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St. Mary's Catholic Grade SchoolOn-line Student-Parent Handbook |
PLEASE NOTE: THE ON-LINE HANDBOOK IS IN DEVELOPMENT. CONTINUE TO USE THE CURRENT PRINTED STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK.
A. PHILOSOPHY
OF ST. MARY'S-COLGAN SCHOOLS
In keeping with the Declaration of Vatican II, St. Mary's-Colgan
Schools strive to attain these ends:
B. MISSION STATEMENT FOR ST. MARY'S-COLGAN SCHOOLS
The mission of St. Mary's-Colgan Schools is threefold:
C. ST. MARY'S-COLGAN POLICY
St. Mary's-Colgan Schools shall strive to adhere to the basic policy established by its founder, Monsignor Patrick J. McCullough; namely that it afford educational opportunities "second to none'.
In order to have a system that operates smoothly, effectively, and efficiently, certain guidelines and rules must be established, implemented, and followed.
D. GENERAL GUIDELINES
This handbook is presented to you by St. Mary's-Colgan School Advisory Council to give information concerning the school in regard to what students, teachers, and parents should know. Some will view these rules as an infringement of personal freedom, but it is no longer freedom when we do things to interfere with others' responsibilities and rights as individuals. Students who choose to attend St. Mary's-Colgan School cannot expect all the freedom they might have elsewhere. St. Mary's- Colgan Schools hold firmly to the belief that discipline is essential in scholastic attainment, that discipline teaches self-discipline, and that neither eternal salvation, nor temporal happiness can be secured without self-discipline. The information and motivational aids found in the pages of this handbook are intended as aids and guidelines on the path toward Christian maturity.
It is the desire of the administrative staff and faculty to make only the necessary rules and regulations to insure an orderly school. It is the purpose of this handbook to acquaint the students, parents, and the teachers with the general policies of St. Mary's-Colgan Schools. Each student is expected to become thoroughly familiar with the contents of this handbook and to keep it for future reference.
E. ADMISSION OF NEW STUDENTS
New students who are transferring from other Diocesan schools will be accepted at the grade level recommended by their previous school. Other new admissions will not be considered final until records are received from their former school. Grade placement will depend upon testing results and recommended grade placement, along with the considered opinions of the St. Mary's faculty members who work with the new students.
Kindergarten admission requires that every child be 5 years of age on or before August 31 of the year in which they enroll.
All new students must provide copies of their immunization records signed by a doctor, birth certificate, and social security card. Catholics must provide a copy of their Baptismal, Communion, and Confirmation records if such sacraments have been received. A physical assessment is required for all students entering our school. Health assessment means a health history, a physical examination, and screening tests to determine appropriate growth and development.
Before enrolling any child at St. Mary's Colgan Schools, parents are asked to make an appointment with the pastor to discuss the reasons for the coming to our school and financial arrangements. Parents will be asked to complete a pledge card indicating their method of financing their child's education. Parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes are asked to fill in a stewardship card indicating their amount of contribution to the parish on a regular basis. Non-Catholics and out of parish Catholics are asked to fill in a tuition card indicating their method of payment of tuition. Any deviation from these procedures must be arranged through the pastor.
At enrollment, a book fee is assessed per child. There will be other fees: Co-op, testing, Diocesan, and yearbook. Bibles and assignment books are purchased through the school office.
Students who transfer to St. Mary's-Colgan Schools during the school term will be assessed book fees according to the following schedule below. Students who withdraw from St. Mary's-Colgan Schools will be refunded book fees paid according to the same schedule; however, fees such as athletic participation and Co-op fees will not be refunded. These amounts will be subtracted from the amount paid and the percentage refund will be figured on the balance.
Entry/Exit month
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September
October
November
December
January
February
March
-------------------------Percentage of fees due/returned
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80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
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F. THE SCHOOL DAY
The school day is from 7:55 AM to 3:10 PM. On days when school will be dismissing early for faculty meetings, etc., every effort will be made to provide the parents with advanced notification (the monthly calendar, the weekly notes, and the Sunday Bulletin).
