St. Theresa Catholic School 2008-09 Student Handbook

Mission Statement: The mission of St. Theresa Catholic School is to witness to the living Christ by sharing Gospel values in the Catholic tradition in an educational environment of academic excellence.

Statement of Philosophy: St. Theresa Catholic School serves to educate students in a faith-filled atmosphere of academic excellence. The quality education of the whole child, spiritually, academically, physically, and socially is our focus. St. Theresa is a culturally
diverse community of learners working toward education in the Catholic tradition. We promote the "Little Way" of St. Theresa in
teaching our students to offer all they do and say to God throughout each day, and to serve others as Christ did. By living this example, we promote a Catholic atmosphere where every action is viewed as an opportunity to grow closer to God.

Goals: Broad goals of the Catholic school are to teach the Gospel message, to build a faith community, to worship God, and to be
of Christian service. Specific goals flow from the fundamental understanding of the school as a Christian educational community. Because it is Christian, the goals are the following:

-to foster a Christian understanding of mutual responsibilities for one another

-to facilitate and improve the student’s opportunity to learn

General Information: St. Theresa Catholic School is fully accredited by the Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association
which is approved by the United States Office of Education and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. The
school was the recipient of the Smithsonian Institution’s Award for Technology in 2000. School hours are 7:45 to 2:45. Before School Care begins at 6:45 and After School Care ends at 5:30. On the first Friday of every month, the students are dismissed at 1:30 for a faculty meeting. If students check-in late or check-out early, parents must sign their student’s attendance record in the office.

Phone Number: (501) 565-3855 Fax Number: (501) 565-9522

E-mail: schooloffice@sttheresasschool.org

Website: www.sttheresasschool.org

Policies and Regulations

Absences: Generally, a pupil who has accumulated twenty-five (25) days of absence during the school year will be required to attend summer school in order to make up the work missed or the pupil will be required to repeat the grade. Three tardies will equal 1 absence. After 9:00 am and before 2:00 pm is considered one-half of a day missed.

Excused/Unexcused Absences: Student absences will be excused for the following:

• Personal Illness
• Official School-sponsored events
• Medical Appointments
• Court Appointments
• Serious illness in immediate family
• Death of family member

Any absence not described above shall be counted unexcused. A student will be allowed five (5) unexcused absences per semester. The school may require suitable proof regarding the above reasons for absence, including written statements
from medical sources.

Students who are suspended or expelled shall be considered unexcused. Each unexcused absence shall be entered on the
student’s record. The parents or guardian of the student receiving an unexcused absence shall be notified after 5 such absences.

Make-up work is mandated for absences. It is the responsibility of the student/parent to pick up make-up
assignments. Students will be allowed one (1) day for make-up work for each day of an excused absence. Tests
missed will be made up within 3 school days. Students with an unexcused absence may be asked to show made-up
work upon return to school.

Accelerated Reader: The reading incentive program rewards students for the points they receive when passing a
comprehension test on the computer after reading designated books. All eligible books are marked with a red dot and
show the reading level and points possible. All students (1-8) are expected to participate in the Accelerated Reader program.

Admissions: The schools in the Diocese of Little Rock will admit students of any race, color, national, or ethnic background
to all rights, privileges, and activities generally accorded or made available to their students. Every Catholic child has
a right to religious instruction and formation in the Catholic faith. Enrollment in a Catholic school is a privilege.

Entrance age, according to diocesan and Arkansas state law, stipulates that a kindergarten student must attain the age of
five (5) years on or before September 15 of the school year (Arkansas Statute 80-1654). Documentation of the
state-required immunizations plus a birth certificate and Baptism certificate (Catholic students) is to be presented at
the time of registration of all beginning and transfer pupils.

A school will not accept a transfer student without the required permanent record/transcript and health record. A student may be accepted conditionally if the parent/guardian signs a request form for the records to be sent from the previous school.

