CSHM HIGH SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary College Preparatory High School located in Montebello, California, is an Archdiocesan high school for young men and women.

Every aspect of the school program is based on the foundation of To Teach As Jesus Did, bringing Christ and His message into the educational experience, collaborating with parents as the primary educators to develop "young men and women of character."

The school provides an atmosphere of learning which develops an awareness of self-worth, respect and responsibility toward others, thereby fostering an appreciation of cultural and ethnic diversity. 

All students are challenged to utilize their unique gifts to promote the common good and the glory of God.

Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School offers curricular and co-curricular activities providing all students with opportunities to pursue their interests in a supportive learning environment.

The curriculum prepares students to accept future educational and career challenges.  The co-curricular program encourages students to develop mental and physical skills, a healthy competitive spirit, teamwork, and self-discipline.​

MISSION STATEMENT
Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School, a Catholic college \ preparatory high school owned and operated by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and inspired by the educational and spiritual traditions of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, is committed to the highest quality of Catholic education and provides a nuturing, Catholic educational environment which:

• inspires students to know and to celebrate God's love and to make that love known to others;

• celebrates global and individual diversity;

• calls forth the best in each student;

• develops responsibility, accountability, self-worth, respect for others; and

• challenges students to share their gifts to frame a just and peaceful society so that all may have life​

INTEGRAL STUDENT OUTCOMES​

Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School graduates are young men and women of Catholic Character and Christian Values who...

• Practice the teachings and tenets of the Catholic faith

• Embrace the dignity of life by accepting others with love, respect, honesty, and mercy

Social Justice Awareness who...

• Commit to a relationship with God and empathy for others through a life of service

• Celebrate personal heritage, respect cultural diversity, and recognize the value of collaboration

Harmonious Healthy Living who...

• Live a healthy lifestyle that nurtures the mind, body, and soul

• Maintain stewardship of the environment

Multiple Academic Skills who...

• Affect intellectual curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, and academic integrity

• Communicate effectively and develop proficiency in research, organization, technology, and the arts.

History of CSHM

The name of the school, Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary, represents two very distinguished educational traditions long associated with the San Gabriel Valley.

Cantwell High School was established in 1946 by Reverend John J. Cantwell, Archbishop of Los Angeles. With great respect for their teaching ability, the Archbishop enlisted the Christian Brothers of Ireland to staff the school. It was through their hard work that Cantwell produced the quality education and exceptional young men for which the school is known.

Sacred Heart of Mary High School for young women was founded in 1942 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, an international apostolic institute of religious women. With a tremendous spirit of faith and zeal, this religious congregation established the school as an expression of their mission to make God known and loved.

In July, 1991 these two institutions came together to form Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School also known as CSHM.

Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School is accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Code of Christian Conduct for Schools​

Students can best receive a quality, morally based education if students, parents/guardians, and school staff work together.  As an express condition of enrollment, students and parents/guardians shall follow standards of conduct that are consistent with Christian principles of respect and consideration ("Code of Christian Conduct"). In schools, the principles and expectations arising out of the Code of Christian Conduct include but are not limited to:

• Parents/guardians and school staff are expected to be positive role models for their students and each other.  Accordingly, parents/guardians shall work courteously and cooperatively with school staff and each other to assist students in meeting the academic, moral, and behavioral expectations of the school. 

• Students and parents/guardians may respectfully express their concerns about the school's operations and its staff. However, they may not do so in a manner that is discourteous, scandalous, rumor driven, disruptive, threatening, hostile, or divisive. 

• Parents/guardians and students should communicate concerns directly to the appropriate school staff member on an individual basis. The individual staff member is expected to respond to those concerns appropriately according to the Code of Christian Conduct and the ​Core and Pastoral Values​. Public ​communications by parents/guardians or students such as petitions, group emails, protests, negative social media comments, and group meetings not scheduled by the school violate the Code of Christian Conduct. Note: this provision does not apply to any employee-parent who engages in employment-related concerted activity, including but not limited to picketing and distributing handbills.

