|
|
II GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
A. CONFIDENTIALITY
Rather than strict confidentiality in regard to student-school employee communication (verbal and written), the Diocese of Jefferson City Catholic schools operate under a “spirit of confidentiality.” This means that outside of the sacramental confidentiality between priest and penitent, strict confidentiality cannot be promised to the student if the information disclosed by the student includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:
- Information that concerns violation of the law;
- Matters involving the health and safety of the student or any person;
- Serious moral issues;
- Any other matter that raises serious enough concern in the mind of the employee that he or she believes it is important to share the information with the school administrator.
The school administrator/principal, after consultation with the Catholic School Office, may chose to disclose the information to parents, legal authorities, medical personnel or other deemed necessary personnel. (DSP 5260)
B. ADMISSIONS
Non-Discrimination
Every Catholic school in the Diocese of Jefferson City respects the dignity of each individual and, therefore, will not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, or sex in regard to enrollment, except as permitted by law. The Diocese of Jefferson City has the obligation to publicize its non-discrimination policies, and a non-discrimination statement is to be part of each local school's handbook. (DSP 5101)
1. Parents are to make sure that the parish records are correct regarding all of the information regarding their children.
The kindergarten registration packets are placed in the rear of St. Peter and St. Andrew churches on the second weekend in January. It is to be turned in to the school office before the last Friday in January with all fees and forms completed. (See Enrollment Policy for kindergarten through Grade 8.) If there is no packet for a parent in the church, contact the school office immediately.
Parents are to attend all new kindergarten parent meetings so that they are fully informed of the St. Peter Interparish School program and policies.
Children will be administered a school Readiness Test and parents will have the opportunity to discuss strengths and areas of growth with those who administer the test.
2. Necessary requirements for kindergarten registration are:
- The child must be five years of age on or before July 31 of that year.
- Birth Certificate.
- Social Security Number.
- Baptismal Certificate if not baptized at St. Peter Church.
- Health Record with Immunizations completed.
- Pastor’s approval from either St. Peter or St. Andrew.
- A $125 non-refundable registration fee, which is applied toward the sustaining fee and supplies.
Any student NOT a member of St. Peter or St. Andrew is required to pay tuition. (See H., school support #4)
When changing membership from a local parish to membership at St. Peter or St. Andrew, it is necessary to receive approval of the pastors involved in order to attend St. Peter Interparish School.
Students are placed on the enrollment request list only when the Registration Form, Financial Commitment Form, and Initial deposit ($125) are recorded at the school office.
3. Policy for kindergarten through Grade 8:
Kindergarten students are enrolled only when the Registration Form, Financial Commitment Form, and initial deposit are recorded at the school office. "First received" may be "first enrolled" for each level by the final due date all registrations are to be in to the school office. All parents or guardians MUST attend a kindergarten enrollment meeting.
Students are normally admitted in the following prioritized order.
Level I BAPTIZED Children of parishioners of St. Peter or St. Andrew with an older sibling attending or who has graduated from St. Peter Interparish School whose parents are regularly contributing financially to the support of the parish.
Level II BAPTIZED Children of parishioners of St. Peter or St. Andrew who are registered in that parish and whose parents are regularly contributing financially to the support of the parish and have no siblings attending. Length of time a contributing member is of major importance.
Level III Children of non-Catholics or Catholic families, who are not members of St. Peter or St. Andrew, but have siblings already attending St. Peter Interparish School.
Level IV BAPTIZED Children of Catholic families who are not members of St. Peter or St. Andrew Parish, but are registered in other parishes and have no siblings attending (will pay the tuition).
Level V Children of new non-Catholic families are admitted if there are openings after May 1 (will pay the tuition).
Non-Catholic Student Participation
Non-Catholic students enrolled in a Catholic school are required to participate to the same extent in all school activities (both curricular and extra-curricular) and courses of study as Catholic students, provided such activity is permitted by Catholic Church law. (DSP6235)
*Special consideration may be granted for students who MUST be supported by the Vogelweid Program.
**The school office records registration as official only when all forms are completed properly and fees are received.
***Normally, eighth grade year transfer students from local schools are not enrolled.
4. Registration Procedure (Grades 1-8)
The family registration packets are placed in the back of St. Peter and St. Andrew churches on the last two weekends in July.
All families who choose to register by mail must do so by the first Friday in August. On the first Sunday in August, office staff will be on duty in the school office for those who choose to register in person.
Parents are NOT to just drop by school and leave registration packets with cafeteria workers or custodians. Parents may drop them off at the rectory in a sealed and well-marked envelope ‘To school office-registration’.
