School Directory

Introduction

100 - MISSION and PHILOSOPHY POLICY
101 - Mission
102 - Philosophy

200 - GENERAL POLICY APPLICABILITY
201 - Policy Adherence
202 - Policy Applicability

300 - ADMISSIONS POLICY
301 - Non-Discrimination
302 - Admission Priorities
303 - Grade size
304 - Transfer students
305 - Religious considerations
306 - Age of Admission
307 - Exceptions to Age of Admission

400 - ATTENDANCE POLICY
401 - General
402 - Absence
     R-402 Procedure for notifying the school of absence
403 - Tardiness
     R403 Procedure for Tardiness Notification
404 – Truancy
405 - Days and Time of Attendance/School Calendar
     R405a - Daily Schedule and Dismissal Procedures
     R405b - Early Dismissals and Snow Days
406 - Lunch Hour

500 - ACADEMIC POLICIES
501 - General
502 - Communication and Reporting of Student’s Academic Progress
503 - Family Life Programs
504 - Field Trips
505 - Grade Reports
     R505 - Grading Scale
506 - Honor Rolls
     R506 - Honor Roll Criteria
507 - Homework and Assignments
508 - Internet Use
     R508 - Internet Acceptable Use Regulations
509 - Make-up Work
     R509 - Make-up Work Procedures
510 – Student Records.
     R510a - Procedures for Parents to Review Records
     R510b – Transfer of Records
511 - Progress Reports
512 - Promotion and Retention
     R512 Promotion and Retention
513 - Service Hour Requirements
514 - Tests
     R-514 Standardized Testing

600 - COMMUNICATIONS POLICY
601 - General.
     R601 - Communication Procedure
602 - Visits to Classroom

700 - DRESS CODE/ GROOMING POLICY
701 - Uniforms Required.
     R701 Uniform Requirements
702 - Good Grooming.
     R702 - Regulations regarding proper non-uniform attire and grooming
703 - Compliance.

800 - BEHAVIOR & DISCIPLINE POLICY
801 - Behavior.
     R801 - Summary of the Behavior and Discipline Plan
802 - Christian Behavior Expectations.
803 - Keeping Track of Positive and Productive Behavior.
804 - Keeping Track of Behaviors, Infractions, and Consequences.
     R804 - Consequences For Noncompliance.
805 – Delinquent Behavior Off of School Grounds.
806 – Grievance Procedure
807 - Playground Equipment.
     R807 - Playground Equipment Regulations.

900 - FINANCIAL, TUITION & CONTRIBUTED SERVICE POLICIES
901 - General.
902 - Fees.
     R902a - Registration Fee.
     R902b - Enrichment Activity Fee.
     R902c - Book Fee.
903 - Tuition.
     R903 - Amount of Tuition.
904 - Tuition Payment Options.
     R904 – Tuition Regulations.
905 - Timely Payment of Tuition.
     R905a
     R905b
     R905c
906. Consequences for Continued Delinquency of Tuition.
     R906a
     R906b
     R906c
     R906d
907 - Refunds
908 - Tuition Assistance
     R908 - Regulations for the Tuition Assistance Policy
909 - Scrip Program Participation
910 - Contributed Service Hours for Fundraising

1000 - CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
1001 - Athletics
     R1001a Requirements for Participation
     R1001b Coaches
     R1001c General Athletic Rules
     R1001d Prohibited Practices
1002 - Other Co-curricular Activities
1003 - Eligibility for Athletics and other Co-curricular Activities
     R1003a - Grade Average
     R1003b - Conduct
     R1003c - Disciplinary Action

1100 - HEALTH POLICIES
1101 - Physical Examinations
1102 - Immunizations
1103 - Medications
1104 - Illness
1105 - Asbestos
1106 - Insurance
1107 – Communicable Diseases
1108 – HIV/AIDS
1109 – Counseling Services
1110 – Dental Examinations
1111 - Wellness Policy

1200 - SCHOOL SAFETY POLICIES
1201 - Firearms on School Property
1202 - Visitors to the School
1203 - Emergency Plan
1204 – Emergency Drills
1205 – Harassment and Bullying
1206 – Conflict Resolution
1207 - Cellular Telephones and Pagers
1208 –Abuse and Neglect
1209 – Search and Seizure

August 2006

The policies contained in this handbook have been approved by the St. Joseph School Board, accepted by the principal, and formally adopted by the pastor. This policy handbook supercedes all previous policies and/or policy handbooks.

The regulations and procedures contained in this handbook flow from the approved policies.

The policies, regulations, and procedures may be amended, added to, or deleted at any time. Parents/guardians and students will be notified in the event of such an occurrence.

Parents/guardians are required to sign a handbook agreement form and return it to the school office at the beginning of each school year. The agreement forms indicate that parents/guardians have read the handbook, made their student(s) aware of its contents, and they agree to support and abide by all policies, regulations, and procedures set forth by the school. Parents/guardians further agree to: attend parent-teacher club meetings and school events, work the required minimum number of contributed service hours for fundraising activities, utilize the Scrip fundraising program according to the established guidelines and volunteer as needed/required at St. Joseph School.


100 - MISSION and PHILOSOPHY POLICY

101 - Mission. St. Joseph School strives to provide a quality Christian education in a faith -centered environment. The school shall provide a strong, comprehensive academic program, staffed with degreed and certified teachers, who promote students of all abilities to be motivated and active learners. The curriculum shall change and expand as required by technological innovations and societal expectations. St. Joseph’s School will endeavor to help students develop strong moral principles and social standards. Students, guided by their Christian values, will be self-motivated, and able to set realistic goals for future academic success.

102 – Philosophy. We believe that the parents have the primary responsibility in the education of their child. It is they who set the attitudes and values and give real meaning to Christian education in the schools. After the parents have freely entrusted their child to the Catholic school, it is their right and duty to assist the school by their cooperation and support according to their ability.

We believe that the child, a unique person, has definite basic relationships to God, to others, to nature, and to self. Through interaction with ideas, people, and things in the total school environment, the child's basic potential - spiritual, moral, intellectual, cultural, and physical - is developed and strengthened.

We believe that the school's primary responsibility to the child, home, and society is to form totally prepared Christians. Through both the teachers and curriculum, the school is a place of discovery which opens new avenues of learning, stimulates critical and creative thinking, fosters clarification of personal values, and promotes the child's awareness of his/her place as a force of good in God's redemptive plan.

We believe the community should work with the parents and school to promote further enrichment and growth and should help each child become aware of his/her civic responsibilities.

We believe that the school is an instrument of the Church. Hence, the gospel spirit of freedom and charity should enliven the atmosphere of the school community.


200 - GENERAL POLICY APPLICABILITY

201 - Policy Adherence. St. Joseph’s School adheres to all State of Illinois laws and requirements relevant to private school education. St. Joseph School also adheres to all policies established by the Diocesan Office of Education of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Where Diocesan policy is directly relevant to the specific policies of St. Joseph’s School, the Diocesan policy number is cited.

202 - Policy Applicability. The policies and provisions contained in this handbook apply to all students and parents or legal guardians of St. Joseph students. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, the policies and provisions of this handbook apply to any parent and legal guardian, whether or not the student lives with the parents. (Diocesan Policy, 4213)


300 - ADMISSIONS POLICY

301 - Non-Discrimination. St. Joseph School admits students of any race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at our school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admission policies, scholarships and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.

302 - Admission Priorities. Students will be admitted to St. Joseph School according to the following priorities. (An active parish family is one that is registered in the parish and regularly participates in the life and faith community of the parish/school. Regular attendance at weekend mass is essential in order to maintain active parishioner status.)

  1. Siblings of children of already enrolled in St. Joseph School.
  2. Children of active St. Joseph Parish families.
  3. Children of Catholic families who are registered in another parish. Catholic families who are registered in another parish must obtain approval of the pastors involved.
  4. Children of non-Catholic or inactive families.

