2008-09
School Year
Dear
Parents:
_________________________________________
____________________________________
Date
_____________________________
Even
though this handbook explains penalties that can be imposed for certain types of
misconduct or prohibited behavior, you should be aware that the principal has
the right and the authority to impose different or additional penalties and to
impose penalties for offenses that are not specifically listed in this handbook,
if the principal concludes that the conduct or behavior is harmful to the good
order and discipline of the school, its religious mission or its educational
objectives. This includes
disciplinary action for conduct that occurs on the school premises or at other
locations. The penalties may include
suspension and/or expulsion.
The principal reserves the right to amend this handbook and the school policies and procedures without prior notice. Every effort will be made to advise students and parents of such changes.
In
keeping with the
TO
BE CHRIST,
St. Margaret Regional School has been providing quality education since 1965. The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus, along with our devoted lay teachers, have maintained a school environment which promotes learning and encourages Catholic Christian values.
St.
Margaret Regional School is the parish school for St. Margaret Church,
1st grade 6 yrs. old by Sept. 30
Preschool 3 yrs. old by Sept. 30
Preschool 4 yrs. old by Sept. 30
Grade
K - 8
Faculty arrival
Student arrival
Prayer
Lunch/recess
Dismissal
CURRICULUM
The Academic program offered at St. Margaret Regional School follows guidelines recommended by the Diocese of Camden. Textbooks are continually evaluated. Library, health, physical education, Spanish, music and art are regularly taught, as well as computer literacy.
Of the educational programs available to the Catholic community, Catholic Schools afford the fullest and best opportunity to realize the threefold purpose of Christian education among children and young people.
Our religious education program helps our children to form a sound basis for moral and ethical decisions, and helps them to acquire an understanding of their relationship with God and each other. Some of our religious activities are:
Reconciliation Advent Para-liturgies
Lenten Para-liturgies Rosary/May Crowning
Vocation
Awareness
Food/toy collection
Children have the opportunity for confession and Mass as a regular part of their religious instructions. Class Masses and para-liturgical services are planned throughout the year. Preparation for First Penance, First Communion and Confirmation take place over a 2 year period, including meetings for parents. The normal time for the reception of First Penance and First Communion is in grade 2, and Confirmation in grade 8.
Students are required to receive their sacraments in the parish community in which the family is registered. All immediate sacramental preparation takes place within the parish community setting.
The use of the internet, and all forms of social communication (written or verbal) not only has to be ethical but follow catholic/christian norms. No parent, student or teacher has the right to violate the rights of another person by improper use of any type of social communication.
All parents must sign an “Acceptable Use Policy” before their child will be permitted to use the internet in school. The Acceptable Use Policy is signed only once and is in effect until the last child graduates or leaves St. Margaret’s School.
St.
Margaret’s
All students are required to participate in the Physical Education program unless a written excuse from a parent or guardian is presented to the Physical Education Instructor on that particular day. If a student is to be excused for more than two days, a written excuse from a physician must be presented in the principal's office stating the specific time period the student is to be excused. A written assignment may be given to a child if he/she is not permitted to participate in gym. This is done to provide a grade for the student.
Proper gym uniform must be worn on gym days. Points will be deducted from a child’s grade for the following reasons: Improper uniform, lack of participation, lack of attention, unwillingness to participate in any activity prescribed as part of the physical education class.
Physical Education Class also includes instruction in nutrition and health awareness.
Children are made aware of the spiritual and material needs of the foreign missions and are given the opportunity to join the National Holy Childhood Association.
The Family Life Program is presented in grades K-8. Ideally it is incorporated into appropriate subject matter, or can be taught as a separate class. Parents are responsible for discussing the “facts of life” with their children.
A part time counselor is available at St. Margaret Regional School. Counseling may be requested by the parent, in writing, or by the classroom teacher on an as need basis, with parental written consent. In an emergency situation, a student may see the counselor, and the parent will be informed as soon as possible. In a serious situation, the police and Crisis Intervention will be notified. Students with serious problems will be recommended for clinical help outside of the school.
Children may also receive the following services, if they qualify:
1.Corrective speech therapy
2.Examination and classification of students with special needs
in the areas of academics, behavior, or physical condition
3.Home instruction in case of prolonged absence
4.Compensatory education
The school library is opened to students in grades K-4 at a specified time during school hours. Grades 5-8 will use the library under the direction of the classroom teacher for projects designed by the teacher. The student who signs for a book is responsible for it; that student cannot lend it to another for any reason.
