2006 -2007

2006 -2007

School Calendar

August 21: First Full Day of School

September 4: Labor Day - NO SCHOOL

October 6: School Improvement Day – Early dismissal

October 7-8: St. Michael’s Octoberfest

October 9: Columbus Day – NO SCHOOL

October 20: Parent/Teacher Conferences – Early dismissal

October 27: Parent/Teacher Conferences - NO SCHOOL

November 22: Thanksgiving Holiday begins - Early dismissal

November 23-26: Thanksgiving Holiday – NO SCHOOL

December 21: Winter Holiday begins - Early dismissal

December 22-Jan 2: Winter Holiday

January 3: Teacher Workshop – NO SCHOOL

January 4: School Resumes

January 15: Martin Luther King – NO SCHOOL

February 16: School Improvement Day – Early dismissal

February 19: President’s Day – NO SCHOOL

March 5: Casmir Pulaski’s Day – NO SCHOOL

March 9: End of Third Quarter – Early dismissal

April 4: Spring break begins - Early dismissal

April 5-9: Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

May 29: Last Day of School

School shall be closed earlier in May if emergency days are not used. Please see your weekly Principals Message for updates.

Bad Weather Cancellation:

In case of inclement weather, please listen to WSMI Litchfield or watch KSDK (Channel 5) or KMOV (Channel 4) for school closings. It will be listed as “Staunton Unit Schools”.

Early Dismissal or Emergency Closing:

You will be notified of any change in the school calendar. (Please see your weekly Principals Message and/or visit the website for updates.) If the

Staunton Unit #6 school is closed due to bad weather, we will also close. In

addition if they dismiss early, as will we due to busing schedules. Please listen to WSMI Litchfield for school closings or KSDK (Channel 5) or KMOV (Channel 4).
Faculty:

Principal Carla Moore 635-5227

Pastor Father George Radosevich 635-8490

Kindergarten JoEllen Zuber 635-5614

1st Grade Sister Catherine Marie 635-3380

2nd Grade Lori Loveless 217-854-5274

3rd & 4th Grade Mary Ann Sexton 635-2136

5th and 6th Grade Angela Rantanen 217-456-1800

7th & 8th Grade Carla Moore (see above)

Pre – K (Teacher) Amy Milcic (aka: Miss Amy) 635-2344

Pre – K (Aide) Donna Logue 635-8727

Art Katherine Meyer 637-2485

School Secretary Cindy Bellovich (aka: Miss Cindy) 635-3496

School Office 635-3210

Gym 635-8214

Latchkey Vonda Rigoni and Rena Smith

Custodian Diane Schmidt

Church Secretary Chrissy Foster 635-3140

St. Michael’s Philosophy of Education:

The goal of a Catholic education is to assist the student, regardless of age, to grow as a whole person. All courses, programs, and activities are student-centered with the intention of helping the student grow spiritually, intellectually, and physically.

The philosophy of education to be stressed in our school can be summed up in the

following words of Pope PiusXI:

“The proper and immediate end of Christian education is to cooperate with divine grace in forming the true and perfect Christian that is to form Christ Himself in those regenerated by Baptism. For precisely this reason Christian education takes in the whole aggregate of human life, physical and spiritual, intellectual and moral, domestic and social, not with a view of reducing it in any way, but in order to elevate, regulate and perform it, in accordance with the example and teaching of Christ.”

We at St. Michael’s have continued in the tradition of our founders and first teachers of our school.

Principal – Love of God developed in prayers and the desire to restore His reign in society.

Spirit – A maternal spirit.

Aim – The formation of integral Christians in order to remake Catholic families.

The essential element of Christian education is the personal direction of each child.

Our Objectives:

· Create a proper atmosphere for learning.

· Make the student aware of his/her responsibility to God and his/her neighbors.

· Be patient, understanding, and quick to encourage and praise each child.

· With adequate preparation and presentation, bring about the full development of the individual child.

· Teach as Christ taught; help them see Christ in each other.

Our Goals:

To develop basic skills and good study habits, tap the full potential of each pupil; enable each child to feel the joy of accomplishment and to foster personal development according the Gospel principles. We are a grade school committed to teaching the Catholic faith and values.

