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| St. Rose School Handbook |
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School Mission Statement Saint Rose School is a Catholic educational community dedicated to preparing young people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds for a lifetime of learning. We encourage a partnership of parents and teachers to foster Christian values, and challenge students to grow spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially by providing programs that promote excellence while nurturing a commitment to our tradition of faith and service.
St. Rose School Philosophy Saint Rose School, as part of St. Rose Parish, strives for academic excellence, stresses Christian values, and emphasizes the role of the family as the primary educator. Faculty, staff, and parents work together to create a holistic curriculum, striving to meet the needs of each child.
St. Rose Admissions Policy St. Rose School offers instructional and faith development programs for preschool through eighth grade. Families interested in enrolling in school should contact the school office for information and a registration packet. St. Rose School admits students of any race, color, sex, or national ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to students in the school. St. Rose School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, or national and ethic origin in the administration of educational policies or school-administered programs.
Enrollment at St. Rose School
Tuition Policy For the current school year, St. Rose School is continuing with the SMART Tuition Program. Families have received coupon books and have indicated their choice of monthly payment dates or have opted to pay tuition in full and not utilize SMART Tuition. After 30 days delinquent tuition, SMART sends a letter with the past due amount and request for payment. Delinquent tuition will incur a late fee. The principal will also be reminding families with delinquent tuition accounts. After notice and warning, and when no arrangements have been made for payment, students will be excluded from school: after Thanksgiving Break, after Christmas Break, after Spring Break. Students whose tuition has not been paid by the final day of school will not receive their report card. Tuition check which are returned and do not clear the bank will incur a $38.00 charge. If two checks are returned for NSF, all further payments MUST be made in cash or money order. The school will no longer accept personal checks. Joliet Diocesan School Policy mandates that all official documents, except health records, may not be released or forwarded to another school unless financial obligations have been met. Financial obligations of all eighth grade students must be met before graduation, or the student’s diploma will be withheld. Students will not be accepted for a new school year unless the prior year’s financial obligations have been met in full. It is the responsibility of all families to pay tuition and required fundraising. The principal has the responsibility to collect tuition, which insures that the school can meet their financial obligations and carry out their mission statement.
Vouchers Vouchers are coupons that give families tuition credit for participation and involvement at school. Such programs include Market Day and manna Gift Certificates, School and Athletic Boards, and PTO Board. When you wish to use a voucher, please turn it in to the school office. The school will forward a credit slip to SMART Tuition. Your account will then be credited. Please do NOT send your voucher directly to SMART Tuition.
Transfers Families transferring during the school year or at the end of the school year should notify the school office at least two weeks prior to the last day of attendance. This notice will give sufficient time for the school to complete work on the child’s file and prepare the needed transfer forms. All accounts must be paid prior to transfer.
Refund Policy If tuition is prepaid, families requesting a tuition refund, will receive it only for the months following the effective date of transfer.
Change of Address or Phone A change of address, phone number, or emergency information should be reported to the school office as soon as possible in order to maintain school records and to assure effective communication with the home, when necessary.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act St. Rose School complies with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which permits parents to inspect and review their child’s student records. In the case of non-custodial parents, the school will provide such parents with access to the school records and other information including medical, dental, child care and other school records unless the school is provided with a court order which prohibits that parent from inspecting or obtaining such records. Please make arrangements at the school office and bring necessary documents, which provide information regarding child custody.
School Calendar A tentative school calendar is sent home in the Spring and is also available on this website. The school calendar for the new school year is given to families at Family Packet Pickup in August. In addition, at the beginning of each month, a detailed calendar is sent home highlighting the month’s special events/activities. Daily Schedule 7:30 a.m. School doors open 7:50 a.m. Prayer and Assembly in Gym 8:00 a.m. Homeroom; attendance is taken (Students who enter after 8:00 are tardy) 8:10 a.m. Morning classes begin 2:30 p.m. Bus Bell 2:40 p.m. Dismissal (11:30 a.m. Half Day Dismissal) Any student entering the building between 7:00 – 7:30 must report to extended care. Students who do not leave the building with parents by 2:45 are put into the Extended Day Program. EDP fees are $4.00 per hour; with $1.00 per 15 minute increments. In order for students to achieve their academic potential, it is essential that they attend school on a daily basis. The school is obligated by state law to keep an accurate record of daily attendance and tardiness, which are kept in the student’s permanent file. If a student is absent fifteen or more days the principal and teacher will discuss the effect on academic progress and promotion to the next grade. The family will be notified if retention is recommended. In order to ensure the safety of children and to prevent truancy, the school requests that parents notify the school office by 9:00 a.m. each day if a child is to be absent. When calling the school, please give your child’s name, grade, and the reason for absence. An absence of three or more days due to illness, or absence due to a contagious illness, requires a note from the doctor. Students are responsible for make-up work and any tests they may have missed while absent. Parents should be aware that under state law the principal may not authorize a child’s absence from school for purposes of vacation. Please make every attempt to take vacations during out of session school times. Continuity in learning depends upon consistent school attendance. Teachers are not required to provide long range individual plans or assignments.
