SAINT ISIDORE SCHOOL
603 W. Broad Street
Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone # 215-536-6052
Fax # 215-536-8647
stisidoreschool.com
WE ARE ROOTED IN FAITH
Serving the Spiritual and Academic Needs of Our Children Since 1921
Membership in National Catholic
Education Association
Washington, D.C.
Middle States Accredited
REVISED May 2008
“A COMMITMENT”
At St. Isidore School we strive to communicate and
to develop respect, trust, peace and faith in a
Catholic atmosphere. The purpose of a Catholic
School is to impart the spirit and message of the Gospel
into each student as well as advance each toward
academic success. Our discipline philosophy is based
on the Commandments, and Jesus’ law of love.
Children, through Baptism, are instructed first by
their parents. To bring a child to the Christian perfection
to which we are all called is a gift of Jesus through the
mediation of the Spirit; but the gift requires our cooperation.
Our apostolic witness must make this perfection visible
in the world, today and in the future.
A Catholic education is the foundation for mature
responsible adults. St. Isidore School is committed to
providing this foundation to every child.
CONTENTS
I. Administrative Policies
Admissions & Withdrawals
Curriculum
Progress Reports
Retention Policy
Conferences
Standardized Test
Communication
Record Keeping
Report Cards
ILA Folders
Health & Dental Records
Emergency School Closings & Delays
Arrival & Dismissal
Bus Transportation
Safety & Evacuation Drills
II. Spirituality
III. School Services
Auxiliary Services
Health Services
Lunch Program
C.A.R.E.S. Program (After School Care)
III. Parent Responsibility
Tuition
Absence
Absentee Notes
Appointments
Vacations
Truancy
Lateness
Dress Code
Student Classroom Supplies
Volunteers
Home and School
IV. Student Responsibility
Problem Solving Steps
Telephone & Electronics
Discipline
Procedure for Demerits
Detention
Suspension
Expulsion
Threatening/Harassing Policy
Homework
V. School Activities
Student Council
Band
Spanish
Rosary
CYO
“Nothing contained herein is intended to, or shall be construed to, create any contractual obligations, express or implied, on the part of the St. Isidore School. The contents of this handbook are subject to alteration or modification by St. Isidore School.”
RULES AND REGULATIONS
______
I. ADMINISTRATION POLICIES
A. ADMISSIONS AND WITHDRAWALS
In order to be admitted to Saint Isidore School, children must have been immunized against Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) and MMR 2.
Children entering Pre-School must be three (3) years of age on or before August 31st of that year and completely potty trained. Children entering Pre-Kindergarten must be four (4) before August 31; those entering Kindergarten must be five (5) years of age before August 31 and those entering grade 1 must be six (6) years of age before August 31 of that school year.
All other applicants must supply satisfactory evidence of prior grade work by bringing a current report card with them at the time of registration. Children may be required to take tests in reading and mathematics for admission and to ensure proper placement. All transfer students are subject to a thirty day probationary period.
When a student withdraws from school, his/her parent or guardian must come to school to request a transfer. If that person is unable to do so, he/she is required to write a note or telephone the school office, giving the new address and the expected moving date. School records will be forwarded to the child’s new school upon request from that school, when all financial obligations have been fulfilled.
B. CURRICULUM
The Academic Program at Saint Isidore School is developed and approved by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office of Catholic Education and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
Students in grades kindergarten through eight are instructed in the areas of religion, mathematics, reading, language arts, social studies, science, music, art, computer education, physical education and library. An Honors Math program is also offered to those students who are tested and meet the Archdiocese criteria.
The curriculum followed at St. Isidore School is the one adopted by all parochial schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. An official course of study is designed for all grades and is followed by every teacher. The curriculum is in harmony with the state standards.
Basic skills are taught as a sequential continuum. Teachers enhance established curriculum guidelines using their professional expertise and judgment. There exists the freedom to extend and vary the program according to the needs of the students.
1. Progress Reports
Progress reports will be issued for all students in grades 1 through 8 for first trimester. During the 2nd and 3rd trimester, students who may be in danger of failing a certain subject(s) will receive a progress report. Be aware that although a student may not receive a progress report, it is still possible that he/she could fail if his/her grades fall within a failing range prior to report cards. Parents will be notified by telephone or letter.
