Father Kolbe School
1035 South Kenwood Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
410-342-2681
Fax 410-342-5715
school@fatherkolbe.org
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Father Kolbe Parent Pages
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PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK In enrolling your child in a Catholic school, you agree to certain important responsibilities. These include:
So welcome to Father Kolbe School. The entire school community pledges its support to you. May Jesus, the model of all teachers, be our encouragement in this important ministry of Catholic education. Surely, He who said, “Suffer the children to come unto me” will bless the efforts in His name. GENERAL INTRODUCTION The following directives and procedures will constitute policy for Father Kolbe School. It is our sincere hope that these guidelines will serve as a practical guide to you and thus strengthen the bonds of mutual cooperation between the home and the school. History of Father Kolbe School Father Kolbe School, then called St. Casimir School, was established in 1902 in the ground floor of the original St. Casimir’s Church. The school was founded in the Franciscan tradition and was largely staffed by religious sisters. It is set in a neighborhood rich in Polish ethnicity and Catholic heritage. In 1975 St. Casimir’s School was merged with St. Stanislaus School to serve the educational needs of both parishes, and the name was changed to Father Kolbe School. For 14 years Father Kolbe had a campus at St. Stanislaus for kindergarten through grade four. St. Casimir housed grades five through eight. With the decrease in vocations it was determined that only one convent would be used, and one Principal would travel between two schools. As a result of the Catholic Schools’ project in 1988, it was decided to move Father Kolbe School to only one campus with a strong staff, and incorporate St. Leo’s parish as a part of Kolbe School. This took place in 1989. Father Kolbe School is presently at the site of St. Casimir parish. Location Father Kolbe School is located at 1035 South Kenwood Avenue near Boston and O’Donnell Streets in the heart of Canton. It is easily accessed from both Interstate 95 and downtown Baltimore. Philosophy/Mission Father Kolbe is a Roman Catholic school that offers a quality Catholic Christian education to children of St. Casimir, St. Stanislaus, and St. Leo Parishes and the surrounding community - both Catholic and non-Catholic. We implement a curriculum based on Catholic values and high academic standards. We believe that children learn by doing, and provide a program that includes hands-on learning activities, as well as enrichment and field trip activities. Our educational environment fosters the holistic development of each child: spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and cultural. Our school forges a partnership of faculty, family, parish, and community to promote Christian living in a contemporary society. Admission is open to all students who can benefit from the program that is offered. Objectives
Middle States Certification Father Kolbe School is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Maryland Green School Father Kolbe School was a recipient of the 2004 Maryland Green School Award for outstanding natural resource, environmental, and conservation education, community involvement, and practices. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Core Curriculum The curriculum is organized according to the Course of Study set forth by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Division of Catholic Schools and the Maryland State Department of Education. Textbooks and instructional Materials are selected appropriately to support instructional objectives and are kept current. Religion is an integral part of the instructional program at Father Kolbe School. All students are expected to participate in religion classes and liturgical services and activities. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend all services. Special Programs In addition to our regular curriculum, Father Kolbe School offers the following: Pre-kindergarten: Pre-kindergarten is available for 3 and 4 year olds either part-time or full-time. This developmental readiness program creatively provides age-appropriate learning experiences and invites children to be part of God’s family. We follow the Maryland State Department of Education age guidelines for admission. Children must be completely toilet trained. After School Care (ASC): The ASC program is for Father Kolbe students and is open on all school days from dismissal until 6:00 p.m. The center is closed when the school is closed for any reason. This program takes place in the St. Joseph Cupertino Center, which is located directly across the street from the school. It is designed to provide a safe and fun environment for children whose families are unable to pick them up after school dismisses. The same discipline guidelines will be followed that are used in the school program. The program offers study time, relaxation time, and allows for both full and part-time attendance. Specific instructions and information are provided to parents who enroll in the program. Special Area Subjects: Weekly computer, art, music, Spanish, library, and physical education instruction is provided to all students. Library Skills class is provided to students from grades Pre-K to Grade 5. Renzulli Enrichment Program: The Renzulli Enrichment Model provides the basis of this weekly enrichment program provided to all middle school students. Student Leadership Opportunities: Student Council, School Safeties, Student Ambassadors, Student Service Club, and grade partnerships all provide opportunities for student leadership. Title I: Title I is a government program offered to children who experience difficulties in reading and/or math in grades K-8 and who meet federal guidelines for the program. Instrumental Music Program: Instrumental music is offered on a weekly basis through a private company, approved by the Division of Catholic Schools. Students participating in this program are eligible to play in the school band and compete with other Catholic School Bands in an annual Music Festival. This program is available for grades 4 to 8 at an additional cost. Counselor: The school has the services of a fully qualified counselor one half day / week to facilitate ARD testing and assist students / families in locating appropriate educational or other services. Human Sexuality Program: In compliance with Archdiocesan directives for Catholic Schools, a comprehensive program for human sexuality is provided to all students. Sacramental Programs Since it is the responsibility of each parish to establish a program for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation, the school plays only a supportive role to the parents and the parishioners in preparing the children for those sacraments. Parents of Catholic students are informed by the appropriate parish personnel regarding the exact requirements involved for sacramental preparation. The school’s religion program supplements these activities. ACADEMIC POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARD Referral Process If a child is not progressing academically, the school may ask the parents to initiate, or the parents may initiate on their own, the process to request professional assistance from their local public school system. (Private educational testing, often paid for by insurance, may also be used.) The Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process (ARD) is available to children who may need further academic assistance. The ARD process begins with the collection of screening information to determine if there is a reason to suspect a disability under special education laws. An initial ARD meeting with the ARD team from the child’s home public school (the private school must be invited to participate in this meeting) will determine whether or not an evaluation plan is necessary. However, if an evaluation plan is developed and the test results determine that there is a need for implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), school administrators will consult with the parents to determine the most appropriate academic placement for the child. Throughout the process to determine if the child is eligible for special education services, every effort will be made by the school staff to complete the required paperwork, to attend the ARD meetings and to support the parents. In order to facilitate this process, parents should inform the school administration prior to initiating the ARD process on their own. Back-to-School Night Parents have the opportunity to receive an explanation of the policy and procedures for each homeroom during the Back-to-School Open House scheduled annually during the first month of school. An outline of the projected specific curriculum for each grade along with copies of classroom policies and procedures are provided. Expectations Children rise or fall to the level of expectations set for them. Therefore high standards are established to allow our students to maximize their learning experience, and students are expected to put forth strong effort toward the achievement of those goals. It is important that parents have high expectations for their children as well, and show confidence in their ability to achieve. If someone