Holy Family School
Education For LifeHoly Family School |
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| Education For Life |
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WORSHIP
Attendance at worship is an integral part of your child’s life at Holy Family School. There are a variety of opportunities for your child to participate in worship:
Eucharist: On Wednesdays at 9:00 all students will participate in the Eucharist. Classes rotate planning and carrying out the different ministries.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: During Advent and Lent the students have an opportunity to participate in a communal penance service with private confession.
Prayer: During Advent and Lent the students will participate in a weekly prayer service. Prayer is also a part of each school day.
PARISH LIFE
It is presumed that each family participates in the worship and prayer life of their parish. This includes regular attendance at Saturday or Sunday liturgy and other parish activities. Please encourage your children to use their Sunday envelopes - a gift-giving habit that needs to be developed when one is young.
DAILY SCHEDULE
7:40 Teachers available 8:10 School begins
11:30 Lunch Begins 2:45 Dismissal 2:45 - 3:15 Teachers available
SCHOOL OPENING
Supervision of students begins at 7:45. Students who arrive between 7:45 - 7:55 must go to the lunchroom. No students will be allowed in the building prior to 7:45 unless there is a special need, and Arrangements are made with the principal. School begins promptly at 8:10 am. Punctuality is important. Teachers take attendance and lunch count at 8:10. Please respect our limited instructional time and have students here by 8:10 a.m. Tardy students need to check in at the office before going to their classroom.
ATTENDANCE & DISMISSAL
Daily attendance is encouraged. If your child will be absent, please call the school by 8:10 to notify us.
Students leaving the building during the school day are required to check-out in the office. No student will be released to anyone other than their parents or legal guardians unless the school has been notified.
Parents if you are picking up students, please do not arrive before 2:40. Announcements are made just prior to this time and we do not want students to miss important information. Please park east of the church.
PERMISSIONS, EXCUSES AND ABSENCES
Parents or legal guardians should call or send written permissions or excuses for the following:
To explain why a child is absent.
To have a child stay in from recess because of illness, etc. (Generally, if a child is well enough to be in school, they should be able to go outside.)
To explain why a child cannot participate in Physical Ed or a portion of it. A doctor’s note is needed if a child is unable to participate regularly.
To keep a doctor or dental appointment.
To be excused early from school for any reason.
To leave the school premises at any time.
To allow a child to participate in a field trip.
To take a different bus home.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Baby-sitting, shopping, visiting, helping at home, long weekends, etc., are considered unexcused absences. The teacher is not expected to spend time with the student to make up the work for unexcused absences.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
Illness of the pupil or serious illness, death or emergency in the immediate family are considered reasons for an excused absence. Consideration will also be made for special educational trips that are not too frequent or lengthy. On these occasions, please contact the office and teacher at least two weeks in advance. Consult the school calendar and plan vacations to coincide with the student’s vacation time, whenever possible. The child should request make-up work in advance from the teachers whenever he/she must be absent.
ADMISSIONS AND REGISTRATION POLICIES
The Board of Education is currently revising the enrollment policy. A copy of the policy will be on file in the office as soon as it has been approved.
Children must be five years of age on or before Sept. 1 to enter Kindergarten. Updated immunizations and a copy of a birth certificate are required for every student. Students baptized in parishes other than Seven Dolors will also be required to provide a copy of the baptismal record. If a custody agreement is in place a copy needs to be on file with the school.
INVESTMENT (TUITION) POLICY
Holy Family School is financed by Seven Dolors Parish, subsidies from area parishes with students in attendance, as well as by the investment from parents of enrolled students. Annually the school performs a budget analysis and provides parents with information about the actual cost per student in relation to their investment. The investment is set prior to registration for the next year.
No child shall be refused admittance because of the family's inability to pay any or all of the educational cost. Parents unable to pay the investment are asked to meet with the pastor or principal to discuss their situation before the child(ren) is registered each year. Each year families are asked to submit an investment payment plan with registration.