Library books can be kept for a week. They must be returned when due in the same condition as when issued. Silence is to be observed in the library at all times.
Children must have a book to read at all times. The books/magazines should be on the child’s reading level. Books with excessive violence, obscene language, sexual innuendoes, or matter against the catholic faith and morals will be confiscated. Inappropriate material in school is considered a serious offense. {see pg. 6}
Homework is an essential requirement for the full scholastic development of the child. Homework is assigned to solidify and integrate what the child has been taught and to foster in the pupil independent work habits and instill in him or her a sense of personal responsibility.
Grades 1 and 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 minutes
Grades 3, 4 and 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 minutes
Grades 6, 7 and 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 minutes
TESTS
Test papers are periodically sent home for parental signature. The parental signature implies these papers have been reviewed, and you are aware of your child’s progress. Since this is a method of informing parents of your child’s progress, it is your responsibility to follow up with the teacher if you are concerned.
*NB Each teacher has her/his own style of testing and returning papers.
Students in grades 4-8 are given cumulative tests at the end of the school year in all major subjects to determine the level of proficiency the student has achieved.
ALTERNATE ASSESSMENT
Student
progress is also assessed through alternative means such as homework, reports,
quizzes, workbook pages, oral assessment. Please check with your child’s
teacher to determine how alternative assessment is used and graded in your
child’s class as this varies from teacher to teacher.
CHEATING
Cheating on a test is a serious compromise of a student’s integrity and will not be tolerated. If cheating is discovered, the student’s work will be confiscated and a failing grade will automatically be given for that particular test and the student will also be subject to a suspension. This also applies to anyone assisting in cheating.
Copying homework, doing homework in class while it is being corrected and pretending it is complete are also forms of cheating. As such proper measures will be taken to ensure a student’s integrity is not compromised in the future.
N.B. This also applies to all written assignments.
RETENTION/SUMMER SCHOOL
Academic failures in two or more subjects constitutes grounds for retention. A student who is doing unsatisfactory work because of a lack of effort or maturity, or for other reasons, will be retained in the same grade. A child who fails one subject must successfully complete 20 hours of summer school before being admitted into the next grade. Failure to attend summer school will result in retention.
A student who is doing unsatisfactory work, but not failing, in two or more subjects must be tutored for a minimum of twenty hours in the weak subjects before being admitted into the next grade.
All work and tests completed by the student during this time must be presented to the principal by August 30. Results of assignments and tests, and recommendation by the tutor will determine his/her readiness for promotion. Failure to do this will result in the student's retention.
Child
Study Team
As an outcome of our philosophy, it is at times necessary for a teacher to recommend evaluation of a child for academic and/or social, emotional reasons. No one can predict the future, but experience is the best indicator that early assessment of possible problem areas does help most children for whom it is suggested.
Conferences are provided throughout the year as the need arises. These conferences can be requested either by the teacher, parent, or principal. All conferences must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Conferences should not be scheduled during the teacher’s lunch break unless authorized by the individual teacher.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress Reports are distributed as needed through the marking period. Once a child’s average falls below a 77, a progress report must be sent to the parent by the teacher.
REPORT CARDS
Report Cards are issued periodically throughout the year, in keeping with the policy of the Diocese of Camden. Parents should examine report cards carefully. Report cards represent a composite of daily work, home assignments, reports and tests. The marking system has the following codes:
Major Subjects Grades 3-8
Excellent progress at grade level A+ 97 - 100 A 93 - 96
Very good progress at grade level B+ 89 - 92 B 85 - 88
Normal progress at grade level C+ 81 - 84 C 77 - 80
Slow progress at grade level D+ 74 - 76 D 70 - 73
Unsatisfactory progress; needs attention F below 70
I Need for improvement in specific subject
E Exceeds grade level expectation
S Satisfactory
NI Improvement Shown
U Unsatisfactory
Major Subjects grades 1-2
Growth is self motivated, exceeding grade level expectation E
Growth exhibited to build knowledge and skills, meet grade
Level expectations
G
Early stages of development, progressing toward grade level
Expectations P
Initial stages of
development, needs assistance
I
Minor
subject grading follows that of grades 3-8
Major subject grades for
Kindergarten
Consistently observed C
Sometimes observed S
Needs practice and support N
This skill was not assessed during this marking period N/A
N.B.