Handbook: The ABC’s of St. Michael’s

Absences/Tardiness:

Parents are required to call the office before class to report the child off school. Please call the School office after 7:30 am. If a student is absent without an excuse or is absent for more than one day and the school has reason to suspect the validity of the excuse, the principal shall investigate the situation.

Students who must be excused for medical, dental, funeral, or other reasons during school time are considered absent. A written notice must be sent in advance stating the time, length, and reason for the absence.

A student who arrives after the time fixed, by the school policy, for the beginning of the morning or afternoon session will be considered tardy.

In persistent cases of absence or tardiness, the services of the truant officer, assigned to the local public school, shall be enlisted.

Admission Policy:

Present state code: A child, who is six years of age by September 1st, may be admitted in to grade one. Children entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before September 1. All new students should present a copy of their birth certificate and a baptismal certificate unless baptized in this parish.

Non-Discrimination Policy:

St. Michael’s School admits students of any race, color, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded to be made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarships, and loan programs, and athletic and school administered programs.

Asbestos Plan:

St. Michael’s School has an Asbestos Management Plan in accordance with the federal regulations. The plan is on file in the principal’s office and is available during normal business hours.

Athletics:

In order to participate in a sport, each student must present a signed parental permission slip. Physicals must be given before participation in sports. A student must maintain good schoolwork to participate. A low effort grade will disqualify a student from the program for one week, at which time; the student cannot attend scheduled practices. The student will be re-evaluated after the one-week period. Parents will be notified by mail if their child is off the team.

Boys’ and girls’ basketball is offered to Grades 4-8. Girls’ volleyball is offered to girls in Grades 4-8.

Behavioral Expectations/Consequences:

Expectations: The behavior expected from students is a combination of common courtesy and safety. There are only a few special areas, which require the application of very specific rules.

The following is NEVER permissible:

1. Fighting/Threatening of any kind.

2. Disrespect/defiance to a teacher, staff member, adult or student.

3. The use of profanity/improper language.

4. Refusal to prepare assignments or to participate in class.

5. Possession of weapons or dangerous objects.

6. Possession or use of tobacco or controlled substances

7. Theft or gambling of any kind.

8. Disruption of class(es) or activity.

9. Leaving a class or school grounds, without permission.

10. Damage to school, parish, or private property.

Consequences: We operate on a Quality Student Performance Program

1. Annoyances

a. Minor disruption

b. Occasional misbehavior (i.e.: occasional whispering, forgetting materials, walking on the wrong side of the hall)

2. Reminder (Teachers remind students of proper behavior.)

3. Warning with an interaction

a. What student did wrong

b. What is expected

c. What is next consequence

d. Student commitment to improve behavior

4. Elementary: Primary

a. (K-4) First infraction – Auditory Observation

b. Move to loss of recess thereafter

c. (5-8) One minute interaction after class

5. Behavior Improvement Plan

a. Student describes inappropriate behavior

b. Student makes commitment to improve

6. Phone Call to Parent(s)/Guardian

a. Student must follow Parent Calling Form

b. Witness must sign form

7. Meeting with Principal

8. Meeting with Parent(s)/Guardian

a. Parent(s)/Guardian, student, teacher and principal meet.

b. Group behavior plan is developed.

9. Detention

a. First detention – ½ hour after school

b. Second detention – 1 hour after school

10. Expulsion

a. Severe Misbehavior

i. Dangerous behavior

ii. Immoral behavior

iii. Illegal behavior

Bus:

Staunton Unit #6 provides transportation to and from school to those eligible, with includes all those living more than one and a half miles from school. Students are expected to behave and be courteous at all times with boarding, riding, and departing the bus. No food or drink is to be consumed on the bus.

Care of School Property:

1. Students should not write in /on any book, unless directed by a teacher to do so.

2. Students should not touch or handle walls, posters, bulletin boards, or any other school property.

3. Restrooms must be kept neat. Mischief or damage done in the restrooms can be very costly. Any student involved in defacing or destroying school or parish property will be held financially responsible and subject to suspension.

4. No gum chewing on school property.

5. No writing or stickers on desks.

6. Desks, cloakrooms, and other school property are to be kept clean and orderly. They are subject to inspection at any time.