2. Retention Policy
Parents of any student being considered for retention will be notified by the teacher. At that time arrangements will be made for consultation. The criterion for retention varies. The ultimate decision will be a joint one between the teacher and principal, both of whom will take parent request into consideration.
` 3. Conferences
Formal conferences are held for the first report card. These meetings afford parents and teachers the opportunity to voice concerns, suggest solutions to problems, and therefore cooperate in making the school year as worthwhile as possible for the children.
If a parent feels a need to see a teacher, a conference can be arranged. The parent should contact the teacher in writing or phone the school office and an appointment can be set up. Do not call a teacher at home.
4. Standardized Diocesan-wide Test
The Terra Nova test is administered every academic year to students in grades 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8. It measures progress made in non-verbal skills, mathematics, reading, language arts, reference skills, social studies and science. (Not every area is tested every year.) Grades 4, 6, 7 and 8 are tested in October; Grades 2 and 3 are tested in March. This nationally administered test is used to rank our students both within the archdiocese and the nation.
C. COMMUNICATION
St. Isidore School communicates with parents through the monthly calendar and the weekly newsletters. It is the responsibility of each student to provide parents with all written communications distributed through the school. Communication envelopes are sent home on Thursdays and are to be signed and returned on Fridays. These will be sent home with the oldest child in the family unless otherwise requested by the parent. All parish organizations are welcome to submit for approval, articles to be published in the weekly or monthly notes. They must be submitted to the office by Wednesday morning.
In order for the teachers to have a better understanding of our children, it is important for us to be aware of their family situation. If there is a change in the family unit, such as death, separation, divorce, critical illness of a family member, etc., that will have an effect on the student’s daily performance; parents/guardians are requested to inform the Principal. All information will be treated in a professional and confidential manner.
D. RECORD KEEPING
1. Report Cards
Report cards are issued three (3) times a year. The report card is a bench mark of each student’s performance in school. The grades are based on test marks, projects, class work, homework, and teacher judgment in certain areas. Report cards must be signed by parents and returned to the school.
2. Emergency Forms
Each September, forms are sent home in order that the student’s record may be updated. Any changes in address, phone numbers or emergency numbers must be reported so that records will remain both accurate and current.
3. ILA Folders (Integrated Language Arts)
ILA folders are maintained from year to year for each student. In this, a record is kept of a student’s mastered writing skills and ILA writing samples. These are given to the child if they transfer out of St. Isidore School or at the end of their 8th grade year.
4. Health and Dental Records
These records monitor the student’s immunization, vision, hearing, weight, height and dental hygiene.
5. Records
All information regarding students and their families is safeguarded to protect the rights of students against any infringement of privacy, misinterpretation of data and inappropriate use. While enrolled in St. Isidore School, the students’ records are kept in the active file. Any change in information, such as custodial care, must be given to the school office in writing. After transfer or graduation, records of math and reading skills and health records are forwarded to the receiving school. Permanent record cards are sent to diocesan elementary and high schools only.
F. SNOW/EMERGENCY CLOSING AND DELAYS
In the event that there may be a school closing or a delayed start because of inclement weather, parents should listen to the radio (KYW-1060), watch the TV (channels 6 or 10) or check the school website (stisidoreschool.com) for information. They should not call the school. Weather-related closings aredetermined by the Quakertown School District office. If Quakertown School District is closed so is St. Isidore School.
If school is closed prior to regular dismissal time, notice will be given over the radio, through TV channels 6 and 10 and on our school website. Make sure that your children have been instructed by you and understand what you wish them to do in the event that they should arrive home before you. Parent’s cooperation will ensure the health and safety of all children. When school closes early due to a weather emergency normal bus transportation is provided and afternoon C.A.R.E.S. program is cancelled.
Please note that if there is a 2 hour delayed start in the morning there will be no morning kindergarten, pre-kindergarten or pre-school class and morning C.A.R.E.S. is cancelled.
G. ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL (School starts at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:15 PM)
1. Bus Transportation
Parents identify the mode of transportation the student will use upon registration each year. In the event this mode should change during the year, notification in writing must be given to the school. If you wish to make a change on any given day, please send a note into school for the teacher or call the school office. We can not change a student’s dismissal routine without notice from a parent/guardian. Do not have your child relay the message verbally.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible and safe manner while traveling on the school bus to and from school or on school trips. Bus rules are distributed to each family at the beginning of each school year. As per the bus company, students who receive three behavior notices will be denied one week of bus privileges. Bus transportation is available on most early (noon) dismissal days.
2. Morning Arrival
Children should not arrive prior to 8:00 A.M., unless enrolled in the C.A.R.E.S. Program, which begins at 7:00 AM. On clear mornings, the children wait in the yard for the teachers. They should stand in the area designated for their grade. There are no toys allowed. There is no running. Children are to line up quietly and enter the building quietly when led in by their teacher.
On days when the weather is inclement the children are to come into the gym and sit quietly with their class. They are to line up silently when their teacher comes for the class.
3. Afternoon Dismissal
Students departing by bus will exit through the gym. Those riding in cars will exit through the front door of school. Adults picking a student up must enter the parking lot through the 4th street entrance and line up single file toward the front door. As you move closer to the door your child will be instructed to exit the building and board the car. DO NOT PARK YOUR CAR AND COME INTO THE BUILDING to pick up your child/children. DO NOT PARK AND WAIT ON THE FRONT PORCH for your child/children. These rules are in place to assure a SAFE and speedy dismissal for all students. Walkers will be escorted by an adult until they have crossed the street safely.
If your usual mode of transportation is to change please notify the school no later than 3:00 P.M. Your child/children will be notified of the change in transportation. Children may not leave the school with another adult (grandparent, aunt, neighbor etc…) without notification from a parent/guardian. We will not change a child’s dismissal routine without permission, either in writing or by phone, of a parent/guardian. DO NOT have your child relay the message to their teacher.
Students are permitted to ride their bicycles to and from school at their own risk. Bicycles must be parked in the school bike racks. They should be locked and chained for security. Children are to walk their bikes to and from the corner of the school property. THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN BICYCLES.
H. SAFETY & EVACUATION DRILLS
Depending on the weather, fire drills are held monthly. Children are instructed on the route to be taken from each classroom they occupy. Occasionally, an exit is intentionally blocked so that the students will be prepared to take alternate routes. Periodically, we will also hold lock down drills and shelter in place drills. Strict silence is demanded of the children during these necessary drills.
For the safety of the children, all school doors will be locked from the
outside during the school day. Doors can be opened from the inside to allow for emergency exit. If a parent must visit the school during the day, he/she must ring the door bell to be let in and sign the book outside the school office. Everyone entering the building is required to sign in.
Once a year we will have a premises evacuation drill. The students and staff walk to Quakertown Elementary on 7th street. This is our designated area to go to if there is an emergency evacuation of our buildings.
II. SPIRITUALALITY
Parents are welcome to children’s masses, prayer services and rosary (said each day at 12:30). First Friday masses are at 9:00 AM and holy day masses are at 11:00 AM. Each class is assigned a certain mass to plan.
Penance and First Communion are received in second grade. Confirmation is received in the sixth grade. Information is sent home to the parents regarding the sacraments. Any question should be directed to the parish Director of Religious Education at 215-536-6498.
III. SCHOOL SERVICES
A. AUXILIARY SERVICES
In compliance with Pennsylvania State Law Act 89, the State of Pennsylvania provides St. Isidore School the auxiliary services of speech therapy, psychological evaluation, testing, counseling, and tutorial programs in math and reading. These services are provided to our school through the Bucks County I.U. The School District of Quakertown provides Chapter 1 services for reading instruction. Information regarding these services may be acquired from faculty members, the school office, or direct contact with the agency.
B. HEALTH SERVICES
The school nurse is on call as needed. Law prohibits her from diagnosing injuries or illnesses. Therefore, do not send children to school when they have symptoms of illness or when they have not fully recovered from an illness.
