Parent/Student Handbook

60 Pages·2013·2.96 MB·English

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St. Mary School
Parent/Student Handbook

Table of Contents
Introduction
Mission Statement of Diocese of Lafayette 1
Philosophy of St. Mary School 1
Mission Statement of St. Mary School 1

Lafayette Catholic School System Contact Information 2

Introduction 3
Alcohol and Smoke Free Environment 3
Principal’s Discretionary Statement 3
Agreement 3

Administration
Bishop 4
Director of the Pastoral Office for Education 4
Board of Trustees 4
Governance Board 4
Board of Education 4
Principal 4
Teachers 5
Teacher Aides/Assistants 5

Admission Policies
Nondiscrimination Policy 5
Admission for New Students 5
Admission Requirements 5
Admission Priority 5
Registration 6
Belief Statement 6
Financial Aid 6

Arrival and Dismissal
School Operational Hours 7
Daily Procedures 7
Visitors 7
Daily Schedule 8
Mass Schedule 8

Attendance
Calendar 9
Absence of Child during School Day 9
Truancy 9
Tardy 9
Absence: Half Day 9
Absence: Extracurricular Activities 9
Vacation 9
Parents Out of Town 9
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Appointments 10
Make Up Work 10
Early Dismissal 10
Illness/Accident at School 10

Academic Formation
Characteristics of a Graduate of a Catholic School 11
Code of Christian Conduct 11
Accreditation 12
Assemblies 12
Assessments 12
Curriculum 12
Dress Code/Uniforms 12
Grading Procedure 13
Report Cards 13
Promotion 13
Placement 13
Retention 13
Learning Difficulties 14
Homework Policy 14
Homework/Amount of Time 14
Homework—Absence of Child 14
Homework—Missing or Incomplete 15
Homework - Vacations 15
Federal Educational Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA) 15
Access to Records 15
Access to Records with Non-Custodial Parent 15
Student Cumulative Record 15
School Supplies 16
Testing 16
Textbooks 16
Internet Access 16
Cell Phones 17
Guidance Services 17
Protecting God’s Children 17
Media Center 18
Lost and Found 18
Lunchtime Recess 18
School Pictures 19
Greater Lafayette Area Special Services (G.L.A.S.S.) 19
Special Education 19
N.U.T. slips (No Uniform Today) 19
Celebrations/Treats 19
Gum and Candy 19
Private Parties 19

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Religion Curriculum
Religion Instruction 20
Religion Grading 20
Liturgical Devotions 20
Prayers 20
Community Service 20

Communication
Conferences - Parent/Teacher 21
Conferences - Parent/Teacher/Principal 21
Conferences - With pertinent staff 21
Newsletter - Parent 21
Wednesday Folder 21
Harmony 21
Telephone Calls 21
Visits to the Classroom 21

Discipline
Philosophy 22
Atmosphere of Respect 22
Bullying 22
Corporal Punishment 23
Discipline Code 23
Rules of Conduct for Classroom and Playground 23
Playground Plan 23
Lunchroom Plan 24
Noise/Running 25
Dress Code Uniform Violations 25
Dress Code Exceptions 25
Search and Seizure 25
Serious Offenses 25
Suspension, Expulsion, And Exclusion 25
Ground for Suspension/Expulsion 26
Due Process 26
Harassment 27

Health and Safety

Illness of a Student 27
Illness - Medication 27
Illness - Communicable Disease 27
Flu 27
Health Records 28

Immunizations
Meningococcal Disease 28
Required Immunizations - Indiana Department of Education 28

Security
Severe Weather 29
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School Closing/Delay 29
Emergency Closing

Crisis Management
Earthquake 29
Fire 30
Tornado 30
Heat/Water/Electricity Loss 30
Evacuation 30
Bomb Threat 31
Child Abuse Protocol 31

Educationally Related Activities
Field Trip Policies 31
Notification Form 31
Chaperone 32
Participation 32
Transportation 32

Student Activities
Attitude 32

Financial Policies
Insurance 32
Tuition 32

Parent Organizations
Lafayette Catholic Schools Board of Education 33
Parent/Teacher Organization 33
Volunteers 33

Schedule for Teaching Catholic Prayers in Lafayette Catholic Schools 34
Prayers 35-45

Appendix
Parental Field Trip and Transportation Notification and Liability Waiver 47
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) 48
Lafayette Catholic Elementary Schools Uniform Code 49
Uniform Code Violation Sheet 51
Protecting God’s Children parent letter 52
Counselor Referral Form 53
Student Prescribed/Alternative Medication Permission Form 54
Meningococcal Disease parent letter 55

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Lafayette Catholic Schools
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to serve God by providing a
challenging academic education integrated
with Catholic values and morals
developing the whole person
spiritually, intellectually, physically,
St. Mary School Colors:
and socially.
Blue and White
Nickname:
Vision Statement Squires
He shepherds. We shape. They shine.
St. Mary Cathedral Catholic School
Philosophy of Education

“Go, teach all nations...to love God and love neighbor...as I have loved you.”