7. Playground and PE equipment may not be misused or damaged.

Catholic Schools Week: (Jan 28-Feb 3, 2007)

One week each school year is designated as a week of celebration and reflection on the benefits of a Catholic education. The National Catholic School Association usually selects the last Sunday in January through the beginning of February. The students and faculty participate in many activities. More information is presented as the week nears.

Class Trips:

Class Trips are an extension of the learning process. On class trips there will be at least one adult for every eight students (ratio 1:8). Permission, in writing, must be secured from the parent/legal guardian of the student scheduled to attend a trip. Information for the parent(s)/guardian will include the date, purpose, destination, expected student behavior and the time of return. A sample of the permission form, including the liability of the school, is attached to the back of this booklet.

Conferences:

Evaluation is two fold in scope. Conferences are held at a scheduled time during the year and at the request of parents or teachers. Report cards are issued four times a year, marking is explained on the cards; each child is evaluated on achievement and effort. If your child is doing poorly in a subject, a progress report is sent out a mid term of the nine week period.

Interviews:

If special interviews, in addition to the regular parent/teacher conference are desired the teacher will gladly arrange for them. Requests for interviews may be made by phone or note. Please call the school office and leave a message for the teacher and she will return your call at her convenience. The teacher cannot leave the classroom for phone conferences unless they are of extreme emergency. Teachers are not to have conferences during times when they are engaged in teaching or supervising children.

Corporal Punishment:

Teachers shall not use disciplinary methods which may be damaging to students, such as ridicule, sarcasm, or excessive temper displays. Corporal punishment (including slapping, paddling or prolonged maintenance of a student in physically painful positions, and intentional infliction of bodily harm) may not be used.

Curriculum:

The current curriculum includes: Religion, Reading, Math, Computers, English, Spelling, Science, Social Studies, Music, Art and Physical Education. Eighth graders are required by the state to pass the United States Constitution and the Illinois Constitution tests as a requirement for graduating.

Damage to School Property:

Any student who destroys or damages school property shall be required to pay in full for such damage and in addition, may be suspended or further disciplined for such acts.

Discipline:

The essence of Christian discipline is self discipline. All disciplinary action is created to help the student grow in understanding of him/herself and of his/her Christian responsibilities to others. This is achieved best when principal, teachers, and parents or guardians cooperate in guiding the student’s growth in Christian attitudes, values, and behaviors. Problems which arise are to be settled between the student and the teacher; however, if this is ineffective the matter will be brought to the Principal.

Offenses which may be considered gross misconducts or disobedience, but not specifically limited to, shall be one or more of the following:

1. Students are accountable to the school for their conduct in school, on the playgrounds, in the lunch room, during recess, and during extracurricular activities.

2. No student shall insult, or abuse any teacher or employee of St. Michael’s.

3. Students will refrain from using profane or indecent language.

4. Students shall not intentionally deface or damage school property, including buildings and grounds.

5. Students shall not have in their possession any illegal drugs.

6. The use of tobacco in any form is not permitted on school grounds.

7. Stealing in any form from the school or an individual will not be tolerated.

8. Students shall not settle or attempt to settle personal differences, orally or physically at school.

9. Any action not so stated that would be a detriment to the school, staff, programs or activities would be subject to appropriate disciplinary action as determined by school administration.

Dress Code:

The uniform dress code will be strictly enforced. If your child is not in full uniform you will be called to bring him/her the right clothes. We understand that sometimes there can be a problem – if this should occur please send a note along with the student explaining why your child is out of uniform. Students may wear the shorts uniform beginning with the start of school in August until October 1. Shorts may also be worn from May 1 until the end of school. The dress code is as follows:

Boys: Navy trousers, short or long sleeve white (knit or cotton) shirt. Green, white, or navy sweatshirt can be worn over the shirt when needed. Shirts must have collars. NO T-Shirts, Football, Baseball, Sports logo on clothing.

Girls: Grades K-4 may wear green and navy plaid jumpers. Grades 5-8 wear plaid skirts. All girls wear short or long sleeve white blouse (knit or cotton) with collar. No t-shirts. The following color socks which maybe worn are green, white, or navy. Sweatshirts or sweaters in green, navy, white (NO Logos) may be also been worn. Sweat pants (green, white, navy) may be worn under uniform in cold weather. Girls may wear the navy long pants in Docker style – no

bellbottoms or jeans.