Pennsylvania School Health Law requires the following on entry to school:
· Proof of Immunizations
1. Polio 3 doses
2. Tetanus & Diphtheria 4 doses (last dose must be after 4th birthday)
3. Measles, Mumps, Rubella 2 doses (1st dose must be after 1st birthday)
4. Hepatitis B 3 doses
5. Varicella vaccine OR documentation of Chicken Pox disease
· A medical examination upon original entry to school and in grades 6
· A dental examination upon original entry to school and in grades 3 and 7
These grades were selected because they represent critical periods of growth and development. We are recommending that your family doctor and dentist do these examinations since they can best evaluate your child’s health and assist you in obtaining necessary treatment and corrections. If you are financially unable to obtain these examinations please contact the school nurse for assistance.
Vision screening is done yearly by the school nurse. Hearing screening is done in kindergarten and grades 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. Growth screening (ht/wt) is done yearly with BMI percentile available on parent request. Scoliosis Screening is done in grade 7.
Medication that needs to be taken at school MUST be sent in the original container with the physician’s instructions and a signed note from the parent with the time and amount of medication to be taken. ALL medications are to be kept in the office unless the doctor signs a release form for your child to carry the medication (including inhalers and epi-pens) with him/her.
Care given at school by the staff is limited to first aid at time of illness or injury. If your child is ill please do not send them to school. Please keep the school informed of any changes to your emergency form numbers in case of a serious illness or injury that may occur at school.
C. LUNCH PROGRAM
Hot Lunch Program
Hot Lunch is served Monday through Friday to grades 1 to 8. The menu changes monthly. Students receive an order form each month to order for the next month. It must be returned by the date indicated on the form. Late forms will not be accepted. The Hot Lunch Program is run by all volunteers. The proceeds from this program are used for class trips.
Milk and juice are sold by the trimester. The amount will be sent home before the Trimester begins and you will be given a week to place an order for the trimester. If your child wishes to buy milk on a given day they must come to the office in the morning to do so. Children should have a nutritious snack. Candy is discouraged and soda is not allowed.
Regulations during the lunch period are as follows:
a) Children enter the cafeteria silently and take a seat at the class table. Students are to remain seated until given permission to go to the lunch counter. All students are expected to remain in their seats while eating lunch. A student must raise his/her hand to request permission from an adult to leave the lunch table. They are expected to be polite to each other and the lunchroom parents. When told to clean their places, children must gather their trash and dispose of it, then return to their seats. No one is to leave the cafeteria without an adult’s permission. Lunch is to be eaten at the designated tables. An absorbent cloth towel or mat is to be provided by parents.
b) Each child is responsible for the cleanliness of his/her own table section. Papers and trash are to be put into the containers at the time designated by the lunch person. No food is to be taken to the yard.
c) Students will be permitted in other parts of the building only with a teacher’s permission and adult supervision.
d) Lunch boxes and bags should be clearly labeled with student’s name and grade. Forgotten lunches may be delivered to the school office before noon. Please be sure to put the student’s name and grade on their lunch box or bag. We discourage fast food lunches (i.e. McDonald’s).
Schoolyard regulations are as follows:
a) Children may play with balls, jump ropes and other outdoor toys.
b) Students are to remain within school boundaries at all times. If a ball goes over the fence, permission from an adult on duty must be given to retrieve it. The following areas are restricted and may not be approached by the children:
1) trailer
2) trash containers & recycling bins
3) chain-linked fence - There is to be no climbing.
c) Lunch monitors will walk around their section of the yard and supervise the conduct of the children.
d) Children are to remain on the playground and not enter back into the school building except for illness or injury.
e) When the bell is rung the first time, children are to stop whatever they are doing and be silent. At the second ringing children are to proceed silently to their lines.
f) Children are to treat all lunch volunteers with respect. Any child who becomes a behavioral problem will receive a demerit.
D. C.A.R.E.S. Program (Children Are Receiving Extended Services)
This program is open from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM each school day and 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM in the mornings before school. Please inquire at the school office for current fees and registration. Please note that if school has a delayed start due to inclement weather AM C.A.R.E.S. will be cancelled. PM C.A.R.E.S. will be cancelled if school is dismissed early due to inclement weather.
