St. Mary's School
Where the Heart of Education is the Education of the Heart
STUDENT / PARENT HANDBOOK 2010/2011
St. Mary’s School
308 E South Street
Caledonia, MN 55921
507-725-3355 - phone
507-725-8355 - fax
stmarysschool@acegroup.cc - email
www.stmaryschoolcal.org - website
St. Mary's Mission
It is St. Mary's mission to prepare students as lifelong learners who will
grow in virtue and wisdom, to become valued and outstanding members
of their church, community and nation.
St. Mary's Philosophy
St. Mary's Catholic School is faith community dedicated to teaching as Jesus did.
Parents are the first teachers of their children. Through a positive flexible learning
environment, educational staff working with parents, parish family and community
will challenge students to reach their full potential as responsible citizens rooted in
Catholic values.
ARTICLES PROHIBITED IN SCHOOL
Items such as knives, squirt guns, bean shooters, syringes, baseballs, laser pointers etc. are unsafe and hazardous. They will be confiscated if found and violations given. Personal electronic devices -radios, iPods, cell phones, games, etc. - are not permitted unless permission has been given to take them on a class trip. Permission must be obtained before the day of the trip and then only devices with headphones will be allowed.
ATHLETICS –ELIGIBILTY
Student athletes earning a passing grade in all classes may participate in athletics. Good conduct and respectful attitudes in general activities are required in order for the student to participate in athletic activities. Because extra-curricular sports (basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, track, etc.) are an elective activity enjoyed by only a percentage of the student body, eligibility to participate will be determined by the person's effort and conduct in school. The procedure for removal is as follows:
1. If a student is failing one class a warning is issued, the individual will have two weeks to demonstrate improvement.
2. A copy of the notice will go to the parents and the respective coach.
3. If at the end of two weeks, the individual has not improved to the satisfaction of the teacher, he/she is to be suspended for two consecutive weeks, the
date of notice being the first day of suspension.
4. Notices of suspension will be issued by the principal.
5. Suspension will ban the student from both games and practice.
6. If at the end of the two weeks suspension there is not improvement, the individual will be removed from the activity at the discretion of the principal.
St. Mary's School Board has adopted the Policy of
Independent School District #299 RULES FOR USE
OF MOOD-ALTERING CHEMICALS. This applies
to any St. Mary's student who is engaged in sports
activities with the Caledonia Public School. A copy
of the rules can be found on the school website or in
the school office.
ATHLETICS – BLUEJAY BASKETBALL
St. Mary's School, in order to comply with the standards of the Catholic School Basketball League in which it participates, has adopted resolutions in regard to the St. Mary's Blue Jay basketball program. The purpose of the program will be to learn the basic skills and to have fun. The grade emphasis will be limited to 5th and 6th grades with teams for both girls and boys. Only St. Mary's students may be allowed to play on a Blue Jay team.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance and punctuality are necessary if a child is to do his/her best. Any request for early dismissal, doctor or dental appointments as well as any other reason should be in writing. We encourage parents to make dental and doctor appointments outside school time if possible. We will need to call homes regarding absenteeism if a parent has not called in by 9:00 a.m. to let us know why a child is not present. If a parent cannot be contacted, appropriate action will be taken to confirm the safety of the child.
Unexcused and/or repeated absences will result in parents being called in to conference with the student, teacher involved and the principal. A plan will be established to ensure the safety, well-being and education of the child involved. An explanation from the child's doctor may be required for repeated absences.
No students will be released to any person other than the parent/legal guardian. Written notification or a phone call is required to release a student to anyone other than the parent.
School policy discourages the withdrawal of pupils for family vacations. If this does occur, however, parents should notify the school office prior to the planned absences. Teachers are not required to give students make-up work before family vacations. Excessive absenteeism (25 days) may constitute a child repeating a grade. A child who is ill but makes every effort to keep up with work would be passed.
