Handbook

General Information

Punctuality

It is important for all parents to realize that they are responsible for their children arriving at school on time. Children should arrive at school no later than 8:15 AM. Children are at their best early in the morning. It is difficult for a child to make up this work on his/her own.

Uniforms

Uniform codes will be enforced and parents will be called if their child is out of uniform.

Student Dress Code

Children in the Pre-Kindergarten program may wear comfortable play clothes. All children in the Kindergarten program through eighth grade are required to dress in the complete school uniform. Boys must wear ties after October 1st. Sneakers, work boots, caps, and hats are not to be worn in school during class time. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings. Girls may not wear excessive jewelry or make-up. During the cold weather, students may wear a navy blue uniform cardigan sweater or the uniform school sweatshirt. Other types of sweaters or sweatshirts (Hoodies) may not be worn

Items brought from home

The school cannot be responsible for CDs, CD players, electronic games, cell phones, jewelry, trading cards, toys, etc.... brought to school by your child.

Visiting the classroom

Upon entering the school, all parents must go directly to the school office. Parents are not to visit or wait outside the classroom during school hours or at dismissal time. The office will give messages to your child or call them to the office for early dismissal.

Dismissal

2:45 PM (K-5th) 3:10 PM (6th- 8th)

Written notification, dated and signed by the parent or guardian, is required if there is to be a change in your child's departure from school.

Teacher Notification

Please inform the teacher of any changes in your child's life situation (divorce, death, illness, separation etc.)

Homework

Homework is assigned every day including weekends. Each child is expected to record their homework assignments and announcements of tests in their agendas. Agendas will be given to grades 2 through 8.

If homework is not completed, the student must have an explanatory note and must make up the work within two school days. Acceptable excuses are illness or family emergencies. If the student does not have a note, he will receive an (I) for incomplete work and a deduction in the homework grade. In addition, the student will be required to complete the required work during his/her recess time.

Emergency Cards

Please notify the office of any changes in home or work telephone number, address, or emergency contacts.

After School Center

The After School Center is available for grades K-8 for a monthly fee of $225, a weekly fee of $100 or a daily fee of $25. The registration fee is $20.00. There is a discount for 2 or more children. Monthly payments are due the first of each month. Weekly payments are due at the beginning of each week, and daily payments are due on the day of service. A copy of the KiddKare handbook is available in the school office for complete information.

School Trips

Each class will go on approximately two class trips a year. The teacher will arrange these trips with the assistance of the grade mother. Since these trips are a regular part of the school curriculum, all children are required to go. Children will be required to bring the fee for the trip and a signed permission slip three days before the trip. If the permission slip is not signed, the child WILL NOT be allowed to go on the trip. The school uniform must be worn on class trips. Under special circumstances, some classes, with the principal's permission, will be allowed to wear presentable conventional clothing on a trip.

Tuition and Fees 2008-2009

Please call the school office for the tuition rates and policy for the 2008-2009 school year.

Families who do not participate in the envelope system must pay non-parishioner tuition.

Familias que no participan con la contribucion de limosna mediante los sobres, pagaran la mensualidad regular.

Registration fee: $125.00

Re-registration fee: $50.00

Textbook and Activity Fee:

Pre-K through 8th grade: This fee is levied at the beginning of each school year and is based upon classroom needs of the student.

Chocolate Sale:

Annually, each family is required to sell at least two cases of chocolate.

Parent Teacher Conferences:

In addition to scheduled report card conferences, conferences may be initiated by parents or by teachers at any time during the school year. If a parent wishes a conference with a teacher, the parent should write a note to the teacher asking for an appointment before or after school hours. It is hoped that the parent will avail themselves of the opportunity to confer with the teacher, thus helping the child to achieve success and happiness. NO PARENT IS TO GO TO THE CLASSROOM DURING SCHOOL HOURS. DURING THE DAY, PLEASE ENTER THE SCHOOL AT THE ELIZABETH STREET ENTRANCE.

Record Cards

On the official Archdiocesan record card, a student's attendance, standardized test scores, teacher evaluations, special activities, honors the student has achieved, reading and mathematics text and level attained at each grade as well as family, birth and church information are recorded.

Promotion and Retention

The principal and the teacher make the final decision to promote or retain a student. This decision is based upon the total evaluation of the student's growth in all areas of development. When there is a possibility of retention, parents will be notified prior to the final decision.

Standards for School Behavior

An effective teaching program is based upon a well-ordered class with an atmosphere conducive to learning. Children who attend St. Ann's Parish School are expected to be productive, respectful and cooperative. The manners and respect learned at home are to be extended to the school community.

School Rules

Each child is expected to:

      Respect and obey teachers, staff, volunteers, and principal.
Accept responsibility for his/her own actions.
    Be responsible for respecting the rights and property of others.
Complete all assigned class work on time.
Use proper language at all times.
      Refrain from chewing gum or wearing excessive jewelry or makeup.

Refrain from bringing the following items to school which may endanger the safety and welfare of children. These items include, but are not limited to: knives, fireworks, "stink"/smoke bombs, cigarettes, matches, drugs, drug related products, and alcohol.

Respect school and church property.

Wear the complete uniform.

Behave in a responsible manner at all times. This includes all classes and activities in and out of school (field trips, gym, library, assemblies, etc.)

