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Parent/Student Handbook |
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This handbook is designed for the use of parents and students. It contains information which will enable you, parents, to work hand-in-hand with us to help the children participate responsibly in their school life. It is only when everyone has a clear understanding of his or her responsibilities that a well-ordered school is conducted and a pleasant atmosphere is established. We urge you to read this handbook carefully and to keep it in a convenient place for easy reference.
The school reserves the right at anytime to amend or add to the policies, rules and regulations contained in this handbook and to make such changes applicable to current and new students when the situation dictates.
Handbook Agreement: click here (please return by October 10, 2008)
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Content |
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Spiritual Privileges |
As a Catholic school, all aspects of our day focus on deepening the knowledge and appreciation of our Faith and Christian values. In addition to daily Religion classes, the students of Saint Thomas the Apostle School have many opportunities for spiritual growth including:
Each grade will have a turn preparing one of these Liturgies and will have the opportunity to serve as lectors, gift bearers, and cantors. Please check the monthly calendar for the date and time of Mass. Parents are always welcome to celebrate with us!
Forty Hours is a time of special Eucharistic adoration in the parish. The students participate in Forty Hours during the school day, and the previous year's Communion Class and all altar servers participate in the closing Procession. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend evening services with your children during Forty Hours.
The annual Parish Mission is a special opportunity for spiritual growth. During the mission, the students attend Mass and, when appropriate, the spiritual talks as well. Parents are encouraged to attend evening services with your children.
We ask you, as parents, to be vigilant in seeing that your children participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass from beginning to end each and every Sunday and Holyday of Obligation. Also, we urge you to form in your children the habit of going to confession regularly. When you do these things, you show your children how to grow in their relationship with the Lord.
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Arrival and Dismissal |
Parents delivering students to school in the morning, should use the NEW church driveway and drop children off in the parking lot in line in the same manner the children are picked up in the afternoon. Children will walk down the walkway and cross over to the gym doors where they will enter. Students may not be dropped off at school earlier than 8:00 a.m. unless the child is registered in the C.A.R.E.S. program. The first bell rings at 8:20, at which time the teachers take the children to their classrooms and prepare for the day. Any child who arrives at school after the 8:20 bell is late. Three late arrivals will result in an after school detention. A second bell rings at 8:30 for the school to join in morning prayers together. Classes begin immediately after prayers.
Parents picking children up at the end of the day should use the NEW church driveway and form a line in front of the rectory and WAIT for the children to be walked out by a teacher. All children should be picked up promptly by 3:15 P.M. Parents should never leave their cars or park their cars and allow younger children to play on the playground equipment. It is important that cars leave the lot as soon as the children dismiss in order to avoid traffic jams and safety hazards. Children are not permitted to play on the playground after dismissal.
PARENTS ARE ASKED NOT TO PULL UP IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL OR MOVE THE CONES. CONES ARE PLACED IN FRONT OF THE GYM DOORS TO PROVIDE A SAFE BOUNDARY FOR THE STUDENTS.
If you are picking children up early, please park in the new church parking lot, and report to the school office. The following are our hours of operation:
School Office Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
School Hours: 8:20 am to 3:05 pm
Kindergarten (A.M.) 8:20 am to 11:15 am
Lunch Times: 12:25 pm to 1:10 pm
ALL EARLY DISMISSALS WILL BE AT 12:00 P.M. EXCEPT THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL WHICH IS A 10:30 A.M. DISMISSAL.
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Attendance/Absence |
Regular attendance is essential to a student's success in school. Most subjects are taught in sequence, requiring the understanding of each concept in the order of its presentation. Persistent absence or lateness creates a genuine hardship for a student and is regarded as a very serious problem. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and make up all work missed while absent.
IF YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO BE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL, PARENTS MUST CALL THE NURSE’S OFFICE BEFORE 8:30 AM (610-459-1418) AND LEAVE A MESSAGE GIVING THE CHILD’S NAME, GRADE AND REASON FOR ABSENCE. IF A CHILD IS ABSENT AND THERE IS NO NOTIFICATION, THE PARENTS WILL BE CALLED TO CHECK ON YOUR CHILD’S WHEREABOUTS. YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY AND WELFARE ARE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO US.