Teachers are present in the building from 7:40 AM until 3:20 PM. Supervision of students will begin at 7:30 AM in a designated area in the school building (outside the Principal's Office). Students who arrive early are to go directly to that area; at 7:40 students move to their homerooms. Students who arrive after 7:40 may go directly to the classrooms. Parents are asked not to bring their students before 7:30 AM and not to leave them at school past 3:30 PM. We can not guarantee supervision of students in the building or on the grounds at other times.
Kindergarten classes consist of 3 hour sessions. The morning session will run from 7:55 AM until 11:00 AM. The afternoon session will run from 12:00 PM until 3:10 PM.
G. MASS SCHEDULE
Classes will be involved in liturgy planning and an effort will be made to provide liturgies that are meaningful for our students.
Grades 1-6 will attend the 8:00 Mass on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and all Holy Days. Kindergarten will go only on certain days decided by the teacher.
A. GRADING
1. Philosophy. Grades are based on achievement. In the final analysis, a grade represents the best efforts of the teachers to measure the individual student's progress and achievement. Parents and students are invited to confer with the teacher regarding the grade whenever there is a point in question.
2. Diocesan grading scale. St. Mary's school uses the Diocesan grading scale which follows:
93 - 100 = A
85 - 92 = B
76 - 84 = C
70 - 75 = D
Below 70 = F
3. Grading Late Work. When the student has missed work because of an excused absence, full credit may be allowed for work made up within the time limit given. The minimum days allowed for such make-up work is equivalent to the number of days the student has been absent. An extension of the limit may be given at the discretion of the teacher for students who have had an excused absence and need additional time due to health or length of absence. No credit will be given for an unexcused absence. Partial credit may be given for work which is turned in late when a student is not absent. The amount of credit should be determined by the teacher.
4. Honor Roll. Honor Roll is a special recognition for academic achievement. Our honor roll consists of three levels for grades 6-8 and requires satisfactory or above satisfactory marks in behavior, effort, and work study habits. First honors requires all A's; second honors requires four A's and the rest B's; third honors requires all A's and B's in any combination. The honor roll will be published in the Morning Sun.
5. Report Cards. Report cards will be issued quarterly. Grade cards for kindergarten, first, second, and third will list the skills to be taught in each subject as required in our curriculum guide. Each skill being taught during that specific nine week period will receive a mark as follows:
- 1) Kindergarten report cards will use the following marks: "Y" means yes, student has mastered this skill; "N" means student has not mastered this skill; "S" means student has mastered some of this skill. If the blank is empty, it means student has not been evaluated for this skill.
- 2) Report cards for first, second, and third grade students will use the following marks: "S" for satisfactory, "N" for needs improvement, or "IP" for in progress. During the third and fourth nine week periods, the third grade students will also receive letter grades in each subject.
- 3) Various subjects may receive marks of "E" for excellent, "S" for satisfactory, and "U" for unsatisfactory. These could include conduct, effort, work and study habits, art, handwriting, music, and P.E.
In addition to report cards, parents of students in grades 4-6 will also receive midterm reports on the performance of their students. Teachers are asked to contact parents if a student begins to perform below expected ability levels whenever such a problem arises.
Parents are asked to sign and return all grade cards and midterm reports (except the final card in May) as soon as possible, normally within a week.
6. Incomplete. All grades marked 'I" for incomplete shall become an 'F' unless the student meets satisfactorily the condition which caused the 'I" to be recorded against them.
B. HOMEWORK
As a part of St. Mary's-Colgan Schools strong academic program, homework will be given. The purpose of such work is to reinforce regular classroom work, to develop good study habits, and to provide enrichment. Homework is not expected to be burdensome.
Primary students should not be spending more than ½ hour a night on a homework assignment. This, of course, does not include time that parents might wish to spend with their child reviewing reading skills, practicing flash cards for math and vocabulary and other such academic pursuits. Intermediate students in grades 4-6 should normally have 1 and 1 ½ hours of homework a night. Please be aware that an occasional special project may take longer, or studying for a test might require more time. If your student's homework exceeds these amounts on a regular basis, first contact the teacher to see if there is a specific reason for such a length of homework. If the problem continues, contact the principal. Parents are encouraged to help their children with homework. Drilling for tests and math facts, checking answers or proofreading papers are all ways parents can help their students. Please do not make the actual corrections. Learning to correct one's own mistakes is a valuable part of the learning process.
