SAINT ANTHONY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
(970) 522-7567
Student Handbook
2007-2008
The Archdiocese of
Denver Catholic Schools are an investment in the future of our children and our
Catholic faith.
2007-2008 Saint
Anthony Catholic School Parent/Student Handbook
By
the act of registering at Saint Anthony Catholic School, a student and his/her
parents (or guardians) understand and agree to pursue the educational objectives
and practices of the school. Please
review the policies and procedures stated in the 2007-2008 Saint Anthony
Catholic School Handbook with your child(ren).
If we
have overlooked some items or you have questions regarding the school, please
feel free to call the office. Our
school phone number is 522-7567.
PAGE 2 – Non-Discrimination Policy, Child Custody Issues, Reporting Abuse
Neglect, Discretionary Clause, Complete & Governing Policy
PAGE 4 – Mission Statement, Purpose, Staff
PAGE 5 – Discretionary Clause/Right to Amend, School Day, Accreditation and
Licensing, Supervision of Students, School Safety, Vision/Hearing Tests
PAGE 6 – Communicable Diseases, Certificate of Immunization, Student Attire, Use
of Cell Phones/Electronics, Teacher In-Service, Religious
Observances
PAGE 7 – Weather, Early Dismissal, Parent/Teacher Relationships,
Curriculum-Instructional Program, Technology Education, Homework
PAGE 8 – Tutoring Policy, Elementary School Promotion and Retention, Grading
PAGE 9 – Testing Program, Graduation/Continuation, Honor Roll – Effort Award,
President’s Physical Fitness Award, Property, Searches of Students and Schools,
Library Books
PAGE 10 – Discipline, Gum/Pop, Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs, Medication
PAGE 11 – Illness and Injury, Attendance/Absence Reporting, Leaving the
Grounds,Visiting, Contact with Students, Playground Rules
PAGE 12 – Bikes, Roller Blades, Toys, Recess and Lunch Time, Field Trips,
Fundraising Projects, Fundraising Revenue, Lunchroom Guideline
PAGE 13 – RE 1 Services, Invitations, Social Activities
PAGE 14 – Phone Use, Extra Curricular Activities, Insurance, Physical Exams,
Parent Letters, Use-of-Name Policy
PAGE 15 – Use of School Facilities, Media Policy, Parent Involvement, Background
Investigations: Volunteers,
Controversial Issues, Political Issues
PAGE 16 – Advisory Committee, General Fees and Tuition, Inter-Parish Assistance,
Tuition, Collection Procedures
PAGE 17 – Admission, Student Withdrawal, Student Permanent Records
PAGE 18 – Release of Student Information, Archdiocesan School Co-Curricular
Programs, Safety/Emergency Plan and Procedures, Requirements for
Volunteers/Sexual
Abuse Policy, Asbestos Management Plan, Inspection Reports Available
PAGE 19 – Student To Student Interactions
PAGE 20 – Faculty Responsibility, Administration Responsibilities
PAGE 21-23 – Student Acceptable Use Policy
PAGE 24 & 25 – Letter for Free and Reduced Price Meals
PAGE 26 - Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals
PAGE 27 – 32 - Archdiocesan #2520, 2560, 2600, 2660, 1500
PAGE 33 – School Calendar
OUR MISSION
is to…
develop life-long
learners
who value
themselves,
possess Christian
values,
contribute to their
community,
& succeed in a
changing world.
WE BELIEVE THE
PURPOSE OF EDUCATION IS TO:
*develop purposeful, life-long learners
*develop learners who are responsible for their own learning
*develop learners who expect to succeed
*develop learners who incorporate both successes and failures into their
learning
*develop self-confidence and self-worth
*develop an appreciation of the worth of others
*supplement the family in teaching Catholic doctrine
*experience community and serving
Our 2007-2008
theme emphasizes our children as our future and the importance of working
together hand in hand, believing in hope and promise, all that’s right and true.
As such we are called to reflect upon our commitment:
our knowledge and love of God and of our neighbor, our position of
service and leadership in our community, and our response to a changing world
with respect for all creation God has entrusted in our care.
The school
mascot is the Bobcat. The school
colors are red and white.
OUR STAFF:
Mrs.
Ms. Marla Foxhoven - Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Sue Stahley - Kindergarten/Preschool Director
Mrs. Stacey Zink - First Grade
Mrs. Carole Bretz - Second Grade
Sister JoAnn Schmitz - Third Grade
Mrs. Amy Brekel - Fourth Grade
Mrs. Gayle Japp - Fifth Grade
Mr. Kent Armstrong - Sixth Grade
Mrs. Jill Dreher - Title I
Mrs. Carrie Knudson - 7th, 8th Grade Social Studies, Language Arts,
Religion, 7th Grade Homeroom
Miss Brenda Kloberdanz - 7th, 8th Grade Math, Science, Computer, 8th
Grade Homeroom
Ms. Lisa Wolff - Art
Mrs. Mary Jo Cress - Music
Mrs.