303 - Grade size. Kindergarten through eighth grade is limited to 25 students per grade. When a grade reaches the maximum enrollment, a waiting list will be established. Students on the waiting list may be offered enrollment according to the admissions priorities (stated above) as openings occur.

304 - Transfer students. The principal will review the suitability and records of all transfer students to determine whether a student should be admitted to the school. All transfer students are admitted conditionally on a three-month probationary period. The principal in consultation with necessary school personnel will determine enrollment beyond the probationary period. St. Joseph School does not accept transfer students in the fourth quarter of a school year.

305 - Religious considerations. While a student or his parents need not be Catholic to attend St. Joseph School, students will be admitted to St. Joseph School only if their parents understand and subscribe to the concept that religious formation is one of the primary purposes of Catholic education. (Diocesan policy, 4313, #1)

St. Joseph will not accept students whose parent(s) or guardian seek(s) to have them admitted not for the purpose of religious formation but merely to avoid racial integration. (Diocesan policy, number 4313, Number 6)

306 - Age of Admission. St. Joseph’s School follows state and local public school requirements for the requisite age of children to be admitted into the school. (Diocesan policy, 4314) Children entering kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 1. Those entering first grade must be six on or before the same date. The child’s birth certificate and social security number is required to be presented at registration. A certificate of baptism will also be required for any Catholic children who were not baptized at St. Joseph Church.

307 - Exceptions to Age of Admission. Students not meeting the age requirement to enter kindergarten or first grade may only be admitted if, at the discretion of the principal, the student possesses the requisite maturity. Likewise, with the consent of the pastor, the principal is authorized to exclude from admission to kindergarten or first grade students who, on the basis of testing conducted by the school, are definitely unprepared for regular classroom work. (Diocesan Policy, 4315)


400 - ATTENDANCE POLICY

401 - General. In order for the student to achieve the most of his/her St. Joseph education, and in compliance with Illinois law, attendance is compulsory for all children enrolled in St. Joseph. (Diocesan policy, 4411)

402 - Absence. If a child is to be absent, the parent or guardian must notify the school by calling the school office on the morning of the absence or, if an absence is planned, advance written notification to the school should be given explaining the absence. Students who must be excused for medical, dental, funeral, or other reasons during school time are considered absent. A written notice must be sent in advance stating the time, length and reason for the absence. (Diocesan Policy 4412)

R402 - Procedure for notifying the school of absence. In the event a student will be absent, a parent must call the school explaining the reason for absence (523-6597). If a phone call is not received by 9:00 a.m., the school will call the home or the parent’s work to verify the absence. When a student has been absent from school, he/she must report to the office to receive an admit slip BEFORE returning to the classroom. A child too sick to attend school shall not attend or participate in co-curricular activities.

403 - Tardiness. Habitual tardiness disturbs class activities. A child is considered tardy if he/she is not in the classroom when the second bell rings. Chronic tardiness may be reported to the student’s parents and may subject the student to discipline.

R403 - Procedure for Tardiness Notification. When a student is tardy, a phone call must be received or a note briefly explaining the reason must be brought to the office that day or the next day. Before going to the classroom, the student must stop at the office for an admit slip. If a call or note is not received, the child may not be admitted to class until parent contact has been made. If a student is tardy three times in a quarter, a letter will be sent to the parents/guardians notifying them of the situation and asking for cooperation. If a student is tardy four times in a quarter, a conference may be called between the principal and parents/guardians.

404 – Truancy. A child may be considered truant from school if he/she is absent without a proper medical excuse or, in the event of a family commitment, advance written parental notification. If a child is absent from school for four or more consecutive days without the necessary medical and parent/guardian documentation, he/she will be considered truant. The situation will be addressed by the administration using appropriate consequences, counseling methods, outside interventions and parent/guardian contact and involvement appropriate.

405 - Days and Time of Attendance/School Calendar. St. Joseph has a traditional Monday - Friday school calendar which generally begins in late August and ends in late May or early June. The schedule will appear on a school calendar that will be given to school families at registration or will otherwise be announced by the principal.

R405a - Daily Schedule and Dismissal Procedures

  • 8:00 a.m. School grounds open. Children dropped off before 8:00 a.m. will go to the Before School Care Program and assessed the appropriate fee for this time.
  • 8:15 a.m. School doors are opened and children proceed to their classrooms.
  • 8:20 a.m. Children are TARDY if they are not in their classroom at this bell.
  • 11:25 - 12:05* First lunch shift for grades K - 2.
  • 11:45 - 12:20* Second lunch shift for grades 3 - 5.
  • 12:20 - 12:55* Third lunch shift for grades 6 - 8.
  • 2:55 p.m. Dismissal bell for those riding a bus. Children will be dismissed from the South door.
  • 3:00 p.m. General dismissal bell. Children walking home will be dismissed via the Fifth Street doors. All children riding home in cars will be dismissed onto the playground. NO children are to be picked up by a car parked on the street. Cars are to be parked by the time the dismissal bell rings. Cars must enter the parking lot from Fifth Street and park in rows, allowing an open lane for busses to use. Once children are in cars, patrols and a supervisor will dismiss cars to McClernand Street and direct traffic. Anyone picking up children in cars is asked to use extra caution and follow the directions of patrols and supervisors.
  • 8:30 a.m. Students attend Mass every Wednesday morning and must be in their classrooms by 8:20 a.m.
* Please note: the actual lunch schedule may vary. Times given are approximate.

R405b - Early Dismissals and Snow Days. School will dismiss at 2 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month for a faculty meeting. There are other early dismissal days scheduled throughout the year. Please consult the school calendar for exact dates and times. Parents/guardians are to be prompt when picking up their children. Children not picked up on time at dismissal may be sent to the after care program and their parent/guardian assessed the daily fee for the program.

It is the decision of the Springfield Catholic elementary schools' principals to cancel school in the case of adverse weather conditions. In the event of extreme weather, please listen to radio station 1240 AM (WTAX) for information on possible school closings. Do not call the rectory, church, or school office.

406 - Lunch Hour. Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds for lunch. The principal may give permission for exceptions to this rule. Students have the option of purchasing a hot lunch item(s) or bringing a sack lunch. A student is not permitted to eat lunch purchased from a "fast food" restaurant in the lunchroom. Students may not bring or purchase sodas for lunch.

Students must remain seated in the lunchroom unless they obtain permission from a supervisor to be out of their seat for a specific purpose. They are to observe good table manners. Students are expected to leave their place clean and free of all litter before being excused from the table.


500 - ACADEMIC POLICIES

501 - General. In order to provide a quality Christian education in a faith centered environment, St. Joseph will maintain a strong, comprehensive academic program, staffed with degreed and certified teachers who promote students of all abilities to be motivated and active learners. The curriculum will change and expand as required by technological innovations and societal expectations. The principal, teachers and staff will endeavor to help students (a) develop strong moral principles and social standards (b) become self-motivated, (c) be able to set realistic goals for future academic success.

502 - Communication and Reporting of Student’s Academic Progress. Ongoing communication between parents/guardians and teachers is an important element in the success of the students at St. Joseph’s School. Toward that end, parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled in the fall of each school year. Other parent-teacher conferences may be scheduled at the request of the parents/guardians or teacher. Additionally, St. Joseph has two formal reporting mechanisms to assist students and parents in better understanding a child’s school progress: Grade Reports/Report Cards as set forth in 505 below; and Progress Reports which may apply to a St. Joseph student as set forth in paragraph 511.

503 - Family Life Programs. Education in family life is integral to a student's growth and development. Programs in family life/human sexuality will reflect the guidelines provided in Church documents with special emphasis on those found in Canon Law and the National Catechetical Directory. (Diocesan Policy #5313)

Family life/ human sexuality programs will be taught on a limited basis in the fourth through eighth grades. Parents/guardians will receive more specific information prior to the start of instruction. A parent/guardian may submit a written request that their child not attend the specific family life/human sexuality classes. In such cases, an alternative may be offered. The Diocesan Office for Family and Youth Ministry may also offer mother/daughter and father/son programs.