Format of report cards is subject to change by the Diocese of
Parent-Teacher Conferences are held to develop a greater understanding of all the children and to aid their growth by mutual effort and sharing of ideas. Conferences are scheduled throughout the year at the request of parent or teacher. There is a mandatory conference during each academic year.
SPECIAL
TEACHER REQUESTS
Parents may not request a specific teacher for their child.
PARENTS
RESPONSIBILITY
Parents must weigh seriously their obligation to educate their children in an atmosphere which emphasizes message, community, and service.
Parents can assist our educational partnership by:
1. Attending weekly Mass and significant religious services with their children
2. Assisting their children in academic and moral development by reviewing report cards
carefully, supervising home study, and cooperating with the school concerning activities,
recreation and discipline
3. Talking about school with their children
4. Providing a suitable time and place for homework
5. Monitoring television viewing
6. Reading aloud to children
7. Attending school programs with children
8. Sharing hobbies and interests with children
9. Trying to discover the children's interests and talents so they can be developed in
cooperation with classroom teachers
10. Taking an active role in the school Parent-Teacher Association
11. Allowing child to accept consequences for poor behavior, rather than defending a child’s
behavior
12. Send children to school regularly
13. Keeping sick children home
14. Supporting a teacher’s policies
15. Helping children to cope with imperfections rather than excuse
CODE OF CONDUCT
The purpose of discipline at St. Margaret Regional School is to promote tranquillity arising from order. Discipline also nurtures the care and respect for the individual and others. Ideally, this is something that exists within the individual who recognizes those responsibilities of service owed to God, himself/herself and others. But whether or not this maturity exists within the individual, order is essential to the effective management of any school. The purpose of discipline is to provide an atmosphere in which children can develop into self-directed thinking Christians actively involved in the world they will help create.
STUDENTS
ARE REQUIRED:
1. To obey all classroom and school rules
2. To attend all classes and to actively participate
3. To do all work assigned by the teacher, both in the classroom and at home
4. To return, on time, any papers issued by the principal or the teacher
5. To address all teachers, staff and any visitors to the school with due respect
6. To dress according to the school uniform code
7. To treat fellow students with Christian love and respect
8. To move about the school, including entering and leaving, in an orderly and organized
manner
9. To observe the rules of the library
10. To remain on school property from time of arrival in the morning until time of dismissal
11. To obey bus safety rules
12. To attend any detention issued
13. To sign in at the office when tardy before reporting to the homeroom
14. To hand in all messages sent into school by parents/guardians
15. To accept responsibility for their personal belongings and also to have respect for
property belonging to others and to the school
16. To do their part to assure that the lavatory facilities are left neat and clean.
17. Keep books/book covers neat and clean
18. Have a good book to read at all times
19. Accept responsibility for their behavior at all times
CELL
PHONES AND BEEPERS
Cell phones are permitted for security purposes. Cell phones must be turned off at all times during school hours. If a cell phone goes off in class, it will be confiscated and returned to the parent. Should a second offense occur, the phone will be confiscated and returned to the parents at the end of the school year.
Beepers are prohibited in school. Any beeper found in school will be confiscated and returned to the parent the day after school ends.
ON THE PLAYGROUND
Students will play safely, avoid rough playing and wrestling, respect each other and school property. Hardballs, bats and hockey sticks are prohibited on the playground. All injuries must be immediately reported to the teacher on duty. Students must have a note from a parent if they are to remain indoors at recess.
While it is not possible to list every type of conduct that may require correction, the following will give an idea of unacceptable behavior. Conduct that is not permitted includes, but is not limited to the following:
DETENTION
For a minor violation of school regulations, such as failing to complete school and home assignments, disregard for student responsibilities, disregarding teachers' warnings, chewing gum in school, public display of inappropriate affection, and so forth, the offending student will be detained in school from 2:40 until 3:15 PM on a date determined by the teacher in charge. Three repeated detentions form grounds for suspension or dismissal from school, depending on the circumstances. The school is not responsible for your child after they have served their detention. Parents must provide transportation at the appropriate time.
In addition to detentions, grades 5-8 use a check system which forms to basis of the conduct grade. One detention will result in two checks.
SUSPENSION
A child may be suspended from school for a serious violation of school policy or for frequent minor violations. Suspensions may extend from one to two days. When a student is suspended, his/her parents are notified. Before being re-admitted, a conference will be arranged with the principal, the teacher(s) and the parent(s) in attendance. No re-admittance may occur prior to this conference. The administration reserves the right to dismiss any student at any time for just cause.