Shoes and Socks: Tennis shoes may be worn at any time. NO sandals. Socks must cover the ankles. No logos on Socks.

Emergency Closing:

You will be notified of any change in the school calendar. (Please see your weekly Principals Message and/or visit the website for updates.) If the Staunton Unit #6 school is closed due to bad weather, we will also close. In addition if they dismiss early, as will we due to busing schedules. Please listen to WSMI Litchfield for school closings or KSDK (Channel 5) or KMOV (Channel 4).

Emergency Drill(s):

Fire drills are conducted each month and tornado drills each semester. Detailed escape plans are posted in each classroom.

Emergency Form:

A special file is kept in the school office, which includes the names of persons to be notified if a parent or guardian can not be reached in the event that there is an emergency for your child. The parent is to designate those person(s) and the respective contact telephone numbers for whom it is appropriate to contact. This form will be used in the event of illness and/or injury. If you have not completed the aforementioned, please contact the school office.

Fees/Tuition:

Book rental fee covers the cost of book rental, workbooks, library and audiovisual fees, art supplies, supplementary materials and tests. This fee is due upon registration. The fee is non-refundable. For a breakdown of fee’s and tuition, please contact the parish office.

Grade Scale:

A: 94-100

B: 86-93

C: 76-85

D: 70-75

F: Below 70

In case of a borderline grade, effort, class participation and overall quality of written work will be considered in determining the grade.

Graduation:

Graduation ceremonies are held for preschool, kindergarten and upon completion of the eighth grade. Eighth grade diplomas may be withheld at the time of graduation if work is not completed to the satisfaction of the teacher and if all fees are not paid. Please contact the principal if questions.

Health Policy:

Physical and dental examinations are required of all children in kindergarten and at varying other times during their elementary years. All immunizations must be kept up to date and placed in the students’ permanent file. Students entering grade 5 are required to be immunized for Hepatitis B. Students participating in athletics must have an annual physical exam. Forms can be obtained at the school office.

Communicable Disease - If your child is suspected of a communicable disease, the

parent(s)/guardian will be contacted and you will be responsible for making arrangements to have the child to be removed from the school setting. In case of absence due to a communicable disease, a release card from the Department of Public Health or a letter from the physician indicating date of available return to school is required and must be presented to the school office.

AIDS – Students with AIDS [Any reference to AIDS in this policy statement is to be read as referring to AIDS, ARC (AIDS Related Complex), and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus known to cause AIDS, also known as HTLVIII or LAV)] who are enrolled or who are seeking enrollment shall be permitted to attend school and/or parish Religious Education Programs.

Students who are known to have AIDS should be individually evaluated by the pastor, appropriate administrator(s), physician(s) and other professional personnel in order to determine if their behavior or physical condition poses a high risk or spread of the disease. One purpose of the evaluation is to prepare a specific plan for the education and care of the student.

Persons seeking employment in parishes, schools, and other facets of the educational mission shall not be discriminated against on the basis of AIDS, unless the nature and extent of the illness reasonably precludes the performance of such employment or impairs any of the operations of the employing agency. Also, employment shall not be terminated unless the nature and extent of the illness reasonably precludes the performance of such employment or impairs any of the operations of the employing agency

The parish/school should respect the right to privacy of the individual. Knowledge that a student/teacher has of AIDS should be confined to those persons with a direct need to know. Those persons should be provided with appropriate, accurate information as well as procedures and precautions that may be necessary. Those persons should also be made aware of the sensitivity and confidentiality requirements.

Medication – As a general rule, medication(s) will not be given at school. Acutely ill children will have a parent/guardian contacted for arrangements for the child to be sent home. Students should not be allowed to have any drugs in their possession on school grounds. If special circumstances exist for health problems that can be expected of long duration, the following policy will be implemented.

Prescription Medication: To assure school attendance for students who must use medication in the treatment of chronic disabilities or illness, any student who is required to take oral medication during regular school hours must comply with school regulations. These regulations must include at least the following:

1. Written orders from a physician detailing the name of the medication, dosage, and time interval that the medication is to be taken.