COMPUTER CENTER
Students are not to be in the computer center without proper supervision. They are expected to handle the equipment and software with care, putting away learning materials at the end of a period. Any student misusing the equipment will be asked to leave the center and pay for any damage done. RESPONSIBILITY is the key. *See Internet Policy
COMPUTER CENTER - INTERNET & ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
The use of St. Mary's School computer system and the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Users will be held accountable for their actions when using the system. A Use Agreement must be on file signed by the parents acknowledging that they have read and agree to the policies before any student will be allowed to use the Internet. This policy may be reviewed anytime online at stmaryschoolcal.org under 'handbook'.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
At St. Mary's, the teaching and example of Jesus is a model for our behavior. We believe that there is good in every child. We try to take a positive approach to discipline and accentuate the good as often as we can. Children respond very favorably when they know that the positive things they say and do are recognized and appreciated. Children also need to understand that there will be consequences when their behavior does not conform to the expectations that have been established. School discipline is a cooperative effort. Good communication is the most important ingredient. Parents with concerns or questions should first contact your child's teacher first.
GOAL : Respect for authority, respect for all students, and regard for property should govern student behavior at all times. Proper behavior is expected at all functions of the school -- assemblies, lunchroom, restrooms, classrooms, and church.
VIOLATIONS :
DETENTIONS :
The listed guidelines in the Discipline Policy are to help each child create a successful education environment. The entire staff--teachers, aides, administration, and support staff will use their discretion if events other than those listed arise.
CONSEQUENCES :
Parents will be notified of all violations and detentions.
1st consequence for (3) violations
a. Detention
2nd consequence for (3) detentions
b. Parents called
c. Conference with Principal and teacher
3rd consequence for (3) more detentions
a. Three days in-school suspension
b. Behavior contract signed by parent, student, teacher and Principal
4th consequence for (3) more detentions
a. Five days in-school or possible expulsion dependent on the severity of the offense.
After each semester, any student violations or detentions will be erased. However, if a student has had a day of in-school suspension, this will carry over for the rest of the year.
DRESS CODE
We wish to maintain an atmosphere of education which must be reflected in the conduct and appearance of the students. When children are dressed up they tend to have more respect for themselves and others. We need your cooperation in having your children wear neat and appropriate clothing to school. T-shirts with inappropriate sayings or pictures will not be allowed. THIS WILL BE ENFORCED. We encourage clean, neat, hemmed jeans - no torn knees, shirts can be dress, knit or polo. Tank tops, Sleeveless Shirts, shirts with suggestive negative connotations, long chains and hats are not allowed. Pants and/or shirts that expose a bare midriff will not be allowed. The body torso should be covered at all times. Except for special, school sponsored activities; students will not be allowed to wear hats or bandannas in the building. Students may dress comfortably for the hot/humid weather. Shorts need to be a reasonable length and may be worn in September and May. Shorts are not to be worn by students that are participating in Mass. Shoes must be worn at all times. No shoes with wheels are allowed. Flip flop sandals are not appropriate footwear. Boots must be worn as long as there is snow on the ground not only for your child's health and protection, but also for school maintenance. Please label clothing. Please check Lost & Found located in the Office.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Minnesota law requires that periodic drills are held in school. The local fire department holds an annual drill during FIRE PREVENTION WEEK, and the Administration holds at least eight per year. Tornado Drills are held each spring. Two Lockdown Drills are held each year. Students also discuss and practice ways to be safe in emergency situations outside of school.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
The emergency information form is ONE OF
THE MOST IMPORTANT RECORDS REQUESTED BY THE SCHOOL. Current information is vital to the proper care of your child in case of illness or injury during school hours. The emergency contact should be someone who is available with transportation during the school day. A NEW FORM IS REQUIRED EACH YEAR. Please return the form to the office THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL IN THE FALL.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS OF
PRIVACY ACT OF 1974
St. Mary's School complies with the Family Educational Rights of Privacy Act of 1974. St. Mary's will on request send report cards and/or hold conferences with non-custodial parents unless there is a court order or legally binding instrument prohibiting such contact. Any requests for conferences are to be made directly to the classroom teachers involved.
The school must be informed of any legally binding instruments that bar a non-custodial parent from contact with a child since we do have a number of visits to the school by non-custodial parents. Keeping the school informed of potential family problems, separation or divorce, allows us to be more sensitive to your child's needs at school. If we can in any way help your family by better understanding any problems, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
FAMILY - SEPARATE HOUSEHOLDS
The office must be notified of the living arrangements for your child/children. Parent with primary custody will receive school information (i.e. notes, report cards) from your child. The non custodial parent will receive notices in the mail.
