St. Mary’s Catholic School accepts children of any race, sex, national origin, or handicapped condition (if the school is able to meet the needs.)  Once accepted, no child will lose his/her place if registered on time.  During the school year, students, Catholic or non-Catholic, moving into the city or transferring from other schools may be accepted.   Students from Sherman Independent School District, other local school districts, or home schools may transfer into the school during the current school year, but must meet acceptable criteria with regard to behavior and academic achievement.  Due to a lack of necessary personnel and equipment, students with specific learning disabilities or behavior problems may not be admitted.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS -

·         Application must be made through the school office and be accompanied by a non-refundable, registration fee of $250, ($150 for Pre-K). Applications are taken for available spaces only.  Others will be placed on a waiting list and will be called should a vacancy occur.

·         Admissions to St. Mary’s Catholic School are based upon the availability of space, scholastic qualifications, and resources available to meet student needs.

·         St. Mary’s Catholic School reserves the right to test incoming students to determine the most appropriate grade placement in the best interest of the students.

Age requirements:

·         4K – 4 years old on or before September 1^st.

·         5K – 5 Years old on or before September 1st

·         Grade 1 – 6 years old on or before September 1^st 

·         Grade 2-8 – Successful completion of previous grade

Admissions are based on the following priorities:

·         Students presently attending St. Mary’s Catholic School

·         Catholic families who support the school through contributions, time or talent

·         Non-Catholic siblings of children currently enrolled in St. Mary’s Catholic School

·         Non-Catholic families

·         A birth certificate and social security number must be presented.  For a Catholic child, if the baptism is not recorded in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church register, a baptismal certificate should be presented.

·         New students requesting admittance to grades 2-8 must present a report card from the previous year or, in the case of late entries, a report card for the current year and a social security number.  Current test results and a report card are also required for transfer students.

·         All families currently enrolled in the school must re-register each year.  Families who fail to meet any and all financial obligations or uphold standards of St. Mary’s Catholic School may be denied re-admission.

FINANCIAL POLICIES –

Tuition is collected through the school office. Payment is expected on the due date.  After 10 days, the school reserves the right to charge a $15 late fee. A $25 fee will be assessed  for returned checks.  IF TUITION IS THIRTY DAYS LATE, YOUR CHILDREN WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND SCHOOL UNLESS ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE PRINCIPAL.  Report cards are withheld at the end of the year when financial responsibilities to the school have not been met.

Fees for the 2005-2006 school year are as follows:

1 child -       $ 3365.00                           1 child –      $4310.00                             1 child - $4503.00

2 children -  $ 5376.00                          2 children – $6540.00                             2 children -  $8147.00

3 children -  $ 6287.00                          3 children -  $7805.00                             3 children -  $ 9589.00

Prekinder 1/2- $ 1870.00                       Prekinder 1/2-  $1870.00                        Prekinder 1/2 - $ 2552.00

Prekinder Full- $ 3100.00                     Prekinder Full- $ 3100.00                           Prekinder Full- $3550.00

The following is a list of the fees that are required in addition to the tuition:

Registration Fee PreK- $150.00—Non Refundable

Registration Fee K-6 -    $250.00 per child – Non Refundable

St. Mary’s Catholic School shall consider refunds of tuition for good cause, (example: financial hardship or geographic relocation) on a case-by-case basis. Financial aid is available for families with a demonstrable need.  Applications must be made at registration time.  All financial information is held in strictest confidence.  The Principal may require service hours to the school as part of the financial aid agreement.  Deadlines will be established on an annual basis and must be met by every applicant.

CURRICULUM –

The curriculum adopted by St. Mary’s Catholic School is mandated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas.  It meets and exceeds the state curriculum regulations for other public accredited schools in Texas.  St. Mary’s Catholic School is accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference of Education. The curriculum offers the student a challenging and well-integrated program of study.  In addition, a variety of instructional programs and methods provide students with learning experiences and opportunities to develop their potential.  All students are taught problem-solving and critical thinking skills and are given the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities that challenge every child in every classroom.  Students are charged to become creative, future-oriented thinkers.

The curriculum places emphasis on:

·         A Christian education in a Christian environment

·         Moral and spiritual values

·         Academic excellence

·         Individualized attention to the greatest extent possible.

