Parent/Student Handbook

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:

First Friday Mass

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!

Penance Services

During Advent and Lent, Penance Services are scheduled for the children. Children are also encouraged to take advantage of parish Confessions on Saturday afternoon and/or Sunday morning.

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross are held with the school children during Lent. Please check the school calendar for the date and time... and join us if you can.

Inscription

There will be two special Inscription Masses in the Fall... One for students preparing for Communion and one for students preparing for Confirmation. Please check the calendar for the date and time.

Retreat Days

Retreats for students preparing for Confirmation and for students preparing to graduate from Saint Thomas the Apostle School are scheduled during the school year. These are special opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection. Bus transportation for the eighth grade retreat is provided.

Forty Hours

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.

Parish Mission

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.

Sacraments

Students who have met the requirements of the Church will receive First Penance and First Communion or Confirmation in second and sixth grades respectively.

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.

Click here for policy (PDF).

The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on school property by any student is strictly forbidden. Students who violate this policy face immediate expulsion. To assist in the enforcement of this policy, the school strongly discourages the use of alcoholic beverages by adults at events where children are present.

Girls and boys in grades 5 through 8 have the privilege of being altar servers. They are expected to serve with reverence, commitment and pride. After graduation from 8th grade, students may continue to be altar servers by contacting Father Williams.

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 8:20bell 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:

ALL EARLY DISMISSALS WILL BE AT 12:00 P.M. EXCEPT THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL WHICH IS A 10:30 A.M. DISMISSAL.

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 completionof assignments is essential. Missed tests will be scheduled at the teacher’s discretion.

Saint Thomas the Apostle School has an optional band program available for students in grades 2 to 8. Band lessons are given each week by our band instructor in the music room. All fees are paid directly to the instructor. During the first month of school, a band demonstration is scheduled to introduce the students to the program. The children will receive information at that assembly program regarding sign-ups, lessons and payment methods. Band concerts are generally held at Christmas and the end of the year.

Parents who wish to send a small treat to school for the class to celebrate their child’s birthday may do so. In accordance with the new Wellness Program, you are asked to send nutritious, healthy treats such as fruits, vegetables or granola bars. Please be sure to include enough for the entire class. No other “celebrations” are permitted. Invitations to birthday parties may NOT be given out in school unless everyone in the class receives one.

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.

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!

A tentative yearly calendar is sent home each June for the upcoming school year.  It is send home again in the summer mailing.  The monthly calendar is available on the school website.  Please consult the calendar for days off, early dismissals, liturgical celebrations, special lunches, etc. Once a month, a newsletter is also sent home. More details about the school's events, personnel, activities, etc. will be included in each newsletter.

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 inclement weather, the decision to close is based on the decision of Garnet Valley School District.  This district provides the majority of bus transportation for our students.  If the decision to close or not open in the morning is made, you will receive a personal phone call via the School Messinger Phone System.  Plesae be sure to keep the office informed of your most current numbers.  If the school district in which you live announces a school closing, you will not receive bus transportation.  IF POSSIBLE, parents should provide transportation of 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.

When school opens one or two hours late, the PreK 3 & 4 classes are cancelled for the 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, YOU WILL BE CONTACTED USING THE SCHOOL MESSENGER SYSTEM.  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.

For the convenience of our families, St. Thomas offers an extended day program known as C.A.R.E.S. (Children Are Receiving Extended Services). Children may be brought to school as early as 7:00 a.m. and stay as late as 5:300 p.m. Parents are billed at the end of the month for time used. The cost is $7.00 per hour.  Teachers or Parents monitor the children during this time and provide a variety of activities for them. While children may begin their homework during after care, tutoring by the teacher on duty is not provided. Children MUST be picked up by 5:30 p.m.

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!

It is very important, for emergency and administrative reasons, that every student maintain an up-to-date record of address and phone number (including parents' work and/or cell phone numbers) at the school business office. Please notify the school immediately regarding the change of your address, telephone number, or emergency numbers.

Classroom parties and/or treats may be held during the school year to celebrate Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. These activities are planned by the teachers with the assistance of the Homeroom Mothers. Healthy and nutritious treats will be provided. You will receive a letter from your child's homeroom mother with more details as occasions arise. Celebrations are always to be kept low-key with the children under control at all times.

Important information is communicated to the parents once a week through the use of email. 

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.

Effective for the 2010-2011 school year, we will eliminate the use of the white envelope and send the weekly communication each Monday via email.