A written note from a parent is required to be brought to school on the day the child returns to class after an absence. A written note from a doctor is required after an absence of three or more days. If your child was sick, please indicate the type of illness so that the school can chart the types and frequency of illnesses in the grade or school.
Parents should be aware that lateness and partial absences do affect a child’s attendance record. In order to be considered present for the morning and/or afternoon session, a child must be in school for more than half of the time for that session. Students taken out of school for doctor or dental appointments ARE considered absent if they are gone longer than half of the time for that session. A note from the doctor or dentist should be given to the teacher upon the child’s return. Students are to be picked up outside the school office. The parent or guardian must come into school and sign your child out in the book in order for your child to be released The school must be notified in writing if someone other than the parent or guardian is picking up a child.
As educators, we strongly discourage vacationing during the school year. The week of anticipation, the week of vacation, and the week of memories following the vacation turn a week's trip into a three week loss of productivity on the child's part. In the event that such a trip is unavoidable during the school year, parents are required to notify the principal and teacher in writing prior to the trip. Because it is difficult for teachers to determine the work that will be covered while your child is on vacation, make-up work will be assigned upon the child’s return. Your cooperation with the teacher’s requirements for the completion of assignments is essential. Missed tests will be scheduled at the teacher’s discretion.
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Books and Materials of Learning |
Every student must carry his or her books to and from school in an appropriate bookbag. All books must be covered, with the exception of copybooks. All books and covers must be kept free of doodles, drawings and unnecessary writing. The School reserves the right to have a child replace any book which has inappropriate material on or in it. Books, copybooks and materials should be labeled with the student’s name and room number.
All lost or damaged books must be paid for in full by the student and/or parents. A charge will be made at the rate at which the book was purchased by the school.
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Bus Routes and Operating Policies |
Six school districts service Saint Thomas the Apostle School: Garnet Valley, West Chester, Unionville-Chadds Ford, Rose Tree Media, Penn-Delco, and Chichester. Due to state and insurance regulations, students may NEVER ride any other bus than one from the district in which they live.
Bus routes and stops are determined by the transportation departments of each school district. If you are experiencing a problem, please contact the transportation department of your local school district.
It is a priority that our students be transported to and from school safely. We expect all students to cooperate with the bus rules and regulations. IF A STUDENT IS DISRUPTIVE, HE/SHE WILL RELINQUISH THE PRIVILEGE OF RIDING THE BUS FOR ONE WEEK. PARENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR, AND MUST PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL DURING THAT TIME. Thank you for your cooperation!
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Cancellation of School |
Cancellation of school takes place only during extraordinary circumstances such as snow, ice, loss of electricity etc. The school is aware of the hardship which can be caused by an abrupt cancellation of school. Therefore, school will not be cancelled unless a significant health and/or safety risk has been created by the extraordinary circumstances.
In the event of bad weather, the closing of the public school districts that serve our school will be broadcast on local radio and/or television stations. If the school district in which you live announces a school closing, you will not receive bus transportation. IF POSSIBLE, parents should provide transportation for their children if St. Thomas School is open.
ST. THOMAS SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE BY WATCHING CHANNEL 6 - WPVI TELEVISION , CHANNEL 10 and FOX . Parents may also call the school answering machine or check the school website. If possible, an e-mail will also be sent to parents who have provided the school with their e-mail address.
When school opens one or two hours late, the AM kindergarten class is cancelled for that day.
Parents should NEVER drop children off at school without being sure that school is open that day!
When school is closed due to weather conditions or other emergency situation, all children's after school and evening activities are AUTOMATICALLY CANCELLED. Please do not call the school or rectory to ask!
IN THE UNUSUAL EVENT THAT THE CHILDREN ARE DISMISSED EARLY FOR WEATHER OR OTHER EMERGENCY, THE SCHOOL WILL MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO CALL THE PARENTS OR EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSON.
IF POSSIBLE, AN E-MAIL WILL ALSO BE SENT TO PARENTS WHO HAVE PROVIDED THE SCHOOL WITH THEIR E-MAIL ADDRESS. IT IS VITAL THAT YOU PROVIDE ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE EMERGENCY NUMBERS. PARENTS SHOULD BE SURE THAT YOUR CHILD IS ALSO AWARE OF AN ALTERNATE PLAN TO FOLLOW IF YOU ARE STILL AT WORK. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CHILD KNOWS WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO IN AN EMERGENCY DISMISSAL SITUATION.
