Families are free to extend this study period at their own discretion and needs. (Top)

Honor Roll

Students of Grades 6-8 who earn all “A”s in their major subjects and no less than “B” or ”Satisfactory” in conduct and other subjects, will be eligible for First Honors.

Students who earn “A” s and “B” s or all “B” s in their major subjects and no less than a B in conduct and Satisfactory in other subjects will be eligible for Second Honors.

Major subjects for Grades 6-8 are: Religion, Math, English, Reading/Literature, Science, and Social Studies. (Top)

Library

The school library is provided as an additional resource to the public library for learning and growth. Many AR (accelerated reader) titles are available through this means. Volunteer librarians staff the library under the direction of a faculty member. It is expected that students respect the materials available by taking care of them, and comply with library regulations especially in returning borrowed books when due. A system of reminders and fines is designed to help students remember. (Top)

Lost and Found

Should a student find or lose something a ‘lost and found box’ in the school library area is designated as the place for claiming, reporting, and depositing such articles. Families should encourage their children to bring sweaters, rain gear, etc., home every day to prevent such losses. All articles of clothing and materials should be marked with each student’s name. (Top)

Lunch

Hot lunch, milk and juice are offered daily during the school year. Each student must participate in the lunch program. Care is taken to provide menu choices for each meal and seconds are available at no extra charge. Saint Joseph School is in full compliance with the Wellness Program and serves only approved meals and portions. (Top)

Make-up Work

As a service to families, teachers will provide daily make-up work for students who are absent. Families may pick up books and assignments after 2:50 p.m. from the teachers of Grades K-2 and from the Library table for Grades 3-8. Assignments for planned absences may be discussed with teachers of the student. (Top)

Non-Discriminatory Policy

Saint Joseph School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available by the school. (Top)

Parent Organizations

Upon admission of students, parents automatically become members of the Saint Joseph School Parents Club, or P.C... Four general meetings are planned annually. The officers of this organization meet regularly. (See Appendix D)

Saint Joseph School also has a School Board. The members, who serve in an advisory capacity, meet monthly with the Pastor and Principal.

Parents are invited to meet at 2:45 p.m. in Church each day or any school day, with the ‘Parents in Prayer’ group, to pray for our children. (Top)

Pre-School

Our Pre- School Program is briefly described in a flyer. (see appendix G) (Top)

Progress Reports

Progress Reports are issued between Report Card distributions. This is intended to communicate a general evaluation of student progress in contrast to the specific evaluation of a Report Card. It is intended to encourage students and their families with satisfactory progress and/or caution them about special needs becoming evident. (Top)

Promotion and Retention

A student who has successfully completed the course of study for each grade is eligible for promotion. Criteria for successful completion may include:

• Grades/ achievement

• Maturity

• Learning ability

• Testing

• Mastery of State essential objectives

• Class Work

• Social Adjustment

Intervention strategies for students who are experiencing difficulty will be made by classroom teachers as they become aware of a need. Although this will be communicated to parents a conference will be arranged after the third marking period with the teachers and principal to determine whether retention or other options should be considered.

Students receiving a failing grade in the final average of a major subject will be required to complete a 20 hour course during the summer by attending summer school, an internet tutorial or course, or through private instruction with a tutor. On the elementary level it is understood a summer program cannot correct a year’s deficiency but it is recommended to insure progress upon returning to school. (Top)

Religious Standards

Students admitted to Saint Joseph School who are not Roman Catholic are expected to participate in all instructional programs and activities equally, with the exception of receiving the Sacraments.

Parents/guardians as first educators of their children are expected to reinforce and model faith practices for them. In addition to weekly Mass attendance and daily family prayer, opportunities should be provided to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a monthly basis. (Top)

Remediation / Acceleration

We anticipate that there will be students on both ends of the aptitude spectrum who may benefit from additional work outside the classroom. Parents of students who demonstrate an inability to master basic skills in a particular subject will be invited to meet with the teacher to discuss a program of remediation. Likewise, high aptitude students who desire to pursue supplemental studies beyond the normal scope of the subject are invited to consult with the teacher for direction and assistance.

Situations arise when evaluating a student is recommended in order to determine more specifically his/her strengths and weaknesses and how best to meet them. (Top)

Report Cards

Report Cards are distributed four times a year. The first Report precedes a parent-teacher conference. Other Reports are sent home with the students. A final Report is mailed to the family at the end of the year. Parents should review grades in a discussion with your child, sign the Report, and have it returned within a week of receiving it (except for the final one). Any questions should be discussed with the teacher for clarification. (Top)

Rights of Non-Custodial Parents

Saint Joseph School complies with the provisions of the Buckley Amendment. Non-custodial parents will be given access to unofficial copies of student records and staff will be available to discuss the student’s records unless a court order providing otherwise is filed with the school. Divorced parents should file a notarized copy of the custody section of a divorce decree with the school to help protect the rights of everyone in the family. (Top)

Sacramental Program

Students of Grade 2 prepare and receive the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist during the year. The Sacrament of Confirmation is offered to the 7th and 8th Grade students every other year. Parent meetings are scheduled to assist families with their understanding and preparation of students for these sacraments. (Top)

School Pictures

Individual School Pictures are taken each fall with a pre-pay program. Class pictures are taken in the spring. These pictures may be used in the yearbook or other publications with parental permission. A media permission form must be signed by parents each year. (Top)

School Support

There are many ways to support the school and people have been ingenious and so very generous in creating them. Service, prayer, and finances are a few.