assumes that a child “can’t” or “won’t,” the child is being set up for failure. What parents think matters to children! Eighth Grade High School Admissions Preparation There will be an eighth grade parent meeting at the beginning of the school year to assist parents in the high school search and application process. At that time pertinent materials will be provided. All guidelines must be followed. A High School Day will be scheduled to expose 7th and 8th graders to local high schools. Eighth graders are allowed two “shadow days” at high schools of their choice. Shadow days should be arranged for days on which Dates for “shadow days” are suggested in the eighth grade materials. Shadow days are excused absences and do not count against Perfect Attendance. Note: All applications are coordinated from the school office. Parents requesting scholarship applications to be completed other than the one provided by the Archdiocese must send the information/application to the school office two weeks before the due date. All letters of references are to be coordinated from the office. Please do not give them directly to a teacher. The school will mail the completed application along with the necessary student records. Graduation Fee There is an eighth grade graduation fee that covers eighth grade graduation activities such as the High School Entrance Exam Study Guide, cap and gowns, diploma, graduation picture, transcripts, Hershey Park Trip, etc. The fee will be collected at the beginning of the school year. Graduation Requirements In order to graduate, students must complete the Course of Study prescribed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore. In addition to the academic promotion requirements for eighth grade, student behavior must be in accordance with our school expectations as stated elsewhere in this handbook. The school reserves the right to determine graduation eligibility. All financial obligations must be fulfilled, and the school reserves the right to hold academic records and withhold graduation privileges if financial obligations are not met. Retention Eighth graders who fail two or more major subjects for the year may be retained. The major subjects are: math, language arts (reading, English, vocabulary, spelling), social studies, and science. Students who are retained will not participate in graduation ceremonies and a certificate/diploma will not be issued. Summer School Students who are required to attend summer school may participate in the graduation ceremony, but will not receive their certificates/diplomas until proof of successful completion of summer school has been received. High School Acceptances High School acceptances are always conditional, contingent upon the receipt of a transcript indicating the successful completion of the academic year. Students whose grades or behavior drop may have high school acceptance(s) withdrawn. Field Trips Field trips are considered an integral part of the school’s educational program and a valuable learning experience for students. Field trips are scheduled at various times during the school year. In advance of the trip, a permission form, required by the Archdiocesan Division of Catholic Schools, is sent home. A student will be permitted to attend the trip ONLY if the permission form is signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the teacher by the specified date along with any fee. The school reserves the right to qualify or exclude participation in outside classroom activities. Unless specifically told to the contrary, students wear their school uniforms on all field trips. If, for some extraordinary reason, a student is unable to participate, the student is expected to attend school on that day and fees must still be paid since the rates we are quoted reflect total participation. Work will be supplied by the teacher(s), and the student will be assigned a classroom in which to work under the supervision of a staff member. If a student is unable to attend because of illness, we cannot promise a refund. The teacher must be notified if a child will not participate in the field trip experience. Students who are kept home from the trip will be marked absent; however, they will still be required to complete the make-up work assigned by the teacher. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are encouraged to participate as chaperones on field trips as the need arises. However, because of safety and liability factors, pre-school siblings and other school-age siblings are not allowed. Chaperones should be over the age of 21. Students and chaperones must use the transportation provided by Father Kolbe School to and from all field trips. Students must participate in the field trip as described on the permission slip. We do not permit parents not selected as chaperones to join the group at the trip destination as this creates confusion. Parents who are selected as chaperones are expected to stay with and monitor students at all times. Smoking is not permitted by anyone. This is important from both a role model and from a health point of view, and is in keeping with Father Kolbe School’s smoke free policy. PLEASE NOTE: New Archdiocesan guidelines require that certain policies be followed regarding the screening of volunteers who may have unsupervised contact with students. This includes STAND video training, application, references, and background checks. Father Kolbe School complies with the policies as required. It is necessary for parents to complete the screening process in order to accompany students on a field trip. Parents or others without the STAND training certification will not be permitted to attend. This is for the protection of the students. Grading Policies Progress Reports The school adheres to the grading system prescribed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Division of Schools. PowerSchool Computerized Progress Reports are distributed three times a year. The Progress Report envelope should be signed and returned promptly. Dates of distribution of Progress Reports are noted on the calendar. A parent conference is required for the distribution of the first Progress Report each year. A $5.00 fee is charged for lost Progress Report envelopes. Parent Access The PowerSchool Student Information System provides for Parent Access to current, on-going student academic progress. This provides parents with an excellent means for monitoring student progress, including late or missing work. Parents are granted an access code for their child(ren)’s record after attending Parent Access training at the beginning of the school year. In accordance with school financial policies, Father Kolbe School reserves the right to withhold Parent Access until all tuition, fees, and other obligations to Father Kolbe School are current. Interim Reports Interim Reports will be sent home to all students in the middle of the first trimester to notify the parents of any problems or needed improvements in a student’s performance. If a student's grade drops after Interim Reports are distributed, parents will be contacted. Parents should take action to correct areas of need. It is important that all Interim Reports be signed and returned by parents or guardian the next school day. Once Parent Access is granted, student progress may be monitored in an on-going bases. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Parent-teacher conferences are a valuable asset in assisting a student’s growth. These should be scheduled by the teacher whenever necessary and may also be initiated by the parent. However, parents are not to interrupt teachers either before school or during school hours. Honor Roll The academic and citizenship honor roll will begin in grade three. First Honors
Second Honors
Honorable Mention
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Conduct (for grades 1-8)
Notes: I’s, N's, or U’s on a Progress Report eliminates a student from all honors that quarter. If there are more than two instances of tardiness in a given quarter, the administration reserves the right to deny honor status to the student and / or give an N in responsibility. Promotion Requirements Students are promoted to the next grade upon successful completion of the work in the current grade according to the criteria listed below. Retention Policy It is the policy of Father Kolbe School to recommend and utilize retention when necessary. Retention is an educational tool, not a punishment, and can be another means to attain academic goals. Criteria for Promotion/Retention: The following criteria will be used to determine retention:
Procedure for Retention To retain a student in the same grade for the next academic year, the following procedure is observed:
NOTE: The school reserves the right to make the final determination of promotion or retention. Summer School Any student who receives a failing grade in religion for the year must complete a specific project as determined by the religion teacher in order to return to school the following year. Any student who fails one major subject for the year will be required to attend summer school or be privately tutored. Summer school sessions must total a minimum of twenty-five hours. Criteria for acceptable tutoring will be determined on an individual basis by the principal. Official records of summer performance are to be forwarded to the school office no later than August 15th. Any student who fails to successfully complete summer requirements for promotion to the next grade will be retained. Homework Homework is an outgrowth of class work, and should be expected daily. It is assigned as a reinforcement or extension of what has already been taught in class. Students are expected to complete all assigned homework on time and in a careful manner. Average time allotments for homework are:
