St. Joseph’s Catholic School
Parent/Student Handbook
(2011-2012)
Serving Preschool through Grade 8
For Camp Verde, Cottonwood, and Sedona Parishes
Mission Statement
Inspired by Roman Catholic tradition, Saint Joseph’s School provides a Christ-centered environment; offering the highest quality academic education. By emulating the teachings of Jesus Christ, we prepare morally responsible leaders who think critically and value service within the community through a partnership with students, parents and staff.
Pastors: Fr. David J. Kelash
Pastoral Assistant: Fr. Pawel Stawarczyk
Principal: Greg Kirkham
Business Manager: Merrily Pychinka
Preschool Director: Elaine Anderson
2715 E. State Route 89A
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Phone (928)
649-0624 / Fax (928) 649-1191
www.sjcms.net
Greg Kirkham email – gkirkham@sjcms.net
Merrily Pychinka email – merrilypychinka@sjcms.net
St. Joseph’s Catholic Montessori
Preschool and Kindergarten Policies and Goals
Montessori Mission Statement
Our school provides students from early childhood through young adolescence
the tools to acquire moral and spiritual development individual fulfillment,
academic excellence, confidence and independence for lifelong learning,
through the academic and experiential learning process developed by Maria
Montessori, and influenced by the child’s active participation in
the home, community and church.
Montessori Philosophy
• Every individual is considered as a whole. The spiritual, physical,
cognitive emotional, social, aesthetic, needs and interests are inseparable
and vitally important.
• Respect and caring attitudes for oneself and all others, the environment,
and all life are necessary.
• A diverse set of Montessori materials, activities, and experiences,
which are designed to foster physical, intellectual, creative and social
independence.
• A schedule that allows large blocks of uninterrupted time to problem
solve, to see the interdisciplinary connections of knowledge, and to create
original ideas.
• A classroom atmosphere that encourages social interaction for cooperative
learning, peer teaching and emotional development.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation
of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church and the
educational principals of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an “atrium”,
a room prepared by a specifically trained catechist.
Children too young to read will be read a biblical passage of prayer from
the liturgy and then given the opportunity to use materials for that text.
Not only does this give the child the chance to ponder what has just been
read but opens the door for the child to begin and develop their own relationship
with the Lord.
Older children who can read also learn the history of the kingdom of God
Staff Directory
Pastor, Camp Verde Father Reynaldo Clutario
Pastor, Camp Verde Father Alvin Cayetano
Pastor, Cottonwood Father David J. Kelash
Pastoral Assistant: Fr. Pawel Stawarczyk
Pastor, Sedona Father J.C. Ortiz
Principal Greg Kirkham
Business Manager Merrily Pychinka
Montessori Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher Elaine Anderson
Montessori Preschool/Kindergarten Aide Diana Cienega
Grades Traditional Kindergarten -1st Teacher Jill Barteau
Grades 2-3 Teacher Lynne Gibson
Grades 4-5 Teacher Sharon Green
Grades 6-8 To Be Determined
Reading Specialist and RE Teacher Donna Carlile
Love is patient,
Love is kind.
It is not jealous,
Love is not pompous,
It is not inflated,
It is not rude,
It does not seek its own interests,
It is not quick-tempered,
It does not brood over injury,
It does not rejoice over wrongdoing
But rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things,
Believes all things,
Hopes all things,
Endures all things.
Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4- 8
School Hours
School Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:15 AM to 3:15 PM
Class Schedule:
Traditional Kindergarten - 8th Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM
– 3:00 PM
Fridays 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Montessori Kindergarten and Preschool Students: Monday through
Thursday 9:00 AM – 2:45 PM
Fridays-8:30 AM – 12:30
Half-Day Pre-K: AM Students, 8:30 AM - 11:45 AM, Monday through
Friday
PM Students, 11:45 AM – 2:45 PM, Mon. thru Thurs.—No school
on Fridays
School Policies
Admission Policy
Our school is open to students who sincerely seek a Catholic Montessori
education. Every child has a right to religious formation in our Catholic
faith. Students will not be refused admission because of race, color, national
origin or gender.
