|
Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School 2008-2009 Student Handbook
INTRODUCTION
A message to parents . . .
“Catholic education is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church he founded. Through education, the Church seeks to prepare its members to proclaim the Good News, and to translate this proclamation into action.” (To Teach as Jesus Did, November 1972)
The policies and procedures contained in this booklet are the result of a concerted effort on the part of the school faculty and staff. This information has been carefully prepared and presented to assist you to know and understand the policies of Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School, and to solicit your support and cooperation.
Revised 8/1/2008
FACULTY AND STAFF
SCHOOL HISTORY
Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Elementary School was founded in August 1996 in the multi-purpose building attached to the church. The original school included grades Kindergarten, First and Second.
In 1998, the new school building was completed. The new building houses administrative offices, faculty areas, a full service cafeteria, classrooms for the elementary school - Pre-Kindergarten to First grades. The Worship Center houses our Library and Computer Lab. The modular buildings house our second through seventh grades.
The school now offers Pre-Kindergarten through Seventh Grades.
MISSION STATEMENT
Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School seeks to provide a nurturing environment that allows each child to grow spiritually, academically, emotionally, and physically in Christ’s love through high academic standards and emphasis on serving God and community. Our children are encouraged to develop good moral character and are taught to live their Catholic faith.
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
Mary, Queen of Peace is a Catholic school based on the philosophy that each child is a sacred gift from God and a unique individual. This belief is supported by balanced approaches to learning in a vibrant and creative environment. This philosophy is rooted in faith, worship and values.
God bestowed on the family its own specific and unique educational mission. With this understanding, it is the parents’ responsibility to be the primary educators of their children. Therefore, parental support and involvement in the school, as well as in the faith community, is strongly encouraged.
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
School OfficeAll business for the school is handled though the school office. Messages for faculty and staff should be left in the school office. Visitors must sign in at the school office and obtain a visitor pass when entering either building for any purpose.
Office Hours During the school year, the school office is open Monday through Friday, 7:10 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The school office’s summer hours are 9:00 a.m. until noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout the month of June. Messages are checked regularly in July. Regular office hours begin the first Monday in August.
School CorrespondenceThroughout the school year, the school will send important correspondence home. Please be aware that in the case of dual households, the school is willing to send both parents correspondences. Parents are responsible for providing the school office with up to date addresses and phone numbers to receive vital school information.
All correspondence from home must be in an envelope with the student’s name on it.
School Schedule The school day begins at 7:30 a.m. Morning supervision begins at 7:10 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:40 p.m. Any student who is in the car pool area twenty (20) minutes after dismissal will be entered into the After School Care. Students are officially signed in as of 3:00 p.m. The fee for after care is $40.00 per week if paid by Thursday at 6:00 p.m. of the preceding week. Monthly rates with small discounts are available if paid by the appropriate date. The fee for those not paying by the week or month is $10.00 per day. There will be no after care on early dismissal days. There are no multiple child discounts for after care fees. Any family that is not picked up by 6:00 will be assessed a late fee of $10.00 per 15 minutes (the cost of keeping our staff at school).
Attendance RequirementsIt is extremely important that children attend school regularly. Catholic schools follow the state adopted policies for non-public schools. "Elementary school students are to attend school for a minimum 160 days. Students must be present for the required number of days to receive credit for the courses taken. Students who are not in school the required number of days may be retained or required to attend summer school at the discretion of the school administration. Exceptions may be made only in the event of an extended personal illness as verified by a physician. A child not meeting the minimum requirement will not be promoted to the next grade." (Archdiocesan Handbook for Catholic Schools, #5320) Any student who misses more than 10 (ten) days (excused or unexcused) in a semester may not be promoted to the next grade.
Criteria for Full Day / Half Day of School The minimal instructional day for a full day kindergarten program is 330 minutes. For grades 1 - 12 the minimum school day shall include 330 minutes of instructional time exclusive of recess, lunch, and planning periods. (Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, #6.037.10) Students therefore must be in school, not counting recess and lunch, for a minimum of three and one-half hours to be considered in school a full day. In order for students to be marked as present for the day, a student can leave no earlier than 11:30 a.m. or arrive no later than 10:25 a.m.
