PARENT / STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017 - 2018 · Gr. 8 – Homeroom Ms. McCord ... Agenda/Meeting Policies ... observation at home. Any head injury will result in a phone call

PARENT / STUDENT HANDBOOK

2017 - 2018

302 S. Second Street

Waterford, WI 53185

School Phone: 262.534.2265

School Fax: 262.534.5549

Parish Office: 262.534.2255

Parish Fax: 262.534.2929

Web Address: www.saintthomaswaterford.org

FACULTY AND STAFF:

Pastor Father Gene Doda

Principal Mrs. Julie Lobitz

Parish Administrator Mrs. Nancy Hutchings

Parish Secretary Mrs. Kelly Hill

School Secretary Mrs. Kristi Shipley

4K/5K Mrs. Renee Applebee

Gr. 1/2 Mrs. Linda Kempken

Gr. 3/4 Mrs. Betty Wieczorek

Gr. 5 Mrs. Kristin Teska

Gr. 6 - Homeroom Mrs. Lindsey Krohn

Middle School Math

Gr. 7 - Homeroom Mrs. Tina Kobus

Middle School Science/ELA & Literature

Gr. 8 – Homeroom Ms. McCord

Middle School Religion & Social Studies

Art Ms. Muller

Band Mrs. Lenee Stevens

Computer Science Mrs. Carol Ewald

Music Mrs. Tricia Kelley

Physical Education Mrs. Mary Jo Wales

Middle School Spanish Mrs. Mary Stoss

Food Service Director Mrs. Marie Samson

After School Day Care Mrs. Tracy Fredrick at Today’s Child

Plant Engineers Mr. Jay Morrical, Mr. Tom Morvia, and

Mrs. Sharon Mehring

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Mr. Josh Gunderson, Chairperson

Mr. Pete Greil, Vice President

Open Position, Secretary

Mrs. Ann Lininger

Mrs. Renee Applebee

Mrs. Mary Bose

HOME AND SCHOOL:

Mrs. Ann Lininger

Mrs. Jenn Miller

Mrs. Gina Wrycza

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION:

Mr. Chris O’Connor, President

Mr. Tony Gorenc, Vice-President

Mrs. Heather Craig, Secretary

Open Position, Treasurer

Ms. Mikki Hegemann

MISSION STATEMENT

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School serving the community of

Waterford since 1851 develops 21st century learners as disciples

of Jesus Christ through learning, living, and sharing the Love of

God. Revised 8/16 Reaffirmed

THE PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH SCHOOL

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY:

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School believes we are partners

with families to empower children to be intentional disciples of

Jesus. This belief influences the choices of curriculum, methods,

and materials in our efforts to educate the whole child.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT:

Providing for the religious development of our students is

at the heart of our school's objectives. Catechetical

instruction, prayerful celebration of the sacraments, and a

fostering of Gospel values through daily experience are aimed at

developing our students to be disciples of Jesus Christ by

learning, sharing, and living the love of God.

INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT:

We assist our students in their intellectual development by

providing the educational foundation necessary to develop problem

solving skills and to utilize 21st Century technology.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Seeing personal development as a life process, we strive to

guide the students in this area through their daily relationships

with each other and all members of the school and parish

community. Mutual respect and acceptance of other persons,

following the example of Jesus Christ, are the ideals we uphold.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT:

In order to understand the value of the human body that God

gave us - and respect it through healthy living and exercise, we

provide a curriculum of appropriate activities for the students'

physical development and well-being.

PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

To provide secure atmosphere where students can develop a

positive self-image so they become responsible for their own

actions and work, become self-motivated and open-minded, self-

disciplined in their ever-changing environment.

Affirmed: 9/2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE

Administration.......................................8

Accreditation........................................8

Admission of Students................................8

Academic Policy.....................................11

Accidents and Illness...............................11

Alcohol/Tobacco/Drug Abuse Policy...................11

Animals in School...................................12

Attendance..........................................12

Appointments/Emergency Release.................13

Tardiness......................................13

Leaving School.................................14

Truancy........................................14

Vacation/Extended Absence......................14

Bicycles............................................14

Bullying .......................................15, 50

Bus Transportation..................................15

Bus Procedures.................................15

Bus Conduct....................................16

Cell Phone/Pagers/IPods/Communication Devices............17

Child Abuse..............................................17

Child Custody............................................17

Class Size...............................................17

Closing of School........................................18

Communications...........................................18

Time Line Policy....................................19

Computer Technology......................................19

Concern Procedure........................................20

Crisis Intervention......................................20

Curriculum...............................................21

Discipline...............................................21

Probation, Suspension, Expulsion.................22-23

Dress Code............................................24-26

Emergency Contact Information............................27

Endowment Fund........................................ ..27

Extended Care..........................................27

Extra-Curricular Activities............................28

Athletics.........................................28

Basketball........................................29

Volleyball........................................30

Track.............................................31

School Sponsored Organizations.........................31

Knowledge Quest Team..............................31

Student Council...................................31

Newspaper.........................................32

Battle of the Books...............................32

Scouts............................................32

Mass Servers......................................32

Field Trips............................................32

Financial Assistance...................................33

Frank Pheifer Fund ...................33

Fish Frys..............................................34

Fundraising ................................. ......34

Grievance Procedure....................................34

Harassment Policy...................................35-36

Home and School Association............................36

Homework...............................................37

Honor Roll.............................................38

Intruders/Lock Down....................................38

Library.............................................38-39

Liturgical Celebrations................................40

Lockers................................................40

Lost and Found.........................................40

Lunchroom Procedures...................................40

Hot Lunch.........................................40

Free & Reduced Meals..............................40

Lunch Room Rules..................................41

Medication.............................................41

Modified Education Policy..............................42

Music..................................................42

Nondiscrimination Policy...............................43

Pupil/Parent/Teacher Conferences.......................43

Room Parents...........................................43

Sacramental Program....................................43

School Committee.......................................44

Agenda/Meeting Policies...........................44

School Hours...........................................45

School Pictures........................................45

School Store...........................................45

Service................................................46

Telephone..............................................47

Testing Program........................................47

Tuition................................................48

Visitors...............................................48

Volunteerism...........................................48

Standards Score........................................49

Withdrawal from School.................................49

Asbestos Management Plan...............................49

Bullying Prevention Program/Consequences...............50

ADMINISTRATION:

St. Thomas Aquinas School is under the direction of the

Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The policies and rules followed are

those set forth by the Archdiocese and the Department of Public

Instruction of the State of Wisconsin. The principal is

delegated by the Pastor as the chief administrative officer of

the school. The principal executes policies of the local parish

as well as the Archdiocesan policies and regulations pertinent to

a parish school.

ACCREDITATION:

All elementary and secondary schools participate in a

planning and accreditation process. Elementary schools are

accredited through the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's Office for

Schools, Child, and Youth Ministries and the Wisconsin Religious

and Independent Schools Accreditation (WRISA). St. Thomas

Aquinas Parish School received its seven-year accreditation from

the Archdiocese in 2013. A site visit and evaluation will happen

during the 2020 - 2021 school year. The WRISA accreditation is

current and renewed annually.

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS (School Policy #5003):

A. General Admission

1. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race,

color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, or disability in the

administration of its admissions policy. The school admits

students of any race, color, national origin, or ethnicity with

the intent and motivation to be in accord with the highest ideals

of Catholic education.

2. The principal and School Committee shall determine

registration procedures for students in all grades. Parents are

required to sign a statement that they have read and agree to be

governed by the handbook. The school reserves the right to amend

the handbook for just cause with proper notice given to parents

if changes are made.

B. School Enrollment and Registration Policy

1. Parents complete an enrollment/registration form.

Parents are required to indicate whether or not a student

has any identified health and/or special education needs.

2. Parents must submit all current, accurate, and complete

information regarding the student’s needs, including

special education, medical, or psychological evaluations,

and any current IEP or accommodation plan.

3. An admissions meeting is organized with teachers and

school leaders. The school administrator will use an

appropriate accommodations planning process to determine

level of educational need and necessary adjustments. (Form

6164.3)

4. If needs can be met with minor adjustments, then the

school enrolls the student.

5. If the student’s needs are beyond the ability of the

school to meet with minor adjustments, then the parent is

referred to a local school district.

6. The final decision for admission, instruction, and

retention of any student rests with the principal.

C. New Students

1. Before a new student is admitted to St. Thomas Aquinas

Parish School, ALL student records from prior schools must be

submitted to the school office.

2. All new students admitted to the school are enrolled on a

probationary status for one semester. Administrative and faculty

assessments will be made during this period of time to determine

if the school can meet the student’s needs. At the end of the

probationary period, a student may be removed from probation, may

have the probationary period extended, or may be dismissed from

school.

