FORWARD

FORWARD

This Parent Handbook has been prepared to help you become more knowledgeable of the purposes and procedures at St. Paul the Apostle School, and to support and create an ever closer relationship among students, parents/guardians, teachers, and administration. It details policies that serve as a guideline to the daily operation of our school. However, policy statements are necessarily general, and the administration reserves the right to (1) make specific applications as the circumstances arise, and (2) amend the handbook as necessary throughout the year.

St. Paul School is a part of the Joliet Diocese School System. The Handbook of Policies of the Joliet Diocesan School System is the basic guideline under which this and all Catholic schools in the Diocese are administered. Diocesan policies change and are up-dated from time-to-time. As a result, this Parent Handbook may conflict with strict Diocesan Policy. Therefore, when there is a question of policy or procedure that is in conflict between this Parent Handbook and the Handbook of Policies of the Joliet Diocesan School System, the Handbook of the Joliet Diocesan School System will control.

We ask that you read this Parent Handbook carefully and keep it for reference during the school year. In particular, all parents/guardians are asked to review the sections on Student Dress Code (revised) and Technology Acceptable Use Policy as it relates to School Computer Network and Internet usage. It is hoped that it will serve as a helpful guide to those devoted to the education of the children of our school.

We ask that you sign the form stating that you have read the complete handbook and agree to abide by its contents.

Received _________________

date

School Principal St. Paul School Board

Please detach and return to St. Paul School Office

St. Paul the Apostle Parent Handbook

I acknowledge receipt of this handbook and agree to abide by all of the policies stated here within.

_____________________________________ ________________________________

Parent Signature Date Oldest Child’s Name (please print)

I. OVERVIEW

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
MISSION STATEMENT

II. ORGANIZATIONS

SCHOOL BOARD
HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

III. ADMISSIONS

REGISTRATION
PRIORITIES OF ADMISSION
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
TRANSFER STUDENTS
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL

IV. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

FAMILY CATEGORIES
FUND-RAISING OBLIGATIONS
TUITION PAYMENTS
REDUCTION IN FINANCIAL OBLIGATION
REGISTRATION FEE
MANNA PROGRAM

V. SCHOOL DAY PROCEDURES

A. SCHOOL TIMES

B. ATTENDANCE POLICIES

C. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

D. EXCUSED ABSENCES

E. STUDENT MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS

F. MEDICATION

G. EMERGENCY FORM/ CALLING TREE

H. LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS

I. LUNCH REGULATIONS

J. VISITORS

K. TELEPHONE MESSAGES/USAGE

L. EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

M. DROP OFF & PICK UP PROCEDURE

N. WALKERS

O. BIKERS

P. HOMEWORK PICKUP

Q. SCHOOL BOOKS/MATERIALS

R. PRE-SCHOOL CALENDAR/HANDBOOK

S. EXTENDED DAY PROCEDURES

VI. STUDENT INFORMATION

UNIFORM DRESS CODE
STUDENT INSURANCE
HEALTH PROGRAM
PARENT/GUARDIAN NEWSLETTER
DISCIPLINE CODE
GENERAL RULES
TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

VII. RELIGIOUS SERVICE ACTIVITIES

MASS/PRAYER SERVICES
SACRAMENTS
ALTAR SERVERS
CHRISTIAN ACTIVITIES

VIII. ACADEMIC INFORMATION

CURRICULUM/ TESTING TUTORING/ SPECIAL NEEDS
REPORT CARDS /HONOR ROLL
INTERIM REPORTS
PARENT/GUARDIAN – TEACHER CONFERENCES
RETENTION
FIELD TRIPS
SCIENCE FAIR/SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECTS
PHYSICAL FITNESS FUN DAY
ASSEMBLIES/PROGRAMS
ENRICHMENT CLASSES

IX. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITES

SAFETY PATROL
STUDENT COUNCIL
STUDENT YEARBOOK
ATHLETICS
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
ACADEMIC INELIGIBILITY

Appendix I – Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office Agreement and Authorization for Internet Access and Use Appendix II – Requirements for JCA Math Program

Appendix III – Pick-up procedure map

II. ORGANIZATIONS

A. SCHOOL BOARD

Mission Statement

The mission of the St. Paul the Apostle School Board is to affirm our Catholic Christian values through creating a community of trust and understanding enabling our students to advance into the future both spiritually and academically as witnesses of Christ. As partners in education, we will develop and support policies, provide counsel on fiscal matters, and serve as a public relations source in accordance with St. Paul the Apostle Parish and Diocesan policies.