Absences Parents are asked to call the school office before 9:00 a.m. if a student will be absent. A student is “absent from school” when the student is not physically present at the school or at a school-sponsored function. The student is counted as absent whether it is an excused or unexcused absence.
An excused absence requires a doctor’s note for absences longer than three days with a valid medical reason for the absence. Please note: a student missing school for travel (except for travel related to a school function or travel to a relative’s funeral) will be considered an unexcused absence.
All cases of measles, chicken pox and unidentified rashes (including Fifth’s disease) must be reported to a doctor or the State Health Unit. In order to return to school when a child has contracted a contagious disease, a note obtained from the doctor or the State Health Unit stating that the child is no longer contagious must be presented to the office on the first day back to school regardless of the number of days absent.
Students who are absent because of lice must be treated and all nits have been removed before they are able to return to school. Students with pink eye must have a note from the doctor in order to return to school.
Schoolwork missed during an excused absence is to be made up. Students will have three days after they return from an absence to complete all work and missed tests. Any work not completed in the three day time period may receive a zero (0) or F. Teachers will provide the returning student with the work missed during their absence. For prolonged illnesses, student work may be made available to the student’s parent or sibling. To obtain work for illnesses of two days or longer, the parent should call the school before 10:00 a.m. and arrange for the work to be available at dismissal. The work can be picked up at the office after school.
Any student who misses more than 10 (ten) days (excused or unexcused) in a semester may not be promoted to the next grade.
Tardies Punctuality is very important. The day begins at 7:30 with the ringing of the warning bell. Students should be in school by this time.
The warning bell rings at 7:30 a.m. At 7:35 a.m. the final bell rings and school is in session. Those students who are in “transit” to the cafeteria are considered tardy and will be routed to the office. Please be sure to get your child to the drop off area before the 7:30 warning bell to assure your child makes the beginning of assembly. Students who arrive after 7:35 are considered tardy and must be checked in through the office by the parent.
Students who have early morning doctor appointments will be given an excused tardy if the parent brings a doctors note to the office on the morning of the tardy.
When a student begins to have excessive tardies, the parents will be called by the teacher or principal to discuss a solution to problem. If the tardies continue, the parents and principal will have a conference to discuss the situation.
Early DismissalParents are encouraged to make doctor & dental appointments for hours that will not interfere with school attendance. Remember, a student who has not completed three and one half hours of class time will be considered absent.
Prior written notification must be given to the office if a child leaves school early. The note must include the child's name, grade, time of departure, name of person picking child up (if other than parent or guardian), date, and parent / guardian's signature. Please come to the office to sign your child out and to pick up your child.
Appeals Process
If anyone has a concern about Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School, he/she is asked to use the following procedure as a guide.
Parent - Teacher Communication Communication is a means by which parents, teachers, and students work together. Parents are reminded that the most advantageous way of communication is by a personal conference with the teacher.
Contact the office to leave a message for the teacher and she will return your call.
Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School welcomes and encourages good communication between the parent and teacher. When there is concern about academic progress or a discipline problem that may be occurring, the parent should use the appeals process.
Parental Cooperation and Participation Parental cooperation and participation is essential for the welfare of students. If, in the opinion of the administration, parent behavior seriously interferes with the teaching / learning process, the school may require parents to withdraw their children and sever the relationship with the school. FINANCES
Returned ChecksNSF checks will be assessed a $ 25.00 fee. This fee, in addition to the check amount, must be paid in cash or with a money order. Receipt of two NSF checks within a school year will place the parent(s) / guardian(s) on a cash or money order method of payment for the remainder of the school year and the following school year.
Financial ObligationsFamilies are asked to remember that the school's budget is primarily based on tuition receipts. In an effort to provide the best education possible for the students in our school, it is essential the school meet all of its financial obligations. Therefore, parents are expected to keep tuition payments current.
Parents who are habitually delinquent in tuition will be requested to meet with the Pastor and principal to discuss the situation. Continued delinquency may result in the family being asked to leave Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School.
Parents who use the Resource Tuition Payment Plan are urged to be certain that they keep their balances up to date. Should Resource Bank stop collecting the tuition because of nonpayment, the full amount is due immediately.
