ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE SCHOOL STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 2014-2015 __________________________ NAME _________________________ GRADE SPA STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015 The St. Paul the Apostle School Board The PWC Parents Working for Children and SPA School Administration, Foundation Faculty, and Staff of St. Paul the Apostle School The Clergy and Staff of St. Paul the Apostle Church If you have any questions or suggestions, please address them in writing to the Saint Paul the Apostle School Board in care of the School Administration Office. STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 2014-2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Introduction to Handbook 4 SPA Parish Community 5 SPA School History 5 SPA School Mission Statement 5 SPA School General Statement of Principles - Goals & Objectives 5-6 Catholic Identity 6 SPA Expected School Learning Expectations 6-8 Code of Christian Conduct 9 SPA School Policies and Procedures 9 Secure Campus Visitor to SPA 10 SPA School Admission Policy 10 SPA School Student Non-Discrimination Policy 10-11 Inclusion Policy 11 SPA School – Family Communication 12 School Office Hours 12 School Appointments 12-13 Notice of Changes - Personal Demographics/Transportation 13 Accidents 14 Insurance 14 Faculty Meetings –Full Day Friday Minimum Day 14 Lunches 15 Field Trips 15 Mixed Parties 15 Physical Education 15 Telephones/Cell Phones 16 Cameras/Cell Phone Cameras 17 Attendance Policy & Procedures 17-18 Work Permits 18 Student Records 18-19 Order of the Day 20 Tardiness 21 Truancy 21 Parent’s Responsibilities 22-23 Consultative School Boards and Parents Organizations 23-24 Student Rights & Responsibilities 23-24 Graduation from SPA School 25 2 Grading Codes 25 Academic Probation 25 Academic Dishonesty 26 Student Council 26 Style Sheet for Written Work 26-27 Homework Policy 27-30 Homework Policy for Absentees 30 S.P.A. Acceptable Use Policy grades K-8 31-35 Student Acknowledgement (Technology Privileges and Responsibilities) 36-39 Student Lockers, Desks and Property 39 Uniform and Grooming Code 39-43 Discipline 43-48 Harassment, Bullying & Disciplinary Procedure & Policy 49-50 Reinforcement of Vandalism Policy (2010) 51 Student Threats 51 Archdiocesan School Search Policy (2008) 52 Buying and Selling Policy 52 Procedures for Complaint Filing and Investigation 53 Employee Child Abuse Reporting 54 From the Health Office 55-59 Permission Form for Medication - Sample 60 After School Care Program 61 School Library/Media Center 62 Tuition Policy /Delinquent Tuition Collection Policy 63 Disaster/Emergency Procedures 64 Publication of Student Work/Pictures Acknowledgement 65 Educator’s Guidelines for Media Use/Parent Permission- Sample 66-68 Field Trip Permission Form - Sample 69 Absentee Form - Sample 70 Safe Environment- Protecting God’s Children Acknowledgement 71-73 Fighting and Expulsion Policy- Acknowledgement 74 Complaint Review Process 75 3 ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK – contains information pertaining to students, parents/guardians. This document is posted on Haiku, the PWC website www.spapwc.org and the St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Community website www.sp-apostle.org (go to “School” then click on “Current Families” and “Handbook”). Blue highlighted words or passages indicate new wording, passages/information. SPA STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 2014-2015 INTRODUCTION St. Paul the Apostle School endeavors to create an environment in which each child will grow and learn to work together with mutual respect and an interest in the common good. To achieve this, the entire community - faculty, parents/guardians, and students – are expected to assume responsibility for enforcing the rules of conduct contained within this handbook. References to parent(s) include guardian(s) for purposes of this handbook. The registration of a student at St. Paul the Apostle School is an express agreement on the part of the students and their parents or guardians to observe the school policies and procedures as set forth in this handbook and any that may be deemed necessary by the administration for the education of the whole child. St. Paul the Apostle School reserves the right to review the conduct and actions of St. Paul’s students regardless of when or where such actions take place if they are of a nature to bring discredit to the school or if they conflict with the Christian values for which St. Paul’s stands. A serious conflict may result in dismissal. St. Paul the Apostle faculty and staff promote the value of respect for self and others. We have written this Handbook with that value in mind. Students and parents who are unwilling to pursue and respect the educational goals prescribed in the philosophy of St. Paul the Apostle School jeopardize their position in the school. Parental cooperation is essential for the welfare of the students. If, in the opinion of the Administration, a parent’s behavior seriously interferes with the teaching/learning process, the school may require parents to withdraw their child(ren) and sever the relationship with the school. PLEASE NOTE: Any issue or policy not specifically addressed in this handbook or independently addressed by the Principal, may be addressed in the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Administrative Handbook, which is available for review, upon request in the St. Paul’s School Administrative Office. Addendums to the Handbook may be published throughout the year and will be forwarded to parents via email “From the Principal”. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Both parents and students must read and sign the handbook Acknowledgment Page which includes important information and school policies (ex. Fighting and Expulsion Policy as well as Parent Permission to Publish Student Pictures/work and Acceptable Use Policy for Technology). Signing the Acknowledgement Page is part of the complete registration information required by St. Paul the Apostle School. Students will not have access to school technology without this signed Acknowledgement. It must be returned to the school by the date announced by the Principal. The student is not fully enrolled if the Acknowledgement Page is not returned to the school by that date. Faculty, students and parents will have the ability to access the Handbook from the St. Paul the Apostle Community website, Haiku, and the PWC website. 4 ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE PARISH COMMUNITY Saint Paul the Apostle School and St. Paul the Apostle Church comprise the St. Paul the Apostle Parish Community. The faculty, priests and staff work together to promote a deep understanding of our Catholic faith. ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE SCHOOL HISTORY St. Paul the Apostle School was established in 1935 under the guidance of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph, and the supervision of Rev. Francis Quinan, C.S.P.. The School originated with six classrooms and, over the past decades, has expanded and developed its resources as needed. St. Paul the Apostle School has nineteen classrooms and includes an art room and science lab. In 1981 the convent was renovated to provide additional space for the library, junior high classrooms, a choir- music room and parish activities. The school enrollment has increased from 508 in 1989 to its current 540 students. In the summer of 2012, the most recent WCEA/WASC evaluation accredited the St. Paul the Apostle School for the maximum six years. New construction in 2013-2014 includes the Educational Learning Center with classrooms for grades 5-8, music, foreign language, Library/Media Center, faculty dining room, conference room, and gymnasium. ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT St. Paul the Apostle School is a Catholic community of faith, committed to the development of the whole child. The lay and religious faculty share responsibility with the parents for the students’ education, growth, and well - being. The school provides a challenging curriculum taught from a global perspective, by innovative and dedicated educators. The student population is drawn from the parish and surrounding communities. GENERAL STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES RECOGNIZING THE PARENT AS THE PRIMARY EDUCATOR, we at St. Paul the Apostle School, seek to educate all who have been entrusted to us. We make no distinction in admittance regarding sex, race, color, racial or ethnic origin, or social position. We meet the children at the level of their needs and develop their intellectual, spiritual, psychological, social, emotional, physical, aesthetic, economic, and civic potential. We begin from the principle that our educational program is intentionally directed to the growth of the whole person. IN ADDITION TO BEING “SCHOOL”, WE ARE “CATHOLIC”. We, at St. Paul the Apostle School, believe that Catholic education is an expression of the mission given to us by Jesus. Our goal is to help our students build a strong moral character by using a value- centered curriculum that is rooted in our Catholic Faith. As faculty we create an environment that supports parents’ responsibility to help their children come to a deeper understanding of the impact of God’s offer of salvation. This offer is made in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and it invites a response that flows through the school, into the wider parish community of faith and into our world. 5 CATHOLIC IDENTITY The students of St. Paul the Apostle School are fully involved in the Catholic faith. Religion curriculum includes the use of an Archdiocesan approved text as well as support programs that include current event topics and scripture based materials. Students participate in a variety of prayer styles during the year as well as both liturgical and para liturgical experiences. Student led school liturgies, grade level evening liturgies, and Sunday family liturgies are included. The school music program and parish music ministry work together to expose students to and involve students in liturgical music. Reconciliation experiences are offered to grades 3-8 during Advent and Lent. Every classroom has a prayer corner/table as a focus area for prayer/intentions and the school day is always begun with prayer and scripture read by Student Body officers and the Principal. Grade level chaplains visit the classrooms regularly and support catechists in liturgy preparation. The connection between faith and action is strengthened by many opportunities for involvement in the church as well as community outreach. Many of the outreach projects are student initiated and student driven. Upper-school students are offered opportunities to train as lectors and altar servers for school and weekend liturgies. Education for parents includes sacramental preparation programs for second grade families to help prepare parents and children during this special time, Miles to Go Drug Awareness program (grades 5-8), and Family Life/Human Sexuality (grades 5-8). ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE SCHOOL SCHOOL LEARNING EXPECTATIONS (SLEs) FOR 2014 - 2015 The education and support provided at St. Paul the Apostle School is designed to help each child become: A FAITH FILLED PERSON WHO: • Demonstrates Catholic Christian values and attitudes by modeling them in every-day life • Participates actively in a faith community • Knows the basic fundamental beliefs of his/her faith • Shows an ongoing, personal relationship with God through prayer • Shows compassion towards others by a willingness to share time, talent, and treasure • Makes decisions according to an informed conscience A CONTRIBUTING MEMBER OF SOCIETY WHO: • Exhibits a confidence in his/her value as an individual with the potential to make a difference • Appreciates diverse cultures and opinions • Demonstrates positive citizenship and leadership by contributing to the welfare of others and volunteering for community, country