504 - Field Trips. Field trips are to have an educational purpose. Field trips may be planned at the discretion of the classroom teacher and with the permission of the principal. An official permission slip must be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to school before a child is allowed to participate. Handwritten notes and telephone calls will not be accepted in lieu of the school's permission slip. Students will not be allowed to telephone parents/guardians to have them bring and/or fax a field trip permission slip. Failure to have the official permission slip turned in on the day of a trip will result in the students remaining at school while the class/group is gone on the field trip.

A student may be withheld from participation in a field trip for behavioral or academic reasons at the discretion of the principal, in consultation with the appropriate faculty.

505 - Grade Reports. Grade reports/report cards summarizing a student’s school progress will be given to each student at the end of each quarter. A grading scale will be used for students in Grades 1 - 8, with a separate marking code for Kindergarten students.

R505 - Grading Scale. The following marking code is used for Kindergarten students at St. Joseph School:

[+] Good Progress
[S] Satisfactory Progress
[x] Needs Improvement
The following grading scale is used for students in Grades 1-8 at St. Joseph School:
A+ 100-99
A 98-95
A- 94-93
B+ 92-90
B 89-87
B- 86-85
C+ 84-82
C 81-77
C- 76-74
D+ 73-72
D 71-70
D- 69-68
F 67 and below

506 - Honor Rolls. In order to recognize students for their noteworthy achievements, eligible students may be placed on one or more honor rolls at the end of each quarter of the school year. The honor rolls included are: academic, effort, and behavior.

R506 - Honor Roll Criteria.

  1. Academic Honor Rolls - Students in grades four through eight who do not have any grades lower than a "C-" on their report cards and whose effort and conduct grades are not lower than a "3-" are eligible for an academic honor roll.
  2. Effort Honor Rolls - Students in grades four through eight who do not have an effort grade lower than a "2-" in any subject on their report card are eligible for an effort honor roll.
  3. Behavior Honor Rolls - Students in grades kindergarten through eight who do not receive more than two behavior steps/tickets throughout one quarter are eligible for a behavior honor roll.

507 - Homework and Assignments. Homework reinforces the concepts and lessons taught in school and enables students to complete assignments and any makeup work. Homework is an opportunity for the student to develop responsibility. Students should have their assignments and homework completed and turned in to the teachers on time. Homework also provides parents/guardians with an excellent opportunity to follow their child’s progress in school. In addition to daily assignments, long-range assignments are also appropriate. The cooperation of the parents/guardians in supervising homework is a vital element in the successful learning process of the child.

508 - Internet Use. We are very pleased to bring Internet access to St. Joseph School and believe the Internet offers valuable, diverse and unique resources to both students and teachers. The goal of providing this service to students and teachers is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication.

R508 - Internet Acceptable Use Regulations.

  1. Acceptable use - The purpose of using the Internet and other related technologies in our school is to support education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of school accounts must be in support of education and consistent with the educational objectives of St. Joseph School. Transmission of any material in violation of school policy or any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material and threatening or obscene material.
  2. Privileges - The use of the Internet is a privilege not a right. Inappropriate use of those privileges may result in the cancellation of those privileges and/or school disciplinary action. Inappropriate use/behavior may include but is not limited to:
    • intentionally damaging computers
    • attempting to download or upload
    • printing from the Internet without teacher permission
    • attempting to access inappropriate Internet sites
    • consistently not attending to teacher instructions
  3. Network Etiquette - Students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette:
    • Never send or encourage others to send abusive or threatening messages
    • Use appropriate language - never swear, use vulgarities, or use any other inappropriate language or thematic content.
  4. Copyright - Students will not copy other people's work on the Internet and call it their own. This pertains to text, graphics and sound. Students will get permission whenever possible and credit the author accordingly.
  5. Electronic Mail - Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private. Students are not to utilize personal e-mail at school.
  6. Privacy - Students may not reveal any personal data about themselves, their family members, or any other members of the St. Joseph School Community in an online log or journal (“blogging”) or via e-mail or any other type of transmission. Furthermore, students are not to threaten or defame others in the school/parish community or use the name or logo of St. Joseph School / Parish in a “blog” or in other online communication. Due to overriding safety issues, students violating this rule are subject to disciplinary action and consequences by the school, whether such conduct takes place inside or outside of school.
  7. Security - If a student identifies a security problem on the Internet, s/he is to notify a teacher immediately. The student should not demonstrate the problem to other students. Students may not use another individual's account at any time. Attempts to log on to the Internet or network as anyone other than their own correct identity will result in a cancellation of Internet privileges. Any student identified as a security risk will be denied access to the Internet.
  8. Vandalism - Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, network, or agency that is connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to: uploading or downloading computer viruses, attempts at gaining unauthorized access, or changing on-line without permission.

509 - Make-up Work. When a student is absent for any reason, the teacher will provide the student with the assignments the student needs to complete. It is the responsibility of the student to return the completed make-up work to the teacher. Teachers are not required to provide make-up work.

R509 - Make-up Work Procedures. Students will receive one make up day for each day absent, at which time the student's completed make-up work must be given to the teacher to be graded. If a student has been notified of a test or assignment date in advance and is absent on the day of the test or assignment deadline, but was present on the prior days, the student will be expected to makeup the test or hand in the completed assignment on the day of their return.

510 – Student Records. St. Joseph School maintains a permanent cumulative file for each student. These records may contain: attendance records, academic records, teachers’ names, promotions/retentions, standardized test results, health and immunization records and any other pertinent information. St. Joseph School abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of the non-custodial parent. Accordingly, in the absence of a court order to the contrary, St. Joseph’s School will allow the non-custodial parent access to his/her child’s academic record and other school-related information. If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order. (From School Handbooks: Some Legal Considerations, Mary Angela Shaughnessy)

R510a - Procedures for Parents to Review Records. Parents/guardians may view their children’s permanent file upon 48 hours written notice to the principal. The principal will be present during the examination of records by a parent/guardian in the school office.

R510b – Transfer of Records. When a student transfers to another school or graduates, a duplicate copy of the student’s cumulative permanent file will be sent within ten days to the receiving school upon request. The original file will be placed in the school’s inactive records file. A complete copy of the permanent file may not be sent unless all fees and tuition balances are paid in full. In the case of outstanding balances, only a copy of the student’s current academic progress report and the most recent health and immunization record will be sent to the receiving school, along with a notice that the cumulative file is being held pending fulfillment of financial obligations.

511 - Progress Reports. In order to assist students in achieving a successful learning experience, students may receive a mid-term Student Progress Report to provide both students and the student’s parents/guardians with a general summary of their academic achievements, efforts and behavior in school. The purpose of the Mid-quarter Student Progress Report is to provide teachers an opportunity to inform parents/guardians of the areas in which the child may not be performing up to his/her potential or to note areas where the child has shown significant improvement or progress.

512 - Promotion and Retention. Students at St. Joseph’s School are expected to meet a high standard of education. Every effort will be made by the staff at St. Joseph’s School to assist students in achieving success and to keep parents/guardians informed of the student’s progress. Parents/guardians will be notified at the earliest signs of serious concern by the staff at St. Joseph’s School to discuss possible courses of action. Students who fail to meet the academic or maturation requirements for their grade level may be retained.

R512 Promotion and Retention.
Students who fail to achieve a passing average (D) in two or more major subject areas of the curriculum over the course of an academic year are subject to the following consequences:

  1. Notification that the student is failing will be sent home.
  2. Student may be required to successfully complete summer school or receive individual tutoring as prescribed by the school.
  3. Retention - the student may not be promoted to the next grade level. Students in grades six through eight may not be allowed to repeat the grade level at St. Joseph School. In the case of an eighth grader, the diploma certifying that the student has successfully completed a course of studies at St. Joseph School may not be issued until the student successfully completes summer school. Furthermore, an eighth grade student may not be allowed to participate in graduation activities and/or ceremonies.

