St. Agatha School

32 Pages·2017·0.76 MB·English

Celebrate Christian Values ~ Excel in Education

St. Agatha School

440 Adams Street
Milton, MA 02186
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

[email protected]

NEASC Accredited

Administration

Father William Palardy, Pastor
Mr. David J. Marion, Principal

Grades K2-8
Parent/Student Handbook
2017-18
Table of Contents

2017-18 Faculty and Staff Page 4
Mission Statement 5
Philosophy 5
Objectives 5
History of St. Agatha School 6
St. Agatha Biography 7
Student’s Prayer 8
Parent’s Prayer 8
St. Agatha School A-B-C’s 8

Introduction 9
Religious Education & Formation 9
Liturgies & Sacraments 9
General Policies 10
Admissions Policy 10
Preferential Admission 10
Screening Test 11
Registration Procedures 11
Re-registration Procedures 11
New Student Application Fee 11
School Tour 11
Attendance and School Day 12
Absence 12
Absence (unrelated to illness) 12
Early Dismissal 12
Tardiness 13
Behavior Policies and Code of Discipline 13
Areas of Special Concern 13
Drugs/Drug Paraphernalia 13
Fighting 14
Plagiarism 14
Tobacco 14
Weapons 14
Assemblies and School Functions 14
Damage to Property 14
Inspection of Student Lockers and Desks 14
Cafeteria: Lunch and Snacks 15
Peanut Free Snack 15
Peanut Free/Tree Nut Free Table 15
School Cancellation Notices 15
Cell Phones/Electronic Equipment 16
Classroom Placements 16
Celebrating Birthdays in School 16
Communication: Home and School 16
Court Documents 16
Discipline Procedures for Violation of School Policies 17
Detention 17
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Suspension 17
Expulsion 18
Dress Code/Uniform 18
K0-K1 18
Girls: K-4 18
Girls 5-8 19
Boys K-4 19
Boys K-8 19
Warm Weather Uniform 20
Extracurricular Activities 20
Field Trips 20
Grading System/Evaluation 21
K-2 21
Gr. 1-2 21
Gr. 3-8 21
Graduation Fee 21
Homework Assignments 21
Honor Roll 22
Progress Reports 22
Promotion and Retention 22
Report Cards 23
Physical Education 23
Resource Center 23
Individual Educational or Service Plan 24
Technology Education 24
Tuition Policies and Procedures 24
2017-18 Tuition Schedule 24
Payment Methods 24
Enrollment/Re-enrollment 25
Graduation Fee 25
Withdrawal Policy 25
Tuition Refunds 25
Visitors 26
Volunteer Service Policy 26

Health and Safety Procedures 27
Student Injuries 27
Medication 27
School Nurse 27
Safety and Emergency Procedures 28
Crisis Intervention Response Team 28
Fire and School Evacuation Drills 28
School Evacuation/Parent Contact Procedures 28

Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form 29
Right to Use Photographic Likeness: Consent, Waiver of Liability, Release Form 30
Acceptable Use Policy for School Network and Internet Usage 31
Student Network and Internet Agreement 32

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St. Agatha School Faculty and Staff
2017-18

Pastor: Fr. William Palardy
Principal: Mr. David Marion

K-0: Mrs. Jennifer Sullivan 4-A: Mrs. Corrine Kalaijian
Mrs. Kelly Staunton 4-B: Mrs. Nancy Chapman
K-1A: Ms. Julie Reilly 5-A: Mrs. Marisa Crowe
K-1B: Mrs. Amy Chrisom 5-B: Ms. Stephanie-Kaye Powers
Ms. Jillian Bernier 6-A: Mrs. Alanna Edstrom
K-2: Mrs. Doreen Wholey 6-B: Mrs. Kerry Szymczyk
1-A: Mrs. Erin Leary 7-A: Mrs. Kathy Wahlstrom
1-B: Mrs. Lauren FitzGerald 8-A: Mr. Charles Blake
2-A: Mrs. Donna Bartlett 8-B: Mr. Jonathan Bauman
2-B: Ms. Victoria Perez Science: Mrs. Rose Carito (Gr. 6-8)
3-A: Mrs. Denise Casey
3-B: Mrs. Jennifer Alfieri

Art: Mrs. Janine Winters Computers: Mrs. Julie Beal
Music: Mrs. Kathryn Teevens-Fitzpatrick Resource Center: Mrs. Sharon McGinness
Spanish: Mrs. Colleen Chave (K0-4) Mrs. Ellen Donovan
Mrs. Kerry Szymczyk (Gr. 5-8) Mrs. Lisa Matthews
Reading Enrichment: Ms. Elizabeth Douglass
Physical Education: Mr. Brayton Willis