In the Diocese of Joliet, school boards are consultative in nature. Consultation implies that the administrator(s) (pastor/principal) will listen to the advice of the board in certain designated matters prior to a decision being made. The operating principle is that the administrator(s) will not act contrary to the advice that has been given, especially when there is a consensus, unless the administrator(s) has an overriding reason. It is customary, but not obligatory, for the administrator(s) to communicate this reason to the consultative body.

The St. Paul the Apostle School Board meets on the third Wednesday of the month (September-November and January-May) at 7:00 P.M. All parishioners are cordially invited to attend.

We ask that you note these two points regarding School Board meetings:

The School Board will not discuss personnel or staff questions at the School Board meeting since these matters are not appropriate for an open meeting. There are school procedures that must be followed. All personnel issues must be handled by the principal according to Diocesan policy. We ask that you follow the procedures of the school in regard to any teacher or staff questions and/or problems you may have.

The principal generally makes agendas after consultation with the board president. If a parent/guardian wants to place a topic on the agenda, a written description of the topic should be submitted to the school principal or the president at least ten days before the scheduled board meeting. The decision will then be made as to the placement of the item on the next agenda.

Officers

President

Vice President

Secretary

B. HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

The objectives of the Home and School Association are:

To provide a hospitable atmosphere where parents and faculty can come together at meetings and other events.
To sponsor various fund raising events throughout the year so as to assist in working toward the advancement of Christian education and socialization in homes and school.
To attempt to enhance the parent’s and teacher’s role as copartners in the education of the child by increasing their mutual understanding of children and also by providing a structure within which parents and teachers can work together for the good of the child; to grow in mutual respect and concern.
To coordinate and promote cooperation between all approved diocesan organizations within our parish.

Home and School meetings are usually held on the second Tuesday of each month (September – May) at 1:30 P.M.

Officers

President –

Vice President –

Treasurer –Secretary –

C. ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The objective of the Athletic Association is to offer as much opportunity as practical and for as many boys and girls as possible in a wide variety of athletic endeavors. Athletic Association meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of each month (September – May) at 7:00 P.M.

St Paul School Athletic Association follows all the guidelines for athletics that are established by the Diocese of Joliet. Students participating in our sports programs are required to participate in mandatory fund-raisers determined by the St. Paul Athletic Board.

Officers

Athletic Director –

President –

III. ADMISSIONS

A. REGISTRATION

Schools operating under the auspices of the Diocese of Joliet admit students of any race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin to all the rights and privileges, programs and activities generally available to students at the school.

Pre-school children are to be three years of age by September 1. Pre-kindergarten children are to be four years of age by September 1. Prospective kindergarten students are to be five years of age by September 1. Prospective first grade students are to be six years of age by September 1.

Registration for the up-coming school year is done in January for the currently enrolled families and during Catholic Schools Week for new families. Waiting lists are then created as needed. After that, enrollment is on an availability basis.

Appropriateness of educational programs and/or availability of space may be legitimate factors affecting admissions. Interviews may be required for placement of new children in grades 1-8. The principal will determine the total number of students in each class, as well as classroom placement.