2. Written request and permission from the parent/guardian of the student, requesting that the school comply with the physicians order.

3. Medication must be brought to the school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.

4. Every medication given must be recorded on a medication log, which includes date, time, dosage, and signature of person giving the medication.

5. Only the person designated by the principal shall be allowed to dispense oral medication pursuant to the physician’s order and then that person shall make the notations required (as stated in item #4).

6. The use of intramuscular or intravenous medication must be administered by a registered nurse.

Non-Prescription Medication will not be dispensed in our school. This includes aspirin, antacids, antihistamines and other medications obtainable without a prescription from a physician. If a child is in need of medication, a parent/guardian will be contacted and the parent shall assume the responsibility of assessment and administration.

Health Records:

Any child not in compliance with the health exam requirements will be asked to remain at home until this/these exam(s) is/are completed. Immunization and Dental exam information will be kept on file in the school office. It is the responsibility of the parent to inform the school of any physical or health needs specific to their child (i.e.: allergies, epilepsy, diabetes, etc.).

Homework:

Homework is important. It is an extension of the learning that takes place in school. It can provide practice and drills that reinforce classroom learning and can provide opportunities for independent study, research, and creative thinking. Parents can help their children by arranging a quiet, comfortable place for the student to work and by seeing the assignments are completed.

Students should have their assignments and homework completed on time. Homework gives parents an opportunity to follow their child’s progress in school. Homework should be used for enrichment, remediation, repetition or evaluation that was not completed during regular school hours. Parents are asked to cooperate with teachers concerning homework. Home assignments reinforce lessons taught in school and an opportunity for the student to develop responsibility.

If the student is absent from school, they will be informed of work to be maid up and given a reasonable amount of time to complete the make up work.

Illness or Injury:

In the event of an illness or injury, you will be called immediately and your child will be cared for temporarily at the school office. If a child’s temperature registers 100 degrees or higher, a parent/guardian will be notified to make arrangements to have the child picked up from school. The school can not be responsible for sending a child home unattended.

Children should not be sent to school with a known illness. Requests for children to stay indoors during recess, noon hour, or PE period are an injustice to the other children in the class as well as the teacher. If your child is too ill to go outdoors, they are too ill to come to school. Please keep them at home. (NOTE: Exceptions are considered for those children with limited mobility due to broken limbs, etc.)

Please keep your emergency information up to date in the school office.

Internet Policy:

St. Michael’s Internet policy can be found at the end of this booklet.

Latchkey:

A before and after care supervised program has been established and is available as a service to students and parents. The hours are 5:45 am – 7:30 am and 3:00 pm – 6:00pm. Breakfast and Snacks are provided. Latchkey is available on days when school dismisses early. The cost/rates sheet is available in the School Office.

Liturgies:

It is understood that all children participate each week in the Sunday Liturgy. All children in our school have the opportunity to participate in Liturgies during the week (See schedule below.) Children are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Periodically, they will have the opportunity to receive this sacrament at school. Reception of the Eucharist is encouraged at each Mass.

Grades: Kindergarten, 1, 2 Attend Mass on Monday and Friday

Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, Attend Mass on Tuesday and Friday

Grades: 7, 8 and Pre-K Attend Mass on Thursday and Friday

Lunch:

No child is permitted to leave the school grounds without permission of the parent/guardian and teacher. Hot lunches are provided in the cafeteria (located in the church basement) and prepared by the Staunton Unit #6. Hot lunch may be purchased for $1.25 (including milk). Students may also bring their lunch from home. Milk is available for 0.25cents.

Non-Custodial Parents:

In the absence of a court order, what is said in this handbook of policies applies to any parent and legal guardian whether or not the student lives with the parent.

“This school abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, a school will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to other school-related information regarding the 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.”

Parking:

When dropping off or picking up your child from school, please enter the parking lot from North Street and exit on Main Street. Please park behind the white line on the parking lot. Remember: This helps keep the children safe!

Police Questioning:

When students become involved with law enforcement officers, the officer is to be requested to confer with the student when he/she is not under the jurisdiction of the parish/school, if this can be arranged.