Because of the number of extracurricular activities in the parish and community, teachers may find it necessary to assign homework on a game night.
When a student is absent, a homework assignment sheet will be completed. Parents may pick up the sheet, handouts, and books between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM outside the secretary's office on the window ledge.
C. LIBRARY
Each classroom will be given an assigned library period each week. The librarian will establish policies for checking out books, reserving of special books, and charging of late fees. The price of replacing lost books will be charged to the parents.
D. MUSIC CLASS
The following music programs will be offered to St. Mary's students: Kindergarten will have music with their classroom teacher. Grades 1-6 will have music with the Music teacher in the music classroom.
E. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
There will be two conferences scheduled during the school year. The first conference is held at the end of the first nine weeks. The second conference will be held during the third nine weeks when mid-term reports are due to go out.
F. PROMOTION OR RETENTION OF STUDENTS
Promotion is based on satisfactory achievement. Students may be retained in the same grade for a variety of reasons. Teachers will consult with the principal any time retention is contemplated. The school will consult with the parents or guardians as soon as possible, (preferably by the end of the first semester). A written record of this conference will be filed. Follow-up conferences shall be held prior to the final decision with respect to retention. The school reserves the right to determine appropriate grade placement, and all Diocesan schools shall respect that placement.
G. RECESS
Recess times vary from grade to grade. Recess times are supervised by adult staff members. When larger groups of students are at play, adult volunteers help a staff member. The playground is not supervised after school and students are expected to leave for home immediately following dismissal.
Students will usually have recess out of doors. Always dress your student for outside recess. Only those with written medical excuses will be allowed to remain indoors. Decisions to have outside recess during cold weather will depend upon the temperature and the wind chill factor. When the weather is too cold or wet, students will have recess time in the Activity Center or supervised free time in the class-room (quiet games, art projects).
H. SCHOOL RECORDS
Information concerning a student's academic transcripts, testing, and health data will be kept in a record file for that child. Permission must be given in writing from the parent before a child's records may be seen by persons other than authorized personnel. In the case where there is a custodial and non-custodial parent, permission must be given by the custodial parent in writing.
Those authorized to see student records without the consent of parents are:
a. School officials in the Diocesan system with legitimate educational interests.
b. Various agencies when enforcing state or federal law.
c. Anyone to whom the school must report information as required by state statute.
d. Accreditation and research organizations helping the school.
e. Student financial aid officials.
f. Those with court orders.
g. In emergency situations, to those who need information to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
All other persons, including police, probation officers and prospective employers may see information on student records with the custodial parent's written consent.
The school must maintain a list of everyone who requests and receives information on student records. The custodial parent has the right to see this list. This list does not include school employees.
All cumulative records of each student shall be kept in the inactive file of each school permanently.
When a student transfers from one Catholic school to another within the Diocese, the 'accepting school" must, through written or verbal communication, contact the "sending school' before such enrollment can be final. Until the transfer record is received, a student should not be officially enrolled in the school. He/She may attend classes and attendance should be recorded.
I. SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Every student will periodically be taught by a substitute teacher. The most common reason for using substitute teachers occurs when the regular teacher is ill. However, substitutes are also used when regular teachers are on leave for personal business, professional training, or family emergency. Students are expected to be extra courteous to substitute teachers. Any misconduct in the classroom will be dealt with immediately.
J. TESTING
Each year we give the ITBS (Iowa Test of basic Skills), the COGAT (Cognative Ability Test), and the Kansas Assessments. The results of these tests are available to the parents.
Admission testing for new students is done as stated in the admission section of this document.
Should a parent or teacher feel that a student here at St. Mary's could benefit from testing by the public school psychologist for teaming disabilities, etc., the proper forms must be filled out and then submitted to the special services section of U.S.D. #250 who will arrange the testing dates and times.
