Dear Parents and Students,

“What greater work is there than training the mind and 
forming the habits of the young?”
St. John Chrysostom

Welcome to Saint Joseph School.  In choosing Saint Joseph School, you have demonstrated a commitment to the values and philosophy of a Catholic education.

The faculty and staff of Saint Joseph School look forward to working with you to promote academic excellence and spiritual development in the context of the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Together let us pray that God, who has begun this good work in us, may carry it through to completion.

God bless you,

Mrs. Kathy Spencer
Principal
 

Statement of Philosophy

Saint Joseph School is a community in pursuit of academic excellence through a lived experience in faith.  The dignity of every person and the importance of shared responsibility for the good of all are the goals toward which we strive.  We educate the whole child - spiritually, socially, academically and emotionally.  Saint Joseph School exists for the education of the child as he/she relates to God, to the Church, and to himself/herself and to the communities to which he/she belongs.  We accept each child as he/she is - a unique and cherished child of the Father, redeemed by Jesus Christ.

The primary educators are the parents; we see ourselves as supplementing the home education so that the child becomes aware of his/her own strengths, gifts, weaknesses and needs.  Aware of the changing lifestyles of today, we hope to give each child the opportunity to reach his/her optimum potential based on the two great commandments of the Church:  love of God and love of neighbor.

One of our goals is to teach the child respect for self and others.  By building responsibility for oneself, the child will build responsibility toward others.  An atmosphere of love and care for one another in the classroom is our daily concern and through this orientation to love and care, the child will learn respect for the needs and concerns of others.  The evidence of God in our everyday life at Saint Joseph School is integrated into each subject thereby helping the student to realize that God is in every aspect of our lives.  We are a faith community.

We guide the child to develop self-knowledge, self-control, self-respect and a realistic self-image.  The child demonstrates concern for others by sharing, listening and assisting whenever the opportunity presents itself.  We teach the student the basic elementary school subjects and attempt to gear the tasks towards each child's potential.  Each child's best is each child's goal.  Creative powers are encouraged; we see these creative powers as a demonstration of the uniqueness of the individual student.

We, the teachers of Saint Joseph School, as a part of our faith community believe a further goal of our philosophy is the education of each child to a global awareness of his/her brothers and sisters in Christ. From this awareness will come the student's concern with peace and justice for the people of the community, the country and the world.
 
 

I. PURPOSES

A. To enhance the Catholic values of each child so he/she becomes aware of the commitment to the teachings and service within the Church

B. To enable all children to reach their optimum potential and achieve a level of competence in each subject area

C. To educate the whole child—spiritually, socially, academically, physically, esthetically and emotionally

D. To create an atmosphere of love and care for one another in the classroom where the child will learn respect for the needs and concerns of self and others

E. To educate each child to a global awareness of his/her brothers and sisters in Christ

F. To provide support to parents in educating the child to become aware of his/her strengths, gifts, weaknesses and needs

II. OBJECTIVES

A. To provide each child with Catholic values through the following ways:

1.  Implementation of the religion curriculum
2.  Opening and closing prayer and daily scripture readings
3.  Mid-day meditation song
4.  Monthly student planned Mass
5.  Community outreach--i.e. monthly mission boxes, cards
6.  Participation of clergy in regular religion classes

B. To provide educational opportunities for the development of each child through the use of the following: 

1.  A variety of learning tasks to meet the variety of learning styles--i.e.,     cooperative learning, manipulatives
2.  Experiences with computer technology and media
3.  Experiences of various evaluative instruments--i.e., performance assessments, progress assessments, self-evaluation, peer evaluation 
4.  Tasks which require the use of critical thinking and problem solving skills

 C. To provide for the spiritual development of each child through

  1. The presence of the parish clergy
  2. Daily religion classes
  3. Opportunity for prayer and liturgical experiences
 

  To provide for the social development of each child through

  1. Periodic school dances
  2. Home and school activities
  3. Extra-curricular activities--i.e., sports, clubs

  To provide for the academic development of each child through

  1. Provision of curriculum based on Archdiocesan guidelines
  2. Ongoing review and purchase of updated textbooks
  3. Tailoring the lesson plans to meet individual needs

  To provide for the physical development of each child through

  1. Physical education program/daily recess breaks
  2. Extra-curricular sports activities
  3. Health/Family Life classes

  To provide for the aesthetic development of each child through

  1. Weekly art and music classes
  2. Enrichment assemblies
  3. Off-site field trips

  To provide for the emotional development of each child through

  1. Peer Responder program
  2. Crisis Intervention team
  3. Child Study team
  4. Child Lures Program

 D. To provide an environment that encourages responsibility and respect for self and    others through

  1. The enforcement of the Parent/Student and the Teacher handbooks
  2. The Creative Conflict Resolution programs
  3. Outreach programs--i.e., cards for nursing homes, parish

 E. To provide opportunities for involvement with other cultures through

  1. National and local charities and/or relief efforts
  2. Holy Child Society and other missions
  3. Foreign language instruction
 

 F. To provide support to parents through

  1. Parenting workshops
  2. Parent/teacher conferences
  3. Written/oral communication between home and school
  4. Edline parent portal
 
 

Enrollment at Saint Joseph School in 1955 was 350 pupils, under the direction of nine teachers. Classes ranged from kindergarten to grade eight. In 1961 the kindergarten was closed due to the lack of sisters to teach. In 1964 the school underwent extensive renovation under the supervision of Rev. Charles Mullins. Desks were unbolted from the floors and rugs were installed. The office was remodeled, along with a new kitchen area and lavatories in the basement. 

The kindergarten was reinstated in 1986. At this time kindergarten became an all-day program. A lay teacher taught the class. Two years later, in 1988, a Sister of Mercy, Sister Helen Ruane, began teaching kindergarten and continued until 2000. To help the Kindergarten teacher with the students, an aide was hired in 1993. 

Since 1915, when Saint Joseph School opened, the head of school has always been a member of the religious community.  At times, a Sister of Mercy, at other times, an Archdiocesan priest served as principal.  However, in 2002, the first lay principal, Mrs. Kathy Spencer, replaced Sr. Georgeann Vumbaco, RSM.  Mrs. Spencer had served at Saint Joseph School as a classroom teacher for 15 years. 

Significant changes to the building have also occurred in the last several years.  Under the guidance of Sister Georgeann, and through the year-long work of a group of volunteers, the renovations were completed and the third floor was reopened in September 1999, with the students having computer class and library study in the media center, and art class and science laboratory periods in the art/science room.  The open area (which includes the renovated stage area) has allowed students to present skits and plays and buddy grades to meet for activities, presentations from visiting missionaries, and school wide religious instruction programs.  The presence of a chapel in the school building allows the students and faculty a quiet place for reflection and penance services. Additional changes to the building include the purchase of student desks and chairs in all classrooms in the fall of 2003.  Floor coverings in classrooms and stairwells were replaced in summer of 2001. 

In 1987, the Office of Catholic Schools required that schools institute a development program, with a regional development director hired for the Meriden Catholic schools.  The director reported to the Director of Development at the Office of Catholic Schools.  Shortly after, the local position was eliminated due to differences in goals for each of the Meriden schools, and a volunteer position was implemented at Saint Joseph School.  In 1994, the volunteer left for a paid position elsewhere, and a full-time Development Coordinator was hired by the school board to implement the development plan at the school. Additionally, the responsibility of tuition management was transferred from the pastor to the development director. 

In 1996, Saint Joseph School launched an award-winning web site to educate and inform the school and local community.  The site won an M.I.T. award in 1999 for “best educational website in Connecticut”. (www.sjs-meriden.org) 

In 2003, Mrs. Pamela Erasmus, the first grade teacher, was named the Connecticut Association of Schools (C.A.S.) “Teacher of the Year.”  Mrs. Erasmus was the first Catholic school teacher to have been chosen for such an honor.  She was selected from 800 participating Connecticut schools. 

Throughout the years, the main mission of the Sisters of Mercy in Connecticut has been education: basic religious values and excellence in academics for each student. The decline in the number of women entering religious life has left Saint Joseph School with few sisters and a majority of lay teachers; nonetheless, we continue to care for the individual child and teach that child to grow. We see each child as a unique gift of God and we seek to give each child the opportunity to reach his/her optimum potential based on the two great commandments of the Church: love of God and love of neighbor. 
 
 

The fundamental purpose of Catholic schools is to advance the educational mission of the Church!  Catholic schools educate diverse student bodies to form Catholic, person-centered learning communities; provide quality teaching through traditional and innovative educational programs infused with Catholic Social Teachings; involve students to serve and support parish life and the local civic communities; graduate students who are critical thinkers, productive moral citizens, and spiritual leaders; and recognize and appreciate parents as the primary educators of their children.
 
 

Accreditation

Saint Joseph School is accredited through the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc.(N.E.A.S.C.).  Initial accreditation was earned in 1996. In 2006, Saint Joseph School was reaccredited for an additional ten years, the maximum number of years allowable by the association.
 
 

Admissions

Saint Joseph School adheres to the Archdiocese of Hartford guidelines for admissions.  Students are admitted regardless of race, color, sex, socioeconomic level or creed.  However, the majority of the students belong to Saint Joseph parish and are, therefore, Catholic.
Students are admitted according to the following criteria:
1. Class size
2. Other siblings in the school
3. Child/grandchild of an alumnus/alumna
4. Registered parishioner of Saint Joseph Church
5. Registered parishioner of another Catholic church without a school
6. All other applicants

Final decisions regarding admittance rest with the principal, who will weigh a student’s needs with the school’s ability to provide for that student. In the Saint Joseph School philosophy it is stated that we guide the child to develop self-knowledge, self-control, self-respect and a realistic self-image.  If a child is put in a situation where he/she would not be able to achieve academically, we are setting that child up for failure and a poor self-image.

At the time of registration, all new students seeking admission to Saint Joseph School are evaluated on the basis of standardized test scores and report cards. These will be reviewed to determine whether the program at Saint Joseph School will meet the educational needs of the students.  A personal interview with the principal and the applicant for students applying for grades five through eight is part of the admission process.