The following steps will be taken to cooperate with the authorities:

The officer will properly identify him/herself
The parent(s) or guardian shall be notified immediately and informed of the intent of the law enforcement authorities
The student’s parent(s) or guardian have/has the right to be present if the conference is held in the parish/school
If the student’s parent(s) or guardian cannot be located, authorities are not to confer with the student unless they produce a warrant
If there is a warrant or if it is impossible for the parent(s) or guardian to be present and they request it, the administrator should be a witness to the conference held in the parish/school

Pregnancy:

St. Michael’s School affirms that moral teaching of the Catholic Church including teaching of holiness and the giftedness of life. We equally assert the values of forgiveness and compassion. Believing that the truly Christian response to an adolescent boy/girl facing adult situations and decisions is focused on the person, the administration will deal with each boy/girl involved in pregnancy/parenting in a sensitive and Christian manner on an individual basis. A conference will be held with the student, parent(s)/guardian, principal, and the pastor to determine arrangements for the student’s completion of his/her education and maintenance of his/her health and well being. Married students are not allowed to attend St. Michael’s.

Progress Reports:

The school reports to the parent(s) by means of:

Written evaluations on tests, assignments, projects, etc.
Progress Reports at mid-quarter
Quarterly Report cards
Standardized test results
Parent/Teacher conferences

Promotion or Retention:

Promotion to the next grade is not to be taken for granted. In order to maintain a high standard of education, children who do not meet the minimum requirements for their grade level will not be recommended for promotion.

Grade retention can only be proposed after the following procedure has been followed:

Parent and principal are notified that a concern or need exists that will warrant some form of remedial action.
Parent meeting is set up and the problem or concern is discussed.
Retention can be proposed as a possible alternative only after three parent meetings have occurred and are documented.

St. Michael’s does not retain students except in extreme cases. If a child is far below grade level early in the year, his/her teacher is to keep in close contact with both the principal and parent(s) concerning the student’s progress, so that all concerned parties are aware of the possible retention.

Records:

Official student records will not be leased unless the parent(s) signs a written request. If a student is transferring to another school, official student records will not be released until all fees and other obligations are satisfied.

The official record of a student consists of the following:

The formal record showing dates of enrollment, courses studied, grades, credit, and awards received, bearing the signature and title of the certifying official, the seal of the school, if any, and the date of issue.

The parent(s) or guardian have/has the right of access to their child/ren’s records upon request.

Religious Education:

Religious education is the most important reason for the existence of St. Michael’s School. The teaching of Catholic Doctrine and moral principles is the first priority of our school. The daily living of Christian ideals is of even greater importance than classroom instruction.

Report Cards:

Evaluation is two fold in scope. Conferences are held at the scheduled time during the year and at the request of parents or teachers. Report cards are issued four times per year, (marking is explained on the cards). Your child is evaluated on achievement and effort. If your child is doing poorly in a subject, a progress report is sent out at midterm of the nine-week period.

Requests by parents for an interview with a teacher can be arranged by phone or note. The teacher cannot leave the classroom during a regular scheduled activity/day unless it is an emergency. Impromptu interviews are discouraged. Teachers are not to have conferences during times when they are engaged in teaching or supervising children.

Your child’s first report card of the academic year will be given to you are your Parent/Teacher Conference. All other Report Cards are sent via US Mail after each 9 week grading period.

Right to Amendment:

The school Pastor or Principal has the right to amend the agreement to abide by the handbook.

Room Mothers:

Room Mothers are needed to assist with class parties in each grade. Class parties are held for Halloween and Christmas. Room Mothers are expected to communicate with each other, as well as the teacher, and arrange for snack, activity/game, and/or craft to encompass the allocated time for the party. Room Mothers are required to attend Protecting God’s Children, a program offered by the diocese. Date: To Be Announced. Please check the Principal’s Message for updates.