3. The final decision for admission, instruction, and

retention of any student rests with the principal.

D. Kindergarten Admissions

1. In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, Section 118.14

and Archdiocesan Policy, admission to K4 & K5 will be in

accord with the following statement:

The legal age for Kindergarten shall be five years of age

on or before September 1st (same deadline for 4-year-olds).

The legal age for First Grade shall be six years of age on

or before September 1st.

E. Wisconsin Parental Choice Program Admissions Policy

1. The school accepts Choice applications during open

application periods and makes eligibility decisions based

on student residence, income, and prior year attendance.

Students in grades K4, K5, and 1 must also meet age

requirements. At the end of the application period, a

random drawing is completed when necessary, and parents are

notified of the admission or non-admission to the Choice

program.

2. Random Selection Drawing: if the number of eligible

Choice applications for any grade level that are submitted

during the open application period exceeds the number of

Choice seats available for that grade level, DPI will have

a random selection drawing to determine which applicants

are accepted. If an applicant is not selected for a seat

in the drawing, the student is placed on a Choice waiting

list based on the order in which they were selected.

3. An applicant will be notified within 60 days after

receiving the application, in writing, whether the

application has been accepted or rejected. If the private

school rejects an application, the notice shall include the

reason.

4. Admissions Appeal Process: all appeals relating to

rejection for admission to the school shall be heard by the

principal/administrator. The rejected applicant will have

five business days from the date of receipt of their notice

of rejection to provide written documentation that the

applicant was improperly rejected. The rejected applicant

will then be notified of acceptance or rejection of the

appeal in a timely fashion.

Adopted: January 2017

ACADEMIC POLICY:

Any Gr. K - 2 student who received two "N's" in a subject

area on a report card during the school year, must make

arrangements to receive additional instructional assistance.

Any Gr. 3 - 8 student who receives two "U's" in a subject area on

a report card during the school year must make arrangements to

receive additional instructional assistance. This could be

attendance at a Summer School program related to the curriculum

that the child needs assistance with, or twenty hours of tutoring

in that subject area by a certified teacher.

ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESS:

The school will make every effort to inform the parents of

any accident or illness occurring at school that may need care or

observation at home. Any head injury will result in a phone call

home. Parents shall have on file in the school office: home and

work phone numbers, doctor's name and phone number, and the name

of a relative or friend who can be contacted if parents are not

available.

ALCOHOL/TOBACCO/DRUG ABUSE POLICY (Archdiocesan Policy 5131.60)

Since it is a violation of civil law for students to be

involved in the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs, and because

such behavior endangers the health and safety of other students,

the following policy exists at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School:

No student shall possess, sell, distribute or be under

the influence of alcohol, tobacco or drugs. When a

violation of civil law occurs, the police shall be notified.

Students who violate this policy may be expelled

from school or required to participate in a defined

counseling program approved by the principal.

School Policy #5004:

There will be no smoking on the school premises or in the

school building at any time during normal school hours.

There will be no consumption of alcoholic beverages on the

school property unless authorized by the appropriate

personnel.

Adopted: May, 2006

ANIMALS IN SCHOOL School Policy #5005

For health and safety reasons, animals, including

family/household pets, are not allowed in the school building.

This does not include classroom animals. Teachers may seek

approval from the school administrator to have animals in the

classroom.

The administrator, for special educational events in the

school such as the St. Francis Blessing of Animals, may grant

exception to this policy.

Adopted: May, 2008

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Regular attendance in school is essential for all elementary

school children. Progress in scholastic accomplishment is

hampered by irregular attendance. We ask cooperation in the

following:

1. Parents must notify the school office by telephone,

email to secretary and teacher, or handwritten note of a child's

absence no later than 8:00 a.m. on the day he/she is absent.

2. After an absence, school work must be completed

promptly. For every school day missed, the student will have one

school day to make up school work. After that time, the student

will receive an incomplete for any work not completed. Special

circumstances due to extended illness or death in the family will

be handled on an individual basis.

3. A child who has recovered from a serious type of disease

or lengthy illness of four days or more may not be admitted back

to school without a parent/doctor's note.

4. Communicable diseases must be reported to the Racine

County Heath Department.

5. No child may leave the school grounds without a parent's

written consent and the expressed permission of the principal. A

teacher is not allowed to dismiss a child. If a student has an

appointment during the school day, he/she will wait for their

parent in the school office. The parent must come into the

school office to sign out their child. Any student missing more

than 1.5 hours will be considered absent half day.

Release of Children During School Hours School Policy #5002

In the event that your child is leaving school during the

school hours of 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM, a note, email, and/or phone

call to the office must occur the morning of the event or sooner.

In the event of an emergency, a phone call must be received

in the school office as soon as possible in order for someone

else to take your child home.

The names of people that are able to pick up your children

will be added to your Emergency Information Record.

The person who is picking up your child must sign your child

out in the school office. If the person is not known to the

office personnel, photo identification must be shown before the

child will be released.

Adopted: May, 2006

6. Telephone messages will be relayed to the children upon

parent request. Messages to the teacher will be handled in the

same manner. Student use of the phone will be only for

emergencies.

7. No person (parent, relative, or friend) may go to a

classroom during school time. If you need to deliver something

or wish to speak to a child, request this of the principal or

school secretary. The Main Office is located in the hallway, up

the stairs, and to the left of the main school entrance on Second

Street.

8. At the beginning of each year, a school calendar is sent

home to each family. In planning your vacation, please consult

the calendar. The School discourages vacations or other forms of

non-medical absence during the school year. Any deviation from

regular attendance should be cleared first through the principal.

9. An accurate record of each student's attendance is kept

by the school administration and this information shall become

part of the student's permanent record.

TARDINESS

Students arriving after 7:30 A.M. will be considered tardy.

If a student is detained by a teacher, he/she should get a note

from the teacher. If you are late for any other reason, you must

obtain an "admit to class slip" from the office.

LEAVING SCHOOL

If a bus rider/car rider student is using alternative

transportation when leaving school, a note or phone call from the

parent must be given to the teacher and school office prior to

dismissal.

TRUANCY

It is a shared responsibility of the school and home to

assist students to develop desirable habits of punctuality and

attendance. Students are expected to attend school regularly in

compliance with State statutes 16, 115, 118.

Unexcused tardiness will result in notifying the parents in

the assignment notebook if he/she is in grades 3-8. Excessive

tardiness, in grades 3-8, may result in a detention being issued.

Tardiness in grades K - 2 will be handled on an individual basis.

Consistent tardiness is a serious problem and excessiveness

will result in academic and disciplinary action including

reporting of truancy to local officials.

VACATION/EXTENDED ABSENCE

The School DISCOURAGES vacations or other forms of non-

medical absence during the school year. The principal must

approve all such absences in advance. This is to be taken care

of a minimum of two weeks BEFORE the student will be absent.

Refer to Attendance Policy, item 2; regarding missed school work.

School work will be issued when student returns to school.

BICYCLES:

Bicycles are to be parked in the racks provided on the

playground area upon arrival at school and are not to be used

until the end of the school day. Students are not to ride

bicycles on the playground area or around the school buildings on

school days. Students who violate these rules will not be

allowed to bring their bike to school.

The school encourages all students to wear a helmet and to

lock their bikes while on the school grounds. The school shall

not be responsible for the bikes when they are on the school

grounds.

Bullying

Bullying will not be tolerated at St. Thomas Aquinas School;

everyone has the right to feel safe, protected, and respected.

Please see page 56 for more information on the Second Step

Program used in at each grade level and consequences.

BUS TRANSPORTATION:

Eligibility to ride a school bus is determined by the public

school district in which the child resides. The two school

districts in Waterford are: Waterford Graded (K - 8) and

Waterford Union High School. Questions about bus assignments

should be directed to the district administrator of the local

public school or the bus company. The bus company that

transports our students is: Dousman Transport Co., Inc. (534-

2191). The bus company sets the bus routes as well as pickup and

drop-off times.

Rules of School Bus Safety: http://dtcbus.com/schoolbusrules.asp

1. Be Safe at the Bus Stop and Getting on the Bus.

a. Arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus is to arrive.

b. Wait in a safe place, clear of traffic and away from where the bus will stop.

c. Wait in an orderly line and avoid horseplay. d. Wait for the hand signal from driver before crossing

any street!

e. Go directly to your assigned seat when entering the bus.

f. When exiting the bus, move away as quickly as possible and never cross behind the bus.

2. Remain Seated in Assigned Seat Unless Driver Grants Permission to Move

a. When bus is stopped, ask the driver if you may move. b. No kneeling or turning your body completely around. c. You may speak to others in your seat or across the

aisle.