Application requirements include:

• Completed application
• Verification of active parish affiliation/stewardship to qualify for parishioner rates (Regular use of weekly envelopes) 
• Health Records
• Copy of Birth Certificate 
• Copy of Social Security card
• Baptismal Certificate (Catholic applicants only)
• Report Cards
• Standardized Test Results
• Record of IEP
• A signed release form to obtain academic records is part of the application

Registration Fees
A $25 non-refundable application fee, per family, must accompany the application for admittance.  The registration fee for all new and returning students is $125.00 per family (non-refundable).  The registration fee for new students is required at the time a student is accepted at Saint Joseph School.  For returning students, the registration fee is due by February 1.

Refund Policy
Refunds shall only be granted by permission of the Pastor.  Once a student has begun any portion of an academic quarter, and then transfers out of Saint Joseph School, a refund shall not be granted for that quarter.
 

Delinquent Tuition Policy
If an account is delinquent, a member of the Administrative team will contact the parent(s) or guardian in writing.  If by the end of an academic quarter the account remains delinquent, the student(s) may not be permitted to return to school until the account is current.  Access to Edline may also be suspended.  Should the family be experiencing economic hardship, it is essential that the parent(s) or guardian meet with the pastor and/or the principal in a timely manner to discuss an equitable plan. 

Saint Joseph School Tuition Schedule for the 2009-2010 School Year
Those families who pay in full by July 1 pay no additional fees and will receive a $150.00 discount.
 
 

Parishioner rates apply to families who are registered members of Saint Joseph Church and who participate in the support of Saint Joseph Church through weekly envelopes or the Church Annual Collection. 

Non-parishioner rates apply to families who are members of a Catholic parish without a school, or who are non-Catholic. A Catholic non-parishioner families’ tuition will be adjusted to parishioner rates upon receipt of the subsidy payment from the Catholic parish indicated by the family. 
 
 

Scholarships
Saint Joseph School has been the recipient of scholarship funds from families who have lost a loved one, or who have chosen to honor someone or an event.  The funds are used to support families who are registered at Saint Joseph School, who are current on tuition payments, and who have returned a completed scholarship application, which are available in March.  No tuition scholarship is tuition in full, and awards are made at the end of the school year for which they are applied, provided tuition payments are kept current throughout the school year.  Award decisions are made by the pastor. 

We, at Saint Joseph School, are always working toward peace and harmony and we encourage parents, faculty and staff to abide by the following guidelines when dealing with problems. Please read the following to help you better understand the guidelines, which should be followed when problems occur.
Mrs. Kathy Spencer, Principal
 

Saint Joseph School Parent-Teacher Covenant
 

Because Saint Joseph School strives to be a faith community, parental cooperation and good parent-teacher relations are essential.  As a faith community, our first instinct is to assume that each of us--teachers, administrators, parents, guardians and other caregivers--has the child’s best interest at heart.

While we are as a school excellent in many ways, no one within our community is perfect and problems and misunderstandings will occur.  When a problem or disagreement arises, we at Saint Joseph School will make every effort to contact you to clarify the situation.  Parents, guardians, and family members who experience problems or are confused with some matter regarding your child’s educational experience are asked to show similar respect by striving first to learn the reasons behind a policy or inquire about the teacher’s or school’s understanding or decision before judging or forming an opinion. Those who are not satisfied with what they have learned are asked to approach the administration to investigate the matter.  In this way positive resolutions can be reached.

Parents and guardians are asked to follow these guidelines for expressing concern over a school matter:

1. If the problem involves routine procedures such as homework, class assignments, classroom or playground behavior, or student-to-student problems, then the parent is asked to contact the teacher first.  The best way to do this is usually through a phone call to the school where a message will be given to the teacher to return your call.  For a variety of reasons, parents should not attempt to bring up a difficult or serious matter in the presence of other students while the teacher is on duty during the regular school day. Complaints should be addressed toward the person most directly involved.  Persons with concerns about a teacher should first attempt to address the concern with the teacher.  Only after such attempts have failed, should an administrator be contacted.

2. If the problem is more serious, the parent or guardian should inform the principal in writing or with a phone call.  Only signed notes or callers who identify themselves will be taken seriously.  Due to school responsibilities, the principal may not be available immediately; therefore, patience in setting appointments or in expecting a return phone call is requested.  Since concern for your child is uppermost in all our minds, we will make every effort to accommodate you and your concerns.  We simply ask that you understand that many children and other parents may be requiring our immediate attention at the time.
 

3. All staff members of Saint Joseph School promise prompt attention to problems, privacy in discussing matters, professional courtesy and respect when problems are presented, and a sincere effort to resolve problems in a Christian manner.  That is, we promise to approach problems and misunderstandings in a manner that expresses genuine concern for the welfare of your child spiritually, psychologically, academically and physically, and his or her fellow students.

4. With this in mind, parents and guardians are expected to show the same concern and respect for the staff of Saint Joseph School, as well as the other children and families of our community.  The following behaviors, therefore, are unacceptable within our community:  We will not tolerate assaults or harassment of a staff member, students or parents.  Nor will we tolerate intimidating or verbally abusing any member of the community--in person or in writing.
 

Parents as Partners

As partners in the educational process at Saint Joseph School, we ask parents:

1. To set rules, times, and limits so that your child:
• Gets to bed early on school nights
• Arrives at school on time and is picked up on time at the end of the day
• Is dressed according to the school dress code
• Completes assignments on time
 

2. To actively participate in school activities such as Home and School meetings and events, Parent-Teacher Conferences and parish activities

3. To see that the student pays for any damage to school books or property due to carelessness or neglect on the part of the student

4. To telephone the school when the student will be absent or tardy by 8:45 a.m.

5. To notify the school office of any changes of address or important phone numbers

6. To meet all financial obligations to the school

7. To inform the school of any special situation regarding the student’s well-being, safety, and health

8. To complete and return to school any requested information promptly

9. To read school notes and newsletters and to show interest in the student’s total education

10. To support the religious and educational goals of the school

11. To support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school

12. To treat teachers with respect and courtesy in discussing student problems
 
 

Parents of students at Saint Joseph School are members in the Home and School Association and are expected to attend Home and School meetings throughout the school year. 
The responsibilities of the Home and School Association are:

1. To provide a vehicle for promoting communication and cooperation between the school and the home.

2. To help meet the financial objectives by conducting fundraising projects.  (The Home and School Association is expected to raise $70,000 this school year.)

3. To foster a better understanding of the goals and spirit of Catholic education in the school and parish. 

4. To influence public opinion and support federal and state legislation for the benefit of non-public schools.

5. To promote Saint Joseph School by word of mouth, news, referrals, etc.

All families are expected to participate fully in the Home and School Association’s fundraising events in an effort to attain our stated goal.  This is in addition to the regular tuition.  Full participation in the Home and School Association means: raising of funds, volunteering to staff events, holding an office on the H.S.A. executive committee, volunteering to chair events, and any activity which moves the H.S.A. closer to its stated financial and educational goals. If for any reason a family chooses to pay a surcharge in lieu of participation in the fundraising activities, the 2009-2010 surcharge amount is $600.00 per family, payable in full by January 15. The surcharge may be made in one payment, due October 15 or it may be made in two equal payments, the first by October 15 and the second by January 15. Information concerning the surcharge is distributed early in September.

If a chairperson of a fundraising event plans to submit a flier for inclusion on the Edline parent portal to advertise a Home and School fundraiser, an email of the flier should be sent to the school office by Tuesday of the week the information is to be distributed.  Please write the information using Microsoft Word or simple text version of any other word processing program. Requests for No Uniform Days to support a fundraiser should be submitted to the principal one month in advance.  A limited number of No Uniform Day requests will be honored.
 

Use of School Grounds

Home and School Association and other school organizations which require the use of school grounds must contact the school office to make arrangements.  The After-School Program room is available for meetings and events, but often is in use.  Early arrangements are recommended.  Use of Rosary Hall must be arranged directly with Saint Joseph Church Rectory by calling (203) 237-5593. Please leave these areas cleaner and neater than they were found.
 

Constitution of Saint Joseph School Home and School Association

Click here to view Home and School Association Constitution and By-Laws

The By-Laws may be amended at any regular meeting or at the Annual Meeting of this Association by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, provided notice of such an amendment has been given in writing at the previous regular business meeting, or by unanimous vote without previous notice. 

Responsibilities of the Saint Joseph School Advisor Families

Thank you to the families who have volunteered to serve as Advisor Families to our new families.  Saint Joseph School’s mission is to make new members of the community feel welcomed. Saint Joseph School families are available to answer inquiries from interested parents.  These families will present the parents' perspective in regard to Catholic educational opportunities at Saint Joseph School. 

Advisor Families will:

• Welcome new families assigned to them to Saint Joseph School.
• Contact the new families assigned to them to “check in” on adjustment during the first few weeks of school and answer any questions that may arise.
• Introduce the new families assigned to them to other families within the school community.
• Phone the new families assigned to them a few days before each Home School meeting to remind the new family about the importance of active participation at the meeting.
• Phone the new families assigned to them a few days before a major Home School Event to discuss the details and participation opportunities (eg: Walkathon, Fall Fundraiser, Scrapbooking Event, Christmas Carnival, Candy Sale, Auction, Daffodil Festival, Raffle, and similar fundraisers).
• Answer questions asked by the new families regarding Home School fundraisers and events.
• Encourage new family participation in volunteer opportunities, on fundraising committees and on additional leadership opportunities within the school.

Students are to be in the school by 8:10 a.m. and should not arrive before 8:00 a.m. as teachers are on duty at 8:00 a.m. If a student is absent from school a parent or guardian must call the office everyday of the child's illness by 8:45 a.m. Messages may be left on the answering machine prior to 8:30 a.m. Any student not in school for four hours on any given day will be marked absent.  A student with five unexcused absences may be dismissed from school. 

