Saint Philip School Handbook for Parents and Students 1400 Mary Ingles Highway Melbourne, KY 41059 441-3423 FAX 441-2611 http://stphilip.ky.schoolwebpages.com/education |
 Saint Philip School Handbook PHILOSOPHY In light of the Christian message and the inherent value of each person, we recognize the importance of religious education, intellectual advancement, and social growth. There is therefore a three-fold thrust of Message, Community, and Service in the education offered at Saint Philip School. The MESSAGE is that each of us is loved and cherished by God and has the right to education in our faith. Each child also has the right to a basic understanding of truth and values, a right to an excellent education, and a right to express oneself within the framework of self-discipline. The child learns to make decisions, act responsibly, and realize their potential. Through the discovery and support of COMMUNITY each child can grow and develop all the aspects of their personality. Each child has the right to experience mutual respect and trust, and to foster a reasonable pride in their person, in their community, in their church and in their nation. As a result of rendering SERVICE, a social growth and an altruistic outlook on life develop. The educators of Saint Philip School, believe that: 1. Students should be taught the basic doctrines of the Catholic Church and of Christianity in general, that a Christian is one who totally integrates religion with living and has a respect for all life. 2. Students are expected to become involved in the Christian Community by service to others; so that they understand Christian life as living, sharing, and example. 3. Basic skills in all areas are to be taught in sequence; with attention to individual differences, a variety of approaches, and a variety of testing strategies. 4. Students should be given the opportunity to gain a knowledge of, and an appreciation of, our country’s democratic heritage. 5. Students should be encouraged to use self-discipline, which is the best discipline; and to develop responsibility. 6. Teachers should encourage creative thinking as the highest form of intellectual activity. 7. Teachers are expected to witness the Gospel Message of Christ by word and example. 8. The child’s first and greatest acquaintance with God and community takes places in the home; the first teachers are the parents, and the immense importance of the home cannot be underestimated. The teacher endeavors to create an atmosphere in which parents feel free and collaborate in the task of education. MISSION STATEMENTIn the light of the CHRISTIAN MESSAGE of the inherent value of each person, we the Principal, Faculty and Staff of St. Philip School are committed to recognize the importance of religious education, intellectual advancement, and the social growth of each child under our care. This is accomplished through the Message, Community, and Service. ADMINISTRATIONTHE BOARDSt. Philip Board of Total Catholic Education is a policy making group elected by parish members at large. ADMISSION POLICY1. All eligible children are accepted at Saint Philip School regardless of race, color, or national origin. Saint Philip parishioners will be given first preference in cases of overcrowding. 2. Children must be five years of age by October 1st to enter Kindergarten and six by October 1st to enter First Grade. Children must have completed Kindergarten to enter First Grade. 3. Registration forms and health certificates must be presented before the child enters school. Any and all updated boosters and inoculations must be added to the students’ health records. 4. Kindergartners need the school physical including an eye exam. 5. All sixth graders or at age 11, students must have an updated MMR and a hepatitis series, along with the booster including chickenpox. All 11 and 12 year olds need a tetanus and diphtheria shot. TUITION AND FEES 1. Fees: In grades first through eighth, a Book Bill, Diocesan and Cafeteria Fees, and technology fee and first month's tuition are required to be paid at the beginning of the year. 2. Kindergarten fees include a yearly nonrefundable supplies and snack fee which are also payable at the beginning of the year. Tuition and snack fees are to be paid weekly or monthly. The amount is stipulated on your Registration Contract. 3. The tuition contract is submitted to parents for their signature and preferred method of payment. If payments are not made before the deadlines, students do not receive a report card and do not begin the next quarter at Saint Philip. If a special arrangement needs to be made, it can be made with the pastor. 4. There is a tuition incentive program which all parents are strongly encouraged to use. It does not apply to kindergarten. 5. If a student transfers to another school, no transcripts will be sent if there is unpaid tuition. 6. Graduating students will not receive transcripts until tuition debts are paid. RELIGIOUS ADVANTAGESThe opportunity to participate in religious activities is one of the greatest benefits of a Catholic School. In addition to the daily Religion Class and education in values, 1. Students attend Liturgy regularly. 2. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is received seasonally. 3. Usually, First Confession and First Communion take place in the second grade. 4. Usually, students in the seventh and eighth grade receive Confirmation. A Day of Recollection precedes this Sacrament. 5. Graduation consists of a well-planned religious ceremony for the graduates and families. A celebration follows the Liturgy. 6. A Parent Meeting, which parents are expected to attend, precedes the Sacraments of Eucharist, First Reconciliation and Confirmation. CURRICULUM 1. Saint Philip School endeavors to provide a quality Catholic, values centered education for all its students in collaboration with the parents. 2. The curriculum is that required by the Diocese of Covington for all accredited K–8 schools of the Diocese. It also includes the state guidelines for the academic areas. 