• The school environment should enable school staff to carry out their calling as ministers.  Therefore, any parent/guardian or other person whose conduct materially disrupts class work or extracurricular activities or involves substantial disorder violates this principle.

• School staff have the right to serve the school community free from humiliation or harassment. Parents/guardians or other persons may not insult or harass any school staff member in the presence of students, parents/guardians, or other school staff while on school premises, public sidewalks, public streets, other public ways adjacent to school premises, or at some other place if the staff member is required to be there in connection with assigned school activities. 

These expectations for students and parents/guardians include but are not limited to all school-sponsored programs and events (e.g., extended care, athletics, and field trips). ​The school's parent/student handbook may include additional expectations based upon local requirements.

​The school may respond to violations of the Code of Christian Conduct and its principles by requiring parents/guardians to:

• cease the behavior that violates the Code of Christian Conduct or any of its principles

• cooperate with the school to remediate any violations 

• limit the parent(s)/guardian(s) interaction and presence with school staff unless required by the school

• withdraw the family and its enrolled students from the school. If a family is asked to withdraw and declines, the school may expel the family's enrolled students.​

• ​​​​​​​​Code of Christian Conduct for Schools​

  Students can best receive a quality, morally based education if students, parents/guardians, and school staff work together.  As an express condition of enrollment, students and parents/guardians shall follow standards of conduct that are consistent with Christian principles of respect and consideration ("Code of Christian Conduct"). In schools, the principles and expectations arising out of the Code of Christian Conduct include but are not limited to:

  • Parents/guardians and school staff are expected to be positive role models for their students and each other.  Accordingly, parents/guardians shall work courteously and cooperatively with school staff and each other to assist students in meeting the academic, moral, and behavioral expectations of the school. 

  • Students and parents/guardians may respectfully express their concerns about the school's operations and its staff. However, they may not do so in a manner that is discourteous, scandalous, rumor driven, disruptive, threatening, hostile, or divisive. 

  • Parents/guardians and students should communicate concerns directly to the appropriate school staff member on an individual basis. The individual staff member is expected to respond to those concerns appropriately according to the Code of Christian Conduct and the ​Core and Pastoral Values​. Public ​communications by parents/guardians or students such as petitions, group emails, protests, negative social media comments, and group meetings not scheduled by the school violate the Code of Christian Conduct. Note: this provision does not apply to any employee-parent who engages in employment-related concerted activity, including but not limited to picketing and distributing handbills.

  • The school environment should enable school staff to carry out their calling as ministers.  Therefore, any parent/guardian or other person whose conduct materially disrupts class work or extracurricular activities or involves substantial disorder violates this principle.

  • School staff have the right to serve the school community free from humiliation or harassment. Parents/guardians or other persons may not insult or harass any school staff member in the presence of students, parents/guardians, or other school staff while on school premises, public sidewalks, public streets, other public ways adjacent to school premises, or at some other place if the staff member is required to be there in connection with assigned school activities. 

  These expectations for students and parents/guardians include but are not limited to all school-sponsored programs and events (e.g., extended care, athletics, and field trips). ​The school's parent/student handbook may include additional expectations based upon local requirements.

  ​ The school may respond to violations of the Code of Christian Conduct and its principles by requiring parents/guardians to:

  • cease the behavior that violates the Code of Christian Conduct or any of its principles

  • cooperate with the school to remediate any violations 

  • limit the parent(s)/guardian(s) interaction and presence with school staff unless required by the school

  • withdraw the family and its enrolled students from the school. If a family is asked to withdraw and declines, the school may expel the family's enrolled students.

For the most current list of school personnel, please visit www.cshm.org​ and select the about us tab.  There you will find a comprehensive list of Faculty and Staff.