All tuition must be paid within the fiscal school year (July 1 - June 30). If tuition is not current at the time of registration or the family has not met with the pastor or principal to discuss their financial commitment, they will not be be allowed to register. Registration at a later date will be contingent upon space. Families who withdraw during the school year are responsible for the prorated portion of the tuition.
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
A newsletter is sent home each Wednesday. Parents are asked to watch for the “Special Envelope” containing the newsletter and other information. Students are asked to return the envelope the next day. Parents may also send correspondence back in the envelope.
Progress reports and conferences are an important means for parents and teachers to work together for the good of the child. (See the school calendar for the dates of parent-teacher conferences.) Report cards are issued three times a year. Conferences are scheduled at midterm of the first and second trimester or as requested. Parents wishing to discuss their child’s progress, clarify curriculum concerns, or desiring other information, need not wait until the conferences, but are encouraged to make an appointment with the teacher or principal when needed. A good time to contact teachers is between 2:45 and 3:15 Tuesday through Thursday, but a message may be left at any time.
When parents have concerns or complaints they are encouraged to meet with the staff person involved. If the problem is not resolved, the parents, staff member and principal will meet. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, a hearing by the local board and pastor may be requested. The procedures as outlined in Policy #5212 are then followed.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board of Education is the governing body of Holy Family School. It consists of six parish representatives that are elected for alternating terms of three years and one out-of-parish representative who is appointed. This appointed term alternates between parishes, with children in attendance. Board of Education meetings are open and you are welcome to attend, share ideas and concerns.
Four committees serve under the Board and they are open to parents of enrolled children or any parish member. Please consider serving on the Technology, Finance, Public Relations or Endowment Committee.
CLASSROOM VISITATION
Parents are encouraged to visit anytime they wish to see their child in a learning situation. They are also encouraged to become involved in the learning process. Parents wishing to spend a half or full day in the classroom are asked to notify the teacher in advance.
Before school starts each fall, parents are invited to an Open House to meet the teachers and receive information on the programs and curriculum. At this time, parents may take care of lunch fees, tuition payments, insurance and other forms, and are also encouraged to sign up as volunteers. Each spring, there is an orientation day for incoming kindergarten students and their parents to acquaint them with the school and its goals and curriculum. Students should not bring other children to school as visitors without prior permission.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Parents who send their children to Holy Family School are asked to: Read and follow the directives and policies in this Handbook. Support fund-raising efforts, e.g., Monthly breakfasts, Carnival, Pioneer Days, Marathon and other activities as they arise. (Fund raising helps to keep tuition affordable) Help the oldest child be responsible for bringing home communications and returning them promptly. Supervise the playground, at noon, 2 days a year. (1 day for Kindergarten parents)
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are important to the school. Throughout the year, requests are made for volunteers for special projects and activities. Your help is most appreciated. Volunteers are asked to check-in and out with the office.
FUND RAISING
Holy Family School discourages door-to-door sales. Your support of the following fund raisers help keep tuition affordable for all.
The Walkathon for nonpublic education is both a fund raiser and an opportunity to give public witness to our school. It is held in September or October. Families collect pledges and then walk around town after the 10:30 Mass. A light lunch is served. All family members are invited.
Taste Tests are held once or twice a year for students in grades 2-6. They have the opportunity to taste foods prior to marketing. This easy fund raiser takes about 20 minutes out of the school day.
A Book Fair is held November and the proceeds are used for the library.
A Matching Grant Breakfast is held each year by the Catholic Aid Association. If they raise $2000 a match of $1000 is received. Help with this fund raiser is always appreciated.