The Sunday before school starts is an Open House, not a registration day. The school encourages parents to have paper work and fees in to the school office by the first Sunday in August. There will be an office assistant on duty for those who need some last minute help.
*Parents who enroll students to St. Peter Interparish School during any time of the school year are responsible for the full ‘Family Stipend’. The ‘Sustaining Fee’ is prorated.
C. DAILY SCHEDULE
1. For Grades 1-8.
a) School Day Begins 7:50
b) Lunch: 3&4 - 11:10, 1&2 - 11:30, 5&6 - 11:45, 7&8 -12: 10
c) Dismissal: 3:05 PM
2. For kindergarten:
a) 7:50 - 10:50 Morning class & morning Extended-
Kindergarten
11:00 – 11:40 Lunch for morning kindergarten students
attending Extended Kindergarten
b) 11:50 - 3:05 Afternoon class & afternoon Extended
Kindergarten
D. SCHOOL CALENDAR
St. Peter Interparish School follows the diocesan calendar. The school calendar is placed in the school packet picked up by parents/guardians in the rear of St. Peter and St. Andrew churches the last two weekends in July. Non-parishioners will be called to pick up their packets at the school office after August 1.
E. ATTENDANCE
This school handbook specifies times for the beginning of the morning and afternoon sessions. Any pupil who arrives after either of the stated times is considered tardy. (DSP 5210)
All absences and tardies are recorded and documented on the student's attendance record. A dental or doctor appointment is an excused absence or tardy. An excused absence is recorded as an absence or tardy, but it does not fall under any other disciplinary policy.
1. Absence
If a student is absent more than 5 days in a quarter, St. Peter Interparish School considers that excessive and a doctor's excuse may be required. Excessive absenteeism may be indicative of educational neglect by the parent or guardian. Such neglect might warrant reporting in compliance with child abuse laws of the State of Missouri. (Refer to #5510.)
For grades 1-8, an absence of more than two hours is recorded as one-half day absent. Students must attend for at least 2 hours to NOT be counted as full day absent.
For grade K, an absence of more than one hour is recorded as one-half day absent.
2. Tardiness
Tardiness is noted as not being in school on time, for any reason. Excessive tardiness may be indicative of educational neglect by the parent or guardian. Such neglect might warrant reporting in compliance with child abuse laws of the State of Missouri. (Refer to #5510.) St. Peter Interparish School considers 5 tardies or more in a quarter excessive. Parents/guardians will be contacted.
a. It is parental responsibility to see that students arrive to the classroom by 7:50. Students are considered tardy if they are not in their seats by the 7:52 bell.
b. Students who arrive to school after 7:52 will wait in the entryway until Morning Prayer is completed, and then must report to the ESO Officers in the main entrance hallway area before going to the classroom. Students who arrive to school after 8:00 must report to the office.
c. Students will receive a tardy slip at the time they arrive. The tardy slip must be signed and returned the next school day to the SCHOOL OFFICE. If the student does not return it the next day, the parent/guardian will be called and required to come in by the end of the next school day to sign the form.
d. Tardy students are to pick up their homework assignments from earlier classes missed before they leave school.
3. Written Excuses (See DSP 5211)
All students are to attend school daily except for sickness or reasons communicated to school administration. For matters of administration, lunch preparation etc., parents/guardians must call the school office (573-636-8922) every morning a child will be absent from school by 8:30am. Requests for homework assignments are to be made at this time. If parents know of an absence early, parents may call the number at any time as it can be reached 24 hours a day.
a) Written excuses are required for all absences or tardiness. They are kept on file in the teacher’s files until the end of the school year. An excuse must state the reason for the absence/tardiness, the date, and must be signed by a parent/guardian. Students are responsible to complete missed assignments. If a pupil is absent without an excuse or if the school has reason to suspect the validity of the excuse, the school administrators/principal may investigate or delegate someone to investigate the situation.
b) A written request must be presented to the secretaries to be excused for Medical or Dental appointments. If possible, appointments are to be made outside school hours. Students are credited for school during the hours away from school providing the period of absence is less than 1/4th of the school day (2 hours).
c) Students who choose to participate in extra curricular programs or activities that are NOT initiated by St. Peter Interparish School are issued an absence, which will be noted and preclude perfect attendance.
d) Students who participate in extra curricular programs or activities that school administration designates as ‘service’ will be noted as Ab/Ex/S (Excused/Service), and will not be considered absent in the tally for perfect attendance.
