Welcome to St. Mary's School. We appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your child's educational growth. If at any time you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office. We hope you enjoy being a part of our school family.
This handbook offers information about the operation, rules, and procedures of Saint Mary's School. Students and parents should keep this handbook for future reference to ensure an enjoyable and educational school year.
St. Mary's School Administration reserves the right to alter, amend, modify, change, or terminate any of the policies described in the handbook after providing students and parents sufficient notification of change.
ACCREDITATION
St. Mary's Catholic School is accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation Commission which is recognized by the Texas Education Agency.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All students must have on file, at St. Mary's School, all required registration documentation, including but not limited to:
ADULT SERVICE HOURS
Each family is required to do a minimum number of service hours. Information will be given with the registration packet and the first newsletter of the year.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
St. Mary's School will not permit commercial enterprises, for profit groups or non-profit groups, to solicit school families or students on campus, without the permission of the principal.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Age requirements for classes are set by the TCCED and are as follows:
ARRIVAL
The school building is open for the arrival of students at 7:15 am. Upper Elementary and Elementary students (4-8) will report to the gym in the morning while Lower Elementary students (Pk-3) will report to the Fellowship Hall (cafeteria).
ASSEMBLIES
During the school year, special assemblies are scheduled to enhance the curriculum and support the educational process. These programs are carefully planned and scheduled to provide variety and to benefit the students. The right to attend assemblies is a privilege as outlined in the Discipline section of this handbook.
ATHLETICS
St. Mary's School is a member of the Christian Athletic Conference. Emphasis is placed on developing Christian values and sportsmanship. Our school colors are royal blue and white. The school mascot is the Knight. St. Mary's School offers competitive athletics for middle school students.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance and punctuality are required of every student, and students are required by law to attend school. Presence in a classroom exposes the student to group interactions with teachers and fellow students. Habits established now will have an impact upon attendance later in life. Students who have good attendance generally receive higher grades, enjoy school more, and are much more employable after leaving high school. School begins with a bell at 7:50am. Students arriving after the 8:00am bell must report to the office with a parent or the person providing transportation. School ends at 3:30pm.
St. Mary's is striving for excellence in education and achieving this goal requires that our children make the most of each learning opportunity. Absenteeism and tardiness tend to disrupt classes and disrupt the learning atmosphere. We ask that all healthy children be in class on school days. We ask that parents carefully consider the circumstances before taking a child out of school. Parents are required to call the school if a child will be absent more that three days.
ABSENCES - EXCUSED
An excused absence may be granted for the following reasons:
When a student is absent from school it is his/her responsibility to find out the assignments immediately after the absence and make up the work within one day per absent day, except in extenuating circumstances, at the discretion of the teacher. Parents may request make-up work from the office only for student absences of three or more days. If a parent will be picking up work for a student to complete at home, you MUST notify the school by 9:00 am. This will give the classroom teacher time to compile the student's daily work. Please DO NOT expect to pick up your child's texts and assignments during class time. Work with your child's name will be left at the office for you to pick up at 3:45.
ABSENCES - UNEXCUSED
Unexcused absences are those taken with the permission of the parent, but not of the school. Examples are: family vacations, recreational events, and staying home to do homework, etc. Teachers are NOT required to provide classwork IN ADVANCE for students on unexcused absences; nor are they required to provide opportunities in class for make-up work or tests. Students must make up all missed work and return to the teacher within one day per absent day, except in extenuation circumstances, at the discretion of the teacher.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES/INVITATIONS
You are welcome to send a treat for your child's whole class with the child in the morning. The teacher will determine the best time for the treats. Please contact the homeroom teacher prior to sending.
Party invitations are never allowed to be passed out at school unless everyone in the class is invited.
CAFETERIA
All food and drinks are to be consumed in the cafeteria.
It is expected that proper conduct be exercised at all times in the cafeteria. Consequences for any student who does not obey cafeteria rules will follow school disciplinary procedures. The cafeteria rules are:
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER
The school office should be notified immediately concerning a change of address, telephone number, or other vital information needed for emergency care.