A Golf Tournament is held in July. The money raised will be used ot meet various curriculum needs of the school/
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Catholic schools call their parent organization, the Home and School Association. All parents are members, there is no membership fee. The Home and School is the fund raising arm of the school. Without active and involved members, tuition for your child(ren) would have to be considerably higher. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend the meetings. These meetings are a great time to interact and socialize with other parents, while learning about the programs at Holy Family School. Parents are also encouraged to serve as officers. Offices are two year terms. The offices are president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. The vice president is a one year term and then moves to president for one year. The following is a list of events sponsored by the Home & School:
The Carnival is held in the first part of February and is the most successful fund raising event. All parents are asked to help with carnival as well as donate items. Much time goes into the planning of the carnival. Your help is appreciated.
Five Breakfasts a year are sponsored by the Home & School Association. They are held on the first Sunday of the month in November, December, January, March and April or May. All parents are asked to help at one of the breakfast. If you are unable to help on your scheduled month, please contact another family to switch dates.
Pioneer Days is held the second weekend after Labor Day. The Home & School Association has a food booth on the grounds. Donations are needed for hamburger, cookies or bars. Your help is needed Thursday through Sunday.
A Family Fun Event is held in October instead of a breakfast. Families dance to the music of a DJ. Tattoos, face painting, hair beading and refreshments are available. Help if you are able, otherwise come and enjoy a fun filled family event. This is a great time to meet and socialize with other families.
EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
Students should show respect and courtesy to all students, teachers and adults. Students should be quiet in the halls and restrooms out of consideration for others’ right to learn. Restrooms are not social gathering places; quiet is expected. Please flush and wash your hands before you leave. The atmosphere in the library should encourage studying. Quiet discussion may be necessary but voices should never be disruptive.
All children should take pride in keeping the school orderly. Respect should be shown to all school property. Picking up things from the floor in the rooms, halls, restrooms, lunchroom and from the playground is everyone’s responsibility. Consideration of one another and for the supervisors should be shown on the playground. Permission is needed to come into the building before recess is over. Boots should be worn during the winter and kept orderly in the halls and rooms. This helps keep children healthy and the building clean. Children are responsible for playground equipment. Students who take a piece of equipment to the playground are responsible for bringing it back. Gum is not allowed during the school day except on special occasions. If students bring gum at inappropriate times, this reward will be discontinued. Only those students with approval should be in the building before 7:45. Students are to be courteous and obedient of the rules in the lunchroom. This helps create a pleasant atmosphere. Students should complete assignments on time. Caps, hats and/or other headgear are not to be worn in the building, except on special occasions. Students must abide by the bus regulations. Appropriate Christian behavior is expected at all times.
SAFETY EXPECTATIONS
Students will keep to the right in halls, on sidewalks and on the stairs. Students should walk on the stairs, in the halls and the lunchroom. More than one step at a time is not permitted on the stairs. Students should not throw rocks or snowballs or play roughly. Baseballs and/or hard rubber balls are not permitted. The school provides sufficient equipment, so students shouldn’t need to bring equipment from home. Students will observe safe and proper procedures for tubing, sledding on the hill. Teachers and supervisors will inform students of the proper procedures. Tennis shoes are worn during Physical Ed classes. If students wear dress shoes to school, a pair of tennis shoes is to be kept in school. Students should return Physical Ed. equipment to the proper place. After school, students are guided across the main street intersection by the school patrol. The patrol acts in place of a police officer and they should be listened to and respected. Playground equipment should be treated with respect. There will be no jumping off the swings or swinging too high. No hanging from the basketball hoops. The boundaries of the playground should be respected.
DISCIPLINE PROGRAM
The mission of Holy Family School is to nurture the growth, learning, and self-esteem of each child within a caring Christian environment. We believe our students are disciples because they are enrolled in a school which tries to pass on the values and vision of Jesus. We expect positive behavior from our students but realize making good choices is a developmental process and a learning experience. Our main goal in discipline is to reinforce positive behavior and lead students to self-discipline.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The Seven Dolors Board of Education and the Staff of Holy Family School recognize that each child has rights as a student and as an individual and these rights must be respected. With these rights, there is a corresponding responsibility for students to follow school rules and regulations.