Computer classes are conducted by our computer teacher once each week for students in grades K to 8. Saint Thomas the Apostle School adheres to the Archdiocesan Curriculum Guidelines in computer education. Parents and students must sign and adhere to the School’s “Acceptable Use Policy” before a student will be permitted access to the internet from a school computer. Students who deliberately and willfully violate this policy will forfeit their privilege to have internet access.

Donations of usable computers and printers are welcome. Please contact the office or the Technology teacher to make arrangements.

Formal Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled in the middle 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.

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.

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

A wide range of inter-school CYO and extra activities are available to St. Thomas students.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

1. Address teachers, priests, secretaries, nurses, volunteers, etc. by name. Say good morning or good afternoon when you meet them in the school.
2. Do not interrupt people who are speaking. Wait for them to finish.
3. Do not enter the principal's office if someone else is in there first. Wait your turn.
4. Do not enter the Principal’s office if the door is closed.
5. Do not walk between two people who are talking.
6. Be very quiet in the hallways and in the lavatories so you do not disturb classes.
7. Always use “please” and “thank you”.

Certain behaviors are considered violations of the discipline policy and will NOT be tolerated. While we recognize the need for varying expectations depending on the age of the student, the following guidelines have been established in order to provide consistency in the level of acceptable conduct for ALL of our students. Parents and students are reminded that this code of conduct is expected both on and off school grounds whenever the children are representing the school, whether or not it is during school hours. This includes activities such as, but not limited to, the bus, field trips, CYO activities, scouts, academic activities, forensics, etc.

The following actions will warrant the reception of a DEMERIT. The reception of demerits affects the student’s conduct and/or effort mark. The accumulation of three demerits will require that the student serve an after-school detention. Parents are reminded that their signature on a demerit only signifies that they have seen the slip. Unsigned demerit slips will still be held binding by the school.

• Assignment not done or incomplete
• Student unprepared for class
• Student inattentive in class
• Student disturbing class
• Parent signature missing
• Disobedience
• Unkindness to others (1st offense)
• Dress code violation
• Failure to return a demerit within two days
• Lack of care for materials of learning
• Invading the privacy of another’s desk (students’ and teacher’s)
• Talking after the bell
• Being in areas that are off limits to students without permission
• Excessive roughness
• Failure to abide by lunch regulations
• Chewing gum
• Spitting
• Other conduct deemed unacceptable by the faculty or administration.

The following actions will warrant the reception of an immediate DETENTION. Detention severely impacts a student’s conduct and/or effort grade. If a child receives TWO detentions within a trimester, the Support Team will convene to consider options for correcting the child’s behavior and returning him or her to the right track. The Support Team will consist of the child’s parent, teacher, principal, and another teacher not directly involved with the student. If the student shows no improvement, the intervention of the Pastor will be sought.

Parents are reminded that their signature on a detention only indicates that they have seen the slip. Unsigned slips will still be considered binding by the school. Refusal to serve a detention will indicate a lack of support for the school and its policies and will be grounds for dismissal.

• Defacing school property
• Cheating
• Failure to complete a long-term assignment
• Profanity/ obscene language or gestures
• Refusal to participate in class
• Defiance
• Repeated failure to obey lunch rules
• Forgery
• Verbal or physical disrespect (first offense)
• After the third lateness in a trimester
• Causing a disturbance on the bus
• Causing harm to another student
• Verbal harassment of another student
• Failure to comply with a CYO probation
• Other conduct considered unacceptable and serious by the faculty or administration.

Detentions will be scheduled as needed on afternoons from 3:15 to 4:15 PM and will be monitored by a faculty member. Parents must pick up their child PROMPTLY at 4:30. Students remaining after that time will be placed in the after-school care program for which parents will be charged the rate equivalent to that program.

The following actions will warrant an immediate SUSPENSION. Suspensions may be from one to three-days and are held in school. During this time, the student will complete all assignments while being removed from all association with the rest of the student body. Suspensions will result in an automatic U in conduct and a referral to the Pastor.

• Verbal or physical harassment of another student
• Leaving classroom, school building grounds without permission
• Fighting (regardless of who started the fight)
• Disrespect of a person in authority
• Failure to report for a detention
• Smoking
• Stealing
• Insubordination
• Truancy
• Other conduct considered unacceptable and serious by the faculty or administration

A student may be dismissed after two suspensions.

The School reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time when the School considers the conduct of the student or parent/guardian to be inconsistent with School policy, the good of the School community, contradictory to Catholic teachings or a threat to the safety of the students or staff.

The following actions will result in an immediate referral to the Pastor for expulsion from school.

Additional criminal action may be warranted in some cases.