Tardies To develop the habit of being on time, just as adults must be for work or appointments, it is important for children to learn to be on time. A teacher is on duty in the gym after 7:30 a.m. each morning. Students may arrive at school and proceed to the gym anytime between 7:30 and 7:50. Any student not at their desk at 8:00 is considered tardy. Tardiness does not apply to any student who is riding the bus and the bus arrives late. Tardies and absences are recorded on the student’s report card and permanent record. If tardies become a habit, the student must meet with the principal and parent to discuss the situation.
Early Dismissal Students may not be dismissed from school during class hours without a written request from their parent/guardian stating the reason for the early dismissal. The person picking up the student must sign out the student in the school office. A student who becomes ill during class will be dismissed from school after the parent/guardian has been notified. If the school office is unable to reach parent/guardian, the name(s) listed on the family emergency form will be contacted. Parents/Guardians or the individual(s) listed on the emergency form may either pick up the child from school or make other arrangements for the child to be picked up.
Student Services and Communication Parents are encouraged to communicate with the school in partnership for their children. Positive comments as well as concerns, questions, and suggestions are welcome. Communication is most effective when built upon trust and done in a constructive way for growth and improvement. Concerns involving student performance should first be addressed with the student, then with the teacher. Concerns involving a teacher should first be addressed to the teacher; then, if necessary, to the principal. Working together the St. Rose School community can assist the student in achieving his/her learning potential and grow in faith, developing responsibility for his/her own gifts and talents. Person to person is the most effective form of communication and allows for an exchange and sharing of ideas, questions, clarification, and collaborative solutions. Written communication must be signed to be given consideration. Parents wishing to schedule a conference should call for an appointment. This will facilitate time to focus on the issue without interruption and with the respect the persons involved deserve. Conferences with teachers will be scheduled on school days, either before or after class. Confidentiality is an essential element in fostering effective communication and respect. All discussions, conferences and resolutions should remain only with involved parties. Maintaining confidentiality encourages respect, cooperation, and will help to foster more effective resolutions to problematic situations. The principal and teachers need to separate their professional role as educators from their family life and home. We ask that parents please respect faculty privacy.
Role and Purpose of the School Board The pastor is responsible for the educational mission of the parish. The pastor delegates, according to diocesan policy, the administrative responsibilities of the school to the principal. In the Diocese of Joliet, school boards are consultative in nature. A consultative board participates in the policy-making process but does not formulate policy. The responsibility includes the following functions:
The School Board is not a grievance committee. It does not hire, evaluate, or terminate faculty members. The Board does not administer the school. It does not tell the principal how to administer the school, but rather it gives direction through policy. The Board does not regulate the instructional program nor involve itself in matters of curriculum.
Communication with the School Board Whenever anyone has a concern that falls within the scope of the School Board, they are welcome to come and address the board at a regularly scheduled board meeting. During the board meeting a time is allocated for visitors to address the board. The following points of order are to be observed:
At the board meeting, the board members will simply receive, without response or interaction, the comments of the person making the presentation. The president of the board will thank the speaker. After the meeting, it will be determined how to follow-up on the speaker’s presentation. Possible follow-up includes, but is not limited to the following:
School Communications Each Thursday an envelope is sent home to families with a letter from the principal, announcements, student forms and information concerning school activities. All encoulures must be pre-approved by the principal. Parents are asked to return the envelopes to school the next day. Messages and deliveries for students are to be brought to the school office. This keeps class interruptions to a minimum. In order to develop a sense of responsibility, students will not be allowed to call home for assignments, gym clothes, lunch, etc. Teachers inform their students as to what is needed for the next day and encourage them to complete those sections in their assignment book for “things to bring to school.” Phone calls to teachers cannot be answered during the learning day. Messages will be forwarded to teachers who will return calls at their earliest convenience. Messages may also be left on the school answering machine at any time or in the school office between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Lunch and Milk Policy Students are supervised in the lunchroom by the principal, a teacher, and parent volunteers. Students remain at school for lunch. Students who bring their lunch from home are to have their names on their lunches. Lunches delivered to school after the start of the day are to be brought to the school office. Students may not bring “fast food” lunches (e.g. McDonald’s/ Burger King), nor may parents, if a child has forgotten lunch. St. Rose School now offers a Hot Lunch Program, which can be ordered monthly. Menu and order form are sent home in the Thursday Family Envelope. Milk for lunch may be ordered for the entire school year. At the beginning of the year, order forms are sent home stating milk cost and choice of white or chocolate milk.