To be admitted to St. Joseph Catholic School students:
• Must be three years of age prior to September 1st of the
current school year and potty trained to enter preschool.
• Must be five years of age prior to September 1st of the current
school year to enter kindergarten. No exceptions are granted to this age
requirement.
• Must be six years of age prior to September 1st of the current school
year to enter first grade. Exceptions based on successful completion of
his/her kindergarten year.
• Must present a certified copy or original for copying of the student’s
birth certificate as proof of age.
Registration
To register families must provide the following:
• Certified copy of birth certificate or original certificate
• Baptismal certificate for all baptized Catholic students
• First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation certificates
• Immunization records
• Custody agreement (if applicable)
• Application Packet
• Signed Tuition Agreement
• $200 one time registration fee
• Student Interview (if applicable)
• Certificate of transfer from previous school or signed withdrawal
form
• Two most current report cards and standardized tests
The Principal or Preschool instructor will complete interviews with new students and parents upon completion and acceptance of registration packet. Students may be required to provide additional references per the Principals request. This is the first step to community building in the classroom. Upon acceptance, the student will be placed on a minimum of 6 months probationary period to ensure the child success in our program. Registration is held each Spring for the following school year. Preference is given to currently enrolled students and their family.
Tuition Policy
Tuition payments are spread out over a 10 month payment period
Tuition payments will be due on the 1st of each month from August to May
Montessori Preschool is also responsible to pay in August even though your
child will not start until September. This helps reduce you monthly payment
amount. However, if you prefer to pay over the nine month payment contact
the office.
Financial Assistance
1. For financial assistance – in order to receive financial assistance
a family must have filled out the CTODP application form.
2. Second step is to go to your parish pastor for financial assistance for tuition.
3. Contact Greg Kirkham, the principal to set up a meeting with the finance committee for assistance.
All of us recognize that times are tuff and that people may need assistance but equally important the school must pay their expenses.
1. Discounts for paying the tuition in full will no longer be available.
2. The $200.00 registration fee is no longer refundable for any reason
3. Late fees for tuition will be enforced in billing, unless prior arrangements
have been made (Please see Business Manager concerning this)
4. Tuition discounts for referrals is $100.00 per family referred - to be
deducted after the new families non-refundable registration and 1st months
tuition are paid.
Catholic Tuition Organization of Phoenix (CTODP)
Families are encouraged to contribute to and/or support St. Joseph marketing efforts for the annual CTODP campaign. CTODP is the most effective means for offsetting tuition costs for many families. The CTODP is committed to allocating at least 92%-95% of its annual revenues for scholarships and grants to children attending schools owned and operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.
If you are an Arizona taxpayer, you can contribute any amount up to a maximum of $1000 if married or $500 if single, to St. Joseph Catholic School through CTODP and receive a dollar-for-dollar TAX CREDIT on your Arizona state tax return. The amount you contribute is deducted from the taxes you owe the state. In addition, this donation may be claimed as a charitable contribution on your federal tax return, thus lowering the amount of federal taxes paid. The CTODP contribution forms will be available in November and the contribution must be made to St. Joseph Catholic School #166 by December 31st.
We encourage all kindergarten and elementary families to apply for tuition scholarship assistance through this tuition organization. Applications are sent home each March and must be completed and postmarked by April 15th.
Service Hours
The school Advisory Board supports parental involvement from each family.
A school can only be as good as its community. We require all our families
commit to a minimum of ten service hours to assist the school in the education
of their children. Through parental support in our school activities and
fundraisers, children understand that we have to work together to create
a wonderful learning environment. Your commitment is a model to your participation
and involvement.
Attendance
School policy requires all students attend ninety-five percent of the school
calendar year. Excessive absences (over nine in the school year) may be
cause for grade retention. For this reason we ask for your cooperation in
the scheduling of appointments and family vacations. Please schedule these
events outside of school time. Each day missed in education is an opportunity
to learn.