Early Arrival Coordinator: Mr. Jonathan Bauman
Extended Day Coordinators: Ms. Julie Reilly
Secretary/Admissions: Mrs. Michelle Tierney
Tuition Coordinator: Mrs. Joan Brown
Nurses: Mrs. Janet Besinger
Mrs. Mary Keally
Technology Support Coordinator: Deacon Dan Sullivan
Custodians: Mr. Andrew Farrar
Mr. James McDonald
Mr. Cecil Simpson

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Mission Statement

The purpose of the St. Agatha School mission statement is to clearly articulate the foundational principles
upon which our every objective, policy and action as teachers of The People of God rests. As we “set out
into the deep” in this new millennium, school policies are meant to assist all members of our community on
“a voyage of discovery,”1 a voyage, which will lead to the fulfillment of our shared mission, as, stated
below:
St. Agatha School is a Christian Catholic community providing excellence in education.
Together, our members strive to maintain a safe, positive learning environment.
Through worship and service, we see Jesus in every member of our community.
We do our best to help everyone in our school feel capable, connected and contributing,
Because when two or more are gathered in His Name, we believe that Christ is in our midst at St. Agatha
School.
In His Love, we do all that we can to excel in education and to celebrate Christian values.
To fulfill this mission, we promise to do what Jesus would do each day, in every way.
And so, create a school climate filled with the Gospel spirit.

In short, all members of the St. Agatha School Community strive to:
“Excel in Education ~ Celebrate Christian Values”

School Philosophy

The mission of St. Agatha School is to “Teach as Jesus Did” (Pastoral Message of the Bishops of U.S.
Catholic Conference, 1972). We believe that Christ is the model on whom Christian life is shaped. We
strive to generate a community climate that is permeated by the Gospel spirit of freedom and love.

Catholic Christian principles are integrated in the teaching of all academic subjects. Faith formation, social
awareness, and responsible decision-making are essential elements in the education of each child.

Enrichment programs and service projects help to broaden student perspective and prepare them for their
contribution to society in the future.

Objectives:

1. To guide students in their faith formation to a deep relationship with God.

2. To provide students with resources that will strengthen their character and prepare them for responsible
living of the Catholic Christian way of life.

3. To instill a love of learning that will motivate students to seek knowledge and acquire skills throughout
their lives.

4. To guide students toward successful learning with achievable goals.

5. To cultivate attitudes of respect and understanding in all students toward their peers, their local and world
neighbors.

1Both quotes are taken from Pope John Paul II’s statement, On the New Millennium

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History of St. Agatha School

During the early 1900’s, in order to participate in Catholic Church services, people of East Milton had to
travel to St. Gregory parish in Dorchester. When the number of East Milton Catholics grew to over 500,
they petitioned Cardinal O'Connell to consider their request for their own parish in 1915. Father Carney was
appointed pastor in 1923. Construction on the church continued. In 1935, the upper church was added. The
following year, St. Agatha Church was dedicated much to the joy of the parishioners.

During his pastorate, Father Carney pondered ways of establishing a Catholic school and a convent. The
major problem that Father Carney faced was that there was no nearby land available. The town of Milton
owned 36,000 square feet of property between the church and the rectory. This land was used as a public
playground and was not for sale. Undaunted, Father Carney came up with a plan to oversee the purchase of
the Bowditch estate, a large private mansion that included surrounding grounds, located at 336 Adams Street.
This area was an ideal place for a school and convent. With the Cardinal’s permission, Father Carney bought
the property on July 29, 1941.

Three Sisters of St. Joseph’s were assigned to the parish. They worked intently for seven weeks to convert
the Bowditch estate into a functioning school. The sisters opened the school on September 22, 1941
welcoming forty two students to grade one. Father Carney planned that when the first class moved on to
second grade, another first grade would be added. The process would continue every year until there were
eight grades.

Unfortunately, in December of 1941, World War II broke out and parish resources were diverted to other
areas. After the war ended the school population expanded rapidly. The Bowditch estate was no longer
sufficient. On March 9, 1946, the parish was able to purchase the 36,000 square feet of the land between the
church and the rectory by persuading Milton voters to approve the sale of the land.