• Verbal or physical attack of a person in authority
• Gross insubordination
• Possession of a weapon
• Possession of alcohol or illegal drug
• Making terroristic threats
• Breaking and entering of school property
• Parents' or student's refusal to comply with the regulations and policies of the school
• Truancy
• Theft
• Immorality
• Repeated failures in conduct
• Vandalism
• Arrest or conviction of a crime outside of school

Students assemble quietly in the gym at dismissal time. After a closing prayer together, lines are called. Due to time constraints, bus lines must be called first. A teacher escorts each line to the bus and waits until all children are properly seated.

Parents picking children up in car line should enter by way of the new church parking lot, circle around in front of the rectory and remain in their cars until the children are brought out by a teacher.

Parents are expected to make every effort to schedule doctor appointments outside of school time. When this is not possible, a written request for an early dismissal must be brought into school in advance of the appointment. Students taken from school for such appointments ARE considered absent if the time they are gone exceeds half of the morning or afternoon session from which they were taken. Students wait­ing to be picked up will wait in the foyer outside the office until a parent arrives. Work missed while a student is absent must be made up.

Neatness and cleanliness in personal attire are a vital part of a child’s education and the responsibility of the parents. When a child looks and feels good about himself/herself, he/she acts and works accordingly.

Any student not in compliance with the dress code will receive a demerit. After one demerit, a parent will be called and the student will be sent home until the uniform meets the regulation code.

Boys: Grades K to 8

• Navy blue "dress" pants (NO jeans or elastic cuffs). Pants/shorts must FIT and must be worn AT THE WAIST
• Light yellow dress shirt (either short or long sleeves) and a navy blue school V-neck sweater or vest is mandatory
• Plaid school tie is worn with the dress shirt
• School shoes are required (shoes with ties)
• White or navy socks that are at least three inches above the ankle should be worn.
• A belt is required on both pants and shorts.
• Regulation navy blue shorts may be worn in September, early October, mid April, and June. They should be worn with the school’s yellow knit shirt, white or navy socks and shoes (not sneakers).
• The yellow knit shirt may also be worn with the dress
• pants in September, early October, May and June.
• Boys’ shirts must be tucked in at all times!

Girls: Grades K to 6

• Plaid jumper with light yellow blouse (either short or long sleeve). Jumpers are expected to touch the knee.
• Navy blue knee socks or tights (NOT opaque stockings!)
• Navy blue school sweater is optional
• School shoes are required in either black or brown buckskin or leather. Shoes must have non skid soles
• Regulation navy blue shorts may be worn in September, early October, mid April and June. They should be worn with the yellow knit shirt, yellow or navy socks and shoes (not sneakers).
• Girls’ shirts must be tucked in at all times

Girls: Grades 7 and 8

• Plaid skirt (These may NOT be rolled at the waist to make it shorter) with light yellow oxford yellow oxford blouse. The skirt is to touch the knee.
• Navy blue school V-neck sweater or vest is mandatory.
• Navy blueknee socks or tights - NOT navy blue stockings. Tights must be worn from October 15 to April 30th.
• School shoes are required either black or brown buckskin or leather.  Shoes must have non skid soles.
• Navy blue regulation school shorts may be worn in September, early October, mid April and June. They should be worn with the school’s yellow knit shirt, yellow or navy socks, and shoes (not sneakers).
• Girls’ shirts must be tucked in at all times

Only religious medals or chains may be worn - except on the school day closest to a holiday, when seasonal jewelry is permitted within reason.

For safety reasons, rings, bracelets and necklaces are never permitted. This includes all rope, yarn and beaded neck, wrist and ankle bands. Girls are not permitted to wear dangling or hoop earrings, nail polish, make-up, lip gloss or multiple earrings per ear. False nails are not permitted.

Please see additional hair regulations listed under “Hair”.

Boys may NOT wear earrings, bracelets or necklaces. This includes all rope, yarn and beaded neck, wrist and ankle bands. Only religious necklaces and chains may be worn.

Body piercing of any kind (lip, nose, eyebrow, etc.) is NOT permitted for girls or boys. Tattoos are not permitted.

Final approval or disapproval of dress code discrepancies is at the discretion of the Principal.

Maintaining a neat appearance necessitates hair that is clean and nicely styled. Shaved or partially shaved heads, tails, and other "fad" styles are NOT permitted for girls or boys. Buzz cuts are not permitted.

Students in grades 1 to 8 must wear a mandatory gym uniform for physical education classes. This consists of regulation hunter green, knee-length gym shorts and gold tee shirt with the school logo (in September, early October, May and June), white socks that come at least three inches above the top of the ankle, and sturdy sneakers that LACE. Sneakers must be tightly laced so they are secure on the feet. Sneakers may have colored trim but should be mostly white.