CORE SUBJECTS –

St. Mary’s Catholic School identifies the primary or core subjects as follows:

·         Math

·         Reading

·         English/Literature

·         Social Studies

·         Science

·         Religion

TEXTBOOKS –

The textbooks used at St. Mary’s Catholic School are selected from a list adopted by the Diocese of Dallas.   Textbooks are provided on a rental basis.  Students have full responsibility for the care of the textbooks issued to them.  Texts should be kept free from pencil or ink marks.  Students may be fined for damage beyond the normal wear and tear or may be asked to pay full replacement costs for the books that have been lost, damaged or destroyed.   All textbooks should be covered and the student’s name should be written on the outside of the book cover. Each student should use a backpack or other similar pack to transport books to and from school. 

Students are encouraged to take necessary textbooks home each evening.  However, the excessive transportation of textbooks to and from school causes unnecessary damage and wear and tear on the books.  Students and parents are discouraged from taking every book home every night, “just so the students will not forget something.”

HOMEWORK –

Homework reinforces what was learned during the school day, provides the opportunity for independent study and gives ownership to the daily classwork.  Homework should be expected each day but may not always appear in the form of written work.  Essential components of homework are reading, re-reading, reviewing, and studying classwork, as well as completing additional assignments that are not finished in school.  Students in grades 4-6 should be aware of the requirements of long-term projects and make time to work over an extended period of time on these projects and finish them on time.

Students at St. Mary’s Catholic School also need to be aware that the grade that they earn will be directly proportional to the amount of effort that they put into their work.  Since homework is a key component in any student’s grade, the more effort that a student puts into the assignment, the more likely that the student will receive a higher grade.  In some cases, it may be necessary for a student to spend more than the allotted time listed below for a given assignment to earn a grade of an “A”, for example.

The time allotment of homework will vary depending on the topic of study, the grade level, and the individual child’s study habits and ability.  Parent meetings at the beginning of the school year will indicate teacher and grade level expectations in this regard.  A general guideline by grade level is shown below:

It is strongly recommended that every student have a DAILY ROUTINE STUDY TIME that is SELDOM INTERRUPTED OR CHANGED.  This time should be used for homework or quiet reading.  A child should never say, “ I don’t have homework tonight.”  Rather, the child should be led to examine what subject may require additional study time or what additional work could be done to prepare for upcoming assignments.  Parents can aid their children in home study by showing interest in their schoolwork and by examining accuracy and quality.  In addition, parents should be careful not to over-extend or over-commit their children with extra-curricular activities.

MISSING HOMEWORK POLICY –

Students in grades K – 3rd grade will a have policy for missing homework established by the individual teacher.  Grade 4-6 will have the following policy for homework:

Missing Homework Due to Absence –

The student is responsible for gathering assignments, worksheets and material when he/she returns.  The student has one day for every day absent to turn in or visit each teacher’s room to obtain a grade for the work.  Failure to do so will result in consequences related to missing homework due to failure to complete.

Missing Homework Due to Failure to Complete –

 Students will bring their school planners to class with them. Missing assignments will be recorded in the planner. The following penalties have been established for late work:

One day late: -10 points

  Two days late: -20 points

    Three days late: -30 points

                            More than three days late: Automatic Zero

Parents are encouraged to look in the planner to check on their student’s progress and to use this as a tool to ensure that their children are keeping up with their work.  This can also be considered a formal communication with the parents and is one mare way in which the school and staff keep parents informed about the progress of their children.

STUDENT PLANNERS

Student planners are mandatory in grades 1-6.  The planner is one of the primary ways that the teachers communicate with the parents and this book provides valuable information and quick feedback for both parties.  Parents are expected to check the book on a regular basis and review the assignments with their children.  This monitoring on the part of parents ensures that the students are keeping up with their work and that parents are aware of the day-to-day progress of their children.

Students are encouraged to record all assignments each day, even those assignments that have been completed.  Parents can use this document to see the work that the student did that day.  Future assignments and up-coming test dates should also be recorded.

There is a $5.00 replacement fee for student planners.

RENWEB

To access this site for student and school information, parents must have an updated email in the school’s management system.

• Go to www.renweb.com
• Click on Parent’s Web at the top of the circle
• Log in as follows: District Code is stmary-tx. Type in the email address that you provided to the school.
• Click the new parent login if you have not logged on previously registered. You will be emailed a password at the email address you gave to the school.
• Log in with your password.
• Select continue.
• To access grades, click “Classrooms.