3. The curriculum is backed up with both classroom and standardized testing. The standardized testing is administered in the spring. The results of these tests are made available to parents. PROMOTION AND RETENTION Students are promoted to the next grade when they have successfully completed the work at their grade level. If work is not successfully completed, students will be retained or required to attend summer school. If a child is to be retained or summer school is required, grades will reflect that, and a sufficient number of conferences with the parents will have preceded this decision. SCHEDULING 1.The school day includes the basic subjects of the Diocesan Grade School Curriculum. 2. The school day begins for Grades 1-8 at 8:30 A.M. and ends at 3:15 P.M. The kindergarten day begins at 8:30 A. M and ends at 11:30 A. M. 3. Snacks for the Kindergarten are supplied by the school for a nominal monthly fee. Snacks are on sale prior to 8:25 A.M. for grade school students. 4. There is a fifteen minute morning break from 10:15 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. for Grades K-2, and a ten minute break for grades 3 – 8. There is a forty-five minute lunch break. TRANSPORTATION 1. The majority of our students (K-8) ride Campbell County School buses. Bus service begins the first day and ends the last day of school. Contact the Campbell County Office of Transportation at 635-2161 at least two weeks prior to the start of school if you have not heard from the bus office. As bus riders, all children follow all the rules of safety. 2. Students are free to ride home only with a family member or a pre-authorized person. (Dismissal forms are on file.) 3. For safety reasons, students will not be dismissed prior to 3:15 P.M. 4. For safety reasons, no student should cross Route 8, Mary Ingles Highway, without adult supervision. 5. In the morning, when dropping off students, parents should drive children up to the tree to drop them off, so that we do not create a backup on Route 8. Calamity Days:1. School will be closed due to severe weather conditions if Campbell County Schools are closed and the buses are unable to run. The radio or television will have the announcement of such closings. 2. There are times when school can be in session but the buses are not running. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR TV AND RADIO TO SEE IF SAINT PHILIP'S IS IN SESSION WITH PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION. 3. If it is necessary for your child to get off the bus some place other than the regular bus stop, a note must be submitted to the Principal for her signature. 4. Day Care students are cared for at the Day Care Residence in Alexandria. ATTENDANCEAbsences It is necessary for progress in learning that attendance be regular. In accordance with state regulations parents must send a note explaining the reason for a child’s absence when the child returns to school. Appointments Appointments are to be made for after school hours only, if possible. However, if it is necessary to take a child out of school for an appointment, a written note must be submitted and signed by the Principal. Students must be signed out in the office. Vacation The school personnel cannot give permission for students to take vacation during school days. It is the parents’ decision to do so. The school is not responsible for class work missed by the child because of vacation taken.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1. If a child becomes ill or injured, the parent or person on the emergency cards will be contacted. If the parent or responsible person cannot be reached, the child will be kept at school and made as comfortable as possible. 2. An emergency plan is in place for the school for any unusual events. The teachers will have instructed students for emergency procedures.
LUNCH PROGRAM Lunches are provided for a reasonable fee which is to be paid for the week on Mondays . On Monday, a menu is sent home in the red parent folder for the week to follow. Information regarding the regular reduced and free lunch program will be sent home at the beginning of the school year. If a family's financial status changes, parents can re-apply for free and reduced lunches at anytime during the year. COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS 1. Progress Reports are sent home mid-way between the first, second, and third report card period for Grades 1-8. 2. Report cards are issued quarterly. A brief conference time with the teacher at the time of distribution of report cards in the fall is required. Parents can request a conference at any time. 3. Parents can request a conference or visit teachers whenever they think it will be helpful to the child. Calls and visits made during school time leave the teacher unable to attend to the class. So conferences are by appointment only. 4. If a problem arises, the parents shall contact the teacher. If a parent is not satisfied, they will contact the Principal. Generally, a meeting with parent, teacher and principal follows. If after consulting with the Principal there is still no resolution, the problem should then be presented to the Pastor. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS Parents will be notified regularly of their financial contribution in reports from the Pastor. MEDICATIONS 1. Any medication that a student needs during the school day, is to be turned in to the office with a note from the parents stipulating the name of the child, times for the medication to be administered, dosage, and proper storage of the medication. No medications will be administered that have not come from the parents. If your child has chronic headaches, etc. please send medication for that purpose to school. 2. If students have allergies to peanuts, bee stings, etc., please notify us at school, so that the proper precautions are in place.