FIELD TRIPS
We do have field trips provided for each class throughout the school year. Additional information will be provided prior to the trip. A signed permission slip must be in the office before any student leaves for a field trip.
FUNDRAISING
Fund-raisers are an important part of our budget at St. Mary's School and include the following: the Non-Public School Marathon, Pictures, The Bazaar, Fish Fries, and the Cash Raffle.
GRADING
Grade reports will be sent home periodically--to keep parents informed of the child's progress and the report card every quarter. Progress Reports are issued at mid-quarter. These reports need to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned. Parent/Teacher conferences will be the first and third quarters. Kindergarten will be graded with S, I, N (Satisfactory, Improving, Needs Improving). First Grade is graded as Kindergarten for the first three quarters then grades are applied. Second through Eighth grades all receive percentage grades. Honor Roll will be for grades six - eight only. This will be published in the Church bulletin and Argus.
GRADUATION
Students graduating from St. Mary's receive a diploma. Public ceremonies for graduation are in St. Mary's Church. The seventh grade teacher and class are responsible for the graduation activities. Seventh grade parents assist.
HEALTH POLICIES/SERVICES
St. Mary's School has a nurse to coordinate the vision, hearing and scoliosis screening as well as any other health concerns we may have. The Minnesota Department of Health has a law regarding immunizations. This is listed below as it was received from the State so that you may be informed properly. We may NOT allow any child in school unless we have validated information in regard to that child's shots and other health information. THIS IS THE LAW! Pupils who are injured or sick at school must report to the school office. In the case of an accident, data will be documented for insurance purposes. Parents are notified if it is necessary for the child to leave school. NO CHILD may leave until parents or the designated responsible person has been contacted. If it is necessary that a medication be given during school hours, the following regulations must be followed: Medication must be ordered by a physician/dentist and permission granted to school personnel to contact them if necessary. Medication must be brought by parent/guardian to the school. (If there is a reason this is not possible, please contact the principal.) The medication should be in the original container with appropriate label intact (A second labeled bottle can be obtained from the pharmacist upon request.) This bottle will be given to the principal who will keep it in an appropriate and safe place. If the nurse is not available to administer the medicine, the principal will designate someone to administer it. IF THE MEDICATION IS NOT PROPERLY LABELED, IT WILL NOT BE GIVEN. No medication will administer if it has not been brought from home. The parent or guardian must send a note granting personal permission to administer medication prescribed by physician/ dentist. A Medical Consent Form is available in the office for prescription medicine. PLEASE NOTE: ALLERGY DESENSITIZATION INJECTIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN AT SCHOOL
HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS
The assignment of class work and homework by teachers is acceptable and is intended to strengthen students' skills in various subjects or to allow them to apply skills they have learned. Amount of work assigned varies with the age and capability of each child. Teachers make time for the students to do some homework during the school day--during a study hour or the last few minutes of a period. If a student complains of excessive homework, parents should check with teachers to see that their child is using the allotted time. The child is responsible have his/her homework in on time. Parents are encouraged to look over the homework, but please don't do it for them. For family vacations, homework may be requested the week prior to leaving. Some assignments/tests may have to be made up after the student returns.
INVITATIONS
If your child is going to bring invitations to school for a party at home or elsewhere, make sure that all children in the class are invited. Otherwise, make other arrangements to distribute invitations.
KITCHEN RULES
Students are not allowed in the kitchen area without teacher supervision. The telephone is not to be used by students.
LIBRARY RULES
1. Books will be checked out for one or two weeks.
2. Some materials may be checked out overnight--encyclopedias or reference materials
3. Students are responsible for the care of all materials checked out in their name
4. Behavior in the library is expected to be good--no loud talking, or disruptive behavior.
Our goal in the library is to provide a pleasant learning and discovery center for students and staff. We have a fine collection of print and non-print materials, and we are adding to this each year. Library skills classes and book check out will be held on a weekly basis. We will have volunteers available to help students when needed. Students who are disruptive, showing improper use of equipment or books, and/or showing disrespect for the personnel in the library will be asked to leave the library and report to the office, thus losing the privilege of the use of the library. Students will pay full price for any books damaged or lost.