STUDENT SUCCESS –

All available school resources shall be utilized to promote student success.  Lines of communication will be kept open to inform parents of student progress in all areas. Concerns about a student will be addressed by the classroom teacher and the parent. The teacher and the parent will develop a plan for improvement.  This may include hiring a tutor, staying after school for individual help, peer tutoring, etc.

School success can only be attained through cooperation between parents and educators.  If it is determined that the school’s resources cannot meet the needs of the student or if the parent(s) /guardian(s) fail to act on the school’s recommendations for remmediation or diagnostic evaluation, the principal may request withdrawal of the student or deny admission for the following year.

GRADING AND REPORT CARDS –

The school year is divided into four quarters.  All grades received, both academic and conduct, will be the result of an honest and careful evaluation of all phases of the student’s work and effort by each teacher.  Students and families should understand that grades are earned by students and not given by teachers.

Students in grades 4K and K are not issued written summaries after the first quarter.  Progress reports for the first quarter will be discussed verbally at the first parent/teacher conference.  Students in grades 1-6

receive report cards at the end of each quarter.

ACADEMIC GRADE EXPLANATIONS-

Prekindergarten

Achievement Code:

G= Good progress                                                W= Working on skill                           /= Not applicable

Kindergarten –

Achievement Code:

M= Mastered                                                        P= Progressing                                     + = Always                           

I= Improvement needed                                      /= Not applicable                                  √ = Progressing   

Grades 1-6

Achievement Code                                                                Math and Reading Levels__________________

A= 100-94                                                                         1= Extended grade level material

B= 93-85                                                                            2= On grade level material

C= 84-76                                                                            3= Below grade level/modified curriculum

D= 75-70

F= 69 and below

Conduct and effort codes –

E= Excellent                                           N= Needs Improvement

G= Good                                U= Unsatisfactory

S= Satisfactory                                     I = Incomplete

CONDUCT GRADES –

Conduct grades are based on behavioral traits listed below:

·         ATTENTIVE IN CLASS – Student listens to and follows directions, stays focused and on task.

·         OBSERVES SCHOOL RULES- Student follows school and classroom rules.

·         RESPECTS AUTHORITY – Student is polite and respectful toward adults.

·         RESPECTS NEEDS AND PROPERTY OF OTHERS- Student is considerate and appreciates the worth and value of others and their belongings.

·         COOPERATES WITH OTHERS- Students works and plays well with others.

·         IS WELL MANERED—Student is polite and exhibits Christian behavior.

·         DEMONSTRATES POSITIVE ATTITUDE – Student is positive about work and school

·         SHOWS SELF-DISCIPLINE – Student practices self-control.

·         WORKS INDEPENDENTLY – Student is able to work without constant help or supervision.

·         COMPLETES ASSIGNEMTNS ON TIME – Student hands in work when it is due.

·         PREPARES FOR CLASS/TEST – Student has all required materials

·         EXHIBITS ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS – Student keeps desk and other spaces organized.

·         BRINGS REQUIRED MATERIALS TO CLASS – Student has all necessary materials for all classes.

·         PARTICIPATES IN CLASS – Student volunteers, answers and participates in other ways in class.

·         USES TIME AND RESOURCES WISELY – Student uses time and materials in a profitable manner

·         WORK REFLECTS NEATNESS AND ACCURACY – Work is legible, accurate, neat, and organized.

RETENTION – Policy is stated as mandated by the Diocese of Dallas

Retention should be used with caution and only after careful consideration.  The following policy is designed to identify as student’s needs for academic success.

At anytime during the school year, preferably before the end of the first quarter, when a student is identified as being unsuccessful in her/her core subjects according to established indicators (academic performance, attendance records, observed relationships with faculty, staff, peers, etc.), the following steps will be taken:

A CHILD STUDY TEAM will be formed.

The team will be composed of the principal, parent(s)/guardian, and core classroom teachers. When necessary, the team will also include a learning specialist, social worker, and/or others involved in the child’s education.

THE TEAM WILL –

·         Gather pertinent data.  The data will include all factors and circumstances that influence student   performance and well-being.

·         Recommend psychological or other testing when appropriate.

·         Consider all alternatives to grade-level retention

·         Develop an Intervention Plan to identify a student’s learning needs.  The team will develop a series of expectations and appropriate instructional strategies for the student.  The team will monitor

       progress to ensure that the plan is effective, individualized and adjusted as needed.