Mrs. Jill Lengfelder - After School Club
Mrs.
Mrs. Pat Allen - Cafeteria
Mrs. Gloria Guerrero - Cafeteria
Mr. John Ertle
-
Maintenance
The information contained within this parent and student handbook is
subject to change, modification, interpretation, and elimination at any time at
the school’s discretion. Nothing
herein creates or is intended to
create a contract.
SCHOOL DAY:
7:30 AM
Teachers Arrive
7:50 AM
Staff Prayer
8:00
Start of school day for Kindergarten through 8th grade
11:30
Noon hour begins – K through 6th grades use an alternating
schedule
12:15 PM
Noon hour begins - 7th through 8th grades
12:30
Noon hour ends; Afternoon tardy bell – K through 6th grades
12:55
Noon hour ends – 7th through 8th grades
3:15
Dismissal of Kindergarten through 8th grades – Students need
to report to sports practice or leave for home at this time.
3:45
Teacher Departure
Saint
Anthony Catholic School is accredited by the North Central Accrediting
Association and certified as Catholic through the Catholic School Endorsement of
the Office of Catholic Schools.
The
purpose of accreditation is to acknowledge the professional educational
standards of the school. The
accreditation process is intended to act as a means of on-going planning and
school improvement.
All
Catholic preschool and elementary school before and after school care programs
are licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Students must be
supervised by an adult at all times during the regularly scheduled school day,
on school sponsored field trips, during school sponsored co-curricular
activities and at any other times during which the school accepts responsibility
for supervision.
Supervision requires both physical presence and attention to students.
Since emergencies will occur, it is not always possible for a teacher to
be physically present to all students.
It is important, therefore, that teachers inform students what they are
to do if a teacher is not present.
FOR
SAFETY reasons, we ask that students ordinarily arrive at school by 8:00 a. m.
If a home situation demands otherwise, the children may come earlier and are
asked to wait on the blacktop until the 8:00 a. m. bell.
Our playground is not supervised before 7:45 a.m.
Classes will be dismissed at 3:15 from the playground, using
Vision and hearing tests are conducted at the beginning of the school year, usually in September. Parents will be contacted if their student is recommended to do further testing of either vision or hearing.
Any student,
teacher or other staff member having a communicable disease will be dealt with
on a case-by-case basis. In all
cases, due consideration will be given to the needs and well being of the
individual(s) involved, those with whom they have contact and the broader
school/parish community being served.
Information will be conveyed on a need to know basis only.
Where required by law, the school will report a communicable disease to
the Colorado Department of Health and Human Services.
All
Archdiocesan schools shall comply with
Dress
often reflects our feelings and attitudes and effects our actions and behavior.
Since school is a place of learning, students should dress in a manner
which promotes learning.
Parental guidance is expected.
Student clothing should be neat and clean, appropriate for school and church,
and modest with no undergarments showing.
Hair should be combed, neat, clean, and not impede vision of the student.
Any writing on shirts must be in good taste.
Shirts and blouses must cover the shoulders and midriff and not be low
cut in front. Loose-fitting, modest
shorts may be worn during the school year.
No makeup is allowed for children in 6th grade or lower.
No facial hair. For Saint
Anthony Catholic Junior High, sleeveless tops are permitted as long as no
undergarments are allowed to show.
Students should not constitute sagging and bagging clothing.
Spaghetti strap outfits are not allowed.
Also, on Mass days, no jeans, shorts or printed T-shirts are permitted.
No clothing advertising any musical groups will be allowed.
Sports teams’ shirts are allowed as long as they are not violent or in
any other way distasteful. Any
other dress code questions should be directed to the principal.
Any teacher directing an extra-curricular or special activity may
determine student attire suitable for that activity.
For health and comfort, and to conserve energy, we ask that the
students wear warm clothing in cold weather.
We strongly urge all students to wear winter boots, which must be removed
in the building, during cold and wet weather.
We are concerned with the children wearing tennis shoes in wet/cold
weather, but will require all students to go outside unless it is raining or a
parent note requests a child to remain inside due to a recent illness.
(Students are asked to have a separate pair of tennis shoes to keep
the gym floor from being scratched.)
Mark your child’s clothing with his/her name.
A “lost and found” closet is in the gym.
Students may not use
cell phones or electronics during the school day.