513 - Service Hour Requirements. St. Joseph School endeavors to help students develop strong moral principles and social standards. As a part of Catholic Christian values and morals, we strive to instill the value of service to others. Through service, students are better able to contribute in meaningful ways to the needy in the community. Service affords students the opportunity to really LIVE by Jesus' teachings, not just study them. This should be an enjoyable as well as enlightening experience to serve God and the community.

Therefore, all students are required to perform a set number of service hours each year. Service activities may include parish, school, community and family service-related projects. Each classroom teacher will provide a list of acceptable service activities and approve any additional activities. One-half (50%) of the service hours required for each grade level may be completed through teacher-directed school projects/activities. The remaining half (50%) of the required number of service hours is to be completed under the direction of the student's parent/guardian. A signed activity record will be required of each student to verify service hours completed outside of school. The classroom teachers will provide those forms to students and parents/guardians as needed.

The following is a list of service hour requirements for each grade level:

  • Kindergarten - Grade 2: 4 hours per year / 1 hour per quarter
  • Grade 3: 8 hours per year / 2 hours per quarter
  • Grade 4/5: 10 hours per year / 5 hours per semester
  • Grade 6: 20 hours per year/ 5 hours per quarter
  • Grade 7/8: 40 hours per year / 10 hours per quarter
(8 summer hours may count)

514 - Tests. St. Joseph School will test its students to determine a student’s current level of knowledge and understanding as well as how much their knowledge and understanding of a concept or unit of study have increased. Testing will include standardized testing as appropriate.

R-514 Standardized Testing.
Students in grades 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 take the Terra Nova in the fall of the school year. Students in grades 3, 5, and 7 also take the cognitive abilities companion test at that time.

Students in grades 6 and 8 will take the ACRE religion assessment in February of each year.

Kindergarten students will take the Metropolitan Readiness Test in May of each year.

Additional standardized tests may be given at any grade level throughout the school year.


600 - COMMUNICATIONS POLICY

601 - General. Communications among teachers, parents, students, and the principal are important to the success of the St. Joseph student. Parents and teachers should feel free to discuss with each other any concerns regarding the student's progress. Concerns regarding a student’s progress should first be between the teacher and the parent/guardian. Only if the concern still exists after such communication, or if there are extenuating circumstances, is the matter appropriately raised with the principal. After that communication, if the concern still exists, the matter should be raised with the pastor.

R601 - Communication Procedure. A parent/guardian concern must first be discussed with the teacher involved. The parent/guardian should contact the teacher during a regular school day via a note or telephone message. The note or message should contain an explanation of the nature of the concern and indicate if the parent/guardian is available to meet with the teacher or discuss the concern by telephone. The teacher will contact the parent within 24 hours. Parents should not contact the teacher at home. Nor is it appropriate to raise specific concerns with a teacher at school/parish- sponsored events.

602 - Visits to Classroom. Parents/guardians are welcome to visit their child's classroom. However, to minimize disruption to the classroom, advance notice to the principal is required, and restrictions may apply.


700 - DRESS CODE/ GROOMING POLICY

701 - Uniforms Required. Uniforms will be required for St. Joseph’s students. The principal will establish specific regulations regarding uniform and dress, including specific daily exceptions to this policy. Students who habitually violate the dress code may be subject to disciplinary consequences and additional requirements.

R701 Uniform Requirements Girls in grades K-4 wear a knee length uniform plaid jumper, white tailored blouse (long or short sleeves), white knit polo style shirt or turtleneck (long or short sleeves), matching plain dark blue, white, or dark green socks or tights.

Girls in grades 5-8 wear: a knee length uniform plaid skirt, white tailored blouse (long or short sleeves), white knit polo style shirt (long or short sleeves) or turtleneck, navy blue opaque tights, navy blue knee-high socks or matching, plain dark blue, white, or dark green crew socks that are able to cuff over (at least two inches above the ankle bone). Students who continually violate the policy regarding length of socks may have additional restrictions and consequences. Sweaters are to be plain dark blue or dark green. Official crew neck style school sweatshirts, sold by the P.T.C., are also acceptable. An optional blue slack uniform, which is plain, dark blue twill slacks, is also acceptable.

Boys wear a light blue knit or cotton shirt (long or short sleeves) with a collar, and plain dark blue twill trousers. Matching plain dark blue or white crew length socks (at least two inches above the ankle) are to be worn. If a sweater is needed, it should be plain dark blue. Official crew neck style school sweatshirts, sold by the P.T.C., are also acceptable.

Boys and girls may wear uniform shorts, which are plain dark blue, twill, and knee length shorts, from May 1 to October 1, or at the discretion of the principal. All uniforms may be purchased through the Dennis Uniform Company or Luer’s Kidz Kloz.

Boys and girls shoes must have enclosed toes and heels. No type of sandal (including Birkenstocks) may be worn at any time. Clogs, jellies, and heels (including chunky heels over one inch) are not allowed. Students are to wear lace-up tennis shoes for gym classes.

General Uniform Reminders

  1. Only plain white T-shirts may be worn under uniform shirts or blouses. Printed or colored T-shirts are not acceptable and are not to be worn under uniform shirts or blouses.
  2. Navy colored sweatpants, running pants, "stretch pants," and pants with elastic at the bottom are not permitted.
  3. All uniform blouses and shirts are to be worn tucked neatly inside shorts, skirts, slacks, and trousers.
  4. Shoes must be laced and properly tied. Crew socks (must be able to cuff over- at least three inches above the ankle bone) must be worn at all times. Sport socks, footies, etc. are NOT acceptable. Students wearing unacceptable socks may be required to purchase a pair of new socks from the school office.
  5. No clothing or accessories with gang signs, symbols, or colors may be worn.
  6. All clothing and boots should be plainly marked for easy identification.
  7. Uniforms in good condition may be donated to the school. Uniform exchange days will be scheduled each year.
  8. Boys and girls in grades 2-8 must wear a plain black, brown or navy belt with their pants and shorts.

Scout Uniforms
Boys and girls may wear scout uniforms on the day of the meeting.

Non-Uniform Days
Non-uniform days occur on occasion. Students must be dressed neatly, modestly and in good taste. No cut-off or short shorts may be worn. Shorts must be knee-length. No mid-riff tops, no tank tops, "spaghetti strap" tops, no ripped, torn, or tight-fitting clothing may be worn. No excessively large or baggy clothing may be worn. Clothes may not contain offensive wording or pictures. Additional restrictions may apply on particular days. The principal reserves the right to decide appropriateness of school attire when free dress is allowed.

702 - Good Grooming. The encouragement of good grooming and hygiene is part of the educational endeavor at St. Joseph’s. Any manner of dress or grooming which detracts from a positive learning environment will not be accepted. The principal will establish specific regulations regarding appropriate dress and good grooming.

R702 - Regulations regarding proper non-uniform attire and grooming. Make up and excessive jewelry may not be worn. Chains, ankle bracelets, wrist bands, spiked bracelets and chokers, etc. may not be worn. Girls may wear simple earrings (one pair, identical) worn one in each ear are acceptable. Hair should be neat, trimmed and clean. Boy’s hair must not be longer than the top of the shirt collar. Hair coloring of any type and extreme hair- styles are not permitted. Nails are to be kept neatly trimmed to an acceptable length so they are not a danger to students. False fingernails are not permitted. Tattoos (permanent or temporary) are not allowed. Perfume, cologne, nail polish, make-up and hairspray are not allowed at school at any time. It will be confiscated. Girls are not allowed to wear make-up or glitter.

703 - Compliance. Parents/guardians are asked to cooperate by assuring that children are well groomed and in complete uniform daily. A note of explanation should accompany any child who comes to school out of uniform or in violation of the good grooming policy. Repeated non-compliance with the dress code will result in disciplinary action. The principal will make final decisions regarding appropriate dress and disciplinary action.


800 - BEHAVIOR & DISCIPLINE POLICY

801 - Behavior. Good Behavior is consistent with the mission of St. Joseph to provide a quality education in a faith-centered environment. The school endeavors to promote strong moral principles. Towards that end, the school will teach and reinforce acceptable social standards and appropriate social skills. Students who behave in a manner inconsistent with these principles are subject to disciplinary actions. The principal, pastor, and school board will establish regulations concerning behavior and discipline.