CHILD ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT
All SUSPECTED instances of child abuse or neglect will be reported as required by state law.
CLASSROOM INTERRUPTIONS
Classes must not be interrupted. Parents bringing lunches, glasses, money, etc., to a student or having business to transact, MUST COME TO THE OFFICE.
Parents who wish to take a student from school during the school day must come to the office and sign out the student. If a student knows in advance of an orthodontist, dentist, or doctor appointment, he/she is to present a note to the teacher and meet the parent in the office at the appropriate time. When a student is to leave school with anyone other than his/her own parent, the school must be notified of this arrangement by the parent or guardian prior to the student's leaving. Proper identification may be required from anyone other than a parent.
CLASSROOM PARTIES
The children enjoy parties arranged by the Room Mothers on these special occasions:
| Christmas | Valentine's Day | End of School |
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
Parents of students with a communicable or contagious disease (such as chicken pox, measles, lice, pink eye, impetigo, scabies, etc.) are asked to telephone the school so that other students who have been exposed to the disease can be alerted. Students with contagious diseases are not allowed to come to school while they are contagious.
COMMUNICATION - SCHOOL WIDE
On the last Thursday of each month a newsletter, a lunch menu, tuition statement, and lunch account statement are sent home in a large white envelope. It is to be signed and returned as soon as possible.
CONCERNS
In keeping with the Church's principal of subsidiarity, problems should be solved at the lowest level whenever possible. Persons having a problem with another individual should go directly to that person before going to that person's superior. If a parent has a complaint about a teacher, it seems only just that the parent discuss the difficulty first with the teacher. Procedurally, parents must go to the principal before the pastor or superintendent.
CONFERENCES
The faculty of St. Mary's is dedicated to the task of developing students' potential scholastically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. None of this can be accomplished without the support of parents. It is essential that the parents and teachers form a united bond in the educational process. Parents willl be informed by telephone, notes, conferences, progress reports, and work sent home of the student's progress.
Parents who see problems developing should contact the teacher immediately. A note can be sent or a call to the office would get a message to the teacher to return the call.
A scheduled parent-teacher conference occurs once each semester. Please watch for information regarding these scheduled conferences.
"The Catholic schools have a vision and values: a vision of Jesus Christ calling all members of the school to be an active community fo faith in restoring all things in Christ; values like faith, hope, reconciliation, courage, service, justice, and love.
The ideal of discipline within Catholic education is to enable students to move from externally imposed discipline to self-discipline to discipleship. Children first must learn appropriate behavior through someone or something outside themselves. As soon as they sufficiently mature, however, they should be helped to govern their conduct from within themselves so that they can live responsibly. Ultimately, opportunities should be provided which lead them to look beyond themselves to principled living, as exemplified by Jesus Christ."
Self-respect and respect for all others who make up our school community are essential requirements for a Christian environment. The rights of individuals must always be balanced with the acceptance of responsibilities toward the entire school community. It is our charge to help children accept responsibility for their actions and to understand the consequences.
Based upon Jesus' command to "...love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind....and to love your neighbor as yourself", St. Mary's students are asked:
Basic Rules:
Teachers are the chief disciplinarians in their classrooms and will establish basic rules and regulations for proper behavior in their own classrooms. These basic rules will be based upon the following premises:
The teacher and school must be able to exercise discretionary authority. Therefore, each classroom teacher will send home class rules at the beginning of the school year to be signed by both parent and student as a means of communicating such rules.
Rules and Consequences:
Each classroom will have a written system of rules and consequences. Classroom consequences will include but not be limited to:
Referral:
Student referrals are made to the office when a repeated disregard of basic rules occurs. A teacher may give a referral at any time if a child's behavior is so severe as to warrant such action.