If students have cell phones with them when they arrive at school, they
should turn them off and leave them in their lockers until after school.
Cell phones/electronics games/etc. may be confiscated by the principal if
being used during school time.
Parents/guardians may be called to retrieve the device.
Saint
Anthony’s teachers will participate in OCS, Diocesan and other required
In-Service meetings. Classes will
not be held on in-service days.
Please see calendar. Other
in-service and meeting dates may be called as necessary.
Please read the parent newsletter.
The faculty and
students of Archdiocesan schools shall participate in daily prayer, regularly
scheduled liturgies and other devotions.
Schools must provide liturgy on holy days and at a minimum of once a
month. Traditional devotions
including but not limited to the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Benediction and
May Crowning should be provided. No
principal, teacher or student will be exempted from participation in religious
observances, which are deemed part of the school program.
In
case of severe snow, listen to KSTC, KPMX, or KNNG.
If RE-1 Valley dismisses or cancels classes at the Sterling grade schools
due to bad weather, Saint Anthony’s will also.
Again, we follow the
RE-1 Public Schools. If they are
dismissing early due to inclement weather, we will also, at the same time as the
RE-1 elementary schools. We will
not allow children to walk home during blizzard conditions, thus make
arrangements to get your child picked up.
If school is dismissed early, no After School Club or extra-curricular
activities will be allowed. If your
child does not get picked up, we will be calling and if unavailable, we will
begin calling emergency contacts.
Should any questions or problems arise, contact the teacher first, by
telephoning for an appointment before or after school.
Then, if necessary, you and the teacher may want a conference with the
principal.
The primary goal of
the program of instruction in the schools of the Archdiocese of Denver is to
provide learning experiences which most effectively integrate worthwhile
attitudes and impart the knowledge and skills necessary for the spiritual,
intellectual, emotional and physical development of the student.
The Office of Catholic Schools provides courses of study/curriculum
guides for mandatory use in all Archdiocesan schools.
Information
technology has become the new literacy and must be seen both as a distinct
discipline and as a method of learning and communicating just as reading begins
as a distinct skill and then becomes transparent to other learning.
Saint Anthony curriculum includes guidelines for teaching and
implementing technology education at each grade level.
Student benchmarks and competencies can be obtained from the principal.
Homework is an integral part of the educational program as it is an extension of
the learning which takes place in school.
Homework, when done independently, helps to build responsibility.
It provides practice and drill for reinforcement as well as opportunity
for independent study, research, and creative thinking.
Homework may consist of unfinished class work, long-term projects, drill
and/or review, outside reading & writing, and specified educational television
programs. Students are encouraged
to undertake original projects beyond assigned work to pursue and share special
interest and talents. Assignment
notebooks assist in planning and organizing long and short-term assignments.
Every student should have study time on school nights.
The time should be as regular as the family’s schedule permits.
Make up work is
left up to the individual teacher.
Parents are asked to be sure the student has a quiet place to study away
from TV, stereo, phone, etc., and to allow them to study independently.
This is imperative to ensure that your child develops needed study skills
and is empowered to know they can do the work on his/her own.
The focus of
attention should be getting the work done with little or no adult attention
during the
actual study time.
The teacher will check the homework for accuracy.
Praise your child’s initiative, independence, and effort.
Students, parents and teachers, working together, will develop good study
habits in students who take responsibility for their learning now and for the
future.
Teacher recommendations for tutoring must be approved by the principal.
No teacher may accept pay for tutoring a pupil from his/her class during
the academic year.
Promotion of
students shall be based on completion of academic work and mastery of academic
skills. Credit for courses shall
not be given solely on the basis of class attendance.
All decisions regarding retention are the responsibility of the principal
in consultation with the teacher(s).
In cases of slow progress, each student should be considered
individually. Any decision
concerning non-promotion must be made after considering all the factors related
to the student’s development (emotional, physical, social, intellectual, and
academic) collected from a wide range of sources throughout the
year.
Excessive absences and/or tardies may be cause for retention or
withdrawal from the school as defined in the local school handbook.
REPORT CARDS
will be given out each nine weeks; four times during the school year.
Progress Reports will be sent home each mid-quarter if needed.
Parent/teacher conferences will be held after 1st quarter and
after 3rdmid-quarter report.
This summary
reflects the academic habits and numerical scores required for the earned letter
grades.
A = 93-100% - Outstanding Achievement:
a.
Makes outstanding
progress in mastering the subject and in the cultivation of highly
desirable study
habits; transfers learning.
b.
Indicates through
intelligent class discussion that outside research has been done;
demonstrates
leadership in group interaction.
c.