At St. Mary's a number of extra-curricular activities are provided. The activities and their specific regulations follow.
A. ATHLETICS
Participation. In an effort to see that our students have proper behavior when attending athletic events, we have established the following policy for grade school students who attend athletic events of the junior school or the high school at home or away: 1) students are to remain seated in the bleachers during the ball game with adult responsibility to provide adult supervision. 2) teachers and administration will monitor students - disrespectful behavior will be corrected and parents will be notified. Additional action will be taken if necessary. Our goal is to maintain a pleasant atmosphere for the fans to enjoy the sporting event.
B. STUDY TRIPS
Study trips are privileges and not rights. They are used by the classroom teachers to supplement the curriculum or to provide enrichment. Any student may be denied participation in such activities due to academic or behavioral problems.
Students who do not submit a proper permission form signed by a parent will not be allowed to participate in the field trip. Handwritten notes and/or phone calls will not be accepted in place of the form. Notes for out-of-town trips will contain permission to treat a child in a medical emergency. These will require parental signature, medical and insurance information.
Whenever possible, we will use school vehicles for these trips. If that is not possible on certain days and parents are asked to drive, they will be asked to sign a waiver form indicating that you were aware that your child was not being transported in a school vehicle. Parents who drive must have a seat belt for each child and carry the proper amount of liability insurance on their vehicle. They will be asked to demonstrate this before driving the children.
A. ATTENDANCE
1. In the event of illness. Please do not send your student to school if they have been ill (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) or has had a fever within the last 24 hours. When a student returns to school after being ill, it should be clear that they will be expected to participate in all areas including recess and P.E. if your student is too sick to go out or recess or P.E., please do not send them, The only exception that will be made is a written note from the doctor.
2. When absent from school. Whenever a student is absent from school, parents should notify the school between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. giving the reason for the absence and, if no phone is available, a note signed by the parent will be accepted. If the parents do not contact the school office, the office will contact the home to determine the reason for the absence. A student will be determined truant if the absence is in excess of three (3) consecutive days or five (5) or more days in any semester without being excused and will be handled as a truancy and reported to the District Truancy Office.
All students must report to the secretary's office upon arriving at school after being absent or tardy. Students arriving after 9:30 will be counted absent for a half day. If a student leaves school before 1:30, they will be counted absent for a half day.
3. Leaving school during the day. It is preferred that students let the teacher and the office know in writing a day in advance if they have to be gone for part or all of a day (example: a doctor appointment). This note must be brought to the office at the beginning of the school day. Parents must report to the office when picking up the student. A call will be made on the intercom to the classroom to let the student know it is time to leave. The student must then meet the parent in the office and sign out. Upon returning to school (that same day or the next), the student must sign in at the office to receive an excused absence from class.
4. Tardiness. A student will be considered tardy if they are not in their classroom when the 7:55 bell rings. (This includes days they go to Mass.) If a student is tardy to class, they must report to the Secretary's Office for a tardy permit. Tardiness will be excused only if the student brings a note from a parent. Excessive tardiness will result in some kind of disciplinary action.
B. DRESS CODE
USED UNIFORMS will be available for purchase from the school office. Uniforms will be clean and in wear-able condition. Each piece will be marked with the size, the name of the seller, and the asking price. Money will be collected through the grade school office and will then be sent to the seller.
NOTE: The administration & teachers will enforce this dress code. Students in violation of the dress code will be reminded in school and will be asked to correct the violation at that time (shirts untucked, shoes untied, etc.) When there is a more serious violation of the code (improper pants, shirts, sweatshirts) parents will be notified from the school office and will be expected to make the proper adjustments.
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St. Mary's Grade School
DRESS CODE VIOLATION
DATE: ______________________ TO: PARENTS OF: ___________________________________
YOUR STUDENT WAS NOT DRESSED IN REGULAR UNIFORM TODAY.THE VIOLATION WAS IN THE AREA OF:
_____ BELT _____ SHOES
_____ HAIR _____ SHORTS
_____ JEWELRY _____ SKIRT
_____ JUMPER _____ SLACKS
_____ MAKE-UP _____ SOCKS
_____ SHIRT ____ SWEATSHIRTPLEASE MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR TOMORROW.
SCHOOL STAFF MEMBER
Parent signs & return to the Principal.