Unacceptable Behaviors:
Students are reminded that the following are considered unacceptable behaviors and are subject to disciplinary action. Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to:
Consequences will include but not be limited to:
Definitions of Disciplinary Terms:
disciplinary probation - loss of privileges such as recess, participation in school or extra-curricular activities, field trips, parties, assemblies, etc.
detention - student is required to stay in during, before, or after school.
isolation (In-School Suspension) - prevents the student from attending classes and extra curricular activities during the suspension. During this time, the student must spend his/her day in total isolation from other students. Alternative arrangements for supervision will be made. Any in-school suspension may require the parents to supervise their child.
suspension (Out-Of-School Suspension) - this is temporary dismissal of a student from school. The principal is the only school official who may place a student on suspension. This extreme disciplinary action should follow only after other means of motivation have failed, or if the circumstances warrant.
Procedure for OSS:
Expulsion - permanent dismissal of a student from school. Due to the gravity of the consequences of expulsion, it is essential that the principal consult with the grievance committee of the school board prior to the expulsion procedure. The expulsion of a student from a Catholic school is such a serious penalty that it should be invoked rarely, and then only as a last resort. Parents must be informed of their rights to due process of law.
DISMISSAL
Procedures for drop-off in the morning and afternoon dismissal will be in your first newsletter.
Be prompt in picking up your children. If your child is not picked up by 3:45, he/she will be sent to extended day and a charge will be incurred.
Please DO NOT PARK IN THE FIRE LANE.
DRESS CODE/UNIFORMS
All students attending St. Mary's School are required to wear school uniforms each day unless permission from the Principal is obtained. If for any serious reason any part of the school uniform cannot be worn, a written note by the parent must accompany the student. The school uniform helps to identify the student as a member of St. Mary's School as well as contributing to the sense of cooperation and community to the Catholic parish school. Students will not be admitted to class the third time out of uniform, at which time the parents will be contacted to bring the uniform to school. A separate sheet with uniform requirements is available at the office.
DRUG-FREE SCHOOL ZONE/GUN FREE SCHOOL ZONE
On November 29, 1990, the President signed the Crime Control Act of 1990. Included in this comprehensive legislation is the "Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990". This law makes it a Federal offense for an individual knowingly to possess a firearm in a school zone. The term "school zone" means the grounds of a public, parochial, or private school, or within 1000 feet from such grounds. A violation of this statute subjects one to imprisonment of up the five years (which must run consecutively to any other violation of law), a fine up to $250,000, or both imprisonment and fine.
EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATION
Eighth grade graduation from St. Mary's School will be a simple celebration which will include a spiritual and social dimension.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Fire drills are conducted periodically at different times during the day so that students and teachers will be adequately prepared if a fire occurs.
Disaster (tornado) drills are held periodically with simulated conditions resembling a realistic situation. If we must implement this procedure, please remember that the school building is one of the safest places for our students. The students' safety is our primary concern in these situations.
EMERGENCY SIGNALS FOR DRILLS
Fire..............3 bells or fire alarms.....................march out
Return..........2 bells..........................................march back
Halt..............1 bell...........................................stand at attention
Disaster........5 bells or announcement...............go to assigned area
In case of tornado or similar disaster drill, kneel and put head down against solid wall; cover head with hands. Remain in position until further instructions are given. If bells are on, two rings will signal return to class. If bells are not on, follow teacher instructions.
ENDOWMENT
Longview Catholic Endowment Fund
P.O. Box 4032
Longview, Texas 75606
PURPOSE OF ENDOWMENT FUND - The Longview Catholic School Endowment Fund was established in 1989 to help provide for the needs of St. Mary's School not covered in the school's annual operating budget. All contributions received by the endowment fund are placed in a permanent fund from which only the interest is drawn to help provide continued quality education for students at St. Mary's School.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ENDOWMENT FUND - Donations to the Endowment Fund can be made in cash or property. The Endowment Fund can also be named as a beneficiary under a will or insurance policy. All contributions to the Endowment Fund are tax deductable. With a donation of $25,000 or more, a permanent scholarship will be established in the name of an individual or business.