3. Keep Hands, Feet, and Objects to Yourself.

a. Backpacks should be placed on the floor under your legs, or held on your lap.

b. Hitting, punching, kicking, grabbing, throwing, pushing, spitting, and pulling hair will not be

tolerated.

4. Keep Bus Neat and Orderly.

a. Please dispose of waste materials, candy wrappers, etc. in the basket provided when the bus has stopped or put

them in your pockets.

5. Talk in Normal Voice (STA #1 voice).

a. Please use an "indoor" voice when on the bus. b. No screaming, shouting, screeching or loud abrupt

noises.

6. Do Not Extend Your Head, Arms, Hands or Objects Out of the Bus Windows.

BUS CONDUCT

It is school policy to follow the following procedures with

regard to students who receive misconduct reports:

1st Offense - Parent(s) Notified

2nd Offense - Bus riding privilege suspended for

2 days

3rd Offense - Bus riding privilege suspended for

3 days.

4th Offense - Bus riding privilege suspended for a

time determined by principal and bus

company representative.(Parent

conference will be held at this

time.)

CELL PHONES/PAGERS/IPODS/HEADSETS/ELECTRONIC/COMMUNICATION

DEVICES: School Policy #5006

Cell phones, pagers, headsets and other electronic devices

are not permitted in school during regular school hours. They

are also not permitted on any school sponsored field trips.

School personnel will confiscate these items. “The

principal/designee shall have the right to access any content,

including text messages, photos, or address books on cell phones

confiscated from students.” (Arch Policy 5145.5)

The situation where a student may have and/or need a cell

phone to communicate with parents may arise. If that is the

case, a Cell Phone Release Form will need to be filled out and

sent to the school office. The forms may be picked up in the

school office or downloaded from the school website.

Adopted: February, 2010

CHILD ABUSE:

Under Wisconsin Statute Section 48.981 and Archdiocesan

Policy 5140 and 5140.1, school personnel reasonably believing

that a child has been or will be abused or neglected must report

the facts and circumstances of the situation to the principal and

to the county Department of Health and Human Services and/or to

the Police or Sheriff Departments.

CHILD CUSTODY:

Every family will receive a form in their school packet to

be filled out regarding custodianship of their children. This

form must be kept on file in the school office. Divorced or

separated parents must file a court-certified copy of the custody

section of the divorce or separation decree with the principal's

office. The school will not be held responsible to honor

arrangements that have not been made known. This is in

accordance with Archdiocesan Regulation 5124.2.

CLASS SIZE:

School Policy #6001

The individual class size of each grade at St. Thomas

Aquinas Parish School will not exceed thirty (30) students.

Exceptions to this policy will be taken under advisement of

the principal, pastor, and appropriate faculty and staff.

Adopted: May, 2005

School Policy #5001

If the kindergarten class enrollment reaches a total of 22

or more students, an aide will be available in the classroom for

a minimum of four (4) hours during the school day.

As the number of students increases, the availability of the

aide may also be changed, determined at the discretion of the

school.

Adopted: May, 2005

CLOSING OF SCHOOL:

All announcements concerning the closing of school due to

inclement weather will be made over the radio stations WTMJ (620

AM), WISN (1120), and television stations WTMJ, WISN and FOX.

Such announcements will be made between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Unless there is such an announcement, school is open.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, ST.THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH SCHOOL IS

CLOSED DUE TO WEATHER WHEN THE WATERFORD GRADED SCHOOL OR

WATERFORD UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT CLOSES. IF EITHER

WATERFORD DISTRICT IS CLOSED, THEN ST. THOMAS IS CLOSED.

COMMUNICATION:

Parents are kept informed of school activities and other

related information through the weekly newsletter that is posted

on the school web page and sent through email.

Teachers will be in regular communication with the parents

regarding curriculum material being covered, as well as other

classroom happenings and activities. This information will be on

the school web site.

Communication between the school and home is critical. If a

parent/guardian has a question or concern, he/she should contact

the person who is closest to the situation. If there is no

resolution, the next person to contact is the principal. Many

times a phone call will resolve the issue. If a longer

discussion is needed, the parent/guardian is asked to call the

teacher/principal and request a meeting.

Email is used only for informational text, not conversation.

The archdiocese recommends a reasonable amount of response time

is within 48 hours.

COMMUNICATIONS TIME LINE:

School Policy #2001: Time Line Policy

In the hope of keeping everyone informed, it is asked that

the School Committee be made aware of decisions that affect the

following:

A. Change in daily school routine (lunch, recess, and

dismissal times)

B. Monetary increases

C. Safety of students and/or staff

Final decisions will be conveyed to staff, parents and

students via the newsletter. The parties involved will be

notified immediately.

Adopted: May, 2006

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY:

The school provides computer and network resources for use

by students, faculty, and others affiliated with the school.

Computer, data-storage, and information-retrieval systems are

designed to serve the students and faculty of the school.

Internet access is provided to further the legitimate educational

goals of this school. The equipment, software and network

capabilities provided by the school are the property of the

school.

E-mail and other network communication resources are

provided to enhance the learning environment and may not be used

in a way that is disruptive to the work or educational

environment. E-mails to school are not a substitute for written

parent permission when required.

Use of the school's computer resources is a privilege, and

all users are expected to conduct their online activities in an

ethical and legal fashion. Users should not view or transmit

threatening, harassing, pornographic and obscene material. In

addition, users must be careful to make sure that they do not use

or transmit copyrighted or trademarked materials without first

obtaining appropriate permission with the assistance of school

officials. Use of copyrighted or trademarked materials without

appropriate permission may violate state or federal law and may

also violate Archdiocese policy (Archdiocesan Policy 6161.2)

Misuse of these resources may result in disciplinary action,

including the suspension or revocation of these privileges.

CONCERN PROCEDURE:

From time to time, questions and concerns arise during the

course of the school year. When this happens, it is important

that the home/school relationship function in a proper manner to

insure that answers are received to the questions being raised.

The school procedure when you have a question or concern is:

1. Please address your question/concern to the person

involved. If your question is for a teacher, please direct that

question to him/her. You may call the school and leave a message

or request a conference. Please do not try to speak with a

teacher either before or after school without an appointment.

These are busy times - lunch counts, attendance taking, etc...

and in the afternoon, meetings or other commitments are often

scheduled. Conference times and length required need to be

mutually agreeable.

2. If after you have taken your question/concern to the

teacher or source of concern and have not received satisfaction,

please feel free to contact the principal.

3. If the matter is not adjusted in a manner satisfactory

to the parent of if no steps have been taken toward improvement,

then the concerned parent shall submit a written statement to the

pastor setting forth the nature of the problem. The pastor may

consult with a Conciliation Committee which would meet separately

with concerned parent and parish employee to clarify the issue.

CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN:

St. Thomas Aquinas School has a Crisis Response Plan to

address the most common critical incidents occurring in schools.

The plan consists of prevention, emergency response, and post-

incidence response. In the event of an intruder a “Code Red”

will be implemented. “Code Red” is held at unexpected times to

prepare students and staff to act quickly and efficiently without

a sense of panic. This procedure is reviewed and updated yearly.

General response plan is:

1. Principal consults with the Pastor, faculty and

2. Principal may activate professional crisis team

3. Crisis Policy is utilized

4. The Office of Schools in the Archdiocese of

Milwaukee is contacted.

5. Parents are given written notice as to the nature

of the crisis, and what action(s) is being taken.

Funerals

1. Teaching staff will receive a memo to be read

to their first class. Again, an all school

assembly may be held.

2. The memo will contain:

a. Information regarding specific funeral

services

b. A review of funeral attendance guidelines

Family Liaison - If a family chooses follow-up

contact, information for contact with the crisis

team will be provided to them by the principal.

Delayed Grief - If teachers notice a student

continuing to grieve, the School Office will be

notified.

CURRICULUM:

The course of study at St. Thomas Aquinas School has been

developed through the Curriculum Committee of the Department of

Elementary Education of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in

accordance with the requirements of the State of Wisconsin. The

secular subjects and text books are similar to those used in the

public schools. These are taught with a Catholic/Christian

approach and interpretation. The textbooks and other materials

used are always available for viewing. The curriculum and

textbook selection for a specific subject and/or grade is

evaluated on a yearly basis.

You may view curriculum and exit expectations at:

http://www.saintthomaswaterford.org/curriculum.cfm

DISCIPLINE:

In grades K-8 discipline shall be handled by the classroom

teacher in cooperation with the parents and school principal.

There are 3 overall concepts to follow within a disciplinary

approach: if a student is not acting in a safe, respectful, or

responsible manner, then a consequence will be administered.

