BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

DePaul Prep expects all students to live our core values of Faith, Respect, Excellence, Service and Health at all times and in all situations whether on campus, off campus, or online. Your acceptance of DePaul College Prep’s invitation to join our community of faith and learning is also your commitment to employ a FRESH attitude and approach everyday.

A DePaul College Prep student:
F -Finds inspiration in spirituality; possesses faith to uphold high moral standards both in person and online--refraining from libelous, slanderous remarks, hateful, discriminatory, derogatory and obscenities in verbal and/or written communications.

R -Learns, adheres to and respects the rules, regulations, and authority established by school administration, faculty and staff; raises awareness of intolerant, harassing, or bullying behaviors and assists fellow Rams by reporting such behaviors.

E -Strives for excellence by initiating and staying involved with a task until completion; engages in responsible decision-making around learning and social interaction; takes responsibility for their own actions and accepts consequences of their actions; promotes teamwork and collaboration.

S -Inspires peers and adults in service to others; embraces an attitude of love and empathy for others; adheres to the highest level of respect and dignity reflecting positively on oneself and DePaul College Prep, on or off-campus and online; challenges situations of injustice.

H -Seeks balance and self-improvement for the benefit of their health and well-being; develops self-management, self-advocacy, and social skills necessary to achieve academic success in high school and higher education; commits to regular and frequent communication regarding progress and needs.

DePaul Prep students are expected to represent the core values of the school at all times. Behaviors that are inconsistent with our core values or damage the reputation of DePaul College Prep, its students and faculty are not acceptable and are subject to discipline.
 

All DePaul Prep students are required to submit work that is entirely a result of their own effort and to pursue academic achievement with integrity. Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy directly contradict our core values and are not tolerated at DePaul College Prep.  Examples of these violations include cheating, plagiarism, and obtaining and providing an unfair advantage. All instances of academic integrity at DePaul College Prep are tracked by teachers and will be reported to the Dean’s Office for assessment and consequences. Depending on the severity of the offenses, consequences may include expulsion.

VIOLATIONS
Cheating: Examples of cheating during a quiz, test, or other assessment include, but are not limited to:

1. Giving the appearance of cheating which means having a cell phone or notebook visible during a digital or non-digital assessment.
2. Using notes, answers, calculators, electronic messages/images, online language translators, or other aids such as cheat sheets or crib sheets without the teacher’s explicit permission. 
3. Copying from someone else’ s work; students are responsible for keeping their eyes on their own papers or screens only.
4. Communication of any type (verbal, electronic or otherwise) between students during a quiz, test or other assessment is strictly prohibited.
5. During a digital assessment any action that results in an unfair advantage or that could lead to the sharing of test materials. Examples include but are not limited to: 
   1. Split Screen or swiping up
   2. Taking a screenshot
   3. Pressing the home button
   4. Attempting to access the test or quiz when not in the classroom or accessing it without the teacher’s permission

Note: If the student performs any of the above actions during an assessment, the assessment will be terminated and the teacher will have the right to confiscate the assessment.

Other examples of cheating include but are not limited to:

1. Copying or allowing another student to copy from homework or other assignments such as a take-home exam or quiz, project, report, presentation, etc.
2. Dual submission of a paper or assignment to two or more different teachers without their prior expressed knowledge and consent. 
3. Changing answers on a test, assessment, project, etc. after grading.
4. Forging a parent/guardian’s signature on an assessment.
5. Stealing copies of tests or answer keys.
6. Changing grades in a grade book or altering a computer grading program.

Plagiarism: Examples include but are not limited to:

1. Submitting a paper or presentation obtained from a research service or term paper mill.
2. Turning in parts of or a whole paper or presentation written or produced by another person with or without that person’s knowledge.
3. Intentionally or unintentionally failing to cite the source of text, audio, visual, or digital materials copied or paraphrased in the paper or presentation.
4. Attributing an idea, fact, or quotation to an incorrect, false, or made-up source.
5. Submitting one’s identical or substantially similar work for credit more than once, without prior explicit consent from the receiving instructor.
6. Unauthorized copying and pasting or duplicating the whole or parts of copy-righted works (such as books, articles, websites, art, music, photos, digital images, videos, etc.). Cite the source.

Note: Guidelines on conducting research and avoiding plagiarism are provided in the course syllabus. It is the responsibility of the student to know and follow each department’s rules for citation as instructed by the faculty member or the school librarian.

Obtaining or Providing an Unfair Advantage: Examples include but are not limited to:

1. Working with others on assignments when the teacher has prohibited collaboration.
2. Verbally or digitally providing other students with information regarding a test, quiz, or other assessment.
3. Accepting information about a test, quiz, or other assessment. Note: Giving or copying answers during an examination are examples of cheating; see above.

To ensure academic integrity, all major written assignments must be submitted through turnitin.com. 