e) Absence Requests for Family Reasons
Parents occasionally wish to take their children out of school for more than two days because of family plans. They are to secure and complete a permission form from the children’s teachers, and then the school administrator/principal and teacher(s) will then discuss the child's progress and make recommendations to the parent. The school administrator /principal keeps a record of the recommendations made to the parent. The final decision, however, is the responsibility of the parents. Conditions, procedures, and time limits for making up work are to be specified in writing in the permission slip. (Adapted from DSP 5220)
4. Early Dismissal
Release of Individual Students from School
Extraordinary care is taken in regard to early dismissal of individual students. Parents presume their child is under the care of the school during school hours. Consequently, an elementary student is never released early without explicit knowledge of his/her parent or legal guardian. Under no circumstance may a child be released to anyone other than the parent or guardian who is listed on the child's registration form or another person explicitly authorized in writing by the parent or guardian.
In the case where only one parent has custody of the child, the school must be apprised of any existing court order that would affect release of the student from school.
A student may never be sent home for assignments, books, or disciplinary reasons without parental communication, nor may any student be sent on errands outside the school and parish grounds for anyone. (DSP 5370)
The school prefers that responsible adults send notes regarding early dismissal rather than phone messages.
a) Students who need to leave school before the normal dismissal time must present a written excuse to the office for approval at the beginning of the school day.
b) When the student comes to the office with a note from a parent/guardian:
• The office issues a building pass to leave at the specified time.
• The student shows the pass to the homeroom teacher, but keeps the pass.
• The student shows the pass to the dismissing teacher and the teacher notes the time on the pass.
• The student brings the pass to the office before leaving school. The parent MUST pick up the student at the office and sign out the student.
• When the student returns to school, he/she must stop at the office and the parent signs the student in. A staff member notes the time on her/his building pass and puts it in teacher’s mailbox. The staff person gives a building pass to student to enter a classroom.
c) If the parent calls to have the student dismissed early:
• The office issues a pass to leave at the specified time and calls the student from class to obtain that pass.
• The student shows the pass to the dismissing teacher and the teacher notes the time on the pass.
• The student brings the pass to the office before leaving school. The parent MUST pick the student up in the office, and sign the student out.
• When the student returns to school, he/she must stop at the office and the parent MUST sign him/her in. A staff member notes the time on her/his building pass and puts it in teacher’s mailbox. The staff person gives a building pass to the student to enter a classroom.
d) Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds without permission of administration.
e) No student is sent home except for illness or other serious reasons. In such cases, the parent or guardian is notified to come and pick up the student. If sent home due to illness, the student is not to return to any school sponsored functions for that evening, as he/she may be contagious. There is no penalty for missing a school function due to illness.
5. Inclement Weather
a) When weather conditions make it necessary to close school, (The school normally observe the Jefferson City Public School’s ‘before school’ closings, but makes decisions regarding closings during the school day.) the cancellation or snow schedule will be announced by local media including:
(1) TV Stations: KRCG 13, KOMU 8, and KMIZ-17
(2) Radio Stations: KJLU 88.9, Premier- KLIK 1240 AM, KJMO 104.1, KBBM 100.1, KPLA 101.5 – Zimmer - KWOS 950 AM, KATI 94.3, EAGLE 93.9, Y107 106.9, KCMQ 96.7, KCLR 99.3.
b) Due to extreme weather, it may be necessary to dismiss school and After Care early. Radio and television will announce the closing time. Telephoning the school jams the telephone lines and is to be avoided. Tune to the local radio or TV stations listed above for the earliest announcements.
c) On early dismissal days due to inclement weather, the children are dismissed to the big flat for pick-up. The kindergarten and first grade students are held with a teacher at the main entrance & flagpole. Students not picked up 20 minutes after dismissal will report to the school office.
d) On 11:00am dismissal days, extreme weather dismissal days, snow days, and the last day of school there is NO After School Care. If inclement weather is about, stay tuned to the above radio stations during the day, as After School Care may need to be dismissed early if the weather hits after 3:05.
6. Transfers
When a student is transferring from St. Peter Interparish School, the principal is to be told as soon as the decision is definite. Records are transferred to the enrolling school at that school’s request, providing all outstanding debts have been paid.
F. EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORMS
Students will have on file family emergency information that is complete and current. It is necessary that forms be kept up to date. Any new information must be given to the office as soon as possible.
G. HEALTH
In cases of contagious disease, HIV, etc., the school follows diocesan policy 8000
1. Health Records
Students must have an updated health record on file. Prior to entering kindergarten or first grade, every pupil must be immunized against DPT, poliomyelitis, receive a 2nd MMR, and the hepatitis B series. Upon entering 7th grade, students are required to have the hepatitis B series of shots. When a student receives an immunization shot, the school office is to be notified in writing in order to keep his/her records updated. Call the school nurse or the Cole County Health Department for immunization requirements.