• Doctor and dentist appointments should be scheduled outside of school time.
• If there is a change in the method of transportation home from school, it is imperative that the school is informed, in writing, of that change.
• When picking up a student before regular dismissal time, parents must sign the student out in the school office.
• Missed assignments are the student’s responsibility. 
• Students who are absent due to illness have one day for each day of absence to make up the missed assignments, quizzes or tests.  For example, a student who was absent three days would be given three school days to complete the missed work. Arrangements for regular classroom tests missed because of an absence are to be made with the individual teachers.  These tests must be taken within one week of the original test date.
• When a student is absent, a parent may call the school office to arrange for homework assignments.  When a student is absent, a request for work should be made when the absence is phoned in to the school by 8:45 a.m. This will allow the teacher adequate time to prepare the work to go home.  Class work/homework may be picked up after 2:30 p.m., but before 5:30 p.m. in the school office or After School Program or a sibling may bring home the assignments.
• Students may also receive missed assignments from their teacher when they return to school. 

 

Tardiness - Saint Joseph School views tardiness to school as impairment to the development of a responsible person. It is disruptive to the learning process. Promptness to school and to individual classes is expected.  Promptness to school and to individual classes will be expected.  Students who are late for school must report to the main office immediately upon arrival and obtain a late slip.  Students are considered tardy if they arrive after 8:25 a.m.  In the event that a student arrives at school after 8:25 a.m. due to a bus problem, that student will not be marked tardy.

Extended Vacation - Saint Joseph School provides adequate vacation breaks in the school year.  Extended days or weeks are not condoned by the school; class work/homework will not be provided prior to extended vacations.

Dismissal Time:
Parents picking up students at 2:45 p.m. must wait in the first floor Maple Street stairwell or basement stairwells of the school, not in the hallways, before dismissal at 2:45 p.m.  This is important as we end the school day with a song at 2:40 p.m. in order to calm the students and prepare them for an orderly dismissal.

Returning to School After Dismissal
Students are not permitted to return to the school building after the 2:45 p.m. dismissal unless granted permission by the school office.  Students who choose to return to school after 2:45 p.m. face consequences.
 
 

To ensure the safety of the students, faculty and staff of Saint Joseph School, we ask everyone who seeks entry into the building to use the Goodwill Avenue door of the school. Upon entering, please report directly to the office.  All doors are to remain closed and locked and should not be left ajar.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
 

Signing in and out

Visitors and volunteers to the school are to sign in and out at the school office.  They will be required to wear badges for identification during their stay.  The badges will be returned to the office when the visitors and volunteers sign out.  Also, anyone picking up a student prior to dismissal time must sign the student out in the school office.  Do not go to the classroom first.  The first stop is the office. Thank you for helping us to keep your children safe.
 

Custodial Arrangements

Parent(s) shall provide competent information regarding the custodial care of the student and visitation rights.  Upon request, the parent(s) shall furnish to the principal a copy of any relevant court order so as to insure the safety and welfare of the student.  The parent(s) shall have a continuing duty to apprise the school of any changes in the custodial care of the student and of the issuance of any court order restricting or prohibiting parental or third party access to the child.
 

In the event of inclement weather that causes school to be canceled, a delayed opening or early dismissal, parents are instructed to listen to the radio or watch television for announcements concerning the early dismissal.  The following radio and television stations will carry the announcements:  Channels 3, 8 and 30; WTIC (1080 AM), WKCI (101.3 FM), WKSS (95.7 FM), WWYZ (92.5 FM), WDRC (103 FM AND 1360 AM).  Parents may also check the school’s website (www.sjs-meriden.org) and the Edline parent portal for these announcements. In the event that a four-hour day is scheduled and a delay is called due to inclement weather, there will be no school that day. 

Students may be sent home in the event of certain emergencies.  A notice will be placed on the website, if possible, but parents will not be individually notified. 

Parents are not called in the event of an early dismissal (12:25 p.m.).
 

Bus Students

Any Meriden student in grades K-5 who lives one mile or more from Saint Joseph School will receive bus service.  Students in grades 6-8 who live 1 and ½  miles or more from Saint Joseph School will receive bus service.

Parents and students are asked to review the given code of conduct issued by the Bus Company and directed to all students riding on the school bus.  Slips must be signed and returned to the school by the end of September.

Any student causing a disturbance on the bus will be given a warning slip.  If the student continues to misbehave, he/she will not be allowed to ride the bus.  Bus students are to ride to and from the school on their assigned buses.   Once students arrive on the school grounds, they are not allowed to leave the premises without the permission of a faculty member.
 

School Office Hours

The school office is open on all school days from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 

Fire Drills/Lockdowns/Evacuations

Teachers will review the fire drill procedure with the students on the first day of school.  During a fire drill, absolute silence is the rule.  Teachers may assign detentions to those students who fail to adhere to these rules.  Students shall be instructed to not hold the door for others, but to exit quickly and efficiently. Students should proceed as quickly as they can to their assigned places.  The teacher will take a head count and send the fire drill sheet to the front of the school.  In the event of an emergency evacuation, faculty, staff and students will proceed to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School.
 

Crisis Plan

Saint Joseph School has a detailed Crisis Plan, which is evaluated and modified annually, (or as needed) by the Crisis Team and the school faculty in consultation with local authorities.  All staff members share in the responsibility to keep the children of Saint Joseph School safe.  Detailed crisis plans are distributed to the staff annually and drills are performed with students on a regular basis.  Generally, the staff has detailed plans for five basic types of emergency situations.

1. Fire Alarm (alarm sounds) – Immediate evacuation of the building according to the posted directions in each classroom.
2. Evacuation to distant location (announcement over P.A.) – Immediate evacuation to LaPenta Hall, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church basement.
3. Secure Perimeter (no alert raised) – Principal and Assistant Principal (or their designates) will assure that all exterior doors are locked and that all windows are closed.  Staff may assist by closing windows.
4. Lockdown (announcement over P.A.) (short term) – Immediate perimeter lock down, including doors and windows, students will move beyond view from windows and doors and will remain there until the threat is lifted.  Announcement shall include specific information regarding position of window shades, etc.
5. Faculty Alert Lockdown (announcement over P.A.) (long term) - Immediate perimeter lockdown, including doors and windows, parents will not have access to the building until the authorities permit. Announcement shall include specific information regarding position of window shades, etc.

Parents should not attempt to collect their children during a crisis situation, unless notified through the media or called directly to do so.

Saint Joseph School is committed to providing a rigorous academic curriculum based in the teachings of the Catholic Church and infused with Catholic social teaching. Saint Joseph School adheres to the most current curricular standards available through the Office of Catholic Schools.  For more information please visit the Archdiocese of Hartford – Office of Catholic Schools website: www.adh-ocs.org.
 

Curriculum

Saint Joseph  School offers students opportunities for growth in the following major subjects:

• Religion 
• Mathematics
• Language Arts
• Science (including Health)
• Social Studies
• Art
• Music
• Physical Education
• Spanish

Academics Plus

• Computer Science Program 
• Family Life Program 
• Homogeneous Math and Reading Groups 
• Conversational Spanish (1st - 8th grade) 
• Development of Study Habits 
• Recognition of Academic Achievements 
• Art and Science Lab 
• Library and Media Center 
• Peer Responder Program

Student Activities

• Basketball 
• Builders Club
• Musical Theater 
• Girl Scouts 
• School Dances 
• Yearbook Staff 
• Cub Scouts 
• After School Art Classes 
• After School Music Lessons
• "Buddy" Grade Program 
• Science Fair / Invention Convention 

Community Outreach

• Participate in monthly mission collections
• Participate in community projects 
• Participate in Drug Awareness programs 

Homework is an extension of classroom study and is an important phase of the school curriculum.  Homework helps students become self-reliant and self-directed. Assignments are designed to reinforce daily lessons, to supplement and enrich class work, and to prepare for certain lessons through various experiences. In addition, students may be asked to work on projects, book reports and special assignments so the student - particularly in the upper grades - has practice in budgeting time. 

Students in grades 1 through 8 will spend several minutes every night reviewing basic math facts, according to the parameters given by the classroom teacher. 

Students in grades 4-8 are required to purchase an assignment book, which is available at the school for $8.00.

The following time allotments are recommended for homework and are to be considered a guideline; however, if a problem arises, the teacher should be contacted: 

  Grades 1,2,3...............30 minutes
  Grades 4,5,6...............60 minutes
  Grades 7,8..................90 minutes

Students who have been absent are expected to make up the work that was missed.  When a student is absent, a request for work should be made when the absence is phoned in to the school by 8:45 a.m.   This will allow the teacher adequate time to prepare the work to go home.  Class work/homework may be picked up after 2:30, but before 5:30 p.m. in the school office.  Class work/homework will not be provided prior to extended vacations.
 

Written Work

Students in grades 4-8 will be required to complete written assignments in cursive hand writing with the exception of math.  Exceptions will be made if the assignment is to be typed. Students are to use a pencil and show their work in math.  Exceptions will be made for mental math activities.
 

Books

All books that are taken home for assignments must be covered.  Please note that self-stick book covers may not be used because they ruin the books.  Only paper or materials approved by the school should be used to cover books.

Students in grades 4-8 who qualify for the honor roll must receive a B- or better (or an S where indicated) in all subjects.  Students who receive an “A” in all subjects for his/her final grade will receive an award for excellence at the end of the school year.

Per archdiocesan policy, behavior must be a consideration in determining honor roll status. If a student received two (2) or more after school detentions, an in-school suspension, an out-of-school suspension, or an expulsion during a given quarter, the student is automatically ineligible to be included on the honor roll for that term.  Furthermore, if the administration considers the conduct of any student to not readily comply with the Conduct/Discipline policy explained in this handbook, the student may not be eligible to be included on the honor roll.
 
 

Principal’s Award

The Principal’s Award is designed to recognize a student who works to the best of his/her academic ability but is not recognized on the Honor Roll.  The Principal’s Award is distributed at the conclusion of terms 2, 3 and 4. 