Policy # HFS 507
Seven Dolors Board of Education
May, 1994
DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES
In order to maintain a healthy learning environment, help students make good choices, and teach them to respect themselves and others, the following steps will be used when students choose to violate school rules.
Step 1, the classroom teacher will confer with the student. The problem will be defined. The teacher and student will agree on a solution. A behavior modification program will be set up if necessary. The parents will be contacted, if appropriate.
Step 2, the teacher will consult with the principal. Further ways of solving the problem will be discussed. Parents will be notified, and a timeline will be established for a reassessment of the situation.
Step 3, if the student’s behavior does not improve, they will be sent to the principal’s office and parents will be called. The problem will be defined and restated clearly. A proposed solution will be agreed upon by all.
Step 4, conference will be held with the parent/child/teacher and principal. A behavior modification program will be proposed and agreed upon by all. A serious offense may warrant suspension. A timeline will be established to resolve the problem. A follow-up and probation period will be set. If a positive change is not seen, the 5th step will be taken.
Step 5, if improved behavior is not attained, parents will be informed of the need to consider another educational environment for their child. Only in extreme cases would Step 5 become a reality.
SEVERE CLAUSE
If the behavior problem is of a serious nature, Step 4 will automatically become effective. Each child is treated as an individual. For this reason, time lines in behavioral situations are determined by the administration and the teacher(s) involved in consultation with the parents and based upon the degree of improvement made. Consequences for inappropriate behavior may include noon hour or after school detention, in-school suspension or the parent taking the student home for the day. Examples of behavior that will invoke the severe clause are:
Gross disrespect for staff.
Fighting resulting in injury or deliberately harming others.
Use of profanity or obscene gestures.
Damaging and/or destroying property.
Throwing of rocks or any dangerous object.
Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, smoking or chewing tobacco.
Possession of knives, guns or objects that could endanger themselves or others.
See also “Student Harassment Guidelines”
STUDENT HARASSMENT GUIDELINES
Holy Family School adopted the diocesan policies #S520 and #S521 concerning harassment in January, 1994. Harassment is unacceptable conduct that is severe, pervasive, and deliberate. Holy Family School will follow the diocesan guidelines in responding to any complaint of harassment. Everyone at Holy Family School has a right to feel respected and safe. These policies and guidelines are to help prevent harassment and violence of any kind. A harasser may be a student or an adult. Harassment may include the following when related to religion, race, sex or gender: name calling, jokes or rumors, pulling on clothing, graffiti, notes or cartoons, unwelcome touching of person or clothing, offensive or graphic poster or book covers, or any words or actions that make a person feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or hurt ones feelings. If any words or actions make one feel uncomfortable or fearful, they need to tell a teacher or a staff member or submit a written report. The complainant’s right to privacy will be respected as much as possible. Reports are taken seriously and appropriate actions based on the written report will be taken.
Holy Family School will take action if anyone tries to intimidate a complainant or takes action to harm the person because of a report. This is a summary of Holy Family School’s policy and guidelines against harassment and violence. Complete policies and guidelines are available in the school office.
DRESS CODE
Students are asked to dress in a neat, appropriate manner that reflects pride in themselves and their Catholic school. Clothing and shoes should provide for the safety of your child. The following are guidelines: Clothing advertising alcoholic beverages and/or tobacco products and/or containing inappropriate language and/or messages should not be worn. Students are not permitted to wear spaghetti strap tops or dresses, tube, halter or midriff tops, or low cut or see-through tops. Shorts will be permitted until Oct. 1 and after Easter. However, they should not be worn for church. Short, skirt and dress hems should be below a child's fingertips as their arms are hanging by their sides. Students must wear shoes at all times for health and safety reasons. For the safety of the students, “flip flop” sandals are not allowed. Tennis shoes are required for Physical Education and recess. Hats, caps, bandanas or other head coverings are not to be worn indoors except on special occasions. Boots, mittens, and warm clothing are required to play outdoors in winter. Students not dressed appropriately will go outside but will be required to stand by the building. Makeup is not appropriate for grade school children. Perfumes and perfumed lotions should not be worn, out of respect for persons with allergies. Fridays are “Spirit Days” and students are encouraged to show their school spirit by wearing blue and white clothing.
