Rules, Regulations & Policies

The following school procedures have been designed with your well-being in mind. It is important for good order and the smooth operation of our school that you observe them carefully. In some instances, failure to follow the correct procedure may warrant disciplinary measures as explained in the next section of this handbook.

In a competitive academic environment like Scranton Prep’s, the temptation to cheat is ever present. The act of cheating is in direct conflict with the norms, values, and expectations of Scranton Prep and will be dealt with as such. If a student is suspected of cheating or fails to follow directions concerning behavior during an assessment, the teacher will refer the case to an Academic Dean. In cases where it has been determined that academic dishonesty has taken place, the consequences will include a “0” grade for the assignment or assessment, a conversation with a parent, follow-up with the Dean of Students and JUG. In addition, the School will keep a record of the incident and place it in the student’s disciplinary file. Additional instances of cheating will be referred to the Principal and more serious disciplinary consequences can result up to and including expulsion.

Some examples of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:

• Leaving books or notebooks open during a test
• Using unauthorized notes or “cheat sheets”
• Writing answers anywhere on desktops, or on hands, legs, arms, etc.
• Looking at the test or quiz of a classmate
• Copying answers of lab reports, homework, papers, projects, etc.
• Communicating with students from previous class periods in order to give/receive answers
• Plagiarism
• Taking and/or sharing photos of assessments
• Having phones, smart watches, or any device on one’s person, or on or under his/ her desk
• Use of ChatGPT and/or AI without express permission of the teacher

Participation in a sport, club or activity is a privilege, not a right. Students who do not abide by the school rules and policies will have their participation jeopardized by suspension or expulsion from the activity. In addition, students must maintain academic eligibility standards to participate in athletic or extra-curricular activities. The decision to re-qualify for an activity or athletic team is that of the Principal.

Athletic Contests
Sports are contests of training, skill and determination intended to build character, not to tear it down. Both student-athletes and fans should conduct themselves in a sportsman-like manner. Fans support their team by cheering for them, not by insulting their opponents. Any student found in violation of this policy will be held accountable for his actions and will be punished at the discretion of the Dean.

Students who sustain a head injury through a school sponsored event or outside of school activities should report to the athletic trainer and school nurse. Student will work with the Academic Deans and school nurse for return-to-learn protocols and athletic trainer for return-to-play protocols.

Purpose: Scranton Preparatory School provides students with access to a computer network and various technologies to facilitate educational activities. The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the appropriate use of the school’s computer network and to inform students of their responsibilities and limitations when accessing and using technology.

Acceptable Use
Access to the school’s computer network is for educational purposes only.

1. Students must receive authorization from the principal or their designee and their parents to access the internet through the school’s computer network.
2. Students are not allowed to engage in commercial activities or political lobbying using the school’s computer network.
3. Students must comply with all the rules and regulations set forth by the school code and state laws.
4. Students are prohibited from using the school’s computer network to engage in illegal activities, such as attempting to gain unauthorized access to other computer systems or engaging in criminal activities.
5. Students are not allowed to engage in personal attacks, harass others, or use inappropriate language when accessing the school’s computer network.
6. Students must respect the privacy of others and not post or share private information without permission.
7. Students must not download any files or install any application programs into the school’s computer network without authorization.
8. Students must not engage in inappropriate access to material, such as accessing pornography, hate literature, or other materials that advocate illegal acts or violence.
9. Students must respect the resource limits of the school’s computer network and only use it for educational activities.
10. Students must report any security problems or suspicious activities to their teacher or the Director of Technology.
11. Students must respect the school’s property and not tamper with computer configurations or modify any equipment.
12. Students must log off when they are finished using a computer.

Unacceptable Use
Posting contact information (address, phone number) about oneself or others.
Deliberately attempting to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means.
Engaging in any other illegal acts, such as arranging for drug sale or purchase, engaging in criminal gang activity, making terrorist-like threats, etc.
Attempting to use proxy servers or internet portals to circumvent the internet content filter.
Plagiarizing works found on the internet or infringing on copyright.
Accessing material that is profane or obscene (pornography) or that advocates illegal acts, violence, or discrimination towards other people (hate literature).
Violating the school’s policy, state laws, or the school code.
Rights:
Students’ right to free speech is restricted for valid educational reasons.
Students should expect no privacy of the contents of their personal files on the Scranton Prep Computer Network.
Routine maintenance and monitoring of the file system may lead to the discovery that a student has violated this policy, the school code, or state laws.
Consequences: Violating this policy may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to revocation of computer privileges, suspension or expulsion from school, and legal action. The school reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