Is careful, thorough
and prompt in the preparation of all required and supplementary
work.
d.
Takes responsibility
for their own learning.
B = 85-92% - Above
Average Achievement:
a.
Approaches mastery
of subject; shows growth in desirable habits.
b.
Volunteers
information during class discussion; does some outside research on the topic;
demonstrates positive group interaction.
c.
Written and oral
assignments are on time and of good quality.
a.
Volunteers
information; shows interest in class discussion; is a good group member
b.
Written and oral
assignments are completed satisfactorily.
D = 70-75% - Below
Average Achievement – But Passing:
a.
Has sufficient
understanding of the subject to justify the opinion that more growth will result
from advancement than from repetition of the subject.
b.
Information
contributed rarely.
c.
Fails frequently to
respond to required work; does work carelessly and inaccurately.
Responsibility level is inconsistent.
F + 69% and Below –
Failing:
a.
Accomplishments and
habits of work do not justify a passing grade.
b.
Seldom or never
volunteers information: is inattentive, listless, or detracts from group work.
c.
Oral and written
work not acceptable; many times not handed in or carelessly and inaccurately
done.
d.
Is indifferent
towards suggestions for supplementary work.
Graduation/continuation exercises from either elementary or secondary schools
shall take place no earlier than one week preceding the closure of school.
Continuation from elementary school should be kept appropriately simple
and inexpensive. A Eucharistic
litugary shall be central to the graduation/continuation ceremony and should be
followed by a simple, dignified exercise, which recognizes the unique value of
the Catholic education just completed.
HONOR ROLL – EFFORT
AWARD
Each quarter students in grades 4 - 8 earning grades of 3.5 GPA and higher with effort and work habit marks of satisfactory and above will be placed on the Honor Roll. Students in grades 4 – 6 showing improvement, extra hard work, and good study habits will earn Effort Awards each quarter. There is no effort award for 7th and 8th grade.
This program emphasizes the basic principles of fitness – strength, flexibility, and endurance – that our young people put to use every day in their activities. Students strive for their personal best, while earning recognition for their abilities and achievements. This program helps to teach students about the benefits of a physically active and healthy lifestyle.
All
properties at school such as books, lockers (gr. 4-8), desks, furniture,
playground equipment, and the building are parish/school properties and must be
used and enjoyed by hundreds of children over a period of years.
Any individual destroying or damaging any of these items, whether by
accident or intent, is expected to replace or repair the item as the case may
require.
A student assigned a
locker or desk has use of, but not proprietary right to the locker or desk.
Lockers and desks are school property.
The principal, pastor, high school assistance principal and dean of
students, professional staff of the Office of Catholic Schools or the Secretary
for Catholic Schools may conduct a search of the school plant and every aperture
thereof, including lockers and desks.
School searches must be reasonable and related to the school official’s
responsibilities.
Students may check out library books for 2 weeks and may renew once. New library books may not be checked out until old ones have been returned. Overdue book fines are 5 cents per school day. Fines are not charged for the days a student is absent, weekends or free days. Fines collected are used for library materials. Replacement costs for lost books will be assessed after sufficient searching time. Students will be responsible
for the books they check out and will have to pay for any lost books or damages. Reference materials may not be taken from the library unless the classroom teacher oversees the use of reference materials in the classroom.
One of the primary aims of St. Anthony’s is teaching Christ’s love by Christian living. However, this does not mean that the school alone is responsible for developing self-discipline in a child.
Little can be accomplished during a day if the teacher is constantly required,
by someone’s behavior, to act as disciplinarian.
The child must have a strong sense of self-discipline that has developed
from the beginning of the child’s life.
Discipline at school and at home must be consistent and just.
The child must feel a deep respect for words and examples of parents and
teachers. S/He needs a feeling of
security. S/He must know that the adults in his life are sincerely interested in
him. The school and parent must
cooperate fully to help the child become the person God intended.
Dangerous items such as cap or
squirt guns, bullet shells, pocketknives, sharp and pointed instruments, Chinese
stars, etc., are not allowed on the school premises.
Immediate discipline will be administered upon discovery of these items
on school premises. This policy is
for the protection of the health and safety of the entire student body of St.
Anthony’s.
Students are expected to act like
responsible individuals when using the halls and facilities during school hours
and programs. Loud talking, loud
laughing, running, pushing, etc., are not allowed at anytime.
A basic Christian philosophy of friendship and getting along with others is adhered to at St. Anthony Catholic School. Therefore, fighting, inappropriate language, and harassment are strictly prohibited. Conflict resolution skills should be practiced. However, should adult intervention be necessary, any student using inappropriate language, either spoken or written or gestured, or fighting shall involve consequences from school authority. Disciplinary measures may include probation, in-school exclusion, suspension, loss of privileges, and/or expulsion in accordance with Archdiocesan Policies, 2520-2600.