DISCIPLINE POLICY:

Seeing social development as a life process, we strive to

guide children through their daily relationships with each other

and all members of the school community. We, at St. Thomas,

believe that each student should be treated with respect and

dignity. We also believe that each student should develop a

sense of self-discipline.

Therefore, students will be expected to show the same

respect, dignity, and cooperation to teachers, parents, and

fellow students. Students must realize that they are responsible

for their actions and they must assume the consequences for

behavior that is contrary to the expectations of the school.

PROBATION, SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION:

Whenever a student's conduct is such that it demonstrates

repeated refusal to obey school rules, endangers the property,

health or safety of others, or consistently disrupts the learning

environment, action may be taken to restrict his/her privileges

and rights of school attendance. Such action may be of three

kinds.

Probation - A student may be placed on probation for a

trial period by the school principal. After conferences are held

with the student's parent(s) or guardian and relevant school

personnel, the principal sets conditions for release from the

probation. The principal's decisions are final.

Suspension - a temporary termination of attendance

1. Suspension is justified only in unusual circum-

stances and is normally an in-school suspension.

2. Prior to any suspension, the student must be ad-

vised of the reason for the proposed suspension.

The parent or guardian of a suspended student is

given prompt notice of the suspension and the

reasons for the action.

3. In-School suspension can be directed for varying

lengths of time as decided by the principal but

should not exceed five days.

4. Out-of-school suspension is considered a rarity

and is the responsibility of the principal.

State law directs that a maximum of five days

can be imposed unless a written notice of an

expulsion hearing is scheduled. Such notice

shall allow not more than a total of fifteen

consecutive school days to be served in

suspension until the expulsion hearing is held.

Out-of-school suspension may be given by the

principal immediately following a serious

disciplinary offense. Such a suspension is

for investigative purposes.

Expulsion - As a definition, expulsion is considered a

termination of enrollment, permanently or for an

extended period of time. Expulsion shall be considered as a

rarity and used only as a very last measure.

1. Expulsion results from repeated refusal to obey

school rules or conduct which endangers

property, health, or safety of others and is

deemed to be in the best interest of the school.

An extremely serious single offense may also be cause

for expulsion.

2. Students asked not to return the following year

are considered expelled.

3. The Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools/Designee,

is to be informed before any action leading to

expulsion is taken.

Expulsion Procedures

1. Actions taken to suspend or expel students

shall be preceded by internal school procedures

supported by defensible records.

2. Expulsion can take place only after an expulsion

hearing has been held. Parent(s)/legal

guardian(s) shall be notified in writing at

least five days before the hearing is to take

place; this notification period can be waived by

mutual consent of the parents and the school if an

expedited hearing date is advisable.

3. The hearing committee makes a recommendation to

the school Pastor. The recommendation will be to:

1. expel 2. suggest other disciplinary actions in lieu of

expulsion

3. exonerate the student of any wrong doing

4. Before the hearing is held the parents and student

are informed that the student may be voluntarily

withdrawn up until the time that the final

disciplinary action that is approved takes effect.

5. If the decision to expel the student is made,

parents are notified in writing of the action.

The right to appeal is made known to the

parents.

APPEAL:

The student, or his/her parent or guardian, may within five

school days following notification of the expulsion, appeal to

the Superintendent of Schools in writing with rationale for

appeal. The Superintendent will investigate that correct

procedure were followed as defined by Archdiocesan policy. If

they were not followed, the Superintendent will refer the issue

back to the parish/secondary school with a recommendation about

at which step of the procedure needs to be further processed.

DRESS CODE:

Proper dress and respect are important in setting the pattern for

appropriate school and social conduct. It is the policy of STA

to have a dress code that reflects the high standards

traditionally associated with our school. The dress code is

designed to encourage modesty that accounts for neatness,

cleanliness, safety, and an environment conducive to learning. A

responsible approach to personal appearance demonstrates respect

for ourselves and for our school community. Cooperation in

adhering to the dress code promotes self-discipline on the part

of the students. It is the parent(s)’ responsibility to assure

that the policy is followed so instructional time is not

interrupted.

Garment: Color(s): Type(s):

Pants All Solid:

Navy Blue

Cotton blend or corduroy

No contrasting

stitching, leg pockets,

decorative zippers,

labels or knit pants –

all must be hemmed or

cuffed. No decorative

buttons, spandex, or

nylon pants allowed. No

hipsters or cargo pants.

Shirt/Blouse Burgundy

Navy blue

Solid colored, collared,

or turtlenecks. No

sleeveless tops.

No ornamentation, logo,

symbols or monograms

accepted besides an

embroidered STA logo

above the heart.

Short or long sleeved.

Layering of shirts is

permissible; however,

both shirts must be in

uniform color.

Shirts may be untucked

if they are reasonable

length and long enough

to cover any skin

Sweaters Burgundy

Navy blue

Solid color, crew neck,

cardigan, V-neck or vest

in knit.

Sweatshirt Burgundy

Navy blue

Solid color or STA

spirit-wear, zip-up,

pullover. Hooded

sweatshirts only for

outside activities.

Shorts/Capris Navy blue

Solid color, cotton

blend material, worn

from May 1st-November 1

dependent on weather

conditions (principal

will advise). Shorts

must be fingertip

length. No cargos,

hipsters, jean material

or tight-fitting

shorts/capris allowed.

Shorts or capris will

not be acceptable to

wear on mass days

Jumpers, Skirts, and

Skorts

Navy blue

Cotton blend solid color

must be fingertip length

for school. Leggings

and tights are only worn

under skirts and jumpers

Accessories No distractive jewelry.

If reasonably applied,

make-up is permitted for

7th & 8

th grade girls

No hats, hair scarves or

bandanas

No unnatural hair

coloring or extensions

Footwear All shoes must be non-

scuff dress shoes, dress

boots, tennis shoes that

have a full, solid

rubber sole. Sandals

may be worn during warm

weather but must have a

strap around the heel

and safely secured to

the child’s foot.

Casual Fridays Students are allowed to

either dress-up or dress

down. Allowed are jeans

of any color, sweat

pants, crew neck tee

shirts or sweatshirts

with writing appropriate

for school. All shirts

must have sleeves and no

exposed mid-drifts.

Tight fitting pants such

as, but not limited to,

yoga pants, spandex,

stretch denim and skinny

jeans are not to be worn

without a shirt or dress

that reaches fingertip

length.

Physical Education 5th-8

No jewelry worn during

A change of clothes is

expected for PE classes.

Crew neck tee shirts

plain or with STA logo

or lettering. Shorts

(non-jean) must reach

below the fingertips of

the student when his/her

arms are in a relaxed

position at his/her

side. Sweat or warm-up

pants are acceptable, no

pajama bottoms. Wear

non-scuff athletic shoes

and deodorant is

recommended.

WINTER ATTIRE: Students need to be appropriately dressed for the

weather because we go outside unless the temperature, including

wind chill, is 0 or below. Children are required to wear boots

and snow pants for grades K-5. 6-8 graders need an extra pair of

shoes or boots. All students should have hats, mittens or

gloves.

If a student’s clothing is deemed inappropriate by the principal

or teacher, the following will happen:

Appropriate clothing from the office will be given to the

student to wear.

1st Violation – student calls home from office for a change

of clothes.

2nd Violation -student may not participate in “Casual

Friday” that week and has to create a written plan of action

to discontinue behavior.

3rd Violation – student may not participate in “Casual

Friday” for the next 3 weeks.

It is the principal’s discretion to make a decision as to the

appropriateness of dress, hair, and accessories.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION FORM:

The Emergency Contact Information Form is one of the most

important records requested by the school. Having current

information on file is vital to the proper care of your child in

the case of illness or injury during school hours.

- A new form for each child is required each year.

- Please complete, date, and sign the form.

- The emergency contact should be someone who is available

To provide transportation during the school day. More

than one emergency contact may be listed.

- Please let your child know whom you are naming as the emergency contact, so they are prepared should the need arise.

- Be sure to indicate the name of the child's physician and

which hospital the child should be sent to in case of

emergency.

ENDOWMENT FUND:

The purpose of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School

Endowment Fund is to create a perpetual source of income

segregated from the operating funds of the school, to help keep

the school financially sound. Administered by a Board of

Trustees, the principle is conservatively invested to generate

future income. Endowment funds are left intact - only the income

from investment is used and disbursed for the benefit of the

school.