Refrain from fighting. Any children involved in physical contact with another child will be automatically suspended from school as per the Parent/Student Handbook.

PBIS

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION & SUPPORTS

A school-wide system for:

Ongoing development of a positive social culture in our school.
Teaching the principles of SAFETY, RESPONSIBILITY and RESPECT.
Utilizing attitiudes, acknowledgement and rewards to implement change.
Support of teachers and staff in addressing behavioral problems.
Maintenance of safe enviornments conducive to learning.
Planning and implementing interventions for higher needs students.

Teaching Universal Expectations

SAFE RESPONSIBLE RESPECTFUL .

Define, explain, teach, and model.
Practice, review, re-do, cue, and remind.
ACKNOWLEDGE and REWARD. Cop an attitude – a happy one.
Integrate and apply the 3 principals whenever possible.
Be consistent.
Address behavior specifically. “One day at a time”.

Prayers

The development of a sincere prayer life is an important part of a child's day. In addition to the many liturgical services and moments of quiet prayer, the following prayers are said daily by the entire student body.

Morning prayers:

1. Sign of the Cross

2. The Lord's Prayer

3. Memorare: "Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come; before you I stand sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate! Despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen."

4. Morning Offering

Lunch Blessings:

1. Blessings before meals: "Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen"

2. Blessing after meals: "We give thee thanks for all thy benefits, almighty God, who lives and reigns forever. And may the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in Peace. Amen"

3. Closing Prayer

4. A Prayer for Forgiveness: "My God I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us. In His name my God have mercy. Amen."

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

PLEDGE TO THE CROSS OF CHRIST:

"I pledge allegiance to the Cross of Christ, and to the love for which it stands, one Church, holy, catholic, and apostolic, with happiness and salvation for all."

Telecommunications Policy

Student Expectations in Use of the Internet

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use or violation of any of the following standards will result in serious consequences and could result in expulsion from the school .

Use of the computer at school is limited to school related activities. Internet users are expected to behave responsibly in accessing and viewing information that is pertinent to the mission of the school.

Vandalism and other infractions of school policy while using the Internet will result in immediate cancellation of privileges along with disciplinary action.
After School/Home Access requires students to follow the same student expectations as stated in the “Discipline Code for Student Conduct”, “Harassment Policies” and the “Summary Statement” in the student handbook.

Students must abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette both inside and outside school.
Students are responsible for their explorations on the Internet and are subject to the consequences of the school’s discipline policy.
Students must sign a contract indication their understanding and acceptance of the school’s guidelines.
Parents must give their permission for their child to use the internet for educational purposes as an individual by signing the Contract from once conditions are clearly understood. Parents also have the option of denying permission for their child to use the internet independently at school.

Standards of Behavior

Be courteous and respectful in your messages to others.

Use appropriate language. Do not use vulgar, harassing, obscene, threatening, bullying, abusive, or sexually offensive language, or make any statements that are slanderous or disparaging of any students or adults.
Never visit inappropriate or offensive websites.
Never download materials from inappropriate or offensive websites.
Never expose yourself in an inappropriate, vulgar, or sexually offensive manner on any website or via e-mail, either in pictures or videos.
Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
Do not reveal your home address or phone number, or that of other students or staff.
Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages related to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
Proofread your message before you send it.
Never agree to get together with someone you “meet” on-line.
Only public domain software (“shareware”) can be downloaded.
Copyright laws must be respected. Do not make unauthorized copies of software and do not give, lend, or sell copies of software to others.
Software applications, games, or CD-ROMS from home may not be used on school equipment without proof of licensure and prior approval of appropriate school personnel.
Do not reveal personal passwords or try to learn others’ passwords. Do not copy, change, read or use files from another user without prior permission from that user. Do not attempt to gain unauthorized access to system programs for computer equipment.
Do not post personal messages on bulletin boards or “list servers”. Send personal messages directly to the person to whom you want to write.
Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network for other users.
Do not waste or take supplies such as paper, printer cartridges, and diskettes that are provided by the school.
Talk softly and work in ways that will not disturb other users. Keep computer work areas clean and do not eat or drink in the computer lab.
If students encounter material on a network/bulletin board that is not appropriate (vulgar jokes, statements of belief that some might consider immoral, etc.,) the student is responsible for not pursuing this material and reporting the matter to appropriate school personnel.
The use of cell phones, camera phones or other digital media is prohibited during the school day. Cell phones, camera phones, or other personal electronic devices will be confiscated if students use them during the school day without permission. In addition, any student who uses a camera, camera phone or other personal electronic devices in school or in the classroom for any reason will be suspended. Further disciplinary measures including expulsion will be considered depending on the nature of the camera, camera phone, or personal electronic device use.
Technology Use outside normal academic hours and/or off school grounds (including but not limited to cell phones, e-mail, text messages, camera-phones, cameras, personal digital assistants (pda’s), chat lines, bulletin boards, etc., outside normal academic hours and/or off school grounds are subject to the same guidelines as previously cited in the “Discipline Code for Student Conduct”,” Harassment Policies” and the “Summary Statement”.
The school reserves the right to seek financial restitution for any damage caused by a student or other user. The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use, and their decision is final. The administration, faculty, and staff of the school may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific privileges. Violation of the rules and code of ethics described above will be dealt with seriously.
Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. The use of school computers and networking resources for commercial activities is not permitted. Their use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.