CORNERSTONE PROJECT - The Endowment Fund has begun a fund drive to be targeted at the separate Catholic parishes of Longview, the Longview community, and the various foundations throughout the nation which contribute to such entities as the Endowment Fund. This fund raising project will provide a foundation for the Endowment Fund, and has been appropriately termed the Cornerstone Project.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES - If you have questions regarding the Endowment Fund, please do not hesitate to contact St. Mary's School Office at (903) 753-1657 for a list of current Trustees for the Endowment Fund. Feel free to contact any board members regarding this special fund.
EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM
Pre-schoolers may stay for an extended period of time from 11:45-3:30pm. A further extended day is available from 3:30-6:00pm, if needed. This is also available for grades K-8 from 3:30-6:00pm. Extended day care is NOT available when school is not in session. More information and registration forms for this service are available at the office.
FIELD TRIPS
Worthwhile experiences can take place outside the classroom and the school if they are planned properly and coordinated with the instructional program. Teachers make every effort to utilize this type of learning when possible. When students leave the school for any educational activity, a signed permission slip must be received from the parents. All school rules are in effect during the field trips and other activities away from school.
Field trips and school excursions are privileges rather than rights. Students who are disruptive in their conduct may be denied this privilege.
FUND-RAISING OBLIGATION
Every family will be required to raise funds through Wunderfall. This may be done by selling raffle tickets or making a donation to the school fundraising account. Any families that have not achieved their fundraising obligation by November 1st may pay the balance owed in full or the balance may be added to the monthly tuition.
Families registering after Wunderfall must meet the fundraising obligation. Contact the school for more information.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
PURPOSE:
A "grievance" is a complaint based on any alleged violation or alleged inequitable application of policy.
The primary purpose of this grievance procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible level, equitable solutions to problems which may arise from time to time, in a cooperative, Christian atmosphere. The proceedings are not intended to be of an adversarial nature. Participants do not have representation in these proceedings. All parties shall agree that grievance proceedings shall be kept appropriately confidential.
NONDISCRIMINATION:
No person shall be discriminated against because of participation in the grievance procedure.
PROCESSING GRIEVANCES:
I. PROCESS OF CONCILIATION THROUGH CHRISTIAN CHARITY:
Before allowing differences to become formalized into grievances, every effort should be made to resolve local-level disputes by way of a free and open discussion between the complainant and the immediate authority.
II. GRIEVANCE PROCESS:
If a satisfactory solution has not been reached in the conciliation process, the complainant may proceed to the next level(s).
| Levels | Specified Time Period |
|---|---|
| School Principal | Grievance presented within 5 days of occurrence on which grievance is based |
| Response from principal within 5 days | |
| Local board and pastor | Grievance is presented within 5 days of response period above |
| Response from board, 3 weeks | |
| Diocesan School Board | Grievance presented within 5 days of response period above |
The decision of the Diocesan School Board, when ratified by the Bishop of the Diocese, is final.
GUIDANCE
The more the teacher knows about the environment of each child, the better he/she is able to guide him/her through educational development. For this reason parents are encouraged to consult with the teachers and the principal when there are problems at home which could result in a child's experiencing some emotional or physical diffulties.
HEALTH RECORDS/IMMUNIZATION POLICY St. Mary's School will follow guidelines regarding health records and immunization policies as set forth by the Texas Catholic Conference in the most current School Health Manual. The manual is available for viewing in the school office.
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Catholic Schools have existed in the United States since colonial times. A major reason for their success is the strong support of the parental community. Parents have long realized their role as primary educators of their children and, therefore, have sought involvement with their school in order to complement the education process. As a result, parental support has become an essential ingredient in the Catholic school's ability to efficiently meet the needs of Catholic families. St. Mary's Home and School Association provides opportunities for parents and teachers to meet and work together for the betterment of the student and school. All parents are encouraged to participate in this active organization. Besides sponsoring fun projects for the children, this organization does fundraising and helps with volunteers.