EXTENDED CARE:

Extended Care is a program providing an optional service to

those parents who wish to place their children in a safe and

supervised atmosphere until they are able to pick up their

children. Extended Care is provided off-site by Today’s Child and

contractual. All arrangements are made through their service;

bus transportation available to the facility after school only.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

School Policy #5007: Extra Curricular Eligibility

Students participating in school sponsored extra-curricular

activities must maintain a 2.0 grade point average with no

failing grades in all of the core subject areas- Religion,

English, Reading/Literature, Math, Social Studies, Spelling, and

Science. Students shall be presumed eligible for each quarter

based on the previous quarter’s grades. Students will be re-

evaluated for eligibility at progress report time (mid-quarter).

Any failing grades in a core subject will be re-evaluated again

in 3 weeks. Adopted: April, 2011

ATHLETICS

The role of the Athletic Program at St. Thomas Aquinas

Parish School provides students from grades 5-8 with the

opportunity to participate in a structured program of athletics.

Realizing that participants in the Athletic Program represent St.

Thomas, the participants will be expected to maintain competence

in their school academics as expressed by the Archdiocese in

R6145.2(b)#9.

INITIAL ELIGIBILITY:

A. Students eligible for the Athletic Program must:

1. Be enrolled in St. Thomas Aquinas Parish

School or in the Religious Education Program.

2. Be in grades 5, 6, 7 or 8.

3. Be willing to adhere to the policies, rules and

regulations of both St. Thomas Athletic

Association, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School

and the Waukesha Area Catholic Conference.

CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY:

A. Once a student has successfully satisfied the

requirements for "Initial Eligibility", he/she

1. Understand their responsibility to attain and maintain their academic and disciplinary

behave.

2. Maintain a 2.0 grade point average with no failing

Grades in any subject area.

3. Eligibility shall be determined by the teacher

and verified by the principal.

4. A student will not be able to participate in a

practice or a game if he/she is absent from

school on that day. Violators may be suspended

from the Athletic program.

ATHLETIC BOARD OF REVIEW

Rationale: To serve as Controlling Board to resolve

Athletic discipline problems, deemed

serious by the school principal.

Composition of the Athletic Board of Review:

The Athletic Board of Control shall consist

of the following members:

1. School principal

2. School Committee Chairperson

3. School Committee Vice-Chairperson

4. Athletic Assoc. President

5. Athletic Assoc. Vice-President

Procedure: The Athletic Disciplinary Incident shall be

reported to the principal, within 10 school

days. After the report to the principal, the

Board of Control shall be convened. The

coach/moderator shall be present. The

student and his/her parent(s) shall also be

in attendance. Upon the findings of fact, the

Board of Control shall issue a final and

binding decision.

Exemption: The Athletic Board of Review shall hear only

those cases deemed serious by the School

principal. Not all cases of athletic dis-

cipline need be brought to the attention of

the Athletic Board of Control.

BASKETBALL REGULATIONS:

1. Teams are limited to playing in only ONE league

during the season. (see R6145.2(a)#3)

2. There must be a minimum of four practice sessions

on separate days before the opening game of the season.

3. Basketball leagues may not begin until after

Thanksgiving

4. There must be at least three practice sessions on

separate days before the first scrimmage with no

more than two inter-school scrimmages allowed

before the first game.

5. Fifth and sixth grade teams may be scheduled for a

maximum of two practices per week, each being no

more than 1 1/2 hours in length. Seventh and eighth

grade teams may be scheduled for a maximum of two

practices per week, each being no longer than 2

hours in length.

6. Fifth and sixth grade teams may play a maximum of

12 games and participate in three tournaments.

7. Seventh and eighth grade teams may play a maximum of

14 games and participate in four tournaments --

not counting the Padre Serra Basketball Tournament. No

tournament may schedule a team for, nor may any team

participate, in more than five games per tournament.

8. Teams may participate in preseason, midseason

(holiday), and post-season tournaments.

9. The maximum length of the quarters of any game

shall be six minutes.

10. A team may not play more than three games in any

one week (exception: the weeks of the midseason

or post-season tournaments). A team may not play

more than two games in one day; a minimum of two

hours rest must be provided between games.

VOLLEYBALL REGULATIONS:

1. Teams are limited to playing in only one league during

the season (see R6145.2(a),#3).

2. There must be a minimum of four practice sessions on

separate days before the opening match of the season.

3. Fifth and sixth grade teams may be scheduled for a maximum of 2 practices per week, each being no more than 1-1/2 hours in length. Seventh and eighth grade teams may

be scheduled for a maximum of 2 practices per week,

each being no more than 2 hours in length.

4. No team shall be scheduled for more than 18 matches during the season -- exclusive of tournament participation.

5. Teams may participate in preseason, midseason, or post season tournaments subject to the following limitations:

5th grade team - limited to participation in two tournaments

6th grade team - limited to participation in two tournaments

7th grade team - limited to participation in three tournaments

8th grade team - limited to participation in three tournaments

TRACK REGULATIONS:

1. There shall be at least four individual practice

Sessions on separate days before the first regularly

scheduled meet.

2. There must be at least three practice sessions on

separate days before the first practice meet with no

more than one practice meet allowed before the first

scheduled inter-school meet.

3. Teams may be scheduled for a maximum of 2 practices per

week, each being no more than 2 hours in length.

4. No team may be scheduled for more than 10 meets.

EXTRA CURRICULAR - SCHOOL SPONSORED ORGANIZATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE QUEST COMPETITION TEAM

Knowledge Quest has evolved out of our Academic Pursuit

Competition. It has been established to give students at the

middle school level deserved recognition for their commitment to

academics and to acknowledge and promote the academic excellence

of our Catholic Schools. Students will compete in a quiz bowl

format against other Catholic Schools in our District.

STUDENT COUNCIL - KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE

Student Council is open to girls and boys in grades 4-8, and

is a student-led organization. The advisor is a faculty/staff

member. There will be three student representatives for Grades

4-8. The representatives will be selected by their classmates.

They will represent their grade at meetings and other activities.

The Students Council representative will elect the officers. The

officers must be Junior High students. The officers will meet

with the advisor, as well as "run" the meetings. Elections for

the Officer positions are held each year.

NEWSPAPER

Middle school students are encouraged to join the newspaper.

This paper informs students of the special people around St.

Thomas and allows students to show off their creative abilities.

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

Battle of the Books is open to all 6th – 8

th graders. This

team competition allows students to read books from a given list

create questions for the books then battle teams from other

schools.

EXTRA CURRICULAR - SCOUTING:

A scouting program may be offered at St. Thomas Aquinas

Parish School. The program shall be conducted by the scouting

organization in conjunction with the Parish.

EXTRA CURRICULAR - SERVERS (MASS):

Students interested in serving at Mass will be given

instruction and preparation. Normally, Mass serving is open

to students in grades 5-8.

FIELD TRIPS:

St. Thomas Aquinas School students participate in field

trips as they pertain to the educational experience of a well-

rounded curriculum. Trips to places of cultural interest for

educational significance give enrichment to the lessons of the

classroom.

Written approval of the parent or guardian is required for

participation of students in community service activities and for

field trips. All chaperones must have completed the safeguarding

all God’s children class.

All field trips begin and end at our school, and are

chaperoned by faculty, staff and parents. Students and chaperones

must ride on the contracted carrier; they may not be transported

either to or from any field trip in any other way.

CHAPERONES:

1. Please arrive on time and check in at the school office.

2. No smoking and alcohol consumption during the field

3. Help the teacher to maintain order during the field

4. Please do not purchase gifts or food for students (especially small groups assigned only to you) without consulting the teacher.

5. Please do not bring younger children along, since

your focus must be on the safety and well being of

the school children.

6. Electronic devices other than cell phones are not

allowed.

7. Cell phone use should be limited to emergency

situations only.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/SCHOLARSHIPS:

The school offers a number of financial assistance programs.

Financial assistance is available from the Archdiocese of

Milwaukee and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.

The Frank Pheifer Scholarship Fund is designed to assist

families in need and to recognize those students desiring a

Catholic education.

Specific information regarding financial assistance and the

Frank Pheifer Scholarship Fund can be obtained from the School

Office. In all cases of financial assistance, information

provided to the School is kept in strict confidence.

School Policy #3002 Frank Pheifer Scholarship Recipient

Selection Policy:

A committee that consists of Mrs. Frank Pheifer, the

principal of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School, and the

School Committee liaison will select the Frank Pfeifer

Scholarship Fund recipient/recipients.

Mrs. Pfeifer has requested that if she cannot fulfill her

duties, her son; Mr. Larry Pfeifer is to take her place.

Adopted: May, 2005

FISH FRYS:

St. Thomas School sponsors 2-4 fish fry’s during the school

year. It is required for parents and families to assist.

FUNDRAISING:

All families are expected to participate in fundraising

opportunities. These opportunities include purchasing or selling

raffle calendars and/or SCRIP. Families may choose to “buy out”.