The educational mission of the church is an integrated ministry embracing four
purposes of Catholic Schools: the gospel message, community, worship, and service.

Of the educational programs available to the Catholic community, Catholic
schools afford the fullest and best opportunity to realize the four-fold purpose of
Christian education among children and young people. The program supports and
aids the parents, who are the primary educators of the child.

Statement of Purpose

St. Mary Cathedral Elementary School works in partnership with families, the
community, and the Church to provide a nurturing environment for students in kin-
dergarten through grade three. The school is a center where teachers and staff, in co-
operation with families, guide the child’s early development in faith, academics and
self-esteem.
St. Mary Cathedral accomplishes this by:
∗ Instructing the children in Catholic doctrine, preparing them for litur-
gies and the reception of the sacraments, and providing opportunities to
live their faith.
∗ Developing the child’s potential by offering an academic curriculum
strong in the fundamental skills with attention given to individual
needs.
∗ Assisting children to grow in self-esteem and self-discipline within an
environment based on mutual love, respect, and parental support.
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Lafayette Catholic School System
St. Mary Cathedral School
Parent/Student Handbook
2012-2013

Business/Development Office
2410 South Ninth Street
Lafayette, Indiana 47909-2499
765-474-5427 (Business Office)
765-474-7500 (Development Office)
765-474-5426 (Business/Development Fax)

Mr. Eric Davis-Executive Director
Ms. JudeAnne Hastings -Development Director
Mrs. Angie Schrader-Enrollment Director

St. Mary Cathedral School (Grades Pre-school—3)
1200 South Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
765-742-6302
Mrs. Kim Delaney—Principal

St. Boniface Middle School (Grades 4—6)
813 North Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
765-742-7913
Sister M. Lenore Schwartz, O.S.F.—Principal

St. Lawrence Elementary School (Grades Pre-school—6)
1902 Meharry Street
Lafayette, IN 47904-1498
765-742-4450
Mrs. Jody Williams—Principal

Central Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School
2410 South Ninth Street
Lafayette, IN 47909-2499
†
765-474-2496 (Main office)
765-474-3524 (Athletic office)
474-8752 (Fax)
Mr. Joe Brettnacher—Principal

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Introduction

Students entering the Lafayette Catholic School System indicate that both students and par-
ents/guardians are willing to comply with all of the policies of the school and to strive to live in a
Christ-like manner for both the individual and common good.

All Lafayette Catholic School System students must realize that their conduct, no matter where
they may be, reflects both upon their personal dignity and the dignity of their follow students. Conse-
quently, student conduct not in keeping with the guidelines of the educational philosophy and objec-
tives of the Lafayette School System is a discredit to the individual and an insult to other students, par-
ents, faculty and administration.

Although the school cannot assume responsibility for a student’s conduct when the student is
outside the school’s jurisdiction, students should remember, at all times, they are responsible for the
good name of the Lafayette Catholic School System. A student involved in off-campus conduct prejudi-
cial to the reputation of the school is liable to disciplinary action by school authorities.

Any conduct unbecoming of a Lafayette Catholic School System student is considered a breach
of discipline and exposes the student to the imposition of an appropriate penalty. Hence, it is the re-
sponsibility of each student to know and follow the guidelines set down herein. The gravity of penal-
ties will be determined by the seriousness of the offense and the circumstances. A parent’s or stu-
dent’s abdication of reading or referring to the handbook does not constitute a right or expectation of
leniency or treatment contrary to the guidelines and/or penalties assessed as a result.

Alcohol and Smoke Free Environment

Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages are not permitted on school premises.

PRINCIPAL’S DESCRESIONARY STATEMENT—AMMENDMENTS TO THE HANDBOOK

No student/parent handbook can address and cover all policies and situation in the school
community. Therefore, the principal or their designee (in the principal’s absence) reserves the right to
make any and all policy decisions that may arise, that are not covered by this handbook. The principal
also retains the right to amend the handbook for just cause, and parents will be given prompt written
notification if changes are made.

AGREEMENT SIGNED BY PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Parents are requested to sign a statement indicating that they have read and agree to be gov-
erned by this handbook. This statement can be found at the end of this document and/or in the
Wednesday folder.
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Administration

Bishop
The Bishop is responsible for the supervision as well as the fostering of catechesis in the diocese as de-
scribed in the National Catechetical Directory, The Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Code of Canon Law
(cc 394, 774). He is charged to “devote himself personally to the work of the Gospel," and to “supervise the
entire ministry of the work in regard to the flock committed to his care”.

In carrying out this responsibility, the Bishop ensures that catechetical goals and priorities are estab-
lished for the Catholic community, necessary structures exist, and that appropriate programs are designed, im-
plemented and evaluated in accordance with the recommended textbooks of the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops. He takes every opportunity to preach and teach. He summons his people to faith and
strengthens them in it.

In helping parents as primary educators of their children, the Bishop is assisted by parents, educational
administrators, teachers, catechists, women and men religious, clergy, and the diocesan staff.