The Principal’s Award will be given each marking period to students in grades 1-3 who show a consistent level of effort in their academic subjects, as well as no checks in the Social Development and Work Skills areas within the Report Cards. 

Students in grades 4-8 may qualify for the Principal’s Award when the following criteria are met:
• The student has made improvements in three or more subjects (any subjects) during the previous term.
• The student receives no “D’s, F’s” or “U’s” on his/her report card.
• The student does not qualify for the Honor Roll.

A student in grades 4-8 may be placed on academic probation if two (2) or more grades on the report card during a given term are D, F, or U.  The homeroom teacher shall alert the principal when a student is placed on academic probation.  Students placed on academic probation may have certain privileges withheld, including but not limited to, restrictions placed on participation in extra-curricular activities.  Academic probation may be lifted at the discretion of the principal, in consultation with the teachers involved, based on academic progress.
 
 

Standardized Testing

As required by the Archdiocese of Hartford, students in grades 3 through 7 are administered the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) in March.  Students in grades 5 and 7 are administered the Cognitive Abilities Tests (CogATs) during this same time period. A report summarizing student performance is included in the final report card of the year. Once the results are available, parents are invited to make an appointment to review individual student results with the school principal.

Report cards (gr. 4-8)/progress reports (gr.1-3) are distributed to the students in grades 1-8 four times a year:  November, January, March and June.  Kindergarten students receive progress reports three times a year:  January, March and June. Parents may monitor academic progress in grades 1-8 through the use of the Edline parent portal.  Activation codes to access Edline may be obtained at the Open Houses in September.  Parent training classes in the use of Edline will be available during the month of September.

The marking system of the Hartford Archdiocese is used in all subjects.  The grading policies and grade weighting for each subject are available from the teacher and posted on Edline.  Subjects taught daily will be updated weekly.  Other subjects will be updated monthly.
 

Kindergarten Progress Reports
 

M	Meets Grade Level Expectations
P	Progress Noted Toward Grade Level Expectations
T	Time and Experience Required for Skill to Develop
Ed	Experiencing Difficulty

 

Gr. 1-8 Grading Scales

Standards of Archdiocesan Marking System

The following standards should help parents to interpret the child’s report card.

The “A” grade indicates excellent achievement.  In addition to fulfilling the other requirements a student must:
 1. Apply facts and principles to new situations.
 2. Give the class the benefit of his/her independent research by clear, worthwhile reports.
 3. Read critically in related fields.
 4. Display the ability to lead class discussions.

The “B” grade indicates above average achievement.  In addition to fulfilling the other
requirements, a student must:
 1. Form essential generalizations in the subject.
 2. Complete required and additional voluntary assignments with care and thoroughness.
 3. Read supplementary material with understanding and appreciation.
 4. Make significant contributions to class discussions.

The “C” grade indicates average achievement.  To receive this grade a student must:
 1. Learn the essential facts in the subject.
 2. Complete assignments satisfactorily and on time.
 3. Read required textbooks with understanding.
 4. Listen attentively and contribute to class discussions.

The “D” grade indicates below average achievement for the grade, poor, but passing.  The student does not fully meet the above requirements.  He/She:
 1. Grasps only the minimum essentials of the subject.
 2. Does required assignments but often inadequately.
 3. Reads below grade level.
 4. Offers few worthwhile contributions to class discussions and activities.

The “F” grade indicates a failing work, in spite of the fact that the student has the ability to achieve passing grade.  The “F” student:
 1. Does not learn the essential facts of the subject.
 2. Makes little effort to do assignments.
 3. Lacks interest in reading.
 4. Shows apathy during class discussions.

Any disputes regarding grades must be made in writing to the teacher, by a parent, within one week of the receipt of the grade.

When a student is unable to meet the requirements for the grade level and is in danger of being retained, a conference will be held between the teacher and the parents.  Notification will be given in March and followed up in May.  A copy of the retention notice will be retained in the school records.  The final decision will be confirmed after consultation with the principal and teacher(s). The Administration may recommend the repetition of a grade, tutoring, or summer school classes as requirement for promotion when, after conferences with teachers and parents, it is believed that such action will better prepare the student academically or emotionally for the next grade.  According to diocesan policy, the school has the final decision regarding retention.

In the event that the parents of the student being considered for retention decide against this action, it is possible that the student may be transferred to the next grade in a different educational facility other than Saint Joseph School. 
 
 

Student Records

Saint Joseph School maintains complete and accurate records for both current and former students.  If a parent wishes to view his/her child’s record, a written request should be sent to the school principal at least 24 hours prior to viewing.  Student records are stored in a locked file and include:  academic transcripts, standardized test results and emergency information. The files are available during school hours. Files may not be removed from the school and discretion is to be used when handling and viewing the files. 
 

High School Applications, Letters of Recommendation, and Requests for Transcripts

Eighth grade students who are submitting high school applications shall adhere to the following guidelines:

• Requests for letters of recommendations shall be submitted to staff members ten or more business days before they are due.
• Portions of applications and/or letters of recommendation that are to be completed by the parents or the student prior to submission, shall be completed before sending them to the school. 
• Requests for transcripts shall be made in writing to the school Administrative Assistant ten or more business days before they are due.

Formal parent-teacher conferences are scheduled with the homeroom teacher once per year, at the conclusion of the first marking period; however, parents are encouraged to meet with teachers any time that a concern arises. Throughout the year, parents are welcome to make an appointment with a teacher to discuss matters related to their child. Appointments with teachers are to be scheduled for before or after school hours.  Classes should not to be interrupted.
 

School-Parent Communications

Limited number of school notices and correspondence are sent home on Wednesdays in a weekly envelope with the youngest or only child of the family.  These envelopes are to be signed by the parents and returned to school the next day.  We strongly urge you to check with your child about these notices and to check the Saint Joseph School website.
 

Website

The school website (www.sjs-meriden.org) is an excellent source of information and is updated on a regular basis.  A copy of the weekly school notices may be found by clicking on the “Current Events-Wednesday Notices” link and by accessing the Edline parent portal. 
 

Email

The Saint Joseph School email address is:  SJS@sjs-meriden.org.  While the use of this email address is encouraged, please allow a minimum of 48 hours for a response.  This is not an appropriate method of communicating time sensitive information.  Messages regarding a change in dismissal for your child should not be communicated to the school by email.
 

School Telephone

Children will not be allowed to use the phone unless it is an emergency.  Allowing students to call for gym clothes, homework, social arrangements, etc., delays a student's maturation in responsibility. Students are not permitted to use their cell phones on school property.  The cell phones must be turned off and handed to the teacher at the beginning of the day.
 
 

Cell Phones and Related Items

The use of beepers, mobile/cellular phones, electronic games, MP3 players and other electronic devices by students are not permitted at Saint Joseph School.  In cases of emergency only, a student may obtain permission in the office to use a school phone to call a parent. 

If a child brings a cell phone to school, the phone should be given to the classroom teacher for the duration of the school day and collected from the teacher at dismissal. Unauthorized cell phone use by a student will result in confiscation.  The cell phone will be returned after the parent/guardian has contacted the school and made arrangements to collect it personally. 

Laptop/handheld computers, PDA’s (personal digital assistants), and related technological equipment shall be used in class, for school-related projects, with teacher permission only.  Students must obtain teacher permission at least one day ahead of intended use. 

An item brought to school by a student that is deemed inappropriate in nature or use by a staff member, will be removed from the student’s possession by that staff member.  The item will be returned after the parent/guardian has contacted the school and made arrangements to collect it personally. 

The students, faculty and staff of Saint Joseph school share the responsibility of maintaining an environment, which allows the Media Center to serve the needs of our school.  Students are expected to respect the rules of the school as well as those specifically to the Media Center. 
 

Rules specific to the Media Center are:

• A quiet, courteous atmosphere must be maintained.
• Use “Shelf Elf Helpers” when selecting books
• Keep all checked out materials clean, dry and safe from pets or younger siblings.
• All books must be returned to their proper place on the shelf, all trash cleaned up and chairs pushed in at the end of the class time. 
• No toys, MP3 players or video games are allowed in the library. These will be held by the librarian until the end of the day if they are brought to the Media Center. 
• Students who fail to meet their responsibilities to the Media Center will receive a verbal warning.  A second infraction will result in a note to the teacher.  Severe disturbances will be sent to the office and if necessary, parents will be notified about student behavior. 
 

Checkout of Materials:
 

• Books are due one week after the date of check out.  Exceptions will be allowed for special projects and assignments. 
• Books may be renewed once.
• Overdue books are subject to a 30-cent per week fine.  Overdue lists are printed on Friday and sent to the classroom teachers.  If books are not returned on Monday, overdue fine notices will be sent home with the student.  If books are still not returned, letters will be mailed home to the parents.  If the situation is not resolved, follow up phone calls will be made to parents. 
• Students will not be allowed to check out new materials until all books have been returned and fines paid. 
• Do not attempt to repair damaged books. 
• In the event a book is damaged beyond repair or lost, the book will need to be replaced. 

 

The computer lab may be used during a student’s scheduled Media Center time provided the student adheres to the Acceptable Use Policy.  No email, no games, no social networking sites, and no chat rooms are allowed. 

Printing:  Print only what is needed.  Please perform a print preview before printing a document from the internet.  Cut and paste to a Word document only what is needed and print that. 
 

Field trips are designed to correlate with teaching units and to achieve curricular goals.
Field trips are privileges given to students; no student has an absolute right to a field trip.  A student can be denied participation in a field trip if he/she fails to meet academic and/or behavioral requirements. All classes do not always have the same number of field trips. 

Field trips are for a specific class or classes within Saint Joseph School; therefore, students from other classes within the school will not participate.  Siblings of children are not allowed to accompany a class on a field trip even if the parent is a chaperone. Parents and/or grandparents are often welcomed to chaperone, depending on the specific trip and the age of the students, at the teachers’ discretion. Because chaperones are expected to assist the teacher in the care and safety of the students, chaperones are requested to not bring other children on the trip.