Rules for General Behavior:

The behavior expected from students is a combination of common courtesy and safety considerations. There are only a few special areas which require the application of very specific rules. The following types of conduct are NEVER permissible:

Fighting/threatening of any kind
Disrespect/defiance to a teacher, staff member, any adult or student
The use of profanity/improper language
Refusal to prepare assignments or to participate in class
Possession of weapons or dangerous objects
Possession or use of tobacco or controlled substances
Theft or gambling of any kind
Disruption of class(es) or activities
Leaving a class or school grounds without permission
Damage to school, parish or private property

Safety Rules:

No gum chewing
No throwing of snowballs, sticks, rocks, etc.
No tackling or wrestling games
Bicycles are to be walked on and off the playground
Children riding bikes are asked to park them in the rack provided. If they are not insured you face the risk of damage or theft at your own expense.
NO LOITERING ON THE PLAYGROUND AFTER SCHOOL IS DISMISSED

School Hours:

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

School Schedule:

7:55 a.m. Bell rings for class or mass

8:00 a.m. Students MUST be in attendance

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Recess (Grades K, 1, & 2)

11:30 – 12:15 p.m. Lunch

1:30 – 1:45 p.m. Recess (All Grades)

2:45 p.m. Bus Bell

2:55 p.m. Dismissal (Kindergarten)

3:00 p.m. Dismissal (Grades 1-8)

If a student arrives before 7:15 a.m., they MUST be in our Latchkey Program (fees apply; see school office). When students arrive, they should enter through the school basement doors and remain in that area until their teacher arrives and they are escorted to their classroom.

School Suspension/Expulsion:

Suspension: A student will not be suspended until there has been a conference with the parent(s)/guardian. The time period of suspension may not exceed 5 school days. The date of the suspension and a summation of the parent(s)/guardian conference will be kept on file. A student who is on suspension will not be allowed to make up any daily work missed during the period of suspension. When the student returns to school, he/she may make up tests, other than daily work given by his/her teacher. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements for make up of these tests and he/she will be allowed (as a general rule) one day for each day of suspension. A student who is accused of a serious wrong may be placed on a home study program pending the outcome of adjudication or investigation.

Expulsion: The general situations, which demand removal of a student from the school, can be reduced to:

Delinquency and immorality which warrants commitment to a correctional institution or which constitutes a definite menace to other pupils.
Chronic and incorrigible misbehavior which undermines classroom discipline and impedes the academic progress of the entire class.

When all other means have failed and expulsion is being considered, the following procedures will be followed:

The student is suspended for a period not to exceed one week.
The parent(s)/guardian of the student will be granted a conference with the Pastor and Principal in hopes that a solution to the problem will be found which will forestall the necessity of expulsion.
The Pastor, not the Principal, is to make the final decision and to communicate this decision to the parents. If expulsion is necessary, he will also help to make arrangements for the further education of their child.
If the Pastor decides to expel the student from school, charity would suggest that some help be given to the family in finding another Catholic School, if at all possible, which would keep the student on a probationary basis.
If expulsion is necessary, the date of withdrawal and the work withdrew will appear on the permanent record.

Search and Seize:

Student’s desks and backpacks may be searched for good cause by a representative of the school acting without malice and for the good of the student and the school.

Sexual Harassment:

It is the policy of our school to provide for our students an educational environment free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other physical or verbal communications constituting sexual harassment as defined and prohibited by state and federal law. Any abuse of this policy should be reported to the principal.

Students with Disabilities:

St. Michael’s School shall do all in its power to provide Catholic Education to students with disabilities. Those students who cannot be fully integrated into the total regular school program shall be encouraged to take advantage of dual enrollment. Present state statutes require that public school districts accept in part-time attendance vial dual enrollment procedures, students who are enrolled in non-public school and who are in need of special education and related services not available in the non-public school. These students do not need to withdraw from the non-public school. Once enrolled part-time in the public school, they have all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of special education and related services as any student in the public school.

When students are in part-time attendance in public schools or public school programs, every effort shall be made to cooperate with public school personnel to facilitate such attendance.

Substance Use/Abuse:

Any student who sells, gives, possesses, uses or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at or on school property, school buses, or at any activity where St. Michael’s is represented will be subject to a suspension or expulsion (to be determined by the pastor and school administrator). Proper authorities will be contacted.