It is Diocesan policy that schools record all absences/tardies and the reason for the absence/tardy. Parent(s)/guardian(s) must call the school on or before the day of the absence and give a reason for the absence. Students late to class feel out of place and miss morning instruction. It is necessary for students to arrive to school by 8:30 a.m. to ensure a good start to the day. Tardies will be tallied monthly and each five (5) tardies will be equivalent to one (1) absence. Only eight (8) absences per semester are allowed. Any student missing more than the excused amount may not be promoted to the next grade.
Early Pick-up
Parents wishing to have a child released from class for part of a school
day are to notify the school in advance of the early dismissal. Parents
must come into the office and sign the child out of school. Students consistently
leaving class early miss the end of day instruction and disrupt the flow
of the classroom.
Any excessive tardies or early releases may lead to added homework and/or retention in the current grade level. To avoid this, schedule appointments accordingly to ensure you student is receiving the most of their work time. If a designated person other that the parent is to pick up the child, the parent must give written permission or call the school to give phone authorization. Please notify the office if you feel an unauthorized person may attempt to pick up your child while he/she is at school.
Hours of Supervision
Students are allowed on campus from 8:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. unless the
student is involved in a supervised after school program.
In case of an unforeseen problem please notify the office as soon as possible.
Custodial Parents
Custodial Parent – If you are the custodial parent, we must have a
copy of your custodial documentation on file in the school office.
Non-custodial Parent: St. Joseph Catholic School will provide non-custodial parent access to academic records and to other school-related information regarding their child. If there is a court order specifying that there is to be NO information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order.
Discipline Guidelines
It is the philosophy of St. Joseph’s Catholic School to present an educational program that is clear, efficient and uncompromising in the standards of excellence. Discipline is the foundation and basic structure of a high quality educational process. Acceptable and unacceptable behavior, as well as consequences, will be clearly defined. St. Joseph’s strives toward improvement and growth. It is imperative the parish, students, parents, faculty, school board and administration of St. Joseph’s Catholic School believe that discipline is vital to promote an environment of student behavior necessary to achieve high academic and moral standards. A progressive style of discipline will be used by teachers and reinforced in the office. This includes more serious consequences for more serious offenses or reoccurring offenses. Familiarizing students with the policies and consequences will give them clear expectations of acceptable behavior and insure that all the children are receiving quality instruction. Students must observe three rules of conduct: be safe, be respectful and be responsible. The discipline matrix below will be used for minor infractions. Due to our zero tolerance policy, more serious offences could result in suspension or expulsion from school. Our goal is to stop the inappropriate behaviors so teachers can teach and students can learn. This will be the first step to incorporating our policy and defining expectations to students, as well as parents.
The Discipline Matrix includes:
Warning(s)
Conference with teacher and student
Other - (lunch detention, after school detention, time out, loss of privileges, etc. This will be up to the teacher’s discretion.)
Parent contact – phone call or conference
Behavior plan or chart
Referral to the Administrator
Suspension
When a suspension or expulsion is deemed necessary, school officials will
inform the student of the disciplinary action and notify the student’s
parent(s)/guardian(s). Homework and class work will be made available for
the student within two days of the disciplinary action. Parent(s)/guardian(s)
will make arrangements to pick up the students work and students will be
given a fair amount of time to turn in make-up work.
Expulsion (Dismissal of a Student from School)
After attempts to meet their individual needs, students clearly unable to
profit from this school by reason of academic problems, emotional difficulties,
or the uncooperative or disruptive behavior of the student or the parent
may be counseled to transfer. (Policy #4.06 of Diocesan Handbook)
If a student is expelled from St. Joseph’s the student shall receive a ten-day suspension pending evaluation. The parent has several options:
Expulsion
1. The parent is given two days to voluntarily withdraw the student from
the school. This saves the “expulsion” from being placed on
the student’s permanent record. Unless the incident was unlawful,
(weapons, drugs, alcohol) or a violation of the law.
2. The parent can appeal the expulsion to a designated school board. The parish pastor may have the final decision based on recommendation of the principal and the school board. The form is available from the school principal.
3. The parent accepts the decision of the school and the student is withdrawn as an expulsion.
Academic Policies
Curriculum and Instruction
All students are required to participate in the curriculum offered by St.