Pants/shorts must FIT and must be worn AT THE WAIST.

During cooler weather, regulation hunter green sweat pants and sweatshirt should be worn. AT NO TIME MAY SHIRTS, SHORTS OR PANTS HAVE ANY DESIGN OR WRITING OTHER THAN A ST. THOMAS LOGO. ST. THOMAS C.Y.O. SPORTS SHIRTS MAY NOT BE WORN FOR GYM.

Sneakers may not have blinking lights and should be white. Some trim is permitted. Sneakers must be tightly laced so they are secure on the feet.

The old kelly green and gold gym uniform is no longer permitted

On certain days throughout the year the students may participate in a day where they may be permitted to wear clothes other than the daily uniform. These days usually exist to support a cause. Typically the students will be required to pay $1 or bring a canned good to school. Proper dress is expected. Students may not wear shirts that contain inappropriate messages. The girls are expected to wear shirts that are not revealing or low cut. They are not permitted to wear shorts that are very short, tight or contain writing in inappropriate places. Students who violate an acceptable mode of dress will be required to call their parents for a suitable change of clothing.

All early dismissals will be at 12:00 P.M. except on the last day of school when the early dismissal will be at 10:30 A.M.

Bus transportation will not always be available for these early dismissals....check the monthly calendar for specific dates

Final cumulative examinations (assessments) will be administered to the students in grades one to eight in June. Cumulative tests may be administered at the end of each tri-mester. Monthly calendars and newsletters will contain specific information. Parents should encourage their children to give extra time to study when preparing for tests.

A wide variety of extra-curricular activities are provided for the enjoyment and enrichment of students on all grade levels throughout the year. These may be held on or off school property. Respect and proper behavior is expected of students at all times! Parents who are activity moderators, coaches or chaperones must keep the children in order and prevent injury or damage to the facility in which the activity takes place. Children must be supervised at all times and may NOT be left alone to wait for a ride.

The collection of fees during the school year is necessary to cover the cost of certain activities. Most fees are collected at the beginning of the school year. Despite the inconvenience, please do not place fees for different items or events in the same envelope. Any fees not paid by the end of the tri-mester will result in the withholding of the student's report card.

An annual library fee of $5.00 per child is collected to assist in the purchase of new books and videos which the children use throughout the year.

Individual teachers may charge the students a fee to cover specific projects, subscriptions, trips, etc.

Each spring, students re-register for the following year before an open registration of new students is held. The registration fee is payable at the time of registration. This fee will be established each year by the School Finance Committee. Registration fees will be refunded only if the school can not accept your child's registration.

The purpose of class trips is to broaden the intellectual, cultural and social experiences of the child. Teachers are encouraged to take a maximum of two trips per year. Teachers will decide how chaperones are chosen and how many may accompany the class.  Any parent who attends a class trip must have all necessary clearances, including the child abuse clearance, criminal background check and attendance at the Virtus Class.  Parents not chosen as chaperones may NOT attend the trip or meet the class at their destination. Parents must sign the school’s permission slip before their child may attend the trip.

Attending a class trip is a privilege from which a child may be excluded if the teacher feels it is appropriate to do so.

If a parent does not wish a child to attend the trip for any reason, the teacher should be notified in writing. The child must attend school on the day of the trip or be marked absent.

Any parent who attends a class trip must have the three required clearances:  Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse Clearance and attend Protecting God's Children Class.

Eighth grade students who have successfully completed the prescribed course of study and maintained suitable discipline and attendance records are eligible for graduation if all finan­cial obligations have been met. Procedures for graduation are determined by the Principal and the eighth grade teachers.

Participation in closing graduation exercises is a privilege, not a right. The School has the right to deny any student from participating in closing exercises if, in the view of the Administration, the student's conduct, academic or disciplinary record indicate that this privilege should not be extended.

See "Dress Code: Hair"

See "Nurse"

All parents who pay the annual Home and School dues are considered members of this organization and are able to vote for board members each spring. The Home and School Board is comprised of the Pastor, Principal and a board of elected parent members. The Home and School Association seeks to assist the School in whatever ways the administration deems necessary and beneficial. This organization also provides financial assistance to the school for its activities and needs. The setting of school policies, the hiring of personnel, and the distribution of financial resources are the responsibility of the pastor and principal and are not under the realm of the Home and School Association.

The Home and School sponsors events from time to time for parent or family involvement. All parents are strongly encouraged to attend these programs and participate in Home and School activities.