R801 - Summary of the Behavior and Discipline Plan. Parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, and support staff working cooperatively can have a significant impact on students' behavior. A typical child has five to ten different sets of behavioral expectations to follow in their life at any given time. The best way to develop students' positive and productive behavior skills longterm is to establish a buildingwide and, hopefully, communitywide culture where the behavioral expectations become part of the life of the student.

In order to establish such a culture, an environment must be created for students to learn these habits. In creating such an environment our goals must be:

  1. To provide clear, explicit and consistent expectations and consequences in order to decrease student anxiety and increase student time on appropriate tasks.
  2. To assist students in internalizing behavioral expectations by providing them with the rationale for classroom behavioral expectations and by teaching them how to meet these expectations.
  3. To encourage students to become more responsible for themselves by allowing them to make choices and decisions based upon known rules and consequences of those actions.
  4. To help students handle the responsibilities of active student learning, freedom with respect, interacting with others and having fun.
There are four major steps to implementing this program.
  1. Establish a set of behavior expectations.
  2. Communicate those behavior expectations so that teachers, administrators, volunteers, and parents/guardians work closely and consistently as a team for the long-term benefit of our students.
  3. Teach behavior skills. Teaching students to internalize the skills they need for positive and productive behavior allows them to take control of and be responsible for their own behavior.
  4. Establish compliance throughout the school by consistently enforcing a clear set of expectations through rewards or progressive consequences.

802 - Christian Behavior Expectations.

Display Christian Character:

  1. Be positive.
  2. Be productive.
  3. Treat others as you would have them treat you.

Respect Authority:

  1. Listen to authority.
  2. Follow directions promptly.
  3. Accept responsibility for your behavior.

Respect the Rights of Others:

  1. Use appropriate voice and language.
  2. Listen to speaker.
  3. Respect the opinion of others.
  4. Refrain from bothering others through physical or verbal harassment.

Display Appropriate Social Skills:

  1. Deal appropriately with your own feelings.
  2. Interact with others appropriately.
  3. Display courtesy.
  4. Think before you speak or act.
  5. Take pride in yourself and your work.

Respect Learning:

  1. Finish work.
  2. Allow others to finish work.
  3. Be an involved learner.

Be Prompt and Prepared:

  1. Come on time.
  2. Come with needed materials.
  3. Come with assignments complete.

Respect Property:

  1. Respect school property.
  2. Respect the property of others.
  3. Respect own property.
  4. Use materials and equipment appropriately.

803 - Keeping Track of Positive and Productive Behavior. We believe that students are responsible for their own good behavior. When students demonstrate responsible behavior, they experience positive consequences. When students misbehave they will experience a negative consequence. Students and classes who regularly demonstrate positive and productive behavior will earn privileges appropriate to their age and classroom.

804 - Keeping Track of Behaviors, Infractions, and Consequences. Schools which take the time to document inappropriate behavior generally decrease the occurrence of such behavior and increase the amount of time students spend on tasks. Moreover, by keeping track of infractions, schools can identify students whose behavior is chronically inappropriate and also have documentation of the inappropriate behavior.

Infractions will be recorded on individual student charts or on a classroom chart. Each infraction will correspond with a consequence. Students in K2 will begin each day with a new chart and with consequences once again starting with 1. Students in grades 34 will start over every other day. Students in grades 5 -8 will start over each week.

Students who regularly or severely misbehave will have lower level consequences removed. For example, students who regularly get more than one consequence in a short period of time will lose their warning and begin with a time out or an interaction. Students who continue to get more than two consequences will lose their time out or interaction and begin with a Behavior Improvement Plan. A student who has lost the first and/or second level consequences may be evaluated at the end of a quarter to determine if there has been enough improvement in his/her behavior to allow the reinstatement of the lost consequences to the student's behavior chart.

Additionally, students who regularly demonstrate positive and productive behavior, and who do not receive consequences above the first or second level, may be entitled to special privileges and/or rewards. Those students may also be granted an exemption from keeping a daily behavior chart as long as they continue to demonstrate the positive and productive behaviors.

In the common areas of the school all staff members and volunteers will share in supervising students. Action will be taken each time inappropriate behavior is observed. An interaction will take place between the student and the staff member or volunteer who observes it. The student will receive a ticket noting his/her inappropriate behavior and will be responsible for delivering this ticket to his/her homeroom teacher. A second copy will be placed in the homeroom teacher's mailbox to ensure notification. The student will move up on the scale of consequences. If the student does not deliver the ticket to his/her teacher when he/she returns to his/her homeroom, an additional consequence will be enforced.

Students who misbehave in special classes, hallways, lunchroom, restrooms, playground, or any school/church area will also be issued tickets in this way. The special teacher in conjunction with the homeroom teacher will deal with students who repeatedly misbehave in a special class on an individual basis.

R804 - Consequences For Noncompliance.
  1. Warning. The first consequence is a warning with an interaction. An interaction is a discussion between teacher and student including
    1. what the student did wrong,
    2. what is expected,
    3. what will happen if more inappropriate behavior occurs, and
    4. a commitment from the student to behave in an appropriate manner in the future.
  2. Personal Interaction and Isolated Lunch Period. The second consequence is a personal interaction between the student and teacher and an isolated lunch period for grades K-8.
  3. Behavior Improvement Plan and Morning Detention. For consequence three, the student completes a behavior improvement plan under the supervision of the teacher. The behavior improvement plan will describe the inappropriate behavior and making a commitment to improve. Parents and teachers may add their comments to the plan and approve it with their signatures. The classroom teacher will notify the parent of a morning detention at to be served at 7:30 a.m. the following day.
  4. Call Parents and Morning Detention. For consequence four, the classroom teacher will accompany the student to call his/her parents and explain the inappropriate behavior(s) and how they intend to improve. The classroom teacher will supervise this call and speak with the parent also. The classroom teacher will notify the parent of a morning detention to be served at 7:15 a.m. the following day.
  5. Meeting With Teacher and/or Principal. At consequence five, a meeting may be held between the parents, the student, the teacher, and/or the principal to develop a more encompassing behavior improvement plan.
  6. In-School Suspension. When handled properly, the sixth consequence, in-school suspension, may be extremely effective for improving a student's behavior in grades 38. All work completed by the student during an in-school suspension will count as 75% credit.

    Description of In-School Suspension. In-school suspension is an isolated, but educational, experience where students are:
    a. Placed in a confined area.
    b. Isolated from the view of others.
    c. Supervised and managed by the student's parent/guardian or school personnel.
    d. Allowed a lunch including proper nutrition.
    e. Given two 3 to 5 minute staggered rest room breaks.
    Teacher Responsibilities. Teachers are responsible for:
    a. Notifying the office when students have earned an in-school suspension.
    b. Preparing assignments for students.
    c. Notifying parents of their child's in-school suspension.
    d. Meeting with the student following the in-school suspension to review the behavior improvement plan.
    Student Responsibilities. Students are responsible for:
    a. Completing all assignments for classes missed.
    b. Completing a behavior improvement plan for the principal's approval.
    c. Preparing a written presentation to his/her parents concerning the reason for the in-school suspension.
    d. Writing about his/her behavior and the effect the behavior has on his/her school success.
    e. Obtain notes or additional assignments missed from that day's classes.
    The rules and consequences for the in-school suspension will be made clear to students before it is ever used. The pastor, principal, guidance counselor and other necessary teachers may interact with the student during the in-school suspension concerning the student's situation and future and will try to obtain a commitment from the student to make his/her future a positive one.
  7. Out-Of-School Suspension. The seventh consequence is an out of school suspension. Students are required to complete all assignments, receive counseling, and with their parents, complete a form about their inappropriate behavior and their intentions for improving their behavior before being allowed to return to school.
  8. Expulsion. While our goal is to provide an environment where learning can flourish for every student, if, after every effort has been made to teach students to live within the boundaries of the school's behavioral expectations, they still do not or cannot, it may be better for everyone involved for those students to be expelled from school rather than be allowed to inhibit the learning of other students who do live within the boundaries. Regretfully, there may be situations within a school setting, either on school/church grounds or during a school sponsored activity, which may warrant immediate action, including in-school or out of school suspension or even expulsion. A student who is accused of a serious wrong may be placed on a home study program pending the outcome of adjudication or investigation. Rather than attempt to list causes that might result in those actions, the following general outline provides parents/guardians and students with an idea of the circumstances that may necessitate such actions:
    a. Delinquency and immorality that constitutes a definite menace to the school community.
    b. Possession or use of a weapon of any sort, including pocketknives.
    c. Possession or use of any illegal substance, alcohol, or tobacco.
    d. Leaving the school building or grounds without permission.
    e. Possession or display of any type of gang related apparel or items.
    f. Verbal or written threats of bodily harm / physical violence to self or others.
    g. Lack of parent/guardian cooperation in dealing with the problems of their children faced by the school.
    If such circumstances arise, the parent/guardian will be contacted and, along with the student, may be granted a conference with the principal and pastor. The principal and pastor will make the final decision.