LUNCH PROGRAM
Students who bring a sack lunch can purchase milk. Students may also purchase extra milk along with their lunches.
MASS
Students have Mass on Wednesday at 8:30 and Friday at 8:30. Kindergarten students attend Mass one time per week.
MONTHLY CALENDARS
Newsletters are sent home usually at the end of each month giving upcoming events and listing the lunch room helpers. Masses will be listed along with any special happenings. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR CHILD IF YOU DON'T SEE THIS LETTER. Phone calls come into the office seeking information that is for the most part contained in the monthly newsletter.
If you would like to read the Monthly Newsletters online instead of receiving a printed copy, please contact the school office.
PHY. ED. RULES
1. Soft soles or tennis shoes for safety reasons. Students will be asked to sit off to the side if proper phy. ed. shoes are not worn. An additional assignment may be given.
2. Rules for behavior will be set and filed in
the office at the beginning of the year.
Students will be informed of what they are and a copy will be posted.
PLAYGROUND RULES
Faculty members are assigned to playground supervision. If your child is injured during play, it must be reported immediately to the adult on duty. The children will play outside during the noon hour. We request that students wear boots to school in snowy weather. Playground & Recess Rules [Please review with your child/ren]:
1. Students leaving the school grounds for any reason must have permission.
2. Language and behavior must be appropriate.
3. Students wishing to bring play equipment out with them must do so at the start of recess.
4. Use playground equipment for the manner in which it was designed.
5. Students must ask permission to use the bathroom.
6. No Spitting.
7. No throwing objects such as pine cones, rocks, ice, snowball, etc.
8. Stay away from the dumpsite.
9. No one is allowed to sit on, climb on, or use the natural gas pipes to play on.
10. Enjoy the trees, but do not touch the branches, climb on them or peel the bark.
11. Return to the building immediately when the bell rings.
12. Stay within playground boundaries. No playing between buildings, on the priest's lawn, or beyond the sandboxes and fences.
13. Shoes must be worn on the playground for safety reasons.
14. If for some reason a student cannot go out for recess, he or she will need to sit in the office. A written note must be provided.
15. Balls are not to be bounced against the building.
16. No hard baseballs are allowed. Grades 5-8 can use softballs and grades K-4 can use rubber balls.
17. Balls are not to be thrown or bounced inside school building.
18. There should be no physical contact while playing any game.
19. No tackle football. Touch football is allowed.
20. No "Chicken Fighting."
21. No climbing or hanging on backstops and fences.
22. Any paper, pop can, etc. needs to be put in the trash. Do not throw garbage on the playground.
23. Stay off patches of ice, go around any ice. No sliding on ice.
24. Stay out of puddles. If there are puddles under any equipment, do not use the equipment.
25. No rollerblades or skateboards on school grounds.
26. Snow stays on the ground - No snowballs.
27. No "King of the Mountain."
28. Stay off snow hills completely,
29. No face washing.
30. No breaking down other students snow forts, snowmen, etc.
31. K-4 must have boots in the winter. If students aren't wearing boots they must stand by the wall.
32. No twisting, standing on or jumping off of swings.
33. One person to a swing.
34. No flipping the swings over the top.
35. No running in between the swings.
36. The merry-go-round cannot be used in the winter for safety reasons.
37. No one is to hang off of the merry-go-round.
38. No sitting on top of any playground equipment.
39. No pushing other students on the glider.
POLICIES
St. Mary's Discipline Policy, Internet Policy,
Mood-Altering Chemicals, Sexual Harassment
Violence and the School Bus Management Plan are
available upon request at the school office. They are
also available on the school website.
RECOURSE
A student or parent has the right to recourse if he or she strongly disagrees with a decision of a teacher or administrator. However, before allowing differences to become formalized every effort should be made to resolve a dispute in a free an open discussion between the parties involved. If no solution results, the student or parent has a right to file a written request within ten (10) days of the teacher or administrator’s decision. The following formal procedure applies:
RULES FOR USE OF MOOD-ALTERING CHEMICALS
Available at the school office.
RULES FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Available at the school office.