The money raised through these fundraisers assists us in meeting

our required budget amount, as well as using the money for other

needed items for the school, such as textbooks, programs, etc

If fundraising goals are not met by June 1st then the families

will be called and/or billed.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR PARENTS (Archdiocesan Policy 1312(2),

4135.4):

At St. Thomas Aquinas School, a parental grievance occurs

when there is a disagreement between the parent of a student

enrolled in the school, and an employee (principal, Teacher,

Aide, etc.) of the Parish School.

Before any formal grievance can be initiated, the parents

must meet with the employee with whom there is an issue, to see

if reconciliation or a meeting of the minds can occur, consistent

with the philosophy of the School. If resolution occurs, there is

no need to proceed.

Any grievance not raised in a timely manner (usually not to

exceed 10 days) shall be considered waived. All grievances must

be kept confidential by all parties involved.

STEP 1

If there is no resolution, the parent can initiate the

formal grievance process by providing a letter to the employee's

supervisor no later than 10 days after the informal meeting noted

above. The letter must contain the following:

Date/time/place of informal meeting

Name and position of employee with whom the

disagreement exists

Factual information and background regarding

the disagreement

Specific recommendations for resolution of the

After receipt of the letter, the supervisor will provide the

employee five (5) work days to respond and then schedule a

meeting with all parties within ten(10) days to work through

conciliation toward resolution. Should resolution occur, the

process is concluded.

If resolution does not occur, parties will proceed to STEP 2.

STEP 2

If resolution does not occur in the informal meeting or in

STEP 1 and the concern involves the Elementary School, the parent

will provide the Pastor with a copy of the letter noted in STEP 1

within five (5) work days of the completion of STEP 1. The

Pastor will immediately call on the employee for his/her response

and attempt to resolve the situation in one of the following

manners:

1. The Pastor will convene the parties in an

attempt to reach mutual agreement (Disputes in

which the Pastor is the immediate supervisor begin

here).

2. The Pastor may contact the Archdiocesan Office

for School, Child and Youth Ministry for

assistance in resolving the matter. If Agreement

is reached the process is concluded.

3. The Pastor may direct the local grievance

committee to proceed with a review of all

details and submit a recommendation to him.

STEP 3

If there is no resolution through STEP 2, issues of concern

will be heard by the local grievance committee. The local

committee of three to five members will hear all sides of the

dispute no later than 30 days after the parent forwards a copy of

the letter noted in STEP 1 to the committee. The committee,

appointed by the Pastor and drawn from a pool of candidates who

possess qualifications that would allow them to discern

impartially the issues at hand, will render a decision to all

parties. If there is consensus of all parties, the process is

concluded. If resolution does not occur a final STEP 4 may be

initiated.

STEP 4

Should resolution not occur through STEPS 1, 2 and 3, the

parents can submit within 10 work days, a written appeal to the

Archdiocese. Should an appeal not occur within the time period,

the issue is considered closed.

The request for a hearing with the grievance committee shall

be made through the Superintendent's Office. It shall contain

the statements of the parties concerned. The Delegate for

Parishes will convene the grievance committee and chair its

proceedings.

Upon receipt of the written statement, the grievance

committee will set up a hearing, at a mutually convenient time

and place, for discussion of the concern with all parties

involved.

The finding of the grievance committee will be communicated

to all parties involved. Upon such communication, the work of

the grievance committee will be closed.

HARASSMENT POLICY:

It is essential to maintain the educational environment that

encourages optimum growth and development. Respect for the

dignity of each person is essential to the Catholic faith and

traditions. Harassment or intimidation of any kind of physical

or verbal behavior which can include but is not limited to the

following:

1. Threatening Behavior

2. Racial Insults

3. Derogatory Ethnic Slurs

4. Sexual Comments or Gestures

6. Physical or Mental Abuse

Each situation of Harassment will be taken seriously and

treated according to the St. Thomas School Discipline Policy.

HOME AND SCHOOL:

The primary purpose of the Home and School Association is to

conduct fund raising activities, the proceeds of which help the

school purchase needed materials or equipment as requested by the

staff. The secondary purpose of the Home and School Association

is to plan and offer all-school social events throughout the year

in order to foster unity and community spirit within the school.

All parents are encouraged to support the Home and School

Association.

HOMEWORK:

All students shall be expected to complete a certain amount

of work during the school day. Homework is given to reinforce

skills on a daily basis and to provide time to complete school-

related tasks. The School follows guidelines established by the

Archdiocese of Milwaukee regarding homework. They are as

follows:

Pre-K and K..........0-15 minutes

Gr. 1-2..............15-30 minutes

Gr. 3-5..............30-60 minutes

Gr. 6-8..............60-90 minutes

The number of minutes is a guideline. The amount may vary

depending on several circumstances - for example, student use of

time doing homework, and other special circumstances.

All homework is the responsibility of the student. A

consistent time and place in the home is an absolute necessity

for homework. Some types of homework recommended by the school

include the following:

a. Practice drill in math facts and vocabulary work

b. Library reading and reports

c. Research and enrichment projects

d. Study for tests

e. Review of work done at school

f. Work not completed in school

If a parent has a question or concern about a child's

assignments, teacher contact should be made as soon as possible.

Students are expected to do homework on their own. Parent(s)

should serve as resources for their child.

Please check Power School on a weekly basis to check student

progress. It is the responsibility of the parents and students

to check progress report due dates on the calendar, written

notification will not be issued. Make sure to include family

email address in Standards Score to receive notification of

missing assignments.

HONOR ROLL:

St. Thomas Aquinas School has established an Honor Roll for

the students in grades 6, 7 and 8.

High Honors shall be a Grade Point Average of 4.00 - 3.75;

Honors shall be a Grade Point Average of 3.5 – 3.749. The GPA is

cumulative based throughout the year.

INTRUDERS/LOCK DOWN:

St. Thomas Aquinas School has put into place a plan of

action in the event of an intruder(s) in the building,

necessitating a school "lock down." This plan is reviewed

yearly.

LIBRARY:

The library is located on the second floor of the

Intermediate Building. Library hours shall be determined by the

library coordinator and the School principal. A student is

admitted to the library with a note from a teacher. Each class

shall be assigned a library time.

General Library Objectives

To assemble, preserve, and administer, in an organized

collection, books and related materials in order to promote the

communication of ideas, an enlightened citizenry, and the

enrichment of personal lives.

To provide the opportunity and encouragement for students at

St. Thomas Aquinas School to promote life-long learning.

A. Non-Fiction

Works of non-fiction are selected in accordance with one or

more of the following criteria:

1. Current usefulness or permanent value

2. Qualification of author in subject field

3. Scope and authority of subject matter

4. Clarity of style; clear readable presentation

5. Accuracy

6. Relation of work to current collection

7. Date of publication

8. Scarcity of information in subject area

9. Reflective of Catholic ideals and values

B. Fiction

Works of fiction are selected in accordance with one or more

of the following criteria:

1. Literary reputation of the author

2. Relation to the existing collection

3. Work which contains experimental writing and

reflect new trends in Literature

4. Popular demand

5. Overall literary quality

6. Realistic portrayal of life

Books are carefully selected for students which offer

adventures of the mind and spirit; cultivate an appreciation of

literature; encourage the creative use of leisure time; and are

suitable in content and vocabulary to the age of the reader.

Responsibility for Selection:

The initial responsibility for selection lies with the

professional staff of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School. Staff

selects materials from a variety of aids and reviewing sources.

1. Professional library journals

2. Annual publications which recommend "notable

books"

3. Bibliographies recommending materials in

specific fields

The library welcomes gifts with the understanding that

donated materials become the sole property of St. Thomas Aquinas

Parish School Library. The library staff will make the final

decision on the use or disposition of the gift. The decision to

include a gift in the library's collection shall be governed by

the same criteria applied to the selection of an item for

purchase. Monetary gifts, for the purchases of materials, are

welcomed keeping in mind the selection of the materials will be

made by the library staff in consultation with the donor.

Maintaining the Collection

The collection shall be periodically examined for the

purpose of weeding, binding, or repairing of materials. The same

criteria will be used in weeding materials from the collection as

are used in their acquisition. Materials no longer useful to the

library's collection will be sold or donated.

Circulation

All books may be checked out for a period of 14 days

and renewed for 14 days if necessary.

Lost or damaged book charges will be the cost of the

book replacement.

All charges, or book returns must be cleared prior to

the end of the school year. Grades may be withheld if

books returns or other obligations are not resolved.

Library privileges may be limited or withdrawn by the

abuse of borrowing regulations or unfit library

conduct.

LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS:

All students at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School shall

participate in one liturgical celebration per week. Thursday and

Holy Days are days set aside for worship. See page 25 for

appropriate dress for Mass.