School Calender

CSHM Bell Schedule

Campus Map

The school owns and controls all internet presence including all social media.  Individuals or groups may not personally launch anything that can be regarded as owned, sponsored, endorsed, or supported by the school or any affiliated ministry.  Individuals or groups may not host any school website on their own domain or with a web hosting service that does not have a contract with the school itself.  Those who violate this section will be asked to shut down their site or turn it over to the school.  Failure of a student to comply may result in the removal of the student from the school.​

Under its Zero Tolerance policy, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles​ will not knowingly assign or retain a priest, deacon, religious, lay person, or volunteer to serve in its parishes, schools, other pastoral ministries, or in any other assignment when such an individual has previously engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor (person under 18 years of age).
​​
To be clear, any person who has engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 18:

• May not have any paid or volunteer assignment in any ministry in the archdiocese

• May not engage in any paid or volunteer non-ministerial activity or event

​​The archdiocesan Zero Tolerance policy is broader than the requirements of Mega​n's Law​ and similar statutory restrictions.

• ​​​​​​​​Under its Zero Tolerance policy, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles​ will not knowingly assign or retain a priest, deacon, religious, lay person, or volunteer to serve in its parishes, schools, other pastoral ministries, or in any other assignment when such an individual has previously engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor (person under 18 years of age).
  ​​
  To be clear, any person who has engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 18:

  • May not have any paid or volunteer assignment in any ministry in the archdiocese

  • May not engage in any paid or volunteer non-ministerial activity or event

  ​​The archdiocesan Zero Tolerance policy is broader than the requirements of Mega​n's Law​ and similar statutory restrictions.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Each elementary school, high school, religious education program, confirmation program, and youth ministry program must annually offer the Archdiocese of Los Angeles "Empowering God's Children and Young Pe​opl​​e Safety Program." ​ The program includes home-based materials for parents/guardians to help them understand and support their children's education regarding child sexual abuse prevention.​​​​
​​
All junior high and high school students should recognize that while they are engaged in service or activities that involve children or youth, they are role models who are called to treat each child or youth with respect and care.

Student workers and volunteers must read and sign the Archdioces​​​​​​​​e of Los Angeles Boundary Guidelines and Code of Conduct for Middle and High School Youth Working or Volunteering with Children or Youth​.   This document applies when students or youth hold specific leadership roles in ministerial service (including parishes and schools) and not to interactions with each other as fellow students or family or friends.

​8-25-21

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Each elementary school, high school, religious education program, and youth ministry (including confirmation preparation) must annually offer the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Empowering God's Children & Young Pe​opl​​e​ Safety Program. The program includes home-based materials for parents/guardians to help them understand and support their children's education regarding child sexual abuse prevention.​​​​ 

  To ensure the safety of children and youth in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, all middle and high school age youth, including students who are already 18, who work or volunteer with children or youth in cocurricular school programs or parish ministries must receive training on the Archdioces​​​​​​​​e of Los Angeles Boundary Guidelines and Code of Conduct for Middle and High School Youth Working or Volunteering with Children or Youth​​​ from the adult in charge before beginning their ministry. Youth workers/volunteers and their parents/guardians must sign this form to verify they understand their obligations. This form applies when students or youth hold specific leadership roles in ministerial service (including parishes and schools) and not to interactions with each other as fellow students or family or friends.​

  ​8-25-2021​​​​​​, 1-21-2025

• ​​​Individuals who act as coaches in the Catholic Youth Organization​ or as part-time coaches in CIF-sanctioned school programs (but have no other assignment in the archdiocese) are required to participate in the Play Like a Champ​ion Today​ program. All coaches must also attend​ the 3 hour VIRTUS® Protecting God's Children for Adults​ training.

  8-23-21​

​​​​​​​​​Every year, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles ​Guidelines for Adults Interacting with Minors at Parish or Parish School Activities or Events  ("Adults Interacting with Minors Guidelines with Acknowledgment of Receipt") available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish) must be distributed to, reviewed by, and signed by all staff (whether paid or volunteer), all clergy, and all volunteers who work in any capacity with or around children. The signed acknowledgment of receipt must be on file in an original, copied, or scanned format at the location (see "Safe Environment Training Documents" in the Record Retention Schedule, sorted by ​​​category and record type)​.​​

​​​​​ Working or Volunteering with Children or Youth​​​​
Please see Fingerprinting Policies and Guidelines, Safe Environment: Initial Training, Safe Environment: Training Recertification, and Annual Review of Boundary Guidelines.