A permission slip for a field trip is used at Saint Joseph School.  Students who fail to submit a proper form will not be allowed to participate in the field trip.  Telephone calls will not be accepted in lieu of written permission.  Faxed permission forms can be accepted.  Parents have the right to refuse to allow their child to participate in a field trip.  Alternate arrangements for that child may be made in advance through consultation with the classroom teacher and/or the principal.  If a parent elects to keep their child home from a field trip, then the student is marked absent for that day. Students who are participating in the field trip must ride the bus to and from the field trip with their class.  Students not on the bus may not participate in the field trip unless prior approval from the principal has been obtained.

All monies collected for the field trip are non-refundable.

The sacramental life of the children of the Catholic tradition is an important component of the religion program at Saint Joseph School.  Preparations for two sacraments, Reconciliation and Eucharist, form the core of our efforts in Grade 2.  In accordance with the diocesan guidelines, candidates for First Eucharist will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Eucharist.

Parents are required to be active partners in the preparation of their children for these sacraments. The sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are only conferred to students baptized in the Roman Catholic tradition. 
 

Food

Students will eat lunch in their classrooms.  We ask that you do not send carbonated beverages (such as soda) and beverages/food in glass containers into school.  No energy drinks of any kind are permitted in school. Some teachers allow students to keep a water bottle on or near their desks. If so, the water bottle must be labeled with the student name and may only contain plain, unflavored, non-caarbonated and uncolored water. Younger students are encouraged to avoid bringing items with metal “pop-top” lids for safety reasons.  Students should not bring excessive amounts of candy.

With food allergies on the rise, please consult with the school nurse prior to sending food to school, meant to be shared (such as birthday treats), for approval.  It is important that parents notify the school nurse about the status of allergies and other medical conditions. Saint Joseph School is not a peanut-free environment. (Please refer to the Food Allergy Management Plan below.)

In the event that a student forgets his/her lunch, a lunch prepared at home may be delivered to the school by a parent.  We ask that food from fast food restaurants not be delivered because it is disruptive to the classrooms and unfair to students who bring their lunches. 

Students are expected to use the same manners required in the classroom during lunch.  Courtesy toward other students and cooperation with lunch monitors are in order at all times.

Food may be eaten at snack time and at lunch time only, unless the teacher has made other arrangements. Gum chewing is not allowed on school property.
 

Food Allergy Management Plan

Teachers will:

1. Require that students completely avoid foods that cause allergic reaction.
2. Read ingredient labels each time.  Manufacturers change ingredients without warning. Request assistance from School Nurse with this.
3. Ask questions about food prep (cross contamination).
4. Discuss allowed foods with parents.
5. Allow student with allergy to provide his/her own snack for celebrations or,
6. Require only commercially prepared food be sent to share with others.
7. Clean all tabletops before, after, and between uses.
8. Designate peanut free table, if necessary.
9. No food trading. Students may require regular reminders.
10. Encourage parent involvement in classroom activities.
11. Require that parents provide a non-perishable lunch in the event that a child forgets his/her lunch.

Parents will:

1. Notify school of child’s allergies.
2. Collaborate with the school to form an individualized Food Allergy Management Plan.
3. Provide written documentation, instructions and medications as directed by physician.
4. Provide properly labeled medications and replace medications after use or upon expiration.
5. Educate the child in the self-management of food allergy.
6. Provide the school with current emergency contact information.
 

Saint Joseph School will:

1. Include food-allergic students in school activities.
2. Assure that all staff who interact with student regularly understand food allergy, recognize signs and symptoms and what to do in case of emergency. 
3. Eliminate allergen from student’s environment.
4. Assure that medication is stored properly, well marked and easily accessible.
5. Designate/train personnel to give medications.
6. Be prepared to handle an emergency situation.
7. Review Policy / Prevention post reaction.
8. Assure that Food Allergy Management Plan can follow a student on a school-sponsored field trip.
9. Treat any threats made to a child with a food allergy as harassing. 
10. Practice the Food Allergy Management Plan.

Information on Allergies:

1. Each child reacts differently.
2. Food allergy plans must be individualized/modified.
3. Key to successful management of food allergies is constant communication and teamwork between staff/parents and students.
4. Symptoms of a food allergic reaction usually occur within minutes but can be delayed for up to 2 hours.
5. Reactions can range from mild to life threatening.
6. The same food can cause a different reaction from person to person.
 
 

Milk

Milk may be ordered for the year.  Chocolate and white milk is available.  Payment for this is due by October 1.  The price per student for the 2009-2010 school year will be communicated to the parents during the first week of school.

Medication, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, should be given, if possible, before school.  A state law (P.A. 723) requires a physician's written order and a parent's authorization for the school nurse to administer any medicines.  In the absence of the nurse, the principal or designated staff member may do this.  Students may not transport medication to and from school.  Medication and physicians order, with parent permission, must be received together.  We cannot accept one without the other.  Medication orders must be renewed annually.  All unused medication must be picked up by the student’s parent/guardian before the last day of the school year.

If a child must take any medication in school which is prescribed by a doctor, that medication must be brought by an adult to the school nurse in the container received from the pharmacy and must have on its label the following information:

a. Child’s name
b. Name of doctor prescribing the child’s medication 
c. Frequency
d. Dose
e. Date

All non-prescription medication (cough drops, lip balm, calamine lotion, etc.) should be taken to the school nurse with the following information:

a. Child’s name
b. Frequency
c. Dose
d. Date
 

Medical Requirements

A physical exam within one year is due before Kindergarten entrance and again before sixth grade.  Any new student to Meriden must also have had a physical within one year of date of entry.

Unless the entire class, or all boys, or all girls are invited to a classmate's party, students may not receive invitations in school.  If a parent wishes to send invitations to only a few students in the class, a list may be obtained from the school office.  (Please see permission to give out addresses and phone numbers on the sign off page at the end of this document.) When sending invitations or announcements home to other families via the school, the parent must give a copy to the classroom teacher.
 

Birthday Observances

Students may wish to celebrate their birthday with their classmates.  Please follow the individual classroom rules regarding this tradition. We request that birthday treats be already prepared into individual servings.
 

Gifts
Students should not exchange individual gifts at school.  This gesture only creates hurt feelings among other students. This is especially important between “buddy grades.”  Students are encouraged to make hand made cards in lieu of gift giving.
 

Desks
Each student is assigned a desk in which to store educational materials and textbooks.  The school reserves the right to inspect desks, book bags, and other personal belongings of students at any time.  Desks may not be decorated or defaced inside or out.

All of us at Saint Joseph School are working toward a common goal:  Christian education.  In order to accomplish this goal, certain attitudes must prevail:  a respect for all involved, a desire to learn and, above all, a positive emphasis on living out Christian values.  All students are expected to cooperate with the spirit and policies of the school which are designed to foster mature development and personal responsibility.  This requires courtesy in all personal relationships, promptness in fulfilling obligations, concern for the environment, and many other factors which the students’ sense of appropriateness will indicate to them. Therefore, any student who shows disrespect for, or continually disregards the school rules or the directions of a teacher, or who disrupts a class or exhibits other inappropriate conduct will be called to account for his/her actions. The principal reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of an action if any doubt arises. Consequences assigned by staff members may include (but are not limited to):

• loss of privileges
• verbal reprimands
• student conference
• lunch away from peers
• temporary removal from class
• written letter of apology
• development of student behavior contract
• parent conference
• detention
• suspension
• expulsion

The principal reserves the right to waive any disciplinary regulation for just cause. Students who consistently fail to meet the school's academic and disciplinary standards will be required to withdraw from Saint Joseph School.
 

Detention - (After School and Recess Detention)
Consequences shall be given by a teacher for infractions of school rules and policies. 
Detention will be held at the discretion of the teacher.  Parents will be notified in advance for after school detentions. Detention takes precedence over appointments, practices, lessons, ballgames, etc.  Accumulation of detentions will result in further disciplinary actions.

Disciplinary Measures for Serious Offenses
Suspension and expulsion are serious matters to be addressed in accordance with established school procedures and the diocesan policies.  In ordering a suspension or expulsion, the principal shall take into account the seriousness of the student’s action, its impact on the school community, the student’s prior record, and shall obtain the concurrence of the pastor.

Suspension
Suspension shall be considered in cases of serious offense or after lesser disciplinary measures have been ineffective.  Parents shall be notified of the reason for and length of the suspension before it takes place.  Suspension shall last no longer than one calendar week.  When appropriate, in-school suspensions shall be used in preference to exclusion from school.

Expulsion
Students who consistently fail to follow the school's academic and disciplinary standards will be subject to permanent expulsion.  Possession of alcohol, drugs or weapons on school property or at school-sponsored activities may be cause for consideration of immediate expulsion from the school by the principal.

Cheating
Cheating of any type will not be tolerated. This includes plagiarism (copying or stealing of  ideas). Students who choose to cheat face a failing grade, detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.

Saint Joseph School Bullying/ Harassment Policy

Bullying or harassing behavior is prohibited at Saint Joseph School.  It will not be tolerated during the school day nor during any school sponsored activities on or off the school grounds.  Bullying and intimidation are actions that are contrary to the teaching of Jesus Christ.  This behavior is against the fundamental tenet of, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and destroys respect for the dignity of the student, undermines the Christian atmosphere of the school, and deprives the student of a safe and caring learning environment.

Bullying means any overt acts by a student or a group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, humiliate or intimidate the other student while on school grounds or at a school sponsored activity which acts are repeated against the same student over time.  Bullying includes physical intimidation or assault, extortion, oral or written threats, teasing, putdowns, name calling, threatening looks, gestures or actions, cruel rumors, false accusations, and social isolation.

Verbal or written threats made against the physical or emotional well-being of any individual are taken very seriously.  Students making such threats (seriously, “in jest” or online) may face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.  Engagement in online blogs such as, but not limited to, Facebook.com®, MySpace.com®, Xanga®, Friendster®, etc. may result in disciplinary actions if the content of the student’s blog includes defamatory comments regarding the school, the faculty, other students or the parish.

