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Student Handbook

2005-2006

Welcome

The administration and staff take this opportunity to welcome you to St. Joseph School/Marquette Catholic School. The information in this packet has been carefully prepared to help you succeed here.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of St. Joseph/Marquette Catholic School to build community and educate the total child (spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially) in values consistent with the teaching of Jesus Christ.

Education at St. Joseph/Marquette Catholic School and the Mother Joseph Center is an endeavor which involves the students, parents, teachers and priests in the development of each child.

Emphasis is placed upon a strong academic program. Each child will be recognized and encouraged in keeping with his/her own personal talents and abilities with opportunities available for special programs and tutoring.

Religious Statement

The forming of a Christian Community is of paramount importance at St. Joseph/Marquette Catholic School. There is an emphasis on prayer, respect, and the development of Christian behavior. Religion classes are attended by all students. Catholic textbooks and supplementary material for these classes are approved and recommended by the Diocese of Yakima. The teachers emphasize moral principles.

Teachers are sensitive to the students who are not of the Catholic faith and respect the fact that their beliefs may be different from the Catholic Church. All students participate in religion classes, liturgies and prayer services, together as a total school as well as in small classrooms. The entire school community gathers together to celebrate special holidays.

Liturgies are prepared by students in each class with the help of their teachers. These are celebrated in the church some Friday’s and some feast days at 9:15. Parents are invited to join with the school community for these liturgies.

Second graders are prepared for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist by their teachers and their parents. Every family must meet with the pastor of their own parish during this preparation time.

Attendance Policy

Attendance can affect a students’ grade at St. Joseph/Marquette Catholic School. ILLNESS, FAMILY TRAUMA, OR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS shall be the basis for an excused absence (see below for excused absence statement). An educational trip with a parent or guardian will be permitted. The school must be notified one week in advance. If it is necessary to have your child excused during the school hours, a note should be sent to the Principal stating the reason for the early dismissal, It is very important that the children attend classes regularly in order not to interrupt their learning.

Student Illness

If a child has a fever or vomits at school. The parents will be called and asked to pick up the student. A student should be fever free for a 24 hour period before returning to school. If your child is ill, please keep him/her home. Giving a child medication at home in hopes that he/she “can make it through the day” is not a good practice.

Student Absences, Tardiness, and Early Dismissal

Should a student be unable to attend school, a parent should notify the school. We request that upon return one of the three following occur. 1 – phone the school, 2 – a written note, or 3 – in person indicating the reason for the absence. Admission to class slips are given at the St. Joseph’s Office to the students to present to his/her teacher. A child coming to school late must also report to the office before he/she is admitted. Pre-K and Kindergarten will receive their slips at the Mother Joseph Center Office and grades 1 through 8 at the St. Joseph’s Office. Parents should make a sincere effort to have their children on time for school in the morning.Four unexcused tardies will result in a detention for Middle School Students and a phone conference for Elementary (Pre-K -5) students. Once an elementary student receives 4 unexpected tardies an administrator will make a call home. When a middle school student receives 4 unexcused tardies the homeroom teacher will be notified and they will assign a detention and an administrator will make a call home. The office will keep track of tardies.

A student will not receive quarter grades if he/she is absent for an excessive number of days (12 days a quarter). In addition, Two quarter “F”s results in the need to repeat the semester class.

Excused Absences

Excused absences are: illness, doctor/dentist, death in family, funeral, family emergency, other. (Other is not very wide in scope and does NOT include hair appointments, rock concerts, errands, oversleeping, car trouble, haircuts, photo sessions, or power outages. Emergency is the key word. “Other” would include automobile accidents in which family members have been victims, serious injury accidents of any kind, etc.

Daily Assignments

Students who have an excused absence have the privilege of making up class work. It is the student’s responsibility to get the assignments from the teachers. Parents may call the office and at the end of the day may pick up any homework materials from the homeroom teachers. Students shall be allowed one day plus the numbers of days absent (excused) to complete the assignments. Students absent for extended periods may be given special consideration. If students are involved in activities outside of school time, which are not sponsored by the school, it is the parent’s responsibility to set up their homework time. The school should not be expected to adjust its curriculum to these choices.

Late daily work – one day late is worth 70% credit. More than one day late is worth 50% credit until mid quarter or end of the quarter, what ever applies. All unexcused absence work is considered late. Extra credit is not accepted until a student has missing work completed.