Joseph Catholic School including our religious education program. We work
to match our curriculum to the Diocese of Phoenix Curriculum Guidelines.
Curriculum and instruction are critical attributes of a school’s effectiveness.
Early August of each school year, you will be expected to attend a mandatory
Welcome Meeting. At this time, your child’s teacher will explain the
instructional program, as well as the academic expectations, teacher expectations
and school expectations.
Textbooks
All textbooks are loaned to the students. Students are responsible for the
care and handling of each book issued to them. The student must pay for
lost or damaged books. The book fee paid each year is for the use of texts.
Students will not be permitted to take final end of the year tests and report
cards will be held until library books and damaged or lost textbooks are
paid for or returned. Please encourage your child to be responsible and
take good care of all books. Failure to pay for damaged or lost books will
cause the student to receive an incomplete grade until the books or fees
are paid in full.
Grading
Our Grading scale is designed to help parents and students have a better
understanding of how they are acquiring new knowledge. With new report cards
this year we are hoping to improve our communication about your child’s
achievement. We have four grading periods per year: October, January, March,
and May, please see School calendar for dates. Kindergarten students receive
report cards twice a year in January and May. Conferences are at the request
of the teacher or parent.
Retention
Retention in a grade for a second year requires careful consideration. A
student is retained on the recommendation of the teacher and the principal.
The teacher will consider the following needs: student’s progress,
the social, emotional, physical, and moral, as well as academic development
of the student.
In order to retain a student for a second year, we will follow
the guidelines below:
• A teacher must be certain that repetition of a grade by a student
will be beneficial to him/her. A child is not to remain more than two years
in any single grade. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give a child is
more time in school.
• If in a teacher’s judgment retention is probable, the case
must be discussed with the Principal and a conference held with the parents.
• A written summary of the conference will be kept and a copy will be given to the parents.
Field Trips
Parents will receive a permission form with details of the field trip on it. The permission form must be signed to allow a student to go on the trip. The original forms are taken on the trip and a copy is left in the school office. Parents may fax a copy of the signed permission slip to the school.
Transportation for all field trips will be provided by our school bus or approved drivers. Parents will need to have a private car transport form notarized and kept in the school office for all 3rd – 8th graders.
Liturgy & Prayer
Liturgy
There will be mandatory attendance of scheduled Masses for all students.
Transportation by bus will be provided. Please bring your child to St. Joseph
and not to Immaculate Conception!
Official Records
Parents have the right to inspect and review the official transcripts of their child. Please schedule an appointment with your child’s teacher if you wish to discuss your child’s school records.
Transcripts
When a student transfers to another school, a copy of the student’s
official records shall be sent at the dated, written request of the parent.
The student’s new school will send the request.
*Transcripts will not be released until all fees and family obligations
are paid in full.
Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade will use effort grades for their progress reports and report cards. Percentage grades begin in the Second Grade, with the exception of the special classes outside of the regular classroom that award effort grades through Fourth Grade. An effort grade will be used for any areas required to develop motor skills (penmanship, etc.)
Academic subjects receive achievement grades based on the following
percentages:
Principal’s List 94-100% E-Excellent
Honors 85-93% G-Good
Passing 75-84% S-Satisfactory
Probation 65-74% N-Needs Improvement
Failing 64% and below I-Incomplete M-Modified Grade
Standardized Tests
The Diocesan Schools use the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). This is a
standardized test that is given in September to students in second grade
and above. Tests are used by the faculty to help access a student’s
strengths and weaknesses. These tests are just one snapshot of a student’s
achievement.
Media Policy
A photographic release form must be filled out and on file for a student’s
name or likeness to be used for any promotional purposes.
Technology Use Policy
Any time students are using the Internet, the websites are to be approved
sites. Any other use is unacceptable and loss of privileges will result.
We abide by ethical standards in the use of software and expect that our
families do the same. The teacher monitors computer use closely. Students
are not allowed use of the Internet without supervision. No child will be
permitted to use the computers at school to receive any type of email.
Children are not permitted to have phones, radio/CD players, electronic games or personal toys. Only electronic devices approved by the Principal should be brought to school. (St. Joseph Catholic School will not be responsible for any missing items or devices.)