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Cell Phones/Pagers/Electronic Games |
Cell phones, pagers, hand-held electronic games, personal tape and CD players and other items that the school may view as distracting or disruptive to the learning environment are NOT permitted in school OR on the bus!
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Communication |
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Important information is communicated to the parents through the use of a white communication envelope. These envelopes are sent home each Monday or on Tuesday if school is closed o a Monday.
IT IS VITAL THAT THE INFORMATION BE READ AND, IF NECESSARY, SAVED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT THAT THE ENVELOPE BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO SCHOOL ON THE NEXT SCHOOL DAY. If the envelope is not returned, we can not guarantee that you will receive the next set of information. Please do NOT return lunch / juice orders, notes for the teacher or office, or other information in the white envelopes, as they are not sent to the office immediately.
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Conferences |
Formal Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled at the completion of the first trimester. Conference times will be scheduled with classroom teachers. Every effort should be made by the parent(s) to attend the conference. Communication is a key to success.
In addition, conferences are encouraged any time a parent or teacher has a concern about a student. Parents may request a conference by sending a note to your child's teacher. Please do not come to school without an appointment and expect that the principal or a particular teacher will be available. Teachers use valuable time before or after school to prepare for their classes. Teachers may never be interrupted during the school day. Forgotten items may be left at the school office.
Conference times, if spent wisely, can be very valuable to the overall educational program of your child. In the event that parents have a concern about their child’s academic progress or about an event that occurred in the classroom, they are asked to first contact their child’s teacher, who can best provide first-hand information. If a concern still remains, the matter should be brought to the attention of the Principal.
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Curriculum |
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The curriculum followed by the faculty of Saint Thomas the Apostle School is the one required by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. An official course of study is designed for every subject taught at each grade level. This curriculum is in harmony with the state regulations and criteria for approved schools.
Students at Saint Thomas the Apostle School should accept the responsibilities peculiar to their state in life. So that they will be good students, we encourage them to get a good night’s sleep, to eat a good breakfast and to be prepared with the tools for learning.
In class, they are expected to:
- be respectful toward all adults and classmates
- pay attention to the lesson being taught
- refrain from unnecessary talking, laughing and
any other disruptive behavior
- participate in class discussions and group work
- ask questions for clarification
- do all classroom and homework assignments
neatly and completely
- be rested and be in school on time
- write down homework assignments in an
assignment book
- get tests signed and returned promptly to school
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C.Y.O. |
A wide range of inter-school CYO activities are available to St. Thomas students. In addition to sports, we offer a forensics program and participation in Archdiocesan CYO activities such as choir.
At St. Thomas, a student's academic standing takes precedence over his or her participation in extra-curricular activities, including sports. Any student who receives a failure on his or her report card will be placed on a three week probation from participation in CYO functions. He or she may not attend practices, dress in uniform or sit on the bench during games. Written notice to this effect is sent to the child's parents and coaches. The child’s progress will be evaluated by the teacher and principal three weeks after the probation begins. IF sufficient academic progress has been made, the child may be reinstated to CYO. If not, the probation may be extended. Disrespect, insubordination, lack of cooperation and poor sportsmanship are also grounds for the coaches to place a student on probation or remove him or her from the team.
Use of the school building and grounds is a privilege and carries a responsibility for care. Both students and guests should be supervised at all times. The facility should be cleaned up and locked when the activity is concluded. Any damage becomes the responsibility of the activity moderators. Failure to cooperate may result in the suspension of use by that activity.
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DISCIPLINE |
It is a fundamental Christian belief that each individual is created in the image and likeness of God, our Father, and, as such, is worthy of respect. Consistent with the goal of Catholic education, the school’s discipline code strives to foster respect for God, self, others, and the property of others and to establish an atmosphere that is safe and conducive to learning. The behavior expected from students attending Saint Thomas the Apostle School is a combination of this respect as well as basic courtesy, manners, safety and an acceptance of the responsibilities of a student. Appropriate conduct is also expected of parents in school and attending school sponsored events.
Student Responsibilities
1. Each student is expected to know and to obey
the rules and regulations of the school and class
room.