Suspension/Expulsion:

A student should not be suspended by the principal until there has been a conference with the parent(s) or guardian. The time period of suspensions may not exceed (5) school days. The date of the suspension and summation of the parent conference shall be kept on file. The expulsion of a student from a Catholic School is so serious that it should be invoked rarely and then only as a last resort. The fact that a student presents serious problems to a school is not in itself sufficient reason for expelling him/her. The Principal should use every means available to discover the cause of the problem and should exhaust all appropriate remedies such as conference with parents or referral to guidance clinic, physician, or the pastor. The best environment for a student with a behavior problem is the Christian atmosphere of a Catholic School. Causes and procedures for permanent dismissal from the school are to be clearly delineated in writing by the Principal. The general situations which demand removal of a student from the school can be reduced by two:

Delinquency and immorality which warrant commitment to a correctional institution or which constitute a definite menace to other pupils
Chronic and incorrigible misbehavior which undermines classroom discipline and impedes the academic progress of the entire class

When all other means have failed and expulsion is being considered, the following procedures are to be observed:

The student is to be suspended for a period not to exceed one week.
The parents of the student are to be granted a conference with the pastor and principal in the hope that a solution to the problem will be found which will forestall the necessity of expulsion.
The pastor, in consultation with the principal, is to make the final decision and to communicate this decision to the parents. If expulsion is necessary, he will also help them make arrangements for the further education of their child.
If the pastor decides to expel the student from school, charity would suggest that some help be given to the family in finding another Catholic School, if at all possible that would accept the students on a probationary basis.
If expulsion is necessary, the date of withdrawal and the word “withdrew” are sufficient for the permanent records.

Student Retreats & Service Requirements:

Students receiving the sacrament of Confirmation must attend a retreat and perform service hours.

Telephone Messages:

The office telephone is a business phone and is not to be used by students except in an emergency. Students are not to use the phone to make personal arrangements (i.e.: request for permission to go to another child’s home after school).

Testing:

St. Michael’s School follows the testing programs as outlined by the Office for Catholic Education. Admissions’ testing is completed prior to entering Kindergarten or first grade in the form of a readiness test.

Truancy:

A student is considered truant if he/she is absent from school all day or any part of the day without prior knowledge and consent of either parent/guardian or the school. This may include being absent from a class or other assigned area anytime during the school day, including before school and lunch. A chronic truant is a student who is absent without valid cause for 10% or more of the regular school attendance days, (absent 17 or more regular days) as stated in Section 26-2 of the Illinois School Code.

Use of School Grounds:

Use of the school grounds must be determined by the school’s Pastor.

Use of a Student:

Students are not to be sued to run errands off of the school grounds.

Vacation:

Vacations during school time are discouraged. A teacher is not to be expected to give assignments ahead of time and is not expected to tutor a child when he/she returns. If a child takes vacation during school time, he/she is responsible for catching up on assignments that are missed.

Volunteer Program:

St. Michael’s School considers its volunteers a very special resource. Parents, grandparents, and others are encouraged to help in classrooms, programs, and extra-curricular activities. Please call the school office if you have time or talent that you can donate to enrich our school and make it a better place for students to learn and grow.

Weapons:

Students shall not have in their possession any unlawful weapons or any objects that could be used as a weapon at any time. Any student in possession of a firearm on school premises, on school district transportation, or any school sponsored activity will be recommended for expulsion from school.

Special Programs:

Accelerated Math Program – Teacher: Mrs. Carla Moore

St. Michael’s uses the Accelerated Math program as its math curriculum for all students in Grades 3-8. Accelerated Math is a task-level learning information system that ensures success in math for all students, regardless of their ability.

Instruction is individualized for each student so that he/she may work at their own level therefore allowing the students to reach their greatest potential. By the use of practice, exercise and supplemental assignments the teacher can adjust instruction for each student.

The Accelerated Math program is a computer generated math curriculum designed to provide immediate feedback for the student as well as the teacher.

Accelerated Reading Program – Facilitator: Mrs. Brenda McEnery

The Reading Counts program is a computerized program for managing and increasing individualized reading for each student. The program works this way:

Students select and read books on their own reading level.
Students take a short multiple choice quiz about the book on the computer.
The computer records and provides individualized feedback for the teacher, student, and parents.

The program provides accountability for individualized reading, and students will spend more time reading quality literature at a level challenging to them. To encourage students to read and take part