Health & Safety
School health records must be kept up-to-date per A.R.S. 15-872.
Your child will not be able to attend class with the following symptoms: fever, vomiting, severe cough, wheezing, diarrhea, constant cough, draining red eyes, yellow eyes and skin, yellow or green nasal drainage, lice/nits, infected open skin that cannot be covered.
Medication
No medication will be administered to any child, by any teacher or staff member, during the school day. Since we do not have a full time nurse on staff, it will be your responsibility to come to the school and give your child medication. Please make sure you visit the office before entering the classroom. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Immunizations
The State of Arizona requires that all students have the following immunization
schedule completed before attending school. If your child does not have
the required number of immunizations, we will inform you and you will need
to contact your doctor to have your child updated. All students must have
the required immunizations or a letter of exemption from their pediatrician.
St. Joseph Catholic School is requiring immunizations to be updated at the time of registration. The State of Arizona Department of Health requires this policy and is enforcing it. If your child does not have current immunizations, they may not attend school. Any changes in immunizations must be updated with the school office.
Age of Child at Entry Total Vaccine Doses Required
18 months to 4 years 4 DtaP/DTP, 3 Polio, 1 MMR, 3 or 4 Hib, 3 Hep B, 2
Hep A
4 years to kindergarten entry 5 DtaP/DTP, 4 Polio, 2 MMR, 1 Hib, 3 Hep B,
2 Hep A, 1 VAR
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade entry 5 DtaP/DTP, 4 Polio, 2 MMR, 1
Hib, 3 Hep B
Accidents
Parents/guardians will be notified immediately should a child need a doctor’s
attention. If the accident is small a note or from the teacher will be sent
home with the student. If there is a concern for yur child’s safety,
the teacher will call 911.
Emergency Drills
Fire drills and other emergency and evacuation drills are scheduled throughout
the school year to provide practice and promote safety in emergency situations.
Students will learn emergency procedures.
Lockdown Drills
Classrooms will lock all doors when the lockdown code is announced. No one
will be allowed to enter or leave the premises while the school is in lockdown
unless approved by the administration. Lockdown procedures will be coordinated
with the fire department and Yavapai Sheriff’s Office.
Volunteers and guests must also follow the above procedure.
St. Joseph Catholic School Uniform
Traditional Kindergarten through 8th Grade
It has been a long-standing tradition in Catholic schools to denote our equality before God by dressing children in uniforms. We believe that uniforms bring a sense of community to our school as well as solve some inappropriate dress issues. Good standards for dress and appearance help create a purposeful and meaningful environment for the children to work in.
Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten
Red polo shirts and red sweatshirts with the St. Joseph’s Catholic Montessori School logo will be the standard for all students and teachers during the regular school day and anytime the student body is representing the school at any function. We suggest pants or shorts be a dark color of personal choice.
Dress Code
Traditional Kindergarten through 8th Grade
All students must be dress in the school uniform described in the uniform policy (green handout) for St. Joseph’s Catholic School. While uniforms can be purchased from other sources, the style and color must match those of educational outfitters and on the approved list. Listed below are other rules students must follow:
• No cargo pants or shorts (see uniform packet for acceptable
styles).
• No denim or spandex stretch pants are allowed.
• Uniforms must be in good repair, no holes, tears, frays or excessive
wrinkles.
• No emblems or logos on clothing other than St. Joseph Catholic School.
• Boys and Girls shorts must be mid thigh to knee length.
• Shirts must be tucked in.
• No clothing that is oversized and/or sagging will be permitted.
• During cold weather only approved attired will be permitted in the
classroom.
• Feet must be covered by shoes and crew socks. No “flip-flops,”
“jellies,” and sandals must have a strap around the ankle. Platform
shoes are to be no more than2” in height. Acceptable jewelry is limited
to one set of post or small hoop earrings. Only religious medals can be
worn. No earrings may be worn by boys. One simple watch is permitted. No
rings or bracelets are permitted except medical alert bracelets and others
approved by the Principal.