Father John Starr succeeded Father Dolan as pastor of St. Agatha parish in June of 1947. Father Starr took
the initial steps to ensure that a school would be built on parish grounds. In 1950, Msgr. Daniel Donovan
succeeded Father Starr. The construction of the school building was overseen by Msgr. Donovan. St. Agatha
School, now located at 440 Adams Street, was dedicated on September 9, 1951. On September 14th, the
school now on parish property opened its doors to 587 students in grades one through eight.

Msgr. Ralph Gallagher was appointed pastor in March of 1955 and was succeeded by Msgr. Francis Turke in
1981. Both pastors continued the parish commitment to Catholic education. During this time period, two
other religious communities, the Sisters of Charity of Halifax and the Sisters of Notre Dame deNamur,
joined the Sisters of St. Joseph to service the parish and school. In 1998, Father Peter J. Casey, was
appointed pastor of St. Agatha parish. Under his leadership, St. Agatha School flourished. All textbooks
were updated and the curriculum was expanded to include Spanish, music, a science lab for middle school,
and a full time remedial tutor. Furthermore, an after school program was added to meet the needs of working
families. Father Casey strongly believed in the legacy and success of Catholic schools and did all he could
do to ensure that St. Agatha School would continue in the new millennium with a strong commitment to
teach as Jesus did. Upon Fr. Casey’s retirement in 2015, Fr. Kevin Toomey was appointed Pastor. Our
current Pastor, Fr. William Palardy was appointed in 2016. The current Principal is Mr. David Marion.

Overall the population of the school has remained stable. The closing of nearby Catholic schools temporarily
increased student numbers. However, there has been a decline in enrollment in the middle school due to the
number of Catholic high schools in the Milton area that now admit students as early as grade six. To meet
the needs of the parish and the surrounding communities, St. Agatha School opened a full day K2
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kindergarten in 1996, a K2 preschool for four year olds in 2010, and most recently a K0 preschool for three
year olds in 2014. Presently, St. Agatha School maintains two classes per grade level, pre-kindergarten
through grade eight, with the exception of K2 and grade 7 having one class.

A number of specialized programs have been incorporated into the program over the years. Twenty years
ago, a computer lab was established with twenty Apple computers. Over the years, the technology devices
and infrastructure have been updated to include thirty Dell desktops, iPads for teachers, and various smart
boards and Apple TVs in the classrooms. In 2010, Latin classes were offered to seventh and eighth grade
students. Latin has since been expanded to include sixth grade students. St. Agatha is one of the few Catholic
schools in the area that graduate students who merit placement in Honors Latin courses as freshmen in
private high schools. After school care, initiated by Father Casey, has evolved into The Extended Day
Program. The program is now specifically designed to support, extend and enrich the curriculum in a
structured, social and well-supervised atmosphere. Remedial tutors have been replaced with the Resource
Center. Staffed with three certified teachers in special education, student support services are provided on a
daily basis to those with identified learning challenges in grades one through eight.

Today St. Agatha School continues to proudly serve as a reflection of the commitment to fulfill Jesus’
command to teach and preach His Way, Life and Truth to His children. Already this year the administration
has spearheaded a thorough analysis of the curriculum. Vertical and horizontal alignment was studied across
grade levels and content areas. The faculty developed curriculum maps that will ensure continuity and
academic excellence in St. Agatha School’s academic and spiritual programs.

Saint Agatha Biography

St. Agatha, a martyr whose name is mentioned in the Canon of the Mass, has been honored since the most
ancient times. Nevertheless, almost nothing is historically certain about this virgin-martyr of the early
Church except that she was martyred in Sicily during the persecution of Emperor Decius in 251. St. Agatha
was known to have been beautiful and wealthy, spending her life since early childhood in the grace and favor
of God.

Legend has it that Agatha was arrested because she was a Christian and suffered and died because of her
faith in Jesus Christ. When Agatha was arrested, the legend says, she prayed: “Jesus Christ, Lord of all
things! You see my heart; you know my desires. Possess all that I am-you alone. I am your sheep; make me
worthy to overcome the devil.” Although Agatha, suffered great physical torture at the hands of a magistrate,
Quinctianus, she stood fast in her love of God and His Ways. During her final suffering and just before her
death, Agatha offered this prayer: “Lord, my creator, you have protected me since I was in the cradle. You
have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Now receive my spirit.”

The year after her death, the stilling of an eruption of Mt. Etna was attributed to her intercession. As a result,
people have continued, throughout the centuries, to ask her prayers for protection from fire and earthquakes.
Today, she is claimed as the patroness of Palermo and of Catania, where the Christians of that city had first
buried her body.