Possession and/or
use of tobacco, possession, use or being under the influence of alcohol or
illicit drugs is prohibited on school premises and at all school sponsored
activities. The possession, use,
sale or attempted sale of tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs may result in
expulsion from the school and notification of the proper authorities.
No medication, including aspirin, Tylenol, cough-and-cold medication, decongestants, or other over the counter or prescription medications shall be administered by any school personnel except under the following conditions:
1.
Written orders from
an authorized prescriber shall be on file at the school stating:
A.
Child’s name
B.
Name of medication
C.
Proper dosage of
medication
D.
Purpose of
medication
E.
Time of
day/administration instructions
F.
Anticipated number
of days of adminstration
G.
Possible side
effects
H.
Storage instructions
2.
Whenever possible, the parent is requested to be present to administer
the medication.
3.
If the parent is unable to be present, only the principal or his designee may
administer the medication according to the physician’s written instructions.
In such case, the parent must submit a written request to the school to
administer the medication.
4.The
medication must be brought in a container appropriately labeled by a pharmacy or
physician. These medications shall
be safeguarded at school to avoid ingestion by the wrong child.
5.
If a student has a condition that might require medication on an
emergency basis, the student’s family shall provide all necessary information
and training or instruction to the school personnel who might be responsible for
administering such medication or carrying out such medical procedures.
The
State of
School attendance
has a direct relationship upon student learning.
Please call between 7:45 and 8:15 a.m., whenever your child will be
absent. On return, a dated note
written by a parent should be presented by the student in case of tardiness
and/or absence from school.
Excessive tardiness will result in disciplinary action.
Students returning from lunch after 12:30 will miss learning time and
will be marked tardy. Any student
arriving after 10:00 a.m. or leaving before 2:00 p.m. will be counted at ½ day
attendance. Students who will be on
vacation should contact the classroom teacher a week before their leaving.
For
the safety of the children, students will not be permitted to leave the school
grounds at any time during the day unless permission has been given by the
parents through the Principal’s office.
Parents or designee must “sign out” the child in the office.
No one is permitted to go directly to the classrooms to call for a
child or to deliver messages, etc.
Stop in the office first.
Requests for early dismissal from school must be directed to the
Principal. Dental and medical
appointments may be kept during school hours; however, they should be made after
school hours whenever possible.
Parents taking students off campus for lunch should first sign out their child
before picking up their child from the office or cafeteria after checking in
with the teacher. The lunch hour is
11:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. K – 6 and 12:15-1:00p.m. 7, & 8th, the only
time to be off campus with parent permission.
Parents may take only their own children to lunch, no guests.
To
avoid interruptions in student learning, parents, guardians, and grandparents
are welcome to visit classrooms only after prior approval of the dates and times
with the classroom teacher. All
visitors are asked to sign-in in the office.
Persons (other than custodial parents/legal guardians), agencies, or organizations desiring to contact individual students during the school day MUST FIRST receive permission from the principal/director.
PLAYGROUND RULES -
For the safety and social development of our children:
1.
Be considerate of
others – take turns – respect boundaries of games.
2.
Use appropriate and
encouraging language – invite others to join in the fun.
3.
Stay off
bicycles, the fire escape, fences, and drainpipes.
4.
In winter, snow
should remain on the ground. Please stay off the ice for safety reasons.
5.
Stay in the
playground area (ask permission to get balls).
Do Not Climb the Fence.
6.
Line up quietly when
the bell rings.
7.
Gravel and sand must
stay on the ground.
8.
Keep hands to self.
No rough-housing or wrestling.
Bicycles are to be parked in the racks when students arrive at school and are
not to be moved until school ends.
Students are not permitted to ride on the playground at any time.
The school cannot be responsible for bikes brought and kept at school.
The school recommends that bicycles be locked while kept at school.
Roller blades/skateboards are not allowed at school.
Students may not bring toys to school.
Athletic items may be brought and should be clearly labeled with
the child’s name or remain at home.
Keep Walkmans and electronic games at home.
Recess provides a time for the children to develop and practice social
skills. ALL students are expected
to go outdoors for the daily recesses and noon hours.
Ordinarily if a child is not well enough to go outdoors for these
periods, he/she should be kept at home.
For deviation from this policy, contact the classroom teacher.
Students bringing sports equipment to school for recess should have it
plainly marked with their name.
The lunch/recess time is from 11:40a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for