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C. DISCIPLINE
1. Philosophy. We try to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning. Students will be treated with respect and are expected to show others the same respect. Failure to do so will result in the administration of consequences.
2. Detentions. Teachers or school authorities may issue a detention for an infraction of any of the school rules or policies or for any type of behavioral problem. These will accumulate for the entire school year. A detention notice will be sent home for parents to read. It must be signed and returned to the office. The 30 minute detentions may be served at 7:20 AM or 3:1 0 PM. Detentions will also be issued for tardiness. Teachers may assign a length of time for the detention; if not, detentions will be as follows:
First detention 30 minutes
Second detention 30 minutes
Third detention 1 hour
Fourth detention automatic suspensionThe school administration has the right to make adjustments in the discipline code if they see students in violation of school policy.
3. Suspension. Serious offenses will be handled by suspension. During any suspension the student may not participate in or attend any school function from the time of suspension until the time of reinstatement. For in-school suspensions, students will be assigned work that is related to the actual classroom assignments. The work must be fully completed and meet the expectations of the teacher. The student will receive 50% credit and less than completed assignments may receive a 'O' at the teacher's option. For out-of-school suspensions, students will receive no credit for classroom work during the time of the suspension. Acts of behavior subject to suspension:
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4. Absences due to suspensions. When a student is absent because of suspension from school, what work must be made up to receive a passing grade. For in-school suspensions, students will be assigned work that is related to the actual classroom assignments. The work must be fully completed and meet the expectations of the teacher. The student will receive 50% credit and less than completed assignments may receive a '0" at the teacher's option. For out-of-school suspensions, students will receive no credit for classroom work during the time of the suspension.
5. School property damage. Any student who attempts to damage or destroy school property will be held responsible. They will be expected to pay for the repairs or for the replacement of the damaged property.
6. Textbook Care. Should a student damage or lose a textbook, parents will be required to buy a new book and will be notified by letter from the school office. We ask that all textbooks and softcover textbooks be covered with book covers at all times in order to preserve their appearance and that students have a book bag of some kind to protect their books as they transport them to and from school.
D. SUGGESTED DEPORTMENT
1. Be friendly and courteous in your dealings with one another.
2. Be prompt in meeting your schedules and assignments.
3. Be careful and neat in your work.
4. Be considerate of your teacher's time, your time, and your classmates' time by being a good listener and a good contributor
5. Ask questions when there is doubt and uncertainty in assignments.
6. Try all assignments unceasingly. Some will seem difficult. A winner always keeps trying-
7. Develop good study habits. High school and college study habits will demand the best that we have in us in persistence to carry all tasks through without being supervised all the time.
8. Insist upon doing your own work. Only as we experience doing things do we really remember them.
9. Be loyal to your school, your class, your family, your religion, and yourself.
A. EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM
All parents will be asked to complete an emergency information form for the office. This form will contain parent home telephone numbers, work telephone numbers, and an alternate adult (relative or friend) to contact if parents are unavailable. This file must be kept up-to-date at all times. When changes occur, it is the parent's responsibility to contact the school office.
Parents should also contact the school in writing: 1) if your student will be going home after school with a classmate, 2) if a relative or other person will be picking up your student after school; give name and phone numbers, 3) if a parent will be out of town for one day or several days, send names and phone numbers of those who will be responsible in case of an emergency and after school transportation.
Parents can send one note to the office and the office will the notify the classroom teacher; or parents can sent two notes, one to the office and one to the teacher.
B. ILLNESS AND INJURY
The school attempts to provide an environment in which your student will be safe from accidents. If an illness or accident should occur, the school is responsible for the emergency treatment but is not responsible for subsequent treatment. If a child should become ill or injured at school and it becomes necessary for the student to leave school, a designated staff member will contact a parent or emergency designee (taken from the information on the emergency form completed at the beginning of each school year). Under no circumstances will a student be sent home until arrangements have been made for the student's safety. In case of an emergency, and parents or emergency designee cannot be reached, appropriate action will be taken by the school. The school will not be responsible for emergency transportation and service cost.