·         Benchmark and document the student’s progress at least every six weeks after implementation of the  Intervention Plan

·         Recommend no later than one week after the completion of the third quarter of the school year

one of the following:

    IPP – Individual Promotion Plan with Modifications

                                         -or-

                      IRP – Individual Retention Plan with Modifications

·         The decision to retain a student rests with the school principal.  This decision will be forwarded to the parent(s)/guardian and to the Director of Catholic Schools.  A copy of the decision will be retained in the student’s cumulative file.

ACADEMIC FAILURE –

Any student in grades 3-8 who fails two subjects for two quarters during a given school year will be automatically considered for retention at their current grade level.  The retention of a student for failing grades will rest at the discretion of the principal.  Students who fail one or more subjects during the school year will be required to have a meeting with the principal and the teacher(s) to discuss a plan for improvement.  If this plan is ineffective and the student then fails for a second time, the school staff will meet with the parents to discuss the retention for the next year. 

At the discretion of the principal, and with the recommendation of the teaching staff, a failing student may attend summer school or individual tutoring to try to make progress to achieve a passing grade so that they may move on to the next grade.  The decision regarding the adequate progress of the student rests with the principal whose decision is final.  Should there be a need for an appeal, parents may contact the Director of Schools of the Diocese of Dallas.

If the school recommends that a student be retained, and the parent does not agree and will not comply with the wishes of the school administration and staff, the parent may exercise the option to attend another school.  Should a parent choose to transfer his/her child to another school, he/she need to be aware that the students’ permanent record will reflect their failing grades and the recommendation that the student be retained at their current grade level.

MODIFICATIONS –

When a student with a clearly defined learning difference is admitted to St. Mary’s Catholic School, it may be necessary to make modifications to the curriculum or to the instruction that will affect that student.  To qualify for modifications of any kind a student MUST have some form of academic testing on file in the school office.  This can be in the form of a report from a school-approved counselor, a private academic diagnostician, a report from a diagnostician with Sherman Independent School District, or a physician’s evaluation.

Some examples of modifications are reduced homework, taking tests orally, taking tests in separate setting, un-timed testing, extra time for long-term assignments, making extra use of the computer for word processing to produce daily assignments and notes, being provided copies of notes and checking homework on a daily basis.

Upon receipt of the report, the principal, teachers and parents will meet to discuss the most appropriate ways to modify the curriculum and instruction to ensure the greatest opportunity for student success.  The plan will be documented and put on file at the school office and a copy given to the parents. 

The responsibility for the implementation of the plan is equally placed on the school, student and his/her family.  Frequent communication is the best way to ensure that both the school and the student are following the plan and that it is working effectively.  The plan will be reviewed at each parent/teacher conference and again at the end of the year.  At the start of the following school year the plan will be reviewed.  Changes may be made at that time if new information or testing has been conducted.

ACADEMIC COMPETITONS –

PSIA -

St. Mary’s Catholic School is a member of the Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA).  This is an opportunity for students in grades 1-6 to participate in a wide variety of academic competitions against other area private schools in the central Texas region.  Two primary competitions are held: a district and state competition.  Preparation is completed at school and home, and St. Mary’s Catholic School will provide all of the rules and necessary materials for the students to be prepared to compete.

SPELLING BEES–

St. Mary’s Catholic students participate in two spelling bees each year.  The top school speller will compete in the Diocese of Dallas Bee and at the Grayson County Bee.  Students in grades 4-6 are given the opportunity to compete for the top spot in the school.

GEOGRAPHY BEE –

The National Geographic Society sponsors a geography bee for students in grades 4-6.  The top student in the school will take a written test to attempt to qualify for the state competition.

STANDARDIZED TESTING –

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Dallas test their students on an annual basis using the Stanford 10 Achievement Test during mid September.  Students in grades 1-6 are given the Stanford 10 Test and children in grades 3 and 5will also be given the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test.  Results of the tests are given to the parents during the second parent/teacher conference, if available, or if parents do not attend the conference at that time, results will be mailed home.

PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION –

Unless injury or illness prohibits, students are expected to participate in physical education classes.  A note from a parent or guardian must be sent to the physical education instructor in order to be excused from participation. If a child cannot participate for more than one week, a doctor’s excuse is required.

RECORDS –

If a parent or student wishes to view a student’s permanent record, the request must be made in writing twenty-four hours in advance.