Homework is an important extension of the learning that takes place in school. Homework provides practice and drill to reinforce classroom learning and can provide opportunities for independent study, research, and creative thinking. Parents can help their children by arranging a quiet, comfortable place for the students to work, by seeing that assignments are completed neatly, and by limiting telephone interruptions while study is in progress. Students should copy assignments into a homework assignment book to insure that the correct homework is done. Students usually have two kinds of homework. Many times, "I'm finished!" means "I've finished my written homework." Study homework is by far the more important of the two and deserves at least equal time.

Archdiocesan policy recommends the following time allotments for Homework per night:

	Grades 1 and 2	30 minutes
	Grades 3 and 4	60 minutes
	Grades 5 and 6	90 minutes
	Grades 7 and 8	120 minutes

In the event of absence or suspension, all homework and assignments must be made up promptly by the student.

St. Thomas School is proud to participate in the Archdiocesan Honor’s Math Program. This program allows students who qualify to follow an accelerated program of instruction which enables them to complete the first year of algebra before graduating from eighth grade. Students are identified at the end of third grade and again at the end of fourth grade.

Very strict guidelines are established by the Archdiocese and must be followed by each school. They are as follows:

• CSI score of 125 or above (standardized testing)
• Consistent scores of 90 or above in Math Total on standardized testing
• Total Reading score of 85 or above on standardized testing
• Final Math Level Test score of 85 or above
• Final math grade on report card of 90 or above
• Evidence of above average performance on Math level and mastery tests
• Recommendation of classroom teacher
• A 90 average must be achieved at the end of each trimester.

Only students who meet all of the above criteria will have their information submitted to the Diocesan Math Curriculum Committee for approval. During the summer, this committee will make their decisions regarding each student’s admittance into the Honor’s Math Program.

Just prior to September, the school will receive a letter regarding the status of the individuals whose names were submitted for review. When school begins, a letter will be sent home to the students who have been accepted. All students are admitted on probation. Students who do not maintain the necessary average of 90 or above, are removed from the Honor’s class.

Students may not enter the Honor’s program after the fifth grade. Students in upper grades who transfer from another Diocesan school may be admitted to the program if they were in the Honor’s class in their previous school.

In case of the illness or injury of a child, emergency care will be given by the school nurse or by the school secretary or a volunteer nurse. Parents will be contacted immediately if necessary. If your child must be sent home from school due to illness or injury, parents are asked to come for your child as soon as possible. It is IMPERATIVE that each child has on file an EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARD (these are distributed by the Garnet Valley School District and will come home in the WHITE FAMILY COMMUNICATION envelope ). PLEASE NOTIFY THE SCHOOL IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES TO BE MADE ON THESE CARDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. PLEASE BE SURE THAT THE EMERGENCY PEOPLE TO BE CONTACTED ARE AWARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN CASE THEY ARE NEEDED.

State law requires that every child who is admitted to school have evidence of a successful vaccination for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio. Also required are a rubella/rubella vaccination and a tuberculin test. The school nurse will keep up-to-date records and contact parents if immunizations are not current.

While it is perfectly understood that when a child is celebrating a birthday it is not always feasible to invite the entire class, special care must be taken that children's feelings are not hurt. IF YOU CAN NOT INVITE EVERY CHILD IN THE CLASS, INVITATIONS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE SCHOOL OR ON THE BUS. Invitations should be sent out in the mail so that the "uninvited" are not hurt.

For birthday celebrations, if you choose to send to school a treat, please be sure to have enough for every child in the class.

Likewise, Christmas cards and Valentine cards should NOT be distributed in school UNLESS your child has a card for every other child in the class. This DOES NOT mean that every child must bring in cards... but IF they do, one for every other child, please! The same applies to gifts.

It would be appreciated if parents would help us to develop a spirit of thoughtfulness, kindness, sensitivity, and generosity in the children.

Prior to the start of school in September, letters are sent to the Kindergarten students and parents by their respective teachers. An orientation is held for parents on the morning of the day school opens to inform them of details specific to the Kindergarten classes. Kindergarten classes begin on the Monday following the opening of school.   The kindergarten children wear the same uniform as the rest of the school.

Please make sure that your child's name is clearly printed on all of his/her belongings including clothing.

Kindergarten students will be issued a report card on the same schedule as the rest of the school. Frequent communication between the parents and teacher is encouraged.

The Kindergarten classes hold closing “graduation” exercises at the end of the year. Parents are notified of details well in advance.

Our school library contains a collection of approximately 6,000 books, 11 monthly periodicals, and a growing assortment of audio-visual materials which include videos, cassette tapes, filmstrips, records, etc. Some materials have been chosen to enrich our curriculum, while others have been selected as recreational material.

In order to maintain a current selection of books and materials, a nominal fee is charged in September. These fees, together with United Fund donations and profits from the special lunch program, form the operating budget of the library.