Parents/guardians are expected to see that their children fulfill their homework responsibilities. If a parent recognizes that his/her child consistently spends less or more time than the suggested time for homework, the parents should contact the teacher directly. If home assignments cannot be completed because of extenuating circumstances (e.g., sickness in the family, death of a relative, etc.), students may be permitted to defer doing the prescribed work. A written explanation should be provided to the teacher in order to obtain this permission. At all grade levels, homework may be included in determining grades on progress reports. Failure to complete homework in an appropriate manner may result in a lower grade. Missing, late, or sloppy homework is also a disciplinary issue and will be treated as such. When a teacher notices that a student is consistently missing assignments, he/she will notify the parents and offer appropriate suggestions to remedy the situation. A conference may be required. Parents/guardians support the teachers and fulfill their supervisory responsibilities by attending to the following:
Make-Up Work In case of absence, it is the responsibility of the child to obtain, complete, and submit missed work. Incomplete or missing work will negatively impact progress reports. The grade of Not Handed In (NHI) in PowerGrade may result in failure for the year in a particular subject. Parents should request work when calling in absences. Teachers are not expected to supply work prior to an absence. Work requested for absent students by 8:30 a.m. will be sent to the school office where it can be picked up after 2:30 p.m. by parents, siblings, or other designated by the parent. Personal Student Work Habits
Testing Program The following tests are administered:
Textbooks and Materials Books are expensive to purchase, and must be well cared for. All hardback books must be covered with school book covers (provided at no charge) or with plain brown paper and kept in good condition. Workbooks should be covered with clear contact paper. All books should be labeled with the student’s name, grade, and subject. No other writing is permitted anywhere on book covers or in textbooks. Workbooks should be completed neatly. There should be no extra “doodling” in workbooks. Students are responsible for the possession and care of their books. If a lost book is not found within one week, or if damage is done to books, a replacement fee will be charged as follows: $75 for a text up to three years old, $20 for a text older than three years, $15 for any workbook. Textbook Publishers Used
Teacher Conferences Teachers are partners with parents in the students’ education and welcome conferences as an educational tool to assist with this process. Whenever a situation occurs that causes concern, the concern should be addressed first at the level at which the situation arose. Therefore, the parents should first contact the teacher involved and then, if necessary, teacher and parents should go to the principal. However, parents are not permitted to interrupt teachers either before school or during class hours. TEACHERS SHOULD BE SEEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. If a conference with the principal or teacher is needed, please call the office or write a note at least a day or two in advance of the desired conference date. Should a written request sent to the teacher be unanswered after allowing sufficient time, the parents are requested to call the office and leave a message with the secretary. The principal will then broker communication. In the best interest of students, the school welcomes and encourages verbal and written communication between parents and teachers. Progress Report Card conferences will be scheduled at the first marking period and at appropriate times through the year. ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES Administration Structure The Principal is the administrator of Father Kolbe School. The school is organized into three levels, primary, intermediate, and middle school, and each is facilitated by a level coordinator. There are Curriculum Coordinators for each subject area to facilitate the effective implementation of the Archdiocesan Course of Study. Administration/ Faculty/ Staff
Admissions Non-Discrimination Policy Father Kolbe School is a co-ed elementary school for students in grades pre-K to grade 8. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, handicap or disability, and national or ethnic origin, in the administration of their educational policies, admission policies, tuition assistance programs, athletic and other school administration programs. Status of Students Father Kolbe School reserves the right to deny admission, readmission, or continuation in subsequent years to anyone whose behavior is contrary to the teachings and ideals of the school or whose behavior or attitude is disruptive to the functioning of the student body. Admission Requirements Students are accepted for admission based on their ability to be successful in the academic program offered by our school. They must be able to work within the existing math and reading structure offered at their particular grade. Students must be committed to support and uphold the code of behavior and discipline, and parents must be supportive of school policies. Students are expected to actively participate in all classes, projects, liturgical celebrations, and school activities. All new students are probationary for one year. Age Guidelines for New Registrations Father Kolbe School follows the guidelines published by the State of Maryland Board of Education. Under state law, children are required to attend kindergarten beginning at age 5. Children entering pre-kindergarten must be 3 or 4 years old by September 30th. A child entering kindergarten must be 5 years old by September 1st. Documentation for Admission The following must be provided at the time of application:
Placement (criteria used for placing new students) Students are initially placed using the results of the following:
Registration Policy Parents wishing to register their child(ren) must make an appointment with the administrative assistant. At that time an appointment for placement testing can be made as well. Incoming kindergartners are given the Early Prevention for School Failure Testing. Probation Policy (for new students) All new students are probationary for one year. If during this time the school is unable to meet the needs of the student(s), the parent(s) will be asked to place their child in another school. Additionally, the administration reserves the right to place any student on probation. A student’s academic and behavioral progress, including attendance, is evaluated at the end of each marking period to determine if the student remains at Father Kolbe School. Waiting Lists If a class is full, a waiting list is established. Parents will be notified about openings in the order they are on the list. The following caveats apply: Siblings are accepted first, then parishioners, then other students. After School Care After School Care is offered as a service to parents. Policies and procedures are given at the ASC parent orientation at the beginning of the year. Student behavior and discipline standards are the same as if in school, and any student unable to meet those standards will be asked to withdraw from the program. After School Care fees must be kept current or children will not be allowed to attend. Children who usually attend ASC should bring a note if pickup arrangements are different from the usual practice. Students will not be released to anyone other than those listed on the Student Emergency sheet. Before going to tutoring or other after school activity with a teacher, students must first sign in with the After School Care director. Once students have left school for the day, they may not return to After School Care. A student who is absent from school or who goes home early may not use After School Care. Note: If parents do not pick children up on time at the end of the school day, the school reserves the right to send the children to After School Care. In that event, the parents will be charged at the drop-in rate. Inclement Weather – Father Kolbe School follows Baltimore County Public Schools for weather-related school openings & closures. If school opens late due to weather conditions, ASC will still be offered that day. If school closes early due to weather conditions, ASC will be closed as well and children must be picked up at the announced dismissal time. Attendance Absence A child is marked absent if he/she is not in school or with the class on a school-sponsored activity. Regular attendance is considered essential for learning at Father Kolbe School. Students need to develop the work habits and responsibilities required of all of us as we go through life. When a student is absent from school, a parent/legal guardian MUST telephone the school by 8:30 a.m. to report the reason for absence and to request work to be sent home, otherwise the child