VIOLATION OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

1. The student will not receive credit for the assignment.
2. If the first academic integrity violation is on a formative assessment, the student will receive a Tier 1 warning. 
3. If the first academic integrity violation is on a summative assessment, it will be considered a Tier 2 offense. The student will receive a Saturday Detention. 

Second Offense: The teacher will email the student and parent/guardian directly and informs the Dean's, Counselor, and the Assistant Principal of the offense. The Deans will schedule a meeting with the student, parent/guardian, and student's counselor. 

1. The student will not receive credit for the assignment.
2. The student will receive a Saturday Detention. 
3. The student will be placed on an Academic Probation Contract. 
4. The counselor will support to the student to change this behavior.

Third Offense: The teacher and Dean of Students will meet with the student and parent/guardian directly and inform the student’s counselor and the Assistant Principal of the third academic integrity violation. A third offense is grounds for dismissal from DePaul College Prep. 
 

Please read the policy carefully.  Discuss with your student to ensure that they and you understand the ramifications of violations of the Substance Use Policy.

Substance Use Policy

CELL PHONES/Smart Watches

Our priority is to provide the most effective learning environment for our students every day, while protecting the integrity of the teaching profession. Our data indicate that both cell phone and smartwatch usage in the classroom disrupt the learning and teaching process, limits and/or negates social interactions, impedes student focus, and jeopardizes the integrity of our IT systems. Due to the negative effects on the learning environment, the following revisions have been made to our policy regarding cell phones and smartwatches in the classroom:

Effective August 2024, cell phones and smartwatches must be stored in the student’s assigned locker during the school day (7:45 am -2:50 pm).

FAQs

Is there a cell phone/smartwatch ban on our campus? 

No, this is not a cell phone ban/smartwatch ban; it is a limit to access cell phones/smartwatches during instructional time.

How can students and parents/guardians stay in touch during the school day? 

Students and parents/guardians may stay in touch through email and/or calling the front desk @ 773-539-3600 x 5027. 

What if a student becomes sick?

If your child becomes sick during the school day, they should report this to their teacher and/or report to the Nurses Office. The Nurses Office will communicate with parents about next steps, early dismissal, etc.

What if a student or parent has an urgent situation and needs to be in touch with each other?

 In case of emergencies or urgent situations during class time, parents/guardians should call the front desk @ 773-539-3600 x 5027. If a student needs to contact their parents/guardians during class time, they should let their teacher know. The teacher will assist them in accessing a phone (all classrooms have phones) or making contact.

How do we know our students are safe if there is a school-wide safety concern, such as a lockdown? 

DePaul College Prep staff are prepared to handle emergencies and will prioritize student safety above all else. Our staff are trained to respond quickly and appropriately to any emergency that may arise, and we have systems in place to communicate with emergency services and notify parents or guardians as needed.

What are the consequences for phone usage with this new policy?

Students who are noncompliant with the cell phone policy will be given a Tier 2 Discipline warning for each infraction. Staff will have discretion on allowing a student to return the cell phone to their locker and/or request a Dean to confiscate the phone until the end of the school day. 

Should I be worried about my child’s cell phone/smartwatch getting stolen? 

Cell phone theft prevention can be ensured by the use of the students assigned locker and school issued combination lock. 

Backpacks

Backups are to be kept in the student’s locker. Students should only carry their necessary belongings to their classes. An 8.5”L x 5”H bag is allowed to carry to class for pencil/pens, calculator and other smaller items. Students will be allowed to go to their locker prior to the first bell and during passing periods to pick up their necessary belongings for their classes.

Lockers

• Only school issued locks are permitted on the lockers.  Lockers are to be KEPT LOCKED.  Students are only to use the locker assigned to them; any changes must be approved by the Dean. Students are not to give locker combinations or share lockers with anyone at any time.
• DePaul College Prep is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Students should not bring expensive personal items into the school (i.e. jewelry, and other expensive articles of clothing). All lost, damaged, or stolen items should be reported to the Dean of Students.
• Lockers are the property of DePaul College Prep and subject to search by a designated DePaul Prep representative at any time and for any reason.
• Students who vandalize lockers will be held accountable for restitution and face disciplinary consequences on a case-by-case basis.  Students who possess permanent markers and substances that can make the locker dysfunctional will face disciplinary consequences on a case-by-case basis.  Students who are in possession of another student's lock may face a serious discipline action and/or expulsion.  
• Food or drinks for lunches are to be removed from lockers at the end of every day.
• Gym bags are to be stored in lockers 
• Students may only go to their lockers in the designated time in the morning, during change of class, and immediately after school. 
• If a locker does not work properly (i.e., it is jammed, the combination will not work, or the student forgot the locker combination), the student should report this to the Dean of Students, immediately.

Our primary role at DePaul Prep is to ensure students are academically, emotionally and socially prepared for a successful transition into college. To do this, we have developed a culture of academic achievement at DePaul Prep that provides students with appropriate levels of support so that they can move from their freshman year through to the senior year, growing in their academic skill  and ability to be an independent learner.