LOCKERS:

Students in grades 3-8 have lockers. They are asked to be

respectful in the care of that property. Students in Gr. 4 will

pay a lock fee of $10.00. If a lock is lost, the student will

pay an additional $10.00 per lock. The locks will be collected

at the end of the school year, and reissued at the beginning of

the school year.

LOST AND FOUND:

The lost and found is located outside of the main office.

Found articles are to be taken to the main office. Lost articles

will be returned upon identification. At the end of the quarter,

unclaimed articles will be given to charity.

LUNCHROOM PROCEDURES:

HOT LUNCH Family Accounts are set up for each family. You

may add money to your account by sending your payment with your

child in the morning, along with the Hot Lunch Order Form in an

envelope. The teacher will end the classroom folder to the

cafeteria each morning. Your family account will be credited

that amount.

Please be sure to fill out an order form so we can make sure

we are adding to the proper account. EACH student will have a

BAR CODE ID that they will use each time they buy a lunch, milk,

or any type of "extras" available. Those "extra" entrees must be

ordered in the morning.

Milk for cold lunch or extra milk may be purchased in the

morning or during the lunch period.

FREE & REDUCED MEALS may be applied for any time during the

school year. An informational booklet is sent home to every

family at the beginning of the school year. Please see the Food

Service Director for more information.

LUNCH ROOM RULES:

The following rules shall exist during the students' lunch

period:

1. Students must show respect for other students during

lunch. You may visit with the students at your table,

but yelling and excessive loudness will not be

tolerated.

2. Students are responsible for cleaning up the

area, including both the table and the floor around them.

3. Students must line up quietly and orderly both in the

lunch room and after lunch.

4. Students are not permitted to have soda at lunch time.

5. Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds

during lunch.

6. Fast food for individual/family students is not

permitted to be brought in for lunch.

MEDICATION:

All students who are required to take medications of any

type during the school day are to bring the medication to the

designated school personnel (secretary, principal). The students

on medication will be given a form for the parents to complete

that authorizes school personnel to dispense medication. The

permission form will be kept on file in the School Office.

Students on medication have the responsibility to come to

the person designated to dispense the medication and request

their medication. Medications should be kept in a marked

container and prescription medication should be in the original

container.

Over-the-counter and prescription medications should not be

kept in a student desk. Students with asthma are to keep their

inhaler(s) with them at all times. A parental permission form is

required. Teachers will be notified as to which students are to

have their asthma medication with them.

By law, the school is not allowed to dispense any type of

medication to students without prior parental approval.

MODIFIED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

St. Thomas Aquinas School believes that when necessary, the

educational program of a student may be modified to meet the

specific needs of the child. This step will be taken only after

testing has proven that modification is necessary. This is

consistent with school philosophy regarding meeting the

individual needs of the student.

Modified Educational Programming is done to help the student

experience success in his/her school work. The program is

designed with the consent of the Parent and is monitored by the

Teacher, principal and Learning Support Team. A Learning

Assistant Plan will be created for the student. This plan will be

kept in a confidential file.

MUSIC:

Music is a part of the schedule at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish

School. Students in grades K - 5 will have music twice a week.

Students in grades 6-8 will have music electives once a week.

They will have the choice of band or general music with choir.

The school will conduct two musical programs per school

An instrumental music program is available to students in

grades 4-8. Lessons are available. Plans and fees for lessons

shall be determined by the band instructor.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY:

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School admits students of any

race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights,

privileges, program and activities according or made available to

students at this school. It does not discriminate on the basis

of age, sex, handicap, race, color, national or ethnic origin in

administration of its educational policies, admission policies,

scholarships or loan programs, and athletic and school

administered programs. (Pursuant to IRS Procedure 75-70, Section

4.2 (a))

PUPIL/PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES:

Pupil/Parent/Teacher Conferences are held twice a year in

the FIRST and THIRD quarters. The first is mandatory and held at

the end of the first academic quarter. The second is at the

parent or teacher request at the end of the third academic

quarter. If at any time parent(s) need to confer with the

student's teacher, arrangements should be made with the child's

teacher(s) via written message, email or phone.

ROOM PARENTS:

Room parents assist with classroom activities throughout the

school year, including planning classroom activities at the

teacher's invitation, helping with all-school activities, and

assisting with special projects, etc. If you are interested in

getting involved, please contact Home and School. We appreciate

your support in helping make your child's school experience a

positive one.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM:

Students in grade 2 will receive their First Reconciliation

and First Holy Communion if they are deemed ready. Our school

students will receive these Sacraments with the Religious

Education Program students and in context with the larger Parish

community.

Students in other grades who have not received the

Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation or Communion will have the

opportunity to prepare and receive those Sacraments. Parents who

have not received these Sacraments are also encouraged to begin

preparation for these Sacraments. That preparation is done

through the Parish.

Opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be

provided at several times during the school year. The Pastor and

teachers shall coordinate this schedule.

Preparation for the reception of First Reconciliation and

First Communion will include:

1. Parental involvement at home

2. The classroom setting

3. Special instructional settings in which parent will be

required to participate.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE:

The School Committee is a group of discerned School parents

and/or parishioners, who, along with the Pastor and principal,

are dedicated to the promotion and welfare of Catholic education.

The School Committee serves as an advisory body to the

school administrator. It assists with policy development,

identifying and expressing the educational goals and objectives

of the parish community, budget planning and public relations.

All parents are encouraged to attend School Committee

meetings that are held once a month.

School Policy #2003: Placing Items on the School Committee Agenda:

A. Submit a request in writing to the president 2 weeks

prior to the meeting.

B. There will be a maximum of 5 minutes for discussion of

the topic.

C. Items requiring additional attention will be assigned to

a sub-committee or will be placed on the old business

section of the agenda.

Adopted: March, 2006

School Policy #2002: Parent Section School Committee

Meeting Policy:

A. Parents are required to sign in and list the topic they

will comment on.

B. Parents will have two (2) minutes to make their

comments.

C. Issues may be placed on the following months agenda by

submitting in writing to the president 2 weeks prior to

the school committee meeting.

D. Due to the confidentiality and potentially sensitive

issues, everyone is asked to refrain from mentioning

specific names of students, families, and/or teacher's

names. Comments of this sort will be addressed

individually.

Adopted: March, 2006

SCHOOL HOURS:

The school day begins at 7:25 a.m. and concludes at 2:30

p.m. Students will be allowed to enter the building at 7:15 a.m.

Students who ride the bus will be dismissed at 2:30 p.m. On early

dismissal days, however, the school day concludes at 11:45 a.m.,

at which time our bus-riders will be picked up.

Supervision is provided for the students from 7:15 a.m.

until 2:30 p.m. each day. Unless they have an appointment with a

teacher or are in an after-school activity, students should not

be in the building prior to 7:15 a.m. or after 2:30 p.m.

Students who have volleyball, basketball, or track practice,

as well as band, music or voice lessons after school, need to

make arrangements for where they will stay until their practice

or band/music lesson takes place. There will be no supervision

by St. Thomas Aquinas School faculty or staff available. If the

students are staying until their event begins, they MUST be

supervised by an adult.

Parents are reminded that students who walk to school, or

are driven to school by members of their family, should not

report earlier than 7:15 a.m. Students who report prior to that

time are not the responsibility of the school.

SCHOOL PICTURES:

Pictures of every student will be taken early in the fall of

the school year. Payment and picture packet orders are due on

Backpack night with the option to retake in October.

Revised August 2017

SCHOOL STORE:

The school store offers the students an opportunity to

purchase needed school supplies at a convenient time and

location. Please send money in an enveloped marked with

student's name and what item(s) is being purchased. No loans

will be given.

Service:

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and School values service.

Many service opportunities exist at St. Thomas Aquinas. Below

are some of the Time and Talent opportunities that exist. You can

help during any of these activities or take a leadership

position.

Chaperones Playground Duty

Room Parent Kindergarten Screening

School Library School Committee Member

Teacher Prep or Copies Lunch Room Kitchen Help

Lunch Room Supervisor Technology Committee

Athletic Association Officer Autumn Gala Committee

Coach/Assistant Coach for St. Thomas Athletics

Concession Stand/Scoreboard Wild Game Dinner

Open House Tour Talent Show Helper

Concession Stand Coordinator Cemetery

Catholic Schools Week Volunteer Blood Drive

School/Parish Fish Fries Fish Fry Baking

Home and School Sponsored Activity Home and School Officer

Float Coordinator for Parades Love Inc. Meal Program

World Day of Marriage Night Altar Server Coordinator

Parish Council Parish Committee Position

Country Fair Chairperson Country Fair

St.Vincent DePaul/Meal program Human Concerns

Holy Dusters Preschool REP Teacher/Aide

Grade School REP Teacher/Aide

High School REP Teacher Child Care at Events

Artsonian coordinator Christian Women

Knights of Columbus Endowment Committee

New parish registration helper Full Moon Run Beer tent

Bulletin Stuffers Church Environment

Funeral lunches Gardening Angels

Collaboration Christian Formation

RCIA member Bereavement Committee

Other Activities with Pre Approval from the Principal

Please consider getting involved! Besides sharing your time and

talent with all the people and youth of St. Thomas Aquinas, you

will be making friends, getting to know your parish and school,

and having a great time! Child care provisions will be reviewed

and scheduled for whenever possible, to assist families in

becoming more involved and providing service commitment hours.