B. PRIORITIES OF ADMISSION

If there is a waiting list for a certain grade, then children will be admitted when vacancies occur under the guidelines established by the Joliet Diocesan School Board:

Children of Parishioners

Children from families with children already enrolled.
Children now reaching school age
Children from families newly moved into the parish and whose children have been in Catholic schools where such were available, or if such were not available, have regularly attended religious education classes

Children of non-parishioners with students already enrolled in the school whose parish does have a Catholic school of its own

Transfer students from other Catholic schools

From schools that are closing
From schools not offering full programs 1-8

Transfer students from public schools

Parishioners’ children who regularly attend religious education classes
Children of other parishioners
Children of non-parishioners whose parish has a Catholic school
Children of non-Catholics

C. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

All students must have the following documents on file with the school office prior to the beginning of the school year:

Baptismal Certificates

All students must present their Baptismal certificates at registration for photocopying and placement in the school files if the student was not baptized at St. Paul the Apostle. All students must present the official copy of their birth certificates, which can be obtained from the county office where they were born, at registration for photocopying and placement in the school files.

School Physical Examinations

Illinois State Law requires a physical examination for each student. Such examinations will be required upon entrance into pre-school or pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and fifth grade, or into any grade if a student has not previously been examined as required by the School Code of Illinois.

If physical and dental forms for pre-school and pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and fifth grade are not submitted to St. Paul the Apostle School by the first day of school, then that child will not be permitted to attend St. Paul’s School until the forms are submitted.

E. TRANSFER STUDENTS

Transfer students may be admitted following receipt from the transferring school of attendance records, health and academic records, etc. Until such records have been received and reviewed, the child’s admission status is understood to be probationary. Further, the academic progress and behavior of each new student is subject to periodic review by the principal. A student not demonstrating acceptable progress/conduct may be dropped from the enrollment at the end of the quarter.

F. STUDENT WITHDRAWAL

If a student is withdrawing from the school for any reason, the parent/guardian must:

Notify the school office at least two weeks before withdrawing
Take care of unpaid fees or any other business matters. All fees MUST be paid before leaving.
Complete a transfer form from the school office. Parents/guardians have the right to inspect their child(ren)’s permanent file(s) before the file(s) is transferred. Please provide 24 hours notice any time an examination of the file is desired.

Because the student’s interests are most important and cannot be served if the parents/guardians and education officials cannot work together, the school reserves the right to require a parent/guardian to withdraw from the partnership at any time if a serious impasse exists.

IV. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

A. FAMILY CATEGORIES

Financial obligation rates for school families are divided into two categories. Rates are for parishioner and non-parishioner.

Parishioner Rate

A family qualifies for the parishioner rate depending upon the family’s usage of its (1) time; (2) talent; and/or (3) treasure.

TIME: Parishioners are visible and known in the parish by offering personal time for the good of the parish. They are seen at Mass, and also at parish functions.
TALENT: Parishioners use their God-given talents by serving in various capacities for the good of the parish. They come forward to be of assistance when needed.
TREASURE: Parishioners understand the necessity of regular financial support of the parish, and give to the best of their ability.

Parishioner status benefits a family in these ways:

Priority enrollment privileges over non-parishioner
A lower financial obligation than that required of non-parishioner
An opportunity for financial assistance, if needed

The status of a family shall be subject to review every six months. If it is determined that a family is not eligible for parishioner status, that family will be classified as non-parishioner for the next six months. Determination of family status is the responsibility of the pastor.

Non-Parishioner Rate

Families who are not members of St. Paul the Apostle Parish or choose not to be members will be charged a non-parishioner tuition rate and still be responsible for all fundraising obligations.

B. FUNDRAISING OBLIGATIONS

As part of the financial obligation, each family is required to participate in any and all annual fund-raisers with a minimum dollar level established by the School Board. In the event a family fails to meet this minimum obligation, their shortfall will be added to their monthly financial obligation.

C. TUITION PAYMENTS

The first tuition payment is due in August on registration days. Enrollment is not officially completed until this payment is made and the family is satisfactorily caught up with any prior year tuition payments. Payments can be made by one of two methods:

In full, on or before the first day of school.

Ten equal installments.