Culture of Achievement, Support, and Accountability

SIZES TO FIT EVERYONE

Dress Code

ACCEPTABLE  SCHOOL ATTIRE

NOTE: The Administration reserves the right to determine whether a style of dress or a style, length, or coloring in hair is appropriate and in keeping with the philosophy of DePaul College Prep. Teachers are primarily responsible for enforcing the dress code. 

FEMALES 

• White button-down dress shirt, long or short sleeves with school logo, fully buttoned and tucked in OR white, navy blue, or lake blue DePaul College Prep polo shirt, including dri-fit, clean and tucked in.
• Blazer is optional (see Tommy Hilfiger’s website)
• Navy or Khaki docker style pants (chinos) purchased from the DePaul Prep section of the Tommy Hilfiger website.
• Uniform khaki shorts from Tommy Hilfiger are acceptable attire in warm weather or August - September and April - May.
• Yoga-wear, form fitting pants, jeggings, leggings and sweatpants are not allowed; no elastic or tight-fitting cuffs on the ankle. 
• Hair must be neat, clean, and professional.
• Hair color must be a natural color (blonde, brunette, black, auburn) 
• Excessive jewelry is not allowed to be worn in the building during school hours.
• A maximum of two earrings per ear.

MALES 

• White button-down dress shirt, long or short sleeves with school logo, fully buttoned and tucked in OR white, navy blue, or lake blue DePaul College Prep polo shirt, including dri-fit, clean and tucked in.
• Blazer is optional (See Tommy Hilfiger’s website)
• Navy or Khaki docker style pants (chinos) purchased from the DePaul Prep section of the Tommy Hilfiger website.
• Uniform khaki shorts from Tommy Hilfiger are acceptable attire in warm weather or August-September and April-May.
• Hair must be neat, clean, and professional
• Hair color must be a natural color (blonde, brunette, black, auburn) 
• Males must be cleanly shaven on a daily basis in school. Sideburns must be neatly groomed and no longer than the middle of the ear. Beards and mustaches are not permitted. 
• One piece of  jewelry such as a ring or necklace is allowed to be worn in the building during school hours. 

ALL Students

• All uniforms must be purchased from the Tommy Hilfiger website.
• Navy DePaul College Prep V-neck, crew neck, quarter zip, or cardigan sweaters are the only acceptable outerwear allowed to be worn in school. A DePaul College Prep polo or shirt must be worn under all outerwear.
  • All outerwear must be official DePaul College Prep apparel from either Tommy Hilfiger, the DePaul Prep Spirit Shop, or team athletic shop. DePaul Prep navy or gray fleece or quarter zip are required.
• A school issued DePaul College Prep ID card on the school issued lanyard must be visibly displayed around the neck at all times.
  • Freshman - Red Lanyard
  • Sophomores - Lake Blue Lanyard
  • Juniors - Gray Lanyard
  • Seniors - Seniors may wear a lanyard of their choice (must be school appropriate)
• A belt must be worn at all times; the waist of the pants must be above the waist line and pants must extend to the ankles.
• Socks must be worn at all times in school.
• Shoes:
  • Dress shoes
  • Gym shoes  
  • Boots (no combat, cowboy, high heels, etc.) 
  • All footwear must cover the toes and heel (i.e. no open toe shoes or slip-ons)

SPIRIT WEAR FRIDAYS

• DePaul Prep hooded sweatshirts are allowed only on Spirit Wear Fridays. No other brands of hooded sweatshirts are allowed.
• All club and athletic team apparel purchased through DePaul Prep Team Shops is allowed.
• DePaul Prep athletic team jerseys may only be worn on Spirit Wear Fridays
• DePaul Prep apparel from the Spirit Shop is allowed 
• Uniform bottoms and shoes must be worn
• School I.D.s must be worn; uniform shirts must be tucked in 

The following are Unacceptable Dress and Prohibited from being worn in school:

• Piercings (nose and lip rings)
• Hats
• Headgear – including headphones, headsets, earphones or earbuds (except for study hall) 
• Sunglasses
• Visible Tattoos
• Visible chains, medals, medallions

NOTE: The expectation is that students will arrive at school dressed per the dress code and stay in dress code until the end of the school day, unless you are changing for a school sponsored activity. Decisions on dress code matters are at the sole discretion of the Deans of Students. Students who violate this policy may be refused admission to class or asked to call home for the uniform item to be delivered to school.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORMS

Students taking Physical Education classes are expected to be in their gym uniform during class.

• PE uniforms can be purchased through our uniform vendor, Tommy Hilfiger.

Looking for Custom Fitting, Plus, Husky, Tall, or Slim sizes? Contact Tommy Hilfiger Customer Service at (877) 825-2860 or email customerservice@globalschoolwear.

PE Classes

Our plan is to begin the school year outdoors on the turf field through early November, then transition to the gymnasium at the Gordon Tech Campus from late November through April.

If you have any questions, please contact  Joe Voss,  jvoss@depaulprep.org or Maria Hill, mhill@depaulprep.org