IV. PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
A. TUITION POLICY
St. Isidore School is operated as a faith community, and not as a commercial or secular enterprise. The school provides an opportunity for the development of faith-based values and for receiving instruction in the Gospel of Christ as part of its religious mission and ministry. Consequently, the payment of tuition may not be considered as creating a commercial or contractual relationship between the school and the parents that may be construed to create a legally enforceable obligation on the part of the school, or its sponsoring ecclesiastical entities, to allow for continued enrollment, or to provide any type or level of education services, or to provide such services involuntarily.
Tuition costs are listed on the tuition schedule form which is included in the registration packet. Tuition is payable in full by July 31st of the school year the student is beginning. Arrangements can be made for monthly payments (July-April) by enrolling in the SMART program. For more information on SMART please contact the school office at 215-536-6052.
A family who is delinquent in the payment of tuition or any charges will not be granted report cards or other student file information until all indebtedness is paid in full. Families in arrears in their tuition will not be considered for registration in the succeeding year. All tuition inquiries should be made to the school office.
B. ABSENCE
The School Laws of Pennsylvania classify absences as unexcused or illegal, except for the following reasons: 1) Illness of the pupil
2) Death of a family member
3) Quarantine
4) “Exceptional, urgent” reasons that affect the child
1. Absentee Notes
A child who has been absent must present a written explanation by the parent before he/she will be permitted to return to class. A doctor’s permission to return is usually needed when a child is absent for more than three (3) days.
2. Phone Calls
The school office must be called in the event that a child will be absent for the day. Parents who wish to pick up books or assignments for students who are absent must make this request in the morning so that assignments will be ready for pick-up at 3:15 P.M. in the front office.
3. Appointments
If at all possible, medical and dental appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours. If this is impossible, a note should be presented, notifying the school of the time the child will be called for by the parent. The child must be picked up at the school office and signed out.
4. Vacations
Vacations during the school year are STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. Parents are responsible for any time missed from school because of family vacations. The school is under no obligation to make up work missed by the child. Permission for the absence must be obtained from school administration. It is the student’s responsibility to make up the missed work. Please take into consideration your child’s performance in academics before planning a trip. It is advised to make trips during holidays or summer.
5. Truancy
A student who is absent without parental permission, is considered truant. This absence is unexcused and his/her parents must accompany the child before being readmitted to school.
6. Lateness
Children who arrive after the scheduled starting time (8:30 AM) are tardy. Students entering school late must stop at the front office for a late slip. If tardiness is repetitious, the child will receive a demerit. LATENESS DISRUPTS your child’s routine and the other children in the classroom.
C. DRESS CODE
Regulation Uniforms - Non-conformity will result in demerits
1. Boys - Steel Gray Pants with dark belt
Maroon Staff Shirt-Long/Short Sleeve (Logo)
Gray or Black Sock
Dress Shoes- Oxfords, Dockers only, anything that qualifies as a sneaker or a boot is not acceptable- no skater shoes
Steel Gray Walking Shorts with dark belt
2. Girls -Grade K - 4
Gray or Plaid Jumper with belt - knee length
Pastel Pink Blouse-Long/Short Sleeve
Grade 5 – 8
Grade 5 may wear Jumper or Kilt (gray or plaid)
Grade 6-8 wear Kilt – knee length
Pink long/short sleeve oxford cloth blouse
All Girls
Pastel Pink Turtleneck-Hot pink not acceptable
Gray or Maroon Socks or Tights
Maroon V Neck/Button Down Sweater (no sweatshirt)
Dress Shoes - no more than 1 inch heel, no clogs or sandals
Steel gray corduroy slacks with dark belt
Maroon staff shirt with logo
Steel gray walking shorts with dark belt
3. Gym Uniform - must be purchased through uniform company
Plain Maroon St. Isidore Sweatshirt with Logo
Maroon Sweat pants with Logo
Gray T-shirt with logo – purchased at the school office
Fleece Ash Shorts or maroon mesh shorts - white crew socks (above the ankle) and sneakers
No jewelry
ON GYM DAY A STUDENT’S UNIFORM IS THE COMPLETE GYM UNIFORM
Personal Appearance
1. Hair – Boy’s hair should be clean and neat, no longer than collar length, ears and eye brows should be visible. School administration reserves the right to make the final decision. Girl’s hair should also be clean and neat and hair accessories must match the school uniform.