TRANSFERS –

When a child transfers to another school, the parents should notify the principal.  If possible, it is advisable that the school be contacted at least a week in advance to facilitate record processing.  Scholastic records will be sent only when tuition is paid in full through the final month that the child attended St. Mary’s Catholic School.

NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT –

St. Mary’s Catholic School abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents.  In the absence of an order to the contrary, the school will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to other school-related information regarding the child.  If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order.

CONFERENCES

Every effort will be made to keep lines of communication open to ensure that every school family has the best educational experience possible at St. Mary’s Catholic School.  It is imperative that parents feel that the school is available to provide information and guidance when necessary.  Parents are encouraged to contact the school when there are problems so that any issue can be addressed in a timely manner to ensure that the best interests of the child are represented.  The teachers and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School are eager to meet with families and help to make every child’s educational experience a positive and rewarding event.

Parents should be aware that phone calls to teachers should be answered within 24 hours and a meeting or phone conference will be held at the earliest opportunity. The types of conferences are listed below.

FORMAL CONFERENCE –

Parent/Teacher/Student conferences are held twice a year following the first and third quarters.  Parents must attend both conferences as the days are counted as attendance days.  Students whose parents who do not attend, or do not set up a formal conference at anther time, will be assigned an unexcused absence.

INFORMAL CONFERENCES –

Your child’s progress is important to the school.  Teachers are available to discuss issues during the regular school day and after school by appointment only!  Contact the school office to leave a message for the teacher or send a note with your child.  Teachers will return calls within 24 hours of the receipt of the message. Impromptu conferences should not be held without prior notice so that both the parents and teachers can be adequately prepared for the meeting.

PROGRESS REPORTS –

Formal progress reports for each major subject will be sent home at the midpoint of each quarter for students in grades 1-6.  These reports must be signed and returned the next day. If a parent needs to keep a form for a longer period of time, a note must be sent to the homeroom teacher.

COUNSELING SERVICES

St. Mary’s Catholic School does not employ a school counselor. If a student is determined to need counseling services the school will share a list of local, qualified counselors.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS/EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS

In the event that it becomes necessary to close the school due to inclement weather or any other emergency, it will be announced on local television and radio stations Channel 12 (KXII), 97.5 (KLAKE), or 96.7 (KIKM) by 6:00 AM, if possible.  St. Mary’s Catholic School will also follow the lead of the Sherman Independent School District in regard to cancellation of classes.

CHANGES IN INFORMATION/ROUTINES –

Notify the school office if there will be a change in where a child will be going after school or who will pick a child up.  Notify the office in case of a change of address, phone number, etc.

TELEPHONE USE –

Children are permitted to use the phone only with the approval of the principal or in an emergency.  They are not allowed to use the phone to re-arrange rides home or to receive permission to go a friend’s home.  Students will not be called to the phone to receive messages.  Only messages of an emergency nature will be relayed to students.

CELLULAR TELEPHONES –

Due to the proliferation and use of cellular telephones it is necessary to restrict their use in the school.  Many parents may wish to send a phone to school with a child for the purpose of communication following the school day, or for emergency purposes.  This is not necessary as parents may call the school office when messages need to be delivered to a student. If a parent insists on sending a phone to school with a child, the child MUST turn it in at the office upon arrival and may pick it up at the end of the day upon departure.  Parents should not attempt to make use of a child’s cellular telephone during the school day, but call the office in the event of an emergency.

Cellular telephones are never to be used to send or receive text messages, make calls, make use of the camera feature on selected phones or be in operation for the purpose of recording the voices of teachers, staff or other students. Cellular telephones are NEVER to be used by students in the school, nor in their possession in the classroom.  In the event that a student in any of the above situations makes use of a cell phone will face disciplinary consequences based upon the particular situation.  Be advised that the contents of text messages, voice-mail messages, phone numbers or any games or photos that may be saved on that phone are ALWAYS subject to the inspection of the school by a staff member or an administrator.  The school will reserve the right to inspect the contents of any phone just as it does for bookbags, desks or lockers.

COMPUTER USE –

The school recognizes the important role those technology (computers, networks, software, media equipment and the Internet) plays in our society.  The school seeks to train students in making the best use of technology as an enhancement to their academic pursuits and provide a resource for teachers to enhance their curriculum.  The smooth operation of the school’s computer network relies upon the proper conduct of students.  Accordingly, the school has adopted strict guidelines that govern the use of the school’s computer network and Internet system. 