HOMEWORK
It is our philosophy that homework is beneficial when it is:
a) an extension of classroom assignments
b) an enriching activity
c) an assignment which is not completed during school hours
d) a make-up assignment for absentees.
Homework is valuable for student reinforcement and mental discipline. The ability to study is a skill that must be nurtured. It is the student's responsibility to schedule and productively use daily homework time, gather necessary materials, and complete assignments.
Parents can do their part by: providing suitable study conditions; encouraging the child; expressing an interest in the child's work; insisting that poorly done work be redone; cooperating with the school's homework policy; requiring a nightly study time, even if the assigned work is "done"; and, helping the child plan long term assignments.
HONOR ROLL
Students in grades 4-8 are eligible for the "All A" Honor Roll and the "A/B" Honor Roll. This is announced each six weeks in the school newsletter.
HONOR SOCIETY
The Michael Mendicello Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society allows membership to eligible seventh and eighth grade students. Students must meet academic requirements, as well as participate in school leadership and other activities. Students must also show Christian character strengths.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
When weather conditions are such that classes will not be held, information concerning the suspension of classes will be released to local radio stations and television stations. St. Mary's School tries to keep in suit with the same procedure used by Longview Independent School District in regard to inclement weather. If Longview ISD cancels school due to inclement weather, St. Mary's will be closed. However, parents are advised to listen to local broadcasts for acccurate information pertaining to St. Mary's School.
LIBRARY
The library is the teaching-learning center of the school, the extension of every classroom. Students will periodically visit the library to do research work and to check out books. Books are usually checked out for one week, with some exceptions for books that have been placed on special reserve. Fines for overdue books may be incurred. Students will be charged the original cost for books that are lost or damaged beyond repair. If the book is later found, student will be reimbursed the amount paid for the book, less the amount of the fine at the time the book was paid for. Any student who owes fines or lost book charges may not check out another book without permission from the librarian.
LOCKERS
Lockers are the property of St. Mary's School, and are assigned for school use only. The student is expected to keep the locker in neat order. It is recommended that students use combination locks to secure the lockers. A copy of the combination must be kept in the school office. St. Mary's School will not be responsible for items in lockers that are not secure. School officials may inspect lockers at any time. Students are asked not to place signs or stickers on their lockers. This will help to maintain the appearance of the lockers.
LOST & FOUND
Students are encouraged and expected to respect the property of others. If they find clothing, lunch boxes, etc., they should take these articles to the office. Money, jewelry and books should be taken to the office. Anyone who has lost property should check the Lost and Found. It may be necessary to check several times, and parents are encouraged to look through the lost items when they are in the building. After adequate announcements to check the Lost and Found, all unclaimed items will be disposed of at the end of the semester.
LUNCH PROGRAM
Each day of the week a hot lunch is available for purchase by the students. Milk and juice are available every day at lunch and at break time, as are a variety of snack foods. St. Mary's School participates in the government school milk program. Parents are asked to pay for the milk or lunches by the week or by the month. Information regarding lunch money procedures will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.
Children not purchasing the school lunch should bring their sack lunch with them in the morning. Outside restaurant food must be removed from commercial packaging and placed in a lunch kit or bag. The office personnel do not have time to deliver lunches brought after school begins. Lunches brought during school hours should be delivered to the cafeteria. We would appreciate your help in this matter.
MASS
All students attend Mass weekly (weather permitting) and on Holy Days of Obligation.
MEDICATION
Only necessary medication (such as for epileptics, asthmatics, or ADD/ADHD) may be given at shool. All medications should be given outside of school hours if possible. Three times a day medications should be given before school, after school, and at bedtime for optimal coverage. If necessary, medication can be given at school only under the following conditions:
NURSE'S OFFICE
A student who is ill or has been injured during the school day, is sent or brought to the office. If warranted, the parent will be notified and must pick sick children up immediately.