Each class has a weekly library period when students are taught library skills which involve the use of the card catalog, the Dewey Decimal System, and the use of reference books. Students in grades 1 to 3 enjoy story time on a weekly basis.

Children are charged 5 cents a day for overdue books. In the event that a book is lost or destroyed, it is the responsibility of the child to pay for the book.

Appropriate conduct is expected in the library at all times. Failure to cooperate with library rules will result in the restriction of a student’s library privileges.

Lost and found items are taken to the school office or nurse's office. YOU COULD HELP US TREMENDOUSLY IF YOU WOULD MARK YOUR CHILD'S BELONGINGS WITH HIS OR HER NAME.Unclaimed items will be given away to a needy organization or discarded if deemed useless.

Students are required to bring a nutritious lunch from home except on specified “special lunch” days. FAST FOOD IS NOT PERMITTED. Parents are asked to review general manners and proper eating habits with their children. Please include a paper towel in your child’s lunch which can be used as a placemat. Children are expected to remain in their seats and eat over the lunch table. When instructed to do so by the teacher on duty, children are expected to gather their trash, clean up their places and WALK into line. Students will then be directed to the playground or their classrooms, depending on the weather. Respect and courtesy are to be shown to the parents who supervise and assist during this time!

If a child forgets a lunch, it is the parents’ responsibility to bring one to school. Because of the disturbance it causes, fast food is not permitted.

ALL medications MUST be brought to the nurse's office in order to be dispensed properly and at the appropriate time. If your child must bring medication to school, the following requirements MUST be met:

1. Keep medicine in its original container (prescription bottle, etc.)
2. Clearly identify the medicine with your child's name and grade
3. Clearly indicate the dosage instructions
4. Don't send in prescription medicine that is outdated
5. Don't send more than one week's medicine at a time
6. Medicine will be given by the school nurse or the school secretary or principal
7. Please notify the school in writing if your child's medication is changed or discontinued.

Children may order from a selection of milk and juice on a monthly basis. Children will receive the same flavor for the entire month. Order forms are sent home in the white communication envelope. All orders and money are due at the end of the previous month as will be indicated on the order form. LATE ORDERS CAN NOT BE ACCEPTED ONCE THE ORDER HAS BEEN PLACED. Please do NOT combine the payment for juice with any other fees sent into school.

As a Catholic School, we play an integral role in the mission of the Church. We are committed to preparing our children for productive lives so they will serve God in the use of their talents, serve the Church as courageous leaders and serve the community by bearing the Gospel message to the world.

A school nurse is provided from Garnet Valley school district one day of each week. On the remaining four days the nurse’s office is serviced by parents who kindly volunteer their time and talents. There are days when there may not be a volunteer parent, at which time the secretaries and principal handle sick children. The nurse's office is located to the left of the main foyer of school. The Garnet Valley nurse is responsible for the maintenance of health records, routine health checks, parental contact concerning health problems, care of minor injuries, vision and hearing screening, etc. The nurse's office phone number is 459-1418.

Parents are asked NOT to send a child to school who is sick in the morning prior to leaving home.

Saint Thomas the Apostle School considers its parent volunteers a very valuable resource. Parents are encouraged to help with our programs and activities. If you would like to volunteer, please contact your child's teacher or call the school office at 459-8134. Every child is expected to show courtesy and respect to all volunteers.

We believe that Physical Education is an important part of the educational experience. The development and maintenance of a healthy body is essential for physical well-being and good mental health. A physical education teacher will conduct these classes for the students according to the time allotments issued by the Diocese. Students in grades K to 8 are required to wear a mandatory gym uniform.

Individual school pictures will be taken each year by a school photographer. Order envelopes are sent home prior to picture day and should be returned with appropriate payment on the day of pictures. Students do not need to wear uniforms that day. Dress must be clean, neat and modest! Any child who comes to school in an unacceptable outfit will have to call home for a change of clothes. Class Pictures will be taken later in the year. For the class picture, uniforms are a must! Order forms for class pictures are also sent home at the appropriate time.

St. Thomas offers a quality pre-school program for three and four-year-olds. Highly qualified and skilled teachers and aides provide opportunities for the learning of basic academic con­cepts, motor skills, socialization and play in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.  The program offers 2-3 and 5 day options.

The welfare of the individual student is the most important consideration in the promotion / retention decision. Parents, teachers, and administrators are all expected to keep this in mind when participating in decision making.