will be considered truant. Please give student’s name, grade, and reason for the absence. Parents may be contacted if a student’s absence has not been called in. All absences and tardiness become part of a student’s permanent record. Students are responsible to make up all classwork and homework missed due to absence as follows: 1 day absent – 1 day for makeup, 2 days absent – 2 days for makeup, etc. STUDENTS WHO ARE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY AFTER SCHOOL OR EVENING SCHOOL-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BAND, SPORTS PROGRAMS, OR AFTER SCHOOL CARE. Absence Notes When he/she returns to school, the student must bring a written note to his/her homeroom teacher signed by a parent/legal guardian stating dates and the reason for absence. No student will be allowed to return to class without a written excuse note. A doctor’s certificate may be required for absence of more than three days or after a contagious disease, such as measles, chicken pox, etc. A child may not be permitted to return to school until he/she is well enough to participate in school activities, including recess at lunchtime. Since there is no indoor monitor, a student must be well enough to fully participate in outdoor play. Arriving Late / Assignments Punctuality is necessary for all students, and a pattern of tardiness or early dismissal will necessitate a conference with parents. Students may enter their homerooms at 7:45 a.m. Any student arriving after 8:00 a.m. is considered late and must report to the office for a late slip. Teachers will not admit students to their homerooms without this pass. Tardiness is entered on a student’s permanent record, and will count against perfect attendance. It is the responsibility of the student to check with the homeroom teacher to receive the necessary communication or work that may have been missed due to lateness. Students arriving after 9:45 a.m. or leaving before 12:00 noon will be marked ½ day absent. Students arriving after 1:00 p.m. will be marked absent. On a scheduled early dismissal day, a student who is in school less that 2 hours will be considered ½ day absent. Please note: Late arrival to school makes it difficult for your child to perform to the best of his / her ability. He/she does not have time to copy homework and complete the morning math drill; thus those tasks must be completed at recess and the child must play “catch-up” all day. In addition, he/she disrupts the rest of the class when entering the room and thus impacts the learning of others. Therefore three latenesses in a quarter will result in an after school detention. Early Departure Early departures cause disruptions to classrooms and should only occur for emergency reasons. The school discourages early departures and requests that families arrange medical and dental appointments, etc. either after school hours, on Saturdays, or during vacation periods. Check the calendar for days when school is not in session. In case of an emergency, the student must submit a note to the office, signed by the parent(s)/legal guardian(s), on the day of dismissal. The note should include the reason for the request and the time the student must leave school. The parent/guardian must sign the student out in the office. Parents must make special arrangements in writing in order for students to be released to caretakers other than those designated in school records. The student is counted absent from classes missed and must make up the work missed. Early departure for a day preceding a holiday must be requested a day in advance. Students who leave before 11 a.m. will be marked a full day absent. After 12:00 noon the student will be marked ½ day absent. Early dismissals will count against perfect attendance. Family Vacations Absence from school during the academic year due to family vacations is strongly discouraged as it is disruptive to academic progress. Missed work and assignments may only be obtained upon return, and students will be held accountable for all work missed. Since the school does not approve of absences for vacation purposes, teachers are not required to give makeup work or tests in such situations, and Progress Report grades may be adversely impacted. Excessive Absence / Tardy / Early Dismissal Regular attendance has a marked influence upon scholastic achievement. It is very difficult for students to achieve their potential and sometimes impossible to complete the work of the grade satisfactorily if attendance is irregular. Frequent absences may result in lower grades. A student who misses more than seventeen days will have his records reviewed by the principal to determine whether a sufficient grasp of the year’s work has been attained. Absences in excess of twenty days are considered excessive and may necessitate summer school or repeating the grade. Perfect Attendance Perfect attendance for the year means no days absent and no days late or early dismissals. This includes doctor’s appointments, and being sent home ill. Prolonged Absence / Assignments Parents are strongly encouraged to pick up assignments for each day during an absence. Students have one day to make up assignments for each day absent unless other arrangements are made with the teacher(s). For prolonged absence work should be collected daily from the school, or the school should be contacted to work out another arrangement. Students are required to make up all missed classwork and homework. Work not made up in a timely fashion will affect Progress Report Card grades. High School Visitation Eighth grade students will be allowed up to two days of excused absence for high school visitations with proper documentation. A documentation form is provided in the eighth grade packet distributed to parents at the meeting on Back-to-School night. It is the student’s responsibility to use form and obtain appropriate signatures to confirm the visit. If proper documentation is submitted, these days will not affect perfect attendance. Birthdays and Invitations Birthday parties for children are not held in school; however, parents are welcome to send birthday treats for the whole class to be eaten as dessert at lunchtime. Please be sure that they are prepared as individual servings (cookies, cupcakes, brownies, etc.) with napkins that can be easily distributed by the birthday child. Please do not send whole cakes, sheet cakes, pizza, anything messy, or that must be cut, separated, refrigerated, or eaten with silverware. The adults who are monitoring lunch must supervise the whole room and are unable to stay with one class to distribute treats. The school reserves the right to suspend this privilege if the treats leave a mess or result in disruption. Please do not send balloons, flowers, etc. to school as they will not be given to the student during the school day. Invitations may be sent to school only if all the children (or all the boys, all the girls) in the class are invited to an event. In this way we will avoid the hurt feelings that inevitably occur if some are excluded. Cafeteria / Lunch / Milk In conjunction with the Archdiocese of Baltimore, an excellent hot lunch program is provided as a service to our students, and all students from kindergarten to grade 8 are encouraged to participate. Menus are sent home monthly and include regular menu items and alternative choices. Daily white or chocolate milk is provided as part of the lunch and is also offered for sale to students who bring lunches from home. The lunch cost is $2.00 / day per child ($2.50 for an adult). Prices are subject to change with notification by the Archdiocese. Families will receive an application to apply for free or reduced lunch fees at the beginning of the school year. Hot lunch begins the first full week of school and ends the last full week of school. Each Monday, a Weekly Lunch Order Form will come home in the Monday Folder. It must be returned by Thursday to receive lunches the following week. (It may be returned on Tuesday with the signed folder.) The student may choose lunch for as many days as wanted, and may choose the regular or alternate selection for each day. The completed order form and money (exact change) must be in a sealed envelope with the student’s name, grade, and date on the outside. No late orders can be accepted, and change cannot be provided. Cell Phones / Pagers Cell phones and pagers are not allowed in school. If a parent feels that, for the safety of the child, a cell phone is needed for after school / off the premises use, the parent may request such in writing. In that case, the phone will be kept in the office each day and returned to the child upon his/her leaving the premises. Any student found with a cell phone in his/her possession during the school day will be suspended and sent home that day. NOTE: The school does not accept responsibility for lost or stolen Cell Phones or Pagers. Change of Address Parents should notify the school office promptly of any change of address, telephone number, or place of employment. The school should be notified of any change of family status in regard to death, separation, divorce, or change of custody. All emergency numbers are to be kept current. Change in Name or Family Status If there is a change in the family status/or the change of a child’s name, it is important that the school be informed promptly of the change. In case of a change of custody, a copy of the portion of the court order that names the custodial parent must be on file with the school. Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Policy and Procedures Maryland law requires that all educators and other school employees, including volunteers, report suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities in order that children may be protected from harm and the family may be helped. Father Kolbe School policy supports Maryland laws in this regard and requires that all school staff report suspected abuse and neglect to the Department of Social Services, Protective Services Division, and/or the local police department. Communication Communication between home and school is essential to student success. The communication process is facilitated in the following ways: Calendar for School Year A school calendar for the school year will be issued to each family in the First Day Folder. Parents are urged to keep the calendar in a readily accessible place and to consult it often in order to stay current with activities and deadlines. If special circumstances require a calendar change, parents will be notified in a timely fashion in the Parent Newsletter. Please note: When we dismiss at noon, we have complied with the state requirement of 4 instructional hrs. to count as a full day of school. (These 4 hour days are followed by faculty staff development activities.) Monday Folders School notices, newsletters, and all graded work from the previous week are sent home in Monday Folders. Graded work will be stapled together. The top of each test packet and any paper lower than 80% is to be signed. At the teacher’s discretion, parents may be required to sign all papers. All of the graded papers are to be returned signed in the folder on Tuesday morning. Parents are asked to comply with this procedure very strictly. Students are responsible for returning the folder on time and will be held accountable. This process allows parents to monitor student progress in a timely fashion and provide assistance to their child when needed. Parent Newsletter The Parent / Guardian Newsletter is a biweekly publication to keep parents informed about school, classroom, and Home & School activities. It is our primary means to communicate general information; therefore parents are encouraged to read it carefully. Appropriate submissions are welcome; due dates for each issue are marked on the calendar. Classroom Policies At Back-to-School Night, teachers will share curriculum and classroom policies, procedures, and expectations with parents. Notes / Phone Calls Notes and phone calls between home and school can assist in the monitoring of student progress. Progress Reports, Interims, & Parent Access Progress Reports and Interims provide scheduled feedback on student progress. Distribution dates can be found on the Parent Calendar. Crisis Emergency Plan In the case of an emergency there are prescribed emergency procedures in place to insure the safety of students, faculty, staff and others in the building. All faculty and staff review this process before the beginning of the school year. Please be sure that the school has several accurate contact numbers where you can be reached at all times. Should there be an emergency requiring that students be picked up immediately, if at all possible students will remain in the classrooms supervised by teachers until parents sign them out. If it is necessary to evacuate the school, parents should come to the Kolbe Center to pick up their children. Discipline Statement on Philosophy of Discipline – (Archdiocesan Policy Manual-Right of Fairness for Schools) Father Kolbe School strives to develop responsible, courteous, self-disciplined students whose pride in themselves, their parents, their school, and their community is reflected in their behavior. The development of such young people requires a consistent practice of thoughtful, responsible behavior during these formative years. Students are made aware that they are an integral part of the faith community and that their actions affect themselves as well as the entire community. The ultimate purpose is to develop true Christian character and a sense of responsibility; to establish an atmosphere conducive to academic excellence; and to protect the welfare of the individual, as well as the school community. Goals for Students Father Kolbe maintains a clear disciplinary policy designed to maintain an atmosphere that contributes to learning. Discipline is fundamental to life and the most worthwhile discipline is self-discipline. A child must be taught to choose one behavior over another and learn to deal with the consequences of those choices. Children must be taught to accept and respect the controls presented by those in authority. Teacher example, guidance, and affirmation help students to choose behavior based on Christian values. In order for these purposes to be fulfilled, it is imperative that all individuals involved are clear about the rules and expectations that exist. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous, and orderly manner. Classroom Behavior Standards The following are the standard homeroom and classroom policies. Teachers may have other regulations not listed here. Students are bound by both the following rules and by the teacher’s rules. Homeroom:
Classroom:
Lunchroom:
NOTE: The school reserves the right to isolate students from their peers and require that they eat lunch with another class and/or at another time if their lunchroom behavior is unacceptable. Unacceptable Behavior To maintain a positive learning environment and standards that are consistent with our Christian philosophy, it is essential that students exhibit a sense of responsibility and respect for themselves as well as others. Behavior that interferes with the normal function of the school or the academic progress of others violates the rights of those who wish to learn. Listed below are some behaviors that are unacceptable:
Generally, the teacher will deal with infractions. Should circumstances warrant, the parent and/or the administration will be consulted. Consequences Routine discipline procedures will be implemented in the following manner:
Serious Violations A student involved in any of the following situations may be subject to immediate suspension and/or expulsion:
For extreme violations, such as possessing weapons, or using or dispensing illegal drugs or alcohol on the school premises or at school-related functions, the following procedures will be used:
Suspension In-school Suspension: Students serving an in-school suspension will be assigned to a classroom away from his / her peers in which to work under the supervision of a staff member. The student will be given work to complete and will be responsible for its completion. He or she may receive zeros on missed class work or tests at the discretion of the teachers. The parent must meet with the administration before the student can be re-admitted to class. Out-of-school Suspension: While on suspension, the student is still responsible for missed work. After the specified amount of time for suspension, the student and the parent(s)/guardian(s) will meet with Administration for reinstatement. Administration reserves the right to determine the conditions for reinstatement. All suspensions become part of a student’s permanent record. Expulsion Any illegal activities, including but not limited to the possession, use of, selling, or distribution of alcohol/drugs, may be grounds for expulsion. The school reserves the right to expel any student at any time when, in the judgment of the administration, his/her conduct warrants it. Any expelled student forfeits all privileges of Father Kolbe School students. The Administration reserves the right not to re-admit an expelled student at a later date. Restricted Areas When school is in session, students may not be outside the school building unless they are involved in a class or recess and are accompanied by a faculty member. The faculty room, closets / workrooms, and empty classrooms are restricted areas. Hallways and stairwells are to be generally clear of traffic except for movement at the change of class. Students are not permitted to enter classrooms without a teacher present, or to return to classrooms after dismissal unless accompanied by their classroom teacher. Standards of Behavior for Family Members / Guardians: Family members and guardians are expected to conduct themselves in a manner in keeping with that expected in a Catholic school. Unacceptable behaviors such as threats, harassment, disregard of or lack of compliance with school policies, and discourteous behavior may lead to action by the school up to and including requiring the withdrawal of the student. The Good Reputation of The School Students are responsible for the good name of the school. Students who bring discredit to themselves or to Father Kolbe’s good name as a result of improper conduct outside of school will be dealt with in an appropriate manner when the misconduct becomes known to the school. The school reserves the right to discipline students for violations of school rules on school property, at school-related events, and for incidents occurring elsewhere of which the school becomes aware. Review of Conduct The school also reserves the right to review the conduct of any student at any time and of all students on a yearly basis. Students whose conduct is poor and who do not contribute to the school in a