PLAYGROUND RULES
Children are to play in areas designated by their teachers.
Swings: Children are not to stand in the swings; sit only. Only one child to a swing at one time. There is to be no twisting or bumping with the swings. Children are to exit swings properly - no jumping out of the seat while in motion. Those not swinging should stay clear of the swinging area.
Slide: Children are to go down the slide face front, feet first. Children are not to climb/walk back up the slide surface; use ladders only. Do not stand at the top; go down immediately. Do not shove.
Football: No tackle football is allowed - only tag or touch.
Wall Ball: At no time will Wall Ball be permitted on the school campus.
Red Rover: Red Rover is not permitted on the playground.
Equipment: It is the children's responsibility to see that all playground equipment (such as balls, ropes, etc.) is returned to the proper place. Teachers should check this before children come in.
Unacceptable Behavior: Fighting, bad language and the like, should be reported to the playground supervisor immediately.
Children have been taught the following general rules:
PROPERTY
Any student marring or defacing the school property will be expected to restore that which has been destroyed. Students are to remember that the school is not personal but community property. School property includes all buildings, supplies, and equipment.
REPORT CARDS - PROGRESS REPORTS
Report cards are distributed every six (6) weeks. In addition, progress reports are issued between each report card, approximately three weeks into each grading period. Progress reports and report cards should be signed by the parents and returned the next day. Report cards list the following achievement codes:
| Grades 4-8 | Grades 1-3 | Kindergarten | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A 94-100 | Outstanding | A 90-100 | Outstanding | G Good |
| B 85-93 | Good | B 80-89 | Good | S Satisfactory |
| C 76-84 | Satisfactory | C 70-79 | Satisfactory | N Needs Improvement |
| D 70-75 | Poor | D 60-69 | Poor | |
| F Below 70 | Failure | F Below 60 | Failure | |
RETENTION
Parents will be notified by the teacher of any serious difficulty throughout the year. Some factors which might make it necessary for a child to be retained are (1) failure to achieve academic potential at a particular grade level; (2) frequent absenteeism and/or tardiness; or (3) lack of social, emotional, or physical development which in turn inhibits performance.
ROOM MOTHERS
Volunteer mothers help with arranging field trips and parties. The children enjoy parties on these occasions:
| Christmas | Valentine's Day | End of School |
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
The primary obligation of sacramental preparation belongs to the parent. We follow the guidelines of St. Mary's Parish and the Diocese of Tyler.
SCHOOL BOARD
A ten-member board serves as a policy making and finance guiding body. It also assists the principal whenever necessary. Board meetings are held monthly. Any parent may attend non-business sessions of the school board meeting. Any parent, with advance permission of the school board president, may present an issue to the school board. Further information may be found in the Constitution and by-laws. Persons wishing to apply for a position on the school board should contact the school office for information.
SCHOOL PICTURES
The opportunity for student pictures is offered throughout the year. Individual student pictures are taken in the fall and group class pictures are taken in the spring. Other opportunities may arise for casual pictures. Please watch the school newsletter.
SNACK
Grades PK-2 are allowed a morning snack. Classroom teachers will send information regarding your child's snack time and procedure.
SPECIAL MILK PROGRAM (SMP)
St. Mary's School participates in the USDA's Special Milk Program (SMP) administered in Texas by the Department of Human Services. The SMP provides cash assistance to contractors to encourage the consumption of milk by children and defray the cost of providing milk. "In the operation of the Special Milk Program, participants are not discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, political belief, religion, or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against, write immediately to:
| Director: Civil Rights Department | or you may contact: |
| 701 W. 51st Street | Secretary of Agriculture |
| P.O. Box 149030 (zip 78714-9030) | Washington, D.C. 20250 |
| Mail Code E-609 | |
| Austin, Texas (zip 78751) | |
| Voice 512-450-3630 | |
| TDD 512-450-4313 | |
| FAX 512-450-4748 |
STANDARDIZED TESTING
Standardized testing is one of several means of assessing pupil performance. Standardized tests are administered each spring during the designated testing week to the required grades.