Evaluation for promotion / retention should involve many aspects of student activity: academic, physical, social and emotional growth should all be considered. The tools for evaluation should include teacher made tests, standardized tests, educational evaluations, teacher observations, and parent-teacher conferences. While every effort is made throughout the school year to insure each student's success, retention should be considered when a student is performing below grade level due to ability, emotional immaturity, or excessive absenteeism. Students who fail a grade because they are not working to ability or are indifferent toward school must attend a summer school program in order to achieve passing grades. Proof of completion of such a program is required before the student is re-admitted in September.

The decision to retain a child is a difficult one, and parents should realize that much careful consideration goes into the process. It is vital that the school has the support and cooper­ation of the parents in this matter. In the event that the parents refuse to allow their child to be retained, the school reserves the right not to accept the child for placement at St. Thomas.

Weather permitting, students are given two recesses per day in grades 1 to 4 and one recess per day in grades 5 to 8. Decisions to have outside recess during cold weather will depend on the temperature and the wind chill factor. Shorter outdoor recess times are scheduled on very cold days. Students must be dressed appropriately for cold weather recess (winter coat, hat, gloves, etc.)  We cannot keep the children inside, so it is your duty to be sure they have the proper clothing. 

Students will have supervised free time in the classroom on days when bad weather prevents outside recess. Students are NOT permitted to remain in the classrooms during recess time when everyone else is outside for recess unless supervised by the teacher.

Soft pretzels and a variety of snack items are sold each day at the morning recess. If you prefer, you may pack a snack in your child's lunch for this morning recess. Gum is NEVER permitted; drinks are not permitted at morning recess.

Report cards will be issued three times a year for students in grades K to 8. Grades on report cards are calculated from a combination of tests, projects, reports, class assignments, class participation, cooperation, homework, etc. It is important for parents to realize and accept their child’s level of ability and achievement. Not all children are able to achieve high marks, and expecting a child to do so may cause frustration and feelings of low self esteem. Comparing a child’s grades or performance to siblings or to other children in the class can be extremely detrimental. It is vital that parents encourage their child to always do his or her best and to achieve to his or her personal potential.

Please be especially attentive to the marks on the left side of the report card indicating character formation. These marks often offer an explanation for academic deficiencies.

In order to offer recognition to students who excel, St. Thomas announces its honor roll each trimester. Since students in the primary grades (1-3) are taught basic skills repeatedly until they are mastered by everyone, the Honor Roll is used only in grades 4 thru 8 where more individual effort is required to excel. Primary grade teachers establish their own system of recognition for students whose effort, cooperation and preparation exceed normal expectations.

Requirements for the School Honor Roll are as follows:

For the Distingushed Honor Roll all major academic grades must be a 95 or above with the exception of Honors Math. Honors Math students must attain a math grade of 93 or above.

All character and minor subject grades must be a 3 or above.

For Honors all major academic grades must be an 88 or above.

All character and minor subject grades must be a 3 or above.

Specific stationery requirements for each grade are given by the teacher of that grade. To insure uniformity, all copybooks and looseleaf paper must be purchased at school. We encourage you to purchase you child's other stationery from school as well, and we appreciate your support in this matter.

School supplies needed by the students throughout the year are available at our school stationery store on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Students are expected to exercise care with their books and all materials of learning. All textbooks and workbooks must be covered. All students must carry an appropriate schoolbag to and from school. Doodling and inappropriate drawings or writing in or on books or copybooks is strictly prohibited and may result in the need to replace the book.

Students of St. Thomas have the opportunity to participate in a scout troop. Daisies, Brownies, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are available. Weekly meetings are held at school after school hours. Students are expected to behave and cooperate with troop leaders and fellow scouts during these meetings. Since meetings are held on school grounds, scouts are expected to abide by school regulations at all times. More specific information regarding these programs is sent home.

Special lunch is provided every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A group of volunteer parents help facilitate the distribution of these lunches. Students have the option of purchasing these special lunches. Details and order forms are sent home in the white envelope. Please return order forms and money promptly in an envelope with your child's name and grade on the outside. PLEASE do not combine special lunch money with any other monies or fees.

Standardized tests offers an independent assessment of a child’s ability and learning potential. They are meant to offer insight into a child’s particular academic strengths and weaknesses and allow the teachers to better plan for the children’s educational needs.

They are only one tool in the overall evaluation process and should not be viewed with fear by a child or with undo pressure for success. Standardized test scores are not reflected on a child’s report grades in any way but do become a part of a child’s general records. The standardized testing program utilized by all elementary schools within the Archdiocese is the Terra Nova Test. This test is administered to students in grades Kindergarden through eight in the spring of each year. These results are sent home to the parents as soon as they are received by the school. Eighth grade scores are also sent to the high schools for use in placement.