Administrators and staff members who observe or become aware of acts of bullying are expected to take immediate and appropriate steps to intervene – unless intervention would be a threat to the staff members’ safety.  Staff members shall not intervene directly in a fight or physical altercation.

Teachers and other staff members who witness acts of bullying, or who receive student reports of bullying must report such acts to the administration.  Copies of the Saint Joseph School Bullying Report Forms  have been distributed to all staff members and are available in the office. 

Responsibilities of Students and Parents

Students and parents who become aware of any act of bullying are expected to report it to the school principal for further investigation.  Students may report acts of bullying anonymously.  Copies of the Saint Joseph School Bullying Report Forms have been distributed to all staff members and are available in the office.  Additionally, the forms are easily available to all students in their classrooms.  Teachers will designate a specific location in the classroom to store a supply of the Saint Joseph School Bullying Report Forms.  A student may complete the Saint Joseph School Bullying Report Form independently or with help from any adult in the building.  The completed form may be placed in the special “No Bullying Allowed” mailbox on the basement wall near the restrooms.  Students are encouraged to first report an act or acts of bullying to a teacher.  In the event that a person prefers to make a written report or report anonymously, the form, available in each classroom, may be used.  Use of the form is not required.  Community members may use any blank piece of paper to report the bully act and place it into the “Bully Box.”

All reports of bullying will be investigated.  Any student who retaliates against another for reporting bullying may be subject to additional consequences.

Consequences/Intervention
If it is concluded that an act of bullying has occurred, the parents or guardians of students who commit such acts, and the parents or guardians of students against whom such acts were directed shall be notified.  Consequences for students who bully others shall depend on the results of the investigation and may include a parent conference, professional counseling, detention, suspension, and expulsion.  Depending on the severity of the incident, or the series of incidents, the administrator may also take appropriate steps to ensure student safety.  These may include implementing a safety plan, separating and supervising the students involved, providing staff support for students as necessary, reporting incidents to law enforcement if appropriate, and developing a supervision plan with the parents.  At no time will it be the intention of the administration to make public the consequences for the child accused of bullying.

Respect for Administrators, Faculty and Staff
Parents are held to the same standard as students with regard to respect for teachers.  Enrollment of the child in the school implies a partnership between the school and the parents/child. If the partnership breaks down, parents can be required to withdraw the child from school.

School Property
The parent of a child who carelessly destroys or damages any furniture, equipment, buildings, or anyone’s personal property will be obligated to pay the full amount of repairs and labor or replacement.  The student may receive additional consequences.

Off-Campus Conduct
The administration of Saint Joseph School reserves the right to discipline its students for off-campus behavior that is not in line with behavior expectations of its students during the course of the school day, or that is detrimental to the reputation of the school.

Title IX
Saint Joseph School adheres to the tenets of Title IX:  “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
 

The goal of extra-curricular activities at Saint Joseph School is to conduct a wholesome and worthwhile program, which is consistent with and contributes to the philosophy of Saint Joseph School.  Extra-curricular activities make a contribution to the personal growth and development of the participant.  We strive to increase the student’s knowledge, contribute to his/her maturity, teach moral and ethical values, motivate the student to strive for excellence, instill a sense of pride in himself/herself and our school, and help produce an individual who realizes self-worth and maximum potential.

Student athletes will receive a copy of the Athletic Handbook when enrolling in a sporting program. A copy of the Athletic Handbook is also available on the school website. The sign-off form must be returned to the office before the student may participate.

Our coaches and advisors are aware of their obligations and responsibilities as visible representatives of Saint Joseph School.  Our coaches, advisors, and students have an obligation to serve as positive role models. Volunteer coach applications are available for download.

Objectives:

• teach fundamental skills
• develop good citizenship, honesty, emotional control, dependability and respect for rules, property and authority
• observe good sportsmanship and cooperation
• emphasize importance of physical fitness in the case of sports programs
• provide opportunities to develop lasting friendships with peers
• show that working together is necessary to achieve a common goal

• Permission slips must be signed by a parent/guardian before enrolling in any extra-curricular activity sponsored by Saint Joseph School.
• Students and parents will remember that while participating in a Saint Joseph School-sponsored activity, they are ambassadors for the school.
• Students and parents will display good sportsmanship, good teamwork, and cooperation in ALL extra-curricular activities. 
• Students placed on academic probation may not be allowed to fully participate in extra-curricular activities.
• In the case of sporting events, the decision of the officials or judges will be respected.
• Students must be able to accept the corrections and/or instructions of the coaches or advisors.
• Students and parents are required to take good care of all uniforms, costumes, props, or equipment and return them to the coach or advisor at the completion of the extra-curricular activity.  Parents will be billed for lost/damaged items.
• Students are to maintain passing grades and exhibit exemplary behavior not only in school, but also on the school bus and at all school events.  Failure to do so may result in suspension or dismissal from the extra-curricular activity.  It will be the principal’s decision to suspend or dismiss a student from the activity.
• Coaches/Advisors are NOT permitted to transport students.  Parents are responsible for seeing that their child is picked up ON TIME from ALL games, practices, and events.  Students who are not picked up on time may be asked to withdraw from the extra-curricular activity.
• In the event that there is no school or an early dismissal, due to inclement weather, all extra-curricular activities planned for that day will be cancelled.  If the extra-curricular event is scheduled to occur on a day that school is not regularly scheduled to be in session, the coach/advisor of the activity will make the decision with regard to the weather.

Throughout the school year, many events, activities and programs take place at Saint Joseph School.  The following list has been compiled to inform parents of the events that will transpire and of the programs that are offered.  Please keep this list handy so that it will serve as a reminder of upcoming events and activities.  All families are urged to attend as many functions as possible.

Annual Events

Walkathon
The Saint Joseph School Walkathon will take place on October 4, 2009 at the YMCA Outdoor Center on High Hill Road in Meriden.  This is the first major fund-raiser of the school year.

Book Fair
The Book Fair is a grade 8 fund-raiser and is held in Rosary Hall from November 1-6.  Students have an opportunity to purchase books during the week of the fair. 

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Conferences are scheduled after the first marking period in November. Individual conferences, as needed, will be held after the second marking period in February.

"Christmas Carnival" - Christmas Bazaar
Candy, food, raffles, plants and much more make up the annual bazaar which will be held on December 4 and 5, 2009 this year.  This is a major fund-raiser and much help is needed.  Some of the ways that help is needed:  baking, making candy, donating plants, selling quilt raffle tickets, donating raffle items and working at the bazaar.

Christmas Pageant
Saint Joseph School students participate in a pageant, which is held in the church.  Students are encouraged to dress as angels or shepherds.  It is scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2009.
 

Catholic Schools Week
This is a special week with special activities.  It occurs at the end of January.  Some of the activities may include Leadership Day, Hat Day and Teacher Appreciation Day.

Candy Sale
The candy sale is another major fund-raiser.  It usually runs in the month of February.  Students sell candy bars.

Science Fair/Invention Convention
This event is mandatory for grades 5-8.  Students in grades K-4 are encouraged to participate.  The Science Fair/Invention Convention is held in the spring in Rosary Hall and alternates year to year.  This year we will have an Invention Convention on April 7, 2010.

Research Papers
Students in grades 6-8 will present their research papers and the last Home and School meeting on April 28, 2010.

Auction
This is another major fund-raiser.  The auction is held in Rosary Hall in the spring.  Besides being a fund-raiser, it is also a very enjoyable social event.  The items are displayed prior to the bidding.  Food and drinks are plentiful and everyone enjoys the ambiance of the event.  This year the auction will be held on May 1, 2010.

Annual Raffle
The annual raffle is a major fund-raiser.  The drawing for the raffle is generally held in June.

Special Relatives/Special Friends Day
On Ascension Thursday each year, special relatives and special friends of the students are invited to attend Mass with the students. After Mass, entertainment follows. Refreshments are served in the classrooms after the performances and the special guests may visit with the students. This year the event will be held on May 13, 2010.

Meriden Catholic Schools Musical
A concert and/or dramatic production involving some or all of the students is held annually.  This is a cooperative endeavor with the other Meriden Catholic schools.

Field Day
A field day for grades K-3 may be held in the schoolyard in the spring.  This is under the direction of the fourth grade class.

Spirit Day
Spirit Day is held during the last week of school.  It is a fun day for students.  With tickets earned for good behavior, students can play games and select food items.

Family Night/ Talent Show 
This is a night set aside at the end of the school year to thank the families for their cooperation and help during the year. This year the event will be on June 8, 2010.
 
 

Peer Responder Program
Students in grades 5, 6, and 7 are trained as peer responders.  The goals of the program are to enable young people to recognize the distress signals of peers in crisis, to provide young people with the language and skills needed for responding to peers in crisis, to enable participants to make referrals when the situation warrants, and to provide participants with information on critical issues that today's people face.  Once trained, peer responders will be available to students in grades K-8.  Graduation is held in the spring.

Conflict Resolution Program
This program is for grades K-8.  The goals of the program are to support students and their families during time of crisis and to prevent crises by teaching students the skill for conflict resolution.

Representatives Meetings
Students in grades five through eight may be selected to serve as representatives of their classes to meet with the principal to provide input and ideas on issues important to students.  Additionally, there is a suggestion box located outside the main office for use by students in grades K-8.  Students who submit ideas which are selected may earn a No Uniform Day coupon.

School Store
Students may purchase items from the school store on Friday mornings.  School supplies, candy, puzzles and pins are some of the items available.

Junior High Dances
Dances for students in grades 6-8 in all of the Catholic schools in Meriden are held periodically during the school year.  The Saint Joseph School dances are held in Rosary Hall and parents are encouraged to chaperone.