Advisory School Board: Each Catholic school of the Diocese of Little Rock will have an advisory school board in accordance with the policies and regulations adopted by the diocesan board of education and approved by the ordinary. Advisory school board members will be elected or appointed. Unlike a public school board, the Catholic school board is not autonomous. According to the new code of canon law, all parish boards are advisory. Actions of the board become effective only upon the approval of the pastor. The main purpose of the board is to assist the pastor and principal in providing quality education in the parish school. To be a school board member is more than just a job and is distinctly different from a political commitment. It is to accept a mission and to bring to that mission one’s talents, wisdom, experience, faith life, and good will. As individuals, board members have no authority; authority is exercised by the group.

Allergies/Asthma: Parents are to make the office aware of any allergic conditions that a child has that would impact him/her at school by filling out an annual Student Information Form. If a child’s allergic condition is severe enough to warrant an epi-pen, then one is to be furnished and will be kept in the office, with the classroom teacher or child depending on the nature and possible severity of the allergy. If a student is diagnosed with asthma, an Asthma Action Plan needs to be filled out by your child’s physician and turned into the school office. In addition, a rescue inhaler needs to be supplied to the school.

Athletic Program: Any athletic program in competitive sports will be under the direct supervision of the school principal. Any athletic support group must have the explicit approval of the pastor and be under the direct supervision of the principal. The principal will appoint an adult member to supervise the cheerleaders or drill team. Students competing in Parochial League athletics must meet all eligibility requirements.

Attendance: If a student is ill or must be absent from school, the parents are to call the school before 8:00 AM. The phone number is 565-3855. Three tardies equal one absence. A student is considered tardy if he/she is not in his/her seat when the bell rings at 7:45 and after 9:00 am and before 2:00 pm it is considered one-half day of absence. If students check-in late or check-out early, a parent must sign the student’s attendance record in the office.

One criteria of a student’s success in school is regular and punctual attendance. Frequent absences may lead to poor academic work, lack of social development, and possible academic failure. No single factor may interfere with a student’s progress more quickly than frequent tardiness or absence.

According to State Law (Arkansas Statute 80-1504), every parent/guardian or other person residing in the state of Arkansas and having custody of any child or children between the ages of seven (7) and sixteen (16) (both inclusive) will send such child to a public, private, or parochial school under such penalty for noncompliance with this section. It is the obligation of every parent to insure that every child under his care and supervision receives adequate education and training and, if compulsory age, attends school.

Awards: Awards that students may work toward include but are not limited to: All Saints Week (essay and art), Catholic Schools Week (essay and art), Honor Roll (1^st -8^th), Presidents and Facts (4^th), multiplication tables 1-12 (3^rd), states and capitals (2^nd), 100 books (1^st), Quiz Bowl (5^th-8^th), St. Jude Jump for the Heart (3^rd-4^th),), Book-It Incentive Reading Program, Math League, Mu Alpha Theta, Math Counts, EXCEL, Science Fair, SLUFY, Serra Club, Student Ambassadors. An awards ceremony will be held at least three times a year. At that time, various awards are presented to students who excel in academics, sports or fine arts.

Honor Roll: Students in grades 1 – 8 must earn a minimum grade of 85% in every subject and in conduct. Students are recognized in the school newsletter and at the awards ceremonies.

Book covers: All textbooks are to be covered by the parents. Book soxs covers may be used.

Care program, Before/After School: Morning Care is from 6:45 to 7:40 at the cost of $1. After School Care is from 2:45 to 5:30 at the cost of $6. Care begins at 1:30 on the first Friday of every month for the monthly faculty meeting. A completed student enrollment form and a registration fee of $25 are required yearly. Payment for Care services are to be direct drafted.

Classroom Parties: Party plans are under the direction of the school. Details are established during the school year. Birthday parties for students are not permitted at school. Under no circumstances and without exceptions will invitations to private parties be passed out at school; this includes the parking lot, the soccer field, scout meetings, etc. Invitations must be mailed EVEN IF every student in the class is invited. At no time will birthday gifts be exchanged at school. Christmas and Valentine are the two parties celebrated at school. Halloween and Easter the classrooms may have small snacks for each child pertaining to that holiday to take home at the end of the day.