All financial obligations must be honored to date in order for students to be registered for the following school year. All financial obligations must be honored to date in order for students to be allowed to take quarter exams.
Any family falling behind in tuition payments by more than 30 (thirty) days may meet with the Pastor and principal to discuss the situation.
Student WithdrawalsWithdrawing students must follow this procedure: notify the school as soon as possible that the student is leaving and the date of his / her last day. obtain from the school office and complete a Withdrawal Form that gives the school the right to release the child's records to the new school return all school property, textbooks, library books, etc.
All financial obligations must be cleared with the school office. The Registration fee and Non-Parish fee are Non- refundable. Tuition refunds (where applicable) are pro-rated. Allow three to four weeks after the student’s withdrawal for reimbursement of tuition, if applicable.
AdmissionsAs a school of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, MQPCS admits students of any race, color, national ethnic origin, or handicaps to all rights, privileges, and activities generally accorded or made available to all students in the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of national or ethnic origins or disabilities in the administration of their educational policies, admission policies, scholarship or tuition assistance programs, or athletics as well as any other school administered programs.
Student Readmission Policy A student who leaves Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School to attend another school in the area is subject to the criteria for a new student.
Children who have been dismissed from other schools for disciplinary reasons cannot enter Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School without agreed upon guidelines. The student and parents will show their agreement by signing the written copy of the guidelines that will be kept with the student's permanent record.
Acceptance of Home Schooled StudentsStudents who have been home schooled for any length of time immediately prior to admission to Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School will follow the following procedure:
1. Fill out appropriate school application forms. 2. Parents must address a letter to the principal stating the reasons for home schooling their child(ren), as well as their reasons for enrolling their child(ren) in Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School. 3. Submit original standardized test results (most current). Note: if no testing has been done, parents assume this responsibility. The principal of Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School, must approve tests. 4. Submit a folder containing samples of the child’s work in the basic academic areas. Folders should contain student tests as well. 5. The student may be required to take teacher-made (criterion referenced) test, informal assessment, or an academic psychological evaluation in order to determine acceptance and grade level placement at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School. 6. The student and his or her parents may be required to interview with a member of the school administration. 7. If the student is accepted, the parents must sign a “statement of commitment” to the school’s philosophy, mission, goals, programs, choice of textbooks, and grade level placement, in addition to the Parent/Student Handbook Signature Slip. 8. Appropriate documentation must be provided that the students/parents meet State of Louisiana requirements for Home Study Programs during the period that the student was home schooled. 9. The principal reserves the right to remove any of the above requirements at his/her discretion.
STUDENT RECORDS
Permanent Records A cumulative record shall be permanently maintained on each student. When a student transfers from another school to Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School, the cumulative record should be reproduced and mailed to Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School by the principal of the school from which the student is transferring upon the written request of Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School and the parents of the transferring student.
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
Religious Curriculum Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School provides a religious education curriculum in accord with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Curriculum for Religious Education and Catechesis in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and the ongoing teaching of Pope Benedict XVI. The religious education curriculum and appropriate curriculum materials are determined according to Archdiocesan policy. The curriculum includes classes on Human Sexuality in grades 4-7.
Religious education is a critical part of the curriculum and is required for all students. Students of all denominations who attend Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School, are accountable for all information learned, and will take part in all related religious activities.
Christian Service AwardIn order to help instill in our students the desire to serve others, Mary, Queen of Peace Parish has instituted a Christian Service Award. All students are encouraged to participate.
Students who perform services according to the chart below will be issued the Mary, Queen of Peace Christian Service Award at the year-end assembly. Services must be performed outside of the home and for persons other than immediate family (father, mother and siblings).
The Director of Religious Education or her representative must approve all services. Hours earned through outside organizations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts as part of that organizations requirements for membership or reward cannot be used for the service award. No more than one half of a student’s hours may come from any one organization, club or activity.
Kindergarten - 5 hours First Grade - 10 hours Second Grade - 10 hours Third Grade - 15 hours Fourth Grade - 15 hours Fifth Grade - 20 hours Sixth Grade - 20 hours Seventh Grade - 25 hours
Students will be issued forms to be completed by the person(s) the student helps and returned to the school. It is the responsibility of the student and his/her parent to provide the office with the necessary information. In order to receive the award at the end of the year assembly, forms are due into the school office by May 1, 2009.