If any student is found to have a temperature of 99.4 with headache, sore throat, nausea, cough or sneezing, parents or emergency designee will be notified, and the student must leave school. These signs may indicate the onset of an infectious disease or other illness that requires observation at home. If no one can be reached, the ill student will be excluded from class and will rest on the medical cot in the school office until school is dismissed or until someone can be reached. Students should remain home until they have been without a fever for 24 hours without medication (Tylenol, aspirin, etc.).
C. INSURANCE
Each year students are given an opportunity to purchase medical insurance during the first few days of school in August.
D. HEAD LICE
Head lice can happen to anyone. They are tiny insects that live in human hair and hatch from small eggs called nits, which are attached to the base of individual hairs. They multiply fast, so they must be treated promptly. Kansas State Law states: "That students who are infested with head lice (pediculosis) be excluded from school until they have been treated with an adequate pediculicide and have removed all nits."
A designated staff member will perform periodic head lice checks as needed. If a student is found to have head lice, they will be excluded from school until treated with an adequate pediculicide (shampoo). Upon return to school, a designated staff member will examine the student's hair to ensure that all nits have been removed. If nits remain, even after treatment with an adequate shampoo, the student will not be allowed to return until all nits have been removed.
E. HEALTH SERVICES
The Crawford County Health Department does the hearing, scoliosis, and vision screenings for our students and does an immunization audit.
An immunization audit is done every fall on all records. Notification letters are sent to parents if students are not in compliance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment guidelines. Parents have 90 days to bring the records up-to-date. After the immunization has been given, we need a note signed by a physician that the immunization has been given to put in the student's file. If a student cannot have certain immunizations, we need a letter to put in the student's file signed by a physician explaining in some detail the reason.
F. MEDICATION
It is important that the staff of St. Mary's be aware of any allergies or health problems of our students. A medical file is kept on each student. At the beginning of the school year, parents will be asked to complete a new form listing current medical history. If at any time during the school year this information should change, parents should contact the school office. We may request a letter from the doctor on his stationery stating (in simple words) the medical problem, what medication and dosage is prescribed, and what our staff can do at school to help if the need arises. This is meant only as an aid in helping the school provide care for our students.
The following guidelines will be followed to insure the safety of our students in the administration of medications during the school day:
G. SAFETY AND THREATS
1. Emergency Drills. In accordance with State and Diocesan regulations, our school holds monthly fire drills and three tornado drills a year. The routes for building evacuation are posted in each classroom and in other areas in the building. During these drills, there must be no talking. It is essential that when the signal is given, everyone obey orders promptly and clear the building by the prescribed routes as quickly as possible. The teacher in each classroom will give instructions. The drill is not completed until all students have returned to the classroom and have been seated.
Emergency drill information is posted in each classroom and at all outside doors.
2. Visiting Students. Our students are not allowed to bring friends or relatives to school for visitation. Former students may visit only during recess or lunchtime with prior approval from the principal.
H. SUBSTANCE ABUSE
1. Policy and program. The possession and/or use of any tobacco product, alcohol, or drugs on school grounds, aboard school vehicles or at school functions is prohibited.
The substance abuse program at St. Mary's-Colgan Catholic Schools consists of education, prevention, and intervention. Staff members have been trained to work with students and parents toward the ultimate goal of abstinence for junior high and high school students.
In order for this policy to be successful, it is imperative that parents do not aid or abet drinking either by purchasing alcoholic beverages for students or making their properties available for parties at which alcohol is consumed.
2. Consequences. A student will be subject to the following disciplinary action if he or she is using or is found to possess alcoholic beverages or illegal substances at any school function:
a. One day in-school suspension
b. Suspension from the next date of an activity
c. Mandatory conference with substance abuse team, parents, and
students
A. BAD WEATHER
In case of severe weather and it is necessary to cancel school, it is our policy to follow the decision of U.S.D. #250. School closings will be announced over radio station KKOW and TV stations KOAM and KODE. If the decision to close school comes during the school day, the information will be broadcast over KKOW radio station, KOAM and KODE TV stations, and Cable TV channel 27.