Visitors and Open House During morning arrival time at school, our front door is open and students report to the gym between 7:30 and 7:50, until the 7:50 bell when teachers pick them up from designated places in the gym. Students are supervised by a teacher in the gym. All school doors remain locked during the day, except for the front door. Parents and visitors are to enter the school through the Kankakee Street entrance and report to the office when entering the building. Visitors and parents volunteering in school must sign in and receive a name badge. Parents and prospective new families may make arrangements with the principal to observe a class. Parents are encouraged to attend Parent Night in September and our Catholic Schools’ Week Open House.
Parent Involvement Parents are encouraged to be involved in the school. Per diocesan policy, parents who volunteer as lunch mothers, recess supervisors, room mothers. Or those having significant contact with children must have a criminal background check and have participated in the “Protecting God’s Children” workshop offered by St. Rose Parish. Field trip chaperones must have participated in the “Protecting God’s Children” workshop. Parents whose children are receiving sacraments are expected to be involved in their son/daughter’s preparation for these wonderful celebrations of faith and special times for the family as well as child.
Parent – Teacher Conferences Parents and teachers work together to help children reach their full potential. Parent-Teacher Conferences are held for all students at the end of the first quarter. Conferences may be scheduled throughout the year by parent or teacher request. Mid-Quarter Progress Reports are sent home at the middle of each quarter to all students in K – 8th grade are sent home in the middle of each quarter for students who are “at-risk” of failing. Parent conferences with student, parent and teacher are highly recommended.
Emergency Closing If it is necessary to cancel school prior to the start of the school day, it will be announced on the radio. St. Rose School closes school with the Wilmington Public Schools close for snow or weather-related emergencies. If it is necessary to close school during the school day, we will activate our family phone tree. Parents, guardians, or those listed on the emergency card may pick up the child from school or make other arrangements for the child. Parent or guardian must notify the office if the child is to walk home alone.
Emergency Information Parents have the primary responsibility for the health of their children. An emergency form is distributed to families in August. This form must be updated at the beginning of the school year, signed by parent/guardian and returned to school. Parents are asked to be conscientious about notifying school of any change of address or telephone number. Occasionally, it is necessary to contact a parent immediately, so St. Rose School must have an up-to-date file on business and emergency phone numbers, as well as home information.
Accidents/Illness Students are treated for minor cuts and bruises are school. Serious accidents and all head injuries are reported to the office. The school secretary will notify the parent/guardian. An accident report will be filed by the adult supervising the student at the time of the accident. If a student becomes ill, a parent/guardian will be notified and must come for the child at the office.
Physical Examinations Physical examinations are mandated by the Department of Public Health. Illinois State Law requires an examination of all students new to school, prior to their entrance into preschool or Kindergarten, and prior to fifth grade.
Communicable Diseases/Conditions Parents are requested to report any contagious disease their child has contracted to the office so that other parents may be notified. The diseases which should be reported are: chicken pox, measles, German measles, mumps, pink eye, strep infections, lice or any disease the doctor indicates might be contagious. After the disease or condition has been treated, the school must be notified of this IN WRITING by a physician before the student may be readmitted to school. Dental exams are also required for Kindergarten, 2nd, and 6th grade.
Maintaining a Healthy School Although scholastic success is closely related to regular class attendance, a student who is ill should be kept at home for his/her own benefit and for the health of the other students and faculty. If a child’s illness doe not require absence from school but may necessitate the use of medication during school hours, parents may come to the office and the child will be called in to take the medication. If medication is sent to school with the student, it must be kept in the office.