and the democratic process A CRITICAL THINKER WHO: 6 • Has a strong academic foundation • Uses technology to synthesize and evaluate new information • Implements appropriate strategies to analyze, interpret, solve and evaluate various problems • Identifies real-life problems and chooses the most effective means of solving them • Questions and answers objectively, analytically, and appropriately • Evaluates and criticizes his/her own thinking strategies (meta-cognitive abilities). A SELF DIRECTED PERSON WHO: • Exhibits a personal responsibility for learning and for his/her actions • Displays enthusiasm to be a life-long learner • Sets goals and implements a course of action to achieve them • Exhibits self reliance by seeing what needs to be done and responding appropriately • Makes choices based on acquired knowledge and Christian values • Exhibits self awareness by seeking help when needed AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR WHO: • Utilizes all available tools for communication • Articulates thoughts clearly, accurately, and creatively using both verbal and written expression • Listens actively, is receptive to new ideas and can dialogue with others • Formulates meaningful questions and assesses information • Expresses acquired knowledge on a wide variety of subjects • Works cooperatively and collaborates in a variety of situations AN AESTHETICALLY AWARE INDIVIDUAL WHO: • Demonstrates an appreciation for the creative expression of others (music, literature, visual and performing arts) • Recognizes, appreciates and respects the beauty of God’s creation • Participates in and enjoys the artistic process as well as the results • Identifies his/her own potential for creativity A HEALTH CONSCIOUS INDIVIDUAL WHO: • Maintains and shows respect for the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health for oneself and others • Is educated in the value of good nutrition and exercise for the sake of good health and a positive self image • Can communicate an understanding of substance abuse, its negative effects and consequences • Expresses a healthy understanding of human sexuality In 2014, these School Learning Expectations were summarized in language that could be more easily understood by primary grade students. A Faith Filled Person: • Believes in God • Loves God and Others 7 • Goes to Mass and Prays A Contributing Member of Society: • Is a good citizen • Shares with others • Treats others with respect A Critical Thinker: • Stops and Thinks • Asks questions • Solves problems A Self-Directed Person: • Makes Good Choices • Works Independently • Is a Self Starter An Effective Communicator: • Actively Listens • Thinks before speaking • Express ideas clearly An Aesthetically Aware Individual: • Appreciates and Respects the Beauty of God’s World A Health Conscious Individual: • Has a Positive Attitude • Makes Healthy Choices It is with the help and support of all students, parents, teachers and staff at St. Paul’s that each student will make progress toward these learning results. CODE OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT COVERING STUDENTS, PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND OTHER RESPONSIBLE ADULTS Archdiocese General Information (1.1 Update 6/11) 8 The Archdiocese deeply appreciates the choice parents and students make to enroll in its parochial elementary schools and secondary schools. Truly, this is a commitment for life and many families make considerable sacrifices of time and treasure to support their students while they are in school. Often families and students continue this support even after graduation because Catholic education makes a difference. Indeed, Catholic schools are different. All schools in the Archdiocese are intended to be environments that educate, nurture and support students according to the basic Christian principles of charity and love of neighbor. Everyone involved in the development of children and youth – teachers, administrators, parents, family and friends – is required to behave in accordance with these principles. Our Christian principles provide that: Parents or guardians are expected to work courteously and cooperatively with the school to assist the student in meeting the school’s academic, moral and behavioral expectations. Students and parents or guardians may respectfully express their concerns about the school operation and its personnel. However, they may not do so in a manner that is discourteous, scandalous, rumor driven, disruptive, threatening, hostile or divisive. Parents, guardians or other responsible adults who insult or abuse school personnel in the presence of other school personnel, students or parents on or adjacent to school premises or at some other place where school personnel are required to be in connection with their assigned school activities, may be asked to withdraw their student from the school. Conduct that materially disrupts class work or extracurricular activities or that involves substantial disorder will not be tolerated. These expectations for students, parents, guardians or other responsible adults include, but are not limited to, all school-sponsored programs and events (e.g., After School Care, athletics, field trips, etc.). The school reserves the right to determine, in its discretion, when conduct is of such a severe nature as to warrant immediate action without warning. This action may include removal of a family and its students from the school. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Any issue or policy not specifically addressed in this handbook or independently addressed by the Principal may be addressed in the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Administrative Handbook is online. Addendums to the Handbook may be published throughout the year and forwarded to parents via email from the Principal. SECURE CAMPUS – VISITORS TO SPA To preserve the academic environment and school security, Archdiocesan and parish schools are designated as “closed campuses.” No person may enter the campus unless authorized by the 9