​Adults who work or volunteer with children or youth are subject to archdiocesan guidelines and regulations; they must sign the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Guidelines for Adults Interacting with Minors at Parish or Parish School Activities or Events.​

​Junior high and high school students who work or volunteer with children or youth must sign the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Boundary Guidelines and Code of Conduct for Middle and High School Youth Working or Volunteering with Children or Youth.

7-14-20​21​, 8-20-2024​

Every year, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Boundary Guidelines and Code of Conduct​ for Middle and High School Youth Working or Volunteering with Children or Youth must be distributed to, reviewed by, and signed by all youth volunteers (junior high and high school students, including students who are already 18 years old) who work or volunteer with children or youth. The location must provide annual training on these boundary guidelines. The form's signed acknowledgment of receipt must be on file at the parish or school (see "Safe Environment Training Documents" in the Record Retention Schedule, sorted by ​​​category and record type).

• Every year, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Boundary Guidelines and Code of Conduct​ for Middle and High School Youth Working or Volunteering with Children or Youth must be distributed to, reviewed by, and signed by all youth volunteers (junior high and high school students, including students who are already 18 years old) who work or volunteer with children or youth and their parent/guardian. The location must provide annual training on these boundary guidelines. The form's signed acknowledgment of receipt must be on file at the parish or school (see "Safe Environment Training Documents" in the Record Retention Schedule, sorted by ​​​category and record type).

  8-23-2021, 1-23-2025

STUDENT DRESS CODE

Dress and Grooming Regulations

Dress and grooming appropriate for students at a Catholic high school is expected of all students at all school activities or events whether on or off campus. The school administration reserves the right to correct students deemed inappropriately dressed for the occasion and administer disciplinary consequences.

Our official uniform company is

Norman’s Uniforms 
371 W. 6th St., San Pedro, CA 90731 (310) 832-8342

https://www.normansuniforms.com/collections/cantwell-sacred-heart-of-mary-high-school. 

Parental Responsibility:
Since the parent is the primary educator of the student, it is strictly the parents' responsibility to ensure that his/her student is in correct dress on a daily basis while on the campus of Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School.

When a student is found to be out of school dress, that student may be suspended. His/her parent may be asked to come immediately to the school, and to remove his/her student until the next school day. The student will then serve detention time. The record of a student who persists in this behavior will be reviewed by the Disciplinary Review Board which will make a recommendation to the Principal for further action.

Regular Uniform Policy (M-TH)

• Shirts or Blouse

  • Long or short sleeve collared Oxford white shirt. Short sleeve white, Cardinal red or navy knit collared polo shirt with the official CSHM logo sold by Norman's Uniforms. Only school colored short sleeved undershirts are permitted to be worn under shirts or blouses. Thermal underwear may be worn only under a long sleeve shirt or blouse of the same color.

• Pants/Shorts

  • All students may only wear navy or khaki and they are to be relaxed fit. 

  • No tight fitting, oversized, cut, and frayed. 

  • No Dickies, jeans, joggers, leggings, cargo, or pajamas. 

• Skirt  (Girls) 

  • Pleated, or 4-pleated plaid; Skirts must be worn no shorter than three inches above the knee.

• Belts

  • Belts (black, blue and brown with no decoration) are to be worn with pants or shorts and are to be visible at all times.

• Socks

  • Cardinal red, white, gray, black, or navy socks, knee highs or tights may be worn; knee high socks are never to be worn over the knee.

• Shoes

  • Closed dress shoes, boots or athletic shoes may be worn. Shoes must be tied or connected at all times and must be free of any writing.  Sandals, slides and/or Crocs may not be worn.

• Sweaters/Cardigan

  • Cardinal red or navy v-neck and varsity letter sweater. 

• Sweatshirts/Jackets

  • Only CSHM sweatshirts with screened or embroidered official logos approved by the Director of Marketing.  Any club, activity, or sport CSHM sweatshirt or T-shirt must be approved by the Director of Marketing. Non-CSHM clothing is not allowed to be worn.  All students must wear a uniform polo underneath their CSHM sweatshirt at all times.