STUDENT PROMOTION AND RETENTION
Holy Family School rarely retains a student beyond grade one. When considering retention, parents must be notified in a timely manner. Parents are to be included in the ongoing remediating efforts prior to and after formal notification of the possibility of retention. The final decision for retention is made by the parents, teacher and principal. In the event the parents refuse the retention, parents are to sign a statement documenting the refusal of retention.
Policy # HFS 510
Seven Dolors Board of Education
February, 1994
TELEPHONE
Sometimes parents call the school to ask that a message be given to a student. While we willingly respond to your emergency needs, we ask that messages to the child at school be kept to a prudent minimum. Students will be responsible for listening for messages and getting bus slips from their teachers. Use of the telephone by students is limited to emergency calls. School time should not be used to call home for permission to attend parties and ride buses with friends, etc. Cell phones and pagers are not allowed in school. If you need to communicate with a teacher during the day, you may leave a voice mail. The teacher will return your call as soon as possible.
LOST AND FOUND
If your child has lost something, check the labeled “Lost & Found” lockers by the office or the cabinet in the office. Parents are welcome to check this anytime. It is a good idea to clearly mark items with the child’s name so they can be returned without delay.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
Holy Family teaches the following subjects: Religion, Reading, Math, English, Social Studies, Spelling, Health, Music, Computer, Science, Drug Education and Spanish. The Albany Area Schools provide Art and Physical Education to Holy Family students.
BUS RIDERS
Children riding the bus must abide by bus regulations as set by the district if they are to have the privilege of using this means of transportation. These regulations are sent to each family in August of each year. If students need to take a different bus or walk to an appointment after school, parents must send a written note or write a note in their assignment book. The teacher will complete a permission slip which the student presents to the bus driver. Classes are dismissed at 2.45. All bus students must ride the bus to the public school where they transfer to their respective buses for the ride home. Students are to observe bus rules and proper behavior at the public school as well as at Holy Family. Students may not go into the public school at this time. If you have bus concerns, please call the public school transportation department at 845-2171, ext 5800.
BIKERS
In the morning, students must walk their bikes from the bike path in front of the church to the school. Bikes should be parked in the bike racks and remain there during the school day. At dismissal, bikers are to line up and wait for the school patrol. Students should walk their bikes until the bike path or until the main intersection. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen bicycles. Bikers must follow safety regulations if they wish to continue riding.
WALKERS
The safety patrol has been established for the safety of the students and is to be obeyed by all children and adults. Respect and obedience of patrol rules are expected at all times. Students from grade six are responsible for patrol duty. It is important for the school patrol to be reliable and set good conduct examples.
CARS
Drivers who are picking up students are asked to park to the east of the church. Children should be picked up by 2:45 unless other arrangements have been made. If parents do not come into the building, students will be escorted by the school patrol to this parking lot.
INVITATIONS
If your child is having a party, and you plan to invite only part of the class, please do not send the invitations through school. This can cause hard feelings. If the whole class or all the boys or girls are invited, it is acceptable to send the invitations through school.
SNOW DAYS
During times of bad weather, you are asked to listen to the radio (KASM - 1150 AM, KCLD - 104.7 FM, WJON - 1240 AM) to find out whether school will be in session, or if already in session, whether it will be closed early. We encourage you to discuss with your child what procedure to follow should you not be at home. Let the school know of special arrangements for early dismissal. This can be indicated on the emergency card.
RECESS
Recess is an opportunity for a child to use excess energy and also to participate in group activities. Each child is expected to participate in group activities. Any activity that may be injurious to themselves or others or disrupts group activities is not allowed, e.g. using water guns etc.