positive manner can be asked to withdraw. Searches The administration and authorized staff of Father Kolbe School reserve the right to conduct reasonable searches of students, visitors, and areas under their control (desks, personal belongings, lockers, cars, etc.) in cases of suspected violation of school policies (e.g., drugs, weapons, alcohol, tobacco, stealing) in order to enforce school rules and preserve a safe and orderly learning environment. The school also reserves the right to require drug or alcohol testing for “cause.” Conflict Situations Conflicts are a normal and healthy part of living and growing. We encourage students to handle conflicts and not to avoid them. The goal is reconciliation. The administration will implement acceptable conflict resolution techniques to work towards a solution. Grievance Policy Concerns should be first addressed with the teacher or person directly involved in the situation. If the issue is not resolved, the administration should be contacted. The administration will meet with all parties to try to resolve the situation. Final decisions rest with the administration of the school. Truancy Truancy is defined as a student absenting him/herself from school without parent/legal guardian permission, or leaving school grounds without permission during the school day. Truancy may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion. SCHOOL BEHAVIOR CONTRACT We, the students of Father Kolbe School, agree to:
I understand that if I do not comply with these rules the following steps will be taken: Step 1: The teacher will administer appropriate consequences including but not limited to time out, loss of recess, silent lunch, written task, or detention. If this does not solve the problem a Disciplinary Report/Infraction Notice will be filed. Suspension may result and… Step 2: The teacher, principal, parents/guardians and student will meet to further discuss the problem and possible solutions. If this does not solve the problem… Step 3: Student will be put on a Student Behavior Contract with probationary status,which means:
Step 4: If I am still unable to follow the given expectations, I will be told that I have to find placement other than Father Kolbe School. Delayed Opening / School Closing At times it may be necessary to cancel school, open late, or dismiss early due to inclement weather or other emergency situations. Under emergency weather conditions, we comply with the BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (not Hereford Zone). Please DO NOT call the school or rectory to inquire about school closings, since we also receive notice through radio announcement. These announcements will be made on WBAL 1090 (AM) RADIO. (Listen to individual school announcements following the announcements of the public systems.) If opening is delayed 2 hours, ½ day pre-school will be closed. Full day pre-school will begin 2 hours late and dismiss at the regular time. Students will not be admitted to school prior to the announced change of opening. Dress Code All uniforms are to be purchased from FLYNN & O’HARA uniform company. Their local store is located at 1300 Goucher Boulevard (in the “Greetings & Readings” shopping center) Rolling Road, Towson, MD 21286. The phone number is 410-828-4709. Their store hours are Mon.-Sat. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and they are open to 7:00 p.m. on Wed. evenings. You may also order on-line at flynnohara.com Regular Uniform: Girls (K-5)
Girls (6-8)
Boys:
Physical Education: (All students grades K-8)
Summer Uniform: (All students grades K-8 - Optional)
Summer uniforms may be worn from the beginning of the year until October 1, and from May 1 to the end of the year. The administration reserves the right to adjust these dates due to weather. In cases where there is a uniform option, the entire option must be chosen. (Ex - If choosing the summer uniform option, girls must wear the white logo’d polo shirt, not the uniform blouse with shorts; OR a boy choosing to wear the regular uniform instead of the summer uniform must continue to wear school shoes, not tennis shoes.). Girls Winter Option (K-8 - Optional)
NOTE - Absolutely no long pants or sweats may be worn under girls’ jumpers or skirts. If the normal tights and sweater additions to the regular uniform are insufficient to keep a student warm, she may wear the winter option uniform. Grooming
NOTE - Students in violation of the uniform code will be required to come to compliance regardless of the expense or inconvenience incurred. (e.g. Professionally done nails, additional ear piercings, unusual hair cuts or hair coloring, and non-uniform style socks or shoes are examples of these violations.) The administration reserves the right to determine whether students are observing the expectation in regard to dress code and grooming and to act accordingly. Clothing Parents are urged to have all personal items (back pack, lunch box, school supplies, shoes, etc.) and each article of clothing clearly marked with the child’s name and grade. Items that are found will be placed in the lost-and-found. A child who has lost an article may check before or after school for the lost item. Unclaimed items will be given to the poor at the end of the year. Out-of-Uniform Days Periodically students may be permitted to come to school out of uniform for such occasions as “Tag Days,” picture days, etc. On those occasions students must be neat, well groomed, and dress appropriately for a Catholic school. Jeans, ragged or torn clothing, tee shirts with vulgar or inappropriate wording or pictures, short or tight skirts or shorts, tight or low-riding pants, etc. may not be worn. Belts must be worn with pants. If there is a designated theme, students must follow that theme in order to participate. Students may always choose to wear their uniforms. The administration of the school reserves the right to determine what is appropriate. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in loss of the privilege to participate in future Out-of-Uniform Days, and parents may be asked to bring appropriate clothing to school for the student to change. Electronic Games or Devices / Trading Cards / Toys Students are not permitted to have electric games, devices, or trading cards in school, After School Care, or on field trips at any time. Toys brought to After School Care by primary students must be kept in the bookbag during the school day. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen electronic games or devices, trading cards, or toys. Emergency Cards Emergency card information for each child is to be kept current. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WEHAVE AN EMERGENCY CARD FOR EACH CHILD AND THE SCHOOL IS INFORMED IMMEDIATELY OF ANY CHANGE IN ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER. Children will Financial Information, Expectations, And Policies Registration and Book Fees Registration fees are due at the time of registration. Book fees are due on or before June 30th. Checks should be made payable to Father Kolbe School. Tuition Payment Plans You can choose to pay tuition in one of three ways: 1. Annual - Full amount of tuition is due on or before June 20th. There is a discount of $100 if paid in full on or before June 20th. If annual payment is not made in full by the first day of school, there must be a monthly FACTS agreement in effect or the student will not be permitted to start school. 2. Two payments - 50% of tuition is due on or before June 20, and 50% is due on or before February 20th. There is a discount of $35 if 50% is paid in full on or before June 20th and $35 if the second 50% is paid in full on or before February 20th. Families choosing the 2-payment plan must complete a FACTS agreement in the event of a missed payment. However, the agreement will not be activated unless payment is not received on time. For both of these plans tuition payments should be made in the office. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Father Kolbe School and should include the name of the student(s) on the check. 3. Monthly - Monthly payments will be deducted directly from checking or saving accounts by FACTS Tuition Management company. Families may choose to have the deduction made on either the 5th or 20th of each month. There is an annual enrollment fee charged by FACTS, which is deducted directly from the account. FACTS also charges a fee for missed payments. This fee is also automatically deducted from your account. For any student registering after July using the monthly payment option, one month’s tuition must be paid in advance. The balance is debited as scheduled through FACTS. You can reschedule a monthly FACTS payment to avoid the Missed Payment Fee by calling the school office at least EIGHT business days prior to your scheduled payment date. (Do not call FACTS; they are not able to make this change. There is no penalty fee for re-scheduling payments, but it may mean that you end up making two tuition payments in one month. 