Classroom Rules:

1. Be charitable and courteous.
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3. Come to class with assignments and materials.
4. Food must be eaten in the cafeteria.
5. Raise your hand to speak and wait to be recognized.
6. Silence in the halls.
7. Follow directions.

Positive incentives and rewards will be provided by the homeroom teacher for individual students and for the class as a whole when students work together in creating a good Christian learning environment for everyone.

Complaint or Concern: Any person feeling aggrieved concerning any matter connected with the school will contact the individual before discussing it with other patrons.

1. If a person has a complaint about a teacher, the individual will go first to the teacher to seek a solution to the problem.
2. If the matter cannot be solved satisfactorily, the person will contact the principal.
3. If the problem is still not resolved, the person will contact the pastor.
4. If no solution is found, the matter will be referred to the superintendent.
5. School board members are not to attempt to solve school problems but are to refer the aggrieved person to the above procedure. If a board member is approached, he/she will contact the principal.

Computer Agreement: Acceptable Computer Use Policy for Students:

St. Theresa Catholic School provides computer access and Internet access for its students. All activities while using the computers, or in accessing the Internet in this school must be in the support of education and research, and consistent with the educational objectives of St. Theresa School. We must recognize that with access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be of educational value. St. Theresa School is taking precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. Use of the computers and Internet is a privilege, not a right and is subject to terms and conditions.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE:

• Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulations is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.
• Illegal activities are strictly prohibited.
• Students are not allowed to download any files from the Internet.
• Students are not allowed to subscribe to any mail list.
• Students are not allowed to use the Internet for personal communication.
  
• STUDENTS MUST OBTAIN ADULT SUPERVISION AT ALL TIMES. There must be the room teacher or the computer lab teacher in the lab in order for students to access the Internet.
• Each student will be held responsible for the intentional altering of a computer workstation that occurs while they are logged into the computer or network.
• Using, deleting, copying or modifying files or data on a computer belonging to others without their consent is prohibited.
• Loading software on any computer without authorization of teacher is forbidden.
• Making illegal copies of licensed or copyrighted software is prohibited.
• The administration or teacher has the right to access information stored in any user directory, on the current user screen, or electronic mail.

1. Use of the Internet without the knowledge and permission of a teacher or other authorized personnel is prohibited.
2. Before accessing the Internet, each student will receive instruction in the proper use of the on-line tools.
3. Use of the Internet without a clearly defined educational objective, understood by both student and teacher, is not allowed.
4. Transmission installation or downloading of materials in violation of copyright laws is prohibited.
5. Student must notify teacher immediately of inappropriate material found.
6. Software may not be downloaded without the permission of the teacher.
7. Students will use polite language, appropriate to a school setting.
8. Students are not to reveal their personal address and phone number or those of other students or staff.
9. The administration or teacher has the right to access information stored in any user directory, on the current user screen, or electronic mail.

VIOLATIONS OF THESE PROVISIONS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF ACCESS TO THE COMPUTERS AT St. Theresa School AS WELL AS OTHER DISCIPLINARY OR LEGAL ACTIONS.

Conduct and Courtesy: Courtesy and good manners should be the key to a student’s conduct at school. A positive attitude toward teachers and fellow students will make school enjoyable for all. Students are expected to have respect for school property and to take good care of books, desks, and other furniture and equipment. Any item defaced will need to be replaced at the cost of the student.

Conferences: Mandatory Conferences are scheduled in October and March. Please consult the School Calendar for these dates. Parents may have either a personal or a telephone conference. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to come to school to talk with the teachers. Appointments should be made to coincide with the teachers’ schedules. This can be done through the school office or by sending a note to the teacher.

Contacting Faculty: If you wish to speak to a member of the faculty, please phone the school office (565-3855), leave your name and number, and the person with whom you wish to speak. Your call will be returned.