Director of the Pastoral Office for Education
The Director of the Pastoral Office for Education is the chief administrator for Catholic schools. The Di-
rector reports to and is supervised by the Bishop (or his Delegate) to provide consultation and advice to pastors,
principals, school and religious education advisory councils and Home/School Organizations in the formulation
of policy, guidelines, operation and support of local schools and parishes.

Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of the Lafayette Catholic School System is responsible for the organization and its activi-
ties in the areas of Catholicity, Budget and Financial Viability and Leadership. .
Catholicity- To ensure the Catholic character and identity of the schools operated by the Lafayette
Catholic School System.
Budget and Financial Viability – To approve the Annual Budget and major capital expenditures for the
Lafayette Catholic School System, including the organization’s annual audited financial statements
and budget.
Leadership- To open and close a Lafayette Catholic School System school that is part of the school sys-
tem or proposed to become part of the school system.
The Board of Trustees shall meet at least one time per year or as needed.

Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is a “Board of Limited Jurisdiction”, responsible to oversee the operation of the
Lafayette Catholic School System. The Board will oversee the management of the affairs of the Lafayette Catho-
lic School System Corporation and its affiliated schools. The Board will provide oversight in all matters relating
to the Advancement of Catholic Mission, the Educational Ministry, Operations, Marketing and Development,
and other related programs and activities to be carried out by the Lafayette Catholic School System and its affili-
ated schools. The Board shall approve and/or amend policy, develop the system strategic plan and schools stra-
tegic plans, approve the annual operation goals and plans, and review and submit the Lafayette Catholic School
System financial plan for approval by the Trustees. The Board of Directors shall meet at least 6 times each year
or as necessary at the call of the Executive Director or the Chairperson.

Executive Director
The Executive Director shall be the person having overall responsibility for all functions and operations
for the Lafayette Catholic School System, including but not limited to the approval, hiring, evaluation, and rehir-
ing or termination of all Lafayette Catholic School System central office staff and the principals of all schools op-
erated by the Lafayette Catholic School System. The Executive Director shall work closely with the Principals,
Board of Directors, parent groups, and other groups within the school communities the comprise the Lafayette
Catholic School System and, as such, has the general charge and control of its personnel and budget, education
and development programs, recruitment and admissions, business affairs and facilities. All of these activities
are to be carried out in concert with the philosophy and the strategic objectives of the Lafayette Catholic School
System. The Executive Director will act in accordance with all school and diocesan policies and procedures.

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Principal
The principal is the executive director of the school. She/he is responsible to the Governance Board and
the Board of Trustees. The principal is responsible to implement the policies of the School Board and the State
Department of Education. The principal is to provide spiritual, managerial and educational leadership.
Teachers
Teachers are the most important single factor contributing to the success of the school. They are di-
rectly responsible to the principal. They are required to enter into a written contract with the Lafayette Catholic
School System. The standard of certification of teachers is the same as that required by the State.
Teacher Aides/Assistants/Staff
Both volunteer and paid teacher aides are available to assist the teachers. All staff are to provide sup-
port to the teachers and administration of the school.

Admission Policies

Nondiscrimination Policy
All schools of the Lafayette Catholic School System have been established to meet the spiritual, educa-
tional, and social needs of their students. Although spiritual needs of Catholic students are our first concern,
enrollment in a diocesan school is open to all students regardless of ethnic origin, race, or religious affiliation.

Admission for New Students
Every child is to be given an opportunity to attend a Catholic school as long as the school is able to pro-
vide for the child’s educational needs. The Lafayette Catholic Elementary Schools welcome new families. Par-
ents may register their children for kindergarten through grade six at any time during the school year. Prior to
attendance, consultations with the principal of that school is required before admission of the student to that
school.

Admission Requirements
To insure that every child is able to be placed in the Lafayette Catholic Schools, new families will register
into “the system” rather than at an individual school. This ensures the best educational experience for the
child and uses the facilities and staff efficiently. Every effort will be made to enroll the students at the school of
their choice. Placement will be determined by the following criteria: preference, parish membership, class size,
transportation, and date of registration. At the time of registration, the following is to be presented:
A. Health Certificate
B. Birth Certificate
C. Immunization Record
D. Baptismal Certificate (if Catholic)
E. Social Security Number
Upon admission to kindergarten, the chronological age of the child should be five on or before August 1
of the entry year. Upon admission to the first grade, the chronological age of the child should be six by August 1
of the entry year. Records showing successful completion of kindergarten may also provide entry to first grade.

Admission Priority
Admission priority to Catholic schools is given to parish Catholic children. All other students are wel-
come when space is available with the understanding that:
A. All students participate fully in the religion instructional program.
B. Once a non-Catholic student is accepted, re-registration is not denied because of increase class size.
C. Students with disabilities are to be accommodated in schools when the student can benefit from the
school environment and academic program provided in small and large instructional groups. Neither schools
nor school staffs of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana are equipped to provide one-to-one instruction.

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