VIOLATIONS
The following violations are considered serious and are punishable by suspension or expulsion at all grade levels:
1. Disrespect and defiance of authority or misbehaving during mass or other liturgical celebrations.
2. Continued disregard of school regulations
3. Damaging of school property or other student's property
4. Stealing
5. Leaving school grounds
6. Truancy
7. Abusive language {verbal or written}
8. Hitting or kicking another child - whether provoked or unprovoked
9. Fighting on or off school grounds {buses included}
10. Smoking or use of alcohol or drugs on school grounds
11. Missing class without permission
12. Scandalous behavior that damages the reputation of the school {on/off school property}
13 Possession of drugs/alcohol/firearms/knives - real or play on school property
14. Threatening the well being of another child or any type of harassment
15. Possession of inappropriate written material {books, magazines, notes, letters, etc.}
16. Continued inappropriate bus behavior
17. Any form of violence, including bullying, physical or verbal
18. Any form of inappropriate touching.
VIOLENCE
Any physical assault, threatening gesture or verbal abuse is considered a form of violence. It includes verbal threats to inflict harm, attempting to harm (strike, push and/or physical aggravate). Verbal harassment or use of offensive language or gestures, disorderly conduct (shouting, throwing thing, punching walls, slamming doors), false malicious statements, fascination with weaponry are all forms of violence. Any type of violence is punishable by suspension or dismissal from school.
Any threats or abuse must be reported to the principal, or the vice
principal if the principal is absent, immediately.
It is easier to handle the situation when it is clear in everyone’s
mind, rather than dealing with stories that are blurred by weeks of time.
HARASSMENT
Harassment is behavior or words that may be repeated or offensive on a one time basis; are uninvited, unwanted and unwelcome. Harassment causes a person to feel uncomfortable; and create an environment that makes learning difficult or impossible.
Harassment is unfair, disrespectful and has no place in any Catholic school in the Diocese of Camden. The first reported offense of harassment will result in a conference and a warning. Second offense, detention and parent conference. Third offense is a suspension.
HARASSEMT MUST BE REPORTED
IMMEDIATELY TO THE PRINCIPAL, OR THE VICE PRINCIPAL IS IF THE PRINCIPAL IS NOT
AVAILABLE.
ALL REPORTS OF VIOLENCE AND
HARASSMENT WILL BE HANDLED ACCORDING TO THE AGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHILD,
AND ACCORDING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE OF NEW
Students receive Child Assault Prevention Training (CAP) on a regular basis. This is to enable the child to recognize and report abuse.
SEARCH
Desks/lockers/bookbags/pencil cases, pocketbooks, etc. or child can be searched for reasonable cause at any time.
DISMISSAL
Three suspensions in the course of one year form grounds for dismissal. Dismissal can occur with or without an expulsion hearing. Weapons and drugs in school are a serious offense which must be reported to the local authorities and are cause for immediate expulsion.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
"It is the duty of the principal and the teachers to insist on regular attendance. The loss of even one day is detrimental to the pupil's progress." {Diocesan School Board, 1976}. New Jersey State law stipulates that "Such regular attendance shall be during all the days and hours that the public schools are in session in the district unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the board of education of the district that the mental condition of the child is such that he/she cannot benefit from instruction in the school or that the bodily condition of the child is such to prevent attendance at school." {18A:38-26}
ABSENTEEISM
Parents are required to send a written note explaining the reason for absence. Excessive absenteeism of a student from school is considered to be a very serious matter which may inhibit the student learning process. It is the responsibility of the school principal to notify parents when excessive absenteeism occurs.
Absenteeism occurs when any student is absent from school for any reason which has not been previously approved by the school principal. The parents of students who have missed 10 or more cumulative days of school within the school year will be notified in the following matter:
1. After 10 cumulative days of unexcused absence, a written warning notice will be sent to the parents. It is expected that the parents will respond to the principal as a result of this
warning.
2. After 18 cumulative days of unexcused absence, a parents’ conference should be
convened with the principal to inform parents of appropriate corrective measures.
3. After 30 cumulative days of unexcused absence, the student will be retained or will
not be re-admitted into the school the following year.
Any
child who is not in school, for whatever reason, is absent.
A child is marked late who arrives to school between
a} Following an absence, a student must present a note of explanation to the teacher.