2. Accessories - If girls are wearing earrings, they are to be small for safety sake – no large hoops allowed. Boys may not wear earrings. All jewelry must be removed before participating in gym class.
3. Make-Up - Girls may not wear make-up. Clear colorless nail polish is permitted. Fake nails are not permitted.
D. STUDENTS CLASSROOM SUPPLIES
Supply list for each grade are distributed at the end of each school year for the following year.
E. VOLUNTEERS
Parent involvement is integral to the success of your children and our school. Parents are encouraged to take an active part in their child’s education by volunteering whenever and wherever possible. All volunteers are required to submit a State Police check, Child Abuse check and attend a Safe Environment Program. Forms may be obtained at the State Police Barracks, from the school office or on line.
F. HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Membership is open to all individuals by applying and paying annual dues ($10.00). A Home and School board is elected and committees are formed with parents who are interested in serving special needs of the school. These serve to enhance the school by fundraising and social interaction. Elections are held every two years and general meetings are held throughout the year.
V. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
A. PROBLEM SOLVING STEPS: Teachers will discuss with students.
1. Ignore
2. Ask to Stop
3. Walk Away
4. Report
B. TELEPHONE & ELECTRONICS
Electronic devices (ex. iPOD, cell phone) of any kind are not allowed in school. The school phone is for office use only. Students may use the phone only in case of an emergency. Permission will not be given for students to call home for forgotten supplies or to communicate social plans. Please do not request that a child phone home during or after school for any reason. If it is necessary to communicate a message, the parents are expected to phone the school. The message will then be forwarded to the student.
C. DISCIPLINE
The purpose of the discipline code is to hold students accountable for their behavior and to safeguard the rights of others.
The students who attend St. Isidore School are expected to respect themselves and others. In relationships with other members of the school community they must exhibit a truly Christian attitude. Through self-discipline, a student refrains from behavior which would disrupt or hinder the learning atmosphere of the school. We are sensitive to the fact that the ideal is to have students develop self-discipline, but responsibility dictates that we incorporate an organized, structured discipline code to enable us to respond with consistency to failures in self-discipline that occur within a school setting. Discipline is enforced in order to help the student change an unacceptable behavior to an acceptable one. Parental cooperation and support for the teachers is expected.
1. Procedure for Demerits
Your child’s personal development and behavior grade on their report card will reflect the demerits received. The accumulation of demerits will last a trimester. When a student receives a demerit, it is to be signed by the parent or guardian on the day the demerit is issued and returned to school the following day. The number of demerits given is based on the severity of the action. The following is a list of reasons for a demerit to be given:
a) Books or Supplies:
Not having proper books or supplies for class
b) Cafeteria Behavior:
Throwing food, loud boisterous sounds, or any unsuitable behavior
c) Cheating:
Copying another’s work or giving a teacher good reason to suspect cheating
d) Damaging Property:
Breaking or defacing anything on school or church grounds. This includes textbooks and desks.
e) Defiance (Deliberate disobedience)
f) Disturbance:
Any conduct that disturbs others during class, i.e. passing notes, slamming books, unnecessary noises, talking to self or others, exploding pens, etc.
g) Disrespect:
Any improper behavior toward any adult or another student, i.e. talking back, being “fresh”
h) Dress Code Violation:
Any infraction of the school dress code
i) Fighting
j) Forgery:
Signing a parent’s name to any school paper or handing in a paper known to be forged by someone else
k) Gum Chewing:
Chewing gum at anytime on school/church grounds, field trips, or outside activities
k) Consistently tardy
l) Returning Demerits:
Failure to return a demerit
m) Incomplete homework/homework not done, unsigned test
(after 2 days)
n) Use of electronic equipment without permission on school
property
o) Out of Bounds:
Being at the wrong place at the wrong time - i.e. leaving school property without permission
p) Bullying – see Threatening/Harassing Policy on the following
page
q) Any other behavior which needs attention that is not specifically mentioned on the above list
2. Detention
Accumulation of 4 demerits will result in after school detention. The time for detention will be at the convenience of the teacher.