Formal Uniform Policy

Formal uniform is worn on mass days and on formal occasions and is to be worn the entire school day.

• Boys

  • White long sleeve shirt tucked in, school tie with logo, school/dress pants with belt; no sweatshirts may be worn; closed-toe dress shoes must be worn

• Girls

  • White short sleeve blouse with school logo tucked in, school tie with logo, school/dress pants with belt or skirt; no sweatshirts may be worn; closed-toe dress shoes with socks must be worn

Non-Uniform Day and Dances

At certain times in the school year students are permitted to wear non-uniform clothes to school.  Students must be modestly dressed in every way. The guidelines for these non-uniform dress days:

1. Jeans and walking shorts that are not torn, tight fitting, faded, or oversized may be worn.

2. Pant leggings and yoga pants may not be worn.

3. Undershirts or shirts with vulgar, alcohol, drug, gang related, or inappropriate (as determined by the Dean) imprints are not allowed.

4. Sleeveless blouses, midriffs, spaghetti strap blouses, miniskirts, cutoff shorts, short shorts or sandals without back straps are not allowed.

5. Bandanas are not allowed.

6. Fishnet or torn stockings are not allowed.

Spirit Day Uniform

On designated Spirit Days, students may wear Dean of Students approved CSHM apparel with jeans (no torn, frayed jeans or sweats).  Students violating these guidelines will lose future privileges and may face disciplinary action.​

Game Day Uniform

Individual sports may adopt a unique game day athletic dress to encourage team unity and pride in participation.  This game day athletic dress must be approved by the Dean of Students and Athletic Director or may result in loss of privileges and may face disciplinary action.​ No sweats outfits allowed.

Personal Grooming & Accessories

• Hair must be properly groomed, clean, neat in appearance and must be a natural color. School administration shall determine if a student’s hairstyle violates this policy. ​

• Senior boys are allowed to wear mustaches, or neatly trimmed and appropriate (as determined by the Dean of Students) goatees or beards. All other boys are to be clean shaven.

• Only official CSHM caps or hats may be worn. Caps or hats are never worn in classrooms or inside buildings.

• Boys and Girls may wear moderate jewelry. Make-up may be worn in moderation. Earrings that stretch the earlobe hole "gauging", nose studs or rings or other body piercings are not permitted. Placing a piece of tape, band-aid, or any covering over pierced jewelry will not be accepted. If a piercing cannot be removed for any reason, the student will be sent home. 

• Permanent or temporary tattoos, writing or markings on the body are not permitted.

• Except for student names, writing of any kind, pins, patches, or anything in violation of the spirit of this regulation, on backpacks is not permitted.

The general spirit of the dress code is that students should be modest and moderate in terms of dress and appearance at school and school functions. Compliance with these regulations is subject to the judgment of the school administration.  It is suggested that any questions concerning the appropriateness of any dress/appearance items be referred to the Dean of Students prior to making a styling decision or purchase.

All uniform violations will be confiscated every morning and students will receive detention. 

Non-Compliance with Dress Code and Events

Students at sporting events or other school related events are required to comply with dress standards or may be asked to leave the activity. Students may be liable to disciplinary action.

As noted in the history of Catholic schools in the archdiocese​, religious institutes of women and men were a cornerstone of Catholic education and they continue to make important contributions to archdiocesan, parish, and private Catholic schools.

When a religious organization is charged with the administration and staffing of a school, the Departmen​t of Catholic Schools and a religious institute enter into a written operating agreement covering the relationship. The principal's ​appointment should follow the hiring procedure outlined in this handbook and the principal has the same relationship with and accountability to the Department of Catholic Schools as any other principal of an archdiocesan or parish school. In matters pertaining to the religious institute's ministry of education, the Department of Catholic Schools is also the local Church's official liaison to the religious institutes serving in these schools (Canon 806).  All compensation arrangements for religious staff members in these religious institution-run schools are pursuant to a written contract for services between the religious institute and the school.  All lay staff in a school administered by a religious organization are employed in the form and on the terms specified annually by the archdiocese.  