TELEPHONE:

Student use of the telephone is limited and only with the

approval of the teacher and the school office. Students will be

allowed to use the phone for any change of schedule, or other

EMERGENCIES! After school plans need to be made prior to the

school day. Students are expected to have the needed materials

at the start of each school day.

Parents are asked to make only emergency call during the

school day to the teachers and students. The school discourages

calling teachers or students from class.

The School Office is often hectic at the beginning and end

of the day. Use of the school telephone impedes access for

emergencies.

TESTING PROGRAM:

Students in grades 3, 5 and 7 will be given the Iowa Test of

Basic Skills at a time determined by the Archdiocese of

Milwaukee. Students in grades 1-8 will be given MAP tests 3 times

a year. Such tests are used to verify and assess student

progress in the learning process. The results of these tests

will be shared with the parents at a time determined by the

principal and faculty of the school.

Special testing and speech therapy are available from the

local public school district. Such requests may be

initiated by the teacher or parent.

TUITION:

The monthly tuition payment will include the school tuition

and student(s) book bill. Payments are based on 12 months

beginning with July. Tuition is handled by Smart Tuition. This

company’s program allows access to your account and the

flexibility to pick your due date and method of payment. A

$40.00 late charge will be assessed after the due date.

School Policy #3001: Tuition Pay Back Policy

If a family leaves St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School during

the school year, and has paid their entire tuition for the

months of the year, a refund will be issued, prorated for

the remaining months of the school year, upon written

request.

Adopted: May, 2005

School Policy #3003: Tuition Policy

“As a Christian community we are aware, that in some

circumstances, payment of tuition could cause financial

hardship on a family. It is the responsibility of that

family to make this situation known to the parish business

manager. No student shall be terminated during the first

semester for non-payment of the agreed upon tuition fee.

Non-payment of an agreed upon prior year’s tuition may

result in non-admission for the following school year.

Dismissal of a student in the second semester for non-

payment of financial obligation is used only as a last

resort when the parent or guardian has failed to demonstrate

good faith in attempting to meet these obligations (Arch

Policy 2205a) All tuition, fees, and fines must be paid in

full prior to graduation. Students will not be able to

attend end of the year activities or receive report card and

diploma if the money is not paid. Failure to pay required

tuition and fees could result in legal action. No academic

records will be forwarded to another school if all financial

obligations have not been satisfied. The pastor has

discretionary decision making responsibility regarding

tuition assistance for those families that may experience

financial hardship.”

Adopted: February, 2009

VISITORS:

All visitors to the school are to sign in at the office and

receive a visitor's tag. For the safety of all, no one will be

allowed into a class without the written permission of the

principal. School time is for teaching and disruptions must be

kept to a minimum.

VOLUNTEERS ARE INVALUABLE Chaperones Teacher Assistants

Pizza Sale Help Athletic Association

Officer Lunchroom supervision

Coach/Assistant Coach Concession Stand

Lunch Room Kitchen Help Room Parent

Open House Tours Kindergarten Screening

Catholic Schools Week Volunteer Wild Game Dinner

School/Parish Fish Fries Endowment Golf Outing

World Day of Marriage Night Teacher aid

School Committee or Parish Council Blood Drive

Home and School Committee Officer Country Fair

Home and School Sponsored Activity School Library

Fundraiser or Home and School Coordinator Float Coordinator

Parish Committee Position Altar Server Coordinator

Country Fair Chairperson St. Vincent De Paul

Playground Supervision

Please consider getting involved! Besides sharing your time and

talent with all the people and youth of St. Thomas Aquinas, you

will be making friends, getting to know your parish and school,

and having a great time! Don’t forget to take the Safeguarding

God’s children class with background check…thank you!

POWERSCHOOL:

All grades and grade reports are generated through

PowerSchool. PowerSchool is an Internet-based grade book.

Parents and students share a user name and password in the on-

line system. Teachers update grades; parents and families are

able to access grades. Hard copies of all report cards will be

generated and distributed quarterly. The web address is:

https://www.powerschool.com

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL:

Parents who wish to withdraw their child from school shall

contact the principal in writing. The school will not forward

transcripts or grades until all obligations, financial and

otherwise, have been fulfilled. An exit interview will be held

with the parents, principal, and, if necessary, the Pastor. An

Exit Survey will be sent to the family shortly after their

withdrawal from school.

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School has had all buildings inspected

for asbestos. Our management plan was submitted to the State of

Wisconsin for review in compliance with Asbestos Hazard Emergency

Response Act (AHERA) 40 CFR Part 763 effective October,

1987. The inspections and management plan were performed by

Comprehensive Design, Inc.

The management plan is available for inspection during

normal business hours in the school's administrative offices.

There will be no restriction as who will be allowed to review the

plan, and there will be no cost involved. The extreme size and

complexity of this document may require assistance of a staff

person familiar with the plan during your examination of the

document in our offices.

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School has contracted to have the

regular required inspections by Schauer and Associates. These

will be performed as required by the management plan.

These activities do not mean that there is an asbestos

problem in the school. Asbestos related activities and public

notification of these activities are mandatory as stated by the

EPA Federal Register, Vol. 52, N.210, Sec. 763.93 July, 2006.

Bully Prevention Program

K and 1: WE WANT EVERYONE TO HAVE FRIENDS

How we will make this happen:

We will ask people to play with us.

We will play with people

We will look and make sure no one is left out.

When someone doesn’t want to play we can ask them again another day.

We can smile and say hello to people.

We will respect each others personal space and property.

2 and 3: WE WANT NO NAME CALLING OR TEASING HERE AT ST. THOMAS

If your friend is calling people names, ask the friend to stop nicely.

If someone is being called names, help them get away.

If people call you names, get away from them or ask for help.

If you are thinking about calling someone a name, count to 10 or take a breath and think about what you say

before you say it.

4: WE WANT PEOPLE TO PLAY BY THE RULES AND BE FAIR

It is easy to play by the rules when you are winning.

It is hard to play by rules if you are losing or is someone else cheats.

We can remember that if you win by cheating you feel bad later.

We can remember not to complain if we are losing but try harder instead.

5-8: WE DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A POPULAR GROUP, WITH OTHER PEOPLE LEFT OUT

When someone tries to start a popular group, don’t go along with them.

Play with everyone; include people who are left out.

Stick up for people if someone is leaving them out.

If someone is being mean, ask them to stop in a nice way.

Help people get away if they are being teased.

Don’t give people too much power by going along with them if they say: “I will only be your friend if

you…” If they do that say “No thanks.”

For all: WHEN WORK IS HARD WE WANT TO REMEMBER TO WORK HARDER INSTEAD OF GIVING UP.

We can remember that we feel bad about ourselves if we give up right away.

When something is hard we can keep on trying.

We know that most of the time if we keep trying we will be able to do it.

And even if we can’t do it we will know we tried.

And we will remember that if you copy someone else’s work and call it your own you feel bad later.

We will remember that we feel proud when we try hard when work is difficult and that we don’t feel proud

of ourselves when we give up.

PARENT / STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017 - 2018 · Gr. 8 – Homeroom Ms. McCord ... Agenda/Meeting Policies ... observation at home. Any head injury will result in a phone call

Documents

SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING - cssd.ab.ca · SCHOOL COUNCIL –.....

We are Friends from Today - Yokohama · We are Friends from...

Manual - NJDOE Homeroom · Web viewHomeroom Administrator...

Slide homeroom 2 คนต้นแบบ

Introduction to homeroom

Welcome to Homeroom/AR

McCord Blackwell Pro Portfolio

Mccord jeffrey portfolio web sheets

Per McCord, USDA-ARS, USA

Homeroom 4 values

Le and McCord 2008

HOMEROOM MRSM MUAR

Presented by Nancy McCord of McCord Web Design Waldorf,...

SVTL 2011 - 18 - McCord

HOMEROOM - arau.mrsm.edu.my

KYLIE MCCORD Senior Engineering ConsultantKYLIE MCCORD...