The following policies address the safety needs of our students:
Reporting Child Abuse
Any person who suspects or alleges child abuse on the part of a priest, deacon, employee, or volunteer of a parish, school, or institution of the diocese of Manchester is also encouraged to make a report to the Office for Ministerial Conduct, 603-669-3100. Consistent with the school’s mission to allow each child to grow and develop in an atmosphere of Christian peace, love, and justice, St. Thomas Aquinas aims to provide a safe and non-violent atmosphere for our students. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s safety or welfare, please contact your child’s teacher, the Principal, or the school board.
How to make a report of sexual abuse: Child sexual abuse is a crime in the State of New Hampshire and the Church. New Hampshire law requires that anyone who has reason to suspect that a child is being or has been abused or neglected must make a report to the Division for Children, Youth & Families (“DCYF”) of the State of New Hampshire, 1-800-894-5533.
Anti-Bullying
It is expected that students work cooperatively with the administration, teachers, aides, and volunteer parents while at school. All children are allowed the freedom needed to study, learn, pray, and play without undue interference from another.
Violation of social habits includes behavior such as calling names or bullying, and showing unkindness verbally or physically. Bullying is a serious social problem which demeans the character of another person. It is an unacceptable behavior which will be handled firmly. It is expected that the parent(s) of the offending student will support the teachers and administration fully in holding their child accountable and exert parental supervision and, if warranted, discipline at home.
Possession of anything considered to be a weapon
Weapons or any object that can be classified as a weapon, such as, but not limited to, guns (real or replica), knives, bats, sticks, brass knuckles, pipes, etc., are prohibited and banned from school premises and from all related functions. This ban includes travel to and from school. A student who violates this policy will be subject to suspension and or expulsion according to Diocesan Policy.