805 – Delinquent Behavior Off of School Grounds. In the event that a student’s delinquent or immoral behavior off of school grounds is brought to the attention of the administration through its direct or indirect impact on the school, St. Joseph School reserves the right to contact the parents/guardians of those students in question, take any actions (including disciplinary) appropriate to the nature and frequency of the offense and contact the appropriate authorities if necessary.

806 – Grievance Procedure. Any parent/guardian and/or student who has a grievance must first discuss the grievance with the teacher, if such discussion is appropriate to the nature of the grievance, as soon as possible. If the grievance still exists, the parent/guardian and/or student are entitled to bring the grievance in writing to the principal. The principal may involve the pastor if deemed necessary or appropriate. The principal’s decision, in consultation with the pastor, will be binding and final on all concerned.

807 - Playground Equipment. Each classroom has playground equipment for the year and a bin to store it in. All items have been marked with the room number. Students are responsible to take care of this equipment. If a ball is accidentally hit onto the roof or into the street a supervisor should be told at once.

R807 - Playground Equipment Regulations. The following playground rules apply at all times:

  1. The school's behavior expectations, policies and consequences are in full effect on the playground.
  2. No toys from home! Only school equipment may be used.
  3. Fighting and "rough - housing" are not allowed at any time.
  4. Students are not to intentionally hit/kick/throw any balls or other objects at other students or into any "off limit" areas.
  5. Students are to report any problems or concerns directly to the playground supervisors, who will then handle the concerns. The supervisor may consult with or refer the concern to the classroom teacher if she/he feels it is necessary.
  6. Students are not to go into neighboring yards or gardens.
  7. Students are not allowed to leave the playground, go onto the sidewalks or into the streets.
  8. Students are not allowed to play behind the garage, between the church and school or in any other area that is deemed "off - limits" by a supervisor.
  9. No gymnastics allowed on the playground.
  10. Students must remain on the playground unless a supervisor gives special permission for the child to go into the building for an emergency.
  11. Supervisor on duty must give permission for a student to be able to play outside of his/her class/area.
  12. There is no playing with or throwing of rocks, snowballs, or other inappropriate objects.
  13. No playing on snow hills or ice patches or sliding on wet pavement.
  14. Skateboards and scooters are not allowed on school/parish property at any time, nor are they allowed at any school/parish- sponsored event.
  15. Bicycles are permitted to be at school only if it is the child’s transportation to and from school and it is secured with a proper lock on the school’s bike rack. Bicycles are not permitted to be ridden on the school/parish grounds or on the sidewalks bordering the school/parish grounds. Children must walk their bicycles in these areas. Additionally, if a teacher or supervisor observes a child disobeying bicycle safety rules on the streets at either arrival or dismissal time, additional consequences may be enforced.
  16. Other rules/regulations/restrictions may apply.

900 - FINANCIAL, TUITION & CONTRIBUTED SERVICE POLICIES

901 - General. A financial program that consists of a reasonable balance of tuition, fees, general parish funds, development income and fundraisers supports St. Joseph. This balanced approach is necessary to provide for the ongoing support of the school without detriment to the other ministries of the parish. The pastor in consultation with the parish finance council and the parish school board or board of education should develop the financial program. (Diocesan Policy, 2311)

902 - Fees. A reasonable non-refundable registration fee, to be set each year by the principal, is required of all students at registration. A non-refundable enrichment activity fee is required of all families at registration. Additional fees may be required, at the discretion of the principal, for other school activities.

R902a - Registration Fee. A non-refundable registration fee of $25 per child is payable at registration.

R902b - Enrichment Activity Fee. A non-refundable fee of $25 per family is payable at registration.

R902c - Book Fee. A non-refundable book fee of $35 per family is payable at registration.

903 - Tuition. The school board in consultation with the pastor and the principal sets tuition annually. Since the parish contributes to the educational support of St. Joseph’s school, registered families are expected to contribute to the life and support of the parish. Tuition for families not of the parish will be set at the full cost of the student's education.

R903 - Amount of Tuition. The established tuition rates for the 2006-2007 school year at St. Joseph’s School are: $2,050.00 for children of parish families ($3,253.00 for two children and $4,332.00 for three or more children); $4,147.00 per child for children of other families.

904 - Tuition Payment Options. The various tuition payment options offered by St. Joseph’s School include monthly payments (10 or 12 months per year) by F.A.C.T.S. (administrative fee charged), quarterly payments, semi-annual payments, or one annual payment. Those choosing to make an annual payment, if paid on the date specified, will receive a discount.

The school also accepts credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express) in addition to cash and checks for tuition payments. Each credit card transaction is subject to a 3% service fee charge.

R904 – Tuition Regulations. The following rules apply to the various tuition options allowed by St. Joseph School:

  • Annual Payment. Tuition may be paid in full by August 15. Families choosing this option shall receive a 3% discount.
  • Semiannual Payments. Tuition may be paid semi-annually, with payments due on August 1 and January 2.
  • Quarterly Payments. Tuition may be paid by quarterly payments, due on August 1, November 1, February 1 and May 1.
  • Monthly Payments. Tuition may be paid in ten monthly payments, due the first of every month, from August through May, inclusive. Persons choosing this method must do so using the F.A.C.T.S method of automatic payment that charges an annual administrative fee of $35.00.

905 - Timely Payment of Tuition. Since the school is dependent on the timely payment of tuition, parents or guardians of St. Joseph’s students are responsible for the payment of tuition in accordance with the option chosen. If the tuition is not paid on the dates specified above the following consequences will occur, unless the parents have made prior arrangements with the pastor:

R905a. If delinquent for more than 15 calendar days, the family may be required to utilize the F.A.C.T.S. method of payment.

R905b. If delinquent for more than 30 calendar days, the student(s) may be suspended from all co-curricular activities, including sports, choir, ensemble, etc.

R905c. If delinquent for more than 60 calendar days, the student(s) may be subject to suspension or dismissal, subject to final action by the principal and the pastor.

906. Consequences for Continued Delinquency of Tuition. In addition to the above, the following policies may apply when tuition is delinquent and prior arrangements with the pastor have not been made:

R906a. If the student whose tuition is not paid is an eighth-grade student, that student will not be allowed to take final examinations; and his/her official records will not be made available to any high school until the requirements at St. Joseph School have been completed.

R906b. If the student whose tuition is not paid is in kindergarten through seventh grade, that student may not be allowed to begin classes for the new school year until the outstanding tuition is paid.

R906c. If the family withdraws their child/children from the school while fees and tuition are delinquent, the official school records will not be made available to the new school.

R906d. If the family utilizing F.A.C.T.S. misses a payment, the missed tuition payment must be paid directly and immediately to the school.

907 - Refunds. If students are withdrawn from school and tuition payments were made on time, the parent or guardian will be entitled to a refund equal to the calculated daily tuition rate for each day for which payment has been received prior to the withdrawal date. There will be no refunds for any fees paid.