25 / $400 In an effort to keep tuition as low as possible, parents commit to generating $400 in fundraising income (Plan A) or pay $600 in lieu of participating in fundraising activities (Plan B). The difference owed between the amount generated and the $400 is due and payable to the school before May 1. Activity Fees In addition to the eighth grade graduation fee, throughout the course of the year additional fees may be charged for classes going on field trips, working on special projects, etc. After School Care Finances ASC registration fees are due at the time of registration. The tuition for ASC is added to the school tuition and paid or debited as part of the regular tuition process. There will be a $10.00 registration fee. The normal fee is $5 / hour payable each Friday. The fee is not prorated by the quarter of the hour. Full time users will receive a discounted rate which will be paid in the same manner as their tuition. If an account is not up-to-date on the due date, student(s) concerned may not attend the After School Care program until the account is made current. For every returned check there will be a $10 charge in addition to any bank service fee. Parents picking up students after at 6:04 p.m. will be charged a penalty of $5. This fee goes directly to the caretaker who must remain with the child. Students who are not picked up from school at 2:45 will be sent to After School Care, and parents will be billed accordingly. Tuition Assistance Father Kolbe School receives funds for tuition assistance from various sources, including Partners in Excellence (PIE), Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal, and parish assistance. Tuition assistance is awarded based on need on a first come, first served basis. Financial aid awards also depend upon how much aid the schools have to allocate. PSAS Applications Any family intending to apply for financial assistance must first register the child(ren) at the school and then obtain a PSAS (Private School Aid Service) application form from the school office. The application must be filled out completely and mailed, along with all required supporting documentation, directly to: PSAS P.O. Box 770728 Lakewood, Ohio 44107-0034 The PSAS application will not be processed if the tax return and other required information are not provided. In turn, tuition assistance cannot be awarded if the PSAS application has not been processed. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to be sure that PSAS receives the application and all required information. The parent/guardian should keep copies of all documents submitted to PSAS. Parish Assistance Parishioners of St. Casimir’s Faith Community may apply to the parish for tuition assistance. In order to qualify, you must be a registered parishioner for at least a year, be an active church member, use envelopes to contribute to the support of the parish, actively participate in church and school fundraisers, volunteer at BINGO, and volunteer at the St. Casimir Festival in June. Applications may be obtained from the friary office. Families of other parishes applying for parish assistance should contact their own pastors for information. Financial Aid Decisions Parents will be informed as soon as tuition assistance decisions are made. Financial aid decisions cannot always be made by the beginning of the school year. If you have not received financial aid at the time your tuition payment is due (whether paying annually, by semester, or monthly), you must pay the full amount due. If you are then awarded financial aid, your account will be credited and/or your payment amounts will be adjusted as appropriate. Delinquent Tuition, Fees, and Other Financial Obligations Notices Timely payment of tuition and fees is the parent/guardian’s responsibility. It is anticipated that payment will be made by the due date. There is no “grace period” for the payment of tuition and fees. It is not the responsibility of the school to send notices of delinquent tuition, fees, ASC payments, or other amounts owed; nor shall the lack of notice preclude the school from enforcing its payment policies by holding report cards, excluding students, or taking other appropriate action. In the case of monthly tuition payments, written notice of missed payment will be sent by FACTS. Father Kolbe School is under no obligation to send additional notices. Missed FACTS Payments When a FACTS payment is returned for insufficient funds, FACTS will automatically reattempt the missed payment as follows: Scheduled Payment Date Reattempt Date 5th of the month 20th of same month 20th of the month 5th of following month If the reattempt is not successful because of insufficient funds, closed account, or any other reason, the full amount of the payment must be paid directly to the school office no later than the 10th of the month immediately following the reattempt. If payment in full is not received by the school on or before the 10th of the month immediately following the failed reattempt, the child(ren) will automatically be excluded from school at the end of the day on the 10th without further notification. Example: August 20 - Scheduled payment does not clear (because of insufficient funds, closed account, stop payment, etc.); financially responsible party notified by FACTS September 5 - Automatic reattempt by FACTS. If it clears, no action. If payment does not clear, pay full amount directly to Father Kolbe School on or before September 10. Financially responsible party notified by FACTS. September 10 - If missed payment received by the school, no action. If payment is not received, child(ren) are excluded from school as of the end of the day until payment is made. Progress Reports; Miscellaneous Progress Reports and Interim Reports will be withheld for any and all past-due financial obligations, whether for past-due tuition, fees or any other amounts owed. Withheld progress reports or interims will only be released upon full payment of the past-due account plus payment of any amounts currently due that have accrued since the report card date. Students will be excluded from school for delinquent tuition and, if the debt is not paid within five consecutive school days of exclusion, a transfer may be issued. Transfers due to unpaid tuition are immediately reversible upon payment of the debt. Uncollected debts may be turned over to a collection agency. All student records (except health records) will be withheld until debt is paid in full. Refund Policy Registration fees and Archdiocesan fees are non-refundable. Book fees are not refundable after the first day of school. Tuition is refundable on a pro-rated basis after a child is officially withdrawn. For each month (September - May) that a child is in school, one-ninth of the tuition is due. A “month” is defined as one school day of any calendar month that a child is enrolled. Release of Records Father Kolbe School reserves the right to withhold any official school records, including progress reports, Parent Access, interim reports, and diplomas from parent(s) or other educational institutions until all tuition, fees, and other financial obligations to Father Kolbe School are satisfied in full. This includes the Plan A or B fund-raiser 25/$400 profit commitment, ASC tuition, and fees for student materials damaged or not returned. Pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grade 8 students may not participate in graduation and closing activities until fees are paid. The administration will review requests for exceptions on an individual basis. Fire Drills Regular fire drills are held throughout the school year. All people in the building must evacuate the building in the case of a fire drill. Students are under the direction of their teachers. They are expected to exit and re-enter the building safely in complete silence, so that any safety instructions or directions can be understood immediately. Harassment Policy Harassment or abuse of any kind by students or adults is not acceptable behavior in Father Kolbe School and will result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension/expulsion. Health/Safety AHERA Guidelines In October 1986, the U.S. Congress enacted the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). Under this law, comprehensive regulations were developed to address asbestos problems in public and private elementary and secondary schools. These regulations require most schools to inspect for asbestos, develop asbestos management plans that address asbestos hazards in school buildings, and implement response actions in a timely manner. Father Kolbe School is in full compliance with AHERA regulations. Our asbestos management plan contains information on our inspections, re-inspections, response actions and post-response action activities, including periodic surveillance activities that are planned or are in progress. It may be viewed in the principal’s office during regular school hours. Maryland Immunization Guidelines Upon entering Father Kolbe School, students must have the required immunizations mandated by state law. A child may not enter school unless he/she has submitted an official immunization record or other appropriate documentation of immunization status. The immunization record must have the month, day and year of each vaccination, be signed by a physician or health department official, and be approved by the school. A parent must show a medical contraindication, signed by a doctor, for his/her child to be excused. Immunization Requirements The following are the immunization requirements for pupils entering Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in a Maryland public or private school: (# doses / vaccine name)