Middle School Homework Policy

The teachers see homework as a valued extension of learning. Your student should not be getting more than 1 ½ hours of homework on the average. The teachers attempt to schedule tests so students do not have more than two tests in one day. Teachers will avoid scheduling tests after a game day or other school sponsored activities. Teachers will also avoid having more than one major project due on any given week. Teachers do have regularly scheduled assignments through out the school year, which are exempt from these guidelines. Some students might take longer to do the homework depending on their learning styles. Athletes can choose to take a volunteer study hall on practice days from 3:00 to 3:30.

Grading Policies

Each teacher must show the principal their students' grades before progress report or report card time. The grades should be in pencil. Any grades that are failures should be accompanied by an explanation.

Grade Scale

Along with the letter grades are comments that help explain the reason for the grade. These comments are numbers in order to easily record them on the card.

Honor Roll 4th-8th Grade

The school has two honor rolls; First Honors and Second Honors. the honor roll is determined by grade percentages for the quarter.

1. First Honors

First Honors requires a student grade point average of 3.7 to 4.3.

2. Second Honors

Second Honors requires a student grade point average of 3.0 to 3.69.

All students who receive First or Second Honors will be recognized at an awards assembly and receive a certificate from the school indicating their accomplishment.

The following are the classes that are considered Honor Roll Classes:

Adverse Conditions

In case of emergency or adverse conditions while school is in session the students will be kept at school until the conditions ease and parents can call for them (i.e. volcanoes, sudden storms, or other catastrophes). If school is to be canceled because of snow, floods, etc. the message will be announced on KIT radio or parents may call the school. Do not call the radio station.

Major Offenses

Under certain conditions it can be in the best interest of a pupil or other students of a school for a pupil to be denied the privilege of continuing to attend St. Joseph/Marquette School. He/she may be put on probation, suspended (in-school or out of school) or expelled.

Reasons for Probation, Suspension and Expulsion

Parents are always called for a conference when a child is involved in any serious situation. It is very important that the school and home work together. The types of misconduct which make students liable for probation, in-school suspension, suspension or expulsion include but are not limited to:

1. Actions detrimental to the moral and spiritual welfare of other students or faculty.
2. Open and persistent defiance of authority.
3. Fighting or hitting another student in anger.
4. Continued and willful disobedience, disruptive conduct or habitual truancy.
5. Continuous and willful refusal to accomplish school assignments.
6. Using or exhibiting abusive, obscene or vulgar language, writing, pictures, signs or acts.
7. Use or possession of any dangerous object, i.e. gun, knife, explosives, etc. (toys included).
8. Make threats of violence towards students and/or staff.
9. Defacing property or destroying school property.
10. Stealing: The act of dishonesty acquiring the property of the school or property of other students, (also cheating on tests).
11. Forgery: The act of fraudulently using in writing the name of another person or falsifying times, dates, grades, addresses or other data on school forms.
12. Alcohol-Drugs: Students shall not possess or use alcohol, drugs (including look-a-like drugs) or drug paraphernalia on school property or at a school activity. The use of alcohol or drugs is defined as the act of using, or being under the influence, as evidenced by the actions, odor or other symptoms regardless of the quantity consumed. Possession is defined as storing in one’s locker, on school property or on one’s person.
13. Absolutely Forbidden: Gang related clothing, signs, or graffiti. If these are discovered, suspension is immediate until a parent conference is set. Depending on the seriousness of involvement, expulsion may follow. Known relationship with a gang is not tolerated.

THE FOLLOWING ARE DESCRIPTIONS OF MAJOR OFFENSE CONSEQUENCES:

Probation: A student may be put on probation by the principal for a specified period of time for relatively serious or continued misconduct, which does not require immediate suspension or expulsion. Parents and student will be made aware of the reason for the probation. During the time of probation, a student must demonstrate in behavior, cooperation, effort and attitude that he/she will comply with the requirements of the school. Failure of the student to comply with the probation conditions may result in suspension or expulsion from the school.

In-School Suspension: If a student receives in-school suspension he/she is placed in the library under supervision for a predetermined amount of time; generally a half or full day. While the student is in in-school suspension he/she will be allowed to read a book, write reflection and apology letters, and if requested by a teacher complete an exam. The student will not be allowed to work on any school assignments or homework, talk with his/her peers. A student may be place in in-school suspension as an academic suspension. The purpose is to give a student the time to he/she needs to complete missing assignments and/or projects. Before a student is placed in in-school suspension, parents will be notified and the conditions for such a consequence will be discussed. The student will be expected to visit each of his/her teachers at the end of the day to gather missed assignments. All assignments will be due as scheduled by the teacher and the student will be responsible for all material covered.

Out of School Suspension: If a student receives out of school suspension, the student will not be allowed to attend school for a predetermined number of days. All assignments missed will not be allowed to be made up, but the student will be responsible for all material covered in class during his/her absence.

Expulsion: Means that the student will be expelled from the school and may or may not be allowed to re-register.

THE ADMINISTRATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SET CONSEQUENCES ACCORDING TO THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE STUDENTS’ ACTIONS, AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE.

Appeal Process

If parents wish to appeal a major disciplinary consequence they should first contact the school principal, then Fr. Michael Pope, SJ – Pastor of St. Joseph Parish and if not satisfied, parents can contact Cathy Colver – Superintendent of Schools for the Yakima Diocese.

Free Dress Policy

Free dress days are the first Monday of each month. On this day and other special days the students may wear clothing other than their uniforms or dress code. If jeans are worn they MUST NOT be patched, faded or ragged. Bib overalls, halter-tops or other inappropriate clothing for school should not be worn on free dress days. If shorts are worn, they must be walking shorts or at least reach the top of the knee. P.E. shorts & sweats, rayon or spandex - tight fitting shorts are not permitted.

Policy for students leaving school grounds (alone) before and after school. Students are not allowed to leave the campus without adult supervision before, during or after school without a signed written note from his/her parent/guardian and also signed by an administrator.

Lost and Found

Children’s Clothing Must Be Marked! Lost and found articles are put in lockers near the doorway of St. Joseph building but not often claimed. If labeled they would be returned. After a certain period of time, lost and found articles are disposed of.

Telephone Use

Messages to children during school day are limited to emergency and very necessary communication. Parents need to remind children of appointments, how to get home, etc. not make daily calls to the office.

Students may use the phone for serious reasons when they have written permission signed by their teacher.

Parties

Special occasions such as birthdays may be celebrated at school with the teacher’s permission. Please contact your child’s teacher for information and planning purposes.

Invitations to a private party shall not to be passed out at school unless they include the entire class or all the girls or all the boys from the students class. This policy has been established to reduce the exclusion of students and hurt feelings by those who did not receive an invitation.

Letters and Forms

Every Wednesday the youngest child in a family is given the Wednesday Folder in which the letter from the principal and all communications from the school including information from the Parent Board activities are included. Each family is responsible for this information.

Parents are asked to inform the school secretary about an address or phone change or incorrect listing. They are also expected to cooperate in returning permission slips and other forms and sign-up sheets sent home with the students.

Forms are also available for downloading from this website.

Lockers

Each individual student is assigned a locker in school. All students are expected to keep their lockers neat and orderly. Lockers are the property and responsibility of the school. LOCKERS CAN BE SEARCHED (also applies to student backpacks). The school reserves the right to search any or all lockers at any time, without the student’s knowledge and/or presence.

School Visitors

A visitor or volunteer must sign in at the St. Joseph or Mother Joseph Center office upon arrival at the school. They will receive a visitor or volunteer pass that shall be clearly displayed while on campus. When the visitor or volunteer is ready to leave they must sign out at the same office they signed in at and return the pass. If a student wishes to bring a student visitor, they shall receive permission from the Principal at least one day prior to the visit.

Daily Schedule

Students not picked up 15 minutes after dismissal will be taken to the After School Care Program at the Mother Joseph Center. After school care fees will apply.

Report Periods/Conferences

Report cards are given quarterly. Progress reports are issued at mid quarter for grades 4 - 8. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in the fall for all students. Parents or teachers may request a conference as needed during the year, for academic or behavioral concerns.

Cafeteria

Students shall not wear their coats while eating lunch in the lunch room and are expected to leave the table area where they have eaten clean and orderly. Food and beverages are not permitted outside the cafeteria at any time. Appropriate behavior and manners are expected at all times. All students are required to be in the cafeteria during their scheduled lunch. Payments for lunches and milks can be made at the office before school. Free and reduced lunch applications may be obtained from the main office.

Special Rules

1. Eating and drinking are limited to the lunchroom and other assigned places.
2. Gum chewing is not allowed during school time or at school functions. (Fine of $1.00). If a student received more than one gum fine on any given day, it will be doubled ($1.00, $2.00, $4.00, etc.).
3. Students should not tip their chairs. A $1.00 fine is attached to this offense.
4. Students are not permitted to bring skateboards, radios, game boys, tape players, CD players or other electronic devices to school.
5. Students should not bring toys, balls, collectibles, etc. to school except for showing. These items will not be allowed to be taken to recess.
6. Because of the configuration and structure of the playground it is very important that students follow the safety rules. NEVER PERMITTED: Throwing of rocks, gravel, snowballs, ice, wrestling; tackle football; walking on the tops of bars; using more than one swing; running up the slide; going to get a ball that goes over the fence into the street; throwing balls up against the school buildings (exception Schoenberg Hall); tag, ball tag, throwing balls at other students.
7. Students should be very careful about playing near cars.
8. Special directions given by any playground supervisors must be followed.
9. Entrance into buildings:
   a. BEFORE SCHOOL
   • Middle School students may go to their classrooms at 8:00 am.
   • Elementary students will line up in designated area at the 8:10 am bell. Students who arrive before the 8:15 bell may go directly to their classroom. If after the 8:15 bell students must get a tardy slip from the St. Joe’s Office.
   • Students may ask permission from the playground supervisor to enter the St. Joe’s building to use the restroom. Get a drink, go to the office, get playground equipment, go to the classroom, etc.
   • Students will not be allowed to enter the Mercy building before school.
   b. RECESS
   • Students must get a pass from the playground supervisor to enter the St. Joe’s or Marquette building to use the restroom, get a drink, go to the office, get playground equipment, go to the classroom, etc.
   • Students are not allowed in the Mercy building during recess.
10. If a student needs to use the phone, he/she must have a written note from his/her teacher and give it to the secretary in the St. Joe’s office.
11. Middle School students may be subjected to special disciplinary actions such as fines, detentions, and/or community service for unacceptable classroom behaviors.
12. Students shall never leave the playground or the school without permission. If they skip a day or part of a day, they may be suspended from school until a parent/principal conference is held.
13. When a student is asked to leave class for disruptive, disrespectful, etc. behaviors, they will receive a one hour work detail. A form will be sent home for the parents to fill out.

The principal will call the parents to come for a conference whenever a student is involved in a serious disciplinary problem. The student may be asked to be present for the conference. Teachers and staff persons who are involved may be asked to be present also.

Accidents

Students who receive minor injuries while at school will be treated in a manner that is approved by Washington State Laws. (Faculty and staff mat not administer over the counter medications to students without written documentation from the students’ physician and permission from the student’s parents. This includes anti-bacteria ointments, aspirin, etc.). The faculty and staff will clean or assist in the cleaning of minor abrasions and cuts, apply a band-aid, and/or provide an ice pack. A record of all injuries and subsequent treatment will be kept in the St. Joseph’s and Mother Joseph Offices. For major injuries, appropriate First Aid will be applied, parents will be contacted, and if necessary the emergency response service will be notified.

Head injuries: The office staff will inform the students’ teacher, complete a head injury form, and contact the parents for any head injury that occurs at school.

Medicines

By state law all medications (prescription and over the counter) must be administered only after the medication form is completed and on file in the St. Joseph’s Office. The medication form is called “Physician’s/Dentist Orders for Medication at School Form”.

All medicines must be kept in the office and dispensed from there. It is unlawful for any child to carry medicine on his/her person except asthma inhalers and epi pens.

Public Display of Affection

Public display of affection are not acceptable at anytime in our school. The following steps will be followed for this behavior:

1. Parents notified of behavior.
2. Parent conference.
3. In-School Suspension.
4. Suspension.

Examples of public display of affection may be but not limited to: holding hands, hugging, kissing, etc.

Extra-Curricular Activities

The following is a list of activities available to students:

Band – beginning 5th grade and advanced grades 6-7-8
Kostka Club – grades 4 – 8, who are registered members of St. Joseph Parish.
Middle School Athletics – grades 7 and 8
Squire Choir – grades 3 – 8
Student Ambassadors – grades 7 and 8
Strings – beginning 4th grade, intermediate 5th – 8th, and advanced grades 5-6-7-8.

We make every effort to include as much helpful information within this handbook, unfortunately, we are unable to include every rule or policy of St. Joseph/Marquette. If you have questions, concerns, or recommendations regarding this handbook please contact me at 575-5557 or e-mail me at sjmms-gpleger@charter.net

Gregg Pleger, Principal

St. Joseph / Marquette Catholic School - 202 North 4th Street - Yakima, Washington 98901 srinna@sjmms.org