From time to time, planned social activities are held for the enjoyment of our students. Socials are conducted according to grade levels. Specific information concerning these events is sent home via the communication envelopes.

ALL EVENTS MUST BE CHAPERONED BY AN ADEQUATE NUMBER OF PARENT VOLUNTEERS. STUDENTS MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES AND MAY NOT LEAVE THE EVENT TO GO OUTSIDE OR BACK STAGE OR LINGER IN THE LAVATORIES.

STUDENTS MUST BE WELL BEHAVED AT ALL TIMES AND OBEY THE PARENT CHAPERONES. VIOLATIONS OF THIS RULE WILL RESULT IN INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS OF STUDENTS LOSING THE PRIVILEGE OF ATTENDING FUTURE SOCIAL EVENTS.

IF THE SCHOOL HAS AN EMERGENCY CLOSING ON THE DAY OF A SOCIAL BEING HELD AT SCHOOL, THE SOCIAL IS AUTOMATICALLY CANCELLED.

Students of St. Thomas are able to develop skills in leadership and parliamentary procedures by participating in Student Council. Many activities involving school spirit and service are conducted by the Student Council. Elections are held each year. Candidates must exhibit the qualities most desirable of students in a Catholic School and obtain the recommendation of their teacher and principal. Members of Student Council are expected to act as role models and support the policies and regulations of the school at all times. Serious violations of school regulations may result in a member being removed from Council.

Support services are provided to the students in our school in remedial reading, speech and language, counseling, academic evaluation and psychological assessment by the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. These highly qualified professionals are an asset to our school program and provide valuable resources for our students, parents and teachers. Parents are strongly urged to cooperate with recommendations made for testing and/or the receipt of services.

The office telephone is a business telephone and CANNOT be used by parents or students except in an emergency, and then, only with permission. Before leaving home in the morning, parents should clearly communicate to their children the manner by which they are to go home at dismissal. Only in emergencies will messages will be relayed to students during school hours.

Students are NOT permitted to carry cell phones or beepers.

If a student is transferring to another school, the parents are asked to contact the Principal directly to provide this information. Student records are sent to the new school upon receipt of a request for them. Records are never released directly to the parents or guardians. Student records will only be released if all tuition and fees are paid to date.

Students may be transported to and from school by car or by busses provided by the public school district in which they reside. Any questions or concerns regarding bus transportation should be directed to the local school district’s transportation department.

In the beginning of the school year, students should be made aware of how they will leave school. ANY changes in this method should be given to the teacher in writing - even if it is only for one day. Transportation changes will not be made over the phone unless it is an emergency.

Students arriving by car must be in school before 8:20 a.m. or be marked late. Some consideration is given for inclement weather.

Children who ride the bus are expected to abide by ALL of the rules regarding this form of transportation. Failure to do so will result in the student losing riding privileges for one week. Continued lack of cooperation will result loss of privileges for the remainder of the trimester or year.

All families attending St. Thomas are required to pay an annual tuition.  Non-parishioners and non-Catholic families pay the same tuition. Tuition booklets are mailed to the families by the rectory in late July. Payments may be made in full or on a monthly basis from August through May. In justice to all, parents are expected to remain current with their tuition payments.

If payments fall into arrears, a notice will be sent. In that case, parents must contact the rectory for payment arrangements. Failure to make such arrangements will result in the child’s report card being withheld or the child not being permitted to attend school.  In addition, the School reserves the right to take further action, up to and including dismissal and the withholding of school records, if tuition payments are not made.

In the event of unexpected financial difficulty, parents should contact the Pastor so that tuition can be reduced or waived.

For insurance reasons, the School facilities are never rented or used for private functions.

When using the facilities for school events (i.e. sports, scouts, student socials, etc.) students, parents, chaperones or coaches are fully responsible for the care and cleaning up of the facil­ities (inside and outside). Children MUST be supervised and under control at all times. Students should remain with the adults in charge and be respectful and cooperative. Failure to do so will result in the loss of privileges for that student or the entire group. Any damage done during that time becomes the responsibility of that group, and restitution must be made.

Hand held video games, personal CD players and other devices that the school feels are distractions to learning are not permitted in school or on the bus.

ALL visitors to the school MUST report to the Business Office for assistance. Anyone remaining in the building must sign in and obtain a Visitor's Pass. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO GO DIRECTLY TO A CLASS ROOM WITHOUT FIRST STOPPING AT THEBUSINESS OFFICE. If you wish to speak with your child's teacher, please schedule an appoint­ment. If you drop off forgotten lunches, etc., they are to be brought to the Business Office, NOT to the classroom.