Even during cold weather children will be required to go outside for recess so please dress your children accordingly. On extremely cold days, the gym may be used for recess Unless the child’s health condition is unusual, we ask your cooperation in not requesting your child be kept indoors. Usually if a child is well enough to attend school, he/she is well enough to go outdoors. If your child is unable to go outdoors, please send a written explanation to the teacher.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Personal items such as tablets, pencils, crayons, pens, rulers, paper, etc., are purchased by the individual student. In the spring of the year, a list of the student’s needs for each grade is sent to the parents. Please label all supplies. All children are required to use some type of school bag to carry books to and from school. This helps to protect the books. Valuables such as money, expensive toys and other items should not be brought to school. If it is necessary to bring these to school, students should make arrangements with the office for safekeeping. The school is not responsible for misplaced or lost items.
FIELD TRIPS
A field trip is an educational trip which takes the children away from the school. Field trips are valuable to the learning experience. Through field trips, students are able to have firsthand experience with the subject at hand. Information about the trip and a permission slip will be sent home to be completed and signed. Field trips are a privilege not a right. Students who are disruptive in the classroom will not be taken on a field trip. Attendance at school is still expected.
BAND
Through the district, students in grade six have an opportunity to participate in group and individual band lessons. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. This is offered in the building.
EYE / EAR TESTING
Eye and ear testing is done by the District nurse early in the fall. Parents may request additional testing anytime. If it is found that the student has a problem, a referral note will be sent home and a phone call will be made to encourage the parents to take the child for an eye or ear examination as soon as possible.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Minnesota State Law requires that children have proof of immunity from measles (red or hard measles and German measles), diphtheria, polio and mumps before they enter school. Parents are requested to take care of this through their family doctor. If a parent has all of the verification of shots required, he/she rather than the doctor, may indicate the dates of the shots and sign the form. If you choose not to have these immunizations, a form must be on file.
ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES
If your child becomes ill or injured at school, we will make every effort to notify you immediately. The school needs to know how to reach parents quickly. We ask that families fill out an emergency card and return it immediately to school. Please keep it updated and contact the school, when you change your address, telephone or change jobs. We need to know how to reach you in case of an emergency. If emergency treatment is required, your signature on the emergency card will enable us to call a doctor and/or ambulance should we need to act quickly. We will contact you as soon as possible. The expense of the doctor or ambulance is the responsibility of the parents.
STUDENT INSURANCE
Holy Family School does not carry student accident insurance to cover personal student injuries which occur while at school, while participating in school events or when coming to or from school. Student accident and dental health insurance is available to those who desire the protection for their child. Information about insurance is included in the Open House packet. The parent waives the insurance if he/she chooses not to purchase it. Parents should request an insurance claim form from the school if one is needed.
MASS SERVERS
Children in grades 4-6 from any parish are eligible to serve at school masses. To be a server is a privilege. Encourage your child to participate in this ministry.
TREATS AT SCHOOL
Health Department regulations state that no home-baked goods should be brought into school. (e.g., a person preparing food may be coming down with a communicable disease that may spread). If your child wishes to treat his/her classmates, the treat must be commercially prepared. Crackers, pretzels, and/or fruit are more suitable than candy, gum, or pop. Some students have allergies and we must have an accurate listing of all the ingredients. Peanuts, milk, and or other ingredients can be deadly for some students. Many foods contain hidden ingredients. Read the label carefully before sending food.
NOON BREAK
Children have daily recess and should go to their respective play area or to the gym if weather is inclement. After recess, children eat their lunches in the school lunchroom and may not leave the school grounds, without permission. Children who eat in school are expected to be courteous and obedient to the rules of the lunchroom. The following is expected:
Speak in a conversational tone. (no yelling)
Do not play with or waste food.
Leave your place clean and push in your chair.
Walk.
Thank the cooks and servers.