Often overlooked, yet critical to every school is the Christian/human support that comes from positive people. This creates an atmosphere of mutual support and trust. A parent who is confident in the school will support the teachers and administration by complying with school policies, expectations, and traditions. They will also communicate this attitude to one another and to their children. Only in this way can an environment which professes to model our Faith and one conducive to learning become effective. (Top)

Service Projects

All students of Saint Joseph School participate in Service Projects each year. A schedule of hours required for each grade level will be given to families by the classroom teacher. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation includes service as an integral part of its program.

Parents are also offered opportunities for service. It is a great benefit to the school and parish when people serve as a volunteer. Each fall parents are asked to sign up for the projects of their choice during the first Parent Meeting. (See Appendix E) (Top)

Smoking

Saint Joseph School maintains a smoke-free environment. Smoking is forbidden on campus by anyone during school hours. (Top)

Special Needs

Our school attempts to address the special learning needs of students to the greatest possible extent within the parameters of the school’s financial and human resources. In some cases it may not be possible to address the needs of a student and outside assistance or even a transfer may be recommended. An important goal of these efforts should be mastery of the regular curriculum in the regular setting. (See Remediation/Acceleration) (Top)

Summer Letter

Each summer families can expect to receive a mailing of information pertaining to the opening of school. This mailing will include articles and/or attachments as needed for planning or change. (Top)

Tardiness

Prompt arrival at school is expected of all students. Late arrival disrupts class and routine and causes loss of instructional time. Students who are tardy must sign in the Tardy Book. Persistent tardiness is usually a habit, which must be changed as a life skill. The issue of a student who is late frequently will be addressed individually and may result in detention. (Top)

Telephone

The school office telephone is a business phone. After school plans should not include the use of this telephone by students. In the event of an emergency, messages will be given to students when received. Cell phones are not permitted to be used or displayed in school on campus, or the bus, during school hours. (Top)

Testing

Each year students are given a national standardized test which rates student achievement compared to all in each grade throughout the nation who took the test. Usually, students of Saint Joseph School achieve above average in all areas. In addition, students of Grade 8 take the Archdiocesan ACRE exam every other year, which evaluates their knowledge of our Catholic faith.

Students transferring from a home school or other school may be required to take a brief placement exam as part of the admission process. Students entering Kindergarten will also be required to take a Readiness exam. (Top)

Textbooks

The annual registration/book fee enables the school to purchase books yearly and others on an alternating basis in order to maintain an updated curriculum. Therefore books are covered, book bags required, and respect for materials demanded. It is understood that books are the property of the school so that a system of fines and replacement costs will be issued in the event of loss or damage. (Top)

Tradition

Saint Joseph School enjoys a tradition of standards and expectations. Although many policies are described in writing, circumstances may present a situation which raises a question. This may be answered through tradition or left to the discretion of the principal and pastor. (Top)

Traffic Control

Parents are asked to familiarize themselves with the traffic patterns of the school. Morning drop-off at the circle in front of the school is a usual pattern. The rule of thumb is always to be aware of children in the yard which serves as a parking area for Church and playground for school. (Top)

Uniforms

Students must wear the prescribed uniform at all times. Families do their children and other students an injustice by permitting laxity in the uniform requirement. The length of skirts for girls should be monitored regularly. It should touch the top of the knee. Only one set of stud earrings worn on the lower lobe is acceptable for girls with pierced ears. Earrings are not acceptable for boys. One ring, one necklace (religious) and/or watch may be worn. Jewelry or hairdos considered a distraction or safety hazard are prohibited. Boy’s haircuts should clear the collar. (See Appendix I) (Top)

Vandalism

In the event vandalism takes place it must be accepted that the property in question will be repaired or replaced. This may include books, games, desks, etc. Parents are asked to support the development of character in their children which readily accepts the consequences of one’s actions rather than excuse or defend them. (Top)

Volunteers

Families and friends are called upon to volunteer as they provide a rich resource for the school. They assist in building the faith community that is so valued at Saint Joseph School. Opportunities for volunteering are offered by the Parents Club at the first parent meeting in August. They range from school projects, fund raising activities, to landscaping. Confidentiality is an important characteristic of the school volunteer. (Top)

Website

Our school website is used to communicate with families; to enhance faith knowledge and practices; provide sources of support for families; and to promote our school. Friday Flyers and other special notices will be posted regularly. Families with emails may use this form of communication with the staff. Emergency announcements will be made on the site in addition to the usual postings on TV, radio, etc.  (Top)

Withdrawal

The classroom teacher and principal should be notified in advance of the pending withdrawal of a student. Records will be withheld until books have been turned in and finances accounted for. (Top)