St. Agatha’s principal relics remain at Catania, enclosed in an effigy on which rests a costly-jeweled crown.
The figure is covered with precious gems and crosses, donated by grateful pilgrims whose lives, through her
intercession, have been saved from the frequent eruptions of nearby Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most
active volcano.

The jeweled reliquary is exposed for public veneration on three occasions during the year: on her feast day,
February 5; on the octave of her feast, February 12; and on August 17, the feast of the translation of the relic.
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A Student’s Prayer

Father and Creator, help us to know that everything we are and everything we can do is a gift from You.
Help us to grow and learn and become all that You created us to be. Amen.

A Parent’s Prayer

Lord, as I live this day, renew in me:
the ability to laugh at my child’s antics;
the time to share their moments of pride;
the need to praise their separate strengths;
the faith to trust their growing judgement;
the patience to understand their changing moods;
the virtue to forgive their disrespect;
the openness to learn their ways and styles;
the ears to hear what they are saying;
the insight to embrace their doubts and fears;
the tenderness to understand their broken dreams; and,
the wisdom to accept that their lives are built just one day at a time. Amen.

Students at St. Agatha School
A chieve success
B elieve in themselves
C elebrate differences
D are to try
E xpect great things
F orgive one another
G ive of themselves
H ave fun
I magine going places
J udge wisely
K eep their dignity
L ove to learn and learn to grow
M ake friends
N avigate toward a goal
O rganize thoughts and actions
P ray and play
Q ueation and find answers
R espect and are respected
S erve and are served
T hink critically
U nderstand and are understood
V alue life
W ork together
X the right answer
Y earn for peace
Z ero in on learning
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Introduction

The regulations and other provisions outlined in this handbook are the conditions for enrollment at St.
Agatha School.

The Handbook Acceptance form must be signed and dated by parents/guardians. Signed forms should be
returned to the main office or student’s homeroom teacher.

The regulations and procedures set forth in this handbook are designed to best serve the St. Agatha School
community while promoting a positive partnership marked with a spirit of cooperation and respect. From
time to time, disagreements may arise; and, in such instances the school will make all reasonable efforts to
resolve the issue. In very serious cases when the school’s partnership with parents can no longer serve the
best interests of the student, the school reserves the right to require parents to withdraw from the school. In
such an instance, St. Agatha School will work with parents to secure an appropriate placement for their
son/daughter.

St. Agatha School reserves the right to amend this handbook at any time. Parents and students will be
notified of any such changes.

Religious Education and Formation

An essential dimension of the school’s mission is the faith formation of students. Religion is taught formally
in the classroom. The practice of prayer, participation in the celebration of the Eucharist, reception of the
sacraments, and service to people in need are major components of the religious education program.
Students are encouraged to apply this learning in all aspects to their daily lives.

Liturgies/Sacraments

Students in Grades K2-8 attend a monthly liturgy and family participation is welcomed and encouraged.
Non-Catholic students are required to attend all liturgical celebrations, but may not receive the sacraments.
In class discussions, students of all faith are encouraged to share their religious tenets and traditions.
Students prepare for celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Communion during the second
grade. Preparation programs for these sacraments are developed and coordinated by the parish Faith
Formation Director and school. Other celebrations of reconciliation for students are scheduled throughout
the year.

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General Policies

Admission Policies

St. Agatha School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin or religious preference to all
the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally offered to students at the school. It does not
discriminate based on race, color, national, or ethnic origin in the admission policies, financial-assistance
programs, athletics or any other school-administered activities.

The goal of St. Agatha School is to present Catholic faith and Catholic teaching to our students in a rigorous
academic, spiritual and moral education program. Catholic school students strive for high academic
achievement, are taught to love and worship God, and live the Gospel teachings. Catholic school students
work together, build community and give service to others.

Regardless of religious affiliation, all St. Agatha School students are required to complete the program of
studies for religion.

Parents may obtain an application packet or schedule a school tour by calling 617 696-3548 x 202 or
emailing [email protected].

In order to schedule an Admission Screening Test, parents must have submitted a complete
application packet including:
1. Application Form
2. Birth Certificate
3. Baptismal Certificate
4. Copy of prior year and latest report card
5. Tuition Preference Form
6. Non-refundable Application Fee

Preferential Admission

St. Agatha School will give preference in priority order to:
 siblings of currently enrolled students;
 children of active parishioners of St. Agatha Church;
 individuals on our waiting list;
 children of alumni;
 children requesting transfer due to parochial school closings;
 children of non-parishioners.

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