Discipline: To guarantee a good social and educational climate, it is important that students understand that acceptable standards of behavior will be expected at all times. Discipline will be administered when any individual’s actions interfere with the right of teachers to teach and students to learn. Students are reminded that any teacher or staff member in the school has the right to correct unruly individuals at any place and time. Verbal and sexual harassment are not tolerated. Corporal punishment is contrary to diocesan policy. Classroom discipline rules are given out by the teachers.

Dismissal: The day ends as it begins in prayer. Students are to dismiss quietly. The first bell rings at 2:42 for carpool students and after school care students in PK-5^th and their eighth grade aid will lead both groups of students through the building. The 2:45 bell is for the remaining students. Teachers in grades 2 – 5 will lead these students out of the building. PK, K, and 1^st will remain in the classroom until picked up by their parent or designated person. Students not picked up at dismissal are to be taken to care and the office is to be notified. Grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 will exit by the front middle doors. Grades 6-8 exit by the doors in their wing, except 8^th graders assigned dismissal duties. Students in grades 6 – 8 who have to wait for a ride need to go to the front of the school building and wait on sidewalk in front of office.

***Only parents picking up students in grades PK, K, or 1^st are to enter the building from the doors in that area. They are to go outside the building to pick up other students (grades 2 – 5) from in front of the middle double doors. Older students with siblings may go to the younger students dismissal area to pick them up.

Distribution of Materials: Individuals or organizations wishing to distribute materials must see the principal.

Drills: Fire drills are conducted once a month throughout the school year. Tornado drills will be held monthly for Pre-K students and at least twice a year for the rest of the student body. Everyone will move in an orderly and silent manner to points directed by their teachers where roll will be taken. If the fire alarm rings when students are in the hallways, they should leave with the closest teacher. If a student pulls a fire alarm, law enforcement will be notified. Lock Down and evacuation procedures will be practiced once a semester.

Electronics: Electronic devices are not permitted at school and will be confiscated and returned on the last day of school. Cell phones are to be checked into the office first thing in the morning and may be picked up at dismissal. If they are kept in the student’s possession they will be confiscated and the parents must come to pick them up. If it occurs a second time the phone will be returned the last day of school.

E-mail: Faculty members have individual e-mail addresses which are listed on the school’s website: www.sttheresasschool.org. Teachers are expected to check their e-mail on a weekly basis for prompt response to messages from parents or students.

Expulsion: Expulsion is defined as the permanent dismissal of a student from school. Expulsion from school will be the decision
of the principal in consultation with the pastor.

Faculty Meetings: The faculty of St. Theresa’s will hold monthly faculty meetings on the first Friday of every month at 1:30. Parents are expected to pick up their children by 1:30. Children not picked up within fifteen minutes of dismissal will be placed in After School Care with a charge of $6.00.

Failure Notice/Summer School: When failure seems unavoidable, parents will be properly notified well in advance of the probable failure of the child. The parent/guardian is to sign and return the notice.

Field Trips: Field trips are an integral part of the instructional and enrichment program for the students of St. Theresa Catholic School. Siblings (brothers or sisters in other classes at St. Theresa’s) may not attend field trips. Anyone driving or going on field trips must receive the Virtus training. Training will be offered periodically throughout the year.

Food/Beverage/Gum at School: There is pride at St. Theresa Catholic School. Everyone must work together to keep our
school attractive. Students are not permitted to chew gum at any location on the school campus. There is an automatic two
marks given in the 5-8 grades for chewing gum. No food or drink is allowed in the classroom unless authorized by the principal.

Friday Letter: The classroom teacher will send a Friday letter to the parents with highlights of the past week, a forecast of the upcoming week’s events, a test schedule, and the student’s conduct grade. Attached to this letter will be all of the student’s papers from the week. Friday letters will be posted on the school’s website every Friday – www.sttheresasschool.org.

Grading/Report of Student Performance: Uniformity of grading will be conscientiously maintained throughout the school, which means work of similar quality will receive the same mark from all teachers. Academic marks are to be based on academic achievement and not on conduct, as behavior is to be graded separately.

The letter or percentage system will be used for reports to parents.