Remain seated until dismissed by the supervisor.
Parents may join their children for lunch. Please call the school by 9:00 and pay in the office.
LUNCH SERVERS
All 4, 5, and 6th students are asked to help serve lunch on a rotational basis. This is a great community builder and teaches students responsibility.
HOT LUNCH PROGRAM
Holy Family School Hot Lunch is funded strictly through meal charges to students and reimbursements received from state and federal programs. It is important for all families who qualify for free and reduced meals to enroll. The free and reduced price meals program serves a twofold purpose in funding services; they are as follows: The Federal Title I Program for students who need additional assistance is based on the percentage of students participating in the free and reduced meal program. The funding we receive through this program generates more revenue per student than a student who pays full price for their meal. Students who qualify and participate in this program generate extra revenue which helps Holy Family School control the price per meal for students who pay full price.
We urge all families who think they may qualify for this program to fill out an application and to return it as soon as possible. All information received and the identity of the students who are participating in this program is kept confidential. Students are not treated any differently on this program than students who do not participate. Application for free and reduced lunch may be made any time during the school year, if your financial situation changes. If you have any questions, please call the school.
Students who bring cold lunch will eat in the lunchroom with the rest of the children. They may purchase milk if they wish. Bringing pop as part of cold lunch is not allowed. Parents are encouraged to pack nutritious lunches, keeping sweets to a minimum.
Lunch money may be returned in your Wednesday envelope. Lunch fees may be paid by the month, half, or full year. Please pay at beginning of the month. Credit can not be extended. One check may be used for the entire family. Please do not include lunch money with investment payments. Listed below is our lunch policy.
The purpose of this policy is to establish consistent meal account procedures in the provision of meals to students. Holy Family School recognizes the parent/guardian's responsibility to provide lunch for their children. Proper nutritional intake is essential for adequate learning to occur. It is the policy of Holy Family School to provide lunch at school. The Food Service Department strives to produce quality meals in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner. Students may purchase meals when funds have been deposited into their family account or by cash payment. Families may apply for free/reduced meals anytime during the school year. Applications are given to all families in the school at the open house on the last Wednesday of August. In addition, applications are available at the school office throughout the school year.
A payment reminder notice will be put in the weekly newsletter at the beginning of each month. Families not prepaying and carrying a negative balance will be sent a statement with the 2nd newsletter of the month. If one week after statements are sent and no payment is still forthcoming, students will be reminded with a smiley face stamped on their hand the next 2 days. On the 3rd day, the child will be provided a milk and grain component and the parents will be called by the Principal. They will be offered the opportunity to apply for free and reduced lunches. If families do not make their account current after they have been contacted by the Principal, they will be refused lunch the following day. Stearn’s County Social Services and/or the school social worker may be asked to provide assistance to evaluate the possibility of neglect when the above procedures are unsuccessful. Holy Family School provides an “Offer vs Serve” for the lunch program. This means children will be given at least 5 menu items to choose from and they must take at least 3.
MORNING MILK BREAK
Students have the opportunity to take morning milk. Skim, two percent and chocolate milk are offered. Prices are set at the beginning of each school term. There is a reduced rate if payment is made in full at the beginning of the school year. Through a government program, kindergarten students receive morning milk at a reduced cost.
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS
Holy Family School must provide substitutions, if a student has a disability and that disability restricts the diet, provided a signed medical statement from a licensed physician is on file. This statement must identify the foods to be omitted and what substitutions are be made. Holy Family School may make substitutions even if a student does not have a disability, but the student has a special dietary condition, provided a signed statement from a recognized medical authority is on file. This statement must identify the foods to be omitted and what substitutions are be made.
Holy Family School, upon written request from a parent, must provide a lactose free milk product for those students that are lactose intolerant. Please note this substitution must still be a milk product. Juice is not a viable substitute.
Please be sure that the school is aware of any specific health need. This information is confidential and will be noted on the child’s health card.
MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
Administration of medications by school personnel will only be done according to the written order of a licensed physician and written authorization of a parent. When prescriptions are given for the child by a doctor, the parent might ask the doctor if it is possible to take the medication at a time other than during school. If this is not possible, medication must be brought to school in the original container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician. All orders for medication will be reviewed by the District nurse. The following information must be on the label:
Child’s full name
Name and dosage of medication
Time and directions for administration
Physician’s name and Date
Medication permission forms are available at the school office or you may have the clinic fax us. It is preferable that medications be brought to school by a parent or responsible adult. If there is medication after the prescribed course of treatment or at the end of the school year, please make arrangements for it to be picked up. Limited quantities of the medication should be sent to school; therefore, the pharmacist should put the medication in two containers, one for school and one for home. A new medication consent form is required when the dosage or time of administration of the medication is changed. Parents are expected to notify the school when the medication is discontinued. If the medication is resumed, a new consent form must be received. No aspirin or over-the-counter medication will be administered to children unless the above provisions are followed. It is the responsibility of the student, not the school to get his/her medication at the designated time; however, efforts will be made to assist the student.
ASBESTOS
Holy Family School has an asbestos inspection every three years. The Asbestos Abatement Plan is available in the office for your inspection.
FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS
Through State and Federal aid programs, our school has the services of special education and Title I teachers, a social worker, a speech therapist, a District nurse, as well as some instructional materials, textbooks, and audio visual equipment. The Holy Family School hot lunch program also receives State and Federal aid. The district provides bus transportation. Students are invited and encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities e.g., volleyball, wrestling, etc. which are sponsored by the district. These forms will be sent home in the Wednesday packet.
HOMEWORK
Please arrange a definite period during which children have quiet time away from the radio or TV for homework. The following is a suggested guide for homework time:
Grades K - 1 20 - 30 minutes
Grades 2 - 3 30 - 40 minutes
Grades 4 - 6 30 - 60 minutes
If your child seems to be spending an excessive amount of time on his/her homework, please contact the teacher. If no specific assignment has been made, the time should be used for recreational reading, practice of spelling words or practice of math facts. Students in grades 2-6 have assignment notebooks. Students are responsible for writing their assignments in the notebook. Parents are asked to sign the notebook each evening.
STUDY SKILLS AND HOW TO STUDY
Bring a notebook, paper, pen or pencil and other materials necessary to class.
Participate in the classroom - listen well and take part in discussions.
Asks questions if you don’t understand the discussion or if you have a problem.
Plan your work and schedule time for homework each day; make sure you understand the assignment before you leave class.
Use what you learn, see how each subject applies to the others.
Strive to do your best.
Attitude is important - think positively; work independently; seek help only when you have exhausted your own resources; then ask questions and use library resources.
Learning requires concentration - keep your mind on what you are doing.
At home, have a definite, well-lighted, quiet place to study.
Read the entire assignment rapidly to grasp the basic content. Reread slowly to understand content, details, explanations and directions. If the assignment is not written, make notes of your own; outline what you have learned.
If the assignment is a long-term project, do a little of it each day - don’t let it go until the last minute. It will be easier and you will do a better job.
HOW TO TAKE A TEST
Relax and read the directions carefully and then follow them.
Read the whole test first to see what’s asked for and how to use your time.
Read each question twice before answering and think before you write.
Answer questions fully with the information requested.
Check for spelling and grammar before turning in your paper.
A CATHOLIC STUDENT'S PRAYER
Spirit of Truth, enlighten my mind that I may acquire a deeper knowledge of you and your creation; keep my attention from wandering that I may focus on my study; enable me to do your work completely and neatly that I may imitate your perfection; prevent me from distracting others that they too may learn your ways; and guide me that I may assist others who may need my help. Jesus, stay with me and be my model as I study. Mary, the mother of Jesus and my mother, help me with my studying.
Revised/2004