Sports Programs
Saint Joseph School offers sports activities on the varsity and junior varsity levels.  We follow the Diocesan age guidelines:

• Varsity Teams:  Players must be students in grades 7 and 8 and attend the school they are representing.
• Junior Varsity Teams:  Players must be students in grades 5 and 6 and attend the school they are representing.

Builders Club
The Builders Club is sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club.  This service club plans and organizes projects that will help the community.

Children’s Choir
Students in grades 3-8 may participate in a church choir.

Altar Servers
Students in grades 3-8 may serve as altar servers at Mass.

Phone Relay
Three or four parents from each class volunteer to call parents to relay important messages throughout the school year.  This is a very important responsibility and crucial to the communication between school and home.

Monthly Mission Boxes
Each month, the student representatives select a mission.  Each classroom holds a mission box for the collection of spare change to support the designated monthly mission.  Students have supported several charities, including The Meriden Humane Society, the American Cancer Society, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

School Notices
This will be a transitional year for weekly notices.  The weekly notices will be available on the Saint Joseph School website (sjs-meriden.org) and on the Edline parent portal, which will be explained to all parents and guardians at the Open House sessions scheduled for September 2 and September 9 (please see Dates to Save below).  We will send  notices home with the youngest/only child on August 26 and every Wednesday in September.  As of October 1, a limited number of school notices will be sent home in a large white envelope every Wednesday with the youngest/only child of each family.  This is an excellent means of weekly communication between school and home.  The envelope is to be signed and returned to school on the next school day.  Parents will be expected to obtain school communications from the SJS website and the Edline parent portal (a link from www.sjs-meriden.org) beginning October 1.  The training for Edline will be held on September 10, 15 and 23 in the computer lab of the school.  Watch for sign-up sheets that will be available at the Open Houses.

Grade 8 Handbook
A handbook detailing the eighth grade activities and events is available to each eighth grade family.
 

Hot Lunch Program
This program is run by volunteers. Hot lunch is served daily. Parents may now enroll in the automated Orderlunches.com online prepay lunch program to order lunch for their children. Registration information is available on the Hot Lunch program web page.

Volunteers
Parent volunteers are a cherished and much appreciated group at Saint Joseph School.  Help is always needed for recess duty, hot lunch, and working in the school store.  If you would like to help out in any of these areas or in any other way, please contact the school office. Depending on the nature of the responsibility, volunteers may be subject to the Archdiocesan background check. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please refer to the volunteer sign up form and Volunteer Handbook available from the office (also available on line at: www.sjs-meriden.org/volunteer.htm).

In the event of a crisis situation, a volunteer who is watching a group of students in a classroom should bring the Crisis Folder (found by the door of each room) with him/her when he/she leaves the room with the students. 

Saint Joseph School relies on parent volunteers to help with recess duty at lunch time.  This allows the teachers the opportunity to have a lunch separate from their students.  Any time that anyone can give is very much appreciated.  Below is a breakdown of the times and duties. 

Recess Duty

11:50 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.

* Walk the length of the playing area.
* Watch for minor accidents.
* Send students in to the school if there is a problem.
* Expect respect from the students.
* Students are not to leave the play area or go beyond the orange cones.
* Grades use the court area - (Running is allowed in the court area.) 
*Running in the play yard is not allowed.  Only students who are in the “court area” are allowed to run. Students may hop, jump, or skip in the play area. 
*Balls:  Balls are used at the discretion of the teacher/volunteer on duty.  Students in grades kindergarten through 4 will be allowed to use Nerf style balls only.  The game of football and dodgeball are not allowed.

Rainy/Snowy Days
Students remain in their classrooms.  Volunteers are to walk between classes to be sure that the students are in their seats. Students must have your permission to leave the classroom. 

Problems
Please notify the office if any child is disrespectful, does not follow your directions or uses improper language.  Volunteers are expected to use their own judgment and common sense.  Termination of an activity is at the discretion of the volunteer on duty.

The faculty of Saint Joseph School strongly believes in the educational value of electronic resources (i.e. computers, internet, voice mail systems, CD-Roms, software programs, scanners, photocopiers) and recognizes their potential to support the curriculum.  Every effort is made to provide quality experiences to students, staff and guests using these services; however, inappropriate and or illegal interaction with any electronic information service is strictly prohibited.

Terms and Conditions of this Agreement
To ensure my own protection and the protection of others as well as the integrity of Saint Joseph School, I agree to the following responsibilities and restrictions:

1. I understand that the use of electronic resources at Saint Joseph School is a privilege.
2. I will only use Saint Joseph School’s electronic information services under the supervision of a teacher or an adult designated to supervise the lesson.
3. I will not attempt to send or receive email.
4. I will not attempt to view material that attacks ethnic, religious, or racial groups, or material that is pornographic or explicitly sexual in nature.
5. I will not harm or tamper with hardware or software, vandalize or destroy data, intrude upon or alter the files of another user, attempt to learn or use another’s password, introduce or use computer “viruses”, attempt to gain access to restricted information or networks, or violate copyright laws.
6. I will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to system programs for computer equipment.
7. I will use electronic resources only for educational purposes in accordance with policies of Saint Joseph School.
8. I will not copy software that has not been paid for or use software from home on the school computers.
9. I will be polite and considerate when using electronic information resources. I will not use computer systems to disturb or harass other computer users or use inappropriate language in my communications.
10. I will honor my school’s procedures for the storage of information.  I realize that after prior notice has been given to me, files may be deleted from the system to protect the integrity of the network or because of space limitations on the computer’s hard drive.
11. I will not reveal my address or telephone number, or any personal or confidential information about others or myself.  Identification of any student work to be published will be limited to first name and grade.
12. I will not use bulletin boards, nor chat lines.
13. I will not use the school computers and networking resources for commercial activities.
14. I understand that violations of the rules and code of ethics described in the agreement will be dealt with seriously.  Violators will lose privileges and possibly face school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action.
15.  I have read and discussed with my child the Electronic Resources Acceptable Use Agreement.
16. Since it is impossible for Saint Joseph School to restrict access to all controversial material, I will not hold the school responsible for materials acquired on the network.  I also agree to report any misuse or violation of electronic information systems  to the administration.
 

At times a student’s picture will be used on the Internet.  The pictures are usually of groups of children and are not easily recognizable. The child’s full name is never used.  Also, from time to time newspaper organizations and television stations may stop in to do a story about Saint Joseph School.  This usually involves photographing the students.  If a parent does not wish his/her child’s picture to appear on the Internet or in the media, the parent must notify the principal in writing.

Click here to view a virtual uniform fashion show.

School uniforms must be purchased from Dennis Uniform Company, 625 Wolcott Street, Waterbury, CT  06705.  Telephone:  1-800-854-6951.  Website:  www.dennisuniform.com.  The school’s code is WB00JS.

All students must be in uniform every day.  A uniform infraction notification may be sent to parents if a student does not comply with the school dress code.  Accumulation of three uniform notifications will result in a detention.

There will be “no uniform days,” which will be announced during the course of the school year (a dress code for such days is included in this section).  If there is a time when the prescribed uniform cannot for some legitimate reason be worn, a note from the parent/guardian must be written to the principal.  Students who are out of uniform without this excuse will be sent to the office and the parent will be called to bring the proper clothing. 

In addition, the following will be enforced:

• Jumpers and kilts should be no more than one inch above the knee.
• White polo shirt is a summer option for girls only, in grades 5-8, when wearing the uniform kilt (May 1 - Sept. 30).
• Pajama style pants may not be worn at any time.
• No make-up (cosmetics), lipgloss, colored chapstick or artificial nails, nail tips or French manicures for girls. Clear nail polish is allowed.
• No hologram contact lenses.
• No tattoos, non-permanent and permanent.
• No body piercing except pierced ears. Do not write on yourself or on others.
• Girls may wear a pair of earrings not larger than a dime and without hoops.
• Boys may not wear earrings of any type.
• Jewelry should be modest, simple, and worn sparingly.
• Watches with a beeping device should be disconnected during the school day.
• Hair should be neat with bangs above the eyebrows.
• Boy’s hair must be neatly kept and well groomed, be above and not touch the shirt collar and trimmed around the ears.  No ponytails or tails for boys. Hair length and styles must be moderate and not extreme or faddish.
• Scrunchies, hair clips, rubber bands, etc. must be in the hair, not worn on wrists.
• No use of hair dye or hair coloring of any type.
• Inappropriate accessories worn by a student will be removed at the teacher’s discretion.
• The uniform should be clean and pressed with all buttons attached and hem intact.  Shirt tails should be tucked in while a student is on campus.
• Brownie/Scout Uniforms – Students may wear the scout uniforms on meeting days, but must adhere to the troop’s uniform policies.
• The principal and the assistant principal reserve the right to make judgments about uniform conformity, for the good of all.  Students who repeatedly violate the uniform policy, will be denied participation in the next no uniform day or will serve a detention.

Belts
Black, brown or navy blue belts must be worn with pants and walking shorts at all times.

Boys' pants
Boys must wear uniform pants or dress pants of similar material, color and style.  Boys may not wear jeans or corduroys. Uniform pants may be purchased at the Dennis Uniform Co.

Click here to view a virtual uniform fashion show.

Girls (K-4)

Required:

• Jumper
• White blouse with round collar
• Navy knee socks, tights or ankle socks that completely cover the ankle

• Solid navy crew cardigan
• Navy slacks (Nov. 1 - April 30)
• Summer uniform:  (May 1 - Sept. 30) navy walking shorts, light blue knit shirt (tucked in), white socks that completely cover the ankle.  Sneakers may be worn.  The navy walking shorts and light blue knit shirt must be purchased from the uniform company.

Girls (5-8)

Required:

• Kilt
• White Oxford blouse
• Navy knee socks, tights or ankle socks that completely cover the ankle
• Gr. 5-7: Solid navy sweater vest or navy v-neck pullover
• Grade 8: navy 2 pocket cardigan with school logo

Optional:

• Navy slacks (Nov. 1 - April 30)
• Solid navy crew cardigan
• Summer uniform:  (May 1 - Sept. 30) navy walking shorts, light blue knit shirt (tucked in), white socks that completely cover the ankle.  These must be purchased from the uniform company.  Sneakers may be worn with shorts. Girls may also wear white knit polo shirts with their skirts with or without the SJS logo). 