An Assessment of Catholic Religious Education (ACRE) is given to all students in the required grades each year.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The student council is a leadership of selected students who meet regularly to determine ways to serve the needs of all students.
Leadership, service, citizenship, achievement, fun, and learning are the goals of the student council. Through projects, activities, and programs, the council works with students, principal, teachers and staff, parents, and the community at large to make St. Mary's an even better school.
STUDENT RECORDS
A student's school records are private and are protected from unauthorized inspection or use. A cumulative record is maintained for each student from the time the student enters the school until the student withdraws or graduates. This record moves with the student from school to school.
By law, both parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have access to the records of a student who is a minor or a dependent for tax purposes, as do students who are 18 years of age or older. A parent whose rights have been legally terminated will be denied access to the records if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights.
SUPPLY LIST
The school supply list is provided at the end of each school year for the following year. The list is also found in the first newsletter of the school year.
TELEPHONE USE
A student may use the telephone in the office only for emergencies. Students should be sure that they have lunch or money daily and develop responsibility by having their materials and books at school each day. Forgotten assignments or materials are not considered an emergency. Arrangements for after school activities and plans must be made before coming to school. The school phone is not to be used for such calls. It is very disruptive to deliver messages to students in the classrooms so please limit these to emergency messages only.
TEXTBOOKS
Students are issued school owned textbooks. The hardback books must be covered at all times. At the end of the year, textbooks are turned in and fines are assessed for damaged or lost books. If a book is lost during the year, the student should notify the teacher, pay for the lost book, and receive a receipt. A second book will be issued upon payment for the lost book. If the lost book is recovered either by the student or turned in to the office, the money will be refunded. Students are to pay for books in the school office.
TIME AND TALENT
In the document To Teach as Jesus Did, the Catholic Bishops emphasized that one of the three interlocking dimensions of the ministry of the Church has been and continues to be service to the Christian community and the entire human community. Historically, the Catholic Church has depended upon the generosity and goodwill of its members in providing time, treasure, and talent to the achievement of its mission.
Volunteers have played a major role in Catholic education since the time when parishioners joined their efforts to establish the first Catholic schools in America. The tradition of involvement has been strong and each year grows stronger as more people become involved in more kinds of activities.
TRANSFERS/WITHDRAWALS
It is important that parents notify the school office, in advance, of any withdrawals. All charges must be paid, books returned, and tuition and fundraising paid up to date before any records may be released. Student records will be mailed upon an official request. If the financial records are not clear, a notice to that effect will be placed on the records until all fees have been paid. An official transcript will be sent after all financial obligations are met.
TUITION AND FEES
Tuition fees are due on the FIRST of each month and overdue after the tenth day of the month, at which time a late fee will be assessed. A penalty charge will occur for all insufficient debts. Tuition covers only a portion of education each student. Other funds are generated from fund raising activities, parish tuition assistance, and donations. Information on required Adult Service Hours will be given at the time of registration and the first newsletter of the year. All questions regarding tuition should be referred to the business manager.
Registration fees are NON-REFUNDABLE unless the child is not accepted for admission. Registration fees must accompany the registration forms. Tuition aid is available to Catholic families who meet the outlined criteria. Information is available in the business office. To qualify for Catholic tuition rates, Catholic families must be registered, practicing, and supporting of their parish.
A Tuition Contract and any other necessary forms, including addendum and/or ratification forms, must be in the student file in the school office (See Admission Requirements).
USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
All scheduling for the use of school facilities is coordinated through the Church office.
VISITORS
Parents, visitors, and volunteers must be admitted through the office and must obtain permission to enter any part of the facility. Please refrain from standing in the hallways or outside the classroom doors and office. All visitors must wear a name tag while on campus.
VOLUNTEERS
See Time and Talent
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
See Transfers/Withdrawals
rev. 11-03-99
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