2. Health Services
a) During the course of the year, vision and hearing screenings are completed for grades k-3, 5 & 7, as well as scoliosis screening for students in grades 6-8.
b) Financial assistance is available for families who qualify for dental and eye care, shoes and immunizations. The principal is to be contacted for information.
3. Illnesses and Injuries
a) If a student becomes ill or is injured during the day, the following procedures are employed:
(1) The student is sent to the office for anything the school is allowed to do for the situation and for proper referral to parent or professional, if necessary.
(2) If the illness warrants parental attention, the school contacts parents/guardians.
(3) If parents/guardians cannot be contacted, a school staff member calls the individuals noted on the Emergency Form.
b) In order to maintain a healthy school environment, students MUST be excluded from school for:
(1) Fever of 100 degrees or over: STUDENTS MUST REMAIN AWAY FROM SCHOOL 24 HOURS AFTER THE FEVER HAS ABATED without the use of fever reducers (Tylenol, Advil etc.).
(2) Vomiting & Diarrhea: Students are automatically sent home if experienced during school hours. STUDENTS MUST REMAIN AWAY FROM SCHOOL FOR 24 HOURS AFTER EITHER HAS SUBIDED.
a) Impetigo, Ringworm, Scabies, and Common childhood diseases: Students remain away from school UNTIL EFFECTIVE TREATMENT HAS BEEN STARTED.
(3) Red, inflamed eyes (pink eye): Students must remain away from school until diagnosed and treated for 24 hours.
(4) Head Lice: Head lice must be considered a serious problem. The student with nits must leave school until proper medicated treatment has been initiated and the parent/guardian has removed all nits. The parent must bring the student to the office (must be present) along with the medicated shampoo label on the day of return. At return, a nurse or office staff person must inspect the child before the parent may leave. If nits are found, the child must leave school for additional nit removal. The nits will NOT be removed in the school building to prevent possible spreading. Upon returning to school, the child must be inspected again. If there are still nits, a note from a physician or Cole County Health Dept. is needed for clearance back to school. The parents may use the Health Department to help with advice or removal.
If a case of head lice is identified, the parents/guardians of the students in that class will be notified to be on the alert and will receive information regarding prevention and treatment. Every effort will be made to keep the infected individuals identity confidential.
(5) Strep Throat: Students must remain away from school following a positive throat culture until receiving antibiotics, and are WITHOUT FEVER FOR 24 HOURS.
4. Insurance
Student Insurance
Parents/guardians may take out a student accident insurance policy. Schools can arrange for a school insurance provider to provide forms for student accident insurance, covering children during school hours and when traveling between home and school.
Medical care and attention related to accidents, injuries, incidents on school grounds, and/or at school related activities are covered under the student’s/parent’s insurance, not the parish’s or diocese’s insurance. (DSP 5575)
Parents/guardians are to maintain medical insurance to cover student accidents. If parents do not have health insurance for a child/children, MC+ 1-888-275-5908 is to be called for information on Missouri’s health insurance program for uninsured children.
5. Medication
Drug/Medication Administration
Any drug, which may lawfully be sold over the counter without a prescription, may be administered in compliance with the written instructions and consent of the student's parent or guardian. Administration of a prescription drug requires written instructions from a physician, dentist or podiatrist and written consent from the student's parent or guardian. All medications must be in the original packaging.
Each school must have a written policy in regards to oral medication administration. The policy shall include procedures for obtaining and filing in the school or other appropriate facility, the written instructions and consent required. There must be procedures for the periodic review of the instructions, for the storing of the drugs, for record keeping and for the appropriate instruction of persons who may be authorized to administer the drugs. (For the proper protection of students and faculty, schools are to require that the medication be kept in a locked cabinet.) (DSP 5520)
(a) Only authorized personnel may dispense medicines, including aspirin, Tylenol and medicated cough drops sent from home. Medicine is NOT to be sent to school unless it is absolutely necessary.
(b) For students who need medication during school hours, the following procedures are employed:
(1) Medicine must be in the most current pharmacy container or over the counter container. The Name of the student, Name of medicine, Dosage, Schedule of administration, and Physician’s Name must be included.
(2) Parents /guardians must pen a note requesting the office personnel to administer the medication. (Forms are in the school office)
(3) Upon arriving at school, normally, medication must come immediately to school office personnel. Students may NOT administer medicine to themselves. Medicine may NOT be stored in book bags, lockers, purses, or in classrooms.