SCHOOL BUS SERVICE
Students, with the exception of those within walking distance, are transported by bus. Bus service is provided by Independent School District #299. Public and parish students ride the same buses. New families should contact the Caledonia High School office at 725-3316 to find out what bus their child will ride and where the pick-up and drop-off location is. We will be following the rules and regulations of the School Bus Management Plan
SCHOOL BUS MANAGEMENT PLAN
In order to guarantee the health and safety of students riding the bus, the following Management Plan has been developed and approved by the administration of Caledonia area schools.
I. Rules for Bus Riders:
1. No moving from seat to seat while bus is in motion. The bus driver has the right to assign students to a specific seat or in front of the bus.
2. No cursing, swearing or loud boisterous talking on the bus. Talk at a volume level so your voice cannot be identified by the driver.
3. Keep hands, arms, legs and personal objects to yourself. No fighting.
4. Be at your designated bus pick-up point on time. Students will be picked up at designated stops only.
5. Follow the directions of the bus driver the first time given.
II. Rewards for Cooperation and Good Conduct:
1. Verbal positive reinforcement to students by the bus driver.
2. The bus driver will allow the radio to be on, set at a moderate volume, for the enjoyment of all students.
3. Student will be allowed to sit where they desire.
III. Consequences If a Student or Students Choose Not To Follow the Above Rules:
1. First Violation: The student is cautioned by the bus driver.
2. Second Violation: The student is assigned to a designated seat for a specified period of time by the bus driver and parents or guardians will be called.
3. Third Violation: The student is warned by the bus driver, the building principal is notified (issue a pink slip), a school consequence is imposed on the student and parents or guardian will be called in for a conference with the student, bus driver and principal.
4. Fourth Violation: The student is warned by the driver, the building principal is notified (issued a pink slip), the student or students will be suspended from the bus for a designated period and, parent or guardian is called. Parent or guardian is responsible for transportation to and from school during the suspension period.
5. Severe Clause: A Severe Clause will be issued for use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, and/or drugs, bus vandalism, physical abuse, or abusive language or failure to follow the direction of the bus driver. The consequence for the "Severe Clause" is the same as for the Fourth Violation
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
St. Mary's School will follow District #299's decision to close or postpone school because of inclement weather or emergency situations. This announcement will be carried on WKTY, WIZM and KQYB (FM).
SCHOOL HOURS
School begins at 8:15 a.m. The first bell will be rung at 8:05 a.m. to come in. Mass will be at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday and Friday. These will be published in the monthly bulletin/calendar. Any student arriving after the 8:15 bell will be considered tardy, unless a reasonable excuse is given. Students coming late must report to the office before being admitted. If a bus is late, those students riding the bus are not considered tardy. Parents should call the school and report such incidents. School will be dismissed each day at 3:05 p.m. Walkers will be dismissed after buses have departed. This is for safety reasons. Children must wait outside on designated areas until the first bell. On VERY cold, windy or rainy days, they come into the halls of the school as soon as they arrive.
STATE/FEDERAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
We will again participate in the textbook, health, and guidance programs offered by the State of Minnesota. Parents of Kindergarten students and students themselves in grades one through eight will be asked to sign a permission form allowing the school to have funds for this purpose.
The Block Grant program will also be available for us. This enables us to purchase additional student related materials.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Neither teachers nor students will be called to the phone from their classes except in case of emergency. We discourage the use of the phone by students when matters could have been taken care of before the student came to school. Should an event be canceled before the end of the school day and parents need to be contacted, we will allow calls.
TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS
Each student is responsible for textbooks issued to him/her. Textbooks are to be covered at all times. Lost books must be replaced through payment for a new book. Damaged books must be replaced or repaired. Likewise, library books that a student checks out must be returned or the cost of the book must be paid.
PARENTS AND VISITORS
The Administration and Staff of St. Mary's welcomes visitors in our school. We ask that you present yourself to the school office rather than go directly to a classroom. We ask that if you are calling for a child for an appointment, please come to the office and the child will be sent for. Teachers may not release pupils without prior approval. A student may be released during the school day if we have a written request of parents after verifying that valid reason exists for the student's release.
VOLUNTEERS
We encourage parents, senior citizens, students, and others to assist teachers or other staff members by becoming volunteers. Your talents and skills are needed, not only to tutor students, but to enrich their experiences as well.
The principal is the final recourse and reserves the right to amend this handbook. Parents will be given prompt notice.