When an individual religious makes a personal commitment to administer, teach, or otherwise minister in a Catholic school, the Department of Catholic Schools and the religious institute to which the individual belongs, the school, the religious institute, and the individual religious enter into a written agreement covering the relationship. The individual religious is subject to the policies and procedures of the archdiocese and the school in connection with his or her role at the school.

INTEGRAL STUDENT OUTCOMES​

Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School graduates are young men and women of Catholic Character and Christian Values who...

Practice the teachings and tenets of the Catholic faith
Embrace the dignity of life by accepting others with love, respect, honesty, and mercy

Social Justice Awareness who...
Commit to a relationship with God and empathy for others through a life of service
Celebrate personal heritage, respect cultural diversity, and recognize the value of collaboration

Harmonious Healthy Living who...
Live a healthy lifestyle that nurtures the mind, body, and soul
Maintain stewardship of the environment

Multiple Academic Skills who...
Affect intellectual curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, and academic integrity
Communicate effectively and develop proficiency in research, organization, technology, and the arts.

Elementary schools in the archdiocese have two essential administrators: the pastor and the principal. In addition, elementary schools operate under a variety of administrative structures that are tailored to the needs of the students, staff and parish community.  For instance, certain schools may have a vice principal.  The common goal, regardless of structure, is to implement the foundational principles of elementary schools, which are Mission and Catholic identity, academic excellence, operational vitality, and leadership and governance to maintain a supportive, safe community.

• ​​​3.2 Administrative Structure of Elementary Schools

  Elementary schools in the archdiocese have two essential administrators: the pastor and the principal. In addition, elementary schools operate under a variety of administrative structures that are tailored to the needs of the students, staff and parish community.  For instance, certain schools may have a vice principal.  The common goal, regardless of structure, is to implement the foundational principles of elementary schools, which are Mission and Catholic identity​,​ academic excellence, operational vitality, and leadership and governance to maintain a supportive, safe community.

  1-25-2022, 6-29-22

Administrative Structure of Archdiocesan and Parish High Schools

Archdiocesan and parish high schools have the following administrative structures:​​

• President and principal

• Principal only

​​​
​​President and Principal Model​ or Principal Only Model

If an archdiocesan high school wishes to adopt the president and principal model for administration, the school must consult the Department of C​atholic Schools and obtain its approval. Schools considering this model must have a well-established consul​tative school board​​, in accordance with the Archdioce​​san and Parish High Schools Consultative School Board (CSB) Bylaws.  ​See "High School President"​ in the High School Job Descriptions.
​​
In an archdiocesan high school, the superintendent of Catholic schools approves the employment of a new principal or president, following a recommendation by the search committee after a formal interview process or, as needed, the Department of Catholic Schools may make a direct appointment. With limited exceptions, in a parish high school, the principal or president is employed by the pastor in consultation with the staff of the Department of Catholic Schools and the employment is confirmed by the superintendent of Catholic schools.​
​​​​​​​
In an archdiocesan high school, if a president or principal position needs to be filled on a temporary basis, the Department of Catholic Schools shall appoint an interim president or principal with the necessary professional, academic, and administrative qualifications and experience. In a parish high school, the pastor, in consultation with the Department of Catholic Schools, shall appoint the interim president or principal.

See "High School Principal"​ in the High Scho​ol Job Descriptions and see Installation of ​a Principal within Mass.