2. Each student is expected to follow the discipline code on the way to and from school, on the bus,
on school grounds, and at all school functions
and activities whether on or off school property.
3. Each student is expected to show respect and
consideration for adults and other students.
Disrespect or ridicule of another will not be
tolerated.
4. Students should show respect for each other’s
level of ability, recognizing that each person has
been given special gifts from God. In light of this,
students should always encourage one another
and share in the joy of their accomplishments.
5. Each student should use class time as effectively
as possible by taking pride in doing his/her best
work.
6. Each student should cooperate with ALL
personnel by following directives willingly.
7. Each student should give proper respect and
courtesy to teachers, staff, and volunteers at all
times.
8. Each student should be aware that good
sportsmanship must prevail in academic and
athletic competition.
9. Each student is responsible for initiating make-
up work due to absence.
10. Each student should have respect and
reverence for the things of God's creation,
his/her own possessions, those of others, and
the total parish community. Any defacement of
these things will not be tolerated.
11. Each student must carry his/her books to and
from school in a school bag. All books and
possessions are to be marked with the student's
name. All textbooks and workbooks are to be
covered at all times.
12. Each student is expected to keep the classroom,
lavatories, auxiliary service rooms, playground,
gym etc. in good order.
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Discipline: Conduct Before School |
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All students should report to the gym upon arriving at school. There they should sit in their class line until the bell rings. During this time, there should be no shouting, running around, visiting of students in other grades, throwing of objects or the completion or copying of homework. When the bell rings at 8:20, students should become SILENT, stand, and move quietly to their classrooms as the teacher directs.
Once in the room, noise should be kept to a necessary minimum as students prepare for the day. When the prayer bell rings at 8:30, students should stand and pray together with the entire school. Anyone in the hall should stop and say prayers with the school.
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Discipline: Conduct During Lunchtime |
During their assigned lunch times, the children will eat in the gym under the supervision of the lunch mothers.
Specific rules are in place for lunch:
1) The students will be escorted to the gym by
their teachers.
2) Students must remain seated at ALL times.
3) Screaming and loud noises are not permitted.
4) Students may not leave the gym unless it is an
emergency. The teacher on duty must be asked
for permission before leaving the gym.
5) Each student is responsible for gathering
his/her trash and keeping his/her area
clean (table and floor).
6) Trash will be deposited in the large cans
available as students line up to leave the
gym. Leftover food may NOT be taken from
the gym.
7) At the appropriate time, the students will be
escorted to the recess yard or back to
their classrooms (depending on weather),by the
lunch mothers.
8) Students are NOT permitted to return to their
classroom without permission.
9) Students may NOT re-enter the building unless
they are sick or injured.
10) Students leaving the gym after the bell must do
so in silence!
11) Primary grade students will be brought in from
the yard by their teachers when the bell rings.
They should enter the building in silence!
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Discipline: While Playing |
1. Students are to remain on the field or blacktop area
during lunch recess. When the fields are muddy,
that area will be off-limits. ROUGH PLAY, TACKLE
FOOTBALL, KEEP-AWAY, and the THROWING
OF ROCKS, SNOWBALLS, ETC. is STRICTLY
FORBIDDEN.
2. Students are NOT permitted in the cemetery or the woods.
3. Playing with basketballs, footballs, etc.is permitted
as long as the game remains calm.
4. Students must keep their hands to themselves.
Hitting, pushing, tripping, or throwing another
student on the ground will NOT be tolerated...even
if the students are “playing.”
5. Students should play fairly at all times and share
equipment with others.
6. Students must stay away from cars.
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Discipline: Conduct During Dismissal |
1. Students should always be sure that they know
how they are to go home before they leave
home in the morning.
2. Each teacher will lead his or her line to the gym for
dismissal. While there, the students will REMAIN
IN SILENCE until they leave the building.
3. When each line is called, students should WALK
QUIETLY and IN LINE. They will be met and led
out by a teacher.
4 Students should board the bus and take a seat as
quickly as possible --- facing forward in the seat
with their schoolbag on their laps or on the floor.
5. Students MUST remain seated and keep heads
and hands inside the bus at all times.
6. Misbehavior on the bus will result in a student
losing his or her bus riding privilege for one week.
Continued misbehavior will result in further
disciplinary actions or total loss of riding
privileges.
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