908 - Tuition Assistance. St. Joseph School will provide tuition assistance to eligible families in good standing by utilizing the capital available in the Angel Fund.

R908 - Regulations for the Tuition Assistance Policy

  1. A registration form, tuition payment preference form, and the registration fee per child must have been submitted to the school office.
  2. All previous and current tuition and fees must be paid in full, or arrangements to have them paid in full by May 15, must be on file in the school office.
  3. The petitioner must request and properly complete a Tuition Assistance Application and return it for evaluation by April 15 to the Private School Aid Service, which is the independent company contracted by the school.
  4. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
  5. The amount of tuition assistance granted will not exceed 50% of the tuition to be paid unless otherwise approved in individual cases by the pastor in consultation with the principal.
  6. The tuition assistance granted will be deducted from the total amount of tuition prior to August 15. The remaining tuition must be paid according to the payment option chosen by the parent/guardian on the tuition payment preference form.
  7. The total amount of tuition assistance granted each year is dependent upon the total funds available in the Angel Fund for tuition assistance.
  8. The priority for which tuition assistance will be granted, taking need into account, is as follows: registered active* parishioners of St. Joseph Parish, Catholic families registered and active in another parish, non-Catholic families.
* active - registered, active parishioners include those parishioners who regularly participate in the life and faith community of the parish and school. Regular attendance at Sunday (or Saturday evening) mass is essential in order to maintain active parishioner status.

909 - Scrip Program Participation. All school families are required to utilize the Scrip fundraising program. Each family is required to purchase $1,200 in Scrip certificates over the course of a year (May 1-April 30). The school earns an average of 4% per certificate sold. Therefore, families may opt to donate $50 in lieu of utilizing the Scrip program. Grandparents, neighbors, friends, etc. may give "credit" to any school family for their Scrip certificate purchases.

910 - Contributed Service Hours for Fundraising. The success of the fundraising projects is the shared responsibility of all of the families in the St. Joseph School Community. Thus, each family is required to contribute a determined number of hours of service towards the success of these projects.

  1. There are six primary fundraising activities that parents/guardians may work on to meet their required number of service hours: Fall auction Dinner, Spring Fling, bingo (hours worked at bingo sessions beyond the one required session per family may be allocated to the service hours totals), market day, Scrip program and the annual fund campaign (which includes mailings, phone calls, etc.) These are the only fundraising activities for which service hours will be counted toward the requirement.
  2. Each family is required to work one bingo session in addition to the required number of contributed service hours. Parents/guardians may elect to donate a minimum of $100 in lieu of staffing one bingo session. This donation is to be sent to the school prior to September 1.
  3. Parents/guardians are required to contribute a minimum of ten (10) hours for one child, fourteen (14) hours for two children and fifteen (15) hours for three or more children.
  4. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to obtain a signed "service hours completed" voucher from the organizer of each activity at which the parent/guardian contributes service. The parent/guardian must then submit it to the parish bookkeeper to receive credit.
  5. Parents/guardians may contribute their hours beginning May 1. All hours for a school year must be completed on or before April 30.
  6. Parents/guardians may elect to donate up-front $300 for one child, $350 for two children or $400 for three or more children in place of working the determined number of hours. If this option is selected, the monetary donation must be received by Sept. 1.
  7. The contributed service hour totals are to be met by April 30. Any parent/guardian who does not contribute the determined number of fundraising service hours over the course the school year will be assessed the following fees: $400 for one child, $450 for two children or $500 for three or more children. If the parent/guardian does not complete the expected number of service hours and does not pay the above fees by April 30, action may be taken in accordance with the financial and tuition policies of St. Joseph School.
  8. Hours that parents/guardians volunteer for other school-related activities (including but not limited to: lunchroom, field trip drivers, class parties, coaching, tutors, etc.) do not count toward the fundraising hour requirement. It is expected that parents/guardians continue to volunteer their time in ways that assist with or enrich the daily life and programs of the school.
  9. A parent/guardian may secure a substitute to work in his/her place at any of the fundraising activities. However, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to insure that the substitute does in fact work the set number of hours at the specified fundraising activity. The parent/guardian is responsible for completing any hours that the substitute does not work on their behalf.

1000 - CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. Participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege granted to students. St. Joseph School reserves the right to prohibit a student from participating in a co-curricular activity if s/he violates any diocesan, school or organizational policy.

1001 - Athletics. The purposes of school-sponsored athletic programs are to teach the skills of games, to foster healthy exercise, to teach fair play, and to give enjoyment to students. Athletic programs which deny to certain students these opportunities, or that exert undue pressures on students, are inconsistent with these purposes. (Diocesan Policy, 5561) Athletic programs should be consistent St. Joseph’s academic goals, and should foster, rather than detract from spiritual and religious development of the St. Joseph student. St. Joseph School shall endeavor to participate in all area Catholic inter-school athletic categories and events. Diocese of Springfield HANDBOOK OF SCHOOL POLICIES - Article 5561 School-sponsored athletic programs are part of the school curriculum and are subject to policies of the Pastor and school board as well as to the general administrative responsibilities of the Principal of the school.

R1001a Requirements for Participation. The following are requirements for students to participate in school-sponsored athletic programs. All items must be complete and on file in the school office before the child will be allowed to attend practice.

  1. Written permission of parents.
  2. Payment of appropriate participation fees, including rental fee for team uniform.
  3. Agreement of students and parents/guardians to abide by St. Joseph School’s athletic policies, including the demonstration of good sportsmanship and good spectator conduct.
  4. Physical examinations within six months of the beginning of an athletic season.
  5. Proof of medical insurance coverage.

R1001b Coaches. The principal and the athletic director shall designate the official head coach and assistant coaches of each team. A qualified adult at least 21 years of age shall coach all school- sponsored teams. The coach is required to attend a “Protecting God’s Children” training session and AED training prior to the start of a season. Furthermore, the coach is required to attend a first aid training session, typically incorporated into a “coaches’ clinic,” and should be familiar with the specific sport as well as child growth and development. Coaches are to actively supervise students at all times during practices and games. They are to insure that all students are treated fairly and receive equitable playing time provided the students attend practice regularly and cooperate with coaches’ directives. Coaches are to teach the fundamentals of the sport as well as good sportsmanship. Coaches, as representatives of the school, are to behave in a professional manner at all times. If a coach receives a technical foul in a game, s/he is suspended from practices and games for one full week. If a coach receives a second technical foul during the same season, s/he may be removed as the coach of that team.

R1001c General Athletic Rules.

  1. Students shall be grouped into teams on the basis of grade level. Two grade levels may be combined if numbers warrant.
  2. Proper physical conditioning of players prior to participation in games.
  3. Reasonable scheduling of practices and games. The athletic direct shall schedule two 90-minute practices per week for each team. Practices may be shortened or canceled by the school if necessary. Practices may be rescheduled if times are available. Generally, games requiring substantial travel time on weekdays are excluded unless followed by a free day.
  4. Basketball schedules shall not exceed fifteen (15) regular season games, plus two tournaments.
  5. Players must attend at least one practice each week to be eligible to play in that week's game(s).
  6. Players who are absent from school may not attend practice that same day unless approved in advance by the principal.
  7. A player who is absent from school for ½ day (either the morning or leaves school early) due to illness may not attend practice that same day without a note from a physician must be free of any fever.
  8. Players who do not attend school on a Friday will not be eligible to participate in games that weekend.
  9. Players who receive a technical foul in a game are immediately benched for the remainder of that game as well as the next game, and may not attend practices for one week. Players who are ejected from a game are benched for the next game, one week of practices and the principal will determine if the student will be allowed to participate for the remainder of the season.
  10. Visitors and observers are not permitted to stay throughout practice sessions.
  11. The principal shall approve the athletic schedules.