A = Superior 93-100%

B = Above Average 85-92%

C = Average 77-84%

D = Passing 70-76%

F = Failure Below 70%

Report cards will be distributed one week after the close of each Quarter. When failure or summer school seems unavoidable, parents will be properly notified.

Graduation: The graduation ceremony for eighth grade students is scheduled for the later part of May at 7:00 PM at St.
Theresa Church. Boys wear suits or sports coats and trousers with a white or pastel shirt and tie. Dress shoes are appropriate. Girls wear modest street/tea length pastel or white dresses that are appropriate for Mass. If the girl’s dress is sleeveless, a
shawl or jacket will be worn. All accounts have to be current by May 15^th to receive a diploma.

Harassment: The schools of the Diocese of Little Rock do not condone any form of harassment. All individuals are to be treated with dignity and respect. Harassment in any form (sexual, verbal, physical, visual) is prohibited. The prohibition against acts of harassment applies to all individuals involved in the school. Consequences of harassment may include immediate suspension, expulsion, a police report, or any other action deemed necessary to address the issue.

Homework: It is the student’s responsibility to complete all homework assignments. A zero will be recorded in the grade book for the missing homework. Students have one day per day of absence to complete make-up assignments. To help students learn responsibility, we ask that forgotten items not be brought to the student at school. Students will not be given permission to make phone calls for forgotten items. Students that are absent are required to pick up their homework assignments daily. Assignments will be available in the care room after 2:15.

Inclement Weather: When weather conditions are dangerous, St. Theresa Catholic School follows the same schedule as the Catholic Schools in the greater Little Rock area. Listen to radio or television announcements concerning delayed opening, early dismissal, or the closing of school. If school is closed because of inclement weather, all other activities are also cancelled. The doors open at 7:30. Students are to go the library and remain until the 7:40 bell.

Information Technology: Each student and his/her parent must sign the "Appropriate Use of Computer Networks" form and turn it in to their homeroom teacher. No student is to be using any computer in the school without permission and supervision. The school will not take action on the misuse of the Internet between students at home. The Library Automation System computers and equipment are to be used with the same set of rules set forth as the rest of the computers in the school.

Instructional Materials: Students show respect for themselves and others by taking care of all instructional materials and property. Students will pay to replace any marred or destroyed instructional materials or school property.

Instructional Program: All Catholic schools follow the Diocesan and Arkansas State requirements regarding basic materials, specific courses, and time allotments. A planned instructional program will lead to discovering and developing the abilities of each student. Each school will offer a balanced curriculum including religion, language arts (English, reading, literature, oral and written communications, speech arts, handwriting, spelling usage, and grammar), science, mathematics, social studies (history, geography, civics, economics, and sociology), art, music, health, physical education, technology, and such electives as deemed practical and helpful.

Insurance: Since medical bills resulting from accidents to students at school are the responsibility of the parent/guardian. All parents/guardians of students attending St. Theresa Catholic School are given the opportunity to purchase student accident insurance through the school.

Lockers: Lockers are assigned to students in grades 6-8. The school will provide the lock. A master key is kept in the office, and the school may open any locker for any reason.

Lunch Program: The lunch program is school operated. Menus will be published once a month with the next month’s menu coming out the last day of the school week of the current month. Forms for federally subsidized free and reduced lunches are included in the packet of forms for the first day of school. Eligible recipients of free and reduced lunches are strongly encouraged to return the forms. Additional federal funding through Title 1 is based on this data. Title 1 funds help us acquire additional technology, etc. You need not accept free/reduced lunch if you choose not to, but by completing the forms, our school may be entitled to thousands of dollars earmarked for computers and technology.

All lunches are required to be paid for in advance. Send lunch money in an envelope on Monday and indicate on the envelope the days your child wishes to buy lunch for the week and the name of your child. By doing this on Monday, you help the teacher preserve instructional time. Milk may be bought for $.50. The cost of lunch per day is $2.75. Entrée seconds are $.50; there is no charge for seconds on fruit, vegetables, or bread. Food trading is not acceptable. Charges are not allowed on a frequent basis. Charges will only be allowed, if there is the rare occasion of a forgotten lunch or miscommunication with the home.