The use of the computer network at St. Mary’s Catholic School is both a right and a privilege.  Students are required to make use of the network to learn the curriculum and to have access to many of the resources that are available only on the Internet.  However, the School reserves the right to limit the use and restrict the sites that students will visit while making use of the Internet.  Students need to know that they are strictly regulated on their use of the Internet for their safety and for the safeguard of the school.

No student is to ever visit a site that is not expressly allowed by the teaching staff.  Students will not visit or access chat rooms, personal web sites, or answer e-mail that has been sent from an off campus location.  Students who do so will be subjected to serious disciplinary consequences that are covered in the discipline section of this handbook. Students who do visit sites of this type are not only breaking school policy, but are possibly putting themselves in danger and are allowing unapproved outsiders access to the St. Mary’s Catholic School system.

Students who develop web sites off campus are never to access them at school without the express permission of a staff member.   These sites are subject to review and evaluation by the school for appropriate content.  Students are not to share the address of these sites at school with other students.  Every student who develops an off campus web site needs to be aware that they are responsible for the content of that site. Should one of these sites be accessed at school and inappropriate content is discovered the student creator is responsible for that content and will be subject to disciplinary action if the site contains inappropriate content or material. 

St. Mary’s Catholic School reserves the right to take action if an off-campus web site is used to harm, harass, degrade or otherwise negatively impact another student, even if the site is never accessed at the school.

·         Students who use personal websites or chartrooms off campus in a manner that carries a message that harms another student, staff member or anyone associated with St. Mary’s Catholic School, or connects to a web site that is determined to be inappropriate or pornographic will be subjected to the most serious of disciplinary consequences.

·         Students, who use a privately created web site to harass, demean, threaten, humiliate or embarrass     

another student, staff member or anyone associated with St. Mary’s Catholic School will be subjected to serious disciplinary consequences. 

·         Students who do create websites need to be aware that they are responsible for the content of that site, the links to which it may connect, or if it mentions another student, staff member or anyone associated with St. Mary’s Catholic School or mentions the name of St. Mary’s Catholic School.  The school reserves the right to protect its staff, students and the School itself from any negative, demeaning or threatening content.  The Principal will make all final decisions regarding the content and the disciplinary action to be taken in a given situation.

·         The consequences that may be imposed can range from loss of Internet privileges, school disciplinary consequences or possible expulsion.

In order to use the network and system, each student and the student’s parents are required to read the guidelines and sign an agreement attached to this handbook as Appendix C. 

SCHOOL HOURS –

The school day for all grades except, Pre-kinder half-day, is from 8:25 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.  Pre-kinder half-day classes run from 8:25 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  The school calendar will indicate all early release days, when students are released at 12:10 p.m.

In the interest of safety, students are requested not to arrive on the school grounds earlier than 7:00 a.m. Students arriving prior to 7:45 will be charged for early morning care. Unless a child is attending the Extended Care program, he/she must be picked up by no later than 3:45.  Students not picked up by that time will be placed in Extended Care and charged a daily drop-in fee.

LUNCH –

Lunch schedules are as follows:

11:00 – 11:30          Kindergarten

11:15 – 11:45          1^st and 2^nd Grades

11:30 – 12:00          PK Full Day

11:45 – 12:15          3^rd and 4^th Grades

12:00 – 12:30          5^th and 6^th Grades 

Prices are as follows:

·         Lunch Tray Grades PK-6 - $3.00

·         Milk/water - $0.50

Lunch money is collected by the classroom teacher or may be dropped in the box at the front office. Each family will have an account that the money will be placed into.

Students are expected to eat a portion of their meal. In some cases students do not eat the noon meal at all.  Be prepared to hear from the school if your child consistently skips lunch. The school may ask you for a written note acknowledging that you are aware your child is not eating. Every child will be encouraged to eat something at lunch. 

The soda machine is not to be used during lunch. Students may purchase sports drinks and water from the other vending machine.

RECESS –

Students are expected to go outside (weather permitting) during recess.  A note from a doctor is required if a child needs to stay inside.  Children and families should exercise common sense in dressing their children during the cold weather months and send them with appropriate coats or jackets.  Recess is not to be used to complete homework or other optional activities without the permission of the homeroom teacher.

PLAYGROUND RULES –

·         FOLLOW DIRECTIONS OF THE PLAYGROUND SUPERVISOR AT ALL TIMES

·         Play appropriately and safely on all equipment items. 