*Special allowance must be made to students who might be required to carry an inhaler or other type of medication because of the serious nature of the allergy, asthma, or other similar illness. In this case, a note from a physician is to be on file attesting to the seriousness and necessity.
(4) Medicines that must be administered three times a day are to be taken at home before school, after school and at bedtime.
H. SCHOOL SUPPORT
The Financial stability of St. Peter Interparish School is absolutely necessary for us to maintain a quality education for all students.
The sustaining fee of $275.00 per student and the Family Stipend of $400.00 may be paid in two installments no later than August and January of any school year.
Parish and Interparish families tithe to their respective parishes.
Tuition families pay $3,550.00 per student in addition to the $275.00 sustaining fee.
Parents who have trouble in meeting the financial responsibilities as parish members MUST contact their pastor.
Outstanding Debts Policy
All financial commitments and/or debts must be paid by the last Friday of every school year. If financial commitments and/or debts are outstanding for any student at this time, student records and grade cards will be withheld. Registration for the new school year may not be completed until fees are paid or arrangements regarding outstanding debts have been made with the St. Peter pastor.
All funds turned in to the school are parish funds. All returned checks for insufficient funds must be paid, in cash, to the St. Peter Church rectory office along with any fees that are incurred by the parish from the banks.
I. SENDING MONEY
All money sent to school must be in a sealed envelope and clearly marked with each student’s name, homeroom and reason for the money. (E.g. Sally Brown 4H Mission Party)
J. PHONE CALLS
1. Students and teachers will not be called to the phone during school hours. A message may be left and a call will be returned when possible.
2. Do not call teachers at their homes unless for very important reasons.
3. Students may not use the school telephone without permission and may use it only for very important reasons.
K. DRESS CODE
1. HAIR
Boys & Girls – Hair is to be of modest length; neat, clean and combed. Female hair accessories are to be simple and not distractive. The administration will determine whether hairstyle and coloring is appropriate.
2. JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES
Boys & Girls -- Body piercings are not permitted. Females may wear earrings, with no more than 2 earrings for each ear. Visible tattoos are not permitted. Accessories (scarves, bandannas, sweatbands, cummerbunds, etc) are not permitted. Jewelry is to be simple and appropriate for school. Males may not wear nail coloring or polish. Females may wear nail polish, except for black.
3. SHIRTS, TURLENECKS
Boys & Girls –Solid, striped, or plaid colored shirts, short or long sleeved, with a pointed collar or female polo shirt collar are permitted. Solid colored turtleneck shirts are also permitted. Cowl neck shirts/sweaters are not turtlenecks and are not permitted. T-shirts worn as undershirts must be solid white.
All shirts are to be long enough to be tucked in so that the belt may be seen and no skin is showing at any time. Shirts are to be fully tucked in at all times. Layering of clothing is not permitted except for approved sweaters, vests or sweatshirts.
4. SWEATER, SWEATER VESTS, SWEATSHIRTS, JACKETS
Boys & Girls – Solid colored pullover sweaters, sweater vests and sweatshirts that come down to or cover the belt line must be worn with an approved shirt (see above). Solid colored hooded pullover items are acceptable. All other styles are considered jackets and are worn only as a jacket. Sweaters, sweater vests and sweatshirts with any zippers, mandarin collars and v-necks are not to be worn in school.
(NOTE: Any items purchased through the school with the St. Peter Keys of the Kingdom emblem are approved.)
5. PANTS/CAPRIS/ SHORTS, SKORTS, SKIRTS, JUMPERS
Boys & Girls – These items must be solid navy blue or tan shade of khaki. All pants are to be hemmed with or without a cuff and have no frays, rips or holes. Wind pants, form fitting stretch pants, overalls, fleece pants, pants gathered at the ankles are not allowed. Shorts, skorts, skirts, and jumpers are to be no shorter than 2 inches from the top of the knee. Sport shorts are not permitted.
6. BELTS
Boys & Girls -- Belts are optional for K-3 students. Belts are required for 4-8 students. Belts must have a buckle and be one solid color with no studs or adornments. Belts must be worn if pants have belt loops. Belt loops that are removed should be fully removed so that no parts of a belt loop remains. Students forgetting a belt may request to borrow one from the office BEFORE 8:00 a.m. without penalty.
7. SOCKS
Boys & Girls -- Socks must be a solid color, worn at all times and visible.
8. SHOES
Boys & Girls --Shoes must have a closed heel and toe and suitable for outdoor play. Tennis shoes are required for PE days and play in the gym. Appropriate gym shoes have soles that will not leave black marks on the gym floor. Shoes must be laced and tied at all times.