The school must have written authorization for the parent/guardian for a child to self-administer any medication, which must be monitored in the office. However, parents are encouraged to adjust medication times to before and or after school hours.
Extended Day Program (EDP) St. Rose School offers both before and after school extended care. The St. Rose School offers both before and after school extended care. The program provides care, supervision, some recreation, and enrichment activities. It is a service to St. Rose School families. Fees are charged quarter hourly and billed every two weeks. Any family that does not pay extended pay fees will not participate in this program. Fees are due 1 week after receipt of the bill. The first behavior report; parent signature is needed and returned. For a second behavior report; a parent, student and principal conference is needed. If a third behavior report occurs; student may not attend program.
Valuables and Money Children may not bring valuables or large amounts of money to school.
Lost and Found All personal items and articles of clothing should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Lost articles are kept in the school office for a limited amount of time.
St. Rose School Curriculum and Instructional Program St. Rose School attempts to meet the needs of our students while challenging them to achieve academic excellence. The curriculum and instructional program are evaluated and updated regularly. Learning Standards from the State of Illinois and the Diocese of Joliet direct the instructional program of St. Rose School. Academic areas include: Religion Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies Computer Technology Art Music Physical Education
Students in the second grade prepare for the celebration of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Junior High students prepare for Confirmation. Reconciliation is celebrated during Advent, Eucharist during the Easter Season, and Confirmation in the spring at a date chosen by the Bishop. Students in preschool through fifth grade are taught in self-contained classrooms. Students in the junior high, sixth through eighth grade, are taught in departmentalized classrooms, studying English, Math, Science, with a teacher who specializes in that field.
Student Progress Parents are encouraged to discuss school progress on a regular basis with their children and to review their children’s papers and other school work. The school year is divided into four nine-week quarters. Report cards are presented to parents at conferences for the first quarter. Report cards are sent home at the end of second, third, and fourth quarters. Report cards become a part of the student’s permanent file. Standards Based Report Cards: Grading Scale Does not meet/meets/exceeds
Grading Scale A+ = 100% A = 96 - 99% A- = 93 - 95% B+ = 91 - 92% B = 88 - 90% B- = 85 – 87% C+ = 83 – 84% C = 79 – 82% C- = 77 – 78% D+ = 75 – 76% D = 72 – 74% D- = 70 – 71% F = 69 – 0%
Promotion is based on academic achievement, work habits, and attendance. The student’s teacher(s) will maintain contact with the family on a regular basis. Mid-Quarter Reports and Report Cards will be used to evaluate student progress. At the end of the second quarter, written notice of possible retention will be sent home to the family. The student’s progress will be evaluated during the last two quarters to determine grade placement for the next school year.
Homework Policy It is the student’s responsibility to complete homework by the assigned due date. Parents/guardians are asked to ensure that their children complete all homework assignments. After three missing homework assignments, teachers in grades 4-8 will make notation in the “message box” of the student assignment book as a warning note to parents. After the fourth missing homework assignment, students in k-8 will meet in a conference with teacher and parent. If a student is absent, he/she will have one times the number of days absent to complete the work and receive 100% credit. After that, the homework is considered late. In cases of serious illness, which requires a doctor’s not, the teacher will arrange a reasonable plan. When a student is ill, his/her homeroom teacher prepares a daily assignment sheet and gathers the student’s books. Each Day that a student is ill, the work is sent to the office at 2:30. Homework handed in on the due date will receive 100% credit. 1 day late – grade drops 10 points; 2 days late – grade drops 20 points; 3 days late – grade drops 30 points; 4 days late – grade drops 40 points;
Honor Roll Students in grades five through eight are recognized on the St. Rose School Honor Roll in two different categories: A Honor Roll – A in each subject, except handwriting, P.E., music. B Honor Roll – B or greater average, except handwriting, P.E., Music.
Standardized Tests The Terra Nova Test is the adopted standardized assessment for the schools of the Diocese of Joliet. The test is administered to students in grades 2 through 7. Testing dates are usually in mid-March. Testing results are sent home to parents.
Local Assessments Required testing by Catholic Diocese of Joliet. Students in K-8 will be tested by semester in Math, Writing, Science, and Social Studies according to grade level. At the end of the school year results are given to Joliet Catholic Diocese.
