This Code of Conduct guides how all of us — parents, guardians, caregivers, volunteers, and visitors — treat staff, students, and one another at school, at school-sponsored activities, and online. Parents are their children's first and most instrumental role models, and the school asks every adult in our community to model acceptable behavior at all times.

What we ask of families

Support the philosophy and mission of Catholic education in both words and actions.
Partner with the school to promote the well-being and success of all students.
Communicate respectfully and constructively with school staff, without disrupting school operations.
Encourage your child's education through praise, engagement, and modeling a positive attitude.
Promote healthy problem-solving and the value of doing one's best rather than comparing to others.
Listen to your child's perspective while remaining open to other interpretations of events.
Foster a respectful, collaborative relationship with teachers; share concerns constructively.
Support school policies as outlined in the handbook and website — at school and at home.
Work cooperatively with staff if your child's behavior does not meet school standards, following proper communication protocols.
Refrain from gossip, hearsay, and negative commentary, including on social media.
Interact respectfully with staff, students, and other community members at all times.
Uphold the reputation of the school, particularly when using social media.
Do not smoke or use offensive language on school premises or at school events.

Your rights

Be treated with respect, courtesy, and professionalism by staff, students, and other parents.
Clear communication regarding your child's education and development.
Have your confidentiality respected in sensitive matters.
Receive a timely, appropriate response to concerns.

Guidelines for everyday conduct

Advocate for the school; be mindful of how social media can impact others and the school's reputation.
Never approach another student to discuss or discipline them — refer concerns to staff.
Respect faculty and staff professional time; schedule appointments for discussions.
Use respectful communication, including in emails, online platforms, and social media.
Follow the school's procedures and chain of command for resolving concerns or conflicts.
When volunteering or attending events, follow the direction of the supervising teacher or staff member.
Participate respectfully in school liturgies and events, supporting the communal life of the school.

Have a concern? Follow these steps

Our school wants to work in partnership with our families. If you have a complaint, criticism, or concern, we ask that you follow this process:

Speak first with the person involved — for example, the classroom teacher — and try to resolve the concern with mutual respect. Where possible, make an appointment.

If that isn't possible, make an appointment with an administrator or the parish priest, following the school's chain of command.

The administrator will attempt to mediate and find a resolution in the presence of both parties.

If steps 1–3 bring no resolution, complete the Parent Concern Form on the Diocese of St. Petersburg — Office of Catholic Schools and Centers website for further facilitation.

Reporting abuse: if your concern involves allegations of physical or sexual abuse by a faculty or staff member toward a child, immediately contact the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Mr. Chris Pastura, at [email protected], and the Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline, 1-800-962-2873.

YOUR AGREEMENT · SU COMPROMISO

By accepting enrollment at a Catholic school in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, parents, guardians, and caregivers agree to abide by this Code of Conduct in full. Deliberate breaches, or a demonstrated inability to comply with these guidelines, may result in exclusion from the school and/or disenrollment of their child or children.

DRESS CODE · UNIFORMES

School uniforms, K through Grade 8

Boys

Pleated khaki trousers with a belt (solid brown or black).
Khaki walking shorts with a belt (solid brown or black).
All-elastic shorts may be substituted for EC4 through 2nd grade.
Navy blue short-sleeve oxford shirt with the school logo.
Solid white or black socks above the ankle.

Girls

Khaki skort (all-elastic shorts may be substituted for EC4 through 2nd grade).
Khaki pleated slacks with a belt (solid brown or black), or khaki girls' shorts.
Navy blue short-sleeve oxford blouse with the school logo.
Solid white or black socks above the ankle.
Dresses, skirts, and skorts no more than two inches above the top of the kneecap, at the administration's discretion.
Dresses, skirts, skorts, and pants should be loose-fitting with breathing room — not skin tight.

Boys and girls

Shoes: mostly black, brown, or white, with a heel no more than one inch. No bright colors, sandals, high tops, or boots; no wheels, rollers, or lights.
Undershirts: only white T-shirts may be worn under the uniform shirt or P.E. shirt.
Sweatshirts: navy blue sweatshirts, sweaters, fleece jackets, or cardigans.
Jackets: navy jackets and navy fleece jackets. In extreme cold, other jackets may be worn outside the classroom only.

P.E. uniforms

Navy mesh shorts with the SJS logo.
Gray SJS T-shirt with logo.
Black or white athletic shoes with matching laces, tied.
Plain white socks above the ankle.
Navy sweatpants and navy sweatshirt.
St. Joseph sweatshirts may be worn over the uniform on cold days.

WHERE TO BUY · DÓNDE COMPRAR

Risse Brothers School Uniforms

School uniforms must be purchased at Risse Brothers — 4228 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607 · (813) 282-8338.

Visit rissebrothers.com

Questions about a policy?

Call the front office at 813-879-7720 or email [email protected] — se habla español.

Call the office Email us