9. DRESS DOWN DAYS
Boys & Girls -- Clothing worn on dress down days is to be modest and have sleeves. It may not have symbols or words that portray obscene, satanic, suggestive ideas, drugs, alcohol or inappropriate music. All shirts must be of a length so that skin does not show and a size that is not too tight. Provocative clothing is not acceptable. Shorts, jeans, jean shorts, sweatpants, approved school pants, shorts or skorts are acceptable. Skorts, skirts, and jumpers are to be no shorter than 2 inches from the top of the knee. Pajama pants are not acceptable.
10. GENERAL
- All clothing is to be modest, of proper fit, neat, clean, and worn as designed at all times. (I.e. All shirts must be of a length so that skin on the trunk of the body does not show, of a size that is not too tight.)
- Provocative clothing is not acceptable.
- Layering of clothing is not permitted except for approved sweaters, vests or sweatshirts.
- Extremes in personal appearance are not permitted.
- Hats may not be worn in the building.
- All clothing, including clothing worn on dress down days, is to be neat and not torn.
- If a particular style of clothing is not listed in this policy, it is considered NOT acceptable.
- Concerning dress, the school reserves the right to make the final decisions about the suitability of the clothes.
Parents are to take responsibility to see that their children ‘k – 8’ comply with the school grooming and dress code. Parents are to be aware of this entire policy so that they do not have to go out of their way to bring proper attire to their children at school.
Parents are to supply children with attire appropriate to the weather, so parents are to make sure their child(ren) come(s) to school with a coat or sweater on cold days. Children will participate in recess and P.E. outside on cold days.
School items, jackets, sweaters, etc. are to be marked with the student’s name. If a student wears clothing to school that is not appropriate, parents will be contacted to bring the proper attire to school, and the student will not attend classes until proper attire is on the way.
The second Tuesday of every month is faculty meeting day, a 2:00 dismissal, and a dress down day. All other early dismissal days are NOT dress down days (PTC’S, etc.). On “Dress Down” days, the school insists on a normal and healthy modesty. Students may wear any clothing except for muscle shirts, tank tops (all tops MUST have sleeves), meshed shirts, and overly short shorts or skirts (within 2 INCHES of the knee). Requirements such as length of shorts, etc., or apparel found to be unacceptable by teachers and/or administrators still apply. Shirts must be of a length so that skin on the trunk of the body does not show, and of a size that is not too tight as provocative clothing is not acceptable.
Students who refuse to cooperate with the dress code, including belts, or cooperate with the gum/candy policy waive the right to any, and all, forms of dress down days for the REMAINDER OF THE YEAR upon their fourth violation of either (combined) rule/policy. ANY FURTHER VIOLATIONS WILL RESULT IN AN AFTER SCHOOL FOCUS FOR EACH VIOLATION.
*Students will recess outside on cold weather days. Coats are to be brought to school from November 1, through March 1. Shorts are to be worn when it is warm enough for the students to participate in outside activities and not be cold.
**Special Note to 1st grade and all new parents and students to St. Peter Interparish School: Every Friday students who complete all of their homework properly throughout the week may dress down.
L. VISITORS
All visitors/parents are to check in with an office staff person before entering any part of the building. This includes when bringing children to school between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., and looking for children after school hours.
The outside and inside doors at the entrance are on a timer lock. To insure the safety of all students:
The outside and inside doors will open at 7:00 a.m. to allow students to Morning Care. The inside double doors will lock at 8:00 a.m. for the rest of the day. The outer entrance doors will remain open until 3:30 p.m.
Teachers are responsible for children at 7:40 a.m. and are not able to conference with parents after that time, so morning drop-in visit conferences are not allowed. If parents need to see a teacher (utmost importance) before school, come at 7:30 and check in at the office. If parents are unable to come before 7:40 but before school begins at 7:50, office personnel will see if someone can cover for the teacher who will meet parents in the conference room.
Students are instructed to NEVER open any outer doors for ANYONE that they do not know as a faculty/staff member. So do not pressure them to open an outer door. Everyone must enter through the main door only and check in at the office. Parents NEVER go directly to a classroom without checking in at the office and obtain a visitors pass.
M. CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATION POLICY
STUDENTS: Child Abuse and Neglect
Any school personnel having reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused and/or neglected or has been threatened with an injury or that the abuse of the child may occur shall use the following procedure to report:
1. The employee is to report the suspicion immediately to the school administrator/principal who is to immediately notify by phone the superintendent of Catholic schools or chancellor of the diocese. Unless the child's welfare and/or safety is in immediate danger, the person making the report to the superintendent of Catholic schools and/or chancellor is to wait for consultation before making the report to Missouri Division of Children's Services.