The following procedure is for families choosing to pay by the installment method: The first monthly installment is due on or before the August registration date. Subsequent payments are due on or before the fifteenth of each month. (September thru May)

V. SCHOOL DAY PROCEDURES

A. SCHOOL TIMES

Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten

8:20 A.M. Convent door is opened for pre-school.

8:30 A.M. Pre-school class begins.

11:10 A.M. Pre-school is dismissed.

12:10 P.M. Pre-kindergarten class begins.

2:55 P.M. Pre-kindergarten is dismissed.

Grades Kindergarten – Grade 8

8:05 A.M. Students may arrive on school grounds.

8:15 A.M. Students are allowed entry into the school

8:25 A.M. Students must be in their classroom, or they will be marked tardy.

11:30 A.M. Dismissal for kindergarten - eighth grade on all ½ days

3:00 PM K-8 students dismissed.

Students are required to leave school grounds promptly. No supervision is provided after 3:10 P.M. Any child that is still on St. Paul premises after dismissal will be placed in the Extended Day program, and a fee will be charged for this supervision.

B. ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Attendance

Regularity of attendance and punctuality are of prime importance to the child from the very first day of school. Regular daily attendance is important to a student’s success. Absences and tardiness are written on the child’s report card for the purposes of records and awards. Perfect attendance is achieved when a child is neither absent nor tardy throughout the school year.

Absence

If any child is absent for any cause, the parent/guardian MUST CALL THE OFFICE EACH DAY OF THE ABSENCE. Please call between 8:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M.

Tardy

A child who is late, must receive a tardy slip from the office before entering the classroom. The child is required to have a note from the parent/guardian explaining the tardiness. Students are responsible for any work missed due to any absence. Three times tardy in a quarter will result in an early morning detention.

Doctor’s Orders

Every child who is well enough to be in school is well enough to play outdoors at recess and participate in all gym classes unless a doctor’s note is provided. If a child cannot participate in organized play for a day or so, at least they can be out in the fresh air with their class. Parent/guardian is asked not to request indoor recess when all other students are outside. During inclement weather or very cold winter days, the students will remain indoors.

C. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

The school CANNOT excuse any student during the school year for vacations or “time off”. Teachers are not required to provide assignments for the student before the student leaves for this non-scheduled absence. Written work missed during these days of non-scheduled absence is to be requested, by the student, upon the first day of return to school. This work will be made up within one week. If during this absence, a test is given, the student will be able to make up the test for credit at the convenience of the teacher.

If such an absence is unavoidably necessary, a letter notifying the school of the student’s impending absence must be received at the school office at least 24 hours before the student leaves. If the student is absent during Standardized Testing periods, the tests will not be made up.

D. EXCUSED ABSENCES

Educational activities out of school, such as Science Fair, Spelling Bee, Math Competition, etc. that are authorized by St. Paul the Apostle School are “excused absences”. These absences are recorded as “EXCUSED”. This excused absence does not affect perfect attendance.

If the parent/guardian want their child(ren) to attend educational activities that are not sponsored by St. Paul the Apostle School (take your child to work day, etc.), this is the procedure that must be followed:

Parent/guardian must notify the school, in writing, at least 24 hours before the event, detailing the purpose of the educational activity.
The day the student returns to school, he/she must present a written description of what was learned at the activity.
All school work missed during the excused absence must be made up within the next two days.

Absences to attend the funeral of family or friends are excused absences but are recorded on the student’s attendance record and affect perfect attendance.

E. STUDENT APPOINTMENTS (Medical/Dental)

Appointments, including routine medical and dental examinations, are an interruption to the student’s school day. Please make all appointments before or after school hours whenever possible.

F. MEDICATION

The school is FORBIDDEN by Illinois State Law to administer medication. Specifically, school personnel are not permitted to dispense aspirin, throat lozenges, or any other over-the-counter medication. If the child must have any medication, the parent/guardian should come to the school office and dispense such medicine to the child. Parent/guardian is encouraged, if at all possible, to adjust medication times to before and after school hours. For the sake of safety, all medications MUST be kept in the school office.