School-Issued iPad Agreement
Students and their parents/guardians are responsible for the care and appropriate use of school-issued iPads. Please review the following terms:
Responsibility for Care:
Families are responsible for the maintenance and care of the iPad. Any damage, loss, or theft must be reported to the school immediately.
Repair and Replacement:
Costs for repair or replacement are the responsibility of the family, except in
cases of manufacturer defects or normal wear and tear.
Repairs will be coordinated by the school through AppleCare warranty service.
Families are responsible for any additional fees Apple may charge beyond warranty coverage.
Software and Usage:
iPads come with pre-installed, school-approved software.
Students are not permitted to install unauthorized applications.
All usage must comply with the school’s Acceptable Use Policy.
Devices are intended for educational purposes only.

Abstaining from cell phone usage during the school day is a powerful step toward a focused and distraction-free learning environment. With constant notifications, social media temptations, and instant entertainment, cell phones can significantly disrupt concentration, quality socialization and reduced learning outcomes. YONDR is Scranton Prep’s way of supporting student success in these areas. It’s required that cell phones, smart watches and listening devices such as air pods are securely placed in the YONDR pouch. Attempts to be dishonest or violate school policy will result in school consequences. To uphold a focused and social learning environment, students are expected to always comply with the  YONDR/Cell Phone Policy.

Students are required to enter the building daily with their cell phones. Bringing phones in consistently helps avoid confusion regarding the legitimacy of phone use and ensures compliance with YONDR pouch procedures. This policy is designed to maintain transparency and streamline expectations for all students. Should there be an occasion where you enter the building without your YONDR pouch, your cell phone MUST be checked in with the Dean of Students.
Patterns of consistently forgetting your YONDR pouch will result in an escalation of consequences by the Dean of Students

Violations will be addressed as follows:
First Offense

• Parent/Guardian Contact
• Meeting with Dean of Students
• 3 days of JUG
• Completion of a reflection paper

Second Offense

• Parent/Guardian Contact
• 5 Days of JUG
• Cell phones must be surrendered to the Dean of Students Office daily, upon arrival, and returned at days end for 5 days.
• Completion of reflection paper

Third Offense

• Parent/Guardian Contact
• Parent/Guardian must pick up device(s) from Scranton Prep
• In-School Suspension
• 5 days of JUG
• Student placed on two weeks of behavioral probation
• Mandatory meeting with the Principal and Dean of Students

Further and/or Continued Offenses

• Escalation or Continuation of Offenses: Continued infractions or violations will be reviewed by the school administration for additional disciplinary measures, which may include but are not limited to out-of-school suspension and/or possible expulsion.

Accidental loss or damage to a YONDR pouch will require replacement at student/ parental expense and conversation with the Dean of Students. Any attempt at tampering with, damaging, or defacing a YONDR Pouch will result in the following actions:

First Offense

• Parental/Guardian communication
• A replacement fee of $40.00 will be charged to the student or their parent/guardian.
• A mandatory meeting with the Dean of Students.
• The student will be required to turn in their cell phone daily to the Dean of Students until a new YONDR Pouch is purchased and issued.
• Assignment of JUG.

Second Offense

• Parental/Guardian communication
• A mandatory meeting with both the Principal and the Dean of Students.
• Replacement Cost of $40.00
• Additional disciplinary consequences may be assigned, as deemed appropriate by the Dean of Students and/or Principal.

The possession, use or distribution of any quantity of alcohol, illegal drugs or other intoxicants or paraphernalia is forbidden on school premises, school busses, at off-site school related activities or any non-school related activity. Any student who violates this regulation, (even off the premises of the school), who shows the effects of such intoxicants, or who is in the presence of others who violate this regulation is subject to expulsion from Scranton Prep. Such students are also liable for being reported to local law enforcement agencies in accordance with any required compliance of the law. Students who provide, deal or sell drugs/alcohol to other students can expect to be expelled, whether the exchange took place on or off school grounds.

A student who violates the rules on alcohol (*Constructive Possession*) and other illegal drugs, in addition to disciplinary action, must go for a professional drug and alcohol evaluation in order to continue at Scranton Prep. Free services are available through state and federally funded programs.
A student who appears at school, at another school, or at a school-sponsored function, when he or she appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be liable to dismissal. Scranton Prep reserves the right to administer a breathalyzer test to, or require a drug test of, any student suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs on school premises or while on a school related trip. Refusal to comply will result in consequences like that of a failed breathalyzer test.