Click here to view a virtual uniform fashion show.

Boys (K-4)

Required:

• Blue dress shirt
• Navy pants
• Tie (except kindergarten)
• Belt
• Navy socks that completely cover the ankle

Optional:

• Solid navy cardigan
• Summer uniform:  (May 1 - Sept. 30) navy walking shorts or regular school pants, light blue knit shirt (tucked in), white socks that completely cover the ankle.  These must be purchased from the uniform company.  Sneakers may be worn with shorts.

Boys (5-8)

Required:

• Blue or white Oxford shirt
• Navy pants
• Tie
• Belt
• Navy socks that completely cover the ankle
• Grade 8 - navy 2 pocket cardigan with school logo

• Grades 5-7:  navy v-neck pullover or v-neck vest
• Solid navy crew cardigan
• Summer uniform:  (May 1 - Sept. 30) navy walking shorts, light blue knit shirt (tucked in), white socks that completely cover the ankle.  These must be purchased from the uniform company.  Sneakers may be worn with shorts.

Gym Uniform (All students)

The gym uniform is also available at Dennis Uniform Company and consists of a navy blue tee shirt, navy sweat pants, and navy knit shorts (shorts may be worn in May, June and September).  Students may wear navy sweatshirts and must wear sneakers and white socks that completely cover the ankle with the gym uniform. The Saint Joseph School logo appears on the tee shirt and may also appear on the other gym uniform items.  Graduates of the D.A.R.E. program may wear the D.A.R.E. tee-shirt for gym instead of the regular uniform short, so long as it is not altered in any way. Aside from the school logo, no other logos or insignias, stripes, or decorations may appear on the gym uniform. (Please note that for the 2008-2009 school years, students who still have the light blue gym tee shirt may continue to wear it.)
 

No Uniform Day Guidelines

Students may wear:
*jeans, pants
*sneakers
*shorts no shorter than three inches above the knee
*skirts, dresses no shorter than three inches above the knee
*skorts, no shorter than three inches above the knee
*sweatshirts
*jogging suits
*jewelry
*dresses
*slacks

Students may not wear:
*flip-flop sandals
*no open back shoes, sandals
*work boots
*shoes higher than 1 inch
*tank tops
*spaghetti strap tops
*clothing that reveals the midriff
*clothing with inappropriate writing
*sneakers that convert to roller skates
*biker shorts
*pajama pants
*make-up
*hats

Good Rule:  If you think you shouldn’t wear it, you shouldn’t.

All uniform regulations and guidelines are subject to the discretion of the principal and the assistant principal.

Dear Parents,

The following material is presented as a handbook for the Saint Joseph School Before and After-School Programs. We have tried to include all information considered important to your child’s safety and for the basic operation of the program, but we realize some things may have to be modified or changed.  As the year progresses, you, too, may have some ideas which should be included.  We welcome your suggestions, as we all work together to make this a happy and worthwhile experience for both child and family.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Kathy Spencer

The Before-School Program
The Before School program is staffed by qualified personnel and can only serve the children enrolled at the school.  When there is a delayed opening, the Before-School Program is not in session. This is not a day care program. 

The cost of the program is $8.00 per day. The program runs from 7:00-8:00 a.m.  The fees are due and payable before the end of the prior week to allow for sufficient staffing.  After two consecutive late payments, your child/children will not be able to attend the program until full payment is made. 

If you are interested in enrolling your child in the Before School program, an emergency form and a $10.00 non-refundable registration fee per family is due before beginning the program.
 

The After-School Program
The After-School Program is open from school dismissal until 5:30 p.m. each school day. The After-School Program provides professional care, supervision, recreation and enrichment activities.  It serves working families who desire both parochial school education and supplementary day care in a Christian environment for children enrolled at Saint Joseph School in grades kindergarten through grade 8.

This professionally operated program allows children to experience a rich diversity of growth activities within the philosophy and value systems of the school and family.  Arts and crafts projects, games, recreation and snack time are the primary activities planned.  Also, there is a time set aside for homework completion with tutorial help and resource materials available.

Within a large family environment, the program strives to provide individual attention, security, consistency and fair treatment for children of working parents.

The After-School Program is staffed by an experienced director who is also a registered nurse.  She works to help each child grow in maturity and self-respect, as well as to maintain an atmosphere wherein respect and understanding for others is realized.

Fees are the sole support of the After-School Program.  It is not subsidized by the school or parish. Additional areas of parental responsibility are in the matters of prompt fee payment and prompt pick-up in the late afternoon.

A registration form must be filled out in order to enroll your child/children in the program.  The registration fee is $10.00 per family.  Once registered, the daily fee is $9.00 per day, per student.  On four-hour days, the fee is $12.00 per day, per student.  You pay only for the days you use the program.  The fees are due and payable at the end of each week.  After two consecutive late payments, your child/children will not be able to attend the program until full payment is made.

At the discretion of the program director, a late charge of $2.00 for every five minutes after 5:30 p.m. will be assessed.

On early dismissal days, due to early school closing or 4-hour days, the After-School Program will be open from school dismissal until 5:30 p.m.

A $30.00 charge will be assessed for all returned checks.

As previously mentioned, fees are the sole support of the After-School Program. Regular and prompt payment will assure the continuation of personnel and the provision of ample supplies, equipment and snacks.

If a parent or guardian fails to make regular payment and does not make adequate arrangements with the Director, the child will not be allowed to continue in the program.

Homework
Each day, at 3:00 p.m., a homework period is scheduled with someone available for tutorial help.  It is the child’s responsibility to acknowledge his/her assignment and then to use the resources available.  The After-School Program staff has no way of knowing what work, if any, has been assigned to which student.

Scheduling
If a parent takes a child from the school for any reason, the After-School Program should be notified that day.  Students who will participate in the After-School Program on a regular basis should arrange a schedule with the Director.  Any changes should be reported in writing to the school office immediately.  For students who do not attend on a pre-arranged schedule, a parent or guardian should notify the Director in writing or call the school office when the child is to attend the program.

Expectations of Children’s Behavior
As members of a Christian and caring community, the children will be expected to respect the staff, each other and the materials and environment provided.  Rules that apply to the regular school day, also apply to the Before School Program and After School Program. They must never leave the building or grounds without explicit permission of the staff of the After-School Program.  Such permission will only be granted by order of the parent or guardian.

Special Provisions and Procedures

Illness or Accident:

In cases which appear to be of a minor nature, first aid will be administered on the premises.  In cases which appear serious, the Director will make an effort to carry out the instructions given on the Emergency form.  Parents who do not wish their child treated in any way should indicate this wish on the Emergency form. 

Parents will be expected to make provisions for taking sick children home.  The After-School Program does not have the facilities for transportation of sick children.

If the home does not supply adequate emergency instruction or if the instructions given cannot be followed at the time of the emergency, the program staff will act according to their best judgment for the welfare of the child.
 

*Mrs. Cyr serves as the Assistant Principal in the absence of the Principal.

The Saint Joseph School Board, under the guidance of the Archdiocesan School Board and in conformity with the policies of the Diocesan School Office, concerns itself with matters pertaining to the mission of Catholic education at Saint Joseph School and to the development and adoption of policy for the school, as needed, within the framework of Archdiocesan policy.  The School Board is, by its nature, advisory to the pastor.

The pastor is an ex-officio member of the Board.  The principal is the Executive Officer of the Board and does not vote.  Officers are Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary, all elected annually.

The Board acts as a Committee of the whole.  Special committees exist and others may be appointed by the Chairperson as needed.  Faculty, staff and students may be involved in the working of the Board without being members of the Board.  Concerns of faculty, staff and students are brought to the Board’s attention by the principal, Board members or parents.

The School Board is an advisory group to the pastor.  The main areas of responsibilities of the Board include the following:  mission statement, policy, planning, development, budget, appointment of the principal and evaluation.
 

School Board Members for 2008-2009:
 

Members	Terms	Office
Mrs. Cecelia Petrowski	2006-2009, 2009-2012
Mr. Flavio Smilovich	2007-2010	Vice Chair
Mrs. Diana Alicea	2006-2009, 2009-2012
Mrs. Karen Charest	2008-2011	Secretary
Mr. John Dalton	2009-2010
The Reverend Shawn Daly		Pastor, ex-officio
Mrs. Roseanne Ford	2006-2009, 2009-2012	Co-Chair
Mrs. Kathee Gold	2007-2010	Co-Chair
Mrs. Winnie Leary	2007-2010
Mrs. Paula Schott	2007-2010
Mrs. Kathy Spencer		Principal, ex-officio
Mrs. Cathy Sarault	2009-2012

Saint Joseph School reserves the right to amend this handbook at any time.  Such changes will be noted in a communication to the parents.

Dear Parents:

In order to be certain that each family has read a copy of the Parent/Student Handbook, we ask that you sign this paper and return it to the school on or before September 2, 2009.

Thank you.

Mrs. Kathy Spencer
Principal

Please click here for a printable form.

Parent/Student Handbook

We have read the 2009-2010 Parent/Student Handbook and agree to follow it and expect our child/children to do likewise.

We have read and understand the SJS Philosophy Regarding Extra-Curricular Activities.

We have read and will abide by the Electronic Resources Acceptable Use Agreement.

We have read the Internet and Media Permission policy and understand that at times a child’s picture is used on the Internet or in the media.  If we do not agree with this policy, we will notify the principal in writing.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS:  If your phone number and/or address is requested by other parents for birthday party invitations, etc., do we have your permission to give out this information?

Please print family name _________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________
 

Student Signature and Grade    _________________________________________
Student Signature and Grade    _________________________________________
Student Signature and Grade    _________________________________________
Student Signature and Grade    _________________________________________

Date Received in Office:  _________________________________________
       (for office use only)