B. BIRTHDAYS AND PARTIES
1. Birthdays. Based on the responses of parents, teachers, school advisory council members, and the school administration, the following policy has been adopted for birthday recognition and treats:
- 1) Teachers will need one week notice as to upcoming treats.
- 2) Treats will be passed out at the end of the day.
- 3) Parents can choose one treat: cookies, cupcakes, candy bars, wrapped candy, fruit, treat bags
2. Private parties. Individual invitations for private parties held after school hours may not be brought to school or passed out to students during the school day. We ask that you please mail out invitations.
C. CLOSED CAMPUS
Students must stay on the school grounds from the time they arrive, even if the first period has not yet started, until dismissal or until they are picked up by the bus or parent. A written parental request must be brought to the office at the beginning of the school day to leave the school campus for any reason.
D. DELIVERIES
Deliveries of flowers, balloons, and candy to students will not be accepted.
E. HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
St. Mary's is very proud of our Home and School Association. Our parents are very active in the support of the grade school and its projects. All parents are considered members as soon as they enroll students in our school. The Home and School sponsors the fall ice cream social and the spring carnival.
F. LOST AND FOUND
The school will provide lost and found service through the Secretary's Office. All items left in the classrooms, the gyms, or the cafeteria are brought to in the Secretary's Office. Clothing items will be in a box outside the Secretary's Office. Items left unclaimed will be given the charity.
G. LUNCHES
St. Mary's-Colgan Schools have a hot lunch program. These lunches are part of a government subsidy program. Because of this, it is possible to obtain free and reduced lunches. This is a voluntary and confidential program. If you feel you might qualify, we urge you to take advantage of this program. Applications may be obtained from the rectory, the school office, or the lunchroom office. Prices for the next school year are announced in May.
The daily menus are normally published in the Sunday bulletin and the monthly newsletter. Teachers also make an effort to post the menus in their classrooms. Menus are also printed on the board outside the Secretary's Office.
Lunch tickets are purchased for 5 days, 10 days, or 20 days per child. Each student who purchases meals will be given a meal ticket with their name on it. The tickets will be punched each day the student eats a hot lunch. The tickets will be collected as the students go through the food line and returned to the classroom teacher. The classroom teacher will keep the tickets and hand them out the next day as students go down to lunch.
Parents will be notified in writing when a student has one or two meals left on their ticket. Parents are to use this slip as an order form. Mark the number of meals you wish to purchase and return it with cash or check. You will need to return one slip for each student so the lunchroom office can issue new cards, but you may write one check for more than one student. Make checks payable to St. Mary's Hot Lunch. Send slips and money to school in a sealed envelope with "LUNCH" printed on the outside. Students should give their money envelope to the classroom teacher in the morning when they get to school. Envelopes will be picked up with the lunch count slips and given to the lunchroom supervisor. A new ticket will be ready when your students go through the lunch line.
The lunch schedule is: Gr 1-2-3 10:50 to 11:20, Gr 4-5-6 11:30 to 12:00.
H. MONEY AT SCHOOL
Students should not bring money to school unless it is for lunch or milk, or the school notifies the home of a fund-raising event. Money should be brought to school in a sealed envelope with the student's name on the front, the amount, grade, teacher, and the purpose of the money is being sent.
I. PERSONAL PROPERTY
It is each student's responsibility to take care of his/her property. It is suggested that personal items be marked before bringing them to school; all sweaters, sweatshirts, coats, hats, lunch boxes, and note-books. Also, all textbooks and workbooks assigned to a student should have their name on the inside cover. If items are misplaced, they can be easily returned. Please encourage your students to leave toys, balls, radios, gum, candy, and all other items of a distractive nature at home.
J. PHOTOGRAPHS
Individual student pictures will be taken sometime during the first month of school. At this time, all students will be photographed for the yearbook whether or not they plan to buy pictures or a book. Yearbooks will be ordered at the beginning of the school year when fees are paid. Class photos and activity pictures for the yearbook will also be taken.