2. After consultation, review and guidance with the superintendent of Catholic schools or chancellor of the diocese, contact is then to be made with the Missouri Division of Children's Services or the police department if the Missouri Division of Children's Services is not available. This phone number is to be readily available in the school office.
3. If the child is in immediate danger and the school administrator/principal and/or superintendent of Catholic schools or chancellor of the diocese is not available, the report is to be made directly to the Missouri Division of Children's Services or police department, and the school administrator/principal and/or superintendent of Catholic schools or chancellor of the diocese is to be notified as soon as possible.
4. It is then up to the Missouri Division of Children's Services or police department to follow up on the report.
5. Employees cannot be directed by a person with higher authority to refrain from reporting a case if the employee still reasonably believes there is a case of abuse and/or neglect, nor can the person be reprimanded for making a report.
6. Any such reports are considered strictly confidential.
7. Once the report is made, the employee who originally raised the issue, is to be told when and by whom the report was made to the Missouri Division of Children's Services.
Normally, once notified, the Division of Children's Services will observe
the following procedure in investigating reports as clarified November 26, 2003 in a letter to school personnel from the Missouri Division of Children's Services:
House Bill 613 will effect agency notification to a parent when
abuse/neglect occurs in a school or child care setting. When the abuse/neglect of a child happens in a school or child care setting and the parents of the child are not the alleged abusers, a parent/guardian of the child must be notified prior to the child being interviewed by the Children's Division (CD). If the parent/guardian cannot be located, the CD investigator will use his/her best judgment regarding interviewing the child without parental notification. If the alleged abuser is a school or child care facility employee, the child cannot be interviewed at his/her school or child care facility.
The representative of the Children's Division is to see that the above
paragraph is implemented. Normally Catholic school personnel are not part of the child abuse investigation interview unless requested by the Missouri Division of Children's Services.
Within five service days of the date the report is made to the Missouri
Division of Children's Services, a written summary report is to be sent to the superintendent of Catholic schools stating the names, circumstances and reasons for reporting, consultation received, and when and by whom the matter was reported.
Failure to follow the above reporting procedure is considered a serious violation of diocesan policy and regulation. (DSR 5810)
N. CHILD CUSTODY
Proof of Guardianship
The school presumes that parents have the authority to enroll the student, to consent to various activities and programs, has custody of the student, or to discontinue enrollment.
In any situation where there is a custody agreement, the schools are to obtain the portion of that agreement that stipulates custody and any other information pertinent for the school.
Schools are to indicate in their registration materials that this is a condition of enrollment. This is also to be stated in the parent/student handbook along with a statement that indicates the parents are to notify the school immediately of any change in the agreement.
When consent by both parents is required by court decree in any/all matters relating to school, the consenting parent represents that the other parent has been consulted, and he or she consents to this registration.
Visitation schedules often fluctuate and sometimes vary from the original court decree. Therefore, unless the school is specifically notified in writing to the contrary by a custodial parent, the school will presume that the student can be released into the custody of either parent upon request regardless of any visitation schedule, which might be contained in a court decree.
Any non-parent having custodial rights must supply the school with complete documentation evidencing such rights. (DSP 5201) And, the parents/legal guardians must indicate said rights on the students’ emergency form.
O. CONCERNS/GRIEVANCE
Any serious grievance that cannot be solved through an informal process using the local chain of command (teacher, principal, pastor) shall be resolved through the Administrative Recourse Procedure. Since the parish school board is an advisory board, it is not part of the process of reconciling differences, unless a pastor decides to consult some or all of the board for advice on a serious issue. The Administrative Recourse Procedure shall constitute the exclusive method for resolving such disputes after informal attempts at reconciliation have failed. The parties are bound by its determination as final and binding. The Administrative Recourse Procedure is specifically limited to “Grievances” as defined within the Administrative Recourse Procedure policy and regulation.
Administrative Recourse (From Diocesan Handbook)
A. Definition
A “Grievance” is a formal complaint about any serious issue regarding a school or its personnel that needs a formal process of reconciliation in order for it to be resolved.
B. Purpose
The primary purpose of this procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible administrative level, equitable solutions to problems, which may from time to time arise affecting the welfare or working conditions of persons associated with the school.
C. Basic Principles
1. Informal attempts using the local chain of authority (teacher,
school administrator/principal, pastor) have failed to resolve the grievance.
2. Since it is important that grievances be processed as rapidly as
possible, the number of days indicated at each level are to be considered a maximum and every effort is to be made to expedite the process. The failure of a grievant to act within the time limits will act as a bar to any further appeal and an administrator’s failure to give a decision within the time limits shall permit the grievant to proceed to the next step. (By mutual written agreement, however, the time limits may be extended.)