Scoliosis Screening Maryland law, effective July 1, 1982, mandates scoliosis screening (for an abnormal curvature of the spine) for every student at least once in grades six through eight. St. Joseph Medical Outreach Program provides this service for our school. According to the available information, 4 children in every 100 may develop scoliosis, and 2 of these may require treatment. If the condition is detected early, and appropriately treated, progressive spine deformity can be prevented. Vision/Hearing Screening The school follows the directives of Baltimore City Health Department and responds to parent’s requests for individual testing. This testing is required for all students in grades kindergarten, 3, 5, 7, and 8 as well as for new students in all other grades. St. Joseph’s Medical Outreach Program usually provides this service. Health Records Health records are due in the office the first week of school. Parents are required to complete a Student Emergency Card listing any allergies, serious medical conditions, medications, and emergency contact information. In case of illness or emergency, every attempt will be made to contact the parent and others listed on the emergency form immediately. If no one can be reached by phone, the family doctor may be consulted. Please notify the office immediately concerning change of name/family status, address, or phone number on these forms during the school year. We MUST have a way to contact you at all times. In case of a change of custody, a copy of the portion of the court order that names the custodial parent must be on file with the school. Children will be released to the person/s designated on the emergency card, unless otherwise instructed by the custodial parent/guardian. Illness Parents should be aware that the following symptoms may indicate the presence of a contagious illness: earache, enlarged glands, fever, skin rash, sore throat, red discharging eyes, persistent cough, bad cold, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Please do not send a child to school who is ill or running a fever in the morning. Children should return to school only after symptoms have subsided for a 24-hour period and/or a release form is obtained from the doctor. The school must be notified immediately of infectious or communicable diseases or any significant health changes. Any child in school with a temperature of 100 degrees, an injury, a serious asthma attack, or a contagious disease will be sent home. It is the responsibility of the parent / guardian to make arrangements to have the child picked up immediately. If the parent/guardian or alternative contact person cannot be reached in an emergency, the school will contact police/ambulance for assistance. The parent/guardian will be responsible for any expenses incurred, in that event. Children who are ill enough to be kept in during recess periods should be kept at home until they can follow the regular school schedule. The school does not have adequate personnel for individual supervision. A doctor's written and signed request is needed for a student to be excused from physical education classes. Medication Procedures When a student is taking medication, the parent should make every effort to arrange for the medication to be taken at home; however, if there are occasions when the child must receive the medication during the school day, the following guidelines apply:
Communicable Diseases Parents must call the school if their child is diagnosed with a communicable disease. The school must notify the Health Department. All reports are confidential. The following communicable diseases/conditions need to be reported:
Any student with drainage from the eyes associated with conjunctivitis (pink-eye) must be kept at home until under treatment from a doctor. A doctor’s note will be required for readmission to school. Students who have chicken pox are excluded from school until all lesions are scabbed over. Students are excluded from school for head lice. A child may return to school when he/she is free of lice and nits. A child must be examined by school personnel before he/she can return to class. Allergies Parents must notify the school of their child’s allergies, including food allergies. The physician must renew school medication orders each year, and the order must be signed on or after July 1. If the student needs an EPIPEN, the physician’s order must state this requirement, and appropriate planning for the child’s safety will take place. Bloodborne Pathogens A complete Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Exposure Control Plan has been established and is on file in the office. Insurance The school provides the option for parents to purchase student health insurance for their children. The enrollment form is sent home in the first day folder and must be returned by the designated date indicating whether or not you wish to participate in the insurance plan. Home And School Association HSA Introduction The Father Kolbe School Home and School Association is comprised of all parents, faculty, and staff. There is an annual membership fee of $5.00 / year per family. General meetings are usually scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month except during Lent. The Association strives to support the vision and objectives of the school; facilitate communication between parents, faculty, and administration; as well as contribute to the financial support of the school. Dates for Home and School fundraisers and activities are published on the school calendar. 25 / $400 Service Requirement The Home and School Association provides a significant contribution to the operating budget of the school in an effort to keep tuition as low as possible. Therefore it is essential that all families support its activities. Toward that end, over the course of the school year parents are expected to provide 25 volunteer hours of service in any of the designated Home & School fundraising activities. Parents who work in the Lenten Foods Project earn double credit for volunteer time. Parents who are unable to volunteer are assessed a fee of $125 in lieu of service. The Home and School Association keeps track of volunteer hours, and they must be met by May 1st. Hours after May 1st will be calculated for the following school year. The school reserves the right to withhold student records and report cards if this financial / service obligation is not met. Fund Raisers & Activities
Homeroom Parents The Home and School Association organizes homeroom parents for each class. A request for volunteers is sent home at the beginning of the school year and parents are encouraged to become involved in their child(ren)’s classroom. Homeroom parents meet at 6:00 p.m. prior to regularly scheduled Home and School meetings. Library and A-V Materials Students may take out books during their assigned period. On the day they are due to be returned, books should be collected and returned to the library by 8:15 a.m. There is never to be no eating or drinking in the library or technology center. Students must obey all library regulations as posted in the school library. Proper conduct must be observed at all times. Disruptive students will be barred from future use of the facility. All library obligations must be fulfilled prior to report card distribution. Materials
Parent Volunteers Parent volunteers assist teachers during school hours or work at home. Through the Home & School parent volunteers help with various school fund-raising activities and special programs. All parent volunteers and lunch monitors are required to sign in at the school office and pick up a Volunteer badge before they assume their duties. Parent Volunteer Guidelines and Lunch Parent Volunteer Guidelines are available in the office. Please note: New Archdiocesan guidelines require that certain policies be followed regarding the screening of volunteers who may have unsupervised contact with students. This may include STAND video training, application, references, and background checks. Father Kolbe School complies with the policies as required. This is for the protection of the students. Playground/School Supervision Provisions Unless there is an extraordinary circumstance, all students are required to take recess with their class. At recess students are supervised by both teachers and lunch parent volunteers. Students are to move to and from the Kolbe Center and play area in an orderly fashion. There are established recess rules, and students are responsible for following them and obeying adult supervisors. Rough or dangerous activities such as tackle football, wrestling, fighting, etc. are not allowed. While there is adult supervision on the playground, it is impossible to provide the type of supervision this kind of exercise would require. Students are encouraged to play organized games. Inability or unwillingness to follow these guidelines may result in loss of recess. Records Transfers A permanent record is kept on file for every student and may be viewed on school days in the school office. A review of the records takes place in the presence of the principal or a designated representative after a written request has been authorized by the principal. A twenty-four-hour notice is required. If you are transferring, notify the school office of the last day you expect your child/ren to be in attendance. A “Release of Records” form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian. Official school records will be sent directly to the new school as soon as a request is received, providing there are no outstanding financial obligations. Records Po | ||