• Hair must be neat and clean. No extreme, fad, un-kept, spiked or
messy styles will be permitted. Hair should be of natural color. No hair
spray is permitted at school. It may be applied at home and worn to school.
No haircuts with buzzed designs.
• Makeup and body glitter is not allowed. Fingernail polish must be
clear.
• No body piercing or temporary tattoos.
Let us wear our uniforms proudly since they indicate that we are
members of St. Joseph’s Catholic School. We belong to a school of
excellence. More importantly, when we wear our uniforms, may our behavior
reflect the training given at our school.
Students out of uniform will not be allowed to attend class until they are
in their proper attire. If a student continues to disobey our dress code,
it will be treated as insubordination and the student will face in-school
detention or out of school detention.
Parent Information
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Communication with the parents is important for our school. If you need
to contact your son/daughter teacher, please leave a message on their extension
and they will return your call at the end of the day.
Please understand that a teacher may not be able to return your call until the end of the day as they are in class with the students. Teachers will not e called from their class to receive telephone calls. Please call to make an appointment so the teacher is sure to be available to meet your needs.
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held at your request at any time during the school year. This is a time to review your child’s progress with their teacher.
Student Drop-off and Pick-up
• Use the ENTRANCE and EXIT areas properly. Please enter the school
from the UVX Road entrance and exit out the middle driveway on to 89A.
• Obey handicapped spaces
• Preschool and kindergarten families must park in designated areas
and sign their child in and out of the classroom daily.
5 mph or less when driving in the parking lot, please! Even when you’re
late!
Pick-up
Any person who is to pick up a student who is not a parent/guardian must
have a written note signed by the parent/guardian and dated. NO EXCEPTIONS!
All preschool and kindergarten students must be signed out by an authorized
individual, parent, or guardian. The office staff may ask for a photo verification
to insure your child’s safety.
Early pick up and late drop offs
If you need to pick up your child early please go to the office to sign
your child out of the school and the teacher will be contacted. Your child
will meet you at the office.
If you drop your child off late to school, you must sign in at the office. Your child will them be taken to their classroom by an office staff member. This will minimize the classroom interruption.
Lunch
All full-day students are required to bring their own lunch each day. Write
their full name on the outside of their lunch boxes. Students may not bring
glass containers, soda, or candy in their lunch.
Insurance
Any student enrolled in a Diocese of Phoenix Nursery, Preschool, Kindergarten,
Elementary, or Secondary school will be provided accident insurance while
on school grounds when school is in session, while taking part in a school
sponsored and supervised activity, or while attending school sponsored and
supervised religious services and instruction. If a student suffers a covered
“accidental injury,” he/she will be eligible for benefits after
submitting the proper claim documentation that is available in the school
office. All claims should be submitted to the families’ primary insurance
and then what is not paid should be submitted to the Diocese insurance,
this would be considered secondary insurance. If a child has no insurance
then the Diocese Insurance will be the child’s primary insurance.
This description is for informational purposes only. Please refer to the
policy for actual coverage, conditions, and restriction that may apply.
This policy is in the school office.
Visitors
All visitors must check in at the school office and teacher upon arriving
on campus.
Volunteers
Volunteers are an integral part of the success of our school. We encourage
families to fulfill their service hours either through volunteering to help
our school events, office help, serving on committees, or helping in a class.
Teachers will organize volunteers for their individual classrooms.
In order in insure consistency in instruction, discipline and integrity
in the classroom it is important that contracted instructors are in charge
of St Joseph classrooms at all times. While volunteers are appreciated,
it is important that our instructor select volunteers that meet their needs
and not the needs of our volunteers. Students with special needs need consistency
and teachers with training must make accommodations in order to meet those
needs. Often accommodation plans are in place and training is given to insure
all students are successful. In order to volunteer in the classrooms volunteers
must meet the following criteria:
o Must fill out a volunteer application
o Must be assigned a time by a St. Joseph instructor according to the instructors
need.
o Must be certified in “Called to Protect”
o Must be fingerprinted according to policy
o Must understand and agree that only certified instructors or assigned
parents with training are to discipline students. (refers mainly to assistance
on playground, before and after school and at lunch)
o Must interview with the Principal prior to entering the classroom
If a volunteer witnesses an inappropriate classroom action, they are to
discretely report the incident to an instructor, the assistant to the principal
or the principal, unless it is safety issue. The teacher and volunteer are
required to fill out the Volunteer in the Classroom form each time a person
volunteers.