Medication at School: Medicine of any kind is not provided by the school. No medication will be administered to a student by any school personnel without a written directive from the parent or guardian. Medication forms are available in the office or by Fax at 565-9522.

Money: Money/checks should always be sent in an envelope with the student’s name on it along with its purpose (lunch, book order, field trip, etc).

Non-Custodial Parents: Non-custodial parents are not to use the school as a meeting place to visit with their child (ren). In the case of divorced parents, a copy of the court order stating visitation rights may be required to be on file in the school office. The principal will allow a non-custodial parent to take a child as specified in a court order. A copy of the child’s report card may be given to a non-custodial parent.

Nondiscrimination: The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Little Rock will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, handicap, or national origin in administration of their educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or social administered programs.

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO): To enable the parent partnership role to become a reality in education, every Catholic school in the diocese will have a parent-teacher organization. This organization will function in accordance with the diocesan regulations and constitution. PTO dues are $25 per family and are payable by September 1^st.

Physical Education: Physical education is a required class for students in PK-8. All students must wear rubber-soled shoes to participate in physical education class on the wooden floor in the gym. Grades 5-8 dress out in the school physical education uniform which is purchased at the School Days. The student’s initials should be marked on the inside neck of the shirt and the inside waistband of the shorts. Students will receive a point off their conduct for physical education class if not dressed in their own complete physical education uniform. Students will not be allowed to call for any part of their uniform.

PRINCIPAL/ SCHOOL’S RIGHT TO AMMEND POLICY HANDBOOK

The school or principal retains the right to amend the policy manual for just cause. Parents will be given prompt notification if changes are made

PROMOTION: A student is promoted each year upon the recommendation of the teacher and principal. When making an evaluation of the student’s progress, the teacher will consider the social, emotional, physical, and moral development of the student, which at times should be given preference over academic performance.

RETENTION: If a student is to be retained at any grade level, notice of retention and the reason for retention will be communicated promptly in a personal manner. If a student misses more than 25 days he/she will be retained or go to summer school.

Seven Habits of Highly Responsible Students:

2. Responsible students plan their time.

3. Responsible students study every day.

4. Responsible students take notes in class and complete all in-class assignments.

5. Responsible students have the tools they need.

6. Responsible students keep their commitments.

7. Responsible students get ready ahead of time.

Uniform Regulations

BOYS PK-8

Pants: mandatory solid navy blue twill pants

Belt: solid, navy, blue, black, brown worn all the time

Socks: all socks are to cover the ankle, white, black, navy blue no logo

Shoes: athletic shoe recommended; entire foot must be covered,

NO BOOTS

Sweater: maroon or dark gray cardigan uniform sweater

Sweatshirt: uniform maroon sweatshirt

GIRLS PK-4

Jumper: school plaid pleated jumper no shorter than 2" from the kneecap when standing

Skort: school plaid no shorter than 2" from the kneecap when standing

Socks: gray, white, maroon anklets or knee socks all socks are to cover the ankle no logo

Tights: gray, white, maroon, or black

Sweater: maroon or dark gray cardigan uniform sweater

Sweatshirt: uniform maroon sweatshirt

GIRLS 5-8

Skirt: school plaid pleated skirt no shorter than 2" from the kneecap when standing

Skort: school plaid no shorter than 2" from the kneecap when standing

UPPER BUILDING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE WILL BE AN AUTOMATIC INSCHOOL SUSPENSION THE NEXT DAY.

A. Classroom Rules

1. Be charitable and courteous.

2. Keep hands, feet, and objects yourself.

3. Come to class with assignments and materials.

4. Food is eaten in the cafeteria.

5. Raise your hand to speak and wait to be recognized.

6. Silence in the halls.

7. Follow directions.

2. Rewards and Incentives

Positive incentives and rewards will be provided by the homeroom teacher for individual students and for the class as a whole when students work together in creating a good Christian learning environment for everyone.

