ARE TO PARK IN VISITOR PARKING AND ENTER THROUGH THE ADA ENTRANCE ON FIFTH AVENUE (DOOR Q). ALL PARENTS AND VISITORS MUST CHECK IN AT THE WELCOME DESK. Parents and visitors will NOT BE allowed to enter through the QUAD doors. Drop-in visits to students are not permitted. If an emergency arises, the parent should notify the Office of Student Affairs (Office of Student Affairs or Welcome Center). If necessary, the student will be called to the office. If an item must be given to a student, it should be left in the Welcome Center. The student will be notified to retrieve it. Parental visits to observe a student in class are usually not permitted. 

ADD BUTTON THAT LINKS TO PARKING INFORMATION

Central Catholic may take, edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, distribute, and make use of any and all pictures, or video taken of its students to be used in and/or for legally promotional materials, including, but not limited to, newsletters, flyers, posters, brochures, broadcast, advertisements, fundraising letters, annual reports, press kits, and submissions to journalists, websites, social networking sites, and other print and digital communications, without payment or any other consideration. Central Catholic may use students’ statements given during an interview or guest lecture, with or without his name, for the purpose of advertising and publicity without restriction. 

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires all secondary school students to take physical education. To be excused from an individual physical education class, the student must present a note to the teacher from a parent or physician. To be excused from physical education classes for more than one week, the student must present a physician’s note to the Academic Affairs Office.

Posters, banners, and signs of any type must be approved by the Vice Principal for Student Affairs. Unapproved material will be removed and discarded. Posters, etc. must be hung on a brick surface. Immediately after the advertised event, all signs, tape, etc. must be completely removed.

Students must complete religion course requirements and attend required religious activities. Absence from a day of reflection requires attendance at an alternative program, pre-approved by the Administration and Campus Ministry. The alternate program must be completed by the end of the school year (before graduation for seniors). Failure to complete this requirement will result in an incomplete grade for the religion course and required attendance at summer school.

Students are not permitted to privately sell or purchase on school property ANY merchandise that is not part of an approved school activity or fundraiser.

The regular school day begins at 8:05 am and concludes at 2:30 pm. After the sixth period, students may leave campus if they have no scheduled classes, assemblies, meetings, or faculty appointments. Students may not leave campus at any other time. If a student leaves the campus, he is not permitted to return before the regular dismissal. Students assigned academic or disciplinary ineligibility may not leave campus until 2:30 p.m. Following dismissal, students are permitted on the first floor only, where the after-school proctor can supervise them until 4:45 pm. On most days, the library is open until 3:00 pm.

To maintain a safe and secure learning environment, the school reserves the right to search a student, his locker, belongings, desk, or any vehicle parked on school grounds. Searches by a school official may occur at any time, usually on reasonable suspicion of a possible violation of civil or criminal law or school regulations. In rare cases, police may use trained dogs in searches of lockers, cars, and empty areas of the property. During such a search, the school will be in lockdown status, with no movement in the school until directed by the Administration. Students will stay in their classrooms or be directed to another area. With reasonable suspicion, the school reserves the right to use a drug detection swab test to determine the presence of illegal substances.

Simply Sisters is the school photographer. Students will be scheduled in the spring of their junior year to sit for their yearbook photograph. Students must receive permission from the Office of Student Affairs to have their senior photograph taken by another studio.

Sexual harassment is any form of unwarranted or uninvited sexual behavior imposed on a person by another. Central Catholic will not tolerate harassment in any form. Allegations of harassment will be investigated thoroughly. Stern disciplinary action will be taken if an allegation is substantiated.

When school might be closed or delayed, please do not phone the school. Listen to TV or radio for information. The Administration conveys information to KDKA (channel 2), WTAE (channel 4), and WPXI (channel 11). A phone call will be made via the School Messenger system and the school will post the delay or closing on official school social media. If there is a delay rather than closure, follow Central Catholic’s DELAYED SCHEDULE. If a conflict occurs between what Central Catholic has announced and what your home school district has announced, follow the schedule announced by your public school district when relying on your school district’s bus (not PAT) transportation. Otherwise, follow the schedule for Central Catholic.