K. TELEPHONE
The telephone is used for business purposes. We ask that students not call home for late work or lunches, etc. Students should know in the morning how they are getting home after school and should not have to make a phone call concerning such matters. There is a pay phone in the gym that they may use.
L. TRANSPORTATION
1. Traffic Regulations. No St. Mary's's student is permitted to drive a car, motorcycle, or motorbike on campus. Only bicycles may be ridden to school. Bicycles are to be locked in the bike rack during the day.
Parents may not drive onto the grade school parking lot at any time of the day, even before or after school. Parents should observe the parking zones at all times. Please do not double park, park in the bus loading area, or encourage your student to run across the street to get in the car. Stress that your student should always cross the streets only at the cross walks.
2. Parking zones. These areas exist to protect our students at the crosswalks and at the comers. The yellow areas were recently extended by the city. We are asking those who provide transportation for our students to please follow the rules governing the yellow zones and do not park there. Also, the driveway area is not a parking place. This covers the crosswalk and students cannot cross the street in safety. Those who bring students to school and pick them up should not stop in the middle of the street to let out and pick up passengers. This holds up the flow of traffic and endangers our students.
3. After-school transportation. After school transportation plans should be discussed before students get to school. It there is a change in transportation plans, parents should write a note or call the office. The note should be first given to the teacher and then sent to the office at the beginning of the school day. Only those students who have a signed bus form in the office are per¡miffed to ride the bus.
4. Bus transportation. Our students are permitted to ride the U.S.D. #250 school buses. Parents will need to make arrangements with U.S.D. #250 by calling the Bus Barn at 235-3190. The YMCA bus provides transportation to those students who participate in the Y's after school program. Parents need to make arrangements with the YMCA by calling 231-1100.
Parents will be asked to submit to the office a list of the days their students will be using the bus transportation. If during the week a change in plans occur, parents will need to bring a note to the office explaining who will be providing transportation that day. If at any time during the school year, parents wish to change the bus schedule for their students, they will need to contact the school office and complete a "Change of Plans" form which will be kept on file.
If parents want their student to ride the U.S.D. #250 bus to a different destination other than a regularly scheduled route, parents must bring a note to the office giving per¡mission for the requested change. This note will be shown to the classroom teacher and then given to the bus driver when the student boards.
Other students who are not scheduled to ride the bus but need to ride with a friend who does ride the bus will be dismissed from class only if a parent brings a note to the office stating who their student will be riding with and the reason they will be riding. This note will be shown to the classroom teacher and then will be given to the bus driver when boarding. The student must follow all the rules for riding the U.S.D. #250 buses. The bus driver has the authority to refuse transportation to this student in the future if this student does not submit to the rules.
NOTE: Students transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of and responsible directly to the operator of the bus. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the bus operator shall be sufficient reason for refusing transportation to any student.
Listed below are the rules for riding the U.S.D. #250 school buses:
- 1. The driver is in charge of the students and the bus. Students must obey the driver promptly and cheerfully.
- 2. The driver shall assign a seat to each student if necessary, and each student must be provided a seat. No students will be permitted to stand in the bus while it is moving.
- 3. Students must be on time, as the bus cannot wait for those who are tardy. Students must walk on the far left side of the road facing traffic when walking to the bus stop.
- 4. Students must not stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus. All students must wait for the bus off the traveled portion of the road and they must wait in a orderly manner and never push a fellow student.
- 5. Unnecessary conversation with the driver is prohibited. Students must not talk in a loud voice or otherwise distract the driver's attention. Remember, your safety is in their hands.
- 6. Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom conduct is to be observed.
- 7. Students shall not throw waste paper or other material on the bus floor or out of the bus windows. Help keep your bus clean at all times.
- 8. Students shall not at any time extend arms or head out of the bus.
- 9. Students shall not try to get on or off the bus or move about within the bus while it is in motion.
- 10. When leaving the bus, students must obey directions from the driver and if necessary to cross the road, shall do so in front of the bus after making sure the road is clear.
- 11. Any damage to the bus is to be reported to the driver immediately.