When a high school changes principals, the outgoing principal is required to complete the Principal’s Transition Inventory and to share and discuss it with the incoming principal and regional superintendent, providing all documentation that is needed to effect a smooth transition in leadership.​

Evaluation of Presidents and Principals of Archdiocesan High Schools

Presidents and principals are evaluated by their regional superintendent from the Department of Catholic Schools through a process prescribed by the Department of Catholic Schools. See the High School Principal​'s Evaluation and Addendum Checklist and the High School President​'s Eva​luation and Addendum Checklist​.
​
With limited exceptions, employment of presidents and principals is for one year only with the possibility of rehire. Any exceptions must be approved by the superintendent of Catholic Schools. The archdiocese will notify the presidents and principals by May 15 if they will be rehired. If the president or principal wishes to be considered for employment for an additional year, the president or principal will so notify the Department of Catholic Schools in writing on the form requested by the regional superintendent ​on or about February 15. See the High School Princi​pal's Timeline.​​
​
Vice Principals and Assistant Principals

Each high school may have one or more vice principals and/or assistant principals, as needed. Vice principal(s) and assistant principal(s) are appointed by the principal after the candidate has been interviewed and approved by the regional superintendent of the Department of Catholi​c Schools. Appointments are for one year, with the possibility but no assurance of a new contract.

The vice/assistant principal shares in the educational and administrative leadership of the school and is responsible for performing duties as assigned by the principal. The vice/assistant principal must be a knowledgeable and practicing Catholic with a thorough understanding of the commitment to the Catholic philosophy of education.

In th​e absence of the principal, the vice/assistant principal assumes responsibility for the school. High school principals and vice/assistant principals may not coach or serve on their high school's coaching staff.

​See "High School Vice Principal"​ in the High School Job Descriptions.

Deans, Guidance Directors, Activities Directors, and Athletic Directors

After consultation with the high school staff in the Department of Catholic Schools, each principal appoints administrators as the size and proper operation of the school requires. Specific positions, such as those of the dean, guidance director, activities director, and athletic director, may be assigned to an vice/assistant principal. The principal reserves the right to assign or reassign duties to best meet the overall needs of the school community.

The principal and the administration design and publish high school job descriptions that clearly indicate the lines of accountability and the process used in evaluating each administrator. The regional superintendents periodically review this organizational structure.

​See "High School Dean of Students," "High School Student Activities Director," and "High School Athletic Director"​ in the High School Job Descriptions.

​Department Chairpersons

The principal appoints department chairpersons. In addition to the qualities expected of all Catholic school teachers, each chairperson should exercise a leadership role in the school and should be an experienced teacher with an academic background in that department's course content and methodology.

The principal reserves the right to assign or reassign duties, organize or restructure a department, or add or drop programs to best meet the overall needs of the school community.

Chairpersons are members of the curriculum committee that is advisory to the principal.

​See "High School Department Chair"​ in the High School Job Descriptions.

6-29-2022

Rooted in the mission and identity of the Roman Catholic Church, as articulated in its foundational documents​, the Department of Catholic Schools ("DCS") develops, implements, and maintains faith formation curriculum, programs, and initiatives for students, teachers, and school leaders in the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. It plays a vital role in the Church's primary ministries of evangelization and service by advancing mission, Catholic identity, and Catholic social doctrine. DCS's activities include certification​ of religious education teachers, campus ministers, and school leaders. In particular, DCS approves the hiring of high school religion teachers and campus ministers.  See: Recruitment and Hiring of Teachers​.​

DCS provides ministerial direction and guidance to schools in implementation, assessment, and planning by:

• ​Leading, enhancing, developing, and managing a comprehensive faith formation program for K-12 school leaders, teachers, and students

• Evaluating and integrating existing formation and Christian service programs

• Establishing partnerships with other Catholic ministries and relevant archdiocesan departments to extend and advance faith formation activities and programs

• Providing spiritual, pastoral, and programming resources to schools

• Assisting principals in planning and executing school faculty/staff retreat(s), whether locally or within a region

• Providing other related resources as needed.

More detailed guidance on the involvement of the DCS in Catholic school ministerial activities can be found in Chapter 4.3: Religious Education in Schools.

School Boards

Parent organizations in elementary schools are important: they promote parent/guardian support for the school program, increase mutual understanding between the school and parents/guardians, build a sense of school community, and assist in the financial support of the school. The Department of Catholic Schools encourages the formation of parent (or parent-teacher) organizations that follow archdiocesan policies.