In addition to suspension and probation, any student found in possession of, or found using a vaping device, regardless of its contents, will be subject to random drug testing for the remainder of his or her Prep career, and will also be required to attend drug and alcohol counseling at (DATS) Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service in Scranton. This would be a requirement to remain a student at Scranton Prep.

*Constructive Possession, with regard to alcohol, is when a person under 21 years of age is in an area where alcohol is readily available, and makes no good faith attempt to distance him or herself. He or she can be charged with possession. This means that an underage student cannot be in the presence of alcohol because it is assumed that the student is in possession.
 

It is prohibited to remove, disable, damage, or tamper with the functionality of any school owned surveillance camera, monitoring, recording, communication, warning, safety, security or fire related devices. The consequences for doing so could lead to suspension and/or expulsion. Damaged devices will be replaced at student’s expense.

Athletic equipment and uniforms are loaned for use during the sports season. All student- athletes will sign out the items they receive and will be made aware of the replacement costs for any lost or damaged items. All equipment and clothing issued must be returned personally to the Athletic Department (not coach, Dean of Students, or Main Office), at the conclusion of the season. At that time, all items will be inspected by the athletic department with the student-athlete present. Failure to return issued equipment by the due date will result in JUG. The student-athlete will be charged a replacement cost for any lost or damaged equipment or uniforms. If any equipment issues are not resolved by the academic year’s end, report cards, transcripts, diplomas and course scheduling could be withheld or impacted.
 

Cameras and recording devices/programs are not to be used in the school during the school day unless given specific permission by the Dean of Student or another administrator. Recording of any Scranton Preparatory School employee without permission may result in consequences ranging from probation to expulsion.

Students who do not want their picture on the Scranton Prep web gallery, or in any publications, must notify the Dean of Students in writing.

All photos on the Scranton Prep website are the property of Scranton Prep. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of the photos is prohibited. These school photos are not to become part of any social networking sites. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

All students are required to take a cumulative assessment in each subject by the conclusion of the first semester in January. Second semester final exam exemptions will only be made available to juniors and seniors.

Juniors who have consistently achieved at a high level will be exempt from finals, namely those who have earned at least a 94% course average at the conclusion of the fourth quarter and a minimum of a 90% as a 4th quarter grade. The minimum grade to earn an Honorable Mention status for a course at the conclusion of the school year is 94%.

Seniors must earn a 90% course average and a 90% in the 4th quarter to be considered for exemption from their second semester final exams.

The final grade for each course is assigned by the teacher upon consideration of the grades previously gained for the quarters and examinations.

MANDATORY ATTENDANCE FOR AP & SEMESTER EXAMS

Please note, moving forward, students will be required to sit for our AP & semester exams at the time which they are given, else they will earn a grade of 0 on the missed semester exam. Students who do not sit for AP tests will not receive a passing grade for the course. Please note that semester exams are worth 10% of the final course average.

• Make-ups will only be granted to students whose absence is required to attend a family funeral or whose absence documents the necessity of an in-person doctor’s visit on the day of the first missed exam and which confirms any subsequent days for which the student is not cleared to attend school.
• Absence due to travel will not be considered an acceptable excuse for students to make-up a missed exam.

For your planning:

• AP Exams: Monday, May 4 - Friday, May 15
• Senior Finals: Tuesday, May 19 - Friday, May 22
• Underclassman Finals: Tuesday, May 26 - Friday, May 29

Any form of gambling or betting, including the playing of cards with the purpose of betting, is prohibited. Violations will result in disciplinary actions.

Students are not permitted to chew gum inside Scranton Prep.

Scranton Prep is committed to providing a learning environment that is free from harassment in any form. Harassment of any student by anyone is prohibited. The school will treat allegations of harassment seriously and will review and investigate such allegations in a prompt, confidential and thorough manner.

The charge of harassment shall not, in and of itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing. However, substantiated acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. Students found to have filed false and frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or to a school environment, which is hostile or intimidating because of the individual’s race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, physical disability, or sex. Harassment can occur at any time during school or during school-related activities. It includes, but is not limited to the following:

verbal harassment: derogatory comments and jokes – threatening words spoken to another person.

physical harassment: unwanted physical touching, contact, assault, deliberate impeding or blocking movements, or any intimidating interference with normal work or movement.

visual harassment: derogatory, demeaning or inflammatory posters, cartoons, written words, drawings, gestures, and or digital social media posts.

sexual harassment: includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when any or all of the following occur:

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of a student’s academic status or progress.
• Submission to such conduct by a student is used as the basis of academic decisions affecting the individual.

Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

Intimidation or bullying of any sort will not be tolerated whether through verbal, written, technological communication, text message, e-mail, instant message or any other means.
 

All acts of hazing are prohibited. Students are entitled to be treated with consideration and respect. No Scranton Preparatory student, individually or as part of a student club, team or organization, is permitted to engage in behavior that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm to any person(s). Students found to be in violation of this policy could face suspension and/or expulsion.

Report all incidents of discrimination, harassment, hazing or bullying (including through social media) immediately to the Dean of Students.

Missing property should be reported to the Dean of Students as soon as possible. All lost and found articles, in the main building, will be placed in the team room lost and found. Items will be kept for ten (10) days. Students should not leave personal belongings in lavatories, coat-racks, student dining hall, or places other than their lockers.

The school is not responsible for any lost or stolen articles.
 

The school day ends at 2:50 pm. Activities will often run during after school hours. Students in the school past 4:00 pm should be accompanied by the moderator of an activity, coach, Alumni Service Corps member, or have explicit permission of the Dean of Students or other administrator.

No student will be admitted to a school-sponsored event after the announced time of the event. All students must remain until the conclusion of the event.

Any student excused to see the school nurse must report to the fourth floor nurse’s office. Students are not to call or text parents to be excused from school for not feeling well. This is to be done by the school nurse or the Dean of Students only. Students are not to have prescription drugs on their person. If a student needs to take medication, his/her parent must contact the Main Office for a form to fill out. All information about the medicine is on the form and will be kept by the school nurse. School physicals are mandated in the freshman and junior year.

All school rules and regulations apply to Scranton Prep off-campus and overnight trips. Any parent can find out if a trip is officially sponsored at any time by contacting the Principal’s office. Student participation on any school trip is contingent upon approval by the Principal. This required permission will be granted following a review of the following areas: academics, tuition, discipline, and attendance. Permission may be withdrawn at any time, even if it results in the loss of a non-refundable payment. Eligibility in the areas of academics, discipline, and attendance is based upon officially stated Prep policy in these areas. Prep is not sponsoring or supporting any international trips for the 2025-2026 school year. If this changes, parents will be notified by the Principal.

Scranton Prep was designated a smoke free building by a resolution passed by the Board of Trustees in 1995. In order to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone at Prep, no smoking (this includes any form of electronic/vapor cigarettes), possession, or use of any tobacco products is allowed at any time. Any violation is a serious offense. Smoking is not allowed on the grounds, in the student parking lot, or within a two- block radius of Scranton Prep’s campus. Failure to abide by this policy could result in, at minimum, JUG to probation, drug testing, suspension or expulsion.
*See Section D for the school’s policy regarding vaping.

 

Scranton Prep considers its special days, i.e., Ignatian Retreat Days, Days of Recollection, Career Day, School Liturgies, etc. to be essential elements of its mission and curriculum. Accordingly, all absences from such special events (including excused absences), may require completion of an alternative activity or independent assignment designated to accomplish the same educational goals as the special events.

All athletes are required to have a yearly PIAA sports physical and/or recertification form at the beginning of each season. Students will not be allowed to participate in the school sponsored athletic events without submitting the proper paperwork.

All students driving to school must register their cars on the school’s website. Management and oversight of student parking is managed by the Dean of Students. There is a registration fee for the general student parking lot. The Dean will designate students to an individual parking space for the year upon registration. Students must not park in the faculty lot, visitor’s parking area in front of the school, in other restricted areas, and must not block driveways or business entrances.

The automobiles may be searched upon cause and the person in control of the vehicle shall be responsible. Scranton Prep is not responsible for any damage done to cars while parked on the lots. Students parking illegally or parking unregistered cars will receive JUG. Students who misbehave in the parking lots will lose privileges of parking or being in the parking areas.
 

The standard rule is that students in school are subject to observation in any public place in the school at all times and in all reasonable fashion. Surveillance includes the least intrusive level of investigation. This also includes the gathering of information that is readily available through sight, smell or sound.

State textbooks have a clearly marked label and registration number. The books entrusted to students are recorded at the time of distribution. They must be returned in relatively good condition at the end of the year with no writing in them other than the student’s name. The student will be required to pay a non-refundable fee for any damaged or missing books. If textbook issues are not resolved by the academic year’s end, report cards, transcripts, diplomas and course scheduling could be withheld or impacted.

The school normally discourages unscheduled visits during school days. All visitors entering Scranton Prep must report to the information desk and sign in.

Weapons of any kind or items which may be used as weapons are forbidden on campus or at school functions. Violators may face expulsion.