R1001d Athletic Prohibitions. The following practices are prohibited in elementary school-sponsored athletic programs:

  1. The playing of students who are fifteen years of age or older
  2. The denial of students to play who cooperate with coaches through effort and practice
  3. The participation of students on more than one team in the same sport
  4. High-pressure contests, excessive publicity, elaborate recognition ceremonies, or exploitation of children in any manner

1002 - Other Co-curricular Activities. In addition to athletics, St. Joseph will offer other co-curricular activities as determined by the principal. Such activities may include, but are not limited to: student council, music activities (such as ensemble and choir) and other school-sponsored clubs or events.

1003 - Eligibility for Athletics and other Co-curricular Activities. Any child must be enrolled in St. Joseph’s School to participate in any of the school-sponsored co-curricular activities, unless approved by the principal and/or the Springfield Catholic Athletic Association (S.C.A.A.) The student must also meet the eligibility as well as any other procedures or requirements as established by the principal.

R1003a - Grade Average. Grade averages will be checked on a weekly basis and are cumulative from the beginning of each quarter. Students whose grade average is lower than C- in any class (math, reading, language, science, religion, social studies, computers, music, physical education) shall be suspended from participation in co-curricular activities for one week.

R1003b - Conduct. A 4 or 5 in conduct will result in a two-week suspension from participation in co-curricular activities.

R1003c - Disciplinary Action. Any act that warrants discipline resulting in an in-school or out-of-school suspension will suspend a student from participation in co-curricular activities. Students may not participate/play or practice during the period of suspension. In athletics, the student may not be suited or on the bench during games while on suspension.


1100 - HEALTH POLICIES

1101 - Physical Examinations. In accordance with the laws of the state of Illinois and the policies of the Springfield Diocese, children entering kindergarten and fifth grade must have a physical examination. The forms, which may be obtained through the school office must be completed by a physician and returned to school by September 1.

Any child who is a transfer student in any grade at Saint Joseph School must present the appropriate copies of physical examinations upon registration, or s/he will be required to have a physical examination at that time.

1102 - Immunizations. In accordance with the laws of the state of Illinois and the policies of the Springfield Diocese, children entering kindergarten and fifth grade must have the appropriate immunization records complete by October 15. If the child's immunization record is incomplete as of October 15, the child will not be allowed to return to school until such time as the child receives the immunizations and the record is complete.

1103 - Medications. Except in extraordinary circumstances, which must be approved by the principal, school personnel will not maintain, administer, or supervise the taking of students' medication (prescription or over the counter medicines). In the event of extenuating circumstances, a parent release form and a physician's order must be completed and on file in the school office.

1104 - Illness. In order to provide the safest possible learning environment for all students, children should not be sent to school when they are ill. If a child has a fever, is vomiting, or coughing excessively, the child should not attend school as she/he is exposing the other children to the illness. Children should be free of fever for a minimum of 24 hours prior to returning to school. Likewise, if a child contracts a contagious disease including but not limited to strep throat, chicken pox, pink eye, a skin rash (including poison ivy, oak, and sumac), head lice, salmonella, or hepatitis, the child should not attend school until such time as she/he has been treated by a physician and is no longer in a contagious state. A physician's note for verification may be required in such cases. If a physician prescribes an antibiotic the student must be medicated for 24 hours prior to returning to school In the event of an accident or if a child becomes ill while at school, the parent/guardian will be called and the child will be temporarily cared for at the school office until the parent/guardian arrives to take the child from school. In the event of an emergency, the school will follow the parent/guardian instructions on the student's emergency form kept in the school office.

1105 - Asbestos. St. Joseph School has completed the asbestos management plan in accordance with federal government regulations and a copy is on file at the school office for and is available during normal business hours.

1106 - Insurance. Insurance forms are available at orientation time. Our school code states that a record of parent/guardian intent must be kept at the office. Therefore, we must have on record whether parents/guardians choose to take the insurance or decline it. Parents/guardians will be asked to make their intention known by their signature at orientation time.

1107 –Communicable Diseases. The school will notify the Department of Public health when a student is sent home because of a suspected communicable disease. In the case of absence due to a communicable disease, a release from the Department of Public Health or from the child’s physician indicating that necessary regulations have been fulfilled must be presented when the child returns to school.

1108 – HIV/AIDS. Students with AIDS who are enrolled or are seeking enrollment shall be permitted to attend school and/or parish religious education programs. Students who are known to have AIDS should be individually evaluated by the pastor, appropriate administrator, physician and other professional personnel in order to determine if their behavior or physical condition poses a high risk or spread of the disease. One of the purposes of the evaluation is to prepare a specific plan for the education and care of the student. The parish/school should respect the right of privacy of the individual. Knowledge that a student has AIDS shall be confined to those persons with a direct need to know. Those persons should be provided with appropriate information as well as procedures and precautions that may be necessary. Those persons should also be made aware of confidentiality requirements.

1109 – Counseling Services. Professional counseling services are available at St. Joseph School for students. Please contact the principal or your child’s teacher for more information. The school counselor may have contact with any child, whether on an individual basis, in a small group or as a part of a larger class group. Additionally, the school counselor may consult with the principal or faculty members on a variety of issues as necessary and appropriate, including behavioral and disciplinary concerns. However, no child will have individual contact with the school counselor on an ongoing basis without parent notification and permission.

1110 – Dental Examinations. In accordance with the laws of the state of Illinois and the policies of the Springfield Diocese, children entering kindergarten, second and sixth grades must have a dental examination. The forms, which may be obtained through the school office must be completed by a dentist and returned to school by October 15.

1111 - Wellness Policy Saint Joseph School adheres to the students’ wellness policy of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. A complete copy of the policy is available upon request.


1200 - SCHOOL SAFETY POLICIES

1201 - Firearms on School Property. In compliance with Juvenile Court Act, the police will be called if any type of a firearm is in a vehicle on school property.

1202 - Visitors to the School. All visitors are required to report directly to the school office upon entering the building. Only those with official business will be allowed to go beyond the office area if necessary. Only adults are permitted to open the school doors for visitors. Students are not permitted to do so unless directed to do so by a faculty/staff member.

1203 - Emergency Plan. A school emergency plan is on file in the school office.

1204 – Emergency Drills. Fire drills and tornado drills are held periodically throughout during the school year. Drill procedures are posted in every classroom. Bus evacuation drills may be held annually in cooperation with Laidlaw Bus Company.

1205 – Harassment and Bullying. St. Joseph School strives to maintain an environment free from any type of harassment or bullying. No member of the school community shall be subjected to any type of harassment or bullying. Harassment and bullying may include physical, visual, verbal and sexual forms of behavior. Credible threats of violence will be taken seriously as well. Instances of harassment and bullying on school grounds and at school-sponsored functions will be addressed using appropriate consequences, counseling methods, parent/guardian contact and involvement appropriate to the nature and frequency of the offense.

1206 – Conflict Resolution. The faculty, administration and school counselor teach and support peaceful and non-violent conflict resolution. Students are not to utilize violent, threatening or bullying behaviors to resolve conflicts. If a conflict arises, the faculty and administration will handle the situation as appropriate utilizing the necessary conflict resolution skills. The school counselor may also assist with particular situations as appropriate. Parent/guardian contact and will be made as necessary.

1207 - Cellular Telephones and Pagers. Students are not permitted to have cellular telephones or pagers (whether the items are turned "on" or "off") in their possession at school or at any school-sponsored event. Such items may be immediately confiscated.

1208 –Abuse and Neglect. All employees of St. Joseph School and Parish, and all volunteers who have regular or significant contact with the students through programs and activities sponsored by St. Joseph School or Parish, are required to attend a “Protecting God’s Children” training session and sign the “Pastoral Policy on Sexual Abuse of Minors by Church Personnel.” Additionally, those individuals must authorize a background check.

School personnel are required by state law to report suspected instances of child abuse and neglect to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

1209 – Search and Seizure. St. Joseph School retains the right to conduct searches of school property and/or student property (including the emptying of all pockets on clothing and bags/backpacks) on school grounds and at school/parish sponsored functions. Items found may be seized and appropriate authorities notified.


SAINT JOSEPH SCHOOL
2006-2007