3. Suspension
A serious infraction of a school policy may result in the suspension of a student. There are two types of suspensions: an “in-school suspension” and an “out-of- school suspension”.
If a student receives an “in-school suspension”, he/she will remain in school and complete his/her day’s assignments in another room. If an “out-of-school” suspension is given, the student will remain at home for a designated time period. All class work while the suspension is effective must be completed by the student and signed by the parent. When a child is suspended, parents are notified by a telephone call and a letter, which must be signed and returned the next day. Suspended students must be under parental supervision during this day. At least one parent is required to come to school and meet with school administration before the student is readmitted to class. A written report of the incident will include: an explanation of the incident which warranted the suspension; the consequences; a summary of the meeting with the parents. The report will become part of the school’s files.
4. Expulsion
After a student has been suspended twice, (in-school/out-school suspension) he/she is eligible for dismissal. A formal letter to parents will be sent home with the child.
Immediate expulsion may take place without two suspensions, depending on the degree of the infraction and its result. Dismissals will take place after situations are investigated and evaluated by School Administration and the Pastor.
5. Threatening/Harassing Policy- PLEASE DISCUSS WITH YOUR CHILD
It is the intent of the school to provide an educational environment free from allforms of improper threats, intimidation, hostility, and offensive and inappropriate behavior. Such improper conduct, verbal or written derogatory or discriminatory statements, and behavior are not conducive to the educational and religious mission of the school. These include, but are not limited to:
-- disrespectful behavior of any kind toward any staff, student
or parent
-- insubordination
-- bomb scares or triggering other false alarms
-- cheating or plagiarism
-- use or possession of drugs or alcohol
-- smoking
-- stealing
-- intimidation, harassment, or threats of any kind
-- weapons
These categories do not cover every possible situation. The school is responsible for determining what is appropriate or inappropriate behavior, both in and out of the classroom, in the school community and outside the school community, where such improper behavior affects the school community.
Conduct by students or parents/guardians, or anyone acting on their behalf, incompatible with the educational and religious mission of the school is grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to immediate dismissal of the student, as well as reporting the incident to the appropriate legal authorities.
In addition, in the case of threats of violence or harassment in any form, including oral, written, or electronic, by a student against any member of the school community, the student, if suspended but not dismissed, may be required to have psychological or psychiatric clearance before returning to school.
D. HOMEWORK
Homework is vital to the reinforcement of the concepts presented during the school day. It may be assigned in written and/or study form. Parents are encouraged to foster good study habits in their children by providing a quiet atmosphere and by demanding neatness, accuracy and completeness.
The following time allotments are suggested for homework:
Grades 1-2 ..........................................30 minutes
Grades 3-4............................................60 minutes
Grades 5-6............................................90 minutes
Grades 7-8............................................120 minutes
V. ACTIVITIES
A. Student Council
Inorder to foster leadership potential, St. Isidore School belongs to the Catholic Association of Student Councils. Leadership positions are open to students in grades 7 and 8. Classroom representatives are composed of students in grades 4 through 8. The purpose of this organization is to foster Christian values and give witness to the community of St. Isidore Parish.
B. Band - Offered to students in grades 4 through 8
Instruments may be rented and lessons are once a week. Grade 3 is given recorder lessons.
C. Spanish - Offered for a fee to grades 2 through 8
D. Rosary - Offered to all students interested in praying the rosary at lunch
recess time.
E. CYO - Offered to students in grades 4 through high school
Sports offered are volleyball, softball, baseball, basketball and track depending upon interest and coach availability.
PLESE NOTE: This book is meant to be a guideline for school policy and services. We reserve the right at anytime to amend or add to policies, rules and regulations contained in this handbook, and to make such changes applicable to current and new students when the situation dictates.