General
Parent organizations:

• Are advisory in nature

• Have no legal status apart from the school and therefore may not be separately incorporated

• Function in accordance with a written constitution and bylaws that comply with archdiocesan policy that govern the structure and operation of such an organization

• Are subject to all Department of Catholic Schools​ regulations and policies

​Membership
The membership of the parent organization shall include the pastor of the parish or his designee, principal, parents/guardians of currently enrolled students, and religious and lay faculty (if the organization is a parent-teacher organization). The pastor and principal shall have the right to approve officers and other members of the executive committee during the nomination process. The pastor or his designee and the principal shall be ex officio members of the executive committee of the organization.

See the Parent-Teacher Organization: Bylaws and the Roles and Responsibilities (sample).​

Complaint Review Process for Parents/Guardians and Students
Conflicts may occur among students, parents/guardians, and school staff, and all parties are encouraged to resolve these conflicts when they occur. However, if the involved parties are unable to resolve their conflicts, families may use the complaint review process for additional assistance. All those participating in the complaint review process are responsible for striving toward reconciliation and acting in good faith in the spirit of the Gospels. Legal representation is not permitted at any meeting or mediation of the complaint review process. Any person filing a complaint is to be free from restraint, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal in any form. The complaint review process must be included in the parent/student handbook.

​Addressing Complaints at the Local Level: Schools
First, the person bringing the complaint must try to resolve the complaint in good faith by discussing it with the people who are directly involved at the school.

Next, if the complaint is not resolved, the person bringing the complaint should follow the school's established chain of command to seek resolution (or if the principal is the subject of the complaint, the pastor or the president, where applicable).  

After reviewing the facts and facilitating discussion of the problem, the principal, president or pastor will respond to the person bringing the complaint. In high schools, if the complainant is dissatisfied with the principal's decision, the complainant may request review of the decision through an appeals process that is determined by the high school.

Escalating Complaints to the Central Level: Department of Catholic Schools
If the complaint is not resolved at the local level, the complainant may request additional review in writing to the assistant regional superintendent a​t the Department of Catholic Schools.

The assistant regional superintendent will review the complaint (with such consultation as may be appropriate) in a timely fashion and will endeavor to resolve the matter in keeping with the policies and/or regulations of the archdiocese and school. If an agreed-upon outcome is not possible, the assistant regional superintendent shall make a final and binding determination, and communicate that determination in writing to all parties.​

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​​​​​​​​​​Complaint Review Process for Parents/Guardians and Students
Complaints about substantive issues involving a student may occur. Students, parents/guardians, and school staff are encouraged to resolve the dispute when it occurs. However, if the involved persons are unable to resolve their dispute, the parent/guardian of the student involved may use the complaint review process for additional assistance. All those participating in the complaint review process are responsible for striving toward reconciliation and acting in good faith in the spirit of the Gospels. Legal representation or recording is not permitted at any meeting or mediation of the complaint. The complaint review process must be included in the parent/student handbook.

​Addressing Complaints at the Local Level: Schools
First, the person bringing the complaint must try to resolve the complaint in good faith by discussing it with the people who are directly involved at the school.

Next, if the complaint is not resolved, the person bringing the complaint should follow the school's established chain of command to seek resolution (or if the principal is the subject of the complaint, the pastor or the president, where applicable).  

After reviewing the facts and facilitating discussion of the problem, the principal, president or pastor will respond to the person bringing the complaint. In high schools, if the complainant is dissatisfied with the principal's decision, the complainant may request review of the decision through an internal appeals process that is determined by the high school.

Escalating Complaints to the Central Level: Department of Catholic Schools
If the complaint concerns policies, procedures, and/or regulations of the school or archdiocese that affect the complainant's child and is not resolved at the local level, the complainant may request additional review in writing to the assistant regional superintendent a​t the Department of Catholic Schools.

The assistant regional superintendent will review the complaint (with such consultation as may be appropriate) in a timely fashion and will endeavor to resolve the matter in keeping with the policies, procedures, and/or regulations of the school or archdiocese and school. If an agreed-upon outcome is not possible, the assistant regional superintendent shall make a final and binding determination, and communicate that determination in writing to all parties.​

7-16-21, 10-7-2024