When choosing not to cooperate in following the classroom rules, the consequences will be:

1^st infraction – name down as warning

2^nd infraction – loss of one conduct point

3^rd infraction – loss of another conduct point and call parent

4^th infraction – loss of another conduct point, call parent, suspension

Suspension is defined as a definite period of time a student will not be allowed to attend school or a school-sponsored activity for a serious conduct infraction. Suspension from the school will be the decision of the Principal in consultation with the Pastor. The length of suspension will depend on the seriousness of the offense and the past conduct record of the student. A student who is suspended four times will be considered for expulsion.

The student will begin each day with 20 points. Two points will be deducted from the conduct grade for each check received. An in-school suspension results in a 0 in conduct for the day. Conduct points will be averaged each week. Conduct points can not be earned back. Conduct grades cannot exceed 100%. Homework marks do not count against conduct, but will count against Study Habit Grade.

Students participating in football, basketball, volleyball, track, and cheerleading must have an 85% in conduct and overall academic average of 77% with no individual grade in any subject below 70%.

After being absent, a student has one class day per day excused absence to turn in missed assignments. Students with unexcused absences will turn in work upon their return, and it may be counted late. After that time, all missing assignments become zeroes. It is the student’s responsibility to give the work to the teacher. The teacher may or may not ask for it. If a student returns the day of a test, the student is expected to take the test that day. Test forms vary. Test schedules are given orally by the teacher and are printed in the Friday letter. This gives sufficient time to prepare whether in attendance the day before or not. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher to take the make-up test. No make-up tests on the last day before holidays will be given unless substantiated with a doctor’s excuse.

H. Exams

Students are required to take exams as scheduled unless they have a written excuse from the doctor due to illness or special permission form the principal. Exams constitute 25% of the report card grade. No student will be exempt from nine week or semester exams until the 4^th nine week period of their eighth grade year. For the 4^th quarter nine weeks exam in the second semester of eighth grade, if a student has an A average in a subject and no more than three (3) absences in a nine week period, they are exempt from the exam in that subject. A positive incentive program will be announced at the beginning of the year for students who demonstrate consistent excellence in academics and conduct.

I. Books

Every hardbound textbook will be covered by the parents. Book soxs may be used.

Mandatory conferences will be scheduled in October and March. Consult the school calendar for specific dates. Parents may have either a personal or a telephone conference. Parents are encouraged to schedule personal or telephone conferences as needed throughout the year.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete all homework assignments. A zero for any missing homework will be recorded in the grade book. All assignments must be turned in first thing in the morning upon arriving in homeroom. The assignment will not be accepted once the student arrives in the classroom for that class period. Missing assignments will result in a loss of one point from the Study Habits Grade. This point will not count toward suspension. At the end of the day, if all students in the class have turned in all assignments, the class will earn five bonus points. No points will be earned if one or more students did not turn in all assignments.

In order to earn points for homework assignments, the following criteria must be met:

During a test, there should be no communication of any kind among students. Communication among students will result in a zero on the test. Desks should be clear of all paper except a cover sheet which should be used at all times by students to cover test answers. A student who chooses to be dishonest will receive an automatic zero and will call their parents. During nine weeks exams a student will need a doctor‘s excuse to make up any exams missed.

St. Theresa Catholic School prohibits any form of harassment – sexual, verbal, physical, and visual. The prohibition against acts of harassment applies to all persons involved with the school. Consequences of harassment may include immediate suspension, expulsion, a police report, or any other action deemed necessary to address the issue.

N. Changing Classes

15. Electronics

Electronic devices are not permitted at school and will be confiscated. All cell phones need to be turned in at the office and picked up at the end of the day. If a cell phone is found in the procession of a student the phone will be confiscated and the parent will need to pick it up from the office. The second occurrence of the cell phone with a student will result in the phone being confiscated until the end of the year.

Students must complete all major assigned projects as a minimum for promotion.

Visitors: Visitors at school are to check in with the principal in the office and receive a visitor

pass before visiting a class, the cafeteria or contacting a teacher or student.

A sign to this effect is posted by each entrance to the school.