3. The grievant agrees that discussions during the procedural stages
of a grievance shall be kept confidential.
4. There is to be no retaliation against any party or participant in
5. Meetings held pursuant to this procedure shall be conducted by
mutual agreement at a time and place that will afford a fair and reasonable opportunity for all persons, including witnesses to attend.
6. Records of formal proceedings at every Level shall be kept and
made available to all parties involved.
7. Levels One and/or Two of the Grievance Procedure may be waived
upon the written request of both parties and the grievance brought directly to the next level.
D. Procedure
1. Informal Attempts at Resolution
Before differences become formal grievances, every effort shall be made to resolve local-level disputes by way of a free and open discussion between the parties involved in the grievance. Accordingly, a party may not pursue a grievance through the formal procedures outlined in this policy unless the party has first engaged in informal attempts with the local chain of authority to reconcile the difference beginning with the person whom the grievance is against. The normal chain of authority is: (1) teacher; (2) principal; (3) pastor. The school administrator/principal or pastor may ask a third party to attend and assist the discussion.
2. Formal Grievance Procedures
In the event that informal attempts at resolving the dispute have been unsuccessful, the formal grievance procedure outlined below shall be observed. For complaints to be resolved through the Formal Grievance Procedures, the following shall apply: (i) if the complaint relates to a principal, LEVEL ONE will not apply, and the grievant will begin with LEVEL TWO; and (ii) if the complaint relates to a pastor, LEVELS ONE AND TWO will not apply, and the grievant will begin with LEVEL THREE.
LEVEL ONE: SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR/PRINCIPAL
The grievant shall reduce the complaint to writing and submit it to the school administrator/principal within fifteen (15) days following the occurrence of the event. The school administrator/principal will hold a meeting within seven (7) days following receipt of the written statement of grievance. The school administrator/principal, a grievance representative designated by the pastor and the grievant shall be present for the meeting. Within seven (7) days following the meeting, the school administrator/principal shall provide the grievant with a written decision.
LEVEL TWO: PASTOR
If the grievant is dissatisfied with the school administrator's/principal’s written decision, the grievant may appeal the decision in writing within five (5) days to the pastor. If the Formal Grievance Procedure begins with LEVEL TWO, the grievant shall reduce his/her complaint to writing and submit it to the pastor within fifteen (15) days following the occurrence of the event. The pastor will hold a meeting within seven (7) days following receipt of the written statement of grievance or the appeal, as applicable. The pastor, a grievance representative designated by the pastor and the grievant shall be present for the meeting. Within seven (7) days following the meeting, the pastor shall provide the grievant and the school administrator/principal with a written decision.
LEVEL THREE: SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
If the grievant is dissatisfied with the pastor’s written decision, the grievant may appeal the decision in writing within five (5) days to the superintendent of Catholic schools. If the Formal Grievance Procedure begins with LEVEL THREE, the grievant shall reduce his/her complaint to writing and submit it to the superintendent of Catholic schools within fifteen (15) days following the occurrence of the event. The superintendent of Catholic schools or a designated representative of the superintendent of Catholic schools will hold a meeting on the matter within ten (10) days following receipt of the appeal. The superintendent of Catholic schools will render a decision in writing stating findings of fact and conclusions within ten (10) days of the hearing and a copy of the decision shall be delivered to the grievant, the pastor and the school administrator/principal.
LEVEL FOUR: DIOCESAN SCHOOL RECOURSE COMMITTEE
If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at LEVEL THREE, a written appeal may be made within five (5) days to the Diocesan School Recourse Committee (DSRC), a standing committee composed of three members appointed by the bishop. The committee will review the entire record relating to the grievance and thereafter hold a meeting, which shall not be later than fifteen (15) days after receipt of the written appeal. The grievant is entitled to attend the meeting. Interested parties may offer evidence relevant to the grievance, and questions may be asked pertaining to the cause by committee members as well as the interested parties. The DSRC will render and communicate its recommendation to the bishop who will notify the superintendent of Catholic schools and the grievant of his ruling. The decision of the bishop will be final and binding. (DSR 1901)
Penalty Status During Administrative Recourse
The penalty for a violation of a school or diocesan policy or regulation is to be enforced during the recourse procedure. However, a request can be made to the superintendent of Catholic schools to speed up the procedure. Either the person(s) registering the complaint or the person(s) to whom the complaint is registered can make this request. The request can be granted or denied. (DSP 1902)
|
| .. |