Students are encouraged to attend school events and activities and to cooperate in maintaining Central Catholic’s reputation for good sportsmanship. Fans’ behavior should always manifest politeness and respect, never interfering with another spectator’s right to enjoy the event. Decisions of the officials must always be respected. Booing, vulgar, or insulting gestures or cheers reflect negatively on our fans and on the school. Visiting teams and fans are our guests; their fans and cheerleaders should be given a fair opportunity to cheer. A student who does not conduct himself appropriately will be told to leave the event and may forfeit the privilege of attending future activities.

Stealing is a serious breach of personal integrity and will result in stern disciplinary measures, including the possibility of expulsion. If an item is found, it should immediately be taken to the Office of the Dean of Students.

Students receive daily communication during the school day through the daily announcement on the PA system and VNN (student-run news network). Students are responsible for paying attention and knowing the content communicated.

Unfortunately, Central Catholic is not a handicapped accessible building. Students requiring the use of crutches should receive training from a physical therapist in negotiating stairs. If an injury prevents a student from complying with the dress code, an exception should be sought from the Dean of Students. A student who obtains a medical excuse for physical education class or has a parent or physician’s request to wear tennis shoes may NOT participate in any athletic program for that day and for the duration of his incapacity. Requests to wear tennis shoes must be submitted to the Dean of Students.

Access to student records is governed by diocesan policy, in compliance with the Department of Education Regulations on Pupil Records, and is consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy (Buckley) Act of 1974, as amended. The Principal may release student records after receiving a request in writing from a parent or guardian. All debts must be settled and books returned before records will be released. Contact the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs for information.

Students are responsible for all books in their possession. If a book is lost or damaged, the student will be required to pay the replacement cost.

The possession or use of tobacco products is forbidden on school property, school buses, or at any school-related activity. Products include, but are not limited to smoke tobacco, chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes, or vaping devices and products. Because E-cigarettes and vaping devices can be used for the consumption of illegal materials, those items may be treated as drug paraphernalia. 

Student transfers from Central Catholic High School must be initiated with the Vice Principal of Academics. Records will not be transferred without a written request from a parent or guardian. All debts must be settled before transcripts will be forwarded.

Central Catholic High School uses video surveillance cameras to record access at building entrances, hallways, and the school parking lot. The cameras are not used to observe student/employee work areas, and are never used in areas where students/employees would have an expectation of privacy, such as restrooms or locker rooms. The primary purpose of the video surveillance system is to allow for after-the-fact investigation of crimes or incidents committed on school grounds. Video surveillance can be monitored by the Dean of Students, Director of Technology, and Director of Maintenance. Because of the many responsibilities of these positions, the video surveillance system is not monitored on a continuous basis. If a suspected crime has been committed, non-employees should be encouraged to report it to the police. If it is believed that recorded video from Central Catholic would assist in the investigation of the crime, the police should contact the Vice Principal for Student Affairs. Copies of video will not be released to non-employees.

ALL VISITORS MUST ENTER THE BUILDING THROUGH THE ADA DOOR ON FIFTH AVENUE (DOOR Q) AND CHECK IN AT THE WELCOME CENTER. Visitors are to depart the building when their business is concluded.

Work permit paperwork is available in the Counseling Center. Completed applications should be returned to the appropriate public school district.

Carrying a weapon anywhere on the school property, on vehicles transporting students, or at a school-related activity is absolutely forbidden. A weapon is defined as a gun, knife, or any other article that could be used to cause injury.

If a student is found in possession of a weapon, his parents will be immediately notified. The matter will be referred to the local police if the Administration considers it appropriate. After a review of the facts of the incident, the Administration will decide the appropriate disciplinary measures, including possible expulsion (Diocese of Pittsburgh Policy 630).