This note is to be written and signed by the parent or guardian.
b}
On the first day of absence a parent or guardian is requested to phone
the school
office
before
c} When pupils are absent because of communicable or infectious disease, a note or
re-admission slip from a physician should accompany the pupil.
d} Absences which total 30 days constitute a serious obstacle to promotion and
re-admission to school the following year.
e} It is the child and his/her parents' responsibility to see that work missed during an
absence is made up within a week of his/her return to school.
f} Permission for a child to leave the school before the closing of the class will rarely be granted and only
when explained in a note from the parents. Appointments of any kind should not be made during
school time unless there is absolutely no other alternative.
g} Failure to send in a note for absence as well as a call results in an unexcused absence.
LATENESS:
Students are
expected to arrive at school before
When in doubt regarding some regulation, parents are requested to contact the school to clarify the point in question.
Appointments for a conference with the principal or a teacher may be made through the school office.
Chain of command - Teacher/principal/pastor/diocese
Visitors and parents are not permitted to enter the corridors or the classrooms without stopping in the office first, regardless of their purpose or intention.
SCHOOL HOURS
The
school day at St. Margaret Regional School begins at
TRANSPORTATION
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Our school office is supplied with bus application forms in the early spring from the local sending school districts. When received, these are distributed to the children and should be filled out as soon as possible. Unless a form is filled out and put on file in the respective school district, the child is not eligible to ride the bus, nor is he or she covered by the bus insurance. Any child under five years of age by the end of September is ineligible for bus transportation.
1. In accordance with State Law, transportation is provided, at public expense, for children
living at a distance.
2. Children are entitled to such transportation as long as they do not infringe upon the rights of another child.
Misbehavior will be punished, since the safety of all children riding school buses is of the utmost importance.
SCHOOL BUS BEHAVIOR
A continuing violation of good order aboard the buses, {such as standing, talking too loudly, etc.} or at the bus stop, {such as rough playing, bothering families nearby, or using unkind language} will bring a suspension of riding privileges and/or in school suspension. The length of suspension will be determined by the school Principal. Because of the number of students involved and the load limitations for each bus, it is important that each student rides the bus assigned.
1.The following regulations must be observed:
a. Children upon boarding a bus shall immediately be seated.
b. Children shall remain seated until the bus has come to a full stop.
c. Children shall at all times keep their entire bodies within the bus.
d. Unruly conduct shall not be permitted within or outside the bus.
2. Poor and disruptive behavior will be punished by the manner listed below or by suspension or expulsion, depending on the seriousness of the violation. Disruptive behavior on a school bus consists of the following: loud or boisterous talking or singing, profanity, vulgarity, disobedience or impudent remarks to the bus driver/aide, smoking, fighting, or annoying another pupil in any manner or by any means, eating, depositing paper or litter in the school bus, defacement or destruction of the school bus or equipment, or the neighborhood, projecting any part of the body or any object through the windows and negligence or refusal of a pupil to sit in the seat assigned by the bus driver.
a. First Bus Offense: Bus report will be sent to parents by Principal stating the date and nature of the offense and a warning.
b. Second Bus Offense: Three day bus riding suspension
c. Third Bus Offense: Riding privileges are removed for the remainder of the year.
school suspension:
a. Fighting
b. Flagrant disrespect to bus driver
N.B.
Should there be a need to contact the bus company in your district, the
phone numbers are as
follows:
Clearview Regional 478-4400
Deptford 232-2721
Kingsway 467-3300 X4222
Presently all of our buses are sub contracted by the local public school district. Clearview/ Walt’s Bus; Deptford and West Deptford/DeHarts, and Kingsway/ Holcomb Bus Co.. If you have a problem with your child’s bus, please call the Transportation Department of your public school district (listed above).
Drivers
are expected to show courtesy to other drivers in the school area and to the
patrol members on duty. Drivers are
asked not to park in the areas where buses will be approaching or leaving the
school grounds. Please do not use cell phones while in the parking lot.
Please observe all traffic
directional signals.
*NB A traffic map is included in this book. Please become familiar with the parking zone and bus zone. If you do not understand the map, please call the school and ask for a clarification.
Bicycle riders are expected to cooperate with school procedures by carrying out the following rules:
1. Bicycles are to be parked in the front of the building
2. Bicycles are permitted to carry one rider only, the child should ride with the traffic for
safety purposes
3. Bicycles are to be walked to and from the playground area
4. Any student riding a bicycle to school must wear an approved helmet as per state regulations
Children who walk from school must obey the rules for pedestrians. For your child's safety, this includes crossing the street at the cor