Curriculum GuidelinesMary, Queen of Peace Catholic School fulfills all of the requirements set down by the State of Louisiana in the Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators (Bulletin 741) of the Louisiana State Department of Education for grades Pre-Kindergarten through Seventh Grade.
The basis for curriculum is the Educational Standards for the State of Louisiana, accepted national Standards for individual subject areas, and the Standards Based Education Initiative of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Office of Catholic Schools.
The Scope and Sequence for each subject area for grades Pre-Kindergarten through Seventh grade can be found in the school office and can be viewed upon request.
Overall curriculum guidelines in all subject areas conform to the Archdiocesan and state guidelines. Parents' cooperation with school curriculum policies is important for the effective teaching / learning environment in the school community. Curriculum EvaluationRegular evaluation of the curriculum takes place each year. Textbooks are evaluated and updated in concurrence with the textbook cycle of the state. The overall caliber of the curriculum is evaluated at multiple times during the year to provide for consistent teaching and keeping methods of instruction current.
Standardized TestingAbsentees will not make up missed sections of the tests except and only at the discretion of administration.Grading SystemThe following Archdiocesan Grading System will be used: A = 100 - 94 B = 93 - 86 C = 85 - 78 D = 77 - 70 F = 69 and below
Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and enrichments are graded in the following manner:
O (Outstanding) S (Satisfactory) N (Needs improvement)
PROMOTION/SUMMER SCHOOL/RETENTION
Pre-kindergarten Pre-Kindergarten students can be retained. Promotion or retention is based on the child’s progress in school and is determined by the principal.
Kindergarten Kindergarten students can be retained. Promotion or retention is based on the child’s progress in school and is determined by the principal.
Students must receive at least "Satisfactory" in all major areas to pass. Summer school is not available to Kindergarten students.
MAJOR AREAS: Religion, Math, Reading Readiness, Socialization and Work Habits
First and Second Grades Students in the First and Second Grades will be given letter grades only and must achieve a "D" average at the end of the school year to pass a subject. Students must pass all major subjects to be considered for promotion.
MAJOR SUBJECTS: Religion, Language, Math, and Reading
Third through Seventh Grades Students in the Third through Seventh Grades will be given number grades only and must achieve a 70 average at the end of the school year to pass a subject. Students must pass all major subjects to be considered for promotion.
MAJOR SUBJECTS 3rd-7th: Religion, Language, Math, and Reading ADDITIONAL MAJOR SUBJECTS 5th-7th: Social Studies, Science
Students in all grades above Kindergarten, when failing one major subject, are required to successfully complete a school approved summer school program. Students who fail two major subjects must repeat the grade.
Honor RollsStudents in First Grade and above earning all A’s on a quarter report card achieve the Alpha Honor Roll Award. Those earning A’s and B’s on a quarter report card achieve the Beta Honor Roll Award. In order to be eligible for an Honor Award, students must receive a B or higher for conduct. Students receive the yearly honor roll medal for a report card consisting of all A’s and B’s.
Incomplete GradesThe letter “I” will be given if assignments are incomplete due to excused absences(s) or if a student does not complete a quarter due to parental failure to maintain their financial responsibility to the school. The incomplete grade will remain on the student’s record until the work is made up. The teacher and school administration will set a reasonable amount of time to amend the grade. Failure to meet these conditions will result in the letter grade of “F” being giving for the incomplete assignment.
TextbooksTextbooks are on loan to the students from the school. They are checked and issued to children at the beginning of the school year. Books, except consumables, should not be written in, marked, or marred in any way. Each student is to write his or her name on the book label of each text and is to have a cover on each textbook at all times. It is the student's responsibility to prevent their books from being lost or damaged. Either will result in the student paying for the replacement of the book. Books are to be carried in a book bag. Only consumable textbooks (workbooks) do not need to be covered.