Lost Items
Names should be written or sewn on all clothing and personal items brought
to school. Lost items are held in the school lobby for thirty (30) days.
Any unclaimed items are then taken to a charitable group.
Desks and Backpacks
Desks and mailboxes are the property of the school and may be checked for
contents by authorized personnel, including teachers and the principal.
The principal will also ask students to empty contents of backpacks and
other personal handbags if deemed necessary. The parent signature on the
receipt page of this handbook indicates parental permission for this to
occur.
Communication and Parents’ Rights
Communication
The school staff will make every effort to maintain close communication
with parents. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher
with questions or concerns. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.
When you have a concern or curiosity regarding student/teacher situations
contact the teacher and confer if at all possible before contacting the
principal. Resolution should be attempted with those directly involved with
any matter occurring at school. The principal is willing to mediate a parent/teacher
conference or conduct a follow up parent/teacher conference if parent or
teacher feels it is desirable. At all times during communications parents
and school staff are expected to maintain composure and mutual respect.
Verbal abuse by adults or students will not be tolerated and individual
integrity and dignity shall be preserved and protected.
Suspected Child Abuse
Any school official or school employee of the parish who has cause to know
or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, will immediately
report it to their administrator. Under A.R.S. section 36-2281, the person
who observes the abuse will report or cause a report to be made to any peace
officer or Child Protective Services as required by law.
Monthly Newsletter
A Principals newsletter will be emailed every month. If you do not have
email please let the office know, your child will have a copy of the Principals
newsletter sent home with him/her.
The office will communicate with you through email unless you do not have
email, please let the office know, your child will have a copy of any communication
sent home with him/her.
Teachers will communicate through your child’s folder or agenda book
and these go home daily, so please check your child’s backpack or
folder for any communication from the teachers.
Parents’ Rights
St. Joseph Catholic School abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment
with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. If there is a court
order specifying that there be no information given, it is the responsibility
of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the
court order.
A parent who wishes legally to keep his/her child from being seen or visited by the child’s other parent at school must provide the school with a certified copy of a legal court document granting and/or restricting the custody. Please communicate to the school regarding information on joint custody that might be helpful in meeting your child’s needs.
Telephone Use
Students may use the phone to call their parents if deemed necessary by
the classroom teacher. The student may not bring a cell phone or any other
device. Students should make after school plans prior to coming to school,
and should not be phoning parents during school hours to see if they can
go home with a friend.
Contact by computer
Be sure to visit our web page at www.sjcms.net for current information,
photos, news, or events. Our web page offers information on Montessori education
as well. Or you can email us at info@sjcms.net.
Diocese of Phoenix Code of Conduct
For clergy and Diocesan personnel (includes volunteers) in their ministerial relationships with children, youth and vulnerable adults.
A. Diocesan Policy requires that they:
1. Participating in training programs for a Safe Environment for children,
youth, and vulnerable adults as well as training for the implementation
of the Diocesan Policy on Sexual Misconduct.
2. Maintain the appropriate boundaries for adult/child relationships in
the classroom and school, religious education program, youth ministry program,
and parish.
3. Any person who reasonably believes that there is criminal sexual misconduct
with minors or vulnerable adults must report to the police and Child Protective
Services as well as cooperate fully in any police investigation.
4. After notifying the police as described in #3, report to the Youth Protection
Advocate for the Diocese so that the Sexual Misconduct Policy can be implemented.
5. Advise an adult who reports an allegation of sexual abuse by church personnel
while a minor or vulnerable adult that he or she has the right and responsibility
to report this allegation to appropriate law enforcement and social service
agencies.
6. Avoid situations of extreme personal self-disclosure. This creates a
situation where young people or vulnerable adults are drawn to personalities
rather than the community at large.