·         Slides are to slide down, not climb up

·         One child on a slide at a time

·         No pushing on any equipment item

·         Students should not jump from swings

·         Non-swinging students should not be near swings or attempting to disrupt the student on the swings.

·         Do not run in front of or behind swings while other students are swinging.

·         No throwing of any rocks, gravel or other items at any time.

·         No climbing on anything other than playground equipment to include picnic tables and benches.

·         Students are not to play in the Serenity Garden area.

·         Students must be in view of the supervisor at all times.

·         All students are expected to go out for recess every day.  The only exceptions to this policy are when there is a valid medical reason why the child should not be exposed to the elements or playground equipment.  Students will have indoor recess at the discretion of the principal.

·         The classroom teacher or the principal may revoke recess privileges at any time. 

DISMISSAL PROCEEDURE/TRAFFIC PATTERN –

·         The dismissal policy requires students to be dismissed every day from the McCullough Center foyer and be placed into cars in the traffic circle by a school employee.  The dismissal policy is designed to meet the following objectives.  First, the plan allows for accurate accountability of children who were going to be dismissed to cars for their ride home.  Secondly, the pick-up directly in front of the McCullough Center will allow the staff to observe that each child is placed in the correct car and brings a greater level of safety to the children at dismissal. Finally, the dismissal policy increases the speed with which children are picked up. 

·         The pick-up lane must move consistently.  If a child is not ready to be picked up or present, the car must move around and go to the back of the line.

·         Children are to enter on the RIGHT side of the car ONLY.

·         Students are required to wait in the McCullough Center.  Please DO NOT ask your child to meet you at another location on the school grounds.

·         If you send a person to pick up your child who is not the usual individual, please send a note to school to let the supervisors know so that they can be alert for the change.  If there is any question in the mind

       of a supervisor as to who is picking up a child, that individual will be asked to produce identification      

       and we may call the parent to verify the identity of the individual.

EXTENDED DAY –

The Extended Care program is open to any child enrolled full day in the school.  All children in grades K-6 who need to stay after school or are not picked up after dismissal will be sent to the Extended Care Program.  For students who are not picked up by 6:00 p.m. there is a charge of $1 per minute until the child is picked up.  As a last resort, if a child remains after 6:00 and the extended care provider needs to leave, the local police department may be called to pick up the child.

All children enrolled in the extended care program must follow the rules of the director and supervisors.  If a child repeatedly disregards the rules, the parent/guardian will be notified.  If the negative behavior persists the child will be unable to remain in the extended care program.

Children who stay after school for any reason, tutoring, study hall, detention, sports or any other extra-curricular activity must be picked up at the end of the activity within 10 minutes of dismissal.  If students are not pick up they will be sent to extended day and will have to pay a drop in fee for that day.

ATTENDANCE –

Parents/guardians are expected to honor the school calendar.  Prompt and regular attendance at school is essential for successful classwork.  Absence from school interferes with the students’ progress and leads to bad habits.  It is the student’s obligation to obtain and complete classroom and homework covered during the period of absence.  Teachers are not obliged to administer make-up tests for UNEXCUSED absences.   It is the child’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher for the tests at a time convenient for the teacher.

ABSENCE –

If a child is sick, the parent/guardian should call the school before 9:00 a.m.  If a note is not received the morning of the second day the student has returned the absence will be considered unexcused.  Excused absences are a personal illness, injury, and illness or death in the immediate family.  A written excuse will be required from the parent/guardian after a student’s absence.  A student will not be given credit for a class or the school year if he/she has been in attendance less than 90% of the number of school days in a semester.  The Diocese of Dallas has mandated that a student will not be promoted if they have missed 10% of the school year.  A child is considered absent if he/she misses more than four hours of the school day.

LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY –

It is understood that students will have occasions to arrive late to school or leave early for a variety of reasons.  Family emergencies, illness, medical appointments or other unexpected situations may arise and require that a student leave early or arrive late.  However, it is not acceptable to take children home unless it is an absolute emergency and be given credit for a full day’s attendance.  Students who leave early or arrive late without a legitimate excuse may, at the discretion of the principal, be counted as only attending a half-day.  This also applies when a sibling leaves for the sake of convenience to accompany another child home.  The school day is important and each child should be in attendance for the full day.  Parents need to understand that if they choose to take children out of school without