Homework and class workHomework assignments are designed to provide reinforcement to what the students learn in class. The teacher determines the type, amount, and frequency of homework. All homework must be completed as directed. The teacher will inform students about consequences of incomplete homework assignments.
Any student with an absence from class is responsible for obtaining his/her assignments and turning in the work. It is the prerogative of the individual teacher to determine how much make-up work is required. Requests for missed work must be made by 10:00 a.m. through the school office. Books and assignments will be available for pick up after school.
Field Trips & Special Events A Catholic Mutual Insurance permission form stating the specifics of the outing is sent home with the student. The student must return payment and the permission form signed by the parent or legal guardian no later than the day specified on the permission form. Hand written notes giving permission will not be accepted. Each student must have his/her own permission form and separate check for payment.
Unless otherwise noted, students may not bring money on a field trip. Students may not enter gift shops or snack areas while on a field trip. Parent chaperones may not bring students into gift shops or snack areas and may not purchase items for students.
Parents who are designated as the emergency driver must fill out a Catholic Mutual Driver’s form for proof of adequate insurance ($300,000.00 / $100,000.00). A copy of the parent’s driver’s license, insurance card and the completed Driver’s form are needed before the field trip.
No student has permission to leave a field trip with any individual. All students must return to school for dismissal.
Participation in field trips is a privilege and, as such, the principal may deny students participation in a field trip. Having two after-school detentions for any reason in the same quarter, having an F in conduct for the quarter, and having been suspended any time during the year are considered reasons to be denied field trip participation.
Appropriate attire is required for field trips.
A student who elects not to attend or is withheld from a field trip on a school day may be required to attend school or may be required to stay home and complete teacher made assignments. The student will be counted as an unexcused absence for that day.
Refunds for field trips cannot be given.
Volunteers for Special Events and Field Trips Every effort will be made to provide opportunities for parents to participate in class and school activities. The trip facility, teacher and administration determine the number of volunteers for school and class activities as well as chaperones for field trips. In accordance with the Archdiocese of New Orleans, each year all volunteers and chaperones must have on file a signed statement for the Policy for the Abuse and Neglect of Minors, Criminal Background check and Code of Ethics on file in the school office in order to attend field trips and/or any school activity. These forms are due in the school office by September 15, 2008.
Volunteers and chaperones may not bring siblings to school or on field trips or special events. Volunteers may not ride on school buses provided for the field trip.
Chaperones and volunteers are responsible for the safety of our school children and are required to follow the directives of the teacher, the school, and the trip facility.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE CODEOur school discipline code is established to incorporate our mission statement. The goals of the student code of conduct are to • guarantee the rights of all staff and students by establishing rules and regulations prohibiting speech or actions that are disruptive to the work of the school. • teach self-discipline. • respect the rights and personal dignity of all students and staff by providing a safe environment. • protect and maintain school property. • ensure all students the right to complete the course of study prescribed by state and the Archdiocese of New Orleans standards. • comply with federal, state, and local laws.
Therefore, every child should n make a conscientious effort in their class work n conform to school rules and regulations n subjugate his/her individual desires for the good of his/her classmates and the school n help develop a climate within the school that is conducive to learning and Christian living n respect the rights of all involved in the educational process n willingly volunteer information and cooperate with school staff should the child have important information concerning a violation of school rules n attempt to complete all activities and assignments
Discipline Regulations The following list is considered unacceptable behavior and opposed to the goals of the school. This list is by no means inclusive of every behavior possible and serves only as a basic guide to discipline in the school.
misbehave at Mass, special assemblies, morning or afternoon carlines, or at lunch act in a disrespectful manner toward or disobey any school personnel or volunteer threaten verbally, harass, tease or strike a staff member, parent volunteer or another student endanger the safety of others vandalism, willful destruction or theft of school or personal property possess or use controlled or illegal substances such as alcohol or drugs, including prescription and non-prescription drugs not approved through the office, on school grounds or at school functions possess or use any weapon on school grounds or at school functions possess or use tobacco products on school grounds or at school functions fail to attend a scheduled detention fail to follow the Internet and Technology Use Code of Ethics lie, cheat, destroy or copy the work of others, or commit forgery throwing, playing with, or playing with one’s food or snack climb or jump |