G. EMERGENCY FORM /CALLING TREE

In case of emergency, parents/guardians are contacted first. If a parent/guardian cannot be contacted, then a person designated by the parent/guardian on the child’s emergency card will be contacted. Parents/guardians have the responsibility to keep the emergency form up to date.

H. LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS

No child is permitted to leave before or during the school session, including lunchtime. If a child must leave for reason of illness or appointments, a parent/guardian MUST come to the office to get the child and sign out the student.

A written note for early dismissal must accompany the child on the day prior to the day of the appointment and be approved by the principal. The note is then presented to the homeroom teacher.

I. LUNCH REGULATIONS

A hot lunch program is available to all students in grades K-8. At the start of each month, full month menus plus order forms are sent home for each child. To participate in this program, parents/guardians must complete an order form for each child. Orders are made for one month at a time. No refunds are given except in the case of absenteeism due to illness. Menu substitutions are sometimes necessary. Milk is included with lunch or may be ordered alone.

J. VISITORS

“All visitors are required to report directly to the principal’s office to identify themselves and state their business. Any visitors found in the building without permission are subject to prosecution as specified in the school code by city ordinance. Parents/guardians will be advised in advance of the occasions when they are encouraged to attend school activities and therefore need not check in with the office.” (ILLINOIS SCHOOL CODE SECTION 24-25)

ANY PERSON entering the school building to visit MUST check in at the office immediately. All visitors must wear a “St. Paul Visitor” badge while in the school building.

No child, who is not a St. Paul the Apostle School student, will be allowed to visit a classroom unless the principal gives permission. Any parent/guardian, who wishes to visit a classroom, MUST be given permission by the principal 24 hours in advance. The principal will determine the length and location of the visit.

Special open house and visitation days will be established throughout the year. Please refer to the monthly calendar for dates and times.

K. TELEPHONE MESSAGES / USAGE

A child will generally not be called to the phone during school hours. A message may be given to the teacher in case of emergency. Parents are requested NOT to call teachers at home unless the teacher has specifically asked them to do so. Students are not permitted to display or use cell phones during school hours. Phones should be stored in a secure location in the OFF position.

L. EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

When school must close with no more than the morning notice, it will be announced on WJOL - 1340 AM before 7:30 A.M. You can also get school closings on the Internet at WWW.CANCELLATIONS.COM.

DO NOT call the convent, rectory, or school. If emergency closings are necessary during the school day, notification will be handled through the established calling tree procedures. It is most important for you to keep your emergency file up-to-date.

M. DROP OFF & PICK UP PROCEDURES (Cars & Car Pools)

Drop Off Procedure

1. Enter the St. Paul property via the drive that is directly south of the rectory, and proceed in a one-way direction around the perimeter of the parking lot. Children are to be dropped off on the sidewalk that extends from alongside the south side of the church and around the circle drive, where they can then walk to the front of the school.

2. All children are to exit and enter cars on the right side of the vehicle.

3. Morning kindergarten parents will drop off their children as described above.

4. Pre-school parents are to follow the drop-off procedure described below:

a. All PS/PK children are to be dropped off at the northeast corner of the convent.

b. Parents are to come into the pre-school at dismissal time to take their children home.

c. The traffic during school hours will be ONE-WAY SOUTH on the drive that is alongside the cornfield, so this procedure will work smoothly.

d. School staff will be standing outside waiting for you to drop off your child(ren).

e. No parent is to use the parking lot directly east of the school. This is reserved for the faculty.

5. NO parking is allowed in the circle drive except for preschool afternoon pick-up.

6. Parents are NOT to park in the north Activity Center parking lot, along the front of the school,

across the street from the school, or along Campbell St. for any drop-off or pick-up.

7. Children are not to be on school grounds before 8:05 A.M., because no supervision is

provided until this time. If students arrive before that time, they are to go to church and attend

8:00 A.M. Mass. All traffic along the cornfield is ONE-WAY SOUTH during school hours.

(8:15 A.M. - 3:15 P.M.)