B. Diocesan Policy prohibits:
1. Any kind of sexual contact or inappropriate touching of a minor or vulnerable
adult.
2. Any breach of professional trust, which has as its intent sexual contact or activity with minors or adult.
3. Any inappropriate behavior, which could be misunderstood or be construed as an indicator of potential sexual misconduct.
4. Having minors or vulnerable adults (who are not family members) with whom there is a ministerial/work relationship, as a visitor in one’s home, residence, dormitory, apartment, rectory or the private living quarters of priests without another adult present.
5. Vacations with minors or vulnerable adults (who are not family
members) unless parents or other adults are present.
6. Field trips or other outings involving minors or vulnerable adults in
places and situations where no other adults are present.
7. Travel with minors or vulnerable adults (who are not family members) without another adult present in the car, van, church bus, car pool or other means of transportation.
8. Behavior including but not limited to activities that involve excessive physical contact with minors or vulnerable adults; wrestling, tickling, or other physical “horseplay.”
9. Giving out to minors or vulnerable adults one’s personal phone number, pager, and personal email address.
10. Taking a vulnerable adult, minor or group of minors to a restaurant for a meal without another adult present.
11. Giving alcohol and/or drugs to minors or vulnerable adults.
Use of Facility
Use of our school facilities are scheduled through the Principal.
The school administration of St. Joseph’s Catholic Montessori School
reserves the right to revise the content of this Parent/Student Handbook
at any time. Revisions will be communicated to the families.
SCHOOL WELLNESS POLICY
Revised April, 2009
St. Joseph’s Catholic School is committed to providing a school environment that promotes and protects children’s health, well-being and the ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activities. The link between nutrition and learning is well documented. Healthy eating patterns are essential for students to achieve their full academic potential, physical and mental growth and lifelong health and well-being. The purpose of this policy is to offer students the tools and knowledge necessary to make healthy choices for their body.
• School personnel will assist all students in developing the healthy practice of washing hands before eating
• A pleasant eating area for students and staff with adequate time for unhurried eating should be provided
• The withholding of food as punishment for students is prohibited
• Nutritional education is addressed in the K-12 Health Curriculum standards of the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic schools and is to be integrated across the curricula
• Students in Kindergarten through grade 12 will receive nutrition education that teaches the skills needed to adopt healthy eating behaviors
• The school will provide nutritional information to parents that will encourage parents to provide safe and nutritious food for their children
• All School personnel will promote advertising of healthy
food choices
•
• Physical Education classes should be that of a regular classroom
teacher not to exceed l:35 teacher/student ratio
• A physical and social environment that is safe and enjoyable for all, including those not athletically gifted, must be provided
• All elementary and high school students must participate in physical education classes
• Physical education classes may not be withheld as punishment or for completion of assignments
• Students should be moderately to vigorously active at least 50% of the time while in PE class
• The school will provide daily recess of at least 20 minutes per day.
• Classroom teachers will give students simple physical activity
breaks during classroom hours
• Students will receive positive, motivating messages, both verbal
and non-verbal about healthy eating and physical activity from all school
personnel
• School staff is encouraged to use non-food rewards - Food as a reward for students’ accomplishments is to be used sparingly
• Parental involvement in the child’s nutrition education is encouraged and welcomed
• Parents and the community are encouraged to institute and support physical activity programs
• The Wellness Policy will be distributed to students, parents, and staff and will be published in each school’s parent/student handbook by August, 2007 and then annually
• The Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools Office encourages schools to establish a local Wellness Committee to offer support and education to faculty, staff, students, and parents
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REFERENCES
The Arizona Nutrition Standards
Arizona Healthy School Environment Model Policy
www.ade.az.gov/health-safety/cnp/HB2544/
www.ade.az.gov/health-safety/cnp/nslp/GuidanceManual
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/default.htm
United States Department of Agriculture and Team Nutrition School
Wellness Policies:
www.fnx.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/Wellnesspolicy.html
School Nutrition Association School Wellness Policies
www.schoolnutrition.org
National alliance for Nutrition and Activity
www.schoolwellnesspolicies.org