Field Trips Field trips enrich the instructional program at St. Rose School. Trips are initiated and directed by the principal or faculty. Written permission to participate in a field trip is required from the parent/guardian before a child is allowed to attend. Because of the arrangements needed for most field trips (tickets, bus rental, etc.) fees paid for a child’s participation in a field trip will not always be returned, if the child is unable to participate. Often, the scheduling and planning of field trips requires collecting fees in advance. These fees must be paid by the due date indicated on the permission slip. Parent/Parents who accompany any field trip must have a certificate on file in the office of completion of the “Protecting God’s Children” Program.
Athletic Eligibility Eligibility is determined at the Mid-Quarter and Report Card times. Students receiving failing grades or unsatisfactory effort in any subject will meet with teacher, parent, and principal to discuss the matter. It is possible students will be ineligible for participation during that sport period. Students in grades 5 through 8 are invited to participate in the St. Rose School Athletic Program, which includes girls’ volleyball, softball, basketball, track; boys’ basketball, track, and baseball. Students participating in the athletic program are required to have insurance, sports physical, and pay an athletic fee.
Dress Code Personal Hygiene All students should be conscious of their personal appearance each day. This includes daily bath/shower, brushed teeth, clean hair and clothes. The use of deodorant is stressed in upper grades.
Uniform Code Students are expected to come to school in complete uniform. Two days per month are set up as “Spirit Days”. Students who have been in uniform for the (usually) 9 days prior to the “Spirit Day” may participate by wearing St. Rose Tiger shirts with slacks or jeans.
Girls’ Uniform Kindergarten – 4th Grade: Plaid uniform jumper (available from Dennis Uniform Company), which may be no more than 2 inches above the knee. 5th – 8th Grade: Plaid uniform skirt (available from Dennis Uniform Company), which may be no more than 2 inches above the knee.
Kindergarten – 8th grade:
Boys’ Uniform Kindergarten – 8th Grade:
Gym Attire Grades 5 – 8 change into navy blue shorts, a St. Rose P.E. Shirt, and athletic shoes. Hair, Jewelry, Make-Up
Inappropriate dress will result in the student calling parent to bring his/her uniform. The principal has the final authority to determine if any part of a student’s uniform, shoes, hair, etc. is not appropriate for school.
Discipline Code St. Rose School strives to create an environment where students learn to live with others in peace guided by Christian values. A student’s growth in Christian values, attitudes, self-discipline, and individual responsibility is emphasized. Students are responsible for their actions. SRS expects the cooperation and support of our families in discipline procedures. Each teacher establishes classroom expectations for the students in that class. Expectations are based on the needs of the students, the developmental level of students, and the content area of the curriculum.
Detention Detentions are given for serious violations of a school or classroom expectation. Detention is held on Thursdays after school from 2:45 until 3:30, supervised by a teacher. If a student receives a detention on the day that detention is being held, the student will serve the detention the following week. When a student receives a detention, he/she will bring home a note stating the reason for the detention and who issued it. The parent/guardian is asked to sign the form and return it to school the following day. If a student fails to return the form the following day, the student will be issued a second detention and a parent conference with teacher is required. If the student is a bus rider, the parent/guardian must make arrangements to pick up the child at 3:30 or the child will be put in the Extended Day Program and a fee charged. Any child who has been given a detention and fails to serve it on the particular day, will be issued a second detention with a request for a parent conference.
Serious Behavioral Offenses
Students are expected to respect self and others. Violations (included and others not included in this handbook) will result in the consequences presented in this handbook. The principal will make final determinations and decisions in all disciplinary actions. Suspension is the final result of attempting to resolve conflicts. Parents will be notified by phone should suspension be necessary. A conference with student, parent and principal is required for readmission after suspension.
Affiliation St. Rose School belongs to the Diocese of Joliet and follows the policies of the Catholic Schools’ Office as well as the Illinois State Department of Education. St. Rose School does not discriminate against the admission of students with regard to race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin. (Diocesan Policy #5110) St. Rose School is an equal opportunity employer and does not allow discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin. (Diocesan Policy # 4230) This Handbook consists of guidelines which provide a framework for the school’s day to day practices. The Principal reserves the right to vary these policies so that specific problems are responded to on an individual basis. The policies are subject to amendment or discontinuation as the needs of the school require. The school will attempt to keep families and students informed of any changes which may be made to meet unforeseen circumstances. When changes are made, you will be given new pages to insert and advised as to which pages to delete. Please keep your Handbook and Binder from year to year. Each family is provided with a copy of our School Handbook. Additional copies or replacement copies are available for $7.00.
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