SCHOOL REGULATIONSDress Code Since school is considered a workplace, students should be attired according to the dress code. It is the parent's job to see that students are in uniform. Uniforms should be clean and mended. If a students needs to come out of uniform, a note should be submitted to the Principal for her signature. Boys:1. Dress pants of navy blue or khaki. No bagg y pants are permitted. Pants must be belted at the waist. 2. Solid colors knit shirts of white, red, blue, yellow, or gray with a collar are worn. 3. White or navy blue socks must be worn above the shoe without exception. 4. Boys may not wear earrings. Girls:1. In grades 1 thru 4, girls wear a uniform jumper of reasonable length. 2. In grades 5 thru 8, girls wear the uniform skirts of reasonable length. 3. Navy blue or khaki slacks are permitted. 4. Girls wear white blouses (not shear nor sleeveless) or a white or light blue polo shirt. 5. The skorts may not be worn after May of 2005. 6. White, red, or navy blue crew socks are worn above the shoe with no exception. 7. A post earring may be worn, but n o dangling earrings or rings may be worn. 8. No make-up. 9. No fingernail polish. 10. No rings on the fingers. All students1. Hair must be of reasonable length, with no streaks, or of a style that is a distraction in the classroom. 2. Only official St. Philip sweatshirts may be worn over the white blouse or the boys’ shirts. Shirttails must be tucked in at all times. 3. Pullover or cardigan sweaters of gray, red, white, or navy blue may be worn. 4. Navy blue uniform style walking shorts, worn right above the knees, are permitted during the months of August, September and May. 5. A single small, thin neck chain may be worn.
STUDENTS OUT OF DRESS CODE WILL HAVE AN AUTOMATIC ONE HOUR DETENTION AFTER SCHOOL. PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF THEIR CHILD. Consistent infractions of the dress code may be liable to suspension from school. Kindergarten students wear the uniform or navy shorts or slacks with a white blouse or shirt. HOMEWORK Study habits are essential for intellectual growth and develop- ment. Home assignments are expected to be neatly and completely finished and on time. Homework books will come home daily with each student. The following is most helpful for your child: 1. A time and place for home study that is quiet, but that is visible so that you can see students are not wasting time and that you are available to help if necessary. 2. The necessary equipment: pencil, papers, etc. 3. A definite time schedule for homework. 4. A method of studying. 5. The time allotment for homework is in general: Grades 1-2 30 minutes Grades 3-6 50 minutes Grades 7-8 90 minutes
Some consideration is made as to the length of day, early arrival and late departure of the students. Time specified is for an average student. SERVICE PROJECTS
Students develop a spirit of giving by contributing to worthwhile projects such as the missions and the Holy Childhood Association. Lent is an opportune time to collect for the poor. Students and parents help Saint Philip School by saving General Mills box tops, Kroger and Meijer’s bags, aluminum cans, Campbell Soup and other Campbell’s product labels, and box tops for Education from the Post cereals. The Christian Leadership Conference and Pro-Life Walk, along with other activities can develop a sense of service for older students. CLASS FIELD TRIPS
The classes are permitted to take educational field trips. Class trips must be a reasonable distance for the age group. These field trips are of such a nature that they enhance both the educational and cultural aspects of the child’s life. 1. A permission slip signed by a parent must be submittedbefore a child is permitted to participate. 2. Parent drivers must sign a Driver Information Sheet, before driving students on field trips. 2. Field trips are a privilege and students experiencing difficulty in self-discipline, who have consistent behavior problems at school, have unfinished class work or pose a liability to the reputation of the school, may be required to stay behind. DISCIPLINE
St. Philip School strives to help each child respect one another’s dignity and worth by instilling certain values and responsibilities in the learning process. Self-discipline is a must as students mature. 1. General disturbances within the classroom will not be tolerated. All general classroom rules stipulated by the teacher must be followed. All major disturbances will be brought to the attention of the principal. 2. Respect and Courtesy for the teacher and fellow classmates is an absolute necessity. Students use a respectful tone of voice in dealing with both teachers and other students. 3. All students must care for their personal Property and that of others. Textbooks are to be covered all year and may not be written on or in. Fines will be collected for damage to textbooks and school property. Stealing is out of the question. 4. Honesty is a moral virtue taught at St. Philip School. Teachers will respond to cheating and dishonesty by giving the student a zero with no opportunity to make up the work. The principal will deal with chronic offenders. 5. Chewing gum is not permitted in the building or on the school grounds during school hours. A fine of $1.00 will be issued for students who choose to chew gum. 6. Obscene language or gestures in the classroom or on the playground are totally unacceptable. 7. On the playground, students should be in the line of vision of the supervising teacher. a. Throwing things other than a ball are not permitted. b. Students are not permitted in the building during lunchtime, except under the supervision of a teacher. 8. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Name-calling and group isolation can be considered harassment. 9. Physical contact such as fighting, kicking, pushing, punching, or jumping on each other, and other rough play is unacceptable. 10. Controlled substances such as tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and weapons on school property are absolutely prohibited any and all of the time. Chains, knives and guns are considered weapons. Violations of items 8, 9, and 10 above are serious offenses and may result in automatic suspension or possible expulsion.
In cases involving theft, controlled substances, school property, or anything that may cause harm to another student, the principal may search desks or belongings.
SUSPENSION and EXPULSION
A child who is consistently a source of disturbance or a hindrance to the educational process; demonstrates a lack of respect for authority, school property or other students; who leaves school when faced with detention, or is a threat to the safety of other children may be subject to suspension or expulsion. The decision to suspend or expel a student rests with the pastor and/or administrator. 1. Parents will be notified of the situation. 2. If there is no improvement, there may be an “In School” suspension. “In-School” suspension means a child does the class work of the day out of the classroom under the supervision of a teacher or an adult. The student is allowed back in the classroom, when the conditions for admission have been met or at the discretion of the teacher. Parents will be notified of such action. 3. “Out-of-School” suspension means a child is not permitted back into the building until conditions for re-admission have been met. Again, parents will be contacted before such action takes place. 4. Expulsion means a student is permanently removed from the Saint Philip School roster. This is a serious step preceded by serious infractions of the rules and danger to the student themselves or other children. Expulsion results when all other options have been exhausted. Parents are notified by letter with a copy to the Saint Philip Board of Total Catholic Education and signed by the Pastor. 5. Automatic expulsion may result from the possession of tobacco, weapons, alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia. 6. The expulsion decision may be appealed to the Diocesan Director of Catholic Education in writing within five school days of the decision to expel.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Participation in extra-curricular activities is a privilege for students: 1. Students must represent Saint Philip School in an appropriate manner. 2. This privilege can be revoked due to failing grades or inappropriate conduct in the classroom. 3. Students must have an A or B in application and conduct to qualify for the sports program. 4. League fees are expensive and once a child signs onto the team, student and parents have an obligation to the team and to insure that the student fulfills their part of the bargain by keeping up grades, conduct, and application. 5. A student will have two weeks to bring up their grade or remain off the team until the next report card. PARENT ORGANIZATIONS 1. The PTC, the Parent Teacher’s Club, encourages all mothers and fathers of Saint Philip students to become members and attend the monthly meetings. The PTC supports Saint Philip School by hosting the annual Turkey Raffle, Stagette, and Candy Sale, etc. 2. The Magazine Sale profits go directly to school. 3. The Boosters Organization supports the athletic program of Saint Philip. Parents, especially those with children involved in sports, need to be involved and cooperate in the program. The Boosters meet monthly. They host gatherings and dances during the year, and run the concession stands during the sports season to support their activities. They sponsor our athletic teams, and provide playground equipment for the school.
CONCLUSION The success of any endeavor takes the cooperation of all involved. Pastor, parents, teachers, students, volunteers, staff, the Board and parishioners, working together, create a community of faith, where we find our God alive and active among us. Thank you to all who make Saint Philip School a success. Please review the Handbook with your children and sign the attached sheet returning it to school within the first week.
July 2004 revision
My child and I have read and discussed the Saint Philip Parent / Student Handbook and will abide by it for the 2004 – 2005 School Year.
___________________________________________________Parent Signature
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___________________________________________________ Student Signature (s)
My child and I have read and discussed the Saint Philip Parent / Student Handbook and will abide by it for the 2004 – 2005 School Year